Written Answers of 18 May 1995

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Defence Role
  Mr. Merchant
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what are the roles of his Department of Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Defence in regard to the United Kingdom's defence industry. [25667]

  Mr. Eggar
  The two Departments are in regular contact about the United Kingdom's defence industry.

  The Ministry of Defence, as the biggest single customer of UK industry, aims to achieve maximum value for money in procurement, primarily through competition but also, where appropriate, through international collaboration or non-competitive acquisition. It has an interest in ensuring that its supplier base, which includes both specialist defence companies and general companies in most sectors of industry, is efficient, competitive and capable of meeting its needs in both the short and the long term. It works closely with companies to ensure that its requirements are properly understood and to improve the efficiency of the procurement process.

  It supports the efforts of UK companies to export defence goods and services.

  It funds research and development of technologies needed to meet defence needs. Through the Defence Research Agency it encourages the exploitation of technologies developed for military purposes in civil applications and the exploitation for defence purposes of civil technologies.

  The Department of Trade and Industry's objective is to help UK industry compete successfully at home and in world markets. It works closely with the defence industry and related companies, trade associations, universities and other agencies to help improve the industry's international competitiveness. It pursues trade liberalisation world-wide and helps UK industry to take full advantage of market opportunities.

  DTI works closely with the Ministry of Defence on issues affecting the competitiveness of the defence industries:
  It advises on the industrial implications of MoD procurement policy to ensure that consequences for the competitiveness of the UK defence industrial base are taken into account. On substantial individual defence procurement projects, DTI is consulted well before decisions are taken, to ensure that the industrial implications are considered fully.
  Together with MoD it works to promote joint military and civil research activities and adaptation of military technology to civil applications.
  It works with MoD to develop a common information base on the defence industries.

  Offshore Licensing
  Mr. Merchant
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will announce the award of licences for the 16th round of offshore licensing; and if he will make a statement. [25668]

  Mr. Page
  After very careful consideration of applications for exploration licences in the west of Shetlands, we have been able to offer licences for each of the blocks applied for.

  Our "fast tracking" of these applications means that over 1,700 sqk of 3D seismic surveys will now be shot this summer with even more to come in 1996. Companies have also committed themselves to drilling 12 wells in the next two years and a further 13 in three years time. This level of commitment demonstrates the keen interest in a very exciting area of the United Kingdom continental shelf.

  The blocks attracted a high level of applications with one block receiving eight applications. The competition for some blocks has been intense and some very innovative ideas were presented with a number of very good applications for the same block. A total of 24 applications were received from 17 groups involving 32 companies.

  When examining applications we were conscious of the need to protect the environment. Although most of the blocks are some distance from the coast, it is important to ensure that the risks of any oil spills reaching the coasts of the Shetlands and Orkneys are understood and steps taken to minimise the risks and prepare contingency plans. The companies which have been awarded licences have all shown a strong commitment to protecting the environment.

  These awards—and the interest in the other blocks offered in the 16th round—shows the continuing high level of commitment by the international oil and gas companies to the UKCS. The opening up of new areas in the west of Shetlands basin as a result of this round will help maintain the UK's position as an oil and gas producer well into the next century.

  I plan to announce the remainder of the 16th round awards—for blocks around the coast of Britain and to the north of Scotland—in the summer.

  Copyright Tribunal
  Sir Thomas Arnold
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what changes he proposes to make to the procedures of the Copyright tribunal; and if he will make a statement. [24778]

  Mr. Ian Taylor
  Last year, my Department consulted users of the Copyright tribunal on how far they were satisfied with its performance and on how its procedures might be improved. The overwhelming majority of respondents considered that tribunal procedures were fair, flexible, unintimidating and thorough. However, there were some concerns about the cost and speed of procedures and suggestions for improvement in these and other respects were made. The Department is considering these suggestions in consultation with the chairman of the tribunal and it is likely that a statutory instrument providing for some amendments in procedures will be put forward in due course.

  Technopole Information Networks
  Mr. John Battle
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how much funding he expects to receive from the European Union SPRINT programme for research into technopole information networks. [24150]

  Mr. Ian Taylor
  The SPRINT programme ended on 31 December 1994. The European Commission was responsible for the selection of SPRINT projects based on merit, and for issuing grants to the successful candidates. My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade did not receive any funding from the programme.

  The third activity of the EC fourth framework programme for research and development has superseded SPRINT. It brings together under one programme all the Community's efforts on dissemination and exploitation of research results and technological developments. There are provisions in the third activity for support of science parks and networks in support of innovation, though no specific provisions for research into technopole information networks. Projects involving information networks may be eligible for support under other programmes in the fourth framework.

  Richard Budge
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade, pursuant to his answer of 15 May,Official Report, column 25, at what venues the meetings with Mr. Richard Budge took, place and which Government Departments were represented at each of the meetings. [24941]

  Mr. Page
  Of the seven meetings with Mr. Richard Budge detailed in my previous answer of 15 May, six were conducted in the office of my right hon. Friend the Minister for Industry and Energy. The meeting on 15 April 1993 took place over lunch in central London. No other Government Departments were represented at any of the meetings.

  Mr. Byers
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade, pursuant to his reply of 15 May,Official Report, column 25, which other two directors of A. F. Budge were interviewed. [24939]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  David Thomas Trewick and Martin Connolly were interviewed, together with David Threadkell, a former director.

  Mr. Stephen Byers
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade, pursuant to his reply of 15 May,Official Report, column 24, what was the cost of the Coopers and Lybrand report on the collapse of A. F. Budge. [24944]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  Administrative receivers have a statutory duty to report under the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986 and the Department makes no payment in respect of such reports. The administrative receivers and Coopers and Lybrand have carried out further enquiries at the request of the Official Receiver and has submitted invoices to date totalling £51,101.18 plus VAT £8,942.70.

  Mr. Byers
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade which directors of A. F. Budge were recommended by the Official Receiver for action to be taken against them under the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986. [24940]
  300
  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  The content of the Official Receiver's report is confidential between the Secretary of State and the Official Receiver.

  Water Treatment Equipment, Iraq
  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if the DTI has received request for export credit licences for sewerage pumps or other water treatment equipment to Iraq; and if these requests have been granted. [24879]

  Mr. Ian Taylor
  Export Licences for such equipment have been applied for and, in certain cases, issued. Any export of humanitarian goods to Iraq also requires an authorization from the United Nations Sanctions Committee.

  Construction Contracts
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade when he expects to make a statement on his Department's policy on a construction contracts Bill. [24020]

  Mr. Eggar
  Matters concerning the construction industry are for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment.

  British Coal Land
  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will place in the Library a list of all the properties in Wales that British Coal proposes to offer for sale. [24774]

  Mr Page
  This is a matter for British Coal. I understand that the corporation is still finalising the list of properties to be offered for sale. Details will be made public as the properties become available.

  Policy Statements
  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade on how many occasions in each of the last five years his Department published policy statements from non-governmental working parties or organisations; and if he will list the name of the document, the organisation which produced it and the cost to the public purse of publishing it. [24007]

  Mr. Ian Taylor
  This information is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Plutonium
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will obtain from his United States counterpart a copy of the US Department of Energy's plutonium working group report on environmental, safety and health vulnerabilities associated with plutonium storage, released in November 1994; and if he will arrange for a copy to be placed in the Library. [24295]

  Mr. Page
  The report referred to was, I understand, published by the US Department of Energy and is publicly available. It can also be accessed on the Internet.

OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION

  Malaysia
  Miss Lestor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many applications to the aid and trade provision for support for power projects in Malaysia have been rejected during the last 10 years; and if he will list the grounds for rejection, the date of rejection and the names of the United Kingdom companies involved. [22676]

  Mr. Baldry
  On the basis of information available, between 1984 and 1993, applications relating to 11 power projects were rejected because they did not meet the developmental, commercial and industrial criteria for the ATP scheme; or for budgetary reasons; or because they were not accepted by recipient Governments. Ten British companies were involved as lead contractors for these projects. Information on the names of companies is commercial in confidence.

  One project was rejected in each of the following years: 1988, 1991 and 1993. Three were rejected in 1990. Information is not readily available concerning the dates of rejection for the other five.

  SCIAF
  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he or his Ministers last met representatives of Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund to discuss overseas development; and if he will make a statement. [24162]

  Mr. Baldry
  There have been no meetings specifically with the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund—SCIAF—in recent years. My noble Friend, the Minister for Overseas Development, meets non-governmental organisation on a regular basis to discuss emergency and development issues, and has addressed gatherings of NGOs which have included representatives from SCIAF.

  Afghan Refugees
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Government of Pakistan regarding the Afghan refugees now living in refugee camps in Pakistan; and if he will make a statement. [24147]

  Mr. Baldry
  We regularly discuss with the Government of Pakistan a wide range of issues including Afghan refugees. This issue was raised last month in talks between officials of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Pakistan high commission, who expressed appreciation of our support for Afghan refugees.

  AIDS Programme
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government on the issue of the withdrawal of the AIDS programme from the World Health Organisation. [24506]

  Mr. Baldry
  We support the establishment of the joint United Nations programme on AIDS—UNAIDS—which will replace the World Health Organisation's global programme on AIDS—WHO/GPA—on 1 January 1996. UNAIDS will be co-sponsored by six United Nations agencies, including the World Health Organisation. The 302
  other co-sponsors are: United Nations Population Fund, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, United Nations Development Programme, the World Bank and the United Nations Childrens Fund.

DEFENCE

  Air Training, Germany
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what air training activities are allowed for Royal Air Force aircraft based in Germany. [24801]

  Mr. Soames
  The supplementary agreement to the NATO status of forces agreement of 3 August 1959, governs the way in which the RAF conducts air training in Germany. In general no fixed-wing flying activity is allowed below 1,000 ft above ground level. However, aircraft may be cleared to fly at 50 ft for limited periods during specific exercises. Medium level training is carried out in temporary restricted areas. Weapons training is primarily conducted at the air weaponry range at RAF Nordhorn, although limited use is also made of other ranges from time to time. The rules governing helicopter training activities in Germany are similar to those in operation in the UK.

  UN Peacekeeping Support
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many British helicopters were operating in support of United Nations operations in each of the last 10 years; [24798]

  (2) how many British troops were operating in support of United Nations operations in each of the last 10 years; [24799]

  (3) how many British Hercules aircraft were operating in support of United Nations operating in each of the last 10 years. [24800]

  Mr. Soames
  The information requested could be provided only at disproportionate cost. The United Kingdom has contributed troops to United Nations peacekeeping operations in each of the last ten years. In recent years there has been a rapid increase in the level of peacekeeping undertaken by the UN and the UK's contribution has increased substantially. Some 4,600 British personnel are serving in operations under UN command, and about 3,500 more in operations in support of UN Security Council resolutions. Where necessary British personnel are supported by helicopters and Hercules aircraft. Important support is also provided to other elements of UN operations.

  Air Force Personnel
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many Royal Air Force maintenance and support personnel there were in each of the last 10 years; [24796]

  (2) what was the total Royal Air Force manpower in each of the last 10 years; and what is the estimated Royal Air Force manpower strength in 1997–98. [24797]
  303
  Mr. Soames
  The total manpower strength of the Royal Air Force and the RAF's maintenance and support element, as at 1 April in each of the years in question is as follows:

  Date

  Total RAF strength (trained and untrained)

  Total RAF maintenance and support personnel (trained and untrained)

  1986

  93,237

  84,861

  1987

  93,627

  85,172

  1988

  93,291

  84,890

  1989

  91,443

  83,385

  1990

  89,685

  81,786

  1991

  88,371

  80,505

  1992

  85,962

  78,183

  1993

  80,909

  73,392

  1994

  75,681

  68,642

  1995

  70,754

  64,056

  For the purposes of this question "maintenance and support" personnel has been defined as all personnel other than those employed on general duties (air) and airmen aircrew duties. It is not our practice to provide estimates of manpower strength more than a year in advance, and the forecast total strength for 1 April 1996 is around 66,500.

  Market Testing
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what Royal Air Force activities have been market tested over the last five years. [24795]

  Mr. Soames
  Full details of market-testing activities in the Royal Air Force over the last five years are not available centrally. However, in the three year period from April 1992 to March 1995 six Royal Air Force activities have been market tested, and a further 16 subjected to other CFQ processes, which resulted in either contractorisation or efficiency measures being taken. Detail of the six market-tested activities are as follows:

  (a) Those contractorised following market test:

  Inspectorate of Recruitment Exhibition Production Flight, RAF Henlow

  Air Weapon Range, RAF Holbeach

  Flight checking, 115 Squadron, RAF Benson

  Nimrod Major Serving Unit, RAF Kinloss

  (b) Those won by in-house bid team following market test:

  Air Weapon Range, RAF Cowden

  Support Services, Gateway House, RAF Brize Norton

  Information to Members
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 2 May,Official Report, column 201, what considerations led him not to list the hon. and right hon. Members who have been notified of contracts by his special advisor. [24508]

  Mr. Rifkind
  I do not think listing over 300 contracts, of local rather than national significance, in the Official Report would usefully add to the answer I gave to the hon. Gentleman on 2 May, Official Report, column 201.

  Sandia National Laboratories
  Mr. Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list all projects his Department is working on jointly with Sandia National Laboratory. [24783]

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

  Neutron Sources

  Irradiation Effects on Materials and Components

  Non-nuclear Components

  Independent Assessment of Nuclear Weapon Safety

  Nuclear Weapons Engineering

  Nuclear Weapons Physics

  Nuclear Accident Response Technology

  Mr. Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what specific support is being provided by Sandia National Laboratory in support of the Trident programme. [24782]

  Mr. Freeman
  Sandia National Laboratory provides engineering support services associated with certain US-supplied components of the United Kingdom Trident system. Further details are classified.

  Latham Report
  Mr. Spellar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what policy his Department has put to the working groups on the Latham report as to the desirability of a single exclusive register for public sector work. [24355]

  Mr. Freeman
  My officials are actively involved in the follow up work to the Latham report, which is being co-ordinated by the Department of the Environment, and also the efficiency scrutiny into construction procurement. Together, these will form the Govnerment response to Latham's recommendations, including the desirability of a single register for public sector work.

  Ground Training
  Mr. Devlin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has for the future of ground training in the Royal Air Force. [25563]

  Mr. Soames
  Following issue of the consultative document on 22 March 1995 recommending the closure of RAF Locking and the transfer of its training task to RAF Cosford, representations have been made by the hon. Member for Weston-super-Mare (Sir J. Wiggin), and local authorities. My Department has consulted thoroughly with the trade unions and relevant local authorities, and full and careful consideration has been given to all of the representations that we have received.

  Following this work I am satisfied that no issues have been raised which call into question the viability of the proposals, which satisfactorily meet our future ground training needs and save £6,000,000 per annum. I have therefore decided that RAF Locking should close by 1 April 1998.

  We will, of course, continue to consult the trade unions about the detailed implementation of the closure and transfer of work to RAF Cosford.

  High Velocity Missiles
  Mr. Devlin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he will place an order with Shorts for high velocity missiles; and if he will make a statement. [25564]

  Mr. Freeman
  An order for the development and initial production of high velocity missiles was placed with Shorts Missile Systems Ltd. in 1986. In the light of progress on the project, I have given approval for an order for 1,000 missiles to be placed with Shorts, subject to satisfactory contractual conditions being agreed.

  Defence Accounts Agency
  Mr. Devlin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what performance targets have been set for the Defence Accounts Agency for 1995–96. [25565]

  Mr. Freeman
  The chief executive of the Defence Accounts Agency is responsible for providing accounting services for the Ministry of Defence as defined in the agency framework document. During 1995–96, the DAA will be reorganised and its successor organisations will be set new targets. The chief executive of the DAA will however report progress against the DAA targets during the year in a final annual report.

  DAA has been set the following challenging key performance targets in 1995–96:

  (a) To complete the following workload within the funds allocated for this purpose:

  Manage 89,350 non-industrial pay accounts

  Manage 41,5000 industrial pay accounts

  Complete 130,000 pensions awards/transactions

  Approve 500,000 claims for travel or transfer expenses

  Pay 17,000 fees claims

  Pay 20,000 miscellaneous personal payments claims

  Pay 3,205,000 bills

  Process 45,000 invoices

  Make 396,500 personal payments

  Manage 13,000 imprest accounts

  Process 35,000 HQ receipts

  Process 2,750 banknote orders

  Process 2,250 bank fundings

  (b) To meet the agency's quality of service standards in service level agreements and performance targets.

  (c) To make efficiency savings with a value of at least 2.5 percent. of the initial cash allocation.

  (d) To compete for payroll and pension awarding business offered through the Government's market testing programme.

  (e) To implement the DAA quality strategy by 30 June 1995.

  (f) To implement the findings of the agency's first three year review.

PRIME MINISTER

  Engagements
  Sir Peter Tapsell
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 18 May. [23663]

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

  China
  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Prime Minister if the President of the Board of Trade has been asked to raise the issue of human rights on his visit to China [24804]

  The Prime Minister
  The President of the Board of Trade has been briefed on all aspects of our bilateral relationship, and more generally on conditions in China, including human rights.

  Lockerbie
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will discuss with Chancellor Kohl, the letter from the Bundesministerium der Justif to Ms Lisa Mosey, concerning explosive material and baggage handling at Frankfurt, a copy of which has been sent to him by the hon. Member for Linlithgow. [24794]

  The Prime Minister
  I have nothing further to add to the reply of 14 March 1995,Official Report, column 498.

TREASURY

  Building Societies
  Mr. French
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the risk and extent of speculative movement of funds in connection with possible takeovers or conversions of building societies, and the duties of boards of societies in such circumstances; and if he will make a statement. [23266]

  Mr. Nelson
  Monitoring the movement of funds within the building society sector is one of the tasks of the Building Societies Commission.

  Boards of societies faced with speculative flows can respond in a number of ways. These include varying the rates of interest on offer and withdrawing certain types of accounts. In reacting to proposals for takeovers or conversions which may give rise to such flows, the Building Societies Act requires boards to take account not only of the financial interests of their current members, but of the longer-term objectives of the society.

  Rural White Paper
  Mr. Colvin
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 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. [24332]

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  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.

  Inheritance Tax
  Mr. French
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what was the yield from inheritance tax arising from United Kingdom securities held by non-United Kingdom residents in each of the last three years. [24713]

  (2) how many non-United Kingdom residents incurred an inheritance tax liability arising from their holdings of United Kingdom securities in each of the last three years. [24714]
  307
  Sir George Young
  For inheritance tax purposes, it is the country of domicile that determines liability and not the country of residence. I regret that information for estates where the deceased was domiciled outside of the United Kingdom is not held centrally. The information requested could therefore be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Tax Allowance Transfers
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would be the cost of making individual tax allowances transferable between spouses; and if he will make a statement. [24568]

  Sir George Young
  The full year revenue cost at 1995–96 income levels is estimated to be about £3 billion. This estimate does not take into account any behavioural change which could result from such a measure.

  Mortgage Protection Policies
  Mr. Darling
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the review into the taxation of proceeds for mortgage protection policies was set up; what are its terms of reference; who is conducting it; when he expects it to report; and if he will make a statement. [23630]

  Sir George Young
  [holding answer 10 May 1995]: My right hon. and learned Friend the Chancellor made it clear in the statement he issued on 2 May that benefits under mortgage payment protection policies will be exempt from tax. The decision resulted from a review that had been under way for some months.

  Summer Economic Forecast
  Mr. Andrew Smith
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the expected publication date for the Treasury's summer economic forecast. [24495]

  Mr. Aitken
  [holding answer 17 May 1995]: We expect to publish the summer economic forecast on a similar date to last year. I will let the hon. Gentleman know the exact date as soon as it is decided.

EDUCATION

  Pre-school Education
  Mr. MacShane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what percentage of children under the age of five years receive nursery or pre-school public education in each member state of the European Union. [24219]

  Mr. Forth
  Information is not collected centrally in the form requested. The latest available international comparisons of under-fives participating in public and private education are shown in the table. Separate participation rates for nursery provision only are not available.
  308

  Under fives participation rates1 in education, 1992

  Percentages

  Austria

  47

  Belgium

  98

  Denmark

  46

  Finland

  26

  France

  100

  Former West Germany

  49

  Greece

  30

  Ireland

  29

  Italy2

  76

  Luxembourg

  n/a

  Netherlands

  49

  Portugal3

  36

  Spain

  67

  Sweden

  48

  United Kingdom

  53

  Sources:

  Education Statistics for the United Kingdom, 1994 edition, HMSO, 1995

  Education at a Glance,. OECD, 1995

  Notes:

  1 Pupils aged 3 and 4 as percentages of the population aged 3 and 4.

  2 1988

  3 1991

  Non-teaching Staff
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education from which schools she has received reports that(a) dinner ladies and (b) school crossing patrol persons have undertaken teaching duties. [24422]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  My right hon. Friend is not aware of any such cases. Non-teaching staff are widely used to supervise pupils and to support the work of teachers; decisions on their deployment are for headteachers.

  Supply Cover
  Mr. Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what is her estimate of the cost of supply cover for classroom teachers, while primary schools carry out the standard assessment tests. [24781]

  Mr. Forth
  The estimated cost of supply cover for teachers administering the national curriculum tests and tasks to seven and 11-year-olds is around £15 million.

  Schools, Ealing
  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education, pursuant to her answer of 15 May,Official Report, column 14 on the educational spending in Ealing, if she will give an expenditure breakdown of the figures of (a) £517.33 and (b) £923.45 for expenditure per primary and secondary pupil in locally-managed schools other than that allocated to schools under the locally managed school budgets; and if she will make a statement. [24878]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  The following table provides the information requested. It is derived from the planned expenditure totals and pupils numbers shown in the 1995–96 budget statement published by the local education authority under section 42 of the Education Reform Act.
  309

  Item

  Primary £

  Secondary £

  Management and Administration

  a. Education Department

  24.98

  24.85

  b. Other Council Departments

  31.41

  31.34

  Advisory and Inspection Services

  2.33

  2.28

  Special Needs Support Services including Special Units

  a. Pupils with Statements

  69.65

  70.21

  b. Other Services

  19.18

  19.14

  Staff Costs (Supply Cover)

  8.43

  8.49

  Structural Repairs and Maintenance

  45.62

  79.74

  Home to School Transport

  7.81

  69.66

  School Meals and Milk

  a. Expenditure to be met from income

  40.39

  21.09

  b. Other Expenditure

  98.60

  77.46

  Inspection Expenditure to be met by Income from OFSTED

  0.00

  13.21

  Pupil Support

  11.46

  11.56

  LEA Initiatives

  0.65

  0.66

  School Specific Contingencies

  20.26

  20.22

  Capital Expenditure

  21.80

  304.41

  Education Welfare Service

  8.79

  32.01

  Education Psychology Service

  3.88

  2.59

  Statementing Costs

  7.10

  7.16

  Premature Retirement Costs

  14.34

  36.20

  Specific Grant Related Expenditure

  a. Expenditure on Section 11 Posts

  (i) to be reimbursed by Government Grant

  18.36

  18.23

  (ii) to be met by LEA

  23.62

  23.38

  b. Other expenditure to be reimbursed by Government Grant

  20.89

  26.52

  c. LEA contribution to Grants at b.

  17.80

  23.06

EMPLOYMENT

  Remploy
  Mr. Hain
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment (1) what alterations he has made to the recruitment criteria for disabled persons employed by Remploy; [24885]

  (2) what discussions he has held with the management board of Remploy about changes to the recruitment criteria for disabled people. [24886]

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

  Letter from M. E. G. Fogden to Mr. Peter Hain, dated 18 May 1995:
  The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your questions about the recruitment criteria for disabled persons employed by Remploy.
  There has been no change to the recruitment criteria for disabled persons employed by Remploy. Remploy is part of the Employment Service's Supported Employment Programme. This programme is open to people with severe disabilities who are registered under the Disabled Persons (Employment) Act 1944 and who, because of the severity of their disability and its effect on their productivity, are unlikely to be able to obtain of retain jobs in open employment.
  As there have been no changes to the criteria, we have not held discussions with Remploy management on this subject.
  I hope this is helpful.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Maxwell Brothers
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what contributions have so far been made from the legal aid fund towards the defence costs of(a) Kevin Maxwell and (b) Ian Maxwell; and what have been the costs incurred by the defence in carrying out public opinion surveys. [24925]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The total amount of criminal legal aid paid to date to lawyers acting for all six defendants in R v. Kevin Maxwell and Others is £4,745,391. This amount includes final costs in the magistrates' court of £829,377 as well as payments on account, as of 24 January 1995, in the Crown Court of £3,916,014. All payments include VAT and disbursements, such as expert witness and accountancy fees, and other expenses necessarily incurred. It would not be appropriate while the case is continuing to give a further breakdown of these figures. Nothing has been paid from the legal aid fund to cover the cost of public opinion surveys conducted by the defence.

  Judges
  Mr. William Powell
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list all full-time judges aged over 70 years still sitting on the bench. [23938]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The information requested as at 10 May 1995, is as follows:

  Lords of Appeal in Ordinary

  Lord Jauncey of Tullichettle

  Lord Keith of Kinkel

  Heads of Division

  The President of the Family Division (Sir Stephen Brown)

  Lord Justices

  Lord Justice Beldam

  Lord Justice Glidewell

  Lord Justice Neill

  High Court Judges

  Mr. Justice Drake

  Mr. Justice Gatehouse

  Mr. Justice Knox

  Circuit Judges

  Judge Allardice DL

  Judge Atkinson

  Judge Paul Baker QC

  Judge David Kt QC, DL

  Judge Quentin Edwards QC

  Judge Halnan

  Judge Harris DSC, QC

  Judge Head

  Judge Holt

  Judge Lownie

  Judge Richard Lowry QC

  Judge Mildon QC

  Judge Phelan

  Judge Stroyan QC

  Judge Sir Lawrence Verney TD, DL

  Judge Ian Webster

  District Judges

  District Judge Goodman

  District Judge Hughes

  District Judge Keyes

  District Judge Lam

  311
  Mr. William Powell
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list the names of those judges whose period in office has been extended by the Lord Chancellor beyond their statutory retiring age; and when he now expects each to retire. [23939]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The Lord Chancellor exercises the powers available to him under section 26(4) to (6) of the Judicial Pensions and Retirement Act 1993 where he considers it desirable in the public interest to continue a judge in office for a period, or further period, not exceeding one year, up to the age of 75.

  Judge David Kt QC is the only circuit judge in office whose appointment has been continued beyond his statutory retirement date. The continuance expires on 30 April 1996. No district judges in office have been continued beyond their statutory retirement date. There

  Number of professional staff1

  UN

  ILO

  WHO

  ITU

  WMO

  UPU

  WIPO

  IAEA

  UNIDO

  FAO

  WFP

  IFAD

  ICAO

  UNESCO

  IMO

  United Kingdom

  502

  66

  123

  16

  16

  4

  15

  52

  32

  134

  28

  9

  21

  34

  16

  USA

  1,087

  72

  258

  17

  11

  1

  9

  129

  46

  164

  49

  13

  18

  45

  4

  France

  595

  100

  111

  33

  11

  5

  34

  31

  27

  165

  22

  7

  22

  103

  15

  Sweden

  197

  26

  22

  7

  2

  1

  2

  12

  8

  21

  8

  2

  2

  18

  5

  India

  223

  28

  36

  14

  2

  3

  3

  12

  25

  55

  9

  3

  4

  14

  3

  Canada

  330

  27

  48

  10

  4

  3

  3

  24

  6

  61

  36

  3

  62

  24

  1

  Netherlands

  303

  82

  49

  3

  3

  1

  1

  9

  18

  124

  15

  5

  5

  26

  2

  Japan

  246

  23

  46

  6

  4

  5

  3

  24

  22

  37

  13

  3

  3

  34

  5

  Ireland

  70

  5

  11

  1

  1

  0

  0

  1

  5

  14

  5

  0

  3

  6

  2

  Belgium

  181

  46

  36

  4

  5

  2

  4

  5

  8

  122

  11

  7

  2

  16

  1

  1 UN figures reflecting staff in post on 31 December 1993.

  Peaceful Nuclear Explosions
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what was the policy position taken by Her Majesty's Government in regard to the support for article V, on peaceful nuclear explosions, of the nuclear non-proliferation treaty at the review and extension conference of the nuclear non-proliferation treaty in New York. [24423]

  Mr. David Davis
  We expressed the view that there are no useful peaceful applications of nuclear explosions.

  Passports (Date-stamping)
  Mr. Marlow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs in what circumstances it is permitted within EU laws or other ordnances for Belgium frontier authorities to date stamp the passports of United Kingdom passport holders on entry into Belgium. [24865]

  Mr. David Davis
  Date-stamping of United Kingdom passports by Belgian immigration authorities would not necessarily be contrary to EC law provided that it could not be construed as an immigration control on a British citizen, and provided that it was not done in circumstances which amounted to discrimination on the ground of nationality. Nevertheless it appears that the few cases reported recently of such date-stamping were the result of administrative error and the Belgian authorities assure us they have taken steps to see that it does not happen again.
  312
  are no powers to continue more senior judges in office beyond their statutory retirement date.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Professional Staff
  Mr. MacShane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what are the numbers of professional grade officials employed by the United Nations and its agencies who are citizens of(a) the United Kingdom, (b) the United States of America, (c) France, (d) Sweden, (e) India, (f) Canada, (g) the Netherlands, (h) Japan, (i) Ireland and (j) Belgium. [23707]

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The numbers of professional staff, including senior officials, employed by the United Nations and its agencies who are citizens of the ten countries listed are given in the following table.

  Holy Shrine, Charar-e-Sharief
  Mr. Rooney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Indian and Pakistani Governments regarding the destruction of the holy shrine, Charar-e-Sharief. [24897]

  Mr. Baldry
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs has not had discussions with the Indian and Pakistani Governments regarding the destruction of the shrine at Charar-e-Sharief.

  Social Development Fund
  Mr. Wray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what factors led to the United Kingdom not participating in the Council of Europe's social development fund. [24802]

  Mr. David Davis
  The cost of the United Kingdom joining the social development fund would be prohibitive. As a major contributor to the Council of Europe, our initial investment would be around £30 million, with annual running costs of about £225,000. This could be met only by diverting aid resources from bilateral and multilateral aid programmes.

  Pakistan (Drugs)
  Mr. Madden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what action Her Majesty's Government are taking(a) directly, (b) through the EU and (c) through other organisations, to assist the

  313
  Government of Pakistan in combating drug trafficking; what assistance is being given to the supply of equipment to combat drug trafficking with particular reference to helicopters; and if he will make a statement. [22306]

  Mr. Baldry
  [pursuant to his reply 2 May, Official Report, column 151]: I regret that the last three paragraphs of my answer of 2 May were inadvertently omitted. The full answer is as follows:

  We have given considerable narcotics-related assistance to Pakistan both bilaterally and through multilateral channels. Last financial year, bilateral assistance includes the provision of law enforcement training by HM Customs and Excise. Multilaterally we have pledged over £8 million since 1985 to projects administered by the United Nations drug control programme to strengthen law enforcement control of the Pakistan/Iran/Afghanistan border area and to reduce the supply of opium through rural development.

  As part of the programme of assistance, we agreed to fund the purchase of two helicopters to enhance the capacity of the ANF to interdict drugs convoys in the area bordering Afghanistan and Iran.

  Assistance by EU Governments is co-ordinated through the forum of the Dublin group both locally and in Brussels. Assistance by the European Commission has been mainly directed towards narcotics demand reduction.

  HM Customs and Excise works closely with Pakistani law enforcement agencies. We stand ready to provide further assistance and are considering additional requests from the Pakistan Government for training and equipment to enhance their capability to counter drug trafficking.

DUCHY OF LANCASTER

  "Management Matters"
  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what was the cost of printing, publishing and distributing "Management Matters"; who paid this and what charges were made to private organisations who were allowed to insert looseleaf advertisements in the magazine. [24587]

  Mr. Horam
  The average gross cost of printing, publishing and distributing each edition in the 1994–95 financial year was approximately £12,800.

  The cost of producing "Management Matters" is met from the Cabinet Office—Office of Public Service and Science—budget.

  Organisations which wish to place a looseleaf insert in the magazine are charged at a rate of £38 per 1,000 leaflets. Revenue raised is used to offset the magazine's production costs.

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on whose and on what authority the Government publication for civil servants, "Management Matters" included looseleaf advertising for insurance and life assurance. [24585]

  Mr. Horam
  Each looseleaf advertisement that is inserted in "Management Matters" is approved by the magazine's editorial board prior to publication. The board, which comprises officials from the Cabinet Office— OPSS—and HM Treasury, examines each proposed advertisement against pre-determined criteria.
  314
  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what assessment has been made as to whether the insertion of looseleaf advertising for private organisations selling financial and other services in "Management Matters" might be understood by readers as implying an endorsement of particular commercial products, not withstanding disclaimers; and if he will place in the Library the reports which have evaluated such matters. [24586]

  Mr. Horam
  There are precedents for civil service publications carrying advertising. The editorial board gave careful consideration to the decision to insert looseleaf advertisements in "Management Matters". Taking into account the strict criteria it would apply and the disclaimer included in each edition—on which it took legal advice—the board took the view that such advertisements could not reasonably be regarded as bearing official endorsement.

  Civil Service Pension Scheme
  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what plans he has to market test the management of the civil service pension scheme; and if he will make a statement. [24371]

  Mr. Horam
  The 1992 efficiency scrutiny identified administration of the principal civil service pension scheme as suitable for market testing. New information technology for administration of the scheme, which will start to become operational towards the end of this year, will facilitate the market-testing process. This will also enable service standards to be raised and costs reduced. It will however first be necessary for Parliament to approve an order under the Deregulation and Contracting Out Act which will remove the legal impediment that at present exists to market testing PCSPS administration.

  Occupational pension arrangements for civil servants will continue to be provided through the PCSPS. The PCSPS will be managed and controlled by the Office of Public Service and Science.

  AIDS
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will list the research work his Department sponsors on HIV/AIDS which incorporates international co-operation. [24694]

  Mr. Horam
  A list of current research work into AIDS/HIV funded by my Department through the research councils, and involving international co-operation has been placed in the Libraries of both Houses. This list show the titles of the projects, by whom they were carried out and, where information is available, the resources allocated.

  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will list the research work sponsored by his Department and the amount spent on each project for AIDS/HIV treatment and prevention for the last five years for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement. [24693]
  315
  Mr. Horam
  The Medical Research Council provided data in answer to a similar question on 11 May 1995, and this was placed in the Libraries of both Houses. Equivalent information for the other research councils

  Grant Holder

  Grant Title

  Duration

  Cost

  Research supported by the Economic and Social Research Council

  Dr. M. Lyons University of London

  AIDS and women—the history of sexually transmitted disease and epidemic of HIV/AIDS in East Africa

  1 November 1992 to 1 October 1995

  £129,460

  Dr. P. G. Forster Hull University

  AIDS, the local community and traditional health practitioners in Malawi

  30 June 1993 to 30 September 1995

  £2,790

  Dr. J. Bujra Leeds University

  Gender relations as a key aspect of the fight against AIDS/HIV in Tanzania

  1 September 1994 to 1 September 1996

  £150,000

  Dr. N. P. McKeganey Glasgow University

  An Ethnography of a late teenage population exposed to intravenous drug misuse and HIV

  1 February 1988 to 31 January 1991

  £137,690

  Dr. D. V. McQueen Edinburgh

  An integrated study of AIDS-related behaviour

  1 August 1988 to 31 December 1990

  £264,850

  Dr. H. A. Klee Manchester Polytechnic

  The potential for HIV transmission among amphetamine users in the North West: a study of sexual and social lifestyles

  1 July 1989 to 31 December 1991

  £79,550

  Dr. G. M. Breakwell Surrey University

  Social and behavioral consequences of HIV/AIDS for 16–21 year olds

  1 October 1988 to 31 March 1993

  £308,621

  Dr. R. Ingham Southampton University

  Social aspects of risk reduction in the light of the threat of HIV infection

  1 January 1989 to 31 December 1991

  £136,182

  Dr. M. J. Bloor

  A sociological study of the context of AIDS media messages and audience responses

  1 September 1988 to 31 August 1991

  £198,590

  Dr. M. A. Plant

  HIV/AIDS risks, alcohol and illicit drug use and young adults

  1 July 1992 to 30 September 1992

  £3,260

  Dr. G. Semin Sussex University

  The transmission and formation of AIDS-related representations in adolescence

  1 December 1987 to 31 January 1991

  £136,980

  Dr. J. Holland London University

  Young women, sexuality and the limitation of AIDS

  31 October 1988 to 30 September 1990

  £70,926

  Research supported by the Natural Environment Research Council (all at the Institute for Virology and Environmental Microbiology, Oxford)

  Dr. P. A. Nuttall

  Aids diagnosis

  1 October 1987 to 31 September 1990

  £60,000

  Dr. I. M. Jones

  Expression, purification and in vitro activity of the HIV encoded regulatory protein ART/TRS

  1 January 1988 to 31 December 1990

  £86,000

  Dr. I. M. Jones

  AIDS vaccine development

  1 April 1988 to 31 March 1991

  £125,000

  Dr. I. M. Jones

  Expression of simian immunodeficiency virus proteins

  1 September 1989 to 31 March 1993

  £200,000

  Dr. I. M. Jones

  Structure and function of recombinant HIV antigens

  1 May 1990 to 30 April 1993

  £114,000

  Dr. I. M. Jones

  Analysis of CD4 binding repertoire of natural GP120 molecules

  1 July 1992 to 30 June 1995

  £194,000

  Dr. I. M. Jones

  Furin and maturation of lentivirus glycoproteins

  1 January 1993 to 31 December 1996

  £111,000

  Dr. P. A. Nuttall

  Virology and environmental microbiology

  12 March 1993 to 1 September 1995

  £65,000

  Dr. I. M. Jones

  Fundamental and comparative studies on the structural proteins of HIV and SIV

  1 October 1993 to 30 September 1995

  £359,000

  Dr. P. Roy

  Development of virus-like particle (VLP) candidate vaccines for human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV) produced by baculovirus multigene expression vectors

  1 January 1994 to 31 December 1996

  £58,000

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  EU Fishing Industries
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what information he has about the(a) Government construction grants, (b) fuel subsidies, (c) enforcement of minimum/maximum catch sizes, (d) enforcement of log book reporting and (e) elimination of secret fish holds in each of the other fishing nations of the EEC. [23986]

  Mr. Jack
  On construction grants and fuel grants, I refer the Hon. Member to the answer that I gave on 6 February 1995,Official Report, column 84.
  316
  funded by my Department which have undertaken research into AIDS/HIV treatment and prevention is as follows:

  Latest information on the results of inspections on member states' vessels is provided in the summary tables for 1993, produced by the Commission in accordance with Commission regulation (EEC) No. 3561/85: a copy of which is in the Library of the House.

  Fish Imports
  Mr. Sykes
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received from east coast fishermen regarding the importation of cheap fish from Russia, Norway and Iceland. [24152]

  Mr. Jack
  I regularly consult producers' interests on the question of imports from outside the European Union
  317
  and this was one of the issues raised with me by fishermen's leaders on my recent visit to Tynemouth earlier this month. Subsequent to that, I have not heard directly on this matter from east coast fishermen.

  Mr. Sykes
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will impose quota restrictions on the importation of cheap fish from Russia, Norway and Iceland. [24151]

  Mr. Jack
  Mechanisms already exist within European Union legislation to take action against imports from outside the EU where they can be shown to be having a disruptive effect on the market over a period of time. Unqualified restrictions on imports would serve only to prevent UK processors from obtaining the raw material supplies that they need to maintain the range of fish products available to the consumer. I believe that there is scope for better communication within the industry to help match supply and demand. I hope shortly to call a meeting of interested parties to explore the issue further.

  Access to the Countryside
  Mr. Tipping
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will set out for(a) the countryside access scheme allowing public access to set-aside land and (b) the scheme allowing access for land in environmentally sensitive areas (i) its number and direction of such agreements, (ii) the location and size of these sites, (iii) what steps have been taken to inform the public of these access opportunities, (iv) the payment made to the landowner of each site, (v) the administrative costs of these schemes, (vi) whether public access was available on each site prior to designation under the schemes. [24618]

  Mr. Jack
  The information requested is as follows:

  (a) Countryside Access Scheme

  (i) There are currently 78 agreements in England. There are similar schemes in Wales and Scotland.

  (ii) Details of access agreements have been lodged in the library of the House. The following table gives a summary of the position by county.

  County

  Size (in hectares)

  Bedfordshire

  91.3

  Cambridgeshire

  93.63

  Essex

  126.93

  Hertfordshire

  22.05

  Norfolk

  111.06

  Buckinghamshire

  21.57

  Suffolk

  142.52

  Cumbria

  4.45

  Wiltshire

  41.09

  Warwickshire

  16.7

  Gloucestershire

  14.33

  Yorkshire

  52.04

  Humberside

  14.74

  Devon

  15

  Cornwall

  15

  Oxfordshire

  42.55

  Surrey

  7.21

  Hampshire

  6.89

  Kent

  26.27

  Northamptonshire

  75.5

  Nottinghamshire

  21.78

  Shropshire

  1.68

  (iii) Participants are asked to send a map of the land opened to public access provided by the Ministry, to their local parish council. Further copies of maps are sent to the Countryside Commission, the
  318
  Rambler's Association and, where appropriate, the local national park authority. Members of the public can request free copies of these maps.

  (iv) The first payments to participants will be made early in 1996. Participants will receive an annual rate of £90 per hectare of route opened and £45 per hectare of open field opened to public access for a period of five years. Participants can normally only claim up to a maximum of 15 hectares of public access on any one farm.

  (v) In 1994–95 administrative costs were £300,000 in England. This figure includes significant start-up costs as the scheme only opened for applications in September 1994.

  (vi) Project officers inspect every potential public access site, any land where there is evidence of existing de facto public access will not normally be accepted into the scheme. Similarly, land which is designated as a public right of way or land to which public access has been secured under another publicly funded scheme is not eligible.

  (b) Environmentally Sensitive Areas Scheme

  (i) 26 management agreements with access tier.

  (ii) Details of the access agreements have been lodged with the library of the House. The following table provides a summary by Environmentally Sensitive Area.

  ESA

  Number of agreements

  Total length (in kilometers)

  Broads

  4

  4.62

  Pennine dales

  2

  0.91

  Somerset levels and moors

  1

  0.31

  South Downs

  1

  1.38

  Suffolk river valleys

  1

  0.98

  Exmoor

  2

  1.01

  Lake District

  10

  7.55

  South West Peak

  1

  1.25

  Dartmoor

  3

  5.84

  Upper Thames tributaries

  1

  0.48

  (iii) Maps of completed access routes are sent to the relevant parish councils, the Countryside Commission, the National Park Authority (Where applicable) and the Rambler's Association. These maps may also be sent to other organizations and members of the public, on request.

  (iv) Agreement holders receive £170 per kilometre of access route.

  (v) Unlike the countryside access scheme, it is not possible to disaggregate the costs of administration of the public access tier from the total costs of administering the ESA scheme.

  (vi) Only land which offers new or additional access opportunities is eligible for the scheme. Land which is subject to an existing right of way is not accepted.

  Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement about bovine spongiform encephalopathy. [25536]

  Mrs Browning
  A further report on BSE in Great Britain is available today. I have arranged for copies to be placed in the Library of the House.

  The report provides information about the continuing decline in incidence of the disease, further proposed changes to the controls and the on-going research programme.

  The number of cases of BSE being reported at present is 45.3 per cent. fewer than at the same time last year and there is continued downturn in incidence of BSE in five-year-old and younger animals. Both changes are attributed to the ban on feeding ruminant protein to ruminant animals which was introduced in 1988.
  319
  I have also arranged for copies of the BSE progress report presented to the Office International des Epizooties this week to be placed in the Library of the House.

  Countryside Stewardship Scheme
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has for the future of the countryside stewardship scheme. [25537]

  Mr. Waldegrave
  The Government are publishing today a public consultation document which seeks views on the development of the Government's strategy for environmental land management schemes in England. The consultation document results from a review of the future role of the countryside stewardship scheme and of ways of better integrating and focusing all environmental land management schemes in England, announced by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment last year on 21 June 1994,Official Report, column 106. The review was carried out by a working group comprising officials from my Department, the Department of the Environment, the Countryside Commission, English Heritage and English Nature. Copies of the consultation document are available in the Library of the House.

  The Government believe that environmental land management schemes are one important means of promoting environmental and amenity benefits in the countryside. The conclusion of the pilot phase of countryside stewardship and the decision that it should be transferred to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in 1996 represent a landmark in the development of such schemes and an opportune moment to review their strategic development.

  The main proposals of the working group are that:
  the countryside stewardship scheme should continue to be based on the key principles established during the pilot phase; subject to the availability of resources, the full range of stewardship options should be retained;
  countryside stewardship and the environmentally sensitive areas scheme should be developed into the Ministry's two core environmental schemes when I take over responsibility for stewardship from April 1996;
  the farm and conservation grant scheme should not continue as a separate scheme in England but capital grants for conservation purposes should be integrated into other schemes, principally countryside stewardship;
  further scheme mergers should be considered once the new agri-environment schemes have been operating long enough to be evaluated;
  subject to resources being available, the focus of countryside stewardship should be broadened to include two new options targeting traditional stone walls and banks and the remaining unimproved areas of old meadow and pasture on neutral and acid soils throughout lowland England;
  the ministry should develop a fuller information service to act as a first stop shop for information and basic advice on the range of environmental schemes for farmers and land managers.

  In addition, I have decided in consultation with my right hon. Friend that a national steering group should be set up to advise the Ministry on the objectives, targets and priorities of all its environmental incentive schemes, their effective development and deployment and their monitoring and evaluation, and that liaison arrangements should also be made regionally.

  The objective of these proposals is to improve the integration and focus, and hence the effectiveness and
  320
  efficiency of the Government's range of environmental land management schemes. They are designed to improve the service provided to land managers and to yield greater environmental benefits in the countryside. As such, they would represent a major development of the Government's strategy for such schemes.

  My right hon. Friend and I look forward to receiving the responses to this consultation document, which will be fully taken into account in the Government's preparation of the forthcoming rural White Paper.

NATIONAL HERITAGE

  Museum Entry Charges
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what is his estimate of the revenue accruing to the Exchequer from charges for entry to museums. [22400]

  Mr. Dorrell
  Of the 17 museums and galleries directly sponsored by my Department, seven charge for admission to their collections and exhibitions. During 1994–95, the income generated by these organisations for admissions is estimated at £11.39 million.

  Information about revenue raised from admissions to local authority and independent museums is not held centrally.

ENVIRONMENT

  Urban Programmes
  Sir Irvine Patnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the total amount of resources available for local authorities for urban programmes for the last year for which figures are available; and if he will list the allocations to individual authorities. [24359]

  Mr. Curry
  Urban initiatives by local authorities are supported through main programme expenditure by several Government Departments. This is supplemented by targeted programmes which have been brought together into the single regeneration budget. SRB resources are made available to local authorities and other organisations, reflecting the partnership-based approach of many schemes. In total the SRB will fund more than £1.3 billion of regeneration work in 1995–96 in urban and other areas. The Department's 1995 annual report, a copy of which is in the Library, provides detailed information about the programmes supported.

  Sheltered and Supported Housing
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he and his ministerial colleagues have made of the savings to the Exchequer that voluntary organisations provide with sheltered and supported housing. [24026]

  Mr. Robert B. Jones
  Two of the key voluntary providers of sheltered and supported housing are the Abbeyfield societies and almshouses. In 1990 their housing stock represented 1 per cent. and 3 per cent.
  321
  respectively of the total sheltered and supported rented housing available for elderly people. Research published last year by the Department1 found that 28 per cent. of Abbeyfield societies and 100 per cent. of almshouses capital costs were met from non-exchequer sources. Seven per cent. of Abbeyfield and 25 per cent. of almshouses revenue costs were also met from non-exchequer sources.
  1 "Living Independently—A study of the Housing Needs of elderly and disabled people", HMSO 1994.

  Compulsory Competitive Tendering
  Mr. McLoughlin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what are the Government's conclusions following the completion of consultation on their proposals for extending compulsory competitive tendering to information technology, finance and personnel services. [25561]

  Mr. Robert B. Jones
  We have been discussing how best to give effect to the Government's decision to extend compulsory competitive tendering to white collar professional and corporate services with local authority representatives and other interested parties since early 1993. That consultation has proved valuable to all parties and I am grateful to all those who play a part.

  Last summer we put in place statutory instruments which extended CCT to legal and construction and property services. In the autumn we issued consultation papers setting out the proposed regime for information technology, finance and personnel services. Those attracted between them over 600 responses to my Department, together with 112 to the Scottish Office and 54 to the Welsh Office.

  I have considered all the points made carefully with colleagues in all the departments with an interest in the services concerned and am now able to announce the Government's final decisions on CCT for these remaining services.

  IT Services

  Taking first IT services, we have concluded that both the percentage competition requirement of 70 per cent. for this work and the implementation timetable set out in the consultation paper are reasonable and do not intend to alter either, save that English shire authorities remaining unchanged following review by the Local Government Commission will now be expected to follow the timetable I announced on 29 March at column 644. There is no case for any other substantive change to the proposals put forward in last year's consultation paper. On matters of detail, I am now able to:
  confirm that we intend to make an exemption for fire brigade mobilisation and communications systems. The precise wording of this is being discussed with fire service representatives and a specific exemption order will be brought forward in due course. The defined activity does not include fire brigades' radio systems;
  confirm the proposed credit for in-house IT support to contractors who have taken on other work on behalf of a defined authority, allowing the authority to count this work towards satisfying its CCT obligations, provided it had been the contractors decision to use the IT in question.
  confirm the proposed amendment to guidance on the avoidance of anti-competitive behaviour which will allow an authority to require that contractors use specified software or hardware, including the authority's own systems, where this can be justified on operational grounds.
  322
  I have decided to reject arguments for a short term exemption from CCT for project work underway at the time competition bites.

  Finance Services

  We have given very careful consideration to the competition percentage for finance services. The Government wish to put real pressure on authorities to market test theses services and I am confident that all authorities can achieve the competition requirement of 35 per cent. proposed in the consultation paper. We do not, therefore, intend to change this figure.

  In reaching this conclusion we have had in our minds the Government's commitment that there should be no pressure for compulsory testing of housing benefit or council tax benefit administration. Similarly, the Government have made clear that we are not seeking to compel market testing of those revenues tasks which are to be the subject of an order under the Deregulation and Contracting Out Act 1994 permitting the work to be undertaken by third parties. My hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Social Security and I consider that authorities can achieve this figure without necessitating the market testing of benefits work or the revenues tasks I have mentioned.

  We accept that there are some statutory constraints to contracting out aspects of revenues or benefits work, and many of the services are sensitive. Nevertheless a number of authorities have already shown that, even with these limitations, market testing of this work can improve the quality of the service they are able to offer, and we would encourage them to explore this option on a voluntary basis. Should they choose to do so, this can be counted towards satisfying their obligations under the CCT regime.

  Should the percentage chosen in the event be at such a level as to compel any authority to market test benefits administration or other work which we have said should only be exposed voluntarily, we will consider further the arguments for change. Where individual authorities can demonstrate they cannot meet the figure without being compelled to test benefits work the Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Social Security and I will consider sympathetically any request they may put forward for a specific exemption.

  In the case of education-related benefits service and student awards administration my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education and I have concluded that this work is more closely integrated with the education service that any other part of the authority. The volume of work these services make up is small, and we have concluded there would be little benefit, and possibly some disruption of services, if they were included in the CCT regime. We will, however, wish to consider carefully other methods for improving the efficiency of these services.

  Also on finance services, we intend to make two further changes to the proposed regime. The first is to allow a temporary exemption from CCT for project work on the development and implementation of financial information and management systems underway when CCT bites. This will allow internal management changes, some of which may flow from CCT, to be implemented smoothly.

  Secondly, I intend to allow English metropolitan districts and London boroughs an additional six months to implement CCT extension, taking their start date to 1

  323
  April 1997. This recognises the foreshortened timescale facing these authorities as they prepare for CCT and the need for an adequate lead-in time before new contracts can become operational. The timetable for reorganised shire authorities remains unchanged from that set out in the consultation paper, that which status quo shires will be expected to meet was explained in my announcement of 29 March.

  Personnel Services

  Turning lastly to personnel services, we have concluded that the defined activity should be amended to reflect practical concerns raised about the difficulties of bringing certain work into the CCT regime. We intend to specifically exclude:

  (i) all training undertaken by a local authority on behalf of a Training and nterprise Council (TEC), or, in Scotland, Local Enterprise Council (LEC).

  (ii) personnel work undertaken by local authorities as members of consortia (with educational institutions and others) for the pre-and post-qualification training of social workers.

  (iii) operational training of fire fighters.

  Colleagues in the Department for Education and I also intend to allow in-service teacher training and other education-related training funded through the grant for education support and training—GEST—to be counted towards satisfying the competition requirement in the same way as we have agreed delegated spending under the LMS initiative should count. In Wales Athrawon Bro services will similarly count.

  We have also considered carefully authorities concerns that the competition percentage, which we proposed be 35 per cent., was too high and may compel them to introduce organisational changes or to tender unsuitable work. We have concluded that a reduction in the figure is necessary to accommodate these concerns and therefore intend to set the competition requirement at 30 per cent

  The study of the options for setting the competition requirement undertaken by KPMG on our behalf illustrated that many authorities already actively test the market for certain aspects of personnel work. Much specialist training, for example, is already provided through contract by external organisations. Since they already have a good record in market testing, CCT should present no new difficulties to authorities, For this reason, I have concluded that no additional time is required to implement personnel CCT. All authorities will therefore be expected to meet the timetable set out in the consultation paper, with the exception of status quo English shire authorities, for which I announced a revised timetable on 29 March.

  Finally for personnel services we also intend to increase the de-minimis exemption for personnel work from £300,000 to £400,000 to permit smaller authorities to protect core services.

  Fire Authorities

  The regime I have described will, subject to certain exemptions outlined in the consultation papers, apply to all defined authorities which are subject to CCT, with the exception of police authorities, metropolitan fire and civil defence authorities, including London, and combined fire authorities. CCT for IT, finance and personnel in police authorities is the subject of separate consultation still underway.

  For single purpose fire authorities my right hon. and noble Friend the Minister of State at the Home Office and I have now decided that, having exempted operational
  324
  training the competition requirement for the remaining work within the defined activity of personnel services should be reduced to 15 per cent. For IT and finance work the competition requirements remain at 70 per cent. and 35 per cent. respectively, as for other authorities. The implementation timetable for English single purpose fire authorities will remain aligned with that applying to metropolitan districts and London boroughs, save that any new combined authority created following the implementation of local government reorganisation will have two years from the local date for reorganisation to take effect before CCT will bite.

  Conclusion

  I will be bringing forward a draft order to add these new services to the CCT regime shortly. Once the House has had the opportunity to debate and approve this order we will bring forward further regulations to put in place the remainder of the regime I have today announced.

  The regime I have described today will apply to defined authorities in England, Scotland and Wales. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales is considering comments made on the timetable for implementing CCT extension in Wales and will make an announcement in due course. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland announced the timetable which the new Scottish unitary authorities will be expected to follow on 27 January.

  This announcement is intended to give all authorities a clear basis on which to plan for the extension of CCT. We will write with copies of the new statutory instruments and detailed guidance on each of the new services as soon as possible.

  Following extensive consultation we have now established the statutory framework on which the extension of CCT to all of the white collar services will proceed. This is challenging but, I believe, fair and offers a flexible regime which meets many of the concerns raised with us. I urge all those concerned to strive for the successful implementation of CCT to ensure that local people receive the acknowledged benefits that competition may bring.

  Anti-competitive Behaviour
  Mr. Nigel Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he has decided to take against Ribble Valley district council, Sandwell metropolitan borough council and South Lakeland district council following the notices served on them last year for anti-competitive behaviour. [25562]

  Mr. Robert B. Jones
  On 20 July 1994, my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State, served a notice under section 13 of the Local Government Act 1988 on South Lakeland district council, setting out his view that the authority had acted anti-competitively during a competition for ground maintenance work. On 30 September he served a similar notice on Sandwell metropolitan borough council, also for ground maintenance work, and on 21 November he served a similar notice on Ribble Valley district council, for refuse collection work.

  My right hon. Friend has given careful consideration to the responses to the notices and has today given the authorities directions under section 14 of the Local Government Act 1988.
  325
  South Lakeland is required to retender the grounds maintenance work which was the subject of the notice so that new arrangements are in place by 1 April 1996, and to seek the Secretary of State's consent if it wishes to reassign the work to its direct service organisation.

  The direction given to Sandwell requires the authority to seek the Secretary of State's consent if it wishes to award the ground maintenance work which was subject of the notice to its direct service organisation when the current arrangements expire in 1997.

  Ribble Valley has been directed to retender its refuse collection work so that new arrangements are in place by 1 July 1996, and to seek the Secretary of State's consent if it wishes to reassign the work to its direct services organisation.

  Minister for Bristol
  Mr. Berry
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what expenditure has been incurred by the office of the Minister for Bristol since the present Minister took up post. [24525]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  [holding answer 17 May 1995]: Since taking up post, the total expenditure incurred by Lord Astor's office in making visits to Bristol amounts to £1,159.

  Mr. Berry
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment on what dates the present Minister for Bristol has visited the city on official business; and whom he met. [24526]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  [holding answer 17 May 1995]The present sponsor Minister for Bristol has visited the city on six occasions. The dates of these visits were:

  14 October 1994

  11 November 1994

  16 January 1995

  17 February 1995

  15 March 1995

  12 May 1995

  During these visits the Minister met the following persons:

  Name

  Representing

  Ablett Malcolm

  Hanson Properties

  Baker Simon

  Western Development Partnership

  Bale Simon

  Communities Organised for a Greater Bristol

  Barrett Bill

  Communities Organised for a Greater Bristol

  Barnfield Richard

  WESTEC

  Beales Ian

  Western Daily Press

  Bee Will

  Bristol Common Purpose

  Biddle Norman

  University of Bristol Council

  Blake Michael

  Knightstone Housing Association

  Birtchnell Michael

  Communities Organised for a Greater Bristol

  Brown Jeffrey

  South Bristol College

  Bullard Emma

  Bristol Common Purpose

  Bunyan Diane

  Bristol City Council

  Burge Maureen

  Communities Organised for a Greater Bristol

  Burke John

  Bristol and West Building Society

  Channon John

  Western Development Partnership

  Collinge Miles

  Bristol Development Corporation

  Couper Professor Heather

  Millennium Commissioner

  Courtier Peter

  Bristol Racial Equality Council

  Croucher Neil

  Bristol Tourism Forum

  De Groot Lucy

  Bristol City Council

  326

  Name

  Representing

  Durie Robert

  Western Chamber of Commerce

  Ewens Alec

  Bristol Old Vic

  Ferguson George

  Ferguson Mann Architects

  Fudge Colin

  University of the West of England

  Hartnell St John

  Bristol 1997

  Heighton Martin

  Bristol City Council

  Holland Helen

  Deputy Leader, Bristol City Council

  Hood Nicholas CBE

  Bristol 2000

  Hood Sam

  Knightstone Housing Association

  Irvine Roy

  Bristol City Council

  Jackson Tess

  Bristol Arnolfini

  Johnson David

  Councillor, Avon County Council

  Kay Richard

  Communities Organised for a Greater Bristol

  Kearney Paul

  Bristol United Press

  Kelly Andrew

  Bristol Cultural Development Partnership

  Kenworthy David

  Avon and Somerset Constabulary

  Kershaw Diana

  Bristol City Council

  Kingman Sir John

  Bristol University

  Lawder Simon

  "Building a Better Bristol" Campaign

  McClure Tim

  Churches Council for Industry and Social Responsibility

  McGahey Michael

  Westcountry Tourist Board

  McGowan Hilary

  Bristol City Council

  McGuire Cecilia

  Bristol City Council

  McInally Brian

  Gatehouse Enterprise Centre

  McIver Barry

  South Bristol College

  McKinlay Bob

  Bristol Chamber of Commerce and Initiative

  MacMahon Clara

  Bristol Watershed

  Marshfield Susan

  Bristol Chamber of Commerce

  Mellor David

  Alec French Partnership

  Mordaunt Terence

  Bristol Port Company

  Morris Alfred

  Bristol Old Vic

  Ord David

  Bristol Port Company

  Osbourne Hazel

  Communities Organised for a Greater Bristol

  Pool John

  Bristol 2000

  Robertson Graham

  Leader, Bristol City Council

  Rogerson Barry

  Bishop of Bristol

  Rylance Nicola

  The Bristol Initiative

  Sandbrook Martin

  WESTEC

  Savage John

  Bristol Chamber of Commerce and Initiative

  Shepherd Tony

  Bristol Chamber of Commerce and Initiative

  Singh Raj

  Communities Organised for a Greater Bristol

  Smetherham David

  South Bristol College

  Smith Steve

  Compu Add Ltd

  Symonds Brian

  CBI

  Taylor Prue

  South Bristol College

  Thomas Christopher

  Bristol Development Corporation

  Venn Ian

  Communities Organised for a Greater Bristol

  Vincent Martin

  CompuAdd Ltd

  Wall Robert Sir

  Conservative Leader of Bristol City Council

  Warren Claire

  Lord Mayor of Bristol

  Williams Eric

  Avon County Council

  Wordsworth Chris

  Hanson Properties

  Mr. Berry
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what initiatives the present Minister for Bristol has taken for the benefit of the people of the city. [24527]
  327
  Sir Paul Beresford
  [holding answer 17 May 1995]: The present sponsor Minister for Bristol has, during the first few months of his appointment, been working to encourage partnerships between the public and private sectors which are vital to the future success of Bristol and to capitalise on the substantial public investment secured for the city through, among other things, the Bristol development corporation and single regeneration budget challenge fund.

  Autistic Children
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what percentage of local authorities provide specialist facilities for autistic children; and if he will make a statement. [23677]

  Mr. Forth
  I have been asked to reply.

  I refer the hon. Member to the reply that I gave him on 15 May, Official Report, column 13.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many claimants were awarded(a) weekly industrial disablement benefit and (b) reduced earnings allowance in each of the last five years for which figures are available in Newham; how many claims for industrial disablement benefit and reduced earnings allowance were allowed in each of the last six years for which figures are available; and what were the total amounts of (i) lump sum back payments and (ii) gratuities awarded in each year in Newham. [23790]

  Mr. Hague
  The administration of industrial injuries disablement benefit is a matter for Mr. Ian Magee, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member with such information as is available.

  Letter from Ian Magee to Mr. Tony Banks, dated 17 May 1995:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about awards of Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB) and Reduced Earnings Allowance (REA) in the Benefits Agency's Newham District.
  Information about awards of benefit, or claims allowed, is not available for all of the periods requested because collection of the relevant data on an individual office basis did not begin until October 1991. The figures for 1991–92 relating to awards and claims allowed therefore cover a period of only six months. The available information is at Annex A.
  The distinction between the figures for IIDB allowed and awarded is that some successful claims do not attract benefit because they are assessed at less than 14%. On the other hand, all claims allowed for REA result in an award of benefit.
  Information about lump sum back payments and gratuities is not readily available and could be obtained only at a disproportionate cost.
  I hope you find this reply helpful.

  Annex A: Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit

  Year

  Claims allowed IIDB

  Claims awarded IIDB

  1991–92

  98

  59

  1992–93

  126

  50

  1993–94

  142

  30

  1994–95

  77

  31

  Note:

  1994–95 figures are provisional and subject to amendment.
  328

  Reduced Earning Allowance

  Year

  Claims allowed and awarded REA

  1991–92

  22

  1992–93

  20

  1993–94

  2

  1994–95

  0

  Note:

  1994–95 figures are provisional and subject to amendment.

  St. Paul's Angels Nursery
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what was the expected working life of St. Paul's Angels benefit agency nursery, Brixton, when it was opened; [24711]

  (2) if St. Paul's angels benefit agency nursery, Brixton, is able to offer vacant places to the general public; [24709]

  (3) what are the grounds for closing St. Paul's Angels benefit agency nursery, Brixton, after September. [24710]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  This 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. Kevin McNamara, dated 17 May 1995:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Questions about the St Paul's Angels Nursery in Brixton.
  The nursery was opened on 19 June 1991. No timescale was put on the life of the nursery, but to ensure continuing value for money it has been subject to financial review since it opened.
  Since 1991, with the transfer of the bulk of benefit processing work from Brixton to Belfast there has been a significant reduction of locally based Benefits Agency staff to about 70 on the Brixton site. Despite vigorous efforts by management, take up of places has been low and from September 1995, no District staff plan to use the nursery. A review, conducted in March 1995, shows that the nursery does not satisfy the Treasury value for money criteria and there is a financial shortfall.
  I should add that local management have attempted to accommodate domestic arrangements by extensive use of flexible working patterns, including allowing staff to work part time.
  It is not possible to open the nursery to the public as the Benefits Agency may not trade as a business in competition with the private sector. The Agency is consulting once more with other Government Departments and Agencies in the locality to see if they would be willing to pay the necessary subsidies in respect of their staff's use of the facility. Until this has been done no decision about the future of the nursery can be taken.
  I hope you find this reply helpful.

  Incapacity Benefits
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security on what date he received the memorandum from Disability Wales on incapacity benefits, posted to his Department on 4 December 1994; on what date he sent an acknowledgement of receipt of this letter to Disability Wales; and when he expects his Department to answer the letter. [23950]

  Mr. Hague
  A copy of the letter dated 4 December 1994 from Disability Wales was received on 22 March.

  A reply was sent on 17 May.

  Fraud
  Mr. Frank Cook
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what was the estimated amount of benefit fraud in each year since 1979. [23674]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  The information requested is not available. The benefit savings figures for the fraud detected from 1986–87 are in the table.

  Year

  Benefit Savings £ million

  1986–87

  1144

  1987–88

  1196

  1988–89

  1262

  1989–90

  1309

  1990–91

  2341

  1991–92

  2427

  1992–93

  2558

  1993–94

  2654

  1 Count by district offices.

  2 Count by area fraud sectors after the internal fraud organization changed.

  Housing Benefit
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, (1) what plans he has to exempt sheltered and supported housing from the remit of the proposed changes to housing benefit; [24023]

  (2) what discussions he has had with the National Federation of Housing Associations and other interested bodies with respect to the proposed housing benefit changes, with particular reference to sheltered and supported housing; [24025]

  (3) what savings he is expecting by the expected reductions in housing benefit for sheltered and supported housing; [24027]

  (4) what analysis was made by his Department of the extra costs that sheltered and supported housing would bear under his proposed housing benefit changes. [24024]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has recently received the report of the Social Security advisory committee following its public consultation on the proposed changes to housing benefit. We will be considering carefully the position of sheltered and supported housing under the changes as part of our response to the report.

  Amputees
  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list the (i) categories and (ii) range of clothing grants which may be paid to(a) single upper limb amputees, (b) double upper limb amputees, (c) single lower limb amputees, (d) double lower limb amputees, (e) amputees who have lost one upper and one lower limb. (f) triple amputees and (g) those who have had all four limbs amputated. [24122]

  Mr. Hague
  An allowance may be awarded to an arm or leg amputee or other war disablement pensioners whose pensioned disablement and/or prosthesis causes wear and tear of his clothing. Payment of the allowance is not restricted to amputees. The allowance may be paid at one of two rates as follows:330

  £ per annum

  Higher rate

  129.00

  Lower rate

  82.00

  If the pensioner wears a single artificial limb—other than a tilting-table limb—the lower allowance is awarded. If he wears a tilting-table limb or has more than one artificial limb, the higher rate is awarded. In any other case where the Secretary of State is satisfied that as a result of the pensioned disablement there is exceptional wear and tear of the pensioner's clothing, the allowance may be awarded at a rate not exceeding the higher rate.

  The rate paid to an amputee pensioner is not solely dependent on the site on amputation nor on the number of amputations but on a medical assessment as to the extent the pensioner's accepted disablement and/or prosthesis causes were and tear of his clothing.

  Fraud
  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is his estimate of the number of claimants of incapacity for work benefit who are likely to attempt fraud through the false or unnecessary use of wheelchairs; and if he will make a statement. [24076]

  Mr. Hague
  We have not made such an estimate.

  Low Income Statistics
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when he will publish a response to the Social Security Select Committee's report, "Low Income Families: Low Income Statistics:", published on 21 March 1995. [25538]

  Mr. Burt
  A Government response to the Social Security Select Committee's report, "Low Income Families: Low Income Statistics" has been published today. Copies have been placed in the Library.

  Child Support Agency
  Mr. Timms
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what were(a) the running costs of the Child Support Agency and (b) the costs incurred by his Department in dealing with Child Support Agency matters in (i) 1993–94 and (ii) 1994–95. [24831]

  Mr. Burt
  The annual accounts for the year ended 31 March 1994 were published on 28 November 1994. These included an expenditure statement prepared on an accruals basis and show that the net cost of operations during 1993–94 was £139 million. Similar accounts will be prepared for 1994–95 and published in the agency annual report.

  It is not possible to identify separately the expenditure incurred by the Departmental headquarters in respect of Child Support Agency matters.

  Mr. Clifton-Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the average length of time the Child Support Agency takes to make an assessment; and thereafter in what period those assessed have to make a payment. [20138]

  Mr. Burt
  [Pursuant to his reply Official Report, column 106, 1 May.]: The information I gave regarding the time taken to complete an assessment was incorrect. The correct information is as follows:
  331
  The length of time taken to complete an assessment is variable as it depends on the receipt of information from various sources. Once the agency has all the information it needs, it is currently taking 99 days to complete an assessment. Where no payment is received within 14 days from notification of the maintenance assessment, the agency can consider enforcement action.

  Mr. Timms
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will update(a) table G2.04, relating to benefit status of parent or person with care and absent parent, (b) table G2.07 relating to net income from employment of absent parents where maintenance has been assessed and (c) table G2.08 relating to distribution of maintenance assessments of the "Social Security Statistics 1994" by reference to the most recent data from the caseload of the Child Support Agency. [24836]

  Mr. Burt
  The information requested, based on information available at March 1995, is in the tables.

  Benefit Status of Parent with Care and Absent Parent at 11 March 1995

  Thousands

  Absent parents

  Parents with care

  Total

  1On Income Support

  On Invalidity Benefit, Sickness Benefit or UB

  Not on benefit

  Benefit Status not Known

  Total

  488.0

  90.1

  21.9

  172.3

  203.7

  IS

  391.0

  77.8

  18.2

  138.9

  156.1

  FAMC/DWA

  63.6

  9.5

  2.6

  19.5

  32.0

  No benefit

  33.4

  2.8

  1.1

  13.9

  15.6

  Notes:

  1 Includes some cases on Invalidity Benefit, Sickness Benefit or UB. In some cases where the MEF was returned the AP's benefit status was not recorded and so the available information on APs may not be fully representative of all cases.

  Net income from employment of Absent Parents at 11 March 1995 where maintenance has been assessed

  Maintenance Assessments

  £ per week

  000's

  Percentage

  All Absent Parents

  —

  267.5

  100.0

  APs with no employment income

  —

  117.1

  43.8

  APs with employment income

  —

  150.4

  56.2

  Average net employment income (£pw)

  195.67

  —

  —

  Net employment income (£pw)

  Up to 49.99

  —

  3.9

  1.5

  £50.00–£99.99

  —

  8.2

  3.1

  £100.00–£149.99

  —

  33.5

  12.5

  £150.00–£199.99

  —

  43.0

  16.1

  £200.00–£249.99

  —

  31.1

  11.6

  £250.00–£299.99

  —

  16.9

  6.3

  £300.00 or more

  —

  13.8

  5.2

  Note:

  Net income from employment is gross pay less income tax and National Insurance contributions. Average net income is the mean for APs with income from employment.
  332

  Distribution of Maintenance Assessments at 11 March 1995

  Maintenance Assessments

  £ per week

  000's

  percentage

  Full Maintenance Assessments1—AP not on Income support

  All assessments

  —

  175.0

  100.0

  Average Maintenance Assessment (£pw)

  37.22

  —

  —

  £0

  —

  18.3

  10.5

  £0.01–2.30

  —

  24.4

  13.9

  £2.31–£5.00

  —

  1.8

  1.0

  £5.01–£9.99

  —

  4.5

  2.6

  £10.00–£19.99

  —

  11.8

  6.7

  £20.00–£29.99

  —

  15.1

  8.6

  £30.00–£39.99

  —

  18.8

  10.7

  £40.00–£49.99

  —

  18.6

  10.6

  £50.00–£59.99

  —

  17.0

  9.7

  £60.00–£69.99

  —

  17.8

  10.2

  £70.00–£79.99

  —

  13.1

  7.5

  £80.00–£89.99

  —

  7.7

  4.4

  £90.00–£99.99

  —

  3.6

  2.1

  £100–£109.99

  —

  1.3

  0.7

  £100–£119.99

  —

  0.4

  0.2

  £120+

  —

  0.8

  0.5

  Full Maintenance Assessments1—AP on Income Support

  All assessments

  —

  82.9

  100.0

  Average Maintenance Assessment (£pw)

  0.93

  —

  —

  £0

  —

  48.8

  58.9

  £2.20

  —

  12.1

  14.6

  £2.30

  —

  22

  26.5

  Interim Maintenance Assessments2

  All assessments

  —

  87.5

  100.0

  Average Maintenance Assessment (£pw)

  96.34

  —

  —

  Under 30.00

  —

  0.0

  0.0

  £30.00–£39.99

  —

  1.1

  1.3

  £40.00–£49.99

  —

  3.0

  3.4

  £50.00–£59.99

  —

  8.7

  9.9

  £60.00–£69.99

  —

  3.0

  3.4

  £70.00–£79.99

  —

  2.5

  2.9

  £80.00–£89.99

  —

  1.9

  2.2

  £90.00–£99.99

  —

  30.3

  34.6

  £100–£109.99

  —

  12.9

  14.7

  £110–£119.99

  —

  13.3

  15.2

  £120+

  —

  10.8

  12.3

  1 Includes Category 'B' Interim Maintenance Assessments.

  2 Excludes Category 'B' Interim Maintenance Assessments.

  Note:

  Category 'B' Interim Maintenance Assessments are made when insufficient information has been provided about the partners of the AP, PWC or about some other member of their households.

  Severe Disability Premium
  Mr. Alfred Morris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what are the cost implications for income support for severe disability premium of the Court of Appeal's decision in the case of Anne Marie Bate; how many cases are potentially involved; and if he will make a statement. [24880]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  On 9 May the House of Lords Judicial Committee granted the Secretary of State and chief adjudication officer leave to appeal the Court of Appeal judgment in the case of Anne Marie Bate. This means that the exact impact of the judgment on the
  333
  payment of the severe disability premium within income support will depend on the decision of the House of Lords.

  It is difficult to assess the cost implications and numbers of potential cases. The judgment could result in an estimated 45,000 income support claimants being entitled to between one and eight days severe disability premium as a result of the two day period between the judgment and the introduction of amending legislation restoring the original policy intention behind the premium. Additional costs could also arise from appeals currently within the appeal system or later appeals.

  Payment of benefit arising as a result of the case has been suspended pending the result of the appeal.

  Income Support
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is his estimate of the savings to the Exchequer from the lower rate of income support benefit payable to those aged between 18 and 25 years. [22407]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  [Pursuant to his reply 9 May Official Report column 391]: The information I gave regarding the current annual cost of raising the income support rate for 18 to 24-year olds was incorrect due to a typographical error. The correct information is as follows.

  The current annual cost of raising the income support rate for 18 to 24 year olds to that payable for single people aged 25 and above would be about £420 million.

  Notes:

  1. The figure is based on the 1990, 1991, 1992 Family Expenditure Surveys, uprated to 1995–96 prices and benefit levels.

  2. The figure includes the additional cost of linked increases in housing benefit and council tax benefit.

SCOTLAND

  Equal Opportunities
  Ms Eagle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress has been made within his Department on equal opportunities matters. [21481]

  Mr. Lang
  The Scottish Office as an employer, has made considerable progress on equal opportunities issues. Its initiatives have been based on the 1984 report, on "Equality of Opportunity for Women in the Civil Service", and also on the Cabinet Office "Programmes of Action on Race and Disability".

  Details of these initiatives can be found in the following Cabinet Office publications:

  Civil Service Data Summary 1994

  Equal Opportunities for Women in the Civil Service—10 Year

  Progress Report 1984–94

  Annual Reports on the Progress of Women and People of Ethnic Origin

  Ms Eagle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress he hopes to achieve in his Department over the next three months to push forward the declaration signed in October 1994 at the Vienna conference in preparation for the fourth UN conference on women; and if he will agree to incorporate a section on equal opportunities in his Department's annual report. [21483]

  Mr. Lang
  The Government are committed to the principles set out in the regional platform for action agreed at the preparatory conference in Vienna for the 334
  fourth UN world conference on women. We have taken these forward through a wide range of programmes and initiatives and will continue to do so.

  In line with the Government's commitment in the White Paper "Taking Forward Continuity and Change", the Scottish Office is committed to reporting on equal opportunities in its annual report.

  Ms Eagle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish the gender assessment being prepared by his Department. [21482]

  Mr. Lang
  The Scottish Office policy, in line with guidance issued in 1992 by the ministerial group on women's issues, is that policy proposals should ensure that unlawful or unjustifiable sex or race discrimination does not occur and that similar principles apply to people with disabilities, older people or ex-offenders. This scrutiny is part of a continuous and routine process, as part of policy advice to Ministers.

  Ms Eagle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland which Minister in his Department has responsibility for equal opportunities issues. [21480]

  Mr. Lang
  I am responsible, along with my ministerial team, for ensuring that Government policy on equal opportunities is implemented in the Scottish Office.

  Closed Circuit Television
  Sir David Steel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what principle determines the levels of funding allocated to local authorities for closed circuit television systems in Scotland as compared with England and Wales. [23641]

  Mr. Lang
  Capital consent allocations to Scottish local authorities are not project specific and it is for local authorities themselves to determine their own priorities for their areas, including the provision of closed circuit television systems, from within the total resource available to them.

  A recent competition by the Home Office to fund closed circuit television systems in England and Wales was not emulated in Scotland. In Scotland we remain firmly of the view that funding for the installation of CCTV should continue to be provided by joint ventures involving local businesses, local authorities and other groups who derive a direct benefit from the resource.

  These financial arrangements, involving a large public sector commitment, have worked well. I am glad to say that there are already 13 CCTV schemes in Scotland, with more in prospect.

  Public Bodies
  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the non-departmental public bodies, arms-length organisations, and executive agencies which can be referred to the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration. [24212]

  Mr. Lang
  The following non-departmental public bodies sponsored by my Department fall within the jurisdiction of the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration.

  Crofters Commission

  New Town Development Corporations

  Red Deer Commission

  Scottish Arts Council

  Scottish Homes

  335

  Scottish Legal Aid Board

  Scottish Medical Practices Committee

  Scottish Natural Heritage

  Scottish Sports Council

  Scottish Tourist Board

  Executive agencies are within the jurisdiction of the Parliamentary Commissioner in the same way as their parent Department. Scottish Office executive agencies are:

  Scottish Prison Service

  Historic Scotland

  Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency

  Scottish Agricultural Science Agency

  Scottish Office Pensions Agency

  Students Awards Agency for Scotland

  Water Boards
  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how much money has been allocated to set up the three new water boards in Scotland; and if he will make a statement. [24805]

  Mr. Kynoch
  A total of £9.7 million has been allocated for grant-in-aid to the new water authorities in 1995–96. The allocations to individual water authorities is shown in the respective grant-in-aid tables at chapter 4 of the Scottish Office departmental report, published as Cm 2814.

  Lucia Martin Johnson
  Mr. Tom Clarke
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will intervene in the case of Lucia Martin Johnson of Craigendmuir park, Cardowan, Stepps, to prevent her removal from the United Kingdom. [24863]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Under the provisions of the Hague convention on the civil aspects of international child abduction, which were incorporated in to the laws of the United Kingdom by the Child Abduction and Custody Act 1985, such decisions are for the Court of Session and not for my right hon. Friend.

  Smoking
  Mr. Peter Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland 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 workstation and (ii) rest, recreation and refreshment facilities at Dover house, Whitehall, London. [25233]

  Mr. Lang
  My Department introduced restrictions on smoking in 1990 under which smoking is not permitted by staff at any time in work areas, reception areas, corridors, toilets, lifts, conference rooms and staff restaurants, except where there are designated smoking areas. In Dover house there is a designated smoking room in which staff may smoke.

  Fisheries Committee
  Mr. Wray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what considerations led to the decision not to release externally the annual report of the electricity Fisheries Committee. [24189]

  Sir Hector Monro
  [holding answer 15 May 1995]: The annual reports which the Fisheries Committee has made to my right hon. Friend in recent years, were
  336
  produced on its own initiative. There is no statutory requirement for them. They were made without any expectation on the part of the committee, or hydro-electric companies, that the reports would be given wider distribution. For that reason, these reports have not been released externally. However, the committee will be informed that any future annual reports will be made available on request.

HEALTH

  Charges and Receipts
  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to her answer of 2 May,Official Report, column 177, what assumptions informed her estimate of charges and receipts in tables of the departmental report for 1994–95 and 1995–96. [23620]

  Mr. Sackville
  The estimates of charges and receipts for 1994–95 and 1995–96 were published in table 3 of the departmental report, Cmnd 2812.

  The estimates of hospital and community health services charges and receipts for 1994–95 were based on the latest national health service trust audited summarisation accounts and on accounts and estimates from health authorities. The 1995–96 hospital and community health services current estimate is based on projections of past trends in receipts and will be revised in the usual way as further information becomes available. The HCHS capital receipts for 1994–95 and 1995–96 assume that some expected land sales which were not completed in 1994–95 will take place in the following year.

  The estimate of family health service charges and receipts for 1994–95, reflected the charge levels then in force and forecasts of the volume of prescriptions and dental treatments. The planned increase for 1995–96 reflects the increase in family health services charges announced on 22 February, updated forecasts of the volume of prescriptions and dental treatments, and the knock on effect on charges of the increase in dental fees from 1 April, following the recommendation of the Doctors and Dentists Review Body.

  Dental Services
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment she has made of the number of adults who no longer have access to NHS dentists. [24406]

  Mr. Malone
  All family health services authorities in England report that they can help patients who contact them to find national health service dentists.

  Mr. Wray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if her Department will undertake an assessment of the report commissioned by the Austrian Government in 1993 on the role of fluorides in the prevention of caries. [24803]

  Mr. Malone
  Yes, when it is received.

  Operations
  Mrs. Angela Knight
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the average cost of(a) a hip and (b) a cataract operation undertaken by hospitals in Derby. [24215]
  337
  Mr. Sackville
  The information is not available centrally. My hon. Friend may wish to contact Mr. Graham Rudd, chairman of Southern Derbyshire health authority, for details.

  Annual Reports
  Mr. Wray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will introduce legislation to make it a statutory requirement for(a) the Advisory Committee on National Health Service Drugs, (b) the Advisory Committee on the Microbiological Safety of Food, (c) the Committee on the Carcinogenicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment, (d) the Committee on the Medical Aspects of Food Policy, (e) the Committee for Monitoring Agreements on Tobacco Advertising and Sponsorships, (f) the Committee on the Medical Aspects of Radiation in the Environment, (g) the Committee on the Mutagenicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment and (h) the Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment, to lay an annual report before Parliament. [24203]

  Mr. Sackville
  There are no plans to introduce legislation to make it a statutory requirement for any of these bodies to lay their annual reports before Parliament. The following bodies already publish their annual reports through HMSO:

  Advisory Committee on the Microbiological Safety of Food;

  Committee on the Carcinogenicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment;

  Committee for Monitoring Agreements on Tobacco Advertising and Sponsorship;

  Committee on the Mutagenicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment.

  Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment.

  The annual report for the Committee on the Medical Aspects of Food Policy is available from the body itself. Reports from the Committee on the Medical Aspects of Radiation in the Environment are published by HMSO, although not necessarily annually.

  The Advisory Committee on National Health Service Drugs does not publish an annual report. Its recommendations are made to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State who considers them in the formulation of policy.

  Nurse Training
  Mr. Spellar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many individuals have commenced nursing training in each of the last five years. [24354]

  Mr. Sackville
  Data on the number of entrants to initial pre-registration nursing education are collected by the English National Board for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting. Copies of the board's annual report for 1993–1994 are available in the Library.

  Kawasaki Disease
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to her answer of 28 February,Official Report, column 495, what information about Kawasaki disease has now been made available to doctors through (a) her Department and (b) health authorities. [24080]
  338
  Mr. Sackville
  The chief medical officer plans to include advice on the diagnosis and treatment of Kawasaki disease in his "Update" newsletter which is sent to all doctors in contract with the national health service. Copies are also placed in the Library.

  Details of the information which health authorities make available to doctors is not collected centrally.

  Myalgic Encephalomyelitis
  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will support the campaign to make the people of the United Kingdom more aware of myalgic encephalomyelitis; if she will increase official recognition of the disease; and if she will make a statement. [24096]

  Mr. Sackville
  We recognise what is increasingly being referred to as chronic fatigue syndrome as a potentially debilitating and distressing complex and we would support any informed efforts to raise awareness of this condition. Unfortunately, the causes of CFS are not understood, nor is there a generally agreed method of treatment.

  The national task force on CFS, PVFS—post viral fatigue syndrome—and ME, which is independent of the Department, has produced a report. With a view to securing progress and promoting the development of a professional consensus, the chief medical officer has invited the conference of medical royal colleges to consider the report. The views of the conference of colleges will be of much assistance to the Department in helping to determine the best way forward.

  Temazepam
  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when she next plans to meet representatives of the Advisory Committee on the Misuse of Drugs to discuss the rescheduling of temazepam; and if she will make a statement. [24120]

  Mr Bowis
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply my right hon. Friend the Lord President of the Council gave the hon. Member for Ayr (Mr. Gallie) on 10 May at column 756.

  Capital Expenditure
  Mrs. Angela Knight
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what has been the capital expenditure on(a) the Derbyshire royal infirmary, (b) Derby City general hospital and (c) the Queens medical centre, Nottingham since (i) 1979 and (ii) 1992. [24213]

  Mr. Sackville
  Information on capital expenditure is not available centrally. My hon. Friend may wish to contact David Dawson, Norman Woods and Martin Suthers, chairmen of Derbyshire royal infirmary, Derby City general hospital and Queen's medical centre, respectively for details.

  Peto Institute
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what discussions she has had with the Foreign Secretary in respect of the transfer of moneys promised to the Peto institute in Hungary to the Peto institute in Britain; [24503]
  339
  (2) if the Peto institute complies with the criteria under the section 64 scheme, to apply for a grant this year; and what other financial assistance is available to the Foundation for Conductive Education. [24504]

  Mr. Bowis
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave him on 18 April at column 113. Any application from the Foundation for Conductive Education for funding in 96–97 under the section 64 scheme would be considered on its merits. The Health and Education Departments keep in close touch with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office about the agreement between the United Kingdom and Hungarian Governments covering the construction of a new international Peto institute in Budapest and I met the Hungarian Minister of Health in Budapest on 19 September 1994 to discuss progress.

  Rubber Gloves
  Mr. Congdon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what dangers her Department has identified in the use of certain types of rubber gloves used by health service workers; what assessment her Department has made of allergic reactions caused by the use of rubber surgical gloves used by health service workers; and what advice her Department gives to DHAs as to the purchasing of rubber surgical gloves. [24580]

  Mr. Sackville
  The Department is investigating claims of an apparent increase in the incidence of latex sensitivity in the last two years. The Medical Devices Agency is consulting experts in the field and reviewing survey information from other countries. A safety notice will be issued shortly drawing attention to the fact of latex sensitivity. Health authorities and national health service trusts are advised to buy surgeon's gloves and examination gloves which meet the Department's specification and quality standards, as do all such gloves supplied through the national and divisional contracts of the NHS Supplies Authority. Non-latex gloves are available under those contracts, if required.

  Richard Linford
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if she will call for a report into the medical care given to Mr. Richard Linford and Mr. Christopher Edwards, prior to their imprisonment; and is she will make a statement; [24665]

  (2) if she will make a statement on the treatment of Mr. Richard Linford at Broomfield hospital, Chelmsford following his arrest for assault in November 1994. [24664]

  Mr. Bowis
  North Essex health authority, Essex social services and the Home Office, representing the Prison Service, are establishing an independent inquiry into the care of Christopher Edwards and Richard Linford as required by HSG(94)27, copies of which are available in the Library.

  Hib Vaccine
  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what impact the Hib vaccine has had on cases of Hib meningitis since its introduction. [24563]

  Mr. Sackville
  The introduction of Hib vaccine, in October 1992, has had a dramatic impact on cases of invasive Hib disease, including meningitis. Disease 340
  among young children targeted by Hib immunisation has almost completely disappeared. Laboratory reports show that cases of Hib meningitis in the under-fives fell from 347 in 1991 to just 11 last year; a reduction of 97 per cent.

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is her Department's policy on advice to be given to parents by GPs about the level and type of protection given against meningitis by the Hib vaccine; and what monitoring is undertaken by her Department to ensure this advice is complied with. [24565]

  Mr. Sackville
  Before the introduction of Hib vaccine into the childhood immunisation programme in October 1992, the Department of Health provided all health professionals with a comprehensive pack of information on the vaccine, including guidance on answering parents' questions. The pack includes information from Hib vaccine trials which showed 95 per cent. of children immunised developed effective levels of protection. It also clearly states that the vaccine gives protection against the invasive forms of Hib disease, including meningitis, but that it will not protect against other types of meningitis. Information about the type of protection Hib vaccine gives against meningitis is also contained in parents' information literature published by the Health Education Authority.

  The Health Education Authority conducts a continuous tracking study of parental attitudes and knowledge of all immunisations in the childhood programme, including Hib. for the Department.

  Tuberculosis
  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what has been the incidence of tuberculosis among persons who had at some stage had the BCG vaccine in each of the last five years; and what conclusions she has reached concerning the effectiveness of the BCG from this information. [24566]

  Mr. Sackville
  Whether or not a patient with tuberculosis had previously received BCG vaccine is not routinely recorded, nor was this information collected during the 1993 national survey of notifications of tuberculosis.

  Hospitals
  Mr. Devlin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will set out for(a) St. Bartholomew's hospital, London and (b) North Tees general hospital, Stockton-on-Tees (i) the catchment population, (ii) the annual revenue and capital budgets, (iii) the number of consultant medical staff, (iv) the number of nursing staff, (v) the average waiting time for patients and (vi) the proximity of the nearest general hospital. [24700]

  Mr. Sackville
  The information on St. Bartholomew's hospital is not available centrally, as St. Bartholomew's is a constituent part of a larger unit—the Royal London Hospitals national health service trust. My hon. Friend may wish to contact the chairman of the trust, Sir Derek Boorman for specific details.

  For information about North Tees general hospital, my hon. Friend may wish to contact Ms J. Graham Bowman, chairman of the North Tees health NHS trust, for details.

  Asthma
  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many cases of childhood asthma have been reported in Britain in each of the last 15 years; and what percentage this is of the children in Britain. [24561]

  Mr. Sackville
  Information is not available in the form requested. It has been estimated that 4 to 6 per cent. of children have asthma requiring regular medical supervision.

  Earlier this year, the Department of Health published "Asthma—An Epidemiological Overview", copies of which are available in the Library. This overview brings together a range of statistics on asthma.

  Recruitment
  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations she has received from(a) hospitals and (b) general practice about difficulties in recruiting doctors; and if she will make a statement. [24721]

  Mr. Malone
  We have received some representations from NHS trusts. However, this may be due to factors such as the geographical location or proposed duties of the posts. The number of NHS consultants continues to rise steadily, with average annual increases over the five years to 1993 well in excess of the Government's 2 per cent. target.

  The specialist workforce advisory group, SWAG, recognises the need to have better information about recruitment difficulties in relation to hospital doctors. SWAG has recently conducted a survey on this issue in a small sample of trusts. Most of the responses have now

  1993–94

  1992–93

  1991–92

  1990–91

  1989–90

  1988–89

  Acute surgical

  1,312,775

  1,287,166

  1,213,773

  1,246,919

  1,258,519

  1,234,125

  Acute medical (not Paediatrics)

  1,370,415

  1,258,608

  1,182,521

  1,167,393

  1,158,073

  1,114,957

  Paediatrics

  464,118

  429,110

  433,369

  406,353

  400,576

  384,851

  A and E speciality

  85,510

  82,225

  81,656

  82,901

  84,046

  82,132

  Other emergency

  600,680

  583,786

  545,991

  548,859

  521,520

  486,005

  Source:

  Hospital Episode Statistics.

  World Health Organisation
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is Her Majesty's Government's policy in respect of the motion made by certain African countries in respect of the position of the current director general of the World Health Organisation. [24507]

  Mr. Malone
  The draft resolution proposed by two African countries in respect of the current director general of the World Health Organisation was withdrawn by its sponsors after it failed to attract support among other African countries, and before member states from other WHO regions had commented on it.

  Junior Doctors
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures are in place to improve the working conditions, living conditions and terms of employment of junior doctors; what percentage of junior doctors is currently receiving implemented improvements; and if she will make a statement. [24695]
  342
  been received, and SWAG will use this information to help it make decisions on the relative priority with which it should examine individual specialties.

  Some general medical practitioners have expressed concern about recruitment into general practice. However, the number of general practitioner principals continues to increase year on year.

  Alcohol Consumption
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what evidence she has received on the relationship between alcohol consumption and heart disease; and if she will make a statement. [24712]

  Mr. Bowis
  This is one of the matters currently being considered by the inter-departmental group on sensible drinking. The group has received about 90 pieces of evidence on the effects of alcohol consumption on health, including the effects on heart disease.

  Emergency Admissions
  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what has been the number of(a) surgical, (b) adult medical, (c) paediatric, (d) intensive therapy units, (e) A and E and (f) other, emergency admissions in each of the last 10 years. [24722]

  Mr. Sackville
  Information for the years 1988–89 to 1993–94 is shown in the table. Comparable data for earlier years are not available centrally. Patients in intensive therapy units are admitted under the care of consultants in the specialties that provide the treatment.

  Emergency admissions, numbers of finished consultant episodes:

  Mr. Malone
  "The New Deal on Junior Doctors' Hours", copies of which are available in the Library, has resulted in significant improvements in the conditions of junior doctors. Over 96 per cent. of the 27,669 junior doctors and dentists in England now comply with the current new deal contracted hours' targets.

  We have devoted over £180 million to support the new deal. Our task forces, working closely with hospitals, have made excellent progress in using this money not only to reduce junior doctors' hours but to make real improvements in their living and working conditions. Over 2,000 new posts for doctors, including over 900 extra consultant posts, have been funded centrally or locally to support the new deal. We have also enabled task forces to spend significant sums in-year on improving living and working conditions.

  We introduced in 1992 a new, more flexible, pay system which recognises the diversity of junior doctors' working patterns and rewards them according to their level of work intensity. We have also accepted a recommendation this year from the Doctors and Dentists Pay. Review Body to increase the rate of pay for on-call

  343
  work for house officers and senior house officers. This improves their position relative to other doctors in training.

  We are committed to ensuring that the very encouraging progress made so far is sustained and that we continue to move forward in providing a better working and training environment for junior doctors. This will help to improve the quality of patient care delivered by doctors.

  Medical Graduates
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many medical graduates leave the profession within three years of graduation. [24696]

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

  Pre-Registration House Officer Posts
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will make a statement on the process for allocation of pre-registration house officer posts. [24697]

  Mr. Malone
  The Department seeks the advice of the postgraduate deans and the medical profession's joint consultants committee on the number and distribution of pre-registration house officer posts. The aim is that there should be sufficient posts to ensure that all new graduates are able to obtain a PRHO post. There is a small—currently 12.5 per cent.—excess of posts to ensure that they have some choice.

  Ambulance Services
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if she will make a statement on the change in emergency demand and urgent demand for ambulance services in 1994–95; [24698]

  (2) if she will list the ambulance services which failed to meet patients charter standards in any month for the year 1994–95, and the total number of months in which each ambulance service failed to meet patients charter standards; and if she will make a statement. [24699]

  Mr. Sackville
  This information is not collected on a monthly basis. Information on ambulance service activity in 1994–95 will not be available until later in the year.

  Read Clinical Codes
  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will list the total sums paid for the Read code by the NHS; and to whom these sums were paid. [24762]

  Mr. Sackville
  The sum paid by the Secretary of State for the Read clinical codes is commercial-in-confidence information. The agreed amount was paid directly to the inventor and developer of the codes, Dr. James Read, in April 1990.

  Telephone Links (South Thames Regional Office)
  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what is the total cost to South Thames regional health authority of purchasing electronic links computer equipment for new 10 digit telephone numbers within the NHS; [24789]

  (2) from which budget South Thames regional health authority is purchasing electronic links computer equipment. [24788]
  344
  Mr. Sackville
  The telephone switchboard at Eastbourne terrace, the location of both South and North Thames regional health authorities, will be upgraded at a cost of £8,500 to make it compatible with the existing Department of Health telephone system. This will have significant benefits and will be funded from the office information system implementation budget for the North and South Thames regional office.

  Breast Cancer
  Ms Lynne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what consideration she is giving to extending the age that women are automatically screened for breast cancer. [24824]

  Mr. Sackville
  A study is being planned looking at the benefits and cost-effectiveness of including women aged 65 or over in the breast screening programme. Research is already under-way on the effectiveness of screening women aged 40 to 50.

  Ms Lynne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will list the research currently being conducted into(a) breast screening of women 65 years and over, (b) breast screening of women under 50 and (c) the interval between breast screening which her Department has (i) commissioned and (ii) evaluated; and if she will detail for each (1) the body undertaking the research, (2) the geographical areas covered, (3) the sample size, (4) the expected completion date and (5) the cost of the exercise. [24825]

  Mr. Sackville
  The United Kingdom Health Departments, along with the Medical Research Council, which receives its grant-in-aid from the office of my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, and the two major cancer research charities—the Cancer Research Campaign and the Imperial Cancer Research Fund—are currently funding four studies into breast cancer screening costing £5 million over five years. Two of these trials relate to:

  (i) The effects of screening women annually from age 40
  This is a multi-centre trial of some 195,000 women aged 40–41 who were identified and randomly allocated to a study group of 65,000 or a control group of 130,000. An interim analysis will take place in 1996, after which a decision on future funding will be taken.

  (ii) The effects of screening more frequently than every three years in women aged 50 and over
  This is a five-centre randomised trial looking at annual screening. The aim is to recruit 100,000 women aged 50 to 64. This trial is due to finish in 1996.
  The trials are being co-ordinated by the United Kingdom co-ordinating committee on cancer research. The Department of Health contributed £270,000 to the trials in 1994–95.
  The Department also funds the cancer screening evaluation unit at the Royal Marsden hospital, Sutton, by some £400,000 per year. The CSEU has a wide remit for the evaluation of cancer screening, a large part of which relates to breast cancer screening. This includes the co-ordination of the multi-centre UKCCCR age trial.
  A study is planned to look at the benefits and cost-effectiveness of including women aged 65 or over in the breast screening programme.

  Imported Monkeys
  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment she has made as to potential health hazards posed by the import of monkeys into the United Kingdom. [24786]

  Mr. Sackville
  All monkeys imported into Great Britain have to be licensed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and must spend six months in quarantine. Importers carry out tests for infectious agents that might be transmitted to humans before importation and during the period of quarantine. Instructions on preventing the spread of infection are given to those who handle monkeys as part of their work. Our medical advice is that these steps are adequate to protect human health.

  Medical Insurance
  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what responsibility a family health services authority has to ensure that a general practitioner holds current medical insurance. [24785]

  Mr. Malone
  None. General practitioners, as self-employed contractors, have responsibility for ensuring where appropriate, that they hold medical insurance. Subscriptions to medical defence bodies are fully reimbursed to the profession through the cost-plus contract.

  Disciplinary Tribunals
  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health in what circumstances a nurse may present evidence to a hospital disciplinary tribunal. [24787]

  Mr. Sackville
  There are no special provisions or circumstances which affect the attendance of nurses at disciplinary hearings; like other members of staff they may be called on to give evidence.

  HIV-AIDS
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what initiatives have been undertaken by her Department to warn young people of the need to protect themselves against HIV when travelling abroad. [24862]

  Mr. Sackville
  The Health Education Authority which has the responsibility for the national HIV public education programme runs a summer campaign every year to alert travellers to the risk of HIV infection when they go abroad. This year and for the past two years the Department of Health has also run its HIV "Travel Safe Campaign" which is aimed at young, independent travellers. National initiatives are amply supported by travel projects funded at local level in the national health service.

TRANSPORT

  Motorway Traffic, Hampshire
  Mr. Chidgey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what sections of motorways in Hampshire currently have traffic levels which exceed on average 75,000 vehicles per day; and what sections are expected to have such traffic levels by 2000. [24299]
  346
  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 18 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 sections of motorways in Hampshire currently have traffic levels which exceed on average 75,000 vehicles per day and what sections are expected to have such traffic levels by the year 2000.
  The following sections of motorway currently have traffic levels in excess of 75,000 vehicles per day:-

  M3 Junctions 4–6 (Camberley to Basingstoke)

  M27 Junctions 5–9 (Stoneham to Park Gate)

  M27 Junctions 11–12 (Fareham to Portsmouth)

  By the year 2000, the following additional sections are expected to have flows in excess of 75,000 vehicles per day:-

  M3 Junctions 9–14 (Winnall to M27 Chilworth)

  M27 Junctions 4–11 (Chilworth to Fareham).

  Road Surfacing
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is the cost of(a) laying and (b) maintaining 100 yards of (i) porous and (ii) conventional asphalt. [23863]

  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. Gordon Prentice, dated 18 May 1995:
  The Minister for Railways and Roads, Mr. John Watts MP, has asked me to write to you in reply to your recent Parliamentary Question concerning the cost of (a) laying and (b) maintaining 100 yards of (i) porous asphalt and (ii) conventional asphalt.
  My previous answer of 8 March quoted a range of prices for one kilometre length within a typical surfacing contract. Prices for a 100 yards length would be approximately 10% of those quoted figures. For instance a two lane dual carriageway all purpose road would be £10,000 to £20,000 for porous asphalt and £7,000 to £10,000 for conventional asphalt. I should point out that where only short lengths such as 100 yards are to be surfaced the costs would rise substantially for both porous asphalt and conventional asphalt due to the increased impact of fixed site costs. As we have little experience of such working we are unable to be more precise.
  Differences in maintenance cost between porous asphalt and conventional asphalt relate chiefly to the need for more frequent resurfacing with porous asphalt, the extra cost of the porous asphalt material and the more frequent salting operations needed for porous asphalt in winter. It is currently not possible to give any representative information on the additional cost of salting given the limited amount of porous asphalt which has been laid and the recent mild winters. However, I am able to give you an indication of the difference in material and laying costs. Broadly speaking, maintaining a porous asphalt surface over the life of a road will be of the order of double the cost of maintaining a conventional asphalt surface. This does not take into account the effect of traffic delays during roadworks which will add to the cost of maintaining porous asphalt because of the need for more frequent resurfacing.
  As explained in my letter the costs are influenced by numerous factors such as traffic and climatic conditions. These also have an influence on the life of a road surface. Consequently the performance of the different surfaces will vary significantly from site to site.

  Mr. Chidgey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what are the locations of the sections of Britain's motorways that currently have porous asphalt surfacing; what total length of motorways is covered in porous asphalt surfacing; and what total length of
  347
  motorway covered in porous asphalt surfacing currently have traffic levels (a) below and (b) above 75,000 vehicles per day. [24300]

  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 18 May 1995:
  The Minister for Railways and Roads, Mr. John Watts MP, has asked me to write to you in reply to your recent Parliamentary Question concerning the locations of lengths of porous asphalt laid on motorways throughout Britain and of those the total lengths carrying above and below 75,000 vehicles per day.
  You will appreciate that the Secretary of State for Transport and the Highways Agency are responsible only for roads in England. Roads in Scotland and Wales are the responsibility of the appropriate Secretaries of State and I am not able to provide information to you for those areas.
  Porous asphalt surfacings have been used within two long term trials on the M1 in Yorkshire and on the M6 in Lancashire. In addition, porous surfaces have been used on the M40 (Junction 6 - Postcombe) and on the M25 widening (Junctions 7–8) currently under construction.
  To date the total length of motorway covered with porous asphalt is approximately 4.5 miles excluding the trials. These trials comprise approximately 1.1 miles but in each case it is only one or part of one of the two carriageways which has been treated.
  None of the lengths with porous asphalt surfacing carry flows less than 75,000 vehicles per day.

  Mr. Chidgey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his answer of 9 May,Official Report, columns 351–52, in what specific circumstances porous asphalt is considered not to be technically suitable as a noise mitigation measure on motorways. [24461]

  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 18 May 1995:
  The Minister for Railways and Roads, Mr. John Watts MP, has asked me to write to you in reply to your recent Parliamentary Question concerning the specific circumstances porous asphalt is considered not to be technically suitable as a noise mitigation measure on motorways.
  The technical limitations on the use of porous asphalt on motorways and other trunk roads are set out in the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges, Volume 7, Section 2, Part 4, HD27/94 as published by HMSO. This states that porous asphalt should not be used in the following situations:

  a) On areas where the pavement strength is sub-standard.

  b) On areas where there is considerable acceleration, braking, turning and parking.

  c) On tight radius curves, and loops of radii less than 75 metres, or when gradients exceed 10 per cent., without advice from the Overseeing Department.

  d) On areas where excessive deposits of detritus or oil and fuel may be experienced; such as parking areas, exits from farms and quarries and other industrial sites.

  e) On areas where the use of tracked vehicles, construction plant, farm equipment or similar industrial vehicles is expected.

  f) On areas where the cross-fall is insufficient to remove water to the road edge such that flooding may occur in the porous asphalt.

  g) At locations where free drainage cannot be accommodated along the low edge of the surfacing; for example abutting other types of construction such as a concrete carriageway.

  h) Generally on lengths of carriageway less than 100m, because of spray carry-over from adjacent surfacing, unless special conditions prevail.

  348

  i) Where cyclists use the carriageway and where kerbs are provided, unless provision is made to ensure drainage design overcomes any possible safety hazards.

  j) On existing new bridges where it is not possible to adequately drain the surface.

  k) In urban environments, where frequent excavations by statutory undertakers may occur.

  l) Where traffic levels exceed 4,000 commercial vehicles per lane per day, at opening, without reference to the Overseeing Department. This is being extended to embrace traffic levels up to 6,000.

  Porous asphalt is not recommended for use on jointed concrete or flexible composite road pavements without seeking advice from the Overseeing Department. Additionally, it is not recommended for certain steel deck bridges.
  Whilst the above limitations currently apply the Highways Agency has implemented a research programme to see if it is possible to produce more durable porous asphalt and reduce the number of limitations.

  Motorway Noise
  Mr. Chidgey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his answer of 9 May,Official Report, column 345, what is the definition adopted by his Department of noise levels being unreasonably high at adjacent properties to a motorway; and what consideration is given to the expected increase in noise levels due to the future growth in traffic. [24458]

  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 18 May 1995:
  The Minister for Railways and Roads, Mr. John Watts MP has asked me to write to you in reply to your recent Parliamentary Question concerning the definition adopted of noise levels being unreasonable adjacent to motorways and what allowance is made for traffic growth.
  The level of traffic noise which is taken to be unreasonable is that prescribed by the Noise Insulation Regulations, namely a level which is predicted to exceed 68 db(A) at the facade of a residential property, of which an increase of at least 1db(A) is attributable to traffic on the new or improved road. Future growth of traffic, both on the new road and associated roads in the area, is taken into account by basing predicted noise levels on the most adverse combination anticipated within 15 years of the new road or improvement being open to traffic.

  Mr. Chidgey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his answer of 9 May,Official Report, column 344, for what reasons only motorways which had a start of works prior to April and which are still under construction are considered for the provision of acoustic fencing. [24459]

  Mr. John 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 18 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 for what reasons only motorways which had a start of works prior to April and that are still under construction are considered for acoustic fencing.
  The provision of acoustic fencing is considered for all new motorway and motorway widening schemes as the noise mitigation part of a package of environmental measures. But how much is provided in any one year depends on when the particular scheme starts and the contractors programme of work on that scheme.

  349
  Thus in answering your previous question, we could only give details of fencing for schemes which had started and therefore had a known contractors works programme. Information for schemes which are due to start this year will become available when the contractors submit their programme and I shall write to you again.

  Mr. Chidgey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his answer of 9 May,Official Report, column 346, how he allows for the cost of compensation for loss in property values under part I of the Land Compensation Act 1973 in making a cost benefit analysis of proposals for acoustic fencing and other noise mitigation measures for motorways in the absence of specific figures. [24400]

  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 18 May 1995:
  The Minister for Railways and Roads, Mr. John Watts MP, has asked me to write to you in reply to your Parliamentary Question concerning how costs of compensation for loss in property values under Part I of the Land Compensation Act 1973 are taken into account in cost benefit analysis of proposals for acoustic fencing.
  Composite estimates of the likely amount of compensation payable are provided by the District Valuer at various stage of development of a road proposal. Estimates of the element of compensation attributable to loss in property value under Part I of the Land Compensation Act take into account the mitigating effect of any protective measures included in the options or alternatives which the District Valuer is asked to consider.

  Street Furniture
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what estimate he has made of the likely reduction in the numbers of serious and fatal accidents if steel or concrete light standards and telegraph poles were replaced by aluminium poles and standards. [24904]

  Mr. Norris
  The information requested is not available.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many(a) serious and (b) fatal accidents involved collision with lighting standards and telephone poles in each of the last five years. [24905]

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

  Fatal and serious accidents involving collision with lamp posts, telegraph poles or electricity poles: Great Britain 1989–93

  Number of accidents

  One vehicle only involved

  Pedestrian and one vehicle involved

  Object hit

  Year

  Fatal

  Serious

  Fatal

  Serious

  Lamp post

  1989

  94

  866

  4

  20

  1990

  110

  854

  6

  25

  1991

  91

  683

  6

  32

  1992

  93

  627

  5

  26

  1993

  70

  586

  4

  16

  Telegraph pole or electricity pole

  1989

  45

  290

  0

  5

  1990

  34

  288

  3

  3

  1991

  27

  234

  3

  9

  1992

  25

  213

  1

  6

  1993

  28

  182

  0

  1

  North Sea Conference
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what proposals he will (i) put forward and (ii) support at the North sea ministerial conference in Denmark on 8 June in respect of shipping; and if he will make a statement. [24404]

  Mr. Norris
  A note on UK policy objectives for the fourth North sea conference was placed in the Library of the House on 16 May. My Department has been fully involved in the preparations for the fourth North sea conference, and has already made a number of proposals consistent with our policy on marine safety and pollution following Lord Donaldson's report, "Safer Ships, Cleaner Seas".

  The Government will be represented at the North sea conference by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment. He will be proposing and supporting a wide range of measures to enhance ship safety, to reduce accidental and operational discharges from ships, to improve the clean-up of spills and to secure better compensation for the victims of marine pollution damage, especially through the development and ratification of the convention on hazardous and noxious substances.

  Coast Watch Services
  Mr. Ian Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what instructions he has given to the Coastguard Agency in respect of co-operation with the National Coastwatch Institution; and if he will make a statement. [24669]

  Mr. Norris
  The Coastguard Agency welcomes any useful information which the National Coastwatch Institution may provide. It is always ready to encourage any responsible organisation volunteering information which might assist the coastguard in fulfilling the national responsibility for co-ordination of civil maritime search and rescue.

  Ferry Safety
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he plans to publish the results of the evacuation trials conducted by the HSA on new high-speed catamaran passenger craft; and if he will make a statement. [24920]

  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 18 May 1995:
  The Secretary of State for Transport has asked me to reply to your Question about evacuation trials on new high-speed catamaran passenger craft.
  There are no plans to publish the results of the evacuation trials conducted by the Marine Safety Agency (MSA) on high-speed catamaran passenger craft. The MSA is, however, fully satisfied that the craft currently operating from United Kingdom ports can meet the required evacuation time for this type of vessel.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what consideration he gave to the evacuations from the Achille Lauro and the Lakonia when postulating evacuation times for ferries using United Kingdom ports; and if he will make a statement. [24922]
  351
  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 18 May 1995:
  The Secretary of State for Transport has asked me to reply to your Question about evacuation times for roll-on roll-off ferries with regard to the cases of the "Achille Lauro" and the "Lakonia".
  Responsibility for the investigation of casualties to ships lies with the flag state; neither the "Achille Lauro" nor the "Lakonia" were registered with the United Kingdom. The flag state may thus determine what changes are required to the regulations of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and, put forward proposals for discussion within the International Maritime Organization. Any changes agreed, including for example evacuation times, would be implemented by the United Kingdom and other Administrations signatory to the SOLAS Convention.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport for what reasons he has not yet accepted the Marine Safety Committee document 65/4, "RoRo Ferry Safety". [24822]

  Mr. Norris
  The Secretary of State has already broadly welcomed the recommendations of the panel of experts, now issued as Maritime Safety Committee document 65/4, in his oral statement to the House on 5 April 1995,Official Report, column 1753. The Government will continue to press for the adoption of measures to enhance ferry safety recommended by the panel.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when he expects the review of the financial implications of Marine Safety Committee document 65/4, "RoRo Ferry Safety", to be completed and published. [24823]

  Mr. Norris
  The Secretary of State for Transport, in his oral statement to the House on 5 April 1995,Official Report, column 1753, emphasised that any new measures proposed as a result of the recommendation made by the International Maritime Organisation's panel of experts would be subject to a full analysis of the potential costs and benefits. The Marine Safety Agency is currently investigating the costs of implementing various possible new requirements for ro-ro ferries. This information should be available in time for the negotiations on ferry safety at the International Maritime Organisation in November.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary or State for Transport how much time is allocated to muster passengers from 10 decks to lifeboat points in the standard 30-minute evacuation of 2,000 people from roll-on-roll-off ferries. [24919]

  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 18 May 1995:
  The Secretary of State for Transport has asked me to reply to your Question about allocation of the 30 minute evacuation time for roll-on roll-off ferries.
  No specific period is allocated for the muster of passengers. The muster of passengers will commence when the general alarm signal is given whereas the 30 minute evacuation period begins with the abandon ship signal which may be given sometime later.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he has sought or received views from the Royal Institute of Naval Architects on the estimated costs and timescale of introducing the recommendation in Marine Safety Committee document 65/4,"RoRo Ferry Safety". [24821]
  352
  Mr. Norris
  The Government are aware of the views of the Royal Institution of Naval Architects on the issue of ferry stability, in particular its views submitted to the International Maritime Organisation's panel of experts.

  The Government will continue to press for the adoption of recommendations on roll-on roll-off ferry safety made by the International Maritime Organisation's panel of experts on ferry safety. We need to take matters forward on the basis of the panel's recommendations, including a full analysis of the costs and benefits of implementing new measures.

  Marchioness
  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what facilities were made available for the Marchioness action group to examine or photograph the hull of the Marchioness(a) on the shore at Southwark and (b) at any other named location; to whom and on whose authority the hull was sold; and on what date it left the Thames. [24744]

  Mr. Norris
  Although the marine accident investigation branch inspected the hull of the Marchioness in the course of its investigation, at no time was either access to the vessel or sale of the vessel under its control.

  The sale of the vessel would have been a matter for the owners, Tidal Cruises Ltd, following its release by the police on completion of their investigations. My Departments has no records relating to the sale of the vessel.

  Accident Inquiries
  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will accept as a regular procedure that any major transport accident which involves either large-scale loss of life or has significant implications for transport policy should normally lead to the setting up of a public inquiry. [15905]

  Mr. Norris
  [holding answer 24 March 1995]: Ministers must be free to consider the most appropriate form of inquiry, taking into account the circumstances of the accident and its severity. The purpose of any inquiry must be to establish the facts and cause of the accident, to evaluate what lessons can be learnt and to make recommendations to avoid future recurrence. Technical inquiries, such as those by the independent marine accident investigation branch and the air accident investigation branch have the advantage of being carried out by experienced and expert investigators. A public inquiry is one option that Ministers will consider following a major transport accident but we do not believe that it would be appropriate or effective for this to be accepted as a regular procedure.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Autism
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what services are available for autistic people in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement. [23679]
  353
  Mr. Ancram
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave the hon. Member for Clydebank and Milngavie (Mr. Worthington) on 16 May,Official Report column 194.

  Youth Service
  Mr. Beggs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much money was allocated to the youth service in Northern Ireland in 1993–94 and 1994–95; how much was allocated to(a) uniformed organisations and (b) non-uniformed organisations; and what was the membership of (i) uniformed and (ii) non-uniformed organisations in each year. [23990]

  Mr. Ancram
  The total allocation was £15.822 million in 1993–94 and £16.010 million in 1994–95.

  The information on allocations to uniformed and non-uniformed organisations and their respective memberships details is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Home Improvement Grants
  Mr. McGrady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many applications for each type of home improvement grant at each of the Housing Executive offices were refused because of the means-tested element since the introduction of the Housing (NI) Order 1992. [23706]

  Mr. Moss
  This is a matter for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive but the chief executive has advised me that the Housing Executive does not refuse grant applications on the ground of a means test. The means test determines the contribution which an applicant must make towards the cost of remedial work. The amount of the applicant's contribution can range from nil to the full cost of the works and, depending on this assessment, applicants may decide not to proceed.

  Mr. McGrady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how long it takes to process each of the nine home improvement grant applications at each of the Housing Executive grants offices in Northern Ireland. [23704]

  Mr. Moss
  This is a matter for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive but the chief executive has advised me that the information requested is not readily available. However, the average time to process applications at three key stages is as follows:

  Average time

  1. From receipt of preliminary inquiry form to inspection of the dwelling

  15 weeks

  2. From inspection to issue of a schedule of Work

  9 weeks

  3. From receipt of completed formal application to issue of approval

  4 months

  Mr. McGrady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many applications have been made for each type of home improvement grant at each of the Housing Executive grants offices in Northern Ireland since the introduction of the Housing (NI) Order 1992; and of these how many were(a) approved (b) rejected and (c) withdrawn, giving the reasons for refusal. [23705]

  Mr. Moss
  This is a matter for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive but the chief executive has advised me 354
  that the Executive does not maintain records in the format requested. However table 1 indicates the total number of preliminary inquiry forms received by each grant office, the numbers refused and the numbers not taken forward by the applicant. Table 2 shows the numbers approved by grant type.

  Table 1: Numbers of preliminary enquiries received, refused and withdrawn: October 1992–March 1995

  Preliminary enquiries received

  Preliminary enquiries refused

  Withdrawn

  Belfast: Area 1

  4,378

  1,353

  196

  Belfast: Area 2

  3,897

  1,641

  367

  Belfast: Area 3

  4,853

  1,392

  301

  HMO Unit1

  196

  Nil

  Nil

  Ballyclare

  3,312

  1,506

  205

  Ballymena

  2,401

  584

  104

  Coleraine

  1,567

  383

  281

  Derry

  5,127

  1,383

  456

  Omagh

  4,690

  587

  590

  Fermanagh

  2,802

  555

  56

  Newry

  5,559

  74

  46

  Craigavon

  5,940

  730

  393

  Lisburn

  3,258

  717

  332

  Newtownards

  4,374

  1,508

  416

  Totals:

  52,354

  12,413

  3,743

  The main reasons for refusals are:-

  1. the property was considered to be fit for human hanitation;

  2. the property was less than 10 years old;

  3. the applicant did not have the appropriate legal interest in the property.

  1 House in multiple occupation

  Table 2. Formal approvals issued: October 1992–March 1995

  Ren

  NBG

  DFG

  MWA

  RG

  HMO

  Belfast: Area 1

  413

  —

  52

  156

  796

  —

  Belfast: Area 2

  415

  —

  21

  217

  800

  —

  Belfast: Area 3

  403

  —

  63

  365

  883

  —

  HMO Unit

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  50

  Ballyclare

  277

  2

  71

  225

  83

  —

  Ballymena

  185

  12

  65

  97

  13

  —

  Coleraine

  157

  7

  56

  89

  14

  3

  Derry

  366

  6

  165

  278

  23

  —

  Omagh

  228

  20

  136

  335

  351

  —

  Fermanagh

  128

  118

  50

  248

  137

  —

  Newry

  178

  15

  169

  168

  998

  —

  Craigavon

  209

  33

  119

  199

  1,864

  —

  Lisburn

  225

  28

  65

  128

  285

  1

  Newtownards

  299

  2

  76

  268

  450

  2

  Totals:

  3,483

  243

  1,108

  2,773

  6,697

  56

  Notes:

  Ren = Renovation Grant.

  NBG = Replacement Grant.

  DFG = Disabled Facilities Grant.

  MWA = Minor Works Assistance.

  RG = Repairs Grant.

  HMO = Houses in Multiple Occupation Grant.

  Road Traffic Legislation
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress he is making in introducing new road traffic legislation in Northern Ireland. [24320]
  355
  Mr. Moss
  The Department of the Environment (Northern Ireland) is carrying forward a programme of road traffic legislation aimed at updating the law in this field. Three Orders in Council are being progressed as follows:A draft Road Traffic (Northern Ireland) Order which will update road safety and construction and use of vehicles provisions will be laid before Parliament in the near future.
  A proposal for a draft Road Traffic Offenders (Northern Ireland) Order setting out the prosecution and punishment of offenders, including the introduction of a penalty points system, is currently being drafted and will be published for consultation purposes by the autumn.
  The modification of the law in relation to the regulation of traffic, parking places and speed limits is to be the subject of a Road Traffic Regulation (Northern Ireland) Order. It is planned to publish a proposal for a draft Order in Council for consultation purposes in the autumn.

  Ports Grants
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what grants are available from the European Union to Northern Ireland ports in the public sector that would not be available in the event of privatisation. [24316]

  Mr. Moss
  European Union structural funds grants which are currently available to public sector ports in Northern Ireland would continue to be available in the event of privatisation

  Construction Industry
  Mr. McGrady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps he will adopt to ensure an upturn in the construction industry through investment in schools, hospitals, education, housing, roads and factories. [23702]

  Mr. Moss
  I have asked my officials to consider, as a matter of urgency, how the construction industry could best be assisted over the coming year. The possibility of increasing expenditure on infrastructure will be borne in mind.

  Railways
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the progress in implementing the consultants' recommendations about Northern Ireland Railways. [24314]

  Mr. Moss
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Colchester, North (Mr. Jenkin) on 11 January 1995,Official Report, column 146. Since then the Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company has commissioned a study to examine further opportunities for market testing and contracting out and to advise on the scope for sale of Northern Ireland Railways' non-core businesses.

  Giant Hogweed
  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what measures he plans to require the owners of land to which the public may have access to eradicate Heracleum Mantegazzianum; and if he will make a statement about the dangers associated with this plant. [24082]
  356
  Mr. Moss
  No new measures are planned to require the owners of land to which the public may have access to eradicate Heracleum Mantegazzianum or giant hogweed. The Department of Agriculture and Department of Environment continue to promote a programme of voluntary control.

  The existing provisions of the Public Health (Ireland) Act 1888 give district councils powers to deal with "nuisances" in premises, including lands, which are in such a state as to be "injurious to health".

  The danger associated with giant hogweed is that the plants release sap when the stems are cut or leaf hairs are broken. On contact with the skin in sunlight, the sap can cause severe blistering.

  Conservation Areas
  Mr. McGrady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what towns and villages are currently being considered for the designation of conservation area status in the constituency of South Down; and when these designations will take place. [24761]

  Mr. Moss
  The towns of Saintfield and Ardglass are currently being considered for designation as conservation areas. There is also a proposal to extend the conservation area of the village of Rostrevor, originally designated in 1979. It is not possible at this stage to indicate when the designations will take place.

  US Investment Conference
  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to review his decision to provide partial funding for support of representatives of non-governmental organisations at President Clinton's investment conference, to be held in Washington DC from 24 to 26 May; and if he will make a statement. [24857]

  Mr. Ancram
  None.

  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on President Clinton's investment conference to be held in Washington DC in May; and how he intends to maximise the returns for all delegates from Ireland, north and south; and what plans he has for de-briefing, follow-up meetings and dissemination of the results of the aforesaid conference within Northern Ireland. [24861]

  Mr. Ancram
  The White House conference for trade and investment in Washington offers considerable potential for more investment in Northern Ireland and the six border counties of the Republic of Ireland through new inward investment, trade, business partnerships, technology transfer and tourism. This potential will be released through the various breakout or workshop sessions, individual meetings with key business people and networking at various functions.

  Following the conference there will be full follow-up on all prospects for trade, inward investment or technology transfer.

  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make available the resources and facilities of Her Majesty's Government's Departments and agencies by way of access to briefings, meetings, and exhibitions organised by Her Majesty's Government's Departments and agencies to assist and facilitate the participation of the representatives of voluntary organisations and community groups, at
  357
  President Clinton's investment conference in Washington DC; and if he will make a statement. [24858]

  Mr. Ancram
  Officials in Northern Ireland Departments and agencies have already participated in briefings of community group representatives in preparation for their attendance at the White House trade and investment conference in Washington.

  During the conference, officials will be available to provide information and advice for the purpose of facilitating the participation of all representatives.

  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what proposals he has for the support of the participation of the community and voluntary sector representatives invited to attend President Clinton's investment conference in Washington DC. [24856]

  Mr. Ancram
  Some financial assistance will be available through the Northern Ireland voluntary trust to community and voluntary sector representatives to enable them to participate in the conference.

  A break-out or workshop session has been offered by the conference organisers to provide an opportunity for bringing together the interests of those involved in community development activities in Northern Ireland with those of business leaders from both sides of the Atlantic. Support has also been provided by officials involved in briefing community sector participants.

  Rowe Report
  Mr. Wilshire
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he has yet received Mr. J. J. Rowe's report on the operation in 1994 of the Northern Ireland (Emergency Provisions) Act 1991. [25532]

  Sir Patrick Mayhew
  I have received Mr. Rowe's report and it is being published today and copies are being placed in the library. I am most grateful to him for his work.

  As the ceasefires continue to hold the powers in the Act are being used less and less. But the Government believe that the Act itself remains necessary. This is also the view of Mr. Rowe. I am therefore laying before the House today an order continuing for a further year those provisions in the Act which are currently in force. We all look forward to the time when there will no longer be a need for them.

  Rate Collection Agency
  Mr. David Wilshire
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what performance targets have been set for the Rate Collection Agency in 1995–96. [25533]

  Mr. Moss
  For 1995–96 the following performance targets have been set for the agency:

  1. To collect 98.11 per cent. of the gross collectable rate, excluding late assessments, by 31 March 1996.

  2. To achieve a reduction of 2 per cent. in the real value of the unit costs of rate collection per rate account issued.

  3. To generate refunds to 97 per cent. of ratepayers so entitled within 14 days of credits being identified.

  4. To process by 31 March 1996 90 per cent. of applications for the incoming year received before 15 March 1996 from existing housing benefit recipients.

  5. To achieve a reduction of 2 per cent. in the real value of the unit costs of processing Housing Benefit applications.

  6. To process 95 per cent. of Housing Benefit claims free of error.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Drug Abuse
  Mr. Martlew
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received on the problems of drug abuse. [23560]

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  Apart from several general inquiries from members of the public, we have had 52 letters forwarded by Members of Parliament this year.

  The most common inquiry was concerned with the legal status of drugs, usually arguing for or against legalising cannabis, followed by issues such as drugs and crime, the scheduling of temazepam, drug logos on clothing and cuts in the numbers of customs officials at ports.

  Metropolitan Police
  Mr. Cyril D. Townsend
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many officers there are on duty per 1,000 population in the Metropolitan police; and what is the national average. [23562]

  Mr. Maclean
  I understand from Her Majesty's inspectorate of constabulary that there are 3.6 officers per 1,000 population in the Metropolitan police district. This compares with a national average of 2.2 officers per 1,000 population excluding the Met.

  Identity Cards
  Mr. Mullin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the cost effectiveness of introducing identity cards; and if he will make a statement. [23563]

  Mr. Howard: The cost-effectiveness of any identity card scheme would depend upon the detailed arrangements for the scheme, the value of the card to the individual holder, the wider value to society, and the costs of the scheme. I intend publishing a consultation document on identity cards shortly.

  Asylum Seekers
  Mr. Gerrard
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to reduce the delays in making decisions on applications for asylum. [23564]

  Mr. Nicholas Baker
  The Asylum and Immigration Appeals Act 1993 has reduced significantly the average time taken to decide applications made since the Act came into force. But delays persist as a result of a large and continuing increase in the number of asylum applications. Earlier this year, my right hon. and learned Friend announced substantial additional resources to speed up the asylum determination and appeal system. We hope to announce shortly proposals for further improvements.

  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent representations he has received on the number of asylum seekers held in custody. [23571]

  Mr. Nicholas Baker
  Since 1 January 1995 we have received 97 letters on this subject from hon. Members writing on behalf of their constituents and 47 from members of the public writing direct. I have also received a letter, dated 2 May, from the Refugee Legal Centre.
  359
  Mr. Eric Clarke
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum seekers in the last year have been detained for over six months. [23572]

  Mr. Nicholas Baker
  The information is not available in the form requested. On 9 May 1995, a total of 118 persons who had at some time claimed asylum had been in detention for six months or more. Of these, 114 had their application refused.

  Mr. Robert Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will provide a breakdown of the current establishment of the third country unit within the Home Office's immigration and nationality department; and if he will make a statement on the function of this unit. [24826]

  Mr. Nicholas Baker
  The third country unit is part of the asylum division. It consists of one higher executive officer, four executive officers and one administrative assistant. It is responsible for cases where an asylum applicant has arrived from a safe third country to which he may be returned without substantive consideration of his claim in accordance with paragraphs 337 and 345 of the immigration rules.

  Mr. Robert Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum seekers have been removed to Norway on safe third country grounds since 26 July 1993; and how many so removed have been returned to the United Kingdom by the Norwegian authorities. [24827]

  Notifiable recorded by the police by police force area and offence group

  England and Wales 1994

  Number of offences

  Police force area

  Total

  Violence against the person

  Sexual offences

  Robbery

  Burglary

  Theft and handling stolen goods

  Fraud and Forgery

  Criminal damage

  Other offences

  Theft of vehicle

  Theft from vehicle

  Burglary in a dwelling

  Burglary in another building

  Avon and Somerset

  167,975

  6,791

  1,091

  1,714

  37,397

  93,164

  4,316

  22,532

  970

  21,938

  34,890

  18,993

  18,404

  Bedfordshire

  55,661

  1,978

  426

  582

  12,881

  27,271

  1,904

  7,214

  405

  7,414

  10,341

  6,124

  6,757

  Cambridgeshire

  61,732

  3,030

  421

  242

  14,099

  33,942

  1,460

  8,087

  451

  5,792

  10,335

  6,206

  7,893

  Cheshire

  74,926

  3,245

  543

  278

  19,248

  34,961

  2,625

  12,449

  1,577

  7,451

  11,662

  9,363

  9,885

  Cleveland

  81,732

  2,359

  236

  466

  18,428

  42,931

  1,287

  15,621

  404

  12,007

  10,902

  12,380

  6,048

  Cumbria

  42,492

  2,153

  250

  74

  10,066

  20,259

  1,127

  8,170

  393

  2,555

  7,586

  4,156

  5,910

  Derbyshire

  85,915

  3,984

  493

  421

  24,049

  38,526

  1,678

  15,995

  769

  8,564

  14,190

  10,112

  13,937

  Devon and Cornwall

  109,396

  4,603

  892

  403

  30,266

  54,843

  3,258

  13,780

  1,351

  6,884

  21,367

  15,123

  15,143

  Dorset

  55,590

  1,885

  443

  146

  9,395

  31,456

  3,151

  8,244

  870

  3,564

  10,111

  5,740

  3,655

  Durham

  65,029

  2,665

  510

  149

  12,524

  33,591

  2,575

  12,259

  756

  7,989

  8,995

  7,709

  4,815

  Essex

  106,025

  4,505

  549

  423

  23,639

  55,314

  2,688

  17,968

  939

  8,346

  17,352

  8,606

  15,033

  Glouccstershire

  61,198

  2,140

  1,006

  319

  15,844

  31,765

  2,677

  6,850

  597

  4,528

  13,671

  7,685

  8,159

  Greater Manchester

  339,074

  9,281

  1,228

  5,361

  91,077

  156,296

  8,549

  64,874

  2,408

  49,661

  51,908

  54,915

  36,162

  Hampshire

  141,271

  5,704

  1,056

  585

  29,600

  74,988

  4,026

  23,779

  1,533

  9,571

  26,936

  12,829

  16,771

  Hertfordshire

  54,887

  1,996

  305

  264

  12,100

  28,788

  1,307

  9,781

  346

  5,301

  12,782

  4,480

  7,620

  Humberside

  135,826

  5,054

  695

  547

  43,965

  62,544

  3,010

  19,402

  609

  15,023

  19,356

  20,127

  23,838

  Kent

  155,345

  7,128

  1,099

  635

  26,871

  86,022

  3,830

  28,001

  1,759

  16,677

  25,006

  16,944

  9,927

  Lancashire

  127,302

  3,232

  502

  546

  27,151

  63,958

  3,486

  27,275

  1,152

  11,038

  21,399

  17,990

  9,161

  Leicestershire

  99,150

  4,855

  617

  1,158

  26,109

  48,279

  3,326

  14,238

  568

  10,785

  17,006

  15,574

  10,535

  Lincolnshire

  47,767

  2,319

  393

  119

  11,221

  23,110

  1,158

  8,733

  714

  3,345

  5,906

  6,239

  4,982

  London, City of

  5,272

  125

  23

  29

  675

  3,640

  422

  267

  91

  79

  541

  37

  638

  Merseyside

  136,825

  7,678

  808

  2,035

  33,042

  65,342

  3,012

  23,286

  1,622

  15,308

  16,357

  20,479

  12,563

  Metropolitan Police

  849,976

  46,292

  6,929

  25,518

  161,174

  399,545

  32,591

  168,363

  9,564

  57,859

  126,276

  103,988

  57,186

  Norfolk

  56,075

  2,187

  370

  186

  13,931

  29,412

  1,481

  7,882

  626

  3,614

  10,179

  5,081

  8,850

  Northamptonshire

  57,607

  2,498

  367

  306

  14,521

  27,199

  1,559

  10,701

  456

  6,536

  9,194

  6,942

  7,579

  Northumbria

  204,057

  6,185

  746

  1,213

  57,207

  82,215

  2,946

  52,553

  992

  25,008

  23,151

  29,121

  28,086

  North Yorkshire

  62,153

  2,082

  263

  187

  16,694

  31,358

  1,059

  10,031

  479

  5,235

  10,876

  7,152

  9,542

  Nottinghamshire

  152,592

  7,718

  1,141

  1,193

  34,639

  71,974

  3,857

  31,301

  769

  16,010

  19,072

  21,735

  12,904

  South Yorkshire

  157,089

  5,027

  664

  1,062

  51,242

  69,998

  2,885

  24,859

  1,352

  21,692

  23,304

  25,563

  25,679

  Staffordshire

  93,179

  6,090

  551

  416

  26,736

  41,772

  2,244

  14,925

  445

  9,638

  16,320

  12,637

  14,099

  Suffolk

  39,393

  2,140

  392

  118

  7,778

  19,624

  1,544

  7,137

  660

  1,938

  5,517

  3,200

  4,578

  Surrey

  46,782

  2,715

  463

  165

  10,158

  24,046

  1,724

  6,899

  612

  3,612

  8,263

  4,657

  5,501

  Sussex

  107,105

  3,420

  747

  589

  24,271

  56,214

  2,860

  17,759

  1,245

  6,701

  18,286

  13,024

  11,247

  Thames Valley

  186,268

  5,564

  870

  1,130

  38,254

  103,974

  6,115

  28,763

  1,598

  19,618

  38,460

  21,187

  17,067

  Warwickshire

  42,592

  1,411

  288

  136

  11,040

  21,797

  1,091

  6,483

  346

  5,004

  8,363

  4,548

  6,492

  West Mercia

  83,948

  3,437

  473

  284

  16,738

  45,438

  1,545

  15,332

  701

  8,258

  13,866

  8,610

  8,128

  West Midlands

  315,755

  10,407

  1,354

  7,028

  90,637

  142,522

  8,134

  53,738

  1,935

  40,347

  49,714

  48,241

  42,396

  West Yorkshire

  289,719

  9,414

  1,504

  2,968

  87,391

  134,406

  5,625

  45,720

  2,691

  34,917

  44,815

  55,306

  32,085

  Wiltshire

  38,147

  2,495

  364

  137

  8,152

  19,193

  1,142

  6,144

  520

  2,406

  6,210

  4,032

  4,120

  Dyfed-Powys

  21,602

  2,192

  250

  41

  3,491

  9,667

  631

  4,816

  514

  1,110

  2,372

  1,396

  2,095

  Gwent

  38,431

  2,533

  270

  79

  6,639

  19,841

  1,160

  7,047

  862

  3,538

  5,895

  3,296

  3,343

  North Wales

  43,451

  2,612

  352

  100

  10,215

  20,611

  1,103

  7,917

  541

  2,494

  7,372

  3,314

  6,901

  South Wales

  157,748

  6,141

  550

  419

  37,405

  77,227

  3,677

  30,952

  1,377

  25,372

  26,666

  14,802

  22,603

  England and Wales

  5,251,059

  219,270

  32,494

  59,771

  1,257,960

  2,559,023

  145,845

  928,127

  48,569

  534,727

  842,770

  679,643

  578,317

  360
  Mr. Nicholas Baker
  Four persons who had been refused asylum in the United Kingdom on safe third country grounds have been removed to Norway since 16 July 1993. Of these, one has been returned to the United Kingdom.

  Crime Statistics
  Mr. Clifton-Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment his Department has made of the trend in the recorded crime figures. [23565]

  Mr. Maclean
  Recorded crime in England and Wales fell by 5 per cent. in 1994. Together with the 1 per cent. fall in 1993, this represents the largest percentage fall over a two-year period for 40 years. This fall is a testament to the success of recent police initiatives which actively target crimes such as burglary.

  Mr. Michael
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crimes were recorded by each police force in England and Wales within each category of crime in 1994; how many incidents of theft or unauthorised taking of a motor vehicle and of theft from a motor vehicle were recorded by each force; and how many of the burglaries recorded by each police force in England and Wales in 1994 were(a) in a dwelling and (b) in another building. [23876]

  Mr. MacLean
  The information requested is contained in the following table:

  Closed Circuit Television
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are Her Majesty's Government's plans for(a) further funding for closed circuit television and (b) further funding for supplementary policing in urban areas. [23566]

  Mr. MacLean
  The recent CCTV challenge competition has injected £5 million into local CCTV schemes, generating up to £13.8 million in other funding. The possibility of further competitions in the future has not been ruled out, but it is too early to give a firm commitment.

  General funding is allocated between police authorities on the basis of a formula which measures relative policing needs. That formula allows for extra demands in urban areas.

  Mr. David Atkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what has been the outcome of the bid for Government funding for a closed circuit television scheme for the Boscombe shopping centre in Bournemouth. [23570]

  Mr. MacLean
  My right hon. and learned Friend was pleased to announce on Monday 27 March that this scheme was one of the 106 successful schemes to share the £5 million funding provided to spread CCTV technology more widely.

  Female Prisoners
  Mr. Enright
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the latest figure for the number of women serving a prison sentence. [23567]

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  On 9 May 1995, there were 1,470 sentenced female prisoners in Prison Service accommodation in England and Wales.

  Drug Smuggling, Republic of Ireland
  Rev. Martin Smyth
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assistance has been requested by the Republic of Ireland to combat drug smuggling into the United Kingdom and the Republic. [23568]

  Mr. Maclean
  There is close co-operation between police and customs in the United Kingdom and their counterparts in the Republic of Ireland and regular exchanges of information on operational matters. Irish customs has requested some training assistance which HM Customs and Excise is providing.

  Police Salaries
  Mr. Mudie
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on top salaries in the police force. [23569]

  Mr. Maclean
  On 22 March, I wrote to Professor Sir Laurie Hunter CBE informing him of the Government's response to the Police Negotiating Board's recommendations for chief officers' pay. The Government approved most of the Police Negotiating Board's proposals for restructuring chief officers' pay. The Association of Chief Police Officers has made representations about the timing of the implementation of part of the new pay arrangements, which the Government are currently considering.

  Criminal Injuries Compensation
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how long victims of violent crime whose cases were assessed under the tariff scheme will have to wait for the reassessment of their awards. [23573]

  Mr. Maclean
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to her on 1 May,Official Report, column 92.

  Mr. Alfred Morris
  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: and if he will make a statement. [23632]

  Mr. Maclean
  I refer the right hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Ealing, Southall (Mr. Khabra) on 16 May,Official Report, column 190.

  Prisoners (Drug-related Offences)
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his current estimate of the numbers in prison for drug-related offences. [23574]

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The number of prisoners serving sentences for offences under misuse of drugs legislation in 1994 was around 10 per cent. of the prison population; but no reliable estimate is yet available of the number of prisoners serving sentences for offences committed under the influence of drugs or to pay for drugs.

  "In the Line of Fire"
  Mr Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his response to the Audit Commission report, "In the Line of Fire". [23575]

  Mr. Nicholas Baker
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave earlier today in response to an identical question from the hon. Member for Nottingham, East (Mr. Heppell).

  Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994
  Mr. Robert Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what effect the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 will have on the fight against crime; and if he will make a statement. [23548]

  Mr. Howard
  The Act will make a significant contribution to the fight against crime. As the Police Federation has said, it will"enhance the stature and ability of the criminal justice system to reduce crime, bring criminals to justice and significantly reduce the fear of crime, thereby improving the quality of life for many members of our society".

  Jersey
  Mr. Foulkes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he next expects to visit Jersey to meet members of the states to discuss the current constitutional position. [23561]

  Mr. Nicholas Baker
  My right hon. and learned Friend hopes to visit the Channel Islands, as it is customary for Home Secretaries to do, in the not—too—distant future. Meanwhile, my noble Friend Lady Blatch has recently completed a visit to the Channel Islands, including Jersey, where she held discussions with members of the states.

  Police Station Inquiry Desks
  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to improve civilian competence in dealing with the public at police station inquiry desks, with particular reference to the ability to communicate; and if he will make a statement. [23662]

  Mr. Maclean
  This is a matter primarily for each chief officer of police. I am not aware of any problems arising from civilian members of the police service dealing with members of the public, but I, or the relevant chief officer of police, as appropriate, would be happy to respond to any specific concerns.

  Brian Douglas
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the death of Mr. Brian Douglas on 8 May; and what assessment has been made as to the cause of his injuries. [24692]

  Mr. Maclean
  I understand that the matter is being investigated by the Police Complaints Authority. It would not be appropriate for me to comment at this stage.

  Derek Bentley
  Mr. Michael
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take steps to order a searching review of the case of Derek Bentley to deal with all outstanding issues of public concern and following the review, consider the appropriateness of recommending a posthumous free pardon. [24901]

  Mr. Nicholas Baker
  I am aware of no present grounds for a further review of this case, which was very thoroughly reviewed in 1991 and 1992.

  Mr. Michael
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will place in the Library full details of investigations carried out by the police at the request of the Home Office and other relevant documents relating to the case of Derek Bentley. [24903]

  Mr. Nicholas Baker
  Police reports are confidential documents which do not fall to be disclosed. A memorandum was published on 1 October 1992, however, explaining in detail the decision then reached that there were no grounds for recommending the grant of a posthumous free pardon to Derek Bentley. This dealt among other things with the alleged inconsistencies in evidence. A copy of the memorandum was placed in the Library.

  Mr. Michael
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what terms of reference were set by his Department for the investigation of the Derek Bentley case by the Metropolitan police requested by his predecessor in 1991; and what reports were subsequently submitted to his Department. [24923]

  Mr. Nicholas Baker
  The Home Office wrote to the Metropolitan police in August 1991 asking for inquiries to be carried out into certain matters which had been presented to the Home Office by Thames Television and others. The police submitted two reports in October and December 1991.

  Mr. Michael
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will arrange the release of full details of investigations by the police ordered by his predecessors into the case of Derek Bentley; [24902]
  364
  (2) if he will review his Department's papers relating to the Derek Bentley case with a view to fulfilling precisely the legal requirements for disclosure of papers and investigations undertaken by, or on behalf of, himself or his predecessors. [24900]

  Mr. Nicholas Baker
  Following a request by solicitors for the family of the late Derek Bentley, we are examining our papers with a view to making appropriate disclosures in full compliance with the Hickey judgment as soon as possible. Such disclosure to affected parties and their legal representatives is not constrained by the provisions of the Public Records Acts which govern the opening of records to the public.

  Detainees
  Mr. Robert Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will provide a breakdown of the current establishment of the detention planning and policy unit within the Home Office immigration and nationality department; and if he will make a statement regarding the function of this unit. [24828]

  Mr. Nicholas Baker
  The immigration service detention policy and planning unit employs a total of some 53 staff including those engaged in detention centres at Campsfield house, nine; Gatwick airport, four; and Harmondsworth, 25, where the staff also have national responsibility for co-ordination of the use of detention places.

  The detention policy and planning unit is responsible for ensuring the provision of detention accommodation and escorting services including all commercial, financial and contractual matters and for co-ordinating policy, procedures and practice relating to all aspects of immigration detention management.

  Mr. Robert Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the total cost in the financial year 1993–94 to his Department of detaining persons under the Immigration Act powers in(a) immigration detention centres, (b) Prison Service establishments and (c) police cells. [24855]

  Mr. Nicholas Baker
  The total cost to the immigration service in running its detention accommodation in the financial year 1993–94 was £7,466,352. No separate figures for detaining persons under Immigration Act powers are kept by the Prison Service. The cost of detaining persons under the Act in police cells was £430,152.27.

  Mr. Robert Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the current(a) weekly and (b) monthly cost of detaining persons under Immigration Act powers in (a) an immigration detention centre and (b) a Prison Service establishment. [24854]

  Mr. Nicholas Baker
  The overall cost of detaining a person in accommodation for which the immigration service is responsible is currently estimated at £540 per week, including full immigration service staffing costs. This would equate to £2,340 per month. The current cost of detaining someone in a Prison Service establishment is not available. The latest available figures are for the year 1993–94, which show a cost of £411 a week or £1,780 per month, excluding headquarters costs. In many cases, the carrying company which brought the person to the United Kingdom is liable for all or some the expenses incurred. Therefore, the whole cost does not fall to the taxpayer.

  Paul Malone
  Mr. Miller
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what plans he has to refer the case of Paul Malone to the Court of Appeal; and if he will make a statement; [24894]

  (2) what action he proposes to take following the Metropolitan police investigation into the case of Paul Malone. [24892]

  Mr. Nicholas Baker
  This case was referred to the Court of Appeal by my right hon. and learned Friend under section 17(l)(a) of the Criminal Appeal Act 1968 on 8 December 1994. As the case remains sub judice it is not appropriate for me to comment. As my hon. Friend stated in his reply to a question from the hon. Member on 27 April 1995,Official Report, column 679, the report of the investigation by the Metropolitan police has been referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions who will decide whether any criminal charges should be brought. Once a decision has been made, the chief constable of Cheshire and the Police Complaints Authority will consider whether disciplinary action should be taken against any officer.

  Greater Manchester Fire Authority
  Mr. Cunliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions he has had with the Greater Manchester fire authority concerning the financing of the service. [23555]

  Mr. Nicholas Baker
  My right hon. and learned Friend has had no such discussions during the course of the past year.

  Pornography
  Dr. Spink
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if the Indecent Displays (Control) Act 1981 applies to pornographic magazines normally displayed on the top shelf of newsagents. [24477]

  Mr. Nicholas Baker
  The Indecent Displays (Control) Act 1981 applies to any matter, including pornographic magazines, displayed in a public place or where it can be seen from a public place, if such matter is indecent.

  Dr. Spink
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prosecutions have been brought under the Indecent Displays (Control) Act 1981 in the last five years; how many of these were successful; and at what sort of premises the material was displayed. [24480]

  Mr. Maclean
  Information of the number of prosecutions and convictions for 1989 and 1993 is given in the table. 1994 data will not be available until the autumn.

  Information is not collected centrally regarding the type of premises where the offence took place.

  Number of defendants prosecuted at magistrates courts and found guilty at all courts of offences under the Indecent Displays (Control) Act 1981, 1989–1993

  England and Wales

  1989

  1990

  1991

  1992

  1993

  Prosecutions

  30

  27

  9

  10

  7

  Convictions

  17

  19

  4

  8

  3

  366
  Dr. Spink
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the trends in pornographic publishing and distribution industry in respect of the explicit nature of the material, and what action he is taking to resist the slippage of standards and ensure that the Indecent Displays (Control) Act 1981 is effectively enforced. [24479]

  Mr. Nicholas Baker
  The Government share the widespread concern about the spread of pornography and keep the law in this area under review. Measures to ensure that the law keeps pace with advances in technology and is enforced more effectively were included in the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994.

  The recently established interdepartmental group on obscenity will monitor trends in the area of obscenity and pornography with the aim of identifying any actual or potential difficulties in enforcement or weaknesses in the law, including the Indecent Displays (Control) Act 1981.

  Dr. Spink
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) whose responsibility it is to enforce the Indecent Displays (Control) Act 1981; and what arrangements are in place to monitor its enforcement; [24482]

  (2) to whom the public should complain in respect of concerns about a magazine cover which they believe is indecent and on display. [24476]

  Mr. Nicholas Baker
  The enforcement of the Indecent Displays (Control) Act 1981 itself is a matter for the police, to whom the public should complain if they are concerned that a magazine cover is indecent and on public display.

  The interdepartmental group on obscenity keeps under review the operation of the law on obscenity and pornography, including indecent displays.

  Panic Alarms
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what funding is available for panic alarms to be given to tenants in high crime areas. [24206]

  Mr. Maclean
  Since 1988, a number of vulnerable people have benefitted from personal alarms funded under phase 1 of the safer cities programme. Funding under this programme is restricted to areas in which safer cities projects have been established, and decisions on which schemes to support are taken by local steering committees based on their agreed priorities and action plans.

  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what studies have been carried out by his Department or by other bodies into the effectiveness of panic alarms in crime prevention; and what assessment he has made of these studies. [24208]

  Mr. Maclean
  As part of a programme of work on violent crime, the Home Office funded a project in Merseyside aimed at preventing domestic violence. Pendant alarms, linked via a cellular network to the police divisional control room, were loaned to "at risk" victims. At the same time, a database of police calls to domestic incidents was established so that officers responding to one of the alarm calls could be briefed quickly about the previous calls received from that address. Police officers were issued with aide-memoires on their powers for dealing with incidents of domestic violence; and victims were given information cards, and offered help from a
  367
  domestic violence prevention officer in developing longer term safety plans. Detailed accounts taken from the victims indicate the relief both they and their children experienced as a result of this work. The report of this project was published as crime prevention unit paper 49. I have arranged for a copy of this report to be placed in the Library.

  I am not aware of any other research in this area.

  Security Companies
  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to introduce a licensing scheme for security companies; and if he will make a statement. [24158]

  Mr. Maclean
  I am currently looking again at policies in this area and await with interest the report of the Home Affairs Select Committee inquiry into the private security industry which is expected shortly.

  Female Prisoners
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many female prisoners currently share (a) two and (b) three to a cell. [24272]

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from Derek Lewis to Dr. Lynne Jones, dated 18 May 1995:
  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about the number of female prisoners currently sharing two and three to a cell.
  At the end of April there were 54 female prisoners in England and Wales sharing two to a cell designed for one. There were no female prisoners sharing three to a cell designed for one.

  Braille Ballot Papers
  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list those European Union countries which provide ballot papers in local, national and European elections in Braille; and if he will make a statement. [24113]

  Mr. Nicholas Baker
  I am not aware that any of the member states provide ballot papers in Braille. As in this country, blind voters throughout the Community may choose someone to help them to vote.

  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to introduce Braille ballot papers in local, national and European elections; and if he will make a statement. [24112]

  Mr. Nicholas Baker
  There are no plans to do so.

  Polling Station Ramps
  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his latest estimate of the amount expended in the 1995 local elections in England and Wales on the provision of temporary ramps for access to polling stations; what assessment was made of the comparative cost and cost benefit of providing permanent ramps instead; and if he will make a statement. [24111]

  Mr. Nicholas Baker
  The provision of temporary ramps for use at local government elections is a matter for local authorities. No grants are made from central funds 368
  towards the cost of equipment purchased for local government elections, but returning officers may apply for grants towards the cost of temporary ramps to be used at polling places for parliamentary and European elections. Temporary ramps purchased for parliamentary and European elections under these arrangements can be made available for local government elections and for other purposes by arrangement with the returning officer.

  Returning Officers
  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much was paid or payable to each returning officer in England and Wales at the 1995 local elections; what out-of-pocket expenses had to be met from these payments; what was the level of payment to each other grade involved in these elections; and if he will make a statement. [24107]

  Mr. Nicholas Baker
  Returning officers' fees and expenses and other costs relating to the conduct of local government elections are met by local authorities. This information is not collected centrally.

  Crack Cocaine
  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his policy on cautioning of persons found in possession of crack cocaine. [24012]

  Mr. Maclean
  It is for the police to decide, on the basis of the guidance on the cautioning of offenders in Home Office circular 18/1994, whether a person found in possession of a controlled drug should be dealt with by means of a caution.

  Rural White Paper
  Mr. Colvin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 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. [24333]

  Mr. Maclean
  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.

  Safer Cities Scheme
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to extend the funding via the safer cities scheme for a secure room for the safety of witnesses at Salford magistrates' court to Coventry magistrates court and other magistrates courts. [24207]

  Mr. Maclean
  I have no such plans. The Coventry safer cities project closed in March 1994 and the bulk of the safer cities programme now forms part of the single regeneration budget at the Department of the Environment. It is for projects' local steering committees to decide on their funding priorities.

  Witness Liaison Officers
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what plans he has to discuss with Victim Support and other interested groups ways to
  369
  introduce witness liaison officers (a) across the country and (b) in the Hillfields and Stoke Aldermoor areas of Coventry; [24209]

  (2) what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for the Environment on funding for witness liaison officers (a) across the country and (b) in the Willenhall, Hillfields and Stoke Aldermoor areas of Coventry. [24205]

  Mr. Maclean
  The Government have accepted the recommendation made by the Royal Commission on criminal justice that witness support schemes should be established at all Crown court centres. There are already 40 schemes in operation, including one at Coventry Crown court, and additional Home Office funding, made available in 1994–95 and 1995–96, will enable Victim Support to establish schemes at all 78 Crown court centres by the end of 1995.

  My Department has regular contact with Victim Support on a whole range of issues, including witness support. Since the Home Office accepts responsibility for funding the Crown court witness service this is not an issue which I have discussed with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment.

  Car Fires
  Mr. Nigel Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many fires there were in cars; and how many deaths were caused by those fires in each year since 1993. [24435]

  Mr. Nicholas Baker
  The available information is for 1993 and relates to car fires attended by local authority fire brigades. This is published in table 15 of Home Office "Statistical Bulletin" issue 29/94, "Summary Fire Statistics United Kingdom 1993", a copy of which is in the Library.

  Foundation for Business Responsibilities
  Mr. Robert Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what plans he has to seek further information on how the Foundation for Business Responsibilities applied its funds; [24705]

  (2) what investigations the Charity Commissioners have made into the Foundation for Business Responsibilities; what assessment he has made; if he will seek further investigations; and if he will make a statement. [24704]

  Mr. Nicholas Baker
  The Charity Commissioners have recently concluded their second enquiry into the affairs of the Foundation for Business Responsibilities during which they interviewed a number of further witnesses and sought and obtained further documents. The two inquiries have established that some money was paid improperly to Marketforce Communications and that there were some shortcomings in the controls within the charity. The individual responsible for the payments has left the charity and has repaid the money. The administrative and financial systems of the charity will be closely monitored over the next two years. Responsibility for decisions in relation to individual cases are the responsibility of the Charity Commissioners.

  Mr. Robert Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the Metropolitan police received a report of the thefts of documents from the offices of the Foundation for Business Responsibilities;370
  what investigations were undertaken into these thefts; and what the conclusions and results were. [24703]

  Mr. Maclean
  The information is not readily available and I will write to the hon. Member.

  Nicholas Hill
  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will write to the hon. Member for Warwickshire, North giving the outcome of the application for parole of Nicholas Hill convicted in 1990 at Birmingham for robbery. [24560]

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  I will write to the hon. Member once Mr. Hill has been notified of the outcome of his current parole review, which should be known in about three months' time.

  Young Offenders
  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many youths under 18 years were held in Prison Service establishments in 1994. [23937]

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from Derek Lewis to Mr. Mike O'Brien, dated 18 May 1995:
  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about how many youths under 18 years were held in Prison Service establishments in 1994.
  The population of male and female youths aged under 18 at 30 June 1994 was 1,526.

  Prisons (Drug Tests)
  Mr. David Porter
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will list the establishments piloting the first phase of mandatory drug tests in prisons together with the percentages in each prison of prisoners tested positive; and what forms of disciplinary penalty have been chosen by each governor in each case where prisoners have tested positive; [20313]

  (2) what estimate he has made of the increase in prison population and average length of sentence, arising from disciplinary actions as a result of the first phase of mandatory drug testing in prisons; and if he will make a statement; [20312]

  (3) if he will make a statement on the results to date of the first phase of mandatory drug tests in prisons; what is the percentage of randomly selected prisoners and targeted prisoners who have tested positive; what are the most common drugs identified; and what is the average increase in prison sentence for drug-positive results; [20314]

  (4) if he will make a statement on (a) the cost to date and (b) the anticipated costs of the mandatory drug tests in prisons. [20315]

  Mr. Howard
  [holding answer 24 April 1994]: Eight prison establishments were selected for the initial phase of the mandatory drug testing programme. These were Bristol, Holloway, Lindholme, Pentonville, Wakefield and Wayland prisons, and Her Majesty's young offenders institution/remand centre, Feltham and HMYOI Stoke Heath. Holloway has only recently begun its testing programme and no results are as yet available.
  371
  Random tests have been carried out at each of the other seven sites and, of the total samples taken and submitted for testing between February and the end of April 1995—871—36 per cent. have confirmed positive. The results for individual prisons are shown in the table.

  In addition to the random tests, each prison undertakes tests targeted on prisoners who are suspected of misusing drugs and, of the total samples collected on these grounds and submitted for testing between February and April 1995, 62 per cent. have tested positive.

  The most common drug identified through the random testing programme is cannabis, which was present in 32 per cent. of the random tests undertaken. Of the other drug types, only opiates—heroin—present in 2 per cent. of tests undertaken, and benzodiazepines—tranquillisers—present in 1 per cent. of tests, appear in any significant quantities.

  All prisoners testing positive are informed of the options available for assistance in giving up their drug habits. Reducing the level of drug misuse within prison is one of the Prison Service's strategic priorities for 1995–98. To facilitate this, the Prison Service has recently launched a comprehensive drugs strategy containing a wide range of measures aimed at reducing the supply of drugs into prison, reducing the demand for drugs within prison together with measures to assist in rehabilitating drug misusers. Local drug strategies are being developed at each prison and will form part of each establishment's contract with their area manager.

  The disciplinary penalties selected by governors have varied between prisons and in individual cases. A total of 290 prisoners have, up to the end of April, been found guilty of disciplinary charges arising from positive drug tests and penalties have generally included the imposition of added days for those serving determinate sentences. Details of individual punishments for those charges resulting from positive test results will be placed in the Library.

  As the number of adjudications following positive tests has been relatively small, the impact of any awards of added days on prison population will have been negligible during the initial phase. Any impact on future prison population is being considered but with the limited information available to date, it is not possible as yet to make any reliable estimates of future trends.

  The total costs, excluding staffing costs, incurred during 1994–95 in introducing mandatory drug testing in prisons was £95,000. One of the purposes of the initial phase of mandatory drug testing is to help identify the total costs likely to be involved in the drug testing programme. These costs will not be clear until the initial phase is over and the negotiations are completed with contractors who are bidding for a national contract to provide the Prison Service with drug testing facilities.

  Establishment

  Number of random tests carried out

  Proportion of random tests confirmed for illicit drugs Per cent.

  Bristol

  145

  33 (±8)

  Feltham

  143

  40 (±8)

  Lindholme

  46

  48 (±15)

  Pentonville

  166

  46 (±8)

  372

  Establishment

  Number of random tests carried out

  Proportion of random tests confirmed for illicit drugs Per cent.

  Stoke Heath

  78

  23 (±9)

  Wakefield

  115

  29 (±8)

  Wayland

  178

  35 (±7)

  Total

  871

  36 (±3)

  Note:

  The plus/minus (±)yigures shown in the last column represents the confidence which can be placed in the accuracy of the proportions given the relatively small number of tests undertaken to date.

  Crime Prevention
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much money has been spent on crime prevention in each of the last 10 years; and what percentage this is of the criminal justice budget. [22837]

  Mr. Howard
  [holding answer 10 May 1995]: I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave her yesterday in response to question No. 184.

WALES

  Careers Service
  Mr. Barry Jones
  to ask the Secretary of State for Wales, if he will make a statement on the running of the careers service in Wales. [24197]

  Mr. Redwood
  My hon. Friend, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Mr. Richards), announced on 3 April 1995, details of the contracts agreed for the provision of the careers service from 1 April 1995. Arrangements for contract management were set out in the prospectus published on 8 June 1994.

  Copies of the prospectus and the announcement are available in the Library of the House.

  Early Retirement
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales on what date his Department's second and enhanced early retirement and voluntary redundancy scheme was advertised; and how many applications have been received so far. [24928]

  Mr. Redwood
  On 20 December 1994. A total of 163 applications were received.

  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, on what date the request for volunteers for the Welsh Office redundancy scheme without enhancement was first posted; and how many staff applied in(a) the first and (b) the second month. [24927]

  Mr. Redwood
  On 4 November 1994. There were two applicants in November and one in December.

  NHS Annual Accounts
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer of 15 May, if he will ensure that copies of trust annual reports are made available to the public via the public library service and via local authority offices. [24938]
  373
  Mr. Redwood
  Copies of their annual report may be obtained on request from NHS trusts.

  Trust Appointments
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer of 15 May,Official Report, columns 103–4, if he will specify which trust had its non-executive board members announced after 1 April; on what date; and if he will specify which of the trusts which became operational on 1 April 1995 still have not had the non-executive board members' names announced. [24935]

  Mr. Redwood
  Morriston NHS trust became operational on 1 April 1994; its board was completed in February 1995. No announcement was made.

  The following trusts became operational on 1 April 1995: Cardiff Community Healthcare NHS trust; University Hospital of Wales Healthcare NHS trust; University Dental Hospital NHS trust; West Wales Ambulance NHS trust; and Glan-y-Mor NHS trust—shadow running until 1 April 1996 I have not yet announced the names of the non-executive directors.

  Countryside Council for Wales
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer of 15 May,Official Report, column 103, on what date he initiated the consultations with local authorities or their associations on the implications for authorities of the action plan for the Countryside Council for Wales. [24933]

  Mr. Redwood
  I consulted both the Assembly of Welsh Counties and the Council of Welsh Districts on 4 May 1995.

  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer of 15 May,Official Report, column 103, in which section of his Department the grade 7 officer was in charge of the financial management policy review of the Countryside Council for Wales immediately before being put in charge of the review. [24942]

  Mr. Redwood
  The officer had a wide range of policy experience before undertaking the review. It is not my Department's practice to give detailed information about the postings of individual officers.

  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer of 15 May,Official Report, column 102, if the Financial Management Policy Review of the Countryside Council for Wales reached the stage of drawing conclusions before it was overtaken by the review referred to in his answer to the right hon. Member for Conwy (Sir W. Roberts) on 3 November 1994, Official Report, column 1329; and if he will give the cost to public funds separately for each of the two reviews. [24932]

  Mr. Redwood
  The financial management policy review of the Countryside Council for Wales was not completed, although some of the initial conclusions reached were carried forward into the review. Work on the review was carried out by the appropriate divisions in my Department as part of their normal duties and it is not possible to attribute separate costs to the work beyond the information provided in the answer to the hon. Member on 15 May.

  Public Bodies
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer of 15 May,Official Report, column 102, for how long the Countryside Council for Wales had been in existence before the financial management policy review was begun; and if he will list all other non-departmental public bodies which have had reviews initiated following a shorter period of existence. [24943]

  Mr. Redwood
  The Countryside Council for Wales was established on 5 November 1990 and assumed its full responsibilities on 1 April 1991. The financial management and policy review started on 5 April 1994. No other reviews of executive non-departmental bodies have been undertaken in a shorter timescale.

  Cardiff East Sewage Works
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what consultation he has had with the National Rivers Authority and Welsh Water concerning the proposed Cardiff East sewage works; what further consideration he has given to the size and scope of the scheme and the date for completion of stage one and stage two; and if he will make a statement; [24929]

  (2) what representations he has had concerning the proposed Cardiff East sewage works; and what consultations he has had with the Environment Directorate of the European Commission concerning derogations from the completion dates specified in the municipal waste water treatment directive. [24926]

  Mr. Redwood
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave him on Thursday 20 October 1994, at column 313.

  GP and Hospital Records
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) if he will list the principal aspects of the guidelines governing the conduct of appeal hearings under the health service complaints procedures as they applied in 1991–92, with respect to the safe keeping of original NHS general practitioner and hospital records in his Department's vaults during the adjournments of such hearings; what records are kept of retrievals of such records during any such adjournment of a hearing; what are the rules relating to the notification to appellants or their legal representatives on the resumption of the hearing of such retrieval of documents and records; and if he will make a statement; [24780]

  (2) what departmental records exists of retrieval and replacement between 19 March and 7 September 1992 of files held in his departmental vaults containing the original general practitioner records and hospital records of Robert Powell (deceased), of 138 Brecon road, Ystradgynlais, pertaining to the adjournment appeal by Mr. William Powell of the same address and father of the deceased child under the NHS complaints procedure in relation to primary health care. [24784]

  Mr. Redwood
  The regulations governing the handling of complaints against GPs make no specific provision about the safe-keeping of such documents in the circumstances described. The security of all documents is
  375
  of course subject to the Department's overall policy on record keeping. Only the hospital records of Robert Powell were held by the Department between March and September 1992.

  The only record of retrieval during that period concerns the retrieval made in response to a request, made by a letter dated 13 August 1992, from Mr. Powell's solicitors for the hospital records to be subject to scientific testing. The other parties to the appeal were made aware of the request.

  Welsh Assembly
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on his plans to cost proposals of Her Majesty's Opposition for a Welsh Assembly. [24931]

  Mr. Redwood
  When I get a clear idea of the Opposition's devolution proposals I will comment on costs.

  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what guidelines he has agreed with his Department to maintain a proper distinction between party political activities and administrative duties in calculating the cost of proposals of Her Majesty's Opposition for a Welsh Assembly; and if he will make a statement. [24930]

  Mr. Redwood
  Once the Labour party has published its agreed proposals, I shall calculate the costs taking account of published data.

  Local Pay
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer of 15 May,Official Report, column 103, what guidelines he has given to trusts which became operational on 1 April but which have not yet had their non-executive board membership appointed, on the negotiations of local pay bargaining with nursing and auxiliary staff; and if he will make a statement. [24934]

  Mr. Redwood
  None. I hope to complete appointments shortly which will enable all trust boards to authorise settlement.

  Trade (Taiwan)
  Sir Wyn Roberts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what he is doing to promote trade between Wales and Taiwan and whether he will make a statement. [25535]

  Mr. Redwood
  The Welsh Office actively supports trade and business contacts between Wales and Taiwan—including a successful trade mission to Taiwan last September; by support for inward investment, including the recent announcement of a 100 job project by Ringtel, the first major Taiwanese inward investment into Wales. The Welsh Development Agency has an active programme to develop further investment opportunities and maintains an office in Taipei. I am also aware of and appreciate my right hon. Friend's support for the WDA's efforts through his own forthcoming visit to Taiwan.

  Peking Conference on Women: Furtherance of Agreed Policy on Contraceptives
  Peking Conference on Women: Furtherance of Agreed Policy on Contraceptives
  No. 2 Marsham Street
  No. 2 Marsham Street
  IACS: Number of Late Claim Penalties
  IACS: Number of Late Claim Penalties
  Deer: Night Shooting
  Deer: Night Shooting
  Rail Travel: Operators' Insurance Cover
  Rail Travel: Operators' Insurance Cover
  Buckingham Palace: New Traffic Management Scheme
  Buckingham Palace: New Traffic Management Scheme
  Millennium Commission: Staffing
  Millennium Commission: Staffing