Written Answers of 18 October 1995

ENVIRONMENT

  Housing Transfers, East Hampshire
  Mr. Raynsford
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received about irregularities in the conduct of the consultation with tenants over the proposed large-scale voluntary transfer of housing in East Hampshire district council.

  Mr. Clappison
  Six letters have been received complaining that the consultation period was too short and alleging that the council's campaign was biased towards the transfer. Of these, four were from the Liphook Tenants Association. The Secretary of State carefully considers all objections before deciding whether to give his consent to a transfer.

  Valuation Appeals
  Mr. Tipping
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will set out in total and by each valuation office the number of appeals that have been received against council tax bandings; how many have been resolved; how many remain outstanding; when he estimates this process will be completed; and if he will make a statement. [37497]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  I am placing in the Library a table which sets out, by valuation office region and office in England, the number of valid proposals to alter the valuation list which were received by 30 September 1995, the number settled and the number outstanding.

  Virtually all proposals received during the initial appeal period, up to 30 November 1993, have now been settled. The Valuation Office Agency currently receives around 8,000 proposals to alter valuation lists each month, and aims, in co-operation with the valuation tribunals, to settle all cases received after 1 April 1995 within 12 months of receipt.

  Mr. Tipping
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will set out in total and by each valuation office the number of appeals that have been received against the 1995 rating list; how many have been resolved; how many remain outstanding; when he estimates that this process will be completed; and if he will make a statement. [37498]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  I am placing in the Library a table which sets out, by valuation office region and office in England, the number of valid proposals to alter the 1995 rating lists which were received by 30 September, the number settled and the number outstanding.

  It is still too early to gauge with any accuracy the volume and timing of appeals against the entries in the 1995 lists, which may be made at any time, in some cases up to 31 March 2001.
  248

  >Sites of Nature Conservation Importance
  Mr. David Howell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the procedures for designating SNCI areas which lie on privately owned land; and what is his policy on voluntary co-operation and compulsory obligation. [37573]

  Mr. Clappison
  The Government encourage local authorities to identify and adopt appropriate policies in their development plans to protect such sites from inappropriate development. In accord with the voluntary principles of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 local authorities may enter into management agreements. In the last resort they have powers of compulsory purchase, subject to the approval of the Secretary of State for sites of particular local importance.

  Local Government, Leicestershire
  Mr. Simon Coombs
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the latest position on local government reorganisation in Leicestershire. [37940]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  During the summer the social services inspectorate has considered the capability of a unitary Rutland to fulfil its responsibilities for social services. The inspectorate has now completed its report and is content that Rutland will be a viable social services authority.

NATIONAL HERITAGE

  Public Library Guidance
  Mr. Robathan
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if she will make a statement about the issue of public library guidance to local authorities. [38350]

  Mr. Sproat
  Following consultation with public librarians and the local authority associations, I have authorised today publication of guidance to local authorities about the provision of public library services. The guidance is intended to help in particular those authorities assuming public library responsibilities for the first time following reorganisation of local government in the English shire counties. Printing and despatch of copies to all English library authorities and other interested parties will take place over the next few days. Meanwhile, I have deposited advance copies in the Library of the house and I have sent one to the Library Association.

  Tourism
  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what plans she has to promote the South West tourist industry in the coming year. [36721]

  Mr. Sproat
  Government support for tourism is channelled through the statutory British Tourist Authority and English tourist board. Through the ETB, support is made available to the 11 non-statutory regional tourist boards, including the West Country tourist board, which helps them undertake a variety of marketing and development activities of benefit to the tourism industry in their regions. The WCTB received a subvention of £614,073 from the ETB in 1994–95.
  249
  Tourism in south west England will also benefit from the overseas marketing work of the BTA and from the action programme announced earlier this year in my Department's document, "Tourism: Competing with the Best".

  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what proportion of each English region's economy is estimated to be generated by the tourist sector. [36717]

  Mr. Sproat
  Figures for tourism's contribution to each region's economy are not available. However, the figures for the number of employees in tourism-related industries, when shown as a proportion of the total number of employees in employment, give an indication of the importance of tourism in that region. The figures provided are for the latest month available and have been calculated on a new basis following changes to the standard employment classifications. The figures for each English region at June 1995 were:

  Number of employees in tourism related industries

  Total number of employees in employment

  Percentage of total employed in tourism related industries Percentage

  Greater London

  229,000

  3,189,000

  7

  Rest of South East

  264,000

  3,914,000

  7

  South West

  151,000

  1,762,000

  9

  East Anglia

  52,000

  819,000

  6

  North

  83,000

  1,090,000

  8

  North West

  169,000

  2,284,000

  7

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  135,000

  1,854,000

  7

  East Midlands

  102,000

  1,527,000

  7

  West Midlands

  118,000

  1,979,000

  6

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Bermuda
  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what amount Her Majesty's Government have paid to Bermuda in each of the last three financial years in respect of(a) development projects, (b) administration and (c) other services. [37061]

  Sir Nicholas Bonsor
  We have made no payments to Bermuda in each of the last three financial years in respect of any of the categories mentioned.

  Territorial Waters
  Mr. McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the delineation of the territorial sea boundaries between the United Kingdom and(a) France, (b) Belgium and (c) the Irish Republic. [37286]

  Sir Nicholas Bonsor
  The agreement with France relating to the territorial sea boundary in the straits of Dover, Cm 733, entered into force on 6 April 1989. The territorial seas of the United Kingdom and Belgium do 250
  not meet, but there is an agreement for the delimitation of the continental shelf between the United Kingdom and Belgium, Cm 2499. The delimitation of the continental shelf between the United Kingdom and the Irish Republic is the subject of a 1988 agreement, Cm 990 and a 1992 protocol, Cm 2227.

  Mr. McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many nautical square miles of the United Kingdom's territorial seas are claimed by the Irish Republic in its constitution; and what percentage of the total United Kingdom territorial seas that represents. [37287]

  Mr. Rifkind
  We do not recognise the claim by the Irish Republic to Northern Ireland or its territorial sea. No delimination of Northern Ireland waters has taken place as the British and Irish Governments have not discussed this issue. In the circumstances the information requested is not available and cannot accurately be calculated.

  Montserrat (Volcanic Activity)
  Mr. McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement about problems facing Montserrat because of the threatened volcanic eruption; and if present rules for Montserratians entering the United Kingdom will be waived for a short period. [37285]

  Sir Nicholas Bonsor
  Since mid-July, scientists have been monitoring closely the volcanic activity on Montserrat and keeping Her Majesty's Government and the local Government advised on the likelihood of a major eruption. Contingency plans are in place for a partial or full evacuation of threatened areas of the island, depending on the gravity of the situation.

  Immigration matters are for my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department. Applications from Montserratians will continue to be considered under the immigration rules, having regard to all the relevant circumstances.

  Nuclear Tests
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information he has received from the European Commission regarding its application of articles 34, 35, 36 and 37, respectively, of the Euratom treaty to French nuclear tests. [37327]

  Mr. David Davis
  We have received no formal communication on this subject from the European Commission. However, we are aware of bilateral contacts between the Commission and the French Government on this issue.

  Mr. Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the issues in regard to nuclear testing discussed at the informal Foreign Affairs General Council meeting in Santander on 9 and 10 September. [37256]
  251
  Mr. Davis
  The informal meeting at Santander was an opportunity for confidential discussion between European Union Foreign Ministers. I do not intend to make a statement on specific issues discussed.

  European Ombudsman
  Mr. John Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many candidates were considered by the European Parliament for the post of European ombudsman; what was the procedure under which candidates were asked to apply; what is the salary of the ombudsman; and how many staff he will employ. [47194]

  Mr. David Davis
  Six candidates were considered by the European Parliament for the post of ombudsman. The procedures for the appointment of the ombudsman are set out in the European Parliament's decision of 9 March 1994,Official Journal of the European Communities-Legislation, volume 113 of 4 May 1994, pages 15–18, and the European Parliament's rules of procedures 159, as amended on 16 May 1995, 160 and 161. Copies have been placed in the House Library. Article 10(2) of the European Parliament's decision to appoint the ombudsman states that the ombudsman will have the same salary and benefits as a judge at the European Court of Justice. The ombudsman currently employs one member of staff, but is entitled to increase this to 10.

  EU Overseas Citizens
  Mr. McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the rules(a) relating to migration to European Community states by Dutch Caribbean, Spanish African and French Overseas Department residents. [37284]

  Mr. David Davis
  The rules governing the entry and stay in member states of the European Union of persons from the Dutch Caribbean, Spanish Africa or French overseas department depend on the nationality held by the individual resident, not only the status of a particular territory. Nationals of the Netherlands, Spain and France, like other nationals of member states of the European economic area, which comprises the EU member states plus Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein, are free to enter other member states to take employment, to establish themselves in self-employment or business, or to provide or receive services for payment. They are also entitled to reside in member states in a non-economic capacity, provided that they have sufficient resources to avoid becoming a burden on public funds.

  Iraqi Weapons Programmes
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information has been provided to Her Majesty's Government by the Jordanian authorities or the United States Government on the status of the Iraqi nuclear, biological and chemical weapons programmes following the defections from the Iraqi Government and debriefing of Hussein Kamil Hassan and Saddam Kamil Hassan in August. [37338]
  252
  Mr. David Davis
  It would not be appropriate to comment on our contacts with other countries on this matter. However, the UNSCOM and IAEA reports on the implementation of resolutions 687 and 715, presented to the UN Security Council on 11 October 1995, take account of useful information given by Hussein Kamil and describe developments following his defection and the subsequent disclosure by Iraq of large quantities of documents relating to past weapons programmes. Copies have been placed in the Library of the House.

  Northern Ireland (Broadcasting Penetration)
  Mr. McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what measures are proposed to effect the greater penetration of Northern Ireland by Telefis Eireann; and what changes are required and have been put into effect by the authorities in the Irish Republic to bring about equal and reciprocal transmission of United Kingdom terrestrial channels. [37164]

  Mr. Rifkind
  Greater penetration of RTE into Northern Ireland could be achieved by a number of means, notably cable, satellite and through changes to the terrestrial UHF networks in the two countries. The British Government fully support RTE's wish to enhance its service to Northern Ireland, but there are certain technical difficulties. British and Irish officials are discussing the possible solutions but have not reached any agreed conclusions.

  As a result of decisions taken by the Irish authorities planning the RTE transmitter network, UK terrestrial channels can be received in many parts of the Republic of Ireland from transmitters in the UK.

  UK Dependent Territories
  Mr. Robert McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the current population of each of the United Kingdom's dependent territories, excluding Hong Kong. [37282]

  Sir Nicholas Bonsor
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply that my hon. Friend the Member for Banbury (Mr. Baldry) gave to the hon. Member for Thurrock (Mr. Mackinlay) on 8 February 1995,Official Report, column 285.

  European Parliament (Cost)
  Mr. John Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the estimated cost of the European Parliament in 1995; and if he will list the allowances payable to members. [37153]

  Mr. David Davis
  The budget of the European Parliament for 1995 is 843 million ecu or £703.4 million. This includes operational costs for 723 million ecu or £603.4 million, and special capital costs of 120 million ecu or £100.1 million for the new offices of the European Parliament in Brussels.

  The following allowances are available to Members in 1995:
  Telephone and fax—unlimited use from European Parliament offices.
  Travel—within the union, 0.76 ecu or £0.634 for every km up to 400 km, and 0.38 ecu or £0.317 for every km thereafter. Outside the Union, the cost of the return air fare by the most direct route.

  253
  Subsistence on official travel—within the Union 213 ecu or £177.75 per day. Half this amount, plus hotel costs, outside the Union.
  General office expenses—2,926 ecu or £2,441.75 per month.
  Secretarial assistance—8,000 ecu or £6,676 per month.

  Cyprus (EU Accession)
  Mr. John Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs to what extent the admission of Cyprus to the EU would affect Britain's obligations and rights as a guarantor. [37160]

  Mr. David Davis
  The UK remains committed to its role as guarantor. We shall continue to keep under review any possible implications for that role of developments on an intercommunal settlement and the future EU accession negotiations.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Private Finance Initiative
  Mr. Betts
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement about the rights of individual members of the public to make complaints to any of the appropriate ombudsmen about services or projects funded through the private finance initiative in his Department. [36825]

  Mr. Lang
  The parliamentary ombudsman has, subject to the conditions of the Parliamentary Commissioner Act 1967, jurisdiction to investigate complaints from members of the public about maladministration by Government Departments, other public sector bodies engaged in the work of central Government, and those acting on their behalf. As a consequence, the ombudsman can investigate complaints of maladministration about any projects or service carried out by or on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry that are funded through the private finance initiative.

  Travel Allowances
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what rates of travel allowance may be claimed by civil servants in his Department when using their own vehicles for official business [36359

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  Civil servants in DTI using their own vehicle for official business are entitled to claim the following rates for motor mileage allowance:

  Engine size

  up to 1500cc

  1501–2000cc

  over 2000cc

  Up to 4,000 miles (Standard Rate)

  34p

  43p

  46p

  Over 4,000 miles (Lower Standard rate)

  19p

  23p

  31p

  Rates payable from 6 April 1995

  Dr. Jones
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list the total cost of travel expenses claimed by civil servants using their own vehicles for official business in each of the last five years in his Department;254
  and what would have been the saving in the last year if the maximum rate that could be claimed was set at the lowest rate. [36360]

  Mr. Evans
  The DTI does not record mileage separately from other travel and subsistence expenses paid on official business. To provide the information requested would entail disproportionate cost.

  Exports
  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what estimate his Department has made of the volume and value in percentage terms of exports in(a) cars, (b) televisions and (c) video recorders made last year by foreign companies which have invested in production in Britain.[37418]

  Mr. Page
  My Department has not made estimates concerning exports of individual products based on whether or not the manufacturer is a British-owned company. Information obtained from the British Radio and Electronic Equipment Manufacturers Association indicates that all televisions and video recorders exported from the UK were made by foreign-owned companies.

  Statutory Consumer Councils
  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what provisions of the treaty of Rome, as amended, and any consequential regulation or directive constrain the sole duties or activities of statutory consumer councils as established and operating prior to preparations for, or changes consequent to, accession to the treaty. [37260]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  [holding answer 16 October 1995]: I am not aware of any such constraints on the duties and activities of the statutory consumer councils.

OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION

  Departmental Minutes
  Mr. Duncan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the three departmental minutes which the Overseas Development Administration laid before the House during the summer recess. [38446]

  Mr. Hanley
  The departmental minutes refer to projects which are being supported by the Overseas Development Administration under the aid and trade provision soft loan financing arrangements which enable the banks to lend at concessional rates. Under new arrangements for ATP agreed in 1992, the ODA pays the aid portion of a soft loan to the bank or banks making the loan during the implementation period of the project, rather than, as previously, during the period over which the soft loan is disbursed. The former is much shorter than the latter. As a result, the banks would be exposed to additional charges if the tax regime relating to the lump sum payments were to change over the disbursement period of the loan. To safeguard the banks against such a potential liability the ODA provides an indemnity against possible tax changes. This indemnity creates a contingent liability on the aid programme, which therefore falls to be reported to Parliament.
  255
  The departmental minutes reported the estimated cost of these contingent liabilities as a result of making concessional loans to developing countries to finance the following projects:

  Country

  Project

  Amount of Liability £

  Thailand

  Mini Hydros Samarinda Power

  1,346,909

  Indonesia

  Plant Samarinda

  3,856,568

  Indonesia

  Transmission Line Piston Engine

  500,778

  Indonesia

  Research Laboratory New Nanjing

  1,436,633

  China

  Airport

  2,657,844

  The contingent liabilities for projects 1 and 2 were incurred in, respectively, August 1994 and March 1995 and it is regretted that they were not brought to the attention of the House at the proper time. Those for projects 3, 4 and 5 were incurred during the summer recess. It was necessary to give the indemnities urgently to avoid delaying the start of the projects. The minutes were placed in the Libraries of both Houses and copies were sent to the Public Accounts Committee and the Foreign Affairs Committee.

  Comoros Islands
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what support he has received for the appraisal mission, sponsored by the World bank executive board, to the Comoros Islands in September, with particular reference to the coelacanth and other endangered species. [37397]

  Mr. Hanley
  [holding answer 16 October 1995]: Following the World bank—United Nations development programme appraisal mission in September, it is envisaged that a request for funding for a project to protect the coelacanth and other endangered species will be submitted by UNDP to the global environment facility. The report will be available in due course through the World bank's public information centre. I will arrange for copies to be placed in the Libraries of both Houses when it is available.

  Commodity Exchanges
  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assistance has been given by(a) his Department and (b) EU aid to establish or develop commodity exchanges for cocoa, coffee or sugar in developing countries; and if he will list the date, location and value of any aid projects of this type approved by his Department or the EU in the past five years. [34301]

  Mr. Hanley
  [pursuant to his answer, 13 July 1995, c. 688–89]: We have been unable to obtain a list of EU-funded projects which directly support either commodity exchanges for cocoa, coffee or sugar or these particular markets in developing countries.
  256
  Two EU-funded project have supported commodity marketing and development in developing countries:
  Cote d'Ivoire: Grant 12 mecu: construction of wholesale market at Bouake (agricultural products)
  All African, Caribbean and Pacific states, overseas countries and territories: Grant 7.75 mecu: grant to assist marketing and sales and promotion of their products

TRANSPORT

  A3 Trunk Road
  Mr. David Howell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what measures his Department has taken to reduce noise volume for residents on the A3 trunk road in the region of Onslow village, Guildford; and if he will make on-site assessments of the noise level following the completion of recent works with particular reference to the effect of the laying of porous asphalt. [37574]

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

  Letter from Lawrie Haynes to Mr. David Howell, dated 18 October 1995:
  As you know, the Minister for Railways and Roads, Mr. John Watts, has asked me to write in reply to your Parliamentary Question asking what measures have been taken to reduce noise volume for residents on the A3 trunk road in the region of Onslow Village, Guildford; and if on-site assessments of the noise level will be made following the completion of recent works with particular reference to the effect of the laying of porous asphalt.The Highways Agency has provided noise barriers and porous asphalt to limit noise levels from the A3 trunk road at the worst affected properties in the region of Onslow Village.An evaluation to the effect of these noise measures has been carried out using the calculation procedures prescribed in the Noise Insulation Regulations. The calculation method is preferred because it applies a consistent technique for assessment which overcomes the many variables that affect noise over a period of time. The Agency has no proposals for carrying out on-site assessments.

  MOT Hotline
  Mr. Tipping
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the MOT hotline was established; how many calls it has received each year and for the first six months of 1995–96; what is the cost of running the scheme; and what income the scheme receives from the hotline number. [37502]

  Mr. Norris
  This is an operational matter for the Vehicle Inspectorate executive agency.

  I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Ron Oliver to Mr. Paddy Tipping, dated 18 October 1995:
  The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question on when the MOT hotline was established, the number of calls it has received, the cost of running the scheme and the income the scheme receives from the hotline number.The scheme was introduced in September 1994. Since that date there have been 14,521 calls made to the hotline, of which 6,347 were made in the first 6 months of 1995 (ie January to June). The costs of running the scheme for the first year were approximately £5,500, and the income £3,425.257

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Justice and Home Affairs Council
  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the outcome of the Justice and Home Affairs Council held on 25 and 26 September. [38347]

  Mr. Howard
  The United Kingdom was represented at the Council by the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department. The main matters dealt with at the Council were as follows.

  The Council adopted as "A" points, among other things, a regulation establishing a common visa list, a resolution on burden sharing of refugees, an action programme for judicial co-operation with the central and eastern European states and a decision on funding operational activity in the third pillar.

  The Council discussed in an open session the principle issues raised by the draft convention on enforcement of decisions and rules of jurisdiction in matrimonial matters, known as the Brussels II convention. It agreed that work would continue on developing the convention, and that a new draft text should be submitted for consideration by the Justice and Home Affairs Council in November.

  The text of a draft convention on insolvency proceedings was initialled by the representatives of all member states. The presidency hoped that the convention would be ready for signature at the Justice and Home Affairs Council in November.

  The Council welcomed in principle a draft joint action against racism and xenophobia. The purpose of the instrument would be to promote a comparable response by member states' criminal justice systems to racist and xenophobic acts committed within the European Union. The subject was examined by Ministers at the Informal Council on 14 and 15 October, with a view to concluding the joint action at the November Justice and Home Affairs Council.

  The Council discussed a number of points arising from the negotiations on the draft regulations implementing the Europol convention, and agreed that work should continue on them at official level.

  The Council considered requests from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees for the temporary protection of refugees and displaced persons from the former Yugoslavia. The Council instructed the K4 committee to examine this matter further at its next meeting in the light of a presentation by a representative from the UNHCR.

  The presidency condemned terrorist acts and welcomed efforts among the member states to tackle this problem through reinforced co-operation and improved exchanges of information.

  Ministers of the member states met their counterparts from the central and eastern European states, the Baltic states and Cyprus and Malta to continue the pre-accession structured dialogue with those countries on justice and home affairs. On the second day of the Council, the troika held meetings on third pillar matters with representatives from Norway, Switzerland, Morocco and the Andean pact countries.
  258

  National Lottery
  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what directions he has given to the National Lottery Charities Board on how it is to consider applications for grants and how lottery money should be spent. [38348]

  Mr. Howard
  I have issued directions to the National Lottery Charities Board under the terms of sections 26 and 39 of the National Lottery etc. Act 1993 in respect of various policy and financial matters. The policy directions are meant to ensure, inter alia, that the board achieves over time the distribution of money to a reasonably wide spread of recipients, including small organisations and those operating purely at a local level, and across a reasonably wide range of charitable—whether or not charitable in law—benevolent and philanthropic activity.

  The directions also require the board:
  to have regard from the outset to: to the interests of the United Kingdom as a whole; the interests of the different parts of the United Kingdom; and the relative population sizes of, and appropriate socio-economic factors applicable to, the different parts of the United Kingdom;
  to consider the interests of organisations with a base in the United Kingdom and working overseas;
  to distribute grants in the light of these considerations.

  The financial directions regulate the payment of grants and put in place safeguards to ensure that grants are used for the purposes for which they were given.

  I have today placed in the Library copies of the policy and financial directions.

  Roger Casement
  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if the review of the records relating to Roger Casement has been completed. [38349]

  Mr. Howard
  The review of the Roger Casement records, requested by the Institute of Contemporary History under the open government initiative, has been completed. I am pleased to announce that my Department's records will today be released at the Public Record Office.

  Probation and Bail Hostels
  Mr. Michael
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department in how many instances local objections have been made to the siting of an approved probation and bail hostel since 1990; and if he will list those objections. [37185]

  Mr. Howard
  Since 1990, 24 approved probation and bail hostels have been opened. In all cases there were some local objections, including representations to the local planning authority and the Home Office; but it is not practicable to provide an exhaustive list.

  Police Cautions
  Mr. Michael
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many juveniles and young persons had been cautioned by the police on(a) three occasions, (b) four occasions and (c) more than five occasions. [37179]
  259
  Mr. Maclean
  The information requested is not collected routinely. The table shows results from a special study of all 4,500 offenders cautioned for indictable offences in one week of 1994 in England and Wales.

  Persons cautioned in one week of November, 1994

  England and Wales

  Percentages

  Number of previous cautions

  Under 18

  18 to 20

  Age 21 and over

  All

  None

  82

  87

  89

  85

  One

  12

  9

  8

  10

  Two

  4

  2(2)

  2(2)

  3

  Three

  2(2)

  2(1)

  2(1)

  1

  Four or more

  2(1)

  2(0)

  2(1)

  2(1)

  1 Not necessarily in the study year.

  2 () Figures based on fewer than 50 people.

  Mr. Michael
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what percentage of(a) juveniles and (b) young persons, who were formally cautioned by the police in England and Wales, did not subsequently become the subject of a further arrest and further caution in each of the last three years for which figures each are available. [37180]

  Mr. Maclean
  The information requested is not collected routinely. The tables show results from special studies of those cautioned for indictable offences in England and Wales in one sample week each in 1985, 1988 and 1991. Table 1 shows the percentage of offenders in each sample not subsequently convicted within two years of being cautioned. More detail for part of the 1991 sample on subsequent convictions and cautions for part of the 1991 sample is included in table 2.

  Table 1: The proportion of offenders who had not been convicted within two years of being cautioned

  England and Wales

  Percentages

  Year of study

  Age at caution

  1985

  1988

  1991

  Under 18

  83

  80

  79

  18 to 20

  (85)

  77

  77

  Table 2: The proportion of offenders who had not been subsequently convicted or recautioned within two years of being cautioned1

  England and Wales

  Age at caution

  Percentage not recautioned

  Percentage not subsequently convicted

  Percentage neither recautioned nor subsequently convicted

  Under 18

  69

  76

  55

  18 to 20

  2(92)

  2(78)

  2(71)

  1 Based on information supplied by 10 police forces on 422 offenders cautioned in one week on November 1991.

  2 Figures based on fewer than 50 people.

  260

  Young Offenders
  Mr. Michael
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many(a) 15, (b) 16 and (c) 17 year-old-boys were sentenced to a period of custody during (i) 1990, (ii) 1991 and (iii) 1992. [37187]

  Mr. Maclean
  The information is given in the table.

  Number of boys aged 15, 16 and 17 sentenced to immediate custody1 at all courts 1990 to 1992

  England and Wales

  Age

  1990

  1991

  1992

  15

  477

  573

  519

  16

  1,070

  1,047

  981

  17

  2,699

  2,482

  2,287

  1 Detention in a young offender institution.

  Combination Orders.
  Mr. Michael
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many combination orders were made under the provisions of the Criminal Justice Act 1991 in(a) each quarter and (b) each full year since the provisions came into force. [37183]

  Mr. Maclean
  The information is given in the table.

  Number of combination orders1 made by type of offence, year and quarter 1992 to 19942

  England and Wales

  Year/quarter

  Indictable offences

  Summary non-motoring offences

  Summary motoring offices

  All offences

  1992

  897

  103

  274

  1,274

  1993

  6,090

  780

  2,070

  8,940

  19942

  8,110

  1,080

  3,209

  12,399

  1992 Q4

  897

  103

  274

  1,274

  1993 Q1

  1,275

  169

  407

  1,851

  Q2

  1,421

  167

  440

  1,028

  Q3

  1,595

  202

  563

  2,360

  Q4

  1,799

  242

  660

  2,701

  1994 Q12

  2,137

  257

  781

  3,175

  Q22

  1,818

  242

  766

  2,826

  Q32

  2,135

  269

  816

  3,220

  Q42

  2,020

  312

  846

  3,178

  1 Introduced under the Criminal Justice Act 1991 which came into effect on 1 October 1992.

  2 Provisional.

  Handcuffs
  Mr. Rooker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportion of rigid and chain link handcuffs used by police officers are manufactured in the United Kingdom. [37079]

  Mr. Maclean
  This information is not held centrally.

  Mr. Rooker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners have suffered injury from the use of rigid handcuffs in the latest period for which figures are available. [37078]

  Mr. Maclean
  This information is not held centrally. I understand that in 1994 the Police Complaints Authority received some 300 complaints about handcuffs, including both the traditional style and the rigid handcuff.
  261
  Mr. Rooker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the effect of the use of rigid handcuffs on the level of assaults upon police officers. [37080]

  Mr. Maclean
  I understand that this type of handcuff is quicker to apply and provides a more effective restraint upon a prisoner than the traditional design. I have no information as to the effect of the rigid handcuff on the level of assaults on police officers.

  Supervision Orders
  Mr. Michael
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many supervision orders with residential requirements have been made by the courts in England and Wales since the implementation of the Children Act 1989. [37188]

  Mr. Maclean
  The information is given in the table.

  Number of supervision orders with residential requirements1 made by type of court 19912 to 19943

  England and Wales

  Type of court/Year

  Total supervision orders

  Supervision order with residential requirement

  Magistrates court

  1991

  5,948

  (2)

  1992

  5,616

  164

  1993

  6,987

  172

  19943

  8,847

  226

  Crown Court

  1991

  339

  (2)

  1992

  330

  10

  1993

  308

  14

  19943

  343

  12

  All courts

  1991

  6,287

  (2)

  1992

  5,946

  174

  1993

  7,295

  186

  19943

  9,190

  238

  1 Introduced under provisions of Children and Young Person Act 1969, section 12AA, as amended by Children Act 1989 which came into effect 14 October 1991.

  2Not available. Data not collected separately for this disposal until 1 January 1992.

  3 Provisional.

SCOTLAND

  Local Services
  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he next plans to meet representatives of the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities to discuss local services. [36044]

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  On 10 November.

  Local Government Reorganisation
  Mr. Foulkes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he next expects to meet representatives of the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities to discuss the implementation of the reorganisation of local government. [36046]
  262
  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  On 10 November.

  Mr. Graham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to meet the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities to discuss reorganisation of local government. [36055]

  Mr. Kynoch
  My right hon. Friend and I are scheduled to meet representatives of the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities on 10 November as part of the normal consultation on local government finance matters.

  Scottish Economy
  Mr. Galloway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he will next meet the Scottish Trades Union Congress to discuss the problems of the Scottish economy. [36047]

  Mr. David Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to meet the General Council of the Scottish Trade Union Congress to discuss the Scottish economy; and if he will make a statement. [36048]

  Mr. Chisholm
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he next plans to meet the Scottish Trades Union Congress to discuss the Scottish economy. [36049]

  Mr. Kynoch
  My right hon. Friend meets representatives of the Scottish TUC from time to time to discuss a range of issues concerning the Scottish economy. Over the summer he met STUC representatives on two such occasions.

  Training
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on responsibility for training in Scotland. [36050]

  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  The Secretary of State for Scotland has had responsibility for training policy and public expenditure provision for training programmes in Scotland since 1 April last year; and he exercises this responsibility within the framework of overall strategic priorities for Britain.

  Local Government (Corruption and Nepotism)
  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he proposes to take to ensure Scottish local authorities are free from corruption and nepotism. [36051]
  263
  Mr. Kynoch
  Together with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has appointed a task force to review existing mechanisms and procedures governing local government conduct in Scotland.

  European Regional Fund
  Sir David Knox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the total value of grants that Scotland has received from the European regional fund since the fund's inception. [36052]

  Mr. Kynoch
  Since the inception of the European regional development fund in 1975, Scotland has benefited from awards totalling almost £1.5 billion.

  Governance of Scotland
  Mr. Canavan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what initiatives he plans to introduce relating to the governance of Scotland. [36053]

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  I am actively considering a number of measures which will improve the governance of Scotland.

  Acute Service Provision, Lanarkshire
  Mr. Ingram
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to improve the level of acute service provision in Lanarkshire. [36054]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  It is the responsibility of all health boards in Scotland to provide safe and efficient health care which best meets the overall needs and priorities of the population.

  Lanarkshire health board seeks continually to improve the full range of health services it purchases for the people of Lanarkshire.

  Local Government Services
  Mrs. Adams
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he next plans to meet the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities to discuss local government services. [36056]

  Mr. Kynoch
  My right hon. Friend and I are scheduled to meet representatives of the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities on 10 November as part of the normal consultation on local government finance matters.

  Public Transport, Fife
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement about the provision of public transport in Fife. [36057]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The provision of public transport services in Fife is a matter for the train operating companies and the bus companies. Fife regional council also takes an active interest in promoting public transport in the area.

  In February 1994, following consultation with Fife regional council, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State agreed to provide additional capital allocations of up to £8.8 million to Fife for planned improvements to rail services. The regional council and ScotRail are now taking this forward.
  264
  The future of rail services in Fife has been contractually assured for the first time by their inclusion in the ScotRail and InterCity east coast passenger service requirements.

  Scottish Parliament
  Mr. Whittingdale
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received calling for a Scottish Parliament. [36059]

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  Since I assumed office as Secretary of State in July, I have received 14 letters on constitutional matters, of which only three were in support of a Scottish Parliament.

  Health Boards
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he next expects to meet the chairmen of the health boards in Scotland to discuss finance. [36060]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  I meet chairmen of health boards regularly to discuss a wide range of strategic issues affecting the management of the NHS in Scotland. Many of those issues may have financial implications. The next such meeting will take place on 8 December 1995.

  Mr. Ernie Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he last met the chairman of health boards to discuss the health service [36061]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  I met the chairmen of all Scotland's health boards and NHS trusts on 5 October.

  Mr. Darling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to amend the functions of health boards in Scotland; and if he will make a statement. [36063]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  I have no such plans.

  However, I have established a working group, chaired by Professor Sir Robert Shields, to produce and consolidate guidance on the developing roles and responsibilities of health boards. A copy of the group's remit and a list of members has been placed in the library.

  Road Upgrading, Gordon
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the upgrading of the A96 and A92 within the constituency of Gordon. [36062]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  In December 1988, I announced a comprehensive six-point plan to improve the A96 comprising dual carriageways, bypasses, increased overtaking opportunities and accident remedial measures. Bypasses have been constructed at Inverurie, Bucksburn and Lhanbryde and others have completed their public local inquiry stages. In Gordon, work is progressing on the preparation of bypasses at Kintore and Blackburn.

  On the A92, good progress is being made on the preparation of the improvement between Balmedie and Tipperty. Earlier design work has been reviewed and draft orders can be published once the final phase of evaluation has been completed. Other improvements are being made on the A92 and speed cameras have been introduced to improve road safety.
  265

  Housing (Glasgow)
  Mr. Davidson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he intends to meet Glasgow district council to discuss housing conditions. [36064]

  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  My right hon. Friend has no plans to do so. However, one of my first visits as Housing Minister was to Easterhouse in Glasgow on 8 August 1995. I saw at first hand the problems of that estate and the significant investment programmes being devoted to tackling them. Scottish Homes expects to invest around £15 million in Easterhouse in 1995–96. The specific developments I viewed involved over 100 new or improved units costing just over £6 million.

  I have also accepted invitations from the council to speak at the city housing conference on energy which is being held in November and to visit the district later in the year to see the housing conditions for myself and to learn how the council is utilising the £116 million capital resources available to it for housing investment this year. I look forward to hearing more about the council's efforts to involve the private sector in meeting Glasgow's housing needs.

  Forestry Commission
  Mr. Tipping
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the total number and area of Forestry Commission woods in(a) England (b) Scotland and (c) Wales sold since 1981; and, of those, the total number and area of woods in each country sold for which legal agreements were made and are currently enforceable to protect public access on foot. [37499]

  Mr. Kynoch
  The number and area of Forestry Commission woods sold since 1981 are as follows:

  England

  Scotland

  Wales

  Number of woods sold

  986

  801

  848

  Area of woods sold (hectares)

  33,629

  73,780

  16,462

  The number and area of Forestry Commission woods sold since the introduction of access agreements in 1991 are as follows:

  England

  Scotland

  Wales

  Number of woods sold

  185

  220

  253

  Area of woods sold (hectares)

  4,037

  26,508

  4,688

  Number of public access agreements

  6

  1

  16

  Area covered by agreements (hectares)

  136

  20

  350

  Mr. Tipping
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to publish a comprehensive guide for sale to the public of all woods owned by the Forestry Commission to which public access on foot is freely available. [37501]

  Mr. Kynoch
  The Forestry Commission already provides guides, leaflets and other publicity and it is considering ways of providing further information about those of its woodlands which are freely open to the public on foot.
  266

  Monklands District Council
  Lady Olga Maitland
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what further steps the Government are taking about the operation of Monklands district council. [36058]

  Mr. Kynoch
  The inquiry announced by the then Secretary of State, my right hon. Friend the Member for Galloway and Upper Nithsdale (Mr. Lang), on 28 June is under way and any follow-up action will be determined in the light of its conclusions.

  Housing Stock (Berwickshire)
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he expects to be able to make a statement on the proposed transfer of Berwickshire district council's housing stock to Berwickshire housing association. [36045]

  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State approved Berwickshire district council's application for consent to transfer the stock on 30 August and the transfer has now been completed.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Contributions Agency
  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) if he will list(a) as at May 1994 and (b) as at the latest available date the addresses of bases of clerical staff of the Contributions Agency; [37221]

  (2) what plans he has further to centralise the activities of the Contributions Agency; and if he will make a statement; [37222]

  (3) to what extent the Contributions Agency office at Inverness is affected by plans to centralise activities of the Contributions Agency. [37223]

  Mr. Heald
  The administration of the Contributions Agency is a matter for Mrs. Faith Boardman, the chief executive. She will write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Mrs. Faith Boardman to Mrs. Margaret Ewing, dated 17 October 1995:
  As Chief Executive of the Contributions Agency, I have responsibility for answering questions about operational matters relating to the Agency. I have been asked to reply to your questions about the addresses of bases of the Agency's clerical staff, plans to centralise the Agency's activities and the effects on the Agency's office in Inverness of these plans. In view of the nature of the questions I have combined the responses.
  The tables in Annex 1 show the offices with a clerical presence in the Agency's Field Operations in May 1994 while those at Annex 2 show the position at September 1995. In addition to our Field Operations, clerical staff were also based (both in May 1994 and September 1995) at our Centre in Newcastle and Civil Recoveries Sections in Bootle, Cardiff, Edinburgh and King's Lynn.
  A recent business analysis of our Field Operations and a review of the pay and grading structure have recommended significant changes to the organisation.
  In 1991, the Agency began to move towards a Field Operations network of some 184 Field Offices supported by 90 National Insurance Outsations. Current research has shown that there is a need to match more closely Contributions Agency outlets to customer requirements while still maintaining nationwide cover for the administration of the NI scheme. Information has been obtained about density of business, density of population and locations of the

  267
  self-employed. This information has been incorporated into the design of a new network to consist of around 100–115 locations, comprising 70–75 Field Offices and 30–40 Inspector outstations, which will maintain the commitment to service delivery outlined in the Contributions Agency Contributors' and Employers' Charters. It is proposed to achieve the rationalisation of the Field Operations network within the next two to five years. There are no further plans to centralise beyond the current proposals.
  In Scotland, it is proposed that clerical processing work which does not require face to face contact will be centred in the major cities. A network of National Insurance Inspector outlets will be developed to provide a local service to the Agency's customers by appointment at a local office of the Department of Social Security, or by visit.
  Under these proposals the Contributions Agency office at Inverness will operate as a National Insurance outlet with clerical processing at either Aberdeen or Edinburgh.
  I hope that my reply proves helpful. Please let me know if I can be of any more assistance.
  Contributions Agency Field Operations Clerical Processing Locations as at May 1994

  Aberdare

  Aberdeen North

  Aberystwyth

  Accrington

  Acton

  Airdrie

  Aldershot

  Andover

  Ashford

  Ashington

  Ashton under Lyne

  Aylesbury

  Ayr

  Balham

  Banbury

  Barking

  Barnet

  Barnsley East

  Barrow

  Basildon

  Basingstoke

  Bath

  Bathgate

  Bedford

  Bexley

  Birmingham Ladywood

  Birmingham Perry Barr

  Birmingham Ravenhurst

  Birmingham South Yardley

  Blackpool North

  Blackpool South

  Bloomsbury

  Boston

  Bournemouth

  Bracknell

  Bradford West

  Brighton

  Bristol South

  Bristol West

  Bristol Horfield

  Brixton

  268

  Bromley

  Bury St. Edmonds

  Bury

  Caernarfon

  Cambridge

  Cannock

  Canterbury

  Cardiff Gabalfa

  Carlisle

  Chatham

  Carmarthen

  Chelmsford

  Chester le Street

  Chester

  Chesterfield

  Chichester

  Clydebank

  Colchester

  Colwyn Bay

  Coventry

  Crawley

  Cricklewood

  Crewe

  Croydon

  Cumbernauld

  Cwmbran

  Darlington

  Dartford

  Dewsbury

  Derby Heritage Gate

  Doncaster East

  Dover

  Dudley North

  Dumfries

  Dumbarton

  Dundee East

  Ealing

  Eastbourne

  Ebbw Vale

  East Kilbride

  Edgware

  Edmonton

  Edinburgh (Argyle House)

  Epsom

  Eston

  Euston

  Exeter

  Falkirk

  Fareham

  Farnworth

  Fulham

  Galashiels

  Gateshead

  Glasgow North

  Glasgow South

  Glasgow Laurieston

  Gloucester

  Grays

  269

  Greenock

  Guildford

  Halifax

  Hamilton

  Harlow

  Harrow

  Hartlepool

  Hastings

  Havant

  Havering

  Hay wards Heath

  Hemel Hempstead

  Hereford

  Hertford

  Highgate

  High Wycombe

  Hither Green

  Hounslow

  Hoxton

  Huddersfield

  Hull

  Ilford

  Ilkeston

  Inverness

  Ipswich

  Keighley

  Kennington Park

  Kensington

  Kidderminster

  Kilmarnock

  Kings Lynn

  Kingston

  Kirkcaldy

  Lancaster

  Launceston

  Leamington Spa

  Leicester (Leicester House)

  Leeds East

  Leeds North

  Leeds North West

  Leeds West

  Lincoln

  Liverpool (St. Martins House)

  Llangefni

  London City

  Lowestoft

  Luton

  Maidstone

  Manchester Bishopsgate

  Mansfield

  Manchester Chorlton

  Mansfield

  Milton Keynes

  Neasden

  Newbury

  New Forest

  Newcastle upon Tyne (St. James)

  Newham

  270

  New Malden

  Nothallerton

  Northampton

  North Shields

  Nottingham (Shakespeare St.)

  Nottingham (Station St.)

  Nuneaton

  Norwich Chantry

  Norwich Mountergate

  Oldham

  Oxford

  Paddington

  Paisley

  Peckham

  Penzance

  Peterborough

  Peterlee

  Plymouth

  Pontypridd

  Poole

  Poplar

  Portsmouth North

  Preston

  Reading

  Redditch

  Redhill

  Rhyl

  Rochdale

  Rossendale

  Rotherham South

  Salisbury

  Salford South

  Scarborough

  Scunthorpe

  Sheffield (Hutton Buildings)

  Shrewsbury

  Skelmerdale

  Slough

  Southampton

  Southend

  Southport

  Southwick

  St. Albans

  St. Austell

  St. Helens

  Stevenage

  Stirling

  Stockport North

  Stockton

  Stoke

  Sunderland North

  Sutton

  Swansea

  Thames North (Scarborough St.)

  Torbay

  Tunbridge Wells

  Uxbridge

  Wakefield

  271

  Wallasey

  Walsall

  Walthamstow

  Warrington

  Watford

  Wellingborough

  West Bromwich

  Weymouth

  Wigan

  Winchester

  Wishaw

  Woking

  Wolverhampton North

  Wood Green

  Woolwich

  Worcester

  Workington

  Wrexham

  York

  Annex 2

  Clerical Processing Locations as at September 1995

  Aberdeen North

  Aberystwyth

  Accrington

  Aldershot

  Ashington

  Aylesbury

  Ayr

  Balham

  Banbury

  Barking

  Barnet

  Barnsley East

  Barrow

  Basildon

  Bath

  Bathgate

  Bedford

  Birmingham Ladywood

  Birmingham Perry Barr

  Birmingham Ravenhurst

  Birmingham South Yardley

  Bexley

  Blackpool South

  Bloomsbury

  Boston

  Bournemouth

  Bradford West

  Bristol Horfield

  Bromley

  Bury St. Edmunds

  Caernarfon

  Cambridge

  Cannock

  Cardiff Gabalfa

  Carlisle

  Chatham

  272

  Carmarthen

  Chelmsford

  Chester

  Chichester

  Colchester

  Colwyn Bay

  Coventry

  Cricklewood

  Crewe

  Croydon

  Cwmbran

  Darlington

  Dartford

  Dewsbury

  Derby Heritage Gate

  Doncaster East

  Dover

  Dudley North

  Dundee East

  Ealing

  Ebbw Vale

  Edgware

  Edmonton

  Epsom

  Edinburgh (Argyle House)

  Eston

  Euston

  Exeter

  Falkirk

  Fareham

  Farnworth

  Fulham

  Gateshead

  Glasgow North

  Glasgow South

  Gloucester

  Guildford

  Halifax

  Hamilton

  Harlow

  Harrow

  Hartlepool

  Hastings

  Haverfordwest

  Havering

  Hendon

  Haywards Heath

  Hemel Hempstead

  Hereford

  Hertford

  Highgate

  High Wycombe

  Hoxton

  Huddersfield

  Hull

  Ilford

  Inverness

  Ipswich

  273

  Kings Lynn

  Kingston

  Lancaster

  Launceston

  Leamington Spa

  Leicester (Wellington St.)

  Leeds East

  Leeds North West

  Leeds West

  Lincoln

  Liverpool (St. Martins House)

  Llangefni

  London City

  Lowestoft

  Luton

  Maidstone

  Manchester Bishopsgate

  Mansfield

  Milton Keynes

  Neasden

  Newham

  New Malden

  Northallerton

  Northampton

  Nuneaton

  Nottingham (Shakespeare St.)

  Nottingham (Station St.)

  Norwich Chantry

  Oxford

  Paddington

  Paisley

  Peckham

  Penzance

  Peterborough

  Plymouth

  Pontypridd

  Poole

  Poplar

  Portsmouth North

  Preston

  Reading

  Redditch

  Rhyl

  Rotherham South

  Salisbury

  Scarborough

  Shrewsbury

  Sheffield (Hutton Buildings)

  Slough

  Southampton

  Southend

  St. Albans

  St. Austell

  Stevenage

  Stockport North

  Stockton

  Stoke (Hanley)

  Sutton

  274

  Sunderland North

  Swansea

  Thames North (Scarborough St.)

  Torbay

  Tunbridge Wells

  Wakefield Wallasey

  Walthamstow

  Warrington

  Watford

  Wellingborough

  West Bromwich

  Weymouth

  Wigan

  Wolverhampton North

  Wood Green

  Woolwich

  Worcester

  Workington

  Wrexham

  York

  Disclosure of Information
  Mr. Rooker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list the matters which staff of his Department are precluded by employment conditions from discussing with their Member of Parliament. [37101]

  Mr. Burt
  The rules of the disclosure of information by civil servants are set out in the civil service management code, a copy of which is in the Library. Additionally, staff in his Department are prohibited by the Social Security Administration Act 1992 from disclosing, without lawful authority, any information relating to individuals which they have acquired during the course of their employment and which has not officially been made public.

  Unemployment Benefits
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what regulations apply in the case of those claimants who are deemed to be capable of some work as a result of the all-work test and have been continuously employed for two years or more. [37028]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  Claimants who are capable of some work and claim unemployment benefit have to satisfy the normal conditions for receipt, including the need to be available for and actively seek work. Claimants are allowed to restrict their availability if the restrictions are reasonable in view of their physical or mental condition. They need not relinquish their contract of employment in order to be unemployed, provided no earnings or retention fees are received, no work is done and there is no obligation to remain at the employer's disposal.

  Travel Allowances
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of States for Social Security if he will list the total cost of travel expenses claimed by civil servants using their own vehicles for official business in each of the last five years
  275
  in his Department; and what would have been the saving in the last year if the maximum rate that could be claimed was set at the lowest rate. [36620]

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

  Dr. Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what rates of travel allowance may be claimed by civil servants in his Department when using their own vehicles for official business. [36619]

  Mr. Burt
  The information is in the table.

  DSS mileage allowances Part 1—Standard rate mileage allowances

  Engine capacity (cc)

  Up to 1500

  Over 1500

  (1) Motor cars

  Rate per mile for the first 5,000 miles

  34p

  43p

  Rate for each mile beyond 5,000 miles

  19p

  23p

  Engine capacity (cc)

  Up to 125

  Over 125

  (2) Motor cycles

  Rate per mile for the first 4,000 miles

  (a) third party insurance

  14.6p

  22.1p

  (b) comprehensive insurance

  16.2p

  25.3p

  Rate for each mile beyond 4,000 miles

  6.1p

  9.0p

  (3) Official passenger and equipment supplements

  First passenger

  2p per mile

  Each additional passenger

  1p per mile

  Equipment

  2p per mile

  PART 2-PUBLIC TRANSPORT RATE ALLOWANCES (THIRD PARTY INSURANCE COVER)

  (1) Motor cars

  Up to 1500cc: 19p per mile

  Over 1500 cc: 23p per mile

  (2) Official passenger supplement

  First passenger: 2p per mile

  Each additional passenger: 1p per mile

  PART 3—PEDAL CYCLE RATE

  6p per mile

  Housing Benefit
  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what housing benefit exists in each EU country; and if he will make a statement. [36417]
  276
  Mr. Roger Evans
  Information currently available on EU countries is as follows1Austria:
  The federal provinces provide social assistance payments to cover some or all of the costs of public or private rented housing and associated heating costs.
  Belgium
  There is no separate, generalised system of housing benefit. Some social assistance payments may include a supplementary allowance towards housing costs.
  Denmark:
  A housing allowance is payable to those on low incomes and social assistance to meet housing costs above a level determined by the family circumstances of the claimant.
  Finland:
  The social assistance allowance may include a supplementary element the level of which is at the discretion of the local welfare office, to cover reasonable housing costs. Besides social assistance there are three income-related schemes paying housing allowances to people on low incomes, pensioners and students. Allowances may be granted for both owned and rented accommodation and may cover up to 80 per cent. of housing costs. Those in receipt of social assistance may receive additional help to meet the remaining 20 per cent. of costs.
  France:
  Income-related housing benefits are available to assist with mortgage interest payments and rents in social and private rented accommodation.
  Germany:
  Those claiming social assistance receive supplementary amounts to cover reasonable housing costs. Owner occupiers may receive payments of mortgage interest up to a specified level which varies according to local circumstances and, if they have no realisable savings, loans to cover capital repayments. An income-related housing benefit is payable to those living in private or social rented housing and to owner occupiers.
  Greece:
  Housing benefit is available to those aged over 65 without social insurance cover and whose only resources are the minimum pension allowance. The benefit covers rents in the private sector only and is paid directly to landlords.
  Ireland:
  Rent and mortgage supplements are available under the supplementary welfare allowance schemes. Rent supplements may be paid to people in privately rented housing and social housing provided by voluntary housing associations. Mortgage supplements to cover mortgage interest payments only may be paid to owner-occupiers.
  Italy:
  There is no housing benefit scheme.
  Luxembourg:
  Rent allowances, based on the difference between gross rent and 10 per cent. of the amount of the main income support benefit—RMG—payable to the claimant, up to a fixed monthly maximum are available as part of the RMG.
  Netherlands:
  A means-tested housing benefit is available to those claiming General Assistance whose rent or mortgage interest is above as specified level and below a set limit. The benefit is only available for flats and houses: people renting a single room are not eligible. Where the rent or mortgage interest is higher than the specified ceiling, a temporary housing cost supplement may be paid through general assistance.
  Portugal:
  A means-tested housing allowance is available for those in public, social and private rented housing. An emergency housing benefit is available for those in sudden need as a result of a death, unemployment or invalidity.

  277
  Spain:
  There is no system of housing benefit. Discretionary one-off payments may be made to assist with housing costs in cases of particular need.
  Sweden:
  There are three forms of housing assistance: (i) people on social assistance may have reasonable housing costs (rent or mortgage interest) added to the social assistance standard from which their level of benefit is calculated; (ii) a general housing benefit, the level of which is dependent on the composition of the household, the income of the household and the cost of the accommodation, and which is counted as income when calculating social assistance; (iii) for pensioners, an income tested housing supplement, the level of which varies between municipalities.

  Note:

  1. International comparisons of housing benefit are complex and should be treated with caution. In many countries help with housing costs differs from that in the UK because of their different social, cultural and economic traditions and circumstances, including different social security and taxation systems and different emphasis on bricks-and-mortar subsidies as opposed to personal subsidies. In addition, housing standards and housing costs vary considerably, both between and within countries, and in some countries housing benefits form part of the system of social assistance.

  Mr. Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will bring forward proposals to equalise the subsidy effect of housing benefit between landlords with protected tenants and other landlords; and if he will make a statement. [36785]

  Mr. Evans
  We have no plans to introduce changes to the current arrangements for subsidising local authorities' housing benefit expenditure for rent allowances paid in respect of protected tenancies or other tenancies.

  War Pensions (Nuclear Test Veterans)
  Mr. Rooker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what benefits are available to ex-service personnel accepted by the War Pensions Agency as suffering chromosome damage attributable to service. [37504]

  Mr. Heald
  War disablement pensions or gratuities may be awarded to ex-service personnel for any disablement which is attributable to service in the Armed Forces.

  The amount payable depends upon the medically assessed degree of disablement.

  Supplementary allowances may be payable in addition to the basic pension or gratuity.

  Mr. Rooker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many of the service personnel involved in the British nuclear test programme have been found to be suffering from chromosome damage attributable to service. [37505]

  Mr. Heald
  A pensions appeal tribunal has found, in one particular case, a claimant to be suffering from chromosome damage attributable to service.

  The Secretary of State has applied for leave to appeal to the High Court on the ground that the tribunal's decision is wrong in law.

  Mr. Rooker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many war pensions have been awarded in(a) 1980 to 1985, (b) 1986 to 1990 and (c) 1991 to 1995 to ex-service personnel as a result of injury or medical conditions attributable to participation in the British
  278
  nuclear test programmes in Australia and the South Pacific. [37506]

  Mr. Heald
  The information in the table relates to war disablement pensions or gratuities awarded to ex-service personnel who, during their career, participated in the British nuclear weapons tests programme. These records do not specify whether the accepted injuries or other medical condition are related to service at the test sites or to some other period of service.

  Period

  Number of awards

  1980 to 1985

  1

  1986 to 1990

  4

  1991 to 1995

  289

TREASURY

  Income Tax
  Mr. Rooker
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the total cost of tax-free allowances and other tax breaks to individuals; and if he will indicate the proportion of income tax which would not need to be levied if the allowances and breaks were not in place. [37073]

  Mr. Jack
  This depends on what the hon. Member considers a "tax break". Table 1.6 of Inland Revenue Statistics 1995, a copy of which can be found in the Library, shows the estimated cost of allowances, tax expenditures and structural reliefs against income tax.

  A tax system without allowances, which charges tax from the first £1 of income would bring many more people into tax, including 7 million pensioners and the unemployed.

  EC Budget Council
  Mr. Matthew Banks
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement about the EC Budget Council meeting held on 24 July. [37743]

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  I represented the United Kingdom at the Budget Council on 24 July. The Council considered that Commission's preliminary draft budget for 1996. The draft budget established by the Council totalled 86.0 billion ecu or £71.8 billion in commitment appropriations and 81.4 billion ecu or £67.9 billion in payment appropriations. The draft budget would require own resources totalling 1.1885 per cent. of Community gross national product, compared with the existing own resources ceiling of 1.20 per cent. of Community GNP. The draft budget is within the financial perspective ceilings.

  The Council also discussed a proposal by the French for an increase in transport Trans-European Networks of 100 mecu or £83.4 million. The Council agreed to accept an increase of 50 mecu or £41.7 million, with the United Kingdom and the Netherlands voting against. No other formal votes were taken.

  The summary table compares the outcome of the Budget Council with the proposals in the Commission's amended preliminary draft budget by reference to the financial perspective ceilings.

  279

  Financial Perspective Expenditure ceilings1

  Preliminary draft budget2

  Budget Council draft budget

  mecu

  £ million

  mecu

  £ million

  mecu

  £ million

  Commitment appropriations

  1. Common agricultural policy

  40,828

  34,069

  40,828

  34,069

  40,828

  34,069

  2. Structural operations

  29,131

  24,308

  29,131

  24,308

  29,131

  23,308

  3. Internal policies

  5,337

  4,453

  5,267

  4,395

  5,082

  4,241

  4. External action

  5,264

  4,393

  5,157

  4,303

  5,104

  4,259

  5. Administrative expenditure

  4,191

  3,497

  4,132

  3,448

  4,022

  3,356

  6. Reserves

  1,152

  961

  1,152

  961

  1,152

  961

  7. Compensation

  701

  585

  701

  585

  701

  585

  Total Commitments

  86,604

  72,267

  86,368

  72,069

  86,020

  71,779

  Total payment appropriations

  82,192

  68,685

  82,015

  68,437

  81,360

  67,890

  1 Throughout this reply the rate of £1=1.1984 ecu has been used—the rate notified in the Official Journal as prevailing on the last working day of last month, 29 September.

  2 As amended in letter of amendment No. 1 from the figure which appeared in the Commission's overview of the PDB for 1996 to take account of the higher bid for agriculture under category 1.

  Note:

  Further information is contained in the explanatory memorandum 9145/95 on the draft budget, which was deposited to Parliament on 5 October.

  The European Parliament will consider the draft budget for 1996 at its plenary in October. The Parliament's amendments and modifications will be considered at the Second Budget Council in November. The European Parliament's Second Reading is likely to be in mid-December.

DUCHY OF LANCASTER

  Engagements
  Mr. Hain
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister (1) if he will list the meetings he attended and the people he met on(a) Wednesday 19 July, (b) Tuesday 18 July and (c) Monday 17 July; [36758]

  (2) if he will list his engagements for the first two weeks of October. [37625]

  The Deputy Prime Minister
  On each day, I had a number of meetings with ministerial colleagues and others.

  Mr. Hain
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister (1) if he will list his engagements for August; [37623]

  (2) if he will list his engagements for September. [37624]

  The Deputy Prime Minister
  On those days when I was in the office, I had a number of meetings with ministerial colleagues and others.

HEALTH

  Winter Mortality
  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what information is held by his Department on excess winter deaths in(a) countries of the European Union and (b) other G7 countries over the last 10 years; what is the average temperature in the relevant four-month period in each of these countries; and if he will set out the information showing excess winter mortality in numerical and percentage terms. [37313]
  280
  Mr. Sackville
  Information is not available centrally on either excess winter deaths or temperature in other countries. Data on temperature in England and Wales is held by the Meteorological Office and is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence.

  The table shows excess winter mortality in England and Wales over the last 10 years.

  Excess winter mortality, England and Wales

  Period

  Excess winter deaths

  Percentage

  1984–85

  42,278

  26.5

  1985–86

  49,446

  27.7

  1986–87

  26,449

  14.9

  1987–88

  33,098

  18.4

  1988–89

  21,235

  11.8

  1989–90

  47,083

  26.3

  1990–91

  37,845

  21.5

  1991–92

  24,845

  19.9

  1992–93

  25,656

  14.5

  1993–94

  25,890

  14.2

  Private Finance Initiative
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the success or otherwise of the private finance initiative in hospital capital works; and if he will make a statement. [37569]

  Mr. Sackville
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply that I gave to the hon. Member for Dulwich (Ms Jowell) on 16 October and to the reply that I gave to the hon. Member for Sheffield, Attercliffe (Mr. Betts) on 28 June at col 594.

  Read Codes
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will give details of the tendering procedure for the contract for the development of a Read codes system to apply to the national health service; what business case was presented before signing the contract; and if he will list any significant revisions to the contract subsequent to signing it; [37570]
  281
  (2) if the arrangements for the contract awarded to Loughborough university for the development of Read codes and its application to the national health service complied with European Commission rules on public sector tendering; whether variations in the conventional departmental and Treasury rules were required in the placing of the contract; and if he will give the value of the contract in year 1 and prospectively in years 2 and 3; [37571]

  (3) if he will make a statement on the development contract for the introduction of Read codes as the basis for computerised coding in the national health service. [37572]

  Mr. Sackville
  In 1990 all rights to Read codes were purchased on behalf of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health from their inventor Dr. James Read. The purchase price was independently assessed at the time by experts from Hambros Bank Ltd. Further development of the codes was then given to the national health service for coding and classification, an NHS body located in Loughborough which was created for the purpose and is a part of the NHS Executive. There has therefore never been a development contract with Loughborough university or any other body and the questions of tendering and associated procedures do not apply.

  Breast Cancer
  Mrs. Lait
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when the Government intend to respond to the third report of the Health Committee on Breast Cancer Services, HC 324; and if he will make a statement. [38327]

  Mr. Sackville
  Copies of the Government's response to the Health Committee's third report on Breast Cancer Services have been laid before the House today. I warmly welcome the Committee's report, particularly its commendation of the achievements of the national health service breast screening programme and its support for the new strategic framework for the development of cancer services.

WALES

  Modern Apprenticeships
  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many people under the modern manufacturing apprenticeships scheme enjoy employed status. [37020]

  Mr. Richards
  A total of 498 young people started modern apprenticeships in manufacturing engineering in Wales in 1994–95. Of these, 473 or 95 per cent. now have employed status.

  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many people are in receipt of a bursary under the modern manufacturing apprenticeship scheme and what proportion this is of the total number of such apprenticeships. [37019]

  Mr. Richards
  A total of 498 young people started modern apprenticeships in manufacturing engineering in Wales in 1994–95. Of these, 188 or 37.75 per cent., were in receipt of a bursary. All but a few have completed their first year of training and are now in employment. Figures for the 1995–96 apprentice intake are not yet available.
  282
  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is the total Government expenditure to date upon the modern manufacturing apprenticeship scheme. [37023]

  Mr. Richards
  Modern apprenticeships in manufacturing engineering were introduced in Wales in 1994–95. Total Government expenditure, through Welsh training and enterprise councils, in support of modern apprenticeships in 1994–95 was £9.5 million.

  Rates of Pay
  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what estimate his Department has made of the average hourly rate of pay for men employed in manufacturing(a) in Mid Glamorgan and (b) in Wales; and what percentage these represent of the United Kingdom average. [37244]

  Mr. Richards
  The available information covers Great Britain only and is shown in the following table:

  Average hourly earnings of full-time men in manufacturing1: 1994

  Average hourly earnings excluding overtime (pence)

  Per cent. of GB average

  Mid Glamorgan

  677

  83.4

  Wales

  752

  92.6

  Great Britain

  812

  100.0

  Source:

  New Earnings Survey.

  1 At April, full-time men on adult rates whose pay was not affected by absence.

  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what estimate his Department has made of the average hourly rate of pay in food retailing in(a) Mid Glamorgan and (b) Wales; and what percentage these represent of the United Kingdom average. [37245]

  Mr. Richards
  Reliable estimates are not available.

  Residential Homes
  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales; (1) what estimate his Department has made of the number of complaints made about care in(a) residential and (b) nursing homes last year. [37011]

  (2) what estimate his Department has made of the number of care assistants in residential homes that have nursing qualifications; [37016]

  (3) what estimate his Department has made of the average gross and net profits made by private residential and nursing homes. [37017]

  Mr. Richards
  The information requested is not held centrally.

  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what estimate his Department has of the number of residential homes and nursing homes in Wales. [37014]

  Mr. Richards
  There were 681 residential care homes and 391 private nursing homes open on 31 March 1994.

  Unemployment
  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many men are currently out of work in Wales: how
  283
  many of these have been unemployed for more than (a) six months and (b) 12 months and what percentages these are of the total numbers out of work; and what were the equivalent figures in 1979. [37403]

  Mr. Richards
  The number of men on the claimant unemployment count, not seasonally adjusted, in Wales at August 1995 was 83,118. The latest figures by duration of unemployment are for July 1995, when 46,007 men on the claimant count in Wales had been unemployed for more than six months and 30,167 had been unemployed for more than 12 months, representing 55 per cent. and 36 per cent. respectively of all men on the claimant count. Equivalent figures for 1979 are not available.

  Student Grants
  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is the estimated average value of a maintenance grant for students in local further education made by each county council in Wales last year. [37217]

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

  Average Discretionary Awards made for maintenance to students in further education in Welsh LEAs for 1993–94

  LEA

  Average award per recipient £

  Clwyd

  250

  Dyfed

  590

  Gwent

  550

  Gwynedd

  220

  Mid Glamorgan

  370

  Powys

  660

  South Glamorgan

  70

  West Glamorgan

  550

  Wales Total1

  350

  Note:

  1Wales total has been grossed to compensate for partial returns. Average figures have been rounded to the nearest £10.

  Source:

  F503G.

  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many maintenance grants have been awarded in each county to assist students in local further education during each of the last three years. [37216]

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

  Total number of discretionary awards made to students in further education by Welsh LEAS

  LEA

  1991–92

  1992–93

  1993–94

  Clwyd

  2,240

  3,090

  1,860

  Dyfed

  1,980

  1,600

  990

  Gwent

  70

  4,460

  4,510

  Gwynedd

  3,020

  3,200

  3,210

  Mid Glamorgan

  4,500

  4,950

  3,570

  Powys

  780

  410

  630

  South Glamorgan

  390

  2,630

  3,550

  West Glamorgan

  430

  280

  890

  Wales Total1

  13,400

  20,610

  19,210

  1 Wales total has been grossed to compensate for partial returns.

  Source:

  F503G
  284

  Training Expenditure
  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what his Department has spent on youth training and adult training in(a) 1993, (b) 1994 and (c) 1995. [37057]

  Mr. Richards
  The information requested for the financial years 1992–93 to 1994–95 is as follows:

  £000's

  Youth training including youth credits

  Adult training1

  1992–93

  39,408

  53,508

  1993–94

  40,424

  54,854

  1994–95

  42,683

  63,981

  Note:

  Comparable information for 1995–96 will not be available until the Appropriation Accounts are completed next year.

  1Employment training and employment action was replaced by training for work in April 1993.

  Source:

  Appropriation accounts.

  Training and Enterprise Councils
  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what percentage of each Welsh TEC's budget is spent on training unemployed(a) adults and (b) 16 and 17-year-olds. [37056]

  Mr. Richards
  The percentage of each Welsh TEC's budget spent on training unemployed adults during 1994–95 financial year is shown in the following table. The figures include trainees who were without jobs prior to the start of their training but who acquired employed status on or during the course of that training. Comparable information for 16 and 17-year-olds is not available separately and is therefore provided for those young people, within the 16 to 24 age group who are eligible for youth training.

  Percentage of welsh TEC budgets spent on training unemployed during 1994–95

  (a) Adults

  (b) 16 to 24-year-olds

  Gwent

  24 per cent.

  36 per cent.

  Mid Glamorgan

  23 per cent.

  38 per cent.

  North East Wales

  16 per cent.

  39 per cent.

  Powys

  15 per cent.

  32 per cent.

  South Glamorgan

  24 per cent.

  35 per cent.

  Targed

  20 per cent.

  35 per cent.

  West Wales

  22 per cent.

  36 per cent.

  Training for Work
  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list comparative figures on the number of adults entering training for work programmes for(a) 1993, (b) 1994 and (c) 1995 to date. [37306]
  285
  Mr. Richards
  The information requested, by financial year, is as follows:

  Training for Work

  starts

  1993–94

  18,995

  1994–95

  19,439

  1995–961

  5,072

  1To 10 September

  Source:

  TEC Management Information.

  Cardiff Bay Opera House Trust
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales on what date his Department first received representations in relation to the acquisition of land from Associated British Ports for the purposes of constructing the proposed Cardiff Bay opera house; on what date representations were received with particular reference to potential conflicts of interest; on what date the Cardiff Bay Opera House Trust transaction with Associated British Ports was completed; and on what date the conflict of interest issue was resolved. [35234]

  Mr. Hague
  [pursuant to his answer, 18 July 1995, c. 1200–1]: I regret that there was an error in the original reply. The reference to the Cardiff Bay development corporation was incorrect and should have read the Cardiff Bay Opera House Trust. The parties to the heads of agreement were the Cardiff Bay Opera House Trust and Associated British Ports.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Intervention Board
  Mr. Congdon
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects to publish a revised framework document for the Intervention Board executive agency. [38031]

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  I am pleased to say that a revised policy and resources framework document for 1995 has been published and copies have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

  Agriculture Council
  Mr. Congdon
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the outcome of the Agriculture Council held in Brussels on 25 September and if he will make a statement. [38030]

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  At this meeting, the Council set the rate of rotational set-aside for arable crops to be harvested in 1996 at 10 per cent. It also set the rate for non-rotational set-aside at the same level. This compares with 1995 rates of 12 per cent. and 17 per cent.-12 per cent. and 15 per cent. in the United Kingdom—for the two types of set-aside respectively. The decision was taken by qualified majority vote, with Portugal voting against.
  286
  The decision is a good compromise between the aim of ensuring adequate supplies and avoiding a renewed build up of stocks with a risk of increased budgetary costs. A single set-aside rate will make the scheme simpler for farmers which I welcome as wholly in keeping with my desire for greater deregulation.

  At my insistence, the Commission has promised, for the current marketing year as well as for 1996–97, to manage the market so as to ensure that cereals market prices are consistent with the aims of the 1992 reforms, and that priority in supply is given to consumers within the European Union in particular livestock farmers. I intend to make sure this undertaking is properly fulfilled.

  The Council also adopted a directive which will impose licensing and registration arrangements on manufacturers and users of a range of non-medicinal additives in animal feed. I voted against, on the grounds that no adequate justification has been given, in terms of risk to animal or human health, for introducing these requirements.

  The Council had an initial exchange of views on the Commission's proposals for changes to the support system for rice.

  The meeting was joined for part of the time by nine Ministers of Agriculture from the countries of central and eastern Europe, including the Baltic states. These Ministers explained the aims of their existing agriculture policies and their expectations for the development of their farm sectors, as well as their views on the common agricultural policy in the light of their hopes for the eventual accession of their countries to the European Union.

  Cropping Systems
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to the letter of the Minister of State, 1349, of 30 June, if he will make a statement on the purpose of the less intensive farming and environmental project of non-intensive farming and the environment, SCARAB or pesticides and TALISMANS on the economic and agronomic effects of reduced input systems. [37278]

  Mr. Boswell
  SCARAB—seeking confirmation about results at Boxworth—and TALISMAN—towards a low input system minimising agrochemicals—and agrochemicals nitrogen—are complementary projects designed to determine whether the conclusions of the earlier Boxworth project of 1981 to 1988 are valid for different soils and crop rotations. These projects seek to compare the environmental, economic and agronomic effects, including yield penalties, of adopting cropping systems which use lower inputs of agrochemicals than conventional cropping systems. SCARAB focuses on environmental and ecological effects of pesticide applications on non-target invertebrates and soil micro-organisms, whereas TALISMAN primarily seeks to measure economic effects.

  The less intensive farming and environmental research project—LIFE—aims to provide fundamental information on the effects, interactions and ecological implications of an integrated farming systems approach and to develop less intensive systems which are economically and ecologically sound and sustainable in the long-term.
  287

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Farm Sizes
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what was the number of farms of the size(a) 1–25 hectares, (b) 26–50 hectares, (c) 51–75 hectares, (d) 76–100 hectares, (e) 101–150 hectares, (f) 151–200 hectares and (g) 201 or more hectares for (i) the last available year and (ii) 1985. [36433]

  Mr. Ancram
  The information is given in the table:

  Number of farms of size (hectares)

  1985

  1994 (hectares)

  Less than 26

  19,272

  15,353

  26–50.9

  8,083

  7,324

  51–75.9

  2,762

  3,059

  76–100.9

  1,102

  1,222

  101–150.9

  757

  931

  151–200.9

  235

  264

  201 and over

  215

  251

  All farms

  32,426

  28,404

  Children (Northern Ireland) Order
  Rev. Ian Paisley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what were the reasons for the delay in bringing the Children (Northern Ireland) Order into force; and if he will make a statement. [37317]

  Mr. Moss
  I do not recognise that there will be any unnecessary delay in implementing the Children Order. As I told the House during the debate on the draft order on 8 February at column 427 we envisaged the order coming into operation during the 1996–97 financial year. It has been agreed with all agencies involved that the new legislation will come into operation in October 1996. Substantial preparatory work is necessary across all the statutory and voluntary agencies involved. This work, which includes the training of staff in a wide range of disciplines, the creation of a guardian ad litem service and the preparation of a considerable volume of regulations, guidance and court rules, is proceeding according to plan.

  Working Mothers
  Rev. Ian Paisley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what representations he made to the Secretary of State for Employment seeking a Northern Ireland input to the publication, "Mothers in Employment"; what was the response; and if he will make a statement. [37314]

  Mr. Ancram
  None. The former Department of the Employment took responsibility for providing input on behalf of the Government. I have nothing to add to those inputs or to the Government's final response which was also prepared by the Department of Employment.

  Rev. Ian Paisley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what considerations underlie the differential in treatment of working mothers between Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom mainland. [37316]
  288
  Mr. Ancram
  The reason why there are some differentials in administration and implementation is because of different financial priorities and organisational arrangements. There is, however, no differential in either legal provision or general policy.

  Compensation Agency
  Mr. Robathan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on what date the revised framework document and the corporate and business plans for the Compensation Agency were published.

  Sir John Wheeler
  The documents were published on 2 August 1995. The framework document takes account of the recent triennial review of that agency. The prior options study, completed as part of the review, recommended that the agency should retain agency status from 1 April 1995. An evaluation of the agency which was also carried out under the review confirmed that the agency has been a success, realising benefits for both the public and Government. Copies of the framework document and evaluation report and of the agency's corporate and business plans have been placed in the Library.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Nursery Education
  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if she will make a statement on the progress of her plans for nursery education for four-year-olds. [36841]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  It was announced yesterday that phase 1 of the pre-school education voucher scheme would take place in Wandsworth, Westminster and Kensington and Chelsea.

  My right hon. Friend is currently consulting on various elements of the new pre-school education voucher scheme. She will publish detailed proposals for implementation of the new scheme later in the year, after considering consultation responses.

  Around 160 companies expressed interest in administering the voucher scheme. A shortlist of companies have been invited to tender for the contract, and the contractor will be appointed around the end of October.

  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what is the approximate additional cost for places per year for any local education authority entering the original pilot scheme for nursery school vouchers; which authorities have made firm applications to participate; and what are the net additional costs or financial benefits to each such authority. [37226]

  Mr. Rooker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if she will make a statement on recent progress in respect of implementing her policy of vouchers for pre-school nursery education; and if she will list participating local education authorities indicating in each case their political control. [37065]
  289
  Mr. Robin Squire
  My right hon. Friend is currently consulting on various elements of the new pre-school education voucher scheme. She will publish detailed proposals for implementation of the new scheme later in the year, after considering consultation responses.

  It was announced yesterday that the local education authorities participating in phase I of the voucher scheme will be Wandsworth, Westminster and Kensington and Chelsea. These are all Conservative-controlled authorities.

  The additional costs or financial benefit to each authority will depend on the level at which it currently funds places, decisions on the provision of new places in maintained schools and the operation of parental choice.

  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, pursuant to her oral statement of 6 July,Official Report, columns 517–19, if additional funding, above the value of the voucher, will be provided for children defined as at risk under the Children Act 1989. [36180]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  It will be for local authorities to continue to spend resources in addition to the value of the voucher on children defined as at risk under the Children Act 1989.

  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, pursuant to her oral statement of 6 July,Official Report, columns 517–19, where responsibility for planning the provision of pre-school places for all four year olds will rest. [36171]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  Pre-school places for four year olds will be provided by the maintained, private and voluntary sectors in response to parental demand expressed through the vouchers parents will receive.

  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, pursuant to her oral statement of 6 July,Official Report, columns 517–19, how she envisages that parents will make an informed choice between the providers available locally. [36153]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  Parents will be able to obtain information about all providers in their locality. To be eligible to redeem pre-school education vouchers, each institution will be required to publish information about its activities, which will allow parents to make an informed choice.

  Surplus Places, Liverpool
  Mr. Alton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how much capital allocation has been given to Liverpool city council since 1985 to remove surplus places in schools. [36438]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  This information is available only for the period from April 1990. Over that period, Liverpool education authority has been allocated some £12 million in annual capital guidelines for the removal of surplus places in its schools. A further £9 million in grant aid, representing 85 per cent. of governors' costs, has been approved for the removal of surplus places in voluntary aided schools. The total amount is therefore £21 million.
  290

  Standard Spending Assessments
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if she will list each county's standard assessment funding per primary school pupil and per secondary school pupil and the average of all English and Welsh counties for this financial year. [36767]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  The allocations per pupil for the 1995–96 education standard spending assessment for each English county, and the average allocation of all English counties, are set out in the table. There are no standard spending assessments for education in Wales, where county councils' SSAs include provision for education.

  Unit SSA allocations 1995–96

  £

  County

  Primary per 5–10 pupil

  Secondary per 11–15 pupil

  Avon

  1,838

  2,460

  Bedfordshire

  1,995

  2,664

  Berkshire

  1,988

  2,664

  Buckinghamshire

  1,966

  2,630

  Cambridgeshire

  1,876

  2,508

  Cheshire

  1,817

  2,408

  Cleveland

  1,940

  2,589

  Cornwall

  1,893

  2,522

  Cumbria

  1,856

  2,470

  Derbyshire

  1,812

  2,415

  Devon

  1,879

  2,506

  Dorset

  1,833

  2,440

  Durham

  1,884

  2,512

  East Sussex

  2,000

  2,672

  Essex

  1,989

  2,647

  Gloucestershire

  1,836

  2,435

  Hampshire

  1,930

  2,575

  Hereford and Worcester

  1,827

  2,439

  Hertfordshire

  2,010

  2,663

  Humberside

  1,891

  2,509

  Isle of Wight

  2,016

  2,696

  Kent

  1,968

  2,620

  Lancashire

  1,877

  2,502

  Leicestershire

  1,864

  2,483

  Lincolnshire

  1,873

  2,483

  Norfolk

  1,881

  2,508

  North Yorkshire

  1,827

  2,422

  Northamptonshire

  1,836

  2,448

  Northumberland

  1,825

  2,421

  Nottinghamshire

  1,883

  2,506

  Oxfordshire

  1,933

  2,575

  Shropshire

  1,862

  2,479

  Somerset

  1,846

  2,489

  Staffordshire

  1,805

  2,398

  Suffolk

  1,820

  2,422

  Surrey

  1,998

  2,679

  Warwickshire

  1,822

  2,433

  West Sussex

  1,932

  2,571

  Wiltshire

  1,835

  2,451

  Average for English Shire Counties

  1,895

  2,525

  Surplus Places
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask (1) the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) if she will list the proportion of school places in each English and Welsh county that her Department has identified as surplus in each of the last three years in(a) primary schools and (b) secondary schools; [36775]
  291
  (2) if she will list the proportion of surplus school places in each English and Welsh county in the last three financial years in (a) primary schools and (b) secondary schools. [36770]

  Mrs. Gillan
  The most recent figures available for England are in respect of the position in January 1994. I refer the hon. Member to the reply that my hon. Friend gave the hon. Member for St. Ives (Mr. Harris) on 9 December 1994,Official Report, column 410–14, which gave for each local education authority the total number of unfilled places in schools where the number of places is greater than the number of pupils. Figures from the 1995 survey are currently being processed.

  Matters in Wales are the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.

  School Budgets
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what proportion of funding has been delegated to the schools budget in this financial year in each English and Welsh county. [36769]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  The table shows the percentage of the potential schools budget delegated to schools in 1995–96 by each county local education authority in England. The funding of schools in Wales is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.

  Local Education Authority

  PSB delegated per cent.

  Avon

  88.1

  Bedfordshire

  91.2

  Berkshire

  93.1

  Buckinghamshire

  88.4

  Cambridgeshire

  89.3

  Cheshire

  90.9

  Cleveland

  89.4

  Cornwall

  89.0

  Cumbria

  91.8

  Derbyshire

  89.3

  Devon

  91.9

  Dorset

  89.7

  Durham

  88.5

  East Sussex

  88.9

  Essex

  89.0

  Gloucestershire

  91.1

  Hampshire

  88.6

  Hereford and Worcester

  90.8

  Hertfordshire

  94.1

  Humberside

  88.7

  Isle of Wight

  90.2

  Isles of Scilly

  85.1

  Kent

  87.5

  Lancashire

  87.7

  Leicestershire

  88.4

  Lincolnshire

  89.5

  Norfolk

  91.4

  North Yorkshire

  89.8

  Northamptonshire

  92.9

  Northumberland

  90.8

  Nottinghamshire

  88.8

  Oxfordshire

  91.6

  Shropshire

  88.2

  Somerset

  91.1

  Staffordshire

  92.8

  Suffolk

  90.6

  Surrey

  89.8

  292

  Local Education Authority

  PSB delegated per cent.

  Warwickshire

  88.4

  West Sussex

  88.9

  Wiltshire

  89.6

  Complaints
  Mr. Betts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if she will make a statement about the rights of individual members of the public to make complaints to any of the appropriate ombudsmen about services or projects funded through the private finance initiative in her Department. [36834]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  The Parliamentary Ombudsman has, subject to the conditions of the Parliamentary Commissioner Act 1967, jurisdiction to investigate complaints from members of the public about the way in which they have been treated by Government Departments, other public sector bodies engaged in the work of central Government and those acting on their behalf. The ombudsman can investigate complaints about projects or services funded through the private finance initiative if they are carried out by or on behalf of a Department or public body within his jurisdiction—that is, those bodies listed in schedule 2 to the 1967 Act. The Department for Education and Employment falls within the scope of schedule 2, as does the Education Assets Board and the Office for Standards in Education.

  I should stress that projects or services funded by the private finance initiative at individual universities, colleges and schools are unlikely to fall into the category of projects or services carried out by or on behalf of the DFEE, and therefore the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration has no role in relation to complaints about them.

  Under section 25 of the Local Government Act 1974, the Local Commissioner for Administration may investigate complaints about local authorities and those acting on their behalf. The local ombudsman can therefore investigate complaints about projects or services funded through the private finance initiative if they are carried out by or on behalf of a local education authority in the exercise of its administrative functions.

  Training Programmes
  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) what plans she has to relax the eligibility rule for entry into Government-funded training and jobsearch programmes in(a) Mid-Glamorgan, (b) Merthyr and (c) Rhymney; [37054]

  (2) how many entrants to the job club programmes in Wales have entered employment in each year since the programme began; [37052]

  (3) how many entrants to the job club programme in each district of Wales entered employment last year. [37053]

  Mr. Forth
  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.
  293
  Letter from M. E. G. Fogden to Mr. Ted Rowlands, dated 18 October 1995:
  The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your questions about Government funded training and Jobsearch programmes and Jobclub performance in Wales.There are no plans to relax the eligibility rules for entry into Government funded training and Jobsearch programmes.The information on Jobclub entrants who have entered employment since the programme began in 1987 is contained in the attached table 1.The information on Jobclub entrants entering employment in each district in Wales in the last financial year is contained in table 2.I hope this is helpful.

  Modern Manufacturing Apprenticeship Scheme
  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many people under the modern manufacturing apprenticeship scheme enjoy employed status. [37022]

  Mr. Paice
  This is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.

  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many people are in receipt of bursaries under the modern manufacturing apprenticeship scheme; and what proportion is that of the total undertaking apprenticeships. [37021]

  Mr. Paice
  This is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.

  Fraud Detection (Mandatory Awards)
  Mr. Rooker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what special measures have been put in place to detect fraudulent application for mandatory awards in respect of full-time students. [37067]

  Mr. Forth
  Responsibility for making mandatory awards rests with local education authorities, and it is for them to ensure that adequate systems and controls for making payments are in place. The Department is currently providing funds to enable the universities and colleges admissions service to purchase a computer system which will help it to identify fraudulent applications for places at higher education institutions which are often made concurrently by those fraudulently applying for awards.

  Disability Employment Advisers
  Mr. Tom Clarke
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if she will list the changes in the role of disability employment advisers consequent upon the Jobseekers Act 1944. [37152]

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

  Letter from M. E. G. Fogden to Mr. Tom Clarke, dated 18 October 1995:

  The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question about the changes in the role of Disability Employment Advisers (DEAs) consequent upon the Jobseekers' Act 1994.

  I do not expect the DEA role to change significantly as a result of the Act.
  294
  Like all Employment Service client advisers, DEAs will need to carry out their functions in accordance with the principles of the Act. However, they will retain responsibility for their existing client group-people who have complex employment barriers result from disability-and for the Job Seekers Allowance related processes affecting them.

  Training Allowances
  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what was the training allowance paid to unemployed 16 and 17-year-olds on youth training programmes in(a) 1988 and (b) in the last year for which figures are available in real terms. [37055]

  Mr. Paice
  The minimum levels of training allowance paid to 16 and 17-year-olds on youth training programmes were(a) £29.50 and £35 in 1988–89 and (b) £21.39 and £25.37 in 1995–96, at 1988–89 prices.

  Figures are available only for the minimum level of allowance. Employers and training providers are encouraged to top up minimum levels of allowance and many do.

  Career Development Loans
  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what estimate her Department has made of the number of post-graduate students that are in receipt of career development loans. [37253]

  Mr. Paice
  The number of career development loan-funded students currently in training on a post-graduate course is 3,290

  Placement Successes (Jobcentres)
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Educationa and Employment if she will list the placement success for each jobcentre office in Wales in the past financial year, expressed(a) as numbers of jobs and (b) as shares of the Welsh total. [37206]

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

  Letter from M. E. G. Fogden to Mr. Rhodri Morgan, dated 18 October 1995:
  The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question about the placement successes for jobcentres in Wales in the last financial year.The information you have requested is contained in the attached table.I am pleased to be able to report that total placings achieved in Wales in 1994–95 was 8.9% above target and showed an increase of 11% on the achievement in 1993–94.I hope this is helpful.
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what evaluation she has made of the relative success in job placements as between stand-alone jobcentres and integrated jobcentre and benefit offices; and if she will make a statement. [37204]

  Mr. Forth
  Responsibility for the subject of the question has been delegated to the Employment Service Agency under its chief executive. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.
  295
  Letter from M. E. G. Fogden to Mr. Rhodri Morgan, dated 18 October 1995:
  The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question about the relative success in job placements between stand alone Jobcentres and integrated Jobcentre and Benefit Offices.I think it would be helpful to explain the background and rationale for the move from stand alone Jobcentres to integrated Jobcentres. Over the past five years we have worked to establish a new network of offices which bring Jobcentres and Benefit Office services together under one roof. By doing so, this provides an improved one stop service offering the full range of services to help people back to work.In establishing this network we have, wherever possible, made use of our existing estate to ensure value for money for the tax payer and the minimum of inconvenience to our clients.There has been no formal evaluation relating to job placements and the integration process. However, I am pleased to be able to tell you the Jobcentre placings of unemployed people rose from 1.39 million in 1990/91 to 1.87 million in 1994/95. We also take account of what users of our services tell us; our National Customer Satisfaction Survey has confirmed that there is a continuing high level of client satisfaction with integrated Jobcentres and a public preference for them rather than separate offices.I hope this is helpful.

  Employment Service (Resources)
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what additional resources have been allocated to the Employment Service to conduct the additional work associated with the transfer of claimants from incapacity benefit to unemployment benefit. [37027]

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

  Letter from M. E. G. Fogden to Dr. Lynne Jones, dated 18 October 1995:
  The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question about what additional resources have been allocated to the Employment Service to help people leaving Incapacity Benefit (IB).
  We are keen to ensure that people no longer entitled to IB who make a claim for unemployment benefit (UB) and are given effective help with returning to work. We therefore provide a comprehensive package of additional help for them.
  That help begins with the full advisory interview given to all ex-IB clients when they make their claim for UB. This interview provides the opportunity for a full discussion of the client's job goals and of the most appropriate means for achieving them.
  In addition clients no longer entitled to IB are eligible for immediate entry to a number of our programmes. As a result a number of additional places on Jobplan Workshop (JPW), and Jobclub/Job Interview Guarantee (JIG) scheme are being funded, details of which are as follows.

  Year

  Places

  Programme

  Cost £

  1995 to 1996

  86,000

  JPW

  9,630,000

  70,000

  Jobclub/JIG

  13,230,000

  1996 to 1997

  66,700

  JPW

  7,837,000

  58,000

  Jobclub/JIG

  11,063,000

  1996 to 1998

  15,400

  JPW

  1,900.000

  14,000

  Jobclub/JIG

  2,683,000

  296
  Those people who are identified at an initial interview as needing specialist help are referred to Placing, Assessment and Counselling Teams, the number of additional places and costs are estimated as follows:

  Year

  Places

  Cost £

  1995 to 1996

  40,000

  11,840,000

  1996 to 1997

  29,000

  8,787,000

  1997 to 1998

  15,000

  3,266,000

  I hope this information is helpful and assures you of our intent to provide clients who were previously claiming 1B with practical advice and information which is geared to their individual needs.

  I hope this is helpful.

  School Playing Fields
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many school playing fields have been sold since 1979. [36221]

  Mrs. Gillan
  There is no reliable historical information on the level of school playing field disposals. The Sports Council's register of recreational land, which is not yet complete, is designed to ensure that better information is available in future.

  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what has been the total amount allocated to capital grant for grant-maintained schools; and in each case, how much has been allocated to(a) committed expenditure, (b) formula allocation, (c) basic need provision, (d) change of character proposals, (e) named projects and (f) other purposes in each financial year since 1990. [35808]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  These matters are now the responsibility of the Funding Agency for Schools. I have asked its chairman to write to the hon. Member with this information.

  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, what was the total sum paid in speakers' expenses to head teachers and governors of grant-maintained schools speaking at meetings on grant-maintained status; and, in each case, what was the number of meetings for which claims were received, and from how many individuals in the financial years 1993–94 and 1994–95. [36151]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  The total sum paid in GM speakers' expenses for the financial year 1993–94 was £33,488. The equivalent sum for 1994–95 was £27,947.

  Records of the number of speaking engagements undertaken or the number of individuals to whom payment was made prior to April 1994 are no longer available. During the financial year 1994–95, claims were received from approximately 175 GM speakers who undertook over 450 speaking engagements.
  297
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what is(a) the actual or estimated total value of cash protection included in the central annual maintenance grant of grant-maintained schools and (b) the number of grant-maintained schools actually or estimated to be in receipt of cash protection for each of the financial years 1993–94 to 1999–2000. [36159]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  The calculation and payment of annual maintenance grant to grant-maintained schools, including the cash protection element, have been the responsibility of the Funding Agency for Schools since 1 April 1994. It also holds grant information relating to previous financial years. I have asked the chairman of the funding agency to write to the hon. Member about the cash protection figures for the years up to and including 1995–96.

  As the hon. Member is aware, we announced earlier this year, and have reaffirmed in a consultation paper issued in July, our intention to phase out cash protection over the four years 1995–96 to 1998–99, so that none remains in 1999–2000. It is not possible to provide realistic estimates of amounts of cash protection for 1996–97 onwards: these will depend on a number of unpredictable factors.

  Further Education Colleges (Advertising)
  Mr. MacShane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if she will publish the rules on use by further education colleges of public funds to advertise on television and radio in order to attract students to enrol. [36169]

  Mr. Paice
  Further education colleges may use public funds for anything which is within their powers. There are no specific rules or restrictions on the use of public funds by colleges for advertising. Any advertisements for colleges would be subject to the same rules as apply to all other advertisements under the Independent Television Commission code.

  School Lavatories
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many schools currently use permanently constructed lavatories accessible only externally. [36187]

  Mrs. Gillan
  The information is not held centrally.

  School Exclusions
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many(a) secondary and (b) primary school children have been permanently excluded in each of the last five years. [35836]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  Returns made under the national exclusions reporting system showed that 2,190 pupils were permanently excluded between April 1990 and April 1991, and 3,883 between April 1991 and April 1992. Of these, 13 per cent. were primary pupils in year one, and 14 per cent. in year two. Figures for the academic year 1992–93 are not available centrally.
  298
  A survey published by the Department in July showed that, in the academic year 1993–94, 8,960 secondary and 1,230 primary pupils were permanently excluded in the 101 LEAs that responded; in addition 434 pupils were permanently excluded from special schools.

  Schools Budget
  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if she will show for each local education authority for the year 1995–96 the element of the potential schools budget which is not delegated to schools through the aggregated schools budget, expressed(a) as a percentage of the potential schools budget and (b) as a sum of money per pupil in schools covered by the local management of schools scheme. [25037]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  [pursuant to his reply, 24 May 1994, c. 614–15]:

  The following revised and updated table, setting out the percentage of the potential schools budget not delegated by each LEA for 1995–96, should be substituted for the table contained in the answer given to the hon. Member on 24 May.

  Local education authority

  Potential schools budget percentage not delegated

  Avon

  11.9

  Barking and Dagenham

  10.9

  Barnet

  9.8

  Barnsley

  10.9

  Bedfordshire

  8.7

  Berkshire

  7.1

  Bexley

  8.8

  Birmingham

  9.7

  Bolton

  11.1

  Bradford

  11.9

  Brent

  7.0

  Bromley

  12.2

  Buckinghamshire

  11.6

  Bury

  8.2

  Calderdale

  10.9

  Cambridgeshire

  10.7

  Camden

  12.6

  Cheshire

  9.1

  City

  11.0

  Cleveland

  10.6

  Cornwall

  11.1

  Coventry

  8.7

  Croydon

  10.0

  Cumbria

  8.2

  Derbyshire

  10.6

  Devon

  8.1

  Doncaster

  10.0

  Dorset

  10.4

  Dudley

  4.2

  Durham

  11.5

  Ealing

  10.1

  East Sussex

  10.8

  Enfield

  10.6

  Essex

  11.0

  Gateshead

  13.4

  Gloucestershire

  8.9

  Greenwich

  7.3

  Hackney

  13.0

  Hammersmith and Fulham

  9.0

  Hampshire

  11.4

  Haringey

  12.8

  Harrow

  9.8

  Havering

  8.3

  299

  Local education authority

  Potential schools budget percentage not delegated

  Hereford and Worcester

  9.0

  Hertfordshire

  5.8

  Hillingdon

  10.1

  Hounslow

  11.0

  Humberside

  11.3

  Isle of Wight

  9.8

  Isles of Scilly

  n/a

  Islington

  5.9

  Kensington and Chelsea

  10.0

  Kent

  12.5

  Kingston

  10.8

  Kirklees

  12.9

  Knowsley

  6.1

  Lambeth

  13.6

  Lancashire

  12.3

  Leeds

  6.6

  Leicestershire

  11.6

  Lewisham

  12.5

  Lincolnshire

  10.5

  Liverpool

  7.7

  Manchester

  8.0

  Merton

  10.8

  Newcastle

  11.8

  Newham

  14.0

  Norfolk

  8.6

  North Tyneside

  8.2

  North Yorkshire

  10.2

  Northamptonshire

  7.1

  Northumberland

  9.2

  Nottinghamshire

  11.2

  Oldham

  9.4

  Oxfordshire

  8.4

  Redbridge

  9.4

  Richmond

  9.6

  Rochdale

  7.1

  Rotherham

  10.6

  Salford

  9.3

  Sandwell

  11.9

  Sefton

  11.0

  Sheffield

  12.2

  Shropshire

  11.8

  Solihull

  6.0

  Somerset

  8.9

  300

  Local education authority

  Potential schools budget percentage not delegated

  South Tyneside

  10.8

  Southwark

  12.0

  St. Helens

  14.5

  Staffordshire

  7.2

  Stockport

  9.1

  Suffolk

  9.4

  Sunderland

  7.7

  Surrey

  10.2

  Sutton

  9.8

  Tameside

  10.7

  Tower Hamlets

  9.0

  Trafford

  11.4

  Wakefield

  12.1

  Walsall

  9.7

  Waltham Forest

  6.1

  Wandsworth

  14.6

  Warwickshire

  11.6

  West Sussex

  11.1

  Westminster

  9.8

  Wigan

  7.3

  Wiltshire

  10.4

  Wirral

  9.7

  Wolverhampton

  8.1

  Notes:

  1. "n/a": budget statement not yet received.

  2. Figures rounded to one decimal place where given to two places in LEA's statement.

  School Premises Regulations
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when she will publish the review of the school premises regulations announced by her predecessor on 2 October 1990 and cited in "DES News", 318/90.

  Mrs. Gillan
  The Under-Secretary, my hon. Friend the Member for Hornchurch (Mr. Squire), outlined the conclusion of the review in a parliamentary announcement on 14 July 1995,Official Report, columns 829–837. Those conclusions are very fully explained in the draft School Premises Regulations and the accompanying draft circular that are currently out to consultation.

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