Written Answers of 31 October 1995

HOUSE OF COMMONS

  Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards
  Mr. Colin Shepherd
  To ask the right hon. Member for Berwick upon Tweed, representing the House of Commons Commission, what progress has been made by the House of Commons Commission in selecting a candidate for the post of Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards.

  Mr. Beith
  A report recommending to the House Sir Gordon Downey KCB, formerly Comptroller and Auditor General, is being published at 3.30 pm today as HC789. Copies are available from the Vote Office.

PRIME MINISTER

  Engagements
  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Tuesday 31 October 1995. [38647]

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

  Sir Peter Tapsell
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Tuesday 31 October. [38467]

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

  Office Costs
  Dr. Wright
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the expenditure on his office broken down into(a) salaries and (b) other costs for each year since 1980–81, in 1994–95 prices. [38823]

  The Prime Minister
  Figures on a consistent basis are not available. In 1980–81, recorded spending on my office and Chequers on the votes of the Civil Service Department/Cabinet Office was £3.684 million in 1994–95 prices. In 1981–82, charges were introduced for the use of Ministry of Defence aircraft. Including those charges, spending was, at 1994–95 prices, £4,649 million in 1981–82 and £4.852 million in 1982–83. In 1983–84, charges were introduced by the Property Services Agency for buildings and services. Including those charges, spending was, at 1994–95 prices, £5.197 million in 1983–84. In 1984–85, charges were introduced for the use of the 128
  Government car service and for service personnel at Chequers. Including those charges, spending was, at 1994–95 prices, £6.193 million in 1984–85 and £6.830 million in 1985–86. In 1986–87, the cost of office services was included in the No. 10 budget. Including those costs, spending since then has been as follows:

  £ million

  Total costs 1994–95 prices

  Staff

  Other

  1986–87

  7.469

  2.513

  4.956

  1987–88

  7.741

  2.519

  5.222

  1988–89

  8.777

  2.550

  6.227

  1989–90

  9.600

  2.703

  6.897

  1990–91

  9.533

  2.385

  7.148

  1991–92

  9.450

  2.487

  6.963

  1992–93

  10.866

  3.043

  7.298

  1993–94

  9.384

  3.327

  6.057

  1994–951

  7.671

  3.217

  4.454

  1 In 1994–95 spending of £0.718 million on communications was transferred from No. 10 budget to the Cabinet Office budget.

DUCHY OF LANCASTER

  Office of Public Service (Costs)
  Mr. Sykes
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what proposals there are to change the 1995–96 cash limit and running costs limit for the Office of Public Service. [40940]

  Mr. Freeman
  Subject to parliamentary approval of the necessary supplementary estimate, the cash limit for the Office of Public Service—class XVIII, vote 1—will be increased by £1 million from £52,713,000 to £53,713,000 and the gross running cost limit will be decreased by £4,019,000 from £82,849,000 to £78,830,000. The changes are to reflect the machinery of government changes announced on 5 July 1995; the Office of Science and Technology being transferred to the Department of Trade and Industry; and the deregulation unit and competitiveness division being transferred from the Department of Trade and Industry—class IV, vote 1. The opportunity has also been taken to take up capital end year flexibility transferred from Her Majesty's Treasury—class XVII, vote 1—due to adjustment in the timing of completion of the pension administration system. Provision is also made for the privatisation expenses of executive agencies. The increase will be charged to the reserve and will not, therefore, add to the planned total of public expenditure.

  Sickness Absence
  Mr. Brandreth
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what is the overall level of sickness absence in the civil service. [40721]

  Mr. Horam
  The average number of working days' sickness absence per staff year in 1994 was 9.2, representing a reduction of 9 per cent. over 1993. This is equivalent to 8.4 working days per person, and is comparable with the level for the service sector generally set out in a recent Confederation of British Industry survey of other employers.
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  I have placed in the House Libraries copies of the report by the Civil Service Occupational Health and Safety Agency on sickness absence in the civil service during 1994, which contains a comprehensive analysis of the figures about the civil service.

  Civil Service Statistics
  Mr. Butler
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when "Civil Service Statistics 1995" will be published. [40942]

  Mr. Horam
  "Civil Service Statistics 1995" was published today and copies have been placed in the Library. This publication updates and revises civil service staff numbers for 1 April 1995 and highlights key trends in civil service staffing statistics for the financial year 1994–95. Revised copies of the civil service staff in post summary for 1 April 1995 have also been placed in the Library.

LORD PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL

  Grants
  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Lord President of the Council for what grant-giving funds his Department is responsible, requiring a private sector contribution, where the use of national lottery funds is not allowed to count towards that private sector portion. [38606]

  Mr. Newton
  The Privy Council is not responsible for making any grants.

  Statutory Instruments
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Lord President of the Council how many statutory instruments were laid before Parliament between 16 July and 16 October. [38719]

  Mr. Newton
  During the period 16 July to 16 October 1995 inclusive, 274 statutory instruments were laid before the House of Commons.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Asylum Seekers
  Mr. Madden
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many applicants refused asylum have appealed against the refusal to a special adjudicator since 1993; how many such appeals have, to date, been lodged; how many appeals have been upheld; how many appeals have been dismissed; how many appeal hearings are pending; how many special adjudicators have, to date, been appointed; and how many appeal hearings on average are held each week. [40444]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  In the period July 1993 to September 1995, the immigration appellate authorities received 18,204 asylum appeals from the Home Office and disposed of 7,718. Hearings were pending in approximately 8,400 of the asylum appeals outstanding at the end of September 1995. On average, 260 appeals are 130
  listed for hearing each week and approximately 150 are determined or otherwise disposed of. The immigration appellate authorities do not keep statistics on the outcome of asylum appeals. Since July 1993, 25 full-time and 52 part-time special adjudicators have been appointed.

TRANSPORT

  Cash and Running Costs Limits
  Mr. Dunn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what proposals he has to change his Department's cash limits and running costs limits; and what proposals there are to change the cash limit and running costs limit of the Office of the Rail Regulator for 1995–96. [40881]

  Sir George Young
  Subject to parliamentary approval of the necessary supplementary estimates, the following changes will be made:

  (i) The cash limit for class VI vote 1 (Highways Agency) will be increased by £12,295,000 from £1,863,279,000 to £1,875,574,000. The increase in the cash limit includes the take up of £11,831,000 capital end year flexibility entitlement as announced by the Chief Secretary to the Treasury on 13 July 1995 (Official Report columns 776–82) and adjustments in funding relating to the consolidation of the Highways Agency's role between this vote and class VI vote 2 and class VI vote 5. Running costs provision on this vote will increase by £135,000 from £86,889,000 to £87,024,000 reflecting a transfer from class VI vote 2.

  (ii) The cash limit for class VI vote 2 (Administration and Transport Services) will be increased by £12,351,000 from £165,054,000 to £177,405,000. The additional provision includes the take up of £776,000 running costs end year flexibility entitlement as announced by the Chief Secretary to the Treasury on 13 July 1995 (Official Report columns 776–82); increases in administrative capital expenditure; the transfer of funds to class VI vote 1 for (£135,000) running costs and professional advisers fees; the transfer of funds to class VI vote 8 for various rail consultancies (£1,960,000; and, the transfer of funds from this vote to class VI vote 5 for road safety publicity expenditure.

  (iii) The cash limit for class VI vote 5 (Roads and Local Transport) will be increased by £1,608,000 from £513,157,000 to £514,765,000. The increase includes take up of £1,787,000 end year flexibility entitlement as announced by the Chief Secretary to the Treasury on 13 July 1995 (Official Report columns 776–82); the transfer of receipts currently paid to the consolidated fund for interest on subordinated debts arising from the Severn Bridge to class VI vote 1; and, various transfers of funds between this vote and class VI vote 1; and, class VI vote 2.

  (iv) The cash limit for class VI vote 6 (Department of Transport: Other Transport Agencies) will be increased by £1,660,000 from £80,156,000 to £81,816.000. The increase includes the take up of £1,200,000 running costs end year flexibility entitlement as announced by the Chief Secretary to the Treasury on 13 July 1995 (Official Report columns 776–82) for various items of running costs and an increase in administrative capital expenditure.
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  (v) The cash limit for class VI vote 8 (Office of the Rail Regulator) will be increased by £1,822,000 from £8,629,000 to £10,451,000. The increase includes the take up of capital end year flexibility entitlement of £162,000 as announced by the Chief Secretary to the Treasury on 13 July 1995 (Official Report column 776–82); a transfer of running costs provision (£1,960,000) from class VI vote 2 to cater for higher than expected expenditure on legal consultancies and the consequential increased levels of VAT receipts (£300,000) that have arisen.

  (vi) The Department of Transport Local Authority Capital cash limit has been increased by £6,354,000 from £347,552,000 to £353,906,000. This reflects partial take up of capital end year flexibility entitlement as announced by the Chief Secretary to the Treasury on 13 July 1995 (Official Report column 776–82).

  (vii) The Department of Transport running costs limit has been increased by £16,000 from £413,448,000 to £413,464,000 and the Office of the Rail Regulator running costs limit has been increased by £1,660,000 from £8,220,000 to £9,880,000.

  The overall increases will be offset by transfers or charged to the reserve and will not therefore add to the planned total of public expenditure.

  Newbury Bypass
  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is the estimated financial benefit of the A34 Newbury bypass; and if he will publish the full cost benefit analysis carried out in respect of this road. [38209]

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

  Letter from Lawrie Haynes to Mr. Cynog Dafis, dated 31 October 1995:

  As you know, the Minister for Railways and Roads, Mr. John Watts, has asked me to reply to your Parliamentary Question about the financial benefits of the Newbury Bypass. The net present value of the benefits of the scheme, at current prices, range between £124.8 million on low traffic growth assumptions and £285.6 million high traffic growth.

  The full cost benefit analysis used to take the scheme through the statutory procedures is a bulky document which is not readily copied. I have therefore enclosed copies of the traffic and economic evidence presented to the 1988 Inquiry which, effectively summaries the full cost benefit analysis. The full cost benefit analysis can of course be made available for inspection if you would like to see it.

  I also enclose a copy of the report prepared by the Study Team who as part of the study commission by the then Secretary of State, looked again at the traffic forecasts and the scheme's economic evaluation.

  European Rail Services
  Mr. Gunnell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is his current target date for the start of direct through-rail services on the west coast main line to Brussels and Paris. [39989]

  Mr. Watts
  European Passenger Services Ltd., which will operate these services, expects them to start in the first half of 1996.
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  Mr. Gunnell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what is his current target date for the start of direct through-rail services on the east coast main line to Brussels and Paris. [39988]

  Mr. Watts
  European Passenger Services Ltd., which will operate these services, expects them to start in the first half of 1996.

  Passenger Transport Executives
  Sir Irvine Patrick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is the total number of people employed by each of the passenger transport executives in the metropolitan counties. [40575]

  Mr. Norris
  This information is not held by my Department.

  Rail Investment
  Mr. Chris Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the capital investment in Britain's railways made annually over each of the past 10 years in real terms excluding capital investment in channel tunnel related infrastructure and rolling stock. [40241]

  Mr. Watts
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Oldham, West (Mr. Meacher) on 6 June 1995,Official Report, column 49.

  Unlicensed Heavy Goods Vehicles
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what timetable he has for introducing legislation on the impounding of unlicensed heavy goods vehicles; and if he will make a statement. [40306]

  Mr. Norris
  The option of seeking powers for traffic commissioners to order the seizure and impounding and, where necessary, disposal of unlicensed illegally operated heavy goods and passenger vehicles is currently being examined by my Department as part of an assessment of the scale of illegal operations and effective measures for dealing with it.

  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) how many times the illegal operations working group has met; what its recommendations are; and if he will make a statement; [40307]

  (2) if he will place a copy of the reports of the illegal operations working group in the Library; and if he will make a statement. [40308]

  Mr. Norris
  The Department of Transport's illegal operations working group has met twice and sometimes three times each year since it was established in August 1989. The group monitors the current approach in directing enforcement against illegal operations working within the constraints of existing powers and resources. Its report for 1994–95 described the main aspects of enforcement action directed against illegal HGV operators in 1994. A copy of its report has been placed in the Library of the House.

  Repeater Signs
  Mr. Stern
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will reconsider that aspect of the Traffic
  133
  Signs Regulations and General Directions 1984 which prohibits repeater signs on a road where there is street lighting. [40276]

  Mr. Norris
  The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 1994 require repeater signs on unlit roads with a 30 mph limit but do not allow them where there are street lights because the presence of street lights is the indication of a built-up area. In the past, repeater signs were allowed in some 30 mph limits, but this caused enforcement difficulties. Some drivers prosecuted for speeding on roads without repeaters claimed that their absence led them to believe that a 30mph limit did not apply. Were we to permit repeaters on some lit 30 mph roads we would have to require them on all. The reality is that although drivers generally know what speed limit applies some choose to ignore it.

  Motor Cycle Noise Act 1987
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what accounted for the delay in bringing into operation as from 1 August the Motor Cycle Noise Act 1987. [40482]

  Mr. Norris
  Regulations under the Motor Cycle Noise Act had initially to be postponed pending the outcome of negotiations on a new European Commission proposal on replacement silencers. The ensuing directive, 89/235/EEC, prompted the British Standards Institute to update BS 193 which was not completed until 1990. These requirements had to be transposed into domestic law before drafting of the regulations to control supply under the Motor Cycle Noise Act could begin. Regulations were laid before Parliament on 14 September 1995 but do not come into force until 1 August 1996 in order to allow stockists sufficient lead time to clear or mark their current stock.

  Wing Bypass
  Mr. Walden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made, following the Wing bypass investigation last year, of the progress by the Highways Authority. [39887]

  Mr. Watts
  My hon. Friend the Member for Salisbury (Mr. Key) announced in January last year that progress on the A418 Wing bypass scheme will be subject to the outcome of the A5-M40 study. The 1994 roads programme review placed the scheme in the longer-term category. In the meantime, no further assessment has been made.

  Road Improvements (Stonehenge)
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what consultation he has recently carried out with(a) the Secretary of State for National Heritage, (b) the chairman of English Heritage, (c) the National Trust and (d) other interested organisations in respect of (i) the A303 and (ii) the A344 and the effect that their upgrading would have on the World Heritage site at Stonehenge; what were the results of his discussions; and if he will make a statement. [40003]

  Mr. Watts
  This is an operational matter for the Highways Agency. I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member.
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  Letter from Lawrie Haynes to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 31 October 1995:

  As you know the Minister for Railways and Roads, Mr John Watts, has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question in which you sought information about the A303 Amesbury to Berwick Down improvement scheme.

  The Highways Agency have consulted the Department of National Heritage, English Heritage and the National Trust throughout the preparation of this scheme. Recognising the unique sensitivity of the World Heritage Site at Stonehenge, the Agency have arranged a planning conference which will give all interested parties an opportunity to explore and debate possible ways of overcoming the traffic problems on this length of the trunk road. Conferences on other schemes have been successful in identifying a consensus on the major issues and possible ways forward. The Department of National Heritage, English Heritage and the National Trust will be sending delegates to the conference. All other organisations known to have interest in the scheme have been notified of the arrangements for the conference.

  An assessment of the possible routes identified thus far is given in Preliminary Assessments Reports which are available to the public. Any of the possible solutions illustrated in the conference brochure would help to reduce the effect of traffic on Stonehenge.

  Transport Surveys
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the opinion polling, including group work, currently being undertaken by his Department. [39894]

  Mr. Norris
  The Department of Transport regularly carried out surveys in connection with various transport issues. Details are listed in "Transport Statistics Great Britain" and "Quarterly Transport Statistics," copies of which are held in the House of Commons Library. None of these surveys involve opinion polling, although some of them will include questions of opinion about specific transport matters.

  The following current surveys include some group discussions: survey of attitudes and behaviour of adults to wearing rear restraints; survey in connection with child road safety creative development research; interactive survey to examine public attitudes to transport policy and environment.

  Car Park Security (British Rail)
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions he has had with British Rail on the security of their car parks; and if he will make a statement. [39898]

  Mr. Watts
  I have regular discussions with British Rail on many aspects of railway operation, including passenger security issues.

  Research Funding
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the research projects currently funded or part funded by his Department. [39770]

  Mr. Norris
  The Department currently funds more than 500 research projects and I have arranged for a list of the projects, wholly funded or part funded by my Department, to be placed in the Library.
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  Passenger Rail Services (Sales)
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what percentage of passenger rail services he expects to be sold off by 1 April 1996. [39793]

  Mr. Watts
  We expect that franchises for a significant proportion of passenger rail services will have been awarded by 1 April 1996. The sales process for the first three franchises—Great Western, South West Trains and LTS Rail—is now in its final stages. The franchising director aims to select franchisees for these franchises by the end of the year, with private sector operation commencing in the first few months of 1996. The sales process has started for a further four franchises: InterCity East Coast, Midland Main Line, Network SouthCentral and Gatwick Express. These seven franchises represent 40 per cent. of passenger services by revenue. Preparation of sales documentation is under way for the next stages of the programme.

  Stratford Station
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what action his Department is taking to protect the safety of passengers, and the local community, in respect of the proposed increase of rail traffic at Stratford station, East London due to the(a) completion of the London Transport Jubilee line and (b) Eurotunnel traffic, and the transportation of trains carrying radioactive spent fuel rods through the station; and if he will make a statement. [39555]

  Mr. Norris
  The construction of new or altered railway stations or lines requires approval under the Transport Systems (Approval of Works, Plant and Equipment) Regulations 1994. In addition, the Railway (Safety Case) Regulations 1994 are designed to ensure that the safety implications of all railway operations are taken into consideration, and that effective arrangements are put in place to control risk, especially at the interfaces between operations. Any significant changes to the operation of the railway would require corresponding change to the railway safety case of the operator concerned. These and other health and safety requirements are monitored and enforced by the Health and Safety Executive's railway inspectorate.

  The National Radiological Protection Board, on behalf of the Department of Transport, carries out periodic surveys of the radiological impact of the rail transport of irradiated nuclear fuel flasks and other radioactive materials. The radiation levels give no cause for radiological concern with current traffic levels.

  M4 (Repairs)
  Mr. Murphy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what are the estimated costs for the current repairs to the M4 between junctions 8 and 9 and 6; [39590]

  (2) what plans he has to reduce congestion on the M4 between junctions 8 and 9 and 6, caused by roadworks; [39588]

  (3) what representations he has received concerning the disruption caused by roadworks on the M4 between junctions 8 and 9 and 6; [39592]
  136
  (4) what are the estimated costs to business of the roadworks on the M4 between junctions 8 and 9 and 6; [39589]

  (5) when he expects the roadworks on the M4 between junctions 8 and 9 and 6 to be completed; [39587]

  (6) if he will list the contractors who bid for the current roadworks on the M4 between junctions 8 and 9 and 6 on the M4; [39591]

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

  Letter from Lawrie Haynes to Mr. Paul Murphy, dated 31 October 1995:

  As you know, the Minister for Railways and Roads, Mr John Watts, has asked me to write to you in reply to your recent Parliamentary Questions about the current roadworks on the M4 between Junctions 8/9 and 6.

  This essential maintenance work includes overlaying the existing worn out surface with new hot rolled asphalt, upgrading the existing safety fencing, hardening of the central reserve and bridge rehabilitation and reconstruction works. The scheme is programmed for about 21 weeks and is expected to be completed in mid March 1996. The estimated cost of these works is about £10.1m. The agency has made no estimate of the costs to business arising from these works.

  We have sought to reduce congestion arising from the scheme by giving wide publicity before the works started on both local and national radio and in the press. Warning signs were also erected on the M4 and M25 giving advance warning of the impending works. In addition, leaflets giving information and advice about the works have been distributed to local libraries, garages, service stations and Heathrow Airport. Many organisations, including the AA and RAC, were also notified in advance of the works starting. To minimise disruption during the course of the works, a minimum of two lanes will be kept open in each direction and slip road closure at Junction 7 will be restricted to night-times. As an incentive for the contractor to complete the works as quickly as possible, the contract has been let on a lane rental basis. This provides a bonus of £20,000 a day to be paid to the contractor for early completion but imposes a similar charge on the contractor if he overruns.

  During the first week of the scheme, 36 telephone calls about the disruption caused by the works were received on the information line and about a dozen were received direct at the Agency's regional office.

  The contract has been let to Camas Associated Asphalt. However, without the agreement of each of them, the Agency would not wish to publish the names of the other contractors who submitted unsuccessful bids as this is considered to be commercially confidential.

  European Directives
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what action remains outstanding in order to implement European directives under United Kingdom law. [39764]

  Mr. Watts
  There are currently 16 EC directives relating to transport that need further action to implement them in the UK. Steps are being taken to draw up the secondary legislation required for 12 of these. Of the remainder, one requires further legislation at the European level before steps can be taken to implement it in the United Kingdom; discussions are under way with industry on how to implement two others and the remaining one affects the channel tunnel and discussions are taking place with the French authorities on how to implement that aspect of it.
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  Ministers' Appointments (European Institutions)
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what appointments he and his Ministers have with colleagues from European institutions in the next month. [39765]

  Sir George Young
  My hon. Friend the Minister with responsibilities for local transport and road safety plans to meet the Transport Commissioner, Mr. Kinnock, on 13 November to discuss the draft EC bus and coach directive and bull bars.

  Opposition Spokesmen (Civil Service Contacts)
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when members of Her Majesty's Opposition will be able to meet officially with civil servants in his Department to discuss implementation of policies after the next general election; and if he will make a statement. [39616]

  Sir George Young
  My right hon. friend the Prime Minister agreed with the then Leader of the Opposition in 1992 that such contacts should be permitted from early 1996.
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  Rolling Stock Manufacturing (Job Losses)
  Mr. Chris Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many job losses have taken place in the railway rolling stock manufacturing industry in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement. [40243]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  I have been asked to reply.

  Information on job losses is collected only for the manufacturing sector as a whole.

  Available information showing the net change in people employed in the manufacture of transport equipment other than motor vehicles and trailers is provided in the table.

  Employees in employment in manufacturing of other transport equipment (SIC92 35) in Great Britain: August (thousands)

  Year

  Level

  Annual change

  1991

  206

  -32

  1992

  181

  -25

  1993

  168

  -13

  1994

  154

  -14

  1995

  147

  -7

  Source:

  CSO
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OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION

  India, Pakistan and Bangladesh
  Mr. Gapes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to increase British aid to India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. [40027]

  Mr. Hanley
  India, Pakistan and Bangladesh contain a large proportion of the world's poorest people, and have made effective use of British aid. We expect to maintain substantial aid programmes to each country.

  Mr. Gapes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what was the United Kingdom's aid to(a) Pakistan, (b) India and (c) Bangladesh in (i) 1994 and (ii) the current year; and what are the projected figures for 1996. [40010]

  Mr. Hanley
  Figures are collated by financial year. Gross UK bilateral aid disbursements in 1993–94 and 1994–95 were as follows—disbursements by the Commonwealth Development Corporation are shown in brackets:

  £ million

  Pakistan

  India

  Bangladesh

  1993–94

  48.1 (24.4)

  102.2 (22.9)

  55.4 (5.4)

  1994–95 (provisional)

  81.4(46.9)

  100.2 (17.5)

  56.3 (9.0)

  We expect to maintain substantial aid to all three countries in the current year and beyond. We also assist through our share of aid provided by multilateral agencies.

  AIDS
  Mr. Gerrard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 23 October,Official Report, column 437, if he will list the bilateral projects supported and the financial commitment to each. [39975]

  Mr. Hanley
  The table gives a breakdown by country and region of the projects that the ODA supports to combat the spread of HIV/AIDS in developing countries:

  Country

  Number of projects

  Total expenditure £

  Africa Regional

  5

  657,784

  Ethiopia

  2

  244,122

  Ghana

  2

  1,259,000

  Kenya

  4

  13,231,733

  Malawi

  2

  11,064,500

  Nigeria

  5

  3,781,549

  Tanzania

  2

  3,610,021

  Togo

  1

  300,000

  Uganda

  6

  2,460,322

  Zambia

  3

  2,399,136

  Zimbabwe

  6

  16,314,000

  Bangladesh

  2

  5,903,821

  India

  6

  678,195

  Sri Lanka

  1

  855,000

  Nicaragua

  1

  226,689

  Non Specific1

  12

  4,431,143

  Total

  60

  67,417,015

  1 Includes multi-country programmes.

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  Cash Limit (1995–96)
  Mr. Clifton-Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what changes have been made in the 1995–96 cash limit for expenditure by the Overseas Development Administration. [41142]

  Mr. Hanley
  Subject to parliamentary approval of the necessary supplementary estimate, the cash limit on the external assistance vote, class II, vote 5, will be increased by £4,919,000 from £1,759,074,000 to £1,763,993,000. The increase is in respect of rollover of underspending against the 1994–95 external assistance vote. The increase will be offset by a claim on the reserve and will not, therefore, add to the planned total of public expenditure.

  Commonwealth Development Corporation
  Mr. Clifton-Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what external finance limit has been set for the current financial year for the Commonwealth Development Corporation. [41143]

  Mr. Hanley
  The external finance limit for CDC for 1995–96 is being increased by £4,000,000, from £15,000,000 to £19,000,000. The limit takes account of an increase in the provision for CDC in class II, vote 5, provision for which is made in the winter supplementary estimate. This increase is being met by transfer of resources within the vote and does not add to the planned total of public expenditure.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Hackney Downs School
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if she will make a statement about Hackney Downs school. [41093]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  Hackney Downs school was inspected and found to be failing to provide an acceptable standard of education in August 1994. A further monitoring visit by the Office of Standards in Education in March 1995 found that the school continued to fail its pupils. Consequently, after consultation, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State transferred control of the school to an education association with effect from 1 September 1995.

  The education association has now made recommendations to the Secretary of State about the future of the school. Its main recommendation is that it should close on 31 December 1995 and that all pupils should transfer to Homerton House boys school in Hackney.

  The education association also recommends that Homerton House boys school should make special provision for year 11 boys taking GCSEs, and that Ministers should consider making available capital funding for its refurbishment.

  My right hon. Friend is minded to agree with the recommendation that Hackney Downs school should close, in which case she is also minded to make available

  141
  the necessary additional funds for the year 11 boys as well as funds for the refurbishment of Homerton House boys school.

  My right hon. Friend has today written to the director of education of Hackney local education authority and the chairman of governors of Homerton House boys school inviting comments on all the education association's recommendations. She also welcomes views from any other interested party by Friday 10 November. My right hon. Friend will announce her decision shortly after that.

  A copy of the north-east London education association's report has been placed in the Library.

  Private Finance Initiative
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what she is doing to encourage the private finance initiative in local authority schools. [41094]

  Mrs. Gillan
  The Department has been working closely with other Government Departments on possible rule changes to encourage the private finance initiative— PFI—on the basis of our contacts with individual local authorities. My hon. Friend the Minister for Local Government, Housing and Urban Regeneration is today announcing proposals from the Department of the Environment to increase the scope for upgrading local authority services through increased private sector investment and management expertise.

  The proposals to generate more resources for PFI projects, by freeing up the requirement for authorities to set aside capital receipts for debt redemption, open up exciting opportunities to upgrade local authority schools. Disposal of education assets surplus to requirements will be encouraged by a reduction from 50 per cent. to 25 per cent. in the rate of set aside, for a limited period of two years from April 1996. Replacement of operational educational assets will also be made easier.

  The proposals should allow both the public and the private sector to benefit from innovative programmes to upgrade the school building stock. They should also encourage local education authorities to rationalise school provision and thus remove expensive surplus places where it seems sensible to do so.

  Overtime Working
  Mr. Fisher
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what estimates she has of the amount of overtime that is being worked nationally in(a) the last year for which data are available and (b) 10 years ago. [39374]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  I have been asked to reply.

  According to the labour force survey in spring, March to May 1995, 91 million hours overtime were worked per week in Great Britain. The current estimate for spring 1985 is 68 million hours overtime per week.

  Part-time Posts
  Mr. McFall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what was the number of part-time employment posts in each of the past five years. [39974]
  142
  Mrs. Angela Knight
  I have been asked to reply.

  The information requested is provided in the table:

  Part-time employment in Great Britain: June (thousands)1

  Year

  Level

  1991

  6,563

  1992

  6,576

  1993

  6,605

  1994

  6,781

  1995

  6,974

  Note:

  1 Includes employees, self-employed and work-related government training participants.

  Source:

  CSO.

  Building Services Engineering Courses
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what proposals exist to ensure that the Higher Education Funding Council for England is able to provide additional margin funding to institutions providing building services engineering degree courses in respect of the special laboratory and equipment needs of this course. [40146]

  Mr. Forth
  The Higher Education Funding Council for England's allocations of capital funding for equipment are weighted to reflect the institution's historical patterns of spending in different subject areas. Its allocations of recurrent grant for teaching also reflect the institution's own internal distribution of funding between subjects. Students on laboratory or workshop-based courses also attract a higher tuition fee from their local education authorities.

  It is for institutions themselves to determine funding priorities for building services engineering and other courses out of their overall income from grant and tuition fees.

  Appointments (South Yorkshire)
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if she will list the public appointments for which her Department is responsible in the county of South Yorkshire, indicating in each case the duration of the appointment, the date when a new appointment is due and the salary. [39425]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  The Secretary of State for Education and Employment makes the following public appointments in the county of South Yorkshire:

  (a) The Committee for the Employment of People with Disabilities (CEPD) (Sheffield and Rotherham).

  14 appointments of three years' duration, all due for renewal on 1 April 1997. All are unpaid.

  (b) The Committee for the Employment of People with Disabilities (CEPD) (Wakefield, Barnsley and Doncaster).

  14 appointments of three years' duration, all due for renewal on 1 April 1997. All are unpaid.

  (c) The Further Education Funding Council (FEFC) Regional Committee (Yorkshire and Humberside).

  12 appointments of three years' duration. The Chairman will be due for reappointment on 1 April 1996 and the 11 members on 1 October 1996. All are unpaid.

  143

  Employment Service (Resources)
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, pursuant to her answer of 18 October,Official Report, column 295–96, how many additional staff will be employed to support additional places on jobplan, workshop and jobclub/job interview guarantee schemes in 1995–96, 1996–97 and 1997–98. [38996]

  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 31 October 1995:

  The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question about the number of additional staff that will be employed to support extra places on the Jobplan Workshop and Jobclub/Job Interview Guarantee schemes to help people leaving Incapacity Benefit (IB).

  We have allocated the following additional staff for the Job Interview Guarantee Programme:

  Year

  Additional staff

  1995–96

  100

  1996–97

  84

  1997–98

  20

  Jobplan Workshops and most Jobclubs are delivered by external contractors. For these programmes we have negotiated with existing contractors to provide additional places for the ex-IB clients, and therefore Employment Service staffing has not changed. Full details of the additional places were included in my letter dated 18th October.

  I hope this is helpful.

  Barnsley and Doncaster Training and Enterprise Council
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment on what date her Department last sent a financial appraisal and monitoring team for a review of the monitoring and sample checking systems of the Barnsley and Doncaster TEC in relation to operating agreement compliance, if the non-vocational qualification claims under output-related funding of training provided by all companies providing training at the Barnsley and Doncaster TEC are verified, and if she will make a statement. [38992]

  Mr. Paice
  The Government office for Yorkshire and Humberside carried out the first phase of an annual audit of Barnsley and Doncaster training and enterprise council's financial control systems in July 1995, and is returning to complete the audit during November 1995.

  In the course of annual audits of this kind, including that at Barnsley and Doncaster TEC, a large sample of claims for every type of output from companies providing training and other training providers is verified.

  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if she will list by year since 144
  its inception how much (a) profit and (b) loss Barnsley and Doncaster TEC has made. [39012]

  Mr. Paice
  Barnsley and Doncaster training and enterprise council's first published accounts were for the year ended 31 March 1991 and covered the period 1 January 1991 to 31 March 1991.

  Annual results since inception are as follows:

  £000

  Year ended

  Surplus/(Deficit) before tax

  Surplus (Deficit) after tax

  31March 1991

  505

  293

  31 March 1992

  2,797

  2,688

  31 March 1993

  1,017

  1,012

  31 March 1994

  (882)

  (821)

  31 March 1995

  162

  172

  Source:

  Barnsley and Doncaster TEC Annual Audited Accounts.

  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if she will list by year since its inception for Barnsley and Doncaster TEC how many out-of-school child care places were delivered, and how many are planned to be delivered in future years; and at what cost. [39049]

  Mr. Paice
  The first year of child care funding for Barnsley and Doncaster training and enterprise council was 1994–95.

  In 1994–95 the TEC provided 252 child care places at a cost of £127,440. For 1995–96 the TEC has been allocated a target of a further 250 additional places at a contract value of £188,941. There is no funding available for new places in 1996–97 and future years.

  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if she will publish a table showing the identifiable(a) capital and (b) revenue or current expenditure by Barnsley and Doncaster TEC, by district council electoral division or on any other geographical basis on which the data are collated or accounted, in each year since its inception; how much in both expenditure categories is (i) legally committed and (ii) planned for fiscal years 1995–96 and 1996–97; what is the pro-rata expenditure in each category for each district council electoral division, expressed as a percentage of the total capital and revenue budgets measured against their respective populations; if she will rank the district council electoral division in descending order by level of expenditure in both categories, and if she will make a statement. [38980]

  Mr. Paice
  The information requested is operational information on the Barnsley and Doncaster training and enterprise council and the question would be best addressed to the TEC to answer.

  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if she will list the financial reserves held by the Barnsley and Doncaster TEC for each year since its inception. [39248]

  Mr. Paice
  Barnsley and Doncaster training and enterprise council first published accounts for the year-ended 31 March 1991, covering the period 1 January 1991 to 31 March 1991.

  Financial reserves held since inception are as follows:

  145

  £000

  Year ended

  Land and development fund reserve

  General fund reserve

  Total reserves

  31st March 1991

  293

  —

  293

  31st March 1992

  2,481

  500

  2,981

  31st March 1993

  3,288

  705

  3,993

  31st March 1994

  1,672

  1,500

  3,172

  31st March 1995

  1,844

  1,500

  3,344

  Source:

  Barnsley and Doncaster TEC Annual Audited Accounts.

  Computers in Schools
  Sir Wyn Roberts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what statistics she has on the change in the number of computers available to schools in England in the last decade. [38821]

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

  Estimated computers available in maintained schools in England

  Primary

  Secondary

  Year

  Average per school

  Total available

  Average per school

  Total available

  1984–85

  1.7

  33,500

  13.4

  58,700

  1987–88

  2.5

  48,300

  23.2

  96,300

  1989–90

  4.3

  82,400

  41.1

  163,400

  1991–92

  7.0

  132,500

  58.0

  233,100

  1993–94

  9.9

  185,000

  85.1

  308,800

  Source:

  DFEE Survey of Information Technology in Schools.

  Further infromation on the availability and use of Information Technology in Schools is published in Statistical Bulletin 3/95, a copy of which is in the Library.

  Unemployment Benefit
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) how many people in receipt of unemployment benefit sign on by post in each travel-to-work area in England; [38572]

  (2) how many unemployed people in England in receipt of benefit in each travel-to-work area in England live more than six miles from their nearest Employment Service office; [38567]

  (3) which categories of unemployed claimant are given the option of signing on by post. [38571]

  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.

  Letter from M. E. G. Fogden to Mr. Gordon Prentice, dated 31 October 1995:

  The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your questions about signing procedures and travel-to-work areas.

  The statistics you requested on the number of people claiming benefit and living more than six miles from their nearest Employment Service Jobcentre (ESJ) are not available for travel to work areas. Similarly, no statistics are kept on the number of these people who are postal claimants. We do, however, record figures for the numbers of people claiming by post for each of the ES's seven English regions.
  146
  In September, the latest month for which figures are available, they were:

  Employment service region

  Number of postal claimants

  Northern

  4,466

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  12,282

  East Midlands and Eastern

  15,624

  London and South East

  31,819

  South West

  15,804

  West Midlands

  4,330

  North West

  4,468

  The concession for claiming benefit by post is that someone must live more than six miles by ordinary road from their nearest ESJ. This rule can, at the local office manager's discretion, be waived in cases which would involve hardship. Clients who are disabled and those with such inadequate transport facilities that they would be absent from home for more than four hours, are therefore also offered the postal signing facility.

  I hope this is helpful.

  Special Education
  Mr. William O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what has been the growth in demand for special education requirements in each year since 1990, giving the number of pupils in each year. [38788]

  Mr. Forth
  The most readily available measure of the demand for special education provision is the number of pupils with statements of special educational needs. The full figures for pupils in England with statements since 1990 are provided in the table.

  Year

  Number of statements

  1990

  139,779

  1991

  154,743

  1992

  165,095

  1993

  176,698

  1994

  192,308

  19951

  198,329

  1 Provisional.

  National Vocational Qualifications
  Mr. Mills
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans she has to market NVQs. [38799]

  Mr. Forth
  The Department for Education and Employment has asked the National Council for Vocational Qualifications to provide leadership and co-ordination of NVQ marketing. The Department also supports marketing through the "Free Your Potential" campaign, which promotes the role of NVQs in vocational training for individuals and employers.

  Civil Servants (Sheffield)
  Mr. Betts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if she will make a statement on the impact of the merger of the Education and Employment Departments on the employment of civil servants in Sheffield. [40033]
  147
  Mr. Robin Squire
  The merger may offer some scope for the rationalisation of activities on the various sites occupied by the new Department for Education and Employment, but it is too early to be precise about details. However, the merger is unlikely to result in any significant loss of posts in Sheffield.

  Mr. Betts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if she will make a statement on the relative costs of employing civil servants within her Department in(a) London and (b) Sheffield. [40034]

  Mr. Squire
  The average annual salary and accommodation costs for staff of the Department for Education and Employment in London and Sheffield are £37,100 and £24,800 respectively. Accommodation costs account for £9,600 of the difference.

  Mr. Betts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if she will make it her policy to relocate further civil servants from London, including those in the education part of her Department, to join those currently based in Sheffield. [40035]

  Mr. Squire
  There are no plans to change the current policy of the Department, which is that staff should be located wherever they are best able to support the efficient and effective conduct of the Department's activities. The merger may offer some scope for rationalisation of activities on the various sites occupied by the new Department for Education and Employment, but it is too soon to be precise about details.

  Derwent System Schools
  Mr. Betts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) what credit approvals have been given to date for the repair and replacement of Derwent system schools; [40289]

  (2) if she will make a statement on the future of Derwent system schools; [40290]

  (3) what representations she has received on the need to replace Derwent system schools; and what bids for credit approval have been received; [40291]

  (4) if she will make a statement on the current condition of Derwent system schools; [40292]

  (5) how many Derwent system schools there are; and in which local authorities they are located; [40293]

  (6) if she will make a statement about the replacement of Derwent system schools. [40294]

  Mrs. Gillan
  Information about the number, location and condition of Derwent system schools is not held centrally. A small number of applications for credit approval have been made specifically referring to systems buildings, but the type of construction is not always identified.

  In 1987, the Department advised all local education authorities of problems which had been found with certain Derwent system buildings, and in 1988 recommended that
  148
  certain timber-framed and prefabricated buildings, including Derwent system buildings, should be checked.

  Local education authorities and governing bodies are responsible for the maintenance of the fabric of their school buildings.

TREASURY

  Government Expenditure
  Mr. Denham
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the total expenditure on (i) health, (ii) education, (iii) social security, (iv) transport, (v) defence and (vi) housing in 1979, 1984, 1989 and 1994 expressed as(a) the percentage of total Government expenditure and (b) the percentage of total Government tax revenue. [38258]

  Mr. Waldegrave
  [holding answer 23 October 1995]: The information is given in the tables.

  (a) Expenditure as a percentage of General Government Expenditure excluding privatisation proceeds

  1979

  1984

  1989

  1994

  Health

  10.6

  11.2

  12.5

  13.2

  Education

  12.0

  11.3

  12.3

  12.3

  Social Security

  24.5

  28.2

  28.4

  33.6

  Transport

  4.0

  3.5

  3.6

  3.6

  Defence

  10.4

  11.4

  10.4

  8.2

  Housing

  6.2

  3.4

  2.4

  1.9

  (b) Expenditure as a percentage of total General Government Receipts

  1979

  1984

  1989

  1994

  Health

  13.4

  13.3

  13.4

  16.7

  Education

  15.2

  13.4

  13.2

  15.6

  Social Security

  30.9

  33.5

  30.4

  42.4

  Transport

  5.0

  4.1

  3.8

  4.6

  Defence

  13.2

  13.6

  11.1

  10.3

  Housing

  7.9

  4.0

  2.6

  2.4

  Wine Import Duty
  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 24 October,Official Report, column 535, when the EU agreement was approved to require wine import duty to be levied in terms of ecu per hectolitre; when this agreement was approved by Parliament; when Customs and Excise commenced the new import tariffs; and on which day, in relation to the day of import, the value of the ecu is assessed to determine the amount of duty payable. [40219]

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  [holding answer 30 October 1995]: EC legislation existing prior to our accession set out the legal basis for Customs duties. The treaty of accession of the United Kingdom to the European Community and the European Communities Act 1972—specifically section 5—both of which were approved by Parliament, give the legal basis for the adoption, by the United Kingdom, of the EC common customs tariff. Accordingly, since 1 January 1974 the UK tariff has incorporated the EC common customs tariff, including

  149
  specific duty rates expressed in European units of account, now termed European currency units. There are a number of other items throughout the tariff which also attract specific duties expressed in ecus. The ecu rate for wine is governed by a monthly industrial ecu conversion rate published in the EC Official Journal C series at the end of the month and applicable for the whole of the following month.

  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to extend the ecu basis for import tariffs to items other than wine. [40220]

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  [holding answer 30 October 1995]: We have no knowledge of any proposals to extend the ecu basis for import tariff items. However, it should be noted that there are currently a number of other items throughout the tariff which also attract specific duties expressed in ecus.

  National Loans Fund
  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will estimate the impact on(a) public expenditure and (b) the public sector borrowing requirement of selling outstanding debt to the national loans fund held by (i) the Housing Corporation, (ii) the Civil Aviation Authority, (iii) British Rail, (iv) Scottish Homes and (v) new towns development corporations and commission; [40772]

  (2) if he will list and give the face value of outstanding loans to the national loans fund which if sold would have an effect on (a) public expenditure and (b) the public sector borrowing requirement. [40771]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  The table shows the total value of loans from the national loans fund outstanding on 30 October 1995. NLF loans are not marketable.

  If a nationalised industry or other public corporation repays an NLF loan, the effect is to reduce general Government expenditure. There will be a similar effect on the PSBR except in so far as the corporation offsets this by taking out other loans or running down its deposits.

  If a private sector body repays an NLF loan, that will reduce general Government expenditure and the PSBR.

  If a local authority or central Government body repays a loan to the NLF there is no effect on the general Government expenditure or the PSBR because the transaction is internal to the Government sector.

  Loans from national loans fund: advances outstanding at 30 October 1995

  Advances outstanding at 31 October 1995 £

  Loans to nationalised industries

  British Rail

  722,916,667

  British Waterways Board

  17,186,000

  Civil Aviation Authority

  453,452,971

  Scottish Nuclear Ltd.

  192,665,347

  Rail track

  1,247,335,619

  Total loans to nationalised industries

  2,633,556,604

  Loans to other public corporations

  Crown agents

  1,924,650

  Development Board for Rural Wales

  8,445,937

  Land Authority for Wales

  3,227,500

  150

  Loans from national loans fund: advances outstanding at 30 October 1995

  Advances outstanding at 31 October 1995 £

  New Towns-Development Corporations and Commission

  893,317,145

  Scottish Enterprise

  949,403

  Scottish Homes

  395,690,863

  UK Atomic Energy Authority

  138,666,667

  Welsh Development Agency

  1,002,737

  Total loans to other public corporations

  1,443,224,902

  Loans to local authorities

  40,725,747,490

  Loans to the private sector

  Harbour authorities

  733,280

  Housing associations

  13,003,056

  Total loans to the private sector

  13,736,336

  Loans within central Government

  Central Office of Information

  381,820

  Housing Corporation (England)

  752,288,998

  Housing for Wales

  59,071,733

  Married quarters for Armed Forces

  64,322,214

  Northern Ireland

  1,642,604,612

  Total loans within central Government

  2,518,669,377

  Total

  47,334,934,709

  Sanitary Products
  Mrs. Mahon
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would be the cost to the Exchequer per year of reducing VAT on sanitary protection to 5 per cent. [40582]

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  Approximately £25 million per year.

  Advance Corporation Tax
  Mr. Nigel Griffiths
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish revenue costs of reducing the rate of advance corporation tax and tax on dividends to(a) 17.5 per cent., (b) 15 per cent., (c) 12.5 per cent. and (d) 10 per cent. in a full year and of reducing the lower rate of tax to the same rates on the first (i) £1,000, (ii) £2,000 and (iii) £3,000 of rateable income, retaining any balance of £3,200 at the 20 per cent. rate. [39101]

  Mr. Jack
  The direct revenue effects of reducing the rate of advance corporation tax from 20 per cent. and the income tax charge on dividends from the lower rate of 20 per cent. to the specified levels are shown in the table. Estimates of the variation in revenue effects over the specified range of income tax rates and bands of taxable income are also given. Further information could be supplied only at disproportionate cost. The estimates take no account of possible behavioural effects which could be significant.

  Direct revenue effects (£ billion, cost (-)/yield (+)) at 1996–97 forecast income levels1

  ACT rate and tax rate on dividends (Per cent.)

  Net revenue effect2

  17.5

  +0.7

  15

  +1.4

  151

  Direct revenue effects (£ billion, cost (-)/yield (+)) at 1996–97 forecast income levels1

  ACT rate and tax rate on dividends (Per cent.)

  Net revenue effect2

  12.5

  +2.1

  10

  +2.7

  Notes:

  1 Based on the 1995 summer economic forecast.

  2 Assuming that the fall in ACT yield would be offset by higher payments of mainstream corporation tax.

  Income tax lower rate (Per cent.)1

  Band of taxable income

  £1,000

  £3,000

  17.5

  -0.6

  -1.8

  10

  -2.5

  -7.0

  1 Costs include consequential effects on capital gains tax and exclude the effects of corresponding changes in the rate of ACT and the basic tax rate on individuals.

  Tax Rates
  Mr. Nigel Griffiths
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many additional people will pay tax at the higher rate if the basic rate upper limit is not raised in line with indexation in 1996–97; and what will be the average loss per taxpayer. [38997]

  Mr. Jack
  About 200,000 taxpayers would be brought into higher rate tax. The average additional income tax liability compared with indexation for the 2.4 million taxpayers affected would be about £145.

  Mr. Griffiths
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the revenue cost or yield in 1995–96 and in a full year of the introduction of a minimum tax rate of(a) 15 per cent., (b) 20 per cent., (c) 25 per cent., (d) 30 per cent., (e) 35 per cent., (f) 40 per cent., (g) 45 per cent., (h) 50 per cent. and (i) 55 per cent. on gross incomes of over (i) £50,000, (ii) £70,000, (iii) £80,000, (iv) £90,000, (v) £100,000, (vi) £110,000, (vii) £120,000 (viii) £130,000, (ix) £140,000 and (x) £150,000. [39104]

  Mr. Jack
  The table gives available estimates showing the variation in revenue yields over the specified ranges of tax rates and thresholds of gross incomes up to £100,000. Reliable estimates are not available for higher thresholds of gross income.

  Full year revenue yield at 1995–96 levels. Rate of minimum tax

  £ million

  Gross income

  15 per cent.

  35 per cent.

  55 per cent.

  Over £50,000

  10

  1,860

  11,800

  Over £70,000

  5

  710

  7,230

  Over £100,000

  5

  280

  4,610

  The estimates do not take account of any behavioural effects which might result from the introduction of the new arrangements.

  Income Statistics
  Mr. Nigel Griffiths
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will estimate the numbers of people in the United Kingdom in 1995–96 with gross and taxable incomes of(a) more than £100,000, (b) more than £150,000, (c) more than £200,000, (d) more than
  152
  £300,000, (e) more than £400,000 and (f) more than £500,000. [39114]

  (2) if he will list the total gross income and total income tax liability of taxpayers falling in the bands (a) £20,000££30,000, (b)£30,000££40,000 and so on in £10,000 bands up to £130,000, specifying in each case the number of taxpayers falling in each band. [39089]

  Mr. Jack
  Available estimates are given in the table. It is not possible to provide reliable estimates for the specified bands of income above £100,000, nor is its possible to incorporate the detailed effect of mortgage interest relief which, in total, reduces income tax liability by £1.1 billion for taxpayers included in the table.

  1995–96 £

  Gross income1£ millions

  Income tax liability2£ millions

  Number of taxpayers (thousands)

  20,000 to 30,000

  89,600

  16,800

  3,700

  30,000 to 40,000

  38,200

  8,500

  1,100

  40,000 to 50,000

  18,700

  4,770

  420

  50,000 to 60,000

  10,600

  2,950

  200

  60,000 to 70,000

  6,650

  1,950

  100

  70,000 to 80,000

  4,950

  1,500

  70

  80,000 to 90,000

  3,470

  1,090

  40

  90,000 to 100,000

  2,470

  790

  30

  100,000+

  23,200

  8,130

  120

  1 Gross income is defined as total income for income tax purposes. It excludes income from certain social security benefits and some investment income such as National Savings Certificates.

  2 Not taking account of mortgage interest relief.

  Taxpayers' Liability
  Mr. Nigel Griffiths
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what are his projections for the total income and total income tax and national insurance liability of the top 1 per cent. of taxpayers and all taxpayers in 1996–97, based on the indexed 1995–96 regime, giving the amount by which tax and national insurance have changed when compared with the indexed regimes of(a) 1987–88, (b) 1992–93 and (c) 1995–96. [39112]

  Mr. Jack
  Available projections about total tax liabilities were published in table 2.2 of the 1995 summer economic forecast. The liabilities of the top 1 per cent. of taxpayers will depend on the income levels of this group.

  Vehicle Taxes
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer which EC countries use a vehicle tax or licence fee related to engine size and which do not. [39903]

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  Most EU countries graduate their vehicle tax or licence fee according to engine characteristics.

  Ministerial Transport Costs
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the cost of ministerial transport in each of the past five years; what allowance has been paid to ministers who use their own vehicles; and what has been the cost in each of the past five years. [40744]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  The total cost of ministerial transport in each of the past five years is as follows:
  153

  £

  1990–91

  216,127

  1991–92

  294,341

  1992–93

  277,559

  1993–94

  284,610

  1994–95

  283,518

  1995 to date

  171,913

  No allowance has been paid to ministers for the use of their own vehicles in the past five years.

  Annual Meetings (World Bank and International Monetary Fund)
  Mr. Matthew Banks
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement about the recent annual meetings of the World bank and the International Monetary Fund. [40971]

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  I attended meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World bank in Washington on 8 and 9 October, where progress was made on several issues of importance for the world economy and for developing countries. I also attended the Commonwealth Finance Ministers' meeting in Kingston, Jamaica on 4–5 October.

  In Kingston, Ministers endorsed a report on measures against money laundering, following my proposals at last year's meeting in Valletta. This matter will now be considered by Commonwealth Heads of Government in Auckland in November.

  I emphasised the desirability of an effective UN, and the need for reform of UN economic and social bodies. I hoped that the Commonwealth would give further impetus to the many UN reform activities under way.

  I gained further support for my initiative to relieve the burden of multilateral debt on a small group of the poorest countries, as well as reiterating the need for full implementation of the Naples and Trinidad terms for official bilateral debt.

  There was further discussion of multilateral debt at the interim and development committees of the World bank and IMF. The bank and fund will continue their work and report with proposals to the spring meetings in Washington next April. I am pleased to report that, one year on from the launch of my initiative, there is now an emerging consensus that this issue must be solved.

  As usual, the IMF and World bank meetings were preceded by meetings of G7 and G10 Finance Ministers and central bank governors.

  In the G7, we reviewed global economic and financial conditions, concluding that in most countries the conditions for continued growth and employment gains are in place and inflation well under control. We agreed that policies should continue to aim at sustaining non-inflationary growth.

  I joined other Ministers in urging the IMF and World bank to carry out an early, thorough assessment of needs for the reconstruction of Bosnia following a peace settlement. We had a useful discussion of the Russian economy with representatives of the Russian Government, led by First Deputy Prime Minister Chubais.
  154
  The G10 endorsed the conclusions of a study on savings, investment and real interest rates, commissioned at my suggestion last year. These are that reducing fiscal deficits would be the swiftest and surest way to reverse the decline in national saving rates and the increase in average interest rates over the last 35 years.

  We agreed that it would be desirable to develop new parallel financing arrangements complementary to the general arrangements to borrow. Discussions will take place with potential participants, with the objective of agreement by next April.

  At the IMF interim committee I emphasised the need for flexible labour markets and a favourable business environment at a time of increasing technological change and international competition.

  Further progress was made in responding to the lessons of the Mexican crisis, as envisaged at the Halifax summit in June. This includes exceptional procedures for the IMF to respond promptly and prudently in the event of serious financial crises. I strongly supported conclusions on the need for regular and timely provision of comprehensive and good quality data to the fund and the establishment of standards for data publication. I welcomed fund efforts to make the surveillance of members' economies franker and more selective. I also urged the fund to develop effective ways of evaluating its own performance. Work is continuing on the 11th review of quotas, although the fund's liquidity is currently adequate.

  I took the opportunity of the development committee meeting to welcome the new president of the World bank, Mr. Jim Wolfensohn, and expressed my support for his leadership. In a discussion of ways to reduce poverty, I emphasised the need for sound economic policies. The committee agreed on the importance of a significant replenishment of IDA. I stressed that donor countries should each shoulder a fair share of the burden.

  Copies of my speeches to the Commonwealth Finance Ministers meeting, the interim committee and the development committee, and of the communiques of those meetings and the G7 and G10 Finance Ministers' meetings have been placed in the Library of the House.

DEFENCE

  Military Liaison Officers
  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the location, rank and role of each British military liaison officer based in France. [40160]

  Mr. Soames
  The UK's armed forces currently have the following liaison officers based in France.

  Location

  Royal Navy

  Commander

  Creil

  Army

  Lt. Colonel

  Metz

  Lt. Colonel

  Saumur

  Lt. Colonel

  Coer

  Lt. Colonel

  Versailles

  Lt. Colonel

  Paris

  Lt. Colonel

  Draguignan

  155

  Location

  Lt. Colonel

  Montpellier and Pau

  Colonel

  Metz

  Royal Air Force

  Sqn Leader

  Taverny

  Sqn Leader

  Bordeaux

  Flight Lieutenant

  Salon

  Flight Lieutenant

  Marignane

  Flight Lieutenant

  Merignac

  The role of a liaison officer is to act as a link between the two allied organisations.

  Mr. Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the location, rank and role of each French military liaison officer based in the United Kingdom. [40159]

  Mr. Soames
  The French armed forces have the following liaison officers based in the United Kingdom.

  Location

  Army

  Colonel

  Upavon

  Colonel

  Wilton

  Lieutenant-Colonel

  Camberley

  Colonel

  Andover

  Lieutenant-Colonel

  Warminister

  Lieutenant-Colonel

  Blandford

  Air Force

  Commandant

  MOD Harrogate

  Commandant

  MOD Wyton

  Capitaine

  RAF Valley

  Commandant

  RAF Waddington

  Capitaine

  RAF Coningsby

  Capitaine

  RAF Neatishead

  Commandant

  Bentley Priory

  Capitaine

  RAF Marham

  Capitaine

  RAF Shawbury

  Capitaine

  Boscombe Down

  Lieutenant

  RAF Linton-on-Ouse

  The role of a liaison officer is to act as a link between the two allied organisations.

  Nuclear Weapons (France)
  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will list the dates when United Kingdom officials or employees of the atomic weapons establishments have visited the(a) Centre d'Etudes de Limil-Valenton in Villeneuve-Saint-Georges, (b) Centre d'Etudes de Valduc, (c) Centre d'Etudes du Ripoult, (d) Centre d'Etudes Scientifique et Techniques d'Aquitane, Le Barp, (e) Centre d'Etudes de Bruyeres-le Chatel and (f) Centre d'Etudes de Vaujours, Moronvilliers, France, over the past five years, indicating the purpose of each visit; [40162]

  (2) if he will make a statement on how far technical discussions between the United Kingdom and France relating to possible arrangements for peer review, as set out in the eighth report of the Defence Select Committee, "Progress of the Trident programme" (HC 350 of Session 1994–195), have progressed; what data or technical information have been sent from France to the United
  156
  Kingdom for peer review as a result of these technical discussions; and if he will make a statement on progress on computer simulation discussions; [40195]

  (3) if he will list the dates when United Kingdom officials or employees of the atomic weapons establishments have visited French nuclear weapons research facilities over the past five years; and if he will indicate details of the purpose of each visit; [40157]

  (4) what technical assistance is being provided to the French Government to aid them in their development of alternatives to underground nuclear weapons testing; [40155]

  (5) if he will list the dates when French officials or scientists visited the atomic weapons establishments in the last five years; and if he will indicate the purpose of each visit. [40156]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  I have nothing to add to my answer to the hon. Member for Nottingham, South (Mr. Simpson) on 16 October 1995,Official Report, column 37.

  French Naval Vessels
  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the names of all French naval vessels that have visited the United Kingdom over the last 10 years, indicating their port of call and the dates of their visits. [40163]

  Mr. Soames
  The information is available only from mid-1991 onwards. Research of records prior to that date could be undertaken only at disproportionate cost.

  Vessel

  Port

  Date of visit

  1991

  Sterne

  Dartmouth

  24–26 June

  La Belle Poule

  Milford Haven

  11–14 July

  Sterne

  Swansea

  22–25 July

  L'Audacieuse

  Cowes

  3–6 August

  Circe

  Plymouth

  24–27 August

  Lutteur

  Poole

  23–27 September

  Phenix

  Leith

  27–29 September

  Calliope and Cybele

  London

  21–25 October

  Baccarat

  Plymouth

  25–28 October

  La Fidele

  Guernsey

  29–31 October

  Beveziers

  Faslane

  8–11 November

  Beveziers

  Rosyth

  22–25 November

  Amyot D'Inville

  Leith

  5–9 December

  1992

  Emeraude

  Plymouth

  24–28 January

  Thetis

  Falmouth

  31 January–3 February

  Grebe

  Plymouth

  7–11 February–2 March

  Le Vigilante

  Dartmouth

  11–16 March

  L'Audacieuse

  Dundee

  13–17 March

  Laperouse

  Portsmouth

  24–28 March

  Vulcain

  Penzance

  10–14 April

  Emeraude

  Portsmouth

  22–27 April

  Styx

  Guernsey

  24–27 April

  La Grande Hermine

  Guernsey

  13–15 May

  Latouche Treville

  Glasgow

  26–30 May

  Sake

  Jersey

  26–27 May

  Eridan

  Liverpool

  26–29 May

  Andromede and Orion

  Cardiff

  1–4 June

  Saire

  Poole

  2–6 June

  La Fidele

  Poole

  3–5 June

  Latouche Treville

  Leith

  12–16 June

  Phenix

  Inveness

  18–22 June

  Acharne and Cybele

  Poole

  24–26 June

  Phenix

  Cardiff

  26–30 June

  157

  Vessel

  Port

  Date of visit

  Jaguar, Leopard, Lion, Loire, Lynx Panthere and Tigre

  Leith

  29 June–2 July

  Aconit

  London

  11–15 July

  Acharne

  Plymouth

  31 July–4 August

  Acharne

  Cowes

  4–7 August

  Phenix

  Cowes

  5–9 August

  Emeraude

  Faslane

  25–30 August

  La Combattante and Lutteur

  Kingswear

  26–30 August

  Cybele

  Portsmouth

  28 August–1 September

  Thetis

  Greenock

  6–14 September

  Thetis

  Campbeltown

  14–19 September

  Sirene

  Falmouth

  18–21 September

  Phenix

  Guernsey

  29 September–2 October

  L'Audacieuse

  Shoreham

  27–30 October

  Agosta

  Leith

  30 October–3 November

  Somme

  Plymouth

  6–9 November

  Agosta

  Leith

  13–17 November 27 November—

  5 x MSC1

  London

  1 December

  Jaguar and Lion

  Guernsey

  1–9 December

  1993

  Tenace

  Falmouth

  15–18 January

  Vulcain

  Poole

  15–19 January

  5 x MCMV2

  Dartmouth

  18–25 January

  Psyche

  Rosyth

  5–9 February

  Pegase

  Cardiff

  9–12 February

  Psyche

  Leith

  19–23 February

  La Fidele and Saire

  Jersey

  2–5 March

  5 x MCMV2

  London

  12–16 March

  La Combattante

  Guernsey

  24–25 March

  Clio

  Portsmouth

  2–6 April

  L'Etoile and La Belle Poule

  Plymouth

  16–20 April

  Psyche

  Plymouth

  29 April–3 May

  Amethyste and Ouessant

  Portsmouth

  10–14 May

  Primauguet

  Portsmouth

  11–14 May

  Borda

  London

  21–24 May

  Aconit

  Liverpool

  25–30 May

  La Fidele

  Poole

  25–27 May

  Frehel

  Poole

  25–28 May

  Styx

  Dartmouth

  28 May–1 June

  Grebe

  Jersey

  28–31 May

  La Grande Hermine

  Guernsey

  1–2 June

  De Grasse

  Glasgow

  3–5 June

  CDT Birot, CDT Blaison and Lt de Lavallee

  Leith

  7–11 June

  Chacal, Lion, Panthere and Tigre

  Isle of Man

  18–21 June

  De Grasse

  Leith

  18–22 June

  Clio

  Dundee

  21–25 June

  La Grande Hermine

  Guernsey

  25–27 June

  Eridan, La Belle Poule, L'Etoile, and Goeland

  Newcastle

  13–17 July

  Sirene

  Dundee

  16–20 July

  Amethyste

  Faslane

  27 August–3 September

  A. D'Inville

  Plymouth

  27–31 August

  Sterne

  Cardiff

  31 August–3 September

  Cotre Mutin

  Cowes

  7–10 September

  Styx

  Leith

  16–22 September

  L'Audacieuse, Calliope, Cassiopee, Eridan, Lt de Le Henaff, Loire, Orion and Primauguet

  Leith

  17–20 September

  Acharne

  Poole

  28 September–1 October

  Alencon and Ouistreham

  Plymouth

  15–18 October

  Sirene

  Leith

  29 October–1 November

  Ouessant

  Plymouth

  4–8 November

  Glaive

  Torquay

  5–8 November

  Saire

  Alderney

  10–11 November

  Sirene

  Leith

  12–15 November 24 November

  Lion and Lynx

  Guernsey

  1 December

  Cdt Birot and Jean Moulin

  Plymouth

  20 November–2 December

  158

  Vessel

  Port

  Date of visit

  1994

  L'Audacieuse

  Jersey

  5–7 January

  Vulcain

  Poole

  24–7 January

  Aconit, Cassiopee, Le Henaff and Orion

  London

  4–8 February

  Eridan

  Swansea

  11–14 February

  Sterne

  Cowes

  14–17 February

  Beveziers

  Leith

  18–22 February

  Sirene

  Leith

  18–22 February

  Beveziers

  Leith

  5–8 March

  Centaure

  Falmouth

  11–16 March

  Grebe

  Southampton

  11–14 March

  Planet

  Leith

  15–16 March

  La Combattante

  Jersey

  5–9 April

  4 x MCMV2

  Chatham

  15–18 April

  Clio and Croix Du Sud

  Plymouth

  14–18 May

  9 x MCMV2

  Leith

  20–23 May

  Eridan

  Plymouth

  2–6 June

  Duguay-Trouin

  Portsmouth

  2–5 June

  Styx

  Weymouth

  2–3 June

  Circe

  Milford Haven

  3–6 June

  Drougou

  Portsmouth

  3–5 June

  Styx

  Dartmouth

  4–6 June

  Borda

  Guernsey

  4–5 June

  Frehel

  Guernsey

  9–12 June

  Chef Robet and Trident

  Jersey

  9–13 June

  Mutin

  Salcombe

  14–15 June

  Mutin

  Dartmouth

  15–16 June

  Circe

  Falmouth

  17–20 June

  Mutin

  Chausey

  18–20 June

  L'Audacieuse

  Weymouth

  20–23 June

  Borda

  Douglas

  24–27 June

  Grand Hermine

  Helford

  24–27 June

  L'Herminer

  Chatham

  29 June–5 July

  Belle Poule

  Guernsey

  1–4 July

  Styx

  Jersey

  11–15 July

  Sterne

  Cowes

  29 July–6 August

  Vulcain

  Chatham

  19–23 August

  Grebe

  Penzance

  19–23 August

  Vulcain

  Jersey

  2–6 September

  Epee

  Jersey

  7–9 September

  Acharne and Lutteur

  Poole

  13–16 September

  Pegase

  Milford Haven

  16–19 September

  Grebe

  Penzance

  19–23 September

  Cybele

  Plymouth

  20–23 September

  Vulcain

  Portland

  26–30 September

  EDIC 9010

  Marchwood

  5–7 October

  Beveziers

  Plymouth

  7–11 October

  Borda

  Torquay

  14–17 October

  Glaive

  Guernsey

  21–24 October

  Agosta

  Leith

  21–25 October

  L'Audacieuse

  Plymouth

  21–25 October

  Perle

  Plymouth

  28 October–2 November

  Agosta

  Leith

  4–8 November

  Duguay-Trouin

  Leith

  4–8 November

  Duguay-Trouin

  London

  10–14 November

  CoteD'Aquitaine

  Portsmouth

  1–2 December

  La Praya

  Chatham

  21–25 November

  Frehel

  Alderney

  24–25 November

  10 X Support Craft

  Devonport

  24–27 November

  Cote D'Aquitaine

  Portsmouth

  1–2 December

  4 X MCMV2

  London

  9–13 December

  1995

  Andromede

  Portsmouth

  16–19 January

  Surcouf

  London

  1–4 February

  Sirene

  Leith

  3–6 February

  L'Ailette

  Southampton

  7–9 February

  Sirene

  Leith

  17–21 February

  La Fidele and Saire

  Poole

  13–16 March

  3 X MCMV2

  Jersey

  17–20 March

  Croix du Sud

  London

  27–31 March

  Lavalle and CDT L'Herminier

  Plymouth

  30 March–3 April

  159

  Vessel

  Port

  Date of visit

  4 X MCMV2

  Jersey

  31 March–3 April

  Malabar

  Falmouth

  31 March–4 April

  L'Audacieuse

  Oban

  31 March–4 April

  Lutteur

  Portsmouth

  16–18 May

  Mutin

  Falmouth

  19–26 May

  Epee

  Guernsey

  19–21 May

  Mutin

  Helford

  23 May–6 June

  Borda

  Poole

  30 May–2 June

  L'Audacieuse

  leith

  2–5 June

  Latouche Treville

  Leith

  9–13 June

  Loire

  London

  12–15 June

  La Fidele

  Alderney

  20–21 June

  Antares and Glycine

  Swansea

  27–29 June

  Mutin

  Oban

  21–24 July

  Circe

  Falmouth

  24–27 July

  Mutin

  Dundee

  28–31 July

  Mutin

  Grimsby

  3–7 August

  Grebe

  Douglas

  4–8 August

  CDT De Pimodan

  Swansea

  4–8 August

  Calliopee

  Plymouth

  16–21 August

  Aldebaran

  Dartmouth

  23–27 August

  Mutin

  Cowes

  24–28 August

  Utile

  Milford Haven

  25–29 August

  Cybele

  Portsmouth

  1–4 September

  Laperouse

  Southampton

  5–8 September

  Elan

  Southampton

  5–8 September

  Elan

  Lowestoft

  13–20 September

  L'Etoile

  Guernsey

  19–21 September

  La Fidele and La Lutteur

  Poole

  19–22 September

  Elan

  Southampton

  21–25 September

  Agosta

  Leith

  20–23 October

  Circe

  Portsmouth

  27–30 October

  Ouessant

  Portsmouth

  27–31 October

  1 MSC = Coastal Mine Sweeper.

  2 MCMV = Mine Countermeasures Vessel.

  Military Information Sharing (France and Britain)
  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list all committees established for the purposes of co-ordinating and sharing information and ideas between French and British armed forces on military matters. [40158]

  Mr. Soames
  This information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Franco-British Joint Commission on Nuclear Policy
  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the purpose of the Franco-British Joint Commission on Nuclear Policy and Doctrine, indicating how often on average the body meets each year. [40161]

  Mr. Soames
  The joint commission provides a forum for discussion of matters of mutual interest to the United Kingdom and France in the area of nuclear policy and doctrine. It has met two or three times a year. The details of its discussions are confidential between the two Governments.

  Armed Services (Recruitment Costs)
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what has been the cost in real terms of recruitment to the armed services in each of the past six years. [39990]
  160
  Mr. Soames
  The information is not held in the form requested for all years and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Outturn figures for the past three years are as follows:

  1992–93: £89.053 million

  1993–94: £ 97.310 million

  1994–95: £93.277 million

  Western European Union Medal
  Sir Keith Speed
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will give the response of the United Kingdom and other western European Governments to the proposal by United Kingdom delegates for a Western European Union medal for service in Western European Union operations agreed by the Western European Union parliamentary assembly in December 1994. [40032]

  Mr. Soames
  On 20 December 1994 the Western European Union Council gave its agreement in principle to the draft proposal by the former Netherlands presidency for a Western European Union mission service medal.

  Since then, the Government, as a Council member of the Western European Union, have agreed in principle that this medal would be compatible with the British honours system for specific, agreed cases. However, to date, no proposal has been received from the Western European Union for the award of the medal, with appropriate clasp, for issue to any UK citizens.

  RAF Machrihanish
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list by year since 1990 the types and marks of(a) NATO and (b) other nationals' aircraft that have used RAF Machrihanish. [39046]

  Mr. Soames
  The information requested is contained in the table.

  A schedule of NATO and other military aircraft that have used RAF Machrihanish since 1990

  NATO

  1990

  Tucano T1

  Jetstream T2

  Islander AL1

  Andover C2/E3

  HS 125

  Dominie T1

  Canberra PR9

  Jet Provost T5A

  Hawk T1

  Shackleton AEW2

  Nimrod MR2

  C130 C1/C3

  Buccaneer S2B

  Harrier GR3,5,T4

  Jaguar GR1,T2

  Phantom II F4J, FGRI and FGR2

  Tornado F3, GR1

  Chinook HC1

  Gazelle AH1

  Lynx AH1, HAS2

  Puma HC1

  Scout AH1

  Sea King HAR3, HAS 5 and HC 4

  Wessex HC 2

  C12 Kingair

  C21 Learjet

  C23 Sherpa

  161

  C9B

  P3C Orion

  HC130

  MC130E

  C141B

  A10

  F1–11 andEF1–11

  CH 53 and MH 53

  CP 140

  F16

  MS 760

  Broussard

  Breguet Alphajet

  C160

  Breguet Atlantic

  CH 53

  F27

  P3C

  1991

  Bulldog T1

  Jetstream T2

  Andover E3

  Dominie T1

  HS 125

  Hawk T1

  Jet Provost T5A

  Hunter T7

  Canberra PR9

  Shackleton AEW2

  Nimrod MR2

  E3D Sentry

  C130 C1/C3

  Islander BN2

  Buccaneer S2B

  Harrier GR3, 5, T4

  Jaguar GR1, T2

  Phantom H F4J, FGRI and FGR2

  Tornado F3, GR1

  Chinook HC1

  Gazelle AH1

  Lynx AH1, HAS2

  Puma HC1

  Scout AH1

  Sea King HAR3, HAS5 and HC4

  Wessex HC2

  C2A Greyhound

  C12 Kingair

  HC130

  MC130E

  C141B

  C9B

  KC135

  P3C, P3A

  A10

  Fl–11 and EFl–11

  F16

  Mirage 5

  CP140

  Embraer 121

  Nord 262

  Breguet Atlantic

  Antonov 26

  CH53

  P3C

  FK27

  C21 Learjet

  Alphajet

  1992

  Bulldog T1

  Tucano T1

  Jetstream T2

  Andover E3

  Dominie T1

  HS125

  Canberra PR9

  Islander BN2

  162

  Jet Provost T5A

  Hawk T1

  Hunter T7

  Nimrod MR2

  E3A/E3D Sentry

  C130 C1/C3

  VC 10K

  Buccaneer S2B

  Harrier GR3, 5, 7, and T4

  Jaguar GR1.T2

  Tornado F3,GR1,GR1A

  Augusta 109

  Chinook HC1

  Gazelle AH1

  Lynx AH1, HAS2

  Puma H1

  Scout AH1

  Sea King HAR3

  HAS 5 and HC 4

  Wessex HC 2

  C2A

  C5B Galaxy

  C12 Kingair

  C21 Learjet

  HC130

  MC130E

  C141

  C137

  Boeing 727

  Boeing B52

  KC135

  KC10

  P3C

  Lockheed S3A

  Viking

  Fl–11 andEFl–11

  Lockheed U2R

  CF18 Hornet

  CP 140

  Boeing 707

  C160

  Alpha Jet

  Mirage F1

  Breguet Atlantic

  C160

  P3C

  DH6

  P3B

  F16

  1993

  Bulldog T1

  Tucano T1

  Jetstream T2

  Andover E3

  HS 125

  Dominie T1

  Hunter T7

  Jet Provost T5A

  Hawk T1

  Islander BN2

  Canberra PR9

  BAe146

  C130C1/C3

  Nimrod MR2

  Buccaneer S2B

  Harrier GR3, 5, T4

  Jaguar GR1,T2

  Tornado F3, GR1, GR1A

  Chinook HC1

  Gazelle AH1

  Lynx AH1.HA52

  Puma HC1

  Scout AH1

  Sea King HAR3, HAS 5 and HC 4

  Wessex HC2

  C12 Kingair

  163

  C21 Learjet

  HC130

  MC130E

  C141

  KC135

  P3C, P3B

  F15

  F1–11

  Bell UH1

  ND262

  Breguet Atlantic

  Breguet Alize

  F4

  C160

  CP140

  G222

  Bolkow 105

  Allouette III

  F16

  1994

  Islander BN2

  Jetstream T2

  Andover E3

  Dominie T1

  HS 125

  C130 C1/C3

  Nimrod MR2

  Hawk T1

  Buccaneer S2B

  Jaguar GR1, T2

  Tornado F3, GR1, GR1A

  Augusta 109

  Chinook HC1

  Lynx AH1

  Puma HC1

  Sea King HAR3, HAS 5 and HC4

  Wessex HC2

  C5

  C9B

  C12 Kingair

  C21 Learjet

  HC130

  MC130E

  C141

  KC135

  Boeing 707

  P3A

  P3C

  T39 Sabreliner

  F15

  MH53

  CP140

  C144 Gulfsteam

  F16

  DH6

  Gazelle AH1

  1995—October

  Islander BN2

  Andover E3

  HS 125

  BAel46

  VC10

  C130 C1/C3

  Nimrod MR2

  Jaguar GR1.T2

  Tornado F3, GR1, GR1A

  Hawk T1

  Gazelle AHI

  Lynx AHI

  Puma HC1

  HAS 5, HC4

  Wessex HC2, CC4

  C12 Kingair

  C21 Learjet

  164

  MC130E

  P3C

  Alpha Jet

  200 King Air

  Other

  1990: Nil

  1991: Nil

  1992: Nil

  1993: P3C

  1994: Nil

  1995 to October: Nil

  Defence Exports, Singapore
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for South Shields (Dr. Clark) of 11 July,official Report, column 527, what evidence of illegal activity has come to light in relation to defence exports to Singapore and has been brought to the attention of Customs and Excise. [40497]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  I have nothing to add to the reply that I gave the hon. Member for South Shields (Dr. Clark) on 11 July,Official Report, column 527, except to confirm that research into aspects of defence exports to Singapore continues.

  Potential Compensation Claims
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much money his Department allocated as provision for the payments of potential compensation claims in each of the last five years. [37776]

  Mr. Soames
  [holding answer 19 October 1995]: This information is not readily available for 1990–91, but financial provision for payment of compensation claims from 1991–92 onwards was as follows:

  Financial Year

  Allocation

  1991–92

  £10 million (estimated)

  1992–93

  £11 million

  1993–94

  £26 million (of which £15 million was provision made for compensation payments made to Servicewomen dismissed on grounds of pregnancy)

  1994–95

  £43 million (of which £26 million was provision made for compensation payments made to Servicewomen dismissed on grounds of pregnancy)

  Married Quarters (Disposals)
  Mr. Colvin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the latest position regarding disposal of married quarters. [40387]

  Mr. Soames
  We are continuing to consider possibilities for transferring ownership of the married quarters estate to the private sector. We expect to be in a position to clarify the way ahead before the end of the year.

  Mr. Colvin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the number of married quarters in each local housing authority area; and what is the percentage vacant. [40386]
  165
  Mr. Soames
  The information requested is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Unit Closures
  Mr. Colvin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence to what degree his Department accepts financial responsibility for contingent liabilities arising from closures of establishments or disbandment of units. [40394]

  Mr. Soames
  It is the policy of the Ministry of Defence to avoid incurring contingent liabilities wherever possible. Very exceptionally, an indemnity might be given on or in relation to the disposal of a site, as for instance on the disposal of Gruinard island against claims arising from its decontamination.

  Solent Buoyage
  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what powers he has to offer the Solent Buoyage to competent harbour authorities other than Trinity House. [40371]

  Mr. Soames
  The Queen's Harbour Master exercises responsibility on behalf of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence for the maintenance of all buoyage within the Dockyard port of Portsmouth; to ensure safe mooring and navigation. There are no powers within the Dockyard Port of Portsmouth Order 1978 to allow for the transfer of specific responsibilities to other harbour authorities.

  Mr. Fields
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects the Navy to relinquish their responsibility for Solent buoyage. [40370]

  Mr. Soames
  My Department has no plans to relinquish any of its responsibilities within the area of the dockyard part of Portsmouth.

  No. 32 (The Royal) Squadron
  Mr. Alan Williams
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what basic provision is made for capital costs, storage, maintenance and similar expenditure in assessing costs appropriate to the royal usage of No, 32 (The Royal) Squadron. [40391]

  Mr. Soames
  Costs of royal usage on official business are based on a proportionate cash assessment of total operating costs comprising personnel, aviation fuel, equipment and engineering support and other operating costs. By convention, capital costs are not included in the calculation.

  Service Personnel (Loans)
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the Governments to which service personnel have been loaned during the period from April 1992. [40493]

  Mr. Soames
  The countries to which service personnel have been loaned since 1992 are Angola, Antigua, Australia, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Brunei, Dominica, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Hong Kong, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lesotho, Malaysia, Mauritius, Namibia, New 166
  Zealand, Nigeria, Oman, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, St Lucia, St Vincent, Swaziland, Turks and Caicos Islands, United Arab Emirates and Zimbabwe.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Stage Hynotism
  Mr. Pickthall
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what monitoring is undertaken by his Department of the adverse health effects of stage hypnotism. [38223]

  Mr. Kirkhope
  We expect shortly to publish the report of a review of the effects of participation in stage hypnotism and the workings of the Hypnotism Act 1952. The report will include an assessment of clinical evidence submitted to the review's panel of psychiatrists and psychologists.

  DNA Samples
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if persons asked to give DNA samples during the investigation of crimes are notified that the samples will be retained for future reference, whether or not they are charged with or convicted of the crimes under investigation. [39960]

  Mr. Maclean
  [holding answer 30 October 1995]: When members of the public volunteer to give samples as part of a mass screening, the samples taken are compared only with the sample found at the scene of the crime under investigation. The samples are destroyed at the end of the investigation and the profiles derived from them are not retained on the DNA database.

  When a sample is taken from a person suspected of involvement in a recordable offence, the police are required to inform the person that the sample may be the subject of a speculative search. Whether and for how long the samples will be retained is dependent upon the outcome of the investigation.

  Samples taken from persons convicted of or cautioned for a recordable offence will be retained for the same period as the offender's criminal record on Phoenix. Samples taken from people who are acquitted or not proceeded against will be retained if another person from whom a sample has been taken in the same investigation is convicted of an offence. These samples may be needed for further comparative analysis if it is subsequently suggested that there has been a miscarriage of justice.

  DNA profiles will be retained in a searchable form on the DNA database only if the suspect is convicted of or cautioned for a recordable offence or if action against that individual is ongoing.

  Mohammed Riaz and Abdul Quayyum Raja
  Mr. Madden
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he intends to inform Mohammed Riaz and Abdul Quayyum Raja of his decision concerning their tariffs; on what date he received the case papers; and if he will make a statement. [40446]
  167
  Miss Widdecombe
  The case papers were submitted to Ministers on 4 October. The decisions on tariff will be taken and disclosed to the prisoners as soon as reasonably practicable.

  Patrick Kelly and Michael O'Brien
  Mr. Madden
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) for what reason Patrick Kelly and Michael O'Brien, prisoners, are(a) detained in the special security unit at Whitemoor prison, (b) refused reading material and (c) kept in cells which have no heating; if, the hon. Member for Maidstone (Miss Widdecombe) talked to either prisoner when she visited Whitemoor prison; what complaints she received about their detention; and if he will make a statement; [40449]

  (2) if he will release Patrick Kelly, currently detained in the special security unit at Whitemoor prison, and arrange for his early transfer either to Northern Ireland or to the Irish Republic; and if he will make a statement. [40447]

  Miss Widdecombe
  [holding answer 30 October 1995]: Patrick Kelly is serving a sentence of imprisonment of 25 years for the attempted murder of a police officer and conspiring to cause explosions. Under the provisions of the Criminal Justice Act 1991, consideration cannot be given, save in exceptional circumstances, to Mr. Kelly's discretionary release until May 2005.

  Mr. Kelly's recent request for transfer to Northern Ireland was refused on the grounds that he does not meet the criteria for transfer. He has no known links with Northern Ireland and he was not previously resident there before his present conviction. There were considered to be insufficient compelling compassionate factors to justify, exceptionally, granting him a transfer. This decision is currently under review.

  Mr. Kelly has indicated his wish to be repatriated to the Republic of Ireland. This will be considered on its merits, in consultation with the Irish Government, when arrangements for the repatriation of prisoners between the two jurisdictions come into force on 1 November.

  Mr. Kelly and Mr. O'Brien are both category A prisoners with exceptional escape risk classifications. As such, it is necessary for them to be held in conditions suitable for prisoners of the highest security category. It is normal policy, subject to operational constraints which may affect the availability of such accommodation, to hold such prisoners in special secure units—SSUs.

  Mr. Kelly and Mr. O'Brien have not been refused reading material although, because they are on a dirty protest, they are not, for reasons of hygiene, allowed to have books from the prison library. On 17 October, as part of a disciplinary award for failing to comply with the regime requirements of the SSU, they were not permitted to receive publications from outside sources for seven days. They did, however, continue to be provided with daily newspapers. Publications sent to them during that period were stored and given to the prisoners after 24 October.

  The cells in the SSU are heated. There were some technical problems when the heating was first required
  168
  after the summer, but since the middle of October there have been no reported problems. The heating is now operated automatically by a temperature control located within the unit.

  I recently visited the Whitemoor SSU, but did not see either prisoner.

  Fraud
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the total number of cases of all forms of fraud committed by employees of his(a) Department, (b) agencies and (c) non-departmental public bodies for each year from 1991–92 to 1994–95; and for each of these years, what was the total monetary sum (1) misappropriated in such frauds and (2) subsequently recovered. [39127]

  Mr. Howard
  [holding answer 24 October 1995]: The number of cases of fraud committed by staff of the Home Office, its agencies and non-departmental public bodies is tabulated for the years 1991–92 to 1994–95. The monetary value of the fraud and how much was recovered is shown.

  Year

  Department

  Agency

  NDPB

  1991–92

  Number of frauds committed

  16

  —

  —

  Monetary value

  16,668

  —

  —

  Amount recovered £

  9,602

  —

  —

  1992–93

  Number of frauds committed

  15

  —

  —

  Monetary value £

  22,349

  —

  —

  Amount recovered £

  3,847

  —

  —

  1993–94

  Number of frauds committed

  5

  15

  1

  Monetary value £

  710

  48,906

  190

  Amount recovered £

  460

  1,559

  190

  1994–95

  Number of frauds committed

  1

  4

  —

  Monetary value £

  1,400

  38,896

  —

  Amount recovered £

  301

  —

  —

  Irish Prisoners
  Mr. Madden
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what procedures are in place to invite applications from Irish nationals serving sentences in prisons in the United Kingdom to be transferred to prisons in the Irish Republic; how many Irish nationals are detained in United Kingdom prisons; how many have indicated their intention of applying to be transferred; how many have applied; what are the arrangements for recording and processing such applications; and if he will make a statement. [40451]

  Miss Widdecombe
  [holding answer 30 October 1995]: The Council of Europe convention on the transfer of sentenced persons comes into effect for the Republic of Ireland from 1 November. The convention requires that all eligible prisoners who may wish to seek repatriation

  169
  are informed by the sentencing jurisdiction of the availability of these procedures. With the agreement of the Irish Government, Irish prisoners in England and Wales will be advised of these arrangements through instructions given to prison governors. I am placing a copy of the relevant instruction—"Instruction to Governors 101/95"—in the Library.

  As at 30 September 1995, 644 prisoners held in England and Wales gave their nationality on reception into prison as Irish. Under the convention, prisoners may not themselves apply for repatriation but may indicate an interest in this. To date, 35 Irish prisoners have done so. It will be open to either jurisdiction to make a formal request for repatriation on a prisoner's behalf.

  Decisions on asylum applications made at ports of entry and after entry into the United Kingdom, excluding dependants, 1994 and January to September 1995

  1994

  1995 (January to September)

  Port applications

  In country applications

  Total

  Port applications

  In country applications

  Total

  Decisions123

  Total decisions

  7,150

  13,840

  20,990

  7,325

  12,585

  19,910

  Recognised as a refugee and granted asylum

  300

  530

  825

  250

  570

  820

  Not recognised as a refugee but granted exceptional leave

  1,785

  1,875

  3,660

  1,700

  2,055

  3,750

  Refusals

  Total refused

  5,065

  11,435

  16,500

  5,375

  9,965

  15,340

  Refused asylum and exceptional leave after full consideration

  4,255

  8,400

  12,655

  4,490

  8,080

  12,570

  Refused on safe third country grounds

  810

  55

  865

  885

  130

  1,015

  Refused under para.340 of Immigration Rules4

  —

  2,985

  2,985

  —

  1,755

  1,755

  1 Provisional and estimated figures rounded to the nearest 5.

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

  3 Decisions do not necessarily relate to applications made in the same period.

  4 For failure to provide evidence to support the asylum claim within a reasonable period.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he has taken or intends to take to ensure that refugees arriving from abroad are aware that they must apply for asylum on arrival in order to protect their potential entitlement to social security benefits. [40607]

  Mr. Kirkhope
  None. The immigration rules make it clear that matters which may damage an asylum applicant's credibility include failure to apply forthwith upon arrival—paragraph 341 of HC 395. Genuine asylum claims ought not to be affected by considerations of benefit entitlement. People who gain admission on the basis that they will support themselves should be held to that requirement whether or not they subsequently claim asylum.

  British Betting Office Association
  Mr. Foulkes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to make a decision on the British Betting Office Association's request to join the bookmakers committee to the Levy Board and the reconstitutions of the committee; and if he will make a statement. [40589]

  Mr. Kirkhope
  The review of the committee's composition is still in progress; the outcome will be announced as soon as possible.
  170
  All requests for repatriation involving prisoners held in England and Wales are recorded and processed by Prion Service headquarters.

  Asylum Seekers
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many applications for asylum by persons applying(a) on entry to the United Kingdom and (b) after entry were decided in 1994 and in January to September 1995; and how many of each category were granted asylum and exceptional leave to remain. [40605]

  Mr. Kirkhope
  The information requested is given in the table.

  Phillip Agee
  Mr. Allason
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what were the grounds upon which the decision was taken in respect of granting permission to Phillip Agee to enter the United Kingdom. [40204]

  Mr. Howard
  I have revoked the deportation order made against Mr. Agee in 1977 because I consider that he no longer represents a threat to national security.

  West Midlands Fire Service
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the pension deficit of the West Midlands fire service with particular reference to its impact on(a) effectiveness of the service and (b) the future of the scheme. [40247]

  Mr. Kirkhope
  The West Midlands fire and civil defence authority is required to set a budget that enables it to meet its obligations under the Fire Services Act 1947, including the provision of an effective fire service and payment of pensions. As far as I am aware, the authority is meeting these statutory obligations. As my right hon. and learned Friend announced on 3 March 1994, the fire service pension scheme is under review, but in determining levels of local government revenue funding, the Government are already taking into account, among other relevant factors, what they know to be the increasing pension liabilities of a number of fire authorities.
  171

  National Lottery Charities Board
  Mr. Michael Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the disbursements made by the National Lottery Charities Board to organisations in Brigg and Cleethorpes. [39956]

  Mr. Kirkhope
  No grants have so far been announced by the National Lottery Charities Board in respect of organisations in the Brigg and Cleethorpes constituency.

  Blue Police Boxes
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will discuss with the Secretary of State for National Heritage collecting centrally information on the locations of the remaining in-situ blue boxes in England and Wales; and if he will make a statement. [40007]

  Mr. Maclean
  No.

  Fingerprints
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action police forces in the United Kingdom are taking to ensure they have a system for identifying fingerprints taken at the scene of crime; and if he will make a statement. [39730]

  Mr. Maclean
  All police forces in England and Wales have systems for the identification of fingerprints taken at scenes of crimes and, in the great majority of cases, they involve computer support. A national automated fingerprint identification system will be introduced in eight pilot schemes involving eight forces in 1997 and will be implemented in all forces in England and Wales by 2001, replacing existing automated fingerprint recognition systems.

  Constabularies Amalgamations
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to promote the amalgamation of any of the Humberside, Lincolnshire or individual Yorkshire constabularies; and if he will make a statement. [39512]

  Mr. Maclean
  I have no plans to amalgamate any of the Humberside, Lincolnshire or Yorkshire police forces.

  Sirens and High Speed (Emergency Services)
  Miss Hoey
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish the regulations for the police, ambulance, and fire services, relating to the use of sirens and high speed. [39782]

  Mr. Maclean
  Control on the use of sirens is provided by the published Motor Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 which state that sirens may be used by vehicles belonging to the recognised emergency services at any time when it is necessary or desirable to do so either to indicate to other road users the urgency of the purposes for which the vehicle is being used, or to warn other road users of the presence of the vehicle on the road".
  172
  In addition, there is a statutory exemption from compliance with speed limits in section 87 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. The exemption applies to police, fire and ambulance service vehicles when observance of speed limits would be likely to
  "hinder the use of the vehicle for the purpose for which the vehicle was being used"
  at the time concerned. Any further controls are operational matters for individual police forces, fire brigades and ambulance services.

  Prisoners
  Mrs. Anne Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the largest group of offenders currently serving sentences in British prisons. [39742]

  Miss Widdecombe
  Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the temporary Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from Richard Tilt to Mrs. Anne Campbell, dated 31 October 1995:

  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question asking what is the largest group of offenders currently serving sentences in British prisons.

  The latest provisional information is for 30 September 1995. On that date the offence group with the largest number of sentenced offenders in Prison Service establishments in England and Wales was for violence against the person. 8,700 people were held after sentence for offences of violence against the person. This figure excludes all prisoners for whom an offence is not recorded (five per cent of the total prison population). Information on the prison population, broken down by offence is published annually in "Prison statistics, England and Wales" (table 1.7 of the 1993 edition, Cm 2893), a copy of which is in the Library of the House.

  Automatic Fingerprinting
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the current situation in respect of the use by police forces of IBM's automatic fingerprinting recognition system; and if he will make a statement. [39729]

  Mr. Maclean
  The contract between the automated fingerprint recognition—AFR—consortium, representing 36 police forces in England and Wales, and IBM for the provision of automated fingerprint recognition facilities was terminated earlier this year. The forces concerned have made other arrangements: the 32 which have remained members of the AFR consortium are receiving an interim service provided by the Lockheed Martin Corporation.

  Remission and Sentencing
  Ms Janet Anderson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the estimated cost of implementing(a) the Woodcock report, (b) the Learmont report and (c) the proposed changes to remission and sentencing. [39597]

  Miss Widdecombe
  The estimated costs of implementing the recommendations of the Woodcock report are being reconsidered in the light of Sir John Learmont's report.

  Sir John Learmont's own assessment of the costs of his recommendations appears at appendix Q to his report.
  173
  Details of the proposed changes in sentencing policy will be set out in a White Paper due to be published early next year.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Orthopaedic Services (Waiting Times)
  Mr. Beggs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what is the current waiting time for an

  Unit of Management/Trust

  Hospital

  0–2 months

  3–5 months

  6–8 months

  9–11 months

  12–14 months

  15–17 months

  18–20 months

  21–23 months

  24+ months

  Total

  Altnagelvin Group of Hospitals

  Altnagelvin

  504

  201

  229

  215

  149

  40

  16

  5

  1

  1,360

  Belfast City Hospital HSS Trust

  Belfast City

  593

  248

  172

  112

  105

  41

  7

  0

  0

  1,278

  Greenpark Healthcare HSS Trust

  Musgrave Park

  896

  415

  267

  273

  207

  239

  183

  180

  596

  3,256

  Mater Infirmorum Hospital HSS Trust

  Mater

  28

  2

  1

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  31

  Royal Group of Hospitals HSS Trust

  Royal, RBHSC1

  611

  547

  392

  204

  114

  33

  26

  11

  28

  1,966

  Ulster, North Down and Ards Hospital HSS Trust

  Ulster

  319

  131

  95

  51

  48

  37

  33

  29

  184

  927

  1 Information held centrally relates to the total number of patients waiting in each Unit of Management or Trust, for a first outpatient appointment. Therefore it is not possible to provide individual totals for the Royal Victoria and the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children.

  Health Services (Market Testing)
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the health services that have been market tested by or notified to his Department and won by the private sector indicating(a) the location and (b) the organisation winning the tender. [40618]

  Details of services market tested and won by the private sector up to 31 March 1995.

  Services(s) tested

  Provider unit(s)

  Service provider(s)

  Domestic Services

  Armagh and Dungannon Unit

  Gardner Merchant

  Homefirst Community Unit

  ISS Mediclean

  North Down and Ards Community Trust (non-residential accommodation)

  ISS Mediclean

  Altnagelvin Hospital Unit

  ISS Mediclean

  Western Area Mental Health Unit (Northern sector)

  Gardner Merchant

  Central Services Agency

  Grosvenor Cleaning

  Ulster, North Down and Ards Hospitals Trust (North Down and Ards Hospitals)

  ISS Mediclean

  Catering Services

  Altnagelvin Group of Hospitals Unit

  Compass Services

  Foyle Community Unit

  Western Board Headquarters and Bureau

  Western Area Mental Health Unit (Northern Sector)

  Laundry and Linen Services

  South and East Belfast Trust—Linen hire

  Lilliput Laundry

  Hotel Services

  Domestic/Catering Services

  Craigavon Area Hospital Trust

  Gardner Merchant

  Craigavon and Banbridge Community Trust

  Southern Board Headquarters

  Domestic/Catering Portering/ Security Telephonists and Transport Services

  Green Park Healthcare Trust

  Mediguard Services

  Domestic/Catering Portering/ Supplies Transport Services

  Omagh Femranagh Hospitals and Community Unit

  Compass Services

  High Level Cleaning

  South and East Belfast Trust

  Grove Services

  Ulster, North Down and Ards Hospitals Trust

  Various

  Pest Control

  South and East Belfast Trust

  Alpha Pest Control

  North and West Belfast Trust

  Alpha Pest Control

  Omagh and Fermanagh Unit

  Alpha Pest Control

  Altnagelvin Group of Hospitals Unit

  Alpha Pest Control

  Western Area Mental Health Unit

  Rentokil Ltd.

  Green Park Healthcare Trust

  Rentokil Ltd.

  Sanitary Cleaning

  North and West Belfast Trust

  Canon Hygiene

  Altnagelvin Group of Hospitals Unit

  Canon Hygiene

  Window Blind Cleaning

  North and West Belfast Trust

  Decora Blinds

  174
  appointment with a consultant at each hospital in Northern Ireland which provides orthopaedic services; [39247]

  (2) how many patients are on current waiting lists at each hospital for an appointment with an orthopaedic consultant. [39249]

  Mr. Moss
  The table shows the number of patients and time waiting for a first outpatient appointment in the trauma and orthopaedic speciality at the end of June 1995.

  Mr. Moss
  Health services, in terms of clinical and clinical support services, have not been market tested in Northern Ireland. The table gives the information requested in respect of non-clinical support services.
  175

  Details of services market tested and won by the private sector up to 31 March 1995.

  Services(s) tested

  Provider unit(s)

  Service providers)

  Clinical Waste Disposal

  North and West Belfast Trust

  Down Waste Disposal

  Window Cleaning

  Causeway Trust

  City Contract

  Homefirst Community Unit

  Armagh Industrial

  United Hospitals Unit

  Armagh Industrial

  South and East Belfast Trust

  Armagh Industrial Group

  Mater Infirmorum Hospital Trust

  Grosvenor Cleaning

  North and West Belfast Trust

  Grosvenor Cleaning

  Omagh and Fermangh Unit

  W. McCartney

  Altnagelvin Group of Hospitals Unit

  City Contract Clean.

  Western Area Mental Health Unit

  City Contract Clean.

  Foyle Community Unit

  City Contract Clean.

  Belfast City Hospital Trust

  S. and J. Robinson

  Green Park Healthcare Trust

  Armagh Industrial

  Ulster, North Down and Ards Hospitals Trust

  J. Robinson

  Transport Hire

  Homefirst Community Unit

  Various1

  North and West Belfast Trust

  City Cabs

  Western Board Ambulance Service

  Various1

  Omagh Fermanagh Unit

  Various1

  Green Park Healthcare Trust

  ABA/Enterprise

  Social Services Transport

  Causeway Trust

  Darragh's Coaches

  (Social and Adult Centres)

  Logan's Coaches

  Transport Maintenance

  Southern Health and Social Services Board

  Various1

  South and East Belfast Trust

  Castlereagh Motors

  North and West Belfast Trust

  Macs and Stewarts

  Western Board Ambulance Service

  Various1

  Omagh Fermanagh Unit

  Various1

  Western Area Mental Health (S. Sector)

  R. Donnell

  Foyle Community Unit

  Various1

  Belfast City Hospital Trust

  Harknese

  Green Park Healthcare Trust

  Various1

  Non-Emergency Transport

  Homefirst Community Unit

  Various1

  Grounds and Roads Maintenance

  Homefirst Community Unit (Loughside)

  T L R Landscapes

  Homefirst Community Unit (Bannside)

  J F K Nurseries

  South and East Belfast Trust

  Cameron Landscapes

  Omagh Fermanagh Unit (Fermanagh Sector)

  Ashwood Nurseries

  Courier Services

  North Down and Ards Community Trust

  Armouirguard

  Security Services

  North Down and Ards Community Trust

  Armouirguard

  Mater Infirmorum Hospital Trust

  Securicor

  Central Services Agency

  Guardforce

  Printing and Publishing

  Northern Board (General Printing)

  Nicholson/Bass

  Northern Board (Publications)

  Graham and Heslip

  1 More than one contractor. Full details of all the contractors not available centrally.

  District Health Authorities (Surpluses and Deficits)
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what(a) surpluses and (b) deficits were recorded by each district health authority in 1994–95. [40662]

  Mr. Moss
  The surpluses and deficits recorded by each health and social services board for Northern Ireland for 1994–95 are set out in the table.

  The accounts of the health and social services boards report separately on revenue income and expenditure and capital income and expenditure. The table analyses the net surplus or deficit over each.

  These accounts have not yet been certified by the appointed auditor and so may be subject to change.

  NHSSB £

  SHSSB £

  EHSSB £

  WHSSB £

  Revenue

  22,407

  653,940

  (1,985,796)

  (1,138,784)

  Capital

  201,324

  1,251,754

  (278,302)

  1,559,937

  Total

  223,731

  1,905,694

  (2,264,098)

  421,153

  Note:

  Figures in brackets represent deficits i.e. excess of expenditure over income.
  176

  Pay Bargaining
  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will provide in respect of his plan for pay delegation submitted to the Treasury(a) a description of the staff in each bargaining unit covered by the plan, distinguishing staff in HQ functions, agencies and agency candidates, and in other identifiable business units and the negotiating machinery to be put in place in each bargaining unit. [38277]

  Sir John Wheeler
  The pay delegation plan submitted by the Northern Ireland Office to the Treasury covers staff in grades 6 and below in the following bodies, which will in 1996 constitute a single bargaining unit:

  THE NORTHERN IRELAND OFFICE

  Legal Offices

  Department of the Director of Public Prosecutions for Northern Ireland

  Crown Solicitor's Office

  Agencies

  Northern Ireland Prison Service (except prison officers and prison governors)

  Compensation Agency

  Forensic Science Agency of Northern Ireland

  177

  Other Bodies

  Police Authority for Northern Ireland (except industrial staff) Office of the Chief Electoral Officer

  Standing Advisory Commission on Human Rights

  Independent Commission for Police Complaints for Northern Ireland

  Independent Assessor of Military Complaints Procedures Independent Commissioner for the Holding Centres

  Proposals for discussion about pay bargaining procedures have been sent to the Northern Ireland Public Service Alliance, the First Division Association, the National Union of Civil and Public Servants and the Civil and Public Services Association.

  DOE automatic monitoring stations—October 1995

  County name

  Site name

  Network

  Species measured1

  Grid ref.

  Avon

  Bristol Centre

  Urban

  O3,NOx,CO,SO2,PM10

  ST594732

  Bristol East

  Hydrocarbon

  VOCs

  ST599729

  Belfast

  Belfast East

  Urban

  SO2

  J357740

  Belfast Centre

  Urban

  O3,NOx,CO,SO2,PM10

  J339744

  Belfast South

  Hydrocarbon

  VOCs

  J333726

  Cheshire

  Glazebury

  Rural

  O3

  SJ690959

  Cleveland

  Billingham

  Urban

  NOx

  NZ470237

  Middlesbrough

  Urban Affiliate

  O3,NOx,CO,SO2,PM10,VOCs

  NZ505194

  Cumbria

  Great Dun Fell

  Rural

  O3

  NY711322

  Wharleycroft

  Rural

  O3

  NY698247

  Derbyshire

  Ladybower

  Rural

  O3,NOx,SO2

  SK164892

  Devon

  Yarner Wood

  Rural

  O3

  SX867890

  Dumfries and Galloway

  Eskdalemuir

  Rural

  O3

  NT235028

  East Sussex

  Lullington Heath

  Rural

  O3,NOx,SO2

  TQ538016

  Fermanagh

  Lough Navar

  Rural

  O3

  IH065545

  Greater London

  Bridge Place

  Urban

  O3,NOx,CO,SO2

  TQ289788

  Bexley

  Urban Affiliate

  O3,NOx,CO,SO2,PM10

  TQ518763

  Cromwell Road

  Urban

  NOx,CO,SO2

  TQ264789

  West London

  Urban

  NOx,CO

  TQ251788

  London Bloomsbury

  Urban

  O3,NOx,CO,SO2,PM10

  TQ302820

  London UCL

  Hydrocarbon

  VOCs

  TQ299822

  London Eltham

  Hydrocarbon

  VOCs

  TQ440747

  Greater Manchester

  Manchester

  Urban

  NOx,CO

  SJ838980

  Hampshire

  Southampton Centre

  Urban Hydrocarbon

  O3,NOx,CO,SO2,PM10,VOCs

  SU429121

  Highland

  Strath Vaich

  Rural

  O3,NOx,SO2

  NH347750

  Humberside

  Hull Centre

  Urban

  O3,NOx,CO,SO2,PM10

  SE105293

  Leicestershire

  Leicester Centre

  Urban

  O3,NOx,CO,SO2,PM10

  SK587040

  Lothian

  Bush

  Rural

  O3

  NT245635

  Edinburgh Centre

  Urban

  O3,NOx,CO,SO2,PM10

  NT254738

  Edinburgh Med. Sch

  Hydrocarbon

  VOCs

  NT257730

  Merseyside

  Liverpool Centre

  Urban

  O3,NOx,CO,SO2,PM10

  SJ349908

  Liverpool Speke

  Urban

  VOCs

  SJ438835

  North Yorkshire

  High Muffles

  Rural

  O3

  SE776939

  Nottinghamshire

  Bottesford

  Rural

  O3

  SK797376

  Oxfordshire

  Harwell

  Rural

  O3

  SU474863

  Powys

  Aston Hill

  Rural

  O3

  SO298901

  South Glamorgan

  Cardiff Centre

  Urban

  O3,NOx,CO,SO2,PM10

  ST184765

  Cardiff East

  Hydrocarbon

  VOCs

  ST193773

  South Yorkshire

  Sheffield

  Urban

  NOx,CO

  SK403905

  Barnsley 12

  Urban

  SO2

  SE342067

  Strathclyde

  Glasgow

  Urban

  NOx,CO

  NS595653

  Suffolk

  Sibton

  Rural

  O3

  TM364719

  Tyne and Wear

  Sunderland

  Urban

  SO2

  NZ398570

  Newcastle Centre

  Urban

  O3,NOx,CO,SO2,PM10

  NZ251649

  West Glamorgan

  Swansea Centre

  Urban Affiliate

  O3,NOx,CO,SO2,PM10

  SS655931

  West Midlands

  Walsall

  Urban

  NOx

  SO995985

  Birmingham Centre

  Urban

  O3,NOx,CO,SO2,PM10

  SP064868

  Birmingham East

  Urban Affiliate Hydrocarbon

  O3,NOx,CO,SO2,PM10VOCs

  SP116889

  West Yorkshire

  Leeds Centre

  Urban

  O3,NOx,CO,SO2,PM10

  SE299343

  Leeds Potternewton

  Hydrocarbon

  VOCs

  SE307367

  1 VOCs=Volatile organic compounds

  O3=ozone

  NOx=oxides of nitrogen

  SO2=sulphur dioxide

  PM10=fine particles

  Details of the non-automatic smoke and sulphur dioxide sites (approximately 225 sites) are available in "UK Smoke and Sulphur Dioxide Monitoring Networks Summary Tables for April 1993–March 1994".

  Details of non-automatic nitrogen dioxide sites (approximately 1,100 sites) are available in "UK Nitrogen Dioxide Survey results for the first year—1993".

  Details of the Department's other non-automatic networks (metals, acid deposition, rural sulphur dioxide and toxic organic micro pollutants; 86 sites) are available in "Air Pollution in the UK: 1993/94".

  Copies of all three reports are available from the National Environmental Technology Centre, Culham, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX14 3DB.
  178

ENVIRONMENT

  Air Monitoring Stations
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the location of all air monitoring stations in the United Kingdom and what pollutants each station measures. [39363]

  Mr. Clappison
  The Department of the Environment monitors air pollutants at 50 automatic monitoring sites in its urban, rural and hydrocarbon networks. A list of the stations and the pollutants they measure is given in the table.
  179

  Restoration Orders
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what progress he has made on proposals to introduce restoration orders for sites of special scientific interest. [39362]

  Mr. Clappison
  We shall consult interested parties shortly.

  Executive Agencies
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list by grade the numbers of staff and their cost for(a) the financial year 1994–95 and (b) the estimated figures for the financial year 1995–96, for each executive agency for which he is responsible. [39521]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  Estimated outturn for 1994–95 and plans for 1995–96 for civil service manpower and pay bill are set out in my Department's annual report, Cm 2807, copies of which are in the Libraries of the House. A breakdown by grade and individual agency could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Nirex (Cumbria)
  Dr. John Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will place in the Library a copy of the RM Consultants report for Her Majesty's Inspector of Pollution on the movement of groundwater in the area of the proposed Nirex nuclear waste repository in Cumbria; [39732]

  (2) if he will place in the Library a copy of the W S Atkins report for Her Majesty's inspector of pollution on the movement of groundwater in the area of the proposed Nirex nuclear waste repository in Cumbria. [39733]

  Mr. Gummer
  A set of reports arising from the work undertaken by HMIP will be placed in the Library. This will include the reports by RM Consultants and W S Atkins.

  Asylum Seekers (Housing Application)
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the number of housing applicants, for each local authority, refused permanent housing due to being asylum seekers since the introduction of the Asylum and Immigration Appeals Act 1993. [39882]

  Mr. Clappison
  [holding answer 27 October 19951: Under the Asylum and Immigration Appeals Act 1993, asylum seekers found to be statutorily homeless by a local housing authority are entitled only to temporary accommodation for as long as they remain an asylum seeker. Data are collected from local authorities in England on their activities under the homelessness provisions of the Housing Act 1985 on a quarterly basis.

  I have today placed in the Library a table of the reported data on applicants registered with the Home Office as an asylum seeker and found to be statutorily homeless between January 1994 and June 1995. Such data were not collected prior to January 1994.

  Information about the number of asylum seekers who have applied to register on a housing waiting list is not held centrally.
  180

  Mineral Extraction (Yorkshire Dales National Park)
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the quarries in the Yorkshire Dales national park with the dates on which the permissions for mineral extraction expire. [40469]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  This information is not held centrally, but may be available from the minerals planning authorities for the area—North Yorkshire county council and Cumbria county council.

  Thames Path
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will take compulsory purchase powers to allow the river frontage in Hurlingham park to be used for the Thames path. [40470]

  Mr. Clappison
  Since the Countryside Commission's proposals for the Thames path where it runs through Hurlingham park—and the subsequent approved route in this area—did not include the river frontage, the question did not arise.

  Mr. Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what discussions he has had with the Countryside Commission concerning difficulties of securing access to the river frontage where the new Thames path could run across open land next to the water's edge. [40472]

  Mr. Clappison
  In approving the route proposed by the Countryside Commission after consultation with the interested parties, the Secretary of State acknowledged the special issues arising out of implementation of the path where it goes through London. [40471]

  Mr. Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment at how many places along its route in London the Thames path leaves the river frontage other than because of a building or other similar obstruction.

  Mr. Clappison
  The Thames path in London leaves the river where access would otherwise be physically possible at four places—the Hurlingham club, the Houses of Parliament, Syon park, a site of special scientific interest, and the Nazareth house convent.

  Water Consumption
  Mr. Chris Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what advice he has issued in respect of the preparation of contingency plans prepared to meet water consumption requirements in each region next summer in the event of below average winter rainfall; and if he will make a statement. [40685]

  Mr. Clappison
  It is the responsibility of water companies to safeguard supplies to their customers, and prepare any contingency plans they consider to be necessary to maintain supplies next summer in the event of below average winter rainfall. The Government have requested the National Rivers Authority to continue monitoring the water resources situation and report whenever it considers further action is needed. The Government announced a review in consultation with the National Rivers Authority, water companies and other interested parties, of the lessons to be learnt from this year's drought and what action needs to be taken.
  181

  Newbury Bypass
  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if the A34 Newbury bypass river crossings have been assessed to estimate their impact on otters. [38210]

  Mr. Clappison
  At the time of the environment assessment for the A34 Newbury bypass there was no evidence that the rivers in question were populated by otters.

  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if licences have been issued permitting the removal of badgers from land affected by the construction of the A34 Newbury bypass. [38211]

  Mr. Clappison
  No. However, licences have been issued to allow surveys of badger populations to be carried out.

  Mesothelioma (Hillingdon)
  Sir Michael Shersby
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what information is available about the incidence of mesothelioma in the London borough of Hillingdon during the past 25 years; and if he will publish details of the number of cases. [40651]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  The Health and Safety Executive maintains a register of deaths in Great Britain for which mesothelioma is mentioned on the death certificate. The numbers of deaths from mesothelioma in the London borough of Hillingdon are shown for each year for 1976 to 1991 in the table:

  Year

  Male

  Female

  1976

  3

  0

  1977

  0

  1

  1978

  2

  0

  1979

  2

  0

  1980

  1

  0

  1981

  0

  0

  1982

  0

  1

  1983

  4

  1

  1984

  2

  0

  1985

  3

  2

  1986

  5

  1

  1987

  5

  0

  1988

  10

  0

  1989

  2

  1

  1990

  5

  0

  1991

  3

  0

  The register records only a geographical code for area of usual residence at death from 1976 onwards. The latest year for which complete data is available is 1991. The incidence of mesothelioma is closely linked to the number of deaths as mesothelioma is almost always fatal within one year of diagnosis.

  Private Finance Initiatives
  Mr. Hargreaves
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what further steps he is taking to encourage private finance initiatives in local government, and if he will make a statement. [41095]

  Mr. Curry
  A year ago we announced a first package of measures under the private finance initiative, whose aim was to encourage joint ventures between local 182
  authorities and the private sector, and the disposal of surplus assets. We are continuing to implement and develop those proposals. Today, I can announce another set of changes to the capital finance rules to encourage further private sector involvement in the upgrading and, when necessary, replacement of local authority facilities. I am also announcing new research into the operation of joint public and private sector ventures.

  The rule changes I am announcing will increase from 50 per cent. to 90 per cent. the usable proportion of receipts from the sales of county farms for two years from 1 April 1996, as announced in the rural White Paper; increase from 50 per cent. to 75 per cent. the usable proportion of receipts from the sale of educational assets for two years from 1 April 1996; increase from 25 per cent. to 50 per cent. from 1 April 1996 the usable proportion of receipts from the sale of shares in education companies; reduce the capital cost for authorities when they enter into "design, build, finance and operate" type contracts for the replacement or upgrading by the private sector of facilities such as schools, leisure centres and theatres; give authorities greater scope for financing the replacement of these facilities out of the proceeds of their sale, by a number of rule changes whereby authorities can take account of the cost of replacement assets in calculating set-aside, including relaxations in respect of the treatment of leased assets; remove disincentives to the dual use of such facilities by an authority and the private sector; reduce the capital cost of equipment replacement contracts, making it easier, for example, for authorities to use energy services packages which improve energy efficiency and reduce energy costs.

  I hope to publish draft regulations embodying these changes within the next few weeks, and to lay them before the House, following consultation with interested parties, so that they can come into effect by 1 April 1996. In parallel with this consultation, I hope that further changes can be developed to extend the "design, build, finance and operate" concept to virtually the full range of local authority capital expenditure.

  The new research into the working of the private finance initiative, commissioned by my Department and to be carried out by Coopers and Lybrand, will establish the nature and extent of authorities' involvement in joint companies through a questionnaire sent to all English local authorities. This will be followed by an investigation in detail of the role of companies in a number of case-study local authorities.

  In addition to a report on the research findings, it is intended that the study will lead to the publication of a good practice guide, designed to help local authorities in developing private sector partnerships through the medium of companies.

  Authorities' responses to the private finance initiative have been very encouraging. There is now much greater consciousness of what private finance can achieve, improving local authority facilities and services. The Treasury's private finance panel has worked with the local authority associations to prepare a consultation paper drawing authorities attention to the scope for such action. The setting up of the local government public private partnerships programme, with its own staff to help authorities find the most effective opportunities, is a welcome further step.
  183
  My hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Education and Employment is making a separate announcement about the specific implications for private finance in education. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales is also making an announcement.

  Nitrate Vulnerable Zones
  Mr. David Nicholson
  To ask the Secretary of State what progress has been made by the independent review panel commissioned to consider further written representations from consultees dissatisfied with the Government's response, published in May, to the consultation on proposed nitrate vulnerable zones. [41096]

  Mr. Gummer
  The independent review panel, chaired by Mr. Terence Etherton QC, has completed its work. Today my right hon. Friends the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, the Secretary of State for Wales and I have published the panel's report. It is being sent to all those who submitted further written representations to the panel.

  We are impressed by the quality of the report and, subject to resolution of the issues which it recommends us to consider further, including with the National Rivers Authority, we intend to be guided by its recommendations.

  The panel received 87 submissions relating to 29 of the 72 proposed nitrate vulnerable zones. It has considered these submissions to assess whether the Government's published methodology has been correctly and consistently applied in drawing up the boundaries of the proposed zones. The report presents the panel's views on the case made by each objector, in relation to a specific proposed zone, and makes recommendations for Government to consider. It also presents the arguments for and against the proposed surface water zone at Nayland, and the panel's conclusions on the proposed designation. Furthermore, the report also discusses various issues of principle raised in the submissions received by the panel.

  The panel has had a difficult task in dealing with a great deal of information in a relatively short period of time and we are grateful for its endeavours.

  I am placing copies of the panel's report in the Library.

NATIONAL HERITAGE

  Heritage Green Paper
  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage when she expects to publish the Green Paper on heritage announced by her predecessor, the right hon. Member for Loughborough (Mr. Dorrell), at the annual dinner of the Architects Association. [38749]

  Mr. Sproat
  I hope to publish the Green Paper around the end of the year.

  Buildings of Historical Importance
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage how many buildings listed as of historical importance were cleared of such listing and demolished in each of the past five years in Humberside 184
  and the three counties of Yorkshire; if she will list locations; and if she will make a statement. [39573]

  Mr. Sproat
  Responsibility for controls over the demolition of listed buildings rests with the local planning authorities and the Department of the Environment. The Department has provided the following details of the number of listed building consents granted for the total demolition of a listed building in Humberside and the three counties of Yorkshire:

  1991: 8

  1992: 2

  1993: 6

  1994: 1

  1995: 3 (up to 31 February 1995)

  It is not possible to say how many of these consents have been implemented and information on the location of the buildings is not readily available.

  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage how many buildings of historical importance were renovated, and at what cost, in each of the past five years in Humberside and each of the three counties of Yorkshire; how many of these were industrial buildings; if she will list the locations of each; and if she will make a statement. [39481]

  Mr. Sproat
  Information on the total number of historic buildings renovated during a given period is not available. Government funding for the repair of historic buildings in England is channelled through English Heritage. All repair grants offered by English Heritage to buildings and monuments of outstanding national importance are listed in its publications, "Grants 1984–92", "Grants 1992–93 and "Grant 1993–94", copies of which are available in the Library. I will arrange for a copy of "Grants 1994–95" to be placed in the Libraries of the House when it is published.

  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage how many buildings listed as being of special architectural or historical importance are currently located in Humberside and each of the three counties of Yorkshire; how many of these(a) have been and (b) are currently subject to grant aid; if she will list the locations of each; and if she will make a statement. [39482]

  Mr. Sproat
  Until the statutory lists of buildings of special architectural or historic interest are computerised next year, details of the number of listed buildings in specific areas are not readily available. Government funding for the repair of historic buildings in England is channelled through English Heritage. All repair grants offered by English Heritage in respect of buildings and monuments of outstanding national importance are listed in its publications, "Grants 1984–92, "Grants 1992–93" and "Grants 1993–94", copies of which are available in the Library. I will arrange for a copy of "Grants 1994–95 to be placed in the Library when it is published.

  Royal Palaces
  Mr. Alan Williams
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage how much of the expenditure on the occupied royal palaces in each year since 1986 has been in respect of(a) the exceptional work started in 1987–88 and (b) the Windsor fire. [38858]
  185
  Mr. Sproat
  The costs of the exceptional work associated with the rewiring of Windsor castle are:

  £ million

  1986–87 to 1990–91

  13.87

  1991–92

  4.29

  1992–93

  6.41

  1993–94

  3.18

  1994–95

  0.46

  Figures for each year between 1986–87 and 1990–91 are not available.

  Since the Windsor castle fire in November 1992, the following amount has been spent from grant in aid on restoration work:

  £ million

  1992–93

  1.16

  1993–94

  1.86

  1994–95

  2.69

  Mr. Williams
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what was expenditure on the occupied royal palaces in 1994–95 and in 1984–85; and what principal elements of cost account for the difference. [38859]

  Mr. Sproat
  Expenditure on the occupied royal palaces as shown in the 1990 report of the Royal Trustees was £11.2 million—equivalent to £18.3 million at 1994–95 prices. In 1994–95 it was £20.5 million. Grant in aid in 1994–95 included £2.7 million for exceptional costs associated with the restoration of Windsor castle, £2 million for the installation of automatic fire detection equipment in the occupied palaces, and £2.1 million for items such as rates and VAT which were not included in the 1984–85 allocation.

  Defence of Britain Project
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if she will list by location(a) the world war II pill-boxes that will be saved under her defence of Britain project and (b) those that are deemed not worth saving; and if she will make a statement. [39058]

  Mr. Sproat
  The primary aim of the defence of Britain project, which is being part funded by my Department, is to compile a database of 20th century military defences in the United Kingdom. Completion of the database will take several years and, when completed, will be used as a planning and research tool. English Heritage is represented on the project management panel and is also carrying out a thematic survey of defence structures in tandem with the defence of Britain project. Any structures considered to be of national architectural or historic importance will be recommended for listing when English Heritage's survey is complete.

  Elizabethan Dove-cote (Barnburgh)
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if she will ask English Heritage to consider the preservation of the Elizabethan dove-cote on British Coal land in the parish of Barnburgh, Doncaster, in the county of South Yorkshire; and if she will make a statement. [39516]
  186
  Mr. Sproat
  This dove-cote is, in fact, already listed at grade II. As such, any proposals which would affect its architectural or historic interest would require listed building consent. I understand that the development proposals for the adjoining land will not, in any case, affect the dove-cote and that the local planning authority is anxious to preserve its historic setting.

  National Lottery Funds
  Mrs. Anne Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage (1) what is the interest accruing to the Exchequer from those parts of awards from national lottery funds which have been allocated but not yet disbursed for each of the last 12 months; [39744]

  (2) what extra projects have been funded by the interest accruing to the Exchequer from those parts of awards from national lottery funds which have been allocated but not yet disbursed for each of the last 12 months. [39745]

  Mr. Sproat
  The national lottery distribution fund is maintained under the control of the Secretary of State for National Heritage. All money paid into the fund not immediately required for distribution is paid over to the national debt commissioners and invested by them in accordance with Treasury directions. All interest accruing on the fund as a whole is added back and reinvested. It is not possible to identify separately projects which have been supported from this interest. I have set out the interest which accrued on the fund as a whole for the 10 full months since the start of the lottery.

  Month

  Interest £000

  1994

  December

  239

  1995

  January

  578

  February

  1,261

  March

  1,172

  April

  2,136

  May

  3,113

  June

  1,139

  July

  6,199

  August

  7,238

  September

  6,449

  Total

  29,524

  Grants
  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage for what grant-giving funds her Department is responsible, requiring a private sector contribution, where the use of national lottery funds is not allowed to count towards that private sector portion. [38604]

  Mr. Sproat
  National lottery funds can partner funds from any source, including other public sector sources, provided other grant schemes do not preclude sector funding in partnership. Lottery money may partner private sector contributions, but cannot count as such.

  Proceeds from the national lottery are classified as general Government expenditure, because, under the terms of section 21 of the National Lottery etc. Act 1993, the

  187
  national lottery distribution fund is under the control and management of the Secretary of State. However, the Government do not seek to control the spending of this fund since it does not affect the burden of taxation on the economy. National lottery proceeds are not, therefore, brought within the public expenditure control total.

  Information on schemes which seek exclusively non-public sector funding in partnership is not held centrally. Officials are collating this information and I will ensure that details are placed in the Official Report in due course.

SCOTLAND

  Barnacle Geese
  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps his Department has taken to monitor the one-year voluntary pilot management to protect barnacle geese in the Solway area; and if he will make a statement on the progress of the scheme. [37243]

  Mr. Kynoch
  [holding answer 23 October 1995]: The one-year pilot for the Solway barnacle goose management scheme was undertaken by Scottish Natural Heritage to address conflicts between farmers and barnacle geese in the Solway area.

  £000s

  1989–90

  1990–91

  1991–92

  1992–93

  1993–94

  (Provisional) 1994–95

  Family Health Services

  10,392

  22,983

  2,916

  8,039

  -20,661

  7,836

  Hospital and Community Health Services

  6,797

  20,130

  8,175

  9,072

  56,736

  48,236

  End year flexibility entitlement

  8,409

  10,068

  —

  8,401

  29,709

  48,492

  Family health services are demand led and funded from non-cash limited provision. Underdrawings against this provision are not available for redistribution in subsequent years. Most underdrawings on the cash-limited provision for hospital and community health services are available for redistribution though in earlier years the eligibility criteria were more restrictive.

  Underdrawings on the cash-limited hospital and community health services comprise mainly health board and NHS trust carry-forward balances. In the interests of sensible financial management, boards may carry-forward an element of their underdrawings. Once boards' annual accounts have been audited, the carry-forward balances, after parliamentary approval, will be formally allocated back to individual health boards, together with any additional resources secured from central underdrawings which in 1995–96 amounts to £16.3 million.

  A similar procedure is applied to NHS trusts.

  Health boards and NHS trusts can utilise their carry-forward funds to purchase patient care and for capital projects. The funds distributed from central underdrawings are to be used for local initiatives with the emphasis on pump-priming initiatives in priority areas particularly mental health, cardio and cerebro vascular disease, and cancer.
  188
  SNH has reported that the operation and monitoring of the scheme have shown that the approach adopted has been successful and has had the general support and participation of most local farmers.

  Approval has now been given to the continuation of the project as a three-year demonstration scheme to build on the work already undertaken; SNH will continue to monitor and report on the development of the scheme.

  NHS Budget
  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he will make a statement on underspending in the NHS budget in Scotland for each year since 1989–90, indicating the extent to which such underspend was re-invested in the NHS in the following year; [38500]

  (2) what was the total underspend or overspend in the NHS budget in Scotland in 1994–95; and if he will provide a breakdown of where the underspend or overspend occurred. [38502]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  [holding answer 23 October 1995]: The figures showing the underspends in the NHS hospital and community health and family health service budgets in Scotland since 1989–90, and the end year flexibility entitlement for each year, are set out in the table. Family health services overspent in 1993–94. The appropriation accounts for 1994–95 have still to be finalised and the figures for that year are provisional.

  Scabies (Dykebar Hospital)
  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what action has been taken by the chief executive for the NHS in Scotland to ensure that the risk of a further epidemic of scabies is minimised at Dykebar hospital, Paisley. [39164]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Renfrewshire Healthcare NHS trust has taken appropriate action to confine an outbreak that affected a handful of people at Dykebar hospital, Paisley.

  Public Bodies
  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list each non-departmental public body, research council, executive agency, board, trust, public body and other organisation to which he has a right to make(a) appointments and (b) nominations; and if he will make a statement on the equivalent figures for 1980. [39222]

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The list of non-departmental public bodies, NHS bodies and nationalised industries to which I make appointments is contained in the Cabinet Office publication "Public Bodies". The total number of appointments made to those bodies sponsored by the Scottish Office at 1 September 1994—the latest date for which figures are available—was 3,567, of which 3,253
  189
  were made by Ministers. This compares with 5,013 in 1983, the earliest date for which comparable figures are available, of which 3,818 were made by Ministers. In respect of executive agencies, I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Greenock and Port Glasgow (Dr. Godman) on 9 February 1995, Official Report, columns 235–36. In addition I make a number of appointments jointly with other Ministers to some executive agencies and to some non-departmental public bodies of other Departments. This information is not held centrally by my Department and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Ministerial Visits
  Mr. Fyfe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to visit Scottish universities over the coming year. [38885]

  Mr. Raymond S. Roberton
  My right hon. Friend intends to visit universities, and other higher education institutions, throughout the year. I also plan to visit higher education institutions on appropriate occasions in the coming year.

  Scottish Homes
  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he next plans to meet the chairman or chief

  Name

  Occupation/previous occupation

  Salary

  Period of current appointment

  Sir James Mellon KCMG (Chairman)

  Former Diplomat

  £39,290

  1 April 1993–31 March 1996

  Mrs. Frances McCall MBE

  Member, Management Committee, Calvay Co-operative

  £6,830

  1 April 1995–31 March 1998

  Prof. Duncan Maclennan MA MPhil FRSA

  Director of the Centre for Housing Research, Glasgow University

  £6,830

  1 April 1993–31 March 1997

  Mrs. Heather Sheerin OBE

  Co-Director, retail carpet business

  £6,830

  1 April 1993–31 March 1997

  Mrs. Daphne Sleigh

  Freelance Market Researcher

  £6,830

  1 April 1995–31 March 1999

  Cameron Parker OBE

  Non Executive Vice-Chairman, Lithgows Ltd

  £6,830

  1 April 1992–31 March 1996

  Professor John Rankin Small CBE

  Deputy Principal, Heriot Watt University and Professor of Accountancy and Finance

  £6,830

  1 April 1993–31 March 1997

  Alistair C. Dempster

  Chief Executive, TSB Bank Scotland plc; Deputy Chairman TSB Bank Channel Islands Limited

  £6,380

  1 April 1993–31–March 1998

  John D. Spencely

  Chairman, Reiach and Hall Architects

  £6,830

  1 April 1995–31 March 1999

  Peter McKinlay (Ex-officio)

  Chief Executive, Scottish Homes

  £83,490

  7 October 1991–31 December 1999

  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what are the procedures for dismissing the chairman and chief executive of Scottish Homes. [39187]

  Mr. Robertson
  Schedule 1, paragraph 5(3) of the Housing (Scotland) Act 1988 sets out the circumstances in which my right hon. Friend may remove a member of the Scottish Homes board—other than the chief executive—from office. A decision to terminate the appointment of the chief executive would be a matter for the Scottish Homes board.

  Paisley Group
  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the discussion he had with representatives of the Paisley group during his visit to the town during September; what is his
  190
  executive of Scottish Homes to discuss their accountability to him, his Ministers, Parliament, elected parliamentarians and the public; and if he will make a statement. [39190]

  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  My right hon. Friend and I meet the board of Scottish Homes from time to time to discuss a range of issues. I next plan to meet the board early next year. Scottish Homes is accountable to my right hon. Friend and, through him, to the House.

  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what are the arrangements for reporting possible cases of misuse of funds, maladministration and negligence involving Scottish Homes to(a) an independent ombudsman, (b) their internal auditors and (c) their external auditors; and if he will make a statement. [39174]

  Mr. Robertson
  Scottish Homes has a published complaints procedure. I have arranged for a copy to be placed in the Library.

  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the names, previous occupations, payments or allowances and next date for reappointment of the(a) chairman, (b) vice-chairman, and (c) members of the board of Scottish Homes. [39186]

  Mr. Robertson
  The information requested is set out in the table.

  assessment of the scope to progress the initiatives discussed; what is his assessment of the potential to develop a partnership approach aimed at enhancing a positive perception of the town and the surrounding area; and when he next plans to meet representatives of the group and its parliamentary representatives to discuss possible actions and initiatives. [39182]

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  I had a useful discussion with representatives of the Paisley group on 12 September and I encouraged them to develop their ideas and consult other agencies which have a potentially valuable role to play in improving perceptions of Paisley. There is clearly scope for enhancing Paisley's image by promoting the town's many strengths and a partnership approach is the most effective way of doing this. For that reason, I have written to the group encouraging it to build on other initiatives already under way in Paisley and to co-ordinate its
  191
  activities to achieve the maximum impact. I have asked Renfrewshire Enterprise to meet the group and consider how it may assist them.

  Higher Education
  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list for each higher education institution in Scotland the library budget for 1995–96 together with the numbers of current undergraduate and postgraduate students and staff. [38879]

  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  Information on budgets for the new 1995–96 academic session is not collected or available centrally. Higher education institutions are free to determine the allocations they make for support services from the various resources—including Scottish Higher Education Funding Council grants and tuition fees—they receive for teaching and research.

  Student numbers and staffing for the new academic session are also not yet known. Our expenditure plans for 1995–96—as set out in the departmental report "Serving Scotland's Needs" (Cm 2814)—assumed 118,000 full-time equivalent students at HEIs funded by SHEFC.

  Information on actual expenditure and numbers of students and staff will be published in due course.

  Asthma
  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he last met members of the National Asthma Campaign to discuss air quality reporting and other concerns of the group. [38890]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  My right hon. Friend has had no such meeting with members of the National Asthma Campaign.

  Tree Preservation Order System
  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to review the effectiveness of the tree preservation order system in Scotland with particular reference to the prosecution of those who fell or pollard trees prior to submitting planning applications to develop on such sites, or when such applications are under consideration; and if he will make a statement. [39161]

  Mr. Kynoch
  I propose to initiate a review of the tree preservation order system in Scotland in 1996. The review will be wide ranging and will consider all aspects of the operation of the present system.

  Sites of Special Scientific Interest
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what methods Scottish Natural Heritage uses to calculate the number of sites of special scientific interest damaged in Scotland each year. [39239]

  Mr. Kynoch
  The definition used in categorising damage to sites in Scotland are set out in the annual report of Scottish Natural Heritage, a copy of which is in the Library.

  Scottish Natural Heritage is adopting the principles laid down in the "Common Standards for Monitoring" report—Joint Nature Conservation Committee, 1993.
  192

  Paisley Pattern Goods
  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make it his policy to develop the manufacture of paisley pattern goods within the town of Paisley as a potential attraction for inward investment and a potential source of international marketing; and if he will make a statement. [39179]

  Mr. Kynoch
  Local economic initiatives generally fall to be pursued by the local enterprise companies. My right hon. Friend fully supports the current range of activities being taken by Renfrewshire Enterprise and its partners to build on the strategy established by the paisley pattern initiative and to identify and develop commercial opportunities arising from the link between Paisley and the paisley pattern.

  Joint Learning Disability Strategy Conference
  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland which companies and organisations attended the joint learning disability strategy for provider agencies conference, organised by Greater Glasgow health board and Strathclyde regional council, and held at the Garfield hotel, Cumbernauld road, Stepps, in September. [39758]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The conference held on 20 September was attended as follows:

  NHS

  Greater Glasgow Health Board

  Glasgow Community and Mental Health Services NHS Trust

  Regional/District Councils

  Strathclyde Regional Council

  Glasgow City Council

  Strathkelvin District Council

  Private Providers

  AHP Rehabilitation Limited

  Alphonsus House

  Alternatives for Living Ltd.

  Bassingham Court Ltd.

  Care Solutions Ltd.

  Cause for Concern

  Community Care Company UK Ltd.

  Community Integrated Care

  Fairhome Care Group

  Homelife Options Ltd.

  Independent Living Ltd.

  Lifeways Community Care.

  Mariner Homes

  Milbury Care Services

  Raglin Ltd.

  Westminster Healthcare Ltd.

  Housing Agencies

  Cube Housing Association Limited

  GAP Housing Association

  Glen Oaks Housing Association

  Margaret Blackwood Housing Association

  Queens Cross Housing Association

  Shettleston Housing Association

  Springburn/Possilpark Housing Association

  West of Scotland Housing Association

  Yoker Housing Association

  Voluntary Organisations

  Archiocese of Glasgow

  Barlanark Community Business Ltd.

  British Red Cross

  Castlebrae Co-op

  Church of Scotland

  Community Enterprise

  Cornerstone Community Care

  193

  Crossroads Care Attendant Scheme

  Ealing Consortium

  Enable-Glasgow Branch

  Enable Homes

  Enable Services

  Fair Deal for 1 in 100

  Glasgow Community Development Service (Simon Duffy)

  Key Housing

  Leonard Cheshire Foundation

  McFarlane Homes

  Mentally Handicapped Trust

  Millburn Homes

  Outlook Project

  Quarriers

  Real Life Options

  Richmond Fellowship Scotland

  Royal National Institute for Deaf People

  Royal National Institute for the Blind

  SAM Housing Project

  Scottish Council for Spastics

  Sense Scotland

  SHARE

  Strathkelvin Contact Point

  The Scottish Society for Autistic Children

  Turning Point

  Vanguard Individual Support Agency

  YMCA Glasgow

  Members of the Public

  Three

  Grass (Hay and Silage)
  Mr. Macdonald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the total area of grass for hay and silage recorded in the June agricultural census within the boundary of the Machair of the Uists, Barra and Vatersay environmentally sensitive area. [39837]

  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  In 1994, the total area of grass for moving for hay and silage production was 654.2 hectares. This figures includes an estimate for minor holdings.

  NHS Trusts
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many NHS trusts in Scotland have their board meetings(a) fully open to the public, (b) partially open to the public and (c) closed to the public. [39398]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  [holding answer 26 October 1995]: The information is as follows:

  (a) Open to the public: 6

  (b) Partially open to the public: 16

  (c) Closed to the public: 25

  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how much(a) NHS trusts and (b) health boards spent on public relations in the previous financial year. [39404]

  1993–94

  1994–95

  Health Board Area/NHS Trust Name

  Private patient income £000

  Percentage of total income

  Private patient income £000

  Percentage of total income

  Argyll and Clyde

  Inverclyde Royal

  n/a

  n/a

  27

  0.07

  Renfrewshire Healthcare

  n/a

  n/a

  0

  0.00

  Royal Alexandra Hospital

  2

  0.00

  0

  0.00

  194
  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  [holding answer 26 October 1995]: This information is not held centrally.

  Special Educational Needs
  Mr. Home Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what resources he has made available to promote the encouragement of liaison between parents and voluntary organisations and named persons' involvement as in accordance with the university of Edinburgh report to the Scottish Education Department on children with special educational needs. [40171]

  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  The Scottish Office has committed considerable resources to the production of guidance for all those involved in the processes connected with records of needs to encourage the full involvement of parents and where appropriate voluntary organisations.

  The Scottish Office publication, "A Parent's Guide to Special Educational Needs", provides relevant information and guidance for parents, including an extensive list of appropriate contacts in the voluntary sector. Further, more detailed, guidance will be published shortly.

  The Scottish Office has also helped the national voluntary organisation, Children in Scotland, to establish the special needs forum, which provides information and training about special educational needs for parents and voluntary organisations. In 1994, with financial assistance from the Scottish Office, Children In Scotland published "A Special Partnership", a guidebook for named persons and parents to help them to participate more effectively in the recording processes.

  Mr. Home Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many Scottish children with specific speech or language disorders are having their special educational needs met in residential establishments in England as a result of the lack of appropriate provision in Scotland. [40172]

  Mr. Robertson
  The information requested is not held centrally.

  Private Patients
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list by trust in each region, details of income from private patients for 1993–94 and 1994–95(a) as a total and (b) as a percentage of total trust income. [39949]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The information, grouped by health board area, is set out in the table. The figures have been taken from NHS trust annual accounts. The figures for 1994–95 are provisional. Figures for Central Scotland Healthcare NHS trust include those for Royal Scottish National Hospital NHS trust, which dissolved on formation of the new trust on 1 October 1994. Figures for West Lothian NHS trust include charges to overseas visitors.
  195

  1993–94

  1994–95

  Health Board Area/NHS Trust Name

  Private patient income £000

  Percentage of total income

  Private patient income £000

  Percentage of total income

  Ayrshire and Arran

  Ayrshire and Arran Community Healthcare

  0

  0.00

  0

  0.00

  North Ayrshire and Arran

  46

  0.07

  46

  0.07

  South Ayrshire Hospitals

  69

  0.15

  123

  0.28

  Dumfries and Galloway

  Dumfries and Galloway Acute and Maternity Hospitals

  n/a

  n/a

  35

  0.09

  Fife

  Fife Healthcare

  n/a

  n/a

  0

  0.00

  Kirkcaldy Acute Hospitals

  n/a

  n/a

  0

  0.00

  Queen Margaret Hospital

  n/a

  n/a

  0

  0.00

  Forth Valley

  Central Scotland Healthcare

  0

  0.00

  16

  0.03

  Falkirk and District Royal Infirmary

  n/a

  n/a

  29

  0.08

  Stirling Royal Infirmary

  33

  0.09

  24

  0.07

  Grampian

  Aberdeen Royal Hospitals

  504

  0.44

  672

  0.70

  Grampian Healthcare

  37

  0.03

  11

  0.01

  Moray Health Services

  26

  0.11

  27

  0.11

  Greater Glasgow

  Glasgow Royal Infirmary University

  n/a

  n/a

  0

  0.00

  Greater Glasgow Community and Mental Health Services

  n/a

  n/a

  0

  0.00

  Southern General Hospital

  417

  0.53

  103

  0.14

  Stobhill

  n/a

  n/a

  0

  0.00

  Victoria Infirmary

  17

  0.03

  0

  0.00

  West Glasgow Hospitals

  n/a

  n/a

  30

  0.03

  Yorkhill

  49

  0.09

  93

  0.20

  Highland

  Caithness and Sutherland

  1

  0.01

  19

  0.13

  Highland Communities

  n/a

  n/a

  0

  0.00

  Raigmore Hospital

  114

  0.24

  157

  0.31

  Lanarkshire

  Hairmyres and Stonehouse Hospitals

  n/a

  n/a

  0

  0.00

  Law Hospital

  n/a

  n/a

  0

  0.00

  Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals

  0

  0.00

  0

  0.00

  Lothian

  East and Midlothian

  n/a

  n/a

  4

  0.01

  Edinburgh Healthcare

  n/a

  n/a

  0

  0.00

  Edinburgh Sick Children's

  n/a

  n/a

  19

  0.09

  The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh

  n/a

  n/a

  822

  0.67

  Western General Hospitals

  n/a

  n/a

  337

  0.56

  West Lothian

  29

  0.05

  69

  0.11

  Tayside

  Angus

  n/a

  n/a

  38

  0.10

  Dundee Healthcare

  n/a

  n/a

  0

  0.00

  Dundee Teaching Hospitals

  45

  0.04

  40

  0.05

  Perth and Kinross Healthcare

  n/a

  n/a

  154

  0.28

  Totals

  1,389

  0.14

  2,895

  0.11

  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, pursuant to his answer of 18 July,Official Report, columns 1119–20, if he will now confirm and update the figures on private patient income. [39954]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The figures on private patient income for the period up to 1993–94 were provided in the previous answer of 24 November 1994,Official Report, columns 333–34. These figures were confirmed as final in the answer of 18 July, Official Report, columns 1119–20. Income figures for private patients for 1994–95 are provisional, and are set out in the
  196
  table. The figure for Lothian in 1994–95 includes overseas patients, and can therefore not be compared directly with those for earlier years.

  Health Boards

  1994–95 £000

  Agryll and Clyde

  27

  Aryshire and Arran

  169

  Borders

  52

  Dumfries and Galloway

  35

  Fife

  0

  197

  Health Boards

  1994–95 £000

  Forth Valley

  69

  Grampian

  710

  Greater Glasgow

  226

  Highland

  176

  Lanarkshire

  0

  Lothian

  1,251

  Orkney

  0

  Shetland

  0

  Tayside

  232

  Western Isles

  0

  Total

  2,947

  Health Boards (Audited Accounts)
  Mr. Galbraith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list(a) the underspend for the year 1994–95, (b) the initial reallocation for the year 1995–96 and (c) the revised reallocation for 1995–96 for each health board. [40313]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The audited accounts for health boards for 1994–95 have recently been received and are currently being analysed. Provisional figures for the underspend for each health board based on these accounts are set out in the table. There is only one reallocation which derives from these underspends, subject to parliamentary approval. For the year 1995–96 the reallocation is likely to be the major part of the underspend for 1994–95, but the precise figures have yet to be finalised.

  Health Board

  Underspend/(Overspend) £000

  Argyll and Clyde

  85

  Ayrshire and Arran

  828

  Borders

  816

  Dumfries and Galloway

  1,453

  Fife

  1,197

  Forth Valley

  1,313

  Grampian

  1,373

  Greater Glasgow

  9,880

  Highland

  971

  Lanarkshire

  1,272

  Lothian

  3,057

  Orkney

  (2)

  Shetland

  106

  Tayside

  845

  Western Isles

  201

  Total

  23,395

  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what(a) surpluses and (b) deficits were recorded by each district health authority in 1994–95. [40661]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The audited accounts for health boards for 1994–95 have recently been received and are currently being analysed. Provisional figures for the surplus or deficit for each health board are set out in the table.
  198

  Health Board

  Underspend/(Overspend) £000

  Argyll and Clyde

  85

  Ayrshire and Arran

  828

  Borders

  816

  Dumfries and Galloway

  1,453

  Fife

  1,197

  Forth Valley

  1,313

  Grampian

  1,373

  Greater Glasgow

  9,880

  Highland

  971

  Lanarkshire

  1,272

  Lothian

  3,057

  Orkney

  (2)

  Shetland

  106

  Tayside

  845

  Western Isles

  201

  Total

  23,395

  Barlinnie Prison
  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on progress of the procurator fiscal's investigation into the report on prisoners who were allegedly beaten by prison officers in Her Majesty's prison, Barlinnie. [40314]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The procurators fiscal at Glasgow and Hamilton were responsible for the investigation of complaints by prisoners of assaults at, and on the way to, Barlinnie prison, Glasgow, which were the subject of a BBC Scotland television programme "Frontline Scotland" on 12 October 1995. The programme looked at the complaints of three prisoners. The evidence in each of these cases has been considered by Crown counsel in the normal way.

  In the case of William McKay, who alleged that he had been assaulted in January 1994, there was insufficient evidence to justify criminal proceedings against any person, and in October 1994 Crown counsel instructed that no criminal proceedings should be taken. The governor and Mr. McKay were told of that decision.

  In the case of James McGhee, who complained of assault, it has not as yet been possible to establish who was responsible for his injuries and Crown counsel has given the procurator fiscal instructions to pursue further lines of inquiry. Crown counsel has also given the procurator fiscal instructions concerning the complaint of Thomas Monaghan. It would not be appropriate for any further details to be given at this time in relation to the complaints of Mr. McGhee and Mr. Monaghan.

HEALTH

  National Blood Service
  Mr. John Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will announce his final decision on the reorganisation of the National Blood Service; and if he will make a statement. [38226]

  Mr. Sackville
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State will announce the decision as soon as possible. We need to be fully satisfied that any proposals that are
  199
  adopted set the right direction for the future development of the National Blood Service.

  London Initiative Zone
  Mr. Robert Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress is being made on implementing London initiative zone projects in the north Thames region. [38228]

  Mr. Malone
  Since the London initiative zone was set up in 1993, an additional £124 million has been invested in developing primary care services through LIZ projects in north London. A substantial six-year programme is now under way to improve general practitioner surgeries and health centres, to increase the number of staff, and to provide better services for local people.

  Trust Chief Executives (Income)
  Mr. Frank Cook
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the average income of the top 10 highest paid chief executives. [38229]

  Mr. Malone
  Information on national health service chief executives' remuneration is published locally in all NHS employing authorities' annual accounts, but is not collated centrally.

  Total Purchasing Initiative
  Mrs. Lait
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what interest GPs have shown in the Government's total purchasing initiative. [38230]

  Mr. Malone
  Health authorities and fundholding general practitioners have shown considerable interest in this initiative. That is why we announced that we would extend the number of pilot projects in England from 51 to around 70 in total. We have also decided to extend the formal evaluation programme from two years to three.

  Doctors and Dentists
  Sir David Knox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many doctors and dentists undertook national health service work at the most recent count; and what was the comparable figure in 1979. [38231]

  Mr. Malone
  The number of doctors and dentists undertaking national health service work has risen by 31 per cent., from 72,270 in 1979 to 94,730 in 1994, the most recent year for which figures are available.

  Tameside Hospital (Secure Accommodation)
  Mr. Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement about provision of secure accommodation for disturbed patients in Tameside hospital. [38232]

  Mr. Bowis
  The Tameside development is one of seven high dependency units in the north-west region which, with medium secure units, will provide levels of care according to the security needs of the individual patient.

  Frozen Human Embryos
  Mr. Alton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures he is taking to safeguard surplus frozen human embryos from destruction. [38233]
  200
  Mr. Sackville
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave him on 23 February 1995 Official Report, column 325. A report by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority about the statutory storage period for embryos is under consideration by Ministers.

  Nursing Profession
  Mr. Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action he proposes to improve morale within the nursing profession. [38234]

  Mr. Sackville
  Well managed trusts and other national health service employers in the United Kingdom are fully aware of the importance of nurse morale in the delivery of high-quality patient care. NHS trusts now have greater freedoms than ever before to develop local pay and working arrangements which reflect more properly the valuable contribution of highly motivated and skilled nurses.

  Evidence of the present high nursing morale is reflected in the host of nursing-led initiatives currently in progress. These range from nurse-led clinics and nurse-led out-patient services, nursing beds for the chronically ill, pre-admission clinics, eight nurse prescribing schemes and the expanding range of nurse specialist posts including those of nurse practitioners.

  GP Fundholding
  Mr. Hoon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement about GP fundholding. [38235]

  Mr. Malone
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health gave earlier.

  Breast Cancer Services
  Mr. Chisholm
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the Government's response to the third report of the Health Select Committee on breast cancer services (HC324). [38236]

  Mr. Sackville
  The Government's response to the Health Select Committee's third report on breast cancer services was laid before Parliament on 18 October 1995, Cm 3007. Copies of the response are also available in the Library.

  Berkshire Health Commission
  Mrs. Mahon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the decision of Berkshire health commission to deny treatments previously made available on the national health service. [38237]

  Mr. Malone
  Berkshire health commission has issued a public discussion document setting out its proposed health care purchasing priorities for 1996–97. There are no blanket bans on treatments; each case will be considered on the basis of clinical need. Any significant changes in local services arising from the proposals will be the subject of further public consultation.

  NHS (Research and Development)
  Mr. Butler
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much is now being spent annually on research
  201
  and development in the NHS; and what were the comparable figures for the years 1975 to 1979. [38238]

  Mr. Malone
  In 1994–95, national health service research and research related expenditure, including that of the Department of Health, was estimated to be £385 million.

  No comparable figures are available for the years 1975–79.

  Waiting Times (City of Leicester)
  Mr. Janner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the current waiting time in the city of Leicester for minor surgery. [38239]

  Mr. Malone
  Information in the form requested is not available centrally. Available data about waiting times for hospitals in Leicester can be found in "Hospital Waiting List Statistics: England", copies of which are available in the Library. The latest published figures are for March 1995.

  Private Finance Initiative
  Mr. Robert Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received from the boards of hospital trusts about the costs incurred preparing and presenting bids under the private finance initiative. [38240]

  Mr. Sackville
  None. It is for the private sector bidders to prepare and present their bids, and they bear their own costs in doing so. The national health service benefits from more cost-effective projects.

  Glaucoma
  Mr. Loyden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many patients are currently receiving treatment for glaucoma. [38157]

  Mr. Sackville
  More than 25,500 glaucoma patients received hospital in-patient or day care treatment last year, an increase of 48 per cent. since 1989–90. The number of out-patients or patients being treated for glaucoma by their general practitioners is not available centrally.

  Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many ill-health retirement pensions were awarded to NHS staff incapacitated by chronic fatigue syndrome in each of the last five years; and how many of these awards were made within two years of the disease being diagnosed for each of the last five years. [38575]

  Mr. Sackville
  Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the NHS Pensions Agency under its chief executive Mr. A. F. Cowan. I have asked him to reply to the hon. Member.

  Letter from A. F. Cowan to Mr. Jon Owen Jones, dated 31 October 1995:

  The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Questions it falls within my area of responsibility.

  The information is not available in the format requested, because the Agency did not maintain separate records about CFS applications before 15 August 1994. Since then the Agency has
  202
  approved 19 cases as meeting our criteria for permanent incapacity. Of these, 11 awards were made within 2 years of the first diagnosis of CFS.

  Departmental Staff Travel
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many return trips during the last 12 months have been taken by his Department's staff between London and Leeds(a) per week, (b) per month and (c) annually; and at what cost. [39004]

  Mr. Sackville
  The total number of return trips by Department of Health staff between London and Leeds in the 12 months to September 1995 is estimated to be 4,730. The estimated travel costs of these journeys is £665,000. Relocation is expected to produce net savings of around £10 million per year after taking account of travel and other additional expenses.

  Angioplasty
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list by regional health authority for the latest available year the number of patients who received balloon angioplasty, the initial success rate percentage and the percentage of patients returned to their doctors during the following six months with angina. [39489]

  Mr. Sackville
  The available information is shown in the table.

  The estimated number of finished consultant episodes for transluminal balloon angioplasty of the coronary artery in National Health Service hospitals in England for 1993–94:

  Region of treatment

  1993–94

  Northern

  372

  Yorkshire

  1,059

  Trent

  570

  East Anglian

  333

  North West Thames

  943

  North East Thames

  658

  South East Thames

  1,364

  South West Thames

  381

  Wessex

  632

  Oxford

  250

  South Western

  268

  West Midlands

  769

  Mersey

  445

  North Western

  439

  SHA's

  503

  England

  8,986

  Source:

  Hospital Episode Statistics.

  National Blood Authority
  Mr. Alton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if the National Blood Authority will be expected to demonstrate a 6 per cent. return on capital under the same arrangements as NHS trusts. [39792]

  Mr. Sackville
  The National Blood Authority is expected to achieve a 6 per cent. return on capital on the same basis as other health authorities.

  Dental Services
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will provide the figures for the number of patients who
  203
  are registered with dental practices in the Doncaster family health services area on (a) 30 June 1992, (b) 30 June 1993, (c) 30 June 1994 and (d) 30 June 1995. [39446]

  Mr. Malone
  The information is shown in the table.

  General Dental Services: Number of patients registered in Doncaster Family Health Services Authority

  Year

  All patients

  30 June 1992

  173,328

  30 June 1993

  191,241

  30 June 1994

  193,062

  30 June 1995

  187,940

  Private Patients
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 18 July,Official Report, columns 1119–20, if he will now confirm and update the figures on private patient income. [39953]

  Mr. Sackville
  Figures for 1994–95 are not yet available.

  Osteopaths Act 1993
  Sir Ivan Lawrence
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he proposes to give effect to the provisions of the Osteopaths Act 1993. [39908]

  Mr. Sackville
  Work on establishing the General Osteopathic Council is proceeding well and we expect to be able to announce its membership shortly.

  Information Technology Systems
  Mr. Barron
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many different information technology systems are currently in use within the NHS for data storage and retrieval; if standardised software and hardware exist for such information storage and retrieval; and what guidance his Department has issued in relation to common information technology systems. [40696]

  Mr. Sackville
  Information on the number of information technology systems in use in the national health service is not available centrally. The NHS Executive has developed a standards enforcement in procurement, STEP, process to ensure that information technology systems within the NHS in England conform to agreed IT standards. "NHS IT Standards in Procurement", issued on 1 April 1995 to all chief executives of NHS trusts in England contains statements of policy on standards in different areas of IT. This is the definitive statement of the nationally agreed standards and recommendations relevant to all aspects of IT in the NHS. Within these guidelines, NHS trusts are free to implement systems which best meet their individual needs.

  Departmental Cash Limits
  Mr. Mark Robinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what changes will be made to the cash limits of his Department in 1995–96. [41092]
  204
  Mr. Dorrell
  The cash limit for class XII vote 1—hospital, community health, family health services and related services, England—will be increased by £3,129,000 from £26,536,835,000 to £26,539,964,000. This allows for an increase of £4,465,000 in respect of a transfer from class XII, vote 2—Department of Health, administration, miscellaneous health services and personal social services, England— for work on publicity campaigns, £2,986,000; for work of the Public Health Laboratory Service relating to immunoglobulin products, £810,000; and for the work of the Medical Devices Agency, £669,000. The overall increase is partially offset by £1,336,000 made up of transfers to class XIV, vote 12—hospital, community health, family health, part, and other health services, Scotland—for the work of the Prescription Pricing Authority, £840,000; and the London post-graduate teaching hospitals services, £246,000; and to class VII, vote 2—regeneration and countryside, England—for the urban programme, £250,000.

  The cash limit for class XII, vote 2—Department of Health, administration, miscellaneous health services and personal social services, England—will be reduced by £4,570,000, from £1,283,948,000 to £1,279,378,000. This reduction allows for transfer of £4,465,000 to class XII, vote 1 as mentioned above and £105,000, running costs to class XIX, vote 3—Privy Council Office—for the central drug co-ordinating unit.

  The non-voted cash limit for supplementary credit approvals for personal social services—DoH/LACAP—in England is to be increased by £1,305,000 from £26,700,000 to £28,005,000 in respect of the take-up of entitlement to carry forward of underspends from 1994–95 financial year under the end-year flexibility arrangements as announced by the Chief Secretary to the Treasury on 13 July 1995, Official Report, columns 776–82.

  The Department's gross running cost limit will be reduced by £105,000 from £239,455,000 to £239,350,000 as mentioned above.

  All increases will either be offset by savings, increased receipts or transfers to or from other votes or charged to the reserve and will not therefore add to the planned total of public expenditure.

  GP Fundholding
  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many GPs currently operate a fundholding budget; how many patients and how much money is involved; and if he will make a statement. [38646]

  Mr. Malone
  More than 10,400 general practitioners in England are currently fundholders. They serve more than 20 million patients—41 per cent. of the population—and control £3.4 billion of national health service resources.

  National Breast Cancer Campaign
  Mr. Bill Michie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will meet a delegation from the National Breast Cancer Campaign to discuss increasing funding for research into the disease. [38592]

  Mr. Sackville
  If the hon. Member writes setting out his proposals, we would be happy to consider such a request.
  205

  Dietary Supplements
  Mr. Hain
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will make a statement on the policy of the Medicines Control Agency in respect of consultation with consumers of dietary supplements prior to the finalisation and publication of the proposed Medicines Act leaflet, MAL 8; and what consultation has so far been undertaken with such consumers and practitioners organisations, with particular reference to the Society for the Promotion of Nutritional Therapy; [40105]

  (2) if he will make it his policy to protect the diversity and availability of vitamin, mineral and other dietary supplements currently available to consumers by ensuring that the proposed Medicines Act leaflet, MAL 8, does not impose new regulatory burdens or systems of compulsory pharmaceutical licensing on manufacturers of such products; and what is the extent to which the provisions of MAL 8 will be consistent with the Government's policy of deregulation; [40106]

  (3) if he will make a statement indicating the extent to which the provisions of the proposed Medicines Act leaflet, MAL 8, will limit or otherwise affect the sale of dietary supplements currently sold legally; [40107]

  (4) if he will make it his policy that in interpreting article 1 of directive 65/65/EEC (a) foods, (b) vitamins, (c) minerals and (d) other products currently lawfully sold as a foodstuff or dietary supplement will not be reclassified as medicinal product by virtue solely of their capacity to restore normality to physiological functions; [40108]

  (5) in what circumstances vitamin, mineral and other dietary supplements currently lawfully sold as foodstuffs or dietary supplements will be reclassified as medicinal products requiring pharmaceutical product licences under the provisions of article 1 of directive 65/65/EEC. [40109]

  Mr. Sackville
  Medicines Act leaflet, MAL 8, provides guidance for industry on what is a medicinal product. It has no status in law. The Medicines Control Agency has discussed its proposals for updating it with the Proprietary Association of Great Britain, the British Herbal Manufacturers' Association, the Natural Medicines Manufacturers Association, the Health Foods Manufacturers' Association and the Cosmetic Toiletry and Perfumery Association. The proposals impose no new regulatory burdens on manufacturers of vitamins, minerals, and other dietary supplements currently sold legally.

  Products which are food, or which are foods for particular nutritional purposes, are considered under food safety legislation. Products sold as foodstuffs or dietary supplements are not necessarily considered as products to which the Medicines for Human Use (Marketing Authorisations, Etc) Regulations 1994 apply solely because they have the capacity to restore normality to physiological functions. A product currently sold as a foodstuff or dietary supplement would be considered licensable only if, after careful assembly of all the facts of the individual case, it was considered to be a medicinal product to which the Medicines for Human Use (Marketing Authorisations, Etc) Regulations 1994 applied.
  206

  Paracetamol
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what steps he is taking to promote comethiamol to doctors and pharmacists as a safe alternative to paracetamol; [40402]

  (2) what estimate he has made of the number of deaths which could be avoided each year if comethiamol were to be sold and prescribed instead of paracetamol; [40401]

  (3) what research his Department has done on increasing the safety of paracetamol by adding methionine. [40403]

  Mr. Sackville
  Paracetamol is an effective pain killer which is safe at the dosage recommended on the labelling. Comethiamol is a combination of paracetamol and methionine and is currently available from pharmacists as Pameton.

  It is not appropriate for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health to promote the use of a particular medicine. It is not correct to describe comethiamol as a safe alternative to paracetamol. The methionine component is likely to be of value only if an overdose is taken. People who use paracetamol as recommended would therefore unnecessarily be exposed to any side-effects the methionine might have, without deriving any benefit.

  Creutzfeldt Jakob Disease
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will make a statement on the incidence of Creutzfeldt Jakob disease in farmers; [40381]

  (2) what recent information he has received from the spongiform encephalopathy advisory committee on the subject of Creutzfeldt Jakob disease in dairy farmers. [40380]

  Mr. Sackville
  The spongiform encephalopathy advisory committees, SEAC, reviewed the reported suspect case of Creutzfeldt Jakob disease, CJD, in a farmer who has had a case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy, BSE, in his beef suckler herd. Three previous CJD cases have been confirmed in dairy farmers whose herds had had cases of BSE.

  The committee concluded that it was difficult to explain this as simply a chance phenomenon. There is a statistical excess of cases in cattle farmers compared with the general population but the absolute risk, even for cattle farmers, is extremely low at about two cases per million per year. There may be other explanations for such an association besides infection with BSE, and the committee noted that there are no reported cases in other occupational groups such as veterinarians who might be expected to be similarly exposed. They also noted that surveillance of CJD elsewhere in Europe has shown a similar incidence of CJD in farmers, including dairy farmers, in countries with no or very few cases of BSE. They therefore felt that it was important to undertake further epidemiological studies to detect any particular risk factors which might be involved, and reiterated their advice that the UK cases of CJD in cattle farmers and the strain of the agent recovered from them should be studied in detail.
  207
  The committee has asked for further work to be done, but has not altered its advice to Government on the precautions necessary to protect either the public health, including farmers, or animal health.

  NHS Finance
  Mr. Milburn:
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what (a) surpluses and (b) deficits were recorded by each district health authority in 1994–95. [40660]

  Mr. Sackville
  This information is not yet available.

  Market Testing
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to his answer of 28 March to the right hon. Member for Derby, South (Mrs. Beckett)Official Report, column 568, what were the results of the market tests in the clinical and clinical support services listed; and if he will list the market testing plans. [40624]

  Mr. Sackville
  The previous plans, as placed in the Library, listed 58 proposals for market testing of 20 separate clinical support services, involving 15 trusts. The National Health Service Executive has been notified that eight of these trusts have completed market testing of a total of 11 such services, the outcome of which is shown in the table.

  NHS Trust

  Service

  Contractor

  Enfield Community Care

  Continuing Care-Elderly (Nursing Home)

  Haven Healthcare Ltd

  Bradford Community

  Sterile Services

  NHS supplies North East Region

  Calderdale Healthcare

  Sterile Services

  Vernon Carus

  Luton and Dunstable Hospital

  Prosthetics

  Camp Ltd

  Mulberry

  Pharmacy

  Pilgrim Hospital

  Heathlands Mental Health Services

  Pharmacy

  Frimley Park Hospital

  Brent and Harrow

  Clinical Genetics(coding)

  Birmingham Maternity Hospital

  Eastman Dental Hospital

  Haemotology

  National Hospital London

  Blackburn Hynburn and Ribble Valley

  Medical Photography

  Preston Acute Services NHS Trust

  Luton and Dunstable

  Orthotics

  Prostech Ltd

  Heathlands Mental Health

  Pathology

  Frimley Park Hospital

  Transplant Surgery
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many patients received transplant surgery for each organ in each health region for the year ended(a) 31 December 1992, (b) 1993, (c) 1994 and for the latest months for which data are available. [40620]

  Mr. Sackville
  The number of transplants carried out by organ and health region will be placed in the Library.

  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Wallsend (Mr. Byers) of 17 July,Official Report, column 432, on transplant surgery, if he will provide comparable figures for 1992, 1993 and the latest month for which data are available. [40653]
  208
  Mr. Sackville
  Information will he placed in the Library for the years ending 31 December 1992, 1993 and to 30 September 1995. Heart, lung and liver transplantation are funded supra-regionally. Therefore, many patients appear on waiting lists in regions other than the one in which they are resident. This gives rise to variation between the numbers shown waiting in each region.

  Bed Blocking
  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to collect data on bed blocking. [40729]

  Mr. Sackville
  Proposals to collect information routinely about delays in hospital discharge are currently being considered.

  Market Testing
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 12 December,Official Report, column 432, on market testing, if he will update the list of contracts awarded to the private sector. [40623]

  Mr. Sackville
  The following further contracts have been awarded to the private sector.

  Company

  NHS Pensions Agency: Information Systems Development

  Capita

  Storage and distribution of Printed Material

  Two-Ten Communications

  Security Guarding in Richmond House

  Burns International Security Services

  Various Minor Accommodation Matters

  Ferguson Bucknall Austin

  Aggregate information on tender values for the Department's programme to September 1994 were published in a Special Report of the "Market Testing Bulletin" on 9 January 1995.

  Residential Care
  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the estimated cost in a full year of raising the threshold for contribution to the cost of residential care for the elderly from £8,000 to(a) £10,000, (b) £12,000, (c) £14,000 and (d) £16,000. [40769]

  Mr. Bowis
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Cardiff, West (Mr. Morgan) on 27 October,Official Report, column 853.

ATTORNEY-GENERAL

  Executive Agencies
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Attorney-General how many times in each month of the current year he has met personally the heads of the agencies which report to him to discuss the work of those agencies. [39855]

  The Attorney-General
  The one agency for which I am responsible is Government Property Lawyers. This agency is supervised by the Treasury Solicitor, who meets
  209
  the chief executive to discuss the work of the agency on a regular basis. I have not myself met the chief executive this year, but I regularly meet the Treasury Solicitor to discuss the work of his Department and, as necessary, the work of Government Property Lawyers.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  United Kingdom Accreditation Service
  Mr. Mans
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what arrangements have been made with respect to transferring pre-paid fees liabilities from the National Measurement Accreditation Service to the United Kingdom Accreditation Service. [40975]

  Mr. Ian Taylor
  An initial payment was made on 2 August 1995. Under the terms of the business transfer agreement, a second payment will be made on completion of the closing accounts.

  Parliamentary approval for this new service will be sought in a winter supplementary estimate for the Department of Trade and Industry's programmes and administration vote—class IV, vote 1. Pending that approval, urgent expenditure estimated at £1,030,000 is being met by repayable advances from the contingencies fund.

  Mr. Mans
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement about the establishment of the United Kingdom Accreditation Service. [40974]

  Mr. Taylor
  The United Kingdom Accreditation Service became operational on 1 August. UKAS has taken over the work of the National Measurement Accreditation Service— formerly part of an executive agency within the Department of Trade and Industry—and the National Accreditation Council for Certification Bodies, a council of the British Standards Institution. It provides a unified national accreditation service for laboratories performing tests and calibrations as well as bodies undertaking the certification of products, personnel or systems, including environmental management and audit systems.

  UKAS has been established as a private sector company limited by guarantee. Its membership comprises bodies which, when taken together, provide a balance of accreditation interests—direct customers, business customers for testing and certification, end-users of products and services and Government. A memorandum of understanding with the Department recognises its unique national role in specified areas of accreditation. UKAS will issue accreditation certificates using the familiar NAMAS and NACCB logos incorporating the Crown, provided that it complies with the terms of a licensing agreement requiring it to operate with integrity and impartiality, and in strict compliance with national and international regulations and standards.

  This development follows a public consultation during 1994 on the future provision of accreditation services in the United Kingdom, and the Government's decision in December 1994 to merge NAMAS and NACCB to form a company limited by guarantee in the course of 1995.
  210

  Radiocommunications Agency
  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will announce the results of the review of the local offices of the Radiocommunications Agency. [40976]

  Mr. Ian Taylor
  My predecessor accepted the recommendations of an internal review by Coopers and Lybrand not to contract out the enforcement and monitoring work of the agency's local offices. I have recently received, and accepted the findings of, a related efficiency study by PA Consulting Group, which will result in savings of about 2.5 per cent. of the agency's running costs. The PA report proposes a reduction in the number of the agency's representative offices. PA believes that greater concentration of managerial and support staff in fewer locations should improve customers' service levels. The field force of technical staff was found to operate with efficiency comparable to private sector best practice and remain in place throughout the UK and Northern Ireland.

  Lloyd's (Resignations)
  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will regulate, under the Insurance Companies Act 1982, the insurance affairs of those resigning from membership of Lloyd's. [40977]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  In view of the changes proposed in Lloyd's reconstruction and renewal plan to the reinsurance arrangements that names must enter into before resigning their membership of Lloyd's, I have reviewed the way in which the Insurance Companies Act should apply to those who resign their membership.

  Former members of Lloyd's are technically still carrying on insurance business, in that they are potentially liable to meet claims on policies taken out while they were active underwriting members of the society, until all liabilities on those policies have been extinguished. This remains the case even though policies are being handled by agents. In consequence, former names' insurance activities fall to be regulated by the Secretary of State in accordance with the provisions of part II of the Act, in order to protect the interest of policyholders.

  Where names resign having reinsured all their remaining liabilities with Equitas, provided it is authorised and/or with successor syndicates in Lloyd's, the interests of policyholders are fully protected for as long as Equitas and/or Lloyd's, as the case may be, remain solvent and continue to pay policyholders' claims without funds passing through the former names. In the light of the contingent nature of the insurance business being conducted, I should be prepared to make an order under section 68 of the Act which, for as long as these conditions are satisfied, would set the minimum regulatory arrangements consistent with the law. Effectively, these will require only the return of an annual notification of the address of names for communications purposes. Names are, in any case, likely to want to keep in touch with Lloyd's in order to obtain any repayment from surplus funds which might arise in Equitas. I intend to appoint Lloyd's as my agent for the receipt of these returns. In the hypothetical situation of Equitas or Lloyd's ceasing to be solvent, these arrangements will facilitate

  211
  introduction of such regulation of the former names' insurance activities as I consider will best protect the interests of policyholders at the time.

  These arrangements will apply to all those whose resignation from membership of Lloyd's takes effect after today, whether or not they have already given Lloyd's notice of their intention to resign. It would, however, be disproportionate to introduce such arrangements for those who have already effected resignation from Lloyd's, and the requirement to provide annual confirmation of their address will therefore not apply to them. This distinction relates to regulatory requirements only. It does not change the residual contingent responsibilities for insurance of any names, whether or not they have already resigned from Lloyd's.

  Natural Engineering Laboratory
  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the sale of the National Engineering Laboratory. [39781]

  Mr. Ian Taylor
  The intention to privatise NEL was announced by my right hon. Friend the Member for Henley (Mr. Heseltine) on 14 April 1994. An invitation to tender was issued early this year, following which three bids were received.

  On 7 August 1995, ASL was selected as the preferred bidder, following extensive evaluation against the Department's objectives for the sale and a wide range of quantitative, technical and financial criteria which demonstrated that its bid represented the best value for money option for the Department. The consideration will be a negative £1.95 million, to be adjusted subsequently in the light of the level of net current assets at completion. All the staff in the undertaking at completion will transfer to ASL.

  This represents a highly satisfactory outcome for the Government and for NEL. ASL's strengths complement those of NEL and it proposes to build on all of its activities to enable it to compete successfully in world markets, as well as ensuring that the Department's need for flow measurement under the national measurement system continue to be met.

  Employee Fraud
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what was the total number of cases of all forms of fraud committed by employees of his(a) Department, (b) agencies and (c) non-departmental public bodies for each year from 1991–92 to 1994–95; and for each these years, what was the total monetary sum (1) misappropriated in such frauds and (2) subsequently recovered. [39129]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  [holding answer 24 October 1995]: The answer is set out in the table:

  Department

  Agencies

  NDPBs

  1991–92

  Cases

  1

  —

  —

  Value

  £100

  —

  —

  Recovered

  £100

  —

  —

  1992–93

  Cases

  1

  1

  2

  Value

  £150

  £35

  £29.199

  Recovered

  £150

  £130

  £4.500

  212

  Department

  Agencies

  NDPBs

  1993–94

  Cases

  1

  1

  2

  Value

  £396

  £2,961

  £6.414

  Recovered

  £nil

  £2,961

  £1.414

  1994–95

  Cases

  —

  2

  —

  Value

  —

  £99

  —

  Recovered

  —

  £99

  —

  Citizens Advice Bureaux
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many people used citizens advice bureaux during(a) 1992–93, (b) 1993–94 and (c) 1994–95. [40246]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  The number of people who visited citizens advice bureaux for each year since 1992–93 is:

  Year

  Million

  1992–93

  7.748

  1993–94

  5.689

  1994–94

  5.388

  Source:

  National Association of Citizens' Advice Bureaux (NACAB) annual reports 1992–93 and 1994–95.

  Mr. Cunningham
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what percentage of his Department's total annual budget is spent currently on funding the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux; and what were the figures for(a) 1992–93, (b) 1993–94 and (c) 1994–95. [40244]

  Mr. Evans
  The percentage of the Department of Trade and Industry's total annual budget spent on funding the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux, based on the cash plans table published in Cm 2804, in each year since 1992–93 was:

  Year

  Per cent.

  1992–93

  0.9

  1993–94

  1.0

  1994–95

  0.9

  1995–96

  0.9

  Mr. Cunningham
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what proposals he has to increase his Department's annual funding of the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux. [40245]

  Mr. Evans
  It is too early to predict the outcome of the current public expenditure survey so no decisions have yet been taken on the future level of funding of the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux.

  Illegal European Subsidies
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what is the current situation in respect of the repayment of illegal subsidies to Belgium by Beaulieu and
  213
  its subsidiary Fabelta since the ruling of the European Court of Justice in February 1990; what level of repayment has been made to date; and if he will make a statement. [39441]

  Mr. Page
  My Department has been informed by the Commission that, in accordance with the Court of Justice's judgment of 21 February 1990, the Belgian Government took action to recover the state aid awarded to the company, which the Commission had decided was incompatible with the common market. By judgment dated 25 February 1994, the commercial court of Ghent required the company to repay the aid with interest, and to pay the costs of the proceedings. The company has appealed but, pending the outcome of the appeal and as required by the judgment of the commercial court, it has paid the relevant amount—Bfr 1,088,898,853—into a ring-fenced account. The Commission and my Department continue to monitor developments closely.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Veterinary Agencies
  Dame Peggy Fenner
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the future of the Central Veterinary Laboratory and the Veterinary Investigation Service. [40973]

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  In a written reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Gloucester (Mr. French) on 4 May,Official Report, columns 314–16, my right hon. Friend the Member for Bristol, West (Mr. Waldegrave) announced the planned merger of the Central Veterinary Laboratory with the Veterinary Investigation Service in England and Wales to create an enlarged and strengthened executive agency. The new agency was launched on 1 October. It will be known as the Veterinary Laboratories Agency.

  The VLA is well equipped to provide my Department with a comprehensive range of high-quality veterinary and scientific support and advice, and to meet both strategy and policy objectives in the fields of animal health and welfare, food safety and the environment. The merger will enable the agency to provide a more efficient and integrated service by reducing overheads, providing greater flexibility and exploiting synergies to further research and development, diagnostic services, surveillance and the investigation of new and emerging diseases.

  Copies of the agency's framework document have been placed in the Library of the House.

  Performance targets for the VLA will be announced at the start of the 1996–97 financial year. The 1995–96 targets announced in April this year for the CVL will continue to apply to the relevant parts of the enlarged agency.

  European Fisheries Council
  Dame Peggy Fenner
  Agriculture, Fisheries and statement on the European 26 October. To ask the Minister of Food if he will make a Fisheries Council held on [40972]
  214
  Mr. Baldry
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and I represented the United Kingdom at the meeting of the Fisheries Council in Luxembourg on 26 October.

  The Council agreed new measures to monitor and control fishing effort in western waters from 1 January 1996. Our objectives were to secure arrangements which will be effective in ensuring that fishing activities by all member states in western waters are managed satisfactorily and that fishing effort in these waters is not increased to the detriment of our industry. At the same time, we were concerned to ensure that the arrangements should not impose an excessive burden on the fishing industry. The agreement unanimously approved by the Council of Ministers reflected our concerns and strikes the right balance between the objectives of control and avoidance of excessive regulation. It is the package which I commended to the House on 23 October.

  The Council also agreed by qualified majority, with Germany voting against, to continue the provision of Community financial assistance to member states for fisheries enforcement for a further five years when the current arrangements expire at the end of the year. The measures include special assistance for Ireland, as agreed at last December's Fisheries Council, in recognition of the exceptional demands and costs involved in undertaking enforcement in the waters of the Republic of Ireland. These waters include the majority of the Irish box.

  Minister welcomed the agreement on straddling and high migratory fish stocks achieved in New York in August. This agreement usefully lays down rules for the effective conservation and management of stocks and I am gratified that the Council endorsed the importance of its early ratification when it opens for signature in December.

  The Council discussed the continuing negotiations with Morocco to enable Community fishermen to return to Moroccan waters. Nearly 700 Spanish and Portuguese vessels which formerly fished off Morocco have been confined to port since May. The Council agreed unanimously that payments should be made to the fishermen concerned to offset their losses. This is an exceptional measure applying for a limited period. As it will be funded from within the existing budget, it does not involve new financial provision.

  The Council also welcomed a Commission report on progress in implementing the multi-annual guidance programmes and in particular the reductions in fishing capacity that have been achieved. The Commission will now be carrying out wide consultations in preparation for the establishment of the next round of programmes to start in January 1997.

  Civil Servants (Travel Allowances)
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what rates of travel allowance may be claimed by civil servants in his Department when using their own vehicles for official business. [36373]
  215
  Mr. Boswell
  The following standard rates of motor mileage allowance are payable to staff in core MAFF and PSD who use their own vehicles on official business in 1995–96:

  Up to 1,500 cc

  1,501–2,000 cc

  Over 2,000 cc

  Up to 5,000 miles

  36p/mile

  45p/mile

  48p/mile

  Over 5,000 miles

  24p/mile

  28p/mile

  37p/mile

  Alternatively, a rate of 24.2p/mile is payable in respect of cars for which only third party insurance is held or where use of the car is not essential for official business. Separate rates are payable to the very small number of staff who ride their own motor cycles on official business.

  Agencies have responsibility for these matters and will be replying direct where their position is not covered above.

  Letter from T. W. A. Little to Dr. Lynne Jones, dated 31 August 1995:

  The Minister has asked me to reply to your question on rates of travel allowance which may be claimed by staff in the Veterinary Laboratories Agency (previously the Central Veterinary Laboratory). [36373]

  The following standard rates of motor mileage allowance are payable in 1995/96 to staff in the Veterinary Laboratories Agency who use their own vehicles on official business:

  Pence per mile

  Up to 1500 cc

  1501–2000cc

  Over 2000 cc

  Up to 5000 miles

  36

  45

  48

  Over 5000 miles

  24

  28

  37

  Alternatively, a rate of 24.2 pence per mile is payable in respect of cars for which only third party insurance is held or where use of the car is not essential for official business. Separate rates are payable to any staff who ride their own motorcycles on official business.

  Letter from Johnston McNeill to Dr. Lynne Jones, dated 31 October 1995:

  As Chief Executive of the Meat Hygiene Service (MHS), your questions regarding travel and subsistence costs for civil servants have been passed to me to respond to with regard to this Executive Agency. As you may know, the MHS was established on 1 April this year. Therefore, we have no figures to give you for previous financial years. Any such costs that were incurred in setting up this Agency prior to 1 April will be included in core-MAFF's reply. [36373]

  The MHS transferred the majority of its circa 1000 staff from local authorities. These staff brought with them under the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations (TUPE) varying conditions of service, including vastly different mileage rates. These are now being standardised into the amounts quoted below.

  The rates of allowance for MHS staff are being set for 'casual' users at 35p per mile for the first 5000 miles in a year, and 23p per mile thereafter. We also operate an 'essential' users scheme which we inherited from local authorities for 170 of the staff who transferred to the MHS. These rates for the current financial year are up to 34.7p per mile for the first 11,000 miles, 12.7p thereafter, in England and Wales, less for smaller sized vehicles. In Scotland, the rates are 35.1p per mile in the first instance, 13.2p thereafter. Again there are lower rates for smaller vehicles. Additionally, these employees are at this time paid a lump sum of between £645 and
  216
  £1158 per annum dependent on the size of vehicle and whether they are in England, Wales or Scotland, to use their cars under this scheme. These amounts will reduce at 1 April 1996 to between £513 and £750.

  Letter from Phillip Needham to Dr. Lynne Jones, dated 31 October 1995:

  The Minister of Agriculture has asked me to reply direct to you in answer to your question number 1762. In this you asked me what rates of travel allowance may be claimed by Civil Servants in his Department when using their own vehicles for official business. [36373]

  ADAS was formed as a Next Steps Agency in April 1992. The Agency employs approximately 1,600 consultants who provide a commercial service to all parts of the land related industries, as well as government customers. Wherever possible, staff are encouraged to use the hire car facilities that the Agency has negotiated.

  When staff use their own vehicles they are paid at the rate of 44p for the first 5,000 miles travelled on official business. Thereafter they are paid at the rat of 29p per mile. These payments are taxable.

  Letter from Dr. J. M. Rutter to Dr. Lynne Jones, dated 31 October 1995:

  The Parliamentary Secretary has asked me to reply to your question about the rates of travel allowance which may be claimed by staff in the Veterinary Medicines Directorate when using their own vehicles on official business as this is an operational matter for which I am responsible. [36373]

  In 1995/96, the following rates of motor mileage allowance are payable:

  Up to 1500 cc

  1501–2000cc

  Over 2000 cc

  Up to 15,000 miles (p/mile)

  36

  45

  48

  Over 5,000 miles (p/mile)

  24

  28

  37

  Where only third party insurance is held or where travel by car is not essential for official business, a rate of 24.2p/mile is payable.

  Although no VMD staff have used motorcycles on official business in the past, separate motorcycle rates are payable as follows:

  Engine size up to 125cc

  Engine size over 125 cc

  Up to 4,000 miles

  (a) third party insurance (p/mile)

  15.1

  23.6

  (b) Comprehensive insurance (p/mile)

  16.8

  27.0

  Over 4,000 miles (p/mile)

  5,4

  9.3

  The third party rate also applies when travel by motorcycle is not essential for official business.

  Finally, a pedal cycle allowance of 6.3 p/mile is also payable when used for official business, although no VMD staff have claimed such an allowance to date.

  Dr. Jones
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food 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; 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. [36374]
  217
  Mr. Boswell
  The total cost of paying motor mileage allowances to those staff who used their own cars on official business in each of the last five years is as follows:

  Year

  Amount (£000)

  1991–91 (i)1

  6,698.0

  1991–92 (ii)1

  6,596.0

  1992–93 (ii)2

  3,426.0

  1993–94 (ii)2

  3,771.0

  1994–95 (iii)3

  3,798.0

  1 Figures include all MAFF Agencies.

  2 Agencies included are the Veterinary Medicines Directorate and Pesticides Safety Directorate (the Agricultural Development and Advisory Service, Veterinary Laboratories Agency and Central Science Laboratory are not included).

  3 Figures are for core-Department and PSD only.

  For purposes of comparison, the costs of paying the maximum rates—standard rate mileage allowances for cars of over 2,000 cc—have been compared with the costs that would have been incurred had the standard rates applying to cars of up to 1,500 cc and 1,501 to 2,000 cc been paid instead. On this basis, the savings that would have resulted in 1994–95 are estimated at £106,000 and £47,000 respectively in core MAFF, PSD and VMD. Public transport rate has not been used as a basis for comparison as the conditions attaching to its payment are different from those for standard rates.

  Agencies now have responsibility for these matters and where their position is not covered above will be replying direct.

  Letter from T. W. A. Little to Dr. Lynne Jones, dated 31 October 1995:

  The Minister has asked me to reply to your question on travel expenses claimed by staff in the Veterinary Laboratories Agency (previously the Central Veterinary Laboratory until 30 September 1995), using their own vehicles. [36374]

  The total cost of paying motor mileage allowances to those staff in what was then the Central Veterinary Laboratory who used their own cars on official business in each of the last three years is as follows:

  Year

  Cost £

  1992–93

  10,710.37

  1993–94

  14,494.13

  1994–95

  14,461.62

  Previous years included in the reply from core-MAFF. For purposes of comparison, the costs of paying maximum rates (standard rate mileage allowances for cars over 2000 cc) have been compared with the costs that would have been incurred had the standard rates applying to cars of up to 1500 cc and 1501–2000 cc been paid instead. On this basis the savings that would have resulted in 1994–95 are estimated at £688 and £340 respectively for CVL. Public transport rate has not been used as a basis for comparison since the conditions attached to its payment are different from those for standard rates.

  Letter from Phillip Needham to Dr. Lynne Jones, dated 31 October 1995:

  The Minister of Agriculture has asked me to reply direct to your question number 1768. In this you asked him to 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. You also wished to know the saving in the last year if the maximum rate that could be claimed were set at the lowest rate. [36374]
  218
  ADAS was formed as a Next Steps Agency in 1992. Details of claims prior to this period will be contained in the answer from the Core Department. Travel by car is undertaken by staff as part of their work providing commercial consultancy services to a broad range of clients including Government departments. The expenditure on official mileage since that date is as follows:

  1992–93: £3,087,973

  1993–94: £3,354,264

  1994–95: £3,265,352

  During the last year, if we had paid the highest rate at the lowest rate (i.e. paying all mileage at the lowest rate currently 29p) there would have been a saving of £118,814. This figure is a total for each of the three bands of vehicle engine size.

  Letter from Dr. J. M. Rutter to Dr. Lynne Jones, dated 31 October 1995:

  The Parliamentary Secretary has asked me to reply to your question about the total cost of travel expenses claimed by staff in the Veterinary Medicines Directorate in each of the last five years when using their own vehicles on official business, as this is an operational matter for which I am responsible. [36374]

  I am afraid information for 1990/91 is not separately identifiable. but the details requested for the four subsequent years is set out below:

  1991–92: £5,309.49

  1992–93: £8,009.35

  1993–94: £6,617.15

  1994–95: £9,723,48

  You also asked what would have been the saving in the last year if the maximum rate that could be claimed was set at the lowest rate. Unfortunately this cannot be separately identified for the Directorate other than at disproportionate cost, but VMD has been covered in the reply to this part of your question by the Parliamentary Secretary, along with core MAFF and the Pesticides Safety Directorate.

  Letter from P. I. Stanley to Dr. Lynne Jones dated 31 October 1995:

  TRAVEL EXPENSES OF CIVIL SERVANTS USING THEIR OWN VEHICLES FOR OFFICIAL BUSINESS

  You asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food two questions in relation to Civil Servants using their own cars for official business. The Minister has asked me to reply to you as this is an operational matter for which I am responsible. [36373 and 36374]

  The Central Science Laboratory (CSL) was first launched as an executive agency of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF) in April 1992. As a result I can only provide annual costs of travel expenses for CSL staff using their own vehicles for official business from 1992–93. Earlier figures are included in the Departmental total. Further, CSL was re-launched as an enlarged agency in April 1994 following its merger with the MAFF Food Science Laboratories. This partly explains the marked increase in the total cost of such travel expenses for 1994–95 over the two earlier years. At the same time CSL's National Bee Unit took on additional responsibility for regional bee work and this significantly increased the number of travel claims.

  Total are as follows:

  1992–93: £57.88K

  1993–94: £71.45K

  1994–95: £156.53K

  The saving in the last year, if the maximum rate that could be claimed was set at either of the lower rates applying to cars of up to 1,500cc and 1,501–2,000cc, would have been £1,167 or £291 respectively. These figures may appear low, but a relatively low mileage was claimed on vehicles over 2,000cc. Public transport rate has not been used as a basis for comparison as the conditions attaching to its payment are different to those for standard rates.
  219
  The current standard mileage allowances for cars, which came into effect on 1 April 1995, is:

  Up to 5,000 miles

  Over 5,000 miles

  Up to 1,500 cc

  36 p/mile

  24 p/mile

  1,501–2,000 cc

  45 p/mile

  28 p/mile

  Over 2,000 cc

  48 p/mile

  37 p/mile

  The public transport rate for all cars is 24.2 pence per mile.

  Live Animal Exports
  Mr. Heppell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what factors led to the issuing of an export certificate for a consignment of sheep exported on 17 May from Shoreham to Dieppe containing a heavily pregnant ewe; and what action he proposes to take against those involved in allowing the export of the ewe to take place; [38711]

  (2) what action his Department proposes to take in respect of those occasions when the Northern Cruiser sailed from Dover in excessively rough conditions with lorries containing livestock; [38710]

  (3) what action he proposes to take over the deaths of two sheep that occurred during their export to France from Shoreham on 17 May. [38694]

  Mrs Browning
  I refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Newham North-West (Mr. Banks) on 25 October 1995,Official Report, columns 697–98.

  Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what guidance is issued to veterinarians in cases where illness and death in animals could result from infection by a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy. [38550]

  Mrs. Browning
  [holding answer 30 October 1995]: Health and safety guidelines drawn up by the British Veterinary Association and MAFF in consultation with the Health and Safety Executive were distributed to all large animal veterinary practices early in 1990. The advisory note for farmers on BSE, issued by this Department in June 1990, was also made available to all large and mixed animal veterinary practices. Copies of MAFF's booklets "BSE and the protection of human health" and "BSE and the protection of animal health" were also distributed to all local veterinary inspectors involved with animal disease work in late 1994. I have placed copies of all of these in the Library of the House. In addition, the State Veterinary Service's own instructions on BSE are available to the general public from MAFFs Whitehall library.

  Veterinary practitioners are also encouraged to seek advice from their local divisional veterinary manager in any unusual or difficult circumstances or on matters outwith their experience.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Wakefield of 15 February,Official Report, column 715–16, if he will make a statement on the nature of treatment of specified bovine offal at rendering plants and their subsequent fate. [38560]
  220
  Mr. Browning
  The Specified Bovine Offal Order 1995 requires all rendering plants handling specified bovine offal to meet clearly defined structural and hygiene standards and to be capable of processing SBO using one of the time-temperature combination methods described in that order before being approved by the appropriate Minister. The processing methods are defined in Commission decision 94/382 which sets standards for rendering ruminant material.

  The operator of an approved rendering plant is required to keep a record of the weight of SBO delivered, the date of delivery and the place from which it was consigned for two years from the date of arrival. The operator of an approved rendering plant is required to ensure that all SBO in the rendering plant is kept and stored separately from all other material, and handled and rendered separately from all other material. Those rendering plants which have indicated their intention to continue to process SBO after 15 February 1996 will have to install dedicated processing lines for SBOs by that date to comply with the Order. These lines must also meet the standards for rendering ruminant material defined in Commission Decision 94/382.

  After the SBO has been rendered, the plant operator is required to ensure that the resulting protein and tallow are placed in separate containers labelled as holding SBO. Protein must be disposed of as specified in the renderer's approval or by burial at a land-fill site holding a current waste management licence or by sending to an approved incinerator. Tallow must be sent for purposes not connected with the preparation of food or feedingstuffs, for burial to a registered landfill site holding a current waste management licence or for treatment by thermal hydrolysis.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Wakefield of 31 January,Official Report, column 645–46 what is the scientific evidence to show that the great majority of feed cases born after the ban have probably been exposed to ruminant protein in feed; and if he will make a statement. [38561]

  Mrs. Browning
  The number of animals affected with BSE that were born after the feed ban is relatively small compared with the number born prior to the ban. As at 24 October 1995, there have been 22,946 cases confirmed in animals born after the ban or—BABs—10,689 cases born in July to December 1988, 9,364 born in 1989, 2,425 born in 1990, 461 born in 1991, six in 1992 and one in 1993—compared with the total number of BSE cases confirmed to 24 October 1995 of 154,150. Of cases born after the ban, 87 per cent. are in animals born in 1988 and 1989 when feed manufactured before the ban was still in the animal feed chain.

  A number of pieces of evidence together indicate the role of feed in transmitting infection to animals born after the ban. First, the infectivity of cattle brain from animals with BSE has been demonstrated in a pathogenesis study when it is fed to calves. Secondly, the infectivity of rendered ruminant waste which included brain from clinically affected cattle has been demonstrated in experiments looking at various rendering mechanisms and conditions. Thirdly, the case control study of BABs born after 31 October 1988 found no evidence that any

  221
  methods of transmission, other than feed, which was not included in the study, was occurring at a frequency capable of maintaining the epidemic. In particular, the study found no statistically significant evidence that maternal transmission occurred. Fourthly, analysis of the geographical incidence of BSE in home-bred animals shows that the proportion of cases of BSE in the northern and eastern regions of England, where the ratio of pigs and poultry to cattle is greatest, has increased relative to the rest of Britain. This change is consistent with the contamination of cattle feed stuffs by pig or poultry feed stuffs, or ingredients used to prepare them, having occurred in premises which produce both ruminant and monogastric rations. It was permissible to feed protein derived from specified bovine offals to non-ruminant species until 25 September 1990.

  Finally, there is evidence that there have been failings in the handling of SBOs after removal from the carcase which could have resulted in these offals entering the animal feed chain. Details were given by my right hon. and learned Friend the Member for Grantham (Mr. Hogg) in reply to the hon. and learned Member for Harborough (Mr. Garnier) on 19 July 1995, Official Report, column 1467.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the number of(a) confirmed BSE cases and (b) BSE cases placed on restriction and slaughtered for the periods (i) 1 April 1989 to 31 March 1990, (ii) 1 April 1990 to 31 March 1991, (iii) 1 April 1991 to 31 March 1992, (iv) 1 April 1992 to 31 March 1993, (v) 1 april 1993 to 31 March 1994 and (vi) 1 April 1994 to 31 March 1995; and what compensation was claimed. [38562]

  Mrs. Browning
  The following table shows the number of BSE suspects placed under restriction and subsequently slaughtered, the number of confirmed cases of BSE and the total BSE compensation paid:

  Number of BSE suspects placed under restriction and subsequently slaughtered

  Of these, number of confirmed BSE cases

  Total BSE compensation paid £

  1 April 1989–31 March 1990

  10,275

  9,192

  4,027,644

  1 April 1990–31 March 1991

  18,479

  15,805

  10,663,129

  1 April 1991–31 March 1992

  33,805

  29,535

  20,125,665

  1 April 1992–31 March 1993

  43,411

  37,116

  32,366,239

  1 April 1993–31 March 1994

  38,186

  32,051

  37,003,654

  1 April 1994–31 March 1995

  24,163

  20,549

  19,822,185

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many BSE cases born in each month since July 1988 were subsequently confirmed. [38613]

  Mrs. Browning
  The following table shows the number of confirmed cases of BSE born in each month since July 1988:222

  1988

  1989

  1990

  1991

  1992

  1993

  January

  —

  878

  333

  67

  2

  —

  February

  —

  377

  173

  26

  2

  —

  March

  —

  477

  154

  36

  1

  —

  April

  —

  312

  108

  27

  —

  —

  May

  —

  234

  89

  27

  —

  —

  June

  —

  506

  140

  34

  —

  1

  July

  466

  868

  272

  68

  —

  —

  August

  2,536

  1,710

  385

  76

  1

  —

  September

  3,258

  1,765

  350

  56

  —

  —

  October

  2,209

  1,115

  207

  20

  —

  —

  November

  1,270

  659

  112

  17

  —

  —

  December

  950

  463

  102

  7

  —

  —

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many(a) confirmed and (b) suspected but not confirmed BSE cases in each year were born of dams which has subsequently also been confirmed as suffering from BSE. [38563]

  Mrs. Browning
  The following table shows the number of animals restricted as BSE suspects in each year from 1989 and subsequently slaughtered, which were born of dams which have been confirmed as suffering from BSE:

  Year

  BSE confirmed

  BSE not confirmed

  1989

  4

  2

  1990

  30

  8

  1991

  91

  20

  1992

  184

  20

  1993

  281

  49

  1994

  382

  41

  1985

  159

  17

  Data are not available for years before 1989. The 1995 data are complete to 24 October.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many suspected BSE cases were placed under restrictions in the periods(a) 1 April 1989 to 31 March 1990, (b) 1 April 1990 to 31 March 1991, (c) 1 April 1991 to 31 March 1992, (d) 1 April 1992 to 31 March 1993, (e) 1 April 1993 to 31 March 1994 and (f) 1 April 1994 to 31 March 1995; what compensation was claimed; in how many suspect cases in each period the restriction order was subsequently withdrawn following further veterinary inspection; and what compensation was claimed. [38565]

  Mrs. Browning
  The following table shows the number of suspected BSE cases placed under restriction and the number of restriction orders withdrawn:

  Number of cattle placed under restriction

  Number of restriction orders withdrawn

  1 April 1989–31 March 1990

  10,855

  461

  1 April 1990–31 March 1991

  19,418

  743

  1 April 1991–31 March 1992

  35,306

  1,142

  1 April 1992–31 March 1993

  45,569

  1,754

  1 April 1993–31 March 1994

  40,500

  1,907

  1 April 1994–31 March 1995

  25,639

  1,244

  223
  The total amount of BSE compensation paid in each of the periods is set out in my earlier reply to the hon. Gentleman. No compensation is payable on animals restricted as BSE suspects but subsequently released from that restriction following further veterinary inspection.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his estimate of the number of animals infected with BSE which have found their way into the human food chain. [40379]

  Mrs. Browning
  The Department is aware of 1,104 cases of BSE which occurred prior to 7 August 1988 when the compulsory slaughter and destruction of suspects was instituted. Before that date it was permissible for these cattle—with the exception of the brain, which was used to confirm the clinical diagnosis—to be used for human consumption but we do not know what proportion of that total was used for human consumption. Many of these animals were sent to veterinary investigation centres, and the carcases incinerated; others would have been in such poor condition that they would not have produced meat fit for human consumption. It is not possible to make anything other than extremely speculative estimates of the number of animals which would at some stage in their lives have succumbed to BSE if they had not died for some other reason, or been slaughtered.

  From 13 November 1989, in England and Wales and 30 January 1990 in Scotland, specified bovine offals, the tissues considered most likely to contain the infective agent, have been removed from all cattle over six months of age at slaughter.

  Farmers (Suicides)
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many suicides there have been in each of the three counties of Yorkshire and the Humberside farming community in each of the past four years. [39043]

  Mr. Boswell
  Deaths from suicide in the Yorkshire and Humberside farming community in each of the past four years for which firm data are available are shown in the table.

  North Yorkshire

  South Yorkshire

  West Yorkshire

  Humberside

  1989

  1

  —

  2

  3

  1990

  9

  1

  —

  6

  1991

  5

  2

  2

  2

  1992

  2

  1

  —

  —

  Suicide codes are ICD91 E950–E959 and E980–E989 excluding E988.8

  1 International Classification of Diseases, 9th revision

  Members of the farming community are defined as classification of occupation (1980) codes 107 (farm owners and managers), 166, 169 and 172 (farm workers, agricultural machinery drivers and operatives and all other occupations in farming) for the period 1989–90, and standard occupational classification codes 160 (farm owners and managers), 900, 901 and 902 (farm workers, agricultural machinery drivers and operatives and all other occupations in farming) for the period 1991–1992.
  224

  Environmentally Sensitive Areas
  Mr. Macdonald
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many environmentally sensitive area management agreements have been approved in the lake district environmentally sensitive area involving payments in year 1 of the plan of(a) £0–£1,000, (b) £1,001–£2,000, (c) £2001–£3,000, (d) £3,001–£4,000, (e) £4,001–£5,000, (f) £5,001–£6,000 and (g) £6,001 or over. [39834]

  Mr. Boswell
  The number of payments made in each band is as follows:

  Payment band

  Number of first year payments

  £0–£ 1,000

  219

  £l,001–£2,000

  183

  £2,001–£3,000

  152

  £3,001–£4,000

  79

  £4,001–£5,000

  42

  £5,001–£6,000

  34

  £6,001 and over

  114

  Total

  823

  These payments details relate to the first two schemes years of the lake district ESA—1993 and 1994.

  Chernobyl
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what are the present effects on farming in the United Kingdom of the Chernobyl disaster; and if he will make a statement. [39757]

  Mrs. Browning
  Following the Chernobyl accident, affected areas of the United Kingdom—parts of Northern Ireland, Scotland, North Wales and Cumbria—were subjected to statutory restrictions so as to prevent the sale of sheepmeat containing levels of radiocaesium in excess of 1,000 bq/kg. These restrictions were designed to protect the food chain and ensure that normal sheep marketing practices within restricted ares could continue with minimum disruption to farm businesses. They have since been reviewed on a regular basis, and have been progressively removed wherever the monitoring of sheep has revealed residual radioactivity to have declined to within acceptable levels. Further intensive monitoring in the affected areas is nearing completion and an announcement of the results and possible lifting of some restrictions can be expected early in the new year.

  Emergency arrangements are in place to ensure that swift action can be taken to protect the food chain, should any accident of this nature occur in future.

  Set-aside Land
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the use of set-aside land for the growing of coriander for conservation into bio-diesel fuel. [39534]

  Mr. Baldry
  It is possible to grow coriander for industrial purposes as well as other oilseed plants on set-aside land under the area arable payment scheme.
  225
  However, because of its properties it may be preferable to use coriander oil in the production of specialist industrial oils—for nylons and cosmetics—rather than for biodiesel.

  Arable Area Payment Scheme
  Dr. Strang
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was expenditure, in ecus, by each EU member state on(a) set-aside and (b) total arable area payments, for each year in which the arable area payment scheme has been in operation. [40153]

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  I understand from working papers of the European Commission that the situation was as follows: figures for 1995 are not yet available.

  000 ecu

  Member State

  Set-aside payments

  Total arable area payments

  1993

  Belgium

  6,399

  77,729

  Denmark

  57,483

  309,630

  Germany

  321,394

  1,570,326

  Greece

  2,683

  301,440

  Spain

  135,908

  589,182

  France

  517,023

  2,627,735

  Republic of Ireland

  —

  60,182

  Italy

  39,973

  520,063

  Luxembourg

  395

  4,679

  Netherlands

  2,754

  63,017

  Portugal

  6,435

  28,658

  United Kingdom

  169,948

  906,036

  Total

  1,260,395

  7,058,677

  1994

  Belgium

  6,448

  80,543

  Denmark

  58,112

  378,735

  Germany

  325,794

  2,143,926

  Greece

  2,642

  310,644

  Spain

  136,244

  1,428,319

  France

  517,093

  3,405,271

  Republic of Ireland

  —

  63,512

  Italy

  45,080

  1,000,414

  Luxembourg

  395

  5,331

  Netherlands

  2,966

  63,974

  Portugal

  6,460

  104,596

  United Kingdom

  188,913

  1,114,798

  Total

  1,290,147

  10,130,063

  Intervention Stocks
  Dr. Strang
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the level of intervention stocks in(a) the United Kingdom and (b) the EU, at the latest available date. [40154]

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  Tables showing levels of all produce held in intervention within the EU, with levels for the UK separately identified, are placed in the House at regular intervals, most recently on 5 October. The information currently held in the House Library goes back to January 1985.

  Frogs' Legs
  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture Fisheries and Food what was the volume of frogs' legs imported by the United Kingdom in 1993 and 1994; and what were the countries of origin of those imports. [40265]
  226
  Mrs. Browning
  Imports into the United Kingdom of frogs legs for 1993 and 1994 were as follows:

  Imports of frogs' legs (kgs)

  1993

  11994

  Total

  21,702

  20,124

  By country of despatch

  Belgium-Luxembourg

  13,447

  12,036

  France

  5,999

  3,303

  Netherlands

  2,256

  4,785

  1 Provisional.

  Spanish Fishermen (Compensation)
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is Britain's contribution to the £200 million compensation to be paid by the European Union to Spanish fishermen for loss of fishing opportunities in Moroccan waters. [40603]

  Mr. Baldry
  On 26 October, the Council of Ministers unanimously agreed that payments should be made to Spanish and Portuguese fishermen who had been unable to fish following the early termination of the EU/Morocco fisheries agreement at the end of April 1995. This was an exceptional measure applying for a limited period. The maximum cost to the Community budget will be 24 mecu, £19.9 million. The cost will be less if the fishermen concerned are able to resume fishing before the end of December. In either event, the cost will be funded from within the existing Community budget for 1995. The United Kingdom's net contribution to the Community budget for this item will be around 5 per cent. after taking account of the Fontainebleau abatement.

  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how much compensation has been paid by the European Union to British fishermen for damage to vessels or nets by Spanish fishing vessels. [40602]

  Mr. Baldry
  Payments are not available from the Community budget to compensate the fishermen of one member state for damage done to their vessels or nets by the fishermen of another member state.

WALES

  Hypothermia
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many deaths from hypothermia took place among(a) men aged 65 years and over and (b) women aged 60 years and over in each year since 1990, by region. [34168]

  Mr. Richards
  [holding answer 13 July 1995]: The numbers of deaths of men aged 65 and over and women aged 60 and over registered by the Office of Population Censuses and Surveys with a mention of hypothermia, ICD 991.6, on the death certificate are given in the table.
  227

  1990

  1991

  1992

  1993

  Area of residence

  Male

  Female

  Male

  Female

  Male

  Female

  Male

  Female

  Clwyd

  0

  4

  2

  1

  1

  0

  4

  5

  East Dyfed

  1

  0

  1

  2

  1

  0

  0

  3

  Pembrokeshire

  0

  1

  0

  1

  0

  1

  0

  0

  Gwent

  0

  0

  0

  1

  1

  1

  0

  2

  Gwynedd

  0

  0

  2

  5

  1

  1

  0

  1

  Mid Glamorgan

  4

  7

  0

  5

  4

  3

  1

  4

  Powys

  0

  1

  0

  3

  0

  1

  3

  0

  South Glamorgan

  1

  0

  1

  3

  0

  2

  0

  5

  West Glamorgan

  0

  2

  1

  2

  0

  2

  1

  5

  Wales

  6

  15

  7

  23

  0

  11

  9

  25

  Welsh Development Agency
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will place in the Library copies of the Welsh Development Agency's urban development programmes approved by his Department for 1992–93 and 1993–94; and if he will place in the Library copies of the relevant approval letters for these programmes. [39271]

  Mr. Hague
  [holding answer 24 October 1995]: No. The programme documents contain information that remains commercially sensitive; letters of approval relate back to those documents.

  General Election (Voting)
  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what procedures will be put in place prior to the general election to ensure that those entitled to postal and proxy votes are made aware of their rights as soon as possible by means of public advertising; and if he will make a statement. [39170]

  Mr. Hague
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 26 October 1995 by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department Official Report, column 761.

  Assisted Places Scheme
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer of 6 June,Official Report, column 76, to the hon. Member for Alyn and Deeside (Mr. Jones), which schools in Wales or elsewhere were involved in the assisted places scheme in the last ten years. [40031]

  Mr. Richards
  Participating schools in Wales over the last 10 years have been:

  Christ College, Brecon

  Howells School, Cardiff

  Howells School, Denbigh

  Llandovery College

  Monmouth School (Boys)

  Monmouth School for Girls

  Rydal Penrhos Senior School (Girls), Colwyn Bay

  Rydal Penrhos Senior School (Co-educational), Colwyn Bay

  Schools outside Wales are a matter for the respective

  Secretaries of State.

  Grant-Maintained Schools
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer of 24 October,Official Report, column 573, relating to payments for capital works at grant-maintained schools, if he will list for each
  228
  capital scheme the length of time between the presentation of contractors' bills, the issue of architects' certificates and the payments of the bills. [40656]

  Mr. Richards
  No central record is kept of when contractors' bills are paid on capital works carried out at grant-maintained schools, as responsibility for this rests with the individual school governing body concerned.

  Mr. Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the dates on which architects' certificates have been issued in respect of capital works carried out at Brynmawr grant-maintained school and the dates on which payments have been made in respect of these architects' certificates. [40652]

  Mr. Richards
  Responsibility for payments on architects' certificates in respect of capital works at Brynmawr grant-maintained school rests with the school's governing body. No record is kept centrally. The dates on which architects' certificates, known to the Department, were issued for each of the four named capital projects carried out at Brynmawr school since it became grant-maintained are as follows:

  School Canteen and Toilets Project

  Certificate No. 1: 26 February 1993

  Certificate No. 2: 12 March 1993

  Science Block Project

  Certificate No. 1: 18 August 1993

  Certificate No. 2: 15 September 1993

  Certificate No. 3: 18 October 1993

  Certificate No. 4: 13 December 1993

  Certificate No. 5: 10 March. 1994

  Certificate No. 6: 7 June 1995

  Teaching Block Project

  Certificate No. 1: 23 November 1993

  Certificate No. 2: 15 December 1993

  Certificate No. 3: 21 January 1994

  Certificate No. 4: 22 February 1994

  Certificate No. 5: 10 March 1994

  Certificate No. 6: 23 May 1994

  Certificate No. 7: 19 August 1994

  Certificate No. 8: 2 March 1995

  Certificate No. 9: 29 June 1995

  Technology Block Project

  Certificate No. 1: 14 October 1994

  Certificate No. 2: 11 November 1994

  Certificate No. 3: 2 December 1994

  229

  Certificate No. 4: 9 January 1995

  Certificate No. 5: 6 February 1995

  Certificate No. 6: 7 March 1995

  Certificate No. 7: 4 April 1995

  Certificate No. 8: 2 May 1995

  Certificate No. 9: 7 June 1995

  Mr. Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer of 24 October,Official Report, column 573, relating to payments for capital works at grant-maintained schools, if he will make a statement in the case of T. Costelow and Sons Ltd. and payment for their work at Brynmawr grant-maintained school. [40655]

  Mr. Richards
  I understand that T. Costelow and Sons Ltd. is a sub-contractor on two named capital projects at Brynmawr grant-maintained school. Responsibility for the payment of sub-contractor work rests with the main contractor.

  Welsh Health Common Services Authority
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what consultations he has had with the European Commission concerning the placing of an advertisement in the contracts supplement of the Official Journal of the European Communities for the sale of the Estatecare division of the Welsh Health Common Services Authority; and if he will make a statement. [4022]

  Mr. Hague
  None. There is no requirement to consult the European Commission.

  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the progress of the privatisation procedure in respect of the prescription pricing division of the Welsh Health Common Services Authority. [40726]

  Mr. Hague
  I expect that the Welsh Health Common Services Authority will he able to announce the outcome of its market test of prescription pricing services within the next few weeks.

  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement concerning the arrangements for the advertisement for sale of the Estatecare division of the Welsh Health Common Services Authority(a) within the United Kingdom and (b) outside; on what occasions such advertisements have already been published; how many direct approaches to potential trade sale buyers have been made; what consultations he has had with the staff of the Estatecare division concerning their future employment and stake in future arrangements; and if TUPE will apply. [40727]

  Mr. Richards
  These are matters for the Welsh Health Common Services Authority. I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member and will arrange for a copy of his reply to be placed in the Library of the House.

  Measles
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what information he has received regarding the numbers of children in Wales who have been reported as possibly suffering physical or psychological trauma as a result of immunisation against measles. [40657]
  230
  Mr. Richards
  By October 1995 the Medicines Control Agency received 56 physical and two psychological reports concerning children in Wales who received measles and rubella vaccine during the November 1994 measles and rubella (MR) immunisation campaign.

  Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine was introduced in 1988. Since 1 January 1988, to date, there have been 34 reports of adverse reactions to MMR vaccine all of which were physical.

  The number of children immunised during the MR campaign was larger than the number immunised so far with MMR. The same measles antigen is used in both the MR and MMR vaccine. The increase in reports of adverse reactions could be attributed to circumstances of a mass campaign.

  The receipt of a reaction report by the Medicines Control Agency does not necessarily mean that the reaction reported has been caused by the vaccine.

  Mr. Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many copies of the leaflet on measles have been distributed by Health Promotion Wales on behalf of his Department in the past year. [40665]

  Mr. Richards
  None, but 550,000 bilingual—English and Welsh—leaflets were distributed by Health Promotion Authority for Wales to health authorities and schools during September 1994. In addition, translation packs in 10 ethnic minority languages were made available to health authorities for local distribution.

  European Regional Fund
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on his recent consultations with the members of the commission responsible for regional development in relation to the co-option of members of local authorities on the monitoring committees for the expenditure of the European regional fund in(a) industrial south and (b) rural Wales. [40723]

  Mr. Hague
  I told Commissioner Dr. Wulf-Mathies that I was satisfied with the present arrangements for local authority membership of both the industrial south Wales and rural Wales structural funds monitoring committees.

  Market Testing
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the health services that have been market tested by or notified to his Department and won by the private sector indicating(a) the location and (b) the organisation winning the tender. [40617]

  Mr. Hague
  I am placing a list of contracts won by the private sector for 1993–94, which is the latest available, in the Library of the House.

  Surpluses and Deficits (District Health Authorities)
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what(a) surpluses and (b) deficits were recorded by each district health authority in 1994–95. [40663]

  Mr. Richards
  I am arranging for the annual reports of each health authority to be placed in the Library of the House as soon as possible.
  231

  OSIRIS
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer of 24 October,Official Report, column 575 if he will make a statement on the main purpose of the OSIRIS office automation system for his departmental offices. [40787]

  Mr. Hague
  The main purpose of the system is to improve the administrative efficiency of the Welsh Office by enabling speedier and more effective transaction of business and improved internal and external communication. The project will provide a personal computer for most Welsh Office staff equipped with word processing, spreadsheet, database and diary, scheduling packages and an electronic mail facility. These will be underpinned by a communications infrastructure covering all major Welsh Office sites. The estimated cost of the project includes the maintenance and support of the system over the life of the contract as well as the costs of hardware and software.

  Private Finance Initiative
  Mr. Sweeney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what further measures he proposes under the private finance initiative to encourage investment by the private sector in local authority facilities. [40941]

  Mr. Hague
  I can today announce a further package of measures to encourage and facilitate private sector investment in local authority services in Wales. These change the capital finance rules to allow local authorities to harness private finance and management expertise in the upgrading or replacement of facilities.

  The changes will encourage authorities to enter into the "design, build, finance and operate" type contracts for the replacement or upgrading by the private sector of facilities such as schools, libraries and leisure centres; give authorities greater scope for financing the replacement of facilities out of the proceeds from sales of existing assets; ensure that arrangements for joint use of facilities by an authority and the private sector do not trigger financial penalties; and make it easier for authorities to use energy services packages which improve energy efficiency and reduce energy costs.

  In addition, more resources for PFI projects will be generated by reducing from 50 per cent. to 25 per cent. the rate of set aside for debt redemption arising from the sale of surplus educational assets during the two years commencing in April 1996. With other elements of the package this opens up exciting opportunities for the upgrading of local authority schools and the rationalisation of school provision.

  Draft regulations will be published for consultation within the next few weeks.

  I am considering whether there should be a similar relaxation in the rules relating to set aside in the case of receipts from the sale of county farms. A decision will be taken in the context of the rural White Paper to be published later this year.

  I hope that the new Welsh unitary authorities will take full advantage of the opportunities offered by these changes when they take up their new responsibilities in April next year.
  232

  Cardiff Bay Development Corporation
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is his current estimate of the winding up date of the Cardiff Bay development corporation; and what consultations he has had with the relevant local authorities concerning the transfer of its assets and liabilities. [40551]

  Mr. Hague
  My predecessor informed the House on 7 July 1994,Official Report, column 465, that it was expected to be possible to wind up the Cardiff Bay development corporation by the end of 1999. This remains the position. Consultations with the appropriate unitary local authorities will open after the reorganisation of local government.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Peacekeeping (Low-income Developing Countries)
  Mr. Foulkes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proportion of Britain's direct peacekeeping expenditure is spent in low-income developing countries; and where it is spent. [40205]

  Sir Nicholas Bonsor
  Britain will contribute an estimated £144 million in assessed contributions to UN peacekeeping in 1995–96, of which £85 million relates to former Yugoslavia. The remainder is accounted for by 13 UN operations in middle and low-income countries in Africa, Asia, the middle east, the caribbean and the former soviet union.

  Mr. Foulkes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many British troops have served in the last two years in a peacekeeping capacity in low-income developing countries; and where they have served. [40206]

  Sir Nicholas Bonsor
  In the last two years, British logistics support groups of some 600 troops have served with UN operations in Rwanda and Angola. During 1993 British military observers served with the UN missions in Western Sahara and Cambodia.

  Common Agricultural Policy
  Ms Eagle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 25 October at column 1002, if he will list all of those areas of the CAP which are subject to qualified majority voting. [40310]

  Mr. David Davis
  The legal base of the CAP is article 43 of the treaty, which is subject to qualified majority voting. Food legislation is on a legal base of article 100a, which is also subject to qualified majority voting.

  UNSCOM
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received from UNSCOM about the involvement of Iraqi spies in its investigations. [40257]
  233
  Mr. David Davis
  It would not be appropriate to comment on the details of our co-operation with UNSCOM. We deplore all instances of Iraqi failure to co-operate with UNSCOM as required under the terms of UN Security Council resolution.

  European Union (Forthcoming Business)
  Mr. Garnier
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on forthcoming business in the Council of the European Union. [41048]

  Mr. David Davis
  The information is as follows:

  SUBJECT: MONTHLY FORECAST OF BUSINESS FOR NOVEMBER 1995

  1. The following Councils are scheduled:

  November 6: Industry Council

  November 7: Industry Council

  November 9: Consumers Council

  November 13: Agriculture Council

  November 14: Agriculture Council

  November 15: Fisheries Council

  November 17: Budget Council

  November 20: FAC, Culture Council

  November 21: FAC

  November 23: International Market Council, Justice Council

  November 24: Justice Council

  November 27: ECOFIN Council, Telecoms Council

  November 30: Health Council

  2. The following items are likely to be discussed:

  MONDAY 6 NOVEMBER, INDUSTRY COUNCIL AGENDA

  SME policy: oral presentation by Commission of

  (a) Communication on EU strategy for SMEs.

  (b) Communication on European secondary capital market for SMEs.

  SMEs and innovation technology—Council resolution.

  Community action programme for competitiveness of EU industry: Council decision.

  Services to business and industrial competitiveness: Council resolution.

  Industrial aspects of the Information Society: Council resolution.

  Industrial cooperation with other regions and third countries—Council conclusions.

  Competitiveness of European machine construction industry—Council resolution.

  Effect of Uruguay round on textile industry—(possible) Council conclusions.

  European policy for promotion of quality—oral Commission report.

  Industry and research—oral Commission report on task-forces.

  TUESDAY 7 NOVEMBER, INDUSTRY COUNCIL AGENDA

  Competition policy and industrial competitiveness: Commission presentation on aspects of competition policy which affect industry.

  State Aid for shipbuilding—proposal for Council regulation implementing OECD rules.

  Steel: monitoring report and opinions on Irish Steel and Austrian iron ore mines.

  THURSDAY 9 NOVEMBER, CONSUMER COUNCIL AGENDA

  Proposed Directive on the labelling, presentation and advertising of foodstuffs.

  Amended proposal for a directive on comparative advertising: possible common position.

  234

  Proposed directive on unit pricing: orientation debate.

  Proposed directive on markings appearing on the labelling of foodstuffs.

  Proposed directive on guarantees for consumer goods: Commission presentation.

  Access to justice: Commission presentation.

  Consumer education: Council resolution.

  Commission action plan on consumer protection and information 1995–1999: Commission presentation.

  Commission report on the implementation of the Council Directive on consumer credit: Council conclusions.

  Advertising products and services attributing health benefits (miracle products): Council resolution.

  MONDAY/TUESDAY 13–14 NOVEMBER, AGRICULTURE COUNCIL AGENDA

  Legislative changes to maximum residue limit Directives (possible).

  Feeding stuffs (possible).

  Meat products (possible).

  Set-aside.

  Reform of the fruit and vegetable regime.

  Reform of the rice regime.

  WEDNESDAY 15 NOVEMBER, FISHERIES COUNCIL

  Likelihood that it will be cancelled but if it goes ahead it will deal with the annual price and market regime proposals.

  FRIDAY 17 NOVEMBER, BUDGET COUNCIL AGENDA

  Second reading of the 1996 draft budget.

  MONDAY 20 NOVEMBER, CULTURE COUNCIL AND FOREIGN AFFAIRS COUNCIL

  Agendas not yet available.

  THURSDAY 23 NOVEMBER, INTERNAL MARKET COUNCIL

  Agenda not yet available but likely to include inter alia: Functioning of the internal market (Commission report).

  Citizens First (open debate).

  Molitor Report (follow up).

  Joint meeting with Central and Eastern Europeans (over lunch).

  Pressure equipment (common position—possible A point).

  Customs 2000 (common position).

  Public procurement (state of progress/orientation debate).

  Tourism statistics directive (adoption).

  Motorcycle multichapter directive (common position—possible A point).

  Flavourings.

  Food for particular nutritional uses (PARNUTS).

  Minerals waters.

  Amendment to labelling Directive (poss).

  THURSDAY/FRIDAY 23–24 NOVEMBER, JUSTICE COUNCIL

  Agenda not yet available.

  MONDAY 27 NOVEMBER, ECOFIN COUNCIL AGENDA

  Cross Border Credit Transfers (probable A point).

  Preparation of Stage 3 of EMU.

  Employment policy—preparation of Madrid European Council.

  Multilateral surveillance.

  Fraud: reports from Member States—preparation of Madrid European Council.

  Loan Guarantee Fund (possible).

  Bank Winding Up Directive (possible).

  MONDAY 27 NOVEMBER, TELECOMS COUNCIL AGENDA

  Expected Agenda:

  Directive on Interconnection—orientation debate.

  235

  Draft Article 90 Commission Directives amending Directive 90/388/EEC (a) with regard to mobile and personal communications

  and (b) regarding the implementation of full competition in telecoms markets—debate and possible Council conclusions. Directive on application of ONP (Open Network Provision) to voice telephony—final adoption (possible).

  Directive on Data Protection in telecoms sector—common position (possible).

  Decision on Data Protection in telecoms sector—common position (possible).

  Decision on a series of guidelines for trans-European telecommunications networks—common position.

  Decision on INFO 2000 programme concerning multimedia content—common position (possible).

  Directive on development of Community postal services—orientation debate or political agreement.

  WTO discussions—Commission oral report.

  THURSDAY 30 NOVEMBER, HEALTH COUNCIL

  Agenda not yet available.

  Nuclear Tests, Pitcairn Islands
  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what(a) health and (b) environmental studies have been carried out on the residents of the Pitcairn islands and their habitat to assess potential radiological impact from atmospheric and underground nuclear testing in the Pacific region. [40199]

  Mr. David Davis
  No specific studies have been carried out. The resident nurse has reported that the Pitcairn islanders are in good health. The Sir Peter Scott commemorative expedition, which visited the Pitcairn islands in 1991–92, reported no environmental problems as a result of nuclear testing. We do not believe that the current programme of French nuclear tests, which are being carried out underground, should cause any danger to the inhabitants of Pitcairn.

  French Nuclear Tests
  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what consideration he has given to invoking article 142 of the Euratom treaty in order to bring infringement proceedings before the European Court of Justice against the government of France in respect of its nuclear testing programme. [40201]

  Mr. David Davis
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Blaenau Gwent (Mr. Smith) on 20 October 1995 Official Report, column 264.

  Mr. Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps the Government(a) have taken and (b) are considering taking to protect the residents of the Pitcairn islands from the potential environmental effects of French nuclear testing at Mururoa and Fangatafau. [40196]

  Mr. Davis
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave the hon. Member for Linlithgow (Mr. Dalyell) on 16 October 1995 Official Report, column 18.

  Mr. Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what consultation has taken place with the residents of the Pitcairn islands on French nuclear testing in the Pacific. [40198]
  236
  Mr. Davis
  The governor's office in Wellington is in regular contact with the Pitcairn island council on a range of matters. The council has not expressed any concern about French nuclear testing.

  Mr. Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what scientific analysis has been carried out by his Department on the environmental effects of the French nuclear testing programme in the Pacific. [40200]

  Mr. Davis
  None. The French Government have given an assurance that the tests will cause no harm to the environment, and have invited experts to visit the area in order to verify this for themselves.

  Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting
  Mr. Gapes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what are Her Majesty's Government's priorities at the forthcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting. [40023]

  Mr. Hanley
  The Government's priorities are: to promote the fulfilment of the principles embodied in the Harare declaration, including a return to civilian democratic rule in all member states; to promote good government; to support reform of the United Nations and international financial institutions; and to secure a commitment for increased collective Commonwealth action against serious crime, in particular drug trafficking and money laundering.

  Mr. Gapes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what priority Her Majesty's Government give to strengthening the Harare declaration at the Auckland Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. [40025]

  Mr. Hanley
  The Harare declaration has become a reference point for good government principles in the Commonwealth. High priority will be given at Auckland to encouraging all member states to adhere to the principles it embodies.

  Mr. Gapes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will place in the Library a copy of the letter from the Prime Minister to the Prime Minister of New Zealand setting out Her Majesty's Government's priorities for the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting. [40024]

  Mr. Hanley
  My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has not written to the Prime Minister of New Zealand setting out the Government's priorities for the forthcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting.

  Mr. Gapes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proposals he has for Commonwealth initiatives to support human rights and democracy. [40028]

  Mr. Hanley
  The Commonwealth Secretary-General has proposed that within the theme for the Auckland Heads of Government meeting in November—"Fulfilling the Harare Declaration"—a prime focus should be "Advancing Fundamental Political Values". My right hon.
  237
  Friend the Prime Minister will take an active role in formulating practical proposals under this heading.

  Human Rights (Zimbabwe)
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations have been made recently to the Zimbabwean Government regarding human rights abuses in that country. [39924]

  Mr. Hanley
  We have not made any such representations recently to the Government of Zimbabwe.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Travel Services
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what was the total cost of travel administered through DSS travel services in the last three financial years; which company is currently operating the DSS travel service; and what target savings for the current year the present operator has been asked to meet. [39332]

  Mr. Burt
  The information is in the table:

  Year

  Amount £

  1993–94

  3,895,339

  1994–95

  4,764,841

  Information for earlier periods is not available.

  Carlson Wagonlit is contracted to deliver travel services. The contract does not provide for specific savings targets. All travel costs are discounted under its terms, with the contractor required always to offer the lowest published fare.

  Departmental Work
  Mr. Pawsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on the work of his Department since 1990. [38072]

  Mr. Burt
  We have a clear strategy for social security. The principal objectives are to focus benefit on the most needy, to encourage personal responsibility, to improve incentives to work and save, to bear down on fraud and abuse and to ensure that the system does not outstrip the nation's ability to pay. Social security has cost £440 billion in real terms since 1990 and provides one of the most comprehensive safety nets in the EU.

  The Department has focused benefit on those who need it most. Disability living allowance was introduced in April 1992. Expenditure on help for customers below pension age with care and mobility needs has increased by more than 50 per cent. in real terms since 1992. In addition, the Disability Discrimination Bill will ensure that disabled people are not discriminated against in the workplace or when seeking access to goods and services.
  238
  Incapacity benefit, which replaced sickness benefit and invalidity benefit on 13 April this year, provides a better targeted and more affordable system of provision. A more objective medical test will focus help on those genuinely incapable of work because of their medical condition.

  The Department has encouraged personal responsibility and the Pensions Act 1995 encourages increased self-provision. Pensioners in all income groups have seen their income rise since 1979 and on average are 50 per cent. better off. About 88 per cent. of recently retired pensioners have incomes other than state benefits. The UK is the largest investor in private pensions in the EU, with more assets invested in pension funds than the rest of the EU put together.

  In 1993, the Child Support Agency was launched to implement the Child Support Act 1991 and to operate the new system of child maintenance for parents who live apart. The new Child Support Act 1995 includes wide-ranging improvements to the scheme which will be fairer, improve service and ensure maintenance is paid regularly. This year the Child Support Agency is on track to collect or arrange £300 million in maintenance and achieve a reduction in the bill to the taxpayer of £1.4 billion since its launch.

  The Department has improved incentives to work and save. Reforms since 1988 have significantly alleviated the unemployment trap, where people are better off unemployed than working, and the poverty trap, where net income falls even though wages go up. We will reinforce incentives as result of the Jobseekers Act 1995. This country has pioneered the use of in-work benefits. Family credit expenditure has helped to boost earnings for families on low income, and over 5.2 million awards have been made since 1990. We have announced plans for the first ever pilot of a benefit, earnings top-up, for low-earning single people and couples without children.

  To bear down on fraud and abuse the Benefits Agency has developed a security strategy ensuring that the right money is paid to the right person at the right time and has delivered fraud savings of record £706.8 million in 1994–95 against a target of £654 million.

  The Department has a proud record of efficiency, particularly following the establishment of agencies, where 97 per cent. of our staff now work. Agencies have consistently met or exceeded efficiency targets, resulting in savings of over £500 million being made over the last five years. In the Benefits Agency, output per member of staff has increased by 26.4 per cent. since 1989–90. Further efficiencies will be delivered through the Department's plan to apply an extensive and innovative range of efficiency techniques over the next three years.

  The Department is at the forefront of public sector management and service delivery. Nineteen offices of the Benefits Agency have been awarded the charter mark. The Benefits Agency achieved an 84 per cent. satisfaction level of an independent and comprehensive customer survey in 1993–94, an increase on the previous year. The Information Technology Services Agency achieved the international standard for quality accreditation for the whole of its business in 1994. ITSA was one of the first next steps agencies to achieve such recognition for all areas of its business.
  239
  Under the Government's private finance initiative, the Contributions Agency has awarded the contract for the development and operation of the replacement national insurance recording system. This was the first major IT contract to be awarded under PFI. Work is also progressing on plans to automate payment of benefit at post offices. The Benefits Agency aims to start issuing benefit payment cards during 1996. Full roll-out of the card will take two to three years and will be funded under PFI; a procurement exercise is now under way.

  Over the last several years we have undertaken many measures that have reduced the burdens on business. These include simplifying the rules and requirements of statutory sick pay and introducing from April 1996 a national insurance holiday to encourage employers to take on employees who have been unemployed for two years or more.

  We have taken steps to align the tax and national insurance schemes wherever possible. The Contributions Agency, Inland Revenue and Customs and Excise have also established an extensive programme of work which will deliver real benefits for business in practical terms by reducing bureaucracy and duplicate handling.

  By focusing help on those in need and encouraging personal responsibility we will achieve savings reaching £4 billion a year during the next Parliament, and more than three times that amount next century.

  Disability Living Allowance
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will consider holding centrally records of the number of applications for disability living allowance for babies, by Benefits Agency district area; and if he will make a statement. [39024]

  Mr. Andrew Mitchell
  The information is not available in the format referred to. However, figures are available on claims made for disability living allowance for children under the age of two. This information is held nationally. In addition, it is possible to provide details of awards made in these cases broken down by Benefits Agency district.

  Statutory Pay
  Mr. Kevin Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what was the annual was the annual cost of statutory sick pay for 1979–80; and what has been the cost in each subsequent year including 1994–95; [40090]

  (2) what was the annual cost of statutory maternity pay for 1979–80; and what has been the cost in each subsequent year including 1994–95. [40089]

  Mr. Heald
  The information is in the table. The statutory sick pay and statutory maternity pay schemes were introduced in April 1983 and April 1987 respectively.

  Statutory sick pay and statutory maternity pay: government expenditure

  £ million

  Statutory sick pay

  Statutory maternity pay

  1983–84

  500

  0

  1984–85

  508

  0

  1985–86

  545

  0

  240

  Statutory sick pay and statutory maternity pay: government expenditure

  £ million

  Statutory sick pay

  Statutory maternity pay

  1986–87

  757

  0

  1987–88

  840

  193

  1988–89

  898

  250

  1989–90

  949

  286

  1990–91

  941

  314

  1991–92

  700

  345

  1992–93

  683

  398

  1993–94

  689

  420

  1994–95

  25

  443

  Source:

  Figures have been taken from the Social Security Departmental Report March 1995 and earlier equivalents.

  Notes:

  (a) Expenditure is at cash price.

  (b) 1994–95 figures are estimates.

  Incapacity Benefit
  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many recipients of invalidity benefit have been found fit for work under the provisions of the Incapacity for Work Act 1994 since its implementation; how many new claimants for incapacity benefit have been found fit for work; how many medical tests to determine incapacity for work have been carried out; and how many appeals against the decision that a claimant is fit for work have(a) been heard and (b) are outstanding. [39288]

  Mr. Burt
  Information is not available in the format requested. It is not possible to provide separate figures for the number of ex-invalidity benefit recipients and new incapacity benefit claimants who have been found incapable for work under the provisions of the Incapacity for Work Act 1994. Available information is in the table.

  Numbers

  Medical examinations

  1116,349

  Found capable of work

  119,188

  Appeals heard

  89

  Appeals outstanding

  6,520

  1 This includes both all work test examinations and own occupation test examinations. All data is up to 30 September.

  Family Credit
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security on what evidence the estimate, in the explanatory memorandum on the Social Security (Persons from Abroad) Miscellaneous Amendment Regulations, that about 5,000 claims for family credit, disability benefits and invalid care allowance are made annually by persons from abroad, is based; and how many claims he estimates are made for each of the benefits. [40616]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  No systematic record is kept of claims made for benefits by persons from abroad. The estimate is based on an extrapolation across the relevant benefits of an analysis of child benefits claimants who came to the United Kingdom from abroad in 1994.
  241

  Invalid Care Allowance
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security on what grounds he proposes to abolish the entitlement to invalid care allowance for carers who are persons from abroad; and what effect he expects this to have on persons cared for by them. [40606]

  Mr. Burt
  We believe that those who enter the United Kingdom with limited leave, on the understanding that they have no recourse to public funds, should be held to that understanding for the duration of their stay here. People who have overstayed their leave or who entered the country illegally should similarly not receive Government funding through the benefits system. In all cases, person from abroad who take on roles as carers will continue to be subject to the usual understanding regarding public funds.

  Income Support
  Mr. Madden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what is the current position in respect of entitlement to income support for relatives admitted to the United Kingdom as sponsored immigrants where the sponsor is no longer able to support the immigrants through unemployment or other unexpected loss of income; [40442]

  (2) if he will list for each of the last three years for which figures are available, the number of relatives who were admitted to the United Kingdom as sponsored immigrants following an undertaking by the sponsor that they would be fully maintained without recourse to public funds; in how many cases a written undertaking was required and why in other cases this was not so required; in respect of how many relatives there were claims made for income support under part V of the Social Security Administration Act 1992 and what was the total cost of this to his Department; and how much money was recovered through the liable relative procedures. [40441]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  People given unlimited leave to enter or remain in the UK as dependent relatives, including sponsored immigrants, currently have the same entitlement to benefits as any UK citizen. However, where a sponsorship undertaking has been signed, the Department may take appropriate steps to recover from the sponsor any income support paid to the sponsored immigrant. There is no provision to reclaim any other benefits paid.

  The immigration authorities inform the Benefits Agency of all agreements which have been undertaken. The number of formal undertakings received are set out in the table.

  Number

  1993

  2,121

  1994

  1,925

  1995 (January-June)

  1,348

  No information is recorded centrally of the number of sponsored immigrants who claim benefit or of how much money was recovered through the liable relative procedures.
  242
  The criteria for requiring written undertakings is a matter for the Home Office.

  Mr. Brazier
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what was the percentage of pensioners drawing income support or supplementary benefit in each year since 1978–79. [40377]

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

  Number of pensioners in receipt of supplementary benefit/income support 1978–79 to 1994

  Year

  (Column A) Number of pensioners in receipt of supplementary benefit/income support

  (Column B) Number of pensioners in Great Britain

  Column (A) as a percentage of column (B)

  1978

  1,593,000

  9,534,600

  16.7

  1979

  1,599,000

  9,559,700

  16.7

  1980

  1,576,000

  9,712,800

  16.2

  1981

  1,624,000

  9,810,156

  16.6

  1982

  1,683,000

  9,866,590

  17.1

  1983

  1,549,000

  9,882,301

  15.7

  1984

  1,565,000

  9,909,715

  15.8

  1985

  —

  10,021,410

  —

  1986

  1,592,000

  10,101,729

  15.8

  1987

  1,610,000

  10,172,700

  15.9

  1988

  1,431,000

  10,220,998

  14.0

  1989

  1,314,000

  10,278,565

  12.8

  1990

  1,385,000

  10,309,949

  13.4

  1991

  1,272,000

  10,355,887

  12.3

  1992

  1,318,000

  10,379,538

  12.7

  1993

  1,426,000

  10,391,426

  13.7

  1994

  1,568,000

  10,384,000

  15.1

  Notes:

  1. Source: Supplementary Benefit/Income Support Statistics Annual and Quarterly Enquiries. Office of Population Censuses and Survey mid-year estimates.

  2. Figures are rounded to the nearest thousand. Percentages rounded to one decimal place.

  3. Income support replaced Supplementary Benefit in 1988.

  4. Figures are not available for 1985.

  5. Pensioners are defined as men over 65 and women over 60.

  6. Figures in column A are for claimants only and do not include partners who may be of pensionable age.

  Mr. Brazier
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what would be the estimated cost of ending the capital and notional income testing rules for(a) housing benefits and (b) income support for retired people while retaining unchanged the present tests for actual income. [40378]

  Mr. Evans
  The estimated cost of removing the lower and upper capital limits and tariff income rule for pensioners is £390 million in income support and £340 million in housing benefit. This assumes that actual income from capital would be taken into account.

  Notes:

  1. Although the question refers to retired people, it has been interpreted to refer to people over 60 years of age and living in the community. The cost for those in residential or nursing care is not available because the base data used excludes those cases.

  2. Estimates are rounded to the nearest £10 million.

  3. The estimate is based on data from the 1991, 1992 and 1993 Family Expenditure Survey, adjusted to be consistent with reported data from the May 1994 quarterly statistical enquiry for Income Support and the 1994 management information system dataset for Housing Benefit.

  4. All figures are uprated to 1995–96 prices and benefit levels.
  243
  5. Given the tenuous nature of the data and the methodology used to arrive at this estimate, the figures are broad orders of magnitude as opposed to robust estimates.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what difficulties have been encountered in recovering income support paid to sponsored immigrants; what methods of overcoming such difficulties have been considered or adopted; and with what results; [40613]

  (2) how the proposed changes in the benefit entitlement of sponsored immigrants will affect those whose sponsors are unable to support them because of a fall in their income due to sickness, unemployment or old age. [40615]

  Mr. Evans
  Sponsorship undertakings have been unenforceable and sponsors un-cooperative.

  We referred proposals affecting the entitlement of sponsored immigrants and other persons from abroad to the Social Security Advisory Committee on 11 October. We expect to receive the committee's report and recommendations during December. These proposals are based on the premise that people whose leave to remain in the United Kingdom is on the understanding that they will not be maintained by the taxpayer should be kept to that understanding.

  Asylum Seekers
  Mr. Madden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if, under his recent new proposals, an asylum seeker will be entitled to claim benefits between the initial refusal of the asylum application and any appeal against refusal to grant asylum before a special adjudicator; and if he will make a statement. [40445]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  Under the proposals, a person who claims asylum immediately upon arrival in the UK will be eligible to claim income support, housing benefit and council tax benefit from the point when their asylum claim is recorded to the point when they receive an initial refusal. A person who claims asylum after arrival in the UK will not normally be entitled to any benefits. However, nationals of countries which have undergone a significant upheaval since their arrival in the UK will be eligible for benefit up to the point of an initial refusal of their asylum claim. In all cases no benefit will be payable during the appeals process.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) if, under the proposed new rules regarding benefits for refugees, a genuine refugee who successfully claims asylum after entering the United Kingdom will have his or her entitlement to income support backdated to the date the claim for asylum; [40614]

  (2) if the proposed protection of the benefit entitlements of nationals of countries affected by significant upheavals will be extended to other persons claiming asylum because of a well-founded fear of persecution arising from events occurring after their arrival in the United Kingdom not amounting to a significant upheaval but affecting their families or other groups of which they are or were members. [40611]

  Mr. Evans
  We referred proposals affecting the benefit entitlement of asylum seekers and other persons from abroad to the Social Security Advisory Committee on 11 October. We will consider the position fully once the committee has reported on its consultation exercise.
  244
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what steps he proposes to take to ensure that, when a country has undergone events giving rise to a well-founded fear of persecution among its nationals, people who may, as a result, become entitled to benefits as asylum seekers are aware of their potential entitlement. [40608]

  Mr. Evans
  The Secretary of State will be advised by the Home Secretary when a country has been listed as having undergone an upheaval, such as to give rise to a well-founded fear of persecution of its nationals. The Benefits Agency will therefore advise claimants accordingly. The Home Secretary will inform relevant asylum interest groups and asylum law organisations that the country has been so listed.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will amend the Income Support (General) Regulations so as to make income support payable to asylum seekers as from 8 January 1996 at the full rate rather than 90 per cent. [40609]

  Mr. Evans
  I have no plans to do so.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what research has been carried out into the reasons for persons claiming asylum after arrival in the United Kingdom; and what were the main findings relevant to the proposal to remove their entitlement to benefits. [40610]

  Mr. Evans
  I am not aware of any specific research project on this subject. However, according to Home Office figures, about 70 per cent. of asylum seekers claim in country having entered the UK as visitors, tourists or students. Only 4 per cent. of asylum decisions result in recognition as a refugee. Regardless of the reasons for persons claiming asylum after arrival, the Government believe that it cannot be right to pay benefits to this group. Those who claim asylum on entry to the UK will still have access to the benefits system while their asylum application is considered.

  Child Support Agency
  Ms Lynne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many employees of the Child Support Agency since 1993 have been(a) dismissed, and (b) faced other disciplinary action for the improper use of confidential information. [39930]

  Mr. Andrew Mitchell
  The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the chief executive, Miss Ann Chant. She will write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Miss Ann Chant to Ms Liz Lynne, dated 31 October 1995:

  I am replying to your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security on the improper use of confidential information.

  You requested details regarding the number of employees of the Child Support Agency, since 1993, who have either been dismissed from employment or faced other disciplinary action for the improper use of confidential information.

  The figures are as follows:

  (a) 8 dismissals

  (b) 10 other disciplinary action

  Thefts from the House of Lords
  Thefts from the House of Lords
  IGC Study Group Preparatory Meetings
  IGC Study Group Preparatory Meetings
  Blood Products: Sale
  Blood Products: Sale
  Attendance Centres: Inspections
  Attendance Centres: Inspections
  Attendance Centres: Rules and National Standard
  Attendance Centres: Rules and National Standard
  Hereford: Designation of Unitary Authority
  Hereford: Designation of Unitary Authority
  Hazardous Chemicals: Local Authority Powers
  Hazardous Chemicals: Local Authority Powers
  Lindane and Phenylmercury Acetate: Effects of Spillage
  Lindane and Phenylmercury Acetate: Effects of Spillage
  Toxic Chemical Spillage: Public Health Surveillance
  Toxic Chemical Spillage: Public Health Surveillance
  Road Tax Rates for Tractors and Lorries
  Road Tax Rates for Tractors and Lorries