Written Answers of 29 April 1996

HOUSE OF COMMONS

  Public Tours (Security Controls)
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Chairman of the Accommodation and Works Committee what arrangements can be made to ensure speedier access through security controls for the public touring the House. [26433]

  Mr. Ray Powell
  This is a matter for the Serjeant at Arms. I have asked him to write to the hon. Member.

DUCHY OF LANCASTER

  Private Finance Initiative
  Ms Janet Anderson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will list the revenue spending estimated by his Department in connection with the private finance initiative for(a) 1995–96, (b) 1996–97 and (c) 1997–98. [26637]

  Mr. Willetts
  The Cabinet Office, including the Office of Public Service, Her Majesty's Stationery Office and the Central Office of Information have not yet approved any projects under the PFI. The Central Computer and Telecommunications Agency hopes to involve private finance in the provision of the metropolitan telecommunications service. The precise level of revenue spending will not be determined until detailed negotiations are completed.

  EU Regulations
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what steps he has taken to ensure that officials negotiating EU regulations are informed of their impact on United Kingdom business. [27074]

  Mr. Freeman
  Revised guidance requiring Departments to produce a compliance cost assessment for all EC legislative proposals was published on 25 January 1996,Official Report, columns 321-22.

  These assessments inform Government policy and the position taken by UK officials when negotiating EC legislation.

  Her Majesty's Stationery Office
  Mr. Fabricant
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when HMSO's 1995 report and accounts will be published; and if he will make a statement [27442]

  Mr. Freeman
  The 1995 HMSO accounts have been audited and certified by the Comptroller and Auditor General, and are being published today.
  334
  The accounts show an operating loss of £39.7 million for 1995. This is mainly due to HMSO making exceptional provisions for redundancy costs—some £26.1 million—and other one-off items as part of its continuing business transformation programme. The benefits of these changes are already being felt, with indications that HMSO has increased sales and returned to profitability in the first quarter of 1996.

  In addition, HMSO has made an exceptional provision of £3 million in respect of a contract with a public sector customer in Uzbekistan, on which the Comptroller and Auditor General reports in detail in the HMSO accounts.

  The main task is for HMSO to be ready for privatisation in the summer. In the interim, its management are working to the following key targets:

  (i) to achieve an annual current cost operating profit of £7.8 million, before exceptional items;

  (ii) for print, to achieve 97 per cent. of all orders delivered to time, and 99 per cent. of all orders from the print storage and distribution warehouse to be delivered on time;

  (iii) for publications, to achieve dispatch times for customers' mail, electronic data interchange and telephone orders of 90 per cent. within four working days of receipt and 97 per cent. within five working days;

  (iv) for office supplies, to dispatch 99 per cent. of validated orders for stock catalogue items within two working days of receipt, and for 97 per cent. of items to be dispatched first time from stock.

  These accounts reflect the seriousness with which HMSO is tackling its trading position. However, this will be challenging as long as HMSO is governed by public sector operating restrictions. Privatisation will remove these and allow the business to compete on equal terms with other suppliers. In this context, I am pleased to inform the House that the sale process is proceeding well, and we have already received a healthy level of interest from good-quality bidders.

ENVIRONMENT

  Private Finance Initiative
  Ms Janet Anderson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the revenue spending estimated by his Department in connection with the private finance initiative for(a) 1995–96, (b) 1996–97 and (c) 1997–98. [26630]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  The Department of the Environment and its sponsored bodies attracted over £4.5 billion in private investment in support of programmes in 1994–95 and anticipates a similar outturn in 1995–96. Forecasts for 1996–97 and 1997–98 are for about £6 billion in private investment to be generated. This will assist in the delivery of a large number of projects, most notably ones relating to housing and urban regeneration. Estimated revenue spending on the Department's recently announced private finance initiative design, build, finance and operate-type projects is forecast to be nil in 1995–96, £200,000 in 1996–96 and £700,000 in 1997–98.

  Serco Ltd.
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what contracts his Department and his
  335
  agencies have with Serco Ltd.; what is the current cost; when each contract ends; what are the penalties involved should he seek early termination of the contract; and if he will make a statement. [26679]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  The information requested is not held centrally and is available only at disproportionate cost.

  Essex County Council
  Mr. Whittingdale
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the total amount of reserves of Essex county council; what proportion of total expenditure that figure represents; and what is the average proportion for shire counties. [26878]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  The total level of reserves of Essex county council at 31 March 1995 was £120,127,000—of which £25,159,000 was local management of schools reserves—which was 12.4 per cent. of budgeted revenue expenditure for 1995–96. The same percentage for all shire counties at that date was 9.3 per cent.

  Water (Pre-payment Devices)
  Mr. Burden
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what estimate he has made of the number of domestic customers in each water company area who have suffered interruptions of supply through the operation of pre-payment water devices in each of the last three years; and what percentage this represents of customers using pre-payment water devices in each case. [27026]

  Mr. Clappison
  [holding answer 26 april 1996]: This information is not held centrally.

  Mr. Burden
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what estimate he has made of the numbers of pre-payment water meters installed in each water company area; and if he will list which areas(a) provide for total disconnection from the water supply and (b) continue to allow a restricted quantity of water to be supplied in the event of prolonged non-payment. [26893]

  Mr. Clappison
  The Director General of Water Services is assembling information on the number of budget payment units in operation in each water company area. This information will be placed in the Library as soon as it is available. There is no disconnection of the water supply to the property as a result of the operation

  Reservoir

  Storage, percentage of capacity

  1 April 1996

  1 October 1995

  1 April 1995

  North West

  Northern Command Zone group

  78

  13

  99

  Vyrnwy

  64

  26

  97

  Northumbria

  Teesdale group

  77

  31

  99

  Kielder

  96

  82

  97

  Severn Trent

  Clywedog

  86

  43

  97

  Derwent Valley group

  54

  36

  100

  Yorkshire

  Washburn group

  70

  24

  98

  Bradford Supply group

  59

  15

  98

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  of a budget payment unit. The supply continues to be available and can be used as soon as the unit is recharged. The units do not permit a restricted supply of water in the event of a prolonged non-payment.

  Mr. Burden
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Enviornment in what circumstances in each water company area disconnection from water supply as a result of the operation of pre-payment water devices renders a water customer liable for less than the regular annual water and sewerage bill for his or her property. [26894]

  Mr. Clappison
  Customers operating a budget payment unit who pay their bill on a rateable value basis are not eligible for a discount to reflect occasions when the water supply is not taken because the customer has not recharged the unit. Customers who pay their bill on a measured basis and use a budget payment unit pay only for the amount of water consumed.

  Water Resources (Regulation)
  Mrs. Helen Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what response he has made to the water companies' representations on the effect of the current regulation scheme on the level of water resources; and what plans he has to initiate a discussion at high level with the regulators and the Environment Agency on water resources. [27266]

  Mr. Clappison
  Together with the Environment Agency, the Office of Water Services and the drinking water inspectorate, the Water Companies Association and the Water Services Association are both participating in high-level discussions as part of the review of water resources and supply arrangements in the longer term which my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced last September.

  Water Reservoirs
  Mrs. Helen Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what percentage of reservoir capacity is currently full in each water company area; and what is was(a) six months ago and (b) a year ago. [27166]

  Mr. Clappison
  Storage as a percentage of capacity as at 1 April 1996, 1 October 1995 and 1 April 1995 in the major reservoirs or groups of reservoirs in each of the Environment Agency areas in England and Wales and which serve water companies is given in the following table:
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  Reservoir

  Storage, percentage of capacity

  1 April 1996

  1 October 1995

  1 April 1995

  Anglian

  Grafham

  94

  72

  95

  Rutland

  92

  61

  91

  Thames

  London Group

  94

  66

  97

  Farmoor group

  99

  76

  97

  Southern

  Bewl

  99

  69

  99

  Ardingly

  100

  46

  100

  Wessex

  Clatworthy

  100

  30

  100

  Bristol West group

  95

  44

  99

  South West

  Colliford

  63

  47

  97

  Roadford

  37

  26

  96

  Wimbleball

  78

  30

  100

  Stithians

  99

  27

  96

  Welsh

  Celyn and Brenig group

  72

  48

  100

  Brianne

  100

  48

  100

  South Wales group

  94

  19

  99

  Elan Valley group

  98

  34

  95

  Rating Appeals
  Ms Armstrong
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list in total and by each valuation office the number of appeals that have been received against the 1995 rating; how many have been resolved; how many remain outstanding; and when he estimates that this process will be completed. [27306]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  I am placing in the Library a table which sets out, in total and by each office of the Valuation Office agency in England, the number of valid proposals to alter the 1995 rating lists which were received by 31 March 1996, the number settled and the number outstanding. We expect that all these outstanding appeals will be settled by the end of 1997. Appeals against entries in the 1995 rating lists may still be made up until 31 March 2001. Further appeals may be made thereafter in cases where lists have been altered, for example following decisions of valuation tribunals, the Lands Tribunal or the High Court. I cannot therefore estimate when all appeals against the 1995 list will have been settled.

  Ms. Armstrong
  To ask the Secrectary of State for the Environment if he will set out in total and by each Valuation Office region the number of valid proposals to alter the valuation list which were lodged(a) before 30 November 1993, (b) between 1 December 1993 and 30 November 1994, (c) between 1 December 1994 and

  Age of unresolved valid banding proposals as at 31 January 1996

  VOA region

  Under 3 months

  Between 3 and 6 months

  Between 6 and 12 months

  Between 12 and 18 months

  Between 18 and 24 months

  Over 24 months

  Total

  Central

  3,135

  2,884

  3,243

  898

  455

  535

  11,150

  East

  3,191

  2,884

  3,569

  1,012

  513

  829

  11,998

  338
  30 November 1995 and (d) since December 1995; and what is the number in each category which have still to be settled. [27307]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  In the periods 1 April to 30 November 1993—the "initial appeal period"—1 December 1993 to 30 November 1994, 1 December 1994 to 30 November 1995 and 1 December 1995 to 31 March 1996 the Valuation Office agency received, respectively, 864,316, 89,440, 93,213 and 83,220 banding proposals in respect of dwellings in England.

  Statistics are held on proposals made during the initial appeal period, and the total made cumulatively since 1 April 1993. The tables show, by Valuation Office region and in total, the last available figures for proposals received and outstanding and the age of those yet to be resolved.

  Proposals received and outstanding as at 31 March 1996

  Initial Appeal Period (1/4/93–30/11/93)

  Cumulative (1/4/93–31/12/96)

  VOA region

  Valid proposals received

  Number outstanding

  Valid proposal received

  Number outstanding

  Central

  156,848

  307

  193,972

  9,783

  East

  160,456

  400

  199,953

  10,400

  London

  140,034

  404

  173,370

  7,056

  North

  108,644

  191

  130,901

  5,238

  South

  204,766

  657

  252,733

  12,242

  West

  93,568

  51

  115,777

  5,252

  Total

  864,316

  2,010

  1,066,706

  49,971

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  Age of unresolved valid banding proposals as at 31 January 1996

  VOA region

  Under 3 months

  Between 3 and 6 months

  Between 6 and 12 months

  Between 12 and 18 months

  Between 18 and 24 months

  Over 24 months

  Total

  London

  2,285

  1,182

  2,415

  520

  219

  955

  8,576

  North

  1,751

  1,572

  1,823

  436

  215

  358

  6,155

  South

  3,815

  3,608

  5,123

  2,031

  956

  1,273

  16,806

  West

  1,742

  1,483

  1,835

  607

  166

  115

  5,948

  Total

  15,919

  14,613

  18,008

  5,504

  2,524

  4,065

  60,633

  Groundwater
  Mrs. Helen Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the current percentage level of maximum groundwater in each of the water company areas; and what it was(a) six months ago and (b) one year ago. [27099]

  Site

  Aquifer1

  Percentage of historic maximum level for month

  March 1996

  October 1995

  March 1995

  Anglian

  Washpit Farm (Norfolk)

  C

  86

  94

  98

  Redlands Hall (Hertfordshire)

  C

  78

  74

  100

  Keelby Grange (N. Lincolnshire)

  C

  34

  70

  95

  New Red Lion (S. Lincolnshire)

  LL

  63

  47

  88

  Northumbrian

  Rushyford (Durham)

  ML

  99

  99

  99

  Skirwith (Cumbria)

  S

  99

  100

  100

  Southern

  Westdean (E. Sussex)

  C

  35

  35

  88

  Compton House (W. Sussex)

  C

  60

  52

  90

  Little Bucket Farm (Kent)

  C

  72

  84

  100

  Chilgrove House (W. Sussex)

  C

  66

  46

  88

  Severn Trent

  Alstonfield (N. Derbyshire)

  CL

  86

  87

  93

  South West

  Lime Kiln Way (Dorset)

  C

  100

  101

  100

  Bussels (E. Devon)

  S

  96

  98

  98

  Thames

  The Holt (Hertfordshire)

  C

  95

  98

  86

  Therfield Rectory (Hertfordshire)

  C

  82

  83

  94

  Rockley (Wiltshire)

  C

  95

  95

  100

  Ampney Crucis (Gloucestershire)

  MJ

  99

  97

  99

  Wessex

  Ashton Farm (Dorset)

  C

  99

  93

  99

  West Woodyates Manor (Dorset)

  C

  85

  64

  89

  Welsh

  Llanfair D. C. (Clwyd)

  S

  99

  99

  100

  Yorkshire

  Dalton Holme (E. Riding)

  C

  59

  56

  87

  Wetwang (E. Riding)

  C

  65

  87

  73

  Peggy Ellerton (W. Riding)

  ML

  92

  93

  94

  1 Aquifer codes: C = Chalk and Upper Greensand; CL = Carboniferous Limestone; LL = Lincolnshire Limestone; MJ = Middle Jurassic limestones; ML = Magnesian Limestone; S = Permo-Triassic sandstones.

  Energy Efficiency
  Ms Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list central Government expenditure on energy efficiency by all Departments and programmes for 1995–96. [27237]

  Mr. Clappison
  The information of 1995–96 is not yet available, but will be requested from individual Departments later this year. I expect shortly to publish figures for 1994–95.
  340
  Mr. Clappison
  Groundwater levels as a percentage of the maximum historically recorded for the month in question at index sites on the major aquifers used for public water supply in England and Wales are given in the following table, grouped according to Environment Agency area and also showing the aquifer type:

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Jury Service
  Mr. David Nicholson
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many representations he received in each of the last four years complaining about the procedure for selecting for and excusing from jury service. [26451]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  The question concerns a specific
  341
  operational matter on which the chief executive of the Court Service is best placed to provide an answer and I have accordingly asked the chief executive to reply direct.

  Letter from M. D. Huebner to Mr. David Nicholson, dated 29 April 1996:
  The Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department has asked me to reply to your Question on the number of complaints that have been received about the procedure for jury selection and excusal.
  The Court Service does not collate information about this specific area of complaint centrally and to obtain a precise figure would incur a disproportionate cost.

  Magistrates (Doncaster)
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what is the approximate shortfall in magistrates available to the Doncaster Bench. [26309]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  The current strength of the Doncaster Bench is 185 and the most recent annual average number of sittings is 43. This is marginally over the Lord Chancellor's desired upper level of 40 sittings to achieve which it is estimated that a further 17 lay magistrates would be required.

  Legal Aid
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what legal aid is available to a British national who is appealing against a prison sentence imposed in an overseas country; and if he will make a statement. [26426]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  A British national appealing against a prison sentence imposed overseas would be doing so under the jurisdiction of the overseas country. Legal aid would be available to the appellant according to the rules of any scheme operated by that country. Under the legal aid scheme of England and Wales, legal aid is limited to matters of English law and to proceedings before the courts of England and Wales. Parallel provisions apply under the legal aid schemes of Scotland and Northern Ireland.

HEALTH

  Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee
  Mr. Heppell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his oral statement of 25 March,Official Report, columns 711-23, what are the risks referred to by SEAC associated with changing from eating beef to non-beef products. [26450]

  Mr. Horam
  As the Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee's advice stated,"no human activity is without some risk",
  and it is widely acknowledged that there is a variety of health risks associated with food.

  Private Finance Initiative
  Ms Janet Anderson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the revenue spending estimated by 342
  his Department in connection with the private finance initiative for (a) 1995–96, (b) 1996–97 and (c) 1997–98. [26624]

  Mr. Horam
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave the hon. Member for Sheffield, Attercliffe (Mr. Betts) on 6 December 1995,Official Report, column 224.

  Cancelled Operations (West Yorkshire)
  Mrs. Ann Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the number of cancelled operations in each of the hospitals in the area covered by the West Yorkshire district health authority in each quarter of 1994–95 and 1995–96. [26776]

  Mr. Horam
  The latest information available is shown in the table:

  West Yorkshire District Health Authority area

  1994–95

  Quarter 1: 0

  Quarter 2: 6

  Quarter 3: 34

  Quarter 4: 226.

  1995–96

  Quarter 1: 222

  Quarter 2: 63

  Quarter 3: 122.

  Note Figures represent the number of operations cancelled for non-medical reasons on the day the patient is due to arrive or after they have arrived in hospital in the West Yorkshire district health authority area.

  Childhood Leukaemia
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the study taking place in the Sellafield area in respect of cases of childhood leukaemia, sewage outlets and a virus. [26697]

  Mr. Horam
  No study is being carried out nor is one planned. At present, there are no data to link childhood leukaemia with viral infection or still less with any virus that would normally be present in sewage.

  In its recent report, published on 27 March 1996, the Committee on Medical Aspects of Radiation in the Environment recommended that the United Kingdom childhood cancer study, which is a national study testing both radiation and non-radiation hypotheses regarding the aetiology of childhood cancer and leukaemia, should be supported to completion.

  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health in which locations childhood leukaemia has been linked to(a) sewage outlets and (b) viruses; and if he will make a statement. [26698]

  Mr. Horam
  There is no evidence to link childhood leukaemia with any virus that would normally be present in sewage, or with any other viral infection.

  General Practitioner Premises
  Mr. Timms
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 16 April,Official Report,

  343
  column 480, what proportion of general practitioners' premises were below minimum standards in each London health authority in each year since 1990. [26649]

  Mr. Malone
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave the hon. Member for Dulwich (Ms Jowell) on 30 January,Official Report, column 711.

  Steroids
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the value and risks of prescribing steroids to children. [26786]

  Mr. Malone
  Corticosteroids are effective in the treatment of many serious and life-threatening conditions and have been used for the treatment of children and adults for many years. All medicines have side effects, and those for corticosteroids are well documented in the product information, which is produced by the manufacturer and authorised by the Licensing Authority and in the British National Formulary, which the Department sends free of charge to all doctors. The product information contains special precautions regarding use in children. In addition, in 1994, the Committee on Safety of Medicines evaluated the association of corticosteroids and severe chickenpox, as a result of which the product information for corticosteroids was revised to further improve warnings and precautions of use. Doctors and pharmacists were informed of these changes through the CSM's regular bulletin "Current Problems in Pharmacovigilance".

  Paracetomol
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will restrict the sale of paracetamol and products which include paracetamol as a principal ingredient to outlets controlled by qualified pharmacists. [26796]

  Mr. Malone
  The sale of paracetamol in pack sizes over 25 tablets is already restricted to control by a pharmacist. There are currently no proposals further to restrict the sale of products containing paracetamol.

  Traumatic Brain Injury
  Mr. Alfred Morris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what evaluation he has made of the findings of the report commissioned for Headway on assessing residential care needs of people who have suffered traumatic brain injury; what action he is taking; and if he will make a statement. [26478]

  Mr. Bowis
  We shall study the report, which has just been received.

  Paediatric Intensive Care
  Mrs. Helen Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 30 January,Official Report, column 716, if he will now publish the results of the monitoring figures for the occupancy of intensive care paediatric beds for the months of February, March and April, and monthly thereafter. [27264]

  Mr. Horam
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has asked the chief executive of the national health service to report to him on paediatric intensive care by the end of April. Information for this report is still being collated.

  AIDS Conference
  Ms Harman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if representatives from his Department will be attending the 11th international conference on AIDS in Vancouver in July. [27268]

  Mr. Horam
  There will be two representatives from the Department of Health attending the 11th international conference on AIDS in Vancouver in July 1996—a principal scientific officer and a nursing officer.

  Health Authority Funding
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the per capita funding in each district health authority in(a) 1995–96 and (b) 1996–97. [25887]

  Mr. Horam
  [holding answer 19 April 1996]: The figures for district health authorities' funding per capita in 1995–96 will be placed in the Library. District health authorities were abolished on 31 March 1996 and replaced by health authorities combining the functions of district health authorities and family health services authorities, and often with different boundaries.

TREASURY

  Overseas Visits
  Mr. Gapes
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the countries he has visited and the dates of these visits in each year since 1992. [26299]

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  I refer to the reply I gave on 26 April 1996 to the hon. Member for Warrington, South (Mr. Hall),Official Report, columns 322-25.

  Mr. Gapes
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many times he has visited Switzerland and on what dates and for what purposes in each year since 1992. [26300]

  Mr. Clarke
  Since I became Chancellor in May 1993, I have made the following visits to Switzerland:

  27-30 January 1994: Davos, Switzerland (World Economic Forum)

  26-29 January 1995: Davos, Switzerland (World Economic Forum).

  Valuation Office
  Mr. David Nicholson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many representations he has had since 1 January 1995 about(a) delays in hearing appeals against valuation of business premises for rates and (b) reductions in manpower in the Valuation Office; and if he will make a statement. [26338]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  Ministers within the Treasury have received around 10 inquiries relating to alleged delays in the hearing of business rate appeals and a further five inquiries in connection with reductions in manpower within the Valuation Office agency.

  European Union
  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 22 April,Official Report, column 10, on net EU receipts, if he will set out

  345
  the formula and basis of calculation of (i) the gross contribution and (ii) the abatement in respect of 1995–96 and the previous year. [26788]

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  The basis of the Community's revenue system, which leads to the member states' gross contributions to the European Community budget, and a broad description of the basis used to determine the UK's abatement are contained in chapter 8 of the "Departmental Report of the Chancellor of the Exchequer's smaller Departments—The Government's Expenditure Plans 1996–97 to 1998–99", Cm 3217. This chapter also outlines the main differences between the UK's gross contributions in the financial years 1994–95 and 1995–96.

  Mr. Shaw
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Dover of 22 April,Official Report, column 10, relating to net EU receipts, in which documents produced by Her Majesty's Government the column "Public sector receipts" is analysed; and if he will set out the Departments which receive the funds and give details of their use. [26787]

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  Details of the amounts of the UK's receipts from the Community budget by Department and by main Community funds, for the period 1990–91 to 1998–99, are given in table 8D of the "Departmental Report of the Chancellor of the Exchequer's smaller Departments—The Government's Expenditure Plans 1996–97 to 1998–99", Cm 3217. Similar details of the amounts in earlier years are given in the earlier departmental reports. Details of the use to which these funds are put can be obtained from the relevant departmental Ministers.

  Serco Ltd.
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what contracts his Department and his agencies have with Serco Ltd.; what is the current cost; when each contract ends; what are the penalties involved should he seek early termination of the contract; and if he will make a statement. [26641]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  The Treasury, Royal Mint, Office of HM Paymaster General, Valuation Office and Office for National Statistics have no contracts with Serco Ltd.

  The Inland Revenue has a contract with Serco for administration services at the Inland Revenue offices, Castle Meadow road, Nottingham. This includes typing, secretarial, messenger, porter post room, switchboard, help desk, training/conference room booking services, etcetera. The current cost is £1,123,343.97—February 1995 to January 1996—and the contract ends on the 31 January 1998 with an option to extend to 31 January 2000.

  There are no penalties if the contract is terminated early, due to a default in the service, or for a breach of the contract.

  If Inland Revenue wishes not to continue with the contract for reasons other than the above, it needs to give six months' notice and would be liable to pay reasonable commitments, liabilities and expenditure which otherwise would be an unavoidable loss to Serco by reason of termination of the contract.
  346
  HM Customs and Excise estates department has call-off contracts with Serco Ltd. to provide works managers services for their properties in the south-east of England. These contracts cover headquarters properties based in Southend, investigation division properties based in London, all properties covered by south-east England and Anglia collections and a number of, but not all, properties covered by South London and Thames collection.

  Due to the call-off nature of the contract and the delegation to regional managers, it is not possible to provide accurate figures as to the total value of supplies made under this contract, but a broad estimate would be a value of £500,000.

  The contract for HQ Southend expires on the 31 May 1997; all other contracts listed above expire on 2 April 1998.

  There are no penalty clauses for termination of the contract. In addition to usual causes for termination, the client is entitled to terminate the contract by giving not less than 30 days' notice.

  VAT (Energy-saving Materials)
  Mr. Khabra
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will undertake a cost-benefit analysis of the effects of reducing value added tax on energy-saving materials from 17.5 per cent. to 8 per cent; and if he will make a statement. [26831]

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  I have no plans to reduce the rate of value added tax on energy-saving materials.

  Departmental Payments
  Ms Armstrong
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps Her Majesty's Government are taking to monitor the performance of Government Departments in the timely payment of creditors. [26835]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  [holding answer 25 April 1996]: Departments are currently required to publish details of their payment performance in their departmental reports. Following the Prime Minister's statement at the Your Business Matters national conference, a league table of all Departments' payment performance will be published every year, and the Treasury is currently considering a new, rigorous and consistent method to collect this data.

  Income Tax
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the income tax yield from the self-employed in the latest year for which figures are available. [27034]

  Mr. Jack
  [holding answer 26 April 1996]: In 1995–96, it is estimated that £8.6 billion income tax was received in respect of income from trades, professions and vocations, net of repayments made. No estimate is available of tax paid by self-employed people on their other income.

OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION

  EU PHARE Programme
  Ms Quin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the policy of his
  347
  Department in pressing for changes to the administrative procedures of the EU Poland and Hungary Assistance for Economic Restructuring programme. [25903]

  Mr. Hanley
  The improvements we have been seeking PHARE's procedures include greater decentralisation of programme management from Brussels to recipient countries, effective monitoring and evaluation of programmes and a larger role for EU delegations in co-ordination and information.

  China
  Mrs. Ann Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will place in the Library copies of the material which he has received from the International Planned Parenthood Federation and the United Nations Fund for Population Activity concerning their budgets and programmes in China. [26546]

  Mr. Hanley
  The China country programme of the United Nations Population Fund—UNFPA—has a current allocation of $500,000 which will be spent on women's development and mother and child health care projects, and for contraceptive quality assurance work. The International Planned Parenthood Federation has an allocation for the China Family Planning Association in 1996 of $1 million which is for audio-visual equipment and vehicles. Copies of relevant documents will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Mrs. Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the work of the United Nations Fund for Population Activity in China with particular reference to encouraging population control policies which do not involve coercion. [27132]

  Mr. Hanley
  Our judgment is that the United Nations Population Fund performs an essential role in promoting adherence to voluntary and non-coercive approaches to family planning in all countries of the world, including in China. UNFPA is currently engaged in an intensive dialogue with the Government of China about the nature of any future assistance to that country. UNFPA has made it clear that it is prepared to support activities only in countries where birth planning restrictions have been lifted.

  $ million

  Country and project title

  Total international commitment

  GEF commitment

  Biodiversity action plan

  Bhutan; Trust fund for Environmental Conservation, World Bank

  13.6

  10.0

  No

  Bolivia; Biodiversity Conservation

  8.40

  4.5

  1No

  Brazil; Biodiversity Fund

  30.0

  25.0

  Yes

  Brazil; National Biodiversity Project

  10.0

  10.0

  Yes

  Cameroon; Biodiversity Conservation and Management

  11.40

  6.0

  1No

  Central African Republic; Decentralised Approach to Biodiversity Protection and Use; Bangassou Dense Forest

  3.40

  2.5

  No

  China; Nature Reserves Management

  17.90

  17.9

  Yes

  Columbia; Biodiversity Conservation in the Choco Region

  9.0

  9.0

  No

  Congo; Wildlife protection and Management

  16.0

  10.0

  1No

  Costa Rica; Conservation and Development of La Amistad and La Osa Conservation Areas

  8.0

  8.0

  Yes

  East Africa region; Institutional Support to Protect Biodiversity

  10.0

  10.0

  No

  Ecuador; Biodiversity Protection

  7.3

  7.2

  1No

  348
  Mrs. Ann Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list those occasions during the last year when Ministers from his Department have made representations in respect of Chinese population control programmes and policies; what was the outcome on each of those occasions; and if he will make a statement. [26547]

  Mr. Hanley
  Ministers raised human rights issues, which include allegations of coercion in family planning programmes, with a vice-minister of the state family planning commission in September 1995; during meetings with Chinese leaders in October 1995 and January 1996; and with the Chinese Foreign Minister in April 1996. These meetings have had the common objective of persuading the Chinese Government to adhere to international human rights standards. All meetings have served to underline to the Chinese Government the seriousness with which human rights issues in China are viewed in the United Kingdom, and have supported the current intensive efforts of the United Nations Population Fund to encourage the Chinese Government to implement family planning programmes which are responsive to freely-expressed demand for services, rather than seek to meet particular birth quotas or targets.

  Rain Forests
  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list those projects concerned with the conversation of tropical rainforests, or species within them, funded through the global environment facility, together with sums of money which have been committed internationally to each project; and if he will indicate if each project forms part of biodiversity action plans published by the Governments of the countries in which the projects are located. [25925]

  Mr. Hanley
  Further to the holding reply of 23 April, the table lists relevant projects and is based on information supplied by the secretariat of the global environment facility. Under the biodiversity convention, each party is obliged to develop or adapt national plans, strategies or programmes for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity in accordance with its particular conditions and capabilities. Many countries have yet to complete or adapt these plans. Some of the projects listed will assist in the formulation of these plans. However, all GEF projects relate to the recipient Governments' existing relevant environmental plans. These are listed in the table.
  349

  $ million

  Country and project title

  Total international commitment

  GEF commitment

  Biodiversity action plan

  Gabon; Conservation of Biodiversity through Effective Management of Wildlife Trade

  1.0

  1.0

  No

  Ghana; Coastal Wetlands Management

  7.2

  7.2

  1No

  Guatemala; Integrated Biodiversity Protection in the Sarstun Montagua Region

  7.7

  4.0

  Yes

  Guyana; Programme for Sustainable Forestry (Iwokrama Rain Forest)

  3.4

  3.0

  Yes

  India; Ecodevelopment

  56.0

  20.0

  1No

  Indonesia; Biodiversity Collections

  7.2

  7.2

  Yes

  Indonesia; Kerinci Seblat Integrated Conservation and Development

  34.2

  15.0

  Yes

  Lao PDR; Wildlife and Protected Areas Conservation

  19.3

  5.0

  1No

  Latin America region; Regional Strategies for Sustainable Conservation of Natural Resources in the Amazon

  4.5

  4.5

  Yes

  Latin America region; Biodiversity Enterprise Fund for Latin America

  5.0

  5.0

  2No

  Mauritius, Biodiversity Restoration

  1.2

  1.2

  1No

  Mauritius; Restoration of Highly Degraded and Threatened Native Forests

  0.2

  0.2

  No

  Mexico; Protected Areas Programme

  25.0

  25.0

  No

  South Pacific region; Biodiversity Conservation Programme

  12.0

  8.2

  3No

  Panama; Biodiversity Conservation in the Darien

  9.0

  9.0

  No

  Papua New Guinea; Biodiversity Conservation and Resource Management

  5.0

  5.0

  1No

  Peru; National Trust Fund for Protected Areas

  6.5

  5.0

  4No

  Philippines; Conservation of Priority Protected Areas

  20.0

  20.0

  5No

  Sri Lanka; Wildlife Conservation and Protected Areas Management

  4.1

  4.1

  6No

  Uganda; Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahingi Gorilla National Park Conservation

  4.9

  4.0

  1No

  Vietnam; Creating Protected Areas for Resources Conservation

  5.69

  3.0

  Yes

  Totals

  384.09

  276.7

  1 Supports National Environmental Action Plan and/or Tropical Forest Action Plan.

  2 Supports private sector initiatives that promote biodiversity conservation throughout Latin America.

  3 Supports South Pacific Regional Environmental Programme and the Action Strategy for Nature Conservation in the South Pacific Region.

  4 Funds the drafting of a master plan for the management of Peru's national parks.

  5 Forms part of "Philippines Strategy for Sustainable Development".

  6 Supports "National Policy for Wildlife Conservation".

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Serco Ltd.
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Educationa and Employment what contracts her Department and her agencies have with Serco Ltd.; what is the current cost; when each contract ends; what are the penalties involved should she seek early termination of the contract; and if she will make a statement. [26678]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  DFEE and its agencies have two facilities management contracts with Serco, for head office buildings in London and Runcorn, respectively, for which the Department pays annual management fees. The contracts expire on 31 March 1997 and can be terminated by giving 90 days' notice with no specified penalties.

  Financial details of the contracts are in confidence for commercial reasons.

  Nursery Voucher Scheme
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how much has been spent on publicity in each of the four pilot authorities in phase 1 of the voucher scheme; and in each case what was the estimated publicity budget. [26783]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  To date, some £1.1 million has been spent on providing information to parents and providers nationwide. The budget, of £750,000, was exceeded in order to meet the unexpectedly high demand 350
  for information outside the phase 1 areas. It is not possible to break down expenditure between the phase 1 areas or between phase 1 areas and the rest of the country.

  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what funding has been made available to each of the four pilot authorities and in total to cover the cost of administration in phase 1 of the voucher scheme. [26814]

  Mr. Squire
  Grant aid has been made available to the four local education authorities taking part in the first phase of the voucher scheme to recognise the additional costs incurred in participating in phase 1 compared with joining in phase 2.

  The maximum level of grant up to which each local education authority may claim is as follows:

  £

  Kensington and Chelsea

  37,220

  Norfolk

  92,107

  Wandsworth

  48,980

  Westminster

  38,585

  Total

  216,892

  Equal Value Claims
  Ms Jowell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many equal value
  351
  claims have been brought by women for each year since 1990; and how many of those claims were successful in the same period. [26764]

  Mrs. Gillan
  The precise information requested is not available.

  Statistics showing the number of equal pay cases disposed of each year since 1990, and the number of successful cases in each of those years, are shown in the following table.

  Year

  Equal pay cases disposed of1

  Number successful 2

  1990

  508

  10

  1991

  227

  5

  1992

  240

  21

  1993

  780

  19

  1994

  418

  8

  Total

  2,173

  63

  1 Many equal pay cases typically consist of a single complaint to which is linked a number of identical claims made by colleagues of the complainant who are employed by the same employer. When a tribunal disposes of a complainant's case, all other cases linked to it are disposed of in the same way and are recorded as such in tribunal statistics.

  2 This column records the actual number of successful complaints decided by tribunals. The figures do not include linked complaints which were not actually heard by tribunals.

  EU Directives
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if she will list the directives which have affected her Department in each of the past three years and(a) the United Kingdom legislation introduced as a result of the directives, (b) the United Kingdom legislation which goes beyond the minimum standards set out in the directives and (c) the clauses within each piece of United Kingdom legislation which amplify the minimum standards set out in the directives. [27078]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  The Department for Education and Employment is responsible for two related directives which require implementation in the UK and have been adopted in the last three years:Directive 94/38/EC of 26 July 1994 amending annexes C and D to Council directive 92/51/EEC on a second general system for the recognition of professional education and training to supplement directive 89/48/EEC;
  Directive 95/43/EC of 20 July 1995 amending annexes C and D to Council directive 92/51/EEC on a second general system for the recognition of professional education and training to supplement directive 89/48/EEC.

  To date, no UK legislation has been introduced as a result of the directives, although legislation in the form of regulations under section 2(2) of the European Communities Act 1972 is being prepared for introduction later in the year.

  Solotec
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment on what date Solotec inherited responsibility for courses organised by Sight and Sound which had originally been entered into by South Thames training and enterprise council. [27273]
  352
  Mr. Paice
  A contract was signed between Solotec and Sight and Sound on 24 April 1995.

  Training and Enterprise Councils
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, pursuant to her answer of 23 April,Official Report, column 102, if the letters to the regional offices in relation to the training and enterprise councils dated 22 March named particular training provider companies. [27315]

  Mr. Paice
  Yes.

  Jobseeker's Allowance
  Mr. Rooney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if Employment Service staff based in jobcentres will take adjudication decisions on benefit sanctions for claimants of jobseeker's allowance. [27101]

  Mr. Forth
  All adjudication decisions on jobseeker's allowance will be made by independent adjudication officers. Decisions on the refusal of a jobseeker on principle to enter into a jobseeker's agreement, decisions connected with training schemes or employment programmes under section 19(5)(b) of the Jobseekers Act 1995 and decisions on the failure of a jobseeker to attend an Employment Service interview as required will normally be made by those independent officers located in jobcentres. All other labour market adjudication decisions will be made in centralised locations. We will in due course consider whether more independent adjudication will take place in jobcentres.

  EU Nationals
  Mr. Rooney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if EU nationals can count periods of unemployment and receipt of benefit in another EU country towards the eligibility qualifying period for(a) training for work and (b) other Employment Service programmes. [27102]

  Mr. Forth
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my colleague, the then Minister of State for Employment, to the hon. Member for Birmingham, Ladywood, (Ms Short) on 22 March 1995,Official Report, column 245.

  Project Work
  Mr. Rooney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what action will be taken against claimants who decline to participate in the job search element of project work. [27103]

  Mr. Forth
  The first 13 weeks of job search activity on the project work pilots is voluntary. Unemployed people will be offered extra help to find work through a range of opportunities including: 1-2-1 interviews, jobclub, jobfinder's grant, work trials, training for work and some specialist opportunities for people with disabilities. No action will be taken against clients who decline places on programmes.

  Those who are then referred to project work experience will be required to attend three hours' supervised job search a week. Those who fail to do this without good cause may be subject to benefit sanctions.
  353
  All people participating in the pilots are expected to meet benefit conditions and show that they are actively seeking and available for work; normal adjudication action will be taken for people who do not meet these conditions or refuse employment.

  National Vocational Qualifications
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment for which training providers the London chamber of commerce and industry verify and award NVQ certificates. [27119]

  Mr. Paice
  The Department does not hold this information. The National Council for Vocational Qualifications, as accrediting body for NVQs, is provided with details of approved NVQ centres by the London chamber of commerce and industry examinations board under the status of commercial in confidence.

  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if she will investigate the circumstances surrounding the award of business administration and information technology NVQ qualifications by the London chamber of commerce and industry for courses provided by Sight and Sound and funded by Solotec. [27120]

  Mr. Paice
  I understand that the National Council for Vocational Qualifications is undertaking an investigation into this matter. The Department is being kept fully informed and will received a copy of the report when it is finalised.

  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if she will carry out a comprehensive review of the way in which NVQs are awarded. [27121]

  Mr. Paice
  NVQs were the subject of a comprehensive review by Gordon Beaumont who reported on the 100 most used NVQs and Scottish vocational qualifications in January. I have agreed an action plan, published on 27 March, in response to his recommendations, which includes actions relating to assessment, verification and certification of awards. These are being taken forward by NCVQ under a major programme of work which is sponsored by this Department.

  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) what steps she has taken to ensure that the London chamber of commerce and industry is a suitable body to issue NVQ certificates; [27130]

  (2) if she will investigate the suitability of the London chamber of commerce and industry verifiers to assess NVQ portfolios. [27131]

  Mr. Paice
  The National Council for Vocational Qualifications is responsible for regulating the NVQ system and its quality. The council regularly reviews the performance of awarding bodies to ensure that they have adequate arrangements and resources for quality assurance and that systems approved at the time of NVQ accreditation continue to operate effectively. The council has recently agreed a plan with the London chamber of commerce and industry examinations board requiring 354
  strengthening of arrangements for centre approval, external verification and internal verification.

  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when the Government office for London was first informed about concerns surrounding the award of NVQs by the London chamber of commerce and industry for students attending courses organised by Sight and Sound. [27129]

  Mr. Paice
  The Government office for London first became aware about concerns surrounding the award of NVQs following information from Solotec on 16 April 1996.

TRANSPORT

  Lorry Drivers (Eyesight Requirements)
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to receive the information from the relevant national authorities on eyesight requirements for lorry drivers required by the second European directive on driving licences, 91/439/EEC. [27072]

  Mr. Norris
  We have received replies from some, and are awaiting replies from other EU member states. We hope to receive outstanding replies shortly.

  EU Directives
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the directives which have affected his Department in each of the past three years and(a) the legislation introduced as a result of the directives, (b) the legislation which goes beyond the minimum standards set out in the directives and (c) the clauses within each piece of legislation which amplify the minimum standards set out in the directives. [27080]

  Mr. Norris
  The relevant directives are listed in the following table, along with the United kingdom legislation introduced as a result. In our view, in no case does the legislation go beyond the minimum standards required by the directive in question. It is intended that this should also be the case for legislation still in preparation.

  Number

  Title and description of Community Instrument

  United Kingdom legislation

  93/103/EEC

  Minimum safety and health requirements for work on board fishing vessels

  Implementation in progress.

  93/116/EEC

  Council Directive relating to interior fittings of motor vehicles

  Motor Vehicles (EC Type Approval) (Amendment) Regulations 1994

  93/12/EEC

  Council Directive relating to sulphur content of certain liquid fuels

  Motor Fuels (Composition and Content) Regulations 1994

  93/14/EEC

  Council Directive on the braking of two- or three-wheel motor vehicles

  Currently consulting on changes to Construction and Use regulations.

  93/29/EEC

  Council Directive on the identification of controls, tell-tales and indicators for two- or three-wheel motor vehicles

  Not yet implemented.

  93/30/EEC

  Council Directive on audible warning devices for two- or three- wheel motor vehicles

  Not yet implemented.

  355

  Number

  Title and description of Community Instrument

  United Kingdom Legislation

  93/31/EEC

  Council Directive on stands for two-wheel motor vehicles

  Not yet implemented.

  93/32/EEC

  Council Directive on passenger hand-holds on two-wheel motor vehicles

  Not yet implemented.

  93/33/EEC

  Council Directive on protective device as intended to prevent the unauthorized use of two or three-wheel motor vehicles

  Not yet implemented.

  93/34/EEC

  Council Directive on Statutory markings for two-or three-wheel motor vehicles

  Not yet implemented.

  93/59/EEC

  Commission Directive relating to measure to be taken against air pollution by emissions from motor vehicles

  Motor Vehicles (EC Type Approval) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 1993 and and The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) (Amendment) (No.2) Regulations 1993

  93/75/EEC

  Reporting requirements for ships carrying dangerous or polluting goods

  Merchant Shipping (Reporting Requirements for Ships Carrying Dangerous or Pulluting Goods) Regulations 1995

  93/81/EEC

  Commission Directive relating to type approval of motor vehicles and trailers

  Motor Vehicles (EC Type Approval) (Amendment) Regulations 1994

  93/89/EEC

  Council Directive on the application of taxes on certain vehicles used for the carriage of dangerous goods by road and tolls and charges for the use of certain infrastructure

  No legislation required.

  93/89/EEC

  Council Directive on the application by Member States of taxes on certain vehicles used for the carriage of goods by road and tolls and charges for the use of certain infrastructure

  No legislation required.

  93/91/EEC

  Commission Directive adapting to technical progress Council Directive 78/316/EEC (Controls and Tell-tales)

  Motor Vehicles (EC Type Approval) (Amendment) Regulations 1994

  93/92EEC

  Council Directive on the installation of lighting and light signaling devices on two- or three-wheel motor vehicles

  Not yet implemented.

  94/12/EC

  European Parliament and council Directive relating to measures to be taken against air pollution by emissions from motor vehicles.

  Road Vehicles (Construction and Use)(Amendment) (No. 5) Regulations 1995

  94/20/EC

  Council Directive relating to the mechanical coupling devices of motor vehicles and their trailers and their attachements to those vehicles

  Motor Vehicles (EC Type Approval)(Amendment) Regulations 1995

  94/53/EEC

  Commission Directive relating to interior fittings (e.g. identification of controls) of motor vehicles

  Motor Vehicles (EC Type Approval) (Amendment) Regulations 1995

  94/55/EC

  Council Directive on the approximation of the laws of the Member States with regard to the transport of dangerous goods by road

  UK implementing legislation in preparation.

  94/56/EC

  Council Directive establishing the fundamental principles governing the investigation of civil aviation accidents and incidents

  UK legislation (Civil Aviation (Investigation of Air Accidents) Regulations 1989) currently being amended. Minimum implementation planned.

  356

  Number

  Title and description of Community Instrument

  United Kingdom legislation

  94/57/EC

  Council Directive on common rules and standards for ship inspection and survey organisations and for the relevant activities of maritime administrations

  94/58/EC

  Council Directive on the minimum level of training for seafarers

  Implementation in progress

  94/68/EC

  Commission Directive adapting to technical progress Council Directive 78/318/EEC (wash wipe)

  Motor Vehicles (EC Type Approval) (Amendment) Regulations 1995

  94/78/EC

  Commission Directive adapting to technical progress Council Directive 78/549/EEC (wheel guards)

  Motor Vehicles (EC Type Approval) (Amendment) Regulations 1995

  95/EEC

  Council Directive on statistical returns in respect of goods and passengers carried by sea

  UK implementing legislation under consideration

  95/01/EC

  European Parliament and Council Directive on the maximum design speed, maximum torque and maximum net engine power of two-and thre-heel motor vehicles

  Not yet implementated

  95/18/EEC

  Council Directive on the licensing of railway undertakings

  95/19/EEC

  Council Directive on the allocation of railway infrastructure capacity and the charging of infrastructure fees

  95/21/EC

  Council Directive concerning the enforcement, in respect of shipping using Community ports and sailing in the waters under the jurisdiction of the Member States of international standards for ship safety, pollution prevention and shipboard living and working conditions (port state control)

  Merchant Shipping (Port State Control) Regulations 1995

  95/28/EC

  Council Directive on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the burning behaviour of materials used in interior construction of certain categories of motor vehicle

  Not yet implementated Minimum implementation planned

  95/28/EC

  European Parliament and Council Directive on the flammability of materials used in interiors of certain types of vehicles

  Not yet implementated Minimum implementation planned

  95/48/EC

  Commission Directive relating to masses and dimensions of category M1 motor vehicles

  Not yet implementated

  95/50/EEC

  Council Directive on uniform procedures for checks on the transport of dangerous goods by road

  No legislation required

  95/54/EC

  Commission Directive relating to suppression of radio interference and to type approval of motor vehicle and their trailers

  Not yet implementated

  95/56/EC

  Commission Directive relating to devices to prevent the unauthorised use of motor vehicles

  Not yet implementated

  East London River Crossing
  Mr. Dunn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he will lift the line orders for the east London river crossing. [27501]

  Mr. Norris
  The Government have decided that the east London river crossing line order should be revoked. Statutory procedures leading to revocation will be initiated as soon as practicable.

  Bus Companies (Fuel Duty Rebate)
  Mr. Foulkes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what sums were paid by his Department in fuel duty rebate in 1993–94, 1994–95 and 1995–96 to(a) British Bus plc, (b) First Bus plc and (c) Stagecoach Holdings plc and their subsidiaries. [27231]

  Mr. Norris
  It would not be appropriate for the Government to disclose this information, which is regarded as commercially confidential, about private sector bus operators.

  Fishes Royal
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) if he will list for each of the last five years(a) the number of staff employed and (b) the total cost to his Department in respect of responsibilities for Fishes Royal; and if he will make a statement; [26700]

  (2) how much has been received in each of the last five years in respect of the disposal for Fishes Royal; and if he will make a statement. [26702]

  Mr. Norris
  I have asked the chief executive of the Coastguard agency to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from C. J. Harris to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 29 April 1996:
  The Secretary of State for Transport has asked me to reply to your recent Questions about Fishes Royal
  PQ 1843/95/96
  Fishes Royal are the responsibility of the Receiver of Wreck who spends approximately 7.5 per cent. of her time on this function with the occasional assistance of local Coastguard Officers. This figure has remained largely unchanged during the last five years. The total cost since 1993, including staff costs, is as follows:

  1993–94: £9, 150

  1994–95: £28, 250

  1995–96: £40, 600

  Figures prior to 1993–94 are not readily available.
  PQ 1856/95/96
  No money has been received in respect of the disposal of Fishes Royal in the last 5 years.

  Aircraft Leasing
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list, for each of the last five years, the number of occasions on which his Department has been asked to grant permission for(a) dry leasing of aircraft and (b) wet leasing of aircraft. [26821]

  Mr. Norris
  The following table shows the number of wet and dry lease applications which have been made to the Department of Transport over the last five years:358

  Wet

  Dry

  1991

  35

  6

  1992

  48

  14

  1993

  49

  36

  1994

  69

  14

  1995

  85

  31

  MV Derbyshire
  Mr. Dixon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his answer of 23 April,Official Report, columns 76-77, which months of the year it is possible to visit the wreck of the MV Derbyshire; and what assessment he has made of whether the recommendation of the assessors and advisers will be ready in time for a visit in the current year. [27236]

  Mr. Norris
  An assessment of the weather impact on operations in the area of Derbyshire site has been made in conjunction with the meteorological departments of the UK and USA and additional information from commercial organisations that have carried out underwater operations in this region. We expect to receive the recommendations of the assessors and advisors in time for a visit this year if that proves practicable.

  Rail Franchises
  Mr. Hawkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will publish the franchise agreements for those passenger rail franchises that have recently been awarded by the franchising director.[27134]

  Mr. Watts
  The Gatwick Express, InterCity East Coast and Midland Main Line franchises commenced operation yesterday, 28 April. Copies of the franchise agreements and ancillary documents have today been placed in the Library. Certain provision of these documents have been deleted in line with section 73 of the Railways Act 1993.

  The Network SouthCentral franchise will commence operation as soon as practicable and a copy of the franchise agreement will be placed in the Library thereafter.

  Serco Ltd.
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what contracts his Department and his agencies have with Serco Ltd., what is the current cost; when each contract ends; what are the penalties involved should be he seek early termination of the contracts; and if he will make a statement. [26688]

  Mr. Norris
  [pursuant to his answer, 25 April 1996, c. 246-47]: My Department also has the following contracts with Serco Ltd:

  Description

  Termination date

  Supply and Installation of MIDAS instation and outstation equipment

  Mid June 1996

  Supply, Installation and Commissioning of Back Projection Display

  31 July 1996

  NMCS1 Maintenance

  7 October 1996

  Supply and installation of MIDAS System Manchester Network M62

  7 October 1996

  NCD Stores Yate

  31 January 1997

  359

  Description

  Termination date

  Motorway Signals Mk2, Enhanced Message Signs, Cantilever Structures

  18 March 1997

  Supply of NMCS2 Core Systems

  Mid June 1997

  NMCS2 Software Upgrade and Supply of NMCS1

  Mid September 1997

  CCTV Maintenance Contract

  28 January 1998

  Refurbishment of Motorway Communication Equipment (call-off)

  1 October 1998

  Regional Maintenance contract

  19 November 2000

  The total cost of the contracts is £24,215,000. Individual contract costs are not provided as this information is commercially confidential.

  The cost to the Department of early termination of these contracts would be negotiable and depend on the individual circumstances and loss suffered by the contractor. In any case, this amount, when taken together with any payments already made, should not exceed the total contract price.

PRIME MINISTER

  Beef Exports (EU Ban)
  Mr. John Morris
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will take measures(a) at the Council of Ministers of the European Community and (b) the Court of Justice in Luxembourg to expedite the hearing of the British Government's proposed case against the European Commission's embargo on the export of British beef, particularly to third countries; and if he will instruct the Attorney-General to present the British case. [26372]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 23 April]: The European Union ban on the export of British beef is not justified on the basis of science as a measure necessary to protect public health, and it is totally disproportionate. We are pressing at every opportunity in the Council of Ministers for this ban on the export of British beef to be lifted. We are also challenging the legality of the ban before the European Court of Justice.

ATTORNEY-GENERAL

  Trials (Media Reporting)
  Mr. Soley
  To ask the Attorney-General if he will make a statement on the reporting of trials in the media. [25667]

  The Attorney-General
  The law provides a general right to make fair and accurate reports of legal proceedings held in public, published contemporaneously and in good faith, subject to limited statutory exceptions such as those to protect rape victims and children and certain powers to order postponement of reporting where necessary to avoid prejudice to the administration of justice.

  Financial Fraud
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Attorney-General if he will make a statement on his Department's role in respect of fraud in financial institutions. [25669]
  360
  The Solicitor-General
  The role of the Serious Fraud Office is to deter fraud through the investigation and prosecution of cases of serious and complex fraud which fall within the criteria set by the director following the recommendations of the Davie report.

  Crown Prosecution Service
  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Attorney-General what is the current annual cost of running the Crown Prosecution Service; what was the cost five years ago; and if he will make a statement. [26047]

  The Attorney-General
  The current running cost provision for the CPS in 1996–97 is £220 million. Running cost expenditure in 1992–93, five years ago, was £201 million in cash terms and £222 million in constant prices. After taking account of price changes, the CPS's running costs are lower in 1996–97 in real terms by approximately 1 per cent. than they were five years ago in 1992–93.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Attorney-General what new proposals he has to improve the effectiveness of prosecution procedures. [25660]

  The Attorney-General
  Current initiatives between the Crown Prosecution Service and the police include steps to improve the quality and timeliness of case preparation by reducing the volume of paperwork in police files and piloting the use of CPS lawyers giving on-the-spot advice in busy police stations.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Taiwan (British Citizens)
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many British citizens are currently resident in Taiwan; and if he will make a statement. [26991]

  Mr. Hanley
  There are estimated to be about 800 British citizens resident in Taiwan, mainly business men with families, English language teachers and missionaries.

  Iran
  Ms Quin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to raise the subject of human rights in Iran with his EU counterparts. [25904]

  Mr. Hanley
  We frequently raise and discuss the subject of human rights in Iran with our European Union partners. The EU co-sponsors resolutions critical of Iran at the United Nations Commission on Human Rights and the United Nations General Assembly. The most recent resolution was adopted by the UNCHR on 24 April 1996. The EU also raises specific cases of human rights abuses with the Iranian authorities. We will continue to work closely with our EU partners on this issue.

  BBC Worldwide Television (Arabic)
  Ms Quin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proposals he has to ensure the continuation and expansion of the BBC world television service in Arabic. [25905]
  361
  Mr. Hanley
  BBC Arabic TV, a commercial service of BBC Worldwide Television, ceased operation on 22 April. Decisions about any future developments are a matter for BBC Worldwide Television.

  Nuclear Material
  Mr. Fatchett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs to what purpose the nuclear material referred to in Cm 3195 and Cm 3196 is to be put; and if he will make a statement. [26766]

  Mr. David Davis
  The end-uses of the nuclear material and technology, referred to in Cms 3195 and 3196, are respectively:

  (a) the manufacture of nuclear fuel and/or associated research and development; and

  (b) the recovery of a small amount of highly enriched uranium from medical radio-isotope production wastes.

  Mr. Fatchett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proportion of the uranium oxide powder referred to in Cm 3195 is(a) 235 uranium oxide and (b) 238 uranium oxide. [26765]

  Mr. Davis
  The uranium oxide powder referred to in Cm 3195 will contain a maximum of 19.95 per cent. uranium 235, the remainder being uranium 238.

  Gibraltar to Spain Crossing
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what was the average time taken by a motor car and occupants to cross the border from Gibraltar to Spain in the period 1 to 14 April in the years(a) 1994, (b) 1995 and (c) 1996; what representations he has made to the Spanish authorities on delays in the crossing; and what response he has received. [27071]

  Mr. David Davis
  The relevant figures are:

  1 to 14 April 1994: frequent delays of 30 to 45 minutes, up to a maximum of 90 minutes.

  1 to 14 April 1995: frequent delays of between one and two hours, up to a maximum of four hours.

  1 to 14 April 1996: frequent delays of between one and one-and-a-half hours, up to a maximum of three hours.

  We have repeatedly made representations to the Spanish Government about the delays at the Gibraltar frontier which remain unacceptable. They are totally disproportionate to the need to make customs and immigration checks.

  Immigration
  Mr. Madden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) when the explanatory statement explaining the reasons for the refusal of a visa for Mrs. Shazia Shaukat, Ref. IMM/D2009, was(a) completed at the post in Islamabad and (b) dispatched to the immigration appellate authorities in London; and if he will make a statement; [27098]

  (2) when the application made to the post in Islamabad by Mr. Mohammed Wahid Sadiq, Ref. IMM/C7406, to join his wife in the United Kingdom will be decided; when Mr. Sadiq was
  362
  interviewed; when the letter dated 9 February from Bradford law centre concerning this case was answered; and if he will make a statement. [27100]

  Mr. Hanley
  I have asked the high commissioner at Islamabad for details and will arrange for the hon. Member to receive a substantive reply from the migration and visa correspondence unit as soon as possible.

  Lebanon
  Mr. David Young
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to Israel to cease its attacks on non-combatants in Lebanon and its violation of Lebanese territory. [27263]

  Mr. Hanley
  We have made our concerns about the situation in Lebanon clear to the Israelis on a number of occasions. We have called for an immediate ceasefire, including in UN Security Council resolution 1052, which was co-sponsored by the UK.

  Organic Fertilisers (BSE Risk)
  Mr. Gapes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what are the risks from bovine spongiform encephalopathy-related diseases to users of organic fertilisers with special reference to(a) blood, fish and bone, (b) bonemeal and (c) dried blood. [23844]

  Mrs. Browning
  I have been asked to reply.

  There is no scientific evidence available to suggest that the use of organic fertilisers containing blood, fish, bone, bonemeal and dried blood pose a human health risk.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Private Fiance Initiative
  Ms Janet Anderson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list the revenue spending estimated by his Department in connection with the private finance initiative for(a) 1995–96, (b) 1996–97 and (c) 1997–98. [26631]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The revenue spending estimated by my Department in connection with the private finance initiative is as follows:

  1995–96: £0 million

  1996–97: £0.2 million

  1997–98: £3.6 million.

  Power Stations
  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will detail the provisions for ensuring proper maintenance of(a) coal-fired, (b) oil-fired and (c) gas-fired power stations established under the Electricity Act 1989; and if he will make a statement. [26798]

  Mr. Page
  Power stations must comply with emission standards laid down by Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution and also with the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974 enforced by the Health and Safety Executive. Provided these requirements are met,
  363
  maintenance standards are a commercial matter for the operators. However, the pricing mechanism by which generators receive payment from the electricity pool includes an element related to the availability of generating capacity, and this gives generators a market incentive to ensure that their stations are sufficiently well maintained to be available.

  Winfrith Reactor
  Mr. Ingram
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what advice he has received from the nuclear installations inspectorate on the pre-commencement safety report for the divestment of the A59 active handling team; and if NII approval of the safety case for the divestment is required. [27003]

  Mr. Page
  Responsibility for safety of United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority operations is a matter for UKAEA. I would not normally expect to receive advice from the NII on day-to-day safety matters and it has not raised any concerns with me on this case. The safety implications of the arrangement are being considered by UKAEA, the licensed operator, and the NII in accordance with normal licensing procedures.

  Mr. Ingram
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list the recorded safety incidents and the related costs which occurred during the execution of the contract by Wastechem to decontaminate the pond furniture at the Winfrith steam-generating heavy water reactor. [27037]

  Mr. Page
  There were no ministerially reportable incidents during the conduct of this contract. Detailed questions about safety issues and costs are an operational matter for UKAEA. I have asked the chairman to write to the hon. Member.

  Mr. Ingram
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) which companies were shortlisted to bid for the work associated with the A59 active handling building at Winfrith; [27001]

  (2) what sums were paid to Wastechem to decontaminate the pond furniture at the Winfrith steam-generating heavy water reactor; [27041]

  (3) what was (a) the contracted time agreed with Wastechem and (b) the actual time taken to decontaminate the pond furniture at the Winfrith steam-generating heavy water reactor; [27036]

  (4) what percentage of the pond furniture at the Winfrith steam-generating heavy water reactor was decontaminated by Wastechem to the level specified in the contract; and what was the cost of the storage and disposal of the remainder; [27038]

  (5) for what reasons (a) AEA Technology was not permitted to bid and (b) the British Nuclear Fuels Ltd. bid was rejected for the work associated with the A59 active handling building at Winfrith; [27002]

  (6) what time scale was given in the bid by Wastechem for the work specified in the invitation to tender for the A59 active handling divestment at Winfrith; what representations he has received from United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority that the time scale be extended; and what estimate he has made of the cost of that extension; [27004]
  364
  (7) what estimate he has made of the savings from placing the contract for the A59 active handling divestment contract with Wastechem over undertaking the work on an in-house basis; [27005]

  (8) what were the contract prices submitted by (a) Wastechem and (b) AEA Technology to decontaminate the pond furniture at the Winfrith steam-generating heavy water reactor; [27040]

  (9) what savings were achieved by awarding the contract to decontaminate the pond furniture at the Winfrith steam-generating heavy water reactor to Wastechem; [27035]

  (10) if he will make a statement on the claim made by Wastechem against the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority in connection with the decontamination of the pond furniture at the Winfrith steam-generating heavy water reactor and the amount of the settlement reached. [27039]

  Mr. Page
  These are operational matters for UKAEA. I have asked the chairman to write to the hon. Member.

  Research Councils
  Mr. Ingram
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what research council category have been allocated to Scotland in each of the last three years; and what figures are projected for the next three years. [26331]

  Mr. Ian Taylor
  [holding answer 23 April 1996]: Research council expenditure in Scotland was as follows:

  £ million

  Research council

  1993–94

  1994–95

  BBSRC

  —

  21.1

  ESRC

  5.2

  4.8

  EPSRC

  —

  32.0

  MRC

  33.6

  32.7

  NERC

  14.3

  10.4

  PPARC

  —

  10.4

  CCLRC

  —

  —

  AFRC

  10.5

  —

  SERC

  45.8

  —

  Total

  109.4

  111.4

  Figures for 1995–96 are not yet available, and a meaningful projection of Scotland's allocation for the next three years cannot be made as a significant proportion of the funding, comprising grants to higher education institutions and postgraduate studentships, depends on the number of successful Scottish grant applications that are made in this period.

  The Agricultural and Food Research Council and the Science and Engineering Research Council ceased to exist in April 1994. The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and the Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council came into being on 1 April 1994. The Council for the Central Laboratory of the Research Councils came into being on 1 April 1995.

  Manufacturing Employment
  Mr. Ingram
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment he has made of future employment levels in the manufacturing sector; and if he will make a statement. [27000]

  Mr. Lang
  Manufacturing employment rose in February and more than 50,000 extra jobs have been created since the beginning of 1994. Both the British Chambers of Commerce and the Institute of Directors have reported that firms expect to increase employment over the next four months.

  Industrial Development Boards
  Mr. Jamieson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if(a) members of his Department's regional industrial development boards and (b) other advisers are required to register and record personal financial interests in companies (i) at the date of appointment to the board or to an advisory position and (ii) in circumstances where companies in which a financial interest is held apply for Department of Trade and Industry financial assistance. [25609]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  [holding answer 19 April 1996]: Yes.

  Financial Assistance
  Mr. Jamieson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what financial assistance, including loan guarantees, has been given by his Department since 1980 to South West Leisure Products Ltd. by(a) type of assistance and (b) date, including month. [24647]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  [holding answer 16 April 1996]: I refer the hon. Gentleman to my answer of 29 February 1996, Official Report, column 676, which was however confused by a typographical error in the Official Report.

  South West Leisure Products Ltd. received regional selective assistance totalling £23,068 in January and October 1985 and regional development grant totalling £66,900 between 1985 and February 1988.

  Two loans to the company were guaranteed under the loan guarantee scheme in August 1986.

  Mr. Jamieson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what role was played by (i) Mr. Kenneth Holmes and (ii) Mr. Michael Jordan in the granting of DTI financial assistance to(a) Pan Atlantia (UK) plc, (b) Van Pieters Ltd., (c) Portcurno Management Company Ltd.(d) South West Farm Processors Ltd., (e) ROM-Data Ltd., (f) Dellcourts Ltd. and (g) Character Ceramics Ltd. [22573]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  [holding answer 25 March 1996]: Kenneth Holmes, acting as an external accountancy adviser, advised the Department on regional selective assistance applications from Porthcurno Management Company Ltd. and ROM-Data Ltd. Although he did not advise the Department on the offers made to Character Ceramics Ltd. in 1992 and 1993, he did advise on an earlier application from the business when trading as Rodelco China.

  The regional selective assistance to South West Farm Processors Ltd. was considered by the South West industrial development board while Kenneth Holmes was
  366
  the chairman of SWIDB, but before he became an external adviser to the Department. Because of a conflict of interest, Mr. Holmes absented himself from the discussion in March 1990 at which the SWIDB decided to recommend the grant.

  Michael Jordan was a member of SWIDB when it considered the application by Porthcurno Management Company Ltd.—although an offer was subsequently made to the company, it went into liquidation without any grant payments being made.

  Neither Kenneth Holmes nor Michael Jordan advised the Department on the grants made to Pan Atlantia (UK) Ltd. or Van Pieters plc. No financial assistance was sought by Dellcourts Ltd. under any of the Department's principal regional, enterprise or technology schemes.

  Mr. Jamieson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list those employees or others giving advice in any capacity in his Department's south-west regional office who took part in the assessment of(a) the regional selective assistance grant in 1993 and (b) any other financial assistance made to Pendennis Shipyard Ltd. Falmouth since 1985. [21187]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  [holding answer 18 March 1996]: Departmental officials principally involved in the assessment of the regional selective assistance grant application in 1993 were John Bowder, then regional director; David Johnson, the deputy regional director; Mike Twomey and Kris Bale, also both of the regional office; and David Reams, economics and statistics division. Kenneth Holmes, an external accountancy adviser, was also involved in the assessment.

  The case was also considered by the South West industrial development board.

  No other assistance has been paid to Pendennis Shipyard Ltd. under the Department's principal regional, economic or technology schemes during the period mentioned.

  Mr. Jamieson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what role Mr. Michael Jordan performed in(a) the granting of the regional selective grants to Pendennis Shipyard Ltd., Falmouth in (i) 1993 and (ii) 1995 and (b) the loan in 1994 to Queensbury International Ltd., Plymouth. [22567]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  [holding answer 25 March 1996]In respect of the 1993 grant to Pendennis Shipyard Ltd., I refer the hon. Member to my answer of 22 March 1996,Official Report, column 373. The company received a second tranche of regional selective assistance in 1995, but this was made under the terms of the 1993 offer.

  Michael Jordan played no role in the Department's consideration of the 1994 guarantee under the loan guarantee scheme to Queensbury International Ltd.

  Mr. Jamieson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what financial assistance has been given by his Department since 1980 to(a) Marine Projects Ltd., (b) the Renwick Group of companies, (c) Brock's Fireplaces Ltd., (d) Vickring Ltd., (e) K. J. Ward Holdings Ltd., (f) Valetare Ltd. and (g) Devon Conversions Ltd. [22571]
  367
  Mr. Oppenheim
  [holding answer 25 March 1996]: Two of the companies have received assistance under the Department's principal regional, enterprise and technology schemes since 1980:

  Company

  Scheme

  Payment £

  Year

  Marine Projects (Plymouth) Ltd.

  Regional selective assistance (three projects)

  910,000

  1984–91

  Valetare Ltd.

  Consultancy Initiative

  2,379

  1993

  Under the loan guarantee scheme, a loan to Renwicks Garages 1982 Ltd.—later trading as Vickring Ltd.—was guaranteed in 1982, and a loan to Renwick Computer Services Ltd. was guaranteed in 1984.

  South West Industrial Development Board
  Mr. Jamieson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what has been the membership since 1980 of the South West industrial development board, giving full names and dates of birth. [24649]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  [holding answer 16 April 1996]: The board's membership is published annually in the reports on the Industrial Development Act 1982 which are deposited in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Jamieson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list the members of his Department's South West industrial development board for each year since 1987. [24207]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  [holding answer 2 April 1996]: This information is published annually in the reports on the Industrial Development Act, which are deposited in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Jamieson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will place in the Library a copy of the minutes of his Department's South West industrial development board meetings since 1 January 1990. [25607]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  [holding answer 19 April 1996]: No. Meetings of the regional industrial development boards record commercially confidential advice to Ministers. This has been the practice under all Governments.

  Serco Ltd.
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what contracts his Department and his agencies have with Serco Ltd; what is the current cost; when each contract ends; what are the penalties involved should he seek early termination of the contract; and if he will make a statement. [26687]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  Details of the two contracts that my Department currently has with Serco Ltd. are as follows.

  The DTI has a contract with NPL Management Ltd.—a wholly owned subsidiary of Serco Group plc—to operate the National Physical Laboratory on behalf of my Department. A programme of work broadly defined in the contract is commissioned from NPL by my Department on terms similar to those which apply to the procurement
  368
  of research and development from all third parties, and at a rate negotiated prior to award of the contract. Serco does not, however, receive any fee for operating NPL on behalf of the DTI. The contract is for a period of five years from 1 October 1995. Early termination is provided for in the contract, but this does not commit my Department to any penalty payments.

  The National Weights and Measures Laboratory—an executive agency within DTI—has a contract with Serco to maintain its building and plant. The cost of the contract is dependent on the extent of the work required in any year. The cost in 1995–96 was £91,378. The contract expires on 30 September 1996. Early termination is provided for in the contract subject to three months' notice, but this does not commit the agency to any penalty payments.

  Business Links
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what research his Department is carrying out into the relationship between business links and business incubators; and when he plans to publish the findings. [27006]

  Mr. Page
  Business incubators can be a valuable method of providing intensive support to small companies with growth potential, perhaps most obviously for high-technology companies working in related product areas. My Department is aware of a number of different business incubator projects and is also represented on the enterprise panel set up to determine whether practical steps can be taken to encourage further development of the incubator movement in the UK. We understand that the panel is due to launch its report in July.

  We would fully expect business incubator projects to have close relationships with their local business links. There is, however, no specific research being undertaken on the relationship between business links and business incubators.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Industrial Development Board
  Mr. Illsley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will provide a breakdown of expenditure on activities to promote Northern Ireland as an industrial development location, including overseas representation, public relations and advertising, promotional aids, visits, seminars, exhibitions, sponsorships of research in the Industrial Development Board for Northern Ireland for 1994–95 and 1995–96. [26229]

  Mr. Ancram
  [holding answer 22 April 1996]: In 1994–95 and 1995–96, the Industrial Development Board for Northern Ireland, to promote Northern Ireland as a industrial development location, spent as follows:

  1994–95: 5,781 (£000)

  1995–96: 6,222 (£000s).

  369
  These figures comprise:

  1994–95

  1995–96

  Representation outside Northern Ireland

  2,779

  2,724

  Public Relations

  1,434

  1,438

  Advertising

  119

  624

  Promotional Aids

  1,278

  1,295

  Visits

  61

  31

  Seminars/Exhibitions

  110

  110

  Sponsorship of Research

  Nil

  Nil

  Total

  5,781

  6,222

  The marked increase in advertising expenditure in 1995–96 over 1994–95 was to allow the Industrial Development Board to gain the maximum publicity from President Clinton's successful visit to Northern Ireland in December 1995. Representations outside Northern Ireland include Great Britain.

  Read Codes (NHS)
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what part-funding contribution his Department has made towards the cost of development of Read codes for computerising health and hospital record-keeping and information systems. [27066]

  Mr. Moss
  [holding answer 26 April 1996]: The Department of Health and Social Services has made no contribution towards the cost of development of Read codes.

NATIONAL HERITAGE

  Taylor Report
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if she will list by recommendation(a) those recommendations listed in the Taylor report which have been implemented and (b) the target date for implementation for those that have not. [26525]

  Mr. Sproat
  The Government have implemented 70 out of the 76 recommendations. Recommendations 1, 2, 3, 5, 6(a), 7 up to and including 23, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, in part, 30 up to and including 71, 74, 75 and 76 have been implemented. The Government have no plans at present to implement the remaining recommendations.

  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage how many football clubs have been prevented from promotion as a result of their grounds not meeting the requirements of the Taylor report. [26526]

  Mr. Sproat
  None.

  Battle of Trafalgar Bicentenary
  Mr. Spellar
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what preparations her Department is making for the commemoration of the bicentenary of the battle of Trafalgar and the death of Nelson. [25916]

  Mr. Sproat
  We shall consider this nearer the time.

  Football (Corruption)
  Miss Hoey
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what evidence she has presented to the premier league football inquiry into football corruption in English clubs. [25735]

  Mr. Sproat
  None.

  British Library
  Ms Rachel Squire
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage how much money has been spent by the British library in the development and operation of its automated information systems strategy to date. [25595]

  Mr. Sproat
  The British library's information systems strategy determines the overall framework within which the library incurs expenditure on the operation and development of its information technology systems. The strategy was published in November 1995. In the financial year 1995–96, the library spent some £6.5 million on operating its information technology systems, and £4.5 million on their further development. In 1996–97, the library has budgeted £7.3 million for operating information technology systems, and £6.1 million for their development.

  Television Licences
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what consultations took place concerning the decision to require owners of second homes to have a second television licence; and if she will make a statement. [25863]

  Mr. Sproat
  [holding answer 23 April 1996]: The BBC is responsible for interpreting the television licensing regulations. On the basis of independent legal advice, the corporation announced on 29 March that second home owners require a separate television licence if television is used in their second homes. The Department was kept informed of the BBC's deliberations.

  Media Violence
  Mr. Dais
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage (1) if it is an aim of Government policy to reduce the amount of violence depicted on television; [25208]

  (2) if she will monitor the average weekly number of murders by shooting depicted on each television channel and publish the results on a regular basis. [25348]

  Mr. Sproat
  [holding answer 23 April 1996]: Broadcasters in the UK are independent of Government, but have clear responsibilities with regard to programme content. The broadcasting and regulatory bodies—the governors of the BBC, the Independent Television Commission, the Radio Authority and the Welsh Authority—produce and regularly review codes and guidelines with which broadcasters are obliged to comply. These set out the standards to be maintained with regard to the depiction of violence and sexual conduct and issues of general taste and decency, as well as other issues affecting programme content. These are in addition to broadcasters' own guidelines. The Government firmly believe that broadcasters must exercise caution, and be

  371
  sensitive to public concerns about the depiction of violence, and have expressed this view to the chairmen of the broadcasting and regulatory bodies.

  It is the statutory duty of the Broadcasting Standards Council, under the Broadcasting Act 1990, to monitor the portrayal of violence, as well as sexual conduct and standards of taste and decency, in radio and television programmes. This research has been conducted and published annually since 1991.

  Sir Michael Neubert
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what recent representations she has received about the depiction of violence in the media, with particular reference to its effect on children. [22304]

  Mr. Sproat
  [holding answer 1 April 1996]: The Department receives a number of representations about the depiction of violence in the media generally, many of which express considerable concern about its possible effect on children. Issues of the depiction of violence in film and video releases are, of course, for my right hon. and learned Friend the Home Secretary. While issues of programme content in broadcasting are a matter for the independent broadcasting and regulatory bodies, the governors of the BBC, the Independent Television Commission, the Radio Authority and the Welsh Authority, the Government strongly believe that broadcasters should exercise caution in this area, which generates considerable public concern.

  Public Bodies
  Dr. Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage how many appointments to the public bodies listed in "Public Bodies" for her Department were made during 1994–95 from names supplied by the public appointments unit; and if she will list them. [25958]

  Mr. Sproat
  [holding answer 22 April 1996]: None.

  Archaeological Sites
  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage when she plans to introduce legislation to implement her proposals for new controls for archaeological sites. [25844]

  Mr. Sproat
  [holding answer 23 April 1996]: Proposals to update and improve the legislation governing the protection of archaeological sites will be included in the heritage Green Paper, to be published shortly. Subject to the outcome of the consultation exercise and given a suitable legislative opportunity, these proposals will then go forward for consideration by Parliament.

  Late Payments
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage how much was paid late to the private sector for goods and services by her Department in 1995–96. [26151]

  Mr. Sproat
  [holding answer 24 April 1996]: The information requested is not available, and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what percentage of bills were paid late by her Department in 1995–96. [26127]
  372
  Mr. Sproat
  [holding answer 24 April 1996]: My Department is committed to the payment of invoices within agreed contractual provisions or within 30 days of the presentation of a valid invoice or delivery, if later. Although the information requested is not available, and could be provided only at disproportionate cost, on the basis of a sample of invoices received by the Department of National Heritage during 1995–96, 91 per cent. were paid on time.

  Copyright
  Mr. Maclennan
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what progress her Department has made towards obtaining a photocopying licence from the Copyright Licensing Agency to ensure compliance with copyright law. [26719]

  Mr. Sproat
  [holding answer 25 April 1996]: The Department of National Heritage is currently discussing the terms of its photocopying licence with the Copyright Licensing Agency. We expect to sign the final licence shortly.

  Five Nations Championship
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what consultations she has had with the four home rugby unions concerning the equal partition principle of the receipts from the television contract for televising the Five Nations championship. [27313]

  Mr. Sproat
  None.

  Serco Ltd.
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what contracts her Department and her agencies have with Serco Ltd.; what is the current cost; when each contract ends; what are the penalties involved should she seek early termination of the contract; and if she will make a statement. [26683]

  Mr. Sproat
  My Department and the Historic Royal Palaces agency do not have any contracts with Serco Ltd. However, the Royal Parks agency has two contracts the details of which are set out in the list. In neither case would the Royal Parks agency be liable for any penalties in the event that the contract was terminated early.

  Contract

  Estimated annual cost (£)

  Duration

  Completion date

  Hyde Park

  Grounds maintenance

  868,784

  4 years

  3 March 2000

  Richmond Park

  Grounds maintenance

  533,061

  4 years

  3 March 2000

  Football Trust
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what was the budget of the Football Trust in each of the last five years; and what percentage of that budget was received from pools betting duty. [26528]

  Mr. Sproat
  The information is as follows:
  373

  Football Trust income 1992 to 1996

  Year ended 5 April

  Income £ million

  Percentage of budget received from pools betting duty concessions

  1992

  34.9

  58

  1993

  38.7

  55

  1994

  38.9

  58

  1995

  41.5

  55

  1996

  25.7

  62

  Source:

  The Football Trust

  Crown Immunity
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of state for National Heritage how many buildings in the Government's historic estate(a) are in disrepair and (b) have Crown immunity; how many of those in disrepair have Crown immunity; what prososals she has to (i) tackle this desrepair and (ii) end crown immunity for such buildings; and if she will make a statement. [25717]

  Mr. Sproat
  There are about 1,600 historic buildings in the Government estate, which are either statutorily listed or scheduled ancient monuments. All have Crown immunity. Thirty-one are known to be in disrepair and at risk. Departments have developed proposals to dispose of 17 of these, mostly through sale on the open market. The remainder are subject to regular comprehensive surveys, used to prioritise essential repairs. Many of the 31 buildings at risk are the responsibility of the Ministry of Defence, whose expert historic buildings advisory group considers ways in which the buildings might be disposed of or brought into use.

  The Government have already announced the intention to end Crown immunity from planning and conservation controls at a suitable legislative opportunity. The implications of this for certain aspects of conservation policy will be discussed in the forthcoming Green Paper.

  Dome Cinema, Worthing
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of state for National Heritage what action her Department is taking to save the Dome cinema at Worthing, West Sussex; and if she will make a statement. [26614]

  Mr. Sproat
  The future of this building, which is currently listed as grade 2, is a matter for its owners. and the local planning authority, which is responsible for the control of works to listed buildings. My right hon, Friend's responsibility is restricted to the listed status of the building. A request that it is upgraded to 2* is cureently being considered by English Heritage, my statutory adviser on listing matters.

  Private Finance Initiative
  Ms Janet Anderson
  To ask the Secretary of state for National Heritage what estimate she has made of funding to be made available to her Department through the private finance initiative in(a) 1995–96, (b) 1996–97 and (c) 1997–98. [26173]

  Mr. Sproat
  The estimated private finance component of projects completed, under way or in prospect in my 374
  Deparment, its agencies and non-departmental public bodies is as follows:

  (a) 1995–96: £6.01 million

  (b) 1996–97: £14.5 million

  (c) 1997–98: £26 million.

  Ms Anderson
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if she will list the revenue spending estimated by her Department in connection with the private finance initiative for(a) 1995–96, (b) 1996–97 and (c) 1997–98. [26627]

  Mr. Sproat
  The Department, including its agencies and sponsored bodies, have engaged in a number of PFI projects, which involve the following income generation or revenue spending:

  £

  Estimated income

  Estimated spending

  Surplus

  1995–96

  445,000

  418,000

  27,000

  1996–97

  445,000

  350,000

  95,000

  1997–98

  445,000

  150,000

  295,000

  Tourism
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what assessment has been made of the principal reasons indicated by research as to why foreign tourists visit Britain. [26791]

  Mr. Sproat
  From time to time, the British Tourist Authority produces information about features mentioned by holiday makers as being enjoyable parts of their visits. In the 1988 overseas visitors survey, the particular features of Britain which visitors enjoyed included: the people, mentioned by 30 per cent.; heritage and cultural attractions, 26 per cent.; countryside, scenery and villages, 21 per cent.; and specific towns, areas or attractions, 18 per cent. The 1995 overseas visitors to London survey indicated that visitors to London, which attracts 51 per cent. of all overseas visitors to Britain, including 84 per cent. of all first-time visitors, mentioned as enjoyable features of their visit: historic houses, sites and cathedrals, 38 per cent.; British way of life and people, 21 per cent.; museums and galleries, 18 per cent.; shopping, 15 per cent.; London architecture, 13 per cent.; parks and gardens, 12 per cent.; and pageantry, history and ceremonial, 11 per cent.

  National Heritage Memorial Fund
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if she will list the grants of over £3 million that have been made by the national heritage memorial fund; and if she will list each of the organisations that have received grants in excess of this amount. [26307]

  Mr. Sproat
  The information is as follows:

  Receiving Organisation

  Amount (£ million)

  Heritage Memorial Fund

  The National Trust—to acquire Kedleston Hall

  14.0

  The National Trust—to acquire Belton House

  9.0

  Weston Park Foundation—endowment payment

  7.8

  375

  Receiving Organisation

  Amount (£ million)

  The National Trust—to acquire Chippendale furniture in Nostell priory

  6.1

  Burton Constable Hall Foundation—endowment payment

  5.8

  The National Trust—to acquire Calke Abbey

  4.5

  The National Trust—to acquire Stowe Park

  4.5

  The National trust—to acquire Chastletion House

  4.1

  The National Trust for Scotland—Fyvie Castle contents endowment and restortation

  3.1

  English Heritage—to acquire the contents of Brodsworth Hall

  3.4

  Paxton trust—Paxton House contents, endowment and restoration

  3.02

  Heritage Lottery fund

  Sir Winston Churchill Archive Trust—acquisition and conservation of churchill papers

  13.2

  National Maritime Museum—new building and gallery development work

  11.8

  The National Trust for Scotland—acquisition of Mar Lodge Estate

  10.3

  376

  Receiving Organisation

  Amount (£ million)

  British Museum Collection Study Centre—new building

  8.1

  The National Gallery—acquisition of painting: Seurat "The Channel of Gravelines"

  8.0

  The Lowry Centre—new building

  7.6

  National Museums of Scotland—new buildings projects

  7.2

  Imperial war Museum—new building: Duxford American Air Museum

  6.5

  Natural History Museum—construction of new gallery

  6.1

  National Museum of Photography, Film and Television—construction of new gallery

  6.0

  Hampshire Museum of Transport and Technology—new building

  5.7

  The National Trust—acquisition of Croome Park

  4.9

  The Tate Gallery—gallery extension

  3.8

  The National Trust for Scotland—Charlotte Square Regenaration

  3.8

  Geffrye Museum—museum extension

  3.7

  Lace Market Heritage Trust—building restoration

  3.1

SCOTLAND

  Cairngorm Funicular Railway
  Mr. Galbraith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if the application from the Cairngorm chairlift company for financial assistance from Highlands and Islands Enterprise for an uplift facility at Cairngorm makes provision for any of the money or facilities established to be transferred, either wholly or in part, to the Cairngorm Mountain Railway Company Ltd.; and if, under the terms of the application, it would be possible to consider such a transfer in the future. [25914]

  Mr. Kynoch
  Ministers are currently considering an application by Highlands and Islands Enterprise for approval to incur expenditure related to the proposed Cairngorm funicular project. I am unaware of any provision in the application for the transfer of money or resources to the Cairngorm Mountain Railway Company.

  The precise terms of the application for assistance made by the Cairngorm Chairlift Company to Highlands and Islands Enterprise are a matter for the enterprise organisation. However, as I pointed out in my answer to the hon. Member on 2 April at column 344, in the case of assistance provided by Highlands and Islands Enterprise it is a standard condition that the onward transfer of assets in respect of which financial assistance has been provided may not take place without the consent of that organisation.

  Rural Home Ownership Grants
  Mrs. Ray Michie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list for each district and islands council area for 1995–96(a) the total number of rural home ownership grants awarded by Scottish Homes and (b) the expenditure on rural home ownership grants. [26552]

  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  The information requested is a matter for Scottish Homes. I have asked its chairman, Mr. John Ward, to write to the hon. Member.

  Crofter Building Grants and Loans Scheme
  Mrs. Ray Michie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many new houses were provided through the crofter building grants and loans scheme in 1995–96; and what has been the total number of improvements through the scheme. [26553]

  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  Data on the number of new house and house improvement projects completed during a given financial year are not collated for statistical purposes. However, in 1995–96, 94 new house and 113 house improvement projects were approved for grant and/or loan assistance under the scheme.

  Mrs. Michie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what has been for each year since 1989–90(a) the actual expenditure on grants provided through the crofter building grants and loan scheme and (b) the actual expenditure on loans provided through the scheme. [26554]

  Mr. Robertson
  Prior to 1990–91 expenditure records did not differentiate between grant and loan expenditure.
  378
  In 1989–90, the total expenditure under the scheme was £3.562 million. The information for the following years is set out in the table.

  £ million

  Financial year

  Grant

  Loan

  1990–91

  1.568

  2.557

  1991–92

  1.555

  2.592

  1992–93

  1.836

  2.959

  1993–94

  1.887

  2.901

  1994–95

  1.974

  2.886

  1995–96

  11.541

  12.168

  1 Provisional outturn

  Strathclyde Police (Corruption Investigation)
  Mr. McFall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what reports the Lord Advocate has received, and when, from Strathclyde police on their internal investigations into allegations of corrupt links between police officers and organised crime; what action he has taken in respect of these reports; and if he will make a statement. [26917]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  My noble and learned Friend the Lord Advocate informs me that this matter was first reported to the regional procurator fiscal at Glasgow on 2 June 1995. The regional procurator fiscal has been kept regularly informed of progress in the investigation by Strathclyde police into a number of allegations by a convicted criminal about the conduct of some of its officers and the activities of prominent criminals in the Glasgow area. The regional procurator fiscal has in turn kept the Crown Office fully informed and, where appropriate, Crown counsel's instructions have been obtained concerning relevant aspects of the investigation. The investigation is continuing under the independent guidance and direction of the regional procurator fiscal. It would be entirely inappropriate to disclose details of the allegations or of the investigation.

  EU Directives
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the directives which have affected his Department in each of the past three years and(a) the legislation introduced as a result of the directives, (b) the legislation which goes beyond the minimum standards set out in the directives and (c) the clauses within each piece of legislation which amplify the minimum standards set out in the directives. [27076]

  Mr. Kynoch
  Given the range of my Department's interests, it is affected by many directives. None of these applies only to Scotland and principal responsibility for the relevant UK legislation therefore lies in all cases elsewhere.

  Gaelic Education
  Sir Hector Monro
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has completed his consideration of the inspectors' report on provisions for Gaelic education in schools; and if he will make a statement. [27566]

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  I have now considered the inspectorate report on Gaelic education and have taken into account the views of the 123 organisations and individuals who submitted comments on it. I was pleased
  379
  to note that the report highlighted the impressive progress which has been made in developing Gaelic education since the mid-1980s.

  The report provides an invaluable picture of the strengths and the weaknesses of Gaelic education at this juncture and I am anxious to use it to determine the best way forward. With all resources for education coming under pressure from competing priorities, it is important that resources for Gaelic education are used in the way that best supports the future of the Gaelic language. The Government wish to build on the successes of the last 10 years and to this end I propose to increase funding for Gaelic education by 10 per cent.—by £200,000—from 1997–98. Our aim is to strengthen the existing provision and to enable it to grow steadily, assuming that the level of parental demand is maintained, while securing its quality.

  While the report was generally reassuring on the quality of the existing provision, that provision is the result of very rapid growth, and the Government have already acted on one of the report's recommendations by funding research into comparative attainment levels in Gaelic and English-medium schooling. Professor Richard Johnstone of Stirling university will work with Leirsinn—the research unit at Sabhal Mor Ostaig, the Gaelic college on Skye—and the Scottish Council for Research in Education on a project which will report in 1999.

  The inspectorate report pointed out that the development of good-quality Gaelic-medium education suffers from a number of constraints, some of which derive ultimately from the small number of Gaelic speakers—a total of 69,510 at the time of the last census, many of whom are elderly. The Government are determined to address these constraints in consultation with the Gaelic community and the local authorities and we believe that co-ordinated planning and careful targeting of resources will be crucial to long-term success.

  A key area needing to be tackled is the shortfall of teachers able to deliver Gaelic-medium education. To that end, we have already taken, and will continue to take, steps to encourage the teacher education institutions to increase the number of Gaelic speakers on pre-service training courses to meet the needs of the Gaelic-medium sector. We have decided to make exceptional postgraduate grants available, where necessary, to Gaelic-speaking graduates undertaking the one-year postgraduate primary teacher training course. Unfortunately, in the case of some courses, not enough Gaelic speakers apply for places and the Gaelic-speaking community itself can help by encouraging students to enter the teaching profession. We have funded publicity measures to assist with this and would be happy to do so again.

  The report highlighted the contribution which the development of pre-school education has played in both stimulating interest and providing a useful preparation for entry to Gaelic medium primary education. Gaelic pre-school education will continue to be the main feeder for Gaelic-medium primary units and its growth should take account of available Gaelic-medium primary provision. We will therefore be encouraging education authorities to be more proactive in providing advice on pre-school provision in their areas.
  380
  The inspectorate recommended that, in order to improve the range and quality of Gaelic teaching materials at all levels, a national resource centre should be established which would produce teaching materials and arrange for their dissemination. I endorse this recommendation and will make funds available for this purpose. I shall be consulting local authorities and relevant Gaelic organisations about the remit of and location for a centre.

  In the face of significant practical difficulties, the inspectorate recommended against the extension of Gaelic-medium education to secondary level, proposing instead additional provision for Gaelic medium tuition in the first four years of secondary education, including certificated courses on aspects of Gaelic culture in S3/S4. It has to be said that these recommendations met with widespread opposition from the Gaelic community, but after lengthy consideration the Government have decided to accept the inspectorate's advice on this matter as offering the best way forward. We shall issue an early invitation to the Scottish Consultative Council on the Curriculum and the Scottish Examination Board to set up a joint working party for the creation of the new courses. I appreciate that the additional provision envisaged falls short of the aspirations of the Gaelic community, but I am satisfied that the new courses will consolidate and extend the benefits gained by children attending Gaelic-medium primary units. In view of the teacher supply issues, it will be difficult to achieve the necessary consolidation at primary level and to devise and introduce the new secondary courses. I am confident that, by capitalising on the expertise of the available secondary teaching force the new courses will offer quality Gaelic-medium education at secondary level.

  The report recommended that the scheme of specific grants for Gaelic education, which has been instrumental in encouraging education authorities to develop Gaelic-medium education, should continue. We have carefully considered this and accept that the specific grants have a key role to play in supporting Gaelic education and should continue. From 1997–98 the element of specific grants devoted to production of teaching materials will be diverted to the proposed new resource centre and the element which is currently used by authorities to support Sabhal Mor Ostaig will be transferred to the Department and added to its grant to the college.

  Finally, the inspectorate found that voluntary organisations had played a major part in promoting the speaking of Gaelic and in raising its profile in education and in the wider community. It felt, however, that some duplication between the organisations had hindered the pace of development. It recommended a review of the Government's financial support for the language and culture with a view to securing improved co-ordination between local authorities and Gaelic organisations, thereby ensuring that available resources are used to best effect. I endorse this recommendation and such a review will be undertaken by the Scottish Office in consultation with the organisations and the education authorities during the next financial year.

  The measures I have announced today will consolidate the work which has already been done to support Gaelic by providing an improved base for the provision of quality Gaelic education into the next millennium and additional

  381
  resources will be committed to the area. Ultimately, the future of Gaelic lies in the hands of the Gaelic community themselves, but these measures demonstrate yet again the Government's commitment to assist them in their efforts to maintain their language and culture.

  Peat Extraction (Flanders Moss)
  Mr. Wilson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he will make a statement on the agreement between Scottish Natural Heritage and others to secure the non-extraction of peat from Flanders Moss, including the sums involved; [25561]

  (2) if he will make a statement on the factors which underlay the decision that no compensation was payable to the owner of part of Flanders Moss and adjacent farmland, following the decision to designate the area as a site of special scientific interest and prohibit the extraction of peat in 1989. [25562]

  £ million

  1990–91

  1991–92

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–95

  1. Capital

  Computer hardware and other capital

  118.0

  64.1

  120.8

  146.1

  75.6

  Land Buildings

  12.6

  12.5

  26.1

  31.6

  14.4

  2. Running costs

  Computer systems, services and applications

  249.0

  422.4

  445.2

  450.3

  432.8

  3. Out-turn and plan

  Total provision

  369.4

  432.5

  441.6

  564.5

  466.7

  Total Out-turn

  379.6

  413.7

  435.9

  561.8

  460.2

  Reduced/(Increased) expenditure

  (10.2)

  18.8

  5.7

  2.7

  6.5

  Reduced/(Increased) expenditure Running Cost

  (2.5)

  5.5

  3.5

  1.7

  5.1

  Capital

  (7.7)

  13.3

  2.2

  1.0

  1.4

  1. All figures are taken from that year's ITSA annual report and accounts. For 1990–91 they are vote based and include VAT.

  2. For all subsequent years items 1 and 2 are accrual based and item 3 is vote based.

  3. ITSA, an executive agency of the Department of Social Security, has supplied IT services to the DSS, its agencies and to other Government Departments and agencies, including the Employment Service, the Northern Ireland Social Security Agency, the National Health Service Pensions Agency and the Department of Health. These costs are included in the figures.

  Resettlement Agency
  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what funding has been earmarked within the Department for the carrying out of duties hitherto undertaken by the Resettlement Agency, what account will be taken of the needs of single homeless people in determining the level and type of programme to be administered under the new arrangements; if the funding available for resettlement units will be ring-fenced; and if he will make a statement. [24836]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  In excess of £21,000,000 will be made available by DSS headquarters in 1996–97 through revenue and capital support, these grants having previously been administered by the Resettlement Agency.

  Following the repeal of schedule 5 to the Supplementary Benefits Act 1976, as amended, section 30 of the Jobseekers Act 1995 enables the Secretary of State to continue to support provision for single, unsettled, homeless persons in accommodation owned and operated by local authority and voluntary organisations.
  382
  Mr. Kynoch
  [holding answer 26 April 1996]: These are matters for Scottish Natural Heritage. I have asked the chairman of SNH to write to the hon. Member.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Departmental Expenditure
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what was his Department's expenditure on(a) computer hardware, (b) related buildings, (c) related equipment, (d) computer systems, (e) computer services and (f) computer applications (i) directly or (ii) indirectly sourced for (1) the Benefits Agency, (2) the Contributions Agency and (3) the Information Technology Services Agency in each year since 1990 separately identifying planned and outturn expenditure. [24194]

  Mr. Burt
  The details of the Department's total computer related expenditure are in the table. Information on the expenditure of individual DSS agencies is available only at disproportionate cost.

  In February 1985, the Government announced their intention to work towards the closure of DSS re-establishment centres and resettlement units. It was decided that all funds used to run the RECs and RUs would be directed towards the establishment of new resettlement provision. The fundamental principle of this replacement programme was that new provision had to be established without any increase in the DSS's resettlement budget, apart from annual inflation increases approved by the Treasury. This principle remains in force.

  Incapacity Benefit
  Mr. Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people have been found exempt from the all-work test of capacity by virtue of(a) receipt of the highest rate of disability living allowance care component, (b) a serious medical condition and (c) a receipt of invalidity benefit and being aged 58 years or over on 13 April 1995 for (i) February and (ii) March. [26366]

  Mr. Burt
  We estimate that 738,000 people are not subject to the all-work test because they were aged 58 or over on 13 April 1995 and have been continuously in
  383
  receipt of invalidity benefit since 1 December 1993. The requested information on the numbers exempt from the all-work test in February and March 1996 for the other reasons given, is in the table.

  February 1996

  March 1996

  In receipt of Disability Living Allowance High Rate Care Component

  2,261

  2,197

  Severe medical condition

  18,930

  18,533

  Source:

  100 per cent. count of cases on the incapacity benefit computer system.

  Mr. Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many persons and what proportion of persons whose claims to incapacity benefit have been disallowed because of a failure to return form IB50 have subsequently been awarded the benefit. [25804]

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

  Mr. Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many IB50 all-work test questionnaires were issued by his Department in(a) February and (b) March; and how many claims were disallowed for failure to return the questionnaire. [26340]

  Mr. Burt
  Such information as is available is in the table.

  February

  March

  Number of IB50 all-work test questionnaires issued1

  137,778

  113,804

  Number of claims disallowed for failure to return IB50 questionnaire1 2

  827

  974

  1 Figures exclude clerically processed cases.2 Figures exclude:

  —Severe disablement allowance cases

  —cases where the claim related to national insurance credits only

  Mr. Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many and what proportion of persons who have passed the all-work test have been awarded points under the heading of mental health descriptors. [25806]

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

  State Pensions
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many(a) men and (b) women aged 100 years or over and living in the United Kingdom were in receipt of state retirement pensions on 30 March. [26302]

  Mr. Heald
  At 30 September 1995, the latest date for which information is available, it is estimated that 1,240 men and 7,520 women aged 100 or over and living in Great Britain were in receipt of state retirement pension.

  Notes:

  1. "State retirement pension" comprises contributory retirement pension, non-contributory retirement pension and graduated retirement benefit.

  2. The figures are subject to a degree of uncertainty as they are based on a 5 per cent. sample of retirement pension awards.

  Private Finance Initiative
  Ms Janet Anderson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list the revenue spending estimated by his Department in connection with the private finance initiative for(a) 1995–96, (b) 1996–97 and (c) 1997–98. [26629]

  Mr. Burt
  To date, the Department has awarded one PFI contract. This is for the replacement of the national insurance recording system—NIRS2—and was awarded in April 1995. Revenue costs from public funds will not arise under this contract until the replacement system is developed and successfully delivered to the Department in 1997. These revenue costs are subject to continuing negotiation and are currently commercial in confidence.

  Mental Health
  Mr. Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people who have failed to attend a medical examination since April 1995 have a recognised mental health problem. [26820]

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

  Student Loans
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Education and Employment regarding the link between student loans and social security payments. [26853]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  Departmental officials and those from the Department for Education and Employment have regular discussions regarding the interaction of the educational maintenance system and social security benefits.

  Mr. Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) under what circumstances student loans are counted as income when applying for social security benefits; [26850]

  (2) if he will make a statement on the link between student loans and social security benefits. [26852]

  Mr. Evans
  The majority of full-time students are not eligible for income-related social security benefits, although students in vulnerable groups—disabled students and those with dependent children—and partners of students do retain eligibility.

  Student loans are taken into account as income for social security benefit purposes, subject to a £10 weekly disregard. Any student loan not taken out, but which would be available to a student if he or she took reasonable steps to acquire it, is treated in the same way.

  Mr. Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people in receipt of student loans are in receipt also of social security payments; and which social security payments they are in receipt of. [26854]

  Mr. Evans
  The information is not available.

  Mr. Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security under what circumstances student loans are taken into account when applying for council tax
  385
  rebates; and if he will make a statement on the link between student loans and forms of assistance with housing needs. [26849]

  Mr. Evans
  The majority of full-time students are not eligible for income-related social security benefits, including council tax benefit. This applies equally to housing benefit and housing costs met by income support. However, students in vulnerable groups—disabled and those with dependent children—and partners of students retain eligibility for these benefits.

  Students loans are taken into account as income for council tax benefit, housing benefit and income support purposes, subject to a £10 weekly disregard. Any student loan not taken out, but which would be available to a student if he or she took reasonable steps to acquire it, is treated in the same way.

  Child Benefit
  Ms Jowell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security for how many women child benefit was the only source of independent income for each year since 1990. [26763]

  Mr. Andrew Mitchell
  The figures from 1990 to 1993, the latest year for which information is available, are in the table. Estimates are based on the family expenditure survey. Independent income is interpreted as any income recorded and attributed to the individual on the FES. It is uncertain how individuals will record and attribute between themselves particular types of income—for example, income from benefits or investments—and whether treatment will be consistent over time. Therefore conclusions based on year-on-year comparisons must be drawn with caution.

  The figures quoted of course exclude those lone parents in receipt of child benefit whose main source of income is income support.

  Year

  Number of women

  1990

  845,000

  1991

  855,000

  1992

  930,000

  1993

  785,000

  Notes:

  1. Independent income excludes benefit paid in respect of local taxes—rate rebates, community charge benefit, council tax benefit.

  2. Estimates are based on the family expenditure survey for the United Kingdom and are rounded to the nearest 5,000.

  War Pension Disregards
  Mr. Betts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what would be the cost of disregarding the total of war disablement pensions and war widows' pensions for(a) housing benefit and (b) council tax benefit calculations. [27177]

  Mr. Heald
  A broad estimate of the cost of fully disregarding war disablement pensions and war widows' pensions is(a) £45 million in housing benefit and (b) £15 million in council tax benefit.

  Notes.

  1. Estimates are based upon the May 1994 income support quarterly statistical inquiry and the 1991, 1992 and 1993 family expenditure survey uprated to 1996–97 levels.

  386

  2. In compiling these estimates, expenditure has been rounded, wherever appropriate, to the nearest £5 million.

  3. Estimates are broad order estimates only, due to a lack of comprehensive data.

  Mr. Betts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many local authorities wholly disregard war disablement pensions and war widows' pensions for housing benefit and council tax benefit calculations; how many disregard only the mandatory first £10; and how many disregard more than the £10 but not the total amount. [27178]

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

  EU Directives
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list the directives which have affected his Department in each of the past three years and(a) the United Kingdom legislation introduced as a result of the directives, (b) the United Kingdom legislation which goes beyond the minimum standards set out in the directives and (c) the clauses within each piece of United Kingdom legislation which amplify the minimum standards set out in the directives. [27082]

  Mr. Burt
  The only directive that has affected this Department in the past three years is the directive on the protection of pregnant women at work—92/85/EEC. This required changes to the UK's maternity benefits schemes for employed women. The changes were introduced for women expecting babies on or after 16 October 1994.

  The Trade Union Reform and Employment Rights Act 1993 introduced the right to 14 weeks' maternity leave. Following a period of consultation, which allowed all sides of industry, interest groups and individuals to comment on the Government's proposals on maternity pay, the following legislation was introduced.
  SI 1994/1230: The Maternity Allowance and Statutory Maternity Pay Regulations 1994 made on 3 May 1994 amending primary legislation to enable changes to be made.
  SI 1994/1367: The Social Security Maternity Benefits and Statutory Sick Pay (Amendment) Regulations 1994 made on 11 June 1994 covering the detail of the changes.

  There were two clauses which amplified the minimum standards set out in the directive.

  Regulation 2 of SI 1994/1230 increased the rate of maternity allowance for employees for the whole 18-week maternity allowance period rather than the minimum 14-week leave period specified in the directive.

  Regulation 4 of SI 1994/1230 extended the higher rate of statutory maternity pay—90 per cent. of earnings for the first six weeks of maternity leave—to all women who have completed 26 weeks' continuous service with their employer at the qualifying week. Previously, women had to complete at least two years' service to get the higher rate. The directive required a qualifying period of no more than 37 weeks. The regulation also has the effect of increasing the lower rate of statutory maternity pay for the remaining 12 weeks of the maternity period, rather than eight weeks required by the directive.

  Restricting the changes to the minimum required by the directive would have complicated the scheme and made it harder to understand. Employers supported simplification

  387
  over the marginal extra cost. As a result, the changes were more beneficial to women and eased the administrative burden for business.

  Income Support
  Mr. Timms
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security with reference to his answer of 21 April 1995,Official Report, column 314, if he will continue to publish on a monthly basis the numbers of people refused income support because of the habitual residence requirement, in the same form as before, for the year 1996–97. [27179]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  Yes.

  Mr. Timms
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people were refused income support due to the habitual residence requirement(a) in March 1996, (b) in February 1996 and (c) since its inception; and how many of these were (i) British nationals, (ii) European Economic Area nationals and (iii) others. [27157]

  Mr. Evans
  The information is set out in the tables.

  Habitual residence: February and March 1996

  February 1996

  March 1996

  EEA national—pass

  685

  622

  EEA national—fail

  650

  542

  British citizen—pass

  4,883

  4,506

  British citizen—fail

  646

  546

  Other—pass

  678

  656

  Other—fail

  551

  647

  Habitual residence: August 1994 to March 1996

  Numbers

  EEA national—pass

  14,000

  EEA national—fail

  14,032

  British citizen—pass

  95,973

  British citizen—fail

  9,738

  Other—pass

  15,616

  Other—fail

  15,948

  Family Credit
  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what percentage of those lone parents who were in receipt of family credit in(a) 1992–93 and (b) 1993–94 received family credit for (i) 26 weeks only, (ii) 52 weeks only and (iii) more than 52 weeks; [22187]

  (2) how many lone parents claimed family credit in (a) 1992–93 and (b) 1993–94; [22189]

  (3) how many couples claimed family credit in (a) 1992–93 and (b) 1993–94; [22190]

  (4) what was the total number of family credit claimants in (a) 1992–93 and (b) 1993–94; [22191]

  (5) of those couples in receipt of family credit in (a) 1992–93 and (b) 1993–94 what percentage received family credit for (i) 26 weeks only, (ii) 52 weeks only and (iii) more than 52 weeks. [22192]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  [pursuant to his answer, 1 April 1996, c. 76]: The information that I gave regarding family credit claimants contained a typographical error. The correct information is as follows.
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  The available information is set out in the table. In order to provide data on a comparable basis, it refers to recipients of family credit at the end of each financial year. This excludes awards beginning and ending during the year and therefore significantly underestimates the number and proportion of awards that last for 26 weeks only. The proportion with longer spells on family credit is thus over-estimated.

  Caseload (thousands)

  Percentage of caseload with Family Credit in payment for 26 weeks

  Percentage of caseload with Family Credit in payment for 52 weeks

  Percentage of caseload with Family Credit in payment for more than 52 weeks

  1992–93

  All families

  485

  42.1

  23.2

  34.6

  All couples

  280

  48.0

  21.2

  30.8

  All lone parents

  204

  34.1

  25.9

  40.0

  1993–94

  All families

  536

  38.9

  21.1

  39.9

  All couples

  303

  45.2

  21.0

  33.8

  All lone parents

  233

  30.7

  21.3

  48.0

  Notes:

  1. Figures refer to awards in payment at the end of the financial year; and may exclude those who have ceased to claim during the year.

  2. All figures have been rounded to the nearest thousand.

  3. Percentages have been expressed to one decimal place, and therefore may not tally.

  Source:

  Family credit computer system: 5 per cent. sample of all awards.

WALES

  Devolved Powers
  Mr. Robert G. Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what measure he has taken to devolve powers and responsibilities from central to local government. [25646]

  Mr. Hague
  I announced during the Welsh Affairs debate on 29 February,Official Report, columns 1024-40, my intention to issue a consultation paper on devolving certain responsibilities from my Department to local government. That paper, "The Welsh Office and Local Government: Redefining the Relationship", was issued on 20 March.

  Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy
  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what consideration he has given to the impact of the BSE problem on the Welsh food strategy. [25647]

  Mr. Hague
  The food strategy is concerned not only with beef but with developing the whole of the Welsh food industry, from producers to retailers. The problems faced by the beef industry will be considered during the consultation. I expect the strategy that emerges to make proposals for restoring consumer confidence in Welsh beef within the context of a general marketing strategy for all goods from Wales.

  Jobs (Pembrokeshire)
  Mr. Jacques Arnold
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what action Government Departments have recently taken to increase the number of jobs in Pembrokeshire. [25648]

  Mr. Hague
  The Ministry of Defence recently decided to relocate its moorings and buoys work to Pembroke Dock. This will bring 135 jobs to the area. The Welsh Office continues to provide support to companies in the area through regional selective assistance and to infrastructure projects through the strategic development scheme. Since January 1994, 18 offers of RSA have been accepted promising the creation of over 300 new jobs and safeguarding a further 226. The Welsh Office and Government agencies also continue to support the work of the west Wales task force.

  Hospice and Palliative Care
  Mr. Touhig
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he last consulted charitable organisations which provide hospice and palliative care services in the Gwent area. [25649]

  Mr. Richards
  Organisations that provide hospice and palliative care services were consulted in August 1994 about NHS responsibilities for meeting continuing health care needs, which include palliative health care services

  The provision of palliative health care services in Gwent is the responsibility of Gwent health authority. Guidance outlining health authority responsibilities was issued in February 1995.

  Environment
  Dr. Spink
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what action he is currently taking to improve care for the environment in Wales. [25650]

  Mr. Hague
  Details of the wide range of actions being taken are given in "The Environment in Wales: Fourth Report", the Welsh commitment tables in "This Common Inheritance UK Annual Report 1996" and the speech I gave at the Welsh launch of the Environment Agency on 27 March, copies of which are in the Library of the House.

  Slag Heaps
  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many former slag heaps have been reclaimed; to what uses they have been put; at what cost; and if he will make a statement. [25651]

  Mr. Richards
  This is an operational matter for the Welsh Development Agency. I will arrange for the chief executive of the agency to write to my hon. Friend and for a copy of his letter to be placed in the Library of the House.

  Beef Industry
  Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he will next meet farmers' leaders to discuss the beef industry in Wales. [25653]
  390
  Mr. Hague
  The Under-Secretary of State, my. hon. Friend the Member for Cardiff, North (Mr. Jones), and I have met farmers' leaders to discuss this subject on a number of occasions recently and will continue to do so as necessary.

  European Central Bank
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment he has made of the implications for Wales of a European central bank. [25654]

  Mr. Hague
  None.

  Non-urgent Operations
  Lady Olga Maitland
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what resources were made available for non-urgent operations at the three treatment centres in south Wales in 1995–96. [25655]

  Mr. Richards
  In 1995–96, funding for non-urgent operations at the three south Wales treatment centres totalled 2.536 million, made up of:

  Ophthalmic centre, Bridgend general hospital: £0.956 million

  Surgical centre, Bridgend general hospital: £0.516 million

  Orthopaedic centre, Prince of Wales hospital, Rhydlafar: £1.064 million

  Education Statistics
  Mr. Alan W. Williams
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is the percentage of young people aged 18 to 21 years in full-time education in(a) Carmarthenshire, (b) Dyfed, (c) Wales and (d) Britain. [25656]

  Mr. Richards
  The available information is for 1994–95 and relates to the new unitary authority area of Carmarthenshire and the previous local education authority area of Dyfed. The following table sets out the information on this basis.

  Percentage of population aged 18 to 21 in full-time education in Wales, 1994–951

  Percentage

  Carmarthenshire

  27

  Dyfed

  33

  Wales

  33

  United Kingdom

  29

  1 Ages as at 31 August 1994.

  Inward Investment
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what steps he is taking, in conjunction with the Welsh Development Agency and the Development Board for Rural Wales, to ensure that inward investment industrial projects are encouraged to locate in the western counties of Wales; and if he will make a statement. [25657]

  Mr. Hague
  I have given the agency and the board specific targets: the agency is required to encourage 20 per cent. of inward investment cases to go beyond the eastern M4 and A55 corridors and the board is required to deploy 50 per cent. of its programme expenditure in the western parts of its area and to attract at least 30 per cent. of new jobs from new inward investment projects to those parts of its area not in
  391
  Powys. These provide a focus. Other measures include the significant infrastructural improvements that are on-going and the assisted areas upgrading that took place in 1993.

  Mr. David Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent major inward investments have come to Wales; and if he will make a statement. [25658]

  Mr. Hague
  Recent announcements show that Wales continues to be a leading region for inward investment and my recent visit to the United States confirmed my belief that more will come. Over the past few months, significant projects have been announced by Ford,; Newport Wafer-Fab,; Halla,; Sumitomo,; and Cable OnLine. There has been significant success in the financial services sector too, including Legal and General.

  Second Severn Crossing
  Mr. Simon Coombs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he expects the second Severn crossing and its access roads in Gwent to be fully open to traffic. [25659]

  Mr. Richards
  The concessionaire, Severn River Crossing plc, has announced that the official opening ceremony will take place on 5 June 1996. It is expected that the crossing and the Welsh approach road will be open to traffic on the following day.

  Industrial Villages
  Mr. Hain
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what actio he proposes to advance his support for industrial villages, in the valley programme area. [26364]

  Mr. Hague
  The hon. Member knows from our meeting on 16 April that I am prepared to consider any proposals received for developing the industrial village concept in the programme for the valleys area. My officials will be discussing further with representatives of Neath Port Talbot county borough council the proposals for the Dulais valley which the hon. Member put forward.

  Training and Enterprise
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on training and enterprise in north Wales. [26829]

  Mr. Richards
  Extra-ordinary general meetings of the North East Wales and North West Wales training and enterprise councils were held on 9 April where it was agreed to create, through merger, a single TEC for the north Wales area.

  In proposing the merger, the TECs consider that the long-term economic needs of north Wales would be best served by one organisation assuming responsibility for the delivery of training and enterprise support for local people and businesses across the whole of the area.

  The merger is planned to take effect in April 1997. However, this will depend on a decision to be taken by the Welsh Office nearer the time on whether the proposed TEC is a suitable body to contract with for the delivery of the Government's training and enterprise programmes in north Wales. This decision will be taken in the light of the new organisation's memorandum and articles of association and its draft corporate and business plan—for
  392
  1997–98 and beyond—when these documents have been produced, consulted on as appropriate and submitted to the Department.

  British Dental Association
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what representations his Department has recently received from the British Dental Association; and if he will make a statement. [26988]

  Mr. Richards
  The Welsh Office maintains regular, largely informal, contact with BDA representatives in Wales.

  On 6 March this year, I met representatives of the Welsh council of the BDA, together with the Welsh general dental services committee of the BDA, to hear their views on a variety of topics. These included premature retirement for general dental practitioners; the £33 million initiative to increase NHS dental service provision in Wales; fluoridation of public water supplies; and the relationship between the Welsh Office and the profession in Wales.

  Officials are happy to continue the present close relationship with the profession's representatives and to accommodate any request for more formal contact when required. I have agreed to meet them again when the need arises.

  Welsh Language Education
  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what grant aid the Government have given to Welsh language education for the financial year 1996–97. [25652]

  Mr. Richards
  The Government will be making available to schools and local authorities about £7.4 million towards Welsh language education in 1996–97.

  EU Directives
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the directives which have affected his Department in each of the past three years and(a) the legislation introduced as a result of the directives, (b) the legislation which goes beyond the minimum standards set out in the directives and (c) the clauses within each piece of legislation which amplify the minimum standards set out in the directives. [27075]

  Mr. Hague
  I will write to the hon. Member as soon as possible and place a copy of my reply in the Library of the House.

  Cancelled Operations
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what information he has on the numbers of cancelled operations in Welsh hospitals during 1995–96; and what numbers of those operations cancelled were reinstated within the patients charter guarantee period. [27310]

  Mr. Hague
  Information on the number of cancelled operations in Welsh hospitals and the number of those operations which were reinstated within the patients charter guarantee period is not collected centrally. However, the number of patients admitted to Welsh hospitals and treated more than one month after a
  393
  cancelled operation in the first three quarters of 1995–96 is shown in the following table. Information for the quarter ending 31 March 1996 is not yet available.

  Quarter ending 30 June 1995: 65

  Quarter ending 30 September 1995: 30

  Quarter ending 31 December 1995: 43.

  Waste Water Directive
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what further consideration has been given with respect to a request to the European Commission for a derogation from the 2000 deadline for the urban waste water treatment directive and the Cardiff East sewage works. [27328]

  Mr. Hague
  The matter remains under consideration.

  Dental Services
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer of 22 April,Official Report, column 40, if he will list the health authorities which employ or plans to employ salaried dentists; and if they are full time or part time. [27305]

  Mr. Hague
  The following health authorities currently employ salaried dentists to provide general dental services.

  North Wales: Two part time

  Dyfed Powys: One full time and three part time

  Gwent: One full time.

  No further appointments are proposed at the present time.

  South and East Wales Ambulance NHS Trust
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what further consultations he has had with the chairman of the South and East Wales Ambulance NHS trust concerning the level of management overheads and the need for further economies at management level; and when he expects to receive a further report on the future shape of the trust. [27309]

  Mr. Hague
  My officials have had a number of discussions with the new chairman about the work he is doing to put the trust on a firm financial footing. The trust will continue to provide monthly financial progress reports and an operational plan for 1996–97 is expected by the end of May 1996.

  Health Promotion
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer of 29 January,Official Report, column 599, if he will list the specific initiatives of the Health Promotion Authority for Wales which were targeted to those on low income; and what independent evaluation has been undertaken on their effectiveness. [27329]

  Mr. Hague
  Initiatives relevant to those on low income undertaken by Health Promotion Wales, HPW, include:

  "Get Cooking": designed to improve the nutrition skills of individuals and promote health eating on a limited budget;

  "Health Shopping Basket": designed to promote the availability of healthier eating products among small local retail outlets;

  394

  "Community Alcohol Education Materials": designed to encourage sensible drinking. Developed with the help of residents of a mid-Glamorgan village;

  "Network of Health Promoting Schools": includes schools in areas of low income in Wales;

  "Communities for Better Health": aims to encourage and support a network of local projects.

  In addition, a large proportion of HPW's other work is as relevant to those on low income as it is to other groups within the population.

  Evaluation is a component of all HPW's activities. The results are published in peer review journals or as specific HPW evaluation reports.

  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what consideration he is giving to applying the recommendations of the nutrition task force and the low income project team to Wales. [27308]

  Mr. Hague
  Responsibility for most health promotion matters in Wales has been devolved to health authorities. It is for them to decide how and to what extent they wish to take note of the recommendations of the nutrition task force in England when developing their local strategies.

  Cancer Statistics
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the future provision for cancer statistics collection and dissemination; what provision will be made to(a) transfer and (b) retrain and upgrade the clerical staff of his Department and the Welsh Health Common Services Authority to the successor statistical collecting service; and what revisions he proposes to published cancer statistics to adjust for incorrectly recorded cancers. [27311]

  Mr. Hague
  Proposals for the future management of the Wales cancer registry submitted by the Velindre NHS trust and the Welsh Combined Centres for Public Health are currently under consideration. I expect the management of the registry to transfer shortly.

  The invitation for proposals to manage the registry set out clear performance targets, including targets for data accuracy, which the successful organisation will be expected to meet. Both Velindre and the combined centres put forward proposals which covered the staffing and staff training necessary to fulfil these performance requirements. It is intended that most of the managerial and operational aspects of the registry, including current managerial, clerical and IT staff, will be transferred to the new organisation. It is not intended that any staff will transfer from my Department to the registry.

  The cancer registry revises data where necessary on an on-going basis, and this is reflected in its dissemination and publication of data.

  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has had from(a) clinicians and (b) others concerning the future of the Wales cancer registry and the recording of bone and other cancers. [27312]

  Mr. Hague
  I am aware of having received four representations about the future of the cancer registry, one from a clinician.
  395
  In March 1995, officials of my Department met representatives of the Wales Green party to discuss matters related to the recording of cancer data in Wales. In the last two years, I am aware of four other representations about recording of cancers in Wales. One of these was from a clinician.

  Local Authorities (Negligence Claims)
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer of 18 April,Official Report, columns 635-36, if he will consult the Welsh Local Authority Association concerning the negligence insurance cover available to local authorities and the principles of open government in fault and negligence cases. [27304]

  Mr. Hague
  I have no plans to do so at present.

  Child Sex Abuse
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what was the cost of the outside legal advice he has received in relation to the Jillings report into child sex abuse in Clwyd; and how many(a) solicitors, (b) Queen's counsel and (c) other barristers have been involved. [27316]

  Mr. Hague
  One junior counsel has been instructed by the legal adviser of the Welsh Office. His fee note has not yet been received.

  Further and Higher Education
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what new proposals he has to improve the educational value of further and higher education services. [25631]

  Mr. Richards
  Proposals for promoting relevant, high-quality further and higher education are an integral part of "People and Prosperity—An Agenda for Action in Wales". Wales will also participate in the forthcoming national inquiry into higher education, chaired by Sir Ron Dearing.

  Strategic Development Schemes
  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is the current annual cost to his Department of the administration of(a) the strategic development schemes and (b) European structural funds, Rechar funds and the European social fund; and how many staff, and at what grades, deal with such schemes and funds. [19355]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  [holding answer 7 March 1996]: The information requested has been placed in the Library of the House.

DEFENCE

  Remotely Piloted Vehicle (Llanbedr)
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 2 April,Official Report, column 97, if the Jindivik remotely piloted aerial target authorised to fly in the Llanbedr danger area on 6 January was fitted with a destruct feature; and if he will make a statement. [26691]
  396
  Mr. Arbuthnot
  This is a matter for the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency under its framework document. I have asked the chief executive, DERA, to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from John Chisholm to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 29 April 1996:
  The Secretary of State for Defence has asked me as Chief Executive of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency to reply to your question, pursuant to that of 2 April, asking if the Jindivik remotely piloted aerial target authorised to fly at Llanbedr on 6 January was fitted with a destruct feature.
  I can confirm that the Jindivik in question was fitted with a destruct feature.
  I hope this is helpful.

  Land Mines
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the number of anti-personnel land mines that his Department(a) currently holds and (b) will hold in 2000. [27022]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  [holding answer 26 April 1996]: It is our established policy for security reasons not to reveal information relating to stock levels of munitions held or planned. However, as stated by the Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, my hon. Friend the Member for Boothferry (Mr. Davis) on 23 April 1996, Official Report, column 84, we intend to reduce quantities by almost half as soon as practicable. This will be reflected in the quantity of anti-personnel mines held in 2000.

  If either agreement has been reached for an international ban on all anti-personnel mines or suitable alternatives have been identified, we will commence destruction of our remaining anti-personnel mines accordingly. The total number of mines held in 2000 will therefore also depend on whether and when such developments occur.

  Dr. Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what techniques his Department plans to us to dispose of anti-personnel land mines not classified as smart land mines. [27023]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  [holding answer 26 April 1996]: No decision has been made on the method of destruction of surplus anti-personnel land mines. A decision will be made after assessment of the most cost-effective method which is consistent with safety and environmental protection.

  Dr. Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to purchase new smart anti-personnel land mines; and from which countries. [27024]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  [holding answer 26 April 1996]: As my hon. Friend the Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office stated in his announcement on 23 April 1996, Official Report, column 84, the United Kingdom will work actively towards a total worldwide ban on anti-personnel mines. If we need to replace our remaining anti-personnel mines before an international ban is agreed, we will procure only those with a self-destruct capability. No final decisions on the procurement of these mines, including a source, have been taken and any decision will take account of all relevant factors, including progress towards a total worldwide ban.

  Saxon Vehicles
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Saxon vehicles have been deployed by his Department in Bosnia over the last three years. [26460]

  Mr. Soames
  [holding answer 23 April 1996]: A total of 65 Saxon vehicles were deployed to Bosnia in March 1994 with 1st Battalion the Duke of Wellington's regiment. These vehicles have remained in theatre with successive units though numbers have fluctuated in accordance with operational tasks. There are currently 75 Saxon vehicles in Bosnia with 1st Battalion the Queen's Lancashire regiment.

  Dr. Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what off-road duties Saxon vehicles are used for; and if he will make a statement. [26459]

  Mr. Soames
  [holding answer 23 April 1996]: Saxon is a reliable troop-carrying vehicle which provides protected mobility between dismounted actions. It has a limited cross-country capability, and its use in operations, exercises and training reflects this.

  Its capacity and protection make it an ideal vehicle for use by infantry in Bosnia, where the mine threat means that vehicles are forced to remain on tracks and roads. Units deploying with Saxon have generally been pleased with how well it has fared.

  Dr. Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what restrictions on the use of certain mountain tracks in Bosnia were placed on Saxon vehicles; and if he will make a statement. [26457]

  Mr. Soames
  [holding answer 23 April 1996]: The use of different types of vehicle over particular terrain is a matter for the chain of command and military commanders on the ground. Guidance takes account of a number of factors including road, weather and operational conditions. All training throughout the deployment of British forces in Bosnia has stressed the importance of defensive driving and winter driving skills and these factors are constantly inculcated in all personnel.

  Dr. Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what operational duties Saxon vehicles carried out in Bosnia. [26461]

  Mr. Soames
  [holding answer 23 April 1996]: The Saxon vehicle has carried out a wide range of operational duties with British forces in Bosnia. It continues to be employed on a variety of tasks including patrolling, escort duties, checkpoint protection and the movement of personnel and supplies.

  Dr. Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many accidents involving Saxon vehicles have resulted in(a) deaths and (b) serious injury in the last three years; what were the dates of these accidents; what were the causes of these accidents; and on what dates the boards of inquiry sat to investigate each accident. [26455]

  Mr. Soames
  [holding answer 23 April 1996]: In the three calendar years until 31 December 1995, there were two fatal accidents involving Saxon vehicles, both from 1st Battalion the Royal Gloucestershire Berkshire and Wiltshire regiment—1RGBW. The first accident, in which one soldier, Private Benjamin Hinton, was unfortunately killed and three others were seriously
  398
  injured, occurred on 9 September 1994. The second accident, on 12 September 1994, resulted in the tragic death of three soldiers: Privates Phillip Armstrong, Martin Dowdell and Christopher Turner. Again, three others were seriously injured.

  A board on inquiry to investigate both accidents was convened in Cyprus on 24 July 1995. The timing of the board of inquiry reflected the need for all police and other investigations to be completed first, and the completion of 1RGBW's tour in Bosnia in March 1995. In March 1995, 1RGBW moved temporarily to Catterick before transferring to Cyprus in May 1995. The board concluded that both accidents were caused by driver error.

  Information relating to non-fatal accidents which resulted in serious injuries could not be provided without disproportionate cost.

  Dr. Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when his Department purchased Saxon vehicles; how many vehicles were purchased; and what was the total cost. [26458]

  Mr. Soames
  [holding answer 23 April 1996]: Two types of Saxon vehicles have been purchased: Saxon General War Role—GWR—in the early 1980s at a total cost of some £45 million for 527 vehicles; and Saxon Patrol between 1992 and 1994 at a total cost of some £25 million for 145 vehicles.

  Dr. Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if the boards of inquiry concerning fatalities resulting from Saxon crashes in Bosnia were provided with all the witnesses and documents relevant to the investigations. [26456]

  Mr. Soames
  [holding answer 23 April 1996]: The board of inquiry considered all the available documentation. It commented that certain types of documentation were not available to them. These documents were thought to have been lost during the roulement of units in Bosnia. It has now come to light that some of those missing documents had been sent to the coroner before the board of inquiry met. My Department is to ask that the documents be made available for examination as a matter of urgency to determine whether they may have any bearing on the accidents.

  The board of inquiry took evidence from all witnesses whom they considered had a contribution to make to the inquiry.

  Atomic Weapons Establishment, Llanishen
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 16 April,Official Report, columns 455-56, what is the cost of decommissioning the AWE site in Llanishen that was taken into account in reaching the closure decision. [27327]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  There is a long-standing convention of not announcing the detailed figures which subscribe to the overall cost of the defence nuclear programme. My Department, however, expects to spend some millions of pounds on the thorough decommissioning of the AWE site at Llanishen.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Prisons (Costs)
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he will publish further figures on the comparative cost of public and private prisons; and if he will make a statement. [26659]

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

  Letter from Richard Tilt to Mr. Alex Carlile, dated 29 April 1996:
  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question asking when will further figures on the comparative cost of public and private prisons be published.
  We have recently received the first draft of a report by Coopers and Lybrand which updates the comparison of performance on cost and service delivery between each of the privately managed prisons and the most nearly comparable public sector prisons, using 1994–95 data.
  Once the report has been finalised, we shall need to discuss the findings. and arrangements for publications, with Ministers.

  Prisons (Suicides)
  Ms Quin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the number of suicides in prison in each of the past 10 years.[25902]

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

  Letter from Richard Tilt to Ms Joyce Quinn, dated 29 April 1996:
  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about the number of suicides in Prison Service establishments in the past ten years.
  The attached table shows the number of self-inflicted deaths in prisons in England and Wales in each year of the past ten years.

  Year

  Self-inflicted deaths

  1986

  21

  1987

  46

  1988

  37

  1989

  48

  1990

  50

  1991

  42

  1992

  41

  1993

  47

  1994

  62

  1995

  60

  19961 (Total as of 19 April 1996)

  17

  Ms Jowell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many(a) attempted suicides and (b) suicides have been committed by young (i) men and (ii) women in prison establishments for each year since 1990. [26782]

  Miss Widdecombe
  Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.
  400
  Letter from Richard Tilt to Ms Tessa Jowell, dated 29 April 1996:
  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about suicides and attempted suicides by young men and women in prison establishments in each year since 1990.
  The attached table gives the number of reported incidents of attempted suicides and the number of self-inflicted deaths for young offenders, male and female, aged 15-21 inclusive, for the years 1990 to 1995.

  Breakdown of attempted suicides and self-inflicted deaths by young offenders, male and female, aged 15-21 inclusive, for the period 1990–95

  Attempted suicides

  Self-inflicted deaths

  year

  Male

  Female

  Male

  Female

  1990

  —

  —

  10

  0

  1991

  209

  15

  7

  0

  1992

  278

  21

  10

  1

  1993

  246

  10

  3

  0

  1994

  254

  3

  12

  0

  1995

  158

  3

  12

  0

  1 Figures for attempted suicides were not collected centrally until 1991.

  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if each prison in England and Wales has an officer fully trained in suicide awareness; and if he will make a statement; [26539]

  (2) if he will make a statement on the training given to prison officers in suicide awareness; and when this training was last reviewed. [26540]

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

  Letter from Richard Tilt to Mr. Tom Cox, dated 29 April 1996:
  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Questions about suicide awareness training in prisons in England and Wales.
  Training in suicide awareness was last reviewed in preparation for the launch of the current strategy in April 1994. The strategy is underpinned by a comprehensive training manual in modular form. As part of the implementation process, all governors nominated staff to attend central training as tutors. Tutors then carried forward the training of staff of all grades within their own establishment.
  Every prison has a minimum of one member of staff trained as a suicide awareness tutor who contributes to the overall training programme set out by the governor.

  Prisons (Trade Unions)
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if the relevant trade unions are to be de-recognised on the selection of prisons for market testing; and if he will make a statement. [26660]

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

  Letter from Richard Tilt to Mr. Alex Carlile, dated 29 April 1996:
  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about trade unions being de-recognised on the selection of prisons for market testing.

  401
  The Director of Personnel has informed all recognised trade unions that they were de-recognised for the purposes of collective bargaining on the scope and selection of schemes for private finance, market testing and contracting out. We shall continue to consult with the trade unions on these matters.
  Where as a consequence of schemes transferring work to contractors there are personnel implications, the existing arrangements for consultation or negotiation with trade unions will apply.

  Prison Service (Corporate Plan)
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the 1996 to 1999 corporate plan for the Prison Service will be published; when he received the plan; what considerations underlie the time scale for publication; and if he will make a statement. [26661]

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

  Letter from Richard Tilt to Mr. Alex Carlile, dated 29 April 1996:
  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question on the 1996 to 1999 corporate plan for the Prison Service.
  We are currently discussing the final draft of our plan with Ministers, and we hope to be able to publish it within the next three or four weeks.

  Prison Population
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the prison population on the last day of each of the last 24 months; and if he will make a statement. [26662]

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

  Letter from Richard Tilt to Mr. Alex Carlile, dated 29 April 1996:
  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question asking what was the prison population on the last day of each of the last 24 months; and if he will make a statement.
  The information requested is given in the attached table.

  Prison population1 in England and Wales on the last day of the month, April 1994—March 1996

  On last day of month

  Number

  1994

  April

  47,943

  May

  48,675

  June

  48,929

  July

  49,169

  August

  49,392

  September

  49,812

  October

  49,851

  November

  50,565

  December

  47,611

  1995

  January

  49,542

  February

  50,571

  March

  51,594

  April

  50,787

  May

  50,643

  June

  51,084

  July

  51,279

  402

  Prison population1 in England and Wales on the last day of the month, April 1994—March 1996

  On last day of month

  Number

  August

  51,265

  September

  51,286

  October

  52,027

  November

  52,540

  December

  49,494

  1996

  January

  51,947

  February

  53,178

  March

  53,740

  1 Includes those held in police cells.

  Prison (Probation Posts)
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what percentage of prisons plan to reduce probation posts during the current financial year; and if he will make a statement. [26664]

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

  Letter from Richard Tilt to Mr. Alex Carlile, dated 29 April 1996:
  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about the percentage of prisons which plan to reduce probation posts during the current financial year.
  The number of prisons and young offender institutions in which there are plans for a decrease in probation staff during 1996–97 is 56. This represents 44 per cent.
  The Prison Service is committed to partnership with the Probation Service to deliver the custodial and non-custodial parts of a prisoner's sentence effectively. Governors have been discussing with chief probation officers the scope for improvement in efficiency and for more effective use of all available resources. This includes other ways of discharging continuing tasks which have been undertaken by probation staff but which do not require their specialist skills.

  Prisons (Education Facilities)
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what percentage of prisons plan to reduce education facilities during the current financial year; and if he will make a statement. [26665]

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

  Letter from Richard Tilt to Mr. Alex Carlile, dated 29 April 1996:
  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about the percentage of prisons that plan to reduce education facilities during the current financial year.
  73 prisons and young offender institutions, 57 per cent., are currently planning to reduce contracted educational provision in 1996–97.
  Education is an essential part of the opportunities which must be provided in prisons. The Prison Service has given guidance to governors which identifies the core curriculum areas to which priority should be given. This includes the necessary support for prisoners who lack the basic skills of literacy and numeracy. But it is right for governors to review all regime activities and make considered decisions on how available financial provision can best

  403
  be utilised. There is, for example, scope for improving the targeting of education provision and for considering whether other activities, like work and programmes to tackle offending behaviour, can better address identified prisoner deficits.

  Prison Service (Capital Programme)
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of the effect of the reduction to the current financial year's Prison Service capital programme on(a) roof and cell strengthening, (b) renewal of services, (c) maintenance spending, (d) new kitchen and regime facilities and (e) new information technology projects; and if he will make a statement. [26666]

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

  Letter from Richard Tilt to Mr. Alex Carlile, dated 29 April 1996:
  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about the effect of the reduction to the 1996–7 Prison Service capital programme on specified classifications of spend.
  Roof and cell strengthening schemes at higher security prisons will be given priority. Work on the remaining projects planned for 1996–7 has been rephased and will be funded either conventionally, or through the private finance initiative (PFI). Where governors have concerns about possible compromises to security, they will make local short-term arrangements to strengthen other aspects of security, such as closed circuit television.
  Some 50 per cent, around £16m, of renewal of services and maintenance projects have been deferred until later years, although those schemes identified as vital are proceeding in 1996–7. Because of the nature of these projects, it is possible that they might attain a higher priority during the year and the Prison Service strategy is to monitor and review the situation on a regular basis.
  Essential kitchen schemes that address health issues will proceed in 1996–7 with a total spend of around £2.5m. The other projects initially planned for 1996–7 are currently being considered for funding through PFI in later years. Where there is a risk that this delay compromises the role of the kitchen and the functioning of the prison, short-term maintenance will be undertaken.
  Regime facilities that are essential to support the opening of new houseblocks in 1996–7 are in the current programme. Those schemes that have been deferred will be considered for funding through the private sector.
  A project, known as Quantum, has been initiated to identify the scope for, and then to procure, the provision of all IT services under a PFI agreement. This obviates the need for a significant capital provision for IT in 1996–7.

  Prison Service (Staff)
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many Prison Service posts will be lost during the current financial year; what was the target figure set; and if he will make a statement. [26667]

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

  Letter from Richard Tilt to Mr. Alex Carlile, dated 29 April 1996:
  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about the number of Prison Service posts lost during the current financial year; and what was the target figure.
  404
  Reductions in staff are part of the Prison Service's plans for improving its cost efficiency. Final decisions on numbers have not been taken. These decisions will be reached following local consultation with the unions and will take into account the operational needs of the Service, available financial provision, the scope for cost reductions in other areas and the numbers of staff who have applied for voluntary early retirement and severance.

  Maximum Security Prison
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the Home Office feasibility study on the super-max prison will be published; for how long he has had the study; what are the reasons for the time taken to publish the study; and if he will make a statement.[26670]

  Miss Widdecombe
  My right hon. and learned Friend has not yet received the final Prison Service report examining the feasibility, costs and benefits of building a maximum security prison to house the most dangerous prisoners in the system and a control prison to hold the most unruly and disruptive prisoners.

  Prison Service (Redundancy Package)
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if the Treasury-funded redundancy package for the Prison Service will be extended beyond 27 March 1997; and if he will make a statement. [26673]

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

  Letter from Richard Tilt to Mr. Alex Carlile, dated 29 April 1996:
  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about the Treasury-funded redundancy package for the Prison Service being extended beyond 27 March 1997.
  The White Paper "The Civil Service—Continuity and Change" announced that from 1 October 1994 to 31 March 1997, 80 per cent of the cost of early departures—whether voluntary or compulsory—would be funded from the central Civil Service Superannuation Vote. The scheme is administered by the Office for Public Service and applies across the Civil Service. There are currently no plans for the scheme to be extended beyond March 1997.

  Late Payments
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much was paid later to the private sector for goods and services by his Department in 1995–96. [26153]

  Mr. Howard
  [holding answer 24 April 1996]: The information requested is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what percentage of bills were paid late by his Department in 1995–96. [26117]

  Mr. Howard
  [holding answer 24 April 1996]: This information is being collated by the Department of Trade and Industry and will be published by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade before the summer recess.

  Fire Safety Regulations
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 18 December Official Report, column 960, on new fire safety regulations, when he now plans to introduce the regulations; and what assessment he has made of the costs of the regulations to (a) small businesses, (b) medium-sized enterprises, (c) large businesses and (d) all businesses. [27089]

  Mr. Sackville
  I hope to make an announcement shortly.

  Risley Prison
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the most recent escape took place from Risley prison. [26335]

  Miss Widdecombe
  [holding answer 24 April 1996]: Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from Richard Tilt to Mr. Doug Hoyle, dated 29 April 1996:
  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about the most recent escape from Risley.
  The most recent escape took place on 9 April 1996, when a prisoner escaped by hiding on a Prison Service vehicle as it left the prison. An internal enquiry is currently underway.

  Mr. Raghbir Singh
  Mr. Mullin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department for how long Mr. Raghbir Singh has been detained without charged; what reasons have been given to Mr. Singh for his detention; and when he can expect to be released. [26885]

  Mr. Howard
  Raghbir Singh has been detained since 29 March 1995, pending deportation on the ground that his presence is not conducive to the public good for reasons of national security. There is no proposal to release him before deportation.

  The lawfulness of my decision to detain Mr. Singh under Immigration Act powers and to initiate deportation action against him has been the subject of judicial review proceedings before both the High Court and the Court of Appeal. On both occasions, the courts concluded that the action was lawful.

  Private Finance Initiative
  Mr. Straw
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list for each financial year from 1990–91 the amount of capital expenditure for(a) the Prison Service, (b) police and (c) other Department functions covered by the private finance initiative or other unconventional capital arrangements, together with the figures from 1990–91 and for each future financial year for which information is available of the estimated revenue or other financial consequences of that capital expenditure. [26036]

  Mr. Howard
  [holding answer 24 April 1996]: Details of the estimated capital expenditure and revenue consequences to 2000–01 are as follows:
  406

  A: Prison service

  £ million

  Year

  Capital expenditure

  Revenue consequences

  1990–95

  Nil

  Nil

  1995–96

  8

  Nil

  1996–97

  72

  2

  1997–98

  190

  34

  1998–99

  105

  89

  1999–00

  n/a

  110

  2000–01

  n/a

  111

  B: Police

  £ million

  Year

  Capital expenditure

  Revenue consequences

  1990–94

  Nil

  Nil

  1994–95

  1—

  2

  1995–96

  1—

  4

  1996–97

  1.5

  4

  1997–98

  0.5

  7

  1998–99

  0

  5

  1999–00

  2—

  20

  2000–01

  2—

  40

  1 The capital cost of the police national (telecommunications) network has largely been incurred during these years, and is estimated to be approximately £50 million.

  2 The capital cost of the public safety radio communications project, estimated at some £500 million, is expected to be incurred after 1998–99.

  In addition to the above, individual police forces are expected to develop PFI projects.

  C: Other departmental functions

  £ million

  Year

  Capital expenditure

  Revenue consequences

  1990–95

  Nil

  Nil

  1995–96

  12

  Nil

  1996–97

  34.5

  4

  1997–98

  53.5

  21

  1998–99

  58

  55

  1999–00

  n/a

  64

  2000–01

  n/a

  65

  EU Directives
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the directives which have affected his Department in each of the past three years and(a) the United Kingdom legislation introduced as a result of the directives, (b) the United Kingdom legislation which goes beyond the minimum standards set out in the directives and (c) the clauses within each piece of United Kingdom legislation which amplify the minimum standards set out in the directives. [27085]

  Mr. Howard
  Information is not held centrally concerning the directives which affect my Department, and such information could be compiled only at disproportionate cost. However, my Department has taken lead or shared responsibility for the following directives and resulting United Kingdom legislation during the past three years:
  407

  Directive (92/58/EEC) on the minimum requirements for the provision of safety and/or health signs at work, implemented by the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996;

  Directive (92/91/EEC) concerning minimum requirements for improving the safety and health protection of workers in the mineral extracting industries through drilling, implemented by the Borehold Sites and Operations Regulations 1995;

  Directive (93/96/EEC) on rights of residence for students, implemented by the Immigration (European Economic Area) Order 1994;

  Directive (93/109/EC) laying down detailed arrangements for the exercise of the right to vote and stand as a candidate in elections to the European Parliament for citizens of the Union in a member state of which they are not nationals, implemented by the European Parliamentary Elections (Changes to the Franchise and Qualification of Representatives) Regulations 1994;

  7th directive (94/21/EC) on summer time arrangements, implemented by the Summer Time Order 1994;

  Directive (94/80/EC) laying down detailed arrangements for the exercise of the right to vote and stand as a candidate in local government elections for citizens of the Union in a member state of which they are not nationals, implemented by the Local Government Elections (Changes to the Franchise and Qualification of Representatives) Regulations 1995;

  Directive (95/46/EC) on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data, implementation required by 1998.

  My Department has not undertaken a comprehensive analysis of United Kingdom implementing legislation to identify where it goes beyond the minimum standards set out in each of the above directives, and could do so only at disproportionate cost. However, it is my Department's policy not to make regulations implementing European directives which add to the burdens imposed by such directives.

  Electoral Registration
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what consideration he has given to the report of the working group on electoral registration. [26975]

  Mr. Sackville
  After consulting the political parties and local authority associations, we concluded that there was not enough support for the major changes discussed in the report to justify pursuing them.

  Prison Escapes
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the number of escapes by prisoners in England and Wales during 1995; and how many are still at large. [26544]

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

  Letter from Richard Tilt to Mr. Tom Cox, dated 29 April 1996:
  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about the number of escapes by prisoners in England and Wales during 1995 and the number still at large.
  There were 122 escapes in 1995. Of these, 27 prisoners remain unlawfully at large.

  Serco Ltd.
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what contracts his Department and his agencies have with Serco Ltd.; what is the current cost; when each contract ends; what are the penalties involved should he seek early termination of the contract; and if he will make a statement. [26682]

  Mr. Howard
  My Department has seven current contracts with Serco Ltd., as follows:

  (a) Five contracts, work on which has been completed and where there has been no early termination of contracts. Contracts will end when final accounts have been paid and any retention sums returned as appropriate. This is scheduled to be by September 1996.

  (b) Two contracts due to expire on 31 May 1997 and 28 November 1997 respectively. The sums payable in the event of early termination cannot be pre-ascertained. Under the conditions of contract, if the Home Office were to terminate either contract early, through no fault of the Contractor, any payment would be calculated taking into account only the losses directly attributable to and unavoidably incurred, as a result o the termination. Were the contracts to be terminated due to contractor default or breach of certain contract terms, provisions exist for the Home Office to recover any losses incurred as a result.

  The value of each contract is a matter of commercial confidentiality, but the combined value of the contracts calculated over the whole contract period is approximately £7 million.

  Wandsworth Prison (Drugs)
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what was the number of inmates put on governor's report for being in possession of unlawful drugs in Wandsworth prison in 1995; [26613]

  (2) what was the number of recorded drug finds in Wandsworth prison in 1995. [26617]

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

  Letter from Richard Tilt to Mr. Tom Cox, dated 29 April 1996:
  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Questions about the number of prisoners placed on governor's report in Wandsworth prison for being in possession of drugs and the number of recorded drug finds at Wandsworth prison in 1995.
  In 1995, 84 prisoners were placed on governor's report for being in possession of unlawful drugs and, during the same period, 208 drug finds were recorded in the prison.

  Prison Service (Director General)
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if Mr. Richard Tilt was advised when he was appointed acting Director General of the Prison Service as to the likely duration of the post; and if he will make a statement. [26692]

  Mr. Howard
  When he was appointed acting Director General of the Prison Service, Mr. Tilt was informed that the temporary appointment would cease when a substantive appointment to director general was made.

  British Greyhound Racing Fund
  Mr. Sweeney
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the income of the British Greyhound Racing Fund in the first three months of(a) 1995 and (b) 1996. [26860]

  Mr. Kirkhope
  The British Greyhound Racing Fund is an independent body and there are no official statistics on its income. However, the secretary to the fund advises that income in the first three months of 1995 and 1996 was £837,000 and £405,000 respectively.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what would be the cost of slaughtering the national cattle herd. [22952]

  Mrs. Browning
  The national cattle herd is about 11.8 million head. Slaughtering animals alone at a cost of about £50 per head would cost around £590 million. More substantial would be the economic costs to the meat and dairy industries and compensation to farmers for loss of stock and replacement.

  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action is being taken to stop the use of(a) mammalian meat and (b) other waste abattoir and butchers' animal matter and bonemeal in the manufacture of non-farm animal feed. [23347]

  Mrs. Browning
  The inclusion of mammalian meat and bone meal is prohibited in all farm animal feed, including farmed fish and feed for horses. It can be used in pet food, but only if this is manufactured in premises not also used to manufacture feed for farm animals. Protein from specified bovine material cannot be used in any animal feed. Tallow from this material can be used for animal feed after processing by the oleochemical industry, but my Department issued a consultation document on 24 April proposing that this be prohibited.

  Dr. Strang
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food which(a) EU and (b) non-EU countries have had confirmed cases of BSE; how many cases have been confirmed in each country; and in which countries BSE is now considered to be endemic. [23205]

  Mr. Welsh
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the disposal policy for cattle infected with BSE in(a) the United Kingdom, (b) Ireland, (c) France and (d) other EU member states. [23359]

  Mrs. Browning
  [holding answer 28 March 1996]: The following number of BSE cases have been notified in the following countries up to 22 April 1996:

  Number

  Great Britain

  159,743

  Northern Ireland

  1,680

  Isle of Man

  405

  Jersey

  119

  Guernsey

  580

  Alderney

  2

  Republic of Ireland

  124

  410

  Number

  France

  17

  Portugal

  34

  Switzerland

  210

  Germany

  4

  Denmark

  1

  Italy

  2

  Canada

  1

  Oman

  1

  Falkland Island

  1

  Outside the British Isles, BSE has occurred in home bred animals in the Republic of Ireland, France, Portugal and Switzerland. All other cases in other countries have occurred in animals which were born in the UK.

  Mr. Welsh
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list studies evaluated by his Department on developing sub-typing on the BSE agent. [23358]

  Mrs. Browning
  [holding answer 28 March 1996]: Project code SE 1403, "Strain typing of BSE pathogens in mice, comparison with strains from natural sheep scrapie", has been evaluated. Project code SE 1415, "Strain typing of BSE pathogen in mice and comparison with strains from natural sheep scrapie", has been partially evaluated since it started only last year.

  Mr. Welsh
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the current penalties for infringement of BSE regulations; in what circumstances these penalties applied; and what plans he has to change these penalties. [23366]

  Mrs. Browning
  [holding answer 28 March 1996]: I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Pendle (Mr. Prentice) on 25 April 1996, Official Report, column 273, which details the penalties in place for infringement of the controls on specified bovine material.

  The penalties which would apply on summary conviction for a contravention of the Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy Order 1991, as amended, are a fine of up to £5,000 and, in relation to the restrictions regarding feedingstuffs, where appropriate a further fine of up to £1,000 for each 508 kg of feedingstuffs, beyond the initial 508 kg of feedingstuffs, in respect of which the offence is committed. Furthermore, a person who has been convicted for contravening the provisions of the order is liable at the court's discretion on a further conviction for a second or subsequent offence against the order to imprisonment for a term of up to one month in lieu of the applicable fine.

  Mr. Welsh
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what has been the annual expenditure on research into BSE since 1985 in 1996 prices; and if he will make a statement. [23360]

  Mrs. Browning
  The expenditure on research into BSE since 1991 at 1996 prices is estimated to be:

  Financial year

  £ million

  1991–92

  15.276

  1992–93

  16.348

  1993–94

  16.278

  1994–95

  15.909

  411

  Financial year

  £ million

  1995–96

  5.7

  1996–97

  6.6 (estimated)

  1 Estimated using GDP deflator for November 1995.

  Records prior to 1991 were not computerised; to provide a financial breakdown prior to this date could be done only at disproportionate cost.

  Dr. Moonie
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many cases of bovine spongiform encephalopathy have occurred in cows born in(a) 1989, (b) 1990, (c) 1991, (d) 1992 and (e) 1993. [24001]

  Mrs. Browning
  [holding answer 2 April 1996]: The following table shows the number of confirmed BSE cases at 15 April by year of birth since 1989:

  Year of birth

  Number of cases

  1989

  10,621

  1990

  3,346

  1991

  1,119

  1992

  76

  1993

  1

  Mr. David Martin
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on what date he was informed by the SEAC of new evidence as to a possible link between BSE and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. [25341]

  Mrs. Browning
  The Minister was informed on 13 March 1996 that evidence had been presented to the Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee about a new variant of CJD. SEAC presented its conclusions on this new variant and the possibility that it was linked to BSE to the Government on 20 March 1996, and statements were made to the House on that day.

  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if the European ban on british beef includes calves. [25252]

  Mrs. Browning
  [holding answer 16 April 1996]: Yes.

  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what consideration has been given to(a) the method and (b) the location of slaughter of potentially BSE-infected cattle. [25253]

  Mrs. Browning
  [holding answer 16 April 1996]: All BSE suspects reported and placed under restriction and subsequently slaughtered are killed by intravenous barbiturate overdose. This is done at the place where the suspect is reported, normally a farm.

  Healthy cattle over 30 months of age, which are now excluded from the food chain, will be slaughtered in the normal way in approved abattoirs but separately from animals intended for human consumption.

  Miss Emma Nicholson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to include the animal feed industry in compensation packages arising from the current BSE situation. [26134]

  Mrs. Browning
  Many sectors of industry have suffered from the current market turbulence in the beef industry. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food announced measures on 16 April,412
  Official Report, columns 513-16, to support those sectors whose particular circumstances and role made such support necessary. The circumstances of other sectors that have suffered from the current crisis will be considered carefully by my right hon. Friend and ministerial colleagues, but there are no plans at present to provide financial support for the animal feed industry.

  Mrs. Helen Jackson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what discussions he has had with European countries importing live veal calves from Britain about the possibility of contracting CJD from cattle infected with BSE. [23791]

  Mrs. Browning
  Colleagues in other member states have been kept fully informed of the Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee's recent advice on the possible link between BSE and CJD, in the Council of Ministers, the Standing Veterinary Committee and the EC Scientific Veterinary Committee.

  Dr. Strang
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food for what reasons deboning is not required for cattle of 30 months or under. [23202]

  Mrs. Browning
  [holding answer 28 march 1996]: Because the independent advisory committee, SEAC, has not recommended it.

  Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the membership of the body advising the Government on bovine spongiform encephalopathy; and how its composition is determined. [22967]

  Mrs. Browning
  The members of the Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee are:

  Chairman:

  Professor J. R. Pattison—Professor of Medical Microbiology and Dean of the University College, London Medical School

  Deputy Chairman:

  Dr. R. G. Will—Consultant Neurologist and Head of the National CJD Surveillance Unit

  Members:

  Professor Ingrid Allen—Professor of Neuropathology at the Queen's University of Belfast

  Professor J. W. Almond—A Virologist and Professor of Microbiology at the University of Reading

  Mr. R. Bradley CBE—A Veterinary Pathologist and Chairman of the BSE sub-group of the EC Scientific Veterinary Committee

  Professor F. Brown FRS—Deputy Director (Scientific) of the Animal Virus Research Institute, Long Island, New York, USA

  Professor J. Collinge—A Clinical Neurologist and head of the Prion Diseases Group at St. Mary's Hospital, London

  Dr. W. D. Hueston—Veterinary Epidemiologist, United States Department of Agriculture

  Dr. R. H. Kimberlin—Independent Consultant on Scrapie and related diseases

  Dr. M. Painter—A Consultant in Communicable Disease Control, City of Manchester

  Dr. D. B. Pepper—Private Veterinary Surgeon

  Professor P. G. Smith—An Epidemiologist from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine

  Dr. W. A. Watson—Former Director of the Central Veterinary Laboratory.

  413
  The committee was set up in 1990 to advise the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the Department of Health on matters relating to spongiform encephalopathies. The membership of the committee is chosen to provide expertise on a wide range of BSE-related topics.

  Cattle Feed
  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list those firms which used infected sheepmeat in cattle feed-based food; and if he will make a statement. [23435]

  Mrs. Browning
  [holding answer 1 April 1996]: At the time when infected sheep material is thought to have been present in cattle feed, meat and bone meal, produced by rendering sheep material, was a quite legitimate ingredient in cattle feed. At that time, no one could reasonably have been expected to foresee that the incorporation of ovine MBM presented a risk.

  It is not possible to determine which companies may inadvertently have used infected sheep material in cattle feed.

  Driftnetting
  Mr. Olner
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) if he intends to review the current maximum lengths of driftnets in respect of the finding of the recent report "Cetacean bycatch in the UK tuna driftnet fishery in 1995"; and what proposals he has to ban the use of driftnets; [24842]

  (2) what response he has made to the proposals for a ban on the use of driftnets from the European Parliament and the European Commission; and if he will make it his policy to support an EU-imposed ban on driftnetting; [24580]

  (3) what assessment he has made of the scientific evidence for a ban on high seas driftnets. [24581]

  Mr. Baldry
  [pursuant to his answer, 16 April 1996, c. 464-65]: The current maximum length of driftnets permitted on UK and other Community fishing vessels is set at 2.5 km in line with the precautionary approach and in response to United Nations resolutions. I am not aware of scientific evidence that justifies a different maximum length or a ban on the use of drift nets. I do not therefore support the European Commission's proposal, but I do think that means should be sought to reduce by-catches of cetaceans in high seas driftnet fisheries.

  Photocopying Licence
  Mr. Maclennan
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress his Department has made towards obtaining a photocopying licence from the Copyright Licensing Agency to ensure compliance with copyright law. [26710]

  Mr. Boswell
  [holding answer 25 April 1996]: The Department has received a draft photocopying licence from the Copyright Licensing Agency, and the terms and conditions are being studied by officials.

  Beef (Food Aid)
  Mr. Marlow
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will investigate the possible current or future use as food aid in countries with severe food shortages of suitable beef slaughtered in accordance with EU-supported anti-bovine spongiform encephalopathy measures. [26889]

  Mrs. Browning
  [holding answer 26 April 1996]: The regulations covering these measures require that the meat from animals slaughtered under them is removed from the human and animal food chain. It will not therefore be available for use as food aid. In any case, it would not be appropriate to use for food aid meat which is not deemed suitable for use in the United Kingdom.

  Slaughterhouses
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many slaughterhouses in each MAFF region have sought derogations from EC regulations in each year since 1989. [26005]

  Mrs. Browning
  Under the single market provisions of Council directives 91/497/EEC and 91/498/EEC which had to be implemented by 1 January 1993, member states were permitted to grant slaughterhouses temporary derogations for a limited period from the structural requirements of directive 91/497/EEC, provided they met the necessary hygiene requirements. Prior to 1 January 1993, therefore, there were no slaughterhouses operating under a licence issued subject to a temporary derogation. Total figures for premises in England licensed subject to temporary derogations for 1993, 1994 and 1995 were provided in the reply I gave on 16 April to the hon. Member for Fife, Central (Mr. McLeish),Official Report, column 469. A breakdown of the figures by MAFF region is not readily available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Prentice
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many slaughterhouses in each MAFF region were not approved by the EC in each year since 1989. [26006]

  Mrs. Browning
  The total number of red meat slaughterhouses in England which were not approved for EC trade at the end of each year from 1989 to 1995 is given in the table. No breakdown of these figures by MAFF region is readily available and it could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Until 1993, local authorities were responsible for licensing slaughterhouses and the figures shown for 1989 to 1992 are derived from records of state veterinary service visits.

  Total number of red meat slaughterhouses not approved for EC trade

  Number

  1989

  635

  1990

  589

  1991

  540

  1992

  487

  1993

  1373

  1994

  1346

  1995

  1292

  1 Licensed by MAFF.

  Pig Exports
  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many pigs have been exported for(a) further fattening, (b) slaughter and (c) breeding in each year since 1992. [26657]

  Mrs. Browning
  [holding answer 26 April 1996]: The table shows recorded exports of live swine, as recorded in the overseas trade statistics of the United Kingdom. It is not possible to identify precisely whether the animals were exported for fattening or slaughter, but pure-bred animals for breeding are separately identifiable. The member may wish to refer to the business monitor MA20 and MA21 series, available in the Library of the House, which provides more detail on recorded overseas trade statistics—within which live animal trade can be found in division 00.

  Thousand

  1992

  1993

  19941

  19951

  Swine, pure bred breeding animals

  33

  16

  15

  25

  Swine, other than pure bred breeding animals

  379

  150

  176

  190

  1 Data provisional.

  Exported Calves
  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many calves were exported from the United Kingdom to Spain in each year since 1993. [26658]

  Mrs. Browning
  [holding answer 26 April 1996]: The overseas trade statistics of the United Kingdom recorded no exports of calves to Spain in 1994 and 1995. Recorded exports in 1993 totalled 1,815 head.

  Specified Bovine Offal
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list those European Union countries where specified bovine offal as defined in the United Kingdom is removed from cattle on slaughter; and if he will make a statement. [23558]

  Mrs. Browning
  [holding answer 1 April 1996]: On 4 April 1996, France introduced measures to require the removal and destruction of specified bovine offals, as defined in the UK, but only from animals born before 31 July 1991. Portugal applies SBO controls, but only to
  416
  animals culled from herds which have had a case of BSE. Belgium also has SBO controls, but is not clear whether these are the same as the controls applied in the UK. No other member states have SBO controls.

  Beef Exports
  Mrs. Gorman
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to mount a legal challenge against the EU worldwide ban on exports of United Kingdom beef. [25668]

  Mrs. Browning
  The Government are challenging the legality of the EU ban on the export of British beef before the European Court of Justice.

  Mrs. Ann Winterton
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what has been the total value of beef exports to the European Union in each of the last four quarters; [26996]

  (2) what has been the total value of exports of calves and cull cattle to the European Union in each of the last four quarters; [26997]

  (3) what has been the total value of beef imports from the European Union in each of the last four quarters; [26998]

  (4) what has been the total value of imports of calves and cull cattle from the European Union in each of the last four quarters.[26999]

  Mrs. Browning
  Overseas trade statistics for the United Kingdom record the total value of imports and exports of bovine carcase meat and live bovines with other members of the EC as follows:

  £ million

  1995

  Q1

  Q2

  Q3

  Q4

  Exports to the EC

  Beef

  132

  147

  130

  125

  Live bovines

  14

  23

  23

  14

  Imports from the EC

  Beef

  46

  52

  71

  52

  Live bovines

  2

  1

  4

  6

  Please note that all data are provisional and subject to amendment.

  It is not possible to identify separately the figures for calves and cull cattle, but the figures for exports of live bovines are predominately made up of trade in calves.

  Contempt of Court Act 1981: Interpretation
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  Millennium Exhibition Site: Funding
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  Northern Ireland Policing: Community Consultation
  Northern Ireland Policing: Community Consultation
  Foreign Affairs Council and IGC Ministerial Meeting, 22nd April
  Foreign Affairs Council and IGC Ministerial Meeting, 22nd April
  Diplomatic Missions: Parking Fines
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  AEA: Detection of Clandestine Nuclear Activities
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  Serious Offences by Holders of Diplomatic Immunity
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  Meat Inspection and Hygiene Controls: Review
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  BSE Cases
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  Slaughtered Cattle: Disposal of Carcases
  Slaughtered Cattle: Disposal of Carcases
  Public Service: Reimbursement of Travel Costs
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  RAF Stations: Annual Formal Inspections and Staff Visits
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  Mr. Portillo's Visit to Israel
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  Nuclear Weapon Policy
  Nuclear Weapon Policy
  Passenger Rail Franchise Agreements
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