Written Answers of 9 January 1996

ENVIRONMENT

  Civil Aviation Regulations
  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what input his Department had into the drafting of the Civil Aviation (Aerial Advertising) Regulations 1995 (S.I., 1995, No. 2943). [7617]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  None.

  Mobile Telephones
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many mobile telephones have been supplied to his Department in each of the last eight years; and in each of those years how many different suppliers were involved. [8029]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  My Department does not retain records relating to the supply of mobile telephones for more than four years. Details of the orders placed centrally from 1992 are as follows:

  Year

  Number of mobile phones

  Number of suppliers

  1992

  47

  2

  1993

  47

  3

  1994

  101

  3

  1995

  93

  7

  These details do not include telephones supplied in cars provided to my Department by the Government car service.

  Energy Saving
  Mr. Robert Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what progress has been made by Government Departments towards meeting the energy saving targets given in "Climate Change: The UK Programme." [8022]

  Mr. Robert B. Jones
  Figures for the energy efficiency performance of the Government estate are published annually. In 1993–94, the latest year for which figures are available, the standard energy cost performance indicator showed a reduction of 6 per cent. from the base year 1990–91.

  Mr. Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what programmes he has introduced to increase the energy efficiency of domestic appliances; and what progress these programmes have made towards the targets set in "Climate Change: The UK Programme." [8020]
  2
  Mr. Jones
  In view of the international market in domestic appliances, we have been working with our European partners under the Community's SAVE—specific actions for rigorous energy efficiency—programme on a number of initiatives. We have adopted minimum efficiency standards for central heating boilers, and energy labelling requirements for other domestic appliances. We are in the process of adopting minimum efficiency standards for refrigerators and freezers which will lead initially to energy savings of 15 per cent. for new models. Further measures under the SAVE programme are under discussion.

  In the UK, we will be supporting the Energy Saving Trust in a number of projects to enhance the take-up of energy efficient appliances. We are also in consultation with consumer groups and manufacturers about cost-effective ways to bring forward and promote the take-up of appliances which are more energy efficient.

  All of these measures will contribute to achieving our energy saving targets.

  Combined Heat and Power
  Mr. Robert Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the current capacity of combined heat and power plant in the United Kingdom. [8019]

  Mr. Robert B. Jones
  The current capacity of combined heat and power plant in the United Kingdom is approximately 3,400 MW on over 1,200 sites, with about another 200 MW in construction or committed.

  Executive Agencies
  Dr. Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if answers sent to hon. Members in reply to parliamentary questions by the head of executive agencies in his Department are(a) seen, (b) approved and (c) amended by him before they are sent; and if he will identify such letters to which amendments by him have been made in 1994–95. [7833]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  In 1994–95, all letters responding to parliamentary questions issued by heads of executive agencies for which this Department is responsible were seen and approved by Ministers and none were amended.

  Regional Government
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received about regional government in the northern region; and if he will make a statement. [8049]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  I have received no representations, through the Government office for the north-east, about regional government in the northern region.

  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received about regional government in the Yorkshire and Humberside region; and if he will make a statement. [8048]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  I have received no representations about regional government in the Yorkshire and Humberside region.

  Shire Counties Review
  Mr. Matthew Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the progress of the shire counties review by the Local Government Commission. [7935]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  The Local Government Commission has now completed its review of the structure of local government in the shire counties, and we are considering the recommendations in its final report which was published on 19 December.

  Car Boot Sales
  Mr. Pawsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what factors led to the interval between his receipt of the hon. Member's letter of 4 December about car boot sales and markets in Warwickshire and the despatch of his reply; and on what date he referred the letter to the Department of Trade and Industry. [7765]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  As this Department has some policy responsibilities relating to car boot sales, my hon. Friend's letter of 4 December was referred to departmental officials for advice. They copied it to officials in the Department of Trade and Industry who agreed that the issues raised were for that Department. My hon. Friend's letter was therefore transferred to DTI on 15 December.

  Staff Levels, London Boroughs
  Mr. Dunn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment which London boroughs have not yet submitted returns on staffing levels. [7937]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  The annual joint staffing watch survey collects information on staffing levels in local authorities in June of each year. The following authorities have not made returns in respect of June 1995 staff numbers:

  Bexley

  Brent

  Camden

  Hackney

  Hammersmith and Fulham

  Haringey

  Havering

  Hillingdon

  Southwark

  Tower Hamlets.

  Mr. Dunn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many full-time equivalent employees there are(a) in total and (b) per head of population in the service of each London borough. [7940]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  The available information is as follows. The levels of employment in individual authorities are not directly comparable because of variations in, for example, population structure and social characteristics, the extent of the use of private firms and contractors and the level of work undertaken for other authorities and public bodies on an agency basis.
  4

  Staff at June 1995

  Equivalents whole time

  Staff per thousand Population

  City of London

  3,112

  598.5

  Camden

  1—

  1—

  Greenwich

  9,089

  42.8

  Hackney

  1—

  1—

  Hammersmith and

  1—

  1—

  Fulham

  Islington

  7,228

  41.3

  Kensington and

  3,745

  24.7

  Chelsea

  Lambeth

  9,983

  38.3

  Lewisham

  8,557

  35.3

  Southwark

  1—

  1—

  Tower Hamlets

  1—

  1—

  Wandsworth

  5,684

  21.3

  Westminster

  5,698

  30

  Barking and

  5,614

  36.2

  Dagenham

  Barnet

  7,276

  23.6

  Bexley

  1—

  1—

  Brent

  1—

  1—

  Bromley

  4,418

  15.1

  Croydon

  7,426

  22.7

  Ealing

  6,213

  21.4

  Enfield

  5,997

  23.1

  Haringey

  1—

  1—

  Harrow

  4,703

  22.4

  Havering

  1—

  1—

  Hillingdon

  1—

  1—

  Hounslow

  6,653

  32.8

  Kingston-upon-Thames

  3,083

  22.3

  Merton

  4,003

  22.6

  Newham

  8,727

  38.5

  Redbridge

  6,220

  27.6

  Richmond-upon-Thames

  4,040

  23.5

  Sutton

  3,712

  21.4

  Waltham Forest

  6,959

  31.4

  Note

  1Data not available.

  Source:

  Joint Staffing Watch, June 1995. Figures are for staff in general services, ie excluding law and order services.

  Energy Savings Trust
  Mr. Robert Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the current level of funding for the Energy Savings Trust; and what is the projected funding for each year up to 2000. [8024]

  Mr. Robert B. Jones
  Last autumn my right hon. Friend confirmed the Government's plan to provide £25 million for the Energy Saving Trust in 1996–97. He intends to provide £15 million in 1997–98 and £10 million in 1998–99, reflecting his intention that the trust should increasingly work with the market and lever in private finance. In the current financial year, the Government expect to provide £446,000 towards the trust's running costs and around £2 million via the trust to support the local energy advice centre pilot study.

  These funding arrangements reflect the trust's role as a catalyst, stimulating investment in energy efficiency and the development of self-sustaining markets for energy efficient goods and services.

  I understand that the trust oversaw total expenditure of £21.5 million between 1993 and 1995 and expects to expand its operations in future years.

  Local Services (Funding)
  Mr. Sutcliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what extra funding, excluding the metropolitan railway grant, and care in the community adjustments he proposes to make available to each metropolitan district council next year, over that of the current year, in the form of revenue support grant and non-domestic rates, which will be available for each of these councils to fund local services. [7811]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  The table sets out the amount of revenue support grant and non-domestic rates which it is proposed each metropolitan district council will receive in 1996–97, in comparison with the amount each district received in RSG, NDR, metropolitan railway grant and community care special transitional grant in 1995–96. For 1996–97, the MRG and 1995–96 STG have been incorporated into authorities' standard spending assessments, and so will attract RSG. The 1996–97 figures do not include the additional resources available for community care, to be funded through the 1996–97 STG.

  In addition to these grants, local authorities may raise revenue through the council tax and other local sources of income.

  Local Authority

  1995–1996 RSG, NDR, MRG and STG £ million

  1996–97 RSG, and NDR £ million

  Change Percentage

  Change Percentage

  Greater Manchester1

  Bolton

  160.167

  159.327

  -0.389

  -0.5

  Bury

  91.042

  91.527

  0.485

  0.5

  Manchester

  372.765

  369.848

  -2,918

  -0.8

  Oldham

  149.413

  149.501

  0.088

  0.1

  Rochdale

  133.318

  130.672

  -2.647

  -2.0

  Salford

  152.279

  151.556

  -0.723

  -0.5

  Stockport

  130.305

  128.150

  -2.156

  -1.7

  Tameside

  127.053

  126.977

  -0.076

  -0.1

  Trafford

  115.707

  115.757

  0.050

  0.0

  Wigan

  167.614

  166.764

  -0.850

  -0.5

  Merseyside

  Knowsley

  123.928

  125.232

  1.304

  1.1

  Liverpool

  375.694

  384.800

  9.105

  2.4

  St. Helens

  109.194

  111.534

  2.341

  2.1

  Sefton

  168.637

  171.759

  3.121

  1.9

  Wirral

  202.471

  209.620

  7.149

  3.5

  South Yorkshire

  Barnsley

  124.237

  127.573

  3.335

  2.7

  Doncaster

  183.386

  187.720

  4.333

  2.4

  Rotherham

  155.713

  159.978

  4.266

  2.7

  Sheffield

  318.635

  321.283

  2.648

  0.8

  Tyne and Wear

  Gateshead

  129.627

  129.702

  0.076

  0.1

  Newcastle

  Upon Tyne

  191.110

  190.940

  -0.170

  -0.1

  North

  Tyneside

  115.089

  115.698

  0.609

  0.5

  South

  Tyneside

  101.544

  102.876

  1.331

  1.3

  Sunderland

  193.367

  195.019

  1.652

  0.9

  West Midlands

  Birmingham

  765.414

  778.022

  12.608

  1.6

  Coventry

  192.253

  195.367

  3.114

  1.6

  6

  Local Authority

  1995–1996 RSG, NDR, MRG and STG £ million

  1996–97 RSG, and NDR £ million

  Change Percentage

  Change Percentage

  Dudley

  158.566

  161.400

  2.834

  1.8

  Sandwell

  199.842

  201.327

  1.485

  0.7

  Solihul

  97.332

  98.577

  1.245

  1.3

  Walsall

  175.272

  177.150

  1.878

  1.1

  Wolverhampton

  167.501

  168.497

  0.996

  0.6

  West Yorkshire

  Bradford

  342.353

  344,751

  2.398

  0.7

  Calderdale

  116.226

  118.512

  2.286

  2.0

  Kirkless

  220.667

  222.269

  1.602

  0.7

  Leeds

  424.628

  430.867

  6.239

  1.5

  Wakefield

  180.651

  182.566

  1.916

  1.1

  1Greater Manchester districts have opted out of railway support in 1996–97. For these authorities, the 1995–96 figures do not include the MRG. However, it is not possible to adjust the 1995–96 figures to remove the amount of RSG which Greater Manchester authorities also received for supporting rail services. Consequently, the amount of external support for greater Manchester districts appears to fall from 1995–96 to 1996–97.

  Local Authority Debt
  Mr. Dunn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment which are the 20 local authorities with the highest debt levels in England; and in each case what is(a) the total amount of debt and (b) the debt per head of population. [7938]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  The information requested is as follows:

  Authority

  Total debt1 at 31 March 1995 £ million

  Debt at 31 March 1995 per head of population £

  Birmingham

  1,287.8

  1,277

  Manchester

  1,172.9

  2,720

  Lambeth

  905.2

  3,472

  Islington

  880.1

  5,024

  Southwark

  805.8

  3,522

  Liverpool

  798.7

  1,685

  Hackney

  765.9

  3,979

  Sheffield

  758.6

  1,431

  Leeds

  688.9

  951

  Tower Hamlets

  653.5

  3,831

  Haringey

  557.1

  2,624

  Camden

  543.3

  2,977

  Newham

  542.5

  2,392

  Lewisham

  519.7

  2,144

  Brent

  471.2

  1,927

  Greenwich

  468.6

  2,208

  Newcastle upon Tyne

  442.0

  1,559

  Kent

  429.5

  278

  Salford

  425.4

  1,844

  Bradford

  412.9

  857

  1Includes both short-term borrowing and long-term borrowing. All local authority borrowing is subject to general statutory controls and to the specific limits imposed by central Government on individual authorities.

  EC Habitats Directive
  Mr. Peter Atkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he will make further nominations for special areas of conservation to the European Commission under the EC habitats directive. [8198]
  7
  Mr. Gummer
  As indicated in my written reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Taunton (Mr. Nicholson) on 20 June 1995,Official Report, column 140–43, a second list of candidate special areas of conservation would be sent to the European Commission once points raised in the public consultation launched on 31 March had been considered and satisfactorily resolved. That list, which consists of 75 sites, including a first tranche of 10 marine sites, was sent to the Commission on 8 January.

  Further sites will be forwarded to the Commission when the remaining points raised during consultation have been fully considered. Particular attention is being given to addressing general concerns raised by consultees about the possible designation of marine sites.

  The list of sites sent to the Commission is as follows:

  Sites

  Asby Complex

  England

  Avon Gorge Woodlands

  England

  Bath and Bradford on Avon Bats

  England

  Braunton Burrows

  England

  Breckland

  England

  Bury Inlet: Saltmarsh and Estuary/Cilfach

  Burry: Cors heli ac Aber

  Wales

  Cardigan Bay/Bae Ceredigion

  Wales

  Carn non Tri-Tighearnan

  Scotland

  Clyde Valley Woods

  Scotland

  Coll Machair

  Scotland

  Conon Islands

  Scotland

  Cotswold Beechwoods

  England

  Dartmoor

  England

  Dornoch Firth and Morrich More

  Scotland

  Downton Gorge

  England

  Drigg Coast

  England

  Duddon Mosses

  England

  Dungeness

  England

  Dunkeld—Blairgowrie Lochs

  Scotland

  Ensor's Pool

  England

  Epping Forest

  England

  Fenn's. Whixall, Bettisfield, Wem and Cadney

  Mosses

  England/Wales

  Flamborough Head

  England

  Flow Country

  Scotland

  Foinaven

  Scotland

  Folkestone to Etchinghill Escarpment

  England

  Fontmell and Melbury Downs

  England

  Gower Commons/Tiroedd Comin Gwyr

  Wales

  Isles of Scilly Complex

  England

  Lleyn Peninsula and the Sarnau/Pen Llyn a'r

  Sarnau

  Wales

  Loch Etive Woods

  Scotland

  Loch Lomond Woods

  Scotland

  Loch Maree Complex

  Scotland

  Lower Derwent Valley

  England

  Lundy

  England

  Magilligan

  Northern Ireland

  Mells Valley

  England

  Moine Mohr

  Scotland

  Mole Gap to Reigate Escarpment

  England

  Moor House—Upper Teasdale

  England

  Morecambe Bay Pavements

  England

  Murlough

  Northern Ireland

  North Meadow and Clattinger Farm

  England

  North Norfolk Coast and Gibraltar Point Dunes

  England

  Orfordness—Shingle Street

  England

  Ouse Washes

  England

  Peak District Dales

  England

  Penhale Dunes

  England

  Rannoch Moor

  Scotland

  Rhidorroch Woods

  Scotland

  8

  Sites

  Rodborough Common

  England

  Ronas Hill—North Roe

  Scotland

  Roudsea Wood and Mosses

  England

  Roydon Common and Dersingham Bog

  England

  Salisbury Plain

  England

  Sandwich Bay

  England

  Sefton Coast

  England

  Sidmouth to West Bay

  England

  South Dartmoor Woods

  England

  South Hams

  England

  St. Albans Head to Durlston Head

  England

  Strangford Lough

  Northern Ireland

  Strathglass Complex

  Scotland

  Studland Dunes

  England

  The Broads

  England

  The Lizard

  England

  Thursley

  England

  Tintagel—Marsland—Clovelly Coast

  England

  Tiree Machair

  Scotland

  Torrs Warren—Luce Sands

  England

  Waveney and Little Ouse Valley Fens

  England

  Winterton—Horsey Dunes

  England

  Wormley Hoddesdonpark Woods

  England

  Wye Valley Woodlands/Coetiroedd Dyffryn

  Gwy

  England/Wales

  Wye Valley and Forest of Dean Bat

  Sites/Safloedd Ystlumod Dyffryn Gwy a

  Fforest Ddena

  England/Wales

  Burnley and Pendle Transport
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment which members of Pendle council have sought a dispensation from him to vote on the sale of Burnley and Pendle Transport; and to whom he proposes to grant such a dispensation and for what reasons. [8130]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  I have received such applications on behalf of Councillors Ian Gilhespy and Gill Gilhespy. Both applications to vote were declined having regard to our policy of granting such dispensations only in cases where either at least half of the council or committee concerned would he otherwise disabled by pecuniary interests or where such disabilities would otherwise upset the elected party balance in the relevant council or committee. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport has granted an application for Councillor John David to vote at meetings of the authority's policy committee, but not of the full council, having regard to his policy on councillor-directors of local authority-owned bus companies.

  Glass Recycling
  Mr. Tredinnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he has taken to encourage the recycling of glass; and what new initiatives are planned. [8208]

  Mr. Clappison
  Last month we published "Making Waste Work", a strategy for sustainable waste management in England and Wales. A copy is in the House Library. This set out many of the initiatives we have taken to encourage recycling of a range of materials, including glass. As a result of these initiatives and others, there are now well over 17,000 bottle banks and 28 per cent. of glass containers were recycled in 1994.
  9
  For the future, the glass industry is committed to achieving a 58 per cent. recycling rate for glass containers by the year 2000. To achieve this will require increased effort by consumers and local authorities as well as industry. The Government will support this effort in a number of ways, including legislation on producer responsibility for packaging which is intended to produce higher recovery and recycling rates for all packaging materials. We intend to publish draft regulations to implement this measure as soon as possible.

  London Governance
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, pursuant to his answer of 18 December Official Report, column 910, if he will list those organisations which have acknowledged that the Government's decision to abolish the Greater London council was right. [8115]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  The fact that hardly anyone outside the Labour party is arguing for a return of the GLC seems amply to justify the Government's decision to abolish it.

  Ministerial Travel and Accommodation Costs
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his estimate of the total cost for himself and other departmental Ministers for each year since 1991–92 with an estimate for the current year, of(a) overseas travel and accommodation expenses of Ministers and their advisers, (b) car and chauffeuring costs of Ministers, (c) ministerial security costs and (d) domestic travel and accommodation expenses of Ministers. [6406]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  The information is not available for items(a) and (d) for 1991–92 or 1992–93. The costs for 1993–94 are £115,000 for (a) and £45,000 for (d) for 1994–95 the costs are £99,000 for (a) and £37,000 for (d). Estimated costs for 1995–96 are £140,000 for (a) and £45,000 for (d). All these costs include the costs of private secretaries travelling with Ministers.

  The cost of chauffeur-driven cars provided for all department Ministers (item b) was £265,000 in 1991–92, £254,000 in 1992–93, £258,000 in 1993–94, £258,000 in 1994–95 and an estimated cost of £264,000 for 1995–96.

  On item (c) concerning ministerial security costs, the information is not disclosed for security reasons.

  Departmental Running Costs
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his estimate of the cost of running his departmental office, and that of his predecessor, for each year since 1990–91 with an estimate for the current year, broken down into(a) telephone bills, (b) total staff costs, (c) press and communications, (d) entertainment, (e) alcoholic drinks, (f) non-alcoholic drinks, (g) stationery, (h) office refurbishment and (i) other. [6405]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  The information is not collected in the format requested but is included in the running cost expenditure of my Department which is published in the 10
  annual report. Projections for 1995–96 are in line with overall expenditure for the next year as published in the public expenditure survey statement.

  Internet
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what web site his Department maintains on the Internet; what information is provided there; how often it is updated; what is the address; and if he or his Department answer questions and supply additional information through the Internet. [7567]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  The Department has pages on the CCTA's world wide web site known as http://www.open.gov.uk. Currently, the DOE pages include information on: the Department's responsibilities; air quality; drinking water; local government finance; the housing White Paper summary and departmental press notices. The Department's air quality information and press notices are updated on a daily basis; other information is updated periodically. Unresolved questions about authentication and confidentiality inhibit the use of the Internet for more general communications.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Renewable Electricity Generation
  Mr. Robert Ainsworth
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what is the current capacity of the United Kingdom's renewable energy electricity generation plant; and what are the projected capacities for each year to 2000. [8021]

  Mr. Page
  The estimated total operational capacity of renewable energy based generating plant in the United Kingdom at the end of 1995 was as follows:

  Category of operational renewables capacity

  MW dnc (Declared net capacity)

  Large-scale hydro mainly in Scotland and Wales

  1,440

  Other capacity outside NFFO1/SRO2/NI-NFFO3

  20

  Capacity within NFFO/SRO/NI-NFFO

  380

  Total estimated renewables-based generating capacity in the UK at the end of 1995

  MWdnc1,840

  1Non-fossil fuel obligation—premium market for electricity from renewables in England and Wales.

  2Scottish renewables obligation—premium market for electricity from renewables in Scotland.

  3Northern Ireland non-fossil fuel obligation—premium market for electricity from renewables in Northern Ireland.

  In addition, an average of about a further 130 MW dnc of operational capacity is expected to come on stream in each of 1996, 1997, 1998 and 1999 from contracts already in place under existing NFFO/SRO/NI-NFFO orders and from modest growth outside NFFO/SRO arrangements.

  Further orders are proposed for this year, NI-NFFO-2; for 1997, NFFO-4 and SRO-2; and for 1998, NFFO-5 and SRO-3, in line with delivering Government policy of working towards 1500 MW of new renewable-based

  11
  capacity by 2000. This would bring the aggregate renewable-based generation capacity to around 3000 MW dnc.

  British Energy (Overseas Buyers)
  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many (i) British and (ii) foreign companies have communicated to his Department an interest in purchasing British energy. [8015]

  Mr. Lang
  The Government have received no expressions of interest from any British or foreign companies in purchasing British energy.

  Industrial Death and Retirement Fund
  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will place in the Library the legal opinion on which the British Coal Corporation based the decision to wind up the industrial death and retirement fund. [7810]

  Mr. Page
  This is a matter for British Coal. I am asking the chairman to write to the hon. Member.

  KONVER Funding
  Mr. Dover
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade, when he expects to have the results of the recent bids for KONVER funding; and if he will make a statement. [6209]

  Mr. Eggar
  The final text of the UK and Gibraltar KONVER II programme has now been agreed and the formal decision of the European Commission signed. Applications for grant will be invited following the first meeting of the programme monitoring committee early in 1996.

  Consultants
  Mr. Fisher
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list those(a) consultants, (b) outside organisations and (c) individuals employed by his Department in each year since 1990, indicating the purposes of their employment and the total payments made to them. [3966]

  Mr. Lang
  The information for 1994 and 1995 in respect of contacts let centrally to consultants, outside organisations and individuals employed on external consultancy is detailed in the tables below. For information on contracts let centrally to organisations employed on external consultancy in 1992 and 1993, I refer to an answer to the hon. Member for Hackney, North and Stoke Newington (Ms Abbott) on 25 January 1994,Official Report, columns 211–17. Other information can be provided only at disproportionate costs.
  Lists of Contractors and Total Value of the Contracts for 1994 and 1995
  Consultants, organisations and individuals awarded external consultancy contracts in 1994

  Adept People

  Allcock Consulting

  Andersen Consulting

  Associated Information and Technology

  Benchmark Research Ltd.

  BRC Partnership Ltd.

  Broadgate Business Consultants

  Business Round Table Ltd.

  12

  Butler Research

  BZW Corporate Finance

  Cambridge Consultants Ltd.

  Capita Group Plc.

  Chantry Vellacott Ltd.

  Child Accident Prevention Trust

  Connell Wilson

  Consensus Research International

  Coopers and Lybrand

  Cranfield Institute of Technology

  CRU International

  CSS International Ltd.

  David Rigby Associates

  David Snell

  Dewe Rogerson

  Dr. Paul Seabright

  Ernst and Young

  ESYS Ltd.

  Eurostrategy Consultants Ltd.

  Euro-Bid Watch

  Euro-Projects Ltd.

  FBI Management Consultants

  First Marine International

  Follow Through Project Services Ltd.

  Gamma Secure Systems

  G. M. Glover

  Grant Thornton

  HP ICM

  ICE Ergonomics

  International Ecotechnology Research Centre

  IQA/BCS

  IT World

  John Walsh

  JRA Aerospace Ltd.

  Kermon Ltd.

  KPMG Management Consulting

  Landair International Ltd.

  Logica UK Ltd.

  March Consulting Group

  Marketing Improvements Group Plc

  Maunsell Group

  Metra Martech Ltd.

  Morgan Harris Burroughs

  Morgan Stanley Ltd.

  MORI

  G. Shaffer

  C. Langman

  R. Mortiboys.

  National Economic Research Associates

  National Institute of Economic and Social Research

  National Radiological Protection Board

  National Remote Sensing Centre Ltd.

  Nimtech Ltd.

  Optimat Ltd.

  Ovum Ltd.

  PA Cambridge Economic Consultants

  PA Consulting Services Ltd.

  PERA International

  13

  PERATEC

  Performance Consulting Group

  Pin-Point Research and Business Consultancy

  PMG Films Ltd.

  Prime Strategy Consultants Ltd.

  Professor R. M. Ridley.

  Quadrilect Ltd.

  Quarto Consulting International

  Quo-Tec Ltd.

  R. Haselden

  R. S. Direct.

  Recharge North East

  Reynolds and Associates Ltd.

  Ricardo Aerospace Ltd.

  Richfords

  Salford University Business Services

  Sambrook Research International

  Satherley Design Associates

  Segal Quince Wicksteed Ltd.

  Services Ltd.

  Solon Consultants

  SRU Ltd.

  Stoy Hayward Consulting

  TFPL

  The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators

  The Fire Protection Association

  The Marketing Partnership

  The Motor Industry Research Association

  Theisen Ltd.

  Touche Ross and Co

  Unitech Ltd.

  University of Birmingham

  University of Middlesex

  University of Nottingham

  University of Portsmouth

  University of Sussex

  WS Atkins

  Total value of these contracts is £8,901,000

  Consultants, organisations and individuals awarded external consultancy contracts in 1995

  Allways International

  ASRU Ltd.

  Building Research Establishment

  C and J Consultants

  CIM Institute

  Clemdale Associates

  C. B. Snowdon

  Coopers and Lybrand

  Cray Systems

  D. Tydeman

  David Haynes Associates

  David Rigby Associates

  D. Hyde

  Dr. L. B. Davies

  Dr. P. Seabright

  Durham Business School

  Electronic Publishing Services Ltd.

  14

  ERM Economics

  Ernst and Young

  Europartners Consultants

  Gamma Secure Systems

  HSA Consultants

  Inforpress Associates Ltd.

  Ms J. Shawe

  Ms K. Morris

  KMPG Management Consulting

  Logica UK Ltd.

  Mach Two Ltd.

  Mercers Management Consulting Ltd.

  Metra Martech Ltd.

  Michael Hannon Marketing

  Morgan Harris Burroughs

  C. Howard-Luck

  National Institute of Economic and Social Research

  Optimat Ltd.

  PA Cambridge Economic Consultants

  PA Consulting Services Ltd.

  Pannell Kerr Forster

  P. Champion

  PMG Ltd.

  Quo-Tec Ltd.

  Rapra Technology Ltd.

  Sambrook Research International

  Schroders Investment Banking

  Segal Quince Wicksteed Ltd.

  Smith System Engineering Ltd.

  Southampton University

  Stoy Hayward Consulting

  Systec Consulting

  The Harris Research Centre

  Theisen Securities Ltd.

  Touche Ross and Co.

  University of Louis Pasteur

  University of Lund

  University of Melbourne

  University of Nottingham

  Utrecht University

  Warwick Manufacturing Group

  York University

  Total value of these contracts is £5,385,000.

  The information given excludes external consultancy contracts let independently by the Department's executive agencies. I have asked agency chief executives to reply separately.

  Information concerning individuals employed by this Department can be found in "Civil Service Staff in Post" summary tables. Copies of these tables have been placed in the Libraries of the Houses. Staff are employed to assist the Department to attain its aims and objectives as set out in the departmental report. Details of total costs are included in the report.
  15
  Letter from P. R. S. Hartnack to Mr. Mark Fisher, dated 20 December 1995:
  The President of the Board of Trade has asked me to provide you with information relating to the Patent Office as part of the reply to your question about the use of consultants, outside bodies and others since 1990.
  The Patent Office made no use of external consultants in 1992–94. In 1995 two consultancies, Marketing Improvements and Coopers and Lybrand, have been engaged to help on possible contractorisation projects. The total cost to date is £108,945 plus expenses. The information for the years 1990 and 1991 can only be provided at disproportionate cost.
  The Patent Office contracts out a wide range of support and ancillary services such as printing, cleaning, security, training, technical and maintenance services. Expenditure amounted to £2.5 million in 1990, £2.9 million in 1991, £3.6 million in 1992, £3.3 million in 1993, £2.6 million in 1994 and £2.4 million to date in 1995. It has also used a number of external IT experts for specialist work and Employment Agency staff for general support services as particular needs arose.

  Letter from Jim Norton to Mr. Mark Fisher, dated 9 January 1996:
  Consultants and outside organisations engaged and individuals employed by the radiocommunications agency:
  The President of the Board of Trade has asked me to reply direct to your parliamentary question about external consultancy contracts let, and individuals employed, by the Radiocommunications Agency.
  The Agency did not assume responsibility for letting its own contracts until 1994. The value, and details, of the external consultancy contracts let since then are as follows:

  1994 (£320,000 ex VAT)

  NERA: Economic Impact Study

  MORI: Programme of Customer Surveys

  Coopers & Lybrand: Review of Customer Service Branch

  1995 (£292,800 ex VAT)

  Y & S: Management of the Radio Spectrum and IS Strategic Partnership

  C Gamblin: Planning and Monitoring Objectives

  PA Consultancy: Customer Services Branch Efficiency Savings

  Alkemi Ltd: Security, Threat Assessment Contingency Planning

  NERA: Use of Spectrum Pricing

  Etc Ltd: Strategy for Investors in People

  Details in respect of calendar years 1990–1993 are covered in the President's reply to your question.

  Information about employees of this Agency can be found in the Civil Service Staff in Post Summary Tables, and in the Agency's Annual Report and Accounts, copies of which are in the House Libraries. Staff are employed to assist the Agency to attain its aims and objectives as set out in the Agency's Annual Report and Accounts.

  Letter from David Durham to Mr. Mark Fisher, dated 20 December 1995:
  The President of the Board of Trade, the Right Hon. Ian Lang MP has asked me to reply to your question about consultants, outside organisations and individuals employed by Companies House Executive Agency, since 1990.

  The information you sought is as follows:
  Consultants and Outside Organisations
  Please see the tables attached providing a list of Consultants (Annex A) and Outside Organisations (Annex B), who have supplied goods or services to Companies House during financial years 1994/95 and 1995/96 to date. Information for earlier years can only be provided at disproportionate cost.
  The attached tables state the purpose of employment and indicate with an asterisk (*) in which year(s) payments have been made by Companies House to individual consultants and other outside
  16
  suppliers for expenditure £10,000 per annum. Amounts less than £10,000 per annum have been treated as not material to your question, and details could only be provided at disproportionate cost. Individual payments to suppliers are treated as commercial in confidence but I have provided the aggregated costs for each year. Individual employees
  Information on employees appear in the copies of the Civil Service Staff Post Summary Tables for the relevant years in the House Libraries. The purpose of individuals employed is assisting the agency to attain its Objectives and Aims as set out in Companies House Annual Reports. The total staff costs are as follows:

  Year

  £000's

  1990/91

  13,519

  1991/92

  15,570

  1992/93

  15,936

  1993/94

  15,437

  1994/95

  15,326

  1995/6 (to date)

  9,653

  I trust you find this information helpful.

  Annex A

  £Spend

  Outside suppliers

  Consultancy provided

  1994–95

  1995–96

  Axsis Consultants

  Consultants Re. Electronic Mail

  —

  *

  CS Trident

  Computer Consultants

  —

  *

  Data Sciences UK Ltd.

  Consultants—Image Based System

  —

  *

  David Fowler Partners

  Consultants Re. Car Park Repairs

  *

  *

  Workplace Technologies Ltd.

  Consultants—Image Based System

  —

  *

  IBM

  Computer Consultants

  —

  *

  I.T. Southern

  Computer Consultants

  *

  —

  National Utility Services

  Utility Consultants

  *

  —

  259,000

  107,000

  Annex B

  £spend

  Outside suppliers

  Goods/Services provided

  1994–95

  1995–96

  Agfa-Gevaert Ltd.

  Reprographic Goods

  *

  *

  Anacomp Ltd.

  Micrographic Supplies

  *

  *

  Aquaplan

  Roof Repairs

  *

  *

  Arron Electrical

  Building Stores, Stock

  —

  *

  Banctec Ltd.

  Remittance Processor

  *

  —

  Barron McCann Ltd.

  Computer Maintenance and Development

  *

  *

  Barry Roofing Ltd.

  Builders

  *

  —

  Bell & Howell Ltd.

  Filming Machinery/Maintenance

  *

  *

  BPC Numeric Arts

  Bar Code System Maintenance

  *

  *

  Bridgend Office Furniture

  Office Furniture

  —

  *

  B.T. Yellow Pages

  Directory Advertising

  *

  —

  Britdoc Ltd.

  D X System

  —

  *

  B.T. Business Communications

  Telecommunications

  *

  *

  B.T. Midlands

  Telecommunications

  *

  *

  B.T. Westminster Services

  Telecommunications

  —

  *

  B.T. Glasgow

  Telecommunications

  *

  —

  British Gas

  Fuel

  *

  —

  Canon (UK) Ltd.

  Photocopiers

  *

  —

  Canon (S W)

  Cameras & Office Machinery

  *

  *

  Cardiff City Council

  Refuse Collection etc.

  *

  —

  Cardiff Lift Co.

  Updating Lifts For Disabled

  —

  *

  Caterwise

  Canteen

  *

  *

  City Electrical Factors

  Electrical Stock

  *

  *

  Clarinet Systems Ltd.

  C. D. Rom Computer

  —

  *

  Computacenter Ltd.

  Various Computer Equipment

  *

  *

  CV Carpets Ltd.

  Carpets

  *

  —

  Darley Business Forms

  Special Stationery

  *

  *

  MR-Datacom Ltd.

  Micrographic Directories

  *

  *

  Datavault Ltd.

  Storage of Documents

  *

  *

  17

  Annex B

  £spend

  Outside suppliers

  Goods/Services provided

  1994–95

  1995–96

  David Wall

  Accountancy Services

  *

  —

  D. Brown & Son

  Stationery Supplies

  *

  —

  Ellis Tylin Ltd.

  Building Maintenance Contract

  *

  *

  Elonex Computers

  Computer Supplies

  *

  —

  Esso

  Fuel

  *

  —

  Finres

  Carousels

  *

  *

  F. J. Elvin

  Building Alterations/Maintenance etc.

  *

  *

  Forward Catering

  Canteen

  *

  —

  Gandlake Computer

  Mainframe Software

  *

  *

  Services

  Licences

  Gent Ltd.

  Fire Alarm System

  *

  —

  Gill's Travel

  Foreign Travel Arrangements

  *

  *

  Golley Slater & Partners

  Design & Artwork etc.

  *

  *

  Graphics Technology

  Film for Technical Development

  *

  *

  Gresham Computer Services.

  Computer Supplies

  *

  —

  Group 4

  Cash In Transit/Security

  *

  —

  Guardian Computer Services

  Disaster Standby Services

  *

  *

  HCS Global Ltd.

  Computer Cabling/Tapes etc.

  *

  *

  Hopewiser Ltd.

  Mainframe Software Licences

  *

  —

  IBM United Kingdom

  Scanning Systems

  *

  *

  ICL

  Computer Maintenance/Equipment

  *

  *

  International Computers

  Computer Maintenance/Equipment

  —

  *

  Interlink

  Marketing Services

  *

  *

  Intercraft Design

  Furniture

  *

  —

  Isogon Communications System

  Various Computer Systems

  *

  *

  JCW Wales Ltd.

  Air Conditioning System

  *

  *

  JVH Associates Ltd.

  Vending Machine Maintenance

  *

  —

  Kardex Systems (UK)

  Public Search Swipe Cards

  *

  —

  Kodak Ltd.

  Micrographic Consumables

  *

  —

  Lancare

  Various Computer Equipment

  *

  —

  Lamson Plc

  Conveyor Belt Systems

  *

  —

  The Lewis Group Plc

  Debt collectors

  *

  *

  London Electricity

  Electricity

  *

  *

  Makers Industrial Services

  Car Park Repairs

  *

  *

  Martin Hopkins Design

  Marketing Design/Artwork

  *

  *

  Martin Walton Design

  Marketing Design/Artwork

  *

  —

  McKenzie Hughes Computers

  Computer Systems

  *

  —

  Mediascene Ltd.

  Mailing Services

  *

  —

  Memchem Ltd.

  Washroom Consumables

  *

  *

  Mercury Communications

  Telecommunications

  *

  *

  Mercury Government Services

  Telecommunications (Edinburgh)

  —

  *

  Mertec Image Data Ltd.

  Microprocessors

  *

  —

  MR-Datagen

  Maintenance Micrographic Equipment

  *

  *

  The Microfilm Shop

  Micrographic Equipment

  *

  *

  Midland Printing Services

  Statutory Forms

  —

  *

  Mitie Cleaning

  Cleaning Contract

  *

  *

  Morgan Bruce

  Legal Work

  *

  —

  National Westminster Bank Plc

  Bank Charges

  *

  *

  National West Streamline

  Bank Charges

  *

  *

  Neopost Ltd.

  Postage Costs

  —

  *

  OTIS plc

  Lift Maintenance

  *

  —

  Park Business Forms

  Stationery

  *

  *

  Pauls Industrial Services

  Asbestos Removal

  *

  *

  Photomatrix Ltd.

  Reprographic Equipment

  *

  *

  Pinnacle Office Equipment

  Office Supplies

  *

  —

  P. Macey

  Building Maintenance

  *

  —

  Publicity Centre

  Marketing

  *

  *

  R. A. Brand and Co.

  Paper

  *

  *

  Rank Xerox

  Photocopier Maintenance and copy Charges.

  *

  *

  Rentokil Ltd.

  Pest Control

  *

  —

  Research and Marketing

  Marketing Research

  *

  *

  Robert C. Green

  Building Maintenance

  *

  —

  Richard Powell

  Storage Systems

  —

  *

  Royal Mail

  Postage

  *

  *

  18

  Annex B

  £spend

  Outside suppliers

  Goods/Services provided

  1994–95

  1995–96

  Sam (UK) Ltd.

  Computer Printers

  *

  *

  SBS Business Supplies

  Stationery Supplies

  *

  *

  Scottish Power

  Fuel

  *

  —

  Sealey Painting and Decorating

  Painters and Decorators

  *

  —

  Securiplan plc

  London Security

  *

  *

  Sensormatic Camera Ltd.

  Security

  *

  —

  Securicor Ltd.

  Transit Of Cash/Cheques

  *

  *

  Shorrock Guards

  Cardiff Security

  *

  *

  Siemens Nixdorf

  High Speed Printers and Maintenance

  *

  *

  Software Corporation

  Computer Software

  *

  *

  Swalec

  Electricity

  *

  *

  Speedy Office Supplies

  Stationery

  *

  *

  Starline Blinds

  Window Blinds

  *

  —

  Strand Cleaning Services

  London Office Cleaning

  *

  *

  Sutcliffe UK

  Caterers

  *

  —

  Taylor Tiles Ltd.

  Fixtures and Fittings

  *

  —

  Taymech Ltd.

  CH Edin Refurbishment

  —

  *

  Technological Solution

  Computer Equipment

  *

  —

  Technology plc

  Computer Systems

  *

  *

  Capita Managed Services

  Mainframe Support Contract

  *

  *

  Texaco

  Fuel

  *

  —

  Thompson Systems plc

  Accounting Systems Maintenance

  *

  *

  TNT Express (UK)

  Courier Services

  *

  *

  Treforest Printing

  Stationery

  —

  *

  Ultra Comp Ltd.

  Software Licences

  *

  —

  Vitec

  Computer Equipment

  —

  *

  Carlson Wagonlit

  Travel Expenses

  *

  *

  WAT Flooring Contracts

  Fixtures and Fittings

  *

  —

  Wallace Brown

  Edinburgh Office Furniture

  —

  *

  Welsh Water

  Water Rates

  *

  *

  Wilprint Group

  Printing Of "The Register"

  *

  *

  Zenith Treforest Press

  Printing Stationery

  *

  *

  Zenith Print and Packaging

  Printing Stationery

  —

  *

  14,134,000

  6,859,000

  Letter from Peter Clapham to Mr. Mark Fisher, dated 12 December 1995:
  The President of the Board of Trade has asked me to reply to your question about consultants, outside organisations, and individuals employed by the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) and the National Engineering Laboratory (NEL).
  As you will be aware, NPL and NEL are no longer executive agencies of the DTI as both are now being operated by private sector management. However as the last Chief Executive of both laboratories I am pleased to respond to your question.
  Each laboratory uses the services of many consultants, both for scientific purposes connected with the work programmes carried out for customers, and for management purposes. In the case of NPL, expenditure on consultants amounted to £551k in the six months to 30 September 1995, and £1,309k in the financial year 1994–95. For NEL the expenditure amounted to £84k in the seven months to 30 October 1995. A list of the main consultants is enclosed. I am afraid that data for earlier years is not easily available as a result of the recent changes of management of the laboratories.
  Outside organisations are used for the supply of a wide range of services to both laboratories: these services include support services such as catering, cleaning, security guards, maintenance of buildings and equipment, office services, accountancy payroll. In addition, some scientific work is sub-contracted to outside suppliers. It is not practicable to provide a comprehensive list of the firms involved.
  As to the individuals employed by the laboratories, this information is given in the Civil Service staffing statistics which are available in the Library of the House of Commons, in the DTI's Departmental Report, and in the Annual Report and Accounts issued by each laboratory.

  19
  NPL EXECUTIVE AGENCY
  Main Consultants used in 1994–95

  Chessington Computer Centre

  Commonwish Ltd

  Futurism Computing Ltd

  Hagendale Ltd

  Mr. K Worthy

  Mr. T Cornwell

  PA Consulting Group

  Amethyst Systems

  Assessment Services Ltd

  Brameur

  Beta Technology Ltd

  Chart Associates

  Cranfield Institute of technology

  DK Research

  Dr. A. Franks

  Dr. D. W. Budworth

  Dr. G. Shalfirstein

  European Systems

  Geoff Pearmine

  JB Industrial Marketing

  John Moore Associates Ltd

  Queen Mary & Westfield College

  Mr. A. Pearce

  Mr. F. A. Kandil

  Mr. J. D. Summerfield

  Richard Andon

  Sixpenny Handley Software Services

  Main Consultants used in 1995–96 Commonwish Ltd

  Futurism Computing Ltd

  Mr. T. Cornwell

  PA Consulting Group

  Core Public Relations

  Deltapoint Interim Management

  Brameur

  Beta Technology Ltd

  Chart Associates

  Dr. A. Franks

  Dr. G. Shalfirstein

  Mr. J. E. Dilly

  Mr. K. Worthy

  Mr. R. Evans

  Mr. J. D. Summerfield

  University of Sheffield

  Assessment Services Ltd

  NEL EXECUTIVE AGENCY

  Main Consultants used in 1995–96

  Ernst & Young

  Heriot-Watt University

  Optimat Ltd

  Letter from R. D. Worswick to Mr. Mark Fisher, dated 12 December 1995:
  EXTERNAL CONSULTANTS
  The President of the Board of Trade has asked me to reply to your parliamentary question about the employment of consultants by the Laboratory of the Government Chemist, an Executive Agency of the DTI.
  20
  From time to time we have used consultants to help review or improve internal management functions (including the provision of information technology). The significant contracts in this area have been with the following firms (the value shown is the VAT inclusive payment to those firms in the given financial year).
  1990–91 £49,000

  EOYS Ltd: Financial Management

  BDM Ltd: Records Management

  Centre for Consultancy: Customer Care Training

  1991–92 £25,000

  Elgar Associates: Quality Assurance Training

  KPMG: Financial Information Systems Assessment

  1992–93 £103,000

  Elgar Associates: Quality Assurance Training

  Price Waterhouse: Financial Information System Assessment

  Jones Lang Wooton: Building Services Review

  1993–94 £11,000

  Price Waterhouse: Financial Information System Implementation

  1994–95 £277,000

  Coopers and Lybrand: Organisation and Structure of Service Provision

  Jones Lang Wooton: Building Services Review

  Hay Management Consultants: Personnel Services Review and Advice

  1995–96 (first six months) £25,000

  Hay Management Consultants: Personnel Services Review and Advice

  I am afraid that any more comprehensive information can only be provided at disproportionate cost.

  Letter from Peter Joyce to Mr. Mark Fisher, dated 20 December 1995:
  The President of the Board of Trade has asked me to reply to your question about consultants, outside organisations and individuals employed by The Insolvency Service.
  The following external consultants were engaged by The Insolvency Service in the calendar years 1994 and 1995 (to date).

  Organisation

  Purpose

  Cost including VAT £

  1994

  Price Waterhouse

  User Survey

  33,518

  BDO Stoy Hayward

  Feasibility Study (Options: Contracting-out)

  72,263

  BDO Stoy Hayward

  Management Consultancy (Office Systems)

  21,891

  total 127,672

  1995

  Price Waterhouse

  User Survey

  91,262

  Shreeveport

  Contracting-out Project

  488,300

  Bevan Ashford

  Legal Advice (Contracting-out)

  26,465

  total 606,027

  The Insolvency Service is an Executive Agency within the Department of Trade and Industry Prior to 1994 contracts for consultants were let by the Department of Trade and Industry, and information in relation to 1992 and 1993 was provided in a PQ No. 146 for Ms Dianne Abbott MP Dated 25 January 1994, Columns 211–217. Information on consultancy for 1990 and 1991 can only now be provided at disproportionate cost.The service has also used outside private sector organisations for advice on, development of and delivery in relation to specialist areas such as training, design and information technology systems;

  21
  accountancy work on individual disqualification cases; and accountancy support for the work of the Agency. Details of the organisations concerned and the payments made to them could only be provided at disproportionate cost.Finally, information in relation to individuals employed by The Insolvency Service in pursuit of its objectives under its Agency Framework Document are provided in its Annual Reports of which copies can be found in the House libraries.

  Cable Television Contractors
  Mr. French
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment he has made of the cost of the damage done to roads and pavements as a result of the installation of television cables by contractors operating under the licence granted by his Department. [7719]

  Mr. Ian Taylor
  The New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 sets the standard of work for cable operators and other undertakers, and provides that both interim and permanent reinstatements must conform to the statutory national specification. All cases of defective reinstatement which are identified by the local highway authority must be rectified at the undertaker's expense; additionally, the undertaker must for each proven defect bear the cost of the initial investigation and three further follow-up inspections. The estimated cost of repair for damage to roads and pavements is therefore a matter for the individual cable companies concerned.

  Mr. French
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what representations he has received about the quality of work undertaken by cable television contractors under the licence granted by his Department. [7721]

  Mr. Taylor
  A number of complaints have been received expressing displeasure about various aspects of cable operators' street works. During 1995, four complaints by residents in United Artists' Cheltenham and Gloucester franchise were passed to my Department.

  Mr. French
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans he has to make more rigorous the guidelines requiring cable television contractors to achieve certain standards when reinstating roads and pavements dug up to facilitate the installation of cables. [7720]

  Mr. Taylor
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport has overall policy responsibility for the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991, the legislation relating to street works carried out by undertakers including cable companies. He is currently reviewing the situation in the light of a public consultation carried out in the first half of 1995. The responses are now being examined in order to decide what changes, if any, are needed to existing procedures under the Act. My right hon. Friend hopes to be in a position to announce his conclusions during the first half of this year.

  Internet
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what web site his Department maintains on the Internet; what information is provided there; how often it is updated; what is the address; and if he or his Department answers questions and supplies additional information through the Internet. [7575]
  22
  Mr. John M. Taylor
  I can confirm that the DTI has maintained its own web server since 14 June 1995. This contains the Guide to Business, which provides an overarching structure to our presence on the web detailing the DTI organisation, key activities and contracts in relevant areas of expertise and geographic locations. Ministerial speeches and other departmental publications are also available at our web site. In addition, DTI press releases and information on the Queen's Awards to Industry are available via links to Central Office of Information and CCTA web sites respectively.

  Individual management units in the Department are encouraged to place information on the server, examples of which are the report for the Multimedia Industry Advisory Group, the Buy IT campaign, Microelectronics in Business and guidance on bids for radio broadcasting licences. All information is updated as and when necessary, often against specific revision dates.

  Questions and requests for further information are directed to the DTI using the auto-feedback option on the homepage of the web server. All DTI Ministers offices are now contractable by Internet email. Their addresses are:

  Minister

  Post

  tlo.lang@tlo.dti.gov.uk

  Mr. Lang

  President of the Board of Trade

  tlo.eggar@tlo.dti.gov.uk

  Mr. Eggar

  Minister for Industry and Energy

  tlo.fraser@tlo.dti.gov.uk

  Lord Fraser of Carmyllie

  Minister of State

  tlo.nelson@tlo.dti.gov.uk

  Mr. Nelson

  Minister for Trade

  tlo.oppenheim@tlo.dti.gov.uk

  Mr. Oppenheim

  Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Company Affairs

  tlo.page@tlo.dti.gov.uk

  Mr. Page

  Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Small Business, Industry and Energy

  taylor-tlo.ian@tlo.dti.gov.uk

  Mr. Ian Taylor

  Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Science and Technology

  taylor-tlo.john@tlo.dti.gov.uk

  Mr. John Taylor

  Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Competition and Consumer Affairs

  Small Firms
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list the Ministers who have had responsibility for small firms since 1979. [7550]

  Mr. Page
  The following Ministers have had responsibility for small firms since 1979:

  David Mitchell

  John MacGregor

  David Trippier

  John Cope

  Timothy Eggar

  23

  Eric Forth

  Baroness Denton

  Lord Strathclyde

  Lord Ferrers.

  I am the current Minister with responsibility for Small Business.

  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what publicity business links undertakes to bring to the attention of small and medium-sized enterprises the existence of training and development national vocational qualifications. [7585]

  Mr. Page
  Business links tailor their services and publicity to meet the needs of local firms. They promote training and development, including national vocational qualifications, as an essential component of a broader strategy to help small and medium-sized enterprises achieve business competitiveness.

  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many business mentors are currently available to small firms through business links. [7548]

  Mr. Page
  There are currently around 460 personal business advisers and 60 specialist advisers—export development counsellors, innovation and technology counsellors and design counsellors—employed or contracted by business links to provide independent advice and help to smaller firms with growth potential.

  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list the initiatives which his Department has begun for small firms since 1979, stating when they(a) began and (b) ended. [7582]

  Mr. Page
  Initiatives introduced since 1979 with the aim of assisting small firms are outlined in the annual report, "Small Firms in Britain". Copies of the 1995 report and previous years' reports are in the Library of the House.

  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what research his Department has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated regarding the relative rules for the creation and survival of small firms in (i) Scotland and (ii) England and Wales. [7549]

  Mr. Page
  My Department is currently undertaking, or has recently conducted, research on a range of topics which can influence the creation and survival of small firms in England and Wales. Topics covered include: why small firms' growth rates differ, management training, franchising, networking, the use of information technology by small firms.

  Information on the research evaluated by my Department can be obtained from the departmental report in the Library of the House.

  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland can supply information on the particular situation in Scotland.

  Disposable Lighters
  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment he has made of the compliance with United Kingdom safety requirements of disposable lighters from China; what plans he has to ban their import; and if he will make a statement. [8260]
  24
  Mr. John M. Taylor
  All smokers' lighters intended for supply in the UK, whatever their country of manufacture, are subject to the General Product Safety Regulations 1994, which place a general duty on suppliers of consumers products to supply safe products. In assessing the safety of lighters, account is taken of a number of factors, including relevant safety standards for the product, such as BS 6908: 1990, and the level of safety which consumers may reasonably expect. Local authority trading standards departments, which have the day-to-day responsibility for enforcement of the regulations, have the necessary powers to deal with unsafe products.

  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what action he is taking to review the safety of imported disposable lighters; and if he will make a statement. [8259]

  Mr. Taylor
  My Department is represented on the technical committees of the British Standards Institution and the International Standards Organisation, which are reviewing the current international standard for smokers' lighters on which BS 6908 is based. A revised standard is expected to be published shortly.

  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what mechanisms his Department has for monitoring incidents relating to the safety of imported items such as disposable lighters; and if he will make a statement. [8258]

  Mr. Taylor
  The DTI routinely collects statistics on accidents involving consumer products from a representative sample of hospital accident and emergency departments and makes use of any other relevant complementary statistics—for example, Home Office fire statistics. In addition, officials are in close touch with trading standards departments and monitor press reports to identify possible areas of concern.

  Where areas of concern are identified, further information will be sought, including matters such as source of supply.

  Former Soviet Union (Nuclear Installations)
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what channels exist for United Kingdom companies and organisations to give advice and assistance to the former Soviet Union states in order to maintain the safety of their nuclear power installations. [7717]

  Mr. Page
  A number of international assistance programmes are in place to help the former Soviet Union states maintain and improve the safety of their nuclear power installations. UK companies and organisations are providing advice and assistance within the framework of the European Union's PHARE and TACIS technical assistance programmes, the nuclear safety account managed by the European bank for reconstruction and development, the World Association of Nuclear Operators and the programmes of the International Atomic Energy Agency. In addition, there is bilateral collaboration on safety between the UK nuclear industry and counterparts in the former Soviet Union.

  Electrical Goods
  Mr. Spellar
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what steps he will take to prevent faulty electrical goods being imported into this country. [7622]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The safety of electrical equipment on sale in the UK has been controlled, since 1975, by regulations implementing the low voltage Directive. Local authority trading standards departments, which have responsibility for enforcing these regulations, have the necessary powers to deal with unsafe products.

  Dounreay (Radioactive Hotspots)
  Ms Roseanna Cunningham
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what are(a) the current number of radioactive hotspots identified around the Dounreay facility since the Atomic Energy Authority began its investigation, (b) the dates on which they were discovered and (c) the dates on which Atomic Energy Authority Dounreay management informed the Scottish Office of the presence of each hotspot. [7256]

  Mr. Page
  [holding answer 20 December 1995]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend the then Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Aberdeen, South (Mr. Robertson) on 13 June 1995, Official Report, column 472 and the answer that I gave to the hon. Member for Don Valley (Mr. Redmond) on 24 October 1995, Official Report, column 525. Since the joint COMARE RWMAC report, which noted that 143 particles had been found on either the Dounreay foreshore, the Dounreay site or Sandside beach, was published, I understand that a further 10 particles have been found on the Dounreay foreshore. Her Majesty's industrial pollution inspectorate has been kept informed of the results of the UKAEA's investigations into radioactive particles around the Dounreay facility on a regular basis.

  Spent Nuclear Fuel Storage
  Ms Roseanna Cunningham
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what is the estimated time needed to build a storage facility for spent nuclear fuel. [7281]

  Mr. Page
  [holding answer 20 December 1995]: This can be, estimated only when a number of factors, including the volume of fuel to be stored, the requirements of the user of the store, the terms of the construction contract and the time needed to acquire the necessary planning consents and safety approvals are quantified.

  Single Regeneration Scheme
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many grants representing what total sum and with what average value have been awarded under the single regeneration scheme for business start-ups in each region of Britain. [7698]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  I have been asked to reply.

  Information in the form requested is not available.

  The single regeneration budget challenge fund provides support to local partnerships for schemes which promote the wider regeneration of their chosen area. Under the first two rounds of the challenge fund, 238 schemes have included plans to assist business start-ups. Over their
  26
  lifetime of up to seven years, and subject to satisfactory progress on delivery plans, these schemes stand to receive some £1.7 billion in challenge fund support towards a wide range of economic, environmental and social measures including an estimated 80,000 new business start-ups.

  Following the Chancellor's Budget statement, provision of £250 million has been made for third and fourth challenge fund bidding rounds in 1997–98 and 1998–99 respectively. These will provide further opportunities for business start-up support.

ATTORNEY-GENERAL

  Executive Agencies
  Dr. Wright
  To ask the Attorney-General if answers sent to hon. Members in reply to parliamentary questions by the head of executive agencies in his Department are(a) seen, (b) approved and (c) amended by him before they are sent; and if he will identify such letters to which amendments by him have been made in 1994–95. [7820]

  The Solicitor-General
  The one agency for which the Attorney-General is responsible is the Government Property Lawyers. Neither the Attorney-General nor I have seen or approved in advance or amended any letters sent by the chief executive of the agency to hon. Members in response to parliamentary questions.

TRANSPORT

  Rail Privatisation
  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what conditions he plans to include in the sale of Railtrack concerning sale of land and buildings that(a) fulfil an operational or civic purpose and (b) could be considered to be relevant to those future roles by (i) train operators and (ii) statutory bodies. [8301]

  Mr. Watts
  No such conditions obtain at present and this position will not be affected by privatisation. However, the rigorous closure procedures set out in the Railways Act 1993 will continue to apply in respect of any proposal by Railtrack to close a part of its operational passenger network.

  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his oral statement of 18 December,Official Report, column 1236, if he will (a) place in the Library a copy of the new instructions and guidance to the franchising director relating to passenger service requirements, (b) set out how and with whom he will consult about the terms of the new instructions and guidance and (c) indicate from what date the new instructions and guidance will take effect. [8092]

  Mr. Watts
  My right hon. Friend expects to issue new instructions and guidance to the franchising director shortly. Instructions and guidance are not subject to consultation. They will come into effect as soon as they are issued. A copy will be placed in the Library.
  27
  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will place in the Library the passenger service specifications contained in each of the bids received for the South West Trains franchise. [8093]

  Mr. Watts
  A copy of the passenger service requirement for the South West Trains franchise is in the Library. The PSR is the contractually guaranteed level of service that the franchising director requires the franchise operator to provide. All competitors for the franchise bid on that basis. Stagecoach Holdings plc has stated its intention to maintain existing service levels. The franchise agreement between the franchising director and Stagecoach, which details the various contractual obligations the franchisee must meet, will be placed on the franchising director's register, which is a publicly available document. Information about unsuccessful bids is commercially confidential.

  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what regulations will exist in respect of the salaries, expenses and other remunerative benefits of the board and senior management of Railtrack following the flotation. [7784]

  Mr. Watts
  As a listed company, Railtrack Group PLC will have to comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 1985 and the Stock Exchange listing rules. On 6 September 1995, Bob Horton, Railtrack chairman, announced that Railtrack's policy is to adopt high standards in its corporate governance in the area of directors' remuneration, consistent with the Greenbury code. In his announcement, he said that share options would not be part of directors' remuneration and that a long-term incentive scheme was being developed to ensure that directors' pay reflected the performance of the company and was felt fair by the work force as a whole. Share-based participation arrangements are also being developed for the work force as a whole. Railtrack will make a full statement on directors' remuneration and these schemes in particular, prior to flotation of the company.

  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list, for each passenger rail franchisee, the targets for increases in passengers. [7778]

  Mr. Watts
  The agreements between the franchising director arid the franchisees for Great Western Trains, South West Trains and LTS Rail do not include targets for increases in the number of passengers. However, each agreement contains specific commitments for improvements to passenger and station services, and the Government expect these to generate increased use of passenger and rail services.

  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the measures he is taking to write off the debts of Railtrack. [7781]

  Mr. Watts
  No decisions have yet been taken on the appropriate capital structure for Railtrack when it is privatised.

  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assurances he has sought from the new owners of former British Railways Board freight and parcels subsidiaries over the continued use of railways for conveyance of their traffic. [7773]

  Mr. Watts
  None.
  28
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what proportion of the sale value of the rolling stock leasing companies has been allocated to investment in the railway network. [7775]

  Mr. Watts
  The three passenger rolling stock leasing companies will compete in the open market to supply new and refurbished trains to the operating companies. Sale proceeds will not be hypothecated.

  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to begin selling shares in Railtrack. [7779]

  Mr. Watts
  We expect to float Railtrack in May 1996. More precise timing will be announced in due course.

  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what arrangements are currently being made by the Director of Passenger Rail Franchising to promote privileged travel for railway employees and dependants. [7770]

  Mr. Watts
  The franchising director will protect privileged travel arrangements for existing railway employees and their dependants in the reorganised railway. New arrangements have been made through the Association of Train Operating Companies' staff travel scheme in which British Rail and franchise operators participate. This scheme ensures that employers can continue to give special travel facilities to those currently entitled to them. It covers staff and former staff and their dependants of British Rail and its subsidiaries, including those recruited by BR up to 31 March 1996; staff and former staff and their dependants of Railtrack, including those recruited up to 31 March 1996 or the date of flotation of Railtrack, if earlier; and staff and former staff and their dependants of third party employers where concessionary staff travel arrangements with British Rail were in place prior to 11 December 1995. British Rail employees who, as a result of reorganisation, transfer to a new employer will take with them their existing contractual entitlements to staff travel facilities.

  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the amount of public money which has been granted to qualifying railway employees from the preparation of franchise bids in respect of(a) London, Tilbury and Southend Rail, (b) South West Trains; and (c) Great Western. [7774]

  Mr. Watts
  This is a matter for the British Railways Board.

  Financial assistance, up to a maximum of £100,000, is available from BR to qualifying management employee buy-out teams towards their costs in preparation for pre-qualification, and for professional advice in mounting a bid if they qualify.

  Assistance is repayable if the bid succeeds.

  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list those types of railcard which have not been guaranteed by the Railways Act 1993. [7787]

  Mr. Watts
  Franchise operators will be required to offer young persons, senior and disabled persons railcards. Voluntary schemes administered by the Association of Train Operating Companies have been prepared to allow
  29
  the continuation of the family railcard, network card, and the HM forces railcard. All train-operating companies—including those for which franchise agreements have been signed—are members of these schemes.

  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what proportion of Railtrack's 10-year investment plan will be funded from(a) the company's own resources, (b) grants from public funds, (c) asset disposal and (d) the private finance initiative or other sources of private money. [7776]

  Mr. Watts
  I refer to my answer of today to the hon. Member for Newham, South, (Mr. Spearing).

  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what has been the total cost to public funds so far in this financial year for(a) consultants and (b) other advisers for the Office of Passenger Rail Franchising. [7777]

  Mr. Watts
  The total cost to public funds of consultants and advisers in 1995–96—to end of December 1995—is £21.5 million.

  Mr. Chidgey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if rail operators are required to consider the environmental impact of increased journeys by car resulting from(a) reductions in rail services and (b) closure of rail lines. [8131]

  Mr. Watts
  Until passenger services are franchised, service levels are a commercial matter for British Rail. After franchising, core passenger service levels are guaranteed contractually through passenger service requirements. The closure of lines is subject to rigorous statutory closure. procedures.

  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what arrangements he is making for compliance with EC directive No. 91/440 (EEC) following the privatisation of Railtrack. [7786]

  Mr. Watts
  Railtrack, as infrastructure manager, will have to comply with the directive as implemented in this country by the Railways Regulations 1992 and the Railways (Amendment) Regulations 1994.

  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what percentage of Railtrack shares he expects to sell when the company is privatised. [7780]

  Mr. Watts
  We expect to offer at least 51 per cent. of the equity of Railtrack. No further decision on the precise figure has been taken.

  The UK public offer is expected to represent not less than 30 per cent. of the shares available in the offer, with the possibility of this amount being increased in the event of strong retail demand.

  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to have transferred 51 per cent. of passenger rail franchises to the private sector. [7771]

  Mr. Watts
  Franchises representing some 50 per cent. of services in terms of passenger revenue have either been awarded or put out to tender to the private sector. The franchising director continues to make good progress towards his principal objective of franchising passenger rail services as soon as is reasonably practicable.
  30
  Ms Short
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list all research and consultancy contracts let by his Department concerning the privatisation of the railways over the threshold of £150,000, the dates of the relevant invitation advertisements in the European Journal and the dates of the contract award announcements. [7347]

  Mr. Watts
  The information for contracts let by my Department, currently valued at more than £150,000 excluding VAT, is listed in the table.

  The process for announcing contract awards has varied so the table includes the date for the start of each contract.

  Consultant

  Type

  Date of invitation notice

  Start of contract

  Samuel Montagu

  Merchant Banking

  n/a

  November 1988

  Coopers and Lybrand

  Access charges

  n/a

  December 1991

  Linklaters and Paines

  Legal advice

  n/a

  August 1992

  KPMG Peat Marwick

  Accountancy and Taxation

  n/a

  August 1992

  Mercer Management

  Restructuring options for freight

  n/a

  September 1992

  Richard Ellis

  Property advisers

  n/a

  February 1993

  Ernst and Young

  Information systems

  n/a

  June 1993

  Dewe Rogerson Ltd. Marketing

  n/a

  June 1993

  Hambros Bank Ltd.

  Merchant Banking

  14 July 1994 OJEC Ref: 94/S 133-PA47046/EN

  August 1994

  Ernst and Young

  Corporate finance advice on BRIS contract pricing

  n/a

  September 1994

  Travers Morgan

  Specialist advice on BRIS contract pricing

  n/a

  September 1994

  Freshfields

  Legal advice

  n/a

  October 1994

  Price Waterhouse

  Accountancy

  10 August 1994 OJEC Ref: 94/S 152-PA53120/EN

  December 1994

  SBC Warburg

  Merchant Banking

  10 August 1994 OJEC Ref: 94/S 152-PA53120/EN

  December 1994

  Ernst and Young

  Accountancy

  10 August 1994 OJEC Ref: 94/S 152-PA53120/EN

  January 1995

  Linklaters and Paines

  Legal Advice

  n/a

  December 1994

  Mercer Management

  Freightliner access charges

  n/a

  February 1995

  31

  Consultant

  Type

  Date of invitation notice

  Start of contract

  Richard Ellis

  Property Advisers

  10 August 1994 OJEC Ref: 94/S 152-PA53120/EN

  March 1995

  Touche Ross

  Reporting Accountants

  10 August 1994 OJEC Ref: 94/S 152-PA53120/EN

  March 1995

  Solid Solutions Associates

  Retail Offer Adviser

  n/a

  June 1995

  Shearman and Sterling

  US Lawyers

  n/a

  July 1995

  Dewe Rogerson Ltd.

  Marketing

  10 August 1994 OJEC Ref:94/S 152-PA53120/EN

  August 1995

  Royal Bank of Scotland

  Receiving Bank

  n/a

  August 1995

  Royal Mail

  Postal services

  n/a

  October 1995

  Royal Bank of Scotland

  Custodian Bank

  n/a

  November 1995

  Mercer Management/NERA

  Options for Railfreight Distribution

  10 August 1994 OJEC Ref: 94/S 152-PA53120/EN

  December 1995

  Bowne International

  Printing and Publishing Services

  8 August 1995 OJEC Ref: 95/S 149- PA79013/EN

  December 1995

  HP:ICM

  International Road Show

  7 November 1995 OJEC Ref: 95/S 212 PA116782/EN

  January 1996

  n/a - not applicable.

  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is the current timetable for(a) fundraising each passenger service, (b) selling each BR-owned freight business, (c) selling each BR-owned infrastructure company, (d) selling each of the other BR businesses and (e) selling Railtrack, indicating the date that bids were or will be invited and the date on which the Government expect that the franchise or business will be sold in each case. [6182]

  Mr. Watts
  To date, 27 businesses have been sold. These are listed at table A. In addition, the two remaining rolling stock leasing companies have been sold subject to contract; sales will be completed within the next few weeks.

  The timetable for franchising and future sales is set down in list A. This gives indications only of when sales are expected to be completed or franchises awarded. More precise dates could prejudice negotiations.

  Table A

  Sale/Sold

  Month

  Freight

  Red Star

  Sold

  5 September 1995

  Rail express systems Ltd.

  Sold

  9 December 1995

  32

  Table

  Sale/Sold

  Month

  OTHER BUSINESSES

  Special Trains Unit

  Sale completed

  31 March 1995

  BRIS Design Offices

  DCU Birmingham

  Sold

  25 July 1995

  Mainline Swindon

  Sold

  18 August 1995

  IDG Glasgow

  Sold

  18 August 1995

  BPE Mechanical and Engineering Consultancy, Doncaster

  Sold

  15 September 1995

  Civil Engineering Design Group, York

  Sold

  15 September 1995

  Powertrack Engineering Company Ltd.

  Sold

  15 December 1995

  CEDAC London Ltd

  Sold

  15 December 1995

  BR Maintenance Ltd.

  Swindon Electronic Service Centre

  Sold

  11 April 1995

  Chart Leacon (Ashford), Ilford, and Doncaster Depots

  Sold

  5 June 1995

  Wolverton, and Springburn (Glasgow) Depots

  Sold

  6 June 1995

  Eastleigh Depot

  Sold

  7 June 1995

  BR Telecommunications Ltd.

  Sale completed

  21 December 1995

  BR Central Services

  Meldon Quarry Ltd.

  Sold

  February 1994

  Baileyfield Switches and Crossings Works

  Sold

  7 July 1995

  Ditton Timber Treatment Works

  Sold

  1 September 1995

  Quality and Safety Services Ltd.

  Sold

  10 November 1995

  Occupational Health Services Ltd.

  Sold

  30 November 1995

  Signalling Control (UK) Ltd.

  Sold

  1 December 1995

  Interlogic Control Engineering Ltd.

  Sold

  4 January 1996

  OBS Services Ltd.

  Sold

  3 October 1995

  Rolling stock leasing companies

  Porterbrook Leasing Ltd.

  Sale Completed

  8 January 1995

  Sold subject to contract

  Angel Train Contracts Ltd.

  Eversholt Leasing Ltd.

  List A

  (a) Franchises

  The Franchising Director is responsible for awarding franchising contracts.

  The Franchising Director awarded the franchise for South West Trains on 19 December and the franchises for Great Western and LTS Rail on 20 December.

  Final bids will be invited, and the award of the franchises will be made, as soon as practicable for InterCity East Coast, Midland Main Line, Network SouthCentral and Gatwick Express.

  Invitations to tender for South Eastern were issued on 19 December. The franchise will be awarded as soon as practicable.

  Invitations to tender for the remaining franchises will be made thereafter.

  33

  (b) Freight Businesses

  Final bids for BR's three Trainload Freight companies were invited on 29 September 1995. Sales are likely early in 1996.

  Final bids for Freightliner were invited on 22 December 1995. Sale is anticipated in Spring 1996.

  Railfreight Distribution will be offered for sale as soon as practicable.

  (c) Infrastructure companies

  Final bids for the following 13 businesses were invited on 5 October 1995 and the sales are expected in the coming months:

  Central Infrastructure Maintenance Company Limited

  Central Track Renewals Company Limited

  Scotland Infrastructure Maintenance Company Limited

  Scotland Track Renewals Company Limited

  Western Infrastructure Maintenance Company Limited

  Western Track Renewals Company Limited

  Northern Infrastructure Maintenance Company Limited

  Northern Track Renewals Company Limited

  Eastern Infrastructure Maintenance Company Limited

  Eastern Track Renewals Company Limited

  Southern Track Renewals Company Limited

  South West Infrastructure Maintenance Company Limited

  South East Infrastructure Maintenance Company Limited

  (d) Other BR Businesses

  Final bids for the following businesses were invited:

  Castleton Long Welded Rail Works 1 May 1995

  Rail Projects Limited 23 June 1995

  The engineering link 15 December 1995

  Interfleet Technology 15 December 1995

  Network Train Engineering Services 15 December 1995

  All the above are expected to be sold over the next few months.

  Final bids for the College of Railway Technology were invited on 19 January 1996.

  VI senior management

  1987

  1988

  1989

  1990

  1991

  1992

  1993

  1994

  1995

  Chief Executive/Head

  1

  1

  1

  1

  1

  1

  1

  1

  1

  Other G5

  0

  0

  0

  1

  1

  1

  1

  1

  1

  G6 Director

  8

  8

  9

  6

  5

  3

  3

  2

  2

  Total Executive Directors

  9

  9

  10

  8

  7

  5

  5

  4

  4

  Other G6

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  1

  2

  1

  Total G6 and above

  9

  9

  10

  8

  7

  6

  6

  6

  5

  Source:

  Annual Reports, number of Directors. Position at 31 March.

  Newbury Bypass
  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what figures for traffic induced by the Newbury bypass have been presented to the public in Newbury; and what opportunity there has been for the public to comment on the implications; [8063]

  (2) what are the traffic figures for the inner relief road in Newbury with a western bypass under current road traffic forecasts for the years 2000, 2005, 2010 and 2015; [8064]
  34
  BR plans to dispose of about 10 other central services in due course.
  (e)Railtrack
  The Government intend to sell Railtrack by stock market flotation in May 1996.

  Vehicles Inspectorate
  Mr. Chidgey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many people have been employed in the Vehicle Inspectorate on(a) operational and (b) management duties in each of the last five years. [8112]

  Mr. Norris
  I have asked the chief executive of the Vehicle Inspectorate to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Ron Oliver to Mr. David Chidgey, dated 9 January 1996:
  The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question about the number of people employed in the Vehicle Inspectorate (VI) on operational and management duties in each of the last 5 years.
  The figures below show the total number of staff employed over the last 5 years.

  Year

  Number of Staff

  1990–91

  1,653

  1991–92

  1,879

  1992–93

  1,861

  1993–94

  1,768

  1994–95

  1,649

  Note:

  Staffing expressed in whole time equivalents averaged over the year

  It is difficult to define whether staff are involved with operational or management duties and such information could only be provided at disproportionate cost. However, the attached table provides a breakdown of the senior management structure within the Inspectorate over the last 9 years.

  Source:

  VI Annual Reports.

  (3) if the traffic model used in the 1995 Newbury bypass study report by the Highways Agency was the same as that used for the public inquiry of 1988; [8068]

  (4) what percentage increase was assumed by the Highways Agency in the traffic model for the A34 Newbury bypass in the total number of trips between 1983 and 1995; if this percentage increase was applied equally to all traffic; and what was the total number of trips in the model for 1995; [8047]
  35
  (5) if the figure for traffic quoted in the Highways Agency's Newbury bypass study report for the A34 inner relief road takes into account the suppression of traffic demand through congestion; [8066]

  (6) what is the capacity of the A34 inner relief road in Newbury; [8065]

  (7) what considerations led him not to carry out a traffic survey data for the Highways Agency study report of the Newbury bypass in 1995. [8067]

  Mr. Watts
  I have asked the chief executive of the Highways Agency to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Lawrie Haynes to Mr. Cynog Dafis, dated 9 January 1996:
  As you know, John Watts has asked me to reply to your Parliamentary Questions about the A34 Newbury Bypass.
  The Highways Agency Study last year estimated that induced traffic could increase traffic on the Bypass by 10%. The Study Report has been made freely available to both public bodies and the general public since it's publication last July.
  The forecast traffic flows on the A334 Inner Relief Road in Newbury with and without the proposed bypass are shown in the table below. The bypass provides relief by allowing longer distance through traffic to avoid the town, local traffic would continue to use the existing A34. The flows given in the table assuming the bypass is completed should be treated as indicative. In practice they will depend on what local traffic management measures are developed to maximise the benefits brought by the bypass. This will be particularly important for the longer term, where flows will be heavily dependent on how traffic is managed in Newbury as a whole. For this reason the table does not attempt to forecast flows beyond 2010.

  Without bypass

  With bypass

  Year

  Low growth

  High growth

  Low growth

  High growth

  2000

  57,000

  63,000

  35,000

  39,000

  2005

  61,000

  70,000

  38,000

  43,000

  2010

  65,000

  78,000

  40,000

  48,000

  The flows given are Annual Average Daily Traffic for low and high growth The traffic model used to assess the scheme at the 1988 public inquiry was updated to a 1990 base using observed growth in Newbury. The updating of the model was undertaken on a disaggregate basis such that individual zone to zone movements were growthed up separately. The total number of trips in the model for 1983 and 1990 are approximately 100,000 and 142,300 respectively, which equates to overall growth of 42%.Since the model was rebased to 1990 no further major updating has been undertaken. Model forecasts for 1995 have not therefore been produced.The traffic appraisal work reported in the 1995 Newbury Bypass Study Report was largely based on the traffic model prepared for the 1988 public inquiry and subsequently updated for the 1992 inquiry. Additional information on existing flows was obtained from measured traffic counts undertaken on the A34 in 1994.The traffic flows forecasts quoted in the Study Report for the A34 Inner Relief Road do not make any specific allowance for suppression of demand due to congestion.However, a number of separate economic sensitivity tests were undertaken which restricted traffic growth within Newbury, including the existing A34, to reflect the effects of congestion suppressing demand. These tests indicate that the scheme continues to be good value for money.Existing Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) flows on the A34 Inner Relief Road in Newbury are approximately 50,000 vehicles per day. This flow level results in significant congestion during
  36
  weekday peaks and at times during summer weekends. Within these periods the road operates close to its maximum capacity. Conditions for long distance through traffic are generally very poor and intolerable at times. More local traffic within Newbury also suffers significantly because of congestion. The overall level of service is very low.The ultimate carrying capacity of an urban road over a whole day depends on many factors including the urban nature of the road, the proportion of heavy vehicles, the effects of junctions and their capacities, the interaction of local and longer distance through traffic, the variation in traffic flows throughout the day and how traffic demand spreads from peak to off peak periods.Capacity also depends on the interaction of these factors which is complex. It is therefore very difficult to state a precise daily flow which represents the maximum flow the A34 could carry. In theory there is some scope for traffic flow to increase above existing levels outside the peak periods. But in practice for this to happen would require a significant change in driver behaviour to travel in the relatively less busy parts of the day.During the review of the Newbury bypass, the Highways Agency used information from the traffic model developed for the 1988 and 1992 public inquiries into the scheme, supplemented with traffic count data collected during 1994.In addition a number of induced traffic appraisals were undertaken based on a range of assumptions which confirmed that the scheme represents good value for money, even under the most onerous assessment conditions.In the circumstances, the Agency considered that the traffic information available for the scheme was sufficiently detailed and robust with no fundamental change to traffic patterns other than increasing congestion, to carry out the review without the need for extensive new data collection.
  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is his policy in respect of a package bid for Newbury(a) with or (b) without a western bypass. [8062]

  Mr. Watts
  We have yet to receive the royal county of Berkshire's formal 1996–97 transport policies and programme package bid for Newbury, and until we have received and considered it, we cannot comment. However, I understand that the county is looking to implement a local transport strategy that would be complementary to the Newbury bypass.

  Ormskirk Bypass
  Mr. Matthew Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he plans to begin the construction of the A570 Ormskirk bypass. [7934]

  Mr. Watts
  The A570 Ormskirk bypass scheme remains in the main programme. I hope to announce a preferred route shortly. Further development work will be taken forward when resources become available.

  Microwave Landing System
  Mr. Matthew Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to promote the planning and installation of microwave landing systems. [7936]

  Mr. Norris
  The Civil Aviation Authority is responsible for the planning and installation of air traffic control infrastructure. I understand, that the National Air Traffic Services has a well-established research and development programme for microwave landing systems, which has involved the use of fixed and mobile prototype MLS equipment. By April 1996, this should have led to the installation of a fully operational category III—the worst weather conditions—MLS at Heathrow airport.

  Metropolitan Railway Grant
  Mr. Matthew Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has for the payment of metropolitan railway grant in 1996–97; and if he will make a statement. [7933]

  Mr. Watts
  I have no plans for payment of metropolitan railway grant in 1996–97. The current standard spending assessment "bolt on" and MRG will be combined, from 1996–97 onwards, to provide an enhanced SSA "bolt on" for local rail services supported by English passenger transport executives, with the exception of local rail services supported by Greater Manchester PTE in 1995–96. Funding for those services will, from 1996–97, be provided by the franchising director.

  Robin Hood Line
  Mr. Tipping
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what financial support has already been made available for stages 2 and 3 of the Robin Hood line, Nottinghamshire; and if he will make a statement about future funding. [8152]

  Mr. Norris
  I announced yesterday that the Government are to make a further £3.1 million available for stage 2, in addition to the £6.5 million already contributed, to meet cost increases and provide for the construction of Kirkby in Ashfield station. We are willing in principle to provide funds for stage 3, subject to the normal criteria for funding of local transport schemes, including value for money. Any funding by my Department for stage 3 would take into account the resources being provided from regional challenge funds.

  Rainwerth Bypass
  Mr. Tipping
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has received about the benefits in transport and economic terms of the Rainwerth bypass, Nottinghamshire; when finance will be available for its construction; on what date he expects completion; and if he will make a statement. [8151]

  Mr. Norris
  Nottinghamshire county council set out in some detail in its transport policies and programme submission for 1996–97 the case for building the Rainwerth bypass. Its submission shows that the council estimates the benefit-to-cost ratio of the scheme to be about 4:1.

  This was one of many worthwhile projects that we were unable to fund in the 1996–97 local transport settlement, announced last month. Nottinghamshire will have the opportunity to bid again for resources for the bypass in the 1996 TPP round. I cannot, of course, give any indication at this stage of whether such a bid would be successful.

  Capital Expenditure (Nottinghamshire)
  Mr. Tipping
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what was in(a) cash and (b) real terms the allocation of capital expenditure on local roads and transport in Nottinghamshire in (i) 1995–96 and (ii) 1996–97. [8155]
  38
  Mr. Norris
  Nottinghamshire's allocations were as follows:

  £ million

  1995–96

  1996–97

  Grant

  4.682

  2.685

  Borrowing approval

  8.433

  6.168

  Gross approved spending

  13.115

  9.203

  A large part of the reduction in provision between the two years is accounted for by the reduction in expenditure on a number of major schemes which are coming to an end. The gross approved spending figure for 1996–97 includes £0.15 million of grant unused by the council in earlier years. Figures are available only in cash terms.

  Rail Fares
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list those types of rail fare which have not been subject to control by the rail regulator. [7785]

  Mr. Watts
  The franchising director regulates key commuter and leisure fares all saver tickets, unrestricted standard return tickets where there are no saver tickets, and all standard weekly season tickets. In London, Edinburgh and Cardiff, where there is significant commuting by rail, all the key commuter fares—standard season tickets, standard singles and unrestricted standard returns—will be regulated. Operators have freedom to apply commercial judgment to setting a range of other fares including all first class fares, standard returns for longer distances, super savers, APEX and cheap day returns.

  Road and Rail Freight
  Mr. Chidgey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what percentage of freight in the United Kingdom was carried by(a) road and (b) rail in each of the last 10 years. [8108]

  Mr. Watts
  Details of freight carried in the United Kingdom in each of the last 10 years are as follows:

  Freight transport in the United Kingdom: by mode 1985–1994

  Road as percentage of all freight

  Rail as percentage of all freight

  All modes billion tonne kms

  Goods moved

  1985

  56

  8

  189

  1986

  57

  9

  189

  1987

  58

  9

  198

  1988

  60

  8

  221

  1989

  62

  8

  225

  1990

  62

  7

  221

  1991

  61

  7

  217

  1992

  61

  7

  210

  1993

  64

  7

  214

  19941

  66

  6

  224

  Goods lifted

  1985

  81

  7

  1,844

  1986

  81

  7

  1,871

  1987

  81

  7

  1,939

  1988

  82

  7

  2,201

  1989

  82

  7

  2,245

  1990

  81

  6

  2,203

  1991

  81

  7

  2,026

  39

  Freight transport in the United Kingdom: by mode 1985–1994

  Road as percentage of all freight

  Rail as percentage of all freight

  All modes billion tonne kms

  1992

  81

  6

  1,963

  1993

  82

  5

  2,028

  19941

  83

  5

  2,095

  Note:

  1Provisional.

  Sources:

  Department of Transport, Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland.

  Buses
  Mr. Chidgey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he is taking to encourage operators to introduce buses with modern technology minimising polluting emissions. [8106]

  Mr. Norris
  Polluting emissions from buses are already beginning to reduce and are forecast to continue to reduce until at least 2005 on the basis of current rates of vehicle replacement as a result of increasingly stringent emissions standards for new vehicles. I am satisfied, in that context, that it should be a matter for operators to decide when to buy new vehicles.

  Buses and Coaches
  Mr. Chidgey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many(a) buses and (b) coaches operating on British roads are more than (i) 30, (ii) 20 and (iii) 10 years old. [8105]

  Mr. Norris
  The records held by DVLA show that, at the end of 1994, the number of licensed public service vehicles in the bus taxation class were as follows, by year of first registration:

  (i) 30 years old or more, 309

  (ii) 20 years old or more, 2,807

  (iii)10 years old or more, 34,203.

  The split between bus body type and coach body type is not readily available.

  Mr. Chidgey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he is taking to reduce pollution caused by buses and coaches through(a) obsolete technology and (b) poor maintenance. [8107]

  Mr. Norris
  The Government are committed to cracking down on unnecessary pollution from vehicles. Emissions standards for vehicles in service, including buses and coaches, were tightened in September 1995. Buses and coaches found to exceed the prescribed emissions standards at annual tests will fail the test. In addition, compliance with emission standards is enforced both at the roadside and in operators' premises by vehicles examiners who issue prohibition notices to any vehicle exceeding the limit preventing its being used.

  Mr. Chidgey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what proportion of(a) buses and (b) coaches currently operating on British roads have failed to reach required acceptable levels of exhaust emissions. [8116]

  Mr. Norris
  The information is not available in the form requested.

  Rail Freight
  Mr. Chidgey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he is taking to encourage freight. haulage by rail. [8104]

  Mr. Watts
  Rail must improve its performance if it is to attract new traffic and retain existing freight customers. The key to this is liberalisation and privatisation. We have already opened up the rail network to competition. Privatisation of British Rail's freight businesses is well advanced.

  Some 145 rail freight grants have been awarded since 1979, with a total value of £100 million at today's prices, securing traffic to rail equivalent to over 2.5 million lorry journeys per year.

  Public Transport (Grants)
  Mr. Chidgey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what consideration he has given to providing specific grants to maintaining a public transport service where the positive environmental impact of that service cannot be readily measured in terms of financial costs or prices; and if he will make a statement. [8109]

  Mr. Norris
  Those directly responsible for providing public transport services are best placed to take into account environmental and other impacts in considering the funding of particular services, in the light of the resources available to them, including Government grant. I have no plans to establish a specific grant for this purpose.

  Road Repairs (Winchelsea)
  Mrs. Lait
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what will be the cost of the repairs to the A259, including bridge strengthening, around Winchelsea; and how long they will take. [7797]

  Mr. Watts
  I have asked the chief executive of the Highways Agency to write to my hon. Friend.

  Letter from Lawrie Haynes to Mrs. Jacqui Lait, dated 9 January 1996:
  The Minister for Railways and Roads, Mr John Watts, has asked me to write to you in reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the cost and timing of road repairs and bridge strengthening on the A259 near Winchelsea.
  The future roads and bridge maintenance programme generally is being reviewed in the light of the recent budget announcement. Pending the completion of this process. I regret that I am not in a position to say what the cost and timing of future road repairs and bridge strengthening on the A259 in the Winchelsea area will be.
  I am sorry I cannot be more forthcoming at the moment.

  Noise Insulation
  Mr. William O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is the minimum night time noise specified in order to qualify a householder for noise insulation grant; what changes he plans; and if he will make a statement. [7995]

  Mr. Watts
  I have asked the chief executive of the Highways Agency to write to the hon. Member.
  41
  Letter from Lawrie Haynes to Mr. William O'Brien, dated 9 January 1996:
  The Minister of State for Transport has asked me to reply to your question about what is the minimum night-time noise specified in order to qualify a householder for noise insulation grant; what changes he plans; and if he will make a statement.
  There is no specified minimum night-time noise level to qualify a householder for noise insulating grant with respect to new or improved roads. There are no plans to change this at the present time.

  Mr. O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is the specified minimum noise level from motorway traffic qualifying householders for noise insulation; what plans he has to reduce it; and if he will make a statement. [7992]

  Mr. Watts
  I have asked the chief executive of the Highways Agency to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Lawrie Haynes to Mr. William O'Brien, dated 9 January 1996:
  The Minister of State for Transport has asked me to reply to your recent question about what is the specified minimum noise level from motorway traffic qualifying householders for noise insulation; what plans he has to reduce it; and if he will make a statement.
  The minimum noise level requirements from motorway traffic qualifying householders for noise insulation are set out in the Noise Insulation Regulations (1975 to 1988) under which an offer of secondary glazing for eligible rooms of dwellings is made where it is estimated that maximum noise levels during the 15 years after road opening will be at least 68dBA on the L10 18 hour scale with a contribution of at least 1dBA from traffic using the new or improved road.

  Year

  BT

  Vodafone

  Martin Dawes

  New Gate Coms

  Securicor

  Intercell

  Talk Land

  Uniqeair

  Uplands Radio

  Total

  1998

  4

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  5

  1989

  4

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  4

  1990

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  0

  1991

  4

  4

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  8

  1992

  32

  26

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  59

  1993

  54

  65

  4

  1

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  125

  1994

  46

  71

  24

  —

  —

  1

  2

  —

  —

  144

  1995

  78

  104

  510

  —

  10

  —

  —

  6

  1

  709

  Travel Planning
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to introduce a nationwide information system to assist the public in travel planning. [8264]

  Mr. Norris
  Transport operators are better placed than Government to provide travel information. A number of nationwide travel planning systems are being developed, including the Great Britain bus timetable prepared by Southern Vectis, to which the Department of Transport contributed funds; the telephone hotline also run by Southern Vectis; and the national train information system planned by the British Railways Board as part of the BR/Railtrack informed traveller project.

  Midland Main Line
  Mr. Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much has been invested on rolling stock
  42 There are no plans to change this at the present time.
  Mr. O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he last received a report from the working party set up to review the 1978 noise insulation regulations; and if he will make a statement. [7993]

  Mr. Watts
  I have asked the chief executive of the Highways Agency to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Lawrie Haynes to Mr. William O'Brien, dated 9 January 1996 The Minister of State for Transport has asked me to reply to your recent question about when he last received a report from the working party set up to review the 1978 Noise Insulation Regulations; and if he will make a statement.
  The Secretary of State last received a report from the working party set up in 1978 to review the 1975 Noise Insulation Regulations in 1983. Many of the recommendations were implemented in the 1988 amendment to the Noise Insulation Regulations.

  Mobile Telephones
  Mr. Williams Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many mobile telephones have been supplied to his Department in each of the last eight years; and in each of those years how many different suppliers were involved. [8037]

  Mr. Norris
  The numbers of mobile telephones purchased by the Department and the suppliers used in each of the last eight years were as follows:

  and motive power on the Midland Main Line in each of the last five years. [7354]

  Mr. Watts
  As Midland Main Line has existed as a discrete organisation only since 1 April 1994 the information is not available in the form requested. However, over the last five years, around £6 billion has been invested in the railway industry of which around £1.26 billion has been spent on new and improved passenger rolling stock.

  Mr. Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) how much has been invested on track maintenance on the Midland Main Line between London and Nottingham in each of the last five years; [7353]

  (2) how much has been invested on signal maintenance on the Midland Main Line between London and Nottingham for each of the last five years. [7354]

  Mr. Watts
  The information requested, in respect of each of the last three years, is in the table.
  43

  £million

  Track maintenance/renewals

  Signal maintenance/renewals

  1993–94

  14 million

  2.7 million

  1994–95

  16 million

  3.1 million

  1995–96

  15.7 million

  2.4 million

  Comparable figures are not available before 1993–94, when Railtrack was formed as a separate division of the British Railways Board.

  Mr. Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many occasions, in each of the last five years, there have been delays on the Midland Main Line between Nottingham and London because of(a) signal failure, (b) track failure and (c) train failure. [7352]

  Mr. Watts
  This information is not held centrally. It would be disproportionately expensive to try to compile it.

  Mr. Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport in how many reported incidents employees have been injured in each of the past five years on the Midland Main Line. [7348]

  Mr. Watts
  The Health and Safety Executive's railway inspectorate is unable to supply figures for incidents of injuries to employees on the Midland Main Line over the past five years, because accident statistics are not collated on this basis. Since 1 April 1994, accident statistics have been collated on the basis of Railtrack zones, rather than on the previous basis of British Rail regions.

  Mr. Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport in how many reported incidents safety regulations have been breached in each of the past five years on the Midland Main Line. [7349]

  Mr. Watts
  The Health and Safety Executive's railway inspectorate is unable to supply figures for incidents of breaches of safety regulations on any specific railway line over the past five years, because accident statistics are not collated on this basis. Since 1 April 1994, accident statistics have been collated on the basis of Railtrack zones, rather than on the previous basis of British Rail regions.

  Mr. Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport who has held responsibility for health and safety on the Midland Main Line for the past five years. [7350]

  Mr. Watts
  The British Railways Board was responsible for the health and safety on the Midland Main Line until 31 March 1994. Since that date, responsibility has rested with Railtrack midland zone and Midland Main Line operating unit.

  Green Commuter Plan (Nottingham)
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport 44
  what is his Department's role in Nottingham's green commuter plan; and if he will make a statement. [7628]

  Mr. Norris
  Nottingham's green commuter plan is an initiative by Nottingham city council, Nottingham Green Partnership, Transport 2000 Trust and Nottinghamshire county council to encourage local organisations and companies to manage the transport needs of their staff and thus improve the environmental impact of their operations. My Department welcomes voluntary initiatives at a local level such as this.

  Bus Lanes
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the use of video cameras on buses to catch those who block bus lanes. [7678]

  Mr. Norris
  The Traffic Director for London is co-ordinating a pilot study on the A1 in Haringey and Islington to test the potential effectiveness of camera technology for enforcing bus lanes. The project has the support of the Home Office and Transport Ministers and the Metropolitan police and is being undertaken in partnership with industry. Public trials began in December and warning letters will be issued to drivers who are identified as contravening bus lane traffic orders. The traffic director will be reporting the results of the study to Ministers later this year.

  "Transport, the Way Ahead"
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what is his latest assessment of the consultation exercise, "Transport, the Way Ahead", initiated by his predecessor. [7677]

  Mr. Norris
  The exercise has been a considerable success. Many discussions and seminars have been held around the country; over 200 written responses have been submitted.

  When Ministers have properly considered the responses, a further report will be published drawing together the threads of the debate.

  Buses and Minibuses (Fitness of Drivers)
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make it his policy to ensure that school and minibus drivers do not have responsibility for the transport of children if they have a recent criminal record. [7630]

  Mr. Norris
  Regulations are already in place with regard to the conduct of those who drive buses or minibuses for hire or reward. Traffic commissioners have powers to suspend or revoke such a driver's entitlement to drive these vehicles if they determine that he or she is not a fit person to do so.

  PPG 13: Transport
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the impact of PPG 13: Transport; and if he will make a statement [7675]

  Mr. Norris
  We are assessing the impact of PPG 13 in a number of ways, through the Government offices for the regions, through our direct contacts with local authorities, and through more formal analysis. We have commissioned, jointly with the Department of the Environment, a research project to assess the implementation of PPG 13, which is currently being Undertaken by Ove Arup and Partners, together with the university of Reading. We published an interim report of this study's findings in September 1995; copies have been placed in the Library.

  Public Service Vehicle Operators' Licences
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to ensure that the public service vehicle licence is not issued until checks have been made against criminal records. [7629]

  Mr. Norris
  Public service vehicle operators' licences are not granted unless traffic commissioners are satisfied that the applicant meets the requirements of good repute. The applicant must declare any relevant convictions that he or any of his employees has had in the last five years. The names of all applicants for PSV operator licences are published in "Notices and Proceedings" in advance of the grant of a licence and circulated to the police, who have a statutory right to make a formal objection to a licence being granted.

  The Department is currently exploring ways in which the exchange of information with the police and the courts might be further enhanced.

  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he proposes to take to ensure that school bus drivers who apply for PSV licences have their applications checked to ensure they have no previous convictions for offences against children; and if he will make a statement. [7703]

  Mr. Norris
  Traffic commissioners, who are appointed by the Secretary of State, have responsibility for determining whether an applicant for a PSV driver's licence is a fit person to hold such a licence, and may require an applicant to provide such information as he may request. Applicants must declare on their applications any previous convictions for both driving and non-driving offences. If a relevant conviction is proved to exist, traffic commissioners may take action to withhold or withdraw a driver's entitlement to hold a PSV licence.

  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will ensure that traffic commissioners can check the names of applicants for operators' licences against a central criminal database. [7631]

  Mr. Norris
  The names of applicants for goods vehicle and public service vehicle operator licences are listed by the traffic area offices in the publications, "Applications and Decisions" and "Notifications and Proceedings", which are published fortnightly. Copies are sent to statutory objectors, including the police, to check the 46
  details of applicants for operator licences against their records. Our longer-term aim is the development of a common database for operators and drivers for enforcement and licensing purposes, and which will provide links to enable traffic commissioners to receive information from other sources relevant to their licensing and discipline decisions.

  Duty-free Goods
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made on the impact on United Kingdom airports and travellers of the removal of duty free goods in 1999. [7642]

  Mr. Norris
  I have made no such assessment. The Civil Aviation Authority, in referring questions of charging at the BAA plc airports of Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission, has asked the commission to consider, among other things, the implications for charges of the loss of intra-EU duty- and tax-free revenue.

  Transport Public Inquiries
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he is proposing to reduce those delays at public inquiries on transport matters caused by the obligation for the inspector to hear every person or group who wishes to make representations on a scheme. [7626]

  Mr. Watts
  None. The relevant rules give certain parties the right to appear at an inquiry. The inspector may permit others to appear, and the rules provide that such permission should not be unreasonably withheld.

  Road Network
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what proposals he has to transfer the main road network to(a) private or (b) public corporations. [7679]

  Mr. Watts
  None at present.

  Rescue Vehicles (Airports)
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) on how many occasions fire engines and other rescue vehicles were placed on alert in 1994 for(a) Heathrow, (b) Gatwick, (c) Manchester, and (d) Stansted airports; and if he will make a statement; [7587]

  (2) which criteria led to emergency fire engines and rescue vehicles being put on alert at United Kingdom airports; and if he will make a statement. [7586]

  Mr. Norris
  This information is not held by the Department or the Civil Aviation Authority.

  Road Safety Sectors (Local Authorities)
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what requirement there is for local authorities to maintain a road safety section. [7593]

  Mr. Norris
  Section 39(2) of the Road Traffic Act 1988 requires each local authority to prepare and carry out a programme of measures designed to promote road safety. In relation to England, the local authorities for this
  47
  purpose are county, metropolitan district and London borough councils. In particular, authorities must carry out studies into accidents and must, in the light of those studies, take such measures as appear to them appropriate to prevent such accidents, including the dissemination of information and advice on the use of the roads, the giving of practical training to road users, and the construction, improvement, maintenance or repair of roads for which they are the highway authority. It is the responsibility of each authority to decide on the arrangements to fulfil these requirements.

  Internet
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what web site his Department maintains on the Internet; what information is provided there; how often it is updated; what is the address; and if he or his Department answers questions and supplies additional information through the Internet. [7576]

  Mr. Norris
  My Department publishes information via the CCTA Government information service site at http://www.open.gov.uk. and the Central Office of Information site. Information is updated when changes or additions occur.

  The Department's press releases and, separately, those of the Driving Standards Agency are available via the COI at http://www.coi.gov.uk/coi/depts/GDT/GDT.html and GDS/GDS.html respectively. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency publishes guidance on all aspects of driver and road vehicle registration and licensing, purchase of cherished marks and registration of small ships, on the GIS site at/dvla/dvla.htm. The Marine Accident Investigation Branch's summary of investigations is available at/maib/maibhome.htm. The Highways Agency's business plan for 1995–96 is available at/hiagency/highhome.htm. The overseas section of the Transport Research Laboratory has a home page on the "One World Online"service—http://www.oneworld.org/tr1/—outlining the work it carries out for developing countries under the aegis of the Overseas Development Agency. My Department intends to mount early next year a home page on the GIS site, providing links to the above pages and other Departmental information.

  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has an official Internet e-mail address—sofs.transport@gtnet.gov.uk. The Transport Research Laboratory can communicate via e-mail: its customer services section is at tricial@bdu.trl.co.uk, its overseas section at lindap@o.trl.co.uk and its library at library enquiries@lib.trl.co.uk.

  M25
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what proposals he has to widen the M25 if terminal 5 at Heathrow is built. [7724]

  Mr. Norris
  Plans for the national trunk road programme were announced in "Managing the Trunk Road Programme", published on 28 November. The programme includes two schemes which will widen the 48
  M25 between junction 12, the M3, and junction 16, the M40, to five or six lanes in each direction. These schemes are required regardless of whether terminal 5 is built. No further widening of the M25 is planned between these junctions. The programme also includes the construction of the access road from the M25 to terminal 5—"M25 Terminal 5 Spur"—which is, of course, conditional on terminal 5 being built.

  Flight Duty Limitations
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of proposals by the joint aviation authorities to change flight duty limitations. [7641]

  Mr. Norris
  The Civil Aviation Authority has advised that the joint aviation authorities' proposals would provide a level of protection against fatigue equivalent to that provided by its guidance in "CAP371—The Avoidance of Fatigue in Air Crews".

  Policy Planning Guidance Notes
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the PPGs or equivalents issued by his Department in the last three years. [7676]

  Mr. Norris
  The Department of Transport jointly with the Department of the Environment published PPG 13: Transport, in March 1994.

  The Department does not issue any other guidance equivalent to the PPG series, although we do publish a wide range of advice on traffic and transport matters.

  Railtrack (Investment)
  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list(a) the proportions of the planned £10 billion investment by Railtrack that he expects to be made when it is in (1) public and (ii) private ownership and (b) the sources of finance; and what part will be taken by the public finance initiative. [7551]

  Mr. Watts
  The precise phasing of planned investment is a matter for Railtrack. The Government have announced their intention to privatise the company in May 1996. Future investment in the railway should, as far as is practicable, be a matter for the private sector, with the private sector taking the investment decision, providing the finance and accepting the risks and rewards.

  The majority of the planned investment programme described in Railtrack's recently published network management statement relates to the maintenance and renewal of the existing infrastructure and will be funded by the access charges paid by train operating companies. Railtrack has also identified some opportunities for developing the network, and it is envisaged that any investment in these enhancements would in the main be remunerated through additional access charges agreed with train operators. Railtrack may also be eligible to apply for contributions to the costs of specific projects from public sector bodies, including the European Union and local authorities.

  Transport Research Budget
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what percentage of his Department's 1994–95 transport research budget was devoted to transport by(a) rail and (b) road. [7559]

  Mr. Watts
  My Department commissions research in support of the Secretary of State's policy, statutory, operational, regulatory and procurement responsibilities. It is primarily for the rail industry to commission research particular to its needs. In 1994–95, British Rail's budget for research amounted to £18.4 million. Of my Department's total expenditure on research in 1994–95 of £38.7 million—reported in the 1995 forward look of Government-funded science, engineering and technology—under half of 1 per cent. is devoted specifically to rail transport issues. Some 88 per cent. is attributable to road transport.

  Cones Hotline
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what assessment he has made of the value of the cones hotline; [7639]

  (2) what plans he has to create a departmental hotline to give motorists details of roadworks and routes; how many staff will be employed: and at what total cost. [7640]

  Mr. Watts
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Gordon (Mr. Bruce) on 6 November at column 759. Staffing of the Highways Agency information line is an operational matter for the agency. I understand that staffing levels are kept under review according to the volume of calls received. The service is currently manned from 8 am to 8 pm on working days and 9 am to 5 pm at weekends. Three members of staff are on duty from 9 am to 5 pm during weekdays, and one member is on duty early morning, evening and at weekends. The total cost of staffing the service is expected to be about £70,000 per annum.

  Road Protests (Monitoring)
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is the total expenditure to date for services supplied to his Department by Bray's Detective Agency in monitoring road protests. [7560]

  Mr. Watts
  I have asked the chief executive of the Highways Agency to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Lawrie Haynes to Mr. Harry Cohen, dated 9 January 1996:
  As you know, John Watts has asked me to reply to your Parliamentary Question about the total expenditure to date for services supplied by Brays Detective Agency in monitoring road protests. Brays Detective Agency were employed by solicitors, on behalf of the Department. The total cost to date for services supplied by them in monitoring road protests is £950,588.

  Stena Line Ferries
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what was his Department's involvement in respect of the 50
  recent changes in the frequency and crewing of Stena Line ferries sailing from Harwich. [7704]

  Mr. Norris
  None. These are commercial matters.

  Fishing Vessels (Ownership)
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many British-registered fishing vessels are(a) British-owned, (b) Spanish-owned, (c) Dutch-owned, (d) owned by other countries; and if he will list the foreign-owned vessels by port or register. [7393]

  Mr. Norris
  I have asked the chief executive of the Marine Safety Agency to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from R. M. Bradley to Mr. Austin Mitchell, dated 9 January 1996:
  The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your Question about British and foreign-owned fishing vessels registered in British ports.
  I regret the information you have requested is not available.

  Shipping (Domestic Crews)
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the subsidies and tax incentives offered to the shipping industry to employ domestic crews on ships in(a) the United Kingdom and (b) each of the other EU countries. [7627]

  Mr. Norris
  (a) We are pursuing a package of positive measures to improve the attractiveness of the Red Ensign and the competitiveness of British shipping. These include:

  Foreign earnings deduction (FED) for seafarers: 100 per cent. allowance on earnings made abroad;

  Crew relief costs scheme: grants to alleviate the cost of flying British crews to and from distant ports;

  Government assistance for training scheme: grants for the training of British officer trainees to first certificate of competency;

  Development of certificated seafarers scheme: grants for British junior officers training for their second certificate of competence.

  (b) Most member states have schemes. Measures include grants, subsidies, credit facilities, income tax and social security concessions, and special corporation tax regimes. The economic effects of these measures vary from country to country.

  Advertising
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what has been the expenditure of his(a) Department, (b) agencies and (c) non-departmental public bodies on newspaper advertising by title for each year since 1990–91; and what estimate he has made for 1995–96 based on expenditure to date and existing plans. [6560]

  Sir George Young
  For the period in question, information is available on expenditure by the Department and its agencies on press advertising in respect of advertising of road works, road safety publicity campaigns, vehicle excise duty enforcement campaigns and on other information campaigns as follows:
  51

  DOT £

  Highways Agency £

  DVLA £

  1990–91

  1358,497

  n/a

  85,045

  1991–92

  1721,379

  n/a

  123,704

  1992–93

  1,435,015

  n/a

  137,485

  1993–94

  2,592,593

  n/a

  38,964

  1994–95

  2111,589

  22,564,067

  24,591

  1Information on advertising placed locally by DOT regional road units was not collected centrally before 1992–93.

  2From 1994–95 statutory advertising on road works became the responsibility of the Highways Agency.

  Figures exclude VAT.

  Expenditure to date in the current financial year is as follows:

  DOT £

  Highways Agency £

  DVLA £

  1995–93

  503,081

  1,211,871

  24,142

  Projections for 1995–96 are in line with overall expenditure for next year as published in the PES statement.

  The further information requested could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Skye Bridge
  Mr. Wilson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport to whom the bridge master on the Skye bridge is accountable for decisions about whether or not to close the bridge in adverse weather conditions. [7239]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  I have been asked to reply.

  The bridge master is an employee of a private company—Skye Bridge Ltd.—which operates the tolled crossing and is responsible for maintenance and day-to-day operation of the bridge. By virtue of section 43(4) of the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991, the company has powers to close the bridge temporarily in circumstances which include adverse weather. The concession agreement between the company and the Secretary of State requires that the exercise by the company of these powers will be undertaken only after consultation with the police.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Internet
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what web site his Department maintains on the Internet; what information is provided there; how often it is updated; what is the address; and if he or his Department answers questions and supplies additional information through the Internet. [7566]
  52
  Sir Nicholas Bonsor
  "FCO Online", the world wide web service of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office diplomatic wing, was launched on 1 May 1995 and is updated daily. A wide range of information material is published on the site, including speeches, statements, press releases, consular and travel advice, foreign policy briefing papers and ministerial engagements. Latest additions include sound and video files.

  British Information Services New York also has its own web site providing material of regional interest in North America.

  The Overseas Development Administration does not maintain its own web site—instead it has a home page on the "One World Online" web server. Information provided on or via this page includes ODA press releases, the bi-monthly newspaper British Overseas Development and the annual review. The information is not made available on the Internet prior to normal publication procedures.

  The addresses are as follows:

  FCO (London): http://www.fco.gov.uk/

  BIS New York: http://britain.nyc.ny.us/

  ODA: http://www.oneworld.org/oda/

  Neither wing at present answers questions or supplies additional information through the Internet.

  Council of Europe (Russian Membership)
  Mr. David Atkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the Russian application to join the Council of Europe. [7440]

  Mr. David Davis
  The Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly is due to make a recommendation later this month on the Russian application to join the Council of Europe. We welcome the prospect of Russia's accession.

  Commonwealth of Independent States (Nuclear Installations)
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has made to the CIS countries regarding the safety of their nuclear power installations. [7718]

  Sir Nicholas Bonsor
  Since the 1992 G7 Munich summit, we have been active in promoting improved levels of nuclear safety throughout the former Soviet Union and in central and eastern Europe. Together with our G7 and EU partners, we take full opportunity of meetings with Ministers and officials from these countries to encourage nuclear safety improvements. The closure of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant by the year 2000 was one of the issues which my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister and my right hon. and learned Friend the Foreign Secretary discussed with President Kuchma during his recent visit to London. The recently agreed memorandum of understanding between the G7 and Ukraine on the closure of Chernobyl is an example of the successful
  53
  international efforts in this area. Preparations are now under way for the G8 nuclear safety summit in Moscow in April. This will focus on a range of nuclear safety and security issues.

  NATO Secretary General
  Mr. David Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the appointment of the new Secretary General of NATO. [6350]

  Mr. David Davis
  We very much welcome the appointment of Javier Solana as the new Secretary General of NATO. We look forward to working closely with him.

  Entry Clearance
  Mr. Henderson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he next plans to raise the fees for entry clearance abroad; to what level the fees for entry clearance for(a) single entry visit, (b) multiple entry visit, (c) business or work, (d) student and (e) settlement will be raised; and which countries have arrangements with the United Kingdom for free visas. [7418]

  Mr. Hanley
  The entry clearance application fee for settlement is due to rise on 1 April 1996. The new fee will be announced nearer the time. No decisions have been taken on changes to other fees.

  The United Kingdom waives visa fees for certain categories of applicant in accordance with international custom or law, or on policy grounds.

  The United Kingdom waives visa fees for nationals of certain countries of the former Soviet Union under the terms of the 1964 UK/USSR agreement abolishing consular fees on visas. These are Armenia, Georgia, Kyrgystan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Ukraine. The agreement will terminate in respect of nationals of Russia on 27 January 1996. The agreement is no longer in effect in respect of nationals of Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

  Mr. Henderson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what are the present waiting times to first interview for all categories of applicant(a) in each country and at each post in the Indian subcontinent, (b) Bangkok, (c) Manila, (d) Lagos, (e) Accra, (f) Kingston, (g) Addis Ababa and (h) Sana' a; [7659]

  (2) how many applications for entry clearance as working holiday-makers have been (a) received, (b) granted and (c) refused in (i) India, (ii) Bangladesh, (iii) Australia, (iv) Canada, (v) Nigeria, (vi) Ghana, (vii) Pakistan, (viii) Sierra Leone, (ix) Gambia and (x) Jamaica during 1994 and 1995 to the latest convenient date; [7658]

  (3) how many explanatory statements relate to entry clearance appeals were awaiting typing at each post in (a) the Indian subcontinent, (b) Manila, (c) Kingston, (d) Bangkok, (e) Lagos and (f) Accra, on the latest date for which information is available; how many staff are employed, (i) full-time and (ii) part-time, to type statements; and when he expects backlogs to be cleared; [7419]
  54
  (4) how long a person applying for entry clearance for settlement at the British post in (a) Manila, (b) Accra, (c) Lagos, (d) Kingston, (e) Nicosia, (f) Cairo, (g) Bangkok, (h) Rabat and (i) each post in each country of the Indian subcontinent on 30 September 1995 or the latest date for which information could expect to wait for (i) interview, (ii) referral of the case to the Home Office and the requested information being received by the post, (iii) decisions and (iv) an explanatory statement prepared by the post in the event of an appeal against a refusal to be despatched to the immigration appellate authorities in the United Kingdom. [7657]

  Mr. Hanley
  In view of the amount of detail needed to answer these questions, I will write to the hon. Member shortly.

  Government Hospitality Fund (Wine)
  Mr. Fatchett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will set out the function of the Government hospitality fund advisory committee for the purchase of wine; if he will name the current members and chairman; what was (i) the sponsoring Department's expenditure in the last year for which information is available and (ii) the remuneration or expenses paid to the chairman and members; and if he will make a statement. [7613]

  Sir Nicholas Bonsor
  The function of the Government hospitality fund advisory committee for the purchase of wine is to"Advise the Minister in Charge of the Government Hospitality Fund on the maintenance of an appropriate standard of wine for use at Official Government functions".

  The current members and chairman of the committee are as named in the answer given by the then Minister of State, my right hon. Friend the Member for Eddisbury (Mr. Goodlad), to the hon. Member for Darlington (Mr. Milburn) on 24 October 1994, Official Report, column 440:
  Chairman:

  Sir Ewen Fergusson

  Members:

  Major John Suttees

  Mr. Anthony Hanson

  Mr Mark Savage

  Mr. Sebastian Payne.

  The sponsoring Department's Government hospitality fund total expenditure in the financial year 1994–95 was £1,437,191.

  The remuneration or expenses paid to the chairman and members of the committee is nil.

  Turkey
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received on the customs union with Turkey; and if he will make a statement. [7596]

  Mr. David Davis
  My right hon. and learned Friend the Foreign Secretary has had many discussions on the EU/Turkey customs union, and warmly welcomes the European Parliament's decision of 13 December to approve it.
  55
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations have been made to the Government of Turkey covering(a) human rights, (b) the imprisonment of Members of Parliament and (c) the occupation of northern Cyprus; and if he will make a statement. [7597]

  Mr. Davis
  We regularly make clear our concern about human rights to the Turkish Government. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister raised this issue and that of Cyprus when he met the Turkish Prime Minister on 22 November. Our embassy in Ankara has frequently raised the imprisonment of the DEP deputies, most recently following the Appeals Court hearing on 26 October.

  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Government of the USA concerning Turkish membership of the European customs union. [7598]

  Mr. Davis
  My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister and President Clinton agreed when they met on 29 November on the importance of consolidating the relationship between Turkey and the EU, and that customs union was an integral part of that relationship.

  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what actions have been taken by Her Majesty's embassy in Turkey to press for the release of the imprisoned Members of Parliament; and if he will make a statement. [7599]

  Mr. Davis
  Our embassy in Ankara made representations to the Turkish authorities on a weekly basis in advance of the Appeals Court hearing on 26 October. They have raised it again since. The four deputies who remain in prison have appealed to the European Court of Human Rights.

  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions have been held with the United Nations High Commission for Refugees and other agencies on the human rights situation in Turkey. [7600]

  Mr. Davis
  We have not spoken recently with UNHCR about human rights in Turkey although there has been some discussion within the Council of Europe. We frequently hold discussions with non-governmental organisations about human rights, and regularly make clear our concerns to the Turkish Government.

  United Nations Compensation Fund
  Mr. Fatchett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much the United Kingdom has transferred to the United Nations escrow account in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 778; how much of this has been subsequently passed to the UN compensation fund; if the sum transferred included interest on the original amount; and if he will make a statement. [7608]

  Mr. Hanley
  A total of US $736,938.12—including accrued interest of US $64,384.69—was transferred in February 1995 to the UN escrow account in accordance with Security Council resolution No. 778. Just over US $221.000 was subsequently passed to the UN 56
  compensation fund. No other unencumbered oil-related assets have been identified.

  Mr. Fatchett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many claims have been made by United Kingdom citizens to the UN compensation fund for victims of the Gulf war; how many of these have been settled; and if he will make a statement. [7610]

  Mr. Hanley
  Some 4,990 claims in various categories have been submitted to the UN compensation commission by the Government on behalf of individuals and companies; 1,468 of these have been assessed so far, of which 148 have been settled.

  Mr. Fatchett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the operation of the UN compensation commission fund for victims of the Gulf war. [7612]

  Mr. Hanley
  The United Nations compensation commission in Geneva was established in 1991, under UN Security Council resolutions Nos. 687 and 692, to deal with claims for compensation for direct loss, damage or injury resulting from Iraq's unlawful invasion and occupation of Kuwait. Claims have submitted by individuals, corporations and Governments. The commission consists of three parts: First, the policy-making Governing Council. Membership mirrors that of the Security Council; secondly, the secretariat, led by an executive secretary, which is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the commission; thirdly, panels of commissioners, who are experts in international law, finance and other fields, and are responsible for adjudicating the claims.

  Having quickly established the machinery to deal with an unprecedented number of claims, it has already assessed 2 million of the 2.6 million claims received.

  Mr. Fatchett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the maximum compensation paid to(a) an individual and (b) a family from the UN compensation commission fund for victims of the Gulf war; and if he will make a statement. [7609]

  Mr. Hanley
  Compensation has been paid to a total of 3,967 category B—serious personal injury or death—claimants, of whom 148 are British. The maximum that an individual and a family can receive in this category is US $2,500 and US $10,000 respectively.

  Mr. Fatchett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the total number and value of payments made under the UN compensation commission fund for Gulf war victims; what was the nationality of the successful claimants and if he will make a statement. [7611]

  Mr. Hanley
  A total of 3,967 claims amounting to US $13,470,000 have been paid so far. The Governments and international organisations which submitted these claims are as follows:

  Algeria

  Australia

  Bahrain

  Bangladesh

  Belgium

  Bulgaria

  57

  Canada

  China

  Egypt

  Ethiopia

  Finland

  France

  Germany

  Greece

  India

  Iran

  Ireland

  Israel

  Italy

  Jordan

  Kenya

  Korea

  Kuwait

  Lebanon

  Malaysia

  Mauritius

  Morocco

  Netherlands

  Pakistan

  Philippines

  Poland

  Russian Federation

  Slovak Republic

  Somalia

  Sri Lanka

  Sudan

  Sweden

  Syria

  Thailand

  Tunisia

  Uganda

  Ukraine

  United Kingdom

  United States

  Yemen

  F. R. of Yugoslavia

  UNDP Jersualem

  UNDP Kuwait

  UNDP Washington

  UNHCR Bulgaria

  UNHCR Canada

  UNHCR Geneva

  UNRWA Vienna

  Landmines
  Mr. Mudie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the Government's policies on the sale of landmines. [6359]

  Mr. David Davis
  Our national moratorium on the export of anti-personnel land mines comprises, since March 1995, a total ban on the export of non-self-destructing or non-detectable anti-personnel landmines; plus a ban on the export of all anti-personnel
  58
  landmines to countries which have not ratified the 1981 United Nations weaponry convention. Our aim is to restrict the availability of long-lived anti-personnel mines, which are the most dangerous to civilians; and to ensure that even self-destructing mines can be acquired only by responsible countries. We are pressing for international agreement on these lines, inter alia in the context of the current review of the 1980 UN weaponry convention.

  Mobile Telephones
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many mobile telephones have been supplied to his Department in each of the last eight years; and in each of those years how many different suppliers were involved. [8028]

  Mr. Hanley
  The FCO diplomatic and aid wings had the following number of mobile telephones supplied during the last eight years, from the listed number of suppliers:

  Year

  Number of phones

  Number of suppliers

  1988

  3

  1

  1989

  28

  3

  1990

  28

  3

  1991

  52

  3

  1992

  30

  4

  1993

  19

  2

  1994

  64

  6

  1995

  86

  7

  Departmental Staff (Members' Letters)
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many officials he employed(a) full-time and (b) part-time in his Department in each of the last three years to answer letters sent to him from hon. Members; and what was the estimated overall cost of replying to them in each of the last three years. [5619]

  Mr. Hanley
  [holding answer 18 December 1995]: There are Departments within the FCO which have correspondence units dealing specifically with letters from the general public and Members of Parliament. The remainder deal with such correspondence within their existing staff resources.

  To provide a breakdown of the expenditure on these services would incur disproportionate cost.

  Asylum Seekers
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) how many refugees from the former Yugoslavia have been given asylum status in each of the member states of the EU; [7232]

  (2) how may refugees from the former Yugoslavia have been granted asylum status in the United Kingdom. [7231]

  Mr. Kirkhope
  I have been asked to reply.

  During the period 1991 to the end of the November 1995, there were in the United Kingdom approximately 250 grants of asylum to nationals of the former

  59
  Yugoslavia. Most of the decisions were made in 1995. Over the same time period, approximately 2,050 former Yugoslavs were refused asylum but granted exceptional leave in the United Kingdom.

  In addition to the above, the Government announced on 30 November 1992 that the United Kingdom was willing to receive 1,000 people from Bosnia and other parts of the former Yugoslavia classified by the United Nations High Commission for Refugees as being vulnerable and in need of evacuation, together with their dependants. As at 19 December 1995, a total of 910 principals and 1,216 dependents had arrived. On 6 August it was announced that a further 500 would be accepted. To date, 176 persons from this quota have arrived.

  The available information on grants of asylum or exceptional leave to remain by European Union member states is given in the table.

  Grants of Asylum or Exceptional leave to Remain to nationals of the former Yugoslavia by EU Member States1, January to June 1995

  Nationality

  Grants of Refugee status

  Not recognised as a Refugee but granted exceptional leave toremain2

  Austria

  50

  0

  Belgium

  55

  0

  Denmark

  10

  10

  Finland

  0

  5

  France

  150

  0

  Germany

  1,745

  0

  Greece

  0

  25

  Ireland

  5

  0

  Italy

  5

  0

  Luxembourg

  0

  0

  Netherlands

  0

  0

  Portugal

  0

  0

  Sweden

  0

  0

  Spain

  0

  0

  United Kingdom

  25

  570

  Total

  2,050

  615

  1Figures are rounded to the nearest 5.

  2Includes equivalent status used by European countries.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTME

  Probate Sub-registries
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many probate sub-registries there were in(a) each county in Wales and (b) Wales as a whole in each year since 1993; and what his estimate is of the number in 1997. [6449]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  The question concerns a specific 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. Elfyn Llwyd, dated 9 January 1996:
  The Parliamentary Secretary has asked me to reply to your Question about probate sub-registries.
  The probate service consists of District Probate Registries, Probate Offices and Probate Sub-Registries.
  60
  The number and type of probate offices located in Wales has not changed since 1993 and is as follows:

  Type of office

  Town

  County

  District probate registry

  Cardiff

  Mid Glamorgan

  Probate office

  Bridgend

  Mid Glamorgan

  Probate office

  Pontypridd

  Mid Glamorgan

  Probate office

  Newport

  Gwent

  Probate office

  Rhyl

  Clwyd

  Probate office

  Wrexham

  Clwyd

  Probate office

  Aberystwyth

  Dyfed

  Probate office

  Haverfordwest

  Dyfed

  Probate office

  Swansea

  West Glamorgan

  Probate sub-registries

  Bangor

  Gwynedd

  Probate sub-registries

  Carmarthen

  Dyfed

  The Court Service is currently consulting interested parties on the proposed closure of some Probate Sub-Registries and will begin public consultation in the new year on those probate offices also recommended for closure. The final decision on the proposed closures will be made by the Lord Chancellor following those consultations. It is therefore not possible at this stage to estimate the number of Probate Sub-Registries and probate offices in 1997.

  Executive Agencies
  Dr. Wright
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if answers sent to hon. Members in reply to parliamentary questions by the head of executive agencies in his Department are(a) seen, (b) approved and (c) amended by him before they are sent; and if he will identify such letters to which amendments by him have been made in 1994–95. [7821]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  Parliamentary Questions are passed to the head of an executive agency for reply when the matter is one delegated to him or her under the agency framework document. I see a copy of the reply before it is sent, but would not normally intervene in operational matters. Neither I, nor my predecessor, have amended any such letters during the time specified.

LORD PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL

  Internet
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Lord President of the Council, what web site his Department maintains on the Internet; what information is provided there; how often it is updated; what is the address; and if he or his Department answers questions and supplies additional information through the Internet. [7579]

  Mr. Newton
  The Privy Council Office does not use the Internet and has no plans to do so.

NATIONAL HERITAGE

  National Lottery
  Mr. Luff
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if she will list the awards made to organisations in Worcestershire from national lottery funds; and what was the size of the grant and the project cost in each case. [6133]
  61
  Mr. Sproat
  Figures for national lottery funds broken down by county areas are not currently available. There have, however, been 312 awards made to organisations in the west midlands, to date, totalling over £51 million.

  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if she will list the receipts deposited by the organisers and the total amounts paid out for each week by them in respect of the national lottery for each week of its operation to date. [7013]

  Mr. Sproat
  At 8 January 1996, receipts into the national lottery distribution fund totalled £1.4 billion.

  Mr. Maclennan
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what request she has made to Camelot for information about the sale of national lottery winners' names to list brokers; what reply she has received with particular reference to the identity of beneficiaries of such sales; and if she will make a statement. [5940]

  Mr. Sproat
  [holding answer 14 December 1995]: I have not approached Camelot about the sale of national lottery winners' names to list brokers. The Director General of the National Lottery, Mr. Peter Davis, has licensed Camelot to run the national lottery and he regulates its operations. I have therefore asked the director general to write to the hon. Member, placing copies of his response in the Libraries of the House.

  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what recent representations she has received relating to the distribution of national lottery funding in Scotland. [4639]

  Mr. Sproat
  [holding answer 18 December 1995]: I have received a number of representations about the distribution of national lottery proceeds. Scotland has fared extremely well. To date, 550 awards have been made from proceeds totalling £112 million.

  Channel 5
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage when Channel 5 television is expected to commence broadcasting; when the service will be available in Northern Ireland; which regions of Northern Ireland will(a) receive and (b) be unable to receive Channel 5 television programmes; and if she will make a statement. [6919]

  Mr. Sproat
  The start date for Channel 5 is a matter for the Independent Television Commission, which is responsible for licensing it. The Commission has indicated that the service must start simultaneously in a minimum of two major areas, no later than 1 January 1997. The transmission plan for Channel 5 includes two sites for Northern Ireland: Black Mountain, which is predicted to be able to serve about 670,000 people, and Londonderry, with around 70,000 people. Predicted coverage maps for these sites are available from the commission. The timing of the provision of the service in Northern Ireland will depend on the completion of international frequency co-ordination discussions

  Advertising
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what has been the 62
  expenditure of her (a) Department, (b) agencies and (c) non-departmental public bodies on newspaper advertising by title for each year since 1990–91; and what estimate she has made for 1995–96 based on expenditure to date and existing plans. [6564]

  Mr. Sproat
  The information requested is not available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Houses in Multiple Occupation
  Mr. David Atkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what assessment her Department has made of the extent to which business organisations advertise the availability of residential vacancies in hotels, hostels and houses in multiple occupation in tourist areas to attract unemployment benefit claimants; what is the nature of such organisations; and if she will make a statement. [5391]

  Mr. Sproat
  I share the widespread concern that the rapid expansion of hostels in a number of popular resort areas is causing very serious problems. My Department has made no assessment of advertising by hostel landlords, although we are indeed aware of this practice. The Government recently announced some measures designed to tackle poor standards in houses in multiple occupation including hostels. These include a new duty of care on HMO landlords and new simplified registration schemes which may be brought in by any local authority. I understand that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment intends to bring forward legislation as soon as possible.

  Internet
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what web site her Department maintains on the Internet; what information is provided there; how often it is updated; what is the address; and if she or her Department answers questions and supplies additional information through the Internet. [7571]

  Mr. Sproat
  The Department of National Heritage is in the process of establishing a pilot site on the world wide web which will provide information about the work of the Department and the range of activities which it and its sponsored bodies cover. At present, DNH press releases are available on the world wide web from the Central Office of Information on http://www.coi.gov.uk/coi/depts/GHE/GHE.html. The DNH web site will be updated to reflect developments and changes in the work of the Department. The range of information provided on the site will be reviewed in the course of the current pilot. The address of the Department of National Heritage world wide web site will be made available in due course and it will be accessible from the CCTA's open government server.

  Ministerial Travel and Accommodation Costs
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what is her estimate of the total cost for herself and other departmental Ministers for each year
  63
  Since 1991–92, including the current year of (a) overseas travel and accommodation expenses of Ministers and their advisers, (b) car and chauffeuring costs of Ministers, (c) ministerial security costs and (d) domestic travel and accommodation expenses of Ministers. [6392]

  Mr. Sproat
  While all the information requested is not available, and could be provided only at disproportionate cost, the available information is as follows:

  1993–94 £

  1994–95 £

  11995–96 £

  Overseas travel and subsistence

  14,967

  46,092

  15,361

  Government car services

  192,693

  190,165

  120,675

  UK travel and subsistence

  10,648

  24,868

  14,882

  1To date.

  There are no comparable figures for earlier years as the Department's payment system was not in place until 1993, following the establishment of the Department of National Heritage in 1992.

  Statue of Miner, Kent
  Mr. Skinner
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if she will take steps to ensure that the statue of the miner outside Richborough power station, Kent, remains in place as a monument to the county's links with the coal industry; and if she will make a statement. [7240]

  Mr. Sproat
  If the hon. Member sends details of the statue, including photographs and a location plan, to me and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, we will ask advisers at English Heritage to assess whether it merits protection as a structure of special architectural or historic interest.

  Departmental Running Costs
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what is her estimate of the cost of running her departmental office, and that of her predecessor, for each year since 1990–91 including the current year, broken down into(a) telephone bills, (b) total staff costs, (c) press and communications, (d) entertainment, (e) alcoholic drinks, (f) non-alcoholic drinks, (g) stationery, (h) office refurbishment and (i) other. [6391]

  Mr. Sproat
  While the information requested is not available, and could be provided only at disproportionate cost, the following information is available:

  1993–94 £

  1994–95 £

  11995–96 £

  Total staff cost

  401,738

  338,572

  257,196

  Hospitality/entertainment

  3,700

  564

  1,905

  Government car service/taxi services

  133,183

  92,213

  46,710

  Other costs

  15,833

  1,273

  —

  Total

  554,454

  432,622

  305,811

  1To date.

  64
  There are no comparable figures for earlier years as the Department's payment system was not in place until 1993, following the establishment of the Department of National Heritage in 1992.

  National Millennium Commission
  Mr. Thomason
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage (1) if she will make a statement on the estimated outturn costs of clearing up the industrial waste at each of the sites proposed for the national millennium exhibition; [4816]

  (2) if she will make a statement on the suitability for development of the various sites proposed for the national millennium exhibition; and to what extent site clearing operations, including the removal of contaminated ground, will jeopardise the building schedules. [4817]

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  This is a matter for the Millennium Commission. I shall write to the hon. Member in my capacity as chairman of the Millennium Commission and place copies of my reply in the Libraries of the House.

  Scratchcards
  Mr. Steinberg
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage how many Camelot outlets to date have lost their franchise to sell lottery instant scratchcards on the grounds that they had been selling them to children under 16 years of age. [5238]

  Mr. Sproat
  This is an operational matter for Camelot Group plc. I have therefore asked the Director General of the National Lottery, who is responsible for regulating the operation of the Lottery, to write to the hon. Member, placing copies of his response in the Libraries of the House.

  Small and Medium Enterprises
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what progress her Department has made regarding establishing a contact point with responsibility for liaison with relevant business support organisations and taking forward small and medium enterprise-related public procurement initiatives. [6718]

  Mr. Sproat
  [holding answer 19 December 1995]: My Department and its two agencies have decided that because of their relatively small expenditure on goods and services it would not be worth while to have a separate contact point for small and medium enterprises.

  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what work her Department has done to develop best practice in the publication of departmental procurement guidance material relevant to the needs of small and medium enterprises. [6619]

  Mr. Sproat
  [holding answer 19 December 1995]: My Department maintains an entry in the Government publication, "Tendering for Government Contracts" which advises small and medium enterprises on procurement procedures and lists procurement contact points. A copy of this publication is available in the House Library.

  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what advice has been given to procurement staff
  65
  on the implications of purchasing from small and medium enterprises. [6621]

  Mr. Sproat
  [holding answer 19 December 1995]: The following guidance has been issued to the procurement staff in my Department and its agencies:
  "Size may be relevant to the selection of tenderers, but only insofar as it is necessary to assess whether or not the task is within their capability. Once that assessment has been made, relative size is likely to be less significant than skills, efficiency, experience, and reliability—characteristics relevant to value for money and just as likely to be found in small firms as in large and particularly relevant in the procurement of services".

  Goods and Services
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage how much her Department paid to the private sector for goods and services in 1994–95. [6505]

  Mr. Sproat
  [holding answer 19 December 1995]: While the information requested is not available, and could be provided only at disproportionate cost, my Department paid a total of £10 million for goods and services in 1994–95.

  Small Firms
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what meetings her Department has had since May 1995 with organisations representing small firms to review tendering procedures. [6620]

  Mr. Sproat
  [holding answer 19 December 1995]: Neither my Department nor its two agencies have attended any meetings with organisations representing small firms.

  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what has been the outcome of her Department's review of measures taken to facilitate small firms' access to appropriate areas of Government procurement in the light of best practice. [6664]

  Mr. Sproat
  [holding answer 18 December 1995]: My Department and its agencies will be carrying out this review during the first quarter of 1996.

  Private Finance Initiative
  Mr. Betts
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if she will provide for schemes so far agreed under the PFI the level of financing costs above the current cost of Government borrowing for the scheme with(a) the highest financing costs and (b) the lowest costs. [5753]

  Mr. Sproat
  [holding answer 14 December 1995]: Schemes are assessed under the private finance initiative for overall best value for money in providing a specified service taking account of design, building, financing and operation as a whole. It is not therefore possible to provide information in the form requested.

  Mr. Betts
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if she will provide a breakdown of administration costs incurred to date and forecast for the future of PFI work. [5751]

  Mr. Sproat
  [holding answer 14 December 1995]: Neither my Department nor its agencies have dedicated private finance units, and it is not therefore possible to
  66
  quantify separately from other activity that attributable to the procurement of public services through the private finance initiative. I would not, however, expect procurement through the PFI to increase administrative costs beyond those which would be associated with other means of providing public services.

  Mr. Betts
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if she will provide revenue forecasts for the current year and the next five years of expenditure on schemes provided under the PFI. [5752]

  Mr. Sproat
  [holding answer 14 December 1995]: I refer the hon. Member to my answer of 7 December 1995, Official Report, column 374.

  Departmental Staff (Members' Letters)
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage how many officials she employed(a) full-time and (b) part-time in her Department in each of the last three years to answer letters sent to her from hon. Members; and what was the estimated overall cost of replying to them in each of the last three years. [5614]

  Mr. Sproat
  [holding answer 18 December 1995]: No staff in this Department are employed exclusively in answering letters from hon. Members, and it is not possible to estimate what the overall cost of replying to letters in each of the last three years would be.

  BBC Charter
  Mr. Alton
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what further arrangements will be made for(a) public and (b) parliamentary debate on the future of the BBC charter. [7136]

  Mr. Sproat
  [holding answer 19 December 1995]: There has already been substantial debate on the future of the BBC. The Government's consultation document was published in November 1992 and received some 6,600 responses. In the light of those, the Government set out their proposals in a White Paper "The future of the BBC: Serving the nation, Competing world-wide" which generated comments from some 200 individuals and organisations and which was debated in both Houses. On 27 November, the Government published the BBC's draft charter and agreement, designed to put into effect the policies set out in the White Paper. Both Houses of Parliament will have an opportunity to debate these documents when parliamentary business allows and before they come into effect.

HEALTH

  St. Mary's Hospital, Isle of Wight
  Ms Harman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the finances of St. Mary's hospital, Isle of Wight. [6235]

  Mr. Horam
  St. Mary's hospital is currently reviewing its financial position with the help of its local health commission and the national health service regional
  67
  office. The trust is taking the action necessary to meet all its financial duties by the end of 1996–97, as well a producing improvements to service delivery.

  Capital Allocations
  Ms Harman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what has been the capital allocation by region in each of the last five years. [6337]

  Mr. Horam
  The capital allocation by region in each of the last five years is shown in the tables.

  £ thousands

  Region

  1991–92

  1992–93

  1993–94

  Northern

  91,954

  100,324

  107,797

  Yorkshire

  104,209

  123,980

  125,598

  Trent

  140,577

  157,142

  158,336

  East Anglia

  56,139

  62,913

  69,169

  North-West Thames

  84,254

  105,345

  105,887

  North-East Thames

  107,297

  124,733

  119,041

  South-East Thames

  109,882

  115,261

  120,626

  South-West Thames

  80,339

  100,114

  94,945

  Wessex

  85,441

  92,330

  100,988

  Oxford

  62,934

  70,932

  77,383

  South Western

  94,770

  111,399

  114,964

  West Midlands

  166,130

  168,182

  175,577

  Mersey

  70,249

  79,925

  82,670

  North Western

  120,509

  129,269

  139,966

  Total

  1,374,684

  1,541,852

  1,592,947

  £ thousand

  Region

  1994–95

  1995–96

  Northern and Yorkshire

  225,612

  214,806

  Trent

  153,540

  150,370

  Anglian and Oxford

  143,121

  149,131

  North Thames

  218,158

  231,037

  South Thames

  210,007

  206,359

  South and West

  211,454

  199,022

  West Midlands

  169,008

  162,545

  North-West

  213,869

  215,513

  Total

  1,544,769

  1,528,783

  1. The above includes allocations both to regional health authorities and to trusts.

  2. Totals may vary due to roundings.

  Child Psychotherapy
  Mr. Callaghan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many child psychotherapy advisers are currently employed in his Department. [7739]

  Mr. Horam
  The Department maintains close contact with the child psychotherapy bodies but does not employ any child psychotherapy advisers.

  Mr. Callaghan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many qualified child psychotherapists are practising in the United Kingdom(a) by health authority and (b) in the inner cities. [7740]

  Mr. Malone
  The table shows the number of qualified child psychotherapists employed by the national health service in England by regional health authority area. Separate information on child psychotherapists employed in inner cities is not available centrally.
  68

  NHS hospitals and community health services qualified child psychotherapists—England by region as at 30 September 1994

  Whole-time equivalents

  Qualified child psychotherapists

  England total

  220

  Northern and Yorkshire

  10

  Trent

  20

  Anglia and Oxford

  10

  North Thames

  80

  South Thames

  30

  South and West

  30

  West Midlands

  1—

  North-West

  10

  Special health authorities

  20

  Notes:

  1Denotes figures of five and under.

  1. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10 whole-time equivalent.

  Source:

  Department of Health Non-Medical Workforce Census.

  Information relating to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland is a matter for my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Scotland and for Wales and for my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.

  Mr. Callaghan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the extent to which preventive psychotherapeutic work with young people is likely to reduce the risk of adolescent violence and drug taking. [7738]

  Mr. Bowis
  Several studies have shown that boys who exhibit aggressive and anti-social behaviour have an increased risk of later alcoholism and drug taking. Cognitive behavioural therapy has shown promise in reducing the duration of a disorder in the treatment of conduct and oppositional disorders which may or may not involve aggressive behaviour. Other psychotherapeutic treatment approaches may be relevant if the aggressive behaviour is associated with another disorder with a specific approach. The age of the young person, the appropriateness of family involvement in the treatment and other individual factors will all play a part in determining the best course of action.

  Drug Misuse
  Mr. Chris Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will establish a public inquiry to investigate the deaths of heroin addicts in north Cheshire who were recently transferred to different treatment regimes, and if he will make a statement. [7670]

  Mr. Bowis
  I understand that these matters are still the subject of coroners' investigations and it will not therefore be appropriate for me to comment at this stage.

  Emergency Provision (London)
  Ms Harman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement about the present state of availability of emergency beds in London and the available capacity in London's accident and emergency units to respond to an increase in emergency admissions. [8060]
  69
  Mr. Malone
  London has 24-hour accident and emergency departments in 35 of its hospitals. Trusts and health authorities work together to ensure that changes in demand are met.

  Children (Research)
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research and findings his Department has carried out into a national monitoring system to detect trends in morbidity and disability in seven-year-old children of different birth weights; and if he will make a statement. [8043]

  Mr. Bowis
  The departmentally funded national perinatal epidemiology unit has undertaken a pilot study to explore how morbidity and disability in children of different birth weight might be monitored. The study has revealed some of the issues that must be addressed in devising a reliable, cost-effective, national system.

  Energy Saving
  Mr. Robert Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress has been made by each health authority in the UK towards the energy saving targets in "Climate Change: the UK programme". [7958]

  Mr. Horam
  The national health service energy saving programme commenced in April 1991 with a target set to reduce national energy consumption by 15 per cent. over five years to March 1996. The broad total savings in energy consumption achieved in England by March 1995, amended from previous published figures, amounts to 6.5 per cent.

  This still represents a significant improvement in efficiency and builds on earlier achievements where consumption was reduced by 21 per cent. between 1977 and 1991. Increased activity and technological advances have contributed to the slowdown in savings.

  Information is not available centrally for each authority or NHS trust in the United Kingdom.

  NHS Supplies Authority
  Mr. Whittingdale
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to introduce market testing in relation to the activities of the NHS supplies authority. [8074]

  Mr. Horam
  In common with all health authorities and trusts, the national health service supplies authority is free to market test its non-core activities, wherever it can add value by doing so. A number of services have been contracted out, and in particular about 20 per cent. of NHS supplies' logistics costs involve third party contractors who operate two distribution centres and most of the transport operations. NHS supplies is actively developing a proposed logistics strategy which is aimed at improving services and reducing warehousing and distribution costs, and includes options for further market testing of these services.

  Mobile Telephones
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many mobile telephones have been supplied to his Department in each of the last eight years; and in 70
  each of those years how many different suppliers were involved. [8036]

  Mr. Horam
  The Department of Health keeps records of the number of active mobile telephones, which currently stands at about 500. Annual supply figures are not recorded.

  The main supplier from 1991 to 1994 was BT (Cellnet). Since April 1994 Vodafone has been the sole supplier on winning a tendered contract. Mobile telephones are obtained to meet operational needs and are issued to individuals for official use.

  Special Hospitals Service Authority
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for health (1) pursuant to his reply of 19 December Official Report, column 1134, if he will make it his policy to answer parliamentary questions or letters from hon. Members on behalf of the Special Hospitals Service Authority; [7991]

  (2) what consideration led him not to forward to the SHSA the hon. Member's question of 19 December about the use of telephones by inmates in institutions from the criminally insane. [7986]

  Mr. Bowis
  The management and operation of the special hospitals are the responsibility of the Special Hospitals Service Authority. It is not our practice to forward parliamentary questions to health authorities for reply, but it is open to the hon. Member to raise these matter with the chairman of the authority.

  Mr. Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of state for Health if he will list the membership of the Special Hospitals Service Authority, together with the dates of appointment and retirement. [7987]

  Mr. Bowis
  The members of the authority and the dates on which they were first appointed are listed as follows. We have announced proposals for abolishing the authority from 1 April 1996 and shall shortly be laying the necessary regulations to give effect to this.

  Name

  Position

  Date of Appointment

  Non-Executive members:

  Mrs. Anne-Marie

  Nelson

  Chairman

  18 April 1994

  Dr. James Higgins

  Vice-Chairman

  1 October 1989

  Miss Joy Young

  Member

  1 December 1993

  Ms Sheila

  Drew-Smith

  Member

  1 June 1994

  Executive members:

  Mr. Charles Kaye

  Chief Executive

  23 October 1989

  Mr. Robert Hawkins

  Director of Finance

  1 February 1990

  Mr. Frank Powell

  Director of Nursing

  1 December 1989

  Dr. Dilys Jones

  Medical Director

  1 April 1995

  Ambulance Service, Greater Manchester
  Mr. Callaghan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the cost per head of population of the ambulance service in Greater Manchester; and if he will make a statement. [8009]
  71
  Mr. Horam
  The cost per head of population of the ambulance service is broken down into two parts. For the emergency service, the cost per person is £6.37 per year. For the non-emergency service, the cost is £2.68 per year.

  Private Finance Initiative
  Ms Harman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement about the progress of private finance initiative projects in the NHS in London. [8061]

  Mr. Horam
  The national health service in London is making good progress with the private finance initiative. A number of projects have been approved and in a number of others private finance possibilities are being explored.

  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the consultancy contracts awarded by(a) health authorities and (b) NHS trusts to Newchurch and Co. in relation to private finance initiative contracts, indicating the value of each of those contracts. [8114]

  Mr. Horam
  The information requested is not available centrally. It is a matter for each national health service organisation to establish its own needs where the employment of external contractors may be required.

  Environmental Control Equipment
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research and findings his Department has carried out into clinical trials of environmental control equipment; if he will make a statement. [8044]

  Mr. Bowis
  As part of the national health service research and development strategy there is a nationally funded programme of research on physical and complex disability managed by South and West region which includes a project to review current provision of environmental controls equipment. This is being conducted by the regional rehabilitation centre at South Birmingham community health trust. In addition, the Medical Devices Agency has recently published a comparative evaluation of environmental control systems. Copies of this evaluation will be placed in the Library.

  Cemfuel (Health Effects)
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what advice has been given to general practitioners in the Clitheroe area concerning possible health effects resulting from the burning of cemfuel. [7944]

  Mr. Horam
  This is a matter for East Lancashire health authority. The hon. Member may wish to contract Mr. W. Ashworth, chairman, for details.

  Trent Healthline
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what arrangements have been made to continue the Trent healthline with effect from 1 April 1996; and if he will make a statement. [8042]

  Mr. Horam
  From 1 April 1996 responsibility for ensuring the provision of health information services will be devolved to health authorities, in accordance with 72
  revised health service guidance issued on 18 September 1995, HSG(95)44, copies of which are available in the Library.

  It will be for each health authority to decide, in accordance with the quality standards set in HSG(95)44, whether to contract with the existing service provider or to make alternative arrangements for the provision of the service. Regional offices of the NHS executive monitor the transition closely.

  Pharmacies and Dispensaries
  Mr. David Nicholson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has had to modify application of the one-mile rule regarding general practitioner dispensaries, with special reference to taking account of local preferences. [8202]

  Mr. Malone
  The regulations governing dispensing by doctors are designed to safeguard the needs of patients and ensure, where possible, that patients enjoy access to the expert services of both the medical and pharmaceutical professions. I have received representations from both professions about the application of the rules and my hon. Friend wrote to me last year about taking into account local preferences.

  Mr. Nicholson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures he takes to be fully informed of the views of local residents when considering applications for new pharmacies, with special reference to the one-mile rule. [8203]

  Mr. Malone
  An application to provide pharmaceutical services under the national health service is considered by the family health services authority in whose locality the proposed pharmacy is situated. The FHSA must consult every relevant community health council about the views of local residents.

  Meningitis
  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what epidemiological investigations have been made into possible common factors relating to outbreaks, as published in the monitor MB2 series of the Office of Population Censuses and Surveys, of meningitis of(a) group B and (b) group C. [8196]

  Mr. Horam
  Investigation of outbreaks of meningococcal disease is the responsibility of the local consultant in communicable disease control in each health district. It is standard practice for the CCDC to look for links between cases, such as attendance at the same college, school or nursery. In some outbreaks, nose and/or throat swabs are taken from close contacts of cases before antibiotics are given. Where a high carriage rate of the organism causing the disease has been observed, this may be the reason for the outbreak. Highest carriage rates are typically seen in teenage children.

  A number of studies have been carried out in the United Kingdom to determine factors associated with increased

  73
  risk of meningococcal disease. In these studies three possible risk factors have been identified: passive smoking, close contact and recent influenza infection.

  Hospital Admissions
  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 20 December,Official Report, column 1212 if he will now take steps to monitor centrally (a) delays of admission of seriously ill patients to hospital as published definitions of delay, (b) the reasons for such delays and (c) the steps taken by district health authorities to prevent their repetition. [8185]

  Mr. Horam
  No. We are, however, monitoring the performance of NHS trusts in meeting the patients charter standard for emergency admissions.

  Day Care Services (Children)
  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health by what means the proposed children's services planning guidance in the order arising from section 17(4) of the Children Act 1989 will operate within the terms of paragraph 16 of the draft guidance to social services and education departments of local authorities requiring joint review, planning and co-ordination of all day care services for children under eight years of age. [8187]

  Mr. Bowis
  The proposed order places no new requirement on local authorities in respect of day care services for children under eight. The guidance will encourage local authorities to have regard to the latest section 19 review when preparing or reviewing children's services plans.

  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 will be applied to day care centres and out-of-school child care facilities as described in the Children Act 1989 guidance and regulations, volume 2. [8195]

  Mr. Bowis
  The Disability Discrimination Act is expected to apply to day care centres and out-of-school child care facilities in the same way that it applies to other facilities. This is currently subject to consultation.

  Medical Devices
  Mr. Eastham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what code of standards applies to the Medical Devices Agency. [7790]

  Mr. Horam
  The framework of policy, planning control, delegations and accountability within which the Medical Devices Agency operates is described in its framework document, copies of which are available in the Library.

  Mr. Eastham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the recorded number of failures of infusion devices causing(a) fatal doses of medication or (b) incapacitating electrical shock, for each of the last five years. [7791]

  Mr. Horam
  Over the last five years, there have been no fatalities reported to the Medical Devices Agency in 74
  which a failure of an infusion device caused a fatal dose of medication. One incident was reported involving an incapacitating electric shock.

  Mr. Eastham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what standards govern the operation of foetal monitoring devices. [7793]

  Mr. Horam
  There are no standards specifically governing the operation of foetal monitoring devices.

  Mr. Eastham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research he has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated as to the extent to which ultrasonic equipment gives incorrect readings. [7792]

  Mr. Horam
  None.

  NHS Staff
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 28 November,Official Report, column 614, on national health service staff if he will provide details of medical locums by specialty. [7753]

  Mr. Malone
  The information is not available in the form requested. However, table 17A of the medical and dental manpower census, copies of which are available in the Library, shows directly employed locums in hospitals by specialty. This information excludes, for example, agency locums and public health and community health service locums. This latter information is not available centrally.

  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 12 December,Official Report, column 579, on medical and non-medical vacancies in the national health service, if he will provide a regional breakdown of figures. [7754]

  Mr. Malone
  The regional breakdown of vacancy data is shown in the tables. Data on junior doctors and the regional breakdown of consultants for 1991 could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Information on vacancies for general practitioners is not centrally available. Figures on nursing and midwifery collected by the office of manpower and economics are available in the annual report of the review body of nursing staff, midwives health visitors and professions allied to medicine. Copies of the review body's report are available in the Library and includes regional data.

  Whole-time equivalent of hospital medical consultant vacant posts by region at 30 September

  1990

  1992

  1993

  1994

  England

  700

  540

  480

  570

  Northern

  70

  30

  30

  40

  Yorkshire

  40

  50

  30

  40

  Trent

  70

  80

  50

  70

  East Anglia

  20

  20

  10

  30

  North-West Thames

  20

  20

  30

  40

  North-East Thames

  70

  50

  80

  50

  South-East Thames

  40

  10

  30

  40

  South-West Thames

  70

  30

  30

  30

  Wessex

  40

  10

  10

  10

  Oxford

  20

  0

  20

  10

  South Western

  60

  40

  30

  30

  75

  Whole-time equivalent of hospital medical consultant vacant posts by region at 30 September

  1990

  1992

  1993

  1994

  West Midlands

  110

  110

  70

  100

  Mersey

  20

  20

  30

  40

  North Western

  60

  60

  50

  50

  Special Health Authorities

  10

  10

  0

  0

  Figures are rounded to the neatest 10. A regional breakdown for 1991 is available only at disproportionate cost.

  Whole-time equivalent of junior doctor vacant posts by region as at 30 September 1990

  Senior registrar

  Registrar

  Senior house officer

  England

  230

  230

  70

  Northern

  10

  20

  0

  Yorkshire

  10

  10

  10

  Trent

  40

  20

  10

  East Anglia

  10

  20

  0

  North-West Thames

  0

  10

  0

  North-East Thames

  20

  30

  10

  South-East Thames

  20

  10

  0

  South-West Thames

  10

  10

  10

  Wessex

  10

  10

  10

  Oxford

  20

  10

  0

  South Western

  20

  10

  0

  West Midlands

  20

  20

  10

  Mersey

  10

  50

  0

  North Western

  30

  20

  10

  Special Health Authorities

  10

  0

  0

  Vacant post figures for house officers are not collected.

  Figures are rounded to the nearest 10, therefore individual grades may not add up to the total.

  Whole-time equivalent of junior doctor vacant posts by region as at 30 September 1992

  Senior registrar

  Registrar

  Senior house officer

  England

  180

  280

  120

  Northern

  10

  20

  10

  Yorkshire

  30

  50

  10

  Trent

  20

  30

  10

  East Anglia

  10

  10

  0

  North-West Thames

  10

  20

  10

  North-East Thames

  20

  40

  20

  South-East Thames

  0

  10

  10

  South-West Thames

  10

  20

  20

  Wessex

  0

  0

  0

  Oxford

  0

  0

  0

  South Western

  20

  30

  10

  West Midlands

  40

  20

  10

  Mersey

  10

  30

  10

  North-Western

  0

  20

  10

  Special Health Authorities

  10

  10

  10

  Vacant post figures for house officers are not collected.

  Figures are rounded to the nearest 10, therefore individual grades may not add up to the total.

  Whole-time equivalent of junior doctor vacant posts by region as at 30 September 1993

  Senior registrar

  Registrar

  Senior house officer

  England

  200

  310

  130

  Northern

  0

  0

  10

  Yorkshire

  10

  30

  10

  76

  Whole-time equivalent of junior doctor vacant posts by region as at 30 September 1993

  Senior registrar

  Registrar

  Senior house officer

  Trent

  40

  50

  10

  East Anglia

  20

  20

  10

  North-West Thames

  20

  30

  10

  North-East Thames

  20

  40

  20

  South East Thames

  0

  10

  10

  South-West Thames

  10

  20

  0

  Wessex

  0

  10

  0

  Oxford

  0

  0

  0

  South Western

  20

  50

  10

  West Midlands

  20

  20

  10

  Mersey

  40

  30

  10

  North Western

  0

  10

  10

  Special Health Authorities

  0

  0

  0

  Vacant post figures for house officers are not collected.

  Figures are rounded to the nearest 10, therefore individual grades may not add up to the total.

  Whole-time equivalent of junior doctor vacant posts by region as at 30 September 1994

  Senior registrar

  Registrar

  Senior house officer

  England

  200

  280

  170

  Northern

  10

  10

  10

  Yorkshire

  20

  20

  10

  Trent

  10

  20

  10

  East Anglia

  30

  10

  10

  North-West Thames

  20

  30

  10

  North-East Thames

  20

  40

  30

  South-East Thames

  10

  10

  10

  South-West Thames

  10

  20

  20

  Wessex

  10

  10

  0

  Oxford

  0

  10

  0

  South Western

  20

  40

  10

  West Midlands

  40

  30

  20

  Mersey

  0

  0

  0

  North Western

  10

  30

  10

  Special Health Authorities

  0

  0

  0

  Vacant post figures for house officers are not collected.

  Figures are rounded to the nearest 10, therefore individual grades may not add up to the total.

  Supervision Registers (Records)
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health in what form his Department holds records on the number of people who have been placed on supervision registers. [7996]

  Mr. Bowis
  Supervision registers are maintained by mental health service providers. Entries on the register form part of the patient's confidential health records.

  Homoeopathic Medicines
  Mr. Tredinnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will review the ban on certain homoeopathic medicines with particular reference to comfrey podophyllum and secalecornutum. [8206]
  77
  Mr. Malone
  There is no ban on homoeopathic medicinal products containing comfrey or secalecornutum.

  In the case of products containing podophyllum, manufacturers were asked to withdraw these products from the market in 1991. This followed advice from the Committee on Safety of Medicines and the Committee on the Review of Medicines that podophyllum appears to have unacceptable toxicity and little evidence of efficacy. The risk-benefit analysis for such products is not considered to be acceptable for use in any strength, for any indications. There was particular concern over the oral use of mutagenic chemicals such as podophyllum even at very low doses.

  Residential Care for the Elderly
  Mr. Denham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the additional costs to local authorities in providing residential care for the elderly as a result of the raising of capital allowances in the Budget. [8160]

  Mr. Bowis
  Additional resources of £60 million have been made available for 1996–97 to reflect the additional cost to the Department of Social Security and social services departments in the United Kingdom of the changes announced in the Budget to levels of capital disregard.

  Public Opinion Surveys
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list all qualitative and quantitative research projects and surveys carried out for his Department into aspects of public attitudes and opinions(a) in general and (b) in relation to specific policy proposals in each of the past three years to December 1995, indicating for each project or survey (i) the date on which the research was commissioned, (ii) the amount which his Department spent, (iii) who carried out the research, (iv) the number of people surveyed or taking part, (v) the location and timescale and (vi) which individuals and organisations have been given access to the findings. [5985]

  Mr. Horam
  [holding answer 14 December 1995]: An updated list of research projects, carried out by the Department for financial years 1992–93 to 1995–96 has been placed in the Library. The cost of each individual survey is a matter of commercial confidentiality and the

  Table 1: Level of provision set for each department in public expenditure survey of previous year

  (adjusted for classification and transfer changes)

  £'s million

  1990–91

  1991–92

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–95

  Defence

  21,100

  22,670

  23,310

  22,740

  22,770

  Overseas

  Development

  1,710

  1,910

  2,150

  2,270

  2,310

  Foreign Office

  920

  1,050

  1,060

  1,100

  1,130

  78
  remaining information could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Total costs of surveys in each complete year since 1992–93 are estimated as follows:

  1992–93: £ 5.5 million

  1993–94: £ 6.7 million

  1994–95: £ 5.3 million.

  Alcohol
  Ms Harman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what are the maximum recommended weekly levels of alcohol consumption for each country in Europe. [7218]

  Mr. Bowis
  [holding answer 19 December 1995]: The only Government-endorsed recommendations of which we are aware are shown in the table.

  Number of units (UK equivalent1)

  Men

  Women

  Austria

  26.25

  17.5

  Denmark

  31.5

  21

  Sweden

  <6.25

  <6.25

  18g of ethanol.

TREASURY

  Expenditure
  Ms Church
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what were the levels of spending, predicted a year previously, for each Department and for government overall, in each year from 1990 to 1995; [6881]

  (2) what the predicted figures for public spending, by Department and overall, in 1996 would be if the average error in past predictions for (a) 1992 to 1995 and (b) 1990 to 1995, were added to the current prediction; [6883]

  (3) what was the average overshoot or undershoot for actual spending for each Department and overall in relation to the predictions a year earlier for the years (a) 1990 to 1995 and (b) 1992 to 1995. [6882]

  Mr. Waldergrave
  Tables 1 and 2 set out the information required. The figures have been adjusted to present control total definition and departmental structure. The outturn for 1994–95 is still provisional and is consistent with the "Financial Statement and Budget Report 1996–97" published in November 1995.

  The difference between planned expenditure and final outturn varies considerably from year to year. It would not therefore be meaningful to predict outturn for 1996–97 on the basis of averages over the last few years.
  79

  Table 1: Level of provision set for each department in public expenditure survey of previous year

  (adjusted for classification and transfer changes)

  £'s million

  1990–91

  1991–92

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–95

  Agriculture, Fisheries and Food

  1,800

  2,220

  2,230

  2,720

  2,800

  Trade and Industry

  3,400

  4,490

  3,830

  4,590

  3,380

  ECGD

  250

  250

  120

  -30

  -90

  Transport

  4,210

  5,200

  6,930

  6,460

  5,820

  Environment

  28,630

  37,470

  40,700

  39,450

  39,870

  Home Office

  4,640

  5,180

  5,760

  6,040

  6,260

  Legal Departments

  1,890

  2,030

  1,860

  2,840

  2,990

  Education and Employment

  8,900

  9,000

  9,930

  12,620

  13,740

  National Heritage

  780

  880

  960

  990

  970

  Health

  22,120

  24,860

  27,730

  29,860

  31,690

  Social Security

  48,450

  52,610

  59,930

  65,180

  68,910

  Scotland

  9,640

  11,120

  12,560

  13,540

  14,210

  Wales

  4,470

  4,940

  5,810

  6,330

  6,650

  Northern Ireland

  5,610

  6,050

  6,600

  6,930

  7,390

  Chancellor's Department

  3,440

  3,790

  3,660

  3,450

  3,500

  European Communities

  1,870

  1,050

  2,460

  1,410

  1,350

  Cabinet Office

  270

  260

  1,000

  1,090

  970

  Department total

  174,100

  197,030

  218,590

  229,580

  236,620

  LASFE

  n/a

  10,980

  10,190

  11,130

  10,980

  Reserve

  3,000

  3,500

  4,000

  4,000

  3,500

  Control total

  177,100

  211,530

  232,770

  244,680

  251,100

  Figures rounded to nearest £10 million.

  Table 2: Average outturn compared with provision

  £ million

  1990–91 to 1994–95

  1992–93 to 1994–95

  Defence

  50

  -200

  Overseas Development

  30

  10

  Foreign Office

  130

  180

  Agriculture, Fisheries and Food

  20

  -70

  Trade and Industry

  180

  -80

  ECGD

  30

  20

  Transport

  0

  -210

  Environment

  270

  230

  Home Office

  100

  0

  Legal Departments

  -20

  -120

  Education and Employment

  90

  60

  National Heritage

  10

  10

  Health

  270

  110

  Social Security

  1,780

  2,030

  Scotland

  130

  0

  Wales

  80

  20

  Northern Ireland

  10

  60

  Chancellor's Department

  -130

  -120

  European Communities

  80

  200

  Cabinet Office

  0

  -10

  Departmental total

  3,110

  2,120

  LASFE

  -80

  -140

  Use of reserve

  -3,600

  -3,830

  Control total

  -570

  -1,880

  Figures rounded to nearest £10 million.

  Public Sector Borrowing Requirement
  Ms Church
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what were the predictions for the public sector borrowing requirement in the years 1990 to 1995 made in the previous year. [6899]

  Mr. Jack
  The table sets out the information requested.

  Year

  Forecast made in:

  PSBR £ billion

  1989–90

  March 1989

  -13.8

  1990–91

  March 1990

  -6.9

  1991–92

  March 1991

  7.9

  1992–93

  March 1992

  28.1

  1993–94

  March 1993

  50.1

  1994–95

  November 1994

  37.9

  1995–96

  November 1995

  21.5

  Ms Church
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the predicted figure for the public sector borrowing requirement in 1996 would be, if the average error in past predictions for(a) 1992 to 1995 and (b) 1990 to 1995, were added to it. [6901]

  Mr. Jack
  The Budget forecast for the PSBR in 1996–97 was £22.4 billion. The absolute average error on PSBR forecasts, made in the autumn of the previous year, for both the four-year period 1991–92 to 1994–95 and the six-year period 1989–90 to 1994–95, was equivalent to 1¼ per cent. of gross domestic product, or £10 billion.

  Ms Church
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the average overshoot or undershoot for the
  81
  outturn public sector borrowing requirement in relation to the prediction a year earlier for 1990 to 1995. [6900]

  Mr. Jack
  The table compares the outturns for the PSBR for the period 1989–90 to 1994–95 with the forecasts made in the Budget in the previous year.

  PSBR f billion1

  Year

  Budget forecast

  Outturn

  1989–90

  -13.8

  -0.8

  1990–91

  -6.9

  -0.6

  1991–92

  7.9

  13.8

  1992–93

  28.1

  36.3

  1993–94

  50.1

  45.4

  1994–95

  37.9

  35.9

  For 1989–90 to 1993–94, forecasts were made in the previous March. For 1994–95, forecasts were made in November 1993.

  Bank of England (Meetings)
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to stop the publication of the discussion of his monthly interviews with the Governor of the Bank of England. [7414]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  My right hon. and learned Friend the Chancellor has no plans to stop publication of the minutes of monthly monetary meetings. The next set of minutes will be published on 31 January.

  Tax Receipts
  Ms Church
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the average overshoot or undershoot for actual tax receipts in relation to the predictions a year earlier for 1990 to 1995 and 1992 to 1995. [6902]

  Mr. Jack
  The table compares the outturns for tax receipts for the period 1989–90 to 1994–95 with the forecast made in the Budget the previous year.

  Tax receipts £billion

  Year

  Budge forecast

  Outturn

  1989–90

  190.9

  191.5

  1990–91

  194.9

  205.8

  1991–92

  204.3

  211.6

  1992–93

  216.5

  208.7

  1993–94

  213.8

  217.0

  1994–95

  236.2

  236.8

  For 1989–90 to 1993–94, forecasts were made in the previous March. For 1994–95, forecasts were made in November 1993.

  Ms Church
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what were the predictions for total tax receipts in 1990 to 1995 made in the previous year. [6903]

  Mr. Jack
  The table sets out the information requested.

  Table 1: Forecasts for Tax Receipts1

  Year

  Forecasts made in:

  Tax receipts £ billion

  1989–90

  March 1989

  190.0

  1990–91

  March 1990

  194.9

  82

  Table 1: Forecasts for Tax Receipts1

  Year

  Forecasts made in:

  Tax receipts £ billion

  1991–92

  March 1991

  204.3

  1992–93

  March 1992

  216.5

  1993–94

  March 1993

  213.8

  1994–95

  November 1994

  236.2

  1995–96

  November 1995

  260.9

  1Total tax and royalty receipts, social security contributions and council tax.

  Ms Church
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what were the total tax receipts, for each year, from 1990 to 1995. [6947]

  Mr. Jack
  The table sets out the information requested.1

  Year

  Tax receipts (£ billion)

  1989–90

  191.5

  1990–91

  205.8

  1991–92

  211.6

  1992–93

  208.7

  1993–94

  217.0

  1994–95

  236.8

  1995–96

  2254.2

  1 Total tax and royalty receipts, social security contributions and council tax.

  2Latest forecast.

  Ms Church
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the predicted total for tax receipts in 1996 would be if the average error in past predictions for(a) 1992 to 1995 and (b) 1990 to 1995 were added. [6914]

  Mr. Jack
  The Budget forecast for tax receipts in 1996–97 was £268.7 billion. The absolute average error on tax forecasts, made in the autumn of the previous year, for both the four-year period 1991–92 to 1994–95 and the six-year period 1989–90 to 1994–95 was equivalent to ¾ per cent. of GDP, or £5 billion and £6 billion respectively.

  Mr. Booth
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will place in the Library figures showing(a) receipts of income tax annually since 1979 and (b) the changes in the rates in each such year. [6744]

  Mr. Jack
  Income tax receipts can be found in table 1.2 of "Inland Revenue Statistics 1995". Income tax rates can be found in table A of the 1995 edition of the Taxes Acts. Copies of these publications are available in the Library.

  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the total amount of income received by the Exchequer from income tax in each of the last four years for which figures are available at current prices. [7558]

  Mr. Jack
  Receipts of income tax can be found in table 1.2 of "Inland Revenue Statistics 1995", a copy of which is available in the Library.

  Wages
  Ms Church
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what was the median wage in the United Kingdom in each year from 1979 to 1995: [6907]

  (2) what was the percentage change for the average wage of each income decile, on the previous year, for the years 1979 to 1995 in (a) absolute terms and (b) real terms; [6905]

  (3) what was the average wage for each income decile in the United Kingdom, in each year from 1979 to 1995; [6908]

  (4) what was the average wage in the United Kingdom in each year from 1979 to 1995. [6906]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  Information on the mean, median, lowest decile, and highest decile of gross weekly earnings for full-time adult workers in Great Britain for 1983 to 1995 can be found in table 17 of part A of the new earnings survey for 1993 and 1995.

  Full-time adult figures are not available for the years 1979 to 1982. Part B, table 30 shows the mean, median, lowest decile, and highest decile of gross weekly earnings, but for full-time males and full-time females separately.

  Absolutely percentage change can be calculated directly from the tables. Real percentage change can be calculated using the retail prices index (all items). This information is published in the Central Statistical Office Business Monitor MM23.

  Copies of these reports are available in the Library.

  I will write to the hon. Member with the information for each of the remaining deciles, and place a copy in the Library.

  Taxation (Reliefs and Allowances)
  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the number of taxpayers with income tax reliefs and allowances in excess of(a) £7,000, (b) £8,000, (c) £9,000, (d) £10,000, (e) £11,000 and (f) £12,000, (i) including and (ii) profits related pay. [7065]

  Mr. Jack
  The number of taxpayers with income tax reliefs and allowances in excess of the specified limits at 1996–97 income levels is in the table. Detailed information is not available to provide estimates taking account of profit-related pay.

  Upper limit for total allowances and reliefs1 £

  Number of taxpayers Thousands

  7,000

  610

  8,000

  380

  9,000

  260

  10,000

  190

  11,000

  150

  12,000

  120

  1Including only allowances and reliefs given at marginal rates.

  Gross Domestic Product
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what change took place in his growth forecast for 1995 between 28 November and 13 December and what are the implications for the growth 84
  forecast for 1996; and what changes he plans to make to that forecast; [7428]

  (2) if he will list the growth differences for 1995 between (a) the Budget forecast and (b) evidence given to the Treasury and Civil Service Committee as a plus or minus effect on output in cash terms. [7632]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  The Government's forecasts for GDP growth in 1995 and 1996 are set out in table 3.8 of the 1996–97 "Financial Statement and Budget Report". The Government publish only two forecasts a year—the Budget forecast and the summer economic forecast, which is normally published in late June.

  An increase in GDP of 2½to 2¾per cent. in 1995 would be broadly in line with the economy's trend growth rate, and would represent a continuation of sustainable recovery.

  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his present growth estimate for 1995 and for 1996; and what were the equivalent forecasts produced by each member of the panel of independent forecasters. [7429]

  Mrs. Knight
  The Budget forecast of GDP growth in 1995 is 2¾per cent. As shown in table 3B.5 of the "Financial Statement and Budget Report". Five of the six panel members also forecast 2¾per cent. The sixth forecasts 2.6 per cent. The Budget forecast for growth in 1996 is 3 per cent. Four panel members forecast growth of 2.5 per cent. next year, one forecasts 2.9 per cent., and one 3.1 per cent.

  nternet
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what web site his Department maintains on the Internet; what information is provided there; how often it is updated; what is the address; and if he or his Department answers questions and supplies additional information through the Internet. [7577]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  The Treasury maintains its own web site on the Internet. The site provides an extensive range of information including the Budget statement and all the Budget news releases, Treasury news releases, speeches, minutes of the monthly monetary meetings with the Governor of the Bank of England, reports of the panel of independent forecasters and various other publications.

  Material is added to the site on a daily basis and there is a continuing programme to add more services.

  The Treasury's system can be accessed directly using any one of the addresses set out in the table. In addition, users can find the Treasury pages through either on the Government world wide web server—http://www.open.gov.uk—or the server of the Central Office of Information—http://www.coi.gov.uk/coi.

  The addresses are:

  E-mail file transfer: ftpmail@hm-treasury.gov.uk

  File transfer (FTP): ftp.hm-treasury.gov.uk

  World wide web: http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk

  Questions are received by Internet e-mail. These are answered electronically or by conventional means, depending on the nature of the inquiry. All information currently supplied through the Internet is available in hard

  85
  copy. From next year, a number of charts of publicly available economic data will be available through the Internet service, but will not be published separately.

  Local Government Finance
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the total amount of money given by Her Majesty's Government to fund local authorities in the last year for which figures are available at current prices; and if he will list the amounts by Department. [7561]

  Mr. Waldegrave
  A departmental split for central Government support to local authorities is available in table 4.4 of the statistical supplement to the FSBR, Cm 2821.

  Mobile Telephones
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many mobile telephones have been supplied to his Department in each of the last eight years; and in each of those years how many different suppliers were involved. [8031]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  The total number of mobile telephones purchased by HM Treasury during the last five financial years is as follows:

  1991–92: 08

  1992–93: 10

  1993–94: 09

  1994–95: 13

  1995–96: 09 (to date).

  Each mobile telephone was provided by the same supplier. Information concerning the preceding three years is unavailable.

  Executive Agencies
  Dr. Wright
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if answers sent to hon. Members in reply to parliamentary questions by the head of executive agencies in his Department are(a) seen, (b) approved and (c) amended by him before they are sent; and if he will identify such letters to which amendments by him have been made in 1994–95. [7828]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  The letters to which the chief executives of the executive agencies responsible to the Chancellor of the Exchequer have sent to hon. Members in response to parliamentary questions were not shown to Treasury Ministers in advance.

  Private Finance Initiative
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what measurements he proposes to make of the expected efficiency gains to be provided to the public sector by private sector consortia participating in the private finance initiative; and if these efficiency gains will be required to extend beyond reductions in staff members. [2823]

  Mr. Jack
  [holding answer 27 November 1995]: As with all Government procurement, what is sought in private finance projects is the best possible value for money. This is the optimum combination of whole life costs and benefits and involves assessment of efficiency, effectiveness and economy. The staffing levels of private
  86
  sector contractors are a matter for them. A full explanation of the value for money improvements stemming from the use of private finance is set out in the booklet "Private Opportunity, Public Benefit", a copy of which has been placed in the Library. An example of the benefits to the public of this approach is that the level of reliability for the new Northern line train service is set at four times better than the best fleet currently running on London Underground.

  Living Standards
  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer in which year(a) average living standards and (b) the living standards of each decile of high to low income population will double, taking 1965 as a base and assuming that current economic trends continue. [5868]

  Mr. Jack
  [holding answer 14 December 1995]: The Government do not make forecasts of living standards but, if the trend growth rate assumed in the projections in the "Financial Statement and Budget Report" were to continue, GDP would double by 2025.

  Value Added Tax
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the number of firms which(a) registered and (b) deregistered for VAT each year since 1979 in each parliamentary constituency. [7553]

  Mr. Page
  I have been asked to reply.

  There are no available figures on the number of VAT registrations and deregistrations by parliamentary constituency. Annual estimates of registrations and deregistrations for local authority districts are published in "VAT Registration and Deregistrations, County and District Analyses 1980–1991" and "VAT Registrations and Deregistrations, County and District Analyses 1992–93". Copies of these are in the Library of the House.

  The estimates include adjustments for the effects of the changes in the VAT threshold in 1991 and 1993, and hence differ from those published elsewhere by HM Customs and Excise.

  Family Expenditure Surveys
  Ms Corston
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the research his Department has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on the reasons for non-response in respect of the annual reports of the family expenditure surveys from 1965 to 1994–95. [6797]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  The following reports were both commissioned and evaluated by the Central Statistical Office.

  1. Kempsey, W. F. F. (1975) "Family Expenditure Survey. A study of differential response based on a comparison of the 1971 sample with the Census" Statistical News, no. 31, pp. 3–8.

  2. Redpath, R. (1986) "Family Expenditure Survey; a second study of differential response, comparing Census characteristics of FES respondents and non-respondents" Statistical News, no. 72, pp. 13–16.

  3. Foster, K. (1995) "A comparison of the Census characteristics of respondents and non-respondents to the 1991 Family Expenditure survey" to be published January 1996, OPCS Survey Methodology Bulletin, no. 38.

  Employees
  Ms Church
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what percentage of(a) part-time employees, (b) full-time employees, (c) all employees, have been with their current employer for (i) less than one year, (ii) one to two years, (iii) two to five years, (iv) five to 10 years, (v) 10 to 20 years and (vi) over 20 years in each year from 1992 to 1995. [6912]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  The requested information is shown in the following table.

  Employees in Great Britain: at summer (per cent.)1

  2All

  Full-time

  Part-time

  Less than one year

  1992

  17

  11

  6

  1993

  17

  11

  6

  1994

  18

  12

  6

  1995

  20

  13

  7

  One but less than two years

  1992

  11

  8

  3

  1993

  10

  7

  3

  1994

  10

  7

  3

  1995

  11

  7

  3

  Two but less than five years

  1992

  26

  20

  6

  1993

  24

  18

  6

  1994

  22

  16

  6

  1995

  19

  14

  5

  Five but less than ten years

  1992

  20

  16

  4

  1993

  20

  15

  4

  1994

  21

  16

  4

  1995

  22

  17

  5

  Ten but less than twenty years

  1992

  18

  15

  3

  1993

  19

  15

  4

  1994

  19

  15

  3

  1995

  18

  15

  3

  Twenty years and over

  1992

  9

  8

  1

  1993

  10

  9

  1

  1994

  11

  9

  1

  1995

  10

  9

  1

  Notes:

  1Not seasonally adjusted.

  2 The total of all employees may not equal the sum of full and part-time due to rounding. Also, the total of all employees within each category for a given year may not equal 100 per cent. due to rounding.

  Source:

  Labour Force Survey, CSO.

  Ms Church
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the number of employees in employment in each quarter from 1992 to 1995 in(a) absolute terms and (b) as a percentage of the work force. [6911]

  Mrs. Knight
  The information requested is shown in the table.

  Employees in Great Britain (thousands)1

  Level(thousands)

  Per cent of workforce2

  1992

  Spring

  21,582

  77

  Summer

  21,470

  77

  88

  Employees in Great Britain (thousands)1

  Level(thousands)

  Per cent of workforce2

  Autumn

  21,434

  77

  Winter

  21,396

  77

  1993

  Spring

  21,375

  77

  Summer

  21,362

  77

  Autumn

  21,394

  77

  Winter

  21,436

  77

  1994

  Spring

  21,477

  77

  Summer

  21,554

  77

  Autumn

  21,585

  78

  Winter

  21,687

  78

  1995

  Spring

  21,746

  78

  Summer

  21,887

  78

  Notes:

  1Seasonally adjusted.

  2 Total persons economically active.

  Source:

  Labour Force Survey, CSO.

  Economically Inactive People
  Ms Church
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what was the number of the work force classified as economically inactive, for each quarter from 1992 to 1995 in(a) absolute terms and (b) as a percentage of the work force; [6909]

  (2) what is the Government's definition of economically inactive. [6884]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  In brief, an economically inactive person is defined to be a person aged 16 or over who is neither in employment nor unemployed according to the International Labour Organisation definitions. Fuller details are given on page 49 of the labour force survey quarterly bulletin, issue No. 14. copies of which are held in the Library. Estimates from the labour force survey of the number and proportion of economically inactive people of working age are shown in the table.

  Economically inactive people (Great Britain, not seasonally adjusted)

  Number of economically inactive people of working age (000s)

  Economic inactivity rate1 (percentage)

  Spring 1992

  7,183

  21.0

  Summer 1992

  6,954

  20.3

  Autumn 1992

  7,101

  20.7

  Winter 1992–93

  7,282

  21.2

  Spring 1993

  7,326

  21.4

  Summer 1993

  7.051

  20.6

  Autumn 1993

  7,188

  20.9

  Winter 1993–94

  7,396

  21.5

  Spring 1994

  7,393

  21.5

  Summer 1994

  7,071

  20.6

  Autumn 1994

  7,314

  21.3

  Winter 1994–95

  7,555

  21.9

  Spring 1995

  7,510

  21.8

  Summer 1995

  7,138

  20.7

  1Economically inactive people as a percentage of total population of working age (men aged 16–64 and women aged 16–59).

  Single Currency
  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the Government reported on the legislative changes required to ensure that the single currency could be used on the same basis as national currencies in phase B of the European monetary union as required by the Commission's green paper; and if he will place a copy of the report in the Library. [7241]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  The green paper published by the Commission in May 1995 was intended to stimulate discussion of the practical arrangements for the possible introduction of a single currency. Its provisions do not impose legally binding requirements on any member state. The Council of Ministers did not endorse its contents. The Government have no plans to report to the Commission on the legislative measures that would be required at a national level for the possible introduction of a single currency.

  Under protocol 11 of the EC treaty, the United Kingdom shall not be obliged or committed to move to the third stage of economic and monetary union without a separate decision to do so by the Government and Parliament. We will agree to take part in a single currency only if it is in our national interest to do so, given the circumstances at the time.

  Personal Equity Plans
  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the number of PEP holders with total PEP investment in excess of(a) £20,000, (b) £30,000, (c) £40,000, (d) £50,000 and (e) £70,000, giving in each case an estimate of the cost of (i) income and (ii) capital gains tax relief in a full year on those investments. [7066]

  Mr. Jack
  Total tax relief for personal equity plans is provisionally estimated at £425 million for 1995–96, comprising £275 million of income tax relief and some £150 million of capital gains tax relief.

  I regret that the distributions of number of investors and cost of tax relief by size of total PEP investment are not available.

  Interest Rates
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what account was taken of growth forecast for(a) 1995 and (b) 1996 in determining the latest reduction in United Kingdom interest rates in his discussions with the Governor of the Bank of England. [7726]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  Interest rate decisions are not based solely on any one indicator but are based on an overall assessment of all the relevant information concerning the prospects for inflation. As the framework is forward-looking, monetary policy responds to changes in cost and demand pressures which alter the outlook for inflation.

  As usual, the minutes of the discussion at the 13 December meeting will be published in due course.
  90
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what assessment he has made of the effect of a reduction on interest rates of one quarter of 1 per cent. on economic growth in(a) 1995 and (b) 1996; [7416]

  (2) what assumptions he made as to interest rates in making his growth forecast for 1996. [7415]

  Mrs. Knight
  The Government do not disclose the interest rate assumptions that underlie their forecasts, which are not based on any particular pattern of interest rates. Interest rates are only one of many influences on economic growth.

  Disposable Incomes
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the change in real disposable incomes each year since 1981 together with his estimate of next year's change. [7413]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  Information on real personal disposable income is published annually in the Central Statistical Office Blue Book, quarterly in the CSO press notice quarterly national accounts and is held on the CSO data base; all sources are available in the Library. The latest estimates of percentage changes in real personal disposable income since 1981 are as follows:

  1981: -0.8

  1982: -0.5

  1983: 2.7

  1984: 3.6

  1985: 3.4

  1986: 4.5

  1987: 3.4

  1988: 6.0

  1989: 4,8

  1990: 1.8

  1991: -0.1

  1992. 2.3

  1993: 1.6

  1994: 0.7.

  The budget forecast for growth in real personal disposable income was 2 per cent, in 1995 and 2¾per cent. in 1996.

  Income Tax (Over-65s)
  Sir Andrew Bowden
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the estimated number and proportion of people aged 65 years or over who will be liable to pay income tax in 1996–97 at(a) 20 per cent. only, (b) 24 per cent. and (c) 40 per cent. rates. [7647]

  Mr. Jack
  Latest estimates for 1996–97 are given in the table.

  Taxpayers aged 65 or over liable at

  Number (millions)

  Percentage

  Lower rate only

  1.35

  45

  Basic rate but not higher rate

  1.50

  50

  Higher rate

  0.15

  5

  All

  3.0

  100

  Labour Statistics (Wirral)
  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many adults work in the Wirral for(a) more than 40 hours a week, (b) for between 20 and 39 hours and (c) less than 20 hours a week. [7638]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  Estimates of hours worked by local authority district are available only from the census of population for April 1991. The information relates to residents aged 16 and over in Wirral local authority district:

  (a) over 40 hours—16,100 (13.1 per cent.)

  (b) 22 to 40 hours—87,100 (70.6 per cent.)

  (c) under 22 hours—20,150 (16.3 per cent.).

  Deregulation
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what legislation from his Department passed in the last five years contains provision for statutory repeal or review. [2032]

  Mr. Jack
  [holding answer 27 November 1995]: The annual Finance Bill allows Inland Revenue and Customs and Excise to review, on a regular basis, whether any published piece of tax legislation is still needed. Both departments are committed to review, over a number of years, all the major taxes and duties. This approach, and progress achieved were set out in some detail in "Deregulation—Cutting Red Tape" published in January 1994, updated in "Deregulation—The Way Forward" published in May this year: both are available in the Library.

  Customs and Excise is responsible for two items which fall for review or statutory repeal. The first concerns Intrastat legislation—Intrastat is an EC system for capturing infra-EC trade statistics, which was introduced on 1 January 1993 when customs documentation for this traffic was abolished. This legislation contains a review clause. Treasury orders designating "Free Zones" contain a 10-year period of validity. Free zones are enclosed areas in which non-European Community goods are treated for the purposes of import duties as outside the customs territory of the Community. Customs duty, import VAT or other import charges are not due provided the goods are not released for free circulation.

  In addition, major reviews of legislation have been carried out by the Treasury. Those on building societies and credit unions, for example have led to a significant number of deregulatory proposals, some of which are being brought into effect through the use of section 1 of the Deregulation and Contracting Out Act 1994.

  Inland Revenue
  Mr. Fatchett
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the procedures by which his Department monitors the performance of personnel of the rank of district inspector and above in the Inland Revenue; and if he will make a statement. [6016]

  Mr. Jack
  [holding answer 18 December 1995]: The performance of all staff in the Inland Revenue up to and including band Al level—grade 4 in civil service terms—is monitored through the Department's performance management scheme. District inspectors are in either band A or band B. Above that level, the performance of senior
  92
  staff in the senior open structure is monitored through the civil service-wide performance review system. Under both systems, an annual assessment of all aspects of performance is made.

  Privatisation Proceeds
  Mr. Spellar
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what have been the receipts from privatisation in each year since 1980. [6246]

  Mr. Jack
  [holding answer 18 December 1995]: The information requested is included in the table:

  Privatisation proceeds

  £ billion

  1979–80

  0.4

  1980–81

  0.2

  1981–82

  0.5

  1982–83

  0.5

  1983–84

  1.1

  1984–95

  2.1

  1985–86

  2.7

  1986–87

  4.5

  1987–88

  5.1

  1988–89

  7.1

  1989–90

  4.2

  1990–91

  5.3

  1991–92

  7.9

  1992–93

  8.2

  1993–94

  5.4

  1994–95

  6.4

  National Insurance
  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much has been paid in employers' national insurance contributions in constant terms by the construction industry in each of the last 10 years. [8322]

  Mr. Heald
  I have been asked to reply.

  The available information is in the table.

  Amount of employers' National Insurance contributions paid by the construction industry' in the UK in each of the last 10 years in constant (1993–94) terms2

  Year

  Amount (£ million)

  1985–86

  1,236

  1986–87

  1,222

  1987–88

  1,195

  1988–89

  1,293

  1989–90

  Not available3

  1990–91

  1,487

  1991–92

  1,246

  1992–93

  1,119

  1993–94

  1,057

  1994–95

  Figures not yet available

  Notes:

  1Based on the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC 1980) and the pay point covered by the P.A.Y.E. scheme.

  2 Using the average earnings index (unadjusted) averaged over each financial year.

  3Not available due to changes in the structure of contribution rates from October 1989.

  Source:

  One per cent. sample of P.A.Y.E. documents returned by employers.

DEFENCE

  NATO
  Dr. Spink
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the Government's policy on the enlargement of NATO. [6344]

  Mr. Soames
  The Government support enlargement of NATO and are playing an important role in enhancing the stability and security of the whole of Europe.

  Nuclear Proliferation
  Lady Olga Maitland
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his current assessment of the threat posed by nuclear proliferation. [6345]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  The threat posed by potential nuclear proliferation remains a serious one and the Government continue to make strenuous efforts to prevent such proliferation.

  Intergovernmental Conference
  Mr. Tredinnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with European counterparts about defence matters in respect of the forthcoming intergovernmental conference. [6353]

  Mr. Soames
  Defence Ministers regularly discuss defence aspects of the forthcoming intergovernmental conference with their European counterparts. The Government's position was set out by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 1 March 1995.

  Spending Reductions
  Mr. Dover
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received on the effect on the deterrent capability of United Kingdom forces of reducing spending on defence to the European average. [6354]

  Mr. Soames
  Reducing defence expenditure to the current NATO European average of 2.5 per cent. of GDP would result in cuts of as much as £4 billion per year. Such a dramatic reduction would drastically undermine the capabilities of the armed forces.

  Financial Waste
  Mr. Clelland
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what records he maintains in respect of financial waste in his Department. [6355]

  Mr. Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the level of financial waste in his Department. [6365]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  My Department puts the front line first. To achieve this, we deliver significant year-on-year efficiency improvements. We are determined to bear down on waste wherever it occurs.

  Bosnia
  Mr. Gale
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on NATO's peace implementation force in Bosnia. [6356]
  94
  Mr. Soames
  The deployment of the NATO-led peace implementation force is continuing with over 34,000 troops now in theatre, including some 8,500 UK personnel. IFOR has monitored compliance with the first stages of the peace agreement and we expect the implementation process to continue with the full support of the parties.

  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what has been the total cost of the British defence presence in Bosnia; what proportion of this cost has been met from international bodies; and if he will list the bodies involved. [6754]

  Mr. Soames
  The total cost of the British defence presence in Bosnia to date is £377 million. Of this, £292 million has been incurred on United Nations operations and, in accordance with well-established arrangements, my Department recovers these costs from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, which in turn seeks reimbursement from the UN. The latter has so far reimbursed £85 million and further reimbursements are expected. An additional £86 million associated with NATO-Western European Union operations, for which there is no reimbursement, has fallen on Defence votes.

  Personnel (Middle East)
  Mr. William O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the number of United Kingdom personnel belonging to the armed forces stationed in the middle east. [6357]

  Mr. Soames
  As of 1 July 1995, there were some 1,364 UK armed forces personnel stationed in the middle east region. This figure includes those deployed on operations—such as the Armilla patrol—loan service personnel and personnel attached to embassies.

  Racial Harassment
  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent studies have been undertaken by his Department on racial harassment in the armed forces. [6358]

  Mr. Soames
  Although no studies into racial harassment in the armed forces have been undertaken by my Department, it has been made clear throughout the services that racial harassment, abuse or discrimination of any sort will not be tolerated. Complaints of racial harassment or discrimination will be investigated and, if substantiated, appropriate action will be taken against the offenders.

  Nuclear Test Ban Treaty
  Mr. Jim Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the effect on international security of a comprehensive nuclear test ban treaty. [6360]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  The Government believe that a comprehensive nuclear test ban treaty would strengthen the international nuclear non-proliferation regime, and thereby contribute to international security. It is for this reason that Britain is actively negotiating to conclude an effective and verifiable CTBT commanding universal adherence as soon as practicable.

  Nuclear Weapons
  Mr. Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what exchanges of United Kingdom and French personnel have taken place in relation to joint work on nuclear matters; and if he will make a statement. [6361]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  I have nothing to add to the answer I gave the hon. Member on 16 October 1995,Official Report, column 37.

  Procurement
  Mr. Hain
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what consideration is given by his Department to export potential in determining product specification during the procurement process. [6362]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  The consideration of export potential is an explicit requirement of my Department's project approval procedures. We also invite industry to offer adjustments to proposed equipment requirements in order to enhance export prospects, and will accept these where this can be done without unduly compromising MOD requirements or reducing overall value for money.

  Mr. Purchase
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proportion of his Department's budget is due to procurement cost overruns and financial waste. [6364]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  My Department has made substantial progress in improving value for money in the delivery of defence capability. Efficiency improvements worth more than £3 billion have been achieved since 1988. The latest description of this, including information illustrating MOD's performance in project control, is contained in the MOD performance report 1994–95, published on 19 December.

  Beaufort's Dyke
  Mr. Chisholm
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans his Department has to monitor the ammunition dump in Beaufort's dyke. [6363]

  Mr. Soames
  My Department has no plans to monitor the Beaufort's dyke explosive dumping ground. The Scottish Office agriculture, environment and fisheries department marine laboratory surveyed an area of the North channel, including part of Beaufort's dyke in November 1995 and an interim survey report was published yesterday, copies of which have been placed in the Library of the House.

  Corporal Lee Clegg
  Mr. Sutcliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what financial support his Department is giving to the legal costs of Corporal Lee Clegg. [6366]

  Mr. Soames
  My Department has provided financial support for the legal costs of Lance Corporal Clegg at his trial and subsequent appeals. The full costs are not yet known, but are likely to be several hundred thousand pounds. It would not be appropriate for my Department to provide further funds, in the absence of legal proceedings.

  Mid-air Collisions
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will calculate the statistical probability of a mid-air collision involving fast jets on exercise over the next 12 months. [6367]

  Mr. Soames
  A study is being conducted by the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency to assess the probability of a random mid-air collision between various types of aircraft operating in the United Kingdom low flying system.

  Royal Yacht
  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what efficiency gains have been achieved in the running of the royal yacht since 1990. [7045]

  Mr. Soames
  The demands on Britannia vary from year to year, depending on the number and location of countries she is required to visit. Efficiency gains are therefore difficult to quantify precisely. There has, however, been an estimated reduction in running costs—excluding repairs and refits—of some 12.7 per cent. since 1990.

  Gulf War
  Mr. Ainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many members of the auxiliary services served in the Gulf war; and if he will list the number of personnel and their unit. [7680]

  Mr. Soames
  A total of 1,774 reservists were called out or recalled in support of the Gulf conflict. Of these, 877 were members of the volunteer reserve forces and 897 had a liability for call-out or recall as a result of previous regular service. They served, among others, with medical, movements, intelligence and military police units and in public relations posts. In addition, members of the Territorial Army undertook short periods of service as members of the Regular Army in the Gulf or in support of operations: they served, again among others, in infantry and transport units.

  A full list of the units concerned, and the number of reserve personnel who served with each, could be produced only at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Ainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what inquiries he has instituted into the recent allegations made by service men who served in the Gulf war that chemical weapons were used by Iraq. [7615]

  Mr. Soames
  No confirmed reports of the detection of chemical warfare agent have been received relating to the Gulf conflict.

  Gulf War Syndrome
  Mr. Ainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the amount of each of the ingredients in the nerve agent pre-treatment tablet set L1A1 given to Her Majesty's armed forces during the Gulf War. [7684]

  Mr. Soames
  The nerve agent pre-treatment set tablet L1A1 given to British troops during the Gulf war consisted of the following constituents:

  Pyridostigmine bromide: 31.5mg (active constituent)

  Pregelatinised starch: 56.8 mg

  97

  Maize starch: 35.0mg

  Lactose: 27.5mg

  Colloidal silicon dioxide: 25.5mg

  Talc: 3.5mg

  Magnesium stearate: 0.25mg.

  Mr. Ainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his current policy in respect of the recognition of Gulf war syndrome. [7731]

  Mr. Soames
  The MOD recognises that some individual Gulf veterans have become ill and keeps an open mind on any possible link to Gulf service. However, the most extensive and detailed investigations, in this country and other Gulf coalition countries, have so far found no medical or scientific evidence to date to suggest the existence of a unique medical condition or syndrome. The Royal College of Physicians gave broad endorsement to our work in July 1995 and recommended that expert advice be sought on the possible direction of future research. We are currently following this up.

  Mr. Ainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the known side effects of the inoculations given to Her Majesty's forces prior to and during the Gulf war. [7681]

  Mr. Soames
  The only known side effects are short term and commonly occur after the administration of any vaccine or combination of vaccines. These side effects can include soreness or swelling at injection site and possible nausea. Severe reactions, such as anaphylactic shock, are extremely rare.

  Mr. Ainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many nerve agent pre-treatment tablets set L1A1 each Her Majesty's forces personnel were instructed to take each day during the Gulf war. [7682]

  Mr. Soames
  During the periods when there was an assessed threat of possible chemical agent attack, orders were given for British troops in the Gulf theatre of operations to take nerve agent pre-treatment set tablets in accordance with the recommended dose, which is one 30mg NAPS tablet taken every eight hours.

  Mr. Ainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the side effects of the ingredients in the nerve agent pre-treatment tablet set L1A1. [7683]

  Mr. Soames
  It is well recognised that the active constituent of the nerve agent pre-treatment set pyridostigmine bromide, can have minor short-term side effects on a minority of those taking the drug. These include sweating, excess salivation, abdominal pains and diarrhoea. The side effects cease when the tablets are stopped and there is no record of long-term adverse effects resulting from the drug.

  Contractors
  Mr. Ainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many(a) full-time contractors and (b) other civilians were employed (i) at November 1990 and (ii) at the latest available date at (1) Castlemartin range, (2) Llanorbrier range, (3) Penally range, (4) RAF Brawdy, (5) RNAD Milford Haven, (6) RNAD Trecwn, (7) P and EE Pendine and (8) Pembroke dock mooring and salvage depot. [7732]
  98
  Mr. Arbuthnot
  The information requested is not available. Such information as is available is detailed in the table.

  As at July 1990

  As at November 1995

  Location

  Contractor staff

  Other civilians

  Contractor staff

  Other civilians

  Castlemartin

  0

  70

  0

  50

  Llanorbrier

  N/K

  8

  N/K

  10

  Penally

  0

  8

  0

  8

  RAF Brawdy

  N/K

  166

  N/K

  33

  RNAD

  Milford

  Haven

  N/K

  161

  N/K

  6

  RNAD

  Trecwn

  N/K

  381

  112

  3

  P and EE

  Pendine

  N/K

  60

  121

  17

  Pembroke

  Dock

  23

  129

  21

  80

  1 July figure.

  2 November figure.

  Redundant Equipment
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what new proposals he has to increase the receipts from the sale of redundant equipment. [7818]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  These matters are the responsibility of the chief executive of the Disposal Sales Agency. I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Keith Ellender to Mr. Paul Flynn, dated 9 January 1996:
  The Secretary of State has asked me, as Chief Executive of the Disposal Sales Agency, to reply to your question asking what new proposals he has to increase the receipts from the sale of redundant equipment.
  My Agency's Framework Document (a copy of which has been placed in the Library of the House) together with the in-year targets (Official Record col 1197, of 20 December 1994 and col 1349, of 19 July 1995) set out the strategy and achievements required by the Agency. New initiatives reside in greater industrial involvement in the disposal sales process, primarily through commercial storage and marketing agreements which operate on a profit sharing basis.
  I hope you find this information useful.

  Army Technical Support Agency
  Mr. Nigel Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will list the changes made to the site option investment appraisal figures for the collocation of the Army Technical Support Agency between the first draft of the figures and the figures currently being considered; [7976]

  (2) what arrangements are being made to consult the trade unions and the personnel involved regarding the future of the Army Technical Support Agency drawing office/graphics support services if the ATSA is collocated at the Chertsey site; [7975]
  99
  (3) what account has been taken of the accommodation available at the Malvern site in deciding the location of the Army Technical Support Agency following collocation; [7973]

  (4) what considerations led to (a) the omission of security and build costs for the collocation of the Army Technical Support Agency at the Chertsey site from the site option appraisal figures and (b) the inclusion of the clean-up costs for the Chertsey site; [7960]

  (5) what factors were taken into account in deciding not to consult the trade unions on the original site option investment appraisals for the collocation of the Army Technical Support Agency; [7977]

  (6) what will be the annual rent payable by the Army Technical Support Agency if it is collocated on the Chertsey site; [7963]

  (7) what plans are being made for the future of the Ministry of Defence's student engineering training centre if the Army Technical Support Agency is collocated at Chertsey; [7971]

  (8) if he will list the financial advantages of the collocation of the Army Technical Support Agency onto a leased site rather than onto a site owned by the Ministry of Defence; [7961]

  (9) what account has been taken of the comparative travel and subsistence costs in assessing the long-term costings of the collocation of the Army Technical Support Agency at Malvern or Chertsey; [7979]

  (10) if it remains the policy of the Government to move civil service posts from London to the provinces; and what account will be taken of this policy in deciding whether to collocate the Army Technical Support Agency at Chertsey; [7974]

  (11) who is the main leaseholder of the Chertsey site proposed for the collocation of the Army Technical Support Agency; [8004]

  (12) what assessment he has made of the effect of the closure of the Army Technical Support Agency at Malvern on the economy of Malvern and the surrounding area; and what plans the Government have to rejuvenate the local economy in the event of closure; [7978]

  (13) what is the estimated realisation figure from the sale of the present site in Malvern of the Army Technical Support Agency; [7972]

  (14) if the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency will be able to remain on its Chertsey site if the Army Technical Support Agency is collocated elsewhere. [7962]

  Mr. Soames
  These matters are the responsibility of the chief executive of the Army Technical Support Agency. I have asked him to reply to the hon. Member.
  100
  Letter from J. R. Prince to Mr. Nigel Jones, dated 5 January 1996:

  COLLOCATION OF THE ARMY TECHNICAL SUPPORT AGENCY (ATSA)
  You will recall that just before the Christmas break you raised a number of questions with the Hon. Nicholas Soames, MP, Minister Armed Forces on the subject of the collocation proposals in respect of the Army Technical Support Agency (ATSA). As the Chief Executive of the ATSA, I have been asked by the Minister to respond directly to you.
  Please note that this letter is copied to the Minister.
  I regret that I had been unaware of your interest in the ATSA and have not included you in the distribution of the consultative document on collocation. I attach, therefore, a copy of the consultative document and also copies of the Agency Framework Document and Corporate Plan.
  The answers to your questions are as follows.
  Question 1: What account has been taken of the accommodation available at the Malvern site in deciding the location of the ATSA following collocation?
  Answer 1: All of the accommodation at the Malvern site was taken into account when deciding on the location of the ATSA following collocation.
  Question 2: What arrangements are being made to consult the trade unions and the personnel involved regarding the future of the ATSA Drawing Office/Graphics Support Services if the ATSA is collocated at the Chertsey site?
  Answer 2: A consultative document specifically addressing the future of ATSA Drawing Office/Graphics Support Services will be forwarded to the Council of Civil Service Unions shortly. Drawing Office and Graphics staff across the ATSA sites are an integral part of the Agency and are included in the ATSA collocation proposals.
  Question 3: List the changes made to the site option investment appraisal figures for the collocation of the ATSA between the rust draft of the figures and the figures currently being declared.
  Answer 3: The drafting process is part of the normal management of any proposal, giving appropriate Departmental officials opportunity to contribute to the process. It is not Agency policy to make such drafts available for public consumption.
  Question 4: If the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency will be able to remain on its Chertsey site if the ATSA is collocated elsewhere?
  Answer 4: Chertsey is currently a viable site to operate, but the situation could change if a major unit vacates the site. The Chief Executive of DERA therefore takes the view that DERA would need to review its position at Chertsey should ATSA collocate elsewhere.
  Question 5: What is the estimated realisation figure from the sale of the present site in Malvern of the ATSA?
  Answer 5: I regret that land valuations are commercial in confidence.
  Question 6: What assessment has been made of the effect of the closure of the ATSA at Malvern on the economy of Malvern and the surrounding area; and what plans the Government has to rejuvenate the local economy in the event of closure?
  Answer 6: Whilst appreciating the local effect of withdrawal of the ATSA from Malvern and our other sites, it is my responsibility to consider the implications of collocation in Defence terms. For both budgetary and business reasons, the exhaustive appraisals carried out have indicated that the most appropriate site for collocation is Chertsey.
  Question 7: Who is the main leaseholder of the Chertsey site proposed for the collocation of the ATSA?
  Answer 7: The Chertsey site is wholly owned by the MOD and is vested in the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) Trading Fund.

  101
  Question 8: What account has been taken of the comparative travel and subsistence costs in assessing the long-term costings of the collocation of the ATSA at Malvern or Chertsey?
  Answer 8: No account has been taken of the comparative travel and subsistence costs in assessing the long-term costings of the collocation of the ATSA at Malvern or Chertsey. However, by far the greatest majority of ATSAs customers are based at Andover and my judgement is that, from a travel and subsistence point of view, collocation at Malvern would be more expensive than collocation at Chertsey.
  Question 9: List the financial advantages of the collocation of the ATSA onto a leased site rather than onto a site owned by the Ministry of Defence.
  Answer 9: The Chertsey site is wholly owned by the MOD and is vested in the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) Trading Fund.
  Question 10: Whether it remains the policy of the Government to move Civil Service posts from London to the provinces, and what account will be taken of this policy in deciding whether to collocate the ATSA at Chertsey?
  Answer 10: Moves from London, or anywhere else for that matter, are only agreed if proven to be both cost effective and good business sense. The site selection for the ATSA has been based on the business needs and value for money for the MOD as a whole.
  Question 11: What will be the annual rent payable by the ATSA if it is collocated on the Chertsey site?
  Answer 11: The Chertsey site is wholly owned by the MOD. There is trading between the two Defence Agencies, but no rent is paid to organisations external to MOD.
  Question 12: What plans are being made for the future of the Ministry of Defence's Student Engineering Training Centre if the ATSA is collocated at Chertsey?
  Answer 12: The ATSA costings have made no assumption that the MOD Student Engineering Training Centre will vacate the site. In due course consideration will be given as to whether continued occupation makes both economic sense and best use of the Defence Estate, or whether there might be more appropriate locations.
  Question 13: What factors were taken into account in deciding not to consult the trade unions on the original investment appraisals for the collocation of the ATSA?
  Answer 13: The main part of the initial study concentrated principally on business and organisational aspects of the Army's Technical Branches and Authorities. It was recognised by Armed Forces Minister of the time (Jeremy Hanley) that much more detailed work would be necessary before a final decision could be taken and, in particular, more comprehensive investment appraisals were required into the rationalisation proposals. The trade unions, and other interested parties, were advised of the situation in August 1993.
  Question 14: What consideration led to the omission of the security and build costs for the collocation of the ATSA at the Chertsey site from the site option appraisal figures and the inclusion of the clean-up costs for the Chertsey site?
  Answer 14: The appraisal figures for the Chertsey site included security and build cost but excluded possible clean-up costs.
  I hope the information given above satisfactorily answers the questions you have raised. Should you require any further information I will be pleased to answer any additional questions you may wish to raise.

  Training
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the total sum spent on training for each new recruit in(a) the Army, (b) the RAF and (c) the Navy in each of the past five years. [7619]
  102
  Mr. Soames
  The type and amount of training given to new recruits varies between services and, indeed, between trades and specialisations within each service. The information requested in respect of the last five years is not, therefore, held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. The costs of basic training for officers and other ranks for FY 1994–95 in each of the three services are, however, set out in the following details.Royal Navy:

  Basic Training (Officer): £24,924 per recruit (20 weeks)

  Basic Training (Ratings): £6,534 per recruit (8 weeks).

  Army:

  Basic Training (Officer): £17,300 per recruit (42 weeks)

  Basic Training (Soldier): £3,338 per recruit (10 weeks)

  Royal Air Force:

  Basic Training (Officer): £15,840 per recruit (24 weeks)

  Basic Training (Airman): £3,056 per recruit (7 weeks).

  These figures refer to the cost of training only and do not include such costs as recruits' pay, messing, accommodation and clothing.

  Low Flying
  Mr. Tredinnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many low level flights took place in the midlands(a) in 1991 and (b) in the last year for which figures are available. [8209]

  Mr. Soames
  Although records are maintained of the total number of sorties flown in the UK low flying system, statistics are not available on, nor is it possible to estimate, the number of sorties flown over the midlands.

  Mutual Defence Agreement
  Mr. Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place in the Library a list of all papers released since 1988 by the Public Records Office that refer specifically to the 1958 US-UK mutual defence agreement. [8270]

  Mr. Soames
  This is a matter for the Public Records Office.

  Driffield Airfield
  Mr. Cran
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what area of land at Driffield airfield, other than that announced as being for sale, his Department is considering selling. [8073]

  Mr. Soames
  The RAF technical/domestic site adjacent to Driffield airfield is due to be vacated by the RAF by June 1996 and will be declared surplus if no alternative Defence use is found. It is my Department's normal policy that surplus land should be sold on the open market to maximise the return to the taxpayer. Agents have been appointed to carry out a study into potential alternative uses for the technical/domestic site and to recommend a strategy for its disposal.

  Stolen and Lost Property
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what calculation he has made of the value of property which has been stolen or lost in each of the past five
  103
  years in the (a) Army, (b) Royal Air Force and (c) Royal Navy. [7819]

  Mr. Soames
  Stores losses written off for all reasons in Army, Royal Air Force and Royal Navy budget areas were as follows:

  £000

  Year

  Army

  RAE

  RN

  1990–91

  5,652

  2,368

  5,790

  1991–92

  7,711

  4,493

  6,448

  1992–93

  4,158

  111,612

  5,147

  1993–94

  4,514

  2,844

  4,706

  1994–95

  23,642

  2,520

  4,613

  1This figure includes £9.25 million of stores and equipment destroyed by a fire at an RAF establishment for which two people were successfully prosecuted.

  2This figure does not include Germany, for which returns are not yet available.

  Figures could not be broken down into those solely applicable to theft or loss without disproportionate effort. Where, however, recovery is made in the same year as the loss is recorded, the figures are net of recovery.

  White Vehicle Contracts
  Mr. Spellar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to make an announcement for the white vehicles contract for use in Germany; which companies have been invited to tender; what is the estimated value of the order; and what efforts are being made to maximise the British-built content in the order. [3444]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  I expect to announce my decision on the outcome of the competition for the provision, management and maintenance of non-operational vehicles for the British forces in Germany early in the new year. After an expressions of interest campaign, six companies were sent an invitation to tender. These were:

  ALD AutoLeasing D GmbH

  Leaseplan Deutschland GmbH

  Lombard Leasing GmbH

  Mercedes Benz AG

  PHH Europe plc

  Ryder plc.

  ALD AutoLeasing D GmbH withdrew during the tender period, while PHH Europe plc declined to tender but decided to act as a sub-contractor to Ryder plc. Consequently, tenders were received from Leaseplan Deutschland GmbH, Lombard Leasing GmbH—a member of the NatWest group—in a joint venture with Sixt AG, Mercedes Benz AG and Ryder plc/PHH Europe plc.

  The procedures used in the market test followed the guidelines laid out in the "Guide to Competing for Quality in Defence Services". This meant that both the statement of requirement and the invitation to tender which were drawn up specified the level of service required but not how it was to be delivered. No pre-set level of British content was sought; indeed the vehicle industry tends to be multinational in nature and seemingly "British" vehicles may, in fact, contain a high level of components purchased from other countries.
  104
  The final decision on the market test has not yet been made and, given the need for commercial and contract confidentiality, it would be inappropriate to state what the estimated value of the contract will be. Finally, the criteria for the selection of the winning bid is based on best value for money, which includes technical and commercial competence, and tenders will be assessed accordingly.

  Internet
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Defence what web site his Department maintains on the Internet; what information is provided there; how often it is updated; what is the address; and if he or his Department answers questions and supplies additional information through the Internet. [7564]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  The Ministry of Defence maintains an Internet world wide web site whose home page can be found at the Internet address www.mod.uk. Liaison with CCTA has ensured that the MOD home page is accessible via the Government information service WWW server at www.open.gov.uk.

  Information made available includes MOD press releases, information about historic military buildings on the Defence estate, the UK MOD newsletter covering continuous acquisition and life-cycle support, summary biographies and pictures of MOD Ministers, recruitment information for the individual services, information on the Defence Intelligence Staff and Directorate General of Information and Communication Services, the Royal Corps of Signals and the Royal Navy in Plymouth. In addition, the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency has a number of web pages accessible from the MOD home page, which publicise topical items from the Defence research programme.

  It is planned in the next six months to increase the number of MOD WWW pages to make further information available to the public, one example being the coverage of major defence policy speeches. The information presented is updated frequently as modifications are required.

  The present address for e-mail inquiries is press office@dgics.mod.uk. This address is publicised on the MOD home page.

  Future policy on the Internet is currently under review.

  Penalty Parking Notices
  Mr. Robert McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much has been raised by his Department over the last three years by fixed-penalty parking notices; and what has been the income derived from pay car parks over the same period. [7360]

  Sir John Wheeler
  The information sought on fixed penalty parking notices is not available in the format requested as financial records of moneys received by way of payments for fixed-penalty tickets do not differentiate on the basis of offence type. During the 1992–93, 1993–94 and 1994–95 financial years, £1.86 million, £1.78 million and £ 1.97 million respectively was collected in respect of all types of fixed-penalty tickets issued.
  105
  Income derived from pay car parks, including on-street car parking, was:

  1992–93: £2.437 million

  1993–94: £2.947 million

  1994–95: £2.964 million.

  Department of Education Northern Ireland
  Ms Mowlam
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the Department of Education Northern Ireland properties that are currently out of use, indicating the cost of their maintenance. [6050]

  Mr. Moss
  At present, there are no DENI properties currently out of use.

  George Finbar Ross
  Mr. Beggs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if it is the policy of Her Majesty's Government to take steps to secure co-operation from the United States Government for the extradition of George Finbar Ross to Northern Ireland. [7371]

  Sir John Wheeler
  The question of seeking the extradition of Mr. Ross remains under active consideration.

  It is not the practice of the relevant authorities to give details of the actions being taken to secure the apprehension of wanted persons or the progress thereof: to do so could undermine the effectiveness of those actions.

  International Investments Ltd. (Gibraltar)
  Mr. Beggs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what discussions have been held between Her Majesty's Government and the Government of the Republic of Ireland on International Investments Ltd. (Gibraltar), liquidation fraud. [7372]

  Sir John Wheeler
  I refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply I gave him on 19 December,Official Report, column 1076.

  Badger Setts, Carnmoney Hill
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to his answer of 18 December,Official Report, column 906, who carried out the badger survey commissioned by the developer of a golf club at Carnmoney hill, and if he will place a copy in the Library. [8117]

  Sir John Wheeler
  A copy of the badger survey, completed by field workers of Queen's university, Belfast, has been placed in the Library.

  Advertising
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what has been the expenditure of his(a) Department, (b) agencies and (c) non-departmental public bodies on newspaper advertising by title for each year since 1990–91; and what estimate he has made for 1995–96 based on expenditure to date and existing plans. [6565]
  106
  Sir John Wheeler
  Newspaper advertising expenditure by the Northern Ireland Office and its Departments and by agencies since 1990–91 is listed. An estimated outturn figure for 1995–96 is included. Information is not available by title. Expenditure by non-departmental public bodies is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  NI departments and NI office £

  Agencies £

  1990–91

  3,024,220

  210,055

  1991–92

  4,419,230

  118,781

  1992–93

  3,972,001

  255,500

  1993–94

  3,181,384

  215,317

  1994–95

  2,777,464

  205,508

  1995–96

  3,448,157

  229,202

  Figures for 1990–91 and 1992–93 do not include the Department of Health and Social Services as these are not available.

  Figures for 1990–91 and 1991–92 include advertising other than newspaper advertising by part of the Department of Economic Development.

  Firearms
  Mr. Mallon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the number of legally held(a) shotguns; (b) air rifles; (c) automatic weapons, (d) semi-automatic weapons and (e) other weapons, breaking down the figures for each police sub-divisional region. [7395]

  Sir John Wheeler
  Although the information to answer the question is not readily available in the format requested, the chief constable advises that at 31 October 1995 there were 133,769 legally held firearms in Northern Ireland. Of these, there were

  (a) 85,186 shotguns;

  (b) 20,982 air weapons (includes air rifles);

  (c) other firearms—27,601.

  Separate figures for air rifles, semi-automatic or automatic firearms and sub-divisional areas can not be provided, except at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Mallon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the number of legally held weapons in Northern Ireland as a proportion of the resident population, or such figures as are readily available. [7394]

  Sir John Wheeler
  Firearms licensing is the responsibility of the Chief Constable of the Royal Ulster Constabulary. He advises me that, at 31 October 1995, there were 133,769 firearms held on certificate under the Firearms (Northern Ireland) Order 1981. This equates to approximately one firearm per nine head of the population1.
  1Based on 1991 census statistics.

  Executive Agencies
  Dr. Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if answers sent to hon. Members in reply to parliamentary questions by the head of executive agencies in his Department are(a) seen, (b) approved and

  107
  (c) amended by him before they are sent; and if he will identify such letters to which amendments by him have been made in 1994–95. [7822]

  Sir John Wheeler
  As responsibility to answer parliamentary questions on operational matters has been delegated to the chief executives of executive agencies, such answers provided by chief executives are not approved or amended by Ministers before being sent to hon. Members. The questions and answers are copied to Ministers, for information, usually before the reply appears in Hansard.

  Internet
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what web site his Department maintains on the Internet, what information is provided there, how often it is updated, what is the address, and if he or his Department answers questions and supplies additional information through the Internet. [7573]

  Sir John Wheeler
  The Northern Ireland civil service maintains the Northern Ireland Government server based at Stormont. This server holds information relating to all Northern Ireland Departments and their agencies and this is being developed on an on-going basis to provide more in-depth information. The server is updated on a daily basis. The address for the server is:http://www.nics.gov.uk

  Questions are sent to the server via e-mail and are answered by e-mail. Where necessary, questions are forwarded to a specific Government Department to provide an appropriate reply.

  Community Care and Income Support
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if changes to community care and income support rules will apply to those who entered residential care before April 1996. [8103]

  Sir John Wheeler
  Yes.

  Mr. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if the change to community care and income support rules in respect of spouses' entitlement to half their partner's occupational pension when the partner has gone into residential care applies to Northern Ireland. [8102]

  Sir John Wheeler
  Yes.

  Coinage
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what consultations he had with(a) the Royal Mint and (b) other interested parties about the design of the new Northern Ireland 1966 £1 coin; and if he will make a statement. [7762]

  Sir Patrick Mayhew
  In 1993, the Royal Mint advisory committee recommended a design for the Northern Ireland £1 coin featuring the Celtic cross and a torc. I was consulted at that time about the proposed design and agreed that the design was acceptable. No other parties were involved in the decision-making process.

  Young People (Religion)
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what proportion of 18 to 21-year-olds in Northern Ireland are(a) Protestants and (b) Roman Catholics. [8101]

  Sir John Wheeler
  The 1991 census of population contains information on the breakdown of the population of Northern Ireland by religious denomination. The information in relation to the population aged 18 to 21 years is as follows:

  Percentage of 18 to 21-year-olds

  Roman Catholic

  42.38

  Presbyterian, Church of Ireland and Methodist

  39.47

  Others

  8.09

  Answered "None" to the question on religion

  3.74

  Did not answer the Religion question

  6.32

  The "others" category contains some non-Christian religions. A detailed breakdown of the denominations in this category is provided in table 8A of the "Northern Ireland census 1991 summary report: HMSO 1992".

  Greenpark Hospital Trust
  Mr. Peter Robinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what time factor is permitted in the contract between the Greenpark Hospital trust and Mediguard for the former to delay paying the latter for the supply of contracted and other purchase services. [8224]

  Sir John Wheeler
  The contract conditions provide that the trust must pay such amounts as may be properly due to the contractor under the terms of the contract within 30 days of receipt of the invoice. Payment may be made in part, pending clarification of any items under dispute.

  Ministerial Travel and Accommodation Costs
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is his estimate of the total cost for himself and other departmental Ministers for each year since 1991–92, with an estimate for the current year of(a) overseas travel and accommodation expenses of Ministers and their advisers, (b) car and chauffeuring costs of Ministers, (c) ministerial security costs and (d) domestic travel and accommodation expenses of Ministers. [6418]

  Mr. Hague
  The cost of the ministerial use of the official car service is as follows:

  1991–92: £158,535

  1992–93: £170,062

  1993–94: £174,069

  1994–95: £176,452

  1995–96 (to end November 1995): £121,000.

  109
  Expenditure on the other items in each of the last five years is not collected in the format requested but is included in the running cost expenditure of my Department, which is published in the Welsh Office departmental report for 1995 (Cm 2815).

  Departmental Running Costs
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the secretary of state for wales what is his estimate of the cost of running his departmental office, and that of his predecessor for each year since 1990–91 including the current year, broken down into(a) telephone bills, (b) total staff costs, (c) press and communications, (d) entertainment, (e) alcoholic drinks, (f) non-alcoholic drinks, (g) stationery, (h) office refurbishment and (i) other. [6417]

  Mr. Hague
  The available information for my Department's private office, which serves all three Welsh Office Ministers, is as follows:

  Private Office costs

  £000

  1990–91

  1991–92

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–95

  1995–96(to end-November)

  salaries1

  425

  434

  540

  636

  615

  403

  Travel and Subsistence2

  171

  162

  166

  175

  177

  64

  Hospitality

  20

  10

  9

  8

  10

  4

  Stationery

  n/a

  20

  25

  29

  25

  13

  Training

  n/a

  n/a

  0

  2

  0

  0

  Telecommunications

  70

  72

  74

  41

  41

  28

  Notes:

  1Includes the cost of the Secretary of State's special adviser as well as officials. Superannuation costs are included only from 1993–94.

  2 Includes expenditure by Ministers as well as officials.

  Expenditure on the other items in each of the last five years is not collected in the format requested but is included in the running cost expenditure of my Department, which is published in the Welsh Office departmental report for 1995 (Cm 2815).

  Severe Head Injuries
  Mr. Hanson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he expects the chairmen and chief executives working party to meet to discuss the Welsh Affairs Committee report on severe head injuries. [6679]

  Mr. Richards
  The chairmen and chief executives working party has established a steering group, whose core membership details are being finalised. The steering group's first meeting to discuss the report will be in early January 1996.

  Slow Learners
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what amount of moneys he has released for the next financial year for the purposes of assisting slow learners in(a) the primary sector and (b) the secondary sector; and if he will make a statement. [6725]

  Mr. Richards
  My right hon. Friend announced his provisional local government revenue proposals for 1996–97 in the House on 28 November. It is for individual local authorities to determine how the resources that are made available are allocated between services, including education, in the light of their statutory responsibilities and their perception of local needs and priorities.

  Electronic Mail
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what proposals he has for the introduction of electronic mail for the issuing of press releases and for communication between his departmental offices in Cardiff and London and the Library. [7581]

  Mr. Hague
  At present, there is no electronic mail facility for the distribution of press notices. However, as electronic mail is developed internally, the opportunity 110
  may be taken to extend it to the House of Commons Library. There is a limited electronic mail link between some departmental offices in Cardiff and London.

  School Milk
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what considerations underlay the decision to reduce subsidies for school milk; and if he will list(a) the gross estimated savings to the Government in Wales on account of this change and (b) the net savings after deducting the EU contribution towards the cost of the scheme. [7407]

  Mr. Hague
  The Government are withdrawing support from 1996–97 for the discretionary elements of the EC school milk subsidy scheme. The elements affected are milk for school catering and for secondary school children. Estimates suggest that only around 20 per cent. of the total number of children of all ages currently benefit from the scheme. In the light of this it is doubtful whether either element has had any significant effect on the encouragement of milk consumption, which is the objective of the EU scheme.

  Savings will amount to approximately £6 million per annum in European funding, which will represent a net saving to the Exchequer of about £4 million per annum for the UK. Separate figures are not available for Wales.

  Internet
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what web site his Department maintains on the Internet; what information is provided there; how often it is updated; what is the address; and if he or his Department answers questions and supplies additional information through the Internet. [7578]
  111
  Mr. Hague
  The Welsh Office is currently piloting a world wide web site on the Internet. The pilot project is being led by the Welsh Office industry and training department and it currently offers information covering regional selective assistance, people and prosperity—an agenda for action in Wales, and assisted areas in Wales. This information was first made available in November 1995 and will be updated regularly in 1996.

  The Department does not presently answer questions or supply additional information through the Internet. Part of the remit of the pilot project is to examine the methodology for doing so to help inform the development of policy and on the use of the Internet.

  The Welsh Office server can be found at Internet address:
  HTTP://www.welsh-ofce.gov.uk.

  Teaching Hospitals (Overheads)
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what consultations he has had with GP fundholders and hospitals in south Wales concerning the appropriate level of remuneration required to cover additional teaching overheads by(a) the University hospital of Wales and (b) other hospitals in which there is teaching activity for the medical schools; and if he will make a statement. [7584]

  Mr. Hague
  The report of the advisory group on the service increment for teaching, SIFT, which funds the costs to the NHS of supporting the teaching of medical undergraduates, was circulated for comment to chief executives of NHS trusts and family health service authorities in Wales in June 1995. Following acceptance of the report's recommendations for the future of SIFT, guidance was issued in December to assist NHS trusts who support undergraduate medical teaching in identifying the costs of doing so, over and above the costs of patient care.

  Archive Services
  Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what are the estimated capital and revenue costs for each of the new unitary authorities of providing archive services in 1996–97. [6603]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  This is a matter for individual unitary authorities.

  Roads
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to introduce(a) porous surfaces, (b) variable message signs and (c) chevron markings on carriageways. [7618]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  Porous surfaces, variable message signs and chevron markings are already in use on the trunk road and motorway network. Further applications will be provided where they can be justified.

  Cardiff Bay Barrage
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what consultations he has had with the chairman of the National Rivers Authority Wales region and Dwr Cymru 112
  Welsh Water in relation to reassessment of the water quality standard intended for the lake impounded under the Cardiff bay barrage scheme. [7969]

  Mr. Hague
  None. Provisions for relevant water quality standards are contained in the Cardiff Bay Barrage Act 1993.

  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what consultations he has had with the chairman of the Cardiff Bay development corporation concerning reductions in the proposed capital schemes to be completed under the Cardiff bay barrage outfall accommodation works; [7967]

  (2) what consultations he has had with the chairman of the Cardiff Bay development corporation concerning funding for capital works to meet the water quality standards set out in the Cardiff Bay Barrage Act 1993 and its side agreements; and if he will make a statement; [7970]

  (3) what consultations he has had with the chairman of the Cardiff Bay development corporation concerning the change in the maximum number of sewage spills in a typical year into the Rivers Taff and Ely and the area of the impounded lake behind the Cardiff bay barrage and its implications for water quality and water sports; and if he will make a statement. [7968]

  Mr. Hague
  None. These are operational matters for the corporation.

  Housing
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many(a) local authority and (b) housing association houses there are in Wales. [7813]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  Information on local authority and housing association dwelling stock numbers in Wales has been published in table 1.3 of Welsh housing statistics No. 15 1995, a copy of which is in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what estimate he has made of the number of jobs created by the building of a typical local authority house for rent. [7815]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  None.

  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to allow local authorities to build more low-cost homes for rent. [7814]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 18 December.

  Mobile Telephones
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many mobile telephones have been supplied to his Department in each of the last eight years; and in each of those years how many different suppliers were involved. [8040]
  113
  Mr. Hague
  Figures are available only for the last five years:

  1990–91: 27

  1991–92: 28

  1992–93: 40

  1993–94: 140

  1994–95: 148.

  All purchases are subject to competition and at least three different companies are invited to tender.

  Cervical Cancer Screening
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will place in the Library a copy of the report of the expert advisory group on cervical cancer screening services in Wales. [7964]

  Mr. Hague
  Copies of the expert advisory group's report have been placed in the Library of the House.

  Upper Waiting Hall Exhibition
  Sir Ivan Lawrence
  To ask the Chairman of the Administration Committee if he has considered an application for an exhibition relating to Crime Concern and the Prudential youth action group initiative to be displayed in the Upper Waiting Hall. [8094]

  Mr. Michael J. Martin
  I understand that, under procedures agreed by the Administration Committee, arrangements have been made for the exhibition to be held in the Upper Waiting Hall from Monday 11 March to Friday 15 March 1996.

  Mr. Congdon
  To ask the Chairman of the Administration Committee if he has considered an application for an exhibition relating to London health to be displayed in the Upper Waiting Hall. [8157]

  Mr. Martin
  I understand that, under procedures agreed by the Administration Committee, arrangements have been made for the exhibition to be held in the Upper Waiting Hall from Monday 22 January to Friday 26 January 1996.

  State Opening (Photographer)
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chairman of the Administration Committee, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Great Grimsby of 13 December,Official Report, column 659, what factors led to the decision that one photographer only should be allowed to be present in the Gallery. [7756]

  Mr. Michael J. Martin
  The fact that only one application to take photographs for official purposes was received.

  Engagements
  Sir Peter Tapsell
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Tuesday 9 January. [6753]
  114
  The Prime Minister
  This morning I had meetings with ministerial colleagues and others. In addition to my duties in this House I shall be having further meetings later today.

  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Tuesday 9 January. [6755]

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

  Royal Household
  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Prime Minister how much has been saved in efficiency gains in respect of the grant in aid budget to the royal household since 1991. [7051]

  The Prime Minister
  Grant in aid for the royal household from 1991–92 to 1994–95 has decreased by 14.2 per cent. In cash terms. Details are set out in the royal household's annual report for the year to 31 March 1995, a copy of which is available in the Library.

  Monetary Union
  Mr. Shore
  To ask the Prime Minister further to his oral statement of Monday 18 December, on the Madrid European Council, when and by what means article 3 of the protocol on the convergence criteria referred to in article 109(J) of the treaty on European Union was deleted or amended. [7620]

  The Prime Minister
  Article 3 of the protocol on the convergence criteria has been neither deleted nor amended. It will be for the Council, meeting as Heads of State or Government in early 1998, to decide pursuant to the provisions of the treaty which member states fulfil the necessary conditions to move to stage 3 of economic and monetary union. It is not possible to say now precisely how the exchange rate criterion will be interpreted, given the changes in the way the exchange rate mechanism has operated since the treaty was agreed.

  Protocol No. 11, annexed to the EC treaty, means that the United Kingdom shall not be obliged or committed to move to the third stage of economic union without a separate decision to do so by the Government and Parliament. We will agree to take part in a single currency only if it is in our national interest to do so, given the circumstances at the time.

  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his oral statement of 18 December,Official Report, column 1219–35, concerning his intention to initiate a study into the proposals for monetary union within the European Union, by whom the study will be conducted; what the terms of reference of the inquiry will be; if written or oral evidence can be submitted to it; if it will operate in public at any time; and when he expects it to report. [7669]

  The Prime Minister
  The Madrid European Council requested that the Ecofin Council, together with, in their respective fields of competence, the Commission and the European Monetary Institute, should study the range of issues raised by the fact that some countries might not initially participate in the Euro area. In particular, the study should cover those issues related to monetary
  115
  stability. The Council noted that the future relationships would have to be defined prior to the move to stage 3 and requested that the Ecofin Council should report on these issues as soon as possible.

  The United Kingdom's participation in this study in no way prejudges the United Kingdom's decision whether to notify our intention to move to stage 3 of EMU in accordance with the provisions of protocol 11 annexed to the EC treaty.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Prime Minister which countries declared their intention to participate in monetary union at the Madrid summit. [7555]

  The Prime Minister
  All EU member states except for the United Kingdom and Denmark are committed to participation in the third stage of economic and monetary union in accordance with the EC treaty.

  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Prime Minister what system of redistribution and on what scale was proposed at the Madrid summit to compensate(a) nations and (b) regions damaged by monetary union; and if he will make a statement on the United Kingdom role in respect of such compensatory measures. [7707]

  The Prime Minister
  No system of redistribution was proposed at the European Council at Madrid.

  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list those countries which he assessed would be able to meet the Maastricht convergence conditions by January 1998 on current trends projected. [7709]

  The Prime Minister
  The question of which countries fulfil the necessary conditions for adoption of the single currency will be decided by the Council of Ministers, meeting in the form of Heads of State or Government. The latest Commission forecasts, released on 22 November 1995, provided information on the projected status of each member state in 1997. The forecast are available in the House of Commons Library.

  Mobile Telephones
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Prime Minister how many mobile telephones have been supplied to Departments for which he is immediately responsible in each of the last eight years; and in each of those years how many different suppliers were involved. [8026]

  The Prime Minister
  For these purposes, my office is part of the Cabinet Office (Office of Public Service). I refer the hon. Member to the answer given today by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary, Office of Public Service.

  The Euro (Information)
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Prime Minister what plans Her Majesty's Government have to provide financial support from public funds to groups and organisations to circulate information on the Euro. [7763]

  The Prime Minister
  The Community budget provides for the Commission to spend 50 mecu in the 1996 calender year promoting specific policies, such as citizen first and the single currency, with a view to preparing the intergovernmental conference. Member states voted to strike this expenditure out of the Community budget but 116
  it was reinstated by the European Parliament. The Community budget for 1997 has not yet been agreed. Like other member states, the United Kingdom contributes to the EC budget as a whole rather than to the costs of individual spending programmes.

  The Government have no plans for direct Government expenditure on circulating information on the Euro in the United Kingdom. Protocol No. 11, annexed to the EC treaty, means that the United Kingdom shall not be obliged or committed to move to the third stage of economic union without a separate decision to do so by the Government and Parliament. We will agree to take part in a single currency only if it is in our national interest to do so, given the circumstances at the time.

  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Prime Minister what plans he has to restrict the circulation by the EC of information on the Euro in the United Kingdom. [7764]

  The Prime Minister
  It is not yet clear what kind of information the Commission plans to circulate.

  Protocol No. 11, annexed to the EC treaty, means that the United Kingdom shall not be obliged or committed to move to the third stage of economic union without a separate decision to do so by the Government and Parliament. We will agree to take part in a single currency only if it is in our national interest to do so, given the circumstances at the time.

  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Prime Minister how much is to be spent by the European Commission in the next two financial years promoting the Euro; how much of that will be spent in the United Kingdom; and what the British contribution will be to the total expenditure. [7710]

  The Prime Minister
  The Community budget provides for the Commission to spend 50 mecu in the 1996 calendar year promoting specific policies, such as citizen first and the single currency, with a view to preparing the intergovernmental conference. Member states voted to strike this expenditure out of the Community budget but it was reinstated by the European Parliament. The Community budget for 1997 has not yet been agreed. Like other member states, the United Kingdom contributes to the EC budget as a whole rather than to the costs of individual spending programmes.

  The Government have no plans for direct Government expenditure on circulating information on the Euro in the United Kingdom. Protocol No. 11, annexed to the EC treaty, means that the United Kingdom shall not be obliged or committed to move to the third stage of economic union without a separate decision to do so by the Government and Parliament. We will agree to take part in a single currency only if it is in our national interest to do so, given the circumstances at the time.

  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Prime Minister what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government in respect of access to United Kingdom(a) media and (b) educational institutions for those promoting the Euro as part of the Commission's publicity campaign. [7727]

  The Prime Minister
  It is not yet clear what kind of information the Commission plans to circulate.

  Protocol No. 11, annexed to the EC treaty, means that the United Kingdom shall not be obliged or committed to move to the third stage of economic union without a

  117
  separate decision to do so by the Government and Parliament. We will agree to take part in a single currency only if it is in our national interest to do so, given the circumstances at the time.

  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Prime Minister if United Kingdom citizens will be allowed to hold Euro accounts in the United Kingdom if Britain does not join monetary union. [7711]

  The Prime Minister
  United Kingdom citizens are currently able to hold bank accounts denominated in foreign currencies in the United Kingdom. The Government see no reason why that should change in any way if the United Kingdom does not participate in the third stage of economic and monetary union.

  Under protocol No. 11 of the EC treaty, the United Kingdom shall not be obliged or committed to move to the third stage economic and monetary union without a separate decision to do so by the Government and Parliament. We will agree to take part in a single currency only if that is in our national interest to do so, given the circumstances of the time.

  Nuclear Materials (Exports)
  Mr. Simpson
  To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 11 December,Official Report, column 473, if he will list all countries to which nuclear materials, equipment or technology have been exported, under the exception clause of the nuclear suppliers group guidelines, in the last five years. [8283]

  The Prime Minister
  There have been no exports from the United Kingdom of nuclear materials or technology under the exception to the policy, agreed in April 1992.

  Princess of Wales
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Prime Minister on whose initiative the meeting on 20 December with Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales was arranged. [8330]

  The Prime Minister
  I have meetings with the Princess of Wales at times arranged between us.

  Civil Servants
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the exchanges he has authorised between members of Her Majesty's Opposition and senior civil servants since 1 January. [8233]

  The Prime Minister
  As I made clear in my answer to the hon. Member for Cardiff, West (Mr. Morgan) on 30 November 1995,Official Report, column 835, I will be content to authorise confidential exchanges between senior civil servants and Opposition spokesmen from January 1996. As yet, I have not been approached by the leader of the Opposition to authorise such exchanges.

  Scott Inquiry
  Mr. Wilson
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will ask the Scott inquiry to investigate the letter written by the 118
  right hon. Member for South Thanet (Mr. Aitken) to Astra Ltd. on 8 March 1985. [7410]

  The Prime Minister
  It is for Sir Richard Scott to decide for himself what to investigate within his terms of reference.

  Fouad Makhzoumi
  Mr. Wilson
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will ban future contact by his Department with Fouad Makhzoumi of FMS in relation to defence sales to Lebanon. [7411]

  The Prime Minister
  There are no plans to ban contact between officials from any Government Department and Mr. Fouad Makhzoumi.

  Exchange Rate Mechanism
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Prime Minister (1) if he will make a statement on the prospect for an exchange rate mechanism for those EEC members who do not join the single currency; [7552]

  (2) what restraints were proposed by the advocates of monetary union at the Madrid summit on the freedom of action of those countries which do not join it. [7653]

  The Prime Minister
  The European Council agreed at Madrid that the Ecofin Council, together with, in their respective fields of competence, the Commission and the European Monetary Institute, will study the range of issues raised by the fact that some countries might not initially participate in the Euro area. In particular, the study should cover those issues related to monetary stability.

  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Prime Minister to what extent progress to monetary union requires Britain to rejoin the ERM(a) as a condition for fulfilling the preliminary stages of EMU before giving notice to join or otherwise and (b) as a condition of staying out; and if he will make a statement. [7712]

  The Prime Minister
  Protocol No. 11, annexed to the EC treaty, means that the United Kingdom shall not be obliged or committed to move to the third stage of economic union without a separate decision to do so by the Government and Parliament.

  It will be for the Council, meeting as Heads of State or Government in 1998, to decide pursuant to the provisions of the EC treaty which member states fulfil the necessary conditions for the adoption of the single currency. It is not possible to say now precisely how the exchange rate criterion will be interpreted, given the changes in the way the ERM has operated since the treaty was agreed.

  The Madrid European Council requested that the Ecofin Council, together with, in their respective fields of competence, the Commission and the European Monetary Institute, will study the range of issues raised by the fact that some countries might not initially participate in the Euro area. In particular, the study should cover those issues related to monetary stability.

  Executive Agencies
  Dr. Wright
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if answers sent to hon. Members in reply to parliamentary questions by the head of executive agencies in his Department are(a) seen, (b) approved and (c) amended by him before they are sent; and if he will identify such letters to which amendments by him have been made in 1994–95. [7823]

  Mr. Willetts
  Parliamentary questions are passed to the head of an executive agency for reply when the matter is one delegated to him or her under the agency framework document. The relevant Minister may see a copy of the reply before it is sent, but would not normally intervene in operational matters.

  Ascertaining whether any letters since 1994–95 have been amended could be done only at disproportionate cost.

  Departmental Running Costs
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what is the estimate of the cost of running his departmental office, and that of his predecessor, for each year since 1990–91 including an estimate for the current year, broken down into(a) telephone bills, (b) total staff costs, (c) press and communications, (d) entertainment, (e) alcoholic drinks, (f) non-alcoholic drinks, (g) stationery, (h) office refurbishment and (i) other. [6397]

  Date research commissioned

  Amount department spent £(excluding VAT)

  Who carried out the research

  Number of people surveyed

  Location and timescale

  Who has access to findings

  Citizen's Charter

  March 1993

  75,000

  ICM Research

  3,097

  GB

  Published August

  Customer Survey

  27 March-10 April

  1993

  1993

  Complaints Task

  May 1994

  69,400

  MORI

  1,731

  GB

  Published June

  Force

  June-November

  1995

  1994

  Charter Mark

  March 1995

  7,800

  MORI

  1,967

  UK

  Not Published

  Nomination

  Pre research:

  Scheme

  March1995

  post research: June

  1995

  Report Back

  September

  8,775

  NOP

  264(pre-stage)

  Birmingham and

  Not published

  Research

  1995

  531(post stage)

  Bristol

  Pre research:

  September 1995

  post research

  October 1995

  Simplifying system

  August 1995

  137,907

  KMPG

  60 small

  parts of England

  None so far—study;

  for business start

  including VAT

  Management

  businesses and

  and Wales

  not yet complete.

  up

  Consultants

  business

  August-September-

  intermediaries

  October1995

  Fox Hunting
  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what plans he has to ban fox hunting and shooting of wild birds in the(a) Crewe survey, (b) South survey, (c) Needlewood estate, (d) Lancashire survey and (e) Yorkshire survey. [7042]

  Mr. Freeman
  I have no plans to ban fox hunting or the shooting of wild birds which are not a protected species on the Duchy estates mentioned.
  120
  The Deputy Prime Minister
  Estimated costs for this financial year, July 1995 to March 1996 are given.

  (a) Costs are not identified separately for the office.

  (b) £320,000.

  (c) Costs are not identified separately for the office.

  (d) For working lunches and dinners, £6,200.

  (e) Nil.

  (f) £150.

  (g) £6,500.

  (h) I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer I gave on 30 October, Official Report, column 6.

  £60,000 (incudes cost of car and travel).

  Public Opinion Surveys
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will list all qualitative and quantitative research projects and surveys carried out for his Department and those parts of the Government for which he is responsible into aspects of public attitudes and opinions(a) in general and (b) in relation to specific policy proposals in each of the past three years to December 1995, indicating for each project or survey (i) the date on which the research was commissioned, (ii) the amount which his Department spent, (iii) who carried out the research, (iv) the number of people surveyed or taking part, (v) the location and time scale and (vi) which individuals and organisations have been given access to the findings. [5971]

  Mr. Willetts
  The information is as follows:

  Set-aside Land
  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what was the amount of EU subsidy received by the Duchy from the set-aside scheme and common agricultural policy programmes in the last year for which figures are available. [7043]

  Mr. Freeman
  The Duchy has received no EU subsidy from the set-aside scheme and CAP programmes.

  Efficiency Gains
  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what efficiency gains have been achieved in the running of the Duchy over the past three years. [7047]

  Mr. Freeman
  Over the last three and a half years, from the period ending 29 September 1992 to 31 March 1995, the total costs on the Duchy of Lancaster's estates and investments account have fallen in real terms by 7 per cent., and the number of employees has been reduced from 50 to 47.

  Mobile Telephones
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many mobile telephones have been supplied to his Department in each of the last eight years; and in each of those years how many different suppliers were involved. [8027]

  Mr. Willetts
  This information is not held centrally and is available only at disproportionate cost.

  Photocopiers
  Mr. Nigel Griffiths
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 6 December,Official Report, column 256, what is the estimated cost of settling the outstanding leases on the 13 photocopiers replaced by the Cabinet Office and its agencies and HMSO and the Central Office of Information; and what is (a) the length of contract for each of the new photocopiers acquired by his Department, (b) the minimum contractual cost of using these machines in each year and (c) the maximum amount by which the maintenance and or servicing cost can rise during the whole course of the contracts. [7982]

  Mr. Willetts
  There were no settlement costs in respect of leases for the 25 photocopiers replaced by the Cabinet Office and its agencies—11 machines—and HMSO and the Central Office of Information—14 machines. Eighteen of the machines are leased on three-year contracts, three are on four-year contracts and four are on five-year contracts. The minimum contractual cost of leasing these machines is £56,189 per annum. The maximum amount by which the maintenance and/or servicing costs can rise during the course of contract is limited to the rate of inflation as measured by the retail price index.

  Open Government Code
  Dr. Wright
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how much public advertising has been undertaken to publicise the open government code; and at what cost. [6674]

  Mr. Willetts
  The code of practice on access to Government information came into force on 4 April 1994. In 1994–95, 52,000 copies of the Office of Public Service leaflet explaining the operation of the code and over 5,000 copies of the code of practice itself were distributed to organisations such as citizens advice bureaux and libraries, at a total cost including printing and distribution of £19,048.

  In 1995–96, this leaflet has been redesigned, and is being made widely available. A display poster, advertising the code, has also been prepared. To date, some 70,000 standard English language leaflets, 2,500 posters and
  122
  4,500 leaflets in formats for the visually impaired have been produced and distributed to public outlets as above. A further 30,000 standard English language leaflets, about 5,000 in formats for the visually impaired and about 30,000 in ethnic minority languages, are currently being produced, and will be distributed in January 1996. The total cost in 1995–96, including production and distribution, is expected to be around £80,000.

  The code has also been publicised in the citizens charter "Report Back" newsletter, which was distributed by direct mailing in major cities in September and October 1995. The full code and the revised leaflet have also been made available on the Internet. These methods of advertising have involved no separate additional cost.

  Individual Departments have issued press releases and made explanatory material tailored to their own circumstances available on request as follows:

  Department

  Leaflets issued

  Expenditure

  Department for Education and

  Employment

  195,000

  1£22,981

  Department of Environment

  not known

  *£170

  Foreign and Commonwealth

  Office including Overseas

  Development Administration

  not known

  £1,970

  Department of Health

  *30,000

  2£3,135

  Home Office

  5,000

  £1,350

  Lord Chancellor's Department

  not known

  *£1,000

  Northern Ireland Office

  34,500

  £2,945

  Scottish Office

  not known

  *£100

  Department of Social Security

  4315,000

  £13,324

  Department of Trade and

  Industry

  52,000

  6£1,602

  Department of Transport

  not known

  £1,338

  Welsh Office

  8,500

  £2,881

  Non-ministerial departments and agencies

  Charity Commissioners

  7157,000

  £14,981

  Customs and Excise

  12,000

  £1,486

  Data Protection Registrar

  not known

  £2,100

  Office of Fair Trading

  not known

  8£6,836

  Inland Revenue

  9not known

  £6,073

  OFSTED

  not known

  *£200

  OFWAT

  not known

  *£100

  Entries marked with an asterisk are approximate figures.

  1Includes £2,849 for Employment Service and £581 for Department for Education. Also includes £19,551 for 75,000 Health and Safety Executive leaflets.

  2 Includes £500 for Office of Population, Censuses and Surveys.

  3These were inserts to the OPS leaflet and were aimed at the public. Some of the money spent by NIO was also used on internal publicity for the Code of Practice.

  4Includes braille, audio cassette and Welsh language versions. Distributed to local offices and Citizens' Advice Bureaux.

  5Figure for 1995 only.

  6Includes £970.65 in 1994, £352 in 1995 updating 1994 leaflet, and £380 on a series of Internet pages.

  7Includes 5,000 Open Government leaflets in 1994 and 152,000 combined Open Government/general information leaflets in 1995.

  8Cost of producing a Citizen's Charter booklet including information on the Open Government Code of Practice.

  9Available at every Tax Office.

  Internet
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what web site his Department maintains on the Internet; what information is provided there; how often it is updated; what is the address; and if he or his
  123
  Department answers questions and supplies additional information through the Internet. [7580]

  Mr. Willetts
  CCTA, the Government centre for information systems, maintains the CCTA Government information service on the world wide web at www.open.gov.uk. This provides search and retrieval facilities with links to information from 140 public sector organisations, some of which use the CCTA server, others of which have their own. The individual organisations are responsible for updating their information.

  The Cabinet Office has a number of home pages:

  Cabinet Office: www.open.gov.uk/co/cohome.htm

  CCTA: www.open.gov.uk/ccta/cctahome.htm

  Citizen's Charter Unit: www.open.gov.uk/charter/ccuhome.htm

  Machinery of Government and Standards Group:

  www.open.gov.uk/m-of-g/mghome.htm

  The available information includes an outline of Cabinet. Office activities; publications, services and events from CCTA, along with on-line public discussions via the collaborative open groups; the full text of all the citizens charters, along with the recent winners; and the text of the open government "Code of Practice on Access to Information". This includes an e-mail reply facility for further information and advice on the open government initiative. Information on the Government information service on the world wide web is updated several times a day.

  Cabinet Office agencies—the Civil Service College, the Central Office of Information and HMSO—also have web sites.

  The Cabinet Office answers questions and supplies additional information through the Internet at both ministerial and official levels. The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and I can be contacted by e-mail at the following addresses:

  rfreeman.mp.cdl@ccta.gov.uk

  dwilletts@ccta.gov.uk

  Ministerial Travel and Accommodation Costs
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what is his estimate of the total cost for himself and other departmental Ministers for each year since 1991–92, including an estimate for the current year of(a) overseas travel and accommodation expenses of Ministers and their advisers, (b) car and chauffeuring costs of Ministers, (c) ministerial security costs and (d)domestic travel and accommodation expenses of Ministers. [6398]

  The Deputy Prime Minister
  I am replying in respect of my own post, which came into being in July 1995. The Chancellor of the Duchy will be answering separately on behalf of OPS Ministers. Estimated costs for myself for the current financial year—July 1995—March 1996—are as follows:

  (a) Nil

  (b) £30,000 (excluding VAT). For additional information, I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer given by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on 19 July, Official Report, column 1272).

  (c) Nil

  (d) Domestic travel—£2,600

  Accommodation—nil.

  Government Bills and Papers
  Mr. Corbett
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make it his policy to ensure that Government Bills and papers published by HMSO are available in HMSO bookshops outside London on the same date as they are on sale in the capital. [7433]

  Mr. Willetts
  Significant Command Papers are made available simultaneously in HMSO's regional bookshops whenever production timetables and security considerations allow; arrangements are also made for local availability when titles are likely to have particular relevance in any specific area. The timetables for Bill production usually preclude release outside London on the day of publication but, during recent months, HMSO has transmitted the text of selected Government Bills for local printing and same-day publication in Edinburgh. The results of this initiative are being evaluated.

  Departmental Staff (Members' Letters)
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many officials he employed(a) full-time and (b) part-time in his Department in each of the last three years to answer letters sent to him from hon. Members; and what was the estimated overall cost of replying to them in each of the last three years. [5609]

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  [holding answer 18 December 1995]: This Department currently employs seven full-time staff to manage over 10,000 cases of Ministers' correspondence annually. However, it is impossible to estimate the precise cost of dealing with these, because no record is kept of the contribution made by other officials. The Department ensures that such correspondence is dealt with as cost effectively as possible.

  EC Export Subsidies
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the accounting and audit procedures in respect of payments of EC export subsidies to producers of composite food products outside annex II of the general agreement on tariffs and trade treaty, where it is deemed inappropriate and bureaucratic to quantify the basic commodities involved. [5899]

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  I have asked the chief executive of the Intervention Board to reply to the hon. Member direct.

  Letter from George Trevelyan to Mr. Austin Mitchell, dated 9 January 1996:
  The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has asked me to reply to your Parliamentary Question about EC export subsidies to producers of composite food products as the matter is within the operational responsibility of this Executive Agency. [5899]
  I am sending a copy of this letter to the House of Commons Library and the Public Information Office.
  I believe that the question relates to food products outside Annex II of the Treaty of Rome, which are commonly known as processed goods.
  125
  Export refunds are paid upon the basic agricultural products (for example, cereals, sugar, and milk) when they are used in the manufacture of processed goods (such as biscuits and cakes) which are themselves exported. As you indicated in your question, the Community has taken the view that for claimants to establish for each export the quantities of basic products contained would be inappropriate and bureaucratic. It would also be very costly if laboratory analysis was required for each consignment. A system was therefore designed, and its use authorised by Community regulations, in which the manufacturer lodges with the Agency a "recipe" for the processed good in question, and this is given a code number. Thereafter, exporters declare only the weight of the processed good exported and the "recipe" number. The recipe differs from that word in common parlance and consists only of the percentages of basic agricultural products contained in unit weight of the processed good. The export refund payment is then calculated by reference to the content identified by the recipe number.

  By a system which combines regulatory requirements and risk analysis techniques, public funds are safeguarded from false recipe declarations either by pre-production verification of the recipe proportions or by laboratory analysis of samples taken from export consignments, or both. In the event that the export declaration proves false the payment of export refund is reassessed.

  With the exception of the recipe system the accounting and audit procedures, including those of NAO, Commission auditors and the European Court of Auditors are the same for processed goods as for Annex II basic agricultural products.

  Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assurances he has received that cattle in other countries are free of BSE. [6210]

  Mrs. Browning
  BSE is a notifiable disease under the rules of the Office of International Epizootics. This places an obligation on all of that organisation's member countries to report all cases of BSE. We have been notified, up to 18 December, of BSE cases in 10 countries, than the United as Kingdom, as follows:

  Country

  Number of BSE cases

  Canada

  11

  Denmark

  11

  Falklands Islands

  11

  France

  12

  Germany

  14

  Republic of Ireland

  112

  Italy

  12

  Oman

  12

  Portugal

  28

  Switzerland

  183

  1These countries have only had cases in cattle imported from the UK.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps are being taken to isolate bovine spongiform encephalopathy symptomatic cattle at markets and abattoirs; and if he will make a statement. [6954]

  Mrs. Browning
  [holding answer 18 December 1995]: All cattle are subject to an ante mortem inspection prior to slaughter at abattoirs, all adult cattle and any showing unusual symptoms are examined by a veterinary surgeon. Any displaying symptoms of BSE are killed and incinerated. Market inspectors will also report any cattle showing potential symptoms of BSE to the Ministry for
  126
  subsequent veterinary examination and diagnosis: those considered to be actual BSE suspects are killed and incinerated. However inspectors do not examine all cattle at markets, nor are all cattle going to slaughter sold through markets.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what research his Department has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated into rapid research methods of diagnosis of spongiform encephalopathies. [6971]

  Mrs. Browning
  [holding answer 18 December 1995]: The Ministry has a wide programme of research to study the nature of the BSE agent and to develop diagnostic tests for it. This work is costing around £1.4 million in the current financial year and is being carried out in six different research laboratories.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what research he has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated in respect of (i) experiments involving the inoculation of mice into a level of BSE toxicity in various bovine tissues and (ii) how much BSE infectivity is required to produce positive results in experimental mice. [7142]

  Mrs. Browning
  [holding answer 20 December 1995]: The murine assay for the presence of BSE infectivity does not determine the level of infectivity present in tissues, other than to show that sufficient infectivity is present to produce disease in mice using a protocol designed to maximise the sensitivity of the assay. Using this assay BSE infectivity has been shown to be present in the brain, spinal cord and retina of clinically affected cattle and in the distal ileum of experimentally infected calves. Infectivity estimates depend on the number of mice killed and the dilution of source material to which they become affected, but any estimate will be specific to that particular mouse model and the route of challenge.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what research he has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated in respect of the amount of infectivity (i) that has been found by experimentation in various species to be capable of a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy by injection into a vein and (ii) found in animal experiments to be present in the blood of various species with transmissible spongiform encephalopathy. [7142]

  Mrs. Browning
  [holding answer 20 December 1995]: No infectivity has been found in blood or associated blood fractions from cattle infected with BSE.

  Southall Horse Market
  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when his inspectors last visited the Southall horse market; what activities they undertook there; and if he will make a statement. [4474]

  Mrs. Browning
  [holding answer 14 December 1995]: Horse sales are held at the market weekly, with the numbers of horses, ponies and donkeys presented varying from sale to sale—between 30 and 100 depending on the time of year. Veterinary inspections, organised by the State Veterinary Service, are carried out on a regular basis

  127
  to monitor welfare standards, compliance with legislative requirements and to look for evidence of animal disease. Lay inspectors of the SVS and the local authority also make frequent inspection visits for similar purposes and the police and representatives of the RSPCA and horse welfare organisations regularly attend on market days. The market was last inspected—by a veterinary inspector and a lay inspector—on 6 December. They report that the police and RSPCA were also in attendance. Thirty-five horses and ponies were inspected and no problems were recorded.

  Foot and Mouth Disease
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many ex gratia payments have been made by his Ministry to farmers for cattle vaccinated against foot and mouth disease in 1995; and if he will make a statement. [7213]

  Mrs. Browning
  Thirteen farmers have submitted claims for ex gratia payments in respect of cattle which tested seropositive for foot and mouth disease antibodies and subsequently slaughtered in 1993. So far 10 farmers have submitted satisfactory evidence to support their claims which have been approved for payment in 1995.

  Arable Area Payments
  Dr. Strang
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how much money was spent in each region of England in(a) set-aside payments under the arable area scheme and (b) total arable area payments, in 1994–95. [7196]

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  [holding answer 20 December 1995]: Information relating to the amounts paid in each region of England in 1994–95 for set-aside and for total arable area payments, including set-aside, is not available. The table gives the payments claimed in each region. The total amounts paid will have been slightly lower following any necessary reductions.

  Set-aside payments

  Total arable area payments (including set-aside)

  £

  £

  Anglia

  49,732,127

  290,606,407

  East Midlands

  34,980,304

  213,995,714

  North-East

  27,982,674

  167,431,900

  Northern

  6,364,488

  40,204,615

  North Mercia

  8,453,480

  51,494,192

  South Mercia

  13,807,395

  83,004,365

  South-East

  30,151,108

  170,825,110

  South-West

  4,387,668

  29,640,602

  Wessex

  12,745,000

  72,235,608

  Dr. Strang
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how much money is forecast to be spent in each region of England in(a) set-aside payments under the arable area scheme and (b) total arable area payments, in 1995–96. [7197]

  Mr. Hogg
  [holding answer 20 December 1995]: The table gives the latest forecasts of the value of claims in 1995–96 for set-aside and for total arable area payments, including set-aside, for land situated in each region of England.
  128

  £thousand

  (a) Set-aside payments

  (b) total arable area payments (including set-aside)

  Anglia

  46,007

  288,118

  East Midlands

  33,191

  216,825

  North-east

  25,255

  165,292

  Northern

  8,612

  42,922

  North Mercia

  7,511

  50,814

  South Mercia

  12,855

  82,300

  South-east

  29,608

  173,350

  South-west

  4,175

  30,618

  Wessex

  11,585

  72,361

  Internet
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what web site his Department maintains on the Internet; what information is provided there; how often it is updated; what is the address; and if he or his Department answer questions and supply additional information through the Internet. [7563]

  Mr. Boswell
  The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has no dedicated web site maintained on the Internet but currently uses the CCTA Government information service to publish information. MAFF has published the following documents through this service:

  Ministry aims and objectives

  Background to the Ministry

  UK Food and Farming in figures

  Getting further information from the Ministry

  Schools Science Competition.

  The Internet web address of these pages is: http://www.open.gov.uk/maff/pages/maffhome.htm

  Updating is carried out when the statistics published as part of "UK Food and Farming" in figures change: the opportunity is then taken to update the other pages. Updates in 1995 were done in March, August, October and November.

  Electronic mail access between Ministry staff and the Internet community, via MAFF's office system, Maiden, has been in place for over 12 months and is used to answer questions and provide information through the Internet. The gateway for public inquiries using e-mail is through the MAFF helpline service on:
  helpline@inf.maff.gov.uk

  Hormone Residues
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many laboratories his Ministry has for the monitoring of hormone residues in(a) beef, (b) sheepmeat and (c) other livestock production; and if he will make a statement. [8045]

  Mrs. Browning
  The analysis of samples for the purposes of monitoring hormone residues in(a) beef, (b) sheepmeat and (c) other livestock production is carried out by the Veterinary Laboratories Agency at Weybridge under the national surveillance scheme for residues in meat.

  Fisheries Council
  Mr Fabricant
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the outcome of the Fisheries Council held in Brussels on 21 and 22 December; and if he will make a statement. [8132]

  Mr. Baldry
  I represented the United Kingdom at the meeting of the Fisheries Council in Brussels on 21–22 December, together with my hon. Friends the Under-Secretaries of State at the Scottish Office and at the Northern Ireland Office.

  The Council agreed by qualified majority, with Sweden voting against, the total allowable catches and quotas to apply in 1996. The agreement fulfilled the Government's objective of securing the best possible deal for British fishermen consistent with the scientific advice and the conservation of stocks for the future. In the final package, the total UK quotas agreed for the stocks of most importance to our fishermen were over 50,000 tonnes higher in cod equivalent terms than the quotas being discussed at the start of negotiations. This increase is worth over £30 million to the industry at 1995 prices. I invoked Hague preference on all the stocks where it was necessary to do so.

  The Council unanimously agreed access and quota arrangements for 1996 with neighbouring non-member states. The United Kingdom has large quotas at north Norway and we secured them at the same level as for 1995. Similarly, we have retained our quotas in Faroese, Greenland and Icelandic waters at the same level as in 1995. There was unanimous agreement to a negotiating mandate for the Commission to consolidate and update the Community's fisheries agreements with non-member states in the Baltic sea.

  The Council agreed by qualified majority, with Portugal voting against, to the allocation of the Community's 1996 quotas in the waters covered by the North West Atlantic Fisheries Organisation. The United Kingdom's quota remains the same as in 1995. There was also unanimous agreement to a package of control measures to be applied in NAFO waters, implementing the agreement reached between the Community and Canada last April.

  The Commission presented a report on the implementation of technical conservation measures under the common fisheries policy. I led the way in pressing the case for improvements to be made to help conserve stocks and it was agreed that the Commission should present new proposals including measures to increase the effectiveness of the plaice box and to improve the selectivity of towed fishing gears. The Council undertook to reach a decision on these proposals before the end of 1996.

  The Commission reported on the enforcement of Community rules on drift nets in 1995. The Council noted the success of the enforcement arrangements and the very high level of compliance with the rules in the tuna fishery in the north east Atlantic.

  The Council agreed by qualified majority, with the Netherlands voting against, to adjustments in the rules governing the funding of schemes to reduce the size of fishing fleets. A ceiling on the funds that may be devoted to encouraging temporary cessation of fishing activity was
  130
  agreed and the level of Community funding for decommissioning vessels more than 30 years old was increased.

  Agriculture Council
  Mr. Fabricant
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the outcome of the Agriculture Council held in Brussels on 18 and 19 December; and if he will make a statement. [8133]

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  I represented the United Kingdom at this meeting of the Council together with my noble Friend the Under-Secretary of State at the Scottish Office.

  The Council unanimously agreed a reformed EC rice regime broadly modelled on the cereals regime following the reform of 1992. The reformed rice regime includes a significant reduction in intervention prices, accompanied by compensation payments limited to national base areas with stiff penalties if these areas are exceeded. The agreement also provides for phased improvements in quality standards to ensure EC rice production is more competitive in the face of the more open trading conditions flowing from the GATT agreement.

  The Commissioner introduced a communication on the welfare of calves including in particular their rearing systems. I urged that he should bring forward without delay specific proposals for the improvement of EC rules in this area.

  The Council seemed sympathetic to a demand from the Irish Minister that Irish sheepmeat producers should receive some special aid reflecting the adverse trading conditions they experienced in the middle of 1995. I expressed doubts about the justification for any such proposal but insisted that if one were produced northern Irish producers, whose situation was very similar to those in the south, should also benefit.

SCOTLAND

  Hospital Services (Stonehaven)
  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many letters, petitions and postcards he or his Department or Grampian health board have received relating to the proposal to put out to tender the provision of hospital services at Stonehaven; and how many of these were(a) in favour and (b) opposed to the proposal. [7758]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  My right hon. Friend and I have received 29 letters about the proposals. No petitions have been received. A total of 575 pre-printed postcards have been sent by individuals to my right hon. Friend or his predecessor. The letters reflect a range of views with most accepting that a new hospital should be built in Stonehaven. The postcards recognise the need to develop new health services in Stonehaven but express opposition to open competitive tendering for services. I suggest that the hon. Member approaches Grampian health board for information on representations made to the board. He will be aware that the board carried out
  131
  wide local consultation in preparing its specification for a new hospital and services. This provided the opportunity for expression of a wide variety of views.

  Assisted Places Scheme
  Mr. Brian Wilson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list by the parliamentary constituency in which their home addresses are situated, the number of pupils currently benefiting from the assisted places scheme. [8182]

  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  Information on the home addresses of assisted place pupils is not held centrally.

  Newchurch and Company
  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the consultancy contracts awarded by(a) Scottish health boards and (b) NHS trusts to Newchurch and Company in relation to private finance initiative contracts, indicating the value of each of those contracts. [8113]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Newchurch and Company is providing financial advice in connection with private finance exploration on only two projects in Scotland:

  Hairmyres and Stonehouse NHS Trust—new district general hospital

  Dumfries and Galloway Acute and Maternity NHS Trust—day case and maternity unit.

  Both contracts were awarded following a competitively tendered process. The values are not known centrally as this is a commercial agreement between the trust and Newchurch.

  Oil Spillages
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what information he has on the oil spillage between Aberdeen and Neuburgh; how many sea birds and mammals have been affected; and what resources are being made available to rescue animals. [7655]

  Mr. Norris
  I have been asked to reply. I have asked the chief executive of the Coastguard Agency to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from C. J. Harris to Mr. Tony Banks, dated 9 January 1996:
  The Secretary of State for Transport has asked me to reply to your recent Question about oil spillages between Aberdeen and Neuburgh and the affect on sea birds and mammals.
  PQ 5C/95/96
  On Sunday, 10 December, the Marine Pollution Control Unit was informed that oiled birds were coming ashore between Aberdeen and Neuburgh. About 25 guillemots were affected of which eleven were cleaned. The remaining thirteen either died or had to be destroyed. The Scottish Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Animals was responsible for collecting the oiled birds from the beaches. No sea mammals were affected. No oil was washed ashore or sighted at sea.

  Occupational Health
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many medical and nursing staff worked in occupational health within the NHS for the last three years 132
  for which figures are available; and what were the grades of these employees. [5152]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  [holding answer 13 December 1995]: The number of medical and nursing staff working in occupation health within the NHS at 30 September 1993, 1994 and 1995 is shown in the table.

  Medical staff

  1993

  1994

  11995

  Consultant

  10

  11

  10

  Staff grade

  2

  2

  2

  Senior registrar

  1

  3

  1

  Hospital practitioner

  1

  1

  1

  Part-time medical officers (paragraph 94 appointments)

  22

  21

  18

  Total

  36

  38

  32

  1Provisional.

  Nursing staff

  1993

  1994

  11995

  Grade I

  6

  6

  5

  Grade H

  16

  15

  15

  Grade G

  24

  30

  30

  Grade F

  9

  15

  14

  Grade E

  6

  8

  6

  Grade D

  —

  1

  —

  Total

  61

  75

  70

  1At 31 March 1995; data for 30 September not available.

  Most of the medical staff working in occupational health in the NHS do so on a part-time basis.

  Medical Devices
  Mr. Foulkes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many incidents reported to the Common Services Agency(a) involving infusion devices, (b) involving over-infusion by infusion devices and (c) involving fatalities with infusion devices have occurred (i) since the start of 1985, (ii) between August 1993 and November 1994 and (iii) since August 1993. [5963]

  Lord James Douglas Hamilton
  The information requested is as follows:

  Time period

  (a) Infusion devices (all incidents)

  (b) Over-infusion

  (c) Fatality

  (i) From 1985 to present

  46

  29

  5

  (ii) From end August 1993 to November 1994

  7

  5

  10

  (iii) From August 1993 to present

  20

  15

  21

  1A fatality involving an infusion pump was reported to Scottish Healthcare Supplies in March 1994. The fatality was later attributed to causes unrelated to the pump and the incident is not included here.

  2The fatality listed here was reported to SHS on 8 June 1995. Two infusion pumps used to treat the patient were examined by SHS and a technical report is currently with the Procurator Fiscal. The fiscal has confirmed his conclusion that the fatality was not a result of over-infusion and this incident is not included in the column (b).

  Press and Public Relations Officers
  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many press and public relations officers worked for the Scottish Office in(a) 1978, (b) 1992 and (c) 1995; and what was the annual cost of these posts in each year. [6081]

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  [holding answer 13 December 1995]: The number of press and public relations officers employed in the Scottish Office information directorate at 1 April in the years 1978, 1992 and 1995 were 23, 27, and 27 respectively.

  The total annual salary bill for all staff in the information directorate, including administrative support grades, was £965,361 in 1991–92 and £1,031,836 in 1994–95. The figure for 1977–78 is not available.

  Private Finance Initiative
  Mr. Betts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will provide for schemes so far agreed under the PFI the level of financing costs above the current cost of Government borrowing for the scheme with(a) the highest financing costs and (b) the lowest costs. [5719]

  Mr. Kynoch
  [holding answer 14 December 1995]: The information is not available in the form requested. It is a fundamental principle of the private finance initiative that when schemes are considered, the overall best value for money in providing a specified service is assessed, taking into account all aspects of design, building, finance and operation as a unified whole.

  Mr. Betts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will provide a breakdown of administration costs incurred to date and forecast for the future on PFI work. [5736]

  Mr. Kynoch
  [holding answer 14 December 1995]: The estimated administrative costs of the Scottish Office private finance unit from are as follows:

  1993–94 to 1996–97

  1993–94: £38,000

  1994–95: £63,000

  1995–96: £80,000

  1996–97: £125,000.

  1979–80

  1980–81

  1981–82

  1982–83

  1983–84

  1984–85

  1985–86

  1986–87

  Health board

  £

  £

  £

  £

  £

  £

  £

  £

  Argyll and Clyde

  361,984

  654,993

  839,544

  978,013

  1,050,524

  1,139,261

  1,244,913

  1,541,503

  Ayrshire and Arran

  344,877

  543,678

  805,826

  863,823

  916.197

  983,569

  1,097,596

  1,258,265

  Borders

  77,866

  143,945

  180,320

  215,894

  234,704

  261,627

  305,637

  357,926

  Dumfries and Galloway

  115,805

  184,775

  260,017

  309,078

  340,806

  364,014

  411,166

  529,758

  Fife

  281,440

  450,802

  638,069

  741,875

  811,065

  874,511

  977,389

  1,290,751

  Forth Valley

  221,844

  398,973

  517,782

  604,889

  664,162

  713,950

  789,965

  998,607

  Grampian

  379,213

  696,876

  907,565

  1,112,691

  1,216,002

  1,381,119

  1,599,033

  1,841,974

  Greater Glasgow

  789,443

  1,398,192

  1,743,182

  1,960,743

  2,102,009

  2,220,729

  2,344,749

  2,840,176

  Highland

  142,481

  261,926

  337,880

  394,090

  433,661

  462,513

  516,948

  639,028

  Lanarkshire

  480,368

  861,032

  1,103,182

  1,261,896

  1,362,351

  1,471,735

  1,601,002

  1,935,899

  Lothian

  562,167

  909,458

  1,283,843

  1,500,822

  1,633,670

  1,774,271

  1,999,526

  2,539,710

  Orkney

  12,892

  23,175

  30,774

  37,365

  38,331

  43,098

  70,018

  80,435

  Shetland

  21,622

  42,291

  45,832

  46,375

  44,717

  50,399

  59,086

  73,169

  Tayside

  301,176

  544,606

  678,014

  817,992

  873,748

  966,408

  1,091,185

  1,369,588

  Western Isles

  17,812

  30,756

  45,661

  48,592

  52,460

  57,889

  63,731

  69,369

  Total

  4,110,990

  7,145,478

  9,417,491

  10,894,138

  11,774,407

  12,765,093

  14,171,944

  17,366,158

  134
  Costs are incurred in addition by Scottish Office policy divisions and agencies and by the NHS management executive in taking forward PFI projects in their particular areas but these are not identified separately from other administrative work or from the costs which would have been incurred in taking forward conventional projects. Administrative costs specifically incurred by other public bodies on PFI work are also not separately quantifiable.

  Mr. Betts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will provide revenue forecasts for the current year and the next five years of expenditure on schemes provided under the PFI. [5737]

  Mr. Kynoch
  [holding answer 14 December 1995]: The revenue consequences across all Scottish Office programmes of PFI projects over the three years 1996–97 to 1998–99 are estimated at approximately £140 million in total. These estimates are assumed to include financing, operating, maintenance and all other relevant revenue costs. In practice the size and timing of payments depend on the timing of agreement to, and completion of, contracts and on the delivery of specific services to specified standards.

  Prescription Charges
  Mr. George Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how much was raised through the levying of prescriptions charged by each health board in Scotland in each financial year since 1979–80. [6155]

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  [holding answer 14 December 1995]: The information for each health board for the financial years 1979–80 to 1994–95 is set out in the table below. The table shows NHS receipts from prescription charges paid by patients in respect of drugs and appliances and prescription charges recovered from patients under health board post-dispensing checking arrangements.

  The purchase of prescription pre-payments certificates is not deemed to be the payment of a charge under the NHS (Charges for Drugs and Appliances) (Scotland) Regulations 1989, as amended. These receipts are therefore not shown.
  135

  1987–88

  1988–89

  1989–90

  1990–91

  1991–92

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–95

  Health board

  £

  £

  £

  £

  £

  £

  £

  £

  Argyll and Clyde

  1,401,971

  1,619,931

  1,664,327

  1,739,909

  1,909,549

  2,034,494

  2,165,136

  2,293,714

  Ayrshire and Arran

  1,343,944

  1,363,265

  1,493,341

  1,599,391

  1,720,195

  1,825,740

  1,992,347

  2,099,886

  Borders

  361,707

  418.690

  432,012

  460,828

  507,546

  566,992

  639,116

  690,134

  Dumfries and Galloway

  506,040

  591,008

  616,088

  650,903

  731,447

  790,551

  889,771

  947,752

  Fife

  1,127,660

  1,224,895

  1,367,947

  1,451,579

  1,634,243

  1.752,818

  1,799,866

  2,224,604

  Forth Valley

  920,575

  1,059,355

  1,088,334

  1,165,445

  1,300,438

  1,401,513

  1,596.432

  1,709,598

  Grampian

  2,043,973

  2,006,440

  2,205,824

  2,399,868

  2,694,810

  3,039,443

  3,331,274

  3,703,506

  Greater Glasgow

  2,525,368

  2,694,145

  2,847,550

  2,945,034

  3,142,277

  3,307,852

  3,500,011

  3,714,678

  Highland

  570,729

  715,553

  765,988

  847,790

  959,670

  1,042,665

  1,119,967

  1,249,931

  Lanarkshire

  1,769,306

  1,918,087

  2,115,452

  2,155,476

  2,359,297

  2,520,036

  2,742,741

  2,839,487

  Lothian

  2,352,445

  2,550,357

  3,037,17'7

  3.031,138

  3,337,516

  3,626,777

  4,053,025

  4,395,732

  Orkney

  75,240

  85,649

  87.711

  105,903

  119,597

  240,408

  164,042

  159,794

  Shetland

  73,797

  79,223

  83,269

  105,137

  103,192

  i 13,651

  130,688

  137,164

  Tayside

  1,289,796

  1,399,856

  1,536,510

  1,658,357

  1,830,338

  2.011,229

  2,206,634

  2,371,206

  Western isles

  79,929

  71,498

  77,870

  86,351

  87,519

  99,184

  114,418

  135,618

  Total

  16,442,480

  17,797,952

  19,419,400

  20,403.109

  22,437,634

  24,373,353

  26,445,468

  28,672,804

  Departmental Staff (Members' Letters)
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many officials he employed(a) full time and (b) part time in his Department in each of the last three years to answer letters sent to him from hon. Members; and what was the estimated overall cost of replying to them in each of the last three years. [5608]

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  [holding answer 18 December 1995]: Any letters from hon. Members are passed to the appropriate Department for reply and this is regarded as part of the normal duties of staff in the Scottish Office. It is not possible to say how many staff have been engaged in answering letters or to provide an estimated overall cost.

  NHS Advertising
  Mr. George Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what sums have been spent on advertising by each NHS trust and health board in each year since 1990. [7168]

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The information requested is not collected centrally.

  Scottish Homes Development Programme
  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how much Scottish Homes has spent through its development programme in each of the past five years, in cash terms and at 1995–96 prices. [6687]

  NHS in Scotland hospitals—throughtput by seleted specialty:year ending 31 March

  1990

  1991

  1992

  1993

  1994

  Percentage change 1995

  1990–95

  Accident and emergency

  106.7

  111.3

  110.7

  131.9

  161.8

  151.9

  42.4

  Cardiothoracic surgery

  33.1

  31.6

  32.9

  33.0

  33.7

  35.6

  7.6

  Communicable diseases

  26.8

  31.7

  30.2

  29.6

  31.5

  34.2

  27 6

  Ear, nose and throat surgery

  67.7

  68.6

  69.3

  76.0

  80.9

  82.6

  22.0

  General medicine1

  36.4

  37.7

  39.9

  42.5

  45.9

  48.5

  33.2

  General practice

  17.4

  18.2

  19.1

  18.0

  17.7

  18.8

  8.0

  General surgery

  39.4

  40.5

  43.0

  45.0

  47.6

  50.0

  26.9

  Geriatric assessment

  9.8

  10.2

  10.8

  11.3

  11.9

  12.0

  22.4

  Gynaecology

  60.3

  61.1

  62.6

  63.4

  63.7

  66.6

  10.4

  136
  Mr, Raymond S. Robertson
  The information requested is set out in the table:

  Scottish Homes development programme

  £ million

  Year

  Cash terms

  1995–96 prices

  1990–91

  203.0

  241.8

  1991–92

  235.0

  263.5

  1992–93

  282.7

  304.5

  1993–94

  306.6

  320.9

  1994–95

  319.5

  328.1

  Young Homeless (London)
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent representations he has received from Shelter Scotland about young homeless in London. [7152]

  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  On its publication in November, Shelter sent me a copy of the Shelter/Borderline report, "When the Bright Lights Go Out: Young Homeless Scots in London 1995". I shall arrange for a copy of my reply to be placed in the Library.

  Hospital Patients
  Mr. George Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what has been the average number of patients per hospital bed in Scotland in each major speciality in each year since 1989–90; and what was the percentage change over the entire period. [7170]

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The information requested is shown in the table:
  137

  NHS in Scotland hospitals—throughput by selected specialty: years ending 31 March

  1990

  1991

  1992

  1993

  1994

  1995

  Percentage change 1990–95

  Intensive therapy unit

  85.9

  94.7

  99.7

  99.1

  92.3

  93.9

  9.3

  Mental illness

  2.7

  2.9

  3.4

  3.8

  4.1

  4.4

  63.0

  Neurology

  28.8

  37.9

  41.7

  42.7

  43.0

  47.3

  64.2

  Neurosurgery

  31.5

  32.5

  32.4

  32.8

  35.1

  36.6

  16.2

  Ophthalmology

  43.1

  45.7

  50.5

  57.3

  61.8

  63.3

  46.9

  Oral surgery and medicine

  91.4

  88.5

  90.3

  99.6

  103.1

  99.9

  9.3

  Orthopaedic surgery

  25.4

  27.4

  28.1

  30.6

  32.3

  33.3

  31.1

  Paediatric medicine

  60.7

  65.2

  68.2

  69.4

  77.7

  77.7

  28.0

  Paediatric surgery

  57.0

  60.0

  58.9

  58.8

  61.8

  66.8

  17.2

  Plastic surgery

  34.8

  36.6

  40.1

  44.8

  46.9

  47.8

  37.4

  Radiotherapy

  29.9

  31.0

  32.1

  34.7

  31.9

  33.3

  11.4

  Respiratory medicine

  24.5

  25.7

  30.8

  31.0

  35.0

  37.7

  53.9

  Special care baby unit

  23.6

  23.3

  21.0

  21.5

  20.9

  21.5

  -8.9

  Specialist obstetrics

  52.5

  56.6

  58.1

  60.4

  64.1

  65.9

  25.5

  Urology

  50.4

  51.0

  53.7

  55.3

  58.6

  61.2

  21.4

  1 Comprises specialities of general medicine, cardiology, metabolic diseases, gastroenterology, poisons, nephrology, rheumatology, genito-urinary medicine, medical oncology, haematology, homeopathy and tuberculosis non-respiratory.

  Mr. Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the average length of in-patient hospital stay for each specialty in each year since 1989–90. [7171]

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

  NHS hospitals in Scotland—mean stay (days) by speciality: years ending 31 March

  1990

  1991

  1992

  1993

  1994

  1995

  Accident and

  2.1

  2

  1.9

  1.7

  1.3

  1.2

  emergency

  Acute mixed

  36.6

  0.7

  —

  4

  —

  —

  Adolescent

  109.4

  63.2

  59.9

  69.9

  70.8

  63.7

  psychiatry

  Cardiothoracic

  8.4

  8.7

  8

  8.1

  8

  7.5

  surgery

  Child

  112.1

  102.6

  106.4

  125.5

  79.4

  72.4

  psychiatry

  Communicable

  7

  6.5

  6.5

  6.3

  5.9

  5.7

  diseases

  Dermatology

  14.5

  14.1

  15.4

  14.7

  14.6

  14.1

  Ear, nose and

  3.2

  3.1

  3

  2.8

  2.7

  2.5

  throat

  surgery

  General

  8.4

  7.9

  7.5

  7.1

  6.6

  6.2

  Medicine1

  General

  16.2

  15.1

  14.7

  14.9

  15.4

  14.7

  practice

  General

  6.6

  6.4

  6.1

  5.9

  5.6

  5.4

  surgery

  Geriatric

  33.4

  31.4

  29.3

  28.2

  27

  26.8

  assessment

  GP obstetrics

  3.5

  3.2

  3.1

  3

  3

  2.6

  Gynaecology

  3.7

  3.5

  3.5

  3.3

  3.3

  3.3

  Intensive

  2.8

  2.6

  2.5

  2.5

  2.7

  2.7

  therapy unit

  Mental illness

  113.4

  106.1

  90.6

  83

  77.4

  72.2

  Neurology

  8.2

  7.4

  6.8

  6.5

  6.5

  5.6

  Neurosurgery

  8.4

  8.3

  8.3

  8.1

  8

  7.8

  Ophthalmology

  5.1

  4.7

  4.3

  3.7

  3.2

  2.7

  Oral surgery

  2.3

  2.3

  2.3

  2.1

  2.1

  2.1

  and

  medicine

  Orthodontics

  1

  1.7

  1.6

  1

  1.2

  0.9

  and

  paediatric

  dentistry

  Orthopaedic

  10.2

  9.5

  9.2

  8.4

  8

  7.6

  surgery

  138

  NHS hospitals in Scotland—mean stay (days) by speciality: years ending 31 March

  1990

  1991

  1992

  1993

  1994

  1995

  Other

  11.3

  11.5

  11

  11.8

  11.1

  6

  Paediatric

  3.9

  3.7

  3.5

  3.3

  3

  2.8

  medicine

  Paediatric

  3.7

  3.6

  3.6

  3.4

  3.2

  3.4

  surgery

  Plastic surgery

  6.7

  6.3

  5.8

  5.4

  5.2

  5

  Radiotherapy

  9.5

  9.3

  9.1

  8.4

  9

  8.7

  Rehabilitation

  24.9

  31.3

  24.3

  24.6

  28.3

  27.6

  medicine

  Respiratory

  11.3

  10.5

  9.2

  9.1

  8.3

  8

  medicine

  Special care

  7.8

  8.3

  9.2

  8.8

  9.1

  9.4

  baby unit

  Specialist

  4.4

  4.1

  3.9

  3.6

  3.5

  3.4

  obstetrics

  Spinal

  54.6

  50.6

  48.7

  46.1

  38.2

  41.2

  paralysis

  Urology

  5.5

  5.3

  5.1

  4.8

  4.6

  4.4

  Young chronic

  137.8

  120.9

  97.7

  97.4

  82.6

  62.1

  sick

  1Comprises specialties of general medicine, cardiology, metabolic diseases, gastroenterology, poisons, nephrology, rheumatology, genito-urinary medicine, medical oncology, haematology, homeopathy and tuberculosis non-respiratory.

  Skye Bridge
  Mr. Wilson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will place in the Library the full terms of the contractual agreement between Her Majesty's Government and the Skye Bridge Company, or its parent company. [7234]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The contractual agreements between the Secretary of State and Skye Bridge Limited which set out the terms for the design, construction, operation and maintenance of the Skye bridge project are commercial agreements. It is therefore not appropriate that they be treated in the way requested by the hon. Member. However, the key terms of the agreement are set out in the assignation statement made under the Assignation Statement (Prescribed Information) (Scotland) Regulations 1991, which was placed in the Library in December 1992 following an earlier request from the hon. Member.
  139
  Mr. Wilson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will arrange for advance signs to be placed on the trunk road approaches to the Skye Bridge, indicating the level of tolls. [7236]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The levels of tolls for the Skye bridge are clearly displayed in the immediate approaches to the bridge. Signs more remote from the bridge area make it clear that the bridge is tolled. There is no reason for additional information on these signs which also convey a range of other route information.

  Mr. Wilson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he has made of the annual loss to the Treasury over(a) 15 years and (b) 25 years, of compensating the Skye Bridge Company, or its parent company, for removal of tolls from the Skye bridge, while retaining its maintenance responsibilities. [7235]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  No such estimates have been made. The Skye bridge was planned and promoted as a privately financed and operated toll bridge and it will continue on that basis.

  Mr. Wilson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the single crossing charge for cars on all toll bridges in Scotland. [7237]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The single crossing charges on all toll bridges in Scotland are as follows:

  Single car toll

  Regular user concession/discount

  Forth road bridge

  40p

  36p—available on

  purchase of 100

  vouchers

  Erskine bridge

  60p

  54p—available on

  purchase of 50

  vouchers

  Tay road bridge

  180p

  n/a

  Skye bridge

  £5.20 (high season)

  £2.44—available on

  £4.30 (low season)

  purchase of 10 tickets

  1Applies for travel north to south only; travel in other direction is untolled.

  NHS Trusts
  Mr. George Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how much each NHS trust in Scotland spent on non-NHS provision in each year since 1991–92. [7167]

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The information requested is not held centrally.

  Departmental Staff
  Mr. Norman Hogg
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the current establishment of his Department; and what it was in each of the past five years. [6832]

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  [holding answer 20 December 1995]: The number of permanent staff, full-time equivalent, in the Scottish Office core and its executive agencies is shown in the table. The figures relate to 1 April in the years from 1991 to 1995.
  140

  Core Scottish Office

  Scottish Office executive agencies1 including Scottish Prison Service

  1991

  5,475.00

  4,811.00

  1992

  5,147.50

  5,213.00

  1993

  4,923.00

  5,800.00

  1994

  4,835.00

  5,697.50

  1995

  4,217.00

  5,542.70

  1A number of agencies were created during the period in question. Prior to creation, their staffing would be counted under the SO core.

  Nursery Voucher Scheme
  Mr. Norman Hogg
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the projected cost of the nursery voucher scheme in 1996–97. [6833]

  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  [holding answer 20 December 1995]: The pre-school vouchers initiative will receive £3 million of new funding in 1996–97.

  Textile Industry
  Mr. Welsh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many workers were employed in the textile industry in Scotland in each of the past five years; and if he will provide a breakdown by district. [7265]

  Mr. Kynoch
  [holding answer 20 December 1995]: Information for Scotland is as follows:

  Employees in employment in Scotland in the textile1 industry

  Year

  Number of employees

  1989

  27,300

  1991

  23,600

  1993

  23,200

  Note:

  1There is a discontinuity between 1991 and 1993. 1989 and 1991 figures are for class 43 of the 1980 Standard Industrial Classification, the 1993 figure is for division 17 of the 1992 Standard Industrial Classification.

  Source:

  Census of Employment, Central Statistical Office.

  Information at district level, where it is available, is on the NOMIS database in the House of Commons Library. Library staff are ready to assist in accessing the information if necessary. Confidentiality restrictions mean that employment information will not be available for districts with few textile employers.

  Dounreay (Nuclear Emergencies)
  Ms Roseanna Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what emergency plans exist for the evacuation and decontamination of the area surrounding Dounreay in the event of a nuclear accident. [7291]

  Mr. Kynoch
  [holding answer 20 December 1995]: United Kingdom Automatic Energy Authority emergency procedures are exercised regularly, in liaison with the emergency services, the local authority, central Government and other agencies as necessary. The off-site response is co-ordinated by the police who, with other emergency services and Highland regional council, have plans for managing the off-site aspects of any civil nuclear emergency at Dounreay.

  Gross Domestic Product
  Mr. Welsh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the gross domestic product for Scotland for the past five years; and if he will provide a breakdown by sector. [7246]

  Mr. Kynoch
  [holding answer 20 December 1995]: Provisional data for 1994, together with information for 1991–93, will be published in an article called "Regional Accounts 1994, Part 1" in the December 1995 edition of Economic Trends. This will be available in the House of Commons Library from 29 December. Library staff are ready to assist in accessing information for earlier years.

  Data covering years to 1993, now about to be revised, were published in the December 1994 edition of Economic Trends.

  Abnormal Loads
  Mr. Home Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many abnormal loads involving railway locomotives and rolling stock have been notified to police authorities for escort on roads since the introduction of track charges by Railtrack; and how many of such loads were notified during the equivalent period before that date. [7735]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Consistent information about such movements is available only for the area of Strathclyde police and is as follows:

  1995 (1 April to 20 December): 200

  1994 (1 April to 20 December): 107.

  Meat Inspectors
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many meat inspectors were employed in each region since 1990.

  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  At June 1995 the number of meat inspectors employed by the Meat Hygiene Service in each regional or islands council area of Scotland was as follows.

  Region/islands council

  Number of meat inspectors

  Borders

  5

  Central

  4

  Dumfries and Galloway

  7

  Fife

  1

  Grampian

  34

  Highland

  1

  Lothian

  17

  Strathclyde

  19

  Tayside

  18

  Orkney Islands

  2

  Shetlands

  Nil

  Western Isles

  Nil

  Total

  108

  Prior to the establishment of the Meat Hygiene Service such information was not collected centrally.

  Internet
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what web site his Department maintains on the Internet; what information is provided there; how often it 142
  is updated; what is the address; and if he or his Department answer questions and supply additional information through the Internet. [7572]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The Scottish Office has made available to the public via the Government information service world wide web server information on a number of aspects of its work. The address of the Scottish Office home page is http://www.open.gov.uk/scotoff/scofhom.htm. The information available is extended and revised from time to time. It currently covers:

  The responsibilities and organisation of the Scottish Office;

  Summaries of the available Scottish Office factsheets;

  The structure of the new unitary local authorities;

  Higher education policy;

  Rural affairs and natural heritage policy with electronic links to the recently published White Paper, "Rural Scotland: People, Prosperity and Partnership";

  Links to information on educational research in Scotland;

  Outlines of the functions of the social work services group and Her Majesty's industrial pollution inspectorate.

  There is provision for direct e-mail response within the rural affairs and higher education policy pages to enable Internet users to submit questions and seek further information. Replies may also be sent by electronic mail.

  Algrade Trust
  Mr. Home Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what payments were made by his Department from April 1981 to December 1994 to the Algrade Trust in respect of the care and accommodation of handicapped people at Humbie, East Lothian; and what estimate he has made of the proportion of that money which was spent on such care and accommodation by the Algrade Trust. [3261]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  I have been asked to reply.

  This is a matter for Peter Mathison, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. H will reply to the hon. Member with such information as is available.

  Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. John Home Robertson, dated 20 December 1995:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Questions about what payments were made by his Department from April 1981 to December 1994 to the Algrade Trust in respect of the care and accommodation of handicapped people at Humbie, East Lothian; and what estimate he has made of the proportion of that money which was spent on such care and accommodation by the Algrade Trust.
  Details of payments for the period April 1981 to November 1986 could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. Appendices A-H give details of the amounts issued in respect of the period from 1 December 1986 to 30 January 1995. The payment made in January 1995 has been included as it covers the period from 1 November 1994 to 30 January 1995.
  Payments to the Algrade Trust were made in respect of care, accommodation, meals and personal expenses. It is not possible therefore to give details of the payments made for care and accommodation only.
  The Secretary of State discharges his responsibilities for the administration of benefit once he has made payments to the customer or appropriate body.
  I hope you find this reply helpful.
  143

  Payments made to the Algrade Trust during the periods January 1987–January 1995

  Appendix A

  Payment up to and including

  Amount paid £

  1987

  3 January

  £5,945.33

  31 January

  2,982.88

  28 February

  2,570.48

  4 April

  3,209.35

  2 May

  2,567.68

  30 May

  2,567.68

  4 July

  3,209.60

  1 August

  2,567.68

  5 September

  3,209.60

  3 October

  2,567.68

  31 October

  2,567.68

  5 December

  3,209.60

  Appendix B

  Payment up to and including

  Amount paid £

  1988

  2 January

  2,607.68

  30 January

  2,567.68

  5 March

  3,241.60

  2 April

  2,567.68

  30 April

  2,568.58

  4 June

  3,211.10

  2 July

  2,568.88

  30 July

  2,568.88

  3 September

  3,211.10

  1 October

  2,568.88

  5 November

  3,211.10

  3 December

  3,207.08

  31 December

  3,257.08

  Appendix C

  Payment up to and including

  Amount paid £

  1989

  4 February

  4,008.85

  4 March

  3,207.08

  1 April

  3,207.08

  29 April

  117,491.53

  3 June

  27,831.65

  1 July

  22,265.32

  5 August

  27,931.65

  2 September

  25,198.05

  30 September

  24,308.96

  4 November

  31,086.40

  2 December

  24,308.96

  30 December

  24,368.96

  1Increase in the number of residents from 5 to 35.

  Appendix D

  Payment up to and including

  Amount paid £

  1990

  3 February

  30,386.20

  3 March

  24,010.36

  31 March

  23,787.76

  5 May

  29,805.70

  4 June

  26,088.88

  2 July

  24,393.36

  144

  Appendix D

  Payment up to and including

  Amount paid £

  30 July

  23,651.16

  3 September

  30,039.66

  1 October

  24,285.44

  5 November

  30,356.89

  3 December

  23,470.44

  31 December

  23,410.44

  Appendix E

  Payment up to and including

  Amount paid £

  1991

  4 February

  29,263.05

  4 March

  23,410.44

  1 April

  23,410.44

  29 April

  23,482.75

  3 June

  29,928.00

  1 July

  23,942.40

  29 July

  23,942.40

  26 August

  23,942.40

  30 September

  29,928.00

  28 October

  23,942.40

  25 November

  23,280.32

  30 December

  28,896.00

  Appendix F

  Payment up to and including

  Amount paid £

  1992

  27 January

  23,942.40

  24 February

  23,942.40

  23 March

  23,942.40

  27 April

  31,737.60

  25 May

  26,355.20

  29 June

  32,944.00

  27 July

  26,355.20

  31 August

  32,944.00

  28 September

  25,446.40

  26 October

  25,446.40

  30 November

  31,808.00

  28 December

  25,506.40

  Appendix G

  Payment up to and including

  Amount paid £

  1993

  25 January

  25,446.40

  22 February

  25,446.40

  29 March

  31,808.00

  26 April

  25,101.90

  31 May

  33,271.00

  28 June

  26,616.80

  26 July

  26,616.80

  30 August

  33,271.00

  27 September

  26,616.80

  25 October

  26,616.80

  29 November

  33,271.00

  27 December

  26,686.80

  145

  Appendix H

  Payment up to and including

  Amount Paid £

  1994

  31 January 1994

  33,983.95

  28 February 1994

  26,616.80

  28 March 1994

  26,911.86

  25 April 1994

  27,639.02

  30 May 1994

  35,088.90

  27 June 1994

  28,071.12

  25 July 1994

  28,071.12

  29 August 1994

  35,088.90

  31 October 1994

  63,160.02

  30 January 1995

  90,740.94

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Nursery Education
  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if she will make a statement on progress on provision of nursery education for all four-year-olds. [4126]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  [pursuant to his reply, 13 December 1995, Official Report c. 701]: I said that the Government had consulted on a number of issues related to the operation of the scheme and would publish their conclusions early in the new year.

  The Government are today publishing the document "Nursery Education Scheme: The Next Steps". In parallel with this, the School Curriculum and Assessment Authority is publishing its document "Nursery Education: Desirable Outcomes for Children's Learning on Entering Compulsory Education".

  The two documents outline the quality assurance arrangements for the nursery voucher scheme. They cover inspection, including the frequency of inspection and an inspection framework based on the SCAA's learning outcomes; entry to the scheme; staff, qualifications and training; the length of sessions; premises and equipment; the publication of information for parents; and special educational needs.

  Copies of a pack containing the documents have been placed in the Vote Office and Library. Copies are being distributed to nursery education providers, local authorities, education bodies and other interests.

  The Government and the SCAA are grateful to all those who responded to the consultation papers. Careful consideration was given to all comments received.

  Mr. Keen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what is the average cost per pupil of existing local authority nursery education provision in the United Kingdom. [8277]

  Mr. Squire
  The average unit cost per full-time equivalent pupil for those categories of under-fives provision for which estimates are available for England are given in the table. Corresponding figures are not available on a United Kingdom basis.
  146

  1993–94 estimates; England only

  £

  Nursery schools

  3,250

  Nursery classes in primary schools

  2,660

  Primary classes including under 5s

  1,590

  Average

  2,040

  Student Loans
  Mr. Bryan Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, pursuant to her answer of 4 December,Official Report, column 119, on student loans, what timetable is expected for the tendering process for the contract to establish a new central database for the processing of student loans; and when a draft tender document will be drawn up. [5775]

  Mr. Forth
  The timetables for the tendering exercise and the draft tender documents for the provision of a central database have yet to be finalised.

  Ministerial Transport and Accommodation Costs
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what is her estimate of the total cost for herself and other departmental Ministers for each year since 1991–92, including the current year of(a) overseas travel and accommodation expenses of Ministers and their advisers, (b) car and chauffeuring costs of Ministers, (c) ministerial security costs and (d) domestic travel and accommodation expenses of Ministers. [6394]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  For expenditure under category(a) I would refer the hon. Member to the replies given by my hon. Friends to the hon. Member for Knowsley, North (Mr. Howarth) on 5 and 6 July 1995, Official Report, columns 233 and 360 respectively. For expenditure under category (b) I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my hon. Friend to the hon. Member for Birmingham, Selly Oak (Dr. Jones) on 8 November 1995, Official Report, column 934. No extra departmental costs have been incurred under category (c). Information on expenditure for the remaining category (d) is not collected in the format requested. However this information, together with planned expenditure for the current financial year in respect of all categories, is included in the running costs expenditure of the former Employment and Education Departments, which is published in the respective departmental annual reports.

  Departmental Running Costs
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what is her estimate of the cost of running her departmental office, and that of her predecessor, for each year since 1990–91, including the current year, broken down into(a) telephone bills, (b) total staff costs, (c) press and communications, (d) entertainment, (e) alcoholic drinks, (f) non-alcoholic drinks, (g) stationery, (h) office refurbishment and (i) other. [6393]
  147
  Mr. Robin Squire
  The information on expenditure in each of the last five years, and for the current financial year, is not collected in the format requested but is included in the running cost expenditure of the former Employment and Education Departments, which is published in the respective departmental annual reports.

  Departmental Staff (Members' Letters)
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many officials she employed(a) full-time and (b) part-time in her Department in each of the last three years to answer letters sent to her from hon. Members; and what was the estimated overall cost of replying to them in each of the last three years. [5613]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  [holding answer 18 December 1995]: The Department for Education and Employment employs no staff exclusively to answer letters from hon. Members. Answers are prepared by a large number of officials as part of their normal duties. No estimate is readily available of the current overall cost of replies. In 1994, the former DFE Ministers received almost 13,000 letters—including all ministerial letters and those from hon. Members. In the same year, the former Employment Department received nearly 7,000 letters from hon. Members.

  Redundant Defence Workers
  Ms Corston
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when her Department's joint study into the experiences and prospects of redundant defence workers will report. [6346]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  It is expected to be available at the end of February.

  Disability Discrimination
  Mr. Alfred Morris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what calculation or estimate she has made of the percentage of employers to whom the employment provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 will not apply. [7426]

  Mrs. Gillan
  The employment provisions of the Act do not apply to those employers who employ fewer than 20 employees. This will therefore exclude about 96 per cent. of employers.

  However, it is more relevant that 80 per cent. of employees work for employers who will be within the scope of the employment provisions of the Act.
  Merseyside Training and Enterprise Council

  Mr. Matthew Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) what is the budget of Merseyside TEC in(a) 1995–96 and (b) 1996–97; [7931]

  (2) if he will list the members of the board of Merseyside TEC, their relevant previous experience and dates of appointment. [7932]

  Mr. Paice
  The Government office for Merseyside contracted with Merseyside training and enterprise council for expenditure of £42.44 million in 1995–96. Negotiations for the 1996–97 contract are due to start shortly and no figure is available presently.
  148
  The members of the board of Merseyside TEC are:

  Name

  Date of appointment

  Mr. L. Howell

  17 December 1990

  Mr. T. Atherton

  7 September 1995

  Mr. M. H. Bennett

  10 January 1991

  Mrs. L. J. Bloomfield

  19 November 1990

  Mr. I. H. Carnall

  4 July 1994

  Mr. M. F. Cogley

  23 April 1990

  Mr. R. Currie

  5 April 1993

  Mr. G. J Haywood

  13 September 1993

  Mr. D. G. Henshaw

  23 April 1990

  Mr. R. W. Lofthouse

  23 April 1990

  Mr. A. Lowe

  23 April 1990

  Mr. R. I. S. Meadows

  9 January 1992

  Mr. I. S. Parr

  28 February 1995

  Mr. L. Sterling

  12 November 1992

  The basic requirement for membership of a TEC board is that the person holds the office of chairman or chief executive or top level operational manager at local level of a company within the private sector or their equivalents from education, economic development, trade unions, voluntary organisations or the public sector. The members of the Merseyside TEC board meet this requirement.

  Mobile Telephones
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many mobile telephones have been supplied to her Department in each of the last eight years; and in each of those years how many different suppliers were involved. [8034]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  The information requested is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Teachers
  Mr. Callaghan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many full-time teachers are currently employed in schools in England. [8077]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  There were 353,717 full-time qualified teachers employed in maintained schools in England in January 1995, the latest date for which information is available.

  Advisers
  Mr. Callaghan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many civil servants and educational advisers are employed in her Department. [8076]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  The total number of permanent civil servants and educational advisers employed in the Department for Education and Employment on 1 October 1995, the most recent date for which statistics are available, is 5,812.

  Local Education Authority Spending
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what has been the total discretionary award expenditure as a percentage of LEA spending for each authority in England and Wales. [7989]
  149
  Mr. Forth
  Information is not available in the form requested. the following table shows local education authority expenditure on discretionary awards in the academic year 1993–94 and total net recurrent local authority expenditure on education in the financial year 1993–94. Because the figures for discretionary awards expenditure and net recurrent expenditure are not directly comparable, it is not possible to calculate the percentage of total expenditure which is attributable to discretionary awards.

  Information on total local authority expenditure on education in Wales is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.

  Expenditure by local education authorities: England and Wales

  £000s

  Expenditure on discretionary awards1,2 in the academic year 1993–94

  Total expenditure on education3 in the financial year 1993ߝ94

  Corporation of London

  24

  2,010

  Camden4

  —

  70,054

  Greenwich

  349

  110,016

  Hackney

  991

  119,730

  Hammersmith and Fulham

  178

  67,408

  Islington

  184

  95,862

  Kensington and Chelsea

  637

  48,861

  Lambeth

  127

  132,499

  Lewisham

  1,073

  112,439

  Southwark

  273

  110,026

  Tower Hamlets

  467

  128,142

  Wandsworth

  1,162

  90,517

  Westminster4

  —

  68,714

  London residuary body

  76

  —

  Barking and Dagenham

  299

  63,996

  Barnet

  127

  106,941

  Bexley

  409

  78,360

  Brent

  497

  112,369

  Bromley

  714

  76,855

  Croydon

  609

  129,818

  Ealing

  204

  120,724

  Enfield

  357

  108,683

  Haringey

  16

  111,348

  Harrow

  103

  90,142

  Havering

  654

  78,692

  Hillingdon

  193

  66,271

  Hounslow

  386

  89,813

  Kingston upon Thames

  982

  47,035

  Merton

  397

  69,814

  Newham

  473

  117,182

  Redbridge

  455

  101,002

  Richmond upon Thames

  461

  51,921

  Sutton

  157

  50,665

  Waltham Forest

  246

  104,155

  Birmingham

  1,725

  444,977

  Coventry

  438

  143,835

  Dudley

  175

  104,926

  Sandwell

  198

  126,253

  Solihull

  343

  78,015

  Walsall

  537

  109,676

  Wolverhampton

  67

  113,059

  Knowsley

  816

  75,815

  Liverpool

  2,200

  215,497

  St. Helens

  507

  78,433

  Sefton

  958

  120,072

  Wirral

  2,066

  143,280

  Bolton

  985

  106,916

  Bury

  364

  71,109

  Manchester

  2,363

  206,603

  Oldham

  823

  101,566

  150

  Expenditure by local education authorities: England and Wales

  £000s

  Expenditure on discretionary awards1,2 in the academic year 1993–94

  Total expenditure on education3 in the financial year 1993ߝ94

  Rochdale

  819

  86,296

  Salford

  143

  87,880

  Stockport

  1,071

  108,433

  Tameside

  452

  82,741

  Trafford

  411

  78,788

  Wigan

  524

  122,115

  Barnsley

  412

  81,927

  Doncaster

  754

  128,186

  Rotherham

  1,002

  109,264

  Sheffield

  692

  187,044

  Bradford

  2,181

  216,312

  Calderdale

  399

  73,383

  Kirklees

  2,300

  167,279

  Leeds

  3,231

  280,208

  Wakefield

  504

  121,896

  Gateshead

  762

  83,661

  Newcastle upon Tyne

  890

  113,508

  North Tyneside

  1,031

  67,445

  South Tyneside

  647

  62,279

  Sunderland

  1,296

  120,975

  Isles of Scilly

  16

  1,306

  Avon

  2,738

  371,747

  Bedfordshire

  2,073

  216,199

  Berkshire

  1,825

  271,276

  Buckinghamshire

  924

  256,096

  Cambridgeshire

  920

  233,434

  Cheshire

  5,363

  394,667

  Cleveland

  2,027

  240,535

  Cornwall

  2,574

  184,286

  Cumbria

  9,523

  175,302

  Derbyshire

  3,491

  351,727

  Devon

  4,726

  366,006

  Dorset

  6,429

  206,766

  Durham

  2,381

  246,541

  East Sussex

  2,131

  242,739

  Essex

  4,830

  469,539

  Gloucestershire

  2,467

  165,592

  Hampshire

  8,219

  549,758

  Hereford and Worcester

  2,036

  247,999

  Hertfordshire

  2,549

  374,316

  Humberside

  3,462

  367,792

  Isle of Wight

  459

  49,584

  Kent

  8,728

  502,510

  Lancashire

  7,301

  594,252

  Leicestershire

  6,265

  371,638

  Lincolnshire

  1,739

  194,228

  Norfolk

  3,024

  253,887

  North Yorkshire

  4,419

  276,129

  Northamptonshire

  1,826

  215,087

  Northumberland

  1,409

  127,589

  Nottinghamshire

  2,896

  414,002

  Oxfordshire

  1,285

  215,518

  Shropshire

  1,702

  159,908

  Somerset

  1,912

  177,433

  Staffordshire

  1,114

  382,274

  Suffolk

  2,535

  240,229

  Surrey

  3,575

  330,929

  Warwickshire

  12

  183,502

  West Sussex

  1,856

  252,300

  Wiltshire

  1,820

  209,106

  Clwyd

  1,018

  163,025

  Dyfed

  817

  163,632

  Gwent

  3,393

  199,150

  Gwynedd

  1,189

  104,360

  Mid-Glamorgan

  1,584

  257,223

  Powys

  647

  56,220

  151

  Expenditure by local education authorities: England and Wales

  £000s

  Expenditure on discretionary awards1,2 in the academic year 1993–94

  Total expenditure on education3 in the financial year 1993ߝ94

  South Glamorgan

  1,236

  164,765

  West Glamorgan

  965

  157,389

  England and Wales(4)

  184,132(5)(6)

  19,901,208(7)

  — = not available.

  1Including major discretionary awards (paid at least 50% of the mandatory rate) and minor awards (paid at less than 50 per cent. of the mandatory rate).

  2Including expenditure on fees for discretionary award placement year sandwich students.

  3Net recurrent expenditure, i.e. total expenditure not including joint arrangements less capital charges, interest and capital expenditure charged to revenue account minus customer and client receipts and revenue for other LEAs for pupils and students educated by the authority.

  4 Camden and Westminster were unable to provide all of the information required on discretionary awards expenditure.

  5Total is grossed to compensate for incomplete returns.

  6Source: LEA returns on Form 503G.

  7Source: LEA RO1 returns to the Department of the Environment.

  Executive Agencies
  Dr. Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if answers sent to hon. Members in reply to parliamentary questions by the head of executive agencies in her Department are(a) seen, (b) approved and (c) amended by her before they are sent; and if she will identify such letters to which amendments by her have been made in 1994–95. [7838]

  Mr. Forth
  The Department has two executive agencies—the Employment Service and the Teachers' Pensions Agency. Parliamentary questions are passed to the head of the relevant executive agency for reply when the matter is one delegated to him or her under the agency framework document. The relevant Minister may see a copy of the reply before it is sent, but would not normally intervene in operational matters.

  No such answers were amended by Ministers in 1994–95.

  Special Needs
  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how the special educational needs code of practice arising from section 157(1) of the Education Act 1993 will be applied to small-scale voluntary daycare centres operating the proposed pre-school provision funded by education vouchers; and by what means she will ensure(a) that children with special educational needs will be considered for statementing and (b) that when statemented, full provision for their needs will be made available as a consequence. [8188]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  The responsibilities of local authorities to identify and make a statutory assessment of those children who probably need a statement, to make a statement where appropriate and to satisfy themselves that provision is made available in accordance with the statement, remain unchanged.
  152
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State is considering making it a requirement for all voucher redeeming institutions to have regard to the special educational needs code of practice.

  All nursery voucher redeeming institutions will be expected to include in published information for parents details of their special educational needs policy.

  Pre-school Education
  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, pursuant to the answer of 7 December,Official Report, column 403, what are the qualifications and current functions of those appointed to evaluate the first phase of the pre-school education scheme. [8193]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  Evaluation of the first phase of the nursery education voucher scheme will be led by officials of the Department.

  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment by what means she plans to ensure that additional facilities made available with the proposed voucher-based pre-school education scheme will not prejudice the operation of existing nursery schools and classes in the maintained system. [8189]

  Mr. Squire
  There is no reason why the voucher scheme should affect the operation of existing nursery schools and classes in the maintained sector. The proposed funding mechanism ensures that the maintained sector does not lose funding if recruitment of four-year-olds remains at present levels.

  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) for what purposes it is necessary to spend £5 million on the administration of the first phase of the pre-school education scheme taking place in four local authorities, and £20 million on the administration and inspection of the second phase of the pre-school education scheme which will operate in all local authorities in the United Kingdom; [8191]

  (2) if she will estimate the proportion of the £5 million cost allocated to the first phase of the new pre-school education scheme which she does not expect to arise in the further extension of the scheme. [8192]

  Mr. Squire
  For the first and second phases of the nursery education voucher scheme, £5 million and £20 million respectively has been set aside for the new educational inspection programme for voucher redeeming establishments and the administration of the scheme. The vast majority of this funding will be spent on the inspection programme; the greater proportion of funding for the first phase will be spent on the recruitment and training of inspectors to carry out the inspections in the second phase.

  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if she will place in the Library the responses to her Department's consultation paper, "Quality Assurance Regime for Institutions which Redeem Pre-School Education Vouchers: Discussion Paper". [8194]

  Mr. Squire
  Yes. A summary of the responses will be placed in the Library.
  153
  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment by what means the payment of the proposed pre-school voucher system will be accommodated within the academic and financial year structures of local authorities with special reference to the times that children will start attending primary school full-time. [8190]

  Mr. Squire
  Local education authorities participating in the first phase of the scheme will receive voucher income in a number of installments over the year in respect of voucher-bearing children in their schools.

  Access to Work scheme
  Mr. Tom Clarke
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if she will publish the guidance notes issued by the Employment Service to disability employment advisers following the implementation of changes made to the access to work scheme. [8146]

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

  Letter from Mike Fogden to Mr. Tom Clarke, dated 9 January 1996:
  The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question about publishing Employment Service guidance notes issued to Disability Employment Advisers.
  We do not as a matter of course publish our guidance notes. However, all guidance notes, including those issued to Disability Employment Advisers, are available to those who request them.
  I hope this is helpful.

  Mr. Clarke
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many people have benefited from support through the access to work scheme during its first year of operation; and how many and what proportion of these have been unemployed(a) at the point of making a request for support and (b) when receiving support. [8149]

  Mr. Paice
  Some 10,023 disabled people were successfully helped by the access to work programme in its first operational year—6 June 1994 to 31 May 1995. Of these, 1,652 were unemployed when they applied. This represents less than 20 per cent. Access to work was launched with the specific aim of helping disabled people into work.

  Mr. Clarke
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what action is being undertaken by her Department to monitor the effect of changes in the access to work scheme on disabled people. [8144]

  Mr. Paice
  The Employment Service will continue to monitor the access to work programme.

  Mr. Clarke
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if a disabled person reassessed for support under new arrangements for the access to work scheme will be entitled to retain existing equipment if it is of continued usefulness. [8143]

  Mr. Paice
  Each case will need to be individually considered. It is likely though that a disabled person who has been reassessed for support will be able to retain existing equipment if it is of continued usefulness.
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  Mr. Clarke
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what estimate she has made of the level of cost saving which will result from the introduction of changes to the access to work scheme for the period between 18 December 1995 and April 1996. [8147]

  Mr. Paice
  We have to ensure that expenditure remains within the resources available and is equitably shared. Additional funds have, however, already been allocated to the access to work budget for 1995–96 to ensure that we can keep helping disabled people until the end of the year.

  Mr. Clarke
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment on what grounds unemployed people can be supported through the access to work scheme. [8150]

  Mr. Paice
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Employment announced on 14 December 1995,Official Report, column 738, that, from 18 December 1995, help from access to work would be targeted on unemployed disabled people. Applications for assistance will be considered from disabled people who have not been in paid work for at least four weeks.

  Mr. Clarke
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if she will make a statement on the eligibility for support under the access to work scheme between 18 December 1995 and April 1996 of(a) people who become disabled and wish to retain their present employment, but who have new needs, (b) disabled persons whose circumstances change due to changes in their present employment or to internal promotion, (c) disabled people in employment who apply for support under the access to work scheme for the first time, (d) disabled people who become self-employed, (e) disabled people in supported employment who develop new needs and (f) disabled people who have new needs stemming from changes to office systems and practices. [8145]

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

  Letter from Mike Fogden to Mr. Tom Clarke, dated 9 January 1996:
  The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question about eligibility conditions for Access to Work.
  The Secretary of State announced on 14 December that from 18 December Access to Work would be targeted on meeting existing commitments; to applications to renew arrangements which fully satisfied the programme's rules and criteria prior to 18 December and which would otherwise have lapsed; and to people with disabilities who have been unemployed for at least four weeks.
  Disability Employment Advisers in Placing Assessment and Counselling Teams assess the work needs of disabled people and decide according to their individual needs and circumstances whether support can be given under Access to Work.
  Whenever possible they agree the decision with the disabled person and their employer or potential employer.
  I hope this is helpful.

  Mr. Clarke
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what estimate she has made of the number of unemployed people who will be assisted
  155
  through the access to work scheme between 18 December 1995 and April 1996. [8148]

  Mr. Paice
  Any reduction in the number of applications may be in line with research findings into access to work, which indicate that over 80 per cent. of all applications are from people already in paid employment.

  School Closures
  Mr. Chidgey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what are her Department's guidelines for taking into account the environmental impact of the increased distances pupils must be driven to school when their local schools are closed. [8110]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  The Department's circular on the supply of school places, 23/94 says that proposals for school closure should include details of the schools to receive displaced pupils and the arrangements that will be made for pupil transport.

  Nursery Vouchers
  Mr. Keen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what extra resources the Government will be allocating to local authorities which already provide nursery education for four-year-olds to assist their transition to the nursery vouchers. [8278]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  The transitional costs for local authorities will be minimal because most of the voucher administration will be handled by a private company specifically appointed for the purpose.

  Mr. Keen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what is her latest estimate of the cost of introducing nursery vouchers. [8276]

  Mr. Squire
  Based on current data, the total cost of the nursery education voucher scheme in 1997–98 is estimated at £750 million, of which £185 million will be new money made available by the Government.

  Mr. Keen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many qualified nursery teachers and nursery nurses are required to provide nursery education to all those in receipt of vouchers; and if she will make a statement. [8280]

  Mr. Squire
  The number of qualified nursery teachers and nursery nurses that will be required will depend on the way in which parents exercise the choice which nursery vouchers gives them.

  Educational Institution Governors
  Mr. Rooker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if she will make a statement on the extent to which governors of educational institutions may become personally liable for acts of their institutions, making any required distinctions between governors of(a) schools, (b) sixth form colleges, (c) colleges of further education institutions and (d) universities. [8217]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  The governing bodies of all these institutions are statutory corporations and there is no significant distinction between the different categories of governor. The exception to this is the small number of designated further and higher education institutions 156
  conducted by unincorporated governing bodies. With this exception, the liability falls on the corporate governing body rather than on the individual members of the governing body. In practice, members of governing bodies will seldom incur individual personal liability. Provided individual governors act honestly and without ulterior motive, showing reasonable care and common sense within the scope of their functions and procedures, they will in practice be protected against any risk to their own assets as a result of the governing body's decisions.

  Teachers (Early Retirement)
  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what studies she has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated in the last five years to assess the extent of early retirement of teachers in (i) primary and (ii) secondary schools from stress arising from their occupation; and what other measures she is taking to assess this problem. [8297]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  No studies have been commissioned or evaluated in the last five years. My right hon. Friend is currently considering this issue.

  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if she will list the statistics for the retirement of teachers eligible for retirement pensions from her Departmental scheme for each year since 1985, showing for each year(a) the total number each year and as a percentage of those in the schemes, (b) the total number aged (i) 50 to 55, (ii) 55 to 60 years and (iii) 60 to 65 and (c) the number and percentage retiring through voluntary or other redundancy or ill-health, respectively, indicating separately the figure for head teachers. [8296]

  Mr. Squire
  This information is not readily available. I shall write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

  Local Education Authorities
  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assistance her Department provides to local education authorities to assist them in(a) teacher recruitment and personal welfare, (b) inspection of and assistance to teacher and schools in their areas, (c) supply of equipment and materials for educational purposes, (d) in-service training for teachers and governors, (e) premises and services for special needs and (f) sports grounds and outdoor pursuits centres; and what plans Her Majesty's Government have for strengthening their capabilities and performance in respect of these roles. [8300]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  The Department provides support for a variety of educational priorities through the, grants for education support and training, including in-service training for teachers and governor training. Coverage is reviewing annually. The Department makes capital funding available for maintained special schools through the annual capital guidelines which it issues each year to LEAs; it also assists non-maintained special schools through an annual capital grant programme. The DFEE and its agencies provide a wide range of advisory circulars, leaflets and other information offering guidance to LEAs every year. More details about the specific
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  assistance and funding the Department provides to LEAs are shown in the departmental report, a copy of which has been deposited in the Library of the House.

  Secondary Schools (Entry Qualifications)
  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what guidance or rules Her Majesty's Government will publish and forward to self-governing maintained middle or secondary schools concerning future entry qualifications of pupils other than those of domicile; what will be the minimum age of 158
  assessment; and by what means they will incorporate tests or estimates of (a) attainment and (b) future testable performance. [8295]

  Mrs. Gillan
  The governors of grant-maintained schools are responsible for their own admission arrangements. At present, however, those arrangements must be approved by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State. She is now consulting on proposals to lift this requirement, so that grant-maintained schools have the same flexibility as that currently available to LEAs and to the governors of voluntary-aided schools.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Housing Benefit
  Mr. George Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what were the numbers and amounts of rent rebate and rent allowance overpayments; and what percentage this was of local authorities' overall housing benefit expenditure for each district and island council in Scotland, in each year from 1991–92. [5054]

  Mr. Andrew Mitchell
  The information is in the Library.

  National Insurance Numbers
  Mr. Churchill
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security(a) how many individuals are currently entitled to a national insurance number and (b) how many such numbers have actually been issued and remain currently valid; and what factors underlie the discrepancy between (a) and (b). [5436]

  Mr. Heald
  There are approximately 65 million records held on the departmental central index database. All these numbers remain valid. Many relate to persons living abroad or to deceased persons whose dependants continue to receive benefits based on the deceased's national insurance contributions records.

  Income Support
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will express the value of disregards within income support for earnings and for maintenance in cash and real terms since 1985 and the real terms figures(a) with 1985 as the based and (b) with the figures most recently issued by his Department as the base. [5481]

  Mr. Andrew Mitchell
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my hon. Friend the Minister for Social Security and Disabled People on 18 December,Official Report, columns 887–90, to the hon. Member for Newport, West (Mr. Flynn).

  There is no maintenance disregard in income support.

  Disability Living Allowance
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer of 6 December,Official Report, column 248, how many of those estimated to qualify for the mobility component of disability living allowance at the (a) higher rate and (b) lower rate are in the age groups (i) 65 to 69 (ii) 70 to 74, (iii) 75 to 79 and (iv) 80 years or over. [5959]

  Mr. Andrew Mitchell
  The available information is in the table.

  Disability living allowance

  Higher rate mobility component

  Lower rate mobility component

  69 and under

  150,000

  10,000

  70 to 74

  340,000

  20,000

  160

  Disability living allowance

  Higher rate mobility component

  Lower rate mobility component

  75 to 79

  420,000

  10.000

  80 and over

  1,090,000

  20,000

  Total

  2,000,000

  60,000

  Note:

  Estimates are rounded to the nearest 10,000, they are speculative and subject to very substantial margins of error.

  Source:

  DLA statistics May 1995, OPCS Disability Survey 1985, Government Actuaries Department population projection 1992.

  Funeral Payments
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what recent representations funeral directors have been made to him in respect of bad debts since changes in social security rules affecting funerals were implemented. [6060]

  Mr. Andrew Mitchell
  Although funeral directors have expressed the view that the changes to social fund funeral payments will result in debts, no specific examples have been received.

  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list the levels of state assistance available to meet funeral expenses. [6058]

  Mr. Mitchell
  The social fund funeral payment scheme covers all reasonable costs of burial and cremation disbursements and in addition allows up to £500 for the funeral director's services, up to £75 because of a requirement of the religious faith of the deceased and up to £25 for flowers from the person arranging the funeral. Everyone who is entitled to help with arranging a funeral through the social fund is able to choose either a burial or cremation. Payments can, especially in the case of burials, exceed £1,000.

  Local authorities in England and Wales have a duty under section 46 of the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984 to arrange for the burial or cremation of the body of any person who has died or been found dead in their area where it appears to the authority that no suitable arrangements for the disposal of the body have been made. Similar provision applies in Scotland under section 50 of the National Assistance Act 1948.

  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list the representatives of funeral directors he consulted before changing the amount of assistance given to people of limited means faced with funeral expenses. [6059]

  Mr. Mitchell
  Representatives from the Funeral Standards Council, the National Association of Funeral Directors and the Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors.

  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what calculations underlay the sum of £500 as the maximum grant for funerals for relatives without means. [6057]

  Mr. Mitchell
  The average amount awarded for funeral directors' fees under the funeral payment scheme prior to June 1995 was £749. The current scheme restricts both the type of coffin and the number of cars which may be provided. Therefore, the amount awarded should also be
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  lower. It is reasonable to assume that, with the state meeting the cost of 12 per cent. of all funerals, there will be some price competition in the industry which will tend to exert a downward pressure on prices.

  Survey information collected by funeral directors' associations was also helpful. The Secretary of State took full account of that evidence when making final decisions on the precise specification for the new social fund funeral payments scheme. However, after careful consideration he concluded that £500 was a fair award for funeral directors' services,. balancing the needs of the funeral director, the customer, and the taxpayer.

  Child Care Allowance
  Mr. Hanson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what steps he is taking to monitor the end use of child care allowance. [6077]

  Mr. Andrew Mitchell
  In claims for family credit and disability working allowance, allowance is made for child care charges only after the information given by claimants is verified by the child care provider.

  Child Support
  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security for what reasons the Government decided to increase the minimum payment under the Child Support Act 1991 from £2.35 to £4.80; what additional savings he expects to accrue to the budgets for each of the benefits administered by his Department as a result of this policy change; and what are the purposes to which these savings will be applied. [6185]

  Mr. Andrew Mitchell
  The proposed change will reinforce a key principle of the Child Support Act 1991 that parents are responsible for providing financial support for their children. Absent parents who are sick or disabled, or who have responsibility for children in their new family, will continue to be exempt from this payment.

  Parents with care, and children, will benefit. Those parents receiving income support will build up a higher entitlement to the child maintenance bonus when it is introduced in April 1997 and others in work will gain straight away from the increased payment.

  The long-term benefit savings, arising from reduced expenditure on income-related benefits paid to parents with care, are expected to be £15 million. Most of the savings will be in respect of income support.

  The proposal forms part of the measures announced by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State on 29 November which will in total save around £1 billion in the long term and will help contain real annual growth in social security spending to 1.3 per cent. between 1996–97 and 1998–99.

  Mr. David Nicholson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many cases of(a) fraud and (b) alleged fraud, have arisen from the application of the Child Support Act 1991 to absent fathers who are self-employed. [7174]

  Mr. Mitchell
  It is not a business requirement of the Child Support Agency to keep statistics centrally on allegations to fraud. Any such allegation in respect of a162
  self-employed absent parent is referred to the Contributions Agency for investigation.

  Consultants
  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list the consultancies employed by his Department in the last five years, indicating(a) what the consultancies were for, (b) to whom the consultancies were awarded, (c) the total amount spent on each consultancy and (d) the total amount spent on each contract in the last five years. [6555]

  Mr. Burt
  The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is as follows:

  The Department's use of consultants is set against the background of a huge business with a major programme to deliver policy changes and business efficiencies.

  Among other things consultants have been used to contribute to:

  Increasing efficiency;

  Market testing initiatives;

  Major structural changes following the creation of executive agencies;

  Introduction of new benefits;

  Development of information systems; and

  Implementation of Departmental programmes.

  From July/August 1993, the DSS commenced using framework agreements for the procurement of management and IT consultancy. Framework agreements in respect of management consultancy and related services were awarded to the following companies:

  Andersen Consulting

  Coopers and Lybrand

  Ernst and Young

  EFD (Electronic Facilities Design)

  KPMG Peat Marwick

  Merz and McLellan

  PA Consulting

  P-E International

  Price Waterhouse.

  Framework agreements in respect of IT consultancy and related services were awarded to the following companies:

  Admiral Management Services

  Andersen Consulting

  ASE Consulting

  Computer People Limited

  Coopers and Lybrand

  Cray Systems (P-E International)

  CSS Trident

  Easams

  EDS

  FI Group

  Hoskins

  IBM UK Ltd

  International Computers Ltd.

  Logica

  Methods Applications

  NEF Computer Services (Nesco)

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  PA Consulting

  Parity Solutions

  Price Waterhouse

  Sema Group

  Siemens Nixdorf

  Taskforce Group plc.

  Most contracts let since August 1993 have been awarded to suppliers on these framework agreements.

  The information requested on the total amount spent on each consultancy is considered commercial in confidence.

  The total amount spent on each contract in the last five years is also considered commercial in confidence. However, the total amount spent on consultancy and the number of contracts awarded in the last five years is in the table.

  Year

  Number of contracts

  Total cost (£ million)

  1990–91

  952

  83.2

  1991–92

  933

  69.7

  1992–93

  129

  136.4

  1993–94

  235

  34.0

  1994–95

  197

  26.1

  1 Figures for 1992–93 onwards refer solely to expenditure on consultancy services following work undertaken for the Efficiency Scrutiny into the Government's Use of External Consultants. Figures for earlier years include the cost of contracted services.

  Retirement Pensions
  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate he has made of the proportions of men and women who will retire with a full entitlement to a basic retirement pension in(a) 2025 and (b) 2035. [6528]

  Mr. Andrew Mitchell
  The information is not available in the format requested. By 2025, the large majority of men and approximately two thirds of women will have entitlements to a full basic pension.

  Mr. Eric Clarke
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the cost in 1996–97 of paying a basic pension supplement to all pensioner units whose total pension income from all sources is less than the level of income support plus £5 for a single pensioner and £8 for a couple, raising their pension incomes to the income support level plus £5 for single pensioners and £8 for pensioner couples; and what would be the annual cost of maintaining pensioners' pension incomes at that level in real terms for each year until 2001–02, assuming the 1996–97 income support regime and giving costs net of any effects on tax/benefit revenues. [6703]

  Mr. Mitchell
  The estimated cost in 1996–97 of raising the total pension income from all sources of all pensioner units to income support levels plus £5 for a single pensioner and £8 for a pensioner couple is £3.05 billion. It is not possible to give estimates of this cost to the year 2001–02 as reliable forecasts of future levels of pensioners' incomes are not available for this period.

  Notes:
  1. It has been assumed that the pensioner supplement would be paid as an increase in income support levels. Maintaining the current income-related benefit system involves aligning the thresholds and
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  income for assessment purposes in the other income-related benefits. As a result, there are increased costs in the housing benefit and council tax benefit included in the total.
  2. To raise pension-only income to the levels specified implies that other income would be disregarded. The costs reflect this assumption also.
  3. No account has been taken of any additional costs that would arise from the abolition of the existing capital limits in the income-related benefits which would be necessary to ensure that those above these limits also received any required increase in pension income.
  4. Income support is not taxable for claimants over 60 years of age so there are no net tax effects from the increased payment in income support.
  5. The costs have been estimated using data drawn from the May 1994 income support quarterly statistical inquiry and the 1991, 1992 and 1993 family expenditure surveys, uprated to 1996–97 prices and benefit levels and rounded to £50 million.

  Mr. Martlew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the cost in 1996–97 of paying a basic pension supplement to all pensioner units whose total pension income from all sources is less than(a) £69.20 and (b) £73.80 for a single pensioner and (i) £107.10 and (ii) £112.25 for pensioner couples, raising their pension incomes to those levels; and what would be the annual cost of maintaining pensioners' pension incomes at those levels in real terms for each year until 2001–02, assuming the 1996–97 income support regime and giving costs net of any effects on tax/benefit revenues. [6707]

  Mr. Mitchell
  The available information is in the table.

  It is not possible to give estimates of this cost to the year 2001–02 as reliable forecasts of future levels of pensioners' incomes are not available for this period.

  Estimated costs of raising pensioner incomes to specified minimums

  Estimate Cost in 1996–97

  Specified pensioner income level

  £ billion

  (a) Single pensioners at minimum of £69.20

  0.8

  (b) Single pensioners at minimum of £73.80

  1.3

  (i) Couple pensioners at minimum of £107.10

  1.1

  (ii) Couple pensioners at minimum of £112.25

  1.5

  1. It has been assumed that the pensioner supplement would be paid as an increase in income support levels. Maintaining the current income-related benefit system involves aligning the thresholds and income for assessment purposes in the other income-related benefits. As a result, there are increased costs in the housing benefit and council tax benefit included in the total.

  2. To raise pension-only income to the levels specified implies that other income would be disregarded. The costs reflect this assumption also.

  3. No account has been taken of any additional costs that would arise from the abolition of the existing capital limits in the income-related benefits which would be necessary to ensure that those above these limits also received any required increase in pension income.

  4. As income support is not taxable for claimants over 60 years of age, there will be no net tax effects from the increased payments in income support.

  5. The costs have been estimated using data drawn from the May 1994 income support quarterly statistical Inquiry and the 1991, 1992 and 1993 family expenditure surveys, uprated to 1996–97 prices and benefit levels and rounded to £50 million.
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  Mr. Hutton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the cost in 1996–97 of paying a basic pension supplement to all pensioner units whose total pension income from all sources is less than £67.05 for a single pensioner or £104.10 for pensioner couples, raising their pension incomes to those levels; and what would be the annual cost of maintaining pensioners' pension incomes at those levels in real terms for each year until 2001–02, assuming the 1996–97 income support regime and giving costs net of any effects on tax/benefits revenues. [6708]

  Mr. Mitchell
  The estimated cost in 1996–97 of raising the total pension income from all sources of all pensioner units to £67.05 for a single pensioner or £104.10 for pensioner couples is £1.9 billion. It is not possible to give estimates of this cost to the year 2001–02 as reliable forecasts of future levels of pensioners' incomes are not available for this period.

  Notes:
  1. It has been assumed that the pensioner supplement would be paid as an increase in income support levels. Maintaining the current income-related benefit system involves aligning the thresholds and income for assessment purposes in the other income-related benefits. As a result, there are increased cost in the housing benefit and council tax benefit included in the total.
  2. To raise pension only income to the levels specified implies that other income would be disregarded. The costs reflect this assumption also.
  3. No account has been taken of any additional costs that would arise from the abolition of the existing capital limits in the income-related benefits which would be necessary to ensure that those above these limits also received any required increase in pension income.
  4. As income support is not taxable for claimants over 60 years of age, there will be no net tax effects from the increased payments in income support.
  5. The costs have been estimated using data drawn from the May 1994 income support quarterly statistical inquiry and the 1991,1992 and 1993 family expenditure surveys, uprated to 1996–97 prices and benefits levels and rounded to £50 million.

  Mr. Clarke
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the cost in 1996–97 of raising the incomes of all pensioner units to at least the level of income support plus £5 for a single pensioner and £8 for pensioner couples; and what would be the annual cost of maintaining pensioners incomes at that level in real terms for each year until 2001–02, assuming payments were made through the income support system and assuming the most recent levels of non-take-ups. [6702]

  Mr. Mitchell
  The estimated cost in 1996–97 of raising the incomes of all pensioner units to at least the level of income support plus £5 for a single pensioner and £8 for pensioner couples is £800 million assuming the most recent levels of non-take-up. It is not possible to give estimates of this cost to the year 2001–02 as reliable forecasts of future levels of pensioners' incomes are not available for this period.

  Notes:
  1. It has been assumed that the pensioner supplement would be paid as an increase in income support levels. Maintaining the current income-related benefit system involves aligning the thresholds and income brought to account in the other income-related benefits. As a result, there are increased costs in the housing benefit and council tax benefit included in the total.
  2. It has been assumed that the income of pensioners is the current income for assessment purposes in income support.
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  3. No account has been taken of any additional costs that would arise from the abolition of the existing capital limits in the income-related benefits which would be necessary to ensure that those above these limits also received any required increase in pension income.
  4. The costs have been; estimated using data drawn from the May 1994 income support quarterly statistical inquiry and the 1991,1992 and 1993 family expenditure surveys, uprated to 1996–97 prices and benefits levels and rounded to £50 million.

  Mr. Benton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the cost in 1996–97 of raising the incomes of all pensioner units to at least the level of income support; and what would be the annual cost of maintaining pensioners' incomes at that level in real terms for each year until 2001–02, assuming the 1996–97 income support regime and the most recent levels of non-take-up. [6705]

  Mr. Mitchell
  Those pensioner units whose incomes are below income support levels are raised to that level if they take up income support. All other pensioner units are either ineligible for income support, by virtue of their incomes, or choose not to take it up. As a result, there are no costs in any year of raising the incomes of all pensioner units to at least income support levels assuming the most recent levels of non-take-up.

  Notes:
  1. It has been assumed that the income of pensioners is the current income for assessment purposes in income support.

  Mr. Callaghan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to increase the basic rate of retirement pensions. [8083]

  Mr. Mitchell
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has announced his intention to increase the state pension by 3.9 per cent. in April 1996.

  Benefits (Deceased Claimants)
  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what are the procedures for notifying his Department's agencies of the death of a claimant with particular reference to the Pensions Agency; [6267]

  (2) what safeguards exist to ensure Department of Social Security agencies do not continue to pay benefits or pensions after a claimant has died, when the payments are made to a bank account. [6266]

  Mr. Andrew Mitchell
  When a death is registered with the registrar, the informant will be given a form BD8 along with the original death certificate. This is a free certificate to be used as a verified notification of death to the Department of Social Security.

  This form asks several questions about the deceased and if benefit was in payment. It also asks the person completing it to send it in to the local social security office. The BD8 has recently been re-designed and now asks for it to be sent into the Department regardless of whether or not benefit was in payment to the deceased.

  The registrars pass details of the deaths reported to them to the Office of Population Censuses and Survey. The details are then transferred to a tape which is sent to the Contributions Agency. The details from this tape are then passed to the departmental central index which then broadcasts the dates of death to every benefit computer

  167
  system. The broadcast automatically suspends payment of benefit, regardless of the method used to pay the customer.

  The notes in the retirement pension order books and the leaflet BR2215 which is given to claimants who receive their RP by automated credit transfer, contain a section on what to do if the claimant has died. The advice is simply to advise the agency of the details of death and return the order book where appropriate.

  Benefits Uprating
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will update the information given in his answer of 27 October 1994,Official Report, columns 797–800, by substituting 1996–97 values for current values in columns 4 and 5 of the table, omitting items (i) and (q) and adding the lone-parent premium, one-parent benefit and the £50 earnings limit for invalid care allowance. [6435]

  Mr. Andrew Mitchell
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to him by my hon. Friend the Minister for Social Security and Disabled People on 18 December,Official Report, columns 887–90.

  Advertising
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what has been the expenditure of his(a) Department, (b) agencies and (c) non-departmental public bodies on newspaper advertising by title for each year since 1990–91; and what estimate he has made for 1995–96 based on expenditure to date and existing plans. [6566]

  Mr. Burt
  The information could be obtained only at disproportionate costs.

  National Insurance Contributions
  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate he has made of the level of combined employer and employee contributions necessary to achieve balance in the national insurance fund in (i) 1995–96, (ii) 1996–97, (iii) 2025 and (iv) 2035, based on the assumptions contained in "Equality in State Pension Age", Cm 2420. [6531]

  Mr. Andrew Mitchell
  The available information is in the table.

  Estimated level of combined employer and employee contributions necessary to achieve balance in the National Insurance Fund

  Year

  Contribution level (main rates)3

  1995–961

  19.55 per cent.

  1996–971

  19.25 per cent.

  20252

  16.9 per cent.

  20352

  16.7 per cent.

  Notes:

  1. Based on the estimates underlying the "Financial Statement and Budget Report 1996–97".

  2. Based on the National Insurance Fund long-term financial estimates (Report by the Government Actuary on the third Quinquennial Review under section 137 of the Social Security Act 1975 (HC160-31 January 1995).
  168
  3. Estimated level (excluding employee and employer National Health Service allocations of 1.05 per cent. and 0.9 per cent. respectively) for there to be no Treasury Grant and for the minimum level of the fund to be maintained at the recommended one sixth of annual benefit expenditure.

  Source: Government Actuary's Department.

  Research Studies (Sunderland)
  Mr. Etherington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list all DSS-funded pilots, trials and research studies which have been conducted since 1989 in(a) the city of Sunderland, (b) Wearside district and (c) Sunderland travel-to-work area identifying (i) title, summary and duration of the pilot/trial, (ii) target population and total number of participants and (iii) whether each pilot, trial or research finding was published and the date of publication; and if he will list all other non-DSS research bodies or organisations involved in each pilot, trial or research scheme. [6324]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  There are no details available of any pilots, trials or research having taken place in prior to 1992 in the geographical areas specified.

  1992–95: Wearside District

  Pilot trial

  Title

  Annual Local Customer Survey

  Duration

  Several weeks

  Target population

  All district customers

  Participants

  10 per cent. of total customer base

  Publication

  Yes—results held locally (no results held for 1992 survey)

  Non-DSS involvement

  None

  1994: Sunderland North and Houghton-le-Spring (part of Wearside) Sunderland travel to work area (Durham and Tyneside)

  Pilot trial

  Title

  Benefit Review of Income Support (IS) and Unemployment Benefit (UB)

  Duration

  5 April 1994 to 8 May 1994 (Durham) 26 September 1994 to 25 November 1994 (Tyneside and Wearside)

  Target population

  Ail Benefits Agency (BA) customers in these areas

  Participants

  20 (Durham)—Pilot 280 (Tyneside and Wearside)

  Publication

  Main exercise 10 July 1995

  Non-DSS involvement

  Department of Employment

  Similar research for trials and full reviews of other benefits is likely to involve some BA customers in the relevant geographical areas.

  1995 City of Sunderland and Wearside

  Pilot trial

  Title

  Trial into Revised Standards of Identity during Encashment of Instruments of Payment (IOPs)

  Duration

  March-June 1995

  Target population

  All BA customers in these areas

  169

  1995 City of Sunderland and Wearside

  Pilot trial

  Participants

  Actual numbers not known. Would include all BA customers who presented an IOP for encashment at a Post Office during the period of the trial

  Publication

  Not for external publication. Information for internal use only.

  Non-DSS involvement

  Post Office Counters Ltd.

  In addition, the Sunderland travel-to-work area has been selected as one of the eight areas chosen to pilot earnings top-up. The pilot will start in October 1996 and last for three years. Proposals for earnings top-up—an in-work benefit for people without dependent children—were published on 5 July 1995 in the Green Paper "Piloting change in Social Security—helping people into work". The draft rules of the scheme, including the postcodes of the pilot areas, were laid before Parliament on 6 November 1995 and debated in the House of Commons on 25 November.

  Social Fund
  Ms Lynne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what proportion of applicants to the social fund for community grants or crisis loans are refused. [6935]

  Mr. Andrew Mitchell
  Information on the number of awards and refusals from the discretionary social fund for 1994–95 is contained in the latest Secretary of State's annual report on the social fund, a copy of which is in the Library.

  Community care grants may be awarded in a wide range of defined circumstances. These include assisting people who are leaving residential or institutional care to re-establish themselves in the community; helping people stay in the community rather than enter care; easing exceptional pressure on families; helping with certain travelling costs; and assisting people who are caring for prisoners who are released on temporary licence. The majority of refusals were because the applicant did not satisfy the basic eligibility criteria. However, 54 per cent. of those refused a community care grant in the current year were awarded a repayable budgeting loan.

  The information requested for the year to date (April to November) is in the table:

  Year: April-November 1995

  Applications received (thousands)

  Refusals (thousands)

  Refusals as a percentage of applications

  Community care grants

  853

  655

  77

  Crisis loans

  749

  160

  21

  1. The number of refusals overturned on review are not included.

  2. Percentages obtained from rounded figures.

  Ms Lynne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the social fund in helping people on benefit or low incomes to meet intermittent or unexpected expenses. [6936]
  170
  Mr. Mitchell
  The Government believe that the social fund continues to work effectively, ensuring that available resources are targeted on those most in need of help with important expenses which are difficult to budget for. The discretionary fund provides particularly good value for money by recycling loan recoveries to help more people. Not every eligible person can expect to get a payment for every need they apply for, but the budgetary framework of the discretionary fund ensures that awards are made to help people with the highest priority needs. Social fund officers consider the individual circumstances of each application to the discretionary fund. Applicants who are dissatisfied with the decision in their case have the opportunity to seek a review. We will continue to keep the operation of the fund under close scrutiny, particularly in so far as it affects the help we are able to provide to some of our most vulnerable citizens.

  Disability Working Allowance
  Mr. David Nicholson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his letter to the hon. Member for Taunton of 13 December, POS(2)3446/179, what representations alleging that the introduction of disabled working allowance discriminates against self-employed people he has received; and if he will make a statement. [7172]

  Mr. Andrew Mitchell
  There have been no representations. Self-employed people constituted 20 per cent. of the disability working allowance case load at 31 July 1995.

  Source:

  ASD Disability Working Allowance Quarterly Statistical tables.

  War Pensions
  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what illnesses or diseases the War Pensions Agency recognises as being caused by being exposed to mustard gas in the service volunteers programme at the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment at Porton Down. [7295]

  Mr. Andrew Mitchell
  The war pension scheme does not involve the recognition or prescription of specific illnesses or diseases.

  A war pension may be awarded for any disablement which is attributable to or aggravated by service in the armed forces, including voluntary participating in any test programme at Porton Down.

  Housing Benefit (Sick and Disabled People)
  Mr. Gerrard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what assessment he has made of the impact of the proposed changes to housing benefit for private tenants on sick and disabled people who have an extra bedroom to accommodate an occasional overnight carer. [7562]

  Mr. Andrew Mitchell
  No such assessment has been made. However, local authorities will have discretion to pay housing benefit above the level of the maximum rent in cases which they judge to involve exceptional hardship.

  Internet
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary for Social Security what web site his Department maintains on the
  171
  Internet; what information is provided there; how often it is updated; what is the address; and if he or his Department answer questions and supplies additional information through the Internet. [7574]

  Mr. Andrew Mitchell
  The Department of Social Security currently maintains web sites for all its main agencies as part of the Government's centre for information systems' Government information service—address: HTTP://www.open.gov.uk. General background information on the Department's work and details of the Department's press releases are regularly updated. Internet is not currently being used to provide further information or answer queries from individuals. The Contributions Agency is conducting an evaluation project on the potential of Internet for communicating with its customers.

  Pensions
  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people in employment are not currently members of(a) the state earnings-related pension scheme, (b) company pension schemes and (c) personal pension schemes; and what assessment he has made of the causes of this lack of provision. [7590]

  Mr. Heald
  The information is not available. Employees who accrue no SERPS entitlement and are not members of company or personal pension schemes will be earning below the annual lower earnings limit for national insurance contributions. As employers are not required to provide details of such employees, no records are held centrally.

  Pensioners' Benefits
  Sir Andrew Bowden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what are the number and proportion of pensioners in each region of the United Kingdom who receive(a) income support, (b) housing benefit and (c) council tax benefit. [7645]

  Mr. Heald
  The available information is in the tables.

  Income Support Pensioner Recipients by the Government Standard Statistical Regions

  May 1994

  GSS region

  Number of cases in receipt of Income Support (thousands)

  As a percentage of the pensioner population

  South East (excluding London)

  227

  12.3

  London (Inner and Outer)

  204

  —

  North

  98

  14.8

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  153

  14.7

  East Midlands

  103

  12.2

  East Anglia

  53

  11.4

  South-West

  114

  10

  West Midlands

  169

  15.7

  North-West

  211

  16.1

  England

  1.577

  15.7

  Wales

  87

  13.4

  Scotland

  158

  15.3

  Northern Ireland

  —

  —

  172

  Housing Benefit Pensioner Recipients by the Government Standard Statistical Regions

  May 1994

  GSS region

  Number of cases in receipt of Income Support (thousands)

  As a percentage of the pensioner population

  South East (excluding London)

  256

  15.4

  London (Inner and Outer)

  283

  —

  North

  136

  20.6

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  205

  19.7

  East Midlands

  120

  14.2

  East Anglia

  66

  14.2

  South-West

  127

  11.2

  West Midlands

  189

  17.5

  North-West

  227

  17.3

  England

  1,609

  16

  Wales

  90

  13.8

  Scotland

  245

  23.7

  Northern Ireland

  42

  15.1

  Council Tax Benefit Recipients by the Government Standard Statistical Regions

  May 1994

  GSS region

  Number of cases in receipt of Council Tax Benefit (thousands)

  As a percentage of the pensioner population

  South East (excluding London)

  299

  20.9

  London (Inner and Outer)

  433

  —

  North

  187

  28.3

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  297

  28.5

  East Midlands

  192

  22.7

  East Anglia

  102

  22.0

  South-West

  213

  18.8

  West Midlands

  305

  28.3

  North-West

  362

  27.5

  England

  2,390

  23.8

  Wales

  135

  20.7

  Scotland

  304

  29.4

  Northern Ireland

  —

  —

  Notes for all Tables:

  1. London and the South-East regions have been added together for the population estimate.

  2. Figures are rounded to the nearest thousand and percentages to one decimal place.

  3. 1994 Income Support figures are not yet available for Northern Ireland.

  4. Council Tax Benefit does not apply in Northern Ireland.

  5. Figures for HB/CTB are for benefit units which may be a single person or a couple.

  6. Pensioners are defined as either a claimant or partner aged 60 or over except for figures for Northern Ireland where claimant or partner are aged 65 or over.

  Sources:

  Income Support Statistics Annual/Quarterly Enquiries May 1994. Office of Population Censuses and Surveys mid year estimate 1993. Housing Benefit Management Information Systems Annual 1 per cent. sample.

  Benefits Agency Medical Services
  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what are the main components of the training programmes which must be taken by all Benefits Agency medical services doctors carrying out the all-work test medical assessments. [6259]
  173
  Mr. Burt
  This is a matter for Peter Mathison, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Ron Davies, dated 20 December 1995:
  The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the main components of the training programmes which must be taken by all Benefits Agency Medical Services (BAMS) doctors carrying out the all-work test medical assessments.
  All Doctors undergo a four day modular training course which can be tailored to meet individual needs. Elements of the course include the technical aspects of Incapacity Benefits, the requirements for the content of the medical report form, selecting and justifying the choice of descriptors which specify the level of a customer's disability in each functional area, and mental health problems. The course also has, and I attach great importance to this, elements on customer service and equal opportunities.
  All Doctors are required to pass a multiple choice test at the end of the course, the validity of which has been verified with the help of the University of Central Midlands. The Doctors must also successfully complete a supervised examination session. The first three reports they complete alone are also monitored by a more senior Doctor to ensure continuing high quality.
  In addition to this, all full-time BAMS Doctors have to undergo a two day residential course covering the clinical areas they are likely to encounter such as back pain and psychiatric disorders and those which are likely to cause particular difficulties, such as chronic fatigue states. Many of the sessions in these courses are conducted by internationally recognised experts in their fields. The Benefits Agency Doctors are then responsible for cascading this information to the part-time fee paid Doctors who are also involved in this work.
  I hope you find this helpful.

  Access to Work Scheme
  Mr. Tom Clarke
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate he has made of the levels of benefit savings stemming from the introduction of the access to work scheme; and if he will make a statement on the expected effect on these savings of changes to the access to work scheme between 18 December 1995 and April 1996. [8154]

  Mr. Paice
  I have been asked to reply.

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

  Letter from Mike Fogden to Mr. Tom Clarke, dated 9 January 1996:
  The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question about benefit savings stemming from the Access to Work programme.
  We do not calculate the social security benefit savings accruing from disabled people making use of the Access to Work programme in order to take up work. Help is given based on ability to work rather than on entitlement to a benefit so the pattern of benefit savings, if any, will be dependent on the circumstances of the individual case. For example, people in employment continue to receive any in-work benefits they were entitled to as well as Access to Work help.
  For any labour market programme, simply setting the cost of the programme against possible gross savings in social security payments, is not an accurate indicator of net costs. Access to Work would present still further difficulties in any such calculation because it supports people when they are in employment, as well as those seeking work.
  174
  For estimates of the net cost to the Exchequer of any labour market programme, the cost of the programme has to be set against potential savings. This would require various assumptions about what unemployed people would earn in work, and how their gaining employment might affect employment and output elsewhere. Providing support in instances where it would have been provided anyway, or where it reduces opportunities for other people in the labour market, reduces net savings.
  For Access to Work even more sweeping assumptions would be necessary. The same problems would arise as for any labour market programme. In addition because Access to Work pays directly for the extra costs of disabled people who are in work, it would be necessary to make further assumptions about the likelihood and duration of these people continuing in work, in the absence of support from Access to Work.
  For these reasons, we do not believe that calculations of net benefit savings flowing from support under Access to Work would be especially useful, either for the period before 18 December or afterwards.
  I hope this clarifies the position.

  Mobile Telephones
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many mobile telephones have been supplied to his Department in each of the last eight years; and in each of those years how many different suppliers were involved. [8030]

  Mr. Burt
  The available information is in the table. Information for earlier years is not available in the form requested and can be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Financial year

  Number of mobile 'phones

  Number of suppliers

  1994–95

  2,146

  9

  1995–96 up to end November

  867

  7

  Carers
  Mr. William O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what benefit home carers who ceased work to care for elderly relatives are entitled to when their caring duties end; and if he will make a statement. [8095]

  Mr. Burt
  Ex-carers may be entitled to a wide range of social security benefits, depending on their individual circumstances.

  Mr. O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many carers lost their right to unemployment benefit following the 1988 legislation on social benefits. [7994]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  The information is not available.

  Occupational Pensions (Fraud)
  Mr. Tredinnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what measures he will take to combat fraud in occupational pensions. [8205]

  Mr. Heald
  The measures in the Pensions Act 1995, which received Royal Assent in July, reflect the Government's commitment to safeguarding the security of occupational pension scheme assets.

  Parental Incomes
  Mr. Wicks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what estimate he has made of(a) the gross and (b) the net income of (i) a lone parent with one child under 11 in local authority accommodation and (ii) a lone parent with one child under 11 in owner occupation, each after one year on benefit, who are (1) without any paid work, (2) in part-time paid work and (3) in full-time paid work earning (A) £80, (B) £90, (C) £100, (D) £110, (E) £120, (F) £130, (G) £140, (H) £150, (I) £160, (J) £170, (K) £180, (L) £190 and (M) £200 per week; [8178]

  (2) what estimate he has made of (a) the gross and (b) the net income of (i) a couple with two children under 11 in local authority accommodation and (ii) a couple with two children under 11 in owner occupation, each after one year on benefit, who are (1) without any paid work, (2) a woman in part-time paid work, (3) a man in full-time paid work, (4) a man in full-time paid work and a woman in part-time work and (5) both the man and woman in full-time work earning (A) £80, (B) £90, (C) £100, (D) £110, (E) £120, (F) £130, (G) £140, (H) £150, (I) £160, (J) £170, (K) £180, (L) £190, (M) £200, (N) £210, (O) £220, (P) £230, (Q) £240 and (R) £250 per week. [8179]

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

  It should be noted that a number of assumptions have had to be made regarding income, housing costs, hours of work and earnings. These are listed at the foot of the tables.

  Lone parent with one child in Local Authority Accommodation

  Gross weekly earnings £

  Part time or Full time work £

  a. Net income before housing costs £

  b. Net income after housing costs £

  0

  n/a

  126.19

  82.04

  80

  Part

  159.48

  115.33

  Full

  169.48

  125.33

  90

  Part

  160.43

  116.28

  Full

  170.43

  126.28

  100

  Part

  161.22

  117.07

  Full

  171.22

  127.07

  110

  Part

  161.95

  117.80

  Full

  171.95

  127.80

  120

  Part

  162.69

  118.54

  Full

  172.69

  128.54

  130

  Part

  163.42

  119.27

  Full

  173.42

  129.27

  140

  Part

  164.10

  119.95

  Full

  174.10

  129.95

  150

  Part

  164.78

  120.63

  Full

  174.78

  130.63

  160

  Part

  165.47

  121.32

  Full

  175.47

  131.32

  170

  Part

  166.34

  122.19

  Full

  76.34

  132.19

  180

  Part

  168.29

  124.14

  Full

  178.29

  134.14

  190

  Part

  169.83

  125.68

  Full

  180.24

  136.09

  200

  Part

  176.33

  132.18

  Full

  182.19

  138.04

  176

  Lone parent with one child in Local Authority Accommodation

  Gross weekly earnings £

  Part time or Full time work

  a. Net income before housing costs £

  b. Net income after housing costs £

  0

  n/a

  135.68

  82.04

  80

  Part

  147.29

  93.65

  Full

  157.29

  103.65

  90

  Part

  149.99

  96.35

  Full

  159.99

  106.35

  100

  Part

  152.25

  98.61

  Full

  162.25

  108.61

  110

  Part

  154.35

  100.71

  Full

  164.35

  110.71

  120

  Part

  156.45

  102.81

  Full

  166.45

  112.81

  130

  Part

  158.54

  104.90

  Full

  168.54

  114.90

  140

  Part

  160.49

  106.85

  Full

  170.49

  116.85

  150

  Part

  162.44

  108.80

  Full

  172.44

  118.80

  160

  Part

  164.39

  110.75

  Full

  174.39

  120.75

  170

  Part

  166.34

  112.70

  Full

  176.34

  122.70

  180

  Part

  168.29

  114.65

  Full

  178.29

  124.65

  190

  Part

  169.83

  116.19

  Full

  180.24

  126.60

  200

  Part

  176.33

  122.69

  Full

  182.19

  128.55

  Couple with two children in Local Authority Accommodation

  Gross weekly earnings £

  Part time or Full time work

  a. Net income before housing costs £

  b. Net income after housing costs £

  -0

  n/a

  174.08

  123.43

  80

  1 Part time

  181.15

  130.50

  1 Full time

  191.15

  140.50

  1 Part time, 1 Full time

  191.31

  140.66

  Both Full time

  191.31

  140.66

  90

  1 Part time

  181.56

  130.91

  1 Full time

  191.56

  140.91

  1 Part time, 1 Full time

  191.76

  141.11

  Both Full time

  191.76

  141.11

  100

  1 Part time

  181.90

  131.25

  1 Full time

  191.90

  141.25

  1 Part time, 1 Full time

  192.21

  141.56

  Both Full time

  192.21

  141.56

  177

  Couple with two children in Local Authority Accommodation

  Gross weekly earnings £

  Part time or Full time work

  a. Net income before housing costs £

  b. Net income after housing costs £

  110

  1 Part time

  182.21

  131.56

  1 Full time

  192.21

  141.56

  1 Part time, 1

  Full time

  192.59

  141.94

  Both Full time

  192.66

  142.01

  120

  1 Part time

  182.53

  131.88

  1 Full time

  192.53

  141.88

  1 Part time, 1

  Full time

  193.00

  142.35

  Both Full time

  192.98

  142.33

  130

  1 Part time

  182.84

  132.19

  1 Full time

  192.84

  142.19

  1 Part time, 1

  Full time

  193.40

  142.75

  Both Full time

  193.39

  142.74

  140

  1 Part time

  183.13

  132.48

  1 Full time

  193.13

  142.48

  1 Part time, 1

  Full time

  193.81

  143.16

  Both Full time

  193.79

  143.14

  150

  1 Part time

  183.43

  132.78

  1 Full time

  193.43

  142.78

  1 Part time, 1

  Full time

  194.15

  143.50

  Both Full time

  194.20

  143.55

  160

  1 Part time

  183.72

  133.07

  1 Full time

  193.72

  143.07

  1 Part time, 1

  Full time

  194.61

  143.96

  Both Full time

  194.94

  144.29

  170

  1 Part time

  184.01

  133.36

  1 Full time

  194.01

  143.36

  1 Part time, 1

  Full time

  195.00

  144.35

  Both Full time

  195.96

  145.31

  180

  1 Part time

  184.30

  133.65

  1 Full time

  194.30

  143.65

  1 Part time, 1

  Full time

  197.09

  146.44

  Both Full time

  198.06

  147.41

  190

  1 Part time

  184.92

  134.27

  1 Full time

  194.92

  144.27

  1 Part time, 1

  Full time

  199.04

  148.39

  Both Full time

  200.16

  149.51

  200

  1 Part time

  185

  135.09

  1 Full time

  195.74

  145.09

  1 Part time, 1

  Full time

  200.99

  150.34

  Both Full time

  202.26

  151.61

  210

  1 Part time

  187.69

  137.04

  1 Full time

  197.69

  147.04

  1 Part time, 1

  Full time

  202.48

  151.83

  Both Full time

  207.21

  156.56

  220

  1 Part time

  191.48

  140.83

  1 Full time

  199.64

  148.99

  1 Part time, 1

  Full time

  208.98

  158.33

  Both Full time

  214.21

  163.56

  178

  Couple with two children in Local Authority Accommodation

  Gross weekly earnings £

  Part time or Full time work

  a. Net income before housing costs £

  b. Net income after housing costs £

  230

  1 Part time

  197.98

  147.33

  1 Full time

  201.59

  150.94

  1 Part time, 1

  Full time

  215.48

  164.83

  Both Full time

  221.21

  170.56

  240

  1 Part time

  204.48

  153.83

  1 Full time

  204.48

  153.83

  1 Part time, 1

  Full time

  221.98

  171.33

  Both Full time

  228.21

  177.56

  250

  1 Part time

  210.98

  160.33

  1 Full time

  210.98

  160.33

  1 Part time, 1

  Full time

  228.48

  177.83

  Both Full time

  235.21

  184.56

  Couple with two children in Owner Occupied Accommodation

  Gross weekly earnings £

  Part time or Full time

  a. Net income before housing costs £

  b. Net income after housing costs £

  0

  n/a

  185.32

  123.43

  80

  1 Part time

  165.10

  103.21

  1 Full time

  175.10

  113.21

  1 Part time, 1

  Full time

  175.91

  114.02

  Both Full time

  175.91

  114.02

  90

  1 Part time

  167.26

  105.37

  1 Full time

  177.26

  115.37

  1 Part time, 1

  Full time

  178.31

  116.42

  Both Full time

  178.31

  116.42

  100

  1 Part time

  169.07

  107.18

  1 Full time

  179.07

  117.18

  1 Part time, 1

  Full time

  180.71

  118.82

  Both Full time

  180.71

  118.82

  110

  1 Part time

  170.75

  108.86

  1 Full time

  180.75

  108.86

  1 Part time, 1

  Full time

  182.78

  120.89

  Both Full time

  183.11

  121.22

  120

  1 Part time

  172.43

  110.54

  1 Full time

  182.43

  120.54

  1 Part time, 1

  Full time

  184.94

  123.05

  Both Full time

  184.86

  122.97

  130

  1 Part time

  174.10

  112.21

  1 Full time

  184.10

  122.21

  1 Part time, 1

  Full time

  187.10

  125.21

  Both Full time

  187.02

  125.13

  140

  1 Part time

  175.66

  113.77

  1 Full time

  185.66

  123.77

  1 Part time, 1

  Full time

  189.26

  127.37

  Both Full time

  189.18

  127.29

  179

  Couple with two children in Owner Occupied Accommodation

  Gross weekly earnings £

  Part time or Full time

  a. Net income before housing costs £

  b. Net income after housing costs £

  150

  1 Part time

  177.22

  115.33

  1 Full time

  187.22

  125.33

  1 Part time, 1

  Full time

  191.07

  129.18

  Both Full time

  191.34

  129.45

  160

  1 Part time

  178.78

  116.89

  1 Full time

  188.78

  126.89

  1 Part time, 1

  Full time

  192.90

  131.01

  Both Full time

  193.83

  131.94

  170

  1 Part time

  180.34

  118.45

  1 Full time

  190.34

  128.45

  1 Part time, 1

  Full time

  195.00

  133.11

  Both Full time

  195.96

  134.07

  180

  1 Part time

  181.90

  120.01

  1 Full time

  191.80

  130.01

  1 Part time, 1

  Full time

  197.09

  135.20

  Both Full time

  198.06

  136.17

  190

  1 Part time

  183.79

  121.90

  1 Full time

  193.79

  131.90

  1 Part time, 1

  Full time

  199.04

  137.15

  Both Full time

  200.16

  138.27

  200

  1 Part time

  185.74

  123.85

  1 Full time

  195.74

  133.85

  1 Part time, 1

  Full time

  200.99

  139.10

  Both Full time

  202.26

  140.37

  210

  1 Part time

  187.69

  125.80

  1 Full time

  197.69

  135.80

  1 Part time, 1

  Full time

  202.48

  140.59

  Both Full time

  207.21

  145.32

  220

  1 Part time

  191.48

  129.59

  1 Full time

  199.64

  137.75

  1 Part time, 1

  Full time

  208.98

  147.09

  Both Full time

  214.21

  152.32

  230

  1 Part time

  197.98

  136.09

  1 Full time

  201.59

  139.70

  1 Part time, 1

  Full time

  215.48

  153.59

  Both Full time

  221.21

  159.32

  240

  1 Part time

  204.48

  142.59

  1 Full time

  204.48

  142.59

  1 Part time, 1

  Full time

  221.98

  160.09

  Both Full time

  228.21

  166.32

  250

  1 Part time

  210.98

  149.09

  1 Full time

  210.98

  149.09

  1 Part time, 1

  Full time

  228.48

  166.59

  Both Full time

  235.21

  173.32

  1. Gross income is assumed to mean income, including benefit income, after tax and National Insurance but before payment of housing costs.
  180
  2. Net income is assumed to mean income after tax and National Insurance and payment of housing costs.

  3. Families in local authority accommodation are assumed to be liable for average council tax and local authority rent appropriate to the family size.

  4. Families in owner-occupied accommodation are assumed to be liable for average mortgage interest, based on families receiving Income Support, and average council tax appropriate to the family size.

  5. Families without any paid work are assumed to have no income other than Income Support, Housing Benefit (where appropriate), Council Tax Benefit, Child Benefit and, for the lone parent examples, One Parent Benefit.

  6. Examples for families in part-time paid work assume earnings are for 16–29 hours per week.

  7. Examples for families in full-time paid work assume that earnings are for 30 or more hours per week.

  8. Examples for couples where both partners are in full-time work assume that total gross household earnings are at the levels specified in the question and that earnings and married couple's tax allowance are apportioned equally between both partners. Examples where one partner works full-time and one part-time assume that part-time earnings are £50 per week and that the full-time earner receives the married couple's tax allowance. This assumption means that where total gross household earnings are £80 or £90, part-time earnings will exceed full-time earnings. Different allocations of earnings may result in different gross and net incomes.

  9, All examples assume that childcare costs are nil and that the families shown take-up full entitlement to relevant income-related benefits.

  State Earnings-related Pension Scheme
  Mr. Denham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what assessment he has made of the cost and practicality of enabling SERPS rights to he split at the point of divorce; and if he will make a statement. [8159]

  Mr. Heald
  No detailed assessment has been made on the costs of splitting SERPS pension rights. Costs would depend on the specific requirements for splitting. There are also a number of difficulties which would have to be overcome before splitting of SERPS could be considered feasible, but it is clear that it would complicate administration. The Pensions Management Institute, in its report "Pensions and Divorce", acknowledged that there are real problems involved in the splitting of SERPS.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Missing Persons Helpline
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will provide public funding for the national missing persons helpline; [5994]

  (2) what representations he has received for public funding in respect of the national missing persons helpline; [5993]

  (3) which sources of public funds the national missing persons helpline can appeal to in the event of financial difficulties. [5999]

  Mr. Maclean
  [holding answer 18 December 1995]: I refer the hon. Member to the reply that I gave to the hon. Member for Great Grimsby (Mr. Mitchell) on 18 December 1995, Official Report, column 958.

  Prison Deaths
  Mr. Chidgey
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the number of deaths in prisons(a) involving restraint by prison officers, (b) in solitary confinement under body belt restraint and (c) involving other restricting methods, in each of the last five years. [7025]

  Miss Widdecombe
  [holding answer 19 December 1995]: Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the temporary Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from A. J. Pearson to Mr. David Chidgey, dated 9 January 1996:
  The Home Secretary has asked me, in the absence of the Director General from the office, to reply to your recent Question about deaths in prisons in each of the last five years.
  The information, from 1 January 1990 to 15 December 1995, is given in the attached table. One of the deaths occurred while the prisoner was in the segregation unit in a body belt. In the other five instances the prisoners became ill or died while subject to control and restraint techniques.

  Year

  Numbers of deaths while being restrained

  1990

  0

  1991

  2

  1992

  0

  1993

  0

  1994

  1

  1995

  3

  Asylum Seekers
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department to what extent criteria used to determine whether asylum seekers are refugees recognise that refugees may attempt to gain entry to the United Kingdom otherwise than by claiming asylum. [7722]

  Miss Widdecombe
  All asylum claims are considered on their merits, but under paragraph 341 of the immigration rules failure to apply for asylum forthwith on arrival may damage an applicant's credibility unless the claim is based on events which have taken place since his arrival.

  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the current weekly cost to the Home Office of detentions of people seeking asylum in the United Kingdom; and what estimate he has made of the changes in the costs of the implementation of the Social Security (Persons from Abroad) Miscellaneous Amendments Order as published in draft form. [7633]

  Miss Widdecombe
  Records relating to the costs of detention under immigration powers do not distinguish between people who have sought asylum and others.

  The current weekly cost of detaining a person within the Immigration Service detention estate is estimated at £540 per week. This figure includes the cost of administrative support from Immigration Service headquarters. Some asylum seekers are detained in Prison
  182
  Service remand centres or local prisons, where the average cost per place in 1994–95 was £449 per week. The latter figure excludes headquarters costs.

  The proposals contained in the draft Social Security (Persons from Abroad) Miscellaneous Amendments Order would have no effect on the costs of detention under immigration powers.

  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will make it his policy to allow detained asylum seekers or their representatives to have written reasons for their detention upon request, in the form of(a) a photocopy of the bail summary or (b) in another form; and if he will estimate the cost of adopting such a policy; [7398]

  (2) if he will make a statement on the procedure for periodic reviews of detention of asylum seekers; what criteria are used in determining whether detention should continue; what written records are made of these reviews; and what steps he will take to ensure that written reasons are available to the asylum seeker and his representatives where the review determines that the detention should continue; [7399]

  (3) what written records are annually made in respect of the reasons for the detention of individual asylum seekers; [7396]

  (4) what criteria are used in Scotland to determine whether to detain asylum seekers. [7412]

  Miss Widdecombe
  Detention under immigration powers is authorised initially by an officer of at least the rank of chief immigration officer and is reviewed within 24 hours by an Immigration Service inspector. Thereafter. detention is reviewed locally at least every seven days. After one month the case is reviewed at Immigration Service headquarters monthly and at an increasingly senior level.

  Detained asylum applicants are already notified of the reasons for their detention. This is done orally, in a language which they understand. This provides the detainee with an opportunity to clarify anything which he does not understand. The detainee or his representative may seek further clarification of the reasons for detention at any time from the relevant immigration office.

  Each time detention is reviewed, all aspects of the case are considered, including any change in circumstances. The reasons for maintaining detention are recorded on the individual's file and a notification is sent monthly to the detainee, advising him of the progress on his case.

  It is not possible to estimate the cost of providing written reasons for detention as a matter of routine in all cases, but such a system would be cumbersome, time consuming and a poor use of resources. Bail summaries are already provided to the appellate authorities when a bail application is made.

  Criteria for the exercise of powers of detention and the procedures for notifying detainees of the reasons for their detention are the same for Scotland as in other parts of the United Kingdom.

  I do not believe that changes to the present procedures are required.
  183
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what percentage of asylum seekers whose claims have been refused by him in the last year have subsequently appealed to the special adjudicator. [7402]

  Mr. Kirkhope
  In the 12-month period from December 1994 to November 1995 there were 20,520 initial decisions to refuse asylum. During the same period, 14,080 appeals against the refusal of asylum were lodged with the Home Office.

  Some of these appeals will have been lodged against decisions made prior to December 1994 and some of those applicants who were refused may have exercised more than one right of appeal. For these reasons, an accurate appeal rate is not readily available.

  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum seekers in the last two years who claimed asylum after they had entered the United Kingdom claimed within(a) one week, (b) one month and (c) two months of entry; and if he will express each figure as a proportion of (i) the number of asylum seekers who claimed after entry into the United during that period and (ii) the number that did so, and did not rely in whole or in part on events which had taken place after they had left their country of origin. [7404]

  Mr. Kirkhope
  Information regarding the length of time between arrival date and application date, for those who applied for asylum in the United Kingdom after having been previously granted leave to enter or remain under another section of the immigration rules, is given in the table. Information on the number of applications which were based on events that occurred subsequent to their arrival is not recorded centrally.

  Average time taken1 to apply for asylum by persons2 previously granted leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom under another section of the Immigration Rules, December 1993 to November 1995

  Period of time between arrival and application

  Percentage

  Within 1 week

  15

  1 to 4 weeks

  15

  1 to 2 months

  10

  Over 2 months

  60

  Total

  100

  1 Estimated and rounded to the nearest 5 per cent.

  2 Excludes those in-country cases for which arrival dates are not known.

  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what steps he has taken to ensure that the detention of asylum seekers under paragraph 16(2) of schedule 2 the Immigration Act 1971 in respect of whom he has not yet made a decision on their claim, complies with article 5(4) of the European convention on human rights; [7406]

  (2) if it is his policy to detain asylum seekers on the basis that (a) they are judged to have a weak case for asylum and (b) they initially applied to enter as a visitor. [7723]

  Miss Widdecombe
  I am satisfied that detention under the Immigration Act 1971 of people who have sought asylum but whose applications have not been determined,184
  does not breach the United Kingdom's obligations under this article. However, powers of detention are used only where there is not alternative.

  Instructions to Immigration Service staff make clear that special consideration to release from detention should always be given to asylum applicants who have brought themselves to their attention at the first reasonable opportunity. In all cases, temporary admission/release is granted whenever possible, the overriding consideration being whether the person is likely to comply voluntarily with restrictions imposed. In making this assessment, account is taken of all relevant factors, including the likelihood of the person being removed from the United Kingdom.

  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the average period between claim and decision for asylum seekers claiming during the last five years. [7401]

  Mr. Kirkhope
  During 1994, the average time taken to reach an initial decision on applications submitted after the implementation of the Asylum and Immigration Appeals Act 1993 was 5.9 months and 25.6 months for those submitted before the 1993 Act. In the first 11 months of 1995, the average decision times were 8.7 months for post-1993 Act cases and 37.8 months for pre-1993 Act cases.

  For the six month period between January and June 1993, prior to the implementation of the 1993 Act, the average time taken to make an initial decision was approximately 19 months.

  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum seekers are currently still awaiting a decision on their claim having claimed more than a year ago. [7403]

  Mr. Kirkhope
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to a question from the hon. Member for Liverpool, Mossley Hill (Mr. Alton) on 4 December 1995,Official Report, column 20, which gave the number of asylum applications awaiting an initial decision as at 31 October 1995, by year of application.

  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he has taken to inform asylum seekers and organisations which represent their interests of the criteria which he uses in determining whether to detain asylum seekers. [7405]

  Miss Widdecombe
  Extracts from Immigration Service instructions to staff including criteria for detention have been provided to Amnesty International, the Medical Foundation and the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants.

  Ms Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the number of asylum seekers in the London borough of Lewisham at the latest date for which information is available. [7636]

  Mr. Kirkhope
  Information on the places of residence of people currently seeking asylum is not held centrally.

  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what considerations led to the policy of allowing presenting officers to decide as to whether to allow the representatives of asylum seekers sight of the bail summary; what criteria they use in exercising their
  185
  discretion; if he will instruct presenting officers to allow the representatives of asylum seekers sight of the bail summary in all cases except when to do so would prejudice national security; and if he will estimate the cost of this procedure. [7397]

  Miss Widdecombe
  To improve the efficient and effective operation of the immigration appeals system we propose in future to supply both the adjudicator and applicant with a bail summary when the Home Office proposes to oppose an application for bail under the Immigration Act 1971. The summary will outline the reasons why the Home Office opposes bail. The operation of the system will be reviewed in six months. This information is already provided to presenting officers by immigration officers and it is not expected to lead to any substantial expenditure.

  Mr. Alton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will provide details of(a) the number of applications by refugees seeking asylum, (b) the number of refugees accepted and (c) the number of refusals in each of the past five years for Bulgaria, Cyprus, India, Ghana, Pakistan, Poland and Romania (i) individually and (ii) collectively. [7056]

  Miss Widdecombe
  Information for the years 1992 to 1994 on asylum applications from nationals of the requested countries, with the exception of Cyprus, and on decisions made, is given in tables 4.1 to 4.3 of Home Office statistical bulletin, "Asylum Statistics United Kingdom 1994", issue 15/95. Tables 4.1 to 4.2 of issue 19/93 of this publication show equivalent information for all the requested nationalities for 1990 and 1991. Copies of both issues of this bulletin are available in the Library.

  Information on asylum applications from nationals of Cyprus for the years 1992 to 1994 is given in the table.

  Applications1 received for asylum in the United Kingdom from nationals of Cyprus, excluding dependants, and decisions2,3 made, 1992 to 1994

  1992

  1993

  1994

  Total applications

  95

  135

  300

  Total decisions

  10

  40

  160

  Of which:

  Granted asylum

  1—

  1—

  —

  Refused asylum but granted exceptional leave

  5

  20

  —

  Total refused asylum

  5

  20

  160

  1Provisional and estimated figures rounded to the nearest 5= 1 or 2.

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

  3Decision figures do not necessarily relate to applications submitted in the same year.

  Mr. Henderson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people who had previously sought asylum and then married in the United Kingdom have been refused leave to stay under the primary purposes rule for each of the last five years. [8174]

  Mr. Kirkhope
  The information requested is not available.

  Mr. Henderson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many of those seeking asylum at port of entry were granted temporary admission without being fingerprinted in each of the last five years. [8171]
  186
  Mr. Kirkhope
  The information requested is not available.

  Mr. Henderson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum applications are withdrawn every month; and what happened to the applicants after withdrawal in each of the last five years. [8172]

  Mr. Kirkhope
  During the first 11 months of 1995, the average number of withdrawn asylum applications was 220 per month.

  It is not always known why asylum applications are withdrawn. It may be as a result of the applicant's being granted leave under another section of the Immigration Rules or because they decide to leave the United Kingdom. A statistical breakdown of such cases is not available.

  Mr. Henderson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many of those seeking asylum at overseas posts in each of the last five years have been granted temporary admission without a pro forma interview being completed. [8173]

  Mr. Kirkhope
  The information requested is not available.

  Prison Population
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the percentage change in the prison population for each year since 1979; what estimate his department has made of the change in the prison population over the next five years; and if he will make a statement. [7390]

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

  Letter from A. J. Pearson to Mr. Alan Beith, dated 9 January 1996:
  The Home Secretary has asked me, in the absence of the Director General from the office, to reply to your recent Question asking what was the percentage change in the prison population for each year since 1979 and what estimate has been made of the change in the prison population over the next five years.
  The percentage changes in the prison population are shown in the attached table.
  The most recent short-term projection of the prison population gives a projection for 1996 of 52,900. The most recent long term projections are given in the Home Office Statistical Bulletin Issue 4/95 "Projections of Long Term Trends in the Prison Population to 2002", a copy of which is available in the Library of the House. The next annual update of these projections will be published in the Spring.

  Percentage change in the prison population1 on the previous year

  Year

  Percentage change

  1979

  +1.0

  1980

  +2.1

  1981

  +0.8

  1982

  +0.7

  1983

  0.0

  1984

  -1.0

  1985

  +6.8

  1986

  +1.3

  187

  Percentage change in the prison population1 on the previous year

  year

  percentage change

  1987

  +4.4

  1988

  +2.0

  1989

  -2.7

  1990

  -6.1

  1991

  +0.6

  1992

  -0.2

  1993

  -2.7

  1994

  +9.5

  1 Population includes persons held in police cells.

  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the total female prison

  Female prison population1 by type of prisoner, 31 December2 each year

  Year

  Untried

  Prisoners on remand Convicted unsentenced

  All remanded

  Adults

  Sentenced prisoners Young offenders

  All sentenced

  Non-criminals

  Total

  1985

  300

  45

  345

  906

  223

  1,129

  2

  1,476

  1986

  366

  54

  420

  985

  221

  1,206

  4

  1,630

  1987

  400

  67

  467

  1,046

  176

  1,222

  7

  1,696

  1988

  370

  73

  443

  1,085

  183

  1,268

  4

  1,215

  1989

  336

  70

  406

  1,087

  144

  1,231

  0

  1,637

  1990

  267

  83

  350

  966

  136

  1,102

  3

  1,455

  1991

  284

  62

  346

  992

  154

  1,146

  7

  1,499

  1992

  213

  86

  299

  939

  115

  1,054

  0

  1,353

  1993

  295

  93

  388

  1,013

  134

  1,147

  38

  1,573

  1994

  330

  126

  456

  1,120

  172

  1,292

  24

  1,772

  Notes:

  1Population includes 57 prisoners held in police cells in December 1986 who are assumed to be untried prisoners.

  2 Prison population at the end of the year is decreased by seasonal factors.

  Source:

  Prison Statistics England and Wales for years 1985 to 1993.

  Abnormal Loads
  Mr. Home Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many abnormal loads involving railway locomotives and rolling stock have been notified to police authorities for escort on roads since the introduction of rail charges by Railtrack; and how many such loads were notified during the equivalent period before that date. [7736]

  Mr. Maclean
  The information requested is not available centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Knives
  Mr. Callaghan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he intends to take to control the sale of knives. [7650]

  Mr. Maclean
  The sale of a variety of knives and other weapons which include bladed or pointed components is prohibited under the Restriction of Offensive Weapons Act 1959 and section 141 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988. My right hon. and learned Friend has no plans to restrict the sale of knives in general. He will consider adding to the list of prohibited items any bladed item which has no legitimate use and which includes some feature which enables it to be defined in law in such a way as to distinguish it from knives which have legitimate uses 188
  population, by category and in total, on 1 January of each of the last 10 years; and if he will make a statement. [7409]

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

  Letter from A.J. Pearson to Mr. Alex Carlile, dated 9 January 1996:
  The Home Secretary has asked me, in the absence of the Director General from the office, to reply to your recent Question asking what was the total female prison population, by category and in total, on 1 January of each of the last 10 years.
  Historical prison population statistics are available for the last day of each month. Details of the female prison population by type of prisoner are therefore given in the attached table for 31 December for the years 1985 to 1994.

  Firearms Certificates
  Mr. Coe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the number of firearm and shotgun certificates at present in force in Falmouth and Camborne. [7375]

  Mr. Maclean
  I understand from the Devon and Cornwall police that the number of firearms and shotgun certificates at present in force in the Falmouth and Camborne area is as follows:

  Firearm certificates: 404

  Shotgun certificates: 1,427.

  Ex-prisoners' Accommodation
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will list the residential institutions for ex-prisoners which his Department(a) funds in full and (b) funds in part; and if he will make a statement; [7336]

  (2) what was the total expenditure on residential institutions for ex-prisoners for each of the last five years for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement. [7337]

  Mr. Sackville
  Probation committees are now responsible for grants to the voluntary and private sectors to support the provision of accommodation for offenders,
  189
  including released prisoners, with the exception of the Langley House Trust which continues for the time being to receive a grant directly from the Home Office. Total grants have been as follows:

  1992–92: £7.4 million

  1992–93: £8.4 million

  1993–94: £9.8 million

  1994–95: £10.1 million

  1995–96: £10.0 million.

  In addition, approved probation hostels, while catering primarily for bailees and offenders serving community sentences, are also available to released prisoners who are subject to probation service supervision. Home Office current expenditure on approved hostels has been:

  1991–92: £18.2 million

  1992–93: £24.3 million

  1993–94: £26.2 million

  1994–95: £23.3 million

  1995–96: £24.3 million.

  Net operating cost per prisoner per week in cash terms (£)

  Type of establishment

  1990–91

  1991–92

  1992–93

  11993–94

  11994–95

  Local prisons and remand centres

  388

  437

  526

  441

  448

  Contracted out establishments

  —

  —

  539

  385

  409

  Dispersal prisons

  616

  807

  816

  659

  678

  Category B training prisons

  368

  438

  518

  404

  416

  Category C training prisons

  297

  363

  387

  336

  351

  Adult male open prisons

  293

  316

  331

  269

  282

  Young offender closed establishments

  390

  452

  492

  415

  416

  Young offender open establishments

  550

  551

  634

  473

  456

  Young offender remand establishments

  —

  —

  —

  420

  450

  Female establishments

  563

  629

  657

  540

  512

  1 The figures for 1993–94 and 1994–95 are on a different basis from those for earlier years which include notional inter-establishment charges for goods and services and other non-cash costs (e.g. opportunity cost of rent and depreciation).

  Drugs Offences
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list for(a) each court circuit area in England and Wales, (b) England and (c) Wales the number of convictions secured in cases involving drugs for each of the last three available years; and if he will make a statement. [6666]

  Mr. Maclean
  Information for 1992 to 1994 (latest available) is given in the table.

  Number of offenders convicted of indictable drug offences at the Crown court by area 1992–94

  Area

  1992

  1993

  1994

  Crown court circuit

  Midland and Oxford

  777

  872

  954

  North Eastern

  778

  894

  903

  Northern

  1,126

  1,091

  1,051

  South Eastern

  3,007

  2,488

  2,790

  Wales and Chester

  406

  462

  488

  Western

  513

  513

  629

  England

  6,346

  6.011

  6,493

  Wales

  261

  309

  322

  England and Wales

  6,607

  6,320

  6,815

  Custody Costs
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the average cost per week of custody for each category of prisoner for each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement. [7368]

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

  Letter from Richard Tilt to Mr. Alex Carlile, dated 9 January 1996:
  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about the average weekly cost of custody for each category of prisoner.
  We do not collect information on the cost of prisoners according to their category but by type of establishment. More than one category of prisoner may be held in the same establishment. The attached table gives the average weekly net operating cost per inmate per type of establishment for the last five years.

  Fire Service
  Ms Bridget Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will review the criteria for risk categories for firefighting; and if he will make a statement. [6923]

  Mr. Sackville
  The criteria for risk categories are an integral part of the nationally recommended minimum standards of fire cover. In response to a recommendation in the Audit Commission report. "In the line of Fire", these standards are being reviewed by the Central Brigades Advisory Council.

  Ms Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the estimated cost of rebuilding Downham fire station. [6920]

  Mr. Sackville
  Responsibility for the provision of fire services, including the cost of rebuilding fire stations, is a matter for the fire authority concerned—in this case, the London fire and civil defence authority.

  Marchioness Disaster
  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the expected approximate length, in words and A4 pages, of the complete transcript of the re-opened inquest into the victims of the Marchioness disaster held in April 1995; and what plans
  191
  he has for making it available to the relatives of the deceased and to other interested parties. [7121]

  Mr. Sackville
  I understand that the transcript is about 3,000 pages and approximately 900,000 words in length. The supply of such a document is entirely a matter for the coroner, in accordance with the Coroners Rules 1984.

  Visa Applications
  Mr. Henderson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many applications for(a) single entry and (b) multiple entry visit visas were (i) received, (ii) granted and (iii) refused at each post in the Indian sub-continent, Ghana, Nigeria, the Philippines and Jamaica in each quarter of 1994 and the first quarters of 1995; and what was the delay between application and interview for those whose applications were felt to need a second or long interview at each of the above posts in

  Number of defendants prosecuted at magistrates courts under the Breeding of Dogs Acts

  England and Wales

  1984

  1985

  1986

  1987

  1988

  1989

  1990

  1991

  1992

  1993

  1994

  Breeding of Dogs Act 1973 Prosecutions

  1

  1

  5

  7

  1

  3

  11

  11

  23

  5

  2

  Breeding of Dogs Act 19911 Prosecutions

  2—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  1 Came into force on 25 September 1991.

  2 Not applicable.

  3Not available.

  Departmental Running Costs
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his estimate of the cost of running his departmental office, and that of his predecessor, for each year since 1990ߝ91 including the current year, broken down into(a) telephone bills, (b) total staff costs, (c) press and communications, (d) entertainment, (e) alcoholic drinks, (f) non-alcoholic drinks, (g) stationery, (h) office refurbishment and (i) other. [6399]

  Mr. Howard
  The estimated cost of running my departmental office for the current year and for the previous two years are as follows:

  1993–94

  1994–95

  1995–96

  Total staff costs

  1,326,343

  1,612,746

  1,771,631

  Press and communications

  11,083,793

  14,140,920

  10,958,900

  Running costs

  485,343

  510,988

  875,669

  These figures exclude the cost of telephone bills which is not available as a specific cost to my departmental office.

  The information on office refurbishment was given in reply to a question from the hon. Member for Newham, North-West (Mr. Banks) on 18 December 1995, Official Report, column 968.

  Expenditure on the other items in each of the last three years is not collected in the format requested but is included in the running cost expenditure which is shown in the table.
  192
  (1) June 1994, (2) January 1995 and (3) June 1995 or the nearest available date. [7687]

  Mr. Kirkhope
  I will write to the hon. Member as soon as the information becomes available.

  Breeding of Dogs Acts
  Mr. Hardy
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prosecutions have been pursued for offences against the Breeding of Dogs Acts in the last 10 years; and what assessment he has made as to the efforts of local authorities to ensure that this measure is put into effect. [6730]

  Mr. Maclean
  The information is given in the table.

  The appropriate use of the powers contained in the Act is a matter for each local authority to determine according to local priorities.

  Figures for 1990–91, 1991–92 and 1992–93 can be made available only at disproportionate cost.

  Prison Boards of Visitors
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will list the names, occupations and qualifications of members of the boards of visitors for HMP Lindholme and HMP Moorlands; [2233]

  (2) if he will list the occupations, qualifications and source of nomination of the members of the board of visitors of (a) Doncaster prison (b) Moorlands prison (c) Lindholme prison and (d) Hatfield prison. [1819]

  Miss Widdecombe
  Members of boards of visitors at each prison and young offender institution in England and Wales are appointed by my right hon. and learned Friend. Occupation is not a criterion for appointment and information about members' occupations is not held centrally and could be gathered only at disproportionate cost. There are no requirements for specific formal qualifications.

  Nominations for boards of visitors come from a variety of sources. Many candidates put themselves forward as a result of seeing advertised vacancies in newspapers and other outlets or are referred from a variety of other voluntary organisations. The only criteria for applying are that the candidate should live within about 20 miles of the prison or young offender institution to which they wish to be appointed, must not have an interest in any contract for the supply of goods or services to that establishment or other close link which would affect their impartiality, and have the time, interest and commitment to undertake

  193
  the duties of a board member. Applications to join boards of visitors are welcome from anyone who fits these criteria.

  Deportation Orders
  Mr. Henderson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many(a) decisions have been made to deport, (b) deportation orders signed and (c) deportation orders enforced against (i) British overseas citizens and (ii) other British nationals who are not British citizens in each year since 1990; to which countries it has been proposed to send these people; and how many such people against whom decisions to deport were made left the country voluntarily. [7685]

  Mr. Kirkhope
  The information available is given in the table. Statistics are not available on the countries to which British nationals have been removed from the United Kingdom under the deportation process. Of the 27 British nationals removed in 1994, 26 were British dependent territories citizens or British nationals (overseas) from Hong Kong, and one was a BDTC from St. Helena.

  British nationals subject to deportation action

  1990

  1991

  1992

  1993

  1994

  11995

  British overseas citizens

  Notices of intention to

  deport issued, and court

  recommendations for

  deportation made

  —

  —

  6

  341

  Deportation orders made

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  2

  Table A: Notices of intention to deport issued since 1 July 1993

  Category of case

  1993

  1994

  19951

  3rd

  4th

  1st

  2nd

  3rd

  4th

  1st

  2nd

  3rd

  quarter

  quarter

  quarter

  quarter

  quarter

  quarter

  Year

  quarter

  quarter

  quarter

  Breach of conditions of leave to enter or remain 2

  987

  954

  1,173

  1,285

  1,445

  1,383

  5,286

  1,343

  1,187

  1,412

  Conducive to the public good3

  24

  15

  27

  46

  26

  26

  125

  19

  31

  16

  Dependants4

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  43

  58

  Total

  1,011

  970

  1,200

  1,331

  1,471

  1,409

  5,411

  1,362

  1,261

  1,486

  1Provisional data.

  2Under section 3(5)(a) of Immigration Act 1971.

  3Under section 3(5)(b).

  4Under section 3(5)(c).

  Table B: Notices of intention to deport issued, by nationality, 1994.

  Geographical region and nationality

  Number of persons

  European Economic Area

  Austria

  —

  Belgium

  3

  Denmark

  —

  Finland

  —

  France

  3

  Germany

  5

  Greece

  1

  Iceland

  —

  Ireland

  1

  Italy

  8

  Luxembourg

  —

  Netherlands

  15

  Norway

  —

  Portugal

  7

  194

  British nationals subject to deportation action

  1990

  1991

  1992

  1993

  1994

  11995

  Deportation orders enforced

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Supervised departures

  —

  —

  2

  —

  —

  —

  Voluntary departures

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  Other British nationals2

  Notices of intention to

  deport issued, and court

  recommendations for

  deportation made

  67

  71

  105

  72

  77

  37

  Deportation orders made

  9

  11

  13

  4

  22

  11

  Deportation orders enforced

  4

  5

  9

  9

  11

  2

  Supervised departures

  31

  41

  57

  30

  16

  11

  Voluntary departures

  2

  1

  4

  2

  9

  4

  1January to June—provisional figures.

  2British Dependent Territories Citizens, British Nationals (Overseas), British Subjects and British Protected Persons.

  Mr. Henderson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many decisions to make a deportation order, by nationality of the potential deportee, where there is a right of appeal as provided under(a) section 5 of the Immigration Act 1988 or (b) section 8(3) of the Asylum and Immigration Appeals Act 1993 have been made in each quarter since 1 July 1993; and on what basis these decisions have been made. [7602]

  Mr. Kirkhope
  Information on notices of intention to deport issued up to the third quarter of 1995 is given in table A. An analysis by nationality of the person, in respect of notices issued in the whole of 1994, is given in table B; the quarterly data requested for he whole of the period from July 1993 onwards could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Table B: Notices of intention to deport issued, by nationality, 1994.

  Geographical region and nationality

  Number of persons

  Spain

  3

  Sweden

  1

  Total EEA

  47

  Europe

  Bulgaria

  26

  Cyprus

  33

  Former Czechoslovakia

  10

  Hungary

  3

  Malta

  1

  Poland

  199

  Romania

  33

  Russia

  16

  Other former USSR

  21

  Switzerland

  —

  195

  Table B: Notices of intention to deport issued, by nationality, 1994.

  Geographical region and nationality

  Number of persons

  Turkey

  130

  Former Yugoslavia

  51

  Other Europe

  —

  Total Europe

  523

  Americas

  —

  Argentina

  —

  Barbados

  8

  Brazil

  53

  Canada

  6

  Chile

  2

  Colombia

  47

  Guyana

  31

  Jamaica

  225

  Mexico

  1

  Peru

  8

  Trinidad and Tobago

  25

  USA

  39

  Venezuela

  —

  Other Americas

  49

  Total Americas

  494

  Africa

  Algeria

  127

  Angola

  1

  Egypt

  38

  Ethiopia

  25

  Ghana

  529

  Kenya

  52

  Libya

  10

  Mauritius

  42

  Morocco

  106

  Nigeria

  1,038

  Sierra Leone

  176

  Somalia

  —

  South Africa

  41

  Sudan

  23

  Tanzania

  24

  Tunisia

  11

  Uganda

  47

  Zaire

  2

  Zambia

  26

  Zimbabwe

  49

  Other Africa

  107

  Total Africa

  2,474

  Asia

  Indian sub-continent

  Bangladesh

  124

  India

  536

  Pakistan

  617

  Total Indian sub-continent

  1,277

  Middle East

  Iran

  29

  Iraq

  6

  Israel

  14

  Jordan

  8

  Kuwait

  —

  Lebanon

  6

  Saudi Arabia

  —

  Syria

  9

  Yemen

  9

  Other Middle East

  6

  Total Middle East

  87

  Remainder of Asia China

  30

  196

  Table B: Notices of intention to deport issued, by nationality, 1994.

  Geographical region and nationality

  Number of persons

  Hong Kong1

  69

  Indonesia

  —

  Japan

  18

  Malaysia

  97

  Phillippines

  116

  Singapore

  4

  South Korea

  13

  Sri Lanka

  49

  Taiwan

  1

  Thailand

  22

  Other Asia

  23

  Total Remainder of Asia

  442

  Oceania

  Australia

  25

  New Zealand

  26

  Other Oceania

  3

  Total Oceania

  54

  British Overseas citizens

  7

  Stateless2

  6

  All nationalities

  5,411

  1Includes Hong Kong stateless persons.

  2Excluding Palestine and Hong Kong stateless persons.

  Illegal Immigrants
  Mr. Henderson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many operations against people alleged to be in the United Kingdom illegally involving both immigration officers and police took place during 1994 and 1995 to the latest convenient date; for each operation by date and by name how many(a) immigration officers and (b) police officers were involved; how many people were arrested and found to be (i) legally in the United Kingdom, (ii) in breach of immigration conditions, (iii) alleged illegal entrants and (iv) British citizens; how many requested and were granted legal advice before interview; and how many were detained for (1) one day or less, (2) between a day and a week and (3) over a week; and how many subsequently left the United Kingdom. [7427]

  Mr. Kirkhope
  The information requested is not recorded centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Henderson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people have been prosecuted for facilitating the entry of illegal immigrants in each year since 1985. [8025]

  Mr. Kirkhope
  The information is given in the table.

  Number of persons prosecuted for the offence of "knowingly facilitating the entry of an illegal entrant"1,2 1985–1994

  England and Wales

  Year

  Prosecutions

  1985

  21

  1986

  25

  1987

  41

  1988

  41

  197

  Number of persons prosecuted for the offence of "knowingly facilitating the entry of an illegal entrant"1,2 1985–1994

  England and Wales

  Year

  Prosecutions

  1989

  28

  1990

  46

  1991

  73

  1992

  63

  1993

  33

  1994

  124

  1Offence under Section 25(1) of the Immigration Act 1971.

  2Principal immigration offence.

  British Citizenship Applications
  Mr. Henderson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many applications for registration as British citizens of children born in the United Kingdom on or after 1 January 1983 have been(a) received, (b) granted and (c) refused since 1 January 1993. [7660]

  Persons applying for a special voucher for entry to the United Kingdom, 1994 and Q1–Q2 1995

  Persons

  Applications newly received1

  Vouchers issued

  Applications awaiting a decision at the end of

  1994

  Q1 1995

  Q2 1995

  1994

  Q1 1995

  Q2 1995

  Q2 1994

  Q41994

  Q2 1995

  India

  210

  100

  60

  170

  50

  50

  60

  60

  90

  Kenya

  150

  40

  50

  150

  30

  20

  90

  90

  120

  Tanzania

  10

  2—

  2—

  10

  2—

  3—

  60

  60

  40

  Malawi

  2—

  3—

  3—

  2—

  3—

  2—

  3—

  2—

  2—

  Zambia

  2—

  3—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  3—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  Rest of the world

  10

  3—

  2—

  10

  2—

  2—

  3—

  2—

  2—

  Total

  400

  140

  120

  350

  80

  80

  210

  210

  250

  1Includes applications subsequently withdrawn or lapsed.

  2Five or fewer.

  3Nil.

  Waiting times for persons applying for a special voucher, Q2–Q4 1994 and Q2 1995

  Months

  Waiting times to main interview for persons at end of

  Persons applying at end of

  Q2 1994

  Q4 1994

  Q2 1995

  India

  1—

  1—

  1—

  Kenya

  0.1

  0.5

  1

  Tanzania

  1.5

  1.5

  1.5

  Malawi

  0.25

  0.25

  0.25

  Zambia

  1—

  1—

  1—

  Rest of the world

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1Nil.

  Immigration (Temporary Admission)
  Mr. Henderson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many of the(a) passengers in total and (b) persons treated as illegal entrants who were granted temporary admission or release in 1994 and 1995 to the latest date for which information is available subsequently absconded; how many of these were (1) asylum seekers and (2) applying for leave on some other basis; and how many (i) later reported voluntarily to the immigration authorities and (ii) were rearrested. [7422]
  198
  Mr. Kirkhope
  A total of 4,817 children born in the United Kingdom on or after 1 January 1983 have been registered as British citizens since 1 January 1993. The number of such applications received and refused is not available.

  Special Quota Vouchers
  Mr. Henderson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people were waiting for special quota vouchers in(a) India, (b) east Africa and (c) the rest of the world in (i) June 1994, (ii) December 1994 and (iii) June 1995; when those issued with vouchers on those dates had applied; how many vouchers were issued in (a) India, (b) east Africa and (c) the rest of the world in (1) 1994 and (2) the first half of 1995; when those applying can now expect to receive vouchers; and how many applicants there were for vouchers in (a) India (b) east Africa and (c) the rest of the world in (1) 1994 and (2) the first half of 1995. [7421]

  Mr. Kirkhope
  The information which is currently available is given in the tables.

  Mr. Kirkhope
  The available information relates to the number of persons who absconded, either from detention or by failing to respond to the terms of temporary admission or release, and is given in the table. The other information requested is not available.

  Absconders

  Category of person

  1994

  19951

  Passengers2

  1,240

  1,374

  Illegal entrants:

  Asylum seekers

  260

  132

  Others

  224

  89

  Total

  484

  221

  1 January to September.

  2 A breakdown between asylum seekers and other passengers is not available.

  Immigration Applications
  Mr. Henderson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many outstanding immigration applications there are at Lunar house from(a) students, (b) family members in the United Kingdom applying for variation of stay, (c) settlement entry clearance applications referred from overseas posts and (d) asylum seekers; and

  199
  what are the average times applicants in each category must wait before a decision. [7425]

  Mr. Kirkhope
  The available information is that at the end of November 1995 there were in total about 68,500 asylum applications and some 20,500 other cases in the general immigration caseworking groups, including referred entry clearance applications, the majority of which were under consideration or the subject of further inquiries. The estimated average length of time between the receipt of an application and the decision for cases decided in the general caseworking groups in the third quarter of 1995, was about eight weeks for students and about 12 weeks for all non-asylum applications. Information on average waiting times for family members in the United Kingdom for variation of leave and settlement entry clearance applications referred from overseas posts is not available.

  For the average waiting times for asylum applications, I refer the hon. Member to the reply that I gave him on 22 November 1995, Official Report, column 219.

  Mr. Henderson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many(a) men, (b) women and (c) children were waiting in each queue at each post in the Indian subcontinent on (i) 1 January 1995, (ii) 30 June 1995 and (iii) the latest convenient date. [7420]

  Mr. Kirkhope
  Information on waiting times to first interview for applicants in the settlement queues at posts in the Indian sub-continent is contained in table 2.5 of the

  Table 1: Spouses and fiance(e)s in the Indian sub-continent applying for entry clearance for settlement in the United Kingdom, 1994 and first two quarters 1995

  Number of persons and percentage

  1994

  1995

  Q1

  Q2

  Q3

  Q4

  Year

  Q1

  Q2

  HUSBANDS

  New Delhi (including Calcutta)

  Applications received1

  90

  80

  50

  50

  280

  80

  70

  Applications granted2

  60

  40

  40

  40

  180

  60

  50

  Applications refused initially

  50

  40

  40

  40

  160

  40

  30

  Refusal rate (percentage)3

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  45

  n/a

  n/a

  Bombay (including Madras)

  Applications received1

  100

  40

  70

  60

  310

  90

  80

  Applications granted2

  70

  70

  60

  70

  260

  70

  60

  Applications refused initially

  50

  30

  50

  50

  180

  40

  20

  Refusal (percentage)3

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  33

  n/a

  n/a

  Dhaka

  Applications received1

  270

  300

  370

  470

  1,400

  300

  320

  Applications granted2

  230

  180

  220

  210

  840

  220

  170

  Applications refused initially

  130

  50

  160

  120

  460

  200

  260

  Refusal rate (percentage)3

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  33

  n/a

  n/a

  Islamabad (including Karachi)

  Applications received1

  750

  670

  670

  630

  2,720

  790

  760

  Applications granted2

  440

  420

  420

  440

  1,720

  420

  480

  Applications refused initially

  430

  440

  430

  400

  1,690

  530

  460

  Refusal rate (percentage)3

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  42

  n/a

  n/a

  WIVES

  New Delhi (including Calcutta)

  Applications received1

  320

  260

  200

  170

  940

  320

  280

  Applications granted2

  220

  190

  210

  130

  760

  190

  210

  Applications refused initially

  60

  70

  60

  60

  260

  80

  60

  Refusal rate (percentage)3

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  23

  n/a

  n/a

  200
  Home Office Statistical Bulletin issue 21/95 "Control of Immigration: Statistics UK First Half 1995" published on 19 October 1995, a copy of which is in the Library.

  Mr. Henderson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many applications for entry clearance from(a) wives, (b) husbands, (c) fiancés and (d) fiancées made at British posts in (i) New Delhi, (ii) Bombay, (iii) Calcutta, (iv) Madras, (v) Dhaka, (vi) Islamabad, (vii) Karachi, (viii) Colombo, (ix) Accra, (x) Lagos, (xi) Manila, (xii) Bangkok, (xiii) Washington and (xiv) Ottawa for each quarter since January 1994, and in total, were (1) received, (2) granted and (3) refused; how many refusals at each post were (A) wholly and (B) partly because the visa officer was not satisfied that the primary purpose of the marriage was not immigration; how many refusals at each post were (x) wholly and (y) partly because the visa officer was not satisfied that the couple could support and accommodate themselves without recourse to public funds; and what was the refusal rate at each post and what percentage of those refusals were (X) wholly and (Y) partly on primary purpose grounds. [7686]

  Mr. Kirkhope
  Information for the Indian subcontinent for each quarter of 1994 and the first two quarters of 1995 is given in the tables. Where numbers are small, figures for individual posts have been combined. Information on reasons for refusals is not compiled for periods shorter than 12 months. Corresponding information for Colombo, Accra, Lagos, Manila, Bangkok. Washington and Ottawa is not available centrally.
  201

  Table 1: Spouses and fiance(e)s in the Indian sub-continent applying for clearance for settlement in the United Kingdom, 1994 and first quarters 1995

  Number of persons and percentage

  1994

  1955

  Q1

  Q2

  Q3

  Q4

  Year

  Q1

  Q2

  Bombay (including Madras)

  Applications received1

  330

  260

  220

  210

  1,020

  300

  340

  Applications granted2

  240

  210

  280

  210

  950

  220

  150

  Applications refused initially

  50

  40

  40

  30

  160

  50

  30

  Refusal rate (percentage)3

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  12

  n/a

  n/a

  Dhaka

  Applications received1

  330

  330

  390

  370

  1,420

  310

  410

  Applications granted2

  300

  280

  320

  280

  1,180

  220

  240

  Applications refused initially

  40

  20

  60

  60

  190

  80

  100

  Refusal rate (percentage)3

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  13

  n/a

  n/a

  Islamabad (including Karachi)

  Applications received1

  910

  790

  770

  740

  3,210

  980

  840

  Applications granted2

  600

  600

  540

  550

  2,290

  580

  710

  Applications refused initially

  160

  180

  180

  180

  710

  240

  210

  Refusal rate (percentage)3

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  19

  n/a

  n/a

  Male fiancés

  New Delhi (including Calcutta)

  Applications received1

  30

  20

  10

  10

  70

  20

  20

  Applications granted2

  10

  10

  10

  10

  40

  10

  10

  Applications refused initially

  40

  10

  20

  20

  80

  4—

  4—

  Refusal rate (percentage)3

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  66

  n/a

  n/a

  Bombay (including Madras)

  Applications received1

  40

  20

  10

  20

  80

  20

  30

  Applications granted2

  20

  10

  20

  10

  50

  10

  10

  Applications refused initially

  20

  10

  20

  20

  70

  10

  20

  Refusal (percentage)3

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  45

  n/a

  n/a

  Dhaka

  Applications received1

  10

  4—

  4—

  4—

  10

  4—

  4—

  Applications granted2

  4—

  4—

  4—

  —

  4—

  —

  —

  Applications refused initially

  4—

  —

  4—

  —

  4—

  —

  4—

  Refusal rate (percentage)3

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  50

  n/a

  n/a

  Islamabad (including Karachi)

  Applications received1

  30

  30

  30

  30

  120

  20

  20

  Applications granted2

  20

  10

  10

  10

  40

  10

  10

  Applications refused initially

  20

  30

  20

  10

  80

  20

  20

  Refusal rate (percentage)3

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  62

  n/a

  n/a

  Female fiancées

  New Delhi (including Calcutta)

  Applications received1

  40

  30

  40

  30

  140

  40

  40

  Applications granted2

  30

  10

  10

  30

  80

  10

  10

  Applications refused initially

  20

  10

  10

  10

  60

  20

  4—

  Refusal rate (percentage)3

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  41

  n/a

  n/a

  Bombay (including Madras)

  Applications received1

  40

  20

  20

  20

  110

  30

  40

  Applications granted2

  20

  20

  30

  30

  100

  10

  10

  Applications refused initially

  10

  10

  10

  4—

  30

  10

  4—

  Refusal rate (percentage)3

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  20

  n/a

  n/a

  Dhaka

  Applications received1

  4—

  4—

  4—

  10

  20

  4—

  —

  Applications granted2

  4—

  4—

  4—

  4—

  10

  4—

  4—

  Applications refused initially

  4—

  —

  4—

  4—

  4—

  4—

  4—

  Refusal rate (percentage)3

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  27

  n/a

  n/a

  Isamabad (including Karachi)

  Applications received1

  30

  40

  20

  40

  140

  40

  20

  Applications granted2

  20

  30

  30

  30

  110

  30

  20

  Applications refused initially

  20

  10

  20

  10

  60

  10

  10

  Refusal rate (percentage)3

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  32

  n/a

  n/a

  1Including applications subsequently withdrawn or lapsed.

  2Granted initially or on appeal.

  3 Applications refused initially, minus applications granted on appeal, as a percentage of applications decided.

  4Five or fewer.

  — = nil.

  n/a = not applicable.
  202 203

  Table 2: Spouses and fiancé(e)s in the Indian sub-continent refused entry clearance for settlement in the United Kingdom, quarterly 1994 and first half 1995

  Number of persons

  Number refused because couple could not accommodate/maintain themselves without recourse to public funds

  Quarter 1, 1994

  Quarter 2, 1994

  Quarter 3, 1994

  Quarter 4, 1994

  Quarter 1, 1995

  Quarter 2, 1995

  Solely for these reasons

  Partly for these reasons

  Solely for these reasons

  Partly for these reasons

  Solely for these reasons

  Partly for these reasons

  Solely for these reasons

  Partly for these reasons

  Solely for these reasons

  Partly for these reasons

  Solely for these reasons

  Partly for these reasons

  New Delhi (including Calcutta)

  Husbands

  —

  10

  2

  6

  1

  7

  2

  8

  3

  8

  4

  3

  Wives

  1

  13

  —

  16

  4

  12

  2

  16

  3

  21

  1

  2

  Male fiancés

  —

  4

  —

  1

  —

  3

  1

  4

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Female fiancées

  —

  2

  —

  4

  —

  —

  3

  2

  2

  3

  —

  —

  Bombay (including Madras)

  Husbands

  —

  6

  —

  3

  1

  12

  —

  14

  —

  7

  1

  —

  Wives

  2

  4

  5

  5

  6

  8

  8

  3

  6

  8

  4

  2

  Male fiancés

  —

  —

  —

  2

  —

  2

  —

  2

  —

  2

  —

  1

  Female fiancées

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  1

  1

  —

  4

  —

  —

  Dhaka

  Husbands

  48

  22

  24

  2

  77

  21

  59

  21

  109

  48

  172

  53

  Wives

  32

  2

  8

  4

  37

  —

  48

  5

  62

  3

  76

  1

  Male fiancés

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  Female fiancées

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  1

  —

  —

  1

  1

  —

  Islamabad (including Karachi)

  Husbands

  74

  187

  71

  245

  99

  196

  103

  187

  123

  234

  112

  207

  Wives

  94

  25

  94

  24

  101

  34

  106

  29

  137

  30

  103

  53

  Male fiancés

  5

  9

  3

  17

  5

  11

  2

  6

  2

  4

  2

  8

  Female fiancées

  3

  3

  4

  3

  6

  3

  8

  1

  3

  —

  1

  5

  Total Indian sub-continent

  Husbands

  122

  225

  97

  256

  178

  236

  164

  230

  235

  297

  289

  263

  Wives

  129

  44

  107

  49

  148

  54

  164

  53

  208

  62

  184

  58

  Male fiancés

  6

  13

  3

  20

  5

  16

  3

  12

  2

  6

  3

  9

  Female fiancées

  3

  5

  4

  7

  6

  5

  13

  4

  5

  8

  2

  5

  Table 3: Spouses and fiancé(e)s in the Indian sub-continent refused entry clearance for settlement in the United Kingdom, quarterly 1994 and first half 1995

  Number of persons

  Number refused because primary purpose of marriage was to obtain admission to the United Kingdom

  Quarter 1, 1994

  Quarter 2, 1994

  Quarter 3, 1994

  Quarter 4, 1994

  Quarter 1, 1995

  Quarter 2, 1995

  Solely for these reasons

  Partly for these reasons

  Solely for these reasons

  Partly for these reasons

  Solely for these reasons

  Partly for these reasons

  Solely for these reasons

  Partly for these reasons

  Solely for these reasons

  Partly for these reasons

  Solely for these reasons

  Partly for these reasons

  New Delhi (including Calcutta)

  Husbands

  27

  10

  24

  6

  25

  7

  22

  8

  22

  8

  5

  3

  Wives

  40

  13

  46

  16

  41

  13

  31

  16

  42

  21

  20

  2

  Male fiancés

  23

  4

  5

  1

  11

  4

  10

  5

  5

  —

  —

  1

  Female fiancées

  15

  3

  6

  4

  7

  2

  9

  3

  12

  3

  —

  —

  Bombay (including Madras)

  Husbands

  28

  6

  15

  3

  21

  12

  21

  14

  13

  7

  7

  —

  Wives

  22

  4

  19

  5

  17

  8

  14

  3

  13

  8

  9

  2

  Male fiancés

  4

  —

  6

  2

  12

  2

  4

  2

  2

  2

  5

  1

  Female fiancées

  1

  —

  4

  —

  5

  1

  2

  1

  1

  4

  1

  —

  Dhaka

  Husbands

  43

  21

  18

  2

  47

  21

  37

  20

  34

  47

  29

  52

  Wives

  —

  —

  —

  2

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  1

  Male fiancés

  1

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Female fiancées

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Islamabad (including Karachi)

  Husbands

  131

  187

  105

  244

  106

  195

  84

  187

  127

  240

  87

  206

  Wives

  7

  19

  12

  21

  11

  32

  11

  29

  15

  30

  18

  53

  Male fiancés

  1

  9

  5

  17

  4

  11

  4

  6

  5

  4

  8

  5

  Female fiancées

  3

  3

  1

  3

  2

  3

  1

  1

  3

  —

  —

  4

  Total Indian sub-continent

  Husbands

  229

  224

  162

  255

  199

  235

  164

  229

  196

  302

  128

  261

  Wives

  69

  36

  77

  44

  69

  53

  56

  49

  70

  59

  47

  58

  Male fiancés

  29

  13

  16

  20

  28

  17

  18

  13

  12

  6

  13

  7

  Female fiancées

  20

  6

  11

  7

  14

  7

  13

  5

  16

  7

  1

  4

  204 205

  Table 4: Spouses and fiancé(e)s in the Indian sub-continent refused entry clearance for settlement in the United Kingdom, quarterly 1994 and first half 1995

  Percentages

  Primary purpose refusals as a percentage of all refusals

  Quarter 1, 1994

  Quarter 2, 1994

  Quarter 3, 1994

  Quarter 4, 1994

  Quarter 1, 1995

  Quarter 2, 1995

  Solely for these reasons

  Partly for these reasons

  Solely for these reasons

  Partly for these reasons

  Solely for these reasons

  Partly for these reasons

  Solely for these reasons

  Partly for these reasons

  Solely for these reasons

  Partly for these reasons

  Solely for these reasons

  Partly for these reasons

  New Delhi (including Calcutta)

  Husbands

  56

  21

  65

  16

  64

  18

  63

  23

  59

  22

  19

  12

  Wives

  63

  21

  64

  22

  63

  20

  56

  29

  55

  28

  36

  4

  Male fiancés

  66

  11

  156

  111

  65

  24

  50

  25

  1100

  —

  —

  150

  Female fiancées

  71

  14

  155

  136

  178

  122

  60

  20

  71

  18

  —

  —

  Bombay (including Madras)

  Husbands

  58

  13

  50

  10

  40

  23

  40

  27

  30

  16

  35

  —

  Wives

  48

  9

  54

  14

  41

  20

  42

  9

  28

  17

  31

  7

  Male fiancés

  25

  —

  150

  117

  55

  9

  20

  10

  118

  118

  29

  6

  Female fiancées

  114

  —

  150

  —

  150

  110

  140

  120

  113

  150

  125

  —

  Dhaka

  Husbands

  32

  16

  38

  4

  29

  13

  31

  17

  17

  23

  11

  20

  Wives

  —

  —

  —

  9

  —

  —

  —

  2

  —

  —

  —

  1

  Male fiancés

  150

  —

  —

  —

  1100

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Female fiancées

  150

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1100

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Islamabad (including Karachi)

  Husbands

  30

  43

  24

  56

  25

  46

  21

  47

  24

  45

  19

  44

  Wives

  4

  12

  7

  12

  6

  18

  6

  16

  6

  13

  9

  25

  Male fiancés

  5

  47

  19

  63

  17

  46

  131

  146

  29

  24

  42

  26

  Female fiancées

  20

  20

  19

  127

  13

  19

  17

  17

  143

  —

  —

  144

  Total Indian sub-continent

  Husbands

  35

  34

  29

  46

  29

  35

  27

  38

  24

  37

  17

  34

  Wives

  22

  11

  25

  14

  20

  15

  17

  15

  16

  13

  12

  15

  Male fiancés

  40

  18

  33

  42

  43

  23

  34

  25

  36

  18

  33

  18

  Female fiancées

  44

  13

  37

  23

  39

  19

  38

  15

  48

  21

  6

  24

  1Percentages based on fewer than 15 applications refused.

  Mr. Henderson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many applications for leave to remain for an indefinite period on the grounds of marriage to a British or settled spouse from(a) men and (b) women were (i) granted and (ii) refused in 1994 and 1995 to the latest convenient date; of those refusals, how many were refused because the Home Office was not satisfied that (1) the couple intended to stay together permanently as husband and wife, (2) adequate maintenance was available, (3) adequate accommodation was available and (4) how many were refused for other reasons; and of those refused for reason (1), in how many cases domestic violence was alleged. [7654]

  Mr. Kirkhope
  The available information is given in the table. Allegations of domestic violence are not separately recorded.

  Grants and refusals of applications for indefinite leave to remain on the grounds of marriage 1994 and 1995 (January-June)

  Men

  Women

  1994

  1995

  1994

  1995

  Grants

  11,670

  6,090

  14,920

  8,440

  Refusals

  Intention to live together

  340

  240

  360

  220

  Maintenance, accommodation, other reasons

  20

  10

  10

  10

  British Overseas Citizens
  Mr. Henderson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many minor children born to a206
  British overseas citizen parent outside the United Kingdom have been (a) registered or (b) refused registration as (i) a British citizen or (ii) a British overseas citizen in each year since 1 January 1990. [7601]

  Mr. Kirkhope
  The information is not available in the form requested. Minor children may apply for registration as British overseas citizens under section 27 of the British Nationality Act 1981. The number of grants made under this section, most of which will have been made to minor children born abroad to a British overseas citizen parent, are as follows:

  1990: 10

  1991: 12

  1992: 18

  1993: 7

  1994: 2

  1995: 1.

  Doncaster Prison
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to commission a study to evaluate the performance of Premier Prison Services Ltd. at Doncaster prison; and if he will make a statement. [8057]

  Miss Widdecombe
  Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the temporary Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.
  207
  Letter from A. J. Pearson to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 9 January 1996:
  The Home Secretary has asked me, in the absence of the Director General from the office, to reply to your recent Question about the performance of Premier Prison Services Ltd at Doncaster prison.
  There are no plans at present to commission a study to evaluate the performance of Premier Prison Services Ltd at Doncaster prison.
  Contract compliance is monitored by the on-site Prison Service Controller, who will as part of his function draw the Director's attention to any matters that need either to be rectified or merit further review. This will be done variously in writing, at formal meetings or through regular informal liaison and, if necessary, a default notice. This is part of the daily process of monitoring compliance with the contract for running the prison.
  208
  The prison is also subject to inspections by HM Chief Inspector of Prisons, whose annual report on a prison is laid before Parliament and an independent Board of Visitors. The Board of Visitors has unlimited access to the prison.

  Victoria and Albert Museum
  Mr. Nigel Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the compliance of the trading arm of the Victoria and Albert museum with the Charities Act 1992, in respect of the disclosure of the amounts donated to charity from the mail order business; and if he will make a statement. [7983]

  Mr. Sackville
  None.

  OSCE Assistance Group, Grozny
  OSCE Assistance Group, Grozny
  UN World Conference on Women, Beijing: Interpretation Facilities
  UN World Conference on Women, Beijing: Interpretation Facilities
  Rwanda: Prison Conditions
  Rwanda: Prison Conditions
  Former Yugoslavia: Psychological Rehabilitation
  Former Yugoslavia: Psychological Rehabilitation
  Overseas Aid
  Overseas Aid
  Treaties: Parliamentary Approval
  Treaties: Parliamentary Approval
  European Communities Act 1972: Section 2(2) Orders
  European Communities Act 1972: Section 2(2) Orders
  Bulgaria: Diplomatic and Consular Representation
  Bulgaria: Diplomatic and Consular Representation
  Cyprus: Diplomatic and Consular Representation
  Cyprus: Diplomatic and Consular Representation
  Ghana: Diplomatic and Consular Representation
  Ghana: Diplomatic and Consular Representation
  India: Diplomatic and Consular Representation
  India: Diplomatic and Consular Representation
  Pakistan: Diplomatic and Consular Representation
  Pakistan: Diplomatic and Consular Representation
  ABM Treaty
  ABM Treaty
  Former Yugoslavia: Lifting of Arms Embargo
  Former Yugoslavia: Lifting of Arms Embargo
  Former Yugoslavia: Command Chains
  Former Yugoslavia: Command Chains
  Bosnia: Arms Provision
  Bosnia: Arms Provision
  Hyperbaric Chambers
  Hyperbaric Chambers
  Berkshire Local Government Reorganisation Costs
  Berkshire Local Government Reorganisation Costs
  Water Charges and Rateable Values
  Water Charges and Rateable Values
  EC Habitats Directive: Further SAC Proposals
  EC Habitats Directive: Further SAC Proposals
  HMSO Supply and Service Agreement
  HMSO Supply and Service Agreement
  Complementary, Alternative and Herbal Medicines: EC Consideration
  Complementary, Alternative and Herbal Medicines: EC Consideration
  Paediatric Intensive Care Units
  Paediatric Intensive Care Units
  Malnutrition Screening
  Malnutrition Screening
  H2 Inhibitors and Diazimon
  H2 Inhibitors and Diazimon
  Public Transport Seat Spacing
  Public Transport Seat Spacing
  European Aviation Safety
  European Aviation Safety
  War Widows' Pension Reinstatement Applications
  War Widows' Pension Reinstatement Applications
  Income Related Benefit Savings from Pensions Split after Divorce
  Income Related Benefit Savings from Pensions Split after Divorce
  Social Security Policy: Implications for VAT Revenue
  Social Security Policy: Implications for VAT Revenue
  Social Security Policy: Implications for Inland Revenue
  Social Security Policy: Implications for Inland Revenue
  Social Security Policy: Cost Implications for the Department of Health
  Social Security Policy: Cost Implications for the Department of Health
  Social Security Policy: Implications of Housing Benefit Proposals
  Social Security Policy: Implications of Housing Benefit Proposals
  Benefits: Instrument of Payment Fraud
  Benefits: Instrument of Payment Fraud
  Benefits: Savings from Student Disentitlement
  Benefits: Savings from Student Disentitlement
  Social Security Policy: Implications of Proposals on Asylum Seekers
  Social Security Policy: Implications of Proposals on Asylum Seekers
  International Trade: Unit of Price Measurement
  International Trade: Unit of Price Measurement
  Money Laundering
  Money Laundering
  Swiss Banks: Acceptance of Funds
  Swiss Banks: Acceptance of Funds
  WEU: Use of NATO Assets
  WEU: Use of NATO Assets
  Defence Procurements
  Defence Procurements
  H. Silver and Associates (UK) Ltd
  H. Silver and Associates (UK) Ltd
  EDS: Contracts
  EDS: Contracts
  Category A Prisoners: Monitoring of Visits by non-English Speakers
  Category A Prisoners: Monitoring of Visits by non-English Speakers
  Special Security Unit Prisoners: Telephone Call Translation Costs
  Special Security Unit Prisoners: Telephone Call Translation Costs
  Official Report: On-line Availability
  Official Report: On-line Availability
  Civil Service Code: Entry into Force
  Civil Service Code: Entry into Force
  Theatr Clwyd: Funding
  Theatr Clwyd: Funding
  Potatoes: Brown Rot Infection
  Potatoes: Brown Rot Infection
  Organophosphorus Pesticide Ingredients: Synergistic Properties
  Organophosphorus Pesticide Ingredients: Synergistic Properties
  Top Clip Gold Shield Sheep Dip
  Top Clip Gold Shield Sheep Dip