Written Answers of 10 January 1996

ENVIRONMENT

  Environmental Technology Manufacturers
  Mr. Thomason
  To ask the Secretary of State for the environment, pursuant to his answer of 30 November 1995,Official Report, column 802, if he will take into account the potential economic benefits and costs to environmental technology manufacturers with special reference to lost business and damage to international competitiveness in the four year revision of all chief inspectors' guidance notes and process guidance notes in addition to following developments in technology and techniques for preventing or reducing pollution; and what mechanisms will be put in place to ensure that such account is taken. [7734]

  Mr. Clappison
  The benefits referred to in my reply of 30 November 1995,Official Report, column 802, should continue to arise because of the progressive nature of part I of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, as reflected in the regular reviews of the guidance notes. The continued supply of information on available pollution control techniques by manufacturers will be valuable in this regard. However, the legislation does not allow for the economic benefits and costs to environmental technology manufacturers to be part of the judgment in deciding conditions to be included in authorisations of the processes regulated.

  Sustainable Development
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement regarding the United Kingdom's progress in achieving sustainability under agenda 21 of the UN conference on environment and development. [7715]

  Mr. Clappison
  We last reported on progress towards achieving sustainable development in "This Common Inheritance: UK Annual Report 1995", published in March of this year. We intend to publish the next such report in March 1996.

  Water Industry (Competition)
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when the consultation paper on greater competition in the water industry is due to be published. [7589]

  Mr. Clappison
  My right hon. Friend proposes to publish a consultation paper in the near future.

  Home Owners (Mortgages)
  Mr. Callaghan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what further action he intends to take to assist home owners facing repossession who are in difficulties with their mortgage payments. [7699]
  210
  Mr. Clappison
  Home owners will continue to benefit from Government action to secure sustainable economic growth, increased employment opportunities, low inflation, low interest rates and low mortgage payments. This will help ensure that fewer people have difficulty meeting their mortgage payments and that those in arrears are more likely to be able to pay them off.

  South Pennine Moors
  Mr. Chris Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he will designate the south Pennine moors as a special protection area under EC directive 79/409/EEC; and if he will make a statement. [7673]

  Mr. Clappison
  The south Pennine moors is now a priority site among some 24 proposals for special protection areas that are currently with the Department. Officials are considering the results of consultations with other Government Departments, and owners and occupiers. In the meantime, planning policy guidance note 9—on nature conservation—requires local planning authorities to treat potential special protection areas in the same way as classified sites.

  Pennine Reservoirs
  Mr. Chris Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will require North West Water and Yorkshire Water to provide assurances regarding the safety and stability of Pennine reservoirs with earth dams, following the exceptional weather conditions; and if he will make a statement. [7671]

  Mr. Clappison
  Water companies are responsible for the safety of all earth dams they own or operate under all weather conditions. The structural safety and stability of large raised reservoirs and dams are safeguarded through the operation of the Reservoirs Act 1975. Under the Act, water companies have to employ civil engineers who provide ongoing supervision with reports on safety at least once a year, and expert inspecting engineers who make a detailed safety assessment at least once every 10 years. Where this is judged necessary, the supervising engineer may call for a detailed safety assessment at any time.

  Water Leakages
  Mrs. Helen Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, pursuant to his answer of 12 December 1995,Official Report, column 588, on what grounds the water company projections of water balances for the periodic review are judged to be commercially confidential. [7556]

  Mr. Clappison
  Information on water balances was supplied to the Director General of Water Services by water companies as part of a package provided on a commercially confidential basis for the purposes of the periodic review. However, I understand that the director general will be asking the companies if they would be content for information included about individual leakage targets to be made public.

  Homelessness
  Mr. Callaghan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many persons were registered as homeless in the north-west region for each year since 1992. [7700]

  Mr. Clappison
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 20 December 1995,Official Report, column 1235.

  Tree Protection
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to introduce statutory guidelines for the protection of urban trees associated with the laying of cables. [7714]

  Mr. Clappison
  Voluntary guidelines, published by the National Joint Utilities Group, have been in place since April 1995. We are considering comments received from local authorities across the country as part of our review of the guidelines six months after their implementation.

  National Forest
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what progress has been made in planting the national forest; and what steps he is taking to involve local communities in the project. [7708]

  Mr. Clappison
  The National Forest Company was established in April 1995 to implement the strategy for the forest. Six hundred hectares have been planted since the inception of the project in 1991. A further 224 hectares has been committed to planting through round 1 of the national forest tender scheme, introduced in 1995. The company encourages community involvement in all its work, and has established a local authority advisory group and a community projects working group to help develop community action.

  Water Conservation
  Mr. Chris Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will take steps to ensure that the water companies comply with the recommendations of the National Rivers Authority regarding water conservation in the event of below average winter rainfall. [7672]

  Mr. Clappison
  It is the responsibility of all water undertakers to manage and maintain an efficient and economical system of water supply in accordance with operating licences granted by the Director General of Water Services. The National Rivers Authority report "Measures to Safeguard Public Water Supplies" concluded that all water companies are now following strategies to conserve resources to safeguard supplies for next summer. The authority will keep the position under review and will provide further advice as necessary.

  Mr. Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make it his policy to promote water conservation; and if he will make a statement. [7930]

  Mr. Clappison
  The Water Industry Act 1991 places water undertakers under a duty to develop and maintain an efficient and economical system of water supply and additionally places them under a duty to promote water conservation among their customers. Water conservation is also promoted through the water byelaws and through 212
  the Government's environmental technology best practice programme. The review of lessons to be learnt from the drought, announced on 1 September, includes consideration of patterns of demand and approaches to demand management.

  Water Company Assets
  Mrs. Helen Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish the asset management plans produced by each water company at the time of privatisation. [7557]

  Mr. Clappison
  No. The water companies' asset management plans contain commercially confidential information.

  Carbon Dioxide Emissions
  Mr. Robert Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the latest estimate of the savings in carbon dioxide emissions which the Energy Saving Trust will deliver up to 2000. [8023]

  Mr. Robert B. Jones
  The Energy Saving Trust's established programme of activities is expected to save about 0.3 million tonnes of carbon. Targets will be set as further schemes are developed. They will contribute to further savings, but these cannot yet be quantified. The trust is developing a range of pump-priming schemes. These will have an immediate impact on carbon dioxide emissions and, by encouraging changes in behaviour and in energy efficiency markets, should lead to further savings in the long term.

  Temporary Accommodation (London)
  Mr. Dunn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment which are the 10 London boroughs with the highest number of households in temporary accommodation; and in each case what is the number of households thus placed. [7939]

  Mr. Clappison
  The 10 London boroughs reporting the highest numbers of households in temporary accommodation under the homelessness provisions of the Housing Act 1985 at the end of March 1995, the latest date for which figures are available for all boroughs, were as follows:

  London borough—number of households in temporary accommodation

  Number

  Hackney

  3,707

  Haringey

  2,666

  Newham

  2,126

  Brent

  1,894

  Lambeth

  1,045

  Hillingdon

  1,002

  Redbridge

  994

  Croydon

  993

  Enfield

  932

  Hammersmith and Fulham

  865

  Source:

  Housing Investment Programme (HIP) returns.
  213
  The figures cover households which have been accepted as homeless and are awaiting accommodation, and those where inquiries into eligibility are still being carried out.

  Vacant Housing
  Mr. Dunn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment which are the 10 local authorities (i) in England and (ii) in London with the highest number of housing voids; and in each case what is(a) the total stock of the authority and (b) the number of management voids. [7947]

  Mr. Clappison
  Figures for the 10 local authorities reporting the highest numbers of their own dwellings as vacant on 1 April 1995 are listed, for England and London, together with numbers of their total stock and management vacants:

  Stock

  Total vacants

  Management vacants

  (a) England

  Liverpool

  48,685

  4,377

  787

  Hackney

  39,560

  3,894

  1,180

  Lambeth

  43,068

  2,176

  1,114

  Sheffield

  71,696

  2,046

  1,153

  Leeds

  78,142

  2,018

  1,133

  Birmingham

  99,816

  1,899

  1,443

  Manchester

  83,406

  1,660

  1,211

  Newcastle upon Tyne

  39,224

  1,634

  1,067

  Tower Hamlets

  37,578

  1,562

  609

  Islington

  37,045

  1,483

  692

  (b) London

  Hackney

  39,560

  3,894

  1,180

  Lambeth

  43,068

  2,176

  1,114

  Tower Hamlets

  37,578

  1,562

  609

  Islington

  37,045

  1,483

  692

  Southwark

  54,266

  1,129

  418

  Lewisham

  35,095

  1,051

  498

  Greenwich

  32,297

  795

  535

  Newham

  25,818

  735

  517

  Camden

  29,789

  543

  304

  Redbridge

  6,761

  515

  248

  Source:

  1995 Housing Investment Programme (HIP1) returns.

  Castle Cement
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment for what percentage of the coal burn at Castle Cement, Clitheroe, secondary liquid fuel is permitted to be used as a substitute. [7943]

  Mr. Clappison
  The company has agreed with Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution to replace no more than 50 per cent. of the thermal input from burning coal with energy from secondary liquid fuel.

  Mr. Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Enviornment how many people have complained to Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution alleging ill effects from the burning of Cemfuel by Castle Cement at Clitheroe; and how many have been examined by a qualified toxicologist. [7949]
  214
  Mr. Clappison
  In the past 21 months HMIP has received approximately 440 complaints concerning Castle Cement, some of which allege ill effects. This does not include a number of complaints passed to my Department by the local Members of Parliament. My Department is not aware of anybody being examined by a qualified toxicologist.

  Mr. Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Enviornment what consideration he has given to suspending the burning of Cemfuel at Castle Cement at Clitheroe pending an evaluation by the Department of Health on possible health risks. [7945]

  Mr. Clappison
  Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution has sought advice from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, East Lancashire health authority and the Department of Health, and is satisfied that there does not appear to be any evidence that the use of Cemfuel is any more harmful to health than the use of coal.

  Mr. Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Enviornment what is the annual tonnage limit for secondary liquid fuel burned at Castle Cement, Clitheroe. [7942]

  Mr. Clappison
  The annual tonnage of fuel burned is limited by the design of the kilns to approximately 70,000 tonnes per year. Fifty per cent. of the thermal input can be replaced by secondary liquid fuel, but the actual amount burned is limited by the supply available to about 40,000 tonnes per year.

  Mr. Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what emission limits to air are in force at Castle Cement, Clitheroe, for(a) heavy metals, class I, II or III, (b) hydrogen fluoride, (c) hydrogen chloride, (d) sulphur dioxide, (e) nitrogen oxides and (f) carbon monoxide. [8046]

  Mr. Clappison
  Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution will use the experience it has now gained about the use of substitute liquid fuel in the manufacture of cement, to set limits for these substances at Castle Cement, Clitheroe should it decide to allow the continued burning of Cemfuel at Clitheroe.

  Packaging Directive
  Mr. Atkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) when he expects to publish the regulations to implement the EU directive on packaging and packaging waste; [7759]

  (2) when he expects to announce the principles underlying the regulations to implement the European Union directive on packaging and packaging waste. [7757]

  Mr. Clappison
  I am very pleased that representatives of the packaging industry were able to agree last month a proposal for a form of legal obligation to implement the recovery and recycling targets of the EC directive on packaging and packaging waste, 94/62/EC. This proposal was set out by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State in reply to a question on 19 December 1995,Official Report, columns 1104–5.

  215
  The Government will now need to consider and decide on the best form of legal obligation, taking account of all the relevant considerations. We hope to make an announcement on this shortly and to prepare draft regulations to implement the directive in order to issue them for consultation as soon as possible.

  Water Supplies
  Mr. Chris Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will ask the National Rivers Authority to report to him regarding the preparation by the water companies of contingency plans to safeguard water supplies in the event that below average rainfall continues for(a) a further 18 months and (b) longer. [7929]

  Mr. Clappison
  At the commission of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, the National Rivers Authority published on 18 December 1995 a report on measures to safeguard public water supplies. This report reviews water companies' strategies to conserve supplies in the event that below average rainfall continues into 1996 and confirms that the NRA will continue to keep the developing situation under review.

  My right hon. Friend announced on 1 September a longer-term review of the lessons to be learnt from this summer's drought. The review will include the frequency assumptions for drought, progress with making supply systems flexible enough to cope with local shortage, and the implications of climate change.

  Climate Change
  Mr. Robert Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what elements of the CO2 emission reduction programme outlined in "Climate Change: the UK Programme" are (a) delivering greater savings and (b) delivering less savings than initially expected. [7959]

  Mr. Clappison
  Key changes in expectations since publication of the UK climate change programme include greater savings from the energy supply and transport sectors, which more than outweigh reduced expectations from the Energy Saving Trust and VAT on domestic fuel and power. Further details are set out in "Climate Change—the UK Programme: Progress Report on Carbon Dioxide Emissions", published on 14 December 1995.

  Mr. Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what are the most recent figures for United Kingdom annual CO2 emissions. [7957]

  Mr. Clappison
  UK annual carbon dioxide emissions expressed as million tonnes of carbon are estimated to have been 158, 160, 155, 151 and 149 for the years 1990 to 1994 respectively. These figures were published in December 1995 in "Climate Change—the UK Programme: Progress Report on Carbon Dioxide Emissions". The 1994 estimate is provisional.

  Moths and Butterflies
  Sir Julian Critchley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the work of the European wildlife division in respect of its provision for bona fide collectors of moths and butterflies. [8234]
  216
  Mr. Clappison
  Where species of butterfly or moth are endangered and subject to sales controls, the European wildlife division is responsible for the issue of sales licences. The performance target for issuing such licences is that 80 per cent. should be issued within 15 working days. The performance against this target is reviewed formally as part of the Department's annual review of resource needs. No specific complaints have been received in relation to the issue of sales licences.

  Private Finance Initiative
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received from the construction industry regarding the private finance initiative. [8263]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  Ministers meet the construction industry regularly to discuss a wide variety of topics including the private finance initiative. On 12 October the industry submitted a helpful paper to the Government on the operation of the initiative. A copy of this paper has been placed in the Library of the House. My right hon. Friend and ministerial colleagues discussed this with the industry in November. Subsequently, the Financial Secretary to the Treasury issued an action plan for the PFI which responded to a number of industry's points. A copy of this has also been placed in the Library of the House. The Government are continuing their dialogue on the PFI with representative bodies from the construction industry.

  Coal Mining
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will ensure that a firm of independent consultants carry out and complete an environmental assessment on both sides of the lower Derwent valley on the effects of coal mining, before permission is granted for any initial bore exploratory tunnels in that region; and if he will make a statement. [8429]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  No. It is for the mineral planning authority in the first instance to decide whether they require an environmental assessment for this particular planning application. Environmental assessment is required for development which would be likely to have significant effects on the environment. My Department does not consider that the proposal for exploratory tunnels in the Derwent valley area would have such an effect.

  EU Environment Council
  Mr. Dunn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the outcome of the Environment Council on 18 December 1995. [8967]

  Mr. Gummer
  Together with my noble Friend the Earl of Lindsay, I represented the UK at the Environment Council in Brussels on 18 December.

  Common positions were reached on a directive amending directive 85/337 on environmental impact assessment and on a directive amending the emission standards for light vans with effect from October this year. In both cases, earlier concerns expressed by the United Kingdom about these proposals were met by revised proposals which were acceptable.
  217
  In responding to a Commission report explaining its proposed postponement and amendment of the regulations on leghold traps, I expressed serious disappointment at the Commission's proposals to postpone and amend the EC leghold traps regulation, and pressed for much tougher action to demonstrate the Community's commitment to bringing an end to the use of leghold traps worldwide.

  The Council gave unanimous support to a statement by the United Kingdom calling on the Commission to make more rapid progress with the Community eco-labelling scheme.

  Council conclusions were agreed on coastal policy, water policy, acidification, climate change and biodiversity. These will usefully help to shape more detailed discussions in the coming year.

  The Council also took note of progress of the proposed directive on biocides. This, too, will continue to be discussed under the Italian presidency.

  Access Committee for England
  Ms Lynne
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the future of the Acess Committee for England. [3010]

  Mr. Burt
  I have been asked to reply.

  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave her on Monday 18 December 1995, Official Report, columns 944–45.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Remand Prisoners (Compensation)
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to introduce a compensation scheme for loss of earnings and hardship for remand prisoners who are acquitted. [3522]

  Mr. Kirkhope
  Such a case would not fall within the statutory provision for compensation for miscarriages of justice. However, in accordance with the policy set out by my right hon. Friend the Member for Witney (Mr. Hurd) on 29 November 1995, columns 691–92, we are prepared to pay compensation on an ex gratia basis to people who have spent a period in custody, following a conviction or charge, where we are satisfied that this has resulted from serious public default by a member of a police force or of some other public authority, or where there are other exceptional circumstances.

  Crime (London)
  Mr. Michael
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crimes were recorded in each London borough by the Metropolitan police within each category of crime in the year to June 1995; how many incidents of theft or unauthorised taking of a motor vehicle and of theft from a motor vehicle were recorded in each borough; how many of the burglaries recorded in each borough were in a dwelling; and how many were in another building. [7439]
  218
  Mr. Maclean
  The information requested is contained in tables provided by the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis, copies of which are available in the Library.

  Drugs (Arrests)
  Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many of those people arrested for drug offences in each of the last three years were(a) cautioned, (b) fined and (c) convicted; and of those convicted how many were given (i) community service sentences and (ii) terms of imprisonment. [7713]

  Mr. Maclean
  As detailed information on arrests is not collected centrally prosecution data have been included in the table.

  Number of persons cautioned, prosecuted at magistrates' courts and found guilty at all courts for indictable drug offences by result 1992–1994

  England and Wales

  1992

  1993

  1994

  Cautions

  27,594

  35,098

  44,350

  Magistrates courts

  Prosecutions

  28,302

  27,081

  34,605

  All courts

  Convictions

  22,677

  21,897

  27,796

  of which sentenced to

  Fine

  11,928

  11,139

  14,517

  Community sentence1

  2,614

  3,319

  4,376

  Immediate custody2

  3,676

  3,599

  4,028

  1Includes probation, supervision, attendance, community service and combination orders.

  2Includes young offender institution and unsuspended imprisonment.

  Criminal Justice Act 1993
  Mr. Hutton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he plans to lay an order bringing part I of the Criminal Justice Act 1993 into operation. [7744]

  Mr. Maclean
  As I said in reply to a question from the hon. Member for Edinburgh, Central (Mr. Darling) on 19 July 1995,Official Report, column 1440, we are considering the practicalities of bringing into force the provisions of part I of the Criminal Justice Act 1993.

  Life Prisoners
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what consideration he has given to delegating authority to release prisoners imprisoned for life for murder; and if he will make a statement. [7950]

  Mr. Maclean
  Section 35 of the Criminal Justice Act 1991 provides that the Secretary of State may release a mandatory life sentence prisoner if recommended to do so by the parole board, and after consulting the Lord Chief Justice and, if available, the trial judge. The Home Secretary normally takes such decisions personally. The Government have no plans to change these arrangements.

  Police Stations
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make it his policy to collect information centrally and on an annual basis on the number of police stations which have(a) opened, (b) closed and (c) had their opening hours curtailed. [8123]

  Mr. Maclean
  No. These are operational matters for chief constables, in consultation with their police authorities where appropriate.

  Mr. Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will issue guidance to police authorities to include in their annual policing plan proposals for the closure or curtailment of opening hours of police stations. [8124]

  Mr. Maclean
  No.

  Crime (Merseyside)
  Mr. Parry
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what additional funding he will make available to the police authority on Merseyside to combat violent crime. [8137]

  Mr. Maclean
  The overall effect of the Government's funding proposals for Merseyside police authority would be to provide a total spending power of £226.7 million in 1996–97, an increase of £8.14 million or 3.7 per cent. over 1995–96. It is for the chief constable to decide how to allocate his resources.

  European Police Office
  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proposals he has to act on the requirement of article K3(2) of the treaty on European Union in respect of designating the convention on a European police office (Europol) CM3050, as a Community treaty by statutory instrument in accordance with section (3) of the European Communities Act 1972. [8304]

  Mr. Howard
  [holding answer 9 January 1996]: There is nothing in article K3(2) of the treaty on European Union which requires the designation of the Europol convention as a Community treaty.

  Title VI of the treaty of European Union, pursuant to which the Europol convention was concluded, is not one of the Community treaties for the purposes of the 1972 Act. Accordingly, there is no proposal to make an Order in Council under section 1(3) of the European Communities Act 1972 declaring that the Europol convention is to be so regarded.

  Police Officers (Leicester)
  Mr. Tredinnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police officers there were in post in Leicester in each year since 1993; and how many are proposed for 1996–97. [8207]

  Mr. Maclean
  [holding answer 9 January 1996]: The strength of the Leicestershire constabulary was as follows:

  31 December 1993: 1,838

  31 December 1994: 1,838

  30 September 1995: 1,860.

  220
  It is for the police authority and the chief constable to determine the strength of the force in 1996–97.

  Bosnia (Police Officers)
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many(a) civilian, (b) non-civilian police officers have been sent to Bosnia in the last six months; and how many is it planned to send under arrangements currently under discussion. [8184]

  Mr. Maclean
  [holding answer 9 January 1996]: Seven police officers have served in Bosnia in the past six months with the Western European Union police operation. We are currently considering the options for a possible future role for British police officers in Bosnia as part of the proposed United Nations civilian policing contingent.

  Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme
  Mr. Michael
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many applications for bereavement payments under the criminal injuries compensation tariff scheme, which was withdrawn following the House of Lords ruling, were made (i) in total and (ii) by(a) parents of adult murder and manslaughter victims, (b) adult children of murder and manslaughter victims, (c) unmarried partners of murder and manslaughter victims and (d) fathers of illegitimate children who were murder and manslaughter victims; [7928]

  (2) how many bereavement payments were made to applicants under the criminal injuries compensation tariff scheme, which was withdrawn following the House of Lords ruling (i) in total and (ii) to (a) parents of adult murder and manslaughter victims, (b) adult children or murder and manslaughter victims, (c) unmarried partners of murder and manslaughter victims and (d) fathers of illegitimate children who were murder and manslaughter victims. [7927]

  Mr. Maclean
  [holding answer 9 January 1996]: I refer the hon. Member to the answers given to him on 28 November 1995, Official Report, columns 652–53, and 4 December 1995, Official Report, column 27.

  Police (Immediate Response Incidents)
  Mr. Straw
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many incidents requiring an immediate response were recorded by the police in terms of(a) crime, (b) disorder, (c) traffic, (d) alarms and (e) other, and what number of 999 calls were made in (i) 1993–94 and (ii) 1994–95 in each police force in England and Wales, with totals for England and for Wales. [7966]

  Mr. Maclean
  [holding answer 9 January 1996]The figures for incidents requiring an immediate response and 999 calls recorded by the police in England and Wales are set out in the table. The nature of an incident requiring an immediate response is a matter for individual police forces, and the criteria vary between them. Data are collected only in terms of the total number of incidents requiring an immediate response, and cannot be disaggregated.
  221

  1993–94

  1994–95

  Forces

  Total 999 calls

  Incidents immediate response

  Total 999 calls

  Incidents immediate response

  Avon and Somerset

  88,235

  82,913

  159,800

  36,599

  Bedfordshire

  43,200

  1,142

  51,192

  12,477

  Cambridgeshire

  53,504

  29,406

  58,805

  33,171

  Cheshire

  75,094

  2—

  80,035

  2—

  City of London

  3—

  10,560

  3—

  8,169

  Cleveland

  67,398

  3,580

  84,346

  9,512

  Cumbria

  33,985

  30,152

  34,729

  28,915

  Derbyshire

  49,457

  53,318

  2—

  48,475

  Devon and Cornwall

  102,391

  26,324

  121,798

  91,989

  Dorset

  55,155

  12,950

  54,791

  64,452

  Durham

  29,447

  7,009

  29,923

  15,542

  Essex

  110,005

  79,845

  114,883

  72,954

  Gloucestershire

  40,462

  38,738

  45,388

  37,471

  Greater Manchester

  416,873

  206,715

  446,345

  175,400

  Hampshire

  162,082

  181,000

  170,560

  204,023

  Hertfordshire

  67,610

  9,032

  77,071

  9,757

  Humberside

  85,632

  76,650

  88,300

  64,704

  Kent

  130,015

  33,707

  141,769

  43,415

  Lancashire

  71,986

  101,032

  102,984

  83,240

  Leicestershire

  100,232

  82,057

  114,314

  98,290

  Lincolnshire

  34,694

  23,424

  45,828

  37,279

  Merseyside

  200,711

  69,335

  220,432

  57,898

  Metropolitan Police

  1,347,207

  488,426

  1,534,978

  418,809

  Norfolk

  37,143

  55,276

  48,984

  43,817

  North Yorkshire

  31,956

  8,880

  56,646

  3,661

  Northamptonshire

  25,027

  56,875

  32,256

  36,520

  Northumbria

  213,369

  95,223

  224,569

  93,832

  Nottinghamshire

  119,489

  91,643

  115,695

  92,918

  South Yorkshire

  123,144

  91,060

  149,178

  47,496

  Staffordshire

  58,935

  32,559

  65,266

  20,652

  Suffolk

  22,521

  25,307

  30,253

  26,073

  Surrey

  56,182

  12,024

  67,268

  111,386

  Sussex

  94,251

  54,373

  138,265

  58,460

  Thames Valley

  125,754

  130,401

  195,016

  52,271

  Warwickshire

  43,468

  10,296

  48,870

  15,896

  West Mercia

  80,894

  56,536

  98,539

  77,805

  West Midlands

  358,009

  163,109

  412,211

  142,766

  West Yorkshire

  267,786

  132,746

  323,081

  111,431

  Wiltshire

  25,000

  41,362

  42,768

  37,976

  England total

  5,053,303

  2,704,980

  5,827,136

  2,515,501

  Dyfed-Powys

  21,231

  14,617

  24,068

  14,059

  Gwent

  32,191

  36,131

  35,360

  37,832

  North Wales

  39,945

  35,771

  40,575

  32,333

  South Wales

  150,370

  90,600

  158,006

  83,251

  Wales total

  243,737

  177,119

  258,009

  167,475

  Notes:

  1 Forces which have based their figures on estimates.

  2 Data not available as collection systems were not in place or were being updated.

  3 999 calls covered by Metropolitan police.

  Source:

  Figures supplied by forces to Her Majesty's inspectorate of constabulary.

  Euro '96 Football Matches
  Mr. Fatchett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will allow those police authorities with direct responsibility for policing matches in Euro '96 to spend, if necessary, above the prescribed limit for 1996–97; and if he will make a statement. [7614]

  Mr. Maclean
  [holding answer 9 January 1996]: No. Funding for public order policing is included in the police grant settlement for 1996–97.
  222
  Mr. Fatchett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to make additional revenue available to those police authorities which will have responsibility for policing football matches during the Euro '96 competition; and if he will make a statement. [7616]

  Mr. Maclean
  [holding answer 9 January 1996]: No specific provision is being made available to police authorities for this purpose, but total funds for the police service are set to increase by around 4 per cent. in 1996–97 to £6.6 billion. The Football Trust has agreed to contribute to the capital costs of the police communications equipment that will be used during the competition. The cost of policing inside football stadiums will be met be the Football Association.

  Asylum and Immigration Bill
  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when and by what measures he has consulted the main organisations representing police constables concerning his proposals in the Asylum and Immigration Bill. [4468]

  Miss Widdecombe
  [holding answer 6 December 1995]: A copy of our consultation exercise on the prevention of unauthorised employment has been sent to the Association of Chief Police Officers.

TREASURY

  Interest Rates
  Mr. Tredinnick
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the position of United Kingdom interest rates relative to those of the United Kingdom's EU partners. [8204]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  [holding answer 9 January 1996]:

  Short and long-term interest rates in EU member states are published in tables 3.1 and 3.2 of "Money and Finance (Eurostat)" on a monthly basis. Table 1 gives three-month interbank interest rates and yields on 10-year bonds as of 8 January, for the UK and its EU partners.

  EU interest rates

  10 year bonds

  3-month interbank

  UK

  7.49

  6.53

  Austria

  6.30

  3.68

  Belgium

  6.62

  3.74

  Denmark

  7.15

  4.65

  Finland

  7.03

  4.25

  France

  6.67

  5.00

  Germany

  5.98

  3.79

  Greece

  —

  15.25

  Ireland

  7.33

  5.58

  Italy

  10.65

  10.38

  Netherlands

  5.96

  3.49

  Portugal

  9.92

  8.60

  Spain

  9.57

  9.10

  Sweden

  8.34

  8.60

OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION

  Burma
  Mr. Fatchett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the amount of humanitarian aid provided to Burma in(a) 1993–94, (b) 1994–95 and (c) 1995–96; and if he will make a statement on its purpose. [7621]

  Mr. Hanley
  [holding answer 9 January 1996]: Our humanitarian aid to Burma over the last three financial years is as follows:

  £

  Purpose

  1993–94

  1,400

  Intravenous rehydration packs for Dengue fever victims

  22,589

  Blankets and immediate relief items for fire victims

  1994–95

  5,000

  Ringers Lactate Solution for Cholera victims

  1995–96

  43,512

  Food, clothing and training in fire safety for fire victims

  19,108

  Restoration of water and sanitation facilities for flood victims

  In addition, the ODA has assisted refugees who have fled Burma into neighbouring countries. These contributions have been made through UNHCR, the International Federation of the Red Cross and non-governmental organisations. Amounts are as follows:

  1993–94: £1,293,000

  1994–95: £246,750

  1995–96: £1,300,000.

  Land Mines
  Mr. Fatchett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will set out the financial contribution made by his Department towards the cost of land mine clearance projects in(a) 1993–94, (b) 1994–95 and (c) the current financial year; and if he will make a statement. [7980]

  Mr. Hanley
  [holding answer 9 January 1996]: UK support to global humanitarian mine clearance operations in the last three financial years is as follows:

  1993–94: £3.15 million

  1994–95: £5.91 million

  1995–96: £3.65 million (to date).

  In addition the UK's share of European Community support for mine clearance is some £3.37 million since 1992.

  Aid (Value)
  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the value,(a) at constant prices and (b) in cash terms of United Kingdom (i) bilateral and (ii) multilateral overseas aid has been in each financial year from 1991–92 to 1994–95; and what it is estimated to be in (1) 1995–96 and (2) each year to 1998–99. [8238]
  224
  Mr. Hanley
  The information is as follows:

  ODA bilateral and multilateral expenditure 1991–92 to 1995–96

  £ million

  Cash price

  Constant 1995–96 prices

  Bilateral aid

  Multilateral aid

  Bilateral aid

  Multilateral aid

  1991–92

  1,074

  819

  1,204

  918

  1992–93

  1,125

  934

  1,212

  1,006

  1993–94

  1,156

  962

  1,210

  1,007

  1994–95

  1,120

  1,117

  1,151

  1,148

  1995–961

  1,126

  1,131

  1,126

  1,131

  1Estimated outturn. Planning figures for the period 1997–98 to 1998–99 are being finalised. As usual these figures will be published in the 1996 FCO departmental report in March.

  Aid and Trade Provision
  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth affairs what is the gross national product per capita limit for aid-for-trade provision projects; and if the limit applies at gross national product per capita prices. [8235]

  Mr. Hanley
  The countries eligible for ATP are those with a gross national product per capita of not more than $700 in 1989. Consideration is being given to updating this to the latest available year.

  Sub-Saharan Africa
  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what was the value of United Kingdom bilateral aid to sub-Saharan Africa in each year since 1973–74(a) at constant prices and (b) in cash terms. [8239]

  Mr. Hanley
  The total United Kingdom bilateral gross public expenditure on aid to countries in sub-Saharan Africa from 1973 to 1994–95 is set out in the table.

  £000

  Cash prices

  Constant prices1

  1973

  62,679

  398,747

  1974

  71,938

  398,350

  1975

  75,752

  329,930

  1976

  102,710

  388,567

  1977

  110,930

  368,563

  1978

  169,912

  505,916

  1979

  202,436

  526,793

  1980

  243,894

  531,059

  1981

  278,706

  544,624

  1982

  234,760

  426,348

  1983

  225,899

  389,837

  1984

  249,808

  412,150

  1985

  294,285

  459,361

  1986

  268,520

  405,871

  19872

  297,670

  428,660

  1987–88

  247,881

  354,298

  1988–89

  396,774

  531,541

  1989–90

  462,826

  579,554

  1990–91

  485,887

  563,275

  1991–92

  419,119

  457.324

  1992–93

  502,929

  527,317

  1993–94

  438,319

  446,544

  1994–95

  462,254

  462,254

  1 Calender year figures are given in 1994 prices while financial year figures are given in 1994–95 prices.

  2 Prior to 1987–88 figures are only available by calendar year.

  European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
  Mr. Booth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on Britain's participation in EBRD. [6865]

  Mr. Hanley
  We fully support the European bank for reconstruction and development which has made impressive progress over the last two years under President Larosière. To enable it to continue its highly regarded work in promoting transition and private sector development in the countries of central and eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union, we are participating actively in current discussions on a capital replenishment. The UK shareholding in the EBRD is 8.5 per cent. or 850 million ECU.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Companies Act
  Sir Irvine Patnick
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many prosecutions there have been in breach of the Companies Act 1985; under what section each prosecution took place; and for what purpose in each year since the Act was passed. [7595]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  In cases where the prosecution was brought by my Department, information on prosecutions under the Companies Act 1985 is contained in the Companies annual report which is laid before both Houses of Parliament in accordance with section 729 of the Companies Act 1985. This report does not include information on prosecutions brought by other prosecuting authorities, for example the DPP and the SFO, and records for these are not maintained within the Department.

  Carpets (Belgian Beaulieu Group)
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what share of British markets for carpets is held by the Belgian Beaulieu Group. [8071]

  Mr. Eggar
  Statistics specific to Beaulieu products are not available.

  In 1994, total Belgian exports of carpets to the UK were £184 million. This accounted for 14.7 per cent. of the UK market and 39 per cent. of all UK carpet imports.

  Unfair Dismissal (Appeals)
  Mr. Callaghan
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many applications for appeal against unfair dismissal have been made to each employment office in the United Kingdom in the last year. [8075]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  Applications to the industrial tribunals are registered by their central offices in Bury St. Edmunds, for England and Wales, and Glasgow, for Scotland. The number of registered applications alleging unfair dismissal in 1994–95 was 35,610 for England and Wales and 3,832 for Scotland.

  Algeria (Export Credits Guarantee)
  Mr. Fatchett
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what is his Department's policy towards the availability of export credits guarantee for business in Algeria. [7997]
  226
  Mr. Nelson
  There is no ECGD medium/long-term cover for business with Algeria.

  Human Genetics
  Sir Sydney Chapman
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade when the Government will respond to the third report of the Science and Technology Committee of Session 1994–95, "Human Genetics, the Science and its Consequences" (HC 41.I) [8690]

  Mr. Ian Taylor
  The Government have published today their response to the Select Committee's report on "Human Genetics: The Science and its Consequences". Copies of the response have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

  The response emphasises the excellence of UK genetic research and the opportunities which it offers for improving the country's competitiveness and quality of life. However, it also recognises the sensitivities which can apply to the application of genetics on health care and other fields. The response refers to the establishment of a new advisory body on genetic testing, to complement existing arrangements for addressing the ethical aspects of medical research. Details will be announced separately by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health.

  Fossil Fuel Levy
  Mr. Hardy
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what has been the total sum raised by the fossil fuel levy borne by electricity consumers since this levy was introduced; and what sum this represents for the average electricity consumer. [7839]

  Mr. Page
  The total sum raised by the fossil fuel levy between 1 April 1990 and 31 March 1995—the latest data available—was £6,285 million. Over the same period, an average domestic electricity customer has paid about £135 towards the levy.

  Timeshare Directive
  Mr. Nigel Griffiths
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade, pursuant to his answer of 13 December,Official Report, column 640, what considerations led to his not yet having initiated a consultation exercise to implement the 1994 timeshare directive; and if he will estimate the number of timeshare purchasers affected as a result of the interval. [7981]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  [holding answer 9 January 1996]: The deadline for implementing the timeshare directive is 29 April 1997. We plan to meet that deadline. With this in mind a consultation paper will be issued shortly. We intend to lay regulations before Parliament early in 1997. Purchasers of timeshare in the UK are already protected under the UK Timeshare Act 1992, and we believe no consumer will be adversely affected by our timetable.

  Nuclear Industry (Privatisation)
  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what has been the total expenditure on management and financial consultants employed by the Department to advise on the sale of Nuclear Electric and Scottish Nuclear; and what estimate he has made of future expenditure. [8013]
  227
  Mr. Eggar
  [holding answer 9 January 1996]: The Department has provision for expenditure of £25 million in 1995–96 on restructuring and privatisation of the nuclear power generation industry. Actual expenditure will be reported to Parliament in the normal way through the appropriation account. Details of estimated expenditure in 1996–97 will be published in due course in the supply estimates.

  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade which companies are currently employed to advise on the privatisation of Nuclear Electric and Scottish Nuclear; and on what aspects. [8014]

  Mr. Eggar
  [holding answer 9 January 1996]: The following advisers are currently employed in connection with the privatisation of Nuclear Electric and Scottish Nuclear.

  Adviser

  Area

  Addison Design

  Design company

  Allen and Overy

  Legal adviser (England and Wales)

  Barclays de Zoete Wedd

  Financial adviser/Global co-ordinator

  Binder Hamlyn

  Joint reporting accountant1

  Brodies

  Legal adviser (Scotland)

  Cluttons

  Property valuer

  Davis Polk and Wardwell

  Legal adviser (US)

  Dewe Rogerson

  PR/Marketing adviser1

  Jonathan Sumption QC

  Legal advice

  London Economics

  Electricity pool price modelling

  Lowe Howard-Spink

  Advertising agency1

  Mail Marketing (Bristol)

  Mailing house

  Matthew Clarke QC

  Legal advice

  Price Waterhouse

  Joint reporting accountant1

  Solid Solutions Associates

  Retail adviser

  Stone & Webster and Electrowatt

  Joint technical consultants

  The Database Group

  Database manager

  Tillinghast

  Insurance adviser

  Touche Ross

  Accountancy adviser

  Watson Wyatt

  Actuary

  Williams Lea

  Printer

  1Appointed jointly with British Energy.

DEFENCE

  Executive Agencies
  Dr. Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 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. [7832]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  Parliamentary questions are passed to the head of an executive agency for reply when the matter is delegated to him or her under the agency framework document. The relevant Minister normally sees a copy of the reply before it is sent, but would not normally intervene in operational matters. No record is kept of occasions when Ministers propose amendments to the terms of a chief executive's reply, though such instances are rare.

  Trident
  Mr. Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate was made of the cost of the work to be undertaken at the atomic weapons establishment Aldermaston in support of the Trident programme before the work commenced. [8269]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  I have nothing to add to the reply given to the hon. Member on 16 October 1995,Official Report, column 36.

  Directorate of Accounts (Bills)
  Mr. Dicks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about defence agency status for the Directorate of Accounts (Bills). [8535]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  The Directorate of Accounts (Bills) became a defence agency of the Ministry of Defence on 1 January 1996 following the restructuring of the Defence Accounts Agency. The agency, to be known as the Defence Bills Agency, is located in Liverpool and has a staff of 652 MoD civil servants. The agency is responsible for the authorisation and payment of bills from MoD's suppliers and contractors and the invoicing and collection of MoD receipts. In addition, the agency will maintain accounting records for the MoD central ledger and provide financial management information to budget holders and other MoD customers including other defence agencies.

  As part of the Government's "Competing for Quality" initiative, the Directorate of Accounts (Bills) underwent a market testing feasibility study. As a result of this it was decided to keep the work of the directorate in house and to set challenging efficiency targets. These have been met and the in-house team and has been awarded a three-year fixed-price service level agreement effective from 1 April 1996. Embodied within the SLA are efficiency savings of over 27 per cent. measured against a baseline of the agency's 1993–94 outturn and these will be achieved by 31 March 1996.

  The former Director of Accounts (Bills), Mr. M. A. Rowe, is the acting chief executive, pending the results of an open competition to appoint a successor. The chief executive will be seeking to develop the current organisation's professional expertise and improve the high performance standards to fulfil the agency's aim of providing its customers with an efficient service which offers the best value for money. The chief executive has been set the following key targets:

  1. To pay 97 per cent. of correctly presented bills within 11 working days of receipt and 100 per cent. within 30 days of receipt.

  2. To raise 100 per cent. of invoices within 5 working days of instruction.

  3. To obtain ISO 9002 accreditation.

  4. To review the DBA internal management information/costing system.

  5. To develop an accruals accounting system.

  6. To make financial management information available on diskette each week to all MoD customers.

  7. To meet 100 per cent. of the performance criteria laid down in the SLA.

  8. To deliver the service contracted for in the SLA at the agreed price.

  229
  Copies of the agency's framework document are being placed in Library of the House.

HEALTH

  Nurses (Sunderland)
  Mr. Etherington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will give, for each year since 1989, the total number of(a) district nurses, (b) health visitors, (c) practice nurses, (d) midwives and (e) nursery nurses employed by Sunderland district health authority; [6308]

  (2) if he will give, for each year since 1989, the total number and the percentage of (a) district nurses, (b) health visitors, (c) practice nurses and (d) midwives employed by Sunderland district health authority on Whitley council or equivalent employment grades. [6309]

  Mr. Horam
  The information available is shown in the tables.

  NHS Hospital and Community Health Services District Nurses, Health Visitors, Midwives and Nursery Nurses employed by Sunderland Health Authority (DHA) at 30 September 1989 to 19941

  Whole-time equivalents

  1989

  1990

  1991

  1992

  1993

  41994

  District Nurses2

  80

  90

  90

  100

  80

  —

  Health Visitors3

  70

  80

  70

  70

  60

  —

  Midwives

  150

  160

  160

  150

  140

  —

  Nursery Nurses

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Notes:

  1 All staff in groups specified were employed by Sunderland DHA on Whitley council pay scales.

  2 Excludes senior nurses 1–5. Includes senior nurses 6–8 in health visiting, health visitors, HV fieldwork teachers, school health visitors, TB visitors with HV certificates, bank health visitors and dual/triple posts (HV/DN/Mid).

  3Excludes senior nurses 1–5. Includes senior nurses 6–8 in district nursing, district nurses, district nurse practical work teachers, holders of dual post (DN/midwife), and bank district nurses.

  4There were no staff in the groups specified employed by Sunderland DHA at September 1994 because on 1 April 1994 the two directly managed units in Sunderland DHA attained NHS trust status. There were 80 district nurses, 60 health visitors, 130 midwives and no nursery nurses employed by these NHS trusts at 30 September 1994.

  —denotes zero.

  All figures rounded to the nearest 10.

  Source:

  Department of Health non-medical workforce census.

  General medical services practice nurses employed in Sunderland Family Health Services Authority (FHSA) at 1 October 1989–1994

  Whole-time equivalents

  1989

  1990

  1991

  1992

  1993

  1994

  Practice Nurses

  10

  30

  40

  40

  40

  40

  Notes:

  GMS practice nurses are not FHSA employees.

  Figures are rounded to the nearest 10 whole-time equivalents.

  Source:

  Department of Health bi-annual census of general medical practitioners.

  King's Fund
  Ms Harman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what sums were given by his Department to(a) the King's Fund institute and (b) the King's Fund college in each of the last six years. [6228]

  Mr. Horam
  The Department has made the following grants to the King's Fund in the last six years:

  Towards the running costs of the King's Fund centre:

  Years

  1989–90: £540,000

  1990–91: £567,000

  1991–92: £600,000

  1992–93: £627,000

  1993–94: £639,000

  1994–95: £665,000.

  Section 64 general scheme grants to the centre

  Carers impact projects £

  Community participation project £

  Contracts project £

  Positive action project £

  1989–90

  0

  16,000

  0

  0

  1990–91

  0

  30,000

  0

  0

  1991–92

  0

  28,000

  0

  0

  1992–93

  75,000

  9,500

  20,000

  25,000

  1993–94

  75,000

  0

  30,000

  25,000

  1994–95

  75,000

  0

  30,000

  25,000

  No grants have been made specifically to the King's Fund institute or the King's Fund college but various ad hoc payments have been made to the King's Fund over the last six years in respect of individual projects and conferences. Some of these payments may have related to activities of the institute or college but this could be confirmed only at disproportionate cost.

  Tobacco Advertising
  Mr. Chris Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what advice he has received from the chief medical officer in respect of banning tobacco advertising. [7674]

  Mr. Malone
  The advice to Ministers is treated as confidential. The Department of Health's assessment of the effects of tobacco advertising is contained in the "Effect of Tobacco Advertising on Tobacco Consumption", a discussion document published in October 1992, copies of which are available in the Library.

  Executive Agencies
  Dr. Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if answers sent to hon. Members in reply to parliamentary questions by the heads 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. [7834]

  Mr. Horam
  Parliamentary questions are passed to the head of an executive agency for reply when the matter is one delegated to him under the agency framework document. The relevant Minister may see a copy of the reply before it is sent, but would not normally intervene
  231
  in operational matters. The available information shows that no letters have been amended by Ministers of the Department, but no formal record is kept.

  Genetic Testing
  Mrs. Lait
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what arrangements are being put in place to oversee developments in genetic testing. [8536]

  Mr. Horam
  As announced today in the Government response to the report of the Select Committee on Science and Technology, an advisory committee on genetic testing will be established to consider and advise on the ethical, social and scientific aspects of genetic testing. I am pleased to announce that the Rev. Dr. John Polkinghorne FRS, president, Queen's college, Cambridge has agreed to chair the committee. A copy of the press release that I am issuing today will be placed in the Library.

  Private Home Care Agencies
  Mr. Alfred Morris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to introduce regulation of private home care agencies to protect(a) existing users and disabled people who use such agencies and (b) others who may do so when the Community Care (Direct Payments) Bill is enacted; and if he will make a statement. [7766]

  Mr. Bowis
  On 22 September 1995 we published a consultation document, "Moving Forward", on the regulation and inspection of social services. Among other issues, it seeks views on whether statutory regulation should be extended to day and domiciliary care services. We shall decide on what action, if any, to take in the light of this review, including any implications for people who in the future may receive direct payments if Parliament approves the Community Care (Direct Payments) Bill. Copies of the consultation document are available in the Library.

  Paracetamol
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has(a) to encourage the use of protected paracetamol and (b) to discourage the use of paracetamol products that do not include methodine. [7840]

  Mr. Malone
  There are no plans. Paracetamol is a safe and effective pain killer when used at the recommended dose. Paracetamol-methionine combinations have been assessed by the Medicines Control Agency and are authorised for sale from pharmacies. They may be preferred where there is a risk of an overdose.

  Drug Deaths
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people died in each of the past five years as a result of the use of(a) tobacco, (b) alcohol, (c) medicinal drugs, (d) heroin, (e) solvents, (f) ecstasy and (g) cannabis. [7841]

  Mr. Bowis
  It is estimated that in the Untied Kingdom about 110,000 deaths each year are smoking related.

  It is not easy to estimate the annual number of deaths in the UK directly caused by alcohol consumption. Estimates in academic literature range between 5,000 and 40,000 deaths in England and Wales per annum, and
  232
  reflect a wide range of methodological approaches. There is therefore currently no universally acceptable mortality figure.

  Deaths from medicinal drugs are shown below.

  1988: 1,859

  1989: 1,712

  1990: 1,771

  1991: 1,791

  1992: 1,971.

  Data on heroin, ecstasy and cannabis are contained in table 10 of the Office of Population Censuses and Surveys publication "Mortality Statistics: Injury and poisoning" Series DH4. Copies of this publication are available in the Library.

  Deaths from solvents are as follows:

  1989: 113

  1990: 151

  1991: 122

  1992: 84

  1993: 73.

  Cancer
  Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people were diagnosed as suffering from cancer in each standard region of the United Kingdom, for England as a whole, and for the United Kingdom, for each of the last available three years, expressing each figure as a percentage of the corresponding population. [8087]

  Mr. Horam
  Data on registrations of newly diagnosed cases of cancer for England, by region, and Wales were published in tables 7 and 9 of the following publication "Cancer Statistics—Registrations", series MB 1 No. 20: 1987; No. 21: 1988, and No. 22: 1989. Copies of all three publications are available in the Library.

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

  "NHS Workforce in England"
  Ms Harman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects to publish the next edition of "NHS Workforce in England". [8286]

  Mr. Malone
  No further editions of "NHS Workforce in England" are planned following a readership survey which indicated that the book was of little interest. The publication has been replaced by a set of summary tables which provide the information most often requested. These tables, containing information from the 1994 non-medical work force census, will he available shortly.

  Nursing Students
  Ms Harman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many pre-registration nursing and midwifery students commenced training as initial entrants by means of(a) salaried student places, (b) Project 2000 and (c) undergraduate study in each of the last five years; [8287]
  233
  (2) how many pre-registration nursing and midwifery students who commenced training as initial entrants by means of (a) salaried student places, (b) Project 2000 and (c) undergraduate study gave up their training in (i) the first year, (ii) the second year and (iii) the third year in each of the last five years; [8288]

  (3) how many pre-registration nursing and midwifery students who commenced training as initial entrants by means of (a) salaried student places, (b) Project 2000 and (c) undergraduate study gave up their courses for each year of training in each of the last five years; [8289]

  (4) how many pre-registration nursing and midwifery students who commenced training as initial entrants by means of (a) salaried student places, (b) Project 2000 and (c) undergraduate study (i) qualified and (ii) registered with the United Kingdom Central Council for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting in each of the last five years. [8290]

  Mr. Horam
  This information is not available centrally.

  Ms Harman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how he intends to estimate demand for nurses from the non-NHS sector; and how this information will be used to regulate the supply of nursing students. [8294]

  Mr. Horam
  Work force planning will continue to be undertaken by local employers. National health service employers together with health authorities will join together with other providers of healthcare to estimate demand for nurses. These estimates will be translated on to contracts for training places. The NHS Executive headquarters will maintain a national overview.

  Registered Nurses
  Ms Harman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the total number of second level registered nurses; and how many are currently undertaking training to convert to first level registration. [8291]

  Mr. Horam
  This information is not held centrally. I refer the hon. Member to the United Kingdom Central Council for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting for information concerning the former and to the English National Board for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting for the latter.

  Ms Harman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health by what means he assesses the demand for conversion courses for second-level registered nurses. [8292]

  Mr. Horam
  It is for national health service trusts to determine the qualifications and number of staff they require and, in consultation with their regional health authority, to commission conversion courses for second-level registered nurses to meet these needs.

  Health Service Planning
  Ms Harman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health which(a) papers, (b) studies and (c) other works the Department of Health has (i) published and (ii) is currently undertaking which examine work force planning. [8293]
  234
  Mr. Malone
  "Managing the New NHS" (1993) notes the need for the NHS to secure staffing resources to achieve its objectives and that NHS central management will retain responsibility for securing the future supply of skilled professional staff. "Managing the New NHS: Functions and Responsibilities in the New NHS" (1994) sets out how this will be done, including the role of the regional education and development groups, which includes postgraduate medical deans, and consortia of trusts and purchasers. "Priorities and Planning Guidance for the NHS, 1996–97" sets out the main objectives covering human resources and work force planning.

  The Department is currently developing a new initiative on medical staffing policy and arrangements for the hospital community health services and is advised on medical staffing matters by three advisory groups, the Medical Work Force Standing Advisory Committee, the Advisory Group on Medical and Dental Education, Training and Staffing and the Specialist Workforce Advisory Group.

  In 1995 the Department published "The Non Medical Health Care Professions National Work Force Balance Sheet" with associated guidelines and the "Non Medical Education and Training—Planning Guidance for 1996–97", education commissioning (EL(95)96)

  In 1996, it is planned to publish "The Non Medical Education and Training Information Requirements" and associated guidelines and the "Non Medical Education and Training—Planning Guidance for 1997–98". In addition, the NHS executive will publish a guide to work force planning in consortia.

  Copies of the documents are available in the Library.

  Goods and Services
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much his Department paid to the private sector for goods and services in 1994–95. [6504]

  Mr. Horam
  [holding answer 19 December 1995]: The Department's payment systems do not separately identify payments between the public and private sector. From an examination of the payment records of the Department and its agencies it is estimated that payments of about £140 million were made to the private sector for goods and services in 1994–95.

SCOTLAND

  Private Patients
  Mr. George Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the total income received from private patients in each health board in Scotland in each year since 1989–90. [7169]

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  Since 1992–93 the provision of health care in Scotland has been split between health boards and NHS trusts. Private patient income figures for both health boards and NHS trusts are set out in the table. The figures for Greater Glasgow in 1993–94 and Lothian in 1994–95 include overseas patients, and can therefore not be compared directly with other years.
  235

  £000

  Health board area

  1989–90

  1990–91

  1991–92

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–95

  Argyll and Clyde

  69

  57

  49

  43

  36

  27

  Ayr and Arran

  144

  174

  234

  142

  115

  169

  Borders

  22

  32

  42

  52

  32

  52

  Dumfries and Galloway

  3

  5

  6

  6

  8

  35

  Fife

  1

  1

  4

  0

  1

  0

  Forth Valley

  82

  22

  37

  33

  55

  69

  Grampian

  304

  328

  473

  563

  567

  710

  Greater Glasgow

  34

  43

  12

  19

  485

  226

  Highland

  28

  37

  54

  60

  117

  176

  Lanarkshire

  0

  0

  0

  0

  1

  0

  Lothian

  212

  255

  548

  608

  802

  1,251

  Orkney

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Shetland

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Tayside

  130

  162

  184

  193

  244

  232

  Western Isles

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Scotland total

  1,029

  1,116

  1,643

  1,719

  2,463

  2,947

  Secondary Schools
  Mr. Chisholm
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list those secondary schools in Scotland that do not have another secondary school within a walking distance of 4.8 km. [7745]

  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  This information is not held centrally.

  Sentencing Costs
  Mr. McFall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the average annual cost for(a) each prisoner in custody and (b) community disposals with particular reference to probation/community support programmes. [7751]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The annual cost per prisoner place in HM prisons in Scotland in 1994–95, calculated as total net expenditure, excluding capital, divided by the average number of places available, was £26,479. The average cost per order in 1994–95 of probation and community service in Scotland was £1,446 respectively.

  Priority Partnership Initiatives
  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what new priority partnership initiatives he plans to launch in 1996–97; and if he will consider new applications for priority partnership area initiatives in that year. [7760]

  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  My right hon. Friend will only be responsible for the designation of priority partnership areas if the urban programme continues as a specific grant. If it does not, such matters will be for local decision. The future of the urban programme as a specific grant is currently the subject of public consultation.

  Local Authorities (Adverse Weather)
  Mr. Gallie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment he has made of the performance of local authorities in Scotland during the recent adverse weather conditions; and if he will make a statement. [8968]

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  I am happy to pay tribute to the dedication of all of the staff of local authorities, electricity and gas companies and emergency services who coped 236
  superbly with a very difficult combination of weather over the holiday period. This is the second year running that, over Christmas and new year, life for large numbers of Scots has been severely disrupted by such natural events and we are well served by the people who work to make it possible for things to return to normal as soon as possible.

  Some snow fell in the days before Christmas, but heavy snowfalls were experienced in parts of northern Scotland on Christmas day. The area worst affected was the Shetland Islands where a record depth of 35 cm fell and where communities were cut off from each other and power supplies were severely disrupted. Throughout the country, temperatures dropped to sub-zero levels on 20 December, but many mainland areas experienced severe conditions between 25 and 30 December when temperatures dropped in some areas to record levels. In Altnaharra, minus 27 degrees was recorded and in Glasgow the temperature fell to minus 20 degrees, causing the River Clyde to freeze over. Both of these were the lowest temperatures ever recorded. The thaw set in on 30 December.

  The first problem to present itself was as a result of the severe blizzards on Christmas day. Generally, this caused disruption to traffic, but this was not particularly severe or long lasting. Exceptionally, the Shetland Isles experienced very heavy snow falls which presented particular problems for Scottish Hydro Electric due to major disruption of power supplies. Access to the disrupted power lines was extremely difficult and, in the circumstances, supplies were restored in very good time.

  The severe frosts between 25 and 30 December led to very many parts of the water supply system freezing, understandable in record low temperatures. As a result. there were numerous bursts, mainly on small diameter piping belonging to domestic and commercial consumers. although larger pipes in the ownership of water authorities and industrial consumers also suffered. The incidence of such low temperatures whenever they occurred would undoubtedly have had a severe effect on water supplies. Over the holiday period, however, this effect was exacerbated. Many domestic, commercial and industrial premises were left empty with only limited heating, if any. Few systems were drained as would have been the

  237
  practice 20 years ago since we have all tended to become dependant on the improved levels of heating and insulation of our properties.

  Sadly, but inevitably, in the circumstances an unprecedented number of bursts came to light during the rapid thaw on 29 to 31 December. These resulted in increases in demand on the water supply systems with which some could not cope. Demand rose to over 150 per cent. of average flow rates in some areas. While such peaks can be sustained for a period, the capacity of the distribution system and on-line storages cannot keep this up for days on end. Treatment works were stretched well beyond their capacity and inevitably limited numbers of consumers did not receive supplies where their properties were at high levels, at the end of major distribution systems or the system was drained by major bursts close by.

  The response of the various service authorities to these problems was very good. Contingency plans proved fully effective and the effort put into emergency planning by authorities in recent years paid off. My ministerial colleagues and I can confirm this at first hand from our visits and discussions with staff concerned.

  In particular, the water authorities in some areas were overwhelmed by calls by the public reporting problems with supplies. In extreme cases, such as Aberdeen, they were forced to cut off supplies to industrial premises, closed over the holiday, in order to maximise supplies available to domestic consumers. To cope with this situation, authorities called in staff to deal with telephone calls, monitor closely the distribution systems and deal with bursts on their own mains which were occurring at increased frequency. While some water authorities were stretched close to the limit, none sought assistance from central Government.

  Inevitably, there was great concern by the public about the impact of these events. The media were quick to highlight difficulties but, in so doing, sometimes displayed unrealistic expectations. Criticism, for example, of electricity workers in Shetland were particularly misplaced. Similar criticism of Government and water authorities in the aftermath of the thaw was frequently made. The media have their part to play in getting through to the public reliable information about what is going on.

  Some people have suggested that no information was provided to the public. On the contrary, water authorities in the areas most seriously affected had been active in providing advice and information to the public—starting in the autumn, they published, as they do every year, the precautions that consumers need to take against frost damage. Similarly, during the holiday period, representatives of authorities made appearances on television and spoke to local radio as well as issuing up-to-the-minute news releases, including guidance for householders. The contribution in particularly hard pressed areas from local radio, particularly in the shape of helplines, was very effective and I willingly pay tribute to this initiative.

  Clearly, there are considerable financial consequences for individuals and authorities as a result of these events. It is too soon to estimate the costs. In the case of public and private properties, whether domestic or industrial, the primary responsibility is on the owner to protect himself
  238
  against risks of this nature. In most cases, appropriate insurance is clearly essential. It is no part of the role of Government to act as an insurer of last resort. However, there is help which the Government can make, and have made, available during this difficult period. The Benefits Agency out of hours system has been available to provide assistance to vulnerable people. In appropriate circumstances, grants or loans have been made available to help with difficulties arising from the aftermath of the thaw and resulting burst pipes. Local authority services have responded, not least to those made homeless. For local authorities, exceptional assistance is available via the Bellwin scheme to cover certain well defined circumstances. Grants can be made available to help with costs incurred in providing relief and carrying out immediate works. My right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary and I stand ready to consider sympathetically applications from authorities where the relevant criteria have been met.

  Lessons for the future have to be drawn from such events. I have established a working party to look for these lessons—not to look for scapegoats or carry out whitewash but to learn practical lessons. Representatives of agencies involved will be invited to participate. The report will be published. I will be happy to receive constructive suggestions for improved arrangements.

  Prescription Charges
  Mr. George Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what has been(a) the amount raised from prescription charges within the NHS in Scotland and (b) the expenditure on the system of NHS prescription for medication within the NHS in Scotland; and if he will give the difference between (a) and (b) in each year since 1979–80. [6156]

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  [holding answer 14 December 1995]: The information for the financial years 1979–80 to 1994–95 is set out in the table. The information shows (a) the annual income from NHS prescription charges paid by patients in respect of drugs and appliances dispensed by community pharmacists, dispensing doctors and appliance suppliers and the sums collected in respect of the sale of prepayment certificates; (b) the net ingredient cost of the drugs and appliances and the remuneration paid to community pharmacists, dispensing doctors and appliance suppliers for dispensing these drugs and appliances, and (c) the difference between (a) and (b).

  £ million

  (c)

  (b)

  Difference

  (a)

  Annual

  between (a)

  Year

  Annual income

  expenditure

  and (b)

  1979–80

  4.38

  99.94

  95.56

  1980–81

  7.87

  120.63

  112.76

  1981–82

  10.27

  137.57

  127.30

  1982–83

  11.89

  155.86

  143.97

  1983–84

  12.87

  172.02

  159.15

  1984–85

  14.03

  183.56

  169.53

  1985–86

  15.62

  195.30

  179.68

  1986–87

  19.00

  211.91

  192.91

  1987–88

  18.25

  235.98

  217.73

  1988–89

  19.82

  262.59

  242.77

  1989–90

  21.69

  292.82

  271.13

  1990–91

  23.03

  320.89

  297.86

  239

  £ million

  Year

  (a) Annual income

  (b) Annual expenditure

  (c) Difference between (a) and (b)

  1991–92

  25.51

  359.55

  334.04

  1992–93

  27.87

  402.78

  374.91

  1993–94

  30.51

  435.97

  405.46

  1994–95

  33.23

  473.44

  440.21

  Investors in People
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps his Department is taking to achieve Investor in People status; when they started the process; when they expect to achieve Investor in People status; and if he will make a statement. [2982]

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  [holding answer 30 November 1995]: The Scottish Office, associated departments and agencies has been committed to becoming an Investor in People since 1991. The "whole Department" approach to meeting the standard has proved to be both challenging and beneficial; preparations have included a self-assessment exercise; and a wide-ranging staff survey on development and communications.

  When I came to the Scottish Office, I set a target of obtaining Investor in People status by December 1996. I am confident that the Scottish Office will achieve this.

TRANSPORT

  Stowaways
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what arrangements he makes for the safe passage and safe return of ship stowaways. [7702]

  Mr. Norris
  There is currently no international agreement on dealing with stowaways. The UK, however, is concerned about the increase in the number of stowaway incidents and is currently taking the issue forward in the International Maritime Organisation. We are developing international guidelines on the responsibilities of all parties involved in dealing with stowaways.

  I understand that a stowaway arriving in the United Kingdom is examined by the immigration service and that the arrangements for his or her removal, where applicable, are usually made by the agents for the vessel following directions given to them under the Immigration Act.

  Toll Bridges (Deregulation)
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to announce the results of his consultation on deregulation of charging on toll bridges; and if he will make a statement. [8223]

  Mr. Watts
  I hope to make an announcement shortly.

  Railways (Grants)
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what are the estimated predicted levels of 240
  public service obligation grant payable to the railways in each of the years from 1995–96 to 2003–4. [7772]

  Mr. Watts
  Support for passenger rail services is now paid by the franchising director under section 52 of the Railways Act 1993. He expects to pay grant of some £1,600 million in 1995–96. The Government remain committed to providing grant to support passenger services. The grant level in 1996–97 and beyond will depend on the outcome of competitions for passenger franchises. The Government are confident that private sector franchises will offer better value for money for passengers and taxpayers, as clearly indicated by the first three franchises announced in December.

  Road Improvement Schemes
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list each of the proposed road improvement schemes which were due to be started in(a) South Yorkshire, (b) West Yorkshire, (c) North Yorkshire and (d) Humberside which have now been (i) abandoned or (ii) suspended; and if he will make a statement. [8447]

  Mr. Watts
  Following the recent review of the trunk road programme the list of schemes placed in each category is set out:Longer-term programme schemes

  A1 (M) Leeming-Scotch Corner, North Yorkshire

  A1 (M) Dishforth-Leeming, North Yorkshire

  A65 Coniston Cold Bypass, North Yorkshire

  A650 Shipley Eastern Bypass, Bradford MB.

  The longer-term programme comprises those schemes, which although required, are not of the highest priority nationally. They will be taken forward only as the main programme is completed.

  Withdrawn schemes

  A19 Thormanby Bypass, North Yorkshire

  A19 Shipton by Beningborough Bypass, North Yorkshire

  A64 York-Malton Bypass Improvement, North Yorkshire

  A64 Malton-Seamer Bypass, North Yorkshire

  A65 Ilkley Bypass, North Yorkshire

  A616/A628 Salters Brook-Stocksbridge Improvement, Barnsley
  MB, Sheffield MB

  A1079 Shiptonthorpe Bypass, Humberside.

  EU Transport Council
  Mr. Riddick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what was the result of the Transport Council held in Brussels on 7 and 8 December 1995. [8944]

  Sir George Young
  The Transport Council met in Brussels on 7 and 8 December. My noble Friend the Minister for Aviation and Shipping represented the United Kingdom.

  The Council reached a common position on a directive to introduce greater competition in ground handling services at European Community airports. The directive includes a provision suspending its application to Gibraltar until arrangements agreed between the UK and Spain in 1987 in relation to Gibraltar airport have been implemented. The UK will enter a statement in the Council minutes emphasising that in principle the

  241
  directive applies to Gibraltar, and that the suspension does not affect the position on sovereignty over the territory in which the airport is situated.

  The Council also reached a common position on a directive allowing member states to issue driving licences in the form of a plastic card. The Council accepted an amendment, proposed by the UK, which reserves space in the licence for member states to record information of their own. The amendment would make it possible for the driving licence, with additional identity information, to be used as a voluntary identity card in the UK, although the Government have not yet taken any decision on this issue.

  The Council agreed to amend the regulation governing state aids for combined transport, extending its application until the end of 1997.

  The Council agreed conclusions noting a communication from the Commission on a package of measures to reform the inland waterways industry in the Community.

  The Council agreed mandates for the Community to negotiate a road goods transport agreement with Hungary, Bulgaria and Romania, and a road passenger transport agreement with up to 14 central and eastern European states.

  The Council reached political agreement on a directive to provide a framework for harmonising the standards applying to safety and environmental protection equipment carried by merchant ships for EC member states. This will help to improve safety and promote a single market for marine equipment.

  The Council adopted a resolution on measures to promote short sea shipping and related ports services.

  The Commission reported that the Council on the impact of the regulation and maritime cabotage adopted by the Council in 1992.

  The Council discussed the conclusions of the recent International Maritime Organisation conference on ferry safety. The UK and other member states welcomed an invitation from Sweden to a meeting next month to secure higher safety standards for roll-on roll-off ferries in north-west Europe.

  Other issues raised at the Council included air transport relations with the United States, on which the Commission gave an initial presentation of the economic analysis requested at the June 1995 meeting of the Transport Council.

  The only vote at the Council was on the ground-handling directive, which Germany and Austria opposed.

  Highways Agency
  Mr. Hawkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he plans to amend the Highways Agency's 1995–96 key business plan targets. [8534]

  Mr. Watts
  As a consequence of the change to the trunk road programme announced on 28 November and published in "Managing the Trunk Road Programme", and the need to avoid over-committing funds for 1996–97, a number of business plan targets for the current financial year need to be amended. These include 242
  reducing the length of motorway and trunk road to be renewed from 134 and 262 nearside lane kilometres—nlks—to 110 and 220 nlks respectively, and deferring a number of milestone targets for the preparation of individual schemes. A full list of amendments has been placed in the Library.

  The following 1995–96 targets are deferred, reflecting the new timing or priority of these schemes announced on 28 November:
  Start of Works

  A12 Hackney—M11 (Contract 1)

  A12 Hackney—M11 (Contract 3)

  A40 Gypsy Corner Improvement

  A40 Western Circus Junction Improvement.

  The above schemes feature in table 3 of "Managing the Trunk Road Programme" as schemes now due to start by the end of the financial year 1996–97.

  A406/A1/A598 Regents Park Road Junction improvement

  Preferred Route

  M1 Junctions 25–28 Widening

  M11 Junctions 8–9 Widening

  A6 Kibworth Bypass

  Public Inquiry

  M1 Junctions 10–15 Widening

  M6 Junctions 11–16 Widening

  M6 Junctions 16–20 Widening.

  The following 1995–96 targets are withdrawn, reflecting the schemes' changed status:

  Start of Works

  A65 Manor Park Bends Improvement (now Regional Programme)

  A65 Hellifield and Long Preston Bypass (now DBFO)

  Preferred Route

  A59 Bank Hall Diversion (withdrawn).

  Civil Aviation Authority
  Mr. Batiste
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement about the Civil Aviation Authority's external finance limit. [8966]

  Mr. Norris
  The Civil Aviation Authority's external finance limit for 1995–96 will be £35.954 million. This amount is made up of the following:

  (i) the original external finance limit of £27.9 million as agreed in the 1994 public expenditure survey;

  (ii) plus £8.054 million, in respect of;

  (a) the carry forward of an underspend of £5.975 million from 1994–95 under Treasury end-year flexibility rules, which will be funded from the reserve and will not therefore add to the planned total of public expenditure; and

  (b) £2.079 million, resulting from a one-off cash transfer from the CAA to Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd. The cash transfer relates to the transfer of ownership of HIAL from the CAA to the Scottish Office, and is in respect of HIAL liabilities expected to arise in this financial year.

  The CAA's external finance limit for future years will be as follows:

  1996–97: £13.4 million

  1997–98: £22.9 million

  1998–99: £22.9 million.

  243
  The limits are negative because in these years the CAA's repayment of past Government loans will exceed its new borrowing.

  Royal Train
  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what efficiency gains have been achieved in the running of the royal train since 1990. [7044]

  Mr. Watts
  [holding answer 9 January 1996]: In the five years to 1995–96 it is estimated that efficiency gains of over 10 per cent. will have been made in the running of the royal train.

  Airports (Ground Collisions)
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many incidents of collisions on runway aprons occurred at(a) Heathrow, (b) Gatwick, (c) Manchester and (d) Stansteid airports for each year since 1985; and if he will make a statement. [7588]

  Mr. Norris
  At Heathrow two ground collisions between aircraft were reported in 1989, one in 1991, two in 1992 and two in 1995. No such collisions have been reported at Gatwick, Manchester or Stansted airports since 1985.

  Collisions between aircraft and ground vehicles may also be reportable depending on the circumstances of the accident. The numbers of such collisions reported are as follows:

  Heathrow

  Gatwick

  Manchester

  Stansted

  1985

  3

  2

  0

  0

  1986

  4

  4

  1

  1

  1987

  3

  2

  1

  1

  1988

  1

  4

  2

  1

  1989

  5

  9

  4

  0

  1990

  1

  4

  0

  0

  1991

  4

  2

  1

  1

  1992

  9

  2

  1

  0

  1993

  13

  6

  1

  1

  1994

  11

  2

  4

  4

  1995

  13

  0

  3

  10

  Ferry Crews
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of incentives granted by the Dutch Government to encourage the employment of Dutch crews in ferries operating out of the United Kingdom; and what plans he has to introduce similar incentives to promote crewing by United Kingdom crews. [7701]

  Mr. Norris
  The Dutch Government have notified their proposed measures to the Commission, who will assess them for conformity with the treaty of Rome and the Commission's guidelines on state aid to shipping.

  We are already pursuing a package of positive measures to improve the attractiveness of the red ensign and the competitiveness of British shipping. We will take further measures were merited, but it is not the Government's policy to match subsidies to shipping offered by other member states.

  Cross-channel Ferries (Inspection Reports)
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make public the inspection reports relating to cross-channel ferries. [8232]

  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. Graham Allen, dated 10 January 1996:
  The Secretary of State for Transport has asked me to reply to your Question about the inspection reports relating to cross-Channel ferries.
  In his answer to the hon. Member for Stoke on Trent North, Ms Walley, on 27 April 1995 (Hansard volume 258 columns 614-615), Mr Norris stated the Government's belief that there is no benefit to the travelling public to be gained from the release of the results of routine inspections. The technical content of the report would not be easily comprehensible and could be open to misinterpretation.
  In cases where an inspection of foreign registered roll-on roll-off ferry reveals serious deficiencies which lead to its detention, the details would be included in the list of ships detained in UK ports, which is published monthly by the Marine Safety Agency.

  Marine Safety Agency (Leith)
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to close the Marine Safety Agency office in Leith. [8230]

  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. Graham Allen, dated 10 January 1996:
  I am responding to your question to the Secretary of State for Transport asking what plans the Marine Safety Agency (MSA) has to close its Leith office.
  The proposal to close the MSA office in Leith has been reconsidered and I am pleased to inform you that it will now remain open and operational for the foreseeable future. The size and locations of all of the MSA's offices are, of course, regularly reviewed to ensure that resources are suitably deployed to deal with prevailing workloads.

PRIME MINISTER

  Executive Agencies
  Dr. Wright
  To ask the Prime Minister if answers sent to hon. Members in reply to parliamentary questions by the head of executive agencies in his Department arc(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. [7835]

  The Prime Minister
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary, Office of Public Service on 9 January.

  Royal Household
  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Prime Minister what is the present surplus in the civil list reserves; and what is the forecast surplus for each succeeding year for which an estimate has been made. [7048]
  245
  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 9 January 1996]: At the end of 1995 the surplus on the civil list provision under the current 10-year settlement was £16.9 million, including interest earned. This reflects both lower inflation and cost savings by the royal household.

  Under the financing mechanisms of the Civil List Act 1972, provision is fixed over the period so that the surplus accumulated in the early years can offset any shortfall in the later ones. It would be used only after discussion with the Treasury. At the end of the 10-year period any surplus will be carried forward by the Government in setting the figure for the new period.

  The Government do not forecast a surplus for future years.

  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Prime Minister what efficiency gains have been achieved in the royal household in the past year. [7049]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 9 January 1996]: Efficiency gains in 1994 amounted to more than £1 million. Since 1991, costs have been held to more than 9 per cent. below inflation.

  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Prime Minister what was the expenditure on(a) royal garden parties and (b) royal functions other than garden parties; and what was the cost per person attending for each in the latest year for which figures are available. [7050]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 9 January 1996]: Total expenditure in 1995 on royal garden parties was £325,000, and nearly £230,000 on other royal functions. The full cost per person averaged below £11 for the former. The latter ranged from almost £35 for banquets to £3 for investitures, averaging around £13 together. More than 47,500 guests were involved.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Diplomatic Service
  Mr. Ian Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action his Department is taking to improve the liaison between the diplomatic service and the British Council. [6845]

  Mr. Hanley
  Very close liaison already exists between the diplomatic service and the British Council both at home and overseas.

  Bosnia
  Mr. Macdonald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the implementation of the Dayton agreement on Bosnia. [6853]

  Sir Nicholas Bonsor
  The Bosnia peace agreement was signed in Paris on 14 December.

  Following the London peace implementation conference and the adoption of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1031 on 15 December, implementation of the peace agreement began in earnest. The high representative, Carl Bildt, and the
  246
  implementation force are now in place and implementation is proceeding as fast as the local weather and conditions permit.

  Mrs. Mahon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he last met the Russian Foreign Minister to discuss the situation in Bosnia. [6863]

  Sir Nicholas Bonsor
  My right hon. and learned Friend the Foreign Secretary last met Mr. Kozyrev at the Bosnia peace agreement signing ceremony in Paris on 14 December. We keep in regular touch with the Russian Administration and hope that there will be an early opportunity to meet the new Russian Foreign Minister.

  Mr. Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the current situation in Bosnia. [6867]

  Sir Nicholas Bonsor
  Following signature of the Bosnia peace agreement in Paris on 14 December, the situation in Bosnia has stabilised, but remains fragile. We urge all sides to fulfil in good faith the commitments entered into at Dayton.

  Northern Iraq
  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the situation in northern Iraq. [6857]

  Mr. Hanley
  We welcome the continuing ceasefire between the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan and the Kurdish Democratic party, and support efforts to achieve a lasting agreement that has the backing of the parties in northern Iraq.

  Anglo-US Foreign Policy
  Mr. Clapham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he next plans to meet the US Secretary of State to discuss Anglo-US foreign policy. [6859]

  Sir Nicholas Bonsor
  My right hon. and learned Friend the Foreign Secretary has no particular plans at present but keeps in close and regular touch with the US Secretary of State and will continue to do so.

  Intergovernmental Conference
  Sir Thomas Arnold
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has been made towards settling the agenda of the intergovernmental conference; and if he will make a statement. [6860]

  Mr. David Davis
  There is no fixed agenda for the Intergovernmental conference. A number of items are specified for examination in the Maastricht treaty. The study group report, and other European decisions and declarations have raised further issues for consideration.

  Overseas Representation
  Mrs. Anne Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the representation of United Kingdom interests abroad; and if he will make a statement. [6861]
  247
  Mr. Hanky
  The level and quality of the UK's overseas representation are kept constantly under review.

  Kashmir
  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on Government policy in Kashmir. [6862]

  Mr. Hanley
  We continue to believe that the best way forward on Kashmir should involve simultaneous progress on dialogue between India and Pakistan as provided for under the 1972 Simla agreement; an improvement in human rights in Kashmir and a genuine political process there; and a clear cessation of external support for violence in Kashmir. We stand ready to offer our good offices to help resolve the dispute if both sides so wish.

  Mr. Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what specific steps the British Government have taken to secure the release of Paul Wells and Keith Mangan, currently held in Kashmir; what is the latest information on their state of health; what direct communications are currently taking place with their kidnappers; and if he will make a statement. [6866]

  Sir Nicholas Bonsor
  We are co-operating closely in Delhi, Srinagar and capitals with the Indian and other Governments concerned and continue to work with those who might be able to help for the safe and early release of Paul Wells and Keith Mangan.

  Members of the House will know that our first priority is their safety and well-being. There is no benefit to the hostages in further speculation about their circumstances.

  United Kingdom-French Relations
  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his assessment of relations between the United Kingdom and France. [6864]

  Mr. David Davis
  Relations between the United Kingdom and France are excellent.

  Transatlantic Co-operation
  Sir Roger Moate
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement about steps to strengthen transatlantic co-operation. [6868]

  Sir Nicholas Bonsor
  The enhancement of the transatlantic relationship is a top foreign policy objective of the Government. The success of President Clinton's recent visit demonstrates the excellent state of relations between the US and UK.

  NATO remains the indispensable cornerstone of western security, and the large north American contributions to the implementation force—IFOR—reflect the strength of the transatlantic link. The recently adopted EU/US political declaration and action plan sets out detailed undertakings for EU/US co-operation in a wide range of areas, including trade liberalisation. Complementary arrangements between the EU and Canada are also being considered.

  EU Institutional Development
  Mr. Barnes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement about Her Majesty's Government's policy concerning the institutional development of the European Union. [6869]

  Mr. David Davis
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Walsall, North (Mr. Winnick) in the House earlier today.

  West Bank and Gaza
  Mr. McAvoy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assistance his office is giving the Government of Israel in pursuing their policy of withdrawal from Palestinian territory. [6870]

  Mr. Hanley
  We welcome the redeployment of Israeli forces from the west bank and Gaza, a policy which we have consistently encouraged. Our aid to the Palestinians, of £83 million over three years, now with an additional £2 million which I announced yesterday in Paris, is a major contribution towards assisting Palestinian development, and promoting peace and stability in the west bank and Gaza strip.

  Mr. Burden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on progress towards self-rule in the west bank and Gaza. [6877]

  Mr. Hanley
  Israeli defence forces left Gaza and Jericho last year and, under the terms of the interim agreement, have now left all major towns of the west bank apart from Hebron.

  Preparations are in hand for elections to a new Palestinian Council on 20 January.

  Middle East Peace Process
  Mr. John Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement about the middle east peace process. [6871]

  Mr. Hanley
  Implementation of the interim agreement has continued rapidly; the Israeli defence forces have left all major towns in the west bank apart from Hebron. Talks have also begun again between Israel and the Syrians, and we hope that the path will soon be clear to a lasting settlement in the middle east.

  Land Mines
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he expects international agreement to be achieved to curtail land mine production, trade and use. [6872]

  Mr. David Davis
  We shall work to agree strengthened provisions on the use, as well as some restrictions on the transfer, of land mines at the conference reviewing the 1981 United Nations weaponry convention, when this resumes its work in Geneva between 15 and 19 January and between 22 April and 3 May 1996.
  249
  Thereafter, we shall take forward our proposal for a complementary land mine control programme, which seeks progressively to eliminate long-lived anti-personnel land mines, inter alia through restrictions on their production and stockpiling.

  Good Governance
  Mr. Mark Robinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to ensure that actions following the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Auckland in relation to good governance are being properly co-ordinated among member states. [6873]

  Mr. Hanley
  Responsibility for co-ordinating action among member states following the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Auckland in relation to the good governance rests with the Commonwealth's ministerial action group established in Auckland for which the Commonwealth Secretary-General and his staff provide support. The Foreign Minister of Zimbabwe agreed at the group's first meeting on 20 December 1995 to chair the group. My right hon. and learned Friend the Foreign Secretary is a member of the group.

  Rwanda
  Mr. Hanson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the situation in Rwanda. [6874]

  Mr. Hanley
  The situation has improved considerably since the 1994 genocide. We continue to support the efforts of the Rwandan Government, the promotion of reconciliation and rehabilitation, and efforts to return the large numbers of refugees still outside Rwanda.

  Future Large Aircraft
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with his counterparts in Bonn and Paris concerning the collaboration of the United Kingdom, Germany and France on the future large aircraft project; and if he will make a statement. [6875]

  Sir Nicholas Bonsor
  My right hon. and learned Friend the Foreign Secretary has not had discussions on this project. However, other Ministers and officials are in regular discussion with the partner nations in the future large aircraft project to establish whether the conditions set out by the Government last December for the United Kingdom to rejoin the programme can be met.

  European Security and Foreign Policy
  Mr. Hardy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had in recent weeks in regard to the future of European security and foreign policy arrangements; and if he will make a statement. [6876]

  Mr. David Davis
  I have had several discussion with my colleagues in the IGC reflection group about the future of the European foreign and security policy arrangements, most recently when the group met on 3 October.
  250
  My right hon. and learned Friend the Foreign Secretary also discussed the future of European defence arrangements, including the Western European Union contribution to the intergovernmental conference with his WEU counterparts at the WEU Ministerial Council on 14 November.

  Deregulation and EU Directives
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he next hopes to pay an official visit to(a) Athens, (b) Madrid and (c) Lisbon to discuss deregulation measures and the enforcement of EU directives. [6843]

  Mr. David Davis
  Neither my right hon. and learned Friend the Foreign Secretary nor I has plans to visit Athens, Madrid or Lisbon to discuss deregulation measures and the enforcement of EU directives. My colleague the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster visited Madrid for this purpose in October and intends to meet Ministers from Athens and Lisbon early in 1996.

  British Nationals (Assistance)
  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many United Kingdom citizens required financial assistance from Foreign Office representatives last year; and how much of the money loaned has been recovered. [6854]

  Mr. Hanley
  In 1994 1,041 British nationals were given financial assistance totalling £75,635. So far, 62 per cent. has been recovered.

  Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group
  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans the Commonwealth ministerial action group has to take evidence in public. [7605]

  Mr. Hanley
  [holding answer 9 January 1996]: The Commonwealth ministerial action group agreed on 20 December 1995 to receive written submissions and to review its modus operandi wherever necessary but did not decide to take evidence in public.

  Mr. Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how the Commonwealth ministerial action group will be funded. [7607]

  Mr. Hanley
  [holding answer 9 January 1996]: The Commonwealth Secretariat will provide administrative support for meetings of the group. Travel costs for members of the group will be met by their respective Governments.

  Mr. Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on how many occasions the Commonwealth ministerial action group is expected to meet over the next two years; and where the meetings will be held. [7604]

  Mr. Hanley
  [holding answer 9 January 1996]: The group has no set meeting schedule and agreed at its meeting in London on 20 December 1995, to meet "as and when necessary". It agreed to hold a further meeting in London in April and to send a five-member mission to

  251
  Nigeria to pursue "dialogue with the Nigerian Government". A date for this mission has not yet been agreed.

  Mr. Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the reports of the Commonwealth ministerial action group to the Heads of Government will be published. [7606]

  Mr. Hanley
  [holding answer 9 January 1996]: The group published a "Concluding Statement" after its first meeting on 20 December 1995, a copy of which has been placed in the Libraries of the House. The group's mandate is to report to Commonwealth Heads of Government who will exercise ultimate responsibility for deciding whether the group's reports should be published.

NATIONAL HERITAGE

  Public Libraries (Internet)
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage how many public libraries in the United Kingdom are connected to the Internet. [8072]

  Mr. Sproat
  According to a recent survey by the Library and Information Commission, 142 library service points in the United Kingdom, 3 per cent. of the total, have at least one Internet connection, while 0.7 per cent. of service points provide Internet access for the public.

  Amount allocated £ million

  Value of awards made £ million

  Number of awards made

  Value of applications in progress £ million

  Number of applications in progress

  Sports

  The Sports Council

  248.5

  144.5

  880

  504.5

  994

  The Scottish Sports Council

  26.5

  16.4

  146

  14.1

  77

  The Sports Council for Wales

  14.9

  9.8

  111

  39.9

  88

  The Sports Council for Northern Ireland

  8.3

  7.0

  101

  9.0

  52

  Sports Total

  298.2

  177.7

  1,238

  567.5

  1.211

  Arts

  The Arts Council of England

  248.5

  207.8

  398

  469.8

  575

  The Scottish Arts Council

  26.5

  14.4

  105

  21.7

  86

  The Arts Council of Wales

  14.9

  9.1

  126

  23.1

  204

  The Arts Council of Northern Ireland

  8.3

  4.3

  49

  10.0

  80

  Arts Total

  298.2

  235.6

  678

  524.6

  945

  Arts and Sports Total

  596.4

  413.3

  1,916

  1,092.1

  2,156

  Library Authorities
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what was the spending per head of population of each library authority in England and Wales in each of the last five years. [8012]

  Mr. Sproat
  Such information is contained in the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy's "Public Library Statistics", copies of which are held in the

  Queen Adelaide Coronation Crown
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage where the coronation crown of Queen Adelaide is to be kept for the nation. [8125]

  Mr. Sproat
  I refer to the reply I gave to the hon. Member on 18 December 1995,Official Report, column 855. The coronation crown of Queen Adelaide has not yet been presented to the nation. The manner of the presentation and to whom are matters for HRH Prince Jefri Bolkiah of Brunei.

  Sports and Arts Councils
  Mr. Peter Robinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if she will detail(a) the amount allocated to each of the United Kingdom's sports and arts councils from the national lottery and the amount of that allocation each body has offered, to date, to applicants, (b) the number of recipients in each sector and (c) the number and amount of applications lodged but not yet fully processed; and what assessment she has made of the performance of the distributing bodies and their present arrangements. [6690]

  Mr. Sproat
  It is too early to assess the performance of the distributing bodies in managing lottery funds.

  The information on awards requested by the hon. Member is as follows:

  House Library. Actual figures for 1995–96 are expected to be published later this month, but estimates are already available for 1996–97.

  Mobile Phones
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage 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. [8033]
  253
  Mr. Sproat
  The Department of National Heritage was established on 13 April 1992 and figures can be provided only from that date. The number of mobile phones provided to the Department since then is as follows:

  Number of mobile phones

  Number of suppliers

  1993–94

  7

  2

  1994–95

  20

  3

  1995–96

  4

  2

  Director General of Oflot
  Mr. Alan Williams
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage on which date her Department first became aware of the flights taken by the Director General of Oflot; who was the most senior person to be aware of the flights prior to 11 December; for what reasons no member of her Department notified(a) the National Audit Office and (b) the Committee of Public Accounts prior to 11 December; in what circumstances her Department became aware of the flights; and when, thereafter, the first meeting took place between the director general and departmental officials or Ministers. [8118]

  Mrs. Bottomley
  [holding answer 9 January 1996]: The brief prepared by the Office of the National Lottery for the director general's appearance before the Committee of Public Accounts on 11 December stated that the GTech corporate jet was used on occasions when it made operational sense to do so. My Department was first aware of this when the grade 3 head of arts, sports and lottery group read this brief on 4 December 1995. Full reports on the visits and travel arrangements were on Oflot's files and thus open to inspection by the National Audit Office from November 1994. It was for the director general as accounting officer, rather than for my officials, to answer any questions raised by the Committee about these matters.

  The subsequent meetings at which the subject was discussed were on 12 December at one of the director general's regular informal liaison meetings with my officials; on 15 December, when the director general submitted to my Department his draft report to me; and on 18 and 19 December, when first the permanent secretary, and then I, discussed the report with the director general.

  Royal Household Properties
  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if she will list the properties currently lying vacant in the royal household and indicating in each case(a) its estimated value (b) whether it is in habitable condition and (c) its estimated maximum occupancy level. [7052]

  Mr. Sproat
  [holding answer 9 January 1996]: It is the royal household's policy not to leave properties vacant unless they require refurbishment between occupations. At any one time, 15 to 20 properties used for providing self-contained residential accommodation are
  254
  likely to be undergoing refurbishment. There is currently one property, whose ownership is vested in my Department, which is currently vacant and will be placed on the market. The property is a three-bedroom terrace house, in a habitable condition, with an estimated value of £100,000.

  Royal Palaces
  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what funding was provided by her Department for the management of property services for occupied palaces in the last year for which figures are available. [7046]

  Mr. Sproat
  [holding answer 9 January 1996]: The grant-in-aid from my Department in 1994–95 was £20.541 million.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Veterinary Medicines
  Mr. Patrick Thompson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the 1994 report of the appraisal panel for human suspected adverse reactions to veterinary medicines will be published. [9027]

  Mrs. Browning
  I am pleased to announce that this report has been published. It sets out the conclusions of the appraisal panel drawn from the 144 human suspected adverse reaction reports which it considered during 1994. Of these, 99 related to organophosphorus sheep dips and 45 to other veterinary medicines, including mineral oil based vaccines, flea collars and pour-on products for dogs and cats. They were mainly reports received since December 1990, 20 per cent. of which were regarded as historical reports where the exposure and symptoms had occurred more than a year before the reports were received.

  In many cases, the panel had inadequate information on which to make its assessment and its conclusions are based on a balance of evidence. They should not be considered to be a definitive clinical diagnosis. Of the 99 reports related to OP sheep dips, one acute reaction was assessed as category 1—clinical signs and symptoms typical of exposure to OP sheep dips combined with corroborating medical evidence—the first time the panel has classified a case in this category. The veterinary products committee advised, when considering the report, that such a conclusion is not unexpected, since it is known that exposure to organophosphates can result in acute symptoms. It is for this reason that advice aimed at minimising operator exposure is provided on product labels and in the "Sheep dipping" booklet.
  Copies of the report have been placed in the Library of the House.

  Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy
  Dr. Wright
  To ask the minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many meetings have been held by the Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee since its inception; what research it has commissioned; what reports it has made; and which of its papers have been(a) published and (b) not published. [7809]
  255
  Mrs. Browning
  The Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee has met on 29 occasions since its inception in 1990. Its responsibilities include advising MAFF and the Department of Health on research priorities, but it does not commission research itself. It has published two reports, the most recent in February 1995. A copy is available in the Library of the House. Papers for the committee are internal to the committee and are not generally published.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many reports he has received from farmers alleging that when they have reported BSE symptoms to his Department's veterinary officers, they have not received advice as to the action they should take. [7988]

  Mrs. Browning
  [holding answer 9 January 1996]: We are not aware of any allegations. An advisory leaflet was sent to all registered cattle owners in 1990. The leaflet gives details of the action to be taken by farmers who suspect that an animal may be affected with BSE, and the action which will be taken by the Ministry when a suspect is notified.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment his Department has made of the fatal toxicity levels of BSE in respect of(a) animals and (b) humans. [8096]

  Mrs. Browning
  [holding answer 9 January 1996]: It is not possible to quantify infectivity in any tissue in absolute terms because the agent itself has not been characterised, and it cannot be cultured or assayed in vitro. Quantification by bioassay provides an assessment of the amount of infectivity present in the source tissue, but it can be expressed only in relative terms specific to the experimental animal model used and the route of challenge. Quantification of the minimum amount of infective cattle brain needed to produce clinical disease in the challenged animal species has been carried out for mice, and is currently in progress in cattle in separate experiments by oral and intracerebral routes. Both experiments are incomplete and cannot yet be interpreted. No such assessment is possible for humans without deliberately exposing humans to BSE agent.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  IRA
  Mr. Robert McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what communications he, his Ministers or his officials have had with the IRA or members of the IRA since 1 September 1994; on what dates; which individuals were involved; what was the medium used; and what were the subjects dealt with. [7361]

  Mr. Ancram
  Ministers and officials have neither had nor sought any contacts with representatives of the IRA over this period.

  Bryansburn Stream
  Mr. Robert McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will estimate the cost and length of culverting of the Bryansburn stream and its tributary in the Kilcoolley estate in Bangor. [7383]

  Mr. Ancram
  Culverting of the open sections of the Bryansburn stream and its tributary would extend over some 350 m. Without a full engineering survey of the watercourses and the ground conditions, it is not possible to provide an accurate costing. A preliminary estimate of costs is in the range of £300 to £350 per metre, excluding design, supervision and overhead costs. The total cost would be at minimum £110,000.

  Fair Employment Commission
  Mr. Beggs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what efforts have been made by the Fair Employment Commission to provide more accurate monitoring returns in respect of(a) Belfast City Hospital HSS trust, (b) Belfast education and library board, (c) British Broadcasting Corporation, (d) Craigavon area hospital group trust, (e) Department of Finance and Personnel, Northern Ireland civil service, (f) Eastern health and social services board, (g) Green Park Healthcare trust, (h) North Eastern education and library board, (i) Northern health and social services board, (j) Office of Public Service and Science, (k) Royal Group of Hospitals HSS trust, (l) South Eastern education and library board, (m) Southern health and social services board, (n) Ulster, North Down and Ards Hospitals trust and (o) Western health and social services board. [7748]

  Mr. Ancram
  I have been advised by the FEC that it has no evidence that the named bodies are submitting inaccurate monitoring returns. In common with all registered concerns, these bodies are required to submit annual monitoring returns to the FEC, in accordance with the provisions of the Fair Employment (Northern Ireland) Act 1989 and the Fair Employment (Monitoring) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1989.

  Unemployment
  Mr. Peter Robinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what was the level of unemployment in each Northern Ireland parliamentary constituency(a) in July 1990, (b) in July 1995 and (c) at the latest available date. [8006]

  Mr. Ancram
  Information on the level of unemployment each Northern Ireland parliamentary constituency at these dates can be obtained from the NOMIS database, which can be accessed by the House of Commons Library.

  Inward Investment
  Mr. Peter Robinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much inward investment has come to(a) Belfast, East and (b) other Northern Ireland constituencies in the last 10 years. [8058]

  Mr. Ancram
  The information is as follows:
  257

  Inward investment projects secured by the Industrial Development Board, 1985–86 to 1994–95

  Belfast East

  Other constituencies

  Projects

  Jobs

  Investment (£ million)

  Projects

  Jobs

  Investment (£ million)

  1985–86

  —

  —

  —

  6

  224

  9.3

  1986–87

  —

  —

  —

  7

  415

  24.9

  1987–88

  1

  15

  0.2

  10

  835

  21.3

  1988–89

  —

  —

  —

  7

  1,856

  105.8

  1989–90

  —

  —

  —

  10

  1,577

  114.8

  1990–91

  —

  —

  —

  9

  258

  9.9

  1991–92

  —

  —

  —

  3

  80

  1.6

  1992–93

  1

  150

  7.5

  9

  1,695

  160.0

  1993–94

  1

  70

  5.8

  12

  2,239

  253.3

  1994–95

  —

  —

  —

  10

  1,969

  130.3

  During the period 1985–86 to 1994–95 14 additional projects promising 1,903 jobs were secured without selective financial assistance. Although none of these projects located in the Belfast East constituency, 1,220 of the promised jobs were in projects located in Belfast city centre.

  In addition to new inward investment projects a number of overseas-owned companies already located in Belfast, East benefited from further investment, towards which Government made a substantial contribution.

  Dr. Hendron
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what were the locations of the inward investment projects promoted by the Industrial Development Board between 1 April and 30 November; and what was the cost involved in respect of each project. [7344]

  Mr. Ancram
  [holding answer 20 December 1995]: The inward investment projects secured by the Industrial Development Board between 1 April and 30 November 1995 are set out. The figures do not include one investment for which a formal announcement has still to be agreed with the company.

  Inward investment projects secured: 1 April to 30 November 1995

  Company

  Location

  Assistance (£ million)

  BCO Technologies

  Belfast West

  7.3

  Montupet

  Dunmurry

  57.0

  Stream

  Londonderry

  5.4

  Plastofilm Inc

  Enniskillen

  0.9

  Burnside Engineering

  Enniskillen

  1.0

  Aldiscon

  Belfast North

  0.7

  Economic, Social and Environmental Indicators
  Mr. Peter Robinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what specific(a) economic, (b) social and (c) environmental indicators have been developed for (1) Belfast, East and (2) each of the other Belfast parliamentary constituencies. [8007]

  Mr. Ancram
  No formal economic, social or environmental indicators have been specifically developed for parliamentary constituencies. However, various statistical series, including unemployment and employment, are available at a parliamentary constituency level.

  Industrial Development Board
  Mr. McGrady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many jobs were created by the Industrial Development Board from 15 April 1994 to 31 March 1995 and from 1 April 1995 to 30 November 1995; how many of those were the result of inward investment contracts; and what are the locations of these jobs. [7794]

  Mr. Ancram
  Information on job creations is not available in the manner requested or by location. However, details of jobs promoted by the Industrial Development Board in 1994–95 and for 1 April 1995 to 30 November 1995 are available by district council area and are set out in the table. The Industrial Development Board's own research shows that companies create approximately two thirds of all promoted jobs over a period of three to five years after acceptance of the Industrial Development Board's offer of assistance.

  Jobs promoted by the Industrial Development Board 1994–95 and 1 April to 30 November 1995

  1994–95

  1 April 1995 to 30 Novermber 1995

  District council area

  Total jobs promoted

  Inward investment jobs included in total jobs

  Total jobs provided

  Inward investment jobs included in total jobs

  Antrim

  1,156

  579

  —

  —

  Ards

  14

  —

  —

  —

  Armagh

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Ballymena

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Ballymoney

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Banbridge

  —

  —

  17

  —

  Belfast

  218

  67

  243

  190

  Carrickfergus

  315

  255

  —

  —

  Castlereagh

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Coleraine

  60

  60

  —

  —

  Cookstown

  35

  —

  —

  —

  Craigavon

  977

  509

  210

  —

  Derry

  541

  481

  618

  618

  Down

  —

  —

  41

  41

  Dungannon

  124

  —

  109

  —

  Fermanagh

  191

  —

  118

  118

  Larne

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Limavady

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Lisburn

  —

  —

  1,358

  1,358

  Magherafelt

  —

  —

  10

  —

  Moyle

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Newry and Mourne

  18

  18

  39

  —

  Newtownabbey

  306

  —

  —

  —

  259

  Jobs promoted by the Industrial Development Board 1994–95 and 1 April to 30 November 1995

  1994–95

  1 April 1995 to 30 Novermber 1995

  District council area

  Total jobs promoted

  Inward investment jobs included in total jobs

  Total jobs provided

  Inward investment jobs included in total jobs

  North

  Down

  85

  —

  20

  —

  Omagh

  55

  —

  18

  —

  Strabane

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Total

  4,095

  1,969

  2,801

  2,325

  Live Animal Transport
  Mr. David Nicholson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what representations he has received from(a) individual farmers and (b) farming organisations about the practical consequences of implementing EC directive 95/29 on livestock transport, in sparsely populated areas. [8197]

  Mr. Ancram
  The Department of Agriculture for Northern Ireland advised interested organisations in August 1995 of the provisions of directive 95/29. No representations were made at that stage. A formal consultation paper containing proposals for implementing the directive in Northern Ireland has recently been issued to interested organisations and comments sought by 2 February 1996. To date, no comments have been received.

  Director of Research and Development, DHSS
  Rev. Martin Smyth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when it is intended to fill the post of director of research and development in the Department of Health and Social Services. [8134]

  Sir John Wheeler
  The intention is that a post of director of research and development for the health and personal social services will be filled during 1996.

  Clinical Research Awards
  Rev. Martin Smyth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what factors underlay the non-award of clinical research awards in the current year. [8135]

  Sir John Wheeler
  In the current financial year, 16 clinical research awards were made for research fellowships.

  In the next financial year, 1996–97, there will be continuing support for clinical research fellowships, and support for on-going PhD studentships.

  Children's Specialties
  Rev. Martin Smyth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what measures have been taken to strengthen regional children's specialties. [8136]
  260
  Sir John Wheeler
  The final stage of a major programme of redevelopment, costing about £10 million, is currently underway at the Royal Belfast hospital for sick children. This will include new operating theatres, an intensive care unit, an out-patients department and an accident and emergency department. The scheme is due for completion in 1998 and meanwhile the Government are satisfied with the present range and quality of regional medical services for children in Northern Ireland.

  Nurses
  Ms Harman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many pre-registration nursing and midwifery students commenced training as initial entrants by means of(a) salaried students places (b) Project 2000 and (c) undergraduate study for each of the last five years. [8349]

  Sir John Wheeler
  The information requested is as follows:

  Project 2000

  Year

  Number of students who commenced training

  1994–95

  462

  1993–94

  533

  1992–93

  687

  1991–92

  684

  1990–91

  389

  Undergraduate students

  Year

  Number of degree students who commenced training

  1994–95

  32

  1993–94

  34

  1992–93

  32

  1991–92

  32

  1990–91

  27

  The number for "salaried student places" is not held centrally.

  Ms Harman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the number of nurses working in(a) private nursing homes, (b) private hospitals, (c) local authorities, (d) private residential homes, (e) the armed forces, (f) the prison service, (g) the occupational health service, (h) private industry, (i) self-employment and (j) any other categories; and if he will express the figures in terms of (i) total numbers and (ii) whole-time equivalents for each of the last five years. [8331]

  Sir John Wheeler
  The numbers of nurses working in the Northern Ireland Prison Service are as follows:

  1991–92

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–95

  Number

  3

  3

  5

  12

  WTE

  3

  3

  5

  12

  This relates only to DHSS nurses and does not include prison officers who hold a nursing qualification.

  The information relating to the other parts of the question is not centrally available.
  261
  Ms Harman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) how many pre-registration nursing and midwifery students who commenced training as initial entrants by means of(a) salaried student places, (b) Project 2000 and (c) undergraduate study, (i) qualified and (ii) registered with the United Kingdom Central Council for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting for each of the last five years; [8332]

  (2) how many pre-registration nursing and midwifery students who commenced training as initial entrants by means of (a) salaried student places, (b) Project 2000 and (c) undergraduate study, gave up their courses for each year of training for each of the last five years; [8337]

  (3) how many pre-registration nursing and midwifery students who commenced training as initial entrants by means of (a) salaried student places, (b) Project 2000 and (c) undergraduate study, gave up their training in (i) the first year, (ii) the second year and (iii) the third year for each of the last five years. [8338]

  Sir John Wheeler
  The information requested is not held centrally.

  Ms Harman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland by what means he assesses the demand for conversion courses for second level registered nurses. [8334]

  Sir John Wheeler
  The demand for conversion courses for second level registered nurses is estimated by local employers in consultation with the colleges of nursing.

  Ms Harman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how he intends to estimate demand for nurses from the non-NHS sector; and how this information will be used to regulate the supply of nursing students. [8336]

  Sir John Wheeler
  The estimated demand for nurses from the non-NHS sector is regularly monitored through meetings between the working paper 9 group and the major providers of private care in the Province and through the "tracking system" operated by the national board which gives an estimate of the area of employment of new qualifiers.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Child Support Agency
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will publish the letter from the Data Protection Registrar concerning powers of the Child Support Agency to require the disclosure of personal data. [5302]

  Mr. Andrew Mitchell
  The letter referred to by the Data Protection Registrar in her annual report, together with my response, has been placed in the Library.

  Ms. Lynne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will give a month by month breakdown of lost incoming calls recorded by the Child Support Agency's telephone system since April 1993. [4174]
  262
  Mr. Mitchell
  The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the chief executive, Miss Ann Chant. She will write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Ann Chant to Ms Liz Lynne, dated 9 January 1996:
  I am replying to your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security about the Child Support Agency telephone system.
  The information you have requested is not available from April 1993. Figures became available from September 1994. The attached table shows a month by month breakdown from September 1994 until October 1995.
  Like any other business where a great deal of contact with clients is by telephone, it is worth pointing out that where calls are unsuccessful for whatever reason, be it the client choosing to ring at another time or experiencing difficulty in connection, there will almost certainly be future contact which will be successful.
  I hope this is helpful.

  Calls to

  Calls to

  Month

  CSACs lost

  NEL lost

  Total

  September 1994

  47,760

  779

  48.539

  October 1994

  38,567

  423

  38,990

  November 1994

  36,434

  531

  36,965

  December 1994

  26,780

  803

  27,583

  January 1995

  51,083

  5,551

  56,634

  February 1995

  22,573

  3,146

  25,719

  March 1995

  18,477

  4,211

  22,688

  April 1995

  7,007

  9,995

  17,002

  May 1995

  4,744

  833

  5,577

  June 1995

  3,740

  381

  4,121

  July 1995

  4,212

  533

  4,745

  August 1995

  5,289

  470

  5.759

  September 1995

  4,969

  1,091

  6,060

  October 1995

  4,156

  942

  5,098

  275,791

  29,689

  305,480

  Mr. Walden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if the Child Support Agency uses calling line identification on incoming telephone calls. [6243]

  Mr. Mitchell
  The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the chief executive, Miss Ann Chant. She will write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Ann Chant to Mr. George Walden, dated 9 January 1996:
  I am replying to your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security about the Child Support Agency's use of calling line identification.
  Calling line identification is a facility provided by British Telecom to all users, and is used by the Child Support Agency Centres to display incoming telephone numbers. The facility was activated by the Agency as a security aid to identify the source of abusive calls and bomb threats.

  Mr. Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how much has been collected by the Child Support Agency, each year, since its inception; what the running costs of the agency have been for each of these years; and how much has been passed on as a direct net financial gain to the parent with care. [6330]
  263
  Mr. Mitchell
  The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the chief executive, Miss Ann Chant. She will write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Ann Chant to Mr. Alan Simpson, dated 9 January 1996:
  I am replying to your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security about maintenance collected by the Child Support Agency.
  The table attached shows the amounts of maintenance collected, and the proportion of maintenance paid to parents with care for each of the first two years of Child Support Agency operations and for the first seven months of the current year.
  In addition, the Agency was involved in arranging maintenance for direct payment by the absent parent to the parent with care, amounting to an estimated £111 million during 1994–95. £70.67 million has been arranged between April and October 1995. Comparable figures are not available for 1993–94.
  A proportion of the maintenance paid to parents with care will have offset benefit paid, but it is not possible to say how much. However, all maintenance paid to parents with care represents a financial benefit for the parent with care providing a firm basis for them to seek employment and claim Family Credit.
  From launch on 5 April 1993, the Agency's net cost of operations during 1993–94 was £139 million as published in the annual accounts on 28 November 1994. The net cost of operations during 1994–95 was £192 million as published in the annual accounts on 18 July 1995. Expenditure statements in both annual reports are prepared on an accruals basis. The total Agency running costs budget for 1995–96 is £196.9 million.
  I hope this is helpful.

  1993–94

  1994–95

  1995–96 to October

  Maintenance collected (£ million)

  13.10

  76.40

  72.64

  Maintenance collected and paid to parent with care (£ million)

  2.99

  27.89

  29.97

  Proportion of maintenance collected and paid to parent with care.

  22.83 per cent.

  36.51 per cent.

  41.26 per cent.

  Mr. Walden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list the average weekly maintenance payment via the Child Support Agency collection service for cases which are(a) fully compliant and (b) partially compliant, indicating separately type A interim assessments and full maintenance assessments. [6241]

  Mr. Mitchell
  The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the chief executive, Miss Ann Chant. She will write to the hon. Member.

  Letter front Ann Chant to Mr. George Walden, dated 9 January 1996:
  I am replying to your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security about maintenance payments to the Child Support Agency.
  You asked about the weekly maintenance in cases which are fully and partially paid. Whilst specific information on these cases is not available, the average amount of maintenance assessment in cases with an interim assessment is £95.29 and with a full maintenance assessment, when the absent parent has earned income, the figure is £39.69. The breakdown of cases is shown on the attached table.
  I hope this is helpful.
  264

  Cases using the CSA collection service

  Number of cases involving type A interim maintenance assessments

  Number of cases involving full maintenance assessments

  Fully paid1

  6,826

  42,280

  Partially paid2

  16,521

  74,601

  Not paid

  58,961

  12,473

  Total

  82,308

  129,354

  1 Full compliance—no payments outstanding.

  2 Partial compliance—at least one payment received in the last thirteen weeks.

  Mr. Walden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how much is owing to the Child Support Agency collection service attributable(a) to type a interim maintenance assessments and (b) to full maintenance assessments, broken down by month from April 1994 until the most recent data available. [6242]

  Mr. Mitchell
  The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the chief executive, Miss Ann Chant. She will write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Ann Chant to Mr. George Walden, dated 9 January 1996:
  I am replying to your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security about how much is owing to the Child Support Agency collection service.
  At the end of October 1995, the total outstanding debt amounted to £766 million. It is estimated that the proportion of this debt which is attributable to interim maintenance assessments (IMAs) is 65 per cent. (approximately £498 million), and 35 per cent. (approximately £268 million) is attributable to full maintenance assessments (FMAs). It is not possible to give a monthly breakdown from April 1994 as this information only became available from September 1995.
  It is not possible to further break down the £498 million debt by category of IMA, but the vast majority of this debt can be attributed to category A IMAs. This is because the other types of IMAs (Category B, C and D) are used in circumstances where the absent parent is likely to be cooperating with the Agency.
  I hope this is helpful.

  Mr. Thurnham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what checks are made by the Child Support Agency to ensure that it has correctly identified an absent parent before it contacts that parent.[7227]

  Mr. Mitchell
  The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the chief executive, Miss Ann Chant. She will write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Ann Chant to Mr. Peter Thurnham, dated 9 January 1996:
  I am replying to your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security about checks made by the Child Support Agency prior to contacting an absent parent (AP).
  Information about absent parents is provided to the Agency in the first instance by the parent with care (PWC) on a maintenance application form. The form requests details of the name, sex, date of birth, National Insurance number, and the address of the AP.
  Where the PWC has provided a current address for the AP, and paternity is not an issue, the Agency issues a maintenance enquiry form by post to the AP. It is made clear to a person receiving a maintenance enquiry form from the Agency that the form has been issued on information provided to the Agency. The recipient is invited to contact the Agency for advice including those who believe they have been incorrectly identified.
  Where the PWC is unable to provide a current address, the Agency takes action to trace the AP on the information provided by the PWC. The first step in this action is to use the Departmental

  265
  Central Index (DCI) to find a match with the information that has been provided by the PWC. Where the information provided produces a single positive match with DCI, a maintenance enquiry form is issued to the address held. Where more than one possible match is found, a Child Support Officer (CS0) may then return to the PWC for any other information that can be given to enable a positive match to be made. If more information is received which allows a positive match to be made, a maintenance enquiry form is issued.
  Where a positive match still cannot be made, the CSO will take specialist trace action to try to find the AP. The action taken will depend on the amount of information provided by the PWC, and may take the form of contacting other Government departments, for example, the Inland Revenue. Once again, a maintenance enquiry form is only issued when the CSO is satisfied that a positive match has been made.
  Where more than one possible match exists and all attempts have failed to produce a positive match, the CSO will consider referring the case for a visit to be made to establish the identity of the AP. The officer who conducts such a visit would have all the available information on the AP, including description details provided by the PWC and a photograph if possible so that mistaken identity is avoided. In every case, at every stage, checks are made to ensure that the correct person has been identified before contact is made with the absent parent.
  As with any human process mistakes can occur despite all our security measures, but they are very rare. Available data shows that out of 852,763 maintenance enquiry forms issued from April 1993 (the inception of the Agency), to October 1995, 222 of them (0.026 per cent) were issued to someone who in fact had no child maintenance liability in the case concerned. Of this relatively small

  Income support claimants by GSS region: May 1992–February 1995

  Income support recipients May 1992

  All with Income Support

  16–17

  18–24

  Region

  All cases

  Economically active

  Not Economically active

  All cases

  Economically active

  Not Economically active

  Of which 18– 24 year with VU reduction

  South East (ex London)

  4,000

  1,000

  3,000

  119,000

  77,000

  42,000

  3,000

  London (inner and outer)

  4,000

  1,000

  3,000

  135,000

  85,000

  50,000

  2,000

  North

  1,000

  —

  1,000

  84,000

  37.000

  27,000

  1,000

  Wales

  2,000

  —

  2,000

  63,000

  28.000

  25,000

  —

  Scotland

  4,000

  2,000

  2,000

  96,000

  53,000

  42,000

  1,000

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  4,000

  1,000

  3,000

  90,000

  52,000

  38,000

  1,000

  East Midlands

  3,000

  1,000

  2,000

  63,000

  36,000

  27,000

  2,000

  East Anglia

  1,000

  —

  1,000

  23,000

  15,000

  8,000

  1,000

  South-West

  3,000

  1,000

  2,000

  56,000

  38,000

  19,000

  2,000

  West Midlands

  3,000

  1,000

  2,000

  94,000

  56,000

  38,000

  2,000

  North-West

  3,000

  1.000

  2,000

  135,000

  75,000

  80,000

  2,000

  Great Britain

  30,000

  8,000

  22,000

  925,000

  549,000

  378,000

  16,000

  Income support claimants by GSS region: May 1992–February 1995

  Income support recipients August 1993

  All with Income Support

  16–17

  18–24

  Region

  All cases

  Economically active

  Not Economically active

  All cases

  Economically active

  Not Economically active

  Of which 18–24 year with VU reduction1

  South East (ex London)

  5,000

  2,000

  3,000

  153,000

  107,000

  46,000

  —

  London (inner and outer)

  4,000

  2,000

  2,000

  167,000

  112,000

  55,000

  —

  North

  3.000

  1,000

  2,000

  70,000

  40,000

  30,000

  —

  Wales

  2,000

  1,000

  2,000

  61,000

  36,000

  25,000

  —

  Scotland

  5.000

  2,000

  3,000

  101,000

  59,000

  42,000

  —

  266
  number, by no means all were because the Agency acted incorrectly (PWCs sometimes give wrong information), but wherever our strict procedures are breached, disciplinary action is taken against any member os staff who is culpable.

  I hope this is helpful.

  Income Support
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many(a) 16 and 17-year-olds and (b) 18 to 24-year-olds in each standard region currently claim (i) income support, (ii) income support with penalty deductions and (iii) bridging allowance do not receive any income from work, training or benefits; if he will distinguish between economically active and economically inactive claimants; and if he will provide this information for the summer quarter from 1992 to 1995. [4316]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  The available information is in the tables. The income support figures requested are not available for summer 1992 or summer 1995; figures for May 1992 and February 1995, the latest figures are given instead.

  The regional breakdown of bridging allowance recipients is not currently available.

  The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is set out in the tables.
  267

  Income support claimants by GSS region: May 1992–February 1995

  Income support recipients August 1993

  All with Income Support

  16–17

  18–24

  Region

  All cases

  Economically active

  Not Economically active

  All cases

  Economically active

  Not Economically active

  Of which 18–24 year with VU reduction1

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  4,000

  1,000

  2,000

  105,000

  64,000

  41,000

  —

  East Midlands

  2,000

  1,000

  2,000

  70,000

  46,000

  24,000

  —

  East Anglia

  1,000

  1,000

  1,000

  29,000

  19,000

  10,000

  —

  South west

  2,000

  1,000

  2,000

  70,000

  49,000

  22,000

  —

  West midlands

  3,000

  1,000

  2,000

  112,000

  72,000

  40,000

  —

  North west

  4,000

  1,000

  3,000

  151,000

  90,000

  61,000

  —

  Great Britain

  36,000

  12,000

  23,000

  1,088,000

  693,000

  396,000

  10,000

  Income support claimants by GSS region: May 1992–February 1995

  Income support recipients August 1994

  All with Income Support

  16–17

  18–24

  Region

  All cases

  Economically active

  Not Economically active

  All cases

  Economically active

  Not Economically active

  Of which 18– 24 year with VU reduction

  South East (ex London)

  5,000

  2,000

  3,000

  129,000

  85,000

  44,000

  4,000

  London (inner and outer)

  3,000

  1,000

  2,000

  147,000

  95,000

  52,000

  2,000

  North

  2,000

  —

  1,000

  67,000

  39,000

  27,000

  1,000

  Wales

  2,000

  —

  1,000

  88,000

  33,000

  25,000

  1,000

  Scotland

  5,000

  1,000

  3,000

  97,000

  58,000

  39,000

  2,000

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  4,000

  1,000

  3,000

  96,000

  58,000

  38,000

  2,000

  East Midlands

  2,000

  —

  2,000

  88,000

  42,000

  24,000

  2,000

  East Anglia

  1,000

  —

  1,000

  27,000

  16,000

  10,000

  1,000

  South West

  3,000

  1,000

  2,000

  62,000

  41,000

  21,000

  2,000

  West Midlands

  3,000

  —

  3,000

  99,000

  63,000

  36,000

  2,000

  North West

  4,000

  1,000

  3,000

  136,000

  79,000

  57,000

  2,000

  Great Britain

  31,000

  7,000

  24,000

  983,000

  808,000

  375,000

  21,000

  Income support claimants by GSS region: May 1992–February 1995

  Income support recipients February 1995

  All with Income Support

  16–17

  18–24

  Region

  All cases

  Economically active

  Not Economically active

  All cases

  Economically active

  Not Economically active

  Of which 18– 24 year with VU reduction

  Great Britain

  41,000

  15,000

  27,000

  916,000

  635,000

  361,000

  19.000

  Notes:

  1 1 per cent. data used.

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

  2."—" denotes nil or negligible.

  3. Government Standard Statistical Regions have been used. No breakdown by GSS region is available for February 1995.

  4. Economically active has been defined as those persons in the unemployed statistical groups "E/EF".

  5. Claimants with a deduction for voluntary unemployment are also included in the all cases total. There are no 16 and 17 year olds with this deduction.

  6. Figures for Sumner 1992 + 1995 are not available. Figures for May 1992 + February 1995 are given instead.

  7. 16 and 17 years olds have been processed on ISCS since January 1995 and this had up to an estimated six thousand cases due to improved data collection methods.

  8. VU = Voluntary Unemployment Deduction.

  Sources:

  Income Support Statistics Annual Enquiry May 1992.

  Income Support Statistics Quarterly Enquiries August 1993 and August 1994.

  Income Support Statistics Quarterly Enquiry February 1995.
  268 269

  Young people receiving bridging allowance

  Year of registration (for period June to September)

  Number of young people registered

  1992

  40,004

  1993

  28,132

  1994

  20,548

  1995

  18,258

  Note:

  1. The figures will include some young people of 18 and over. Their numbers are very small and the Employment Service does not have a record of the figure.

  Mr. Thurnham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many new claims for income support have been made by single mothers in each year since the introduction of the Child Support Bill; and if he will make a statement. [7228]

  Mr. Evans
  The available information is set out in the table:

  Year

  Number of new awards

  1992–93

  283,000

  1993–94

  271,000

  1994–95

  262,000

  Notes:

  1. Figures have been rounded to the nearest thousand.

  2. The years represented above are for the periods commencing May to February.

  3. The number of awards has been estimated by looking at new lone parent family cases which appear in each of the four quarterly inquiries of each yearly period. However, no account has been taken of claims which start and end between inquiry dates.

  4. Estimates cannot be made prior to May 1992 as the data are not available in the form required.

  Benefits Agency Medical Service
  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the average period of general practice experience of a Benefits Agency medical service doctor in(a) the United Kingdom, (b) Wales and (c) England. [6260]

  Mr. Andrew Mitchell
  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 Davis, dated 9 January 1996:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about what is the average period of General Practice experience of a Benefits Agency Medical Service (BAMS) Doctor in (a) the United Kingdom, (b) Wales and (c) England.
  All BAMS Doctors should have at least five years experience in General Practice, Occupational Medicine, Rehabilitation Medicine or similar related disciplines, when recruited. In some cases, however, the Benefits Agency will accept a minimum of three years for fee paid Doctors who have been working in a relevant specialist field.
  Precise details of the number of years experience obtained in General Practice are not kept, but it is a prerequisite that BAMS Doctors must be experienced medical practitioners who have, since full registration, consolidated their clinical skills.
  I hope you find my reply helpful.

  Mr. Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what is the maximum period of time which can elapse between a doctor's experience of general 270
  practice and employment by the Benefits Agency medical services; [6261]

  (2) what is the minimum experience of general practice required for a Benefits Agency medical service doctor. [6262]

  Mr. Mitchell
  The administration of the Benefits Agency medical services is a matter for Peter Mathison, chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Ron Davies, dated 9 January 1996:
  The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Questions about what is the maximum period of time which can elapse between a Doctor's experience of General Practice and employment by the Benefits Agency Medical Service (BAMS) and what is the minimum experience of General Practice required for a BAMS doctor.
  There is no specific period of time which can elapse between a Doctor's experience of General Practice and employment by the BAMS. Each case is, however, considered on its merits.
  Doctors, employed on a permanent basis by BAMS, are required to have at least five years experience in General Practice. The BAMS prefer fee paid Doctors to have five years experience but will, in some cases, for example, if a fee paid Doctor has been working in a relevant specialist field, accept a minimum of three years experience.
  I hope this reply is helpful.

  Mr. Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what percentage of doctors who work for the Benefits Agency medical service on a part-time basis are currently in clinical practice in(a) the United kingdom, (b) Wales and (c) England; [6256]

  (2) what percentage of current Benefits Agency medical service doctors are specialists in the field of mental health. [6258]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  Information is available only at disproportionate cost.

  Cold Weather Payments
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many cold weather payments have been made to the elderly or infirm in 1995. [7230]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  The information is not available in the format requested.

  The social fund cold weather payment scheme triggered 13 times at five weather stations between January and March 1995. Approximately 11,000 payments worth £77,000 were made. So far this winter, the scheme has triggered 76 times at 47 stations throughout the country. As a result, nearly 3.8 million payments totalling almost £32 million have been made.

  Pensioners
  Mr. Callaghan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on targeting help towards particularly needy pensioner groups. [8081]

  Mr. Heald
  We are pledged to maintaining the value of the basic state pension whilst focusing additional resources on those on a low income. Extra help, worth
  271
  around £1.2 billion a year at current rates, has been made available to this group through the income-related benefits.

  Appeals
  Mr. Callaghan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to accelerate the appeals procedure arrangements for which his Department is responsible. [8078]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  In conjunction with the independent tribunal service, the Department is continually looking for ways to improve the clearance times on appeals. This year, more appeals have been heard than at this time last year. Measures currently planned to improve the position still further include the introduction of a system of individual review for all cases over six months old and the reorganisation of administrative support to the tribunals.

  Chronic Industrial Disease
  Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) how many people were estimated to suffer from chronic industrial disease in each standard region of England, in England as a whole, and for the United kingdom, for each of the last available three years; and if he will make a statement; [8085]

  (2) how many people were estimated to suffer from a chronic industrial disease in each health authority and for Wales as a whole in each of the last three years; and if he will make a statement. [8084]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  The information is not available in the format requested. Industrial injuries disablement benefit is paid on a no-fault, non-contributory basis to employed earners who suffer loss of faculty, normally of 14 per cent. or more, as a result of certain prescribed diseases. The table gives the number of industrial injuries disablement benefit assessments in payment in each of the three years in Great Britain, Wales, England and the English regions. I refer the hon. Member to my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland for information in respect of Northern Ireland.

  Industrial injuries disablement benefit—number of assessments in payment in respect of prescribed diseases

  1991–92

  1992–93

  1993–94

  Great Britain

  37,404

  37,671

  42,914

  Wales

  6,236

  6,058

  6,821

  England

  27,452

  27,838

  31,727

  English Regions

  Northern

  5,511

  5,486

  6,360

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  5,500

  5,447

  6,355

  East Midlands

  2,190

  2,271

  3,162

  East Anglia

  456

  589

  572

  South East

  2,623

  2,807

  3,329

  South Western

  1,223

  1,222

  1,136

  West Midlands

  4,432

  4,440

  4,907

  North Western

  5,517

  5,576

  5,905

  Notes:

  1. Figures do not always sum due to calculation of allowance for late returns.

  2. Figures relate to pension assessments in payment and not persons.

  Source:

  Based on 10 per cent. sample with an allowance for late returns.

  Statutory Sick Pay
  Lady Olga Maitland
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what further plans he has for lifting the burden from employers of operating the statutory sick pay scheme. [8624]

  Mr. Lilley
  I am issuing a consultation paper today which seeks views on a proposal which would grant employers exemption from operating the rules of the statutory sick pay scheme if they pay wages or occupational sick pay at or above the SSP rate. It would allow greater flexibility to employers and cut back on administration. The proposed arrangement would particularly benefit employers with occupational sick pay schemes by removing the need to keep two sets of records. It would also have the advantage of including smaller employers who do not have a formal occupational sick pay scheme but who offer more generous pay when employees are off sick. Employees' underlying entitlement to SSP would not be affected.

  The proposal forms part of the Government's on-going deregulation programme of lifting burdens and builds on the easements to the SSP rules and the considerable reduction in mandatory record keeping which I am introducing from April 1996.

  I consulted last March on whether employers should be allowed to opt out of SSP if they pay at least the equivalent in occupational sick pay. Employers' organisations were generally in favour of opting out as a means of reducing administration costs, but there were concerns that small businesses could not opt out as they do not generally have occupational sick pay schemes and that employees' statutory rights might be removed. The exemption scheme ensures that employees' rights during periods of sickness are fully protected by retaining the underlying liability to pay SSP, while reducing administrative burdens on businesses.

  The new arrangements could be introduced from April 1997 by means of an order under the Deregulation and Contracting Out Act 1994.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Training and Enterprise Councils
  Sir Nicholas Scott
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what progress Central London TEC and London East TEC are making in meeting the criteria for the award of three-year licence. [8622]

  Mr. Paice
  I am pleased to announce that the award of three-year licences to Central London TEC, Centec and London East TEC, Letec, which have now completed the process of meeting the rigorous standards we set.

  Vocational Qualifications
  Butterfill
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what reports she has recently received on national vocational qualifications and Scottish vocational qualifications. [8623]

  Mr. Paice
  My right hon. Friend is pleased to announce the publication today of a report by Gordon Beaumont, commissioned by the Department, on the most used 100
  273
  national vocational qualifications and Scottish vocational qualifications. I very much welcome this independent report from former industrialist and business man Gordon Beaumont which shows that there is much support for national vocational qualifications and Scottish vocational qualifications and the benefits they can bring to employers in improving performance and flexibility. It also suggests many ways in which delivery and take-up of the qualifications could be improved.

  The report on the 100 most used NVQs and SVQs, which was commissioned following the Government's White Paper "Competitiveness: Helping Business To Win" is the culmination of a review headed by Mr. Beaumont which was asked to focus on the breadth of the qualification, the specification and assessment of knowledge and understanding, and on cost-effective assessment more generally. It makes recommendations on all these, and some wider issues.

  The Department will welcome comments from the national council for vocational qualifications and the Scottish Vocational Education Council, Scotvec, on all these matters. The Government have written to the chairmen of both organisations asking for their responses to this report by the end of the month. Other interested bodies may send their responses to the address shown in the report. After receiving comments, the Department will draw up an action plan next month on how to implement agreed recommendations.

  I should like to thank Mr. Beaumont and all members of the evaluation advisory group, which he chaired, for their dedication, energy and commitment in undertaking this considerable task.

  Copies of the report have been placed in the Library.

  Education (School Premises) Regulations
  Mr. Faber
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what conclusion she has reached following the consultation on the revised Education (School Premises) Regulations. [9026]
  274
  Mrs. Gillan
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales and I received 119 responses to the recent consultation exercise on the revised draft education (School Premises) Regulations. Comments were sent to us by local education authorities, schools, and a number of other organisations.

  We have given careful consideration to the responses. The final version of the regulations and the circular will take account of a number of detailed points raised. The requirements in the current regulations that bear on the health, safety and welfare of pupils will be retained.

  A number of the responses queried our proposal to deregulate area requirements for teaching accommodation and recreation areas. The Government are not, however, persuaded by the arguments that have been put forward for the retention of these requirements. In particular, we do not accept that the changes will mean that schools will have to accept more pupils or that there are any implications for class size. The powers of admissions authorities will be exactly the same as they are now, while the flexibility of governors and local authorities in the management of school facilities will be increased. We therefore propose to proceed with deregulation of these aspects of the regulations as originally proposed.

  While we do not believe there is a case for maintaining the present statutory requirements, we do accept that local education authorities and school governors may find non-statutory guidelines useful for a variety of purposes. Two comprehensive sets of guidance will therefore be published, one covering school accommodation and one covering school grounds.

  The guidance will set out a range of possible gross floor and site areas for schools, related to pupil numbers. It will also illustrate appropriate areas for the various curriculum activities, taking into account the requirements of the national curriculum. In conjunction with design bulletins on specific subjects, the guidance will provide benchmarks for LEAs and others to consider when assessing existing premises and when planning capital projects.

  We now expect to lay the Education (School Premises) Regulations before Parliament in February.

  European Legislation
  European Legislation
  Vocational Qualifications: Report
  Vocational Qualifications: Report
  Environment Council, 18 December 1995
  Environment Council, 18 December 1995
  Procedure Committee Report: Publication Costs
  Procedure Committee Report: Publication Costs
  Fisheries Council, 21 and 22 December 1995
  Fisheries Council, 21 and 22 December 1995
  Agriculture Council, 18 and 19 December 1995
  Agriculture Council, 18 and 19 December 1995