Written Answers of 26 January 1996

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Juvenile Offenders
  Ms Janet Anderson
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what is the average cost of a case in the juvenile court from first hearing to completion. [10867]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  The unit cost for court time for criminal cases in the youth court is estimated to be £140 in 1995–96, or £180 where an application for legal aid is made. These unit costs are average costs, and cover both trials and guilty pleas. These figures are based on the total revenue provision for the magistrates' courts, including local authorities' 20 per cent. contribution, and case load figures and weightings derived from the management information system for magistrates courts which are currently being reviewed. They do not take into account capital costs.

  For defence costs paid through legal aid, it is not possible to identify separately the costs of proceedings in the youth court from all criminal cases dealt with in the magistrates courts. Most cases are remunerated under the standard fee scheme, and the level of the fee will depend on the nature and complexity of the proceedings. The average cost of a magistrates courts criminal bill in 1995–96 is £460.

  Queen's Counsel
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what number and percentage of the English Bar are Queen's Counsel. [10869]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  At 1 October 1995, there were 891 Queen's Counsel in practice at the English Bar. This comprises 10.48 per cent. of all barristers in private practice.

  Capital Building Programme
  Mr. William Powell
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, if he will list each law court's capital buildings programme, costing more than £1 million completed in each of the years 1979–80 to 1992–93 by or on behalf of his Department, or local magistrates' committees, together with the cost expressed in 1995–96 prices. [10861]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  A schedule of all Crown, combined court and county court schemes is at annex A. The readily available information on magistrates court schemes is at annex B. The Department does not hold detailed records of all magistrates court schemes completed prior to 1992, when responsibility transferred from the Home Office.
  402

  Annex A: Crown County and combined court building projects

  £million

  Title of scheme

  Type of court

  Works cost cash

  Works cost 1995–96 prices

  1979–80

  0

  0

  1980–81

  Wood Green 1 CRASH

  Crown

  1.25

  2.71

  Leicester

  Crown

  4.42

  9.59

  Romford

  County

  1.03

  2.23

  Nottingham 1

  Crown

  2.23

  4.83

  Birmingham Newton Street

  County

  1.10

  2.38

  Snaresbrook

  Crown

  2.78

  6.03

  Total

  12.80

  27.77

  1981–82

  Burnley

  Crown

  1.50

  2.97

  Kings Lyn

  Crown

  1.12

  2.21

  Bolton

  Comb

  4.00

  7.91

  Total

  6.61

  13.09

  1982–83

  Portsmouth

  Comb

  7.00

  12.93

  Chelmsford

  Crown

  5.61

  10.36

  Leeds

  Comb

  9.68

  17.88

  Southwark

  Crown

  12.60

  23.27

  Total

  34.89

  64.43

  1983–84

  RCJ Crypt

  High

  2.47

  4.35

  Maidstone

  Comb

  10.20

  18.00

  Total

  12.67

  22.36

  1984–85

  Liverpool

  Comb

  43.44

  73.03

  Snaresbrook Rebuild (Fire)

  Crown

  1.40

  2.35

  Total

  44.84

  75.38

  1985–86

  Oxford

  Comb

  5.17

  8.23

  Swindon

  Comb

  2.36

  3.76

  Salisbury

  Crown

  1.18

  1.88

  Total

  8.71

  13.87

  1986–87

  Isleworth D. O. G. House

  Crown

  4.43

  6.86

  Milton Keynes

  County

  1.17

  1.81

  Guildford

  Crown

  4.70

  7.27

  Manchester Wood St.

  Phase 1

  Crown

  10.13

  15.67

  Peterborough

  Comb

  3.96

  6.12

  Southampton

  Comb

  7.08

  10.95

  Total

  31.46

  48.67

  1987–88

  Birmingham

  Crown

  8.87

  13.03

  Newcastle Moot Hall

  Crown

  1.68

  2.46

  Nottingham 2 and 3

  Crown

  6.18

  9.08

  Norwich

  Comb

  7.02

  10.31

  Swansea

  Crown

  5.15

  7.57

  Total

  28.90

  42.45

  1988–89

  Lambeth

  County

  1.14

  1.57

  Coventry

  Comb

  5.25

  7.23

  Telford

  County

  1.05

  1.45

  Snaresbrook CRASH

  Crown

  2.50

  3.44

  St. Dunstans House

  High

  1.67

  2.30

  403

  Annex A: Crown County and combined court building projects

  £million

  Title of scheme

  Type of court

  Works cost cash

  Works cost 1995–96 prices

  Truro

  Comb

  4.93

  6.79

  Middlesex Guildhall

  Crown

  6.9

  9.49

  Grimsby

  Comb

  4.84

  6.66

  Derby

  Comb

  7.4

  10.18

  Croydon

  Comb

  15.13

  20.82

  Total

  50.82

  69.93

  1989–90

  Doncaster

  Crown

  3.42

  4.41

  RCJ 12 additional

  HC

  11.36

  14.62

  Manchester Cr Sq/Wd St

  2/3

  Comb

  4.97

  6.39

  Taunton

  Crown

  2.79

  3.59

  Wood Green Ph2

  Crown

  15.26

  19.64

  Total

  37.8

  48.65

  1990–91

  Wolverhampton

  Comb

  9.17

  10.92

  RCJ Thomas More

  High

  2.54

  3.03

  Newcastle Quayside

  Comb

  17.13

  20.41

  Total

  Comb

  28.84

  34.35

  1991–92

  Northampton

  Comb

  11.49

  12.88

  Teesside

  Comb

  15.09

  16.92

  Hull

  Co-loc

  11.28

  12.64

  Stoke

  Crown

  9.5

  10.65

  Stafford

  Comb

  10.35

  11.60

  Harrow

  Crown

  17.61

  19.74

  Lincoln

  County

  2.31

  2.59

  Luton

  Crown

  9.96

  11.17

  Warrington

  Comb

  7.48

  8.38

  Newport

  Comn

  10.90

  12.22

  Total

  105.96

  118.79

  1992–93

  Carlisle

  Comb

  9.29

  10.01

  St. Albans

  Crown

  16.34

  17.60

  13–14 Park Crescent

  Offices

  1.62

  1.75

  Bradford

  Comb

  18.85

  20.30

  Chester

  Crown

  6.55

  7.05

  Borough

  Crown

  19.06

  20.53

  Dartford

  County

  2.16

  2.33

  Total

  73.87

  79.56

  Grand Total

  478.16

  659.28

  Annex B: Magistrates' court building projects

  £million

  Scheme

  Actual cost

  Cost at 1995–96 prices

  1981–82

  Lancaster

  1.925

  3.810

  1987–88

  Merton

  3.196

  4.695

  Lewes

  2.394

  3.517

  1988–89

  Lowestoft

  2.099

  2.888

  Brighton

  2.289

  3.150

  Port Talbot

  1.415

  1.947

  Stockport

  4.630

  6.371

  Bath

  2.098

  2.887

  Dewsbury

  2.394

  3.294

  404

  Annex B: Magistrates' court building projects

  £ million

  Scheme

  Actual cost

  Cost at 1995–96 prices

  1989–90

  Brent

  7.782

  10.015

  Cardiff

  7.401

  9.525

  Hertford

  4.0

  5.148

  Oldbury

  2.795

  3.597

  Woking

  2.66

  3.423

  Thames

  5.086

  6.546

  1990–91

  Bootle

  2.935

  3.496

  Bury

  3.541

  4.110

  Chester

  3.7

  4.407

  Basildon

  2.7

  3.216

  Great Yarmouth

  3.167

  3.772

  Harrogate

  2.351

  2.662

  Lincoln

  4.113

  4.899

  Milton Keynes

  4.587

  5.463

  Newton Aycliffe

  1.657

  1.973

  Wigan

  5.077

  6.047

  City of London

  3.99

  4.752

  1991–92

  Haywards Heath

  2.576

  2.888

  Kendal

  1.552

  1.740

  Wimbledon

  3.196

  3.583

  Leicester

  7.432

  8.331

  1992–93

  Bedlington

  2.848

  3.067

  Woolwich

  3.294

  3.548

  Newport (IOW)

  3.406

  3.668

  Taunton

  2.503

  2.696

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Fireworks
  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has for changing the law on fireworks. [12486]

  Sir John Wheeler
  The control of fireworks in Northern Ireland is governed by the Explosives Act 1875 as amended, the Explosives Acts (Northern Ireland) 1924 and 1970, together with the Explosives (Control of Fireworks) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1970. Fireworks in the Province also come under the scope of consumer safety legislation.

  The 1970 regulations were, introduced in special circumstances 25 years ago, and have remained unchanged since then. They were introduced primarily because of the security situation and the real fear that the setting-off of fireworks, particularly so-called "hangers" by young people, could be misinterpreted by security force patrols as terrorist action with potentially serious consequences for the innocent participants. There was also concern at that time about the rising number of accidents and injuries caused by fireworks. There seems little doubt that the present regulations have contributed to the low level of injuries from fireworks in Northern Ireland.
  405
  However, the present system is inherently bureaucratic and costly because it requires any person who wishes to purchase or use fireworks—with two minor exceptions—to obtain a licence from the Secretary of State. Failure to obtain such a licence is an offence. The present arrangements therefore consume an inordinate amount of police and administrative resources. This situation contrasts sharply with the legal position in the rest of the United Kingdom.

  I am aware that there have been criticisms levelled at the present law, to the effect that it was inadequate and should be strengthened. Paradoxically, I have also heard claims that the present legal controls are disproportionate and unnecessary and should therefore be repealed. Whatever the law on fireworks should be, it is clearly essential that it should allow for the efficient use of public resources; pay due regard to public safety yet be no more restrictive than absolutely necessary, and be capable of being effectively applied and not open to abuse.

  In the light of all these factors, I asked my officials in late 1994 to undertake a thorough, painstaking review of the law on fireworks, to see whether it was still relevant and effective in today's circumstances and to consider ways in which it might be changed. The proposals, which I am releasing today for wider public consultation, are the outcome of that review. Copies of the consultation paper have been placed in the Library of the House. As the paper points out, before I make any final decisions about what changes are required, I should like to hear from those individuals, organisations and agencies which have an interest in the manufacture, retail sale, safety and use of fireworks in Northern Ireland. To that end, I am writing today to Northern Ireland hon. Members and my officials are similarly writing to the political parties, and other interested groups inviting comment and proposals on what changes to the law they would like to see.

  My intention would be to introduce the necessary amending legislation during 1996.

DUCHY OF LANCASTER

  Charter Marks (Police Authorities)
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what account he takes of the variation in the opening hours of police stations or their closure contrary to local police wish when considering the award of a charter mark to a police authority. [10868]

  Mr. Willetts
  Charter mark is an award for organisations that provide an excellent service to the public. Police forces may apply for a charter mark if they consider that they meet the criteria. User satisfaction and consultation and choice form two of the criteria that applicants have to meet.

  Deregulation Advisory Committee
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will list the members of the Deregulation Advisory Committee stating, for each member, the firm they are employed by; and how many people that firm employs. [11942]
  406
  Mr. Freeman
  There are 16 members of the deregulation task force, which is chaired by the right hon. Francis Maude of Morgan Stanley and Co Ltd.

  The other members are:
  David Band (Barclays de Zoete Wedd); David Campbell (Laporte Fine Organics Ltd); Maurice Denyer (Fowler Bros (Cowfold) Ltd); Michael Fallon (Quality Care Homes plc); Mike Fisher (Whale Tankers Ltd); George Goring (The Goring hotel); Teresa Graham (Baker Tilly); Janet Morgan (Sainsbury Family Charitable Trusts); Archie Norman (Asda Group plc); Timothy Parker (C&J Clark Ltd); David Parry (formerly BP); Tony Rammelt (Regis Europe Ltd); Roger Singleton (Barnardo's); Dan Wright (Albion Automotive Ltd); and Peter Wyman (Coopers and Lybrand).

  Figures detailing the number of people employed by each of the firms mentioned are not readily available. However, members have been drawn from a wide range of firms which vary greatly in size, as well as from the charitable sector.

ENVIRONMENT

  Housing (Backlogs)
  Mr. Alfred Morris
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his estimate of the backlog of unmet housing need; what action he is taking; and if he will make a statement. [10515]

  Mr. Curry
  The Department does not produce estimates of backlog of unmet housing need. It does, however, monitor a range of indicators of housing stress. These show housing stress has been falling. The Department has provided the Environment Select Committee with a note on this as part of the Committee's inquiry into housing need, and I have today placed a copy of this note in the Library.

  Local Government Finance
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the authorities that have made oral representations to Ministers as part of the consultation on his proposals for local government finance for 1996–97, showing in each case the Minister seen by the authority, the duration of the meeting and the main topics raised. [11992]

  Mr. Gummer
  The table lists authorities which made oral representations to me and other Ministers in my Department on the proposed local government finance settlement for England for 1996–97. The main topics raised in the meetings are listed on the table. No note was made of the duration of meetings but I and other Ministers have sought to make time available for the fullest consultation.

  1996–97 Settlement meetings with local authorities

  Minister

  Main topics

  County councils

  Berkshire

  Sir Paul

  Flood, defence, Fire SSA,

  Beresford

  Landfill tax, reserves.

  Buckinghamshire

  Robert B. Jones

  Education, social services,

  council taxes, area cost.

  Derbyshire

  Robert B. Jones

  Education, landfill tax,

  reorganisation costs,

  capping, voluntary sector.

  407

  1996–97 Settlement meetings with local authorities

  Minister

  Main topics

  Devon

  David Curry

  Education, reserves, fire

  SSA, landfill tax, social

  services, capping.

  Hampshire

  Robert B. Jones

  Capping, landfill tax, social

  services, fire SSA,

  reorganisation costs, area

  cost.

  Hereford and

  David Curry

  Capping, area cost, fire

  Worcestershire

  SSA, social services,

  education.

  Nottinghamshire

  David Curry

  Teachers' pay, area cost,

  landfill tax, pensions, road

  accidents, capital

  allocations.

  Lancashire

  David Curry

  Area cost, deprivation,

  community care, capital

  financing, education,

  landfill tax.

  Oxfordshire

  David Curry

  Education, social services,

  landfill tax, capping, staff

  redundancies.

  Somerset

  David Curry

  Education, reserves, social

  services, benefits, area cost.

  Warwickshire

  David Curry

  Education, capping.

  West Sussex

  David Curry

  Landfill tax, pensions,

  additional educational

  needs, area cost.

  Shire districts

  Berwick

  Sir Paul

  Visitors, concurrent

  (Northunberland)

  Beresford

  services, capital financing,

  rent allowances, sparsity.

  Blaby

  Sir Paul

  SSA, council taxes.

  (Leicestershire)

  Beresford

  Braintree (Essex)

  Sir Paul

  Population data, interest

  Beresford

  receipts, rent allowances,

  concurrent services.

  Castle Morpeth

  Sir Paul

  Capping, sparsity,

  (Northumberland)

  Beresford

  concurrent services, capital

  financing, interest receipts,

  rent allowances.

  Castle Point

  Sir Paul

  SSA methodology, council

  (Essex)

  Beresford

  tax benefit, efficiency

  savings, pension costs,

  capping.

  Derwentside

  Sir Paul

  Deprivation, population,

  (Durham)

  Beresford

  density, capital financing,

  capping, reserves.

  Harlow (Essex)

  Sir Paul

  Population data, SSA

  Beresford

  methodology, new town

  issues, capping,

  non-domestic rates.

  Havant

  Sir Paul

  SSA, rent allowance data.

  (Hampshire)

  Beresford

  Horsham (West

  Sir Paul

  Population data, reserves,

  Sussex)

  Beresford

  efficiency savings, capping.

  King's Lynn

  Sir Paul

  Reserves, efficiency,

  (Norfolk)

  Beresford

  sparsity.

  Milton Keynes

  Sir Paul

  Population data, CCT,

  (Buckinghamshire)

  Beresford

  capital financing,

  reorganisation, open spaces.

  Newcastle

  James Clappison

  Social and economic

  (Staffordshire)

  conditions, scaling factor,

  concurrent services.

  Northampton

  Sir Paul

  Overnight visitors,

  Beresford

  concurrent services,

  recycling, capital financing,

  fixed plant leases.

  North Kesteven

  Sir Paul

  Council taxes, rent

  (Lincolnshire)

  Beresford

  allowances, RAF

  Poplation, single

  regeneration budget.

  408

  1996–97 Settlement meetings with local authorities

  Minister

  Main topics

  North

  Sir Paul

  SSA, concurrent services,

  Warwickshire

  Beresford

  capital financing, social

  deprivation.

  Nottingham

  Sir Paul

  SSA, day visitors,

  Beresford

  economic index, area cost,

  reorganisation.

  Plymouth

  Sir Paul

  Population, concurrent

  (Devon)

  Beresford

  services, reorganisation,

  capital.

  Purbeck (Dorset)

  Sir Paul

  Council taxes, capital

  Beresford

  financing, flood relief.

  Salisbury

  Sir Paul

  New burdens, council taxes,

  (Wiltshire)

  Beresford

  SSA methodology, rent

  allowances.

  South

  James Clappison

  Council taxes, capping,

  Bedfordshire

  reserves.

  South Lakeland

  David Curry

  Council taxes, sparsity, day

  (Cumbria)

  visitors, housing, national

  parks, area cost.

  Three Rivers

  David Curry

  Discretionary spending,

  (Hertfordshire)

  council taxes, capital

  allocations, staff costs.

  Uttlesford

  Sir Paul

  Rent allowances, concurrent

  (Essex)

  Beresford

  services, precepts, sparsity,

  reserves, Rural White

  Paper.

  Wansbeck

  Sir Paul

  Capping, social deprivation,

  (Northumbria)

  Beresford

  capital financing, sparsity,

  concurrent services.

  Watford

  Sir Paul

  Day visitors, area cost,

  (Hertfordshire)

  Beresford

  concurrent services, retail

  growth.

  Wear Valley

  Sir Paul

  Social and economic

  (Durham)

  Beresford

  conditions, reserves,

  pensions, council taxes.

  Welwyn Hatfield

  Sir Paul

  Council taxes, efficiency

  (Hertfordshire)

  Beresford

  savings, capital allocation,

  population data.

  West Devon

  David Curry

  Sparsity, day visitors,

  (sparsely

  population data.

  populated district

  councils

  Metropolitan

  districts

  Birmingham

  Secretary of

  Boundary change, data,

  State

  education, commutation,

  housing subsidy.

  Bradford

  David Curry

  Rent allowances, edcation,

  area cost, interest receipts,

  s. 11, capital

  Core Cities

  David Curry

  Children's SSA, social

  index, area cost, nursery

  vouchers, education, capital

  financing.

  Doncaster

  Robert. B. Jones

  Capping, other services

  SSA, capital financing,

  Met. rail grant.

  Kirklees

  David Curry

  Area cost, education,

  highways, rent allowances,

  capital financing, Met. Rail

  grant.

  Liverpool

  Robert B. Jones

  Council taxes, HRA

  subsidy, social index, social

  services, education, capital,

  area cost, Met. rail grant.

  Rochdale

  Robert B. Jones

  Education. social services,

  landfill tax, capital.

  Rotherham

  James Clappison

  Capping, inflation

  severance costs, PTA levy,

  Supertram, capital, social

  index.

  409

  1996–97 Settlement meetings with local authorities

  Minister

  Main topics

  St. Helens

  James Clappison

  HRA subsidy,

  superannuation, capital

  financing, landfill tax,

  waste disposal, Met. Rail

  grant.

  Sheffield

  David Curry

  Highways, capping, capital

  financing, waste disposal,

  capital pension and

  severance costs.

  Solihull

  Sir Paul

  Area cost, education, social

  Beresford

  services, levies, highways.

  South Yorkshire

  David Curry

  Sheffield Supertram.

  Districts

  Stockport

  James Clappison

  Waste disposal and

  passenger transport levies.

  Wigan

  David Curry

  Area cost. Landfill tax,

  receipts, supperannuation,

  non-domestiv rate relief.

  London boroughs

  Brent

  Sir Paul

  SSA reduction grant, waste

  Beresford

  authority, education, asylum

  seekers, sparsity, area cost,

  capital financing.

  Bexley and

  Secretary of

  Social services.

  Havering

  State

  Camden

  Sir Paul

  Education, damping,

  Beresford

  asylum seekers, receipts,

  capital financing.

  Enfield

  Sir Paul

  Education, social services,

  Beresford

  other services,

  non-domestic rates.

  Greenwich

  Sir Paul

  Education data, transitional

  Beresford

  relief, area cost, density,

  children's social services.

  Hackney

  Sir Paul

  SSA reduction grant, social

  Beresford

  services, independent

  schools, refugees.

  Hillingdon

  Sir Paul

  Homelessness, refugees,

  Beresford

  special educational needs.

  Kensington and

  David Curry

  Unaccompanied refugee

  Chelsea

  children.

  Kingston

  Sir Paul

  Area cost, rent allowances,

  Beresford

  social services, education,

  landfill tax.

  Lambeth

  Sir Paul

  SSA reducation grant,

  Beresford

  education.

  Merton

  Sir Paul

  Area cost, capital financing,

  Beresford

  concessionary fares, social

  services.

  Newham

  Sir Paul

  Area cost, capital financing,

  Beresford

  homelessness, social,

  services, refugees.

  Richmond

  Sir Paul

  Education, waste disposal,

  Beresford

  council taxes.

  Southwark

  Sir Paul

  Area cost, transitional

  Beresford

  relief, education data.

  Westminster

  James Clappison

  Education, refugees, counci

  James Clappison

  taxes, area cost.

  Fire authorities

  Cleveland

  James Clappison

  Chemical works,

  reorganisation, Fire SSA,

  capping.

  London

  David Curry

  Pay and pension costs,

  capital, staffing, capping.

  Mersyside

  Sir Paul

  Pensions, capping,

  Beresford

  population.

  South Yorkshire

  Sir Paul

  Reserves, pensions,

  Beresford

  capping.

  Tyne and Wear

  Sir Paul

  Capping, staffing, pensions,

  Beresford

  reserves.

  West Midlands

  David Curry

  Staffing, safety promotion,

  pensions.

  410

  1996–97 Settlement meetings with local authorities

  Minister

  Main topics

  Unitary

  authorities

  Avon unitaries

  David Curry

  Reorganisation costs,

  capping, area cost.

  East Riding

  Robert B. Jones

  Reserves, education, social

  Yorkshire

  services, transitional costs.

  Isle of Wight

  Sir Paul

  Area cost, fire, community

  Beresford

  care, education, waste

  disposal.

  Middlesbrough

  Robert B. Jones

  Capping, transitional costs.

  North

  Sir Paul

  Reserves, transitional costs,

  Lincolnshire

  Beresford

  social and economic

  conditions.

  North East

  Sir Paul

  Reserves, inherited

  Lincolnshire

  Beresford

  expenditure, capping,

  transitional costs.

  Redcar and

  Sir Paul

  Council taxes, reserves,

  Cleveland

  Beresford

  capping.

  South

  David Curry

  Disaggregation, community

  Gloucestershire

  care, education, transitional

  costs.

  Local Authority

  Associations

  Consultative

  Secretary of

  Pensions, capital, level of

  Council on Local

  State

  settlement, pay, social

  Glovernment

  David Curry

  services, landfill tax,

  Finance

  council taxes, refugees,

  district services, capping,

  education, area cost.

  Total: 84 meetings

  Asylum Seekers
  Mr. George Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will public(a) the current cost of providing housing to asylum seekers broken down by type of landlord, numbers of people and by regional location and (b) any guidance or procedures issued which are currently in force on the housing of asylum seekers. [12107]

  Mr. Clappison
  Information about the cost of housing asylum seekers is not held centrally. Guidance on dealing with homelessness applications from asylum seekers is included in the "Homelessness Code of Guidance for Local Authorities" (revised third edition), a copy of which was placed in the Library of the House on publication in December 1994.

  Water Pollution
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list(a) the date of infringement, (b) the date of prosecution, (c) the nature of the offence with special reference to pollution, water abstraction and water quality infringements and (d) any resultant convictions, for each prosecution against a water company by (i) the drinking water inspectorate and (ii) the National Rivers Authority for each year since water privatisation. [9510]

  Mr. Gummer
  [holding answer 15 January 1996]: The arrangements for privatisation introduced a much more comprehensive and effective regime ensuring that water undertakers and sewage undertakers adhere to the legal requirements and are subject to enforcement or

  411
  prosecution if they do not do so. This system has given greatly enhanced protection of water consumers and the environment. The figures demonstrate that this is so.

  When there is an infringement of a drinking water standard, the main weapon is enforcement to secure improvements to quality; prosecution is only available when the infringement is so serious that water unfit for human consumption has been supplied.

  Between 1990 and 1994, the drinking water inspectorate, on my behalf, has initiated almost 2,000 enforcement actions against the water companies. Many of these resulted in the companies concerned taking action very quickly to rectify the infringement and the remainder, where action could not be completed quickly, resulted in the water companies concerned giving legally binding undertakings to take action by a specified date to improve drinking water quality.

  Severn-Trent Water Ltd. pleaded guilty at Hereford Crown court on 24 April 1995 to three charges brought under section 70 of the Water Industry Act 1991 for the

  Table 1: Water pollution offences—Infringement dates

  Company

  1989–90

  1990–91

  1991–92

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–95

  1995

  North-west

  —

  3.7.90

  19.5.91

  4.10.91

  27.8.91

  31.8.93

  23.11.94

  28.5.91

  28.1.92

  21.5.92

  21.9.93

  21.9.92

  27.4.92

  11.1.94

  23.4.92

  10.10.91

  30.3.94

  13.8.92

  5.2.93

  30.11.93

  8.8.92

  31.1.94

  11.5.93

  8.7.93

  17.8.93

  23.9.93

  3.7.93

  9.3.94

  19.9.93

  1.7.94

  8.8.94

  28.5.94

  Southern

  —

  4.1.90

  20.9.90

  5.4.91

  15.6.92

  24.11.93

  —

  7.11.90

  24.12.90

  7.11.90

  South-west

  —

  20.5.90

  —

  1.8.91

  —

  —

  —

  30.11.92

  Wessex

  —

  3.6.90

  —

  23.6.91

  29.6.92

  21.4.94

  —

  3.8.90

  24.2.92

  31.7.92

  8.6.92

  18.2.93

  Thames

  —

  8.3.90

  13.11.90

  1.7.91

  1.5.92

  3.11.93

  24.7.94

  12.3.90

  16.5.90

  27.4.92

  1.1.91

  20.4.94

  7.6.90

  30.7.90

  5.7.92

  6.5.93

  11.5.94

  10.12.90

  15.2.91

  4.5.93

  15.8.94

  30.1.91

  13.2.92

  5.7.93

  6.2.91

  24.9.93

  2.7.91

  21.6.93

  Northumbrian

  9.9.89

  3.5.90

  9.7 91

  13.12.91

  —

  —

  —

  7.5.90

  30.7.91

  22.5.92

  14.8.90

  22.9.90

  Anglian

  —

  15.5.90

  1.1.90

  18.8.91

  14.2.93

  23.11.93

  —

  23.3.90

  20.2.91

  29.7.91

  21.12.93

  12.7.90

  23.11.90

  27.6.91

  26.11.90

  22.8.91

  1.4.91

  3.1.92

  13.5.91

  412
  offence of supplying water unfit for human consumption and was fined £45,000. The prosecution was brought by me following an investigation by the drinking water inspectorate into a serious drinking water contamination incident on or about 15 April 1994 affecting a large number of consumers in the Worcester area and beyond following pollution of the River Severn.

  The number of prosecutions of the privatised water and sewerage companies by the National Rivers Authority for water pollution offences, their dates and the number of resulting convictions for each year since 1989–90 were set out in the answer given by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary to the Member for Truro (Mr. Taylor) on 18 December 1995, Official Report, columns 914–16.

  The tables show the information on water pollution infringements, corresponding to that given previously on prosecutions and convictions, plus equivalent information for water abstractions.
  413

  Table 1: Water pollution offences—Infringement dates

  Company

  1989–90

  1990–91

  1991–92

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–95

  1995

  Yorkshire

  28.9.89

  7.12.89

  27.9.90

  16.4.91

  18.10.91

  7.6.93

  —

  25.10.90

  24.11.92

  6.9.90

  26.8.91

  14.5.90

  26.8.91

  4.6.90

  9.3.92

  23.10.91

  20.8.92

  18.6.92

  28.7.92

  16.9.92

  18.11.92

  117.12.92

  Severn Trent

  —

  2.2.90

  5.10.90

  11.5.92

  27.5.92

  26.8.93 and

  16.8.94

  14.11.89

  23.10.90

  7.11.91 and

  7.11.92

  31.9.93

  28.11.94

  27.9.90

  3.5.92

  10.2.93

  13.10.94

  8.7.94

  29.7.90

  15.2.93

  28.7.91

  9.5.95

  14.2.91

  20.9.93

  27.9.91

  25.3.91

  Welsh

  —

  6.12.89

  23.5.90

  21.6.91

  18.3.93

  16.6.93

  15.9.94

  13.12.89

  10.11.90

  7.6.91

  11.9.89

  11.1.91

  16.7.91

  23.9.89

  14.9.90

  28.8.91

  8.3.90

  14.9.90

  5.8.91

  28.8.90

  6.12.90

  3.9.92

  5.11.90

  30.6.92

  31.1.91

  23.2.92

  31.1.91

  16.12.92

  31.1.91

  30.10.90

  28.9.90

  22.3.91

  3.6.91

  8.4.91

  1. The infringement dates shown correspond to those for prosecutions given O.R. 18 December 1995, cols 914–916. Eg the first infringement date shown for North West in 1991–92 relates to the first prosecution date shown for that company and year.

  1Indicates that the date of infringement could not be determined from the available data.

  Table 2: Water abstraction—Infringement dates

  Company

  1989–90

  1990–91

  1991–92

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–95

  1995

  Southern

  —

  —

  —

  —

  June 93

  14.6.84 to 20.6.94

  —

  Anglian

  —

  14.8.90 and 15.8.90

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Northumbrian

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  27 dates from 16.6.94 to 16.8.94

  —

  Severn Trent

  —

  —

  29.11.91 to 1.12.91

  —

  —

  —

  —

  27.12.91 to 28.12.91

  1. The prosecution dates relate to the earlier infringements shown for each company.

  2. All prosecutions resulted in convictions.

  Table 3: Water abstraction prosecution dates

  Company

  1989–90

  1990–91

  1991–92

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–95

  1995

  Southern

  —

  —

  —

  —

  30.11.93

  24.11.94

  —

  Anglian

  —

  10.12.90

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Northumbrian

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  10.5.95

  Severn Trent

  —

  —

  —

  9.2.93

  —

  —

  —

  1. The prosecution dates relate to the earlier infringements shown for each company.

  2. All prosecutions resulted in convictions.

HEALTH

  NHS (Management Costs)
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what were(a) the management costs and (b) the establishment of the national health service in England in (i) 1988–89 and in (ii) 1994–95; and what estimate he has made of changes in those figures over the current planning period. [9827]

  Mr. Malone
  Information on management costs is not available on a comparable basis for 1988–89 and 1994–95.

  As we announced in October, we are requiring a cash reduction of 5 per cent. in the costs of running health authorities and trust management costs in 1996–97 compared with the 1995–96 planned spend. The savings generated from these cost reductions will be available for patient care.

  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the redundancy and early retirement costs per head in respect of his proposed reduction in national health service managers. [9828]

  Mr. Malone
  It is not possible centrally to estimate the redundancy or early retirement costs of staff who are made redundant or retire early as a result of reductions in the costs of running health authorities and in trust management costs.

  Doctors and Nurses (Recruitment)
  Ms Harman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has for a national recruitment campaign for doctors and nurses. [10749]

  Mr. Malone
  There is a long-term information campaign to young people aged 12 to 18 years, those over 18 and their advisers, providing materials designed to encourage a flow of suitably qualified, high calibre and well-informed applicants for training as nurses, midwives, health visitors and professionals allied to medicine, and to retain them in the national health service when qualified.

  Last year, we accepted the recommendation of the Medical Workforce Standing Advisory Committee to increase medical student intake to 500 to reach a target intake of 4,970 by the year 2,000. The overall number of both medical students and doctors has increased steadily and will continue to do so. Entry to the medical profession—medical students—is over-subscribed in terms of applications to medical schools.

  It is for local employers to determine their human resources strategies and to take appropriate action to recruit and retain sufficient qualified staff to deliver those services which they are contracted to supply.

  National Review of Contracting
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when the 1995 national review of contracting will be published; and if he will place a copy in the Library. [10930]
  416
  Mr. Malone
  The 1995 review of contracting will be finalised in March. We do not intend to circulate the review, but key messages will be incorporated in wider purchasing guidance. A copy of the review will be placed in the Library when it is finalised.

  Public Information Lines
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 14 December,Official Report, column 812, if he will list the eight main information lines under the jurisdiction of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the information given out by these information lines. [11146]

  Mr. Horam
  Information on the eight main information lines are as listed. Unless stated otherwise, all these services are available free of charge and are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

  Health information service 0800 66 55 44
  The health information service is a national network of local telephone helplines. By dialling the national telephone number callers are automatically routed through to their local helpline service. The helplines give information and advice about NHS services, waiting times for treatment, common illnesses and treatments, maintaining and improving health, NHS complaints procedures and local NHS charter standards. The helplines are open 10.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday, but may vary locally. Calls are confidential. The health information service cannot give a medical diagnosis.
  National drugs helpline 0800 77 66 00
  The national drugs helpline offers a complete range of confidential advice, information and support. Callers are able to speak to trained, experienced advisors who will respond to requests for basic information about drugs and solvents, through to information about local services and to helping those concerned about their own or others drug problems.
  Leaflets and literature are supplied to callers on request. The service is also available in a range of other languages.

  National Aids helpline 0800 567 123
  The national AIDS helpline offers advice and information about HIV and AIDS. Callers can also request free leaflets on aspects of HIV and AIDS. Calls to the helpline are confidential.
  Health literature line/organ donor telephone service 0800 555 777
  The health literature line is the telephone ordering service for free Department of Health publications on a range of health issues. Publications available free of charge include "The Patient's Charter", "A Traveller's Guide to Health" (a guide to fee or reduced cost emergency medical treatment abroad), and the NHS league tables.The organ donor telephone service issue registration forms for the NHS organ donor register and answer some related questions.
  Blood donor telephone service 0345 711 711
  The blood donor telephone service offers advice to people who would like to become a blood donor or who want to know where their nearest blood donor centre or session is. Calls to the service are charged at local call rates.
  Drinkline 0345 711 711 (UK only): 0171 332 0202 (London only)
  The drinkline service informs callers about alcohol, helps callers who are worried about their own drinking, supports families and friends of people with drinking problems and puts people in touch with local alcohol advisory services where appropriate. Calls to the service are charged at local call rates.417
  Sexwise 0800 282930
  The sexwise telephone service offers advice and counselling on sexual matters for young people. Calls to the helpline are confidential. The line is open from 7am to midnight seven days a week.

  Cosmetic Surgery
  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the effects of the European Specialist Medical Qualifications Order 1995 when implemented on the private cosmetic surgery industry; and if he will make a statement. [11593]

  Mr. Malone
  None. The European Specialist Medical Qualifications Order implements the United Kingdom's obligations under European Council directive 93/16/EEC. This sets minimum standards for specialist medical training and facilitates the free movement of doctors throughout the European community through the mutual recognition of their diplomas, certificates and other evidence of formal qualifications. It was implemented following a full consultation exercise and extensive discussions with representatives of the medical profession and the General Medical Council.

  Temazepam
  Ms Quin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research his Department has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated in respect of medical conditions for which treatment using temazepam is essential and where no alternatives are available. [11259]

  Mr. Bowis
  None.

  GP Co-operatives
  Ms Harman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the quality of service provided by general practitioner co-operatives. [11868]

  Mr. Malone
  I have been impressed by the quality of service in the general practitioner co-operatives I have visited. GPs, whether providing services individually or as members of co-operatives, retain full responsibility for the quality of care they offer.

  NHS Staff Assaults
  Ms Harman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many attacks against NHS staff have been reported in each of the last five years. [11870]

  Mr. Horam
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave the hon. Member for Darlington (Mr. Milburn) on 18 December 1995, column 948.

  Human Embryos
  Mr. Alton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what scientific research has been commissioned by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority concerning the freezing of human embryos; when the research was commissioned and published; and if he will list the actual and expected dates of completion and publication. [12160]
  418
  Mr. Horam
  The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority has no powers to commission research. The authority's report to United Kingdom Health Ministers on the statutory storage period for embryos refers, at paragraphs 24 to 25, to work done to review current scientific knowledge.

  Copies of the report are available in the Library.

  Mr. Alton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will place in the Library copies of the research material considered by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority in relation to its report on the statutory storage period for human embryos. [12158]

  Mr. Horam
  I have placed in the Library a copy of a bibliography, supplied by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, which was prepared by its working group on embryo freezing.

  Mr. Alton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will place in the Library copies of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority's responses given by clinics to the Authority's Survey to questions concerning the freezing of human embryos. [12159]

  Mr. Horam
  I shall be writing to the hon. Member following my meeting with him on 24 January 1996.

  Manchester Health Commission
  Mr. Alfred Morris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 22 January,Official Report, column 21, if he will publish in the Official Report the joint press statement issued by the Under-Secretary following his meeting of 17 January with representatives of the Manchester Health Commission and the city's community health councils; and when he expects to be able to announce the outcome of his consideration of potential solutions to the problems raised with him in respect of health councils. [11994]

  Mr. Horam
  The text of the press statement, issued on 17 January, is as follows:"Mr John Horam, Parliamentary Secretary of Health, today met representatives of Manchester Health Commission and the three community health councils which cover the city of Manchester.
  The visitors gave a presentation on their criticisms of the current formula for weighted capitation, under which the level of funding received by the commission is adjusted to take account of the age and needs of the local population.
  The Minister also heard an account of the health needs of the people of Manchester, as measured against the targets set out in the Government's "Health of the Nation" initiative.
  He was told that the city has some of the worst figures in the country for cervical cancer, lung cancer, coronary heart disease, psychiatric illness, dental decay and infant mortality.
  The Minister heard about intense pressures on community and acute hospital services throughout the year.
  He was told that the city's health service continues to make vigorous efforts to make the best use of resources available, but was nevertheless one of only two authorities in the entire country to receive no growth money for 1996–97.
  Mr Horam listened sympathetically and said he respected the fact that the commission and the three community health councils had joined forces to represent Manchester as a whole.

  419
  He said he fully understood there was an exceptional problem in Manchester which needed to be addressed. Further work was in hand to try to refine the weighted capitation formula and he hoped that any subsequent refinement would deliver a good result for Manchester from 1997–98.
  He also said that if there was anything that could be done in a transitional way, he would certainly be sympathetic to Manchester's problems."

  The representations form Manchester were mainly concerned with the impact on their funding of certain elements of the weighted capitation formula. Work is in hand to review the elements of the formula concerned and the results should be ready to inform 1997–98 allocations.

TREASURY

  Mortgage Tax Relief
  Sir Andrew Bowden
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer from the tax year 1996–97, what the mortgage tax relief will be for home income plans. [11045]

  Mr. Jack
  Tax relief for interest paid by someone over 65 who takes out a loan, secured on their home, to buy and life annuity, often called a home income plan, is given at the basic rate of income tax. For the tax year 1996–97, this will be 24 per cent.

  Corporation Tax
  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the impact of the redeployment of staff from corporation tax pay and file to self-assessment development within the Inland Revenue on the collection of corporation tax arrears. [11120]

  Mr. Jack
  There has been no impact on the collection of corporation tax arrears as a result of the redeployment of staff from CT pay and file to self-assessment development.

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the extent to which EDS has complied with conditions set out in the original contract on the Inland Revenue's corporation tax pay and file system; and what changes to the terms of that contract were subsequently made by the Inland Revenue. [11122]

  Mr. Jack
  Since taking over computer operations in July 1994, EDS has complied fully with the relevant condition in the original contract which required it to deliver the existing levels of service.

  Subsequently detailed service levels have been agreed for each system and EDS has met or exceeded the key performance criteria in relation to CT pay and file. These contractual service levels have recently been enhanced to reflect the increased stability and maturity of the system.

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many(a) Inland Revenue staff and (b) contracted staff have been transferred from corporation tax pay and file to computer environment for self-assessment in each quarter of 1995. [11119]

  Mr. Jack
  The Inland Revenue and EDS—its private sector information technology partner—have managed a team of appropriately skilled people in the development,420
  implementation and subsequent maintenance of CT pay and file alongside the development of self assessment. Those people have been deployed in line with the priorities from time to time.

  The table shows the broad balance of movement of staff from CT pay and file to self-assessment as the former moved from its development and implementation phases into live running.

  Revenue staff

  Contractors

  Total

  Quarter January 1995 to March 1995

  0

  0

  0

  Quarter April 1995 to June 1995

  8.5

  5.5

  14

  Quarter July 1995 to September 1995

  5

  2

  7

  Quarter October 1995 to December 1995

  12

  9

  21

  Total

  25.5

  16.5

  42

  Taxation
  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what was, in constant 1995 figures, the value of tax receipts from lifetime transfers in each year 1974 in respect of(a) capital transfer tax and (b) inheritance tax. [11124]

  (2) what was, in constant 1995 figures, the value of tax receipts on death in each year since 1970 of (a) estate duty, (b) capital transfer tax and (c) inheritance tax, indicating when each type of tax replaced another. [11123]

  Mr. Jack
  The available information is as follows:

  £million at 1994–95 prices1

  Net receipts from transfers chargeable at death

  year

  Net receipts from lifetime transfers chargeable when made

  Estate Duty

  Capital transfer tax/inheritance tax

  1970–71

  —

  2,775

  —

  1971–72

  —

  3,214

  —

  1972–73

  —

  3,023

  —

  1973–74

  —

  2,536

  —

  1974–75

  —

  1,746

  —

  1975–76

  5

  870

  480

  1976–77

  77

  449

  861

  1977–78

  74

  277

  917

  1978–79

  94

  132

  830

  1979–80

  77

  79

  908

  1980–81

  66

  56

  815

  1981–82

  57

  32

  851

  1982–83

  68

  21

  814

  1983–84

  53

  15

  958

  1984–85

  95

  10

  962

  1985–86

  81

  9

  1,260

  1986–87

  87

  10

  1,373

  1987–88

  64

  —

  1,450

  1988–89

  53

  —

  1,356

  1989–90

  44

  —

  1,472

  1990–91

  44

  —

  1,418

  1991–92

  48

  —

  1,369

  1992–93

  46

  —

  1,224

  1993–94

  29

  —

  1,328

  1994–95

  24

  —

  1,387

  1Converted using the GDP market price deflator.

  421
  For deaths on or after 13 March 1975, capital transfer tax—CTT—replaced estate duty and applied to transfers made after 26 March 1974. CTT was replaced by inheritance tax—IHT—for transfers on or after 18 March 1986. The figures for estate duty exclude receipts in Northern Ireland before 1973–74. Small residual amounts of estate duty receipts from 1987–88 are included with receipts from inheritance tax and capital transfer tax, separate estimates of which are not available.

  Private Finance Initiative
  Mr. Andrew Smith
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much has been spent on external consultants in the tendering process of the private finance initiative in each year since its introduction(a) in real terms and (b) in cash terms disaggregated by (i) legal fees, (ii) publicity costs, (iii) accountancy fees and (iv) management consultancy fees. [10974]

  Mr. Jack
  [holding answer 22 January 1996]: The information requested for the Chancellor's Department, expressed in thousands of pounds, is as follows:

  £000

  (i) Legal fees

  —

  (ii) Publicity costs

  4

  (iii) Accountancy fees

  —

  (iv) Management consultancy fees

  75

  Total

  79

  The overwhelming majority of the expenditure was incurred in the last financial year, so the difference between real and cash terms is insignificant. Conventional procurement often involves such costs too.

  Mr. Smith
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what have been the running costs relating to the tendering process of the private finance initiative in each year since its introduction(a) in real terms and (b) in cash terms disaggregated by (i) staff costs, (ii) information technology and (iii) other costs. [10975]

  Mr. Jack
  [holding answer 22 January 1996]: The information requested for the Chancellor's Departments, expressed in thousands of pounds, is as follows:

  £000

  (i) Staff costs

  61

  (ii) Information technology

  —

  (iii) Other costs

  —

  Total

  61

  The overwhelming majority of the expenditure was incurred in the last financial year, so the difference between real and cash terms is insignificant.

  In the case of individual projects, if the private finance route had not been the route preferred, traditional public sector procurement methods would, in any case, have incurred tendering costs. The important issue is that the chosen method should be that which provides best overall value for money for the taxpayer.

  National Lottery
  Mr. Battle
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the total revenue accruing to the Treasury from all national lottery operations so far. [11903]

  Mr. Waldegrave
  [holding answer 25 January 1996]: The total amount of lottery duty accruing to the Exchequer was £559 million at the end of December 1995. Lottery duty was set at a level that should ensure that the displacement of consumer spending by spending on lottery tickets is neutral in its effect on Government revenue. The total amount of funds received by the national lottery distribution fund was £1,374 million over the same period.

NATIONAL HERITAGE

  Museums
  Mr. Cran
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what method is used by non-charging national museums to count the numbers of their visitors; and what assessment she has made of(a) the accuracy of the method and (b) the auditing of the figures. [7055]

  Mr. Sproat
  It is for the trustees of each national museum to determine how to assess the number of visitors, and the different methods used for this purpose by different museums. In the context of the review of museum policy which I am currently undertaking, and given the importance of having accurate figures for visitors, my officials will be writing to each of the national museum and galleries that the Department sponsors asking them what methods they use to count visitors, what arrangements they have for ensuring accuracy of the figures, and how they conduct their audit of figures.

  National Lottery (Disbursements)
  Mr. Callaghan
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if she will list the disbursements made by the National Lottery Charities Board to organisations in(a) Heywood and Middleton and (b) the Greater Manchester area. [11054]

  Mr. Sackville
  I have been asked to reply.

  My right hon. and learned Friend has written to all hon. Members on each occasion that the National Lottery Charities Board has made grants, enclosing a list of the grants. I understand that the charities board has also written to individual Members whenever a grant has been made in their constituency.

  This information is available in the Library.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  CD-ROM Industry
  Mrs. Ann Campbell
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment he has made of developments in the United Kingdom CD-ROM industry. [11127]

  Mr. Ian Taylor
  This is an active and fast-moving market for which reliable and comprehensive data are sparse. A number of reports have been commissioned by
  423
  my Department, either alone or in conjunction with the European Commission, analysing specific aspects of the CD-ROM market. The reports reached various conclusions. I am placing copies of them in the Library of the House.

  Gas Consumer Council
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what representations he has received as to how this year's allocation to the Gas Consumer Council will affect its safety advisory service. [11721]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  I have received no such representations.

  Trade Unions
  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list those organisations where trade unions have been de-recognised each year since 1985; and how many employees were involved in each case. [11943]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The Government do not hold records on organisations where trade unions have been de-recognised or on the number of employees involved in each case.

  Viners of Sheffield plc
  Sir Irvine Patnick
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what representations he has received from businesses in Sheffield regarding Viners of Sheffield plc; and if he will make a statement. [10835]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  I have received representations which my hon. Friend passed to me from eight businesses and one trade association objecting to the company name "Viners of Sheffield public limited company". My officials will be writing to the company seeking its comments.

  Training
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what steps he is taking to encourage the development of training for young entrepreneurs. [10900]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  I refer the hon. Gentleman to the measures outlined by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Education and Employment in his reply of 25 January 1996,Official Report, columns 336–37.

  Anglo-French Electricity Interconnector
  Mr. Jack Thompson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list on a quarterly basis the ratio of electricity supplied via the cable link to and from France and the United Kingdom for the years 1993–94 and 1994–95. [10628]

  Mr. Page
  In 1993–94 and 1994–95, the interconnector was exclusively used to import electricity from France.

  Disability Discrimination Act
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what is the estimated cost during 1996 of industrial tribunal proceedings under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. [11676]
  424
  Mr. John M. Taylor
  No firm estimate of the cost of industrial tribunal proceedings in 1996 can be made until a commencement date has been set for the employment provisions contained in the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. However, it is likely that these provisions will come into effect around the end of the year and, if so, the costs of proceedings (if any) in 1996 will be negligible.

  Public Sector Research Establishments
  Mr. David Nicholson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what is the timetable for the prior options reviews of public sector research establishments outlined in the Government's response to the multi-departmental scrutiny of public sector research establishments (Cm 2991). [12682]

  Mr. Lang
  The Government's response to the efficiency scrutiny announced our intention to carry out a programme of prior options reviews of public sector research establishments, with a view to the major part of the work being completed by the end of 1996.

  Each review will address the relationship of establishments to others in similar or related fields and consider, amongst other things, the potential for privatisation or rationalisation. The results of these reviews will be considered by Ministers collectively.

  The reviews will be carried out by the parent or sponsor Department or research council and are being phased as set out in the timetable. Each review will be announced and there will be an opportunity for interested parties to comment. Some of these announcements have already been made.

  I am placing a copy of the guidelines for the conduct of these reviews in the Library of the House.

  Period 1: Reporting to ministers by March 1996

  Establishment

  Parent or sponsor department/research council

  ADAS R and D

  Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food

  Central Science Laboratory

  Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food

  Directorate of Fisheries

  Ministry of Agriculture,

  Research

  Fisheries and Food

  Horticulture Research

  Ministry of Agriculture,

  International

  Fisheries and Food

  Fisheries Research Services

  Scottish Office

  Macaulay Land Use Research Institute

  Scottish Office

  Scottish Agricultural Science Agency

  Scottish Office

  Scottish Crop Research Institute

  Scottish Office

  Institute of Arable Crops

  Biotechnology and Biological

  Research

  Sciences Research Council

  Institute of Grassland and

  Biotechnology and Biological

  Environmental Research

  Sciences Research Council

  John Innes Centre

  Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council

  Silsoe Research Institute

  Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council

  Forestry Commision Research Laboratories

  Forestry Commission

  Daresbury and Rutherford

  Office of Science and

  Appleton Laboratories

  Technology/Council for the Central Laboratory of the Research Councils

  Building Research Establishment

  Department of the Environment

  425

  Period 1: Reporting to ministers by March 1996

  Establishment

  Parent or sponsor department/research council

  Health and Safety Laboratory National Weights and Measures Laboratory

  Health and Safety Executive Department of Trade and Industry

  Police Scientific Development Branch

  Home Office

  Period 2: Reporting to ministers by July 1996

  Establishment

  Parent or sponsor department/research council

  Veterinary Laboratories Agency

  Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food

  Moredun Research Institute

  Scottish Office

  Hannah Research Institute

  Scottish Office

  Babraham Institute

  Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council

  Institute for Animal Health Roslin Institute

  Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council

  Roslin Institute

  Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council

  British Geological Survey

  Natural Environment Research Council

  Centre for Coastal and Marine Sciences (comprising: Dunstaffnage Marine Laboratory, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Proudman Oceanographic Laboratory)

  Natural Environment Research Council

  Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (comprising: Institute of Freshwater Ecology, Institute of Hydrology, Institute of Terrestrial Ecology, Institute of Virology and Environmental Microbiology)

  Natural Environment Research Council

  Period 3: Reporting to ministers by December 1996

  Establishment

  Parent or sponsor department/research council

  National Institute for Biological Standards and Control

  Department of Health

  National Radiological Protection Board

  Department of Health

  Public Health Laboratory Service

  Department of Health

  Rowett Research Institute

  Scottish Office

  Institute of Food Research

  Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council

  Dunn Nutrition Unit Radiobiology Unit

  Medical Research Council

  Reproductive Biology Unit

  Medical Research Council

  Toxicology Unit

  Medical Research Council

  Virology Unit

  Medical Research Council

  BMARC
  Mr. David Nicholson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he has anything to add to his answers of 19 June 1995,Official Report, column 59 and 14 July 1995, Official Report, column 797, about BMARC. [12681]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  The work of licence recovery, examination and cataloguing undertaken since the start of the BMARC affair has led to the identification of a number of export licence applications whose existence was not known at the time of the answers given on 19 June 1995,Official Report, column 59, and 14 July 1995, Official Report, column 796.
  426
  The problem of retrieving export licence documentation is complicated by the large volumes of papers involved, and the fact that the archived papers are not stored by company name. In order to retrieve papers it is necessary first to use various databases to identify the individual applications made by any given company; then to establish the individual reference numbers relating to the applications concerned; and finally to use these to identify the relevant archive locations. It is only following these steps that the papers can be called back and inspected.

  While verifying and cataloguing the new findings, an unrelated search of licence application papers carried out towards the end of last year showed some weaknesses in the systems used for indexing applications. A wider search was then put in hand, with the aim of seeing whether the identification and recovery of any of BMARC's licence applications might have been hindered by similar problems. This further work led to the discovery of an additional batch of applications.

  In the light of all these findings, it is necessary to update the figures provided in the answers given on 19 June 1995 and 14 July 1995. The figure for the number of export licence applications made by BMARC—including the period when the company was known as Astra Defence Systems—for which papers have been recovered from my Department's archives and which were dealt with under the military list between 1985 and 1990, should be increased in total by 43 over the figure which was given on 14 July 1995. The breakdown by year is as follows:

  Year

  Number

  1985

  148

  1986

  133

  1987

  186

  1988

  134

  1989

  105

  1990

  174

  Total

  880

  In addition, over the same period, a further five cases have been identified of index records apparently relating to BMARC export licence applications, but where the absence of any surviving documentation makes it impossible to confirm this.

  I am bringing these new findings to the attention of the Trade and Industry Committee in view of its current inquiry into the granting licences to BMARC for the export of naval guns to Singapore.

  Departmental Publicity
  Mr. Battle
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how much has been spent by his Department on publicity and media relations for each year since 1990. [12482]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  Expenditure from centrally managed budgets on publicity and media relations, excluding staff costs, has been as follows:

  1990–91:£16,413,000

  1991–92: £10,918,000

  1992–93: £10,633,000

  1993–94: £9,377,000

  1994–95: £8,931.000

  Departmental Expenditure
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what estimate he has made of the annual telephone costs to(a) his Department, (b) his Department's agencies and (c) his Department's non-departmental public bodies staff for each of the years (i) 1979–80, (ii) 1989–90, (iii) 1991–92 (iv) 1993–94, (v) 1994–95, (vi) 1995–96 and (vii) 1996–97; and if internal telephone directories are available to staff in all areas of (a) to (c). [11390]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  [holding answer 25 January 1996]Details of departmental telephone costs prior to 1991–92 are not readily available. Comparison of the figures for successive years must be treated with caution as they are affected by major accommodation moves and, for the DTI agencies and regional Government offices, only include the use of the Government telephone network, other charges being met from local budgets.

  1991–92: £3.2 million

  1992–93: £4.2 million

  1993–94: £3.9 million

  1994–95: £2.9 million

  1995–96: £3.3 million(anticipated)

  Internal telephone directories are available to staff in the Department and its agencies. Non-departmental public bodies are not listed in these but can receive copies.

  Mr. Bruce
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment he has made of the total expenditure of his Department, its agencies and non-departmental public bodies on publicity for each of the years(a) 1979–80, (b) 1989–90, (c) 1991–92, (d) 1993–94, (e) 1994–95 and (f) 1995–96 (i) to date and (ii) as estimated for the whole year; what estimate he has made of such expenditure for 1996–97; and if he will break these figures down to indicate expenditure on (1) advertising and (2) press and public relations [11388]

  Mr. Taylor
  [holding answer 25 January 1996]Total Departmental expenditure on publicity is not held centrally and could be produced only at disproportionate cost.

  Total advertising expenditure from centrally managed budgets for the years in question is as follows:

  1979–80: £1,554,000

  1989–90: £10,492,000

  1991–92: £966,000

  1993–94: £784,000

  1994–95: £561,000

  1995–96: £530,000 (spend to end December 1995)

  The budgets for 1995–96 and 1996–97 are not broken down by media.

  Press and public relation costs, as reflected through the costs associated with the Department's press office, are as follows:

  1993–94: £1,987,000

  1994–95: £1,766,000

  1995–96: £1,212,000 (spend to end December 1995)

  Budgets for 1995–96 and 1996–97 do not specifically separate out press and public relations costs. For the comparable expenditure in earlier years, I refer the hon.
  428
  Member to answer given by my hon. Friend the then Minister for Energy on 2 June 1992, Official Report, column 492–93.

  Absenteeism
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what estimate he has made of absenteeism rates in days per annum for staff in his Department for each of the years(a) 1979–80, (b) 1989–90, (c) 1991–92, (d) 1993–94, (e) 1994–95 and (f) 1995–96. [11389]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  [holding answer 25 January 1996]: The sickness absence database of the Occupational Health and Safety Agency shows the average number of days sick leave per employee for the Department is:

  Calendar years

  Number

  1990

  8.5

  1991

  8.4

  1992

  8.2

  1993

  8.9

  1994

  7.0

  Comparable statistics are not available for earlier years. The 1995 figure is not expected to be published until August 1996.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Agriculture Council
  Mr. Dunn
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the outcome of the Agriculture Council held in Brussels on 22 and 23 January; and if he will make a statement. [11850]

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  No decisions were taken at this short meeting. The only substantial item was a further discussion of the Commission's proposals for changes to the arrangements for bananas. The Commissioner expressed his intention of making some additional proposals with a view to securing agreement: but member states' views remain deeply divided. I underlined the need to protect the interests of the African, Caribbean and Pacific suppliers of bananas, in line with the Community's commitments.

  The presidency held a dinner at which there was "informal" discussion of the use of hormones for fattening beef cattle, in the light of the scientific conference organised by the Commission last year.

  During the Council, I took the opportunity to question the Commissioner about his promised proposals on the welfare of calves reared for veal. He said he expected to be able to table these very shortly.

  Oil Dispersant Policy
  Mr. Luff
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what are the conclusions of the review that the Government have been carrying out into oil dispersant policy; and if he will make a statement. [12065]
  429
  Mr. Baldry
  The hon. Member for Skipton and Ripon (Mr. Curry) announced to the House in April 1993 that the Government would conduct a review of oil dispersant policy. Two scientific reports were commissioned and published and we prepared a consultation paper setting out proposed improvements which was circulated to over 600 bodies. Sixty-four responses were received. We have responded on issues where suggestions were made; in general, there was broad agreement to our plans and we have now prepared a final report completing the review. We have concluded that it would be fully justified to retain oil dispersants as the UK's primary means of combating oil spills at sea in order to protect economic and environmental resources, although oil dispersants may not be appropriate in all instances. All products will continue to be required to pass efficacy and toxicity tests. These tests will, in future, incorporate some minor improvements designed further to protect the marine environment. I have initiated the development of protocols, in conjunction with the industry, that will enable bioremediation products to be licensed in the UK. These could, in due course, make an important contribution to clean-up operations. There will also be new arrangements for labelling products in line with our policies on openness. In carrying out the review, I have also managed to achieve modest deregulatory gains by enabling manufacturers to submit their own test results. Finally, I intend to publish a booklet explaining the approval process which will include a code of good spraying practice. A copy of the final report has been placed in the Library of both Houses.

  Set-aside Payments
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the total amount paid in set-aside payments in each year since its inception; and what is the average amount paid each year per farm. [11256]

  Mr. Baldry
  Under the five-year set-aside scheme—and, in 1992–93 only, the one-year set-aside scheme—the Agriculture Departments made total payments of:

  1989–90: £9,846,000

  1990–91: £19,110,000

  1991–92: £25,102,000

  1992–93: £31,111,000

  1993–94: £25,078,000

  1994–95: £15,108,000

  For set-aside under the arable area payments scheme, the Agriculture Departments paid £142,080,000 in 1993–94 and £200,440,000 in 1994–95.

  Payments under both schemes for 1995–96 are not complete but at the beginning of the year were estimated as £225,125,000 for the arable area payments scheme and £7,483,000 for the five-year set-aside scheme.

  Under the arable area payments scheme, payments are made against claims which may relate to more than one agricultural holding. Under the five-year set-aside scheme, more than one payment per farm could be made as separate agreements were allowed for different areas of land on the same farm. Hence, it is not possible to calculate an average amount paid each year per farm.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Benefits Agency
  Mr. Cummings
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on the future of the Benefits Agency offices in Seaham and Peterlee. [10913]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  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. John Cummings, dated 25 January 1996:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking if he will make a statement on the future of the Benefit Agency (BA) offices in Seaham and Peterlee.
  As you are aware, the North Durham District is undertaking a long term review of its organisation. There is, however, no intention at present to close the Seaham and Peterlee offices. The aim of the Benefit Agency is to provide a high standard of service to all our customers and any organisational changes in North Durham District will be made with the assurance that this standard will be maintained.
  I hope you find this reply helpful.

  Hardship Allowance (Greater Manchester)
  Mr. Callaghan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many young people are currently claiming hardship allowance in the Greater Manchester area. [11036]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  The administration of income support 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. Jim Callaghan, dated 25 January 1996:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking how many young people are currently claiming hardship allowance in the Greater Manchester Area.
  The District offices that cover the Greater Manchester Area are Oldham, Manchester Central, Manchester South, Manchester Trinity, North Cheshire, Sale/East Cheshire, Salford, Stockport, and Tameside.
  The total number of young people who claimed hardship allowance in these offices in November 1995 was 482. This figure is provisional and may be subject to change. This is the latest figure available.
  I hope you find this reply helpful.

  Habitual Residence Rules
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is his latest calculation of the numbers and percentage of the total of appeals against decisions by his Department on the habitual residence rules that have been successful. [12203]

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

  Disability Living Allowance
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many(a) adults and (b) children in receipt of disability living allowance mobility component are

  431
  estimated to lose benefit for a period in hospital exceeding four weeks and 12 weeks in each of the next three years. [11995]

  Mr. Andrew Mitchell
  The information is in the table.

  Losers

  1996–97

  1997–98

  1998–99

  Adults

  35,000

  35,000

  40,000

  Children

  5,000

  5,000

  5,000

  Total

  40,000

  45,000

  45,000

  Estimates rounded to nearest 5,000 and should be treated with caution.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people in receipt of the disability living allowance mobility component have arrangements with firms other than Motability for the hire or purchase of(a) cars and (b) wheelchairs. [11996]

  Mr. Mitchell
  The information is not available.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what are the expected savings to his Department of(a) removing and (b) reducing the disability living allowance mobility component for hospital stays in respect of (i) children and (ii) adults in (x) 1996–97, (y)1997–98 and (z) 1998–99.[11998]

  Mr. Mitchell
  The information is in the table

  £million

  Cash

  1996–97

  1997–98

  1998–99

  (i) Children

  (a) Removing

  1—

  1—

  1—

  (b) Reducing

  5

  5

  5

  (ii) Adults

  (a) Removing

  5

  15

  20

  (b) Reducing

  20

  20

  20

  Total

  30

  40

  45

  1Denotes an estimate less than £2.5 million. Estimates rounded to nearest £5 million. Totals may not sum owing to rounding.

  Asylum Seekers
  Mr. George Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is his estimate of the additional cost or savings which will be made to the Exchequer as a consequence of the implementation of clause 10 of the Asylum and Immigration Bill; what representations he has received on the implementation of clause 10 of the Asylum and Immigration Bill; and if he will place copies of all such representations in the Library. [12105]

  Mr. Heald
  The information is set out in the table.

  £ million

  1996–97

  1997–98

  1998–99

  Estimated savings

  5

  15

  25

  1. Costs rounded to nearest £5 million. 2. It has been assumed that the average award of Child Benefit is £18.85 per week.

  One letter has been received concerning the implementation of clause 10, and several from members of the public in support of the principle that child benefit should not be paid to people coming from abroad. Correspondence is not normally published without the express permission of the writer.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Saudi Arabia
  Mr. David Atkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Saudi Arabian Government on(a) the detention of 70 members of the Indian Christian Fellowship followed by the imprisonment of seven leaders at Alkhobar on 22 December and (b) the imprisonment of three Filipino Christians in Riyadh last October; and if he will make a statement. [10322]

  Mr. Hanley
  We and our EU partners discuss human rights regularly with the Saudi Arabian Government. However, we have made no representations to the Saudis on the specific cases referred to by the hon. Member which we understand did not involve British citizens. We understand from the Indian embassy in Riyadh that those of its citizens who were being detained in connection with their attendance at a religious gathering have now been released.

  Positive about Disabled People Symbol
  Mr. Barnes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list for his Department and each of the agencies for which he is responsible if it uses the Employment Service's positive about disabled people symbol for(a) external recruitment and (b) internal recruitment and promotion. [11915]

  Mr. Hanley
  The Foreign and Commonwealth Office and its agencies are not currently users of the positive about disabled people symbol. However, we implement many of its recommendations on external and internal recruitment and promotion.

  Departmental Expenditure
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what estimate he has made of the annual telephone costs to(a) his Department, (b) his Department's agencies and (c) his Department's non-departmental public bodies staff for each of the years (i) 1979–80, (ii) 1989–90, (iii) 1991–92, (iv) 1993–94, (v) 1994–95, (vi) 1995–96 and (vii) 1996–97; and if internal telephone directories are available to staff in all areas of (a) to (c). [11382]

  Mr. Hanley
  [holding answer 25 January 1996]: The information requested is not readily available and could be partially provided only at disproportionate cost. But the annual telephony cost figures are available for:

  Diplomatic wing£

  Aid wing £

  1989–90

  —

  452,070

  1991–92

  6,077,642.00

  458,224

  1993–94

  5,947,217.00

  511,399

  1994–95

  6,088,960.71

  489,796

  1995–96

  15,335,000.00

  1486,000

  1996–97

  14,986,789.00

  486.000

  1Estimate.

  433

  Agencies

  Wiston House £

  NRI £

  1991–92

  2,462.00

  193,251

  1993–94

  2,797.00

  188,765

  1994–95

  3,714.00

  217,506

  1995–96

  14,000.00

  1191,785

  1996–97

  14,000.00

  1185,000

  Estimate.

  Our department makes use of CCTA's Metropolitan Telephony Service—MTS—which provides us with fully managed telephony and directory services. The MTS service provides an annual estimate of telephony charges.

  Internal telephone directories are available to all staff in the United Kingdom and at major UK diplomatic missions overseas.

  Mr. Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the expenditure of his Department, agencies and non-departmental public bodies on all external consultants including management consultants for each of the years(a) 1979–80, (b) 1989–90, (c) 1991–92, (d) 1993–94, (e) 1994–95 and (f) 1995–96 (i) to date and (ii) as estimated for the whole year; what estimate he has made of such expenditure for 1996–97; and if he will estimate the savings accruing to his Department from the use of consultants in each of these years. [11379]

  Mr. Hanley
  [holding answer 25 January 1996]: Consultants are employed in a number of roles, including contracted services and the design and management of projects. The work of external consultants is only one factor to be taken into consideration in assessing the results of such projects.

  The table contains figures for expenditure on consultants for the years 1993–94,1994–95 and 1995–96. The table also contains estimates for 1996–97. Figures exclude the cost of consultants engaged on projects under the bilateral aid programme. The bulk of expenditure within the diplomatic wing was for technical expertise on capital projects and information technology.

  Figures for earlier years could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Body

  Rank

  Number

  Salary £

  Minimum annual time spent

  New Town Development Corporations

  D/Chairman

  3

  10,578

  52 days

  Members

  9

  4,777

  26 days

  Scottish Homes

  Member

  1

  6,830

  24 days

  Mainland Health Boards

  Members

  7

  5,000

  36 days

  Mainland NHS Trusts

  Members

  16

  5,000

  36 days

  Scottish Examination Board

  Members

  6

  Nil

  4 days

  Scottish Enterprise

  Member

  1

  7,600

  14 days

  Highlands and Islands Enterprise1

  Member

  1

  7,595

  14 days

  Scottish Community Education Council1

  Member

  1

  Nil

  4 meetings

  Scottish Sports Council

  Member

  1

  Nil

  11 meetings

  SCOTVEC

  Member

  1

  Nil

  5 days

  Scottish Arts Council

  Members

  2

  Nil

  4 days

  Scottish Environment Protection Agency

  Members

  3

  5,000

  24 days

  Scottish Water and Sewerage Customers

  Members

  2

  3,000

  24 days

  Council

  2

  5,000

  48 days

  1Same Person.

  434

  Diplomatic wing £ million

  Aid wing £

  1993–94

  14.2

  618,700

  1994–95

  13.6

  505,300

  1995–96 (to date)

  10.5

  621,500

  1995–96 (estimated outturn)

  15.8

  869,000

  1996–97 (estimate)

  13.5

  530,000

  Qualified Majority Voting
  Ms Quin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the occasions on which decisions have been taken by qualified majority voting under title V of the Maastricht treaty on European Union; and if he will make a statement. [11260]

  Mr. David Davis
  No decisions have been taken using qualified majority voting under title V of the Maastricht treaty. The common foreign and security policy operates by unanimity. Article J.3.2 allows for use of qualified majority voting only in the implementation of joint actions and after prior unanimous agreement.

SCOTLAND

  Non-departmental Public Bodies
  Mr. Galbraith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland which members of which non-departmental public bodies are current local authority councillors; how much time annually each spends on each body; and what is the salary paid for each position. [8473]

  Mr. Kynoch
  Fifty-five local authority councillors currently hold Secretary of State appointments to executive non-departmental public bodies, health boards and NHS trusts. These appointments are made on an individual basis, and not as a representative of any particular interest or group. The details are as set out in the table. The time spent is the minimum required and appointees usually will spend additional time, for example, in preparing for meetings or serving on sub-committees. The figures exclude appointments by local authorities to bodies on which they have statutory representation.
  435
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list all the helplines, or schemes which include a helpline service, for which his Department provides any funding, stating which are(a) independent organisations, (b) run by his Department or agencies of his Department or (c) of another classification; how many calls each received in each of the last five years; and how much money each received from his Department in each of the last five years. [9801]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The Scottish Office contributes to two UK-wide national helplines. The Scottish figures recorded by financial year are set out in the following table:

  Helpline

  Year commenced

  Amount paid by The Scottish Office to operating Company £

  Number of calls

  National

  AIDS

  1990–91

  143,000

  91,371

  1991–92

  156,000

  170,184

  1992–93

  193,000

  11,543

  1993–94

  197,000

  73,442

  One Scotland-only Helpline in contracted out by the Scottish Office to an operating company:

  Helpline

  Year commmenced

  Amount (£)paid by the Scottish Office to operating company

  Number of calls

  NHS Helpline

  129 October 1992

  90,188

  2,143

  1993

  225,738

  12,521

  1994

  215,338

  24,017

  1995

  196,982

  14,736

  1Figures recorded by calendar year.

  The Scottish Office runs an inquiry line operated by its own staff:

  Helpline

  Year commenced

  Scottish Office costs £

  Number of calls

  Inquiry line

  October 1993

  1171,000

  1,989

  1994

  5,000

  3,594

  1995

  5,000

  3,459

  1Includes establishment and initial publicity costs.

  Generic Support Workers
  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what(a) guidance and (b) information relating to generic support workers has been issued by the NHS management executive in Scotland to NHS trusts and health boards. [10335]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  No guidance or information has been issued.

  Garage and Motor Repair Businesses
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will introduce provisions for garage and motor repair businesses to register with local authorities in Scotland. [10428]

  Mr. Kynoch
  My right hon. Friend has no plans to do so.
  436

  Year

  Year commenced

  Amount paid by The Scottish Office to operating company £

  Number of calls

  1994–95

  197,000

  60,021

  11995–96

  137,100

  145,108

  Drugline Scotland

  1992–93

  294,000

  23,800

  1993–94

  158,000

  17,604

  21994–95

  164,000

  19,649

  31995–96

  —

  —

  1Integrated National AIDS and Drugs Helpline commenced 1 April 1995.

  2Drugline Scotland integrated into National Drugs Helpline.

  3See National Aids Helpline Figures.

  A joint "Get Qualified" campaign was run for two periods of three months in 1995 with the Department of Education and Science. The Scottish Office figures are:

  Year

  Amount(£ paid by the Scottish Office to operating company

  Number of calls

  1995–6

  1,680

  6,935

  Ancillary Health Workers
  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what are the numbers of ancillary workers employed by in-houses teams at(a) Edinburgh royal infirmary, (b) Western general hospital, (c) Lay hospital and (d) Hairmyers Stonehouse hospital. [10336]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  This information is not held centrally.

  Queen's Counsels
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what number and percentage of the Scottish Bar are Queen's counsel. [10870]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  There are 135 Queen's Counsel, who represent 22.3 per cent. of the membership of the Faculty of Advocates.

  Census
  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he will make representations to the language sub-group of the 2001 census working group on content and question wording regarding the inclusion of a question relating to the Scots language in the 2001 census; [11167]

  (2) what assessment his Department has made of the uses of information which could be obtained through the inclusion of a question relating to the Scots language in the 2001 census; and if he will make a statement. [11168]

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Eastwood (Mr. Stewart) on 15 January,Official Report, column 805.

  Maternity Services (Lothian)
  Mr. Chisholm
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when his office requires a response from Lothian Health on its proposals in respect of maternity services; and what the consequence of Lothian Health failing to meet that deadline would be. [11616]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  It is for Lothian health board to bring forward its proposals on the future configuration of maternity services when it has completed its considerations. I understand that the board is currently undertaking a further public consultation until 28 February 1996 on its proposals for maternity services. I look forward to seeing the board's final proposals as soon as possible thereafter.

  Nursery Education
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he has made of the proportion of families in Scotland which have state nursery education available to them in each education authority for children aged(a) three to four and (b) four to five years. [11089]

  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  We do not hold information on the basis of families. The table shows the number of children at education authority nursery schools at September 1994 expressed as a percentage of the General Register Office's mid-1994 population estimates for three and four-year-olds.

  Percentage of children attending education authority nursery schools at September 1994

  Education authority

  Percentage of pupils aged 3

  Percentage of pupils aged 4

  Scotland

  19.8

  55.9

  Borders

  2.4

  36.0

  Central

  19.5

  71.8

  Dumfries and Galloway

  10.1

  74.4

  Fife

  16.8

  83.4

  Grampian

  10.1

  64.5

  Highland

  4.6

  29.6

  Lothian

  27.4

  75.4

  Strathclyde

  22.6

  43.3

  Tayside

  23.0

  63.4

  Orkney

  17.4

  61.6

  Shetland

  20.4

  51.2

  Western Isles

  0.0

  0.0

  438

  Percentage of children attending education authority nursery schools at September 1994

  Education authority

  Percentage of pupils aged 3

  Percentage of pupils aged 4

  Strathclyde divisions:

  Argyll and Bute

  2.2

  4.9

  Ayr

  15.0

  38.8

  Dunbarton

  14.5

  35.1

  Glasgow

  42.1

  62.9

  Lanark

  13.5

  31.1

  Renfrew

  16.8

  42.3

  Sources:

  GRO(S) Mid year population estimates 1994 Annual School Census 1994.

  Mr. Chisholm
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list for each regional authority in Scotland the number of nursery places provided, broken down by(a) part time and (b) full time, for (i) the year before statutory schooling and (ii) the period before that. [11549]

  Mr. Robertson
  The latest available information in respect of education authority nursery schools and classes is given in the table.

  Number of children attending education authority nursery schools and classes, September 1994

  Aged 3 and under1

  Aged 4 and over1

  Full time

  Part time

  Full time

  Part time

  Scotland

  530

  12,919

  2,444

  33,867

  Borders

  —

  31

  —

  457

  Central

  1

  735

  21

  2,410

  Dumfries and Galloway

  1

  207

  4

  1,322

  Fife

  27

  788

  74

  3,700

  Grampian

  15

  683

  240

  4,210

  Highland

  —

  125

  —

  807

  Lothian

  116

  2,596

  740

  6,202

  Strathclyde

  352

  6,484

  858

  11,845

  Tayside

  18

  1,142

  507

  2,542

  Orkney

  —

  61

  —

  189

  Shetland

  —

  67

  —

  183

  Western Isles

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1Age at 31 December 1994.

  Other pre-school care providers such as private nurseries, playgroups and day care centres may also provide education, but there will be no clear way of establishing this until the quality assurance arrangements planned under the Government's pre-school education vouchers initiative have been set up.

  Mr. Chisholm
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how much each regional authority in Scotland spends on nursery education. [11550]

  Mr. Kynoch
  The total gross revenue expenditure on nursery education in 1993–94—the last year for which figures are available—by each region and islands council was as shown in the table. The figures cover revenue expenditure directly related to nursery education, and do not include any apportionment of administration or miscellaneous services attributed to nursery education.
  439

  Gross expenditure on nursery education 1993–94

  Nursery education £000

  Borders

  61

  Central

  3,109

  Dumfries and Galloway

  936

  Fife

  4,238

  Grampian

  5,209

  Highland

  969

  Lothian

  11,305

  Strathclyde

  31,126

  Tayside

  4,697

  Orkney

  138

  Shetland

  409

  Western Isles

  0

  Scotland total

  62,197

  Source:

  Local Financial Returns (1993–94).

  Mr. Chisholm
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the current grant-aided expenditure for nursery education for each regional authority; and how the figures are calculated. [11551]

  Mr. Kynoch
  There is not a separate grant-aided expenditure assessment for the total cost of nursery education. There is, however, an assessment for the cost of nursery teaching staff. Its distribution for the current year is shown in the table.

  Grant-aided expenditure (£)

  Borders

  399

  Central

  1,082

  Dumfries

  585

  Fife

  1,479

  Grampian

  2,211

  Highland

  860

  Lothian

  3,017

  Strathclyde

  9,599

  Tayside

  1,545

  Orkney

  92

  Shetland

  108

  Western Isles

  127

  Total

  21,104

  The total amount for this assessment is decided each year by the Secretary of State. It is apportioned between relevant authorities pro-rata to the population aged three and four in each authority, based on the most recent available mid-year population estimate provided by the General Register Office of Scotland.

  Mr. Chisholm
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many children in Scotland currently receive some form of nursery education in the year before statutory schooling, broken down by(a) the different types of provision and (b) region. [11559]

  Mr. Robertson
  The latest available information in respect of education authority nursery schools and classes is given in the table.
  440

  Number of children attending education authority nursery schools and classes

  Children age 4 and over1

  Scotland

  36, 311

  Borders

  457

  Central

  2,431

  Dumfries and Galloway

  1,326

  Fife

  3,774

  Grampian

  4,450

  Highland

  807

  Lothian

  6,942

  Strathclyde

  12,703

  Tayside

  3,049

  Orkney

  189

  Shetland

  183

  Western Isles

  0

  1Age at 31 December 1994.

  Other pre-school care providers such as private nurseries, playgroups and day care centres may also provide education, but there will be no clear way of establishing this until the quality assurance arrangements planned under the Government's pre-school education vouchers initiative have been set up.

  Mr. Chisholm
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he has made of the number of children whose parents are currently paying for nursery education in the year before statutory schooling. [11561]

  Mr. Robertson
  I have made no such estimate.

  Mr. Chisholm
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what figures he has received from each regional authority for the cost of a part-time nursery education place in its area. [11556]

  Mr. Robertson
  [holding answer 24 January 1996]: These costs are not collected routinely. Participation in the pilot will give authorities an impetus systematically to collect such data, which would be part of our overall review of the initial phase.

  Nursery Voucher Scheme
  Mr. Chisholm
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he plans to make the implementation statement on the nursery vouchers scheme, foreseen in the consultation paper issued on 15 August. [11548]

  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  I made it on 11 December 1995.

  Mr. Chisholm
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he has made of the impact of the proposed nursery voucher scheme on nursery provision for three-year-olds. [11552]

  Mr. Robertson
  The nursery voucher initiative is not intended to have any impact on nursery provision for three-year-olds. I shall, however, keep this issue under review in course of the pilot year.

  Mr. Chisholm
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many extra nursery places he expects the nursery voucher scheme to create in its first year. [11553]

  Mr. Robertson
  The scheme will be driven by parental choice and parental demand.
  441
  Mr. Chisholm
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment he has made of how children with special needs will be affected by the nursery voucher scheme. [11554]

  Mr. Robertson
  The powers and duties of local authorities to make provision for children with special educational needs will not be affected by the Government's nursery education initiative.

  Mr. Chisholm
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many representations he has received concerning the proposed nursery voucher scheme; and how many of those representations were(a) in support of and (b) opposed to the scheme. [11555]

  Mr. Robertson
  In response to the formal consultation launched in August, my Department received over 170 replies.

  Without exception, consultees welcomed the Government's commitment to extend education for children in the pre-school year, but there was concern about the implications of the voucher initiative. These concerns will be addressed in the pilot year.

  Mr. Chisholm
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the planned cost of the nursery voucher pilot project. [11558]

  Mr. Robertson
  Some £3 million of new money is being made available in 1996–97 for the pilot phase. There will, in addition, be funding which was hitherto part of participating authorities' nursery education provision.

  Mr. Chisholm
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how much money he plans to withhold from local authority settlements in consideration of the nursery voucher scheme; and by what mechanisms. [11560]

  Mr. Robertson
  In the 1996–97 pilot year, each participating local authority will be asked to agree to pay to the Scottish Office, or have deducted from grant, a sum equal to the voucher value multiplied by the base number of places provided by that authority and filled in the previous year. The mechanism for future years will be discussed with authorities.

  Mr. Chisholm
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has nursery vouchers. [11562]

  Mr. Robertson
  A range to guard against dishonesty cannot be made public.

  EC Nitrates Directive
  Sir Hector Monro
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement about implementation of the EC nitrates directive (91/676/EEC) in Scotland; and when he expects to announce the decision regarding the designation of nitrate-vulnerable zones. [12171]

  Mr. Kynoch
  In June 1994, the Government consulted publicly on two areas proposed as candidates for designation as nitrate—vulnerable zones in Scotland—the catchments of the Balmalcolm groundwater borehole in Fife and the River Ythan in Grampian. Some 189 replies were received.
  442
  Following careful consideration of the responses and the extent to which each of these areas meet the criteria laid down in the directive, it has been decided to designate the catchment of the Balmalcolm borehole as an NVZ.

  Since a final link between higher levels of nitrate and the increased growth of the algae enteromorpha has yet to be determined scientifically, the Government have decided not to designate the catchment of the River Ythan as an NVZ on this occasion. There will, however, be continuing research into the extent of any link between the growth of the algae in the estuary and nitrate from agricultural sources in the catchment. A further review of the case for designation of NVZs throughout Scotland will take place, as required by the directive, by 19 December 1997 and this review will take account of the additional research.

  The Government will now make it a priority to promote good practice in the use of nitrates by farmers throughout the Ythan catchment in line with the code of good practice "Prevention of Environmental Pollution from Agricultural Activity".

  I can also announce that the Government have today issued a consultation paper on regulatory proposals and the action programme necessary to give effect to the directive's requirements in NVZs in Scotland. A copy of the proposals is available in the Library of the House. Comments are sought by 25 March 1996.

  Local Government Reform
  Sir Hector Monro
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the preparation of notional budgets for the new unitary authorities. [12172]

  Mr. Kynoch
  I have today laid before the House, in terms of section 94A of the Local Government Finance Act 1992—as inserted by section 24 of the Local Government, etc. (Scotland) Act 1994—the notional amounts report 1996. Subject to the approval of the report, the amounts specified therein for each of the new councils will be used as the baseline for considering any capping action in 1996–97. I announced my provisional capping principles for that year in my reply to a question from my right hon. Friends the Member for Dumfries (Sir H. Monro) on 28 November 1995,Official Report, columns 585–87.

  Mobile Phones
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what agreements his Department and its executive agencies have with companies for the provision of mobile and car phones; and if he will list the companies having these contracts, the duration of the contracts, the number of phones covered by each agreement and the cost to public funds of each agreement. [9764]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  [holding answer 17 January 1996]: Mobile phones and car phones are purchased on an as-required basis. Agreements are entered into with the supplier for the provision of airtime for a 12-month minimum period with 90 days notification of cancellation thereafter. The number of mobile phones

  443
  held by the Scottish Office and its executive agencies is 454. These have been provided by the following suppliers:

  Vodaphone; Cellnet; BT Mobile; Vodac Direct; HSW Systems;

  Mobile Direct; Veecom; Woodend Communications;

  Woodend Cellular: Comware.

  The total operating cost per annum is approximately £135,000.

  Elderly People (NHS Services)
  Ms Rachel Squire
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment his Department has made of changes in the costs of providing NHS treatments and services to elderly people in Scotland(a) over the last 10 years and (b) over the next 10 years. [11041]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The aim for all groups is to secure the most effective package of health and social care services, both in hospital and the community, that meet the specific needs of individuals and where appropriate, their carers.

  Assessment of needs for care services for the elderly is primarily a matter for health boards and local authorities. Demographic change has led to the cost of providing NHS care and treatment for this age group increasing over the last 10 years by approximately 1 per cent. a year. On the same basis, the forecast to year 2005–06 is for an increase of about 0.9 per cent. per annum. In practice, these cost pressures will continue to be offset by further improvements in efficiency and quality of care.

  Health Boards
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what guidance his Department has issued to 444
  Scottish health boards in respect of retention of surpluses in their budgets at the end of the 1994–95 financial year. [11102]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Guidance is contained in the "Scottish Accounting Manual" which is issued to all health boards. This states that an underdrawing of up to 1 per cent. of a health board's cash limit may be carried forward from one year to another and that any overdrawing will be carried forward as a first charge against the following year's cash limit. There is, however, flexibility to allow a larger carry forward. Requests from health boards for carry forward in excess of 1 per cent. are considered on their merits.

  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland pursuant to his answer of 7 December 1995,Official Report, column 367, (1) if the under-drawings in the 1994–95 budgets of Greater Glasgow health board and Borders health board were carried forward into the 1995–96 budgets of these bodies; [11148]

  (2) what was the outcome of his Department's discussions with the senior management of Greater Glasgow health board and Borders health board, concerning these bodies' under-drawing of their budgets for 1994–95. [11149]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Final agreement has been reached with senior management of Greater Glasgow health board and Borders health board concerning the carry forward of underdrawings in 1994–95. Borders health board carry forward is £815,925 which is the same amount it underdrew. Greater Glasgow health board carry forward is £8,043,180 which is £1,837,000 less than its underdrawing. The difference relates to ring fenced funds which cannot normally be carried forward.

  Rail Privatisation
  Ms Glenda Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what total payment(a) has been and (b) is projected to be made to Strathclyde regional council to provide for the additional costs of supporting rail services arising from the privatisation of British Rail. [11316]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  In 1994–95, £79,103,000 was paid to Strathclyde regional council to cover the additional costs to it in that year resulting from rail restructuring. The Scottish Office expects to pay about £60 million to cover comparable costs in the current financial year. With effect from 1 April 1996, future costs will be met through provision in the annual local government finance settlements for the constituent authorities in the Strathclyde passenger transport authority.

  Charge for a fixed price meal at January of each year shown

  Pence

  Education Authority

  1980

  1981

  1982

  1983

  1984

  1985

  1986

  1987

  Borders

  35

  35

  40

  42

  44

  46

  48

  50

  Central

  35

  35

  35

  40

  45

  45

  50

  55

  Dumfries and Galloway

  35

  40

  45

  50

  50

  52

  55

  58

  Fife

  35

  35

  40

  45

  48

  50

  52

  55

  Grampian:

  Primary

  35

  35

  42

  42

  45

  50

  55

  58

  Secondary

  n/a

  n/a

  45

  45

  55

  60

  65

  68

  Highland

  35

  41

  50

  50

  50

  55

  55

  65

  Lothian:

  Primary

  35

  35

  35

  45

  45

  50

  50

  50

  Secondary

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  55

  55

  55

  Strathclyde

  35

  40

  45

  50

  53

  55

  58

  61

  Tayside:

  Primary

  35

  40

  45

  50

  45

  50

  55

  60

  Secondary

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  50

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  Orkney:

  Primary

  35

  35

  40

  50

  50

  50

  55

  60

  Secondary

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  Shetland

  35

  35

  35

  35

  45

  50

  50

  55

  Western Isles

  35

  35

  40

  45

  60

  60

  65

  65

  n/a = not available.

  Pence

  Education Authority

  1988

  1989

  1990

  1991

  1992

  1993

  1994

  1995

  Borders

  50

  50

  50

  55

  60

  65

  65

  70

  Central

  58

  60

  62

  68

  72

  75

  80

  85

  Dumfries and Galloway

  61

  60

  60

  165

  165

  165

  365

  365

  —

  —

  —

  255

  255

  255

  470

  470

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  255

  —

  Fife

  50

  50

  50

  60

  n/a

  60

  65

  65

  Grampian:

  Primary

  60

  63

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  83

  87

  87

  Secondary

  70

  73

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  97

  100

  n/a

  Highland

  65

  70

  74

  80

  85

  90

  90

  100

  Lothian:

  Primary

  50

  55

  55

  60

  70

  75

  80

  90

  Secondary

  55

  60

  60

  65

  75

  80

  90

  100

  Strathclyde

  63

  64

  67

  79

  n/a

  83

  89

  93

  Tayside:

  Primary

  60

  65

  65

  65

  65

  65

  65

  65

  Secondary

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  70

  Orkney:

  Primary

  60

  60

  70

  70

  70

  70

  70

  80

  Secondary

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  75

  80

  80

  90

  Shetland

  60

  60

  65

  75

  75

  80

  85

  90

  Western Isles

  65

  70

  70

  70

  75

  80

  85

  n/a

  n/a = not available.

  1Standard meal.

  2Mini-meal.

  3Primary.

  4Secondary.

  School Meals
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list for each regional and island council in Scotland for each academic year since 1979–80 the average price of a school meal in(a) primary and (b) secondary schools. [11103]

  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  The average cost to pupils of school meals is not collected centrally. Pupils can obtain either a fixed meal at a set charge or a cafeteria style meal for which the charge will vary depending on the individual pupil's choice. The table gives details of the fixed price meal charge levied by each education authority in each year since 1979. The level of the charge made is at the discretion of the education authority.
  447
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list for each regional and island council in Scotland and for each sub-division within the Strathclyde regional council area for each academic year since 1979–80 for(a) primary and (b) secondary schools (i) the total number of children in education, (ii) how many children are in receipt of free school meals and (iii) the percentage of children in receipt of free school meals. [11104]

  Mr. Robertson
  Information on the uptake of free school meals for the school sessions 1979–80 to 1992–93 is not available for separate primary and secondary sectors. Information by sector has been collected only from 1993–94 school session onwards.

  Table 1: Number of pupils in Education Authority primary schools at September in session

  Session

  Education Authority

  1979–80

  1980–81

  1981–82

  1982–83

  1983–84

  1984–85

  11985–86

  11986–87

  Sector

  All

  All

  All

  All

  All

  All

  All

  All

  Scotland

  545,161

  518,492

  492,645

  467,971

  448,009

  437,538

  435,454

  433,459

  Borders

  10,135

  9,643

  9,156

  8,686

  8,353

  8,219

  8,246

  8,213

  Central

  29,737

  28,559

  27,258

  25,850

  24,897

  24,287

  24,158

  23,754

  Dumfries and Galloway

  15,069

  14,223

  13,457

  12,799

  12,480

  12,285

  12,313

  12,321

  Fife

  36,766

  35,103

  33,733

  32,257

  31,388

  31,005

  31,105

  30,602

  Grampian

  49,831

  48,352

  47,128

  45,767

  43,827

  43,274

  43,156

  42,941

  Highland

  22,000

  21,275

  20,568

  19,822

  19,460

  19,168

  19,290

  19,394

  Lothian

  71,816

  68,112

  64,688

  61,461

  58,327

  55,745

  54,964

  54,386

  Strathclyde

  261,721

  247,143

  232,691

  219,231

  208,934

  204,311

  203,521

  203,337

  Tayside

  39,694

  37,925

  35,964

  34,278

  32,757

  31,871

  31,335

  31,298

  Orkney

  2,000

  1,923

  1,886

  1,910

  1,910

  1,866

  1,825

  1,826

  Shetland

  2,711

  2,705

  2,681

  2,564

  2,478

  2,388

  2,386

  2,387

  Western Isles

  3,681

  3,529

  3,435

  3,346

  3,198

  3,119

  3,155

  3,000

  Strathclyde Divisions:

  Argyll and Bute

  6,880

  6,484

  6,215

  6,094

  5,898

  5,708

  5,727

  5,687

  Ayr

  43,074

  40.924

  38,380

  36,045

  34,686

  33,927

  33,711

  33,689

  Dunbarton

  36,923

  35,235

  33,744

  32,275

  31,064

  30,602

  30,581

  30,514

  Glasgow

  75,160

  69,773

  64,682

  60,602

  57,123

  55,593

  55,553

  55,593

  Lanark

  60,175

  57,303

  54,284

  50,743

  48,491

  47,324

  46,941

  46,884

  Renfrew

  39,509

  37,424

  35,386

  33.472

  31,672

  31,157

  31,008

  30,970

  1Estimated figures due to teacher industrial action.

  at September in session

  Session

  Education Authority

  1987–88

  1988–89

  1989–90

  1990–91

  1991–92

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–95

  Sector

  All

  All

  All

  All

  All

  All

  All

  All

  Scotland

  430,919

  432,760

  437,072

  440,591

  440,808

  438,974

  438,401

  438,011

  Borders

  8,164

  8,327

  8,411

  8,525

  8,520

  8,551

  8,613

  8,610

  Central

  23,516

  23,520

  23,682

  23,709

  23,428

  23,388

  23,249

  23,100

  Dumfries and Galloway

  12,302

  12,405

  12,733

  12,848

  12,772

  12,936

  12,882

  12,820

  Fife

  30,554

  30,555

  30,908

  31,206

  31,188

  31,140

  31,082

  30,965

  Grampian

  43,041

  42,985

  43,374

  43,898

  44,203

  44,566

  44,795

  45,006

  Highland

  19,278

  19,331

  19,527

  19,549

  19,653

  19,369

  19,152

  19,001

  Lothian

  54,363

  54,588

  55,201

  55,898

  56,270

  56,560

  57,514

  58,007

  Strathclyde

  201,508

  202,713

  204,628

  205,873

  205,614

  203,152

  201,762

  200,980

  Tayside

  31,108

  31,375

  31,769

  32,312

  32,467

  32,658

  32,684

  32,846

  Orkney

  1,787

  1,827

  1,783

  1,787

  1,801

  1,832

  1,821

  1,841

  Shetland

  2,370

  2,338

  2,257

  2,230

  2,244

  2,189

  2,206

  2,231

  Western Isles

  2,928

  2,796

  2,799

  2,756

  2,648

  2,633

  2,641

  2,604

  Strathclyde Divisions:

  Argyll and Bute

  5,721

  5,705

  5,742

  5,770

  5,664

  5,375

  5,402

  5,389

  Ayr

  33,441

  33,633

  34,093

  34,171

  34,263

  34,013

  33,771

  33,667

  Dunbarton

  30,321

  30,281

  30,396

  30,505

  30,244

  29,663

  29,332

  29,161

  Glasgow

  54,759

  55,307

  55,887

  56,588

  56,985

  56,699

  56,303

  55,846

  Lanark

  46,355

  46,565

  47,067

  47,171

  46,702

  45,875

  45,328

  45,043

  Renfrew

  30,911

  31,222

  31,443

  31,668

  31,756

  31,527

  31,626

  31,874

  448
  The following tables show at table 1—the number of pupils registered in education authority primary schools; table 2—the number of pupils registered in education authority secondary schools; table 3—the total number of pupils in education authority schools, including nursery and special schools, taking free school meals at the annual January census; table 4—the percentage of all pupils in education authority schools, including nursery and special schools, taking free meals at the annual January census; and table 5—the numbers and percentages of primary and secondary pupils taking free school meals for the 1993–94 and 1994–95 school sessions.
  449

  Table 2: Number of pupils in Education Authority secondary schools at September in session

  Session

  Education Authority

  1979–80

  1980–81

  1981–82

  1982–83

  1983–84

  1984–85

  11985–86

  11986–87

  Sector

  All

  All

  All

  All

  All

  All

  All

  All

  Scotland

  410,242

  407,844

  404,575

  399,075

  390,368

  376,071

  360,645

  344,369

  Borders

  7,351

  7,411

  7,423

  7,501

  7,417

  7,140

  6,907

  6,684

  Central

  22,236

  22,283

  22,209

  21,910

  21,479

  20,866

  20,120

  19,300

  Dumfries and Galloway

  11,403

  11,611

  11,838

  11,814

  11,569

  11,181

  10,747

  10,204

  Fife

  26,624

  26,792

  26,847

  26,665

  26,194

  25,208

  24,371

  23,606

  Grampian

  34,471

  34,444

  34,603

  34,866

  35,366

  34,635

  34,216

  33,247

  Highland

  16,113

  16,128

  16,119

  16,021

  15,958

  15,629

  15,183

  14,853

  Lothian

  52,720

  52,316

  51,515

  50,240

  48,981

  47,685

  45,415

  43,328

  Strathclyde

  203,995

  201,712

  198,957

  195,428

  189,219

  180,499

  171,505

  162,258

  Tayside

  29,666

  29,248

  29,064

  28,667

  28,131

  27,293

  26,388

  25,221

  Orkney

  1,496

  1,541

  1,521

  1,496

  1,464

  1,443

  1,414

  1,376

  Shetland

  1,618

  1,631

  1,702

  1,715

  1,797

  1,760

  1,740

  1,709

  Western Isles

  2,549

  2,727

  2,777

  2,752

  2,793

  2,732

  2,639

  2,583

  Strathclyde Divisions:

  Argyll and Bute

  4,881

  5,073

  5,080

  5,183

  5,065

  4,940

  4,797

  4,518

  Ayr

  31,467

  31,607

  31,710

  31,627

  30,927

  29,954

  28,615

  27,322

  Dunbarton

  27,448

  27,333

  27,320

  26,884

  26,331

  25,562

  24,797

  24,072

  Glasgow

  61,666

  59,690

  57,665

  55,438

  52,752

  48,540

  44,959

  41,184

  Lanark

  47,445

  47,280

  47,016

  46,644

  45,072

  43,308

  41,088

  39,026

  Renfrew

  31,088

  30,729

  30,166

  29,652

  29,072

  28,195

  27,249

  162,258

  1Estimated figures due to teacher industrial action.

  at September in session

  Session

  Education authority

  1987–88

  1988–89

  1989–90

  1990–91

  1991–92

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–95

  Sector

  All

  All

  All

  All

  All

  All

  All

  All

  Scotland

  327,056

  311,563

  298,453

  293,569

  296,455

  303,056

  311,255

  314,904

  Borders

  6,326

  5,990

  5,846

  5,814

  5,905

  5,989

  6,182

  6,296

  Central

  18,379

  17,641

  16,817

  16,537

  16,699

  17,017

  17,212

  17,285

  Dumfries and Galloway

  9,802

  9,345

  9,015

  8,889

  8,922

  9,105

  9,400

  9,464

  Fife

  22,454

  21,727

  21,026

  21,035

  21,247

  21,652

  22,413

  22,699

  Grampian

  31,790

  30,831

  29,589

  29,402

  29,988

  30,610

  31,386

  31,831

  Highland

  14,348

  14,043

  13,663

  13,640

  14,015

  14,516

  14,995

  15,212

  Lothian

  41,187

  39,132

  37,361

  35,988

  36,091

  36,647

  37,641

  38,020

  Strathclyde

  153,292

  144,548

  137,574

  135,040

  136,193

  139,722

  143,606

  145,307

  Tayside

  24,001

  22,985

  22,272

  21,962

  22,045

  22,380

  22,986

  23,343

  Orkney

  1,338

  1,281

  1,332

  1,329

  1,386

  1,412

  1,448

  1,439

  Shetland

  1,663

  1,643

  1,623

  1,635

  1,651

  1,757

  1,761

  1,766

  Western Isles

  2,476

  2,397

  2,335

  2,298

  2,303

  2,249

  2,225

  2,242

  Strathclyde Divisions:

  Argyll and Bute

  4,421

  4,255

  4,098

  4,013

  4,083

  4,092

  4,180

  4,244

  Ayr

  26,182

  25,004

  23,815

  23,351

  23,330

  23,855

  24,622

  25,028

  Dunbarton

  22,918

  22,375

  21,638

  21,216

  21,527

  22,465

  22,927

  23,256

  Glasgow

  37,907

  34,623

  32,303

  31,594

  31,659

  32,140

  32,728

  32,993

  Lanark

  37,074

  34,889

  33,085

  32,561

  32,969

  33,805

  34,933

  35,335

  Renfrew

  24,790

  23,402

  22,635

  22,305

  22,625

  23,365

  24,216

  24,451

  Table 3: Number of pupils in Education Authority schools taking free school meals at January in session

  Session

  Education Authority

  1979–80

  1980–81

  1981–82

  1982–83

  1983–84

  1984–85

  11985–86

  11986–87

  Sector

  All

  All

  All

  All

  All

  All

  All

  All

  Scotland

  122,618

  114,711

  124,547

  132,953

  129,335

  136,669

  136,627

  143,194

  Borders

  1,365

  773

  966

  1,097

  1,113

  1,136

  1,065

  1,203

  Central

  4,708

  5,084

  5,853

  6,584

  6,443

  7,311

  6,975

  8,046

  Dumfries and Galloway

  2,851

  2,017

  2,265

  2,705

  2,718

  2,765

  2,950

  2,826

  Fife

  6,443

  6,146

  6,935

  7,263

  6,719

  8,639

  8,172

  9,025

  Grampian

  5,935

  3,225

  3,709

  4,117

  4,318

  4,704

  4,800

  5,593

  Highland

  3,674

  2,339

  2,813

  3,415

  3,438

  4,312

  4,355

  4,643

  Lothian

  14,655

  13,162

  14,145

  12,854

  12,413

  14,201

  13,711

  14,689

  Strathclyde

  72,881

  74,565

  79,406

  85,426

  82,348

  84,096

  84,659

  87,362

  450 451

  Table 3: Number of pupils in Education Authority schools taking free school meals at January in session

  Session

  Education Authority

  1979–80

  1980–81

  1981–82

  1982–83

  1983–84

  1984–85

  11985–86

  11986–87

  Tayside

  8,208

  5,610

  6,597

  7,380

  7,702

  7,854

  8,154

  7,921

  Orkney

  385

  412

  389

  520

  512

  477

  429

  438

  Shetland

  155

  163

  189

  183

  236

  246

  232

  270

  Western Isles

  1,358

  1,215

  1,280

  1,409

  1,375

  928

  1,125

  1,178

  Strathclyde Divisions:

  Argyll and Bute

  1,497

  1,336

  1,443

  1,563

  1,525

  1,469

  1,510

  1,560

  Ayr

  10,592

  10,579

  10,801

  12,295

  12,690

  13,202

  12,540

  13,266

  Dunbarton

  5,734

  5,823

  6,838

  7,972

  7,385

  8,103

  8,622

  9,340

  Glasgow

  31,743

  32,913

  34,156

  36,045

  33,791

  33,947

  34,059

  34,671

  Lanark

  15,135

  15,885

  16,631

  17,172

  17,316

  16,959

  16,759

  16,823

  Renfrew

  8,180

  8,029

  9,537

  10,379

  9,641

  10,416

  11,169

  11,702

  1Contains some estimated data.

  at January in session

  Session

  Education Authority

  1987–88

  1988–89

  1989–90

  1990–91

  1991–92

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–95

  Sector

  All

  All

  All

  All

  All

  All

  All

  All

  Scotland

  145,219

  105,232

  99,303

  101,915

  107,186

  107,709

  121,479

  121,123

  Borders

  1,184

  522

  779

  650

  751

  683

  721

  750

  Central

  7,740

  5,448

  4,985

  5,170

  5,402

  5,476

  5,931

  6,176

  Dumfries and Galloway

  2,994

  1,755

  1,656

  1,769

  1,889

  2,017

  2,102

  2,155

  Fife

  8,927

  6,227

  6,123

  6,432

  7,017

  7,080

  8,065

  8,283

  Grampian

  5,967

  4,068

  4,099

  4,375

  5,177

  5,695

  5,721

  6,182

  Highland

  4,960

  3,395

  2,967

  2,881

  3,024

  3,270

  4,015

  3,918

  Lothian

  15,773

  12,219

  11,710

  12,330

  12,857

  13,551

  15,190

  15,358

  Strathclyde

  87,147

  63,905

  59,853

  61,169

  63,682

  62,436

  71,981

  70,595

  Tayside

  8,720

  6,562

  6,121

  6,199

  6,396

  6,520

  6,732

  6,723

  Orkney

  432

  193

  183

  179

  208

  201

  220

  232

  Shetland

  263

  146

  142

  160

  210

  226

  236

  250

  Western Isles

  1,112

  792

  685

  601

  573

  554

  565

  501

  Strathclyde Divisions:

  Argyll and Bute

  1,555

  950

  861

  896

  1,040

  1,150

  1,224

  1,210

  Ayr

  12,899

  8,718

  8,512

  8,887

  9,460

  9,942

  10,451

  10,016

  Dunbarton

  9,027

  6,806

  6,046

  6,184

  6,486

  6,477

  7,568

  7,595

  Glasgow

  35,337

  27,053

  25,188

  26,243

  27,093

  25,040

  29,948

  29,196

  Lanark

  16,585

  11,450

  10,865

  10,861

  11,137

  11,843

  13,663

  13,660

  Renfrew

  11,744

  8,928

  8,381

  8,098

  8,466

  7,984

  9,127

  8,918

  Table 4: Percentage of pupils in Education Authority schools taking. free school meals at January in session

  Session

  Education Authority

  1979–80

  1980–81

  1981–82

  1982–83

  1983–84

  1984–85

  11985–86

  11986–87

  Sector

  All

  All

  All

  All

  All

  All

  All

  All

  Scotland

  14.0

  13.2

  15.1

  16.3

  17.1

  18.2

  18.6

  19.6

  Borders

  8.4

  4.8

  6.5

  7.3

  7.6

  8.1

  7.7

  8.7

  Central

  9.9

  10.6

  13.0

  14.8

  15.2

  17.6

  17.1

  19.5

  Dumfries and Galloway

  11.8

  8.4

  10.1

  12.0

  12.4

  13.3

  13.8

  14.1

  Fife

  10.7

  10.3

  12.1

  12.8

  12.8

  16.4

  15.4

  16.9

  Grampian

  7.5

  4.1

  5.0

  5.6

  5.9

  6.5

  6.8

  7.9

  Highland

  10.4

  6.8

  8.4

  10.2

  10.8

  13.3

  13.4

  15.0

  Lothian

  12.6

  11.5

  13.0

  12.1

  12.5

  14.2

  14.2

  15.3

  Strathclyde

  17.3

  18.0

  20.3

  22.1

  23.4

  24.1

  24.8

  25.7

  Tayside

  12.7

  8.6

  10.4

  11.9

  13.5

  13.7

  15.1

  15.1

  Orkney

  11.9

  13.0

  13.7

  15.9

  16.0

  15.3

  14.8

  14.4

  Shetland

  3.9

  4.0

  4.6

  4.5

  5.9

  6.3

  5.9

  6.9

  Western Isles

  23.6

  20.9

  23.4

  25.7

  24.5

  17.4

  21.9

  23.7

  Strathclyde Divisions:

  Argyll and Bute

  14.1

  12.6

  13.9

  15.3

  15.7

  15.3

  16.1

  16.9

  Ayr

  15.5

  15.9

  17.6

  19.6

  21.3

  22.9

  22.1

  23.4

  Dunbarton

  9.9

  10.2

  12.5

  14.8

  15.1

  15.6

  17.0

  18.1

  Glasgow

  26.2

  27.1

  30.0

  32.6

  35.0

  35.9

  36.6

  38.5

  Lanark

  15.7

  16.7

  18.4

  19.2

  21.1

  21.2

  21.8

  21.6

  Renfrew

  12.5

  12.6

  15.7

  17.3

  17.6

  19.0

  20.6

  21.7

  452 453

  at January in session

  Session

  Education Authority

  1987–88

  1988–89

  1989–90

  1990–91

  1991–92

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–95

  Sector

  All

  All

  All

  All

  All

  All

  All

  All

  Scotland

  19.9

  14.8

  14.1

  14.6

  15.4

  15.7

  16.7

  16.6

  Borders

  8.5

  3.8

  5.7

  4.7

  5.5

  4.9

  5.1

  5.1

  Central

  18.9

  14.1

  12.8

  13.5

  14.3

  14.4

  14.8

  15.6

  Dumfries and Galloway

  14.5

  8.8

  8.1

  8.8

  9.4

  9.9

  9.7

  10.1

  Fife

  16.9

  12.0

  12.0

  12.6

  13.7

  14.0

  15.1

  15.2

  Grampian

  8.3

  5.7

  5.3

  6.1

  7.5

  8.0

  7.7

  8.2

  Highland

  15.8

  11.1

  9.5

  9.4

  9.8

  10.5

  12.4

  12.0

  Lothian

  16.6

  13

  12.8

  13.6

  14.0

  14.9

  15.5

  15.8

  Strathclyde

  25.8

  19.4

  18.8

  19.2

  20.1

  20.4

  21.8

  21.7

  Tayside

  16.4

  12.5

  11.9

  11.9

  12.2

  12.2

  12.9

  12.1

  Orkney

  14.5

  6.6

  6.1

  6.0

  6.9

  6.3

  7.0

  6.9

  Shetland

  6.8

  3.8

  3.8

  4.1

  5.6

  5.9

  6.1

  6.2

  Western Isles

  22.9

  18.0

  14.7

  13.1

  12.3

  12.6

  12.1

  11.2

  Strathclyde Divisions:

  Argyll and Bute

  16.4

  10.4

  9.6

  9.9

  11.6

  13.5

  13.8

  13.5

  Ayr

  22.5

  15.8

  15.9

  16.5

  17.5

  19.7

  19.5

  18.8

  Dunbarton

  17.6

  13.5

  12.3

  12.9

  13.7

  13.3

  15.5

  15.6

  Glasgow

  39.6

  31.7

  30.9

  31.5

  32.4

  32.2

  34.0

  34.1

  Lanark

  21.4

  15.3

  14.9

  14.8

  15.6

  17.0

  17.9

  18.1

  Renfrew

  22.1

  16.6

  16.3

  15.9

  16.6

  15.8

  16.8

  16.5

  Number of pupils in education authority schools taking free school meals at January in session

  Session

  1993–94

  1994–95

  Primary

  Secondary

  Primary

  Secondary

  Education Authority

  Number

  Percentage

  Number

  Percentage

  Number

  Percentage

  Number

  Percentage

  Scotland

  84,970

  20.5

  30,286

  11.3

  84,645

  20.6

  30,578

  11.3

  Borders

  578

  7.0

  130

  2.4

  590

  7.1

  137

  2.4

  Central

  4,155

  19.0

  1,312

  8.7

  4,219

  19.5

  1,505

  10.2

  Dumfries and Galloway

  1,539

  12.6

  546

  6.4

  1,599

  13.1

  540

  6.5

  Fife

  5,642

  19.1

  1,951

  10.1

  5,832

  19.9

  2,018

  9.7

  Grampian

  4,174

  9.8

  1,295

  4.8

  4,378

  10.3

  1,487

  5.3

  Highland

  2,797

  15.4

  1,107

  8.3

  2,747

  15.2

  1,085

  7.9

  Lothian

  10,951

  19.9

  3,200

  9.8

  10,963

  19.9

  3,361

  10.4

  Strathclyde

  49,664

  26.3

  19,058

  15.6

  48,805

  26.3

  18,677

  15.3

  Tayside

  4,786

  15.4

  1,392

  7.4

  4,868

  15.6

  1,484

  7.4

  Orkney

  158

  9.2

  47

  3.8

  161

  8.9

  46

  3.5

  Shetland

  174

  8.4

  47

  3.0

  180

  8.5

  53

  3.3

  Western Isles

  352

  14.0

  201

  9.4

  303

  12.2

  185

  9.3

  Strathclyde Divisions:

  Argyll and Bute

  806

  15.8

  396

  10.8

  776

  15.2

  410

  10.9

  Ayr

  7,325

  23.0

  2,832

  13.3

  7,343

  23.3

  2,466

  11.6

  Dunbarton

  4,891

  17.8

  2,313

  12.3

  4,771

  17.5

  2,559

  13.2

  Glasgow

  21,158

  41.2

  7,035

  26.4

  20,656

  41.5

  6,708

  25.6

  Lanark

  9,435

  22.1

  3,737

  12.3

  9,355

  22.1

  3,821

  12.5

  Renfrew

  6,049

  20.2

  2,745

  12.9

  5,904

  19.9

  2,713

  12.8

  1. Contains some estimated data.

  Schools Development Programme
  Mr. Watson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to require the provision of resource material relating to leaving home education as part of the social development programme in schools. [11177]

  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  The Government have no plans to require the provision of such material.

  In 1993, the Scottish Office education department published national guidelines on personal and social development 5–14. Among other things the aims of this document include helping pupils to develop life skills to enable them to participate effectively and safely in
  454
  society and to take increasing responsibility for their own lives. This document provides a basis for school managers to include leaving home education in the curriculum if they should consider it to be appropriate for their schools.

  Housing Education
  Mr. Watson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to instruct Scottish Homes to take steps to(a) provide funding for and (b) promote a national housing education development unit. [11178]
  455
  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  My right hon. Friend has no plans at present to do so.

  Students
  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many(a) men and (b) women from (i) the Irish

  Postgraduate

  Undergraduate

  Total

  Irish Republic

  Northern Ireland

  Irish Republic

  Northern Ireland

  Irish Republic

  Northern Ireland

  Male

  104

  19

  542

  234

  646

  253

  Female

  102

  15

  417

  279

  519

  294

  Total

  206

  34

  959

  513

  1,165

  547

  Parole
  Mr. McFall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what consultations he held in respect of, and what estimate he has made of the costs of, the parole restrictions on early release which he recently announced. [11636]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  My right hon. Friend is consulting now on his proposals for changes to the arrangements governing the early release of prisoners in Scotland. A consultation document—"Making the Punishment Fit the Crime"—was published on 15 January and has been circulated to a wide range of interested parties in Scotland. We look forward to receiving responses which have been requested by 15 March.

  In the light of responses, we shall then publish a White Paper containing specific proposals and an assessment of the financial implications.

  Health Finance
  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what were the capital allocations to (i) Scottish health boards, (ii) national health service trusts, (iii) the Common Services Agency and (iv) the state hospital in each of the most recent five years. [11199]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The information is detailed in the table:

  £000

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–95

  1995–96

  1996–97

  Health Boards

  214,292

  112,216

  27,680

  9,398

  13,155

  NHS Trusts

  13,416

  77,632

  159,075

  203,297

  194,380

  CSA

  21,673

  17,403

  19,420

  6,800

  2,930

  State Hospital

  5,388

  3,053

  4,435

  6,280

  4,715

  Total

  254,769

  210,304

  210,610

  225,775

  215,180

  Efficiency Savings (Health Boards)
  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what were the efficiency savings targets, expressed both in percentage and cash terms, set for Scottish health boards in each year since they were first introduced. [11147]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The information is set out in the table:456
  Republic and (ii) Northern Ireland were studying at universities at the latest date for which figures are available as (1) undergraduates and (2) graduate students. [11516]

  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  The latest available, but provisional, figures are for those studying at Scottish higher education institutions in 1994–95, and are as follows:

  Year

  Target Percentage

  Efficiency savings target £000

  1985–86

  1

  13,488

  1986–87

  1.5

  21,600

  1987–88

  1

  15,554

  1988–89

  1

  17,259

  1989–90

  2

  37,003

  1990–91

  1

  20,051

  1991–92

  1

  22,620

  1992–93

  1

  24,191

  1993–94

  2

  48,629

  1994–95

  2

  50,584

  1995–96

  2.75

  71,386

  1996–97

  3

  83,000

  Total

  425,365

  The savings made from efficiency measures are all retained by health boards to enable them to make further improvements in patient care.

  Housing Finance
  Mrs. Ray Michie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what was for each district and islands council area for each of the years between 1989–90 and 1994–95, the total public expenditure within the Scottish Homes approved development programme by(a) housing association for rent, (b) housing association shared ownership, (c) housing association improvement for sale, (d) grants for rent and ownership grant for rent and (e) grants for rent and ownership grant for home ownership; [11598]

  (2) what is the average per unit cost of land acquisition for rural schemes within Scottish Homes approved development programme of housing association grant for rent in the years 1992–93 to 1994–95; and what proportion of total average scheme costs was accounted for by land acquisition; [11610]

  (3) what was for each district and island council area for each of the years 1992–93 to 1994–95 (a) the number of rural home ownership grants awarded by Scottish Homes and (b) the expenditure on rural home ownership grants; [11599]

  (4) how many dwelling completions there were for each district and islands council area for each of the years between 1989–90 and 1994–95 inclusive within the Scottish Homes approved development programme

  457
  by (a) housing association for rent, (b) housing association shared ownership, (c) housing association improvement for sale, (d) grants for rent and ownership grant for rent and (e) grants for rent and ownership for home ownership. [11611]

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

  Environmentally Sensitive Areas
  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many farm conservation plans have been approved since designation in the Shetland islands environmentally sensitive area. [11169]

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  [holding answer 24 January 1996]: As at 19 January 1996, 84 farmers and crofters have been offered agreements under the Shetland islands environmentally sensitive area scheme.

  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many farm conservation plans have been approved, since designation, in the Argyll islands environmentally sensitive area. [11170]

  Mr. Forsyth
  [holding answer 24 January 1996]: As at 19 January 1996, 123 farmers and crofters have been offered agreements under the Argyll islands environmentally sensitive area scheme.

  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many farm conservation plans have been approved in the Shetland islands environmentally sensitive area, since its designation, involving payments under tier 2 in year 1 of the plan of(a) 0 to £1,000, (b) £1,001 to £2,000 and (c) £2,001 to £3,000. [11171]

  Mr. Forsyth
  [holding answer 24 January 1996]: The number of agreements offered under the Shetland islands environmentally sensitive area scheme involving payments under tier 2 in year 1 of the plan is as follows:

  Number

  (a) 0 to £1,000

  44

  (b) £1,001 to £2,000

  21

  (c) £2,001 to £3,000

  19

  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many farm conservation plans have been approved in the Argyll islands environmentally sensitive area, since its designation, involving payments under tier 2 in year 1 of the plan of(a) 0 to £1,000, (b) £1,001 to £2,000, (c) £2,001 to £3,000 and (d) £3,001 to £3,500. [11172]

  Mr. Forsyth
  [holding answer 24 January 1996]: The number of agreements offered under the Argyll islands environmentally sensitive area scheme involving payments under tier 2 in year 1 of the plan is as follows:

  Number

  (a) 0 to £1,000

  9

  (b) £1,001 to £2,000

  12

  (c) £2,001 to £3,000

  10

  (d) £3,001 to £3,500

  92

  458
  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the total area of land entered into the grassland birds management option in the Argyll islands environmentally sensitive area. [11173]

  Mr. Forsyth
  [holding answer 24 January 1996]: As at 19 January 1996, the total area of land entered into the grassland birds management option in agreements offered under the Argyll islands environmentally sensitive area scheme was 292.48 hectares.

  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the allocated budget for(a) environmentally sensitive areas and (b) other agri-environment schemes in (i) 1992–93, (ii) 1993–94 and (iii) 1994–95. [11174]

  Mr. Forsyth
  [holding answer 24 January 1996]: The supply estimates provision for (a) the environmentally sensitive area scheme and (b) other agri-environment schemes is set out in the following table.

  £ million

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–95

  Environmentally sensitive areas

  3.905

  5.285

  4.500

  Other agri-environment schemes

  —

  0.050

  0.095

  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the total area of grass for hay and silage recorded in the June agricultural census within the boundary of the Argyll islands environmentally sensitive area. [11175]

  Mr. Forsyth
  [holding answer 24 January 1996]: In 1994, the total area of grass for mowing for hay and silage production within the boundary of the Argyll islands environmentally sensitive area was 4,129.9 hectares. This figure includes an estimate for minor holdings.

  Media Contracts
  Mr. Welsh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what contracts have been awarded by the Scottish Office to monitor media coverage in Scotland over the past three years; to whom the contracts have been awarded; what were the dates on which they were approved; and what are their durations and their value. [7272]

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  [holding answer 20 December 1995]: No such contracts have been awarded. Tenders have been invited for the provision of a press cuttings service; the deadline for submission is 5 January 1996.

  Optoelectronics
  Mr. Welsh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many workers are employed in the optoelectronics industry in Scotland; and what action he is taking to encourage the transfer of research findings from Scottish universities into high-tech companies. [7266]

  Mr. Kynoch
  [holding answer 20 December 1995]: The Scottish register of employment shows that 41.800 persons were employed in electronics in 1993. The register does not take account of companies with fewer than 11 employees and there is no separate category for optoelectronics. A survey carried out in 1992 by Scottish Enterprise estimated that there were at that time 1,300 people employed in optoelectronics in Scotland.
  459
  There are a number of schemes available to assist collaborative research, product development and transfer of technology and skill. These include the SMART and SPUR schemes administered by my Department, and LINK and the teaching company scheme for which the Department of Trade and Industry has lead responsibility. The issue of how to improve the commercial exploitation of academic research is being addressed in an inquiry being undertaken by Scottish Enterprise and the Royal Society of Edinburgh.

TRANSPORT

  Rail Privatisation
  Ms Short
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) if he will list management and management employee buyout teams which have received funding from the British Railways Board for advisory costs as qualified bidders for train operating franchises, indicating which private companies collaborated in each bid; and how much funding was received; [11712]

  (2) what was the total amount of funding made available by the British Railways Board to management and management-employee buy-out teams for (a) financial advice in the pre-qualification stage of bidding for train operating franchises and (b) advisory costs as qualified bidders for train operating franchises; and how much of this funding was provided to consortia including private companies; [11711]

  (3) if he will list the management and management employee buyout teams which have received funding from the British Railways Board for financial advice in the pre-qualification stage of bidding for train operating franchises, indicating which private companies collaborated in each bid; and how much funding was received. [11710]

  Mr. Watts
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Crewe and Nantwich (Mrs. Dunwoody) on 9 January,Official Report, column 28.

  Ferries
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment his Department has made of the speed with which an Indonesian ferry capsized on 20 January; and what design characteristics this vessel shared with ferries operating from United Kingdom ports. [11753]

  Mr. Norris
  The Government have made no formal assessment of the accident because it did not involve a United Kingdom-flagged ship and did not occur in United Kingdom waters.

  Bicycle Lights (Epilepsy)
  Ms Harman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what research his Department has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated in the last five years into the effects on drivers who suffer from epilepsy of LED bicycle lights. [11869]
  460
  Mr. Norris
  None. We are, however, in the process of initiating a research project to look into the effects of flashing LED bicycle lights.

  Networker Trains
  Mr. Austin-Walker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received recently regarding the safety of Networker trains on the South Eastern trains network; and if he will make a statement. [11940]

  Mr. Watts
  None.

  Mr. Austin-Walker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the safety implications of locking connecting compartment doors on Networker trains on the South Eastern trains network; and if he will make a statement. [11941]

  Mr. Watts
  Certain Networker, class 465, trains were withdrawn from service following an incident at the Slade Green depot in south east London, in which a train separated whilst undergoing maintenance. These trains are being examined and will be returned to service only if their couplings are found to be in a satisfactory condition for use without restrictions, such as the locking of connecting compartment doors.

  The Health and Safety Executive's railway inspectorate has requested the result of these examinations and will discuss the remedial measures to be implemented.

  Socially Necessary Rail Services
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what are the criteria for determining that a rail service is essential for the purposes of designation as a socially necessary service; and if he will make a statement. [11973]

  Mr. Watts
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him on 22 January,Official Report, columns, 28–9. The Secretary of State's instructions to the franchising director require him to develop specific criteria for evaluating the benefits of loss-making but socially necessary services. These criteria are being developed and will be submitted to the Secretary of State for his approval in due course.

  Departmental Expenditure
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has made of the annual telephone costs to(a) his Department, (b) his Department's agencies and (c) his Department's non-departmental public bodies staff for each of the years (i) 1979–80, (ii) 1989–90, (iii) 1991–92, (iv) 1993–94, (v) 1994–.95, (vi) 1995–96 and (vii) 1996–97; and if internal telephone directories are available to staff in all areas of (a) to (c). [11350]

  Mr. Norris
  [holding answer 25 January 1996]: The answer is as follows:

  (a) £

  (b) £

  (iii) 1991–92

  Actual

  5,389,147

  3,722,495

  (iv) 1993–94

  Actual

  5,747,307

  4.439,161

  461

  (a)£

  (b)£

  (v) 1994–95

  Actual

  5,621,188

  4,158,987

  (vi) 1995—96

  Forecast

  5,357,874

  4,271,187

  (vii) 1996—97

  Estimate

  5,323,600

  4,277,700

  The information requested for earlier years (i) and (ii) and for non-departmental public bodies (c) is not available.

  Internal telephone directories are available to staff in all areas.

  Heavy Goods Vehicle Testing
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list for the last year for which records are available (i) the number of heavy goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes which were given an annual inspection for road worthiness, (ii) for how many of these it was the first test, (iii) what were the 10 most common test failures by(a) numbers and (b) percentage of the total, (iv) how many vehicles failed on re-test (y) in total and (z) as a percentage, (v) how many of the failures related to braking (a) in total and (b) as a percentage and (vi) of brake failures how many were in respect of (1) service brakes, (2) secondary brakes, (3) parking brakes and (4) brake components and how many were determined (A) visually and (B) otherwise; what consideration he has give to reducing the period between tests; and if he will make a statement. [11694]

  Mr. Norris
  [holding answer, 25 January 1996]: The tables show:

  Table 1 The total number of heavy goods vehicles tested in 1994–95

  Table 2 (a) The 10 most common failure items in each category for motor vehicles

  Table 2 (b) The 10 most common failure items in each category for trailers

  Table 3 the number of vehicles failing retests and the percentage failure rates

  Table 4 the total number of failures for each braking item and the percentage failure rates.

  There are no plans for more frequent testing. The existing system is effective in relying on three complementary forms of control: roadworthiness testing,

  Table 4: The total numbers of failures for each braking item and the percentage failure rates

  Testable item

  Failures far braking items

  Motor vehicles

  Trailers

  Failure rate percentage

  Number of failures

  Failure rate percentage

  Number of failures

  Trailer emergency brake

  Not applicable

  —

  0.042

  95

  Pressure/vacuum warning

  0.364

  1,629

  Not applicable

  —

  Build up of pressure/vacuum

  0.146

  654

  Not applicable

  —

  Hand lever operating mechanical brakes

  0.033

  148

  Not applicable

  —

  Service brake pedal

  0.052

  233

  Not applicable

  —

  462
  operator licensing and its maintenance conditions; and enforcement checks carried out both at the roadside and in operators' premises.

  Table 1a: The total numbers of heavy goods vehicles tested in 1994–95, (the last full year for which figures are available)

  Type

  Total tests

  First and annual tests

  Retests

  Motor vehicles

  573,074

  447,660

  125,414

  Trailers

  267,443

  225,648

  41,795

  Separate figures are not available for First Test volumes but estimated volumes are 48,000 for motor vehicles and 16,000 for trailers.

  These figures are for all Heavy Goods Vehicles subject to testing under the Goods Vehicles (Plating and Testing) Regulations 1988.

  Table 2a: The 10 most common failure items in each category for motor vehicles

  Motor vehicles

  Testable item

  Number failed

  Percentage failure rate

  Headlamp aim

  49,064

  10.960

  Service brake performance

  48,450

  10.823

  Secondary brake performance

  33,785

  7.547

  Parking brake performance

  21,076

  4.708

  Braking systems components

  19,921

  4.450

  Rear position lamps/fog lamps

  19,357

  4.324

  Direction and hazard warning lamps

  12,087

  2.700

  Steering linkage

  7,955

  1.777

  Exhaust emissions

  7,042

  1.573

  Suspension pins/bushes

  7,006

  1.565

  Table 2b: The 10 most common.failure items for each category for trailers

  Trailers

  Testable item

  Number failed

  Percentage failure rate

  Service brake performance

  22,470

  9.958

  Parking brake performance

  15,439

  6.842

  Braking system components

  6,699

  2.969

  Rear position lamps/fog lamps

  5,018

  2.224

  Trailer parking brake

  3,112

  1.379

  Mechanical brake components

  2,778

  1.231

  Suspension units (attachment)

  2,306

  1.022

  Condition of tyres

  2,207

  0.978

  Stop lamps

  2,026

  0.898

  Reflectors

  1,925

  0.853

  Table 3: The numbers of vehicles. failing retests and the percentage failure rates

  Type

  Number of retests

  Number of failures

  Percentage failure rate

  Motor vehicles

  125,414

  17,308

  13.80

  Trailers

  41,795

  5,668

  I3.56

  463

  Table 4: The total numbers of failures for each braking item and the percentage failure rates

  Testable item

  Failures for braking items

  Motor vehicles

  Trailers

  Failure rate percentage

  Number of failures

  Failure rate percentage

  Number of failures

  Service brake operation

  0.053

  237

  0.454

  1,024

  Hand operated brake control valves

  0.177

  792

  0.038

  86

  Mechanical brake components

  0.937

  4,195

  1.233

  2,782

  Brake actuators

  0.624

  2,793

  0.768

  1,733

  Braking system and components

  4.452

  19,930

  2.971

  6,704

  Trailer parking brake

  Not applicable

  —

  1.380

  3,114

  Service brake performance

  10.822

  48,446

  9.958

  22,470

  Secondary brake performance

  7.549

  33,794

  Not applicable

  0

  Parking brake performance

  4.708

  21,076

  6.844

  15,443

  These figures relate to first and annual tests. Detailed figures on failures for retests are not available.

  It should be noted that the figures relate to the number of vehicles failing for a particular item. In many cases vehicles will fail for more than one item.

  The inspection for all items other than brake performance—(the last three items in the table—is essentially a visual inspection. The brake performance is determined with the use of a roller brake tester.

  Training Schemes
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much money has been allocated to the crew relief costs scheme, the Government assistance for training scheme for British officer trainees and the development certificated seafarers scheme for 1996. [12467]

  Mr. Norris
  Allocation for the financial year 1996–97 have yet to be finalised.

  Marine Safety Agency
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many surveyors have left the Marine Safety Agency in the last year; and how many have been recruited. [12194]

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

  Letter from R. Bradley to Mr. Graham Allen, dated 26 January 1996:
  The Secretary of State for Transport has asked me to reply to your Question about the number of surveyors who have left the Marine Safety Agency and the number who have been recruited in the last year.
  Between 1 January and 31 December 1995, 22 surveyors left the Agency, and 9 new recruits joined. A recent recruitment campaign for marine surveyors selected 20 successful applicants. These will be appointed to current vacancies, and any forthcoming vacancies over the next year.

  Lorry Drivers (Convictions)
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what action his Department takes in respect of British lorry drivers who are convicted in other member states of the European Union of carrying prohibited substances or articles of which they claim to have no knowledge. [12096]

  Mr. Norris
  Such matters are the responsibility of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs advises that any British citizen convicted of an offence in a foreign country will have full access to normal consular support. However, the British consulate has no authority to interfere with the due process of law in a sovereign state.

  Sites of Special Scientific Interest
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport which sites of special scientific interest in England will he affected by trunk road and motorway schemes for which preferred routes have been announced. [11229]

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

  Letter from Laurie Haynes to Mr. Graham Allen, dated 26 January 1996:
  The Secretary of State for Transport has asked me to reply to your recent question about sites of special scientific interest (SSSI) in England that will be affected by trunk road and motorways schemes for which preferred routes have been announced.
  I enclose a list of Trunk Road and Motorway schemes in England, for which preferred routes have been announced, that are likely to involve permanent or temporary landtake from a SSSI, a list of schemes that may have an impact on a SSSI but do not involve landtake and a list of those schemes which remain under review following the 1995 Review which may affect a SSSI.
  You will, I hope, appreciate that the lists are therefore dynamic and will be subject to change as, and when, scheme, designs are developed.
  I hope this is helpful.

  Schemes which may involve permanent or temporary landtake from SSSIs

  Scheme

  SSSI

  ROAD PROGRAMME SCHEMES:

  Main programme:

  M4/M49 Second Severn Crossing1

  Magor and Undy Severn Estuary

  M5 Widening J18–191

  Severn Estuary

  M6 J20–21a Widening1

  Woolston Eyes

  A13 Thames Avenue—Wennington1

  Inner Thames Marshes

  A249 M2—Iwade Bypass1

  The Swale

  A34 Newbury Bypass2

  Snelsmore Common

  Kennet River

  Lambourne River

  A1(M) Ferrybridge to Hook Moor

  Brockade

  A2/M2 Cobham—J4 Widening

  Shorne and Ashenbank Woods

  Cobham Woods

  A2/A282 Dartford Improvement

  Darenth Wood

  A31 Poole Harbour Crossing

  Poole Harbour (Holes Bay)

  465

  Schemes which may involve permanent or temporary landtake from SSSIs

  Scheme

  SSSI

  A31 Poole Link Road

  Slop Bog and Uddens Heath

  Canford Heath

  A43 Geddington Bypass

  River Ise and Meadows

  A120 Stanstead to Braintree

  High Wood, Dunmow

  (S. 272)

  A249 Iwade—Queensbrough

  The SwaleMedway Estuary and

  Marshes

  A259 Bexhill and Hastings

  Combe Haven

  Western Bypass

  Pevensey Levels

  Marline Valley Woods

  A259 Pevensey—Bexhill

  Pevensey Levels

  Improvement

  Birmingham Northern Relief

  Chasewater Heath

  Road

  Longer term:

  A5 Dunstable Eastern Bypass

  Blows Down

  A35 Chideock-Morcombelake

  Morcombelake West Dorset

  Bypass

  Coast

  A259 Dymchurch—M20

  Lympne Escampment (The

  Improvement

  Roughs)

  A259 Rye Bypass

  Walland Marsh

  Camber Sands and Rye

  Saltings

  Rye Harbour

  A449/A456 Kidderminster,

  Hurcott and Podmore Pools

  Blakedown and Hagley

  Bypass

  NETWORK ENHANCEMENT

  PROGRAMME:

  A13 West of Heathway—Mar

  The Wennington and Rainham

  Dyke

  Marshes

  A46 Upper Swainswick—

  Monkswood Valley

  Pennsylvania Improvement3

  1 Scheme under construction on 30 November 1995.

  2 Scheme expected to start main works during Spring of 1996.

  3 This scheme was transferred to the Network Enhancement Programme as part of the 1995 Review and the Preferred Route will be reviewed.

  Schemes with possible indirect impacts on SSSIs which do not involve landtake

  Scheme

  SSSI

  ROAD PROGRAMME SCHEMES:

  Schemes which are part of Design Build Finance and Operate Contracts:

  M1—A1 Lofthouse-Bramham

  Hook Moor

  A21 Kipping's Cross-

  Brookland Wood

  Lamberhurst

  A65 Hellifield and Long Preston

  Long Preston Deeps

  Bypass

  Pan Beck Fen

  A303 Wylye-Stackton Wood

  Stackton Wood and Down

  A419 Latton Bypass

  North Meadow, Cricklade

  River Churn

  Main programme:

  A1(M) Ferrybridge-Hook Moor

  Fairburn and Newton Ings

  A57/A628 Mottram Tintwistle

  Dark Peak

  Bypass

  A303 lllminster-Marsh

  Long Lye

  A556(M) M6–M56 Imp

  Rostherne Mere

  Birmingham Northern Relief

  River Blythe

  Road

  Longer Term:

  A5 Dunstable Bypass

  Houghton Regis Marl Lakes

  A10 Wadesmill High Cross-

  Plashes Wood

  Colliers End Bypass

  466

  Schemes with possible indirect impacts on SSS/s which do not involve landtake

  Scheme

  SSSI

  Western Orbital Route

  Hurcott Pools

  (Birmingham)

  NETWORK ENHANCEMENT PROGRAMME:

  A3 Thursley to Milford

  Thursley Hankley and Frencham

  Commons

  Schemes under review which may involve temporary or permanent landtake from SSSIs or with possible indirect impacts on SSS/s which do not involve landtake

  Scheme

  SSSI

  ROAD PROGRAMME SCHEMES:

  M6 J11a-16 Widening

  Doxey and Tillington (Indirect)

  A27 Lewes to Polegate

  Southern Grey Pit

  Improvement

  (Possible Landtake)

  Milton Gate Marsh

  (Possible Landtake)

  West Coast Main Line
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what are the minimum requirements for the refurbishment of the west coast main line(a) for signals, (b) for track and (c) for rolling stock. [11632]

  Mr. Watts
  Railtrack is developing modernisation proposals for the west coast main line which include the introduction of an in-cab signalling system and improved track and power supply equipment. All enhancements will be carried out in accordance with Railtrack's statutory duties, its rigorous safety standards, and its contractual obligations to the train operating companies. All new or altered works, which includes rolling stock, have to he approved by HM railways inspectorate, on behalf of the Secretary of State, under the Railway and Other Transport Systems (Approval of Works Plant and Equipment) Regulations 1994, before they can be used on the railway.

DEFENCE

  F16 Aircraft
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with(a) the Prime Minister and (b) the Deputy Prime Minister concerning the proposed leasing of American F16 aircraft. [12115]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 15 January,Official Report, column 430. Discussions between Ministers are confidential.

  Dr. Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the remit of Mr. David Hart in respect of providing advice on the proposed leasing of American F16 aircraft. [12116]

  Mr. Portillo
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 19 October 1995,Official Report, column 360, and that from my hon. Friend the Minister of State for Defence Procurement on 15 January, Official Report, column 430.

  Super-computers
  Mr. Stern
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will publish the name and addresses of the independent advisers appointed by him, or by the relevant agency, in the procurement of(a) the department of experimentation and research into Aviation Farnborough's most current super-computer, (b) the Meteorological Office Bracknell's current super-computer and (c) the atomic weapons establishment Aldermaston's recent super-computer. [12157]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  The competition for a super-computer for the Atomic Weapons Establishment Aldermaston is being run by the AWE operating contractor. It is being assisted in the competition by an independent consultancy company, details of which are commercially confidential.

  The Defence Evaluation and Research Agency and the Meteorological Office are executive agencies and matters of this nature fall to their chief executives. I have asked the chief executives of both agencies to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from John Chisholm to Mr. Michael Stern, dated 26 January 1996:
  I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question about the appointment of independent advisors on procuring supercomputers. I am responsible for the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) which through its Defence Research Agency (DRA) division has recently procured a supercomputer at Farnborough, Hampshire.
  The procurement of a massively parallel supercomputer by DERA acting on behalf of the members of the Farnborough Supercompter Centre (FSC) followed from a feasibility study carried out by Smith System Engineering Limited, Surrey Research Park, Guildford, Surrey GU12 5YP.
  The FSC, which was opened in January 1995, is a Dual-Use Technology Centre (DUTC) with members from leading defence manufacturers together with DERA.
  I hope this information is helpful.

  Letter from Julian Hunt to Mr. Michael Stern; dated 25 January 1996:
  I am replying to your Question to the Secretary of State for Defence about the procurement of the Meteorological Office's current supercomputers this matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief Executive of the Meteorological Office.
  The Meteorological Office's current supercomputer has been procured in accordance with normal Ministry of Defence practice. The procurement was agreed with the Department's DGICS organisation, in the course of which advice was taken from appropriate independent sources.
  The identity of the provider of the relevant advice must remain commercially confidential.

  Nuclear Tests
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the United States Department of Energy will share with the United Kingdom the data derived from the planned subcritical nuclear tests, Rebound (1) and Holog (1). [11720]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  Rebound (1) and Holog (1) are the names which have been given to subcritical hydrodynamic experiments planned by the US for later this year. As regards the arrangements allowing for the exchange of nuclear weapons-related information, I have nothing to add to the answer I gave the hon. Member on 23 November, 1995,Official Report, column 261.

  Surplus Equipment Sales
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence under what conditions tanks, armoured personnel carriers and mobile guns are sold to private individuals and dealers; and how many have been sold in each of the past five years. [12200]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  Current practice is to scrap surplus tanks and armoured personnel carriers. A limited number have been sold recently in a restricted access auction. Mobile guns are not now sold to individuals and dealers, and the majority of declarations have been the subject of a Government-to-Government sale. Previously, armoured vehicles have been sold by invitation to tender to approved individuals and traders, including collectors and museums; to UK defence companies; or they have been scrapped.

  Where fighting vehicles normally carry armaments of any sort, the status of the final user will determine whether the vehicle is deactivated or not. Only those individuals or companies, including scrap dealers in the UK, who hold an appropriate licence under the Firearms Act 1968 may receive an active vehicle. Otherwise, the vehicles are demilitarised, (and officially certified or confirmed as such) in such a way as to render their ordnance unserviceable or inoperative—by barrel slotting, breach cutting/welding etc. The acquisition of parts which are essential to a weapon being fully operative are themselves the subject of the Firearms Act and current departmental policy is not to offer them for sale within the UK. Vehicles sold on the express condition that they are to be broken up or smelted are subject to confirmation that this has been done.

  Buyers of MOD's vehicles for other purposes are required to formally seek my Department's permission before on-selling.

  The following quantities of vehicles have been sold in the last five years:

  1991: 15

  1992: 205

  1993: 403

  1994: 583

  1995: 758

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what precautions his Department takes to ensure that surplus tanks, armoured personnel carriers and mobile guns sold to dealers and the public are not used for criminal or other anti-social acts. [12202]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  The sales process requires either deactivation of residual ordnance or production of an appropriate firearms licence. After-sale responsibility lies with the purchaser to observe the law concerning ownership and use of the vehicle.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the average original cost of(a) tanks. (b) armoured personnel carriers and (c) mobile guns sold by the services in each of the past five years; and what was the average price for which they were sold. [12201]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  Vehicles declared for disposal have been in service for many years and records of original costs have been destroyed. Prices achieved depend on
  469
  market forces. It is not MOD's policy to reveal individual prices achieved. The value of receipts for armoured vehicles and guns for each of the five years is:

  Number

  £

  1991

  15

  16,250

  1992

  205

  255,685

  1993

  403

  390,477

  1994

  583

  4,384,079

  1995

  758

  984,523

  Bosnia
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the British bases as part of the implementation force operating in(a) Bosnia and (b) Croatia; and how much Britain is charged for these bases to be situated in each of those areas. [12114]

  Mr. Soames
  British forces contributing to the IFOR operation in Bosnia and Croatia occupy 34 major sites and a number of smaller buildings. Some of these sites are transitional and may be relinquished when the dispositions of troops within the British area of operations is finalised. Others have been occupied only recently and in many cases, negotiations with owners, where known, are continuing. The details of the bases and the charges so far agreed, are as follows:

  Monthly charge

  Location—Croatia

  Split—Divulje Barracks

  No charge. Croatian

  Government property.

  Split—port sites and facilities

  Remains under UN lease at

  present.

  Split—port warehouses

  £17,045

  Split—Dalma warehouse

  £83,681

  complex

  Split—workshops and

  £44,545

  warehouse

  Split—factory

  £42,610

  Location—Bosnia

  Tomislavgrad—factory and

  £25,000 for warehouse, charge

  warehouse

  for factory not yet known.

  Lipa

  Not yet known.

  Kupres

  £34,090

  Gornji Vakuf—3 factories

  £15,909 for one factory, others

  not yet known.

  Sipovo—3 factories, sawmill

  Not yet known.

  and hotel

  Bugojno—factory

  Not yet known.

  Glamoc—sawmill and transport

  £2,272 for saw mill, charge for

  depot

  depot not yet known.

  Sanski Most—2 factories

  Not yet known.

  Mrkonjic Grad—2 factories,

  Not yet known.

  sawmill and dam

  Banja Luka—factory and offices

  Not yet known.

  Vitez—bulk fuel installation

  £636 for BFI, charge for school

  (BFI) and school

  not yet known.

  Jajce—factory

  Not yet known.

  Kljuk—depot

  £909

  Bosanski Petrovac—depot

  Not yet known.

  Krupa—factory

  £2,500

  Overseas Units (Media Visits)
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the total cost in each of the past five years of 470
  visits by journalists to service units abroad funded by (a) the armed services and (b) his Ministry. [11622]

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

  In the majority of cases, journalists travelling abroad to visit service units/naval ships are expected to fund their costs.

  However, financial assistance is given, principally to journalists from provincial or regional media who could not otherwise afford to travel and where coverage is considered to be in the interest of the armed service.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what journalists, from which(a) newspapers and (b) other media organisations, were guests of (i) his Department and (ii) the armed services on visits to service units abroad in each of the past three years. [11623]

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

  RAF Turnhouse
  Mr. Home Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a further statement on the timing of his plan to close RAF Turnhouse; how many civilian staff are still employed there; and when he intends to notify redundancies. [11991]

  Mr. Soames
  Our proposal to close RAF Turnhouse by 1 April has been the subject of formal consultation. I hope to make an announcement shortly.

  Super-computer (Nuclear Weapons Simulation)
  Sir John Cope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will seek a second and independent opinion on the advice that no United Kingdom-designed and sourced super-computer could perform the task required for nuclear weapons simulation at atomic weapons research establishment, Aldermaston. [11617]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  [holding answer 24 January 1996]: The technical assessment of the responses to the statement of requirement was made on purely technical grounds by AWE assisted by an independent firm of technical consultants. The SOR had been issued to all known massively parallel processor suppliers and placed in the MOD contracts bulletin. The SOR made it clear that the mini-proposal was not a tender, nor would it guarantee suppliers the right to tender.

  Only one bid came from a United Kingdom company. It was based on a design not in manufacture and which did not reach the required specification; it was; therefore, rejected. The tenderer was de-briefed to this effect in May 1995.

  HMS Fearless and HMS Intrepid
  Mr. Viggers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) when it is planned that new landing platform dock ships, replacing HMS Fearless and HMS Intrepid; will enter service; [11852]

  (2) when he plans to place an order for the ships to replace HMS Fearless and HMS Intrepid. [11871]
  471
  Mr. Arbuthnot
  The Ministry of Defence is currently in no acceptable price, no contract—NAPNOC—negotiations with VSEL to replace HMS Fearless and HMS Intrepid. The size and timing of any order, and therefore the exact date of entry into service, depend on a satisfactory outcome to these discussions. Assuming this can be achieved, we would envisage entry into service around the turn of the century.

  Trident
  Mr. Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) when he intends to publish the annual report on progress of the Trident programme; and if he will send a copy of the report to all right hon. and hon. Members; [11705]

  (2) what plans he has to inform Parliament of the updated progress of the Trident programme. [11706]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  The annual report on the progress of the Trident programme will be published shortly and, as usual, copies will be placed in the Library of the House. It would not be sensible use of resources to send individual copies to all right hon. and hon. Members as not all may wish to receive one.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Gaming Laws
  Mr. George Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he intends to publish his consultation document on his proposals for reforming the gaming laws. [12110]

  Mr. Kirkhope
  We are reviewing the present controls on bingo clubs and casinos as part of the Government's deregulation initiative. The review is well advanced and we hope to consult on proposals shortly.

  Identity Card Scheme
  Mr. Batiste
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress is being made in respect of the feasibility studies for the introduction of a nationwide identity card scheme. [11464]

  Mr. Sackville
  We received over 3,000 replies to the Green Paper on identity cards (CM 2879) and have placed in the Library a copy of the Home Office memorandum of evidence to the Home Affairs Committee inquiry on identity cards which contains a summary of the responses.

  The Government have yet to reach a final decision on whether an identity card should be introduced and, if so, what type of card scheme to propose but all of the options set out in the Green Paper remain open.

  Gambling (Fruit Machines)
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of the percentage of(a) the population and (b) 16 to 24-year-olds who are addicted to gambling on fruit machines. [11754]

  Mr. Kirkhope
  There are no official statistics on the use of gaming machines.
  472
  Research has tended to focus on machine gaming by adolescents. It is not possible to estimate from existing research the incidence of problem gambling specifically on amusement-with-prizes—fruit—machines in the national population or in young adults.

  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to reduce the level of addition to gambling on fruit machines, with particular reference to young people. [11755]

  Mr.Kirkhope
  Following consultation, on 11 December 1995, I laid in draft the Deregulation (Gaming Machines and Betting Office Facilities) Order 1996. This measure, which is currently being scrutinised by the deregulation committees, would, for the first time, give local authorities power to impose an age limit in arcades which install proposed all-cash amusement-with-prizes machines with a maximum payout of £10. Young people under 18 would not be allowed access to these new machines in arcades. Elsewhere, these machines would be allowed only in premises to which children have restricted access—liquor licensed premises, bingo clubs, casinos and betting offices.

  It is expected that most arcades will switch to the cash machine which should go some way towards alleviating the problem of addiction amongst those under 18.

  Local authorities already have powers to ban fruit machines from premises such as cafes and leisure centres.

  Asylum Seekers
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Streatham (Mr. Hill) of 16 January,Official Report, column 483, if he will set out the reasons for the unreliability of the information requested on the route of arrival of applications for asylum. [11723]

  Mr. Kirkhope
  The information in question is not available because many port asylum applicants destroy or dispose of their travel documents and it is often not possible to establish from which country they have travelled to the United Kingdom. Where the information is known in individual cases, it is not recorded centrally.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Minibus Safety
  Dr. Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the guidance issued by local education authorities on minibus safety with particular reference to the meeting of agreed safety standard. [11099]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  Schools and local education authorities which own minibuses must comply with vehicle safety standards, as determined by the Secretary of State for Transport generally in the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986. LEAs are responsible for any advice they may give in relation to construction standards and other safety issues, and are not required to submit it for assessment by the Secretary of State.
  473
  New regulations will be introduced by the Department of Transport next month to require the compulsory fitment of seatbelts on minibuses and coaches used specifically for transporting school children.

WALES

  School Governors
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what estimate he has made of the number of vacancies which will arise on school governing bodies when the present period of office comes to an end; and of these how many will be parent governor vacancies. [10026]

  Mr. Richards
  According to a survey of school governors commissioned by the Welsh Office in 1994, there are around 24,300 school governorships in Wales. Of these, the term of appointment of approximately 60 per cent. will come to an end this year. No estimate has been made as to how many of these are parent governors.

  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many seats there are on school governing bodies(a) in each county and (b) in Wales; what is the number and

  £ million

  1993–4 Outturn

  1994–95 Outturn

  1995–96 Outturn

  Cash

  1994–95 prices

  Cash

  1994–95 prices

  Cash

  1994–95 prices

  FEFCW

  145.841

  148.583

  172.518

  172.518

  178.463

  173.687

  HEFCW

  179.200

  182.569

  232.497

  232.497

  242.496

  236.006

  Full time equivalent student numbers

  FE

  46,000

  51,200

  53,500

  HE

  57,239

  62,700

  64,500

  £

  1994–95

  1994–95

  1994–95

  Spending per head

  Cash

  prices

  Cash

  prices

  Cash

  prices

  FE

  3,170

  3,230

  3,369

  3,369

  3,336

  3,246

  HE

  4,912

  5,004

  4,978

  4,978

  4,734

  4,607

  The spending plans for further and higher education announced on 13 December assume the following:

  1996–97

  1997–98

  1998–99

  Students

  Cost per student £

  Students

  Cost per student £

  Students

  Cost per student £

  FE

  56,000

  3,097

  58,500

  3,001

  60,900

  2,794

  HE

  65,200

  4,737

  65,000

  4,725

  65,600

  4,655

  The spending per head in higher education includes tuition fees paid directly to higher education institutions by local education authorities.

  Metticillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus
  Sir Wyn Roberts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many cases of metticillin-resistant
  474
  percentage of such places known to be vacant at the last available date; and if he will make a statement. [10619]

  Mr. Richards
  According to a survey of school governors commissioned by the Welsh Office in 1994, there are around 24,300 school governorships in Wales. Of these, it was estimated in the report that 22,375, or 92 per cent. were filled. The figures are not broken down by county.

  Further and Higher Education Funding
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) if he will list in(a) cash and (b) real terms the finance made available in 1993–94, 1994–95 and 1995–96 to (i) the Further Education Funding Council for Wales and (ii) the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales; and what is the number of students being financed in each of the years and the spending per head in (1) cash and (2) real terms; [10024]

  (2) what estimates he has made up to 2000 of the number of students to be financed by (a) the FEFCW and (b) the HEFCW; and if he will give the cost per head in each sector over these years. [10025]

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

  staphylococcus aureus there have been in Welsh hospitals in each of the last five years. [10295]

  Mr. Richards
  I refer my right hon. Friend to the reply given to the hon. Member for Carmarthen (Mr. Williams) on 22 January 1996,Official Report, column 102.

  Sea Fishing Industry
  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many individuals were employed in the sea fishing industry within(a) the boundaries of the North Western and North Wales sea fisheries committee, (b) the South Wales sea fisheries committee, (c) Wales and (d) the boundaries of each of unitary authority within (a) and (b). [10558]

  Mr. Richards
  An estimated 1,623 fishermen were employed in the sea fishing industry in Wales in 1994, which is the latest available figure. Statistics are not recorded in the format requested.

  Fishing Permits
  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many permits for all types of fishing activities were granted each year since 1990; and how many permits are extant within(a) the North Western and North Wales sea fisheries committee, (b) the South Wales sea fisheries

  475
  committee and (c) each of the unitary local authorities within the boundaries of (a) and (b). [10557]

  Mr. Richards
  We have no information on the number of fishing permits issued by local authority sea fisheries committees.

  The number of fishing vessels which were licensed in Wales during the period 1990 to 1996 were:

  1990: 70

  1991: 173

  1992: 172

  1993: 158

  1994: 5891

  1995: 583

  1996: 553

  Note:

  1A licensing regime for vessels of 10 meters and under, was introduced in 1993, and these vessels are included in the figures for 1994 onward.

  Licence details are not recorded in the format requested.

  NHS Trusts
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the chairmen and chairwomen and members whom he appoints of each NHS trust, indicating the length of time for which each is appointed and when each appointment is due for renewal. [10908]

  Mr. Richards
  The information requested is detailed in "Appointments by the Secretary of State for Wales", which is updated quarterly. Copies are available in the Library of the House.

  GPs (Child Immunisation)
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many representations he has received from general practitioner practices in Wales on the subject of payment for child immunisation; and if he will make a statement. [10717]

  Mr. Richards
  My right hon. Friend has received eight representations, but none of these was made directly by general practitioner practices. Childhood immunisation target payments were introduced to provide incentives for general practitioners to encourage and increase patient take-up of childhood vaccinations. The success of the immunisation programme has resulted in the incidence of childhood diseases being at their lowest ever levels and the Government have no plans to review the criteria GPs have to meet in order to qualify for target payments.

  Welsh Language
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what guidelines his Department has issued since 1994 to(a) Cadw and (b) non-departmental public bodies in Wales on the use of the Welsh language in the day-to-day conduct of its business; and if he will make a statement; [10704]

  (2) what (a) guidelines and (b) instructions his Department has issued to (i) Cadw and (ii) non-departmental public bodies in Wales on the use of the Welsh language in their official publications. [10703]
  476
  Mr. Richards
  Guidelines as to the form and content of Welsh language schemes, prepared by the Welsh Language Board, were approved by my right hon. Friend and by Parliament in July 1995. Welsh language schemes are intended to specify measures relating to the use of the Welsh language in connection with the services they provide to the public in Wales. The Welsh Office has issued no guidelines or instructions additional to those statutory guidelines; it will be for each non-departmental public body to agree a language scheme with the board in respect of its services to the public in Wales.

  Agricultural Holdings
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many registered agricultural holdings there were in Wales in(a) 1966, (b) 1974, (c) 1984 and (d) 1994; and if he will make a statement. [10700]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  There is no process of registration for agricultural holdings but the estimated number of such holdings in Wales for the years requested are as follows:(a) 1966: 48,000; (b) 1974: 32,800; (c) 1984: 36,100 and (d) 1994: 37,800.

  These figures include both major and minor holdings. Over the period 1966 to 1984, there were minor definitional changes which tended to reduce the number of holdings recorded. In addition, in 1968 about 6,400 holdings were deleted from the records because of their negligible agricultural output.

  Small Businesses
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what initiatives his Department is pursuing to assist small businesses in Wales. [10730]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  The Welsh Office, together with others, is supporting small businesses through a variety of new start-up and business development initiatives, including financial assistance, training and consultancy support, grants for innovation and help with exporting. Information is available through business connect which is designed specifically to help small firms access quickly and effectively the business support network.

  Public Bodies
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) if he will list the 12 biggest spending Welsh Office public bodies, giving their spending in cash and real terms in each year since 1990–91; [10910]

  (2) if he will list the chairmen and chairwomen and members of the 12 biggest spending Welsh Office public bodies, indicating the length of time for which each is appointed and when each appointment is due for renewal. [10909]

  Mr. Hague
  The information requested is included in the following table.
  477

  Total gross expenditure for the 12 biggest NDPBs was as follows:

  £ million

  1990–91

  1991–92

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–95

  Arts Council of Wales

  cash

  —

  —

  —

  —

  14.9

  real terms

  —

  —

  —

  —

  14.9

  Cardiff Bay Development Corporation

  cash

  34.3

  35.8

  48.0

  47.5

  66.7

  real terms

  39.7

  39.0

  50.3

  48.4

  66.7

  Countryside Council for Wales

  cash

  10.0

  14.5

  17.5

  19.9

  21.2

  real terms

  10.1

  15.8

  18.3

  20.3

  21.2

  Development Board for Rural Wales

  cash

  19.6

  21.5

  23.6

  24.9

  27.2

  real terms

  22.7

  23.5

  24.7

  25.4

  27.2

  Further Education Funding Council for Wales

  cash

  —

  —

  22.0

  143.1

  172.5

  real terms

  —

  —

  22.1

  145.8

  172.5

  Higher Education Funding Council for Wales

  cash

  —

  —

  20.5

  179.0

  232.5

  real terms

  —

  —

  20.6

  182.3

  232.5

  Housing for Wales

  cash

  116.0

  172.6

  187.4

  161.2

  139.5

  real terms

  134.5

  188.3

  196.4

  164.2

  139.5

  Land Authority for Wales

  cash

  6.0

  6.1

  6.3

  12.3

  23.0

  real terms

  7.0

  6.6

  6.6

  12.5

  23.0

  National Museums and Galleries of Wales

  cash

  17.9

  18.1

  16.1

  16.8

  14.1

  real terms

  20.8

  19.7

  16.9

  17.1

  14.1

  Sports Council for Wales

  cash

  7.1

  7.5

  8.2

  8.6

  9.1

  real terms

  8.3

  8.2

  8.6

  8.8

  9.1

  Wales Tourist Board

  cash

  13.3

  13.0

  13.7

  13.8

  14.4

  real terms

  15.4

  14.1

  14.3

  14.1

  14.4

  Welsh Development Agency

  cash

  149.2

  158.2

  165.2

  151.7

  157.1

  real terms

  173.0

  172.6

  173.2

  154.5

  157.1

  1. The cash figures have been extracted from the annual Cabinet Office publication "Public Bodies".

  2. The real terms figures have been derived by the application of the latest GDP deflators at market prices with a base year of 1994–95.

  3. In some cases, figures are not available for the earlier years because the relevant NDPBs had not then been set up in Wales.

  1Support for the establishment of the Countryside Council for Wales, which came into existence on 1 April 1991.

  2Support for the establishment of the Further Education and Higher Education Funding Councils for Wales, which came into existence on 1 April 1993.

  The information requested about the chairmen and women and members of these bodies is given in "Appointments by the Secretary of State for Wales", which is updated quarterly. Copies are available in the Library of the House.

  Planning Decisions
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many appeals against decisions of local planning authorities were disposed of in(a) 1966, (b) 1974, (c) 1984 and (d) 1994, respectively. [10726]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  The information for 1974, 1984 and 1994 is given in the table. Information for 1966 is not available.

  1974

  1984

  1994

  Appeals under the Town and Country

  Planning Act 1990 (and corresponding

  earlier legislation):

  Section 78

  514

  631

  877

  Section 174

  47

  126

  136

  Appeals under the Town and Country

  Planning (Control of Advertisements)

  Regulations 1992

  44

  117

  90

  All other appeals

  1—

  1—

  261

  1 Figures are not available.

  2Includes appeals under Section 77 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (cases "called in" by the Secretary of State).

  Dentists
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) how many dentistry practices there were in Wales in(a) 1966, (b) 1974, (c) 1984 and (d) 1994, respectively; [10724]

  (2) how much dentistry practices in Wales undertook NHS treatment in 1992; and if he will make a statement; [10756]

  (3) how many dentistry practices there are in Wales; [10760]

  (4) how many dentistry practices undertaking NHS treatment there are in Wales. [10761]

  Mr. Richards
  Information on the number of dentistry practices is not available centrally. However, the number of principal dental practitioners treating some NHS patients is given in the following table—a principal dental practitioner would be the head of a practice although two or more may practice together.
  479
  Number of principal dental practitioners, treating some NHS patients in Wales.

  30 September 1966: 396

  30 September 1974: 493

  30 September 1984: 705

  30 September 1992: 792

  30 September 1994: 801

  30 September 1995: 817 (latest available).

  Ministerial Visit (Indonesia)
  Mr. Hanson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what representations were made on human rights issues during the recent visit to Indonesia of the Under-Secretary of State, the hon. Member for Clwyd, North-West (Mr. Richards). [10939]

  Mr. Richards
  I visited Indonesia and Singapore with a trade mission to help Welsh companies increase their exporting activities. Human rights issues are a matter for my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs.

  Training and Enterprise Councils
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the chairmen and chairwomen and members whom he appoints of each training and enterprise council, indicating the lengths of time each person is appointed and when each appointment is due for renewal. [10911]

  Mr. Richards
  My right hon. Friend does not appoint either the chairmen or the members to the boards of training and enterprise councils. TECs are private companies limited by guarantee.

  Ambulance Services
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what consultations over the past 18 months his Department have undertaken on the subject of the amalgamation of ambulance services in Wales; and if he will make a statement. [10731]

  Mr. Richards
  Public consultation on a joint application from West Glamorgan and East Dyfed ambulance services to form the West Wales Ambulance NHS trust ended on 4 December 1994 and the trust was established on 16 January 1995.

  North Wales Police
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many representations he has received recently on the subject of the budget allocation to the North Wales police; and if he will make a statement. [10727]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  My right hon. Friend and I have received one representation, from the North Wales police authority, about funding in 1996–97.

  Healthy Eating
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what initiatives his Department is currently undertaking to educate people in healthy eating. [10723]
  480
  Mr. Richards
  The Welsh Office does not itself undertake initiatives to educate people in healthy eating, but provides financial and other support to a large range of organisations which carry out such work, including the Health Promotion Authority for Wales, local authorities, health authorities and voluntary organisations.

  Health Authority Members
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the chairmen and chairwomen and members of each health authority or commission and each family health services authority, indicating the length of time for which each person is appointed and when each appointment is due for renewal. [10907]

  Mr. Richards
  The information requested is detailed in "Appointments by the Secretary of State for Wales" which is updated quarterly. Copies are available in the Library of the House. All the appointments will be terminated on 31 March 1996 when the district health authorities and family health services authorities will cease to exist. I will be announcing the membership of the five new health authorities soon.

  Nursery Education
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on recent developments in respect of the provision of nursery education for four-year-olds in Wales. [11057]

  Mr. Richards
  Subject to parliamentary approval of the relevant provisions of the Nursery Eduction and Grant-maintained Schools Bill, the nursery voucher scheme in Wales will come into effect from April 1997. I announced on 9 January our decisions on funding, payments for redeemed vouchers and the arrangements for inspecting participating establishments. Welsh Office officials have written to all local education authorities, primary and nursery schools and interested organisations detailing these decisions and clarifying some common misunderstandings about the scheme. I am placing a copy of this letter in the Library.

  Grant-maintained Schools
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many schools in Wales opted out of local government control in(a) 1993, (b) 1994 and (c) 1995; and if he will make a statement. [10692]

  Mr. Richards
  Eight schools became grant-maintained in 1993; five in 1994; and none in 1995.

  Drug Abuse
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will publish for the last three available years and for 1996–97(a) for each county and (b) for Wales the funding made available by his Department to combat drug abuse; and if he will make a statement. [10686]

  Mr. Richards
  Following the recommendations of the efficiency scrutiny of health promotion in Wales, those
  481
  Welsh Office resources for combating drug misuse provided through the central funding initiative were built into district health authorities revenue allocations. For 1993–94, the last year the CFI operated, the amounts allocated to each county in Wales were:

  £

  Clwyd

  323,202

  Dyfed

  250,649

  Gwent

  274,295

  Gwynedd

  244,165

  Mid Glamorgan

  379,826

  Powys

  160,517

  South Glamorgan

  283,047

  482

  £

  West Glamorgan

  306,075

  The Welsh Office provides separate resources for national activity: the amounts for 1993–94 to 1995–96 were £243,944, £360,918 and £259,737 respectively.

  In addition, other central funding mechanisms such as the revenue support grant, the strategic development scheme and the grant for education support and training programme provide funds to combat drug misuse. It is not possible to identify separately the relevant amounts within those schemes.