Written Answers of 2 July 1996

HEALTH

  Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease
  Mr. Alan W. Williams
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 17 June,Official Report, column 349, if his Department will release figures on highly suspect cases of the new strain of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease on a monthly basis; and what are those figures for 1995 and 1996 to date. [34511]

  Mr. Horam
  The information has, until now, formed part of the annual report of the national Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease surveillance unit. They will now be published quarterly in the chief medical officer's update.

  In 1995 there were three deaths from the new variant of CJD while in 1996, to the end of May, there had been six deaths.

  NHS Cardiac Units
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the number of NHS cardiac units in hospitals within the Greater London area on 30 March. [34595]

  Mr. Malone
  All major acute hospitals in Greater London have a coronary care unit. In addition, there were eight national health service specialist cardiac units in Greater London as of 30 March 1996.

  Patient Care (Doncaster)
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what assessment he has made of the impact on patient care of the cuts proposed by Doncaster health authority in the budget of the Doncaster Healthcare NHS trust; [35017]

  (2) what assessment he has made of the impact on patient care of the cuts proposed by Doncaster health authority in the budget of the Doncaster Royal Infirmary and Mexborough Montagu NHS trust. [35016]

  Mr. Horam
  This is a matter for Doncaster health authority and the trusts concerned. The hon. Member may wish to contact Mr. Keith Jones, chairman of the authority, for details.

  Private Finance Initiative
  Mr. Chris Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many NHS trusts have indicated that they may intend to seek approval for capital investment under the private finance initiative. [34885]

  Mr. Horam
  All national health service capital schemes are tested to see if private finance offers the best value for money. At present, 118 national health service 368
  trusts are testing schemes worth over £1 million each for which approval of the outline business case has been given.

  Information is not available on schemes worth under £1 million each that are currently being tested, or on schemes for which the outline business case has not yet been prepared.

  National Vocational Qualifications (Carers)
  Mr. Thurnham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received on the adequacy of the NVQ qualifications for carers; what priority his Department accords to the training of carers; and if he will make a statement. [34945]

  Mr. Bowis
  A number of representations have been received on this subject.

  The Government place a high priority on the training of carers. The personal social services training strategy for England seeks to improve the training of the existing PSS work force at professional and vocational levels. This Department is supporting the updated set of lifetime learning targets to achieve specified national vocational qualification—NVQ—targets by 2000 by targeting part of the training support programme on the achievement of NVQs in care. In addition, the document "Building Partnerships for Success", published in September last year, identifies staff training and development as part of the essential foundation for the development of community care. For the future we propose to increase the proportion of staff with appropriate qualifications by extending opportunities to acquire NVQs.

  Beta-interferon
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the relationship between the rate of incidence of multiple sclerosis in health authority areas and the likelihood of sufferers being prescribed beta-interferon. [34996]

  Mr. Malone
  None. Data on the incidence of multiple sclerosis by health authority region are not available centrally. Decisions about prescribing beta-interferon in individual cases are for the clinical judgment of the doctor concerned.

  NHS Trusts (Doncaster)
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what discussions officials from his Department have had with the management of Doncaster Royal Infirmary and Mexborough Montagu NHS trust and Doncaster health authority in relation to the budget for the trust; [35020]

  (2) what discussions officials from his Department have had with the management of Doncaster Healthcare NHS trust and Doncaster health authority in relation to the budget for the trust. [35019]

  Mr. Horam
  National health service executive officials have regular contact and discussion with Doncaster health authority and with trusts in Doncaster about a variety of matters including funding.
  369
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures he intends to take to ensure that no job losses or reductions in service occur in 1996–97 at(a) the Doncaster Royal Infirmary and Mexborough Montagu NHS trust and (b) the Doncaster Healthcare NHS trust. [34995]

  Mr. Horam
  These are matters for the trusts themselves. The hon. Member may wish to contact the chairmen of the trusts, Mr. Redmond Tonkinson and Mr. David Bertram, for details.

  Community Health Councils
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health which districts in England and Wales are not currently represented by a community health council; and if he will make a statement. [34985]

  Mr. Horam
  All districts in England and Wales have a community health council.

  Dispute Procedures
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what procedures exist within the national health service for resolving disputes between a national health service trust and a health authority on a national health service trust's budget. [35005]

  Mr. Horam
  A copy of the latest guidance is available in the Library. This guidance, EL(91)11, will be updated shortly.

  North Western Regional Health Authority (Compensation)
  Mr. Callaghan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many(a) successful and (b) unsuccessful claims for compensation have been made against the North Western regional health authority during each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement. [35062]

  Mr. Horam
  There were no traceable claims for compensation in this period.

  Blood Disorders
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will introduce a screening programme covering all races in respect of(a) sickle cell anaemia and (b) thalassaemia; and if he will make a statement. [35104]

  Mr. Horam
  Individual health authorities are responsible for assessing the needs of their resident populations and for purchasing services, including haemoglobinopathy screening, to provide for those needs. In doing so, we would expect them to have regard to the recommendations in the report of the Standing Medical Advisory Committee working party on sickle cell, thalassaemia and other haemoglobinopathies, published in February 1994.

  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list, by health authority region for the last 12 months, the number of white caucasians who have been diagnosed as carrying(a) the sickle cell anaemia gene and (b) the thalassaemia gene; and if he will make a statement. [35103]

  Mr. Horam
  This information is not available.
  370

  Health Care Purchases
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 25 March,Official Report, column 429, on purchasing health care from non-NHS bodies, if he will provide a breakdown of the services bought and the sources of provision. [35367]

  Mr. Malone
  This information is not available centrally.

  Rabies
  Mr. Gale
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many cases of human rabies have been recorded in the United Kingdom between 1971 and 1995. [35082]

  Mr. Horam
  There have been seven reported cases of rabies in the United Kingdom since 1976: two in 1977 and one in each of the years 1978, 1981, 1986, 1987 and 1988. All these were in people who were infected abroad.

  Rabies became a notifiable disease only in 1976 and, therefore, figures for the years 1971 to 1975 are not available.

  Health Funding
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much public money, expressed both in cash and in real terms, has been spent on the NHS in each financial year since 1978–79; and if he will make a statement. [35290]

  Mr. Horam
  The information is in the table.

  National Health Service total net expenditure, England

  £ million

  Year

  Cash

  Real terms (1994–95 prices)

  1978–79

  6,273

  18,284

  1979–80

  7,447

  18,598

  1980–81

  9,700

  20,474

  1981–82

  10,854

  20,889

  1982–83

  11,819

  21,234

  1983–84

  12,494

  21,451

  1984–85

  13,407

  21,932

  1985–86

  14,176

  21,970

  1986–87

  15,173

  22,827

  1987–88

  16,668

  23,808

  1988–89

  18,413

  24,652

  1989–90

  19,855

  24,847

  1990–91

  22,326

  25,865

  1991–92

  25,354

  27,647

  1992–93

  27,971

  29,308

  1993–94

  28,951

  29,483

  1994–95

  30,581

  30,581

  1995–961

  31,985

  31,129

  1 Forecast outturn

  Pharmacists
  Mr. Chris Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what representations he has received from the pharmaceutical services negotiating committee regarding the timetable of payments to pharmacists; [35151]

  (2) if he will arrange for his Department to make 100 per cent. payments to pharmacists a month and a day after prescriptions are dispensed; and if he will make a statement. [35148]
  371
  Mr. Malone
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave the hon. Member for Dudley, West (Mr. Pearson) on 8 March at column 397. The payment timetable was also raised by representatives of the pharmaceutical services negotiating committee on 6 June.

  Learning Disabilities
  Mr. Jacques Arnold
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he has received the results of the evaluation of different types of residential provision for people with learning disabilities which he announced on 19 December 1995; and if he will make a statement. [35576]

  Mr. Bowis
  I have received the report of the first phase of the evaluation and I am considering the recommendations, including those for further work in this area. The report includes information which will be helpful to commissioners of services for people with learning disabilities and copies are therefore being sent to health and local authorities and other interested organisations. Copies of the report have been placed in the Library.

  NHS Computers
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action the NHS executive has taken to safeguard its computer systems in respect of the century date change. [35369]

  Mr. Horam
  Preliminary analysis of the Department of Health's own mainframe computer systems, which includes those within the national health service executive, has already been undertaken to assess the likely impact of the change of millennium. A further more detailed analysis is under way to assess fully the impact and likely costs of the change.

  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many computers are used in the NHS. [35337]

  Mr. Horam
  This information is not available centrally.

  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many trusts and health authorities have taken action to safeguard their computer systems from the year 2000 problem. [35341]

  Mr. Horam
  At present it is not known how many trusts and health authorities have taken action to safeguard their computer systems from the year 2000 problem. However, the national health service executive has taken steps to increase awareness of the problem and is marshalling best advice and guidance to assist it in taking appropriate action in good time.

  Child Abuse Inquries
  Mrs. Ann Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health who will be assisting Sir William Utting in his review of children's homes and child care arrangements; what steps he is taking to ensure the input of charitable organisations, psychologists and those with experience of police involvement in tackling organised paedophile activity; and if he will make a statement. [35368]
  372
  Mr. Bowis
  Sir William will be provided with a small secretariat and will have access to Departmental facilities. Sir William has agreed that the review should be accessible to a wide range of organisations and individuals who may wish to contribute their views. It will be for Sir William to determine how this is best achieved once the review is under way.

  Mental Health
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of the hospital budget has been spent on mental health services in each year since 1979. [35331]

  Mr. Bowis
  The information is shown in the table. The figures since 1988 reflect the shift from hospital to community mental health services. For example, the latter rose by 32 per cent. between 1988–89 and 1990–91 and by 40 per cent. between 1991–92 and 1994–95 for menial health nursing expenditure.

  Year

  Percentage of hospital budget spent on mental health services

  1979–80

  13.4

  1980–81

  13.6

  1981–82

  13.6

  1982–83

  13.6

  1983–84

  13.5

  1984–85

  13.6

  1985–86

  13.6

  1986–87

  13.6

  1987–88

  14.4

  1988–89

  14.4

  1989–90

  14.1

  1990–91

  13.7

  1991–92

  13.2

  1992–93

  13.0

  1993–94

  12.4

  1994–95

  12.0

  1. The mental health expenditure figures used to calculate the percentages are made up of the following:

  (a) In-patient and out-patient expenditure—the consultant specialties of mental health, child and adolescent psychiatry, forensic psychiatry, psychotherapy and old age psychiatry;

  (b) day patient expenditure—in the categories mental heal th (alcoholism, drug abuse, psychogeriatrics and general), child and adolescent psychiatry and forensic psychiatry.

  2. The hospital budget figures cover all in-patient, out-patient and day patient services and other services provided by hospitals. Community-based services are not included.

  Non-NHS Staff
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 18 December 1995,Official Report, columns 934–35, on non-NHS staff, what information his Department collates on the grades of staff concerned and the source of their employment. [35370]

  Mr. Malone
  None.

  Paediatric Care
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of children admitted to hospital have been cared for in a children's ward under the supervision of a consultant paediatrician in each quarter since April 1994 in each region. [35332]
  373
  Mr. Horam
  These data are not available centrally. All children treated in a children's ward are under the supervision of a consultant paediatrician, but some children are treated in a suitable specialist or adult wards and are then under the supervision of an appropriate consultant.

  Coronary Artery Bypass Grafts
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many patients diagnosed since April 1995 requiring coronary artery bypass grafts have not received them within one year. [35333]

  Mr. Horam
  This information is not available centrally.

  Out-patient Appointments
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many people have not received an out-patient appointment within 13 weeks in each district in each quarter since April 1995; and what proportion this constitutes of the total; [35334]

  (2) how many people have not received an out-patient appointment within 26 weeks in each district in each quarter since April 1995. [35335]

  Mr. Horam
  A pilot collection has been established on a trust basis of the numbers of patients not yet seen within 13 and 26 weeks for a first out-patient appointment with a consultant following written general practitioner referral. Figures will be published once continuity and validity of the data have been established.

  Local Authority Audits
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of Tuesday 25 June,Official Report, column 89, if he will list the authorities which have yet to submit their audited returns for 1994–95; and when he expects the outstanding audited returns to be submitted. [35366]

  Mr. Bowis
  We have now received the audited returns for 1994–95 for all local authorities in England.

  Hospital Admissions
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people admitted to hospital through an accident and emergency department were not given a bed within three to four hours in each quarter from April 1995; and how many were not given a bed within two hours from April 1996 in each district. [35336]

  Mr. Horam
  This information is not available centrally.

  Description

  Awarding body

  Amount

  Date

  Supplier

  Marketing Agency for health services

  Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust

  Up to £160,000

  15 September 1995

  Colin Geall

  Business Advice

  NHS Supplies

  Not quoted

  27 September 1995

  Provex Consultancy Stourbridge

  Project management

  Royal Berkshire and Battle Hospitals

  Not quoted

  16 June 1995

  Mouchel Management Ltd.

  374

  District Nurses
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many patients have not been seen by a district nurse team member(a) within four hours as an urgent case, (b) within two working days as a non-urgent case and (c) by appointment on the day asked for after giving 48 hours' notice in each quarter since April 1994 in each district. [35338]

  Mr. Horam
  This information is not available centrally.

  Elderly People (Abuse)
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent assessment he has made of the levels of abuse of elderly people in different care environments. [35339]

  Mr. Bowis
  We are undertaking a number of activities to enable an assessment to be made of the nature and extent of elder abuse and to promote practical help for people who are subject to, or at risk of, abuse.

  We helped to establish the organisation Action on Elder Abuse in 1993 and are funding its telephone helpline. We are also financing an independent evaluation of the helpline which will provide evidence of prevalence and types of abuse. Action on Elder Abuse produced a free guidance leaflet in 1995 on abuse in care homes.

  The social services inspectorate has published practice guidelines on safeguarding older people who may be at risk of abuse in domestic settings and has funded the production of a research review, which is currently being distributed.

  We also provide grant aid to Counsel and Care which has independently produced a fact sheet on older people at risk of abuse in care homes. Counsel and Care held a seminar in May 1995 with the intention of pooling ideas on policies, procedures and practice.

  Management Consultancy Advertisements
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will provide details of each management consultancy contract that has been advertised by NHS organisations in the supplement to the Official Journal of the European Community in each of the last five years. [35340]

  Mr. Horam
  There was no requirement on national health service or other United Kingdom public contracting authorities to advertise service contracts in the Official Journal prior to July 1993.

  The following management consultancy contracts above the threshold value of £149,728 that were awarded by an NHS organisation in the calendar years 1994 and 1995 have been identified from Official Journal records:
  375

  Description

  Awarding body

  Amount

  Date

  Supplier

  Financial and fiscal services

  NHS Supplies

  Not quoted

  21 August 1995

  Beachcroft Stanleys Solicitors, and KPMG

  Business services

  Dental Practice Board for England and Wales

  Not quoted

  21 December 1994

  Coopers and Lybrand

  Special Transitional Grant
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health which authorities have been unable to spend 85 per cent. of their special transitional grant for 1993–94 in the independent sector. [35343]

  Mr. Bowis
  Barnsley, Bolton, Derbyshire, Durham, Ealing, Rochdale, Rotherham, Staffordshire and St. Helens.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  UNESCO
  Mr. MacShane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) what representations she has received from educational institutions about the United Kingdom rejoining UNESCO; [34822]

  (2) what disadvantages to educational institutions have been represented to her as resulting from Britain staying out of UNESCO. [34832]

  Mr. Forth
  None.

  Ms Hodge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) if she will make a statement on the transition to comprehensive status of the nine grammar schools in Norfolk between 1979 and 1982; [34769]

  (2) what action was taken by Norfolk county council's education committee in response to the letter from the Department of Education after the general election in 1979 removing the compulsion on local education to reorganise their secondary schools along comprehensive lines; [34773]

  (3) if she will make a statement on the merger of Paston school and North Walsham girls school to become a sixth form college; [34774]

  (4) whether she will make a statement on the transition from grammar to comprehensive of (a) Diss grammar school in Norfolk, (b) Fakenham grammar school, (c) Wymondham college, (d) Oriel grammar school, (e) Great Yarmouth grammar school and (1) Gorleston grammar school, Gorleston. [34775]

  Mrs. Gillan
  [holding answer 1 July 1996]: The changes referred to are a matter for the public record. The details of how they were implemented were the responsibility of Norfolk education authority. The decisions taken by that authority about the character of its secondary schools reflected the circumstances and policies of the time.

  Ms Hodge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment whether she has consulted the education authority of Norfolk county council over the 1996 proposals for the creation of selective schools in Norfolk. [34770]
  376
  Mrs. Gillan
  [holding answer 1 July 1996]: The White Paper "Self-Government for Schools" has been sent to all local education authorities with any comments invited by 4 October. The Department discussed the broad issues to be covered in the White Paper in advance with the local authority associations and a range of other organisations, but not with any individual local authority.

  Barred Teachers
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, pursuant to her answer of 13 June,Official Report, column 287, which schools cannot arrange checks against list 99 through their local education authority; and in what circumstances local education authorities have access to the Department of Health's consultancy index. [35249]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  [holding answer 1 July 1996]: Schools that are maintained by a local education authority can make checks through their maintaining authority. Other schools are not entitled to this service, but can make checks through the Department.

  The Department of Health's consultancy index is intended to provide checks on the suitability of people seeking appointments in the field of child care. It has not been used by local education authorities which rely on checks of list 99 and criminal background checks to help assess the suitability of candidates.

  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, pursuant to her answer of 25 June,Official Report, column 99, if she will list the number of (a) adverse reports from employers made to the Department of Health's consultancy index for each year since 1979 and (b) notifications from the police for convictions for each year since 1979; and how many notifications to list 99 there have been for each year since 1979. [35250]

  Mr. Squire
  [holding answer 1 July 1996]: The following table shows the number of reports about misconduct, or alleged misconduct, by teachers, and people whose work involves regular contact with children and young persons in education, that the Department has received in each year since 1 April 1979. Information about notifications to the Department of Health consultancy index is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health.

  Year

  Reports Received

  1 April 1979–31 March 1980

  435

  1 April 1980–31 March 1981

  422

  1 April 1981–31 March 1982

  340

  1 April 1982–31 March 1983

  360

  1 April 1983–31 March 1984

  338

  1 April 1984–31 March 1985

  325

  1 April 1985–31 March 1986

  348

  1 April 1986–31 March 1987

  320

  1 April 1987–31 March 1988

  350

  377

  Year

  Reports Received

  1 April 1988–31 March 1989

  333

  1 April 1989–31 march 1990

  334

  1 April 1990–31 March 1991

  373

  1 April 1991–31 March 1992

  387

  1 April 1992–31 March 1993

  382

  1 April 1993–31 March 1994

  542

  1 April 1994–31 March 1995

  636

  1 April 1995–31 March 1996

  561

  School Funding
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what is in each local education authority the average amount spent per(a) pupil, (b) primary pupil and (c) secondary pupil. [35448]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  The following table sets out, for each local education authority, net institutional expenditure per(a) pre-primary/primary and secondary pupil combined (b) pre-primary/primary pupil and (c) secondary pupil in LEA maintained schools in England for 1994–95, the latest for which figures are available.

  £

  (a)

  (b)

  (c)

  Net Institutional Expenditure Per Pupil 1994–95

  Pre-Primary/ Primary and Secondary

  Pre-Primary and Primary

  Secondary

  Corporation of London

  3,635

  3,635

  0

  Camden

  2,376

  2,057

  2,790

  Greenwich

  2,331

  2,028

  2,772

  Hackney

  2,521

  2,249

  3,138

  Hammersmith and Fulham

  2,759

  2,482

  3,316

  Islington

  2,247

  2,055

  2,657

  Kensington and Chelsea

  2,672

  2,397

  3,327

  Lambeth

  2,750

  2,573

  3,782

  Lewisham

  2,304

  2,097

  2,677

  Southwark

  2,091

  1,898

  2,681

  Tower Hamlets

  2,664

  2,393

  3,194

  Wandsworth

  2,366

  2,268

  3,053

  Westminster

  2,613

  2,440

  2,825

  Barking and Dagenham

  2,069

  1,891

  2,353

  Barnet

  1,953

  1,763

  2,415

  Bexley

  1,792

  1,536

  2,232

  Brent

  1,752

  1,718

  2,033

  Bromley

  1,768

  1,634

  2,231

  Croydon

  1,835

  1,725

  2,165

  Ealing

  2,087

  1,969

  2,457

  Enfield

  1,969

  1,761

  2,359

  Haringey

  2,525

  2,300

  2,986

  Harrow

  2,205

  2,043

  2,598

  Havering

  2,019

  1,715

  2,570

  Hillingdon

  1,874

  1,777

  2,625

  Hounslow

  2,195

  1,931

  2,582

  Kingston upon Thames

  1,987

  1,730

  2,518

  Merton

  2,169

  1,931

  2,663

  Newham

  2,033

  1,711

  2,623

  Redbridge

  2,056

  1,678

  2,553

  Richmond upon Thames

  2,090

  1,884

  2,373

  Sutton

  2,045

  1,860

  2,514

  Waltham Forest

  1,989

  1,792

  2,395

  Birmingham

  1,925

  1,721

  2,356

  Coventry

  1,988

  1,705

  2,418

  Dudley

  1,781

  1,575

  2,205

  Sandwell

  1,876

  1,666

  2,244

  Solihull

  1,865

  1,605

  2,225

  Walsall

  1,877

  1,664

  2,314

  Wolverhampton

  1,894

  1,648

  2,341

  Knowsley

  1,783

  1,575

  2,227

  Liverpool

  1,988

  1,634

  2,603

  St. Helens

  1,820

  1,521

  2,247

  Sefton

  1,797

  1,487

  2,227

  Wirral

  1,846

  1,567

  2,294

  Bolton

  1,862

  1,646

  2,261

  Bury

  1,701

  1,492

  2,032

  378

  £

  (a)

  (b)

  (c)

  Net Institutional Expenditure Per Pupil 1994–95

  Pre-Primary/ Primary and Secondary

  Pre-Primary and Primary

  Secondary

  Manchester

  1,841

  1,558

  2,435

  Oldham

  1,894

  1,621

  2,293

  Rochdale

  1,794

  1,552

  2,225

  Salford

  1,714

  1,507

  2,151

  Stockport

  1,792

  1,566

  2,152

  Tameside

  1,646

  1,447

  2,046

  Trafford

  1,743

  1,477

  2,319

  Wigan

  1,740

  1,474

  2,130

  Barnsley

  1,764

  1,550

  2,102

  Doncaster

  1,707

  1,444

  2,025

  Rotherham

  1,938

  1,719

  2,220

  Sheffield

  1,799

  1,612

  2,110

  Bradford

  1,869

  1,681

  2,041

  Calderdale

  1,775

  1,651

  2,104

  Kirklees

  1,864

  1,607

  2,256

  Leeds

  1,873

  1,645

  2,223

  Wakefield

  1,779

  1,590

  2,046

  Gateshead

  1,886

  1,638

  2,257

  Newcastle upon Tyne

  1,945

  1,660

  2,314

  North Tyneside

  1,877

  1,636

  2,145

  South Tyneside

  1,792

  1,623

  2,062

  Sunderland

  1,802

  1,576

  2,142

  Isles of Scilly

  3,356

  2,471

  4,484

  Avon

  1,898

  1,613

  2,336

  Bedfordshire

  1,930

  1,674

  2,231

  Berkshire

  1,869

  1,630

  2,238

  Buckinghamshire

  1,834

  1,636

  2,256

  Cambridgeshire

  1,734

  1,540

  2,160

  Cheshire

  1,796

  1,529

  2,176

  Cleveland

  1,758

  1,505

  2,172

  Cornwall

  1,865

  1,615

  2,202

  Cumbria

  1,714

  1,541

  2,034

  Derbyshire

  1,832

  1,596

  2,290

  Devon

  1,818

  1,554

  2,203

  Dorset

  1,743

  1,510

  2.061

  Durham

  1,905

  1,757

  2,122

  East Sussex

  1,964

  1,692

  2,359

  Essex

  1,864

  1,734

  2,321

  Gloucestershire

  1,416

  1,274

  1,937

  Hampshire

  1,825

  1,645

  2,177

  Hereford and Worcester

  1,841

  1,643

  2,063

  Hertfordshire

  1,918

  1,717

  2,264

  Humberside

  1,917

  1,652

  2,304

  Isle of Wight

  1,859

  1,.607

  2,030

  Kent

  1,765

  1,555

  2,276

  Lancashire

  1,918

  1,661

  2,345

  Leicestershire

  1,890

  1,612

  2,274

  Lincolnshire

  1,846

  1,588

  2,384

  Norfolk

  1,862

  1,600

  2,342

  North Yorkshire

  1,838

  1,577

  2,180

  Northamptonshire

  1,894

  1,618

  2,265

  Northumberland

  1,773

  1,528

  1,944

  Nottinghamshire

  1,986

  1,692

  2,396

  Oxfordshire

  1,959

  1,680

  2,285

  Shropshire

  1,910

  1,605

  2,413

  Somerset

  1,857

  1,660

  2,113

  Staffordshire

  1,787

  1,565

  2,104

  Suffolk

  1,949

  1,690

  2,182

  Surrey

  1,906

  1,744

  2,234

  Warwickshire

  1,876

  1,665

  2,349

  West Sussex

  1,913

  1,668

  2,240

  Wiltshire

  1,735

  1,548

  2,125

  England

  1,890

  1,661

  2,270

  School Meals
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what is for each local education authority the percentage of (i) the total number of pupils and (ii) the number of pupils taking school meals who receive a free meal. [35365]
  379
  Mrs. Gillan
  The latest available information is in the following table:

  Day pupils taking free school meals In maintained schools in each Local Education Authority area in England January 1995

  Day pupils taking free meals as a percentage of: all day pupils

  pupils taking a meal

  Corporation of London

  47

  62

  Camden

  28

  50

  Greenwich

  30

  60

  Hackney

  45

  66

  Hammersmith and Fulham

  35

  52

  Islington

  39

  63

  Kensington and Chelsea

  34

  51

  Lambeth

  39

  58

  Lewisham

  31

  54

  Southwark

  39

  61

  Tower Hamlets

  47

  77

  Wandsworth

  30

  48

  Westminster

  37

  58

  Barking and Dagenham

  19

  44

  Barnet

  14

  26

  Bexley

  12

  35

  Brent

  24

  53

  Bromley

  13

  30

  Croydon

  20

  41

  Ealing

  23

  48

  Enfield

  16

  41

  Haringey

  33

  57

  Harrow

  10

  54

  Havering

  11

  25

  Hillingdon

  11

  37

  Hounslow

  19

  39

  Kingston upon Thames

  7

  37

  Merton

  16

  43

  Newham

  29

  65

  Redbridge

  14

  29

  Richmond upon Thames

  11

  30

  Sutton

  10

  23

  Waltham Forest

  27

  50

  Birmingham

  30

  54

  Coventry

  20

  63

  Dudley

  15

  36

  Sandwell

  20

  53

  Solihull

  13

  26

  Walsall

  20

  42

  Wolverhampton

  21

  49

  Knowsley

  36

  70

  Liverpool

  32

  59

  St. Helens

  18

  37

  Sefton

  18

  43

  Wirral

  23

  45

  Bolton

  17

  31

  Bury

  14

  28

  Manchester

  39

  65

  Oldham

  22

  39

  Rochdale

  24

  43

  Salford

  28

  52

  Stockport

  14

  29

  Tameside

  19

  37

  Trafford

  16

  38

  Wigan

  16

  38

  Barnsley

  20

  40

  Doncaster

  21

  35

  Rotheram

  17

  45

  Sheffield

  20

  46

  Bradford

  23

  44

  Calderdale

  17

  33

  Kirklees

  17

  35

  Leeds

  16

  39

  Wakefield

  15

  40

  Gateshead

  20

  46

  380

  Day pupils taking free school meals in maintained schools in each Local Education Authority area in England January 1995

  Day pupils taking free meals as a percentage of: all day pupils

  pupils taking a meal

  Newcastle upon Tyne

  28

  52

  North Tyneside

  18

  35

  South Tyneside

  27

  45

  Sunderland

  21

  48

  Isles of Scilly

  19

  43

  Avon

  15

  39

  Bedfordshire

  16

  31

  Berkshire

  10

  28

  Buckinghamshire

  7

  40

  Cambridge

  12

  32

  Cheshire

  13

  29

  Cleveland

  24

  48

  Cornwall

  15

  34

  Cumbria

  12

  25

  Derbyshire

  14

  25

  Devon

  15

  33

  Dorset

  8

  39

  Durham

  18

  36

  East Sussex

  16

  39

  Essex

  13

  33

  Gloucestershire

  11

  35

  Hampshire

  12

  34

  Hereford and Worcester

  9

  34

  Hertfordshire

  10

  23

  Humberside

  16

  30

  Isle of Wight

  18

  44

  Kent

  14

  36

  Lancashire

  18

  38

  Leicestershire

  13

  31

  Lincolnshire

  7

  32

  Norfolk

  12

  33

  North Yorkshire

  9

  19

  Northamptonshire

  10

  43

  Northumberland

  13

  25

  Nottinghamshire

  18

  42

  Oxfordshire

  9

  29

  Shropshire

  14

  25

  Somerset

  10

  37

  Staffordshire

  14

  30

  Suffolk

  11

  30

  Surrey

  9

  18

  Warwickshire

  10

  25

  West Sussex

  10

  29

  Wiltshire

  11

  30

  England

  17

  38

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Nuclear Power Stations
  Mr. Wilson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the damage to fuel pins at Hunterston B nuclear power station with particular reference to the causes, cost, anticipated period of repair and implications for each nuclear power stations. [35231]

  Mr. Eggar
  Currently available details are contained in the British Energy prospectus that was issued on 26 June and appear under the heading "fuel brace fretting" on page 66.
  381

  Animal Welfare
  Mr. Morley
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) if he will list the animal welfare issues for which his Department has responsibility; [34290]

  (2) if he will list by group, division or other work unit the number of grades of staff working within his Department on animal welfare issues. [34292]

  Mr. Lang
  [holding answer 25 June 1996]: My Department has no direct responsibility for animal welfare issues. However, this is one of the many factors that are taken into account when Ministers and officials consider aspects of the Department's policies in the normal course of their duties.

  Torture Equipment
  Mr. Madden
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many licences for the export of equipment assessed by his Department as capable of being used for torture are currently under review by his Department. [35209]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  [holding answer 1 July 1996]: The Export of Goods (Control) Order 1994 does not cover a category of goods "capable of being used for torture". There is a vast range of otherwise innocuous goods that could be so misused. The most likely categories of controlled goods to include those that might be used for torture are PL5001a and PL5001d of group 1 of part III of schedule 1 to the order. No export licence applications in respect of any such goods are currently under review.

  Action Single Market
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade, pursuant to his answer of 30 April,Official Report, column 471, if he will list (a) the United Kingdom businesses action single market has helped, (b) the single market trade barriers he has helped them to overcome and (c) the number and location of the wider network of staff who work in British embassies overseas assessing and pursuing complaints. [35033]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  [holding answer 1 July 1996]: Action single market has helped UK businesses overcome a wide range of problems. These include: homologation (type approval) procedures in Spain; Dutch insistence on retesting of electric fencing; Irish regulations on the labelling of canned fruit; delays in securing German type approval for road cones; Spanish regulations on sizes of cider bottles; a Belgian refusal to accept a British fire certificate for carpets; Greek rules on the fruit juice content of soft drinks; Belgian customs officials asking for inappropriate documentation; Italian failure to implement an EU directive concerned with paints; a Danish levy on imported goods; and Greek restrictions on electronic cash registers.

  Company details are passed to action single market on a commercially confidential basis, and cannot be divulged unless specific permission has been given. Some companies that action single market has helped have given permission for their details to appear in recent Government publications. These include H P Bulmer Ltd. Swintex Ltd. Del Monte Foods International Ltd. and Rutland Electric Fencing Co. Ltd.
  382
  Action single market has contacts who assist in assessing and pursuing complaints, in British embassies covering all the other member states of the EU and the rest of the European Economic Area and in some of the consulates-general in those countries.

TREASURY

  Inheritance Tax
  Mr. Alton
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many individuals saved inheritance tax as a result of the conditionally exempt works of art list in(a) 1995, (b) 1980 and (c) the list's first year of existence. [34219]

  Mr. Jack
  The number of estates granted conditional exemption from inheritance tax or capital transfer tax in respect of works of art and chattels that can be viewed by appointment was 31 in 1995 and eight in 1982, the earliest year for which figures were available.

  Private Finance Initiative (Higher Education)
  Mr. Forman
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what action he is taking in response to the conclusions of the joint Treasury and Department for Education and Employment study group examining the scope for the private finance initiative in higher education. [34354]

  Mr. Jack
  The higher education sector has a long and impressive history of entrepreneurial activity, with universities already having raised some £1.5 billion from commercial sources. There remains, however, considerable untapped potential for private finance initiative schemes.

  The group to which my hon. Friend refers is one of two joint working groups with the Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Principals and the Standing Committee of Principals. It was set up in February at their request by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Employment. Treasury officials attended the groups as observers. Like every year, and like other representations on public expenditure, the groups' reports will be taken into account in the review of the Government's expenditure plans in the 1996 public expenditure survey along with other relevant considerations.

  Welsh Development Agency
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the role of his Department in relation to the powers of the Welsh Development Agency in securing inward investment. [34942]

  Mr. Waldegrave
  The powers of the Welsh Development Agency are set out in the Welsh Development Agency Act 1975.

  Guidelines to the agency in relation to its inward investment activities are issued by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales. The Treasury approves the guidelines and a copy of the current version, issued in March 1995, can be found in the Libraries of the House.
  383

  Dothiepin
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer in how many deaths in each of the past five years dothiepin was mentioned as(a) the only drug involved and (b) one of the drugs involved. [34673]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  The numbers of deaths registered in 1991 and 1992 in England and Wales in which dothiepin was mentioned as(a) the only drug involved and (b) one of the drugs involved are published in table 10 of "Mortality Statistics: injury and poisoning, England and Wales", series DH4, Nos. 17 and 18, respectively. Copies of these may be accessed by the House of Commons Library. The table shows how many of the deaths mentioned alcohol.

  The figures for 1993 to 1995, which relate to deaths occurring in 1993 and 1994. and deaths registered in 1995, are shown in the table:

  Deaths by poisoning with a mention of dothiepin, England and Wales, 1993–95

  1993

  1994

  1995

  Deaths by poisoning—accident

  44(15)

  38 (9)

  23 (6)

  —dothiepin only

  31(8)

  31 (8)

  17(5)

  —dothiepin with other drugs

  13(7)

  7(1)

  6(1)

  Deaths by poisoning—suicide

  94(9)

  132(12)

  126(8)

  —dothiepin only

  68(7)

  103(7)

  99(5)

  —dothiepin with other drugs

  26(2)

  29(5)

  27(3)

  Deaths by poisoning—

  undetermined

  64(7)

  84(15)

  88(20)

  —dothiepin only

  54(4)

  64(9)

  70(14)

  —dothiepin with other drugs

  10(3)

  20(6)

  18(6)

  The figures in brackets show the number of deaths involving dothiepin with a mention of alcohol. These figures are already included in the unbracketed totals and should not be added to them.

  Income Tax
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the value in constant 1996 prices of an increase of 1p in income tax from(a) each of the 22 unitary authorities in Wales, (b) Wales and (c) the UK in (i) 1995–96, (ii) 1996–97 and (iii) 1997–98. [34073]

  Mr. Jack
  Available information was given in my reply to the hon. Member for Gordon (Mr. Bruce) on 27 March 1996,Official Report, column 609.

  Millennium (Date Change)
  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the total cost of the millennium date change to(a) the public sector and (b) the private sector; what provision he has made in the projections for the public finances for this change; and if he will make a statement. [33883]

  Mr. Waldegrave
  [holding answer 21 June 1996]: The Minister for Science and Technology set out the latest position on 6 June 1996 at columns 816–20. Departments are assessing the extent to which their systems are affected and are preparing plans to effect any necessary action. The Government have not estimated the total cost to the public sector, which will be met within existing
  384
  plans. Ministers with industry sponsorship responsibilities are taking steps to ensure that the sectors in which they have an interest are fully aware of the problem and are taking appropriate measures.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Crisis Support
  Mr. Cann
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what advice has been issued since March to agencies engaged in crisis support work following homicides and other serious offences with regard to the approach to be adopted. [34602]

  Mr. Maclean
  On 18 June, we published a new victims charter. This tells victims of crime what happens after the offence has been reported and the standards of service they can expect to receive. The charter recognises the special position of families bereaved by homicide and victims of other serious offences by setting out, where appropriate, the additional support they can expect from the relevant criminal justice services.

  Domestic Violence
  Mr. Callaghan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportion of violent offences against the person consist of incidents of domestic violence. [35050]

  Mr. Maclean
  Overall, 31 per cent. of incidents of violence in 1993 were classified as domestic violence by the 1994 British crime survey. The proportion for female victims of violence was 52 per cent. and for male victims, 15 per cent. Domestic incidents included those committed by a current or ex-partner, relative or other household member. The BCS definition of violence is broader than the definition of violence against the person which is used in the recorded crime series, in that it includes common assault.

  Violent and Sexual Attacks
  Mr. Callaghan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what further steps he plans to take to curb crimes of violence and sexual attacks. [35055]

  Mr. Maclean
  On 17 June my right hon. and learned Friend announced proposals, in a consultation paper on the supervision and sentencing of sex offenders, which are designed to improve protection from such offenders and to enhance opportunities for their treatment. In addition, the recently published White Paper, "Protecting the Public", makes new proposals on sentencing which seek to ensure that the public receive proper protection from persistent violent or sex offenders.

  My right hon. and learned Friend has, further, established as one of the key national objectives for the police in 1996–97 a target to maintain, and where possible increase, the number of detections for violent crime.

  Interdepartmental groups of Ministers and of officials are also due to meet shortly to review and develop initiatives aimed at promoting more co-ordinated national and local responses to the problems associated with domestic violence.
  385

  Immigration
  Mr. Gerrard
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the legal basis for the distinctions made between people who were granted exceptional leave to remain in the United Kingdom before and after 26 July 1994 when they apply for travel documents. [34941]

  Mr. Kirkhope
  The policy on access to travel documents for asylum seekers granted exceptional leave to remain in the United Kingdom was introduced on 1 January 1994 and announced on 16 December 1993,Official Report, column 787.

  Doncaster Prison
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people who had applied at some time for asylum were(a) detained in and (b) deported from Doncaster prison in each month since January 1996; what were their nationalities; and to what country they were deported. [34983]

  Mr. Kirkhope
  The information available is in the table. The nationalities involved were Jamaican. Indian and Turkish.

  Number of asylum detainees1 recorded at HMP Doncaster as at 31 January, 29 February, 29 March. 30 April, 31 May

  Date detained

  Number of asylum-seekers detained

  Number of asylum-seekers deported in preceding month

  31 January

  2

  0

  29 February

  2

  0

  29 March

  1

  0

  30 April

  2

  0

  31 May

  3

  0

  1 Persons detained solely under the powers contained in schedules 2 or 3 to the Immigration Act 1971. In some cases the asylum application will have been lodged subsequent to the applicant being detained. The figures include both detained asylum applicants who applied at ports and those detained in after-entry enforcement work and include those awaiting removal following refusal of asylum, as well as those whose applications were under consideration or subject to appeal.

  Litter
  Mr. Callaghan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) in what proportion of the cases brought under the Litter Act 1983, during the most recent year for which statistics are available, the prosecution was successful; [35049]

  (2) what was the average fine imposed under the Litter Act 1983 during the most recent year for which statistics are available. [35048]

  Mr. Maclean
  Under section 87 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 which repealed section 1(3) of the Litter Act 1983 there were in 1994—latest available figures—1,164 prosecutions in England and Wales for the offence of depositing litter. Of these, 82 per cent.—952—were found guilty. The average fine for the offence was £90.
  386

  Beat Officers (Greater Manchester)
  Mr. Callaghan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police officers are employed on the beat at any one time, per head of the population(a) nationally and (b) in the Greater Manchester area. [35053]

  Mr. Maclean
  This information is not centrally collected. The latest available information shows that, at the end of March 1995, 68,240 officers were deployed to patrol duties in England and Wales including 3,552 officers in the Greater Manchester police area.

  Asylum Applications
  Mr. Callaghan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum applications are currently waiting to be heard. [35052]

  Mr. Kirkhope
  The number of asylum applications awaiting an initial decision as at 31 May was 66,400.

  EU Civil Protection Council
  Sir Ivan Lawrence
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the outcome of the Civil Protection Council held on 23 May. [35495]

  Mr. Howard
  Mr. David Bostock, the deputy permanent representative to the European Union, represented the United Kingdom at the Council in Brussels. In accordance with the policy outlined in the Prime Minister's statement on 21 May, he was unable to agree to any decisions requiring unanimity in the Council other than those which were purely formal or procedural.

  Three agenda items were blocked and a statement made on the Government's policy of non-co-operation in the European Union. The three matters dealt with at the Council were as follows:

  The Council discussed a compromise proposal for a decision establishing a community action programme in the field of civil protection, designed to support and supplement member states' own work in the area of civil protection. The presidency expressed the hope that this question would be further dealt with in the months ahead with a view to reaching agreement.

  The Council considered a draft resolution on strengthening Community co-operation in the field of civil protection research. The presidency took note of the Commission's intention to consider the need for research in this area.

  The Council also discussed a draft resolution on co-operation with the associated central and eastern European countries and Cyprus and Malta on civil protection, in preparation for their accession.

  The Government do not accept that civil protection is an appropriate field for Community action. The Government take the view that in this particular field member states have, and must continue to have, primary responsibility for taking action. The Government will therefore be arguing at the intergovernmental conference that article 3(t) should be removed from the treaty, at least

  387
  where civil protection is concerned, and any future European Union level co-operation should be pursued on an intergovernmental basis.

  At the Civil Protection Council on 23 May, the Government reiterated that position while explaining why we could not agree to the proposed Council resolutions and Council decision on civil protection.

  It follows that the Government do not consider that it would be useful for the Commission to being forward proposals for research in this field. The Government do accept that, in preparation for the eventual accession of the associated central and eastern European countries, efforts should be made to forge appropriate links in the field of civil protection. However, it sees no reason why the Community should be invited to take the lead.

  Rape
  Mr. Bill Michie
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department in how many cases of rape persons charged by the police have not had their cases proceeded with by the Crown Prosecution Service. [34939]

  The Attorney-General
  I have been asked to reply.

  The Crown Prosecution Service holds no central records in respect of specific offences. The information is held on individual case files, and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Home Office records include details of court proceedings in respect of specific offences. This information shows that the total number of persons proceeded against for rape in 1994 was 1,625. Of this total, 297 proceedings were recorded as "terminated early". However, the definition of this outcome is much wider than proceedings discontinued by the CPS, and includes proceedings where a bench warrant for the arrest of the defendant remained unexecuted; where the defendant could not be traced by the police; and where proceedings were adjourned indefinitely.

  The present discontinuance rate for all CPS cases is 12 per cent.

DEFENCE

  Trident
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what sums have been(a) spent on and (b) committed to the Trident programme to date. [35002]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  As at the end of January this year—the latest date for which aggregated figures are available—a total of £8.3 billion net at outturn prices had been spent on the Trident acquisition programme, from a commitment of £9 billion.

  Market Testing
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has for market testing of(a) the Army Base Storage and Distribution Agency, (b) the Naval Repair Organisation and (c) the Queen Victoria School; and if he will make a statement. [34981]
  388
  Mr. Soames
  Chief executives of all defence agencies are required as part of their business planning to seek efficiencies and to explore the scope for greater private sector involvement through competition. They are able to draw upon a range of efficiency-related measures, including market testing their activities by enabling commercial bidders to compete with the existing in-house suppliers. There are currently no plans for market testing in the three defence agencies in question, although other efficiency measures involving the private sector have been taken or are under consideration.

  Mr. Gordon Foxley
  Mr. Spellar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 25 June,Official Report, column 63, when the time required by the statutory demand on Mr. Gordon Foxley will expire. [35064]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  The statutory demand was served effectively on Mr. Gordon Foxley on 19 June. He has 18 calendar days in which to seek to have it set aside or to make an arrangement with regard to payment, or 21 calendar days in which to pay in full. These time limits expire at midnight 8 and 10 July respectively.

  Atomic Weapons Establishment, Foulness
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what factors led to the removal of the atomic weapons establishment, Foulness from the list of bodies given trading status by the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency Trading Fund Order 1995. [34862]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  The atomic weapons establishment, Foulness is not part of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency. It forms part of the Atomic Weapons Establishment, whose headquarters are at Aldermaston, Berkshire, and which is managed by Hunting BRAE plc on behalf of my Department. Rationalisation plans, announced in January 1995, are for AWE to withdraw from Foulness and for the site to be transferred to the DERA during 1997.

  The inclusion of Foulness in the list of bodies to which the operation of the Defence Research Agency trading fund was extended by the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency Trading Fund Order 1995 was premature. Subsequent legal advice was that for as long as the site remains managed by Hunting BRAE plc it is not legally possible for it to be included in the order. It was therefore necessary to lay before the House an amendment order, SI 1447 1996.

  RAF Maintenance Group Defence Agency
  Mr. Legg
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about the key performance indicators for the RAF Maintenance Group Defence Agency for the financial year 1996–97. [35575]

  Mr. Soames
  The RAF Maintenance Group Defence Agency's key performance indicators for 1996–97 are: to achieve at least 98 per cent. of the specified aerosystems maintenance task to standard and on time; to achieve the "Joint Service Publication 336 Defence Supply Manual" speed of issue and pipeline targets for at least 95 per cent.. of the depot supply task; to keep within the group's allocated budget; to reduce the cost per unit of output by 3 per cent.; to pursue the competing for quality initiative
  389
  by achieving contract award for the designated functions at RAF Sealand by December 1996 and by issuing the invitation to tender at RAF St. Athan by 31 August 1996; to continue the comprehensive rationalisation of functions within the agency by achieving the closure of RAF Carlisle by 31 March 1997 and by achieving the closure of RAF Quedgeley by 31 March 1997; to apply for investors in people status for the agency by September 1996; and to continue the third party certification of units within the agency to the ISO 9000 standard by achieving certification of RAF Cardington by June 1996 and by achieving certification of the ground radio servicing centre, RAF North Luffenham, by December 1996.

  Married Quarters Estate
  Mr. Colvin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list(a) the number of service married quarters, (b) the number vacant, (c) the number sold and (d) the receipts from sales for each year since 1990. [35230]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  Figures for(a) the number of families quarters, (b) the number vacant, (c) the number sold and (d) the receipts from sales are as follows. It should be noted that the figures for (a) and (b) are as at 31 March in each financial year.

  Financial year

  (a)

  (b)

  (c)

  (d) £ million

  1989–90

  77,470

  14,220

  1,380

  46

  1990–91

  75,263

  11,912

  2,121

  44

  1991–92

  74,176

  11,247

  1,306

  51

  1992–93

  73,614

  11,027

  857

  33

  1993–94

  72,631

  11,401

  1,254

  24

  1994–95

  73,719

  13,178

  1,102

  1n/a

  1995–96

  73,539

  14,351

  1,344

  1n/a

  1 Due to a change in accountancy procedures, figures for receipts from sales of surplus quarters are no longer held centrally and cannot be provided for 1994–95 and 1995–96 without disproportionate cost.

  Receipts do not always relate directly to the number of houses sold in a particular year because of stage payments and accountancy procedures.

  Bosnia-Herzegovina
  Sir Peter Emery
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will set out the Government's policy for British troops in Bosnia-Herzegovina after the elections are held under the Dayton accord. [35234]

  Mr. Soames
  The United Kingdom will continue to make a substantial contribution to the implementation force until the expiry of its mandate at the end of the year.

DUCHY OF LANCASTER

  Ombudsman (Child Support)
  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what plans he has to(a) establish a second ombudsman and (b) give additional resources to the present department to facilitate dealing with Child Support Agency cases. [35329]
  390
  Mr. Freeman
  There are no plans to establish a second ombudsman department to deal with Child Support Agency cases. The present office of the parliamentary ombudsman has already received increased funding for additional staff to cope with the widening of his jurisdiction and the growth in the number of cases, many of which are against the CSA.

  Legislative Print Runs
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster who is responsible for determining the print run of new legislation and the reprint runs of extant legislation. [34863]

  Mr. Freeman
  Responsibility rests with HMSO under its chief executive, Mike Lynn.

  Mr. Prentice
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if all extant legislation is currently available in print from Her Majesty's Stationery Office. [34864]

  Mr. Freeman
  Responsibility for the subject of the question has been delegated to HMSO under its chief executive, Mike Lynn. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from Mike Lynn to Mr. Gordon Prentice, dated 1 July 1996:
  I have been asked by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster to reply to your Parliamentary Question (no. 109) about availability of legislation.
  Our general aim is to keep printed copies of Acts of Parliament available for at least five years, or longer where there is continuing demand. Several Acts from the early years of this century are still regularly reprinted. When printed copies are no longer available, arrangements can be made with the British Library to supply photocopies at a reasonable charge. We are also developing facilities to print "on demand" facsimile copies of Acts, and hope to have this service operating later this year.
  We can also supply the Statutes in Force edition of extant Acts, which is of course confined to those sections of the Act which are still in force. However, Local and Personal Acts are not included.
  The position on secondary legislation is similar. Statutory Instruments are reprinted whilst in regular demand, and when printed copies cease to be available we offer customers the British Library photocopying service. There is no Statutes in Force equivalent for secondary legislation.
  If your question has been prompted by difficulties experienced by yourself or a constituent in obtaining a particular piece of legislation, please let me have the details and I shall be happy to arrange supply.

  Legal Aid
  Sir Ivan Lawrence
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department when the Lord Chancellor intends to publish his conclusions on the reform of the legal aid system in England and Wales. [35650]

  Mr. Streeter
  The Lord Chancellor has today published a White Paper, "Striking the Balance", which sets out the Government's policy for the reform of legal aid in England and Wales. Copies of the White Paper are available in the Vote Office.
  391

ENVIRONMENT

  Contracts
  Mr. Pickles
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to ensure fair competition between direct service organisations and the private sector in the tendering of contracts for local authority services. [33936]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  We propose to amend the framework for white collar compulsory competitive tendering and to take vigorous enforcement action when our new guidance is breached.

  Mr. Congdon
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on his plans to ensure fair competition between direct service organisations and the private sector in the tendering of contracts for local authority services. [33948]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  We propose to amend the framework for the white collar CCT and to take vigorous enforcement action when our new guidance is breached.

  Forestry
  Mr. Olner
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what recent representations he has received regarding environmental measures in respect of forestry. [33947]

  Mr. Clappison
  This Department receives many representations on the environmental aspects of forestry.

  Area Cost Adjustment
  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the progress of his review of the area cost adjustment. [33949]

  Mr. Curry
  The work of the independent review team on the area cost adjustment has invited comments from local government on a draft report. It expects to present the final report next week.

  Housing Transfers
  Mr. Whittingdale
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many large-scale voluntary transfers of housing stock have been completed; and if he will make a statement. [33950]

  Mr. Clappison
  Fifty-one local authorities have transferred over 223,000 dwellings, generating over £3.6 billion in private finance. The 1996–97 disposals programme includes a further six authorities and 25,000 dwellings.

  Additionally, we are encouraging transfers in urban areas through the estates renewal challenge fund. We recently announced that 11 authorities will receive a total of £174 million to improve 19,000 homes on 29 of the most run-down and needy estates through transfers over the next three years. This will bring in a further £250 million in private investment.
  392

  Water Pre-payment Devices
  Ms Lynne
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what monitoring his Department is conducting into the effects of the installation of water key pre-payment devices. [33951]

  Mr. Robert B. Jones
  This is a matter for the Director General of Water Services.

  Local Authorities (Misconduct Reports)
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on progress made in discussions with local authority association and insurance companies regarding the publication of reports commissioned by local authorities into allegations of serious misconduct by them. [33952]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  My officials have had preliminary discussions with local authority associations and their discussions continue. We understand that the associations are writing to their member authorities to draw attention to the associations' code of practice on ad hoc inquiries in local government, published in August 1980, and that, in the context of their discussions with my officials arid with the Association of British Insurers, they intend to review the principles contained in the code.

  Pollution (Mines)
  Mr. Jack Thompson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what progress is being made in dealing with water pollution from old mine workings. [33953]

  Mr. Robert B. Jones
  Considerable progress has been made, and work to prevent pollution is under way at several sites. In addition, the Environment Agency and Coal Authority have identified a shortlist of abandoned coal mines which are causing deterioration in river water quality. Work is currently in progress to investigate feasible solutions.

  Design Standards
  Sir Sydney Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to encourage higher standards of design in town and country development. [33955]

  Mr. Robert B. Jones
  I take this opportunity to encourage higher standards of design and we are considering what further national guidance might be useful. We have already launched the "quality in town and country" initiative and we recently set up a national urban design campaign, which will be the subject of a major exhibition in October.

  Public Interest Notices
  Mr. Trickett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what recent discussions he has had with the Audit Commission about the issuing of public interest notices. [33956]

  Mr. Curry
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State meets the chairman of the Audit Commission from time to time to discuss a range of issues affecting local authority audit. However, the conduct of auditors' work is a matter for auditors and the Audit Commission, which
  393
  appoints them. Auditors are obliged to follow procedures laid down in statute and amplified in the Audit Commission's code of audit practice.

  District Auditors
  Mr. Bill Michie
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what recent discussions he has had with the controller of the Audit Commission concerning the work of district auditors. [33957]

  Mr. Curry
  None. The conduct of auditors' work is a matter for auditors and the Audit Commission, which appoints them. Auditors are obliged to follow procedures laid down in statute and amplified in the Audit Commission's code of audit practice.

  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what discussions he has had with local authority associations about the response of authorities to district auditors' reports. [33958]

  Mr. Curry
  None. An authority's response to an appointed auditor's public interest report is a matter for the authority, their auditor and the Audit Commission, which appoints auditors.

  South Pennines Moorlands
  Mr. Chris Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what measures his Department is taking to protect and encourage biodiversity on the south Pennines moorlands. [33959]

  Mr. Clappison
  On 29 March 1996 I announced the classification of the Peak district moors—phase 1 of south Pennine moors—as a special protection area under EC directive 79/409/EEC on the conservation of wild birds. Officials are currently considering the results of consultations with other Government Departments, and owners and occupiers on the classification of phase 2 of the south Pennines moors as a special protection area.

  Regional Government
  Mr. Riddick
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received urging that the Government introduce a tier of regional government above the existing framework of local government. [33960]

  Mr. Curry
  My right hon. Friend receives representations from time to time. The Government see no case for setting up new bodies to provide regional government, which would simply add an unwanted and unnecessary additional tier of bureaucracy and cost to existing arrangements.

  English Partnerships
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the value for money criteria set by English Partnerships in considering applications for assistance; and what variation there is by region. [34420]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  English Partnerships investment guide, published in November 1994, specifies that all projects that the agency supports must offer good value for money in terms of the forecast outputs attributable to its investment. The guide details the five key outputs and sets out the appraisal criteria that the agency adopts and 394
  the priority areas in which it operates. The community investment guide provides similar information for the community investment fund. These publications ensure a consistent basis for approval throughout English Partnerships regions, within which each can express its own strategic priorities. Copies of the investment guide were placed in the Library on 24 November 1994.

  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will provide a breakdown of expenditure by region by English Partnerships in the financial year 1995–96. [34391]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  English Partnerships expenditure by region on its development programme in 1995–96, the agency's second full financial year of operation, is set out in the table.

  Region

  Expenditure £ million

  North East

  34.3

  North West

  52.0

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  55.0

  Midlands

  58.0

  South East

  25.6

  South West

  11.8

  Total

  236.7

  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many jobs have been(a) created and (b) retained by region as a result of English Partnerships investment in projects during 1995–96. [34418]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  The agency's employment outputs do not currently distinguish on a comprehensive basis between jobs created and retained. This will be possible when the agency's new information technology project is fully implemented. The number of jobs which will be created or retained by region as a result of projects approved by English Partnerships in 1995–96 is set out in the table.

  Region

  Total jobs expected to be created/retained

  North East

  4,300

  North West

  6,500

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  8,000

  Midlands

  3,300

  South East

  1,600

  South West

  300

  Total

  24,000

  These figures relate only to the direct employment outputs of English Partnerships investment arising on the sites themselves. The agency's development projects also have significant indirect employment benefits on wider local economies.

  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will provide a list of the projects over £1 million development cost by region for schemes that received funding from English Partnerships in 1995–96; [34393]
  395
  (2) if he will list the new projects by region over £1 million begun by English Partnerships since its formation, excluding projects inherited from (a) English Estates, (b) city grant, (c) urban development grant and (d) other programmes subsumed by English Partnerships. [34419]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  English Partnerships has approved 218 projects, each costing over £1 million, since its formation in November 1993. Of these, 123 were approved in 1995–96. I have asked English Partnerships to write to the hon. Member with a list of these projects, by region. A copy of the letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will provide a breakdown of funding by English Partnerships, to(a) private sector, (b) local authority, (c) community, (d) voluntary sector, (e) non-departmental public bodies and (f) others in the financial year 1995–96. [34392]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  English Partnerships records project information by programme. The partnership investment programme invests in strategic projects which draw together a wide range of partners, primarily the private sector and local authorities, and the land reclamation programme supports local authority reclamation projects. The community investment fund supports smaller projects, undertaken by the voluntary sector and community groups, which achieve community benefits. Most of the agency's partnership investment projects also have community benefits. In addition, the agency undertakes development on its own account through a direct development programme where the needs is great, no suitable partner exists, and where such action—land assembly—will facilitate further private sector development. The table gives a breakdown of expenditure by these categories in 1995–96:

  Spend 1995–96 £ (million)

  Partnership Investment Programme

  117.4

  Land Reclamation Programme

  84.4

  Community Investment Fund

  0.1

  Voluntary Sector

  1.0

  Direct Development

  33.8

  Total

  236.7

  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many successful challenge fund bids English Partnerships is a partner in; if he will name them; and what are the amounts of money committed. [34351]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  English Partnerships is a potential partner in delivering 106 of the successful challenge fund bids. Many of these projects have not yet reached the stage where financial resources can be committed and are currently under appraisal by the agency. I have asked English Partnerships to write to the hon. Member with a list of all these projects, by region. A copy of the letter will be placed in the Library of the House.
  396

  Community Investment Fund
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment which projects the community investment fund(a) has invested in and (b) made grants to in the financial year 1995–96 and how much by region; if he will name the projects; and what amount of money has been committed. [34352]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  English Partnerships has approved a total investment of £919,000 for community investment fund projects since the launch of the fund in June 1995. Payments to the value of £80,000 were made during 1995–96. The agency has set aside £3 million a year for the future operation of the fund. The community investment fund covers only those projects undertaken by voluntary and community groups which require an English Partnerships investment of less than £100,000. Most of the agency's partnership investment projects also have community benefits. In addition, the agency supports the groundwork foundation and groundwork trusts in developing community-based initiatives for the clearance and remediation of small sites. I have asked English Partnerships to write to the hon. Member with a list of all these projects, by region. A copy of the letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  European Regional Development Grants
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many applications have been made for the period 1994 to 1999 for European objective 5b funding; and how many applications in each of the fib areas have received funding. [34742]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  The Government offices for the regions and MAFF regional service centres have received a total of 3,051 project applications for grant under the objective 5b structural funds programmes in England since the European Commission approved them between December 1994 and March 1995.

  The number of successful applications which have received offers of grant in each of the English objective 5b areas is as follows:

  Northern Uplands: 377

  South West: 321

  English Marches: 83

  Lincolnshire: 66

  East Anglia: 49

  Midlands Uplands: 47

  Pesticide Containers
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what methods of disposal of empty pesticide containers are approved by him. [34739]

  Mr. Clappison
  Waste must be managed and disposed of in accordance with part II of the Environment Protection Act 1990. The Department does not recommend a particular form of disposal for empty pesticide containers but it has issued general guidance in the form of waste management paper No. 21 "Pesticide wastes." This deals with disposal of pesticide wastes derived from production and use. The final chapter consists of a code of practice which includes recommendations on disposal of empty pesticide containers.
  397

  Job Creation
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many new jobs have been created through regeneration policies covering the Greater London area, in each of the last three years. [34596]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  The numbers of new jobs created in London by this Department's regeneration programmes over the past three years are:

  1993–94: 8,263

  1994–95: 12,391

  1995–96: 15,214

  These totals include jobs safeguarded and construction jobs in respect of some programmes for which it is not possible to disaggregate the figures.

  Public Path Orders
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what factors led him to amend the Local Authorities (Recovery of Costs for Public Path Orders) Regulations 1993 to remove the ceiling on charges for the making of a public path order. [34856]

  Mr. Clappison
  The amendment of the Local Authorities (Recovery of Costs for Public Path Orders) Regulations 1993 is consistent with our policy of removing unnecessary bureaucracy from local authorities. Independent research, which we commissioned to examine the operation of the regulations, found that the ceiling on charges for the making of public path orders prevented local authorities from recovering their costs in most cases. It also found no evidence that the ceiling has encouraged greater efficiency.

  Single Regeneration Budget
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what has been the amount of money available from European funds for SRB payments in(a) 1992, (b) 1993, (c) 1994 and (d) 1995. [34868]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  Funding from European structural funds adds to, rather than contributes towards, domestic expenditure on regeneration activities under the single regeneration budget. The SRB challenge fund, which began supporting schemes from April 1995, can provide matching funding for schemes also assisted from European structural funds. Information on the amount of such expenditure in the financial year 1995–96 is not yet available.

  New Housing
  Mr. Alfred Morris
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the total number of housing starts in England in the first quarter of 1996; and what was the equivalent figure for the same quarter last year. [34095]

  Mr. Clappison
  It is estimated that there were 31,800 new dwellings started in England during the first quarter of 1996, compared with 36,100 started in the first quarter of 1995.
  398

  Mixed Oxide Fuels
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what reports he has received from British Nuclear Fuels plc regarding the environmental implications of extending the manufacture and processing of MOX nuclear fuels. [34462]

  Mr. Clappison
  British Nuclear Fuels supplied Copeland borough council with environmental documentation to support the planning application for the Sellafield MOX fuel fabrication plant, a copy of which was sent to the Department. As part of the normal regulatory procedures for the plant, British Nuclear Fuels supplied technical documentation, which includes environmental data, to the regulators, including the then Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution. Information has also been supplied to the Department for preparation of a submission to the European Commission under article 37 of the Euratom treaty.

  Council House Sales
  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many council house tenants have bought their homes since 1979; how many council tenancies remain; and if he will make a statement. [34386]

  Mr. Clappison
  In the period between April 1979 and December 1995 about 1.462 million dwellings were sold by local authorities and new towns in England to sitting tenants. A further 73,000 empty dwellings were sold for owner occupation during this period, some of which will have been sold to council or new town tenants.

  At 1 April 1995, the latest date for which figures are available, the stock of local authority and new town dwellings in England stood at 3.565 million.

  Waste Management Planning Scheme
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what representations he has received with regard to the waste management planning scheme; [34679]

  (2) what assessment he has made of the compliance of the waste management planning scheme with article 3 of the European waste framework directive to encourage the recovery of waste by means of recycling. [34680]

  Mr. Clappison
  In December 1995, my Department published guidance on waste management planning. It set out the information that the Environment Agency should collect about how much waste was produced of each type, where, and by whom; and about facilities disposing of or recovering waste—including facilities recovering non-ferrous metals discarded as waste.

  By following this guidance, the Environment Agency will be able to provide information to development planners to provide a framework for the increased recycling of all waste components, including non-ferrous metals.

  The guidance covers advice on waste minimisation and the co-ordination of recycling activities in local authorities to make this more efficient and sustainable. Therefore, insofar as it is required, I am satisfied that the guidance delivers the requirements of article 3 of the waste framework directive.
  399
  We received a number of representations about the guidance from representatives of the non-ferrous metal recycling industry.

  Statutory Instruments
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many statutory instruments his department introduced in(a) 1994, (b) 1995 and (c) between 1 January 1996 and 1 May 1996, which had the effect of repealing one or more previous statutory instruments without replacing them with a new regulation. [35036]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  This information is not available in the form requested. However, a list of regulations that have been repealed or amended was placed in the House Libraries by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on 8 May.

  Vacant Properties
  Mr. Ian Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his Department's latest estimate of vacant properties owned by(a) local authorities. (b) housing associations and (c) private owners. [33932]

  Mr. Curry
  On 1 April 1995, the latest date for which figures are available, the vacancy figures for these categories were 71,800, 20,900 and an estimated 690,000 respectively.

  Market Testing
  Mr. David Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what are the estimated total savings from market testing for local authorities in 1995–96; and how much this amounts to for the average D band council tax payer. [33939]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  Estimated savings from work subject to compulsory competitive tendering amount to £160 million in 1995–96, equivalent to about £10 off the average D band council tax. Individual authorities that have embraced the spirit of competition have made significantly higher savings and have improved standards.

  Contaminated Land
  Mr. Faber
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what arrangements he has made in regard to the allocation of capital resources for local authorities to tackle contaminated land in 1996–97. [35629]

  Mr. Clappison
  We have today written to 44 local authorities and waste disposal authorities informing them of the Secretary of State for the Environment's intention to issue supplementary credit approvals of nearly £7.4 million for 1996–97 in respect of capital expenditure on 83 new projects to deal with contaminated land problems.

  This makes a total of £14.1 million being made available under the contaminated land SCA programme this year, as the Department of Environment has already written to 35 authorities about making SCAs of £6.7 million in respect of 94 on-going projects from previous years and two new projects.
  400
  Since its inception in 1990–91 this programme has provided some £67 million of SCAs for work to be undertaken on contaminated sites.

  The SCA programme for contaminated land is aimed at tackling problems on sites in local authority ownership or where they have responsibility to take action and cannot recover their costs. The Department operates an assessment and prioritisation procedure to ensure that the available funding goes to projects representing the greatest threat to health or the environment.

  North Sea Conference
  Mr. Faber
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he intends to publish the guidance note on implementation of the declaration of the fourth North sea conference in Ebjerg, Denmark, on 8 and 9 June 1995. [35630]

  Mr. Robert B. Jones
  I am pleased to be publishing the UK guidance note on the ministerial declaration made at the fourth North sea conference today. The guidance note sets out the commitments made at the fourth North sea conference and the actions necessary to implement them. It clearly demonstrates the progress that has already been made in realising those commitments and highlights our determination to continue to work for the protection of the marine environment, both in the North sea and in all the seas and coastal waters surrounding the United Kingdom. Copies of the guidance note will be placed in the Library of the House.

TRANSPORT

  Search and Rescue Services
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what is the declared maximum transmission range of the S61N; and if he will make a statement; [33611]

  (2) what is the declared maximum operation range, without refuelling, of search and rescue helicopters; and if he will make a statement. [33610]

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

  Letter from C. J. Harris to Mr. Graham Allen, dated 2 July 1996:
  The Secretary of State for Transport has asked me to reply to your recent Questions about search and rescue helicopters.
  Pending the formal adoption of the criteria proposed by the SAR Helicopter Review Group there is no "declared maximum operating range" of search and rescue helicopters. The range at which helicopters can operate depends on the weather and the nature of the task, as well as on aircraft characteristics. As an example the range at which existing UK SAR helicopters could complete a stretcher recovery of a person from a vessel and return with them to base, in still air would be (in nautical miles):

  RAF Sea King: 265

  RN Sea King: 240

  Coastguard S61: 200

  "Maximum transmission range" is an unfamiliar term in the flying world, both civilian and military. It has therefore been assumed that the term means the maximum distance an aircraft can cover between two points, assuming no fuel used on SAR tasks. For the Coastguard SAR S61 the distance is 420 nautical miles.
  401

  Motorway Lane Markings
  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what study he has made of the system of motorway lane marking as used in France, designed to secure adequate distance between vehicles at given speeds. [34672]

  Mr. Norris
  The Transport Research Laboratory has conducted research and has published the results in project report 118 "M1 Chevron Trial—Accident Study" in August 1995, a copy of which has been placed in the Library.

  Trains (Luggage Racks)
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list by region for the last 12 months the cost of the replacing stolen luggage racks from passenger trains; and if he will make a statement. [34986]

  Mr. Watts
  This information is not held centrally, and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Seat Belts
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what transport standards apply to the fitting of retrofitted seat belts on school transport; and if he will make a statement. [35443]

  Mr. Norris
  Retrofitted seat belts can be approved to either European or British standards. Each belt approved to these standards will display an approval mark.

  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to license seat belt fitters. [35444]

  Mr. Norris
  There are currently no plans to license seat belt fitters.
  402
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what research he has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on the safety of retrofitted seat belts. [35445]

  Mr. Norris
  There is a large body of research on seat belts generally but the Department has not commissioned research specifically into the safety of retrofitted seat belts.

  Selkent Buses
  Mr. Wilson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the progress being made by the operator of the Selkent route franchise of London Transport Buses. [35459]

  Mr. Norris
  This is a matter for London Transport Buses.

  Passenger Rail Subsidies
  Mr. Wilson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what approaches for increased subsidy have been made to the Office of Passenger Rail Franchising by each of the private operators providing passenger rail services since the commencement of their franchise agreements; and if he will make a statement. [35449]

  Mr. Watts
  None.

  EU Bus and Coach Directive
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will place a copy of the fiche d'impact for the EU bus and coach directive in the Library. [34988]

  Mr. Norris
  The Commission has not yet tabled a proposal for a European bus and coach directive, and consequently no fiche d'impact has yet been issued.
  403

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Compensation Recovery Unit
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when he expects to announce his policy response to the fourth report of the Social Security Committee, HC196 of Session 1994–95, on the work of the compensation recovery unit. [33356]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  The reply by the Government to the fourth report of the Select Committee on compensation recovery was published on 2 October 1995, Cm 2997. A compliance cost assessment of the Select Committee's proposals was also published on 14 February. Consultation exercises on the future of the compensation recovery scheme and on the implications of the compliance cost assessment ended on 13 November 1995 and 29 April 1996 respectively.

  The Government will announce their decision in due course.

  Benefit Fraud
  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) if he will make a statement on the organisation of the work of the Benefits Agency's internal fraud investigators; [33788]

  (2) how many Benefits Agency staff have been (a) disciplined, (b) suspended or (c) dismissed for matters relating to benefit fraud in the period 1 April 1995 to 31 March 1996; [33782]

  (3) how many Benefits Agency staff have been prosecuted for matters relating to benefit fraud in the period 1 April 1995 to 31 March 1996; what were the charges laid and their outcome; how much benefit was defrauded in each case; what was the grade and office location of the Benefits Agency of each employee involved; and how many such employees were employed in offices at (a) local, (b) headquarters and (c) other levels. [33783]

  Mr. Heald
  Internal fraud investigations in the Benefits Agency are the responsibility of area directors and their equivalents, and the personnel services manager for Beenefits Agency central services.

  Each director has specially trained investigators who conduct investigations into staff working in the directorate. In addition to full-time permanent investigators, directors have panels of trained investigators, normally employed on other duties, who can be called on to assist in investigations when necessary. Often the panel members will have expertise in a particular area.

  The Benefits Agency security branch provides a central support and co-ordinating function for investigators throughout the agency.

  Disciplinary and prosecution action is also the responsibility of area directors and their equivalents within the agency. Disciplinary action taken specifically as a result of benefit fraud is not distinguished from that taken for other reasons in central records.
  404
  Details of staff suspended are not recorded as suspension is an interim measure taken by managers pending the conclusion of investigative action.

  Information is, however, collated centrally relating to the prosecution and disciplinary action taken as a result of area directors' investigations.

  Involvement of staff in benefit fraud is viewed very seriously by the Benefits Agency, and will result in dismissal and prosecution when proven.

  The figures in the table relate to disciplinary action taken between 1 April 1995 and 31 March 1996 as a result of area directors' investigations, where the investigation identified benefit-related fraud. This includes cases where members of staff were found to be "living together as husband and wife" with benefit customers, where such action resulted in a fraudulent benefit claim. The figures do not include cases where officers resigned.

  Number

  Benefits Agency staff dismissed for involvement in benefit related fraud

  10

  Staff receiving other penalties for involvement in benefit related fraud

  0

  Figures are not kept centrally relating specifically to prosecutions arising from benefit fraud.

  The cases listed in the list are those prosecutions resulting from area directors' investigations in the Benefits Agency, and which were completed between 1 April 1995 and 31 March 1996, which involved any benefit. This includes misappropriation of instruments of payment, and frauds which involved misuse of the benefits administration system rather than false benefit claims.

  Case 1

  Charge: Not recorded

  Amount defrauded: £2,655.22

  Outcome: 10 months-imprisonment

  Office location: London Central District

  Grade: Local Officer II

  Level of employment: Local

  Case 2

  Charge: False accounting, deception

  Amount defrauded: £2,261.61

  Outcome: 240 hours community service

  Office location: Hackney and Islington District

  Grade: Local Officer II

  Level of employment: Local

  Case 3

  Charge: Conspiracy to defraud

  Amount defrauded: £153,467.70

  Outcome: 18 months imprisonment

  Office location: South Downs District

  Grade: Local Officer II

  Level of employment: Local

  405

  Case 4

  Charge: Theft and deception

  Amount defrauded: £7,855.75

  Outcome: Six months imprisonment

  Office location: West Hertfordshire District

  Grade: Local Officer II

  Level of employment: Local

  Case 5

  Charge: Conspiracy to defraud

  Amount defrauded: £79,803.28

  Outcome: Two officers were charged—both were acquitted

  Office Location: Newham District

  Grade: Local Officer II

  Level of employment: Local

  Case 6

  Charge: Theft

  Amount defrauded: £20,495.53

  Outcome: BA employee sentenced to three years imprisonment. Seven external accomplices were also charged: three were cautioned, three were sentenced to community service, and one received six months probation.

  Office location: Sefton District

  Grade: Local Officer II

  Level of employment: Local

  Case 7

  Charge: conspiracy to defraud

  Amount defrauded: £9,953.51

  Outcome: Charges against officer dropped by CPS. Co-conspirator sentenced to 18 months imprisonment.

  Office location: Birmingham Chamberlain District

  Grade: Local Officer II

  Level of employment: Local

  Case 8

  Charge: Not recorded

  Amount defrauded: £36,348.67

  Outcome: Two years imprisonment

  Office location: Oxfordshire District

  Grade: Local Officer II

  Level of employment: Local

  Case 9

  Charge: Conspiracy to defraud

  Amount defrauded:£59,000.00

  Outcome: Officer sentenced to two and a half years imprisonment. External accomplice sentenced to one years imprisonment.

  Office location: Hackney and Islington District

  Grade: Location Officer II

  Level of employment: Local

  Case 10

  Charge: Conspiracy to defraud

  Amount defrauded £34,094.50

  Outcome: Four months imprisonment

  Office location: Palace District

  Grade: Local Officer II

  Level of employment: Local

  406

  Case 11

  Charge: Not recorded

  Amount defrauded: £15,901.14

  Outcome: Two and a half years imprisonment

  Office location: Birkenhead District

  Grade: Local Officer II

  Level of employment: Local

  Mr. Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what amounts were spent by the Government on the detection of benefit fraud in(a) 1993–94 and (b) 1994–95. [34031]

  Mr. Heald
  In 1993–94, over £70 million was allocated for the detection of benefit fraud. In 1994–95, the allocation increased to over £77 million.

  Disability Working Allowance
  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list the steps taken to publicise the availability of disability working allowance among(a) people with disabilities, (b) employers and (c) professionals working with disabled people. [33830]

  Mr. Andrew Mitchell
  Disability working allowance has been promoted regularly since it was launched in 1992. A comprehensive programme of publicity has aimed to reach the widest possible audience and has included campaigns at national and local levels. Initiatives aimed at specific groups are as follows:

  Disabled people:

  Television campaigns in 1992 and 1995;

  On-going newspaper campaigns from 1992, including articles in the jobs pages of local newspapers;

  Benefit News for Jobhunters which is published on a bi-monthly basis;

  Working with Benefits campaign on television, radio and in newspapers which started in 1995;

  On-going exhibitions and seminars such as the 1995 Motahility Exhibition (around 50,000 people attended) and Business In the Community seminar (Birmingham).

  Employers:

  Three videos about DWA have been produced aimed mainly at professional advisers and employers (1993–1996);

  National press campaign in March 1996 aimed at employers;

  Seminars have been held at places such as Remploy and The Shaw Trust;

  Ongoing distribution of DWA leaflets and literature to selected employers.

  Professionals working with disabled people:

  Campaigns in specialist press in 1992 and 1996 aimed at professionals working with people with disabilities;

  BBC Select's night-time television service promoted DWA in 1992;

  Benefit News for Jobhunters published on a bi-monthly basis has been widely distributed to professional advisers;

  Various seminars and the distribution of leaflets are carried out regularly to professionals: for example, SCOPE; MENCAP; NACAB and Job Centres.

  407

  War Pensions
  Mr. Mullin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is his estimate of the cost to his Department of disregarding war disablement and war widows' pensions in their entirety for the purpose of calculating housing benefit and council tax rebates. [33880]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  A broad estimate of the cost of fully disregarding all war disablement pensions and war widows' pensions for housing benefit and council tax benefit purposes is £80 million per annum.

  Notes:
  1. Estimates are based upon the May 1994 Income Support Quarterly Statistical Enquiry; the 1991, 1992 and 1993 Family Expenditure Survey; and data given in local authority subsidy returns for 1994–95.
  2. Estimates have been uprated to 1996–97 levels and use factors derived from the 1996 Departmental Report on the growth of average Housing Benefit and the growth of the war pensions caseload.
  3. In compiling these estimates, expenditure has been rounded, wherever appropriate, to the nearest £5 million.
  4. Estimates are broad order estimates only, due to lack of comprehensive data.

  Benefit Statistics
  Mr. Alan Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is his estimate of the cost of introducing a taper of(a) 50 per cent. and (b) 70 per cent. on earnings above each of the earnings disregards for (i) income support, (ii) housing benefit and (iii) council tax benefit; and how many people would gain from these changes. [34231]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  The information requested is set out in the table.

  50 per cent, tapered earnings disregard

  70 per cent, tapered earnings disregard

  Income support taper

  Cost

  £130 million

  £230 million

  Income support gainers

  180,000

  200,000

  Housing benefit taper

  Cost

  £1.4 billion

  £2.4 billion

  Housing benefit gainers

  800,000

  1 million

  Council tax benefit taper

  Cost

  £500 million

  £1.4 billion

  Council tax benefit gainers

  1.2 million

  2.6 million

  1. The cost of the income support taper includes the cost of increased numbers on income support, including any additional entitlement to housing benefit and council tax benefit.

  2. Gainers include numbers additionally entitled to benefit.

  3. Figures are based on the 1994 QSE and the 1991/1992/1993 Family Expenditure Survey, uprated to 1996/7 levels. Costs for income support are rounded to the nearest £5 million, gainers to the nearest 10,000. For housing benefit and council tax benefit costs are rounded to the nearest £0.1 billion, gainers are rounded to the nearest £0.1 million.

  4. Figures for IS include the effect of jobseekers allowance from October 1996. The effect on the back to work bonus has not been estimated, as future behavioural effects are very uncertain.
  408
  Mr. Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many(a) couples and (b) lone parents claimed the child care allowance in respect of claims for (i) family credit, (ii) disability working allowance, (iii) housing benefit and (iv) council tax benefit, (1) since its introduction, (2) during 1995–96 and (3) currently. [34235]

  Mr. Evans
  The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is set out in the table:

  Cumulative to February 1996

  Current as at February 1996

  Family credit

  Couples

  2,000

  1,000

  Lone parents

  34,000

  22,000

  Disability working allowance

  Couples

  17

  9

  Lone parents

  90

  72

  Sources:

  1. Family Credit 5 per cent. sample of all awards.

  2. Disability Working Allowance 100 per cent. of all awards.

  Notes:

  1. Numbers for Family Credit have been rounded to the nearest thousand.

  2. Figures for Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit are not yet available.

  3. Data are provisional.

  Appeals
  Mrs. Jane Kennedy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer of 17 June,Official Report, column 333, if he will list those organisations and individuals with whom he is consulting with regard to his review of the arrangements for decisions and appeals. [34496]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  The review is still being conducted and no decisions have yet been taken on the nature or timing of wider consultation.

  Invalid Care Allowance
  Mr. Alan Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many claimants of invalid care allowance are also in receipt of part-time earnings; and what is the average amount of earnings paid. [34225]

  Mr. Burt
  As at 20 June 1996, 24,725 invalid care allowance recipients had earnings from employment.

  Information regarding the number of hours worked and the average amount of earnings is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Source:

  Invalid Care Allowance database—100 per cent. count.

  Disability Benefits
  Mr. Alan Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what estimate he has made of the cost of extending the eight-week linking rule for incapacity benefits as qualifying benefits for disability working allowance to two years; and how many people would gain from this change; [34247]
  409
  (2) what is his estimate of the cost of introducing a taper of (a) 50 per cent. and (b) 70 per cent. on earnings above the limit for exempt work for (i) incapacity benefit and (ii) severe disablement allowances; and how many people would gain from these changes; [34232]

  (3) what is his estimate of the cost of extending the eight-week linking rule for incapacity benefit to two years. [34246]

  Mr. Burt
  Information on which to base reliable estimates is not available.

  Mr. Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the average number of children per family claiming(a) family credit and (b) disability working allowance (i) in total and (ii) where the oldest child is aged under (1) five years and (2) 11 years. [34236]

  Mr. Rogers Evans
  The information is set out in the table.

  Average number of children in families receiving family credit and disability working allowance

  Family credit

  Disability working allowance

  All cases

  2.0

  1.9

  Oldest child aged under 5 years

  1.4

  1.4

  Oldest child aged under 11 years

  1.8

  1.8

  Notes:

  1. Average number of children per family are expressed to one decimal place.

  2. For Disability Working Allowance, the average number of children has been expressed as the average number in families with children.

  3. Data for Family Credit and Disability Working Allowance are for October 1995 and January 1996 respectively.

  Source:

  1. Family Credit 5 per cent. sample of awards.

  2. Disability Working Allowance 100 per cent. count of claims.

  Mortgage Repayments (Benefits)
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the maximum monthly amount of benefit paid by his Department towards the payment of mortgage repayments on properties belonging to unemployed people. [34593]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  There is no set maximum amount. However, for new income support claimants there is a limit of £100,000 on the size of mortgage for which help is available. At our current standard interest rate of 7.48 per cent. this gives a weekly amount of £137.38 with MIRAS, £143.85 without. This limit does not apply when part of the loan was used to adapt the home to meet the special needs of a disabled person.

  Income Support
  Mr. Alan Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many(a) male and (b) female claimants of income support where the claimant (i) is signing on as unemployed and (ii) is sick or disabled, are also claiming for an adult dependant; and what is the average amount of benefit payable in each case. [34217]
  410
  Mr. Roger Evans
  The information is set out in the table.

  Unemployed and sick or disabled income support claimants with adult dependants—August 1995

  Male claimants

  Female claimants

  Number of cases

  Average weekly income support

  Number of cases

  Average weekly income support

  Unemployed

  349,000

  £96.29

  19,000

  £84.15

  Sick or disabled

  282,000

  £76.81

  92,000

  £81.40

  Short-term sick cases paid by Automated Credit Transfer are not included.

  Mr. Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is his estimate of the cost of raising the income support earnings disregard for lone parents to £25 per week; and how many people would gain from these changes. [34233]

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

  1996–97 cost and gainers

  Cost (£ million)

  Income support gainers

  Increasing the income support earnings disregard for lone parents to £25

  20

  45,000

  1. The cost includes the cost of increased numbers on Income Support, including any additional entitlement to Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit.

  2. Gainers, include people additionally entitled to Income Support as a result of the change.

  3. Figures are based on the 1994 Quarterly Statistical Enquiry and the 1991/1992/1993 Family Expenditure Survey, uprated to 1996/7 levels. Costs are rounded to the nearest £5 million, gainers to the nearest 5,000.

  4. The total cost includes the cost of Jobseeker's Allowance from October 1996. The effect on the back to work bonus has not been estimated, as it not possible to quantify reliably future behavioural effects.

  Mr. Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people were disqualified from income support where the claimant's partner was working for more than 16 hours a week; and what is his estimate of the cost of abolishing the hours limit for partners. [34216]

  Mr. Evans
  Information is not available in respect of the number of people disqualified from income support where a partner works more than 16 hours a week.

  The estimated cost of abolishing the hours rule for partners of income support claimants is about £150 million to £200 million per annum. This is at 1996–97 levels of incomes and prices, and includes the cost of jobseeker's allowance, income-related, from October 1996. The figures take no account of possible behavioural changes, or the increase to 24 hours a week for partner's hours from October 1996.

  In-work Benefits
  Mr. Timms
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list by labour sector the number of people receiving in-work benefits in each year since 1979. [34743]
  411
  Mr. Roger Evans
  The information is not available. Information is held on the occupations of in-work benefit recipients, rather than on the industrial sector in which they are employed.

  Mr. Timms
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list by occupations previously covered by the wages council order the number of people receiving in-work benefits in each year since 1979. [34744]

  Mr. Evans
  The information is not available.

  National Insurance
  Mr. Alan Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is his latest estimate of the amount of national insurance contributions which have been unpaid during each of the last three years from(a) employers and (b) the self-employed. [34244]

  Mr. Heald
  Estimates of the value of national insurance contributions unpaid by employers are available only for the 1992–93 and 1993–94 tax years. A random survey of employers known to the Contributions Agency estimated that underpayments of class 1 NIC for 1992–93 and 1993–94 were £111 million and £76 million respectively.

  Self-employed contributors pay class 2 and class 4 contributions. Class 2 contributions are collected by direct debit payments or in response to the issue of quarterly bills. Estimates as to unpaid class 2 contributions could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Class 4 contributions are collected by the Inland Revenue, which draws up its accounts on the last Friday in October. For the years ended 1993 to 1995 the amounts of class 4 contributions1 uncollected and written off were:

  1993: £66.7 million

  1994: £52.8 million

  1995: £34.5 million

  Figures for class 4 contributions are for England and Wales and Scotland only.

  Mr. Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people in each year since 1989 have been in receipt of a national insurance credit for(a) incapacity, where no benefit is in payment, (b) unemployment, where no benefit is in payment, (c) people entitled to invalid care allowance, (d) people receiving statutory sick pay, (e) women receiving statutory maternity pay and (f) men aged between 60 and 64 years. [34275]

  Mr. Heald
  The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is in the tables.

  Table 1: Number1 of people claiming benefit due to medical incapacity (Sickness Benefit and Incapacity Benefit) and receiving National Insurance credits only (no benefit in payment)

  Total claimants (thousands)

  1 April 19892

  157

  31 March 19902

  205

  30 March 19912

  262

  4 April 19922

  320

  3 April 19932

  387

  2 April 19941

  440

  412

  Table 1: Number1 of people claiming benefit due to medical incapacity (Sickness Benefit and Incapacity Benefit) and receiving National Insurance credits only (no benefit in payment)

  Total claimants (thousands)

  12 April 19952

  512

  29 February 19963

  580

  1 Point in time data—numbers are as at date shown.

  2Source: 1 per cent, sample of all claims to Sickness Benefit in GB.

  3Source: 5 per cent, sample of claims for Incapacity Benefit, excluding a small number of cases not held on the computer system.

  Table 2: Number of unemployed claimants in receipt of National Insurance credits only

  Total claimants (thousands)

  May 1989

  274

  May 1990

  220

  May 1991

  280

  May 1992

  313

  May 1993

  335

  May 1994

  281

  May 1995

  231

  February 19962

  229

  Notes:

  1 Point in time data—numbers relate to the position on the second Thursday of May of the relevant year and are the number of unemployed claimants not receiving Unemployment Benefit or Income Support. Figures include a small number who will not receive credits, but cannot be identified separately.

  2 Data for February 1996 are the most recent available.

  Source:

  5 per cent. sample of unemployed claimants.

  Table 3: Number of people receiving at least one credit in the financial year given: by type of credit

  Financial year

  ICA credits (thousands)

  Men aged between 60 and 64 (thousands)

  1988–89

  116

  1,299

  1989–90

  129

  1,311

  1990–91

  143

  1,331

  1991–92

  174

  1,348

  1992–93

  210

  1,371

  Source:

  1 per cent. of NIRS (National Insurance Recording System) taken at February 1994.

  Funeral Costs
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what was the average cost of a funeral in each of the last five years and for the current year in(a) England, (b) Scotland, (c) Wales and (d) the United Kingdom as a whole; and if he will make a statement; [34412]

  (2) what figures his Department has on the average cost of a funeral in each of the last five years and for the current year in each region of England; and if he will make a statement. [34413]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  The Department does not collect information on funeral costs. Where someone has good cause for taking responsibility for a funeral but they have insufficient funds, help is available from the social fund. The reasonable cost of a dignified funeral is allowed. This
  413
  includes up to £500 for a specified funeral director's charges, plus all the necessary disbursements for either a burial or cremation.

  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what recent investigations his Department has commissioned into the cost of simple funerals. [34405]

  Mr. Evans
  Social fund funeral payments cover the reasonable cost of a dignified funeral. This includes up to £500 for specified funeral directors' charges, plus all the necessary disbursements for either burial or cremation. In the case of burials, the cost to the taxpayer could well exceed £1,000. In deciding the reasonable costs, the adjudication officer takes into account the level of prices charged locally for each of the items allowable.

  Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment
  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what medical and scientific personnel and resources are utilised by the War Pensions Agency when it decides whether to award a pension to former service personnel who are claiming disablement because they participated in experiments in the service volunteers programme at the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment at Porton Down. [34473]

  Mr. Heald
  This is a matter for Mr. Kevin Caldwell, chief executive of the War Pensions Agency. He will write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from K. C. Caldwell to Mr. Ken Livingstone, dated 1 July 1996:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the medical and scientific personnel and resources utilised by the War Pensions Agency when it decides whether to award a pension to former service personnel who are claiming disablement because they participated in experiments in the service volunteers programme at the Chemical Defence Establishment at Porton Down.
  Claims to War Pensions are considered individually and according to their specific circumstance. War Pension may be awarded when it is accepted that disablement is attributable to or aggravated by service (including participation in the tests).
  War Pensions legislation provides that medical matters are determined by medical officers appointed or recognised for the purpose. Administrative officers acting on behalf of the Secretary of State confirm service details made in relation to the claim.
  War Pension doctors are fully qualified medical practitioners with wide clinical experience. On entry they undergo prolonged training on all aspects of the War Pensions Scheme, including the law, policy and medicine in relation to War Pensions. This includes discussion and information relating to particular service zones and experiences. In addition they have access to a well stocked library which contains medical, scientific, and service (including historical) information.
  War Pensions doctors base their adjudication on relevant medical evidence, which may include service medical details, and post service medical records. War Pensions claimants may be required to undergo a War Pensions medical examination or be seen and examined by an independent specialist accredited to an appropriate speciality. Where the medical issues are complex, or some conflicting evidence exists, the case may be referred to a Regional Consultant for examination and report or in some cases for a documentary opinion. This referral is accompanied by a full typewritten Statement of Case, containing all available relevant evidence. Regional Consultants are people of special eminence in their field of work.
  414
  In cases where service at the Clinical and Biological Defence Establishment is an issue, relevant information, whether service medical or scientific, is obtained from the Chief Executive of the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment.
  I hope you find my reply helpful.

  Disability Living Allowance
  Mr. Alan Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many claimants of(a) the disability living allowance care component and (b) attendance allowance have had their benefits suspended during a period in hospital and residential care during each of the last two years. [34782]

  Mr. Andrew Mitchell
  This is a matter for Peter Mathison, chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Alan Howarth, dated 1 July 1996:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking how many claimants of (a) the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) care component and (b) Attendance Allowance (AA) have had their benefits suspended during a period in hospital and residential care during each of the last two years.
  The information requested is not available in the format requested.
  It is only possible to provide the number of suspensions for DLA care component at any one point in time. As at 31 May 1996 there have been 31,100 suspensions due to period spent in hospital or residential care.
  Data is not held centrally for AA as the majority of cases are paid combined with another benefit by the District Offices. The information, therefore, could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
  I hope you find this reply helpful.

  Mr. Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many claimants of the disability living allowance care component and attendance allowance have been overpaid benefit as a result of a stay in hospital or residential care during each of the past two years; in how many cases this overpayment was recoverable; and where an overpayment was recoverable, what was the total value of benefits overpaid. [34783]

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

  Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Alan Howarth, dated 1 July 1996:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking has any claimants of the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) care component and Attendance Allowance (AA) have been overpaid benefit as a result of a stay in hospital or residential care during each of the past two years; in how many cases this overpayment was recoverable; and where an overpayment was recoverable, what was the total value of benefits overpaid.
  The information is not available in the format requested.
  Figures for DLA overpayments due to a period of hospitalisation or residential care prior to July 1995 can be obtained only at disproportionate cost. As a result of an enhancement to the computer system, figures are available from July 1995.
  415
  The figures below are from 1 July 1995 to 29 February 1996.

  Number of overpayments

  Number recoverable

  Value of recoverable overpayments (£)

  Hospitalisation

  2,715

  1,704

  455,049.01

  Residential care

  1,445

  577

  424,383.04

  Total

  4,160

  2,281

  879,432.05

  Figures are provisional and subject to amendment.

  Figures for AA overpayments due to a period of hospitalisation or residential care prior to April 1996 can be obtained only at disproportionate cost. As a result of an enhancement to the computer system, figures are available from April 1996.

  The figures in the table are from 1 April 1996 to 26 June 1996.

  Number of overpayments

  Number recoverable

  Value of recoverable overpayments (£)

  Hospitalisation

  763

  437

  95,463.73

  Residential care

  604

  315

  146,045.97

  Total

  1,367

  752

  241,509.70

  Figures are provisional and subject to amendment.

  I hope you find this reply helpful.

  Mr. Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security on what basis he has issued letters and a leaflet to claimants of the disability living allowance mobility component concerning details of recent periods in hospital in advance of Parliament's decision on the Social Security (Disability Living Allowance and Claims and Payments) Amendment Regulations 1996; and if he will make a statement. [34781]

  Mr. Mitchell
  This is a matter for Peter Mathison of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Alan Howarth, dated 1 July 1996:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking on what basis he has issued letters and a leaflet to claimants of the Disability Living Allowance mobility component concerning details of recent periods in hospital in advance of Parliament's decision on the Social Security (Disability Living Allowance and Claims and Payments) Amendments regulations 1996; and if he will make a statement.
  The Regulations in question are subject to negative resolution procedure. They were made on 4 June 1996 and laid before Parliament on 7 June 1996. The letters and leaflets in question were not issued to customers until 15 June 1996.
  I hope you find this reply helpful.

  Jobseeker's Allowance
  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many statutory instruments laid before Parliament by his Department in each of the last three years have been exempted from the requirement in section 172(1) of the Social Security Administration Act 1992 to be referred to the Social Security Advisory Committee because they were made within six months of the coming into force of an Act of Parliament; and 416
  if he will list each of the Acts of Parliament concerned with the number of statutory instruments affected in each case. [34074]

  Mr. Burt
  In the 12-month periods ending on 26 June 1994, 1995 and 1996, none, 11 and seven respectively, of which 11 were made under the Social Security (Incapacity for Work) Act 1994, six under the Jobseekers Act 1995 and one under the Child Support Act 1995.

  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list each of the statutory instruments made under the Jobseekers Act 1995 which have been laid before Parliament with the date of laying and the date of coming into force in each case; how many further instruments the Government have in draft, out to consultation or otherwise in preparation to implement the Jobseekers Act 1995; and if he will consider introducing regulations to consolidate the statutory instruments relating to the jobseeker's allowance. [34075]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  Information on those statutory instruments which have been made under the Jobseekers Act and laid before Parliament, together with the coming into force date of each, is set out in the table. In addition, a number of statutory instruments which will be made under powers contained in the Jobseekers Act are currently in preparation. The regulations governing the back to work bonus and transitional provisions will be consolidated, but there are no current plans to consolidate any other jobseeker's allowance regulations.

  SI No.

  Title

  Date laid

  Date of coming into force

  1995/3228

  The Jobseekers Act 1995 (Commencement Order No. 1) Order 1995

  111 December 1995

  12 December 1995 and 6 April 1996

  1995/3276

  The Jobseeker's Allowance (Transitional Provisions) Regulations 1995

  20 December 1995

  7 October 1996

  1996/193

  The Social Security (Back to Work Bonus) Regulations 1996

  11 February 1996

  7 October 1996

  1996/194

  The Housing Benefit, Supply of Information and Council Tax Benefit (Amendment) Regulations 1996

  11 February 1996

  1 April 1996

  1996/195

  The Employer's Contributions Reimbursement Regulations 1996

  11 February 1996

  6 April 1996

  1996/206

  The Income Support (General) (Jobseeker's Allowance Consequential Amendments) Regulations 1996

  11 February 1996

  7 October 1996

  1996/207

  The Jobseeker's Allowance Regulations 1996

  11 February 1996

  7 October 1996

  1996/1126

  The Jobseekers Act (Commencement No. 2) Order

  118 April 1996

  22 April 1996

  417

  SI No.

  Title

  Date laid

  Date of coming into force

  1996/1252

  The Income Support (Pilot Scheme) Regulations 1996

  18 May 1996

  8 July 1996

  1996/1307

  The Jobseeker's Allowance (Pilot Scheme) Regulations 1996

  113 May 1996

  7 October 1996

  1996/1345

  The Social Security and Child Support (Jobseeker's Allowance) (Miscellaneous Consequentials) Regulations 1996

  24 May 96

  7 October 1996

  1996/1443

  The Social Fund Maternity and Funeral Expenses (General) (Amendment) Regulations 1996

  7 Jun 1996

  7 October 1996

  1996/1460

  The Social Security (Claims and Payments) (Jobseeker's Allowance Consequential Amendments) Regulations 1996

  11 June 1996

  7 October 1996

  1996/1509

  The Jobseekers Act (Commencement No. 3) Order 1996

  110 June 1996

  11 June 1996

  1996/1510

  The Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit and Supply of Information (Jobseeker's Allowance) (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 1996

  14 June 1996

  7 October 1996

  1996/1511

  The Social Security (Back to Work Bonus) (Amendment) Regulations 1996

  17 June 1996

  7 October 1996

  1996/1515

  The Jobseeker's Allowance (Transitional Provisions) (Amendment) Regulations 1996

  18 June 1996

  7 October 1996

  1996/1516

  The Jobseeker's Allowance (Amendment) Regulations 1996

  111 June 1996

  7 October 1996

  1996/1517

  The Jobseeker's Allowance and Income Support (General) (Amendment) Regulations 1996

  111 June 1996

  7 October 1996

  1996/1518

  The Social Security (Adjudication) Amendment Regulations 1996

  111 June 1996

  7 October 1996

  The Jobseeker's Allowance (Pilot Schemes) (Amendment) Regulations 1996

  10 June 1996

  [Not yet debated]

  418

  SI No.

  Title

  Date laid

  Date of coming into force

  The Child Benefit, Child Support and Social Security (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 1996

  5 June 1996

  [Not yet debated]

  1 Date made.

  Earnings
  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the numbers of(a) men and (b) women whose earnings are below the level of the lower earnings limit for national insurance contributions, indicating for each the estimated average weekly hours of work. [34791]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  I have been asked to reply.

  Figures from the labour force survey, winter 1995, show that in Great Britain there were an estimated 550,000 men with earnings below the lower earnings limit for national insurance contributions; these men worked on average 16.2 hours per week. Of the estimated 2 million women below the limit, average weekly hours were 11.7.

WALES

  Forestry Commission Woodland
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what percentage of Forestry Commission woodlands in Wales has been sold off since 1981. [34675]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  The question relates to matters undertaken by Forest Enterprise. I have asked its chief executive, Mr. Gordon Cowie, to reply.

  Letter from Gordon M. Cowie to Mr. Barry Jones, dated 2 July 1996:
  The Secretary of State for Wales has asked me to reply to your Question about the percentage of woodlands sold in Wales.
  Forest Enterprise sold 16,842 hectares of woodland in Wales between 1981 and March 1996 and this represents some 12% of the area owned in 1981.

  Mr. Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many Forestry Commission woodlands there were in 1981; and how many now exist in what was the former county of Clwyd. [34676]

  Mr. Evans
  There are no records of the number of individual woodlands in Clwyd, but the area of woodland is estimated to have increased since 1981 from some 22,000 hectares to nearly 23,000 hectares.

  EU Business (Veto)
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the items of EU business which have been vetoed by the Government since the announcement of the non-co-operation policy which would have applied in Wales; and what assessment he has made of the impact of each item in Wales. [34489]
  419
  Mr. Hague
  Under the policy of non-co-operation the United Kingdom withheld agreement to 74 measures requiring unanimous approval. The Prime Minister announced on 24 June that the policy had been lifted. All the measures affected by the policy are now expected to be taken forward.

  Statutory Instruments
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many statutory instruments his Department introduced in(a) 1994, (b) 1995 and (c) between 1 January 1996 and 1 May 1996, which had the effect of repealing one or more previous statutory instruments without replacing them with a new regulation. [35035]

  Mr. Hague
  The number of statutory instruments introduced by the Welsh Office during the past three years which had the effect of repealing one or more previous statutory instruments without replacing them with a new regulation is as follows:

  1994: 1

  1995: 0

  1996 (from 1 January to 1 May): 2.

  NHS Nurses
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many(a) full-time and (b) part-time nurses were employed in (i) hospitals, (ii) community service and (iii) general practice in the Welsh NHS in (1) 1980, (2) 1985, (3) 1990 and (4) 1995. [35222]

  Mr. Hague
  A reliable split between nursing and midwifery staff employed in the hospital and community service is not separately available, and so the information given in the first part of the table relates to all directly employed NHS staff in the nursing and midwifery group.

  Numbers of staff in post

  1980

  1985

  1990

  1995

  Hospital and community service (excluding pre-registration learners) at 30 September:

  Full-time

  13,264

  15,964

  17,002

  116,152

  Part-time

  11,798

  11,965

  13,619

  116,515

  Nurses in general practice (at 1 October):

  Full-time

  11

  15

  —

  —

  Part-time

  95

  196

  —

  —

  Total

  106

  211

  753

  21,062

  — Information not collected centrally.

  1 Excludes staff on local payscales for whom no details of contractual commitment are available centrally.

  2 Provisional.

  Health Care Integration
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will set up an evaluation exercise of the comparative costs and benefits of(a) integrated hospital, community and ambulance services and (b) separating ambulance services from other health provider services. [35226]

  Mr. Hague
  I have no plans to set up an evaluation exercise of this nature.
  420

  General Practitioners
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many(a) full-time and (b) part-time doctors were employed in general practice in Wales in (a) 1980, (b) 1985, (c) 1990 and (d) 1995. [35223]

  Mr. Hague
  Information on the contractual commitment of general medical practitioners was collected for the first time in 1990. The information is given in the table:

  Unrestricted general medical practitioners at 1 October

  1990

  1995

  Full-time

  1,553

  1,499

  Part-time

  82

  220

  NHS Trusts
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list those trusts which have not to date signed contracts with their local health authorities. [35224]

  Mr. Hague
  The information provided by NHS trusts is as follows:

  Contracts agreed but not signed

  Agreement awaited

  Wrexham Maelor

  Carmarthen

  Glan Hafren

  Ceredigion

  Gwent Community

  Derwen

  Nevill Hall

  Llanelli

  Gwynedd Community

  Pembrokeshire

  North Glamorgan

  Morriston

  Glan-y-Mor

  University Dental Hospital

  Mid Wales Ambulance

  Gwynedd Hospitals

  North Wales Ambulance

  University Hospital of Wales

  South East Wales Ambulance Llandough Rhondda

  Powys

  Ambulance Trusts
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he estimates he will receive proposals for revising the boundaries of ambulance trusts from(a) the Welsh ambulance policy and advisory group and (b) Pembrokeshire NHS trust. [35225]

  Mr. Hague
  I have not received any formal proposals from either the Welsh ambulance policy and advisory group or the Pembrokeshire NHS trust.

  Ambulance Services
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will instigate a study into the costs and benefits of(a) single-handed and (b) double-handed ambulance crews providing first attendance at the sites of accidents and other emergencies; what representations he has received on the proposals to institute single-handed response systems; how it relates to (i) Orcon and (ii) other standards; and if he will make a statement. [35227]

  Mr. Hague
  The Department of Health has set up a group to review ambulance performance standards. The group's recommendations are expected to address methods of response, and I will be taking advice on the implications of these recommendations for Wales in due course.
  421
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what guidelines he has issued to health service units in Wales in relation to the benefits aligning ambulance trust boundaries with(a) the new health authority boundaries and (b) the other emergency services' boundaries; and if he will make a statement. [35228]

  Mr. Hague
  None.

  NHS Efficiency Savings
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has received from(a) health authorities and (b) trusts concerning the departmental efficiency savings required from them during the 1996–97 financial year. [35229]

  Mr. Hague
  A number of health authority and NHS trust chairmen and chief executives have expressed some concern at the ability of their organisations to continue to deliver efficiency improvements of 3 per cent. a year.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy
  Sir Cranley Onslow
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he has taken to ensure that beef for human consumption imported into the United Kingdom from EC countries conforms to the same standards as beef processed by abattoirs in the United Kingdom in respect of precautions against BSE. [31008]

  Mrs. Browning
  All fresh meat imported into the UK from other member states or third countries must have been produced in accordance with harmonised Community rules laid down in Council directive 64/433/EC.

  The Beef (Emergency Control) Order 1996, as amended, prohibits the sale for human consumption of all bovine meat derived from bovines which, at the time of slaughter, were more than 30 months old. This measure applies to all bovines slaughtered after the commencement of the order, whether in the UK or overseas, other than those born, reared and slaughtered in those third countries specifically excluded by the order listed in the schedule to the No. 2 amendment order. The list of countries is confined to those where the Government are satisfied there is no history of BSE and public health rules do not prohibit imports.

  The third countries exempted are from the order are:

  Argentina

  Australia

  Botswana

  Brazil

  Mauritius

  Namibia

  New Zealand

  Paraguay

  Poland

  South Africa

  Swaziland

  Uruguay

  422

  United States of America

  Zimbabwe

  As regards bovines less than 30 months of age, a number of countries with BSE have introduced controls requiring the removal of specified bovine offals. We continue to keep the position under review.

  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has made of the total net cost to the Exchequer of the current BSE eradication scheme in the United Kingdom, with particular reference to the effect on the United Kingdom rebate, for(a) 1996–97, (b) 1997–98, (c) 1998–99 and (d) thereafter. [35330]

  Mrs. Browning
  The latest available estimate of the total cost of BSE measures taken in the UK in 1996–97 is £1,037 million. In 1997–98 the cost is estimated to be £748 million and in 1998–99 £685 million.

  Estimates for costs in 1999–2000 and subsequent years are not yet available.

  After taking account of the net contribution from the EC and the reduction in our abatement, the costs of these measures to the UK taxpayer will be around £2 billion over the three-year period 1996 to 1999.

  These costs take account of the measures covering compensation for cattle over 30 months, the new calf slaughter premium, the package of aid for renderers and the abattoir and cutting industries and additional running costs for the agricultural departments.

  They do not include any estimate for the normal operation of market support measures or for any additional costs arising from the "accelerated slaughter" of cattle particularly at risk of developing BSE, for which precise estimates are not yet available.

  Meat and Bone Meal Fertilisers
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has made of the quantity of mammalian meat and bone meal fertilisers spread on land since August 1988. [31196]

  Mrs. Browning
  The information is not collected centrally. An industry estimate of the quantity of mammalian meat and bone meal fertilisers used is 4,000 tonnes per year, of which 10 per cent. was spread on agricultural land.

  Dairy Cows
  Mr. Cann
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what reports he has received that dairy cows older than 30 months are being auctioned at markets for sums less than the Government slaughter compensation price, with particular reference to Holsworthy in north Devon. [33118]

  Mr. Baldry
  Compensation is paid by the Intervention Board to approved collection centres, which may be abattoirs or liveweight markets, when eligible animals are presented for slaughter at designated abattoirs. The scheme rules do not prevent producers from selling their animals at agreed prices below the compensation rate and I am aware that some have done so.
  423

  Listeria
  Mr. Callaghan
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will conduct an inquiry into listeria contamination of milk. [35060]

  Mrs. Browning
  I know of no grounds for such an inquiry. Proper heat treatment effectively destroys any listeria contamination in raw milk and the vast majority of milk undergoes a heat treatment. In addition, there are strict hygiene controls on production and processing of milk under the Dairy Products (Hygiene) Regulations 1995.

  Packaging Waste
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent discussions he has had with the British Agrochemicals Association concerning the implementation of the packaging and packaging waste directive (94/92/EC). [34740]

  Mr. Clappison
  I have been asked to reply.

  None. I intend to publish shortly a consultation paper on our proposals in this area and to send copies to business organisations, including the British Agrochemicals Association.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Iraq and Iran
  Mr. Parry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what actions Her Majesty's Government have taken in respect of missing(a) Kuwaiti and Iranian prisoners of war in Iraq and (b) Iraqi prisoners of war in Iran; and if he will make a statement. [34030]

  Mr. Hanley
  We urge Iraq and Iran to fulfil their obligations under the relevant UN resolutions covering prisoners of war and support the work of the International Committee of the Red Cross. At meetings of the ICRC's tripartite commission and its technical sub-committee, we have repeatedly pressed the Iraqis about their failure to account for the Kuwaiti and other nationals detained in Iraq after the Gulf war and still unaccounted for.

  Immigration
  Mr. Madden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what decision was taken on applications made to the British post in Islamabad by Tahira Jabeen, Fazal ur Rahman Hussain and Noor ur Rahman Hussain, Ref: Con/5267, for British passports; on what date the applications were made; on what date the Home Office in London was asked to make inquiries in the United Kingdom; on what date he received information about those inquiries; and if he will make a statement. [35232]

  Mr. Hanley
  No decision has been taken on the passport applications made by Tahira Jabeen, Fazal ur Rahman Hussain and Noor ur Rahman Hussain, to the British high commission in Islamabad. The three applications remain under consideration:

  The applications were made on 13 December 1994 and the applicants interviewed on 2 October 1995.
  424
  Inquiries were made of the Home Office on 3 October 1995 and a response was received on 19 November 1995.

  Visa Applications
  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many applications for the issue of visas to Russian citizens to visit the United Kingdom were received by the British embassy in Moscow and the consulate in St. Petersburg, in each year from 1991 to 1994 and in the current year to date. [35235]

  Mr. Hanley
  Applications for United Kingdom visas received by the British embassy in Moscow and the British consulate general in St. Petersburg from 1991 to the present date were:

  Moscow

  St. Petersburg

  1991

  57,834

  Nil

  1992

  50,303

  Nil

  1993

  61,367

  1,429

  1994

  86,661

  16,658

  1995

  95,850

  18,059

  1996

  40,974

  3,903

  The 1996 figures for Moscow are correct as at 31 May 1996, and for St. Petersburg as at 31 March 1996. St. Petersburg started its entry clearance operation on 17 November 1993.

  Kashmir
  Mr. Madden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of(a) the extent to which the elections held in Kashmir during May were properly conducted and were free and fair and (b) the accuracy of the official estimates of turnouts; and if he will make a statement. [35032]

  Mr. Hanley
  [holding answer 1 July 1996]: Given the complex conditions in the Kashmir valley, we are not in a position to make a clear-cut evaluation of the conduct of the elections, or to say we agree or disagree with the official estimates of turnouts.

ATTORNEY-GENERAL

  Appeal Court
  Mr. William O'Brien
  To ask the Attorney-General (1) how many cases referred to the Court of Appeal for sentence review in the last five years had the sentences(a) increased and (b) reduced; and if he will make a statement; [35311]

  (2) how many sentences were referred to the Appeal Court for review in the last five years. [35351]

  The Attorney-General
  During the last five years 232 cases were referred to the Court of Appeal in England and Wales and 10 in Northern Ireland. Twelve were subsequently withdrawn in England and Wales and one in Northern Ireland. To date, 200 of those cases have been heard by the Court of Appeal. Sentence has increased in 172 cases out of 200 or 86 per cent. No case resulted in a reduced sentence.
  425

PRIME MINISTER

  Group of Seven Summit
  Mr. Peter Atkinson
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the outcome of the G7 summit at Lyon. [35352]

  The Prime Minister
  I attended the Lyon summit on 27 to 29 June with my right hon. and learned Friends, the Foreign Secretary and the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

  I have placed in the Library of the House the communiqué, the chairman's statement and other statements and documents issued by the summit.

  The summit started with a discussion of economic matters among the G7. In President Yeltsin's absence, we were joined by the Russian Prime Minister, Mr. Chernomyrdin, for a discussion of wider international issues. After the formal conclusion of the summit, we held a meeting with the United Nations Secretary-General and the heads of the International Monetary Fund, World bank and World Trade Organisation to discuss the role of the international institutions, in particular on development.

  On the first evening we agreed and issued a declaration on terrorism, condemning the appalling attack in Dhahran and other recent terrorist outrages. We pledged ourselves to fight terrorism by all legal means and agreed that the relevant Ministers should meet in Paris in July to discuss further action. My right hon. and learned Friend the Home Secretary plans to lead the United Kingdom delegation.

  Discussion of the world economy demonstrated the extent to which the United Kingdom's economic policy agenda is now shared by all our partners in the G7. Although growth has slowed in some countries since last year, it is picking up again. Unemployment remains higher than many of us would wish, particularly in continental Europe, but we agreed that the way to bring it down was by liberalising labour markets and through other supply side measures. This is reflected in the communique's endorsement of the conclusions of the G7 meeting in Lille earlier this year to discuss employment issues.

  There was also consensus on the policies necessary to maintain international monetary stability. We endorsed the work done by Finance Ministers. Their report makes it clear that the key to stability is not management or fixing of exchange rates but sound domestic economic policies.

  In Halifax last year we agreed steps to make the international financial institutions more effective. Many have now been taken and we welcomed the enhancement of the IMF's surveillance capacities and the agreement to increase the resources currently available to it under the general arrangement to borrow.

  We recognised, however, the need to improve the co-operation between regulators of financial markets in the light of growth in the volume and speed of transactions. We agreed to study in more detail UK ideas for "lead regulators" of internationally active financial institutions. Officials will meet soon to discuss detailed proposals and Finance Ministers will report back to the Denver summit. We also agreed to co-operate more closely in combating financial crime.
  426
  We also reviewed progress in reforming the UN. Significant steps had been taken: 1,000 jobs have been cut, with high level posts reduced by 23 per cent.; these were 25 per cent. fewer staff than 10 years ago; and the 1996–97 budget incorporated a 10 per cent. cut in real terms. But much remains to be done and we agreed to review the situation at next year's summit. In particular, a rationalisation of the UN's role in development is necessary to avoid duplication and overlap between its various agencies.

  Under President Chirac's theme of globalisation, and with valuable contributions from the heads of the IMF, World bank and UN, we looked at the problems of poorer countries and how they could best be helped. In particular, we focused on the countries of sub-Saharan Africa.

  We agreed that in the long run no amount of aid would help unless these countries were willing to help themselves. Aid nevertheless has a crucial role to play, as long as it is effective. It must therefore continue to be conditional on sensible adjustment policies and good government. In particular, we agreed that bilateral donors should reinforce the international financial institutions' efforts to discourage unproductive expenditure by modifying their own aid and export credit policies. Aid should also be targeted at the poorest and focused on basic human needs such as health and education.

  Following up initiatives originally launched by the UK, including ideas floated in 1994 in Valetta, the summit endorsed further steps to offer a number of highly indebted poor countries an exit from their unsustainable debt burdens. The IMF will offer more concessional lending from the enhanced structural adjustment facility, to be funded primarily by optimising the management of the IMF's own reserves. The World bank has offered to contribute in the order of $2 billion from its own resources to this initiative. We called on bilateral creditors to improve on the existing Naples terms which allow remission of up to 67 per cent. on a country's debts.

  In discussion of trade, we reaffirmed our desire for further liberalisation on the agenda for the forthcoming meeting of World Trade Organisation Trade Ministers in Singapore, including new tariff initiatives. Many of us made clear to President Clinton our deep concern at recent US legislation of a extraterritorial nature relating to Cuba. Unilateral measures of this kind are a serious threat to an open world training system.

  We discussed a wide range of global and political issues with Prime Minister Chernomyrdin. He briefed us on the prospects for the second round of the presidential elections in Russia. We welcomed the progress made on nuclear safety and security at the Moscow summit last April, and urged all countries to examine closely the 40 recommendations on combating transnational organised crime drawn up by our experts following the remit we gave them in Halifax.

  There was considerable discussion of environmental issues. We agreed it was essential to maintain the impetus following from Rio and to play a positive role in the UN General Assembly's special session on the environment next June.

  In pursuing non-proliferation, we affirmed our undertaking to conclude a comprehensive test ban treaty

  427
  by the start of the next session of the UN General Assembly. We also called on all states to make every effort to secure a global ban on the proliferation and indiscriminate use of anti-personnel land mines, and welcomed the bans already adopted by some countries, including the UK, on the production, use and export of these weapons.

  A separate declaration was issued on Bosnia and Herzegovina which emphasised that the prime responsibility for implementations of the Dayton agreement lies with the different communities and their leaders, and underlined the importance of the elections due to take place on 14 September. These should take place on time, in free and fair conditions. We also made clear our insistence that Karadzic step down immediately and permanently from all public functions and take no part in governmental decisions. We reaffirmed the importance of all those indicted by the international war crimes tribunal appearing in The Hague for trial. We warned of the costs of non-compliance with Dayton in terms of sanctions and the availability of economic assistance. We also pledged our full support for Carl Bildt, the high representative, and for efforts to accelerate economic reconstruction in order to encourage co-operation and reconciliation between the different communities.

  Engagements
  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Tuesday 2 July. [34385]

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

  Ranjeet Matharu
  Mr. Butcher
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will order a review of the Crown prosecution papers on the case of the arrest of Ranjeet Matharu for the rape of a 19-year-old Swedish woman with a view to establishing how(a) the Crown Prosecution Service and (b) police procedures can be improved. [35101]

  The Attorney-General
  I have been asked to reply.

  No review is possible of the case to which my hon. Friend refers because it arose in 1988–89 and in accordance with Crown Prosecution Service procedures the file would have been destroyed three years thereafter. It is the recollection of the police officer concerned with the case that lack of corroboration, which at that date required a specific warning to the jury, was an important factor on the decision not to proceed with charges of rape and buggery. The Government have since implemented in section 32 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 the recommendation of the royal commission on criminal justice that the rule that juries should be warned of the danger of convicting without corroboration in sexual offences should be abolished.
  428

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Deregulation
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many statutory measures his Department introduced in(a) 1994, (b) 1995 and (c) between 1 January 1996 and 1 May 1996 which had the effect of repealing one or more previous statutory instruments without replacing them with a new regulation. [35030]

  Mr. Ancram
  [holding answer 1 July 1996]: This information is not available in the form requested. However, a list of regulations that have been repealed or amended was placed in the House Library by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on 8 May.

SCOTLAND

  Public Interest Immunity Certificates
  Mr. Galbraith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Strathkelvin and Bearsden, 17 May,Official Report, column 620, if he will give for each public interest immunity certificate the legal event which led to its being issued; and which of the certificates is currently in force. [34824]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The four public interest immunity certificates signed by the then Secretary of State for Transport and the one public interest immunity certificate signed by the then Home Secretary in relation to the fatal accident inquiry were prepared in relation to matters or documents which it was considered should not, in the public interest, be the subject of evidence during that inquiry. Those certificates were signed for the purpose of the fatal accident inquiry. In the event, none of these certificates was relied upon and the inquiry concluded in February 1991 without any of those certificates having been produced in response to any line of questioning.

  The two certificates signed in April 1992 by the then Secretary of State for Transport and the one certificate signed by the then Lord Advocate related to the taking of evidence from Dr. Thomas Hayes under a letter of request issued in civil actions then being pursued in the United States. One of these certificates was withdrawn in May 1992 by the then Secretary of State for Transport because the matters to which it related had entered into the public domain by virtue of disclosures made in the United States from official sources. The two remaining certificates did not require to be deployed because the High Court in England ruled that it was not competent to take evidence from a former Crown servant in that capacity under the Evidence (Proceedings in Other Jurisdictions) Act 1975.

  The final certificate signed in May 1992 by the then Lord Advocate related to the taking of evidence from a journalist under a letter of request issued in the aforementioned United States civil actions. This certificate also did not require to be deployed because the matter was referred to the High Court tin England but did not proceed to a hearing and the matter was not pursued by the parties to the United States actions.
  429
  Accordingly, all proceedings, in respect of which these certificates were signed, have been concluded.

  Learning Disabilities (Residential Care)
  Mr. Galbraith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his Department's policy regarding residential and village communities for people with learning disabilities; what research he has commissioned to evaluate such facilities; and if he will make a statement. [34826]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Residential and village communities are one of a range of residential options available for people with learning disabilities. Decisions on which of these is most appropriate should be taken on an individual basis. However, we await with interest the results of an evaluation of the various types of residential accommodation for people with learning disabilities which has been commissioned by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health.

  European Funding
  Mr. Charles Kennedy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on progress in respect of the Barmac N166 site objective 1 application. [34834]

  Mr. Kynoch
  The approval of the European Commission is required under the terms of the seventh shipbuilding directive for public investment in Barmac's project, as it is presently constituted.

  Since February, there have been a number of discussions and meetings between the company, officials of the Scottish Office and of the Department of Trade and Industry's shipbuilding unit and oil and gas projects supplies office. An informal meeting was held on 13 June between United Kingdom officials and the European Commission's Directorate General IV responsible for interpreting and enforcing the seventh shipbuilding directive, at which the Commission asked for clarification of certain issues before approval of the grant could be considered.

  Overhead Electricity Lines
  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he intends to make a decision on the application under the Electricity Act 1989 for necessary wayleave to keep installed an overhead line across land at Dalespot, St. Ola, Orkney; and if he will make a statement. [35268]

  Mr. Kynoch
  My right hon. Friend expects to announce his decision on Hydro-Electric's application for a wayleave to keep installed an overhead electricity line at Dalespot, St. Ola, Orkney shortly.

  Cattle Slaughter
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Scotland if he will list the locations his Department is(a) using and (b) considering using for the storage of the remains of cattle aged 30 months or over following processing of carcases at rendering plants prior to final
  430
  disposal; what is the estimated (i) maximum and (ii) minimum periods these remains will be at these storage sites; and if he will make a statement. [31550]

  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  [holding answer 17 June 1996]: The rendered remains of cattle slaughtered in Scotland under the 30-month scheme are either stored on site by the rendering company concerned or at a storage facility in Liverpool provided by the Intervention Board for this purpose.

  Other locations will be considered if, and when, additional storage facilities are required. As announced by my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on 16 April, a number of options for the disposal of meat and bone meal produced at plants are under active consideration and in all cases full weight will be given to protecting the environment. The options include incineration and energy recovery. The period of storage will vary between stores and will be dependent upon the final disposal route chosen.

  Animal Welfare
  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list by group, division or other work unit the number of grades of staff working within his Department on animal welfare issues. [34298]

  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  [holding answer 25 June 1996]: The main responsibility for animal welfare matters rests within the animal health and welfare branch of the Scottish Office Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries Department. The Department also provides administrative support to the state veterinary service in Scotland. Current posts with a direct involvement are as follows:

  Number

  Senior Civil Service

  1.0

  Grade 7

  1.0

  HEO

  1.0

  EO

  6.5

  AO

  10.0

  AA

  20.0

  Personal Secretary/Typists

  6.0

  This does not include other officers, for example, more senior officers, lawyers, press officers and others, who may occasionally spend some of their time on animal welfare matters.

  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the animal welfare issues for which his Department has responsibility. [34296]

  Mr. Robertson
  [holding answer 25 June 1996]: The Department is responsible for all animal welfare issues as they apply to Scotland. This includes all aspects of farm livestock; domestic, captive and wild animals; zoo animals; and the ban on certain methods of killing or taking of birds and wild animals.

  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list(a) United Kingdom legislation, (b) EU legislation and (c) international treaties, conventions or other obligations concerning animal welfare for which his Department has responsibility. [34297]
  431
  Mr. Robertson
  [holding answer 25 June 1996]: The information requested is as follows:

  DOMESTIC LEGISLATION

  Welfare of Animals on Farm

  Docking and Nicking of Horses Act 1949 (Ch. 70);

  The Protection of Animals (Anaesthetics) Act 1954 and 1964 (Ch. 46 and Ch. 39);

  Veterinary Surgery (Exemptions) Order 1962 (SI 1962 No. 2557);

  Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 (1966 Ch. 36);

  Agriculture (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1968 (1968 Ch 34);

  Veterinary Surgery (Exemptions) Order 1973 (SI 1973 No. 308);

  The Docking of Pigs (Use of Anaesthetics) Order 1974 (SI 1974 No. 798);

  The Welfare of Livestock Deer Order 1980 (SI 1980 No. 593);

  The Removal of Antlers in Velvet (Anaesthetics) Order 1980 (SI 1980 No. 685);

  The Welfare of Livestock (Prohibited Operations) Regulations 1982 (SI 1982 No. 1884);

  The Protection of Animals (Anaesthetics) (Amendment) Order 1982 (1982 No. 1626);

  Veterinary Surgery (Exemptions) (Amendment) Order 1982 (SI 1982 No. 1627);

  The Welfare of Livestock (Prohibited Operations) (Amendment) Regulations 1987 (SI 1987 No. 114);

  Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 (Schedule 3 Amendment) Order 1988 (SI 1988 No. 526;

  Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 (Schedule 3 Amendment) Order 1991 (51 1991 No. 1412;

  The Welfare of Livestock Regulations 1994 (SI 1994 No. 2126).

  Welfare of Animals at Market

  The Welfare of Animals at Markets Order 1990 (SI 1990 No. 2628);

  The Welfare of Animals at Markets (Amendment) Order 1993 (SI 1993 No. 3085);

  The Welfare of Horses at Markets (and Other Places of Sale) Order 1990 (SI 1990 No. 2627).

  Welfare of Animals During Transport

  The Transit of Animals Order 1927 (SI 1927 No. 289);

  The Transit of Animals (Amendment) Order 1927 (SI 1927 No. 399);

  The Animals (Sea Transport) Amendment Order 1930 (SI 1930 No. 923);

  The Transit of Animals (Amendment) Order 1931 (SI 1931 No. 750);

  The Transit of Animals (Sea Transport) (Amendment) Order 1932 (SI 1932 No. 4984);

  The Transit of Animals (Amendment) Order 1939 (SI 1939 No. 5842);

  The Horses (Sea Transport) Order (SI 1952 No. 1291);

  The Horses (Sea Transport) Order 1958 (SI 1958 No. 1272);

  The Export of Horses (Veterinary Examination) Order 1966 (SI 1966 No. 507);

  The Export of Horses (Excepted Cases) Order 1969 (SI 1969 No. 1742);

  The Export of Horses (Protection) Order 1969 (SI 1969 No. 1784);

  The Transit of Animals (General) Order 1973 (SI 1973 No. 1377);

  The Transit of Animals (Road and Rail) Order 1975 (SI 1975 No. 1024);

  The Importation of Animals Order 1977 (SI 1977 No. 944);

  The Export of Horses and Ponies (Increase in Minimum Values) Order 1978 (SI 1978 No. 1748);

  432

  The Transit of Animals (Road and Rail) (Amendment) Order 1979 (SI 1979 No. 1013);

  The Export of Animals (Protection) Order 1981 (SI 1981 No. 1051);

  The Transit of Animals (Amendment) Order 1988 (SI 1988 No. 815);

  The Welfare of Poultry (Transport) (Amendment) Order 1989 (SI 1989 No. 52);

  The Welfare of Animals During Transport Order 1994 (SI 1994 No. 3249);

  The Welfare of Animals During Transport (Amendment) Order 1995 (SI 1995 No. 131).

  Welfare of Animals at Slaughter

  The Welfare of Animals (Slaughter or Killing) Regulations 1995 (SI 1995 No. 731).

  Other Legislation which have Welfare Implications

  The Animals (Miscellaneous Provisions) Order 1927 (SI 1927 No. 290);

  The Animals (Miscellaneous Provisions) Order 1938 (SI 1933 No. 5674);

  Agricultural (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 (Ch. 55);

  Animal Health Act 1981 (Ch. 22);

  Animal Health Act 1981 (Amendment) Regulations 1992 (SI 1992 No. 3293);

  Protection of Animals (Scotland) Act 1912 (as amended);

  Performing Animals (Regulation) Act 1925;

  Protection of Animals Act 1934;

  Pet Animals Act 1951 (as amended);

  Cockfighting Act 1952;

  Abandonment of Animals Act 1960;

  Animals (Cruel Poisons) Act 1962;

  Animal Boarding Establishments Act 1963;

  Riding Establishments Acts 1964 and 1970;

  Conservation of Seals Act 1970;

  Breeding of Dogs Acts 1973 and 1991;

  Farriers (Registration) Acts 1975 and 1977;

  Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986;

  Protection Against Cruel Tethering Act 1988;

  Deer Act 1991;

  Protection of Badgers Act 1992;

  Wild Mammals (Protection) Act 1996;

  Game (Scotland) Acts 1772 and 1832;

  Night Poaching Acts 1828 and 1844;

  Hares (Scotland) Act 1848;

  Games Licences Act 1860;

  Poaching Prevention Act 1862;

  Ground Game Act 1880 (as amended);

  Hares Preservation Act 1892;

  Dangerous Dogs Acts 1989 and 1991;

  Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976.

  EC LEGISLATION

  EC Directive 88/166 Laying Down Minimum Standards for the Protection of Laying Hens Kept in Battery Cages;

  EC Directive 91/628 on the Protection of Animals During Transport;

  EC Directive 91/629 Laying Down Minimum Standards for the Protection of Calves;

  EC Directive 91/630 Laying Down Minimum Standards for the Protection of Pigs;

  EC Directive 93/119 on the Protection of Animals at the Time of Slaughter or Killing;

  EC Directive 95/29 Amending EC Directive 91/628 on the Protection of Animals During Transport;

  433

  EC Directive 86/609 on the Approximation of Laws, Regulations and Administrative Provisions of the Member States Regarding the Protection of Animals Used for Experimental and Other Scientific Purposes (and subsequent amendments).

  EUROPEAN CONVENTIONS

  European Convention for the Protection of Animals Kept for Farming Purposes;

  European Convention for the Protection of Animals During International Transport;

  European Convention for the Protection of Animals for Slaughter;

  European Convention for the Protection of Vertebrate Animals used for Experimental and Other Scientific Purposes;

  European Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals.

  National Lottery
  Sir Hector Monro
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what are his plans for the development of policy on the distribution of lottery proceeds. [35631]

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  I am writing today to the chairmen of the Scottish lottery distributing bodies to consult them on a change to the policy directions issued to the Scottish Arts Council under section 26(1) of the National Lottery etc. Act 1993. This would allow an amount of revenue funding to help arts organisations gain long-term financial viability, in a way which would not substitute for existing grant in aid.

  The programme would aim to help arts organisations consider and in some cases change their objectives and the markets within which they operate; inject new creative,
  434
  technical and managerial skills into the organisations to help them achieve their objectives; provide balance sheet stability; and deliver better value for money.

  The consultation which I have launched will last until 23 August. I will then consider the responses to the consultation process, with a view to announcing any change to the directions as soon as possible.

LORD PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL

  Lincolnshire Councils
  Mr. Michael Brown
  To ask the Lord President of the Council when borough status will be awarded to the North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire councils. [33954]

  Mr. Newton
  Subject to the resolution of certain outstanding issues, it is hoped that the petitions for the grant of charters conferring borough status on the North East Lincolnshire and North Lincolnshire district councils can be submitted to Her Majesty the Queen later this month.

  Ministerial Visits
  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the Lord President of the Council if he will list the constituencies he has visited in the past three months on official business and the constituencies he intends to visit in the next three months; and if he will make a statement. [34359]

  Mr. Newton
  On 5 April I visited the Merton drug action team, which covers my hon. Friends' constituencies of Mitcham and Morden and of Wimbledon. I have no plans to visit other hon. Members' constituencies on official business in the next three months.

  Nuclear Weapon Free Zones
  Nuclear Weapon Free Zones
  BBC World Service
  BBC World Service
  Contaminated Land: Capital Grants to Local Authorities
  Contaminated Land: Capital Grants to Local Authorities
  Residential Provision for People with Learning Disabilities
  Residential Provision for People with Learning Disabilities
  CJD in Young People
  CJD in Young People
  Legal Aid System Reform Proposals
  Legal Aid System Reform Proposals
  Cancer Incidence in the Farming Community
  Cancer Incidence in the Farming Community
  Veterinary Laboratories Agency: Targets
  Veterinary Laboratories Agency: Targets
  BSE: Scientific Consensus
  BSE: Scientific Consensus
  BSE Agent
  BSE Agent
  Compound Animal Foodstuffs: Ingredient Listing
  Compound Animal Foodstuffs: Ingredient Listing
  Civil Protection Council, 23rd May
  Civil Protection Council, 23rd May
  Chief Inspector of Prisons
  Chief Inspector of Prisons
  Mr. John Callaghan
  Mr. John Callaghan
  Lottery Proceeds: Distribution Policy
  Lottery Proceeds: Distribution Policy
  MoD Property Disposals
  MoD Property Disposals
  G7 Summit, 27th-29th June
  G7 Summit, 27th-29th June