Written Answers of 3 July 1996

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Civil Servants (Duties Abroad)
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much his Department spent during the financial years 1994–95 and 1995–96 on sending civil servants accompanying Ministers from his Department on official duties abroad. [32411]

  Mr. Howard
  The readily available records do not list the officials who accompanied Ministers on overseas visits during the period in question and this information cannot be provided without incurring disproportionate costs. The available information on costs of accompanying officials is as follows:

  1994–95: £23,249 (grade 2s and private secretaries)

  1995–96: £28,753 (private secretaries)

  Prisoners' Records
  Mr. Cann
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he has taken since March to ensure that the Prison Service has in place by the end of 1996 a database whereby the medical records of sentenced and remand prisoners follow the prisoner and are accessible to all those staff involved in the penal system. [34604]

  Miss Widdecombe
  The Prison Service is committed to introducing a computerised system for tracking medical records of the kind recommended in the report of the independent inquiry into the case of Jason Mitchell. Since March, 44 prisons have begun to introduce systems of this kind. Completion of this work will extend beyond October 1996 and will be dependent upon the availability of resources.

  Prison Incidents
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the dates, number and types of incidents involved reported to the Prison Service since 1 January in relation to(a) the Wolds prison and (b) Doncaster prison. [35011]

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

  Letter from Richard Tilt to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 3 July 1996:
  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question asking to list the dates, number and types of incidents involved reported to the Prison Service since 1 January in relation to (a) the Wolds prison and (b) Doncaster prison.
  The information requested to 22 June 1996 is shown in the attached tables.
  436

  Table A: HMP Wolds

  Date

  Incident type

  2 January 1996

  Fire

  7 January 1996

  Assault

  7 January 1996

  Assault

  9 January 1996

  Miscellaneous

  9 January 1996

  Tool loss

  12 January 1996

  Temporary release failure

  13 January 1996

  Assault

  13 January 1996

  Suicide

  19 January 1996

  Assault

  23 January 1996

  Assault

  27 January 1996

  Miscellaneous

  20 January 1996

  Death

  31 January 1996

  Self harm

  1 February 1996

  Self harm

  1 February 1996

  Temporary release failure

  5 February 1996

  Assault

  15 February 1996

  Assault

  15 February 1996

  Assault

  18 February 1996

  Assault

  24 February 1996

  Miscellaneous

  28 February 1996

  Miscellaneous

  29 February 1996

  Miscellaneous

  29 February 1996

  Fire

  3 March 1996

  Assault

  8 March 1996

  Miscellaneous

  15 March 1996

  Assault

  16 March 1996

  Self harm

  17 March 1996

  Assault

  19 March 1996

  Assault

  21 March 1996

  Self harm

  4 April 1996

  Miscellaneous

  9 April 1996

  Assault

  9 April 1996

  Assault

  10 April 1996

  Assault

  11 April 1996

  Assault

  12 April 1996

  Assault

  14 April 1996

  Assault

  16 April 1996

  Self harm

  17 April 1996

  Assault

  20 April 1996

  Assault

  20 April 1996

  Fire

  2 May 1996

  Assault

  2 May 1996

  Temporary release failure

  6 May 1996

  Assault

  7 May 1996

  Fire

  7 May 1996

  Assault

  18 May 1996

  Assault

  27 May 1996

  Miscellaneous

  29 May 1996

  Miscellaneous

  30 May 1996

  Assault

  7 June 1996

  Miscellaneous

  Totals

  Assaults: 26

  Self harm: 5

  Death: 1

  Fire: 4

  Miscellaneous: 10

  Suicide: 1

  Tool loss: 1

  TRF:3

  In addition, there were 85 reported incidents of Drug/Drug Implement finds at HMP Wolds giving a total of 136 incidents.

  Table B: HMP Doncaster

  Date

  Incident type

  1 January 1996

  Assault

  1 January 1996

  Assault

  2 January 1996

  Assault

  4 January 1996

  Assault

  5 January 1996

  Assault

  437

  Table B: HMP Doncaster

  Date

  Incident type

  6 January 1996

  Assault

  8 January 1996

  Self harm

  8 January 1996

  Fire

  9 January 1996

  Assault

  11 January 1996

  Assault

  12 January 1996

  Assault

  14 January 1996

  Assault

  16 January 1996

  Assault

  17 January 1996

  Fire

  21 January 1996

  Self harm

  23 January 1996

  Assault

  23 January 1996

  Assault

  23 January 1996

  Assault

  24 January 1996

  Miscellaneous

  27 January 1996

  Self harm

  28 January 1996

  Assault

  28 January 1996

  Self harm

  28 January 1996

  Self harm

  29 January 1996

  Assault

  31 January 1996

  Assault

  1 February 1996

  Assault

  1 February 1996

  Assault

  1 February 1996

  Assault

  1 February 1996

  Assault

  2 February 1996

  Self harm

  7 February 1996

  Assault

  9 February 1996

  Self harm

  11 February 1996

  Assault

  12 February 1996

  Assault

  15 February 1996

  Assault

  16 February 1996

  Assault

  20 February 1996

  Assault

  23 February 1996

  Assault

  28 February 1996

  Assault

  2 March 1996

  Assault

  4 March 1996

  Assault

  8 March 1996

  Assault

  13 March 1996

  Assault

  14 March 1996

  Assault

  17 March 1996

  Assault

  21 March 1996

  Assault

  24 March 1996

  Assault

  27 March 1996

  Assault

  28 March 1996

  Assault

  30 March 1996

  Assault

  31 March 1996

  Assault

  31 March 1996

  Assault

  2 April 1996

  Assault

  4 April 1996

  Assault

  6 April 1996

  Assault

  8 April 1996

  Assault

  14 April 1996

  Assault

  14 April 1996

  Assault

  14 April 1996

  Assault

  17 April 1996

  Food refusal

  19 April 1996

  Assault

  19 April 1996

  Assault

  20 April 1996

  Assault

  20 April 1996

  Assault

  21 April 1996

  Assault

  24 April 1996

  Assault

  28 April 1996

  Assault

  29 April 1996

  Fire

  30 April 1996

  Food refusal

  30 April 1996

  Fire

  1 May 1996

  Assault

  2 May 1996

  Assault

  2 May 1996

  Assault

  3 May 1996

  Assault

  5 May 1996

  Assault

  7 May 1996

  Assault

  10 May 1996

  Assault

  10 May 1996

  Assault

  438

  Table B: HMP Doncaster

  Date

  Incident type

  12 May 1996

  Assault

  15 May 1996

  Assault

  16 May 1996

  Suicide

  16 May 1996

  Assault

  29 May 1996

  Assault

  1 June 1996

  Self harm

  9 June 1996

  Assault

  11 June 1996

  Assault

  11 June 1996

  Assault

  12 June 1996

  Assault

  12 June 1996

  Assault

  12 June 1996

  Assault

  13 June 1996

  Assault

  14 June 1996

  Assault

  14 June 1996

  Fire

  17 June 1996

  Assault

  Totals

  Assaults: 77

  Self harm: 8

  Fire: 5

  Food refusal: 2

  Miscellaneous: 1

  Suicide: 1

  In addition, there were 252 reported incidents of Drug/Drug Implement finds at HMP Doncaster giving a total of 346 incidents.

  Police Boxes
  Mr Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will re-introduce police boxes in England. [34997]

  Mr. Maclean
  This is an operational decision for chief officers of police. I have no plans to do so.

  Prisoners (Releases)
  Mr. Callaghan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners were discharged from prison without permanent accommodation in which to live during the last year for which figures are available. [35054]

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

  Letter from Richard Tilt to Mr. Jim Callaghan, dated 3 July 1996:

  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about the number of prisoners discharged from prison without permanent accommodation in which to live.

  The information is not collected and can be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Prisoners (Literacy)
  Mr. Straw
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what research he has(a) commissioned (b) evaluated on the level of literacy of young offenders in Prison Service establishments; [35022]

  (2) what research he has (a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on the level of literacy of (i) those receiving custodial sentences for the first time and (ii) the prison population as a whole. [35021]
  439
  Miss Widdecombe
  Responsibility for these matters has been delegated to the Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from Richard Tilt to Mr. Jack Straw, dated 3 July 1996:

  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Questions about research (a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on the level of literacy of offenders in Prison Service establishments.

  There is currently no research underway that we have commissioned on the levels of literacy of those receiving custodial sentence for the first time, on the level of literacy of young offenders, or on the prison population as a whole.

  The most recent published survey of offenders admitted to young offender establishments was conducted in 1985.

  The Prison Service has plans for a basic literacy screening test for all prisoners to be introduced as part of the planned national curriculum for prison education.

  Wolds Prison
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many prison officers have been seconded during the last 12 months to the Wolds prison; from what prison establishment they came; and if Her Majesty's inspectorate of prisons was informed of the seconded prison officers working at the Wolds prison when it visited the prison; [34971]

  (2) how many times during the last 12 months prison officers were required to work a double shift at the Wolds prison; and what was the reason for the requirement; [35007]

  (3) how many prison officers have been seconded during the last 12 months from the Wolds prison; to which prison establishments they went; and if Her Majesty's inspectorate of prisons was informed of the Wolds seconded prison officers when it visited the prison. [35013]

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

  Letter from Richard Tilt to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 3 July 1996:

  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Questions about staffing at Wolds prison.

  There is no record of any member of staff at Wolds prison working double shifts during the last 12 months, and no prison officers have been seconded to work at the Wolds prison since it became operational in April 1992.

  Four members of staff from the Wolds prison were on detached duty at Buckley Hall prison in April. They were deployed to support their colleagues at Buckley Hall following a disturbance and to offer advice about systems and procedures. There was no visit by Her Majesty's Inspector of Prisons to Buckley Hall prison at this time, and there has been no visit by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Prisons to Wolds prison over the last 12 months.

  Council of Ministers (Financial Convention)
  Mr. Clifton-Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to ratify the convention on the protection of financial interests of the Council of Ministers; and how this convention will be enforced. [34888]
  440
  Mr. Howard
  The European Union convention on the protection of the European Communities' financial interests cannot be ratified by the United Kingdom until part I of the Criminal Justice Act 1993, which extends the courts' jurisdiction over certain fraud and dishonesty offences where a significant element of the offence is committed within the United Kingdom, is in force. We are currently considering the practicalities of bringing part I into force and it is not at present possible to specify a date for ratification. For Scotland, some changes to primary legislation may also be required. The convention comes into force only after all 15 European Union member states have ratified it; none has so far done so. Enforcement will be a matter for the Council of Ministers.

  Dogs
  Mr. Gale
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he intends to give instructions for those dogs currently held by the Metropolitan police under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, and in respect of which charges have either been dropped or not brought, to be returned to their lawful owners. [35084]

  Mr. Sackville
  This is an operational matter for the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis.

  Prison Costs Review
  Mr. George Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the cost to public funds of the review of comparative costs and performance of privately and publicly operated prisons produced by Coopers and Lybrand; and from which budget these costs were met. [35133]

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

  Letter from Richard Tilt to Mr. George Howarth, dated 3 July 1996:
  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question asking what was the cost to public funds of the Review of Comparative Costs and Performance of Privately and Publicly Operated Prisons produced by Coopers and Lybrand: and from which budget these costs were met.
  The cost was £50,048 including VAT, which was met from the budget of the Director of Finance, which includes provision for research and consultancy.

  Next Steps Agencies
  Mr. George Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the rates of pay awarded by grade to employees in each of the next steps agencies under his Department's control. [35132]

  Mr. Howard
  Pay rates in the Prison Service, Forensic Science Service, United Kingdom Passport Agency and the Fire Service College are negotiated by them, and full details are not held centrally. Each chief executive will write to the hon. Member with the information requested.

  Prisons (Hepatitis)
  Mr. Gerrard
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps are being taken to minimise the spread of hepatitis B and C in prisons in England and Wales. [35441]
  441
  Miss Widdecombe
  Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from Richard Tilt to Mr. Neil Gerrard, dated 3 July 1996:

  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about steps being taken to minimise the spread of hepatitis B and C in prisons in England and Wales.

  Hepatitis is a notifiable disease and acute cases of hepatitis are notified to the Consultant in Communicable Disease Control who provides advice on the management of cases and of outbreaks.

  Multidisciplinary HIV teams set up in prison establishments are in the process of receiving further training to orientate them to the other communicable diseases which are important in the prison context. These teams are to be proactive in implementing communicable disease education and prevention programmes at a local level. HIV counsellors in prison are also receiving further training to orientate their skills to prevention of these other communicable diseases, including hepatitis.

  Mr. Gerrard
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners in England and Wales currently have hepatitis B or C. [35440]

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

  Letter from Richard Tilt to Mr. Neil Gerrard, dated 3 July 1996:
  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question on how many prisoners in England and Wales currently have cases of hepatitis B or C.
  Provisional figures from 126 establishments indicate that on the 31 April 1996 the following numbers of inmates were known to have hepatitis:

  Number

  Acute Heptatis B

  6

  Chronic Hepatitis B

  53

  Hepatitis B with surface antigen positive

  29

  Acute Hepatitis C

  24

  Chronic Hepatitis C

  153

  Video Evidence
  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will now implement the outstanding recommendations of the report of the advisory group on video evidence chaired by Judge Thomas Pigot. [35364]

  Mr. Maclean
  We have implemented the majority of the recommendations made by the advisory group on video evidence, but we are not persuaded that the proposals for pre-trial cross-examination are in the best interests of children. We will keep those recommendations and the proposal to extend the child evidence measures to vulnerable adult witnesses under review in the light of our further work to secure practical improvements in the present arrangements for children to give evidence.

  Race Relations
  Ms Estelle Morris
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received in relation to funding arrangements under section 11 of the Local Government Act 1966; and how many of these expressed concern at delay in announcing what future arrangements will be made. [35430]

  Mr. Kirkhope
  The detailed information requested is not readily available. We have, however, received a substantial number of representations in writing and by telephone.

  We hope to be able to make an announcement about future funding very shortly.

  Prisoners
  Mr. Tipping
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many(a) male and (b) female prisoners were held by the Prison Service on (i) 27 May 1993 and (ii) 27 May 1996. [35040]

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

  Letter from Richard Tilt to Mr. Paddy Tipping, dated 3 July 1996:
  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about the number of male and female prisoners being held by the Prison Service on (i) 27 May 1993 and (ii) 27 May 1996.
  On 31 May 1993, the nearest date to 27 May for which information is available, 42,091 male and 1,494 female prisoners were being held by the Prison Service: on 27 May 1996, 52,003 males and 2,203 females were being held.

HEALTH

  Mental Health
  Mr. Cann
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action he has taken to review the Mental Health Act 1983, with particular reference to the mental health review tribunal system. [34598]

  Mr. Bowis
  None where the Act is concerned.

  Mr. Cann
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action he has taken since March to inform mental health review tribunal members of the clinical outcomes for patients following discharge decisions. [34625]

  Mr. Bowis
  Mental health review tribunal regional chairmen monitor decisions made by tribunals in their regions and always review those where a serious offence has taken place shortly after discharge by a tribunal. In-depth research is shortly to commence into decision making and outcomes of tribunals.

  Alternative Therapies
  Mr. Callaghan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research he has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated into alternative therapies as a means of reducing the cost of the NHS. [35061]

  Mr. Horam
  We are aware of one such study, on manipulation for back pain.

  Hospital Building (Buckinghamshire)
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will update the list of hospital building

  Completed schemes

  Project/scheme

  Completed date

  Cost1(£)

  Updated cost(£)

  Amersham—Dermatology unit

  21 January 1994

  2,581,694

  3,207,215

  Amersham operating theatres

  21 June 1983

  1,333,653

  1,880,451

  Amersham phase 1

  22 July 1991

  6,193,487

  7,338,501

  Buckingham phase 1

  16 February 1990

  1,263,502

  1,583,589

  Milton Keynes DGH—end unit

  24 September 1992

  1,202,638

  1,437,050

  Milton Keynes DGH-OPD

  13 November 1989

  3,578,463

  4,294,156

  Milton Keynes DGH—phase 1

  12 September 1983

  15,638,544

  20,045,770

  Milton Keynes DGH—phase 2

  21 August 1991

  17,810,043

  21,372,052

  St. Johns EMI

  11 March 1991

  1,816,779

  1,849,573

  Stoke Mandeville—maternity

  5 May 1991

  6,030,648

  6,139,504

  Stoke Mandeville-OPD/hospice

  18 July 1989

  1,598,049

  1,959,347

  Stoke Mandeville—pathology

  5 May 1989

  1,545,574

  1,937,119

  Stoke Mandeville—X-ray

  10 July 1987

  1,287,006

  1,695,961

  Tindal MIO Development

  7 May 1991

  3,831,237

  3,485,190

  Tweed Drive-nursing home

  2 August 1988

  1,224,958

  1,216,332

  Wycombe pathology

  5 July 1985

  1,314,300

  1,807,964

  Wycombe X-ray extensions and alterations

  16 September 1994

  2,074,436

  2,554,546

  Milton Keynes—security unit phase 2

  14 February 1995

  1,918,847

  2,236,012

  Aylesbury Manor house rehabilitation unit

  30 June 1995

  1,520,819

  1,695,142

  Totals

  76,259,941

  90,933,949

  1 Includes construction costs, fees and equipment, information is not available centrally on total for schemes, for example VAT and land purchase costs are excluded.

  DGH=district general hospital.

  EMI=elderly mentally infirm.

  OPD=out-patients department.

  MI=mental illness.

  Planned schemes

  Project/Scheme

  Forecast completion date

  Estimated cost (£)

  Stoke Mandeville hospital redevelopment

  Being readvertised

  32,000,000

  Aylesbury Vale mental health intensive care unit

  April 1998

  1,800,000

  Amersham and High Wycombe redevelopment (South Bucks)

  April 1998

  38,000,000

  Total

  71,800,000

  Under construction

  Project/Scheme

  Forecast completion date

  Estimated cost (£)

  Stoke Mandeville hospital enabling works

  5 July 1996

  1,097,337

  Employment of Children
  Mr. Ian McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when the results of his consultation on laws governing the employment of children will be published; and if he will ensure that all submissions by those organisations consulted will be placed in the Library. [35252]

  Mr. Bowis
  We will announce our decisions in due course.
  444
  schemes in Buckinghamshire contained in his answer of 6 June 1995, Official Report, column 33–34; and if he will make a statement. [34944]

  Mr. Horam
  The information is shown in the tables.

  Consultant Posts (Advertising)
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 25 June,Official Report, column 86, if he will collect statistics on the number of NHS trusts which (a) have advertised and (b) plan to advertise outside the United Kingdom to recruit consultants in each specialty. [35317]

  Mr. Malone
  I have no such plans.

  Child Abuse Inquiries
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the total cost to public funds of(a) the inquiry into child abuse in Cleveland in 1987 and (b) the report by Lord Justice Butler-Sloss. [35129]

  Mr. Bowis
  [holding answer 1 July 1996]: The total expenditure incurred by the Department of Health in respect of the Cleveland inquiry, including the report by Lord Justice Butler-Sloss, was about £1.25 million.

ENVIRONMENT

  Local Government (Building Control)
  Mr. William O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he has made of the levels of competition in building control practices in local government; and if he will make a statement. [35074]
  445
  Mr. Clappison
  My right hon. Friend's views are reflected in the Department of the Environment circular 1/96, which was issued on 25 March 1996. As is made clear in the circular, it is recognised that it is just a small minority of local authorities whose practices warranted the issue of what is essentially a guide to good practice.

  Mr. O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what response he has received to his circular on local authority building control and related services, approved inspectors and uncompetitive practices; and if he intends to publish a report on the response. [35075]

  Mr. Clappison
  Since the circular was issued, a small number of letters has been received from local authorities. It is not intended to publish a report on the response.

  Mr. O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the effects of ceasing to charge VAT on building regulations on the work of local authority planning departments. [35076]

  Mr. Clappison
  It is not the case that local authorities no longer charge VAT on building regulation applications. They continue to charge VAT on the basis of whether or not the type of building work which is to be controlled under the Building Regulations 1991 is subject to competition by private approved inspectors. NHBC Building Control Services Ltd. is currently the only approved inspector. Following recent changes, it may now control developments containing dwellings of any height as well as those containing mixed uses, as prescribed in its approval. Local authorities therefore need to identify building control work which is subject to competition and to charge VAT on it if the applicant chooses to use the local authority's service. Work which is not the subject of competition by approved inspectors will continue not to be subject to VAT.

  Waste Management Planning Scheme
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement regarding the waste management planning scheme and how it affects the recycling of non-ferrous metals. [34681]

  Mr. Clappison
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave him yesterday, 2 July,Official Report, columns 398–99.

  Hospital Development, South Norfolk
  Mr. Garrett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, pursuant to his oral statement of 20 June,Official Report, columns 1011–13, on city centre development, if he will call in the proposed hospital development at Colney in the South Norfolk district. [34964]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  No. The adopted local plan makes specific provision for a new hospital at Colney. We consider that the local planning authority is best placed to decide the planning application and to impose any conditions it thinks necessary in the light of local concerns about accessibility.

  Marine Environment
  Ms Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what monitoring is undertaken by his 446
  Department of the effects of cumulative discharges to the marine environment from offshore oil and gas installations on marine wildlife and habitats; [35463]

  (2) what action is undertaken by his Department to ensure that cumulative discharges to the marine environment from offshore oil and gas installations do not damage marine wildlife and habitats. [35464]

  Mr. Clappison
  Most offshore oil installations are in Scottish waters. The Scottish Office marine laboratory carries out monitoring to assess the impact on the marine environment of discharges of oily water, oil contaminated drill cuttings and process chemicals. More generally, marine laboratories of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food maintain an extensive monitoring programme to identify any harmful effects of human activities on the marine environment. Information from both programmes is utilised by the Department of the Environment to assess the need for, and formulation of, national and international guidelines. Overall regulation of the offshore industry is by the Department of Trade and Industry.

  Ms Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he intends to publish guidance on the implementation of the global programme of action on the protection of the marine environment from land-based activities. [35465]

  Mr. Clappison
  The global programme of action for the protection of the marine environment from land-based activities reflects the approach already being adopted on this important issue throughout the United Kingdom, and by other estates in north-west Europe, in line with both North sea conference commitments and the requirements of the 1992 Paris convention—OSPAR. This provides a comprehensive framework for protection of the marine environment of the north-east Atlantic from both sea-based and land-based activities. The UK guidance note on the fourth North sea conference was published yesterday; I believe that the publication of further guidance is unnecessary at this stage.

  Ms Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what progress has been made in the last 12 months in respect of the commitments given in the fourth North sea declaration agreed in Esbjerg, Denmark; and if he will make a statement. [35467]

  Mr. Clappison
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given yesterday by my hon. Friend the Minister for Construction, Planning and Energy Efficiency to my hon. Friend the Member for Westbury (Mr. Faber)Official Report, column 400.

  Drinking Water
  Mr. Jacques Arnold
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when the sixth annual report of the drinking water inspectorate will be published. [35610]

  Mr. Gummer
  The drinking water inspectorate published its sixth annual report today. Once again, it shows that drinking water in England and Wales is of a very high quality. In 1995, 99.5 per cent. of the 3.2 million tests carried out by water companies on drinking water met the relevant standard, compared with 99.3 per cent. in 1994.
  447
  The report provides a detailed picture of water quality in England and Wales which has been tested against the stringent criteria of the water quality regulations, which incorporate the limits in the EC drinking water directive.

  The inspectorate also published today two leaflets for consumers. "How Good is Your Drinking Water?" summarises the main points of the report. "About Your Water Company" gives brief details of the quality of drinking water supplied by individual water companies.

  Copies of the report and leaflets have been placed in the Library of the House.

  Planning Guidance (New Settlements)
  Sir Peter Emery
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on his Department's planning guidance on the size of new settlements. [35834]

  Mr. Robert B. Jones
  The objective of planning policy is sustainable development. The planning guidance on new settlements contained in both PPG3 and PPG13 points out that a reasonable degree of self-containment, thereby avoiding reliance on the use of private cars, can often be a feature of larger settlements. The community's daily needs, such as employment, schooling and shopping, should mostly be available locally and within easy reach. Therefore, the location of such settlements should seek to maximise existing or potential public transport links.

  However, the context of new settlements is also important, and smaller settlements may form part of a wider network that offers benefits comparable to larger settlements. New settlements should therefore be designed to reflect local circumstances, including the patterns of towns and villages in an area. Smaller new settlements may be appropriate where they address both issues of context and sustainability.

  When we come to revise PPG13, we shall be making this clear. Meanwhile, the planning system will be operated to ensure that, should new settlements be proposed, the judgment will be made on the context and the need for sustainable development. In the right circumstances, this may well mean that the establishment of a small new community of even a few hundred may be the best answer.

  Sustainable Development
  Mr. Congdon
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when the Government intend to respond to the United Kingdom round table on sustainable development's first annual report. [35906]

  Mr. Gummer
  The Government have today formally published their response to the first annual report of the United Kingdom round table on sustainable development. Copies have been placed in the Library.

  The Government are encouraged by the progress the round table has made in its first year in exploring its method of working and in reviewing some major sectors of development.

  The Government hope that their response to the round table's report will contribute to the continuing informed debate about reconciling economic development and environmental protection and enhancement.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Lockerbie
  Mr. Galbraith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the proceedings before the International Court of Justice in respect of the opinions of the United Kingdom and Libya regarding the applicability of the Montreal convention, article 14, to the bombing of Pan Am 103 over Lockerbie. [35301]

  Sir Nicholas Bonsor
  The UK has entered preliminary objections which question the admissibility of the claims brought against it by Libya and the international court's jurisdiction to hear these claims. The court will decide on these preliminary objections in due course. Under the court's rules, the pleadings remain confidential, so it is not possible to reveal any further details.

  Nuclear Policy
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what are the implications for the United Kingdom's defence policy of United States co-operation in nuclear matters with(a) Russia, (b) China and (c) France. [35431]

  Mr. David Davis
  Bilateral co-operation between the United States and other countries is a matter for the Government concerned. The United Kingdom will continue to maintain very close co-operation with the United States across the range of defence matters.

  Indonesian Pilots
  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many visas have been granted to Indonesian pilots to visit the United Kingdom to receive training from the Royal Air Force in each year from 1990 to 1995 inclusive, and since 1 January 1996. [35421]

  Mr. Hanley
  Details of military assistance are confidential between Governments.

NATIONAL HERITAGE

  National Lottery Distribution Fund
  Dr. John Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage how much money is currently held in the national lottery distribution fund; and if the interest on that amount is taxed. [35327]

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  As at 30 June 1996, the balance in the national lottery distribution fund was £1,882,300. Interest on the balance is added to the sums available for the good causes. It is not taxed.

  Buckingham Palace
  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what the arrangements will be for opening Buckingham palace once the restoration of Windsor castle is completed. [35822]

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  The then Secretary of State announced to the House on 29 April 1993,Official Report, columns 514–15, that the Queen had decided to

  449
  open parts of Buckingham palace housing important items of the royal collection to the public and that income from admission charges would be given by the Royal Collection Trust towards the cost of restoring Windsor castle. The Government welcome the financial contribution which has been made towards the cost of the restoration of the fire damaged areas of Windsor castle. This has provided a considerable saving to the taxpayer. This arrangement will continue until the restoration is completed.

  The Royal Collection Trust announced today that the Queen has decided to extend the opening of Buckingham palace beyond 1998 and that the additional revenue will accrue to the Royal Collection Trust once the Windsor castle restoration is completed. The royal collection is held by the Queen in trust on behalf of the nation. It is one of the largest art collections in the world, yet receives no public funding.

  The Royal Collection Trust will use the income to improve the conservation, restoration, and presentation of this unique collection, while making a contribution towards the maintenance of the areas of Buckingham palace open to the public, thereby helping to offset the cost to the taxpayer.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Mental Health Review Tribunals
  Mr. Cann
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what action he has taken to ensure since March that the Lord Chancellor's list of potential medical members of mental health review tribunals includes psychologists. [34610]

  Mr. Streeter
  The Mental Health Act 1983 requires medical members to be registered medical practitioners. The Lord Chancellor will consider applications for lay membership from psychologists who have the appropriate experience in mental health issues.

  Public Inquiries
  Mr. Cann
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what action he has taken since March to emphasise the need for clarity and explicitness by authorities submitting documents to public inquiries. [34612]

  Mr. Streeter
  A press notice was issued on 26 February 1996 inviting comments on Sir Richard Scott's recommendations concerning the conduct of inquiries set up by Ministers to investigate matters of public concern. Following the consultation period, the Council on Tribunals has been asked to provide advice on all of the issues raised.

  Mr. Cann
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what action he has taken since March to ensure that non-statutory public inquiries set up by local or central government qualify for subpoena powers under Supreme Court Rules Order 38 Rule 19(1). [34613]

  Mr. Streeter
  The question of subpoena powers for such inquiries arose during our consultation on Sir Richard Scott's recommendations concerning inquiry 450
  procedures. The Council on Tribunals has been asked to provide advice on the issues raised, which the Lord Chancellor will consider once received.

TRANSPORT

  Motor Caravans
  Mr. Robert Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received regarding the categorisation of motor caravans as private heavy goods vehicles by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency. [33908]

  Mr. Norris
  In addition to the two questions which the hon. Member tabled recently,Official Report, 25 June columns 81–82, three hon. Members have written on behalf of caravan clubs and individuals and a further four letters have been received from these sources.

  Fissile Nuclear Materials (Transportation)
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what arrangements are to be put in place to seek multilateral approval for the transport of fissile nuclear materials as specified in paragraph 18 of the Radioactive Material (Road Transport) (Great Britain) Regulations 1996 (S.I., 1996, No. 1350). [34400]

  Mr. Norris
  The arrangements for obtaining Secretary of State approval for the UK part of international movements of fissile material have been in place for many years and were previously stated in the "Code of practice for the carriage of Radioactive materials by road" published by HMSO. These arrangements are now included in the Radioactive Material (Road Transport) (Great Britain) Regulations 1996.

  Maryport Harbour
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what funds have been allocated for dredging and general silt removal works in Maryport harbour(a) by his Department or (b) with the support of his Department by other agencies in each of the last three years. [35303]

  Mr. Norris
  None.

  Aircraft Cabin Baggage
  Mr. Galbraith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if recommendation 5(c) from his Department, reference AC/14/01 of 19 December 1988, remains in force; and if he will make a statement. [35302]

  Mr. Norris
  No. All passengers and their cabin baggage entering an airport restricted zone are searched. Where an article is not a danger to a flight, it may be stored in the aircraft hold, but where any prohibited items are found, the police may be called as appropriate.

  Motorway Accidents
  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the locations of all accidents that occurred on the motorways of England in the last year
  451
  for which figures are available; and if he will plot this information on a map and place a copy thereof in the Library. [35306]

  Mr. Watts
  The ordnance survey grid reference location of accidents recorded by the police as occurring on motorways has been sent to the House of Commons Library. There were 6,716 motorway accidents in England in 1994. Information for 1995 will be available in August. A map plotting this information on the motorway network in England is not available.

  Charter Aircraft
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will introduce legislation to require foreign-registered non-United Kingdom aircraft carrying charter passengers to and from British airports to comply in full with the safety regime of the Civil Aviation Authority; and if he will make a statement. [35446]

  Mr. Norris
  No. As a signatory to the Chicago convention, the United Kingdom is obliged to accept certificates and licences issued in respect of foreign-registered aircraft provided that safety standards laid down by the International Civil Aviation Organisation are being met. Only aircraft on the United Kingdom register are required to comply in full with the safety regime of the Civil Aviation Authority. However, a foreign aircraft leased without crew to a United Kingdom airline must appear on that airline's air operators certificate and is then treated as a United Kingdom-registered aircraft.

  EU Bus and Coach Directive
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many United Kingdom officials were involved in the preparation of(a) the fiche d'impact and (b) the compliance cost assessment for the EC bus and coach directive. [34989]

  Mr. Norris
  The Commission has not yet made a proposal for a European bus and coach directive and UK officials have not been involved in the preparation of a fiche d'impact. A compliance cost assessment for the UK cannot be prepared until the Commission makes its proposals.

  Pollution (Milford Haven)
  Ms Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what new measures have been introduced at Milford Haven to prevent grounding of laden oil tankers(a) within the Haven, and (b) in the Haven approaches. [35462]

  Mr. Norris
  The Milford Haven port authority has introduced the following interim precautionary measures in advance of the findings of the marine accidents investigation branch inquiry into the grounding of the Sea Empress.

  (1) Vessels over 100,000 deadweight tonnes may not enter the Haven less than three hours before low water.

  (2) All vessels with a gross tonnage of 65,000 tonnes or more, other than certain specified vessels, must carry two pilots for entry to, or exit from the Haven.

  (3) A survey is being undertaken of the currents at the entrance to the Haven.

  Train Operating Companies (Overcharging)
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions he has had with the rail regulator concerning the alleged overcharging of customers by train operating companies. [35664]

  Mr. Watts
  My Department has confirmed with the rail regulator that he will give careful consideration to any allegations of overcharging by train operators.

  Driving Licences
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his answer of 1 April,Official Report, column 358, if he will list those member states which have invoked grandfather rights when implementing the second EC directive on driving 91/439/EEC. [35037]

  Mr. Norris
  [holding answer 2 July 1996]: From the information we have received to date, we understand that Belgium, Sweden, Luxembourg and Spain are likely to allow some drivers to renew their licences even though they cannot meet the standards in the directive.

OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION

  Burundi
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations Her Majesty's Government have made to(a) international bodies and (b) the Burundi authorities regarding the conflict in Burundi. [35482]

  Mr. Hanley
  We are in close and regular contact with the United Nations, the Organisation of African Unity and other international bodies as well as the Government of Burundi. We have made clear our grave concern at the serious political and security situation in Burundi, our condemnation of politically motivated violence from whatever quarter, and our strong support for ex-president Nyerere of Tanzania in his efforts to broker a peaceful political settlement.

  Female Genital Mutilation
  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on what occasions in the last 10 years he has provided financial and other assistance, in terms of health education, to countries which have implemented, or are seeking to implement, local campaigns to eliminate female genital mutilation. [34163]

  Mr. Hanley
  Detailed financial information is not held in the form requested. Many ODA-funded activities which address female genital mutilation do so in the context of wider initiatives which aim to empower women. The ODA has also supported direct research to change people's attitudes to FGM in areas where it is practised. We have funded conferences and meetings where country experiences in dealing with this issue can be shared and differing approaches to eradicate the practice can be compared. The ODA also seeks to promote innovative new approaches through it seedcorn fund for reproductive health.

TREASURY

  Inheritance Tax
  Mr. Nicholls
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the gross amount of inheritance tax collected in the most recent year for which figures are available; what proportion of this sum is attributable to tax collected as a result of challenges by the Inland Revenue of the figures set out in the original grant of probate; and what estimate he has made for each of the most recent three years available of the amount of inheritance tax collected net of the expenses of collection. [35108]

  Mr. Jack
  The provisional outturn of receipts from inheritance tax in 1995–96 is £1,559 million. It is estimated that about 63 per cent. of inheritance tax is collected before the grant of representation—or probate—is obtained. The Inland Revenue cannot, however, distinguish between voluntary compliance and challenge and negotiation by the capital taxes office in the amount of tax collected after the grant of representation.

  Estimates of the amount of inheritance tax collected net of the cost of collection are given below:

  Year

  Estimated receipts from inheritance tax net of cost of collection (£ million)

  1993–94

  1,313

  1994–95

  1,387

  1995–96 (provisional)

  1,535

  Public Appointments
  Mr. Matthew Banks
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what new appointments he plans to the Board of Banking Supervision and the Securities and Investments Board. [35473]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  The Chancellor and the governor have agreed to appoint Sir Andrew Large, the chairman of the Securities and Investments Board—SIB—and Sir David Scholey, a non-executive member of the court of the Bank of England, to the Board of Banking Supervision. They have also agreed the appointment of Howard Davies, deputy governor of the bank, as a member of the SIB. We welcome these appointments, which will strengthen further the links between financial regulators.

  Railtrack
  Mr. Matthew Banks
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the outcome of the sale of the Government's holding of debt in Railtrack. [35518]

  Mr. Jack
  The following bonds were offered for sale:

  £134,837,000 9.125 per cent. bonds due 2006;

  £100,163,000 9.625 per cent. bonds due 2016.

  454
  I am pleased to report that the sale was successfully completed on 1 July. Payment will be made to HM Treasury on 9 July. The proceeds from the sale, net of commissions, will total £246.1 million.

  Value Added Tax
  Ms Primarolo
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much VAT has been repaid as a result of retrospective claims for each of the last five years; and if he will estimate how much VAT will be repaid next year. [35251]

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  [holding answer 1 July 1996]: Figures for past refunds of VAT in respect of retrospective claims are not held separately. It is not possible to estimate future amounts to be refunded. Any figure will depend on the outcome of litigation currently before the VAT tribunal and the courts.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Physical Education and Sport
  Mr. Pendry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when she will be in a position to publish the results of the survey her Department carried out on physical education and sport in schools. [34403]

  Mrs. Gillan
  I have today arranged for a copy of the report on the survey's findings to be placed in the Library.

  Liverpool Community College
  Mr. Wareing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what representations she has received concerning the proposed closure of the Muirhead avenue east site of the Liverpool community college; if she will commission an inquiry into the proposal; and if she will make a statement. [35308]

  Mr. Paice
  The Department has received no representations about the closure of the site. I understand that it is one of 12 currently operated by Liverpool community college. While it is for the college to decide how to manage and develop its estate, the Government would encourage colleges to become more efficient in all areas of activity.

  Kirklees Metropolitan Council
  Mrs. Peacock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) what was the amount of grant for Kirklees metropolitan council for its education new build programme in each year since 1979–80; [34797]

  (2) what was the amount of grant for Kirklees metropolitan council for the improvement and repair of schools within the area for each year since 1979–80. [34796]

  Mrs. Gillan
  [holding answer 27 June 1996]: The following table gives details of the credit approvals for Kirklees metropolitan council to fund its capital programme for schools.
  455

  Annual capital guidelines and supplementary credit approvals have been as follows

  ACG £000 Total

  I/R

  Additional SCA £000

  11991–92

  13,797

  11,147

  0

  11992–93

  14,071

  11,355

  750

  11993–94

  5,758

  631

  97

  11994–95

  2,572

  53

  0

  11995–96

  1,455

  110

  0

  11996–97

  1,465

  74

  90

  1These figures include allocations for sixth form colleges and FE colleges.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  European Structural Fund
  Mr. Congdon
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the allocation of the European structural fund's community initiative reserves. [35587]

  Other areas

  Million ecu (1996 prices)

  England

  Scotland

  Wales

  Gibraltar

  Total

  All areas total

  Leader

  5.660

  1.840

  1.890

  —

  9.390

  11.730

  Urban

  17.745

  2.055

  0.840

  —

  20.640

  24.750

  Pesca

  2.040

  1.920

  0.500

  —

  4.960

  5.870

  Employment

  135.390

  15.430

  11.780

  —

  42.600

  43.910

  Adapt

  119.510

  12.820

  11.080

  —

  23.410

  24.160

  Rechar

  13.060

  1.930

  4.570

  —

  19.560

  20.000

  Resider

  2.380

  1.380

  2.610

  —

  6.370

  6.370

  Retex

  2.030

  1.000

  0.510

  —

  3.540

  4.770

  Konver

  25.430

  3.000

  0.510

  0.750

  29.690

  33.700

  Total

  123.745

  21.375

  14.290

  0.750

  160.160

  175.260

  Interreg II C

  —

  —

  —

  —

  19.950

  11.950

  Grand total

  —

  —

  —

  —

  170.110

  187.210

  1Provisional.

  Mr. Congdon
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the allocation of European structural funds money to British objective 2 areas. [35588]

  Mr. Eggar
  The Government obtained for the UK and Gibraltar 2,500 million ecu of objective 2 money for 1997 to 99. I have allocated this as set out in table.

  1997 to 99 allocation (1996 prices) million ecu

  North-East England

  355

  West Cumbria

  31

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  365

  East Midlands

  99

  West Midlands

  441

  Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Cheshire

  400

  London

  99

  Thanet

  17

  Plymouth

  36

  South Wales

  213

  Eastern Scotland

  134

  Western Scotland

  304

  Gibraltar

  6

  Total

  2,500

  456
  Mr. Eggar
  The Government obtained for the United Kingdom and Gibraltar 187.21 million ecu from the Community initiatives reserve. I have allocated this between programmes and between areas as set out in the table.

  Objective 1 areas

  Million ecu (1996 prices)

  Northern Ireland

  Merseyside

  Highlands and Islands

  Total

  Leader

  1.140

  —

  1.200

  2.340

  Urban

  2.055

  2.055

  —

  4.110

  Pesca

  0.260

  —

  0.650

  0.910

  Employment

  0.640

  10.580

  10.090

  1.310

  Adapt

  0.360

  10.330

  10.060

  0.750

  Rechar

  —

  0.440

  —

  0.440

  Resider

  —

  —

  —

  0.000

  Retex

  0.800

  0.270

  0.160

  1.230

  Konver

  0.490

  2.720

  0.800

  4.010

  Total

  5.745

  6.395

  2.960

  15.100

  Interreg II C

  —

  —

  —

  12.000

  Grand total

  —

  —

  —

  17.100

  1Provisional.

  Advanced Gas-cooled Reactors
  Mr. Clapham
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) what are the long-term implications of the damaged fuel pins found in advanced gas-cooled reactor stations; and if he will make a statement; [35295]

  (2) what recommendations the nuclear installations inspectorate made on the operation of the AGRs with known fuel pin problems; and what implications it identified for the emergency shut-down system; [35296]

  (3) when he expects the NII inquiry into the fuel pin problem to be completed; [35297]

  (4) when factors led to the omission of reference to fuel pin problems in British Energy's prospectus. [35298]

  Mr. Eggar
  There is no omission in the British Energy prospectus. Reference to fuel pin problems is made on page 66 under the heading "fuel brace fretting".

  As the prospectus notes, British Energy is continuing to examine the significance of this issue at its AGR stations and its potential on future fuel utilisation.
  457
  The NII has carried out preliminary inquiries into wear on fuel pins resulting from fuel brace fretting and is satisfied that the AGR stations remain safe to operate and that there are no implications for the emergency shut-down system.

  The NII has asked Nuclear Electric and Scottish Nuclear to provide further information on this phenomenon and will continue to monitor developments.

  Sizewell B
  Mr. Purchase
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what was the design, build and commission cost of Sizewell B pressurised water reactor station; what is the net revenue received by the Exchequer since Sizewell B was commissioned to date; and what is the estimated profit and loss against the sale price of Sizewell B. [35299]

  Mr. Eggar
  Sizewell B commenced generation in the year ended 31 March 1995. At that date, the historic cost of Sizewell B, as recorded in the financial statements of British Energy, was £2,510 million. The net income of any individual power station is a commercial matter for the company. Sizewell B forms part of the assets of British Energy and is not being sold separately, consequently there is no "sale price of Sizewell B".

  Offshore Installations
  Ms Ruddock
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many inspections of offshore oil and gas installations have been undertaken by his Department in each of the past 10 years. [35460]

  Mr. Page
  Numerous inspections of offshore installations have been undertaken by the Department of Trade and Industry in each of the past 10 years, although precise figures are not available.

  Until 1991, safety inspections of offshore installations were carried out by Department of Energy inspectors exercising powers in regulations made under the Mineral Workings (Offshore Installations) Act 1971. In 1991, this function was transferred to the Health and Safety Executive. The Department of Trade and Industry does not carry out inspections relating to safety.

  From 1986 to 1993, inspections of offshore oil and gas installations were undertaken by officers for the Department for the purpose of issuing UK oil pollution prevention—UKOPP—certificates under the Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Oil Pollution) Regulations 1983, SI 1983/1398. However, this has now reverted to the Department of Transport as from 1 June 1995.

  The Secretary of State has powers under each licence granted in accordance with section 2 of the Petroleum (Production) Act 1934 to examine any installation erected in accordance with a licence and its equipment and any works executed. These powers are most commonly exercised by petroleum measurement inspectors to ensure that the methods of measurement used to account for petroleum won and saved from the licensed areas comply with the requirements of the licence.

  Decommissioning
  Mr. Wilson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will publish figures for the current balance in the decommissioning account for each of the nuclear companies due to be privatised; and where, in each case, this fund is held. [35578]

  Mr. Eggar
  This information is included in the audited financial statements of Nuclear Electric Ltd. and Scottish Nuclear Ltd. for the period ended 31 March 1996.

  Marine Environment
  Ms Ruddock
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) what monitoring is undertaken by his Department to ensure that oil companies comply with the conditions placed on discharges from offshore oil and gas installations to the marine environment; [35461]

  (2) what provisions his Department has in place to ensure that (a) discharges to the marine environment from offshore oil and gas installations do not exceed permitted levels and (b) cumulative levels of discharges from offshore oil and gas installations do not damage marine wildlife and habitats. [35468]

  Mr. Page
  Both my Department and the Department of Transport's marine pollution control unit monitor discharges from offshore oil and gas installations by means of a programme of aerial surveillance. This is used to monitor whether oil spills are reported in accordance with the requirements of petroleum production licences. Aerial surveillance can also detect high levels of produced water.

  When a company has been granted an exemption in accordance with section 23 of the Prevention of Oil Pollution Act 1971, which permits the discharge of produced water, conditions attached to that exemption will require the company to take samples of produced water twice a day for analysis. The results of the analysis are submitted to my Department for inspection on a monthly basis.

  Similarly, conditions attached to an exemption which permits the company to drill with oil-based mud will require the company to take samples at least once a day for analysis of the oil on cuttings. The results of these analyses are submitted to my Department for inspection after the well is completed.

  The effects of operational discharges of chemicals in water and drilling muds from offshore oil and gas installations, including possible cumulative effects, are taken into account when agreeing limits for the discharge and use of chemicals for each installation. The Departments responsible for fisheries monitor the well being of the marine environment.

  RJB Mining plc
  Mr. Merchant
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement regarding sums owed to his Department by RJB Mining plc in respect of its acquisition of mining assets of the British Coal Corporation. [35746]

  Mr. Page
  It was agreed at the time of the sale to RJB Mining that my Department would receive £116.7 million of the sale price of £815.3 million in the
  459
  form of deferred payments up to December 1997. My Department received this initial deferred consideration instalment of £12.2 million, plus interest, last January.

  The company has now repaid early the entire remaining deferred consideration, which amounts to some £117 million including interest. I welcome this demonstration of the industry's success in the private sector.

DEFENCE

  Ground Proximity Warning System
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what delay has been caused to the ground proximity warning system trials by the accident on 1 June 1995; and what is the estimated service entry date for the equipment on each aircraft type. [34644]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  The accident on 1 June 1995 involving a Harrier GR7 undertaking RAF assessments of ground proximity warning systems, GPWS, equipment caused no delay to the programme to fit GPWS to the GR7 or the associated trials being conducted for the procurement executive. It is expected that the first modified GR7 will be delivered to the RAF in early 1998. The Jaguar is being fitted with similar equipment, and the first modified aircraft is scheduled to enter service in October of this year. Eurofighter 2000 will have a GPWS capability from the outset of its entry into service in 2001. In addition to these mainly single-seater aircraft, the need for GPWS equipment, and its precise date of entry into service, for the two-seater Tornado GR4 is under consideration.

  Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment
  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many scientific papers in the Porton technical papers (radiological) series have been produced by the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment at Porton Down since 1966; when the radiological series was closed; and how many papers in the radiological series are currently unclassified. [34465]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  This is a matter for the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency under its framework document. I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from John Chisholm to Mr. Ken Livingstone, dated 3 July 1996 I have been asked to reply to your question concerning the Porton Technical Paper (Radiological) Series. The Chemical Biological Defence Sector (CBD) at Porton Down is now part of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) for which I am responsible as Chief Executive.
  The Porton Technical Paper (Radiological) Series closed in 1964 and therefore no papers have been produced since then. There were 50 reports in this series of which 45 are currently unclassified.
  I hope this information is helpful.

  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what studies have been carried out since 1996 by the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment at Porton Down to evaluate the long-term health effects of 460
  short-term exposure to the nerve agent GE; when these studies were carried out; and what were the conclusions of these studies. [34472]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  This is a matter for the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency under its framework document. I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from John Chisholm to Mr. Ken Livingstone, dated 3 July 1996 I have been asked to reply to your question concerning long term health effects of exposure to the nerve agent GE. The Chemical Biological Defence Sector (CBD) at Porton Down is now part of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) for which I am responsible as Chief Executive.
  Porton Down has not carried out any studies to evaluate long term health effects of exposure to the nerve agent GE since 1966.

  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of state for Defence what research has been carried out since 1996 by the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment at Porton Down to investigate whether skin cancer can be caused by short-term exposure to mustard gas; when this research was carried out; and what were the results of this research. [34470]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  This is a matter for the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency under its framework document. I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from John Chisholm to Mr. Ken Livingstone, dated 3 July 1996 I have been asked to reply to your question concerning research on skin cancer. The Chemical Biological Defence Sector (CBD) at Porton Down is now part of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) for which I am responsible as Chief Executive.
  Porton Down has not carried out any studies to investigate whether short term exposure to mustard agent causes skin cancers.

  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what are the current security classifications of each of the annual reports produced by the ethics committee overseeing the service volunteers programme at the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment at Porton Down since 1966. [34466]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  Prior to the establishment of the independent ethics committee in 1991, the work of the service volunteer programme was monitored by the medical sub-committee of the Defence scientific advisory committee—DSAC—which did not separately report on this aspect of its work. The reports of the DSAC were classified, as a minimum "Restricted". Since 1991 the independent ethics committee has produced annual reports which to date have all been classified as "Restricted".

  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what has been the policy of the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment since 1966 on asking service personnel who are attending courses at the Defence nuclear biological and chemical centre at Winterbourne Gunner to take part in short trials at the establishment during their course. [34474]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  This is a matter for the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency under its framework document. I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member.
  461
  Letter from John Chisholm to Mr. Ken Livingstone, dated 3 July 1996:
  I have been asked to reply to your question concerning the attendance of service personnel at DNBCC in studies at Porton Down. The Chemical Biological Defence Sector (CBD) at Porton Down is now part of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) for which I am responsible as Chief Executive.
  Volunteers are recruited to take part in studies at Porton Down by the means outlined in my letter to you published in Hansard on 11 January 1996 at Col 317. Before 1988 those who attended the Defence NBC School at Winterbourne Gunner may have been given the opportunity, if they wished, to participate in studies at CBDE whilst they were students at the centre. This informal recruiting procedure no longer occurs and all those who participate in the volunteer programme at Porton Down will have applied to attend through their unit's administrative staff.
  I hope this information is useful.

  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what details of the participation of service personnel in experiments and trials at the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment at Porton Down are recorded on that individual's services medical records; and when this practice was introduced. [34471]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  This is a matter for the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency under its framework document. I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from John Chisholm to Mr. Ken Livingstone, dated 3 July 1996:
  I have been asked to reply to your question concerning the details of participation in studies at Porton Down entered on Service Medical Records. The Chemical Biological Defence Sector (CBD) at Porton Down is now part of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) for which I am responsible as Chief Executive.
  Since 1990 no Service Volunteers have been permitted to begin a study until their service medical records have been received at Porton Down. An entry is always made on the individual's record to indicate that they have attended the establishment and participated in a study, although this does not give any details of the particular studies actually involved. For many years before 1990 it was also the practice to make an entry on an individual's service medical record although the system for forwarding records to Porton Down was not so reliable and we know that some entries were not made. Porton Down does, however, have other records against which it can cross check whether individuals were Service Volunteers.
  I hope this is helpful.

  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment at Porton Down introduced its practice of considering the possible long-term health effects of a chemical before it is exposed to service personnel who are taking part in the service volunteers programme. [34469]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  This is a matter for the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency under its framework document. I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from John Chisholm to Mr. Ken Livingstone, dated 3 July 1996:
  I have been asked to reply to your question concerning the introduction of the practice of considering long term health effects of chemicals used in the human volunteer programme at the former Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment. The Chemical Biological Defence Sector (CBD) at Porton Down is now part of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) for which I am responsible as Chief Executive.
  462
  Before conducting any tests, management and staff at Porton Down have always taken the most careful account of what is known about chemical substances to which Service Volunteers might be exposed during trials. This includes considering possible long term effects on health. The independent Ethics Committee also considers this issue before approving proposed studies involving Service Volunteers.
  I hope this information is helpful.

  Defence Research Information Centre
  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Brent, East on 9 May,Official Report, column 224–25, what are the security classifications of each of the four bulletins summarised in the table; how many approved customers are currently served by DRIC; and if he will make a statement on the range and nature of these customers. [34475]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  This is a matter for the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency under its framework document. I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from John Chisholm to Mr. Ken Livingstone, dated 3 July 1996:
  I have been asked to reply to your question following up my letter to you of 9 May about the Defence Research Information Centre (DRIC).
  The security markings of the DRIC Abstracts. DRIC Standard Profiles and Overseas Citation lists mentioned in my letter can be classified as Secret, Confidential, Restricted or Unclassified depending on the content. The DRIC Newsletter is an Unclassified publication.
  It is not easy to decide in some circumstances how many "end-user" customers are served by DRIC. For example if a library or information centre is the channel of communication with DRIC there will be a large number of end users. One measure which gives an idea about the level of demand is the number of transactions performed by DRIC over a year. Using this approach, we experience in the order of 8,000–10,000 customer transactions each year.
  You also asked about approved customers. We define these as individuals or organisations who justify their need for, and are qualified to receive, the information requested—the cost of which is recovered by the appropriate charging mechanism. Approved customers cover a wide range of organisations including DERA; MOD; The Procurement Executive; The Armed Forces; MOD Next Steps Agencies; Other Government Departments; Overseas Governments; NATO; UK Contractors; Universities or Colleges; Overseas Contractors; Overseas Universities or Colleges.
  I hope this is helpful.

  Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy
  Mr. Hall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to store rendered meat and bonemeal from the BSE cattle cull at RAF Burntwood; and if he will make a statement. [35105]

  Mr. Soames
  There are currently no plans to store rendered meat and bonemeal at RAF Burtonwood.

  Firing Range, Glamoc
  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what considerations led him to lease Croatian-controlled land around Glamoc as a live firing range. [35362]
  463
  Mr. Soames
  The range is used by NATO-led implementation force troop contributors to maintain their tactical skills and operational effectiveness and to demonstrate the force's capabilities.

  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment was made by his Department of the humanitarian consequences of using Croatian-controlled territory around Glamoc as a live testing range. [35363]

  Mr. Soames
  The firing range at Glamoc is used by the NATO-led implementation force, IFOR, for training purposes, not for the testing of weapons, under an agreement with the local authorities. The same stringent procedures to ensure safety and to minimise the environmental and humanitarian impact of ranges are used by the British Army wherever it trains. The Glamoc range is in a remote area away from any centres of population and sited partly on heavily mined areas which are unsuitable for public access.

  Weapons Testing
  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will make it his policy, in territory which has recently been the scene of armed conflict, to prohibit British forces from using such territory for testing weapons or missiles without an independent assessment of the likely humanitarian consequences; and if he will make a statement; [35357]

  (2) if he will make his policy that Britain's armed forces, when considering sites for weapons or missile testing in areas of recent armed conflict, have particular regard for the views of the people who live there. [35361]

  Mr. Soames
  It is already standard practice in the selection, construction and use of live firing ranges, wherever they are, to have due regard for the views of people living nearby, and for the environmental, humanitarian and other consequences.

  Land Mines
  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many anti-personnel land mines were(a) exported and (b) transferred from the United Kingdom between 1979 and 1985 inclusive. [35358]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  The information requested is not available.

  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many(a) anti-personnel and (b) anti-tank mines owned by the United Kingdom Government are being held outside United Kingdom territory. [35359]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  It is our established policy for security reasons not reveal information relating to stock levels of munitions held or planned.

  Pilots (Training)
  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the countries from which pilots have visited the United Kingdom to receive advanced flying and tactical weapons training in each year from 1990 to 1995 inclusive, and since 1 January 1996. [35420]

  Mr. Soames
  Details of military assistance are confidential between Governments.

  Bett Review
  Mr. Alfred Morris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer to the right hon. Member for Selby, (Mr. Alison) of 20 February,Official Report, column 96, if he will make a further statement on his Department's progress with consideration of the recommendations in Sir Michael Bett's report. [35110]

  Mr. Soames
  I have nothing to add to my answer of 25 June,Official Report, column 64.

  Airborne Warning and Communication Systems.
  Sir Jerry Wiggin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the estimated value of British manufactured offset in relation to the AWACS order to date; how much it is expected the total offset will be; and how much offset was originally promised by the American suppliers. [35211]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  The AWACS offset obligation was discharged in 1992. By that time, Boeing had submitted to my Department reports listing contracts placed with United Kingdom firms totalling some $2.1 billion, of which we agreed $1.57 billion to count for offset credit. This latter figure exceeded the 130 per cent. target set in the offset agreement.

  Married Quarters
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the independent advisers who have provided advice to his Department's proposed married quarters housing sell-off in the past six months. [35372]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  I have nothing to add to the reply my hon. Friend the Minister of State for the Armed Forces gave the hon. Gentleman on 1 November 1995,Official Report, column 328.

  Dr. Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 4 June,Official Report, column 343, what has been the total cost to date, inclusive of VAT, of the employment of consultants for his Department's married housing quarters sell-off. [35451]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  The total cost to date of the employment of consultants since we began to develop the proposal to transfer the married quarters estate to the private sector announced by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence on 30 November 1995,Official Report, columns 810–11, amounts to some £4.4 million, inclusive of VAT. VAT for these costs is refunded to my Department; the VAT-exclusive cost to date is £3.8 million.

  Dr. Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the number of married quarters in each English and Welsh county which are part of his Department's proposed housing sale. [35236]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  The information is not available in the form requested, and could not be obtained without disproportionate cost. However, figures are available divided by Defence estate organisation land agent— DLA—regions, as follows.
  465
  DLA Aldershot: 11,116

  Berkshire

  Buckinghamshire

  Oxfordshire

  Mid and North Hampshire

  Part of Surrey

  West Kent

  Part of West Sussex

  DLA Brecon: 2,080

  Dyfed

  Gwent

  Powys

  South, Mid and West Glamorgan

  DLA Cambridge: 8,495

  Bedfordshire

  Cambridgeshire

  Essex

  Hertfordshire

  Norfolk

  Suffolk

  DLA Canterbury: 1,724

  East Kent

  East Sussex

  Part of West Sussex

  Part of Surrey

  DLA Catterick: 5,727

  Northumberland

  Tyne and Wear

  Durham

  Humberside

  North Yorkshire

  West Yorkshire

  South Yorkshire

  DLA Durrington: 8,791

  Wiltshire

  Dorset

  Avon

  Gloucestershire

  DLA London: 4,410

  Greater London and immediate vicinity

  DLA Nottingham: 3,748

  Derbyshire

  Leicestershire

  Lincolnshire

  Nottinghamshire

  Northamptonshire

  DLA Plymouth: 4,490

  Cornwall

  Devon

  Isles of Scilly

  Somerset

  DLA Portsmouth: 3,758

  South Hampshire

  Part of West Sussex

  Isle of Wight

  DLA Shrewsbury: 4,032

  Cumbria

  Isle of Man

  Lancashire

  466

  Greater Manchester

  Merseyside

  Cheshire

  Clwyd

  Gwynedd

  Shropshire

  Staffordshire

  West Midlands

  Warwickshire

  Hereford and Worcester

  It should be noted that these figures relate to the estate for sale at the time when the information memorandum was published—23 February 1996. The size of the estate for sale remains subject to adjustment during the continuing management of the estate.

  Naval Recruiting and Training Agency
  Mr. David Martin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made by the Naval Recruiting and Training Agency in developing a partnering arrangement; and if he will make a statement. [35833]

  Mr. Soames
  As part of the Government's competing for quality and private finance initiative, in December 1995 the Naval Recruiting and Training Agency—NRTA—selected Flagship Training, a consortium consisting of Vosper Thornycroft, GEC/Marconi and Procord, as its preferred partner in naval training.

  Following a process of detailed negotiation between the NRTA and Flagship Training, I am pleased to announce that it has been decided to proceed with the implementation of the partnering arrangement. With the formal framework now in place, the NRTA and Flagship Training can begin to develop specific proposals in respect of NRTA shore training establishments. This process is expected to take around six months to complete and the proposals that emerge will be the subject of further consultation with Departmental trades unions.

  Official Service Residences
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the names and locations of his Department's official service residences which are part of his proposed housing sale. [35237]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  For security reasons, it would not be appropriate to provide this information in the form requested. When the information memorandum was issued—23 February 1996—the estate for sale included eight properties in Wiltshire, five in Middlesex, five in Buckinghamshire, two in Cambridgeshire, and one each in London, Somerset, Hampshire, Shropshire, Oxfordshire, Yorkshire, Bedfordshire, Gloucestershire and Lincolnshire, which, prior to the Cazalet review, qualified as official service residences by virtue of the posts held by their occupants. Following the Cazalet review, 14 of the properties now qualify as official service residences: four in Wiltshire, two in Middlesex, two in Buckinghamshire, and one each in Cambridgeshire, Somerset, Hampshire, Shropshire, Yorkshire, and Lincolnshire. The final size and composition of the estate for sale remains subject to possible changes during the continuing management of the estate.

  Radiation Test Experiments
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list each of the facilities currently or formerly operated by his Department since 1966 where radiation test experiments have been conducted on either service men or civilian volunteers; and if he will make a statement on follow-up monitoring conducted since these experiments. [34381]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  [holding answer 26 June 1996]: During the 1980s, atomic weapons establishment Aldermaston participated in a number of studies involving the use of radioactive material. Some were also conducted at Porton Down in the 1950s and 1960s, and are described in an answer I gave the hon. Member for South Shields (Dr. Clark) on 25 June 1996, Official Report, column 65. Follow-up radiological monitoring would have been irrelevant because only very short-lived radioisotopes were used in the experiments.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Housing Benefit Subsidy
  Mr. Rooker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will publish for 1994ߞ95 the payments of housing benefit subsidy by his Department to each London borough and metropolitan district; and if he will list the financial penalties imposed as a result of non-compliance with regulations. [31562]

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

  Metropolitan authorities

  Authority

  Subsidy paid for non-HRA rent rebate expenditure 1994–95(£)

  Subsidy paid for rent allowance expenditure 1994–95(£)

  Subsidy penalties incurred 1994–95(£)

  Barking

  0

  9,032,943

  0

  Barnet

  2,038,205

  37,753,367

  0

  Bexley

  184,080

  17,370,921

  0

  Brent

  1,870,444

  73,428,160

  0

  Bromley

  465,904

  43,145,879

  0

  Camden

  1,102,438

  57,118,469

  0

  City of London

  38,988

  927,953

  0

  Croydon

  694,814

  45,719,522

  0

  Ealing

  1,926,861

  50,487,956

  0

  Enfield

  3,305,858

  28,924,000

  0

  Greenwich

  2,344,595

  23,520,217

  0

  Hackney

  9,465,809

  58,559,103

  0

  Hammersmith

  2,473,370

  38,851,775

  0

  Haringey

  8,679,839

  75,046,559

  0

  Harrow

  235,476

  23,722,130

  0

  Havering

  0

  11,185,974

  0

  Hillingdon

  1,282,584

  19,635,033

  0

  Hounslow

  1,019,705

  27,738,610

  0

  Islington

  2,190,355

  33,740,420

  0

  Kensington and Chelsea

  897,085

  49,036,668

  0

  Kingston upon Thames

  2,866,704

  9,622,988

  0

  Lambeth

  2,459,649

  62,820,132

  0

  Lewisham

  532,435

  38,555,441

  0

  Merton

  69,541

  20,053,791

  0

  Newham

  4,517,984

  72,851,754

  0

  Redbridge

  168,049

  33,422,563

  0

  Richmond-upon-Thames

  928,189

  14,755,024

  0

  Southwark

  1,488,887

  39,513,847

  0

  Sutton

  264,343

  12,845,855

  0

  Tower Hamlets

  2,650,913

  22,628,408

  0

  Waltham Forest

  727,329

  39,235,511

  0

  Wandsworth

  1,142,664

  51,617,175

  0

  Westminster

  1,871,308

  81,723,232

  0

  Barnsley

  336,614

  8,924,404

  0

  468

  Metropolitan authorities

  Authority

  Subsidy paid for non-HRA rent rebate expenditure I994–95(£)

  Subsidy paid for rent allowance expenditure 1994–95(£)

  Subsidy penalties incurred 1994–95(£)

  Birmingham

  0

  95,811,541

  1,639,119

  Bolton

  251,882

  15,101,121

  0

  Bradford

  58,932

  38,585,237

  0

  Bury

  1,141,702

  8,753,189

  0

  Calderdale

  735,995

  10,471,362

  0

  Coventry

  812,483

  25,353,232

  0

  Doncaster

  12,817

  12,243,300

  0

  Dudley

  103,035

  8,898,444

  0

  Gateshead

  28,368

  11,969,763

  0

  Kirklees

  1,266,961

  18,430,832

  0

  Knowsley

  13,857

  9,106,135

  0

  Leeds

  165,168

  50,917,991

  0

  Liverpool

  148,951

  71,766,629

  0

  Manchester

  2,715,548

  78,174,726

  0

  Newcastle upon tyne

  357,859

  25,291,420

  0

  North Tyneside

  151,748

  13,044,451

  0

  Oldham

  524,153

  13,384,001

  0

  Rochdale

  754,099

  13,691,094

  0

  Rotherham

  275,975

  9,327,466

  0

  Salford

  851,086

  18,245,357

  0

  Sandwell

  108,268

  13,025,643

  0

  Sefton

  297,748

  22,199,050

  0

  Sheffield

  812,883

  26,499,284

  0

  Solihull

  43,144

  5,206,823

  0

  South Tyneside

  425,841

  9,887,080

  0

  St. Helens

  43,425

  9,013,017

  0

  Stockport

  135,563

  16,061,267

  0

  Sunderland

  402,511

  17,104,442

  0

  Tameside

  1,490,378

  11,967,014

  0

  Trafford

  251,678

  12,999,886

  0

  Wakefield

  350,298

  10,424,339

  0

  Walsall

  78,272

  8,821,627

  0

  Wigan

  1,697,773

  10,548,961

  0

  Wirral

  100,615

  27,914,171

  0

  Wolverhampton

  18,054

  13,408,744

  0

  Disability Benefits
  Mr. Alan Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many(a) people who have claimed incapacity benefit since April 1995, (b) former invalidity benefit claimants, (c) severe disablement allowance claimants, (d) people who have claimed income support with a disability premium since April 1995, (e) people who claimed income support with a disability premium before April 1995 and (f) people with credits only have been found capable of work following an assessment under tile all-work test in the year ended April 1996. [34322]

  Mr. Burt
  The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is in the table.

  Found capable of work following the all-work test of incapacity

  Number

  Incapacity benefit claimants since April 19951 3

  24,620

  Incapacity benefit claimants former in receipt of invalidity benefit2 3

  25,200

  Severe disablement allowance claimants1 3

  660

  Credits only1 3

  28,540

  1 Source: 5 per cent. sample from the incapacity benefit computer system. Excludes a small number of cases paid clerically.

  2 Source: 1 per cent. sample from the incapacity benefit computer system. Excludes a small number of cases paid clerically.

  3 It is not possible to identify separately those cases which are in receipt of income support.

  4 All figures are for Great Britain.

  469
  Mr. Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many appeals against a disallowance of(a) incapacity benefit, (b)severe disablement allowance, (c)income support with a disability premium and (d) credits (i) have been lodged, (ii) have been heard and (iii) are outstanding; and what was the success rate for claimants. [34269]

  Mr. Burt
  The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is in the table.

  Incapacity benefit—all appeals including all-work test

  Other all-work test appeals2

  Appeals received

  1 April 1995 to 31 March 1996

  36,573

  8,453

  Appeals heard

  1 April 1995 to 31 March 1996

  6,976

  1,354

  Appeals outstanding

  as at 31 March 1996

  24,525

  6,205

  Percentage decided in

  favour of appellant

  47

  38

  1 Does not include appeals withdrawn, superseded or struck out.

  2 It is not possible to provide a further breakdown of this category.

  Mr. Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people on incapacity benefits and credits have been(a) found capable of work following an assessment under the all-work test, (b) been disallowed benefit for failing to return the IB50 questionnaire without good cause and (c) been disallowed following failure to attend an examination without good cause, during the year ending April 1996. [34657]

  Mr. Burt
  The information is in the table.

  Number

  Found capable of work following all-work test

  89,882

  Disallowed benefit for failing to return the IB50 questionnaire without good cause

  7,710

  Disallowed benefit for failing to attend an examination without good cause

  2,416

  Note:

  All data for the year to 31 March 1996.

  Source:

  One hundred per cent. count of cases on the incapacity benefit computer system; excludes a small number of cases which are paid clerically.

  Benefit Values
  Mr. Alan Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list(a) each benefit, (b)its current value and (c) its value in 1979 or at the date of its introduction (i) in cash terms and (ii) at April 1996 prices. [34321]

  Mr. Burt
  The information has been placed in the Library.

  Child Support Agency
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what geographical area is covered by the(a) Doncaster and (b) Mexborough field office of the Child Support Agency; [35009]
  470
  (2) if he will list by month how many cases have been dealt with by the (a) Doncaster and (b) Mexborough field office of the Child Support Agency since 1 January 1995. [35010]

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

  Letter from Miss Ann Chant to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 2 July 1996:
  I am replying to your Parliamentary Questions to the Secretary of State for Social Security about Child Support Agency field offices.
  Mexborough does not have a separate Child Support Agency field office; this area is covered by the Rotherham field office.
  The geographical area covered by the Rotherham field office takes in the following post codes: S60 to S66 inclusive, and parts of S31, S71 and S72.
  The geographical area covered by the Doncaster field office takes in the following post codes: DN1 to DN8 inclusive, and parts of DN9, DN10, DN11 and DN14.

  When the Agency was established, field offices dealt only with cases requiring local contact. The majority of work was dealt with by the Child Support Agency Centres. Since June 1995, field offices have been responsible for gathering all the information necessary for the Child Support Agency Centres to complete maintenance assessments. Figures regarding the number of cases dealt with by the Rotherham and Doncaster field offices are available from that date and are shown on the attached tables.

  I hope this is helpful.

  Number of cases dealt with by the Rotherham field office

  Number

  June 1995

  101

  July 1995

  280

  August 1995

  126

  September 1995

  196

  October 1995

  162

  November 1995

  228

  December 1995

  144

  January 1996

  301

  February 1996

  211

  March 1996

  274

  April 1996

  173

  May 1996

  258

  Number of cases dealt with by the Doncaster field office

  Number

  June 1995

  156

  July 1995

  195

  August 1995

  163

  September 1995

  207

  October 1995

  282

  November 1995

  198

  December 1995

  237

  January 1996

  250

  February 1996

  286

  March 1996

  306

  April 1996

  249

  May 1996

  309

  Funeral Expenses
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what evidence he has evaluated in respect of the scale of abuse in relation to the social fund funeral payments system. [34406]
  471
  Mr. Roger Evans
  Expenditure escalated from £18.4 million in 1988–89 to £63 million in 1994–95; in some years, the increase was up to 6 per cent. above the rate of inflation. Changes were made to the funeral payments scheme in April 1994 and June 1995 to ensure that only those people with good cause for taking responsibility for the costs of a funeral are given help.

  During 1993–94, the number of awards was 72,000, but during 1994–95 and 1995–96 this reduced to 68,000 and 62,000 respectively. During the same period, the number of claims increased from 95,000 to 98,000. Expenditure was reduced to £49 million in 1995–96.

  Statutory Instruments
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security 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. [35038]

  Mr. Burt
  This information is not available in the format requested. However, a list of regulations that have been repealed or amended was place in the House Library by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on 8 May.

  Benefit Targeting
  Mr. Simon Coombs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what further plans he has for better targeting of expenditure on the income-related benefits. [35823]

  Mr. Lilley
  I have today passed two proposals to the Social Security Advisory Committee which are intended to ensure that resources are targeted in a more effective way.

  The first proposal is to increase the levels of deduction from benefit that people receive for housing costs where there are non-dependant adults living in the home who are in remunerative work and whose earnings are considerable. It is reasonable to expect non-dependants who are financially able to do so to contribute more towards housing costs than they are doing at present. We propose to introduce two higher levels of deduction: £36 a week for non-dependant adults with gross incomes of between £200 and £249.99 a week, and £39 a week for those with incomes of £250 or more a week.

  Similar changes will be made to the help people receive to pay their local taxes by increasing the deductions from council tax benefit to £3.50 and £4 a week for those non-dependants on the above levels of incomes.

  The changes will take effect from April 1997 in housing benefit and council tax benefit and from April 1998 in income support and income-based jobseeker's allowance. They will reduce benefit expenditure on housing costs and local taxes, and reduce the burden on the taxpayer.

  The second proposal is to change the arrangements for paying child personal allowances in the income-related benefits. At present, the amount of money we give to less well-off families with children at school is not directly linked to the educational year, but depends on the date of a child's birthday. An increase in allowance becomes due
  472
  at the time of a dependent child's 11th or 16th birthday. This means that some families receive the increase much earlier in the year than others and the increase is not properly linked to educational changes, such as a move to secondary school. We propose to move the date of the increase to the first Monday in September following the relevant birthday. This will broadly align child allowances with the start of the school year when extra costs are more likely to be incurred. Families of pupils who decide to stay on in education at 16 will get their increased help—currently an extra £4.75 a week in income support—from the September of the new academic year.

  Relatively few young people will be in non-advanced education in the academic year which begins after their 18th birthday. In the interests of simplicity and consistency, there will no longer be a change in the rate for young dependent people on reaching 18.

  In family credit and disability working allowance, the changes will come into effect from the start of the award following the new September trigger date, just as at present increases take place from the award following the child's birthday.

  The changes will take effect from April 1997 in income support, income-based jobseeker's allowance, housing benefit and council tax benefit and from October 1997 for family credit and disability working allowance. No one will suffer a cash reduction. The changes will apply only to those whose 11th, 16th or 18th birthday is on or after the date the new provisions would come into force.

  There is also a beneficial change for those with child care costs which will help working families claiming family credit, disability working allowance, housing benefit and council tax benefit. The child care disregard, worth £60, will continue to be available until the award in which the increased personal allowance takes effect.

  These two proposal are expected to save £80 million rising to about £150 million over the next three years, and will ensure that resources are used more effectively.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Nitrates
  Mr. Burden
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the impact of his Department's area of responsibility of European Commission directives on nitrates in water supplies. [25031]

  Mr. Boswell
  The standard for nitrate in water supplies is laid down in the EC drinking water directive (80/778). The EC nitrate directive (91/676) provides for waters to be identified as "polluted waters" in various circumstances, including when nitrate from agriculture has impaired their suitability for use in water supplies. Under the nitrate directive, farmers within designated nitrate vulnerable zones will be subject to restrictions drawn up in order to minimise the leaching of nitrate from agriculture into water sources.

  Beef (Cold Storage)
  Mr. Touhig
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what is his assessment of the amount of beef in cold storage which has been in cold storage for more than(a) three years and (b) five years; [24945]

  (2) what assessment he has made of the amount of beef in cold storage which has been in cold storage for more than (a) three years and (b) five years. [32242]

  Mr. Baldry
  Some 4,842 tonnes of beef have been held in intervention cold storage for more than three years and 95 tonnes for over five years.

  Mr. Touhig
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the amount of beef which is currently being kept in cold storage in the United Kingdom. [32243]

  Mr. Baldry
  Some 9,000 tonnes of beef have been held in intervention cold storage as at 21 June 1996.

  Organic Agriculture
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how much direct and indirect financial aid from his Department has been received by farmers of organic agriculture for each year since 1985(a) in total and (b) as a percentage of that received by conventional agriculture; and if he will make a statement. [32274]

  Mr. Boswell
  The generality of farm support, such as arable area payments, livestock premiums and environmental payments, is available to organic and conventional farmers on equal terms. It is not possible to determine how much of this support has been given specifically to organic producers.

  Slaughterings—week commencing

  Abattoir

  29 April

  6 May

  13 May

  20 May

  27 May

  3 June

  10 June

  17 June

  Anglo Dutch

  1—

  1—

  494

  375

  322

  375

  529

  682

  H G Blake

  1—

  1—

  0

  0

  100

  100

  101

  103

  Cheales Meats Ltd.

  1—

  1—

  1,316

  1,481

  1,320

  1,139

  1,473

  1,353

  Carlisle Butchers

  1—

  1—

  717

  0

  475

  722

  631

  539

  Cleveland Meat Co.

  1—

  1—

  768

  367

  322

  323

  322

  362

  E J Duerden

  1—

  1—

  0

  768

  207

  131

  99

  101

  Jewitt

  1—

  1—

  0

  213

  91

  209

  213

  211

  Northern Counties

  1—

  1—

  500

  749

  298

  268

  258

  308

  J Penny and Sons

  1—

  1—

  0

  202

  203

  241

  221

  224

  Rose County Foods

  1—

  1—

  0

  336

  331

  309

  548

  546

  Woodhead Bros.

  1—

  1—

  665

  1,154

  633

  818

  465

  805

  Beesons (Bradley)

  1—

  1—

  547

  716

  330

  324

  327

  308

  Ensors Abattoir Ltd.

  1—

  1—

  94

  100

  100

  100

  102

  100

  T G Sargeant and Sons

  1—

  1—

  0

  0

  107

  53

  149

  105

  F Redfern

  1—

  1—

  0

  200

  169

  214

  222

  290

  G and G B Hewitt

  1—

  1—

  0

  0

  0

  181

  187

  182

  Snelsons

  1—

  1—

  369

  242

  100

  106

  105

  107

  H M Bennett

  1—

  1—

  0

  0

  101

  187

  202

  205

  Bridgewater Beef

  1—

  1—

  0

  0

  202

  205

  95

  203

  Cobdens

  1—

  1—

  1,919

  2,162

  1,275

  1,537

  1,110

  1,007

  Whitley Bay

  1—

  1—

  0

  80

  98

  101

  103

  103

  S J Norman and Sons

  1—

  1—

  0

  0

  100

  0

  99

  103

  St. Merryn

  1—

  1—

  1,786

  1,595

  872

  0

  1,072

  1,100

  Wholesale Meat Traders

  1—

  1—

  0

  0

  100

  0

  95

  95

  Dawkins International

  1—

  1—

  0

  0

  250

  200

  203

  102

  J and B Fitton

  1—

  1—

  0

  0

  99

  100

  100

  101

  474
  The Ministry has introduced an organic aid scheme to give additional payments to farmers who convert to organic methods. To augment this, we have just launched a new organic conversion information service, providing free technical and other advice to would-be organic producers. We are also funding the UK register of organic food standards and a substantial programme of dedicated organic research. Total planned expenditure for these various activities in this financial year is £1.612 million.

  Slaughtered Cattle
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to authorise the storage of cattle carcases arising from his policy to cull bovine spongiform encephalopathy-infected cattle at(a) existing or (b) closed military bases. [32909]

  Mr. Baldry
  All cattle suspected of having BSE are incinerated and there is no need for storage facilities in such cases. With regard to cattle slaughtered under the over 30 month scheme, the Intervention Board executive agency and the MOD have agreed a lease whereby a number of MOD sites may be brought into use as and when needed for the storage of meat and bonemeal prior to final disposal. So far, only the site at Quedgley in Gloucester has been used for this purpose. Deliveries were made there between 20 May and 6 June, and have now ceased.

  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list by collection centres the number of animals slaughtered under the Government's cattle disposal scheme for each week since the week beginning Monday 29 April. [31628]

  Mr. Boswell
  [holding answer 10 June 1996]: The number of cattle slaughtered under the over 30-month scheme by collection centre is not available. However, the number of animals slaughtered by approved abattoirs for each week since the scheme started, up to the latest week available, is:
  475

  Slaughterings—week commencing

  Abattoir

  29 April

  6 May

  13 May

  20 May

  27 May

  3 June

  10 June

  17 June

  Nidderdale Foods

  1—

  1—

  651

  712

  269

  517

  400

  300

  N W Meats

  1—

  1—

  0

  0

  94

  103

  104

  105

  Nottingham Processing

  1—

  1—

  0

  0

  272

  300

  298

  136

  Sims Foods

  1—

  1—

  1,111

  1,126

  1,403

  1,343

  1,454

  1,200

  Skegness and District

  1—

  1—

  0

  0

  90

  99

  98

  100

  R E Williams

  1—

  1—

  0

  0

  90

  91

  93

  95

  Elliot

  1—

  1—

  0

  0

  0

  0

  90

  91

  A B P Shrewsbury

  1—

  1—

  1,834

  2,660

  2,406

  2,449

  2,572

  2,379

  D T Duggins/MMP

  1—

  1—

  436

  483

  1,665

  2,295

  2,327

  2,064

  Alec Jarrett Ltd.

  1—

  1—

  0

  181

  403

  589

  656

  603

  West Devon Meats

  1—

  1—

  2,008

  2,015

  955

  1,587

  1,095

  1,056

  Stillmans

  1—

  1—

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  98

  Abergavenny Slaughter

  0

  0

  409

  424

  299

  280

  292

  290

  Welsh Country Foods

  0

  0

  0

  254

  682

  417

  900

  822

  Messrs Dewi James

  0

  0

  0

  93

  496

  515

  546

  506

  Buitelaar Kilmarnock

  0

  1,003

  905

  905

  902

  853

  1,027

  905

  Glasgow Abattoir

  0

  624

  722

  804

  694

  680

  646

  651

  Scottish Borders Abattoir

  0

  100

  100

  102

  90

  91

  90

  91

  Scotch Premier Meat

  0

  1,150

  929

  1,084

  916

  867

  981

  899

  Mclntosh Donald

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  J Kelly's

  105

  169

  343

  306

  319

  276

  399

  416

  Top Cut Meat Co.

  0

  107

  255

  387

  453

  407

  533

  479

  Highland Meats

  0

  51

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Matheson Jess

  0

  0

  100

  303

  503

  267

  349

  0

  Sandyford Abattoir

  0

  0

  207

  204

  238

  204

  185

  227

  Dundee Abattoir

  0

  0

  1

  11

  13

  18

  0

  0

  Biggar Quality Meat

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  121

  Orkney Meats

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  93

  92

  ABP Newry

  0

  201

  255

  343

  499

  497

  510

  378

  ARDS Abattoir

  0

  207

  255

  358

  569

  596

  530

  523

  Ballymena

  0

  188

  0

  306

  292

  294

  355

  287

  Dungannon

  0

  206

  0

  362

  600

  614

  644

  504

  Foyle Meats

  0

  202

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Granville Meats

  0

  198

  256

  522

  480

  526

  512

  329

  Lurgan Chilling Ltd.

  0

  201

  252

  359

  494

  489

  497

  443

  Omagh Meats

  0

  204

  426

  371

  390

  506

  493

  536

  W D Coleraine

  0

  202

  630

  714

  389

  436

  471

  461

  Total

  120

  5,873

  21,260

  26,129

  25,170

  26,149

  28,271

  26,532

  1 Figures by abattoir for England for weeks commencing 29 April and 6 May are not available.

  Bentley Colliery
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what mineral residues were discovered by his Agricultural Development Advisory Service in respect of discharges from Bentley colliery at Dam Hill drain; what action he is taking to stop them getting into the food chain in adjoining land; what discussions he has held with British Coal Property; and if he will make a statement. [34970]

  Mr. Boswell
  I am aware of ADAS involvement in the analysis of dredgings on behalf of the Selby internal drainage board prior to application of the dredgings to land. The spreading of dredgings from inland waters to agricultural land is exempt from licensing under the DOE's Waste Management Licensing Regulations 1994. However, landspreading of such waste is subject to quantitative limits and must result in benefit to agriculture or ecological improvement. Landspreading must also be carried out without endangering human health and without using processes or methods which would harm the environment. It is the responsibility of the Environment Agency to ensure compliance with the regulations.

  Forest of Bowland
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list those sites he proposes to designate as environmentally sensitive areas within the forest of Bowland. [34859]

  Mr. Boswell
  The Government have taken no decision to increase the number of environmentally sensitive areas in England.

  Deregulation
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his answer of 2 April,Official Report, column 199, if he will undertake an immediate review of past EC directives to remove all gold plating. [35109]

  Mr. Boswell
  [holding answer 2 July 1996]: To review all past legislation implementing every EC directive would be a very substantial undertaking indeed. I do not believe that this would be beneficial or even a necessary exercise; and it would certainly involve disproportionate cost. Ministers in this Department have been fully aware for some time of the need to avoid gold plating of EC measures. Where this has taken place, it has been for clear policy reasons—for example, to provide enhanced

  477
  protection to UK consumers going beyond minimum European standards. The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster announced to the House on 16 May the publication of a new "implementing EC law checklist". This checklist is designed to ensure that no unnecessary additional burdens are placed on business when EC directives are implemented in the UK.

  Potato Prices
  Mr. William O'Brien
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will publish the wholesale and retail price of potatoes for each quarter period in the past two years. [34336]

  Mr. Boswell
  Data on wholesale prices are not available for potatoes. However, average prices received by potato growers in Great Britain, compiled from data collected by the Potato Marketing Board, are shown in the table.

  The average prices paid by households in Great Britain for fresh potatoes, compiled from the national food survey, are also shown.

  Pence per kg

  Average prices received by potato growers

  Average prices paid by households

  1994

  Q2

  13.9

  44.7

  Q3

  11.8

  42.2

  Q4

  13.5

  35

  1995

  Q1

  22.2

  46.7

  Q2

  23.5

  65.1

  Q3

  12.4

  45.3

  Q4

  15.7

  41.3

  1996

  Q1

  15.2

  44.7

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Public Bodies
  Mr. Dowd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many non-departmental public bodies he estimates will be in place by the end of 1996; and if he will list them and their functions. [33542]

  Sir John Wheeler
  The estimated number of non-departmental public bodies sponsored by the Northern Ireland Government Departments likely to be in place by the end of 1996 is 97.

  A list of each of the bodies and their function has been placed in the Library.

  Mr. Lindsay Robb
  Mr. Mullin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will call for a report from the Royal Ulster Constabulary on how much Mr. Lindsay Robb was paid for his evidence in the case of Mr. Colin Duffy; and if he will make a statement. [34732]
  478
  Sir John Wheeler
  Mr. Robb received no payment for giving evidence at the trial of Mr. Colin Duffy.

  Departmental Subscriptions
  Mr. Maclennan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list all(a) periodicals, (b) magazines and (c) academic journals subscribed to by his Department in the last three months. [33756]

  Sir John Wheeler
  [holding answer 20 June 1996]: The information is not available in the format requested. The available information has been placed in the Library.

  Orange Order Marches
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the undertakings given by the RUC to the mediation network and residents of Garvaghy road for 1995 to the effect that there would not be a similar march on the same route in 1996. [35294]

  Sir John Wheeler
  [holding answer 2 July 1996]: I understand no such undertakings were given by the RUC to mediation network or the residents of Garvaghy road.

  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what discussions he has had with the RUC about the re-routing of Orange order marches in Portadown away from predominantly nationalist areas. [35293]

  Sir John Wheeler
  [holding answer 2 July 1996]: Whilst my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State is regularly briefed on the security situation, the routing of parades is an operational matter for the RUC and he is not routinely briefed in detail in relation to the routes to be taken for individual marches.

  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what factors preclude the July Orange march to Drumcree following the 1985 route by Obins street. [35300]

  Sir John Wheeler
  [holding answer 2 July 1996]: The RUC assess each parade under the terms of the Public Order (Northern Ireland) Order 1987 and impose conditions or re-route if they consider it appropriate.

  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will meet representatives of the Garvaghy road residents coalition to discuss the rerouting of the Orange order march away from Garvaghy road on 7 July. [35292]

  Sir John Wheeler
  [holding answer 2 July 1996]: The routing of parades is an operational matter for the RUC and a meeting with the Secretary of State is unlikely to be of benefit at this time. I understand that the RUC both at headquarters and at local level have met representatives of the local residents and that a further meeting is planned.

ATTORNEY-GENERAL

  Crown Prosecution Service
  Mr. Cann
  To ask the Attorney-General what instruction has been given to the Crown Prosecution Service to(a) prepare a full account of a serious or

  479
  dangerous criminal event before proceedings have been finalised in cases involving mentally disordered persons and (b) transmit the account after completion of the criminal process (i) to clinicians responsible subsequently for the care of the patient and (ii) to C3 division of the Home Office. [34626]

  The Attorney-General
  The recommendations of the Jason Mitchell inquiry are under consideration. In particular, discussions are taking place between the mental health unit—formerly C3 division—of the Home Office and the Crown Prosecution Service about the way in which it may provide information in respect of restricted hospital patients, which will assist the mental health unit in carrying out its role.

HOUSE OF COMMONS

  Fees Office Computer
  Mr. McWilliam
  To ask the Chairman of the Information Committee how many times and for what duration the Fees Office computer has been unavailable over the last three months; which company(a) supplied, (b) manufactured and (c) installed the machine; who is responsible for its maintenance; and on whose advice and when it was procured. [35371]

  Mr. Waller
  Responsibility for the procurement of computer systems and other goods and services for their departments lies with the head of each department of the House. I shall ask the Director of Finance and Administration as head of the relevant department to write to the hon. Member with the information requested.

  Air Travel Costs
  Sir Sydney Chapman
  To ask the Chairman of the Administration Committee what further rebate agreements have been reached in respect of air travel costs since those announced on 1 November 1995,Official Report, column 253. [35494]

  Mr. Michael J. Martin
  I am pleased to advise the hon. Member that, at its meeting on 14 May, the Administration Committee endorsed a proposed corporate option agreement between the House and British Midland whereby, subject to a certain minimum target per annum being achieved, and in return for the House dealing with British Midland as a preferred airline, BM will assist the House in reducing its air travel costs.

  The incentive discount is on a sliding scale, so that the greater the flown revenue, the greater the percentage, as well as actual, rebate. All BM flights in the executive fare, three-day executive return and Eurobudget categories undertaken on parliamentary business by hon. Members, their staff or staff of the House, and booked through the Travel Office since 1 April, qualify.

  As with the earlier agreement with British Airways, which continues, individual hon. Members or Committees who prefer to deal with other carriers or agents are still perfectly free to do so. However, I hope that hon. Members will bear in mind that for the House to benefit from this new agreement, BM flights do have to be booked through the Travel Office, as is the case with BA flights.

  Cash Dispensing Machines
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Chairman of the Administration Committee what steps he is taking to ensure the security of cash dispensing machines located within the precincts of the Palace. [35681]

  Mr. Michael J. Martin
  I consider the current security arrangements for the cash dispensing machines entirely satisfactory. Cash dispensing machines have been available within the precincts of the Palace since 1990. In that time, there has been one incident where a machine has been damaged. The individual responsible was easily identified and action is being taken by the police and the House authorities.

SCOTLAND

  Life Sentences
  Mr. Devlin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on his proposals for automatic life sentences for second-time violent and sexual offenders in Scotland. [34169]

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  Offenders who are convicted of a serious violent or sexual offence for a second time should be sentenced to life imprisonment. We are consulting on our proposals and will bring forward legislation at the earliest opportunity.

  Inward Investment
  Mr. Butler
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the level of investment from abroad that has been attracted to Scotland over the last six months. [34184]

  Mr. George Kynoch
  In the six months to March 1996, overseas-owned companies chose Scotland as the location for 24 inward investment projects involving planned investment of more than £550 million and the expected creation or safeguarding of more than 6,000 jobs.

  Beef and Dairy Farmers
  Mr. Robert G. Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what measures he is taking to keep the Scottish beef and dairy farming community fully informed of measures being taken by the Government. [34185]

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  We have put in place a regular newsletter sent to all beef and dairy farmers in Scotland. The latest edition was issued this week and I am placing copies in the Library. We have also established and publicised telephone helplines.

  Curfew Orders
  Mr. Congdon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on his proposals to give the courts new powers to impose curfew orders, monitored by electronic tags. [34186]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  We believe that electronically monitored orders could usefully add to the range of sentencing options available to the Scottish courts. We look forward to introducing legislative proposals which will offer the Scottish courts this new disposal.

  Enterprise Zones
  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent discussions he has held with the representatives of local authorities and enterprise companies concerning the enterprise zones in their localities. [34187]

  Mr. Kynoch
  I discussed Inverclyde enterprise zone with Renfrewshire Enterprise on 30 November last year and Lanarkshire enterprise zone with Lanarkshire Development Agency on 17 April this year.

  British Aerospace, Prestwick
  Mr. Foulkes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what action he has taken following his visit to British Aerospace at Prestwick on Monday 10 June in respect of employment prospects at Prestwick. [34188]

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  I can assure the hon. Gentleman that we shall explore all appropriate means to assist British Aerospace to secure the site's long-term viability. Since 10 June, our officials have had extensive contacts with senior management of British Aerospace to seek to identify what scope may exist to help the company attract additional work to Prestwick. I am taking a close interest in the progress of these discussions.

  Council Housing
  Sir David Steel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the proposed level of central Government expenditure for the Scottish borders for public sector housing in each year to the year 2000. [34189]

  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  The Scottish Office does not incur expenditure directly on public sector housing in the Scottish borders. However, housing benefit will be paid to some public sector tenants and expenditure will be incurred by local housing authorities and by Scottish Homes. I congratulate the former Berwickshire district council on having been the first local authority to transfer its entire stock to a housing association.

  Mr. Watson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the changes in council housing expenditure in Glasgow in real terms between 1989 and 1999. [34196]

  Mr. Robertson
  Decisions on the allocation of resources to individual authorities for 1998–99 will not be taken until early in 1998 following completion of the 1997 public expenditure survey. Expenditure by Glasgow district council on its own stock in 1989–90 was £129 million at 1995–96 prices.

  Football
  Mr. Canavan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will meet representatives of the Scottish Football Association to discuss the provision of public funds for the development of football. [34190]

  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  I meet representatives of the Scottish Football Association from time to time to discuss a range of relevant issues.

  Taxation
  Mr. Jessel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent representations he has received from Scots on taxation matters. [34192]

  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent representations he has received on taxation levels in Scotland. [34201]

  Mr. Kynoch
  We have received a number of representations expressing concern. This Government do not propose to introduce taxation rates in Scotland which differ from those in the rest of the United Kingdom.

  Homelessness
  Mr. Welsh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent steps he has taken to tackle homelessness in Scotland. [34193]

  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  We are currently consulting on a revised draft code of guidance on homelessness. This year, we are providing grants of more than £400,000 to voluntary bodies for homelessness projects. Tackling homelessness is also a national priority for both local housing authorities and Scottish Homes.

  Forestry Roads
  Mr. Maclennan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received about the imposition of weight restrictions on forestry roads; and if he will make a statement. [34194]

  Mr. Kynoch
  The Scottish Office Development Department received five representations about proposed weight restriction orders published by the former Highland regional council.

  Health Service
  Ms Rachel Squire
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on what measures he has taken to ensure that patient care is the first priority of NHS management practices. [34195]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The priorities and planning guidance for the NHS in Scotland each year requires all those working in the NHS to give patient care the highest priority.

  Orchard House Nursing Home
  Mr. Hood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish the report of the inquiry into the management practices at Orchard House nursing home. [34197]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Decisions about the publication of this report are for Lanarkshire health board.

  Prison Construction (Kilmarnock)
  Mr. Duncan Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on his proposals to build a new privately financed prison at Bowhouse, Kilmarnock. [34199]
  483
  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The proposed new 500-place prison will be designed, constructed, managed and financed by the private sector under the terms of the Government's private finance initiative.

  Mental Incapacity
  Mr. Nicholas Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the Scottish Law Commission report on mentally incapacitated adults. [34200]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  As my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced on 18 June,Official Report, column 409, careful consideration has been given to the Scottish Law Commission's report on incapable adults. The report raises a number of issues which are both important and sensitive, and proposes many changes in the law relating to legal procedures for looking after the property, financial affairs and personal welfare of mentally incapable adults. Whilst my right hon. Friend acknowledges the consultation which has already been carried out by the commission in coming to the conclusions it has reached, he also recognises that many people will have strong views on the proposals which the commission has made.

  Consequently, he has decided that, before legislating on the basis of the commission's proposals, there should be further consultation. It is proposed to issue a consultation paper this summer.

  Forestry
  Mr. Pawsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the number of persons employed in the forestry service in 1989; how many acres were then in its administration; and what are the current figures. [34203]

  Mr. Kynoch
  The Forestry Commission employed 5,118 people and managed 1,144,000 hectares of land in 1989. It currently employs 3,646 people and manages 1,080,000 hectares of land.

  Mr. Sweeney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to devolve forestry administration to local communities. [34206]

  Mr. Kynoch
  We recently announced a series of new measures to allow local communities to become involved in the management of woodlands. When the Forestry Commission offers woodlands for sale, local communities will be able to buy them at the valuation price where this will help to promote the social and economic development of the community. Some local communities have already entered into forestry partnerships with the commission, and this is a flexible way of increasing communities' participation in forest management. The commission has recently published a practical guide, "Involving Communities in Forestry", a copy of which is in the Library.

  Lenient Sentences
  Mr. Jacques Arnold
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on extending the Crown's right to appeal against lenient sentences to Scotland. [34204]
  484
  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The Government have announced proposals to extend to summary proceedings the Crown right of appeal against unduly lenient sentences.

  Radioactive Waste
  Mr. Wray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how much radioactive waste has been dumped in Scotland in the last 10 years; and what plans he has to ban the dumping of imported radioactive waste in Scotland. [34205]

  Mr. Kynoch
  Since 1986, some 5,500 cu m of low activity solid waste has been disposed of in Scotland by nuclear sites. The position of the UK Government in relation to the importation of radioactive waste is set out in the White Paper, "Review of Radioactive Waste Management Policy", Cm 2929.

  Miscarriages of Justice
  Mr. David Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he informed the members of the Sutherland committee on appeals criteria and alleged miscarriages of justice of his response to their recommendations; and if he will make a statement. [34207]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  My right hon. Friend discussed the Government's conclusions with Sir Stewart Sutherland and Lord Ross, the Lord Justice Clerk, on Friday 7 June. He subsequently made a statement to the Scottish Grand Committee in Ayr on 10 June, the day the committee's report was published. The White Paper, "Crime and Punishment", published on 17 June, details the Government's response to the committee's report.

  Ministerial Visits
  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list those parliamentary constituencies he has visited in the last three months on official business and those constituencies he intends to visit in the next three months; and if he will make a statement. [33859]

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  Since 20 March I have visited the following constituencies on official or parliamentary business:

  Constituency

  Stirling

  Livingston

  Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale

  Edinburgh, Central

  Hamilton

  Glasgow, Hillhead

  Gordon

  Perth and Kinross

  Aberdeen, East

  Dundee, East

  Kincardine and Deeside

  Glasgow, Govan

  Glasgow, Central

  Edinburgh, West

  Dunfermline, West

  Ayr

  485
  It is not my practice to give details of my future programme, but my office would normally write to the hon. Members concerned before visits to their constituencies on official business.

  Saltire
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland on which dates the Saltire is flown from public buildings. [35001]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Where a Scottish Office building has two or more flagstaffs, the Saltire is flown on the following days in addition to the Union flag:

  6 February: Her Majesty's accession

  19 February: Birthday of the Duke of York

  10 March: Birthday of the Prince Edward

  March: Commonwealth day (second Monday)

  21 April: Birthday of Her Majesty the Queen

  2 June: Coronation day

  June: Official celebration of Her Majesty's birthday (date to be notified)

  10 June: Birthday of the Duke of Edinburgh

  1 July: Birthday of the Princess of Wales

  4 August: Birthday of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother

  15 August: Birthday of the Princess Royal

  21 August: Birthday of the Princess Margaret

  November: Remembrance day (second Sunday)

  14 November: Birthday of the Prince of Wales

  20 November: Her Majesty's wedding day

  30 November St. Andrew's day.

  Bible John Case
  Mr. McFall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the cost of the Strathclyde police inquiry into the Bible John case arising from the exhumation of the body. [34884]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Strathclyde police estimate the costs, excluding overhead costs, to be as follows:

  Police salary costs: £26,318

  Other costs: £6,204

  Professor Donald Macleod
  Mr. Wilson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what were the costs to public funds of bringing to court the case against Professor Donald Macleod, broken down to show those relating to(a) the police, (b) the Procurator Fiscal Service and (c) the Crown Office. [34963]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  My noble and learned Friend the Lord Advocate informs me that the costs of summary cases which proceed to trial can vary considerably depending on a number of factors, including the length of the trial. Procurators fiscal do not keep a record of the amount of time spent on individual cases. The information requested about the cost of the case against Professor Macleod is not therefore readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. Lothian and Borders police have been able to calculate that their salary costs amounted to approximately £3,000.
  486
  Mr. Wilson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what action the Crown Office proposes to take following the summing up in the case against Professor Donald Macleod. [35255]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  My noble and learned Friend the Lord Advocate has asked the procurator fiscal to submit a report on the trial. A decision on whether any further action should be taken will be made by Crown counsel following a consideration of that report.

  Sex Offenders
  Lady Olga Maitland
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on his proposals to require sex offenders to notify the police of any change of address in Scotland. [34177]

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The White Paper, "Crime and Punishment" published on 17 June, set out my proposals to ensure that convicted sex offenders should be required to register their address with the police. I hope to introduce legislation for this purpose as soon as possible.

  Under-age Drinkers
  Mr. Whittingdale
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on his proposals to provide the police with powers to confiscate alcoholic drink from under-age drinkers in public places in Scotland. [34175]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has announced proposals to allow the police to confiscate alcoholic drink from under-age drinkers in public places. This will allow the police to respond in a practical way to the problem without criminalising the behaviour of under-age drinkers.

WALES

  Inward Investment
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will publish the definition of the A55 and M4 corridors in Wales outwith which he expects inward investment into Wales to channel at least 20 per cent. of new jobs coming into Wales; and what was the number and proportion of such jobs which went into the area outside these two corridors in each of the past three years. [34943]

  Mr. Hague
  For the purpose of Welsh Development Agency strategic guidance and targets, the eastern M4 corridor is defined as the coastal strip running from Chepstow in the east to Pyle in the west; the northern boundary is coincident with the southern boundary of the programme for the valleys area, extended east to include the southern half of Monmouthshire. In north Wales, from 1 April 1996, the eastern A55 corridor is defined as the non-rural part of the Wrexham county borough council area, the whole of Flinshire and the northern part of Denbighshire, including the towns of St. Asaph, Rhyl and Prestatyn. This is a slightly larger area than has previously been used. An illustrative map is being produced and, as soon as it is available, I will arrange for a copy to be placed in the Library of the House.
  487
  I will also arrange for the chief executive of the WDA to write to the hon. Member providing details of the jobs created outside these corridors in each of the past three years and for a copy of his letter to be placed in the Library of the House.

  Food Inspections
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will publish the latest available information on the percentage of food health inspections carried out by each of the old district councils, indicating for each council(a) the number of inspections planned, (b) the number carried out, (c) the number of inspection staff employed and (d) the ratio of that number to (i) the population of the district and (ii) the number of food outlets requiring inspection. [34490]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  Information on the number of food health inspections planned and the number of inspection staff employed by the former district councils in Wales is not held centrally. The number of food outlets in each of the former districts, along with the number of inspections carried out during 1995 by each council, are detailed in the table:

  Number of premises and inspections Welsh districts 1995

  District

  Number of premises

  Inspections

  Aberconwy

  1,029

  733

  Alyn and Deeside

  937

  432

  Arfon

  822

  131

  Blaenau Gwent

  690

  178

  Brecknock

  754

  302

  Cardiff City

  2,668

  863

  Carmarthen

  895

  270

  Ceredigion

  1,096

  632

  Colwyn

  1,037

  363

  Cynon Valley

  119

  200

  Delyn

  725

  639

  Dinefwr

  491

  245

  Dwyfor

  653

  289

  Glyndwr

  849

  149

  Islwyn

  560

  162

  Llanelli

  863

  116

  Lliw Valley

  556

  272

  Meirionnydd

  855

  256

  Merthhyr Tydfil

  611

  317

  Monmouth

  730

  315

  Montgomeryshire

  932

  450

  488

  Number of premises and inspections Welsh districts 1995

  District

  Number of premises

  Inspections

  Neath

  685

  285

  Newport

  1,047

  315

  Ogwr

  1,314

  490

  Port Talbot

  511

  136

  Pembrokeshire

  1,105

  656

  Radnorshire

  331

  82

  Rhondda

  760

  320

  Rhuddlan

  956

  506

  Rhymney Valley

  1,026

  306

  South Pembrokeshire

  1,222

  456

  Swansea

  1,775

  1,067

  Taff-Ely

  800

  510

  Torfaen

  747

  499

  Vale of Glamorgan

  964

  657

  Wrexham Maelor

  1,017

  315

  Isle of Anglesey/Ynys Môn

  688

  221

  Trunk Road Maintenance (Powys)
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on trunk road maintenance spending in Powys. [35256]

  Mr. Hague
  The allocation for trunk road current maintenance in Powys for 1996–97 is £2,497 million.

  Voluntary Sector (Funding)
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make it his policy to ensure that changes in the arrangements for the funding of the voluntary sector in Wales do not interrupt programmes already in being; and if he will make a statement. [35257]

  Mr. Hague
  It is my policy to consult the voluntary sector over changes in arrangements for funding the sector.

  Mr. Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on his proposals for the allocation of funding to the voluntary sector in Wales. [35258]

  Mr. Hague
  The Government are committed to a strong and thriving voluntary sector in Wales. Funding from my Department supports the development of the voluntary sector and underpins the considerable contribution which the voluntary sector makes to the achievement of the Government's policy objectives.

  EU Enlargement: Costs
  EU Enlargement: Costs
  Museums and Galleries: Admission Charges
  Museums and Galleries: Admission Charges
  Victoria and Albert Museum: Charges
  Victoria and Albert Museum: Charges
  Asylum Seekers: Home Office Country Assessments
  Asylum Seekers: Home Office Country Assessments
  Physical Education and Sport in Schools: DfEE Report
  Physical Education and Sport in Schools: DfEE Report
  RAF Menwith Hill: Telecommunications Interception
  RAF Menwith Hill: Telecommunications Interception