Written Answers of 4 July 1996

TRANSPORT

  Railways (Fencing)
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what legislative provisions regulate physical access to the permanent way; and what responsibilities Railtrack has to protect the public by ensuring that the railway is adequately fenced; [34736]

  (2) how many miles of unfenced railway line run through urban areas. [34737]

  Mr. Watts
  Under section 16 of the Railway Regulation Act 1840, section 23 of the Regulation of Railways Act 1868, section 55 of the British Transport Commission Act 1949 and railway byelaws, it is an offence to trespass on the railway.

  Railtrack has a statutory duty under section 10 of the Railways Regulation Act 1842 and section 68 of the Railways Clauses Consolidation Act 1945 to ensure that fencing is provided and maintained for its railway lines. In certain limited cases, lines may be exempt from the requirement for fencing by the terms of the old private Act or the light railway order which originally authorised their construction. However, I understand that in some of these cases fencing is in fact provided even though the Act or order does not require it.

  Following a review of existing railway safety legislation, the Health and Safety Commission has consulted on new draft regulations, including one which would require infrastructure controllers, so far as is reasonably practicable, to prevent unauthorised access by persons or animals which could endanger health or safety.

  Railtrack is also subject to the same duties and liabilities in respect of persons on its premises as any other public limited company. These duties include the general requirements of the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974, including the duty to conduct the undertaking in such a way as to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that persons are not exposed to risks to their health or safety.

  M5 Link Road
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what level of delay in the completion of the M5 link road with the second Severn crossing will trigger penalty clauses against the contractors. [35676]

  Mr. Watts
  Any delay in substantial completion of the M49, which links the M5 to the second Severn crossing, beyond the contract completion date would render the contractor liable for a sum based on liquidated damages.
  490

  Trains (Service Checks)
  Ms Short
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how often InterCity West Coast trains are given a fall service check; what changes there have been to this maintenance schedule within the last 12 months; and if he will make a statement. [35033]

  Mr. Watts
  This is a matter for InterCity West Coast, the train operator.

  I understand that a full range of maintenance is undertaken, varying from daily maintenance to complete overhaul. There have been no changes in maintenance schedules within the last 12 months.

  EC Bus and Coach Directive
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to introduce regulations to implement the EC bus and coach directive. [34990]

  Mr. Norris
  The Commission has not yet made a proposal for a European bus and coach directive. The implementation dates of the directive will no doubt be the subject of negotiation after the proposal has been tabled.

  Air Safety
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport on what date he expects to ratify the joint aviation authorities agreement on joint airworthiness requirements No. 36 on noise. [35510]

  Mr. Norris
  The JAA adopted JAR No. 36 on noise on 24 June 1996. The practice is that new JARS are incorporated into EC legislation.

  Rolling Stock
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he is taking to ensure that railway rolling stock destined for repair and maintenance arrives at the depot by rail. [35663]

  Mr. Watts
  Responsibility for deciding how and where passenger rolling stock is transported for repair and maintenance lies with the train operators and the passenger rolling stock leasing companies. In some instances, the nature of the fault renders rolling stock unsafe for transport by rail.

TREASURY

  Customs and Excise
  Mr. Matthew Banks
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the recommendations contained in Sir Richard Scott's report relating to Customs and Excise legislation and procedures. [35979]

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  Sir Richard Scott made a number of recommendations in his report relating to Customs and Excise legislation and procedures. These may be found in chapter K4 of his report. All his recommendations have either been accepted by the Government as they stand or, in a few cases, following detailed consideration by the commissioners of Customs and Excise and their legal advisers, the concerns reflected
  491
  in Sir Richard's recommendations will be met in an alternative manner to that proposed. The Government's detailed response to each recommendation is contained in a paper which I have placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Diplomatic Relations
  Mr. Galbraith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when diplomatic relations were(a) suspended and (b) restored between the United Kingdom and (i) Iran, (ii) Iraq and (iii) Syria during the past 15 years. [35316]

  Mr. Hanley
  Relations with Iran were formally broken by Iran on March 1989. We restored relations with Iran in September 1990. Relations with Iraq were suspended in February 1991 and have not been restored. Relations with Syria were suspended in October 1986 and restored in November 1990.

  Missing Personnel
  Mr. Parry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent action the UN has taken in respect of US personnel missing in action in(a) Vietnam and (b) North Korea. [35153]

  Sir Nicholas Bonsor
  We are unaware of any recent UN activity in this area.

HEALTH

  Prescription Charges (Crohn's Disease)
  Mr. Hanson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) for what reasons individuals suffering from Crohn's disease who need medication for life are not exempt from prescription charges; [35096]

  (2) what plans he has to make prescriptions free for people suffering from Crohn's disease. [35106]

  Mr. Malone
  We have no plans to extend the exemption arrangements. In 1996–97, we expect 85 per cent. of prescriptions to be dispensed free, thanks to our extensive exemption arrangements, which are among the most generous in Europe. Many people with Crohn's disease will benefit from these.

  NHS Pension Scheme
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list all categories of staff working in the NHS who are not eligible to join the NHS pension scheme and the number of people currently in each category; what estimate he makes of the extra public expenditure that would be involved in giving full NHS pension scheme eligibility to each of these categories; and if he will make a statement. [35086]

  Mr. Malone
  All staff employed by the national health service are eligible to join the NHS pension scheme. Others who work in the NHS such as chairmen of trusts and health authorities, some self-employed contractors and the staff of contractors are not eligible. The costs for 492
  each group would depend upon take-up, whether this scheme would replace current pension arrangements and the salaries of the staff concerned, as well as the factors set out in my reply to the hon. Member for Lancashire, West (Mr. Pickthall) on 26 June at columns 147–48.

  NHS Trusts
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many NHS trusts(a) hold public meetings, (b) conduct public consultation exercises, (c) conduct consultation exercises with outside commercial interests, (d) publish a register of members' interests, (e) publish agendas for meetings and (f) publish the minutes of meetings; and if this is in each case (i) under a statutory requirement or (ii) voluntary. [35089]

  Mr. Malone
  All national health service trusts are statutorily required to hold one annual meeting which is open to the public. No information is available centrally on the many NHS trusts which voluntarily admit the public to their board meetings.

  All NHS trusts which are considering dissolution are statutorily required to consult the relevant community health council. No information is available centrally on individual NHS trusts which voluntarily conduct other consultation exercises either with the public or with outside commercial interests.

  There is no statutory requirement for NHS boards to maintain a register of members' interests, but all NHS trusts are required by the codes of conduct and accountability to do so. These registers are available for inspection by the public.

  There is no obligation on NHS trusts to publish the agendas and minutes of their meetings. Information is not available centrally on how many NHS trusts voluntarily do so.

  General Practitioners (Practice Lists)
  Mr. Hanson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many patients have been removed by general practitioners from their practice lists in England for each of the last five years. [35107]

  Mr. Malone
  The information required is available only from 1992 and is as follows:

  1992–93: 78,993

  1993–94: 70,997

  1994–95: 82,831

  The majority of de-registrations are due to deaths or moving home.

  Tuberculosis
  Dr. Goodson-Wickes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if the interdepartmental working group on tuberculosis has completed its report. [36128]

  Mr. Horam
  Yes. Two reports of the interdepartmental working group on tuberculosis, entitled "Recommendations for the prevention and control of tuberculosis at local level" and "Tuberculosis and homeless people", have been released today. Copies have been placed in the Library.
  493
  Mr. French
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he has completed his consideration of the advice he has received from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation on the future of the schools Bacillus Calmette-Guerin immunisation programme. [36105]

  Mr. Horam
  We have accepted fully the advice of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation that Bacillus Calmette-Guerin should be routinely offered to all schoolchildren between the ages of 10 and 14. The advice we have received from the JCVI is in line with the current recommendation as set out in the Department of Health's memorandum "Immunisation Against Infectious Disease", copies of which are available in the Library. We would therefore expect all health authorities to offer BCG immunisation routinely to school children.

  Infant Formulae
  Mr. French
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will issue guidance on the donation of informational or educational equipment or materials in accordance with section 21(3) of the Infant Formula and Follow-on Formula Regulations 1995. [36106]

  Mr. Horam
  Draft guidance was issued for public consultation on 2 July, copies of which have been placed in the Library. It contains:proposed good practice to help ensure that information provided on infant feeding is objective and consistent; and proposed guidelines and criteria on the donation of informational or educational materials by the infant formula industry.
  Comments have been requested by 10 September 1996.

  Medicinal Drugs
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action he is taking to reduce the deaths by poisoning attributed to(a) paracetamol, (b) co-proxamol and (c) dotheipin. [35452]

  Mr. Malone
  No immediate measures additional to those already in place are proposed. Paracetamol co-proxamol and dothiepin are effective drugs which are safe at the dosages recommended on the labelling. The Medicines Control Agency evaluates all new information on the safety of medicines carefully, particularly in relation to the controls on their availability.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action is he taking to reduce the incidence of adverse reaction to medicinal drugs. [35456]

  Mr. Malone
  All medicines that are effective have adverse reactions, some minor and some more serious. Effective methods and procedures are in place to reduce the incidence of these in patients taking medicines. Medicines undergo rigorous evaluation of quality, efficacy and safety by the licensing authority, and its expert advisory bodies before being allowed on the market, to ensure that the benefits of medicines outweigh their risks. Product information for doctors and patients give clear instructions on use and provide warnings and precautions on adverse reactions in order to minimise the likelihood and impact of adverse reactions.
  494
  Once marketed, medicines are monitored closely to identify previously unrecognised adverse reactions or changes in their frequency or severity. Effective procedures exist for investigation, expert evaluation and action on identified adverse reactions. Changes are made to a medicine's marketing authorisation and product information to minimise the occurrence and impact of any newly identified adverse reactions. Rarely, when risks are shown to outweigh benefits, a medicine may be withdrawn from the market. Doctors and pharmacists, and patients are informed of the adverse reactions of medicines they use through product information. A bulletin entitled "Current Problems in Pharmacovigilance" is also distributed to doctors and pharmacists quarterly to inform them of new adverse drug reactions and provide advice on the safe use of medicines. For more urgent issues communication by letter and electronic communication network is used.

  Ambulance Services
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 12 June,Official Report, column 89 in which two ambulance services the evaluation was commissioned; and how much is being spent on it. [35453]

  Mr. Horam
  The evaluation was conducted on Derbyshire Ambulance Service NHS trust and Essex Ambulance Service NHS trust.

  The cost of the research was £52,462.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many health service commissioners have market tested the provision of ambulance services; and with what results. [35580]

  Mr. Horam
  South Staffordshire Health Authority has market tested ambulance services for a part of its area which bordered on Greater Birmingham. The contract was retained by the West Midlands ambulance service.

  Addictive Substances
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the relative physically addictive properties of(a) nicotine, (b) alcohol, (c) heroin, (d) cocaine, (e) ecstasy, (f) benzodiazepines, (g) caffeine and (h) cannabis. [35457]

  Mr. Bowis
  There is no scientific scale of "addictiveness" covering all these substances.

  Bandages
  Mr. Terry Davis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when(a) Biflex Thuasne bandages and (b) Velband bandages were last available on prescription from the national health service; and what alternative bandages are currently available on prescription. [35507]

  Mr. Malone
  Biflex Thuasne and Velband bandages have never been available on general practitioner prescription. A number of bandages are available on GP prescription and these are listed in the drug tariff, copies of which will be placed in the Library.
  495

  Read Codes
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 1 July,Official Report, column 334 if he will place in the Library a copy of the report of the joint computing group of the British Medical Association and the Royal College of General Practitioners into medical coding and classifications. [35697]

  Mr. Horam
  The report will be placed in the Library.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Producer and Supplier Information
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many new initiatives his Department has taken in the current year to improve the flow of information between producers and their suppliers. [35476]

  Mr. Page
  The development of successful partnerships between customers and suppliers is of great importance in promoting the competitiveness of UK industry. The Department works closely with companies, trade associations and others on a wide range of activities and initiatives to encourage this. However, no central record of such supply chain initiatives is held.

  British Energy
  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what is the cash value of the liabilities of British Energy that will be met by the segregated fund. [35616]

  Mr. Lang
  British Energy's expected future payments in respect of nuclear liabilities covered by the segregated fund were approximately £3.7 billion undiscounted, as at March 1996.

  Terrorist Damage
  Mr. Eastham
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade, pursuant to his answer of 27 June,Official Report, column 202, in respect of compensation for terrorist damage, for how many years such insurance has not been available in Northern Ireland. [35526]

  Mr. Nelson
  Insurance cover for losses arising from damage to industrial and commercial property caused by terrorist activity has been unavailable in Northern Ireland for 22 years.

  Barmac
  Mr. Charles Kennedy
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade, pursuant to his answer of 1 July,Official Report, column 262, if he will detail the outcome of the 24 June meeting in respect of the Barmac N166 site objective 1 application; and if he will make a statement. [35618]

  Mr. Eggar
  The meeting between officials of the European Commission and my Department was exploratory and to discuss a draft application; no decisions were made. Commission officials indicated what further information would be needed before they could reach a final conclusion.
  496

  Court Facilities
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many times since 1992 witnesses have given evidence in court(a) behind screens and (b) with the use of voice distorters. [34883]

  Mr. Streeter
  The question concerns a specific operational matter on which the chief executive of the Court Service is best placed to provide an answer. I have accordingly asked the chief executive to reply direct.

  Letter from Michael Huebner to Mr. Jim Cunningham, dated 4 July 1996:
  The Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, has asked me to reply to your Question about witnesses and the use of screens and voice distorters in court since 1992.
  These figures are not held centrally and could only be obtained at a disproportionate cost.

  Companies (Payments)
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what has been the cost to public funds of the consultation that he has undertaken on whether large companies should state their payment practice in their accounts. [35640]

  Mr. Page
  As the consultation was launched only on 27 June, it is impossible to judge at this stage what the total cost to public funds will be. However, the consultative document itself was produced in-house to keep production costs down. We estimate the printing and reprographic costs for the nearly 2,000 copies issued so far to be approximately £1,800. The only other significant item of expenditure to date has been the cost of mailing the document to consultees.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Remand Prisoners
  Ms Corston
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what is the average time that prisoners are held on remand in custody awaiting trial. [34516]

  Mr. Streeter
  For proceedings in the magistrates courts it is possible to give only the average number of whole weeks spent in custody between first listing and completion of the case, which in 1995 was seven weeks. That figure includes those cases which were subsequently committed to the Crown court, where the average waiting time between committal and start of trial in 1995–96 was 11.4 weeks.

  Youth Courts
  Mr. Michael
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what was the average time an indictable offence took(a) from offence to charge or summons, (b) from charge or summons to first listing, (c) from first listing to completion and (d) from offence to completion for cases proceeding through youth courts for (i) England and Wales, (ii) each region in England and Wales and (iii) each police force area in the latest year for which figures are available. [35622]
  497
  Mr. Streeter
  The latest full year for which figures are available is 1995. The information requested is contained in the table. The table includes information on all indictable offences—both indictable only and triable either way. The source of the figures is the magistrates courts time intervals survey. This survey collects information on all defendants in indictable cases in one sample week of February, June and October each year.

  Average time taken for indicatable offences heard in the youth court by stage of proceedings and by standard region and police force area, 1995, England and Wales

  Average number of days

  Offence to charge or summons

  Charge or summons to first listing

  First listing to completion

  Offence to completion

  England and Wales

  40

  27

  67

  134

  English regions and Wales

  North England

  31

  23

  62

  116

  North West England

  37

  27

  66

  129

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  29

  23

  69

  122

  East Midlands

  31

  25

  60

  116

  West Midlands

  33

  27

  74

  134

  East Anglia

  41

  31

  51

  123

  Sample size less than 100

  Greater London

  58

  27

  74

  160

  South East (except London)

  55

  30

  63

  148

  South West

  41

  29

  59

  129

  Wales

  28

  28

  68

  123

  Police force area

  Avon and Somerset

  61

  24

  48

  134

  Sample size less than 100

  Bedfordshire

  *

  *

  *

  *

  Sample size less than 25

  Cambridgeshire

  *

  *

  *

  *

  Sample size less than 25

  Cheshire

  39

  28

  69

  135

  Sample size less than 100

  Cleveland

  27

  24

  70

  122

  Sample size less than 100

  Cumbria

  46

  25

  32

  103

  Sample size less than 100

  Derbyshire

  38

  30

  55

  122

  Sample size less than 100

  Devon and Cornwall

  35

  31

  47

  113

  Sample size less than 100

  Dorset

  *

  *

  *

  *

  Sample size less than 25

  Durham

  42

  21

  55

  118

  Sample size less than 100

  Dyfed-Powys

  *

  *

  *

  *

  Sample size less than 25

  Essex

  39

  30

  44

  114

  Sample size less than 100

  Gloucestershire

  37

  24

  72

  134

  Sample size less than 100

  Greater Manchester

  25

  24

  62

  112

  Gwent

  36

  24

  49

  110

  Sample size less than 100

  Hampshire

  67

  28

  63

  159

  Hertfordshire

  46

  38

  62

  145

  Sample size less than 100

  Humberside

  40

  13

  67

  120

  Sample size less than 100

  Kent

  72

  30

  63

  164

  Sample size less than 100

  Lancashire

  51

  28

  62

  140

  Sample size less than 100

  Leicestershire

  33

  22

  92

  148

  Sample size less than 100

  Lincolnshire

  38

  28

  44

  110

  Sample size less than 100

  Merseyside

  45

  29

  74

  148

  Metropolitan

  58

  27

  74

  160

  Norfolk

  35

  27

  54

  117

  Sample size less than 100

  North Wales

  14

  28

  74

  116

  Sample size less than 100

  North Yorkshire

  46

  27

  40

  113

  Sample size less than 100

  Northamptonshire

  *

  *

  *

  *

  Sample size less than 25

  Northumbria

  24

  23

  67

  114

  Nottinghamshire

  21

  23

  53

  97

  South Wales

  30

  27

  70

  127

  South Yorkshire

  35

  28

  66

  129

  Sample size less than 100

  Staffordshire

  36

  27

  71

  134

  Suffolk

  *

  *

  *

  *

  Sample size less than 25

  Surrey

  57

  35

  64

  156

  Sample size less than 100

  Sussex

  45

  28

  81

  154

  Sample size less than 100

  Thames Valley

  40

  27

  62

  129

  Sample size less than 100

  Warwickshire

  29

  22

  55

  106

  Sample size less than 100

  West Mercia

  32

  31

  44

  107

  Sample size less than 100

  West Midlands

  33

  28

  110

  172

  West Yorkshire

  18

  23

  79

  119

  Wiltshire

  29

  35

  57

  122

  Sample size less than 100

  498
  Caution needs to be exercised when comparing figures from different areas because sampling error in the figures could make any conclusions invalid. This is especially true for areas where the sample size was less than 100. The figure for areas with a sample size of less than 25 have been omitted as the level of sampling error makes them unreliable and potentially misleading.
  499

  Crown Courts
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many Crown court centres have(a) separate waiting areas and (b) separate eating facilities for victims and their families; and what plans he has to increase the number of Crown court centres with these facilities. [34880]

  Mr. Streeter
  The question concerns a specific operational matter on which the chief executive of the Court Service is best placed to provide an answer and I have accordingly asked the chief executive to reply direct.

  Letter from Michael Huebner to Mr. Jim Cunningham, dated 4 July 1996:
  The Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, has asked me to reply to your Question about the provision of separate waiting and eating facilities in Crown Courts for victims and their families.
  Of the 92 Crown Court centres, 79 provide separate witness and/or special witness waiting rooms. These are specifically for the use of victims appearing as prosecution witnesses. No Crown Court has designated eating facilities for victims or their families and there are currently no plans to provide them.
  It would be difficult to increase the number of existing Crown Courts with permanent separate waiting facilities because of the physical constraints of the buildings themselves. However, all new Crown and Combined Courts include an area to give privacy to victims/prosecution witnesses while waiting to give evidence. One waiting area is provided for each criminal courtroom. Where there are no permanent separate waiting areas, special arrangements can be made for victims and their families should the need arise.

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

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

ENVIRONMENT

  Council Tax
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what estimate he has made of how many local authorities will contract out the administration and enforcement of the council tax, community charge and non-domestic rates in the next two years; and what percentage this represents of the whole. [34857]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  None. Decisions as to whether to contract out council tax, community charge and non-domestic rates work are for individual local authorities.

  Miss Patricia Eaton
  Mr. Raynsford
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what has been the total cost since 1980 of(a) staff time, (b) legal advice and representation and (c) litigation to (i) the Inner London education authority, (ii) the London residuary body and (iii) the London
  500
  Pension Fund Authority of responding to the complaints lodged by Miss Patricia Eaton of Kidbrooke Park road, London SE3, relating to her treatment by the ILEA when she was in its employment. [34890]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  This is a matter for the London Pensions Fund Authority and I suggest that the hon. Gentleman should contact the chief executive for the information that he requires.

  Parliamentary Boundary Changes
  Mr. Fabricant
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, pursuant to his answer of 25 June,Official Report, column 79, what factors led Ordnance Survey not to produce (a) county maps and (b) maps on a larger scale showing the new parliamentary boundaries; what assessment he has made of the legibility of the boundary lines of the maps proposed for issue in respect of the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement. [35100]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  Ordnance Survey is responsible for the official, definite mapping of Great Britain; Ordnance Survey Northern Ireland is responsible for the mapping of the Province.

  Ordnance Survey maintains a definitive dataset of electoral boundaries which are offered for sale as a computer-readable digital map product called boundary-line. This product has been well received by the market and reduced the potential market for the traditional paper sheets.

  In reviewing its series of administrative maps, all of which needed revising to take account of parliamentary and local government boundary reviews, Ordnance Survey weighed up the diminished market against the costs of revising and reprinting some 56 map sheets and took an economic decision to discontinue printing the county maps. Parliamentary boundaries are now shown on two sheets, and local authority boundaries on a further nine sheets.

  More detailed versions of the new parliamentary boundaries are in the course of being produced. When complete they will be available as large-scale data.

  Local Government Finance
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what fiduciary duties are laid on local authorities in respect of decisions concerning the investment of sums paid into an authority's collection fund which are not immediately required for making payments or transfers. [35315]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  Local authorities are under a general fiduciary duty to their taxpayers to act prudently in investing funds. They should also have regard to the capital finance regulations and professional treasury management codes, as appropriate. In addition, the investment of collection fund money is subject to specific regulations made under section 89(5) of the Local Government Finance Act 1988. The following regulations made under the section are still in force: the Local Authorities (Funds) (England) Regulations 1992 (SI 1992/2428).
  501

  EC Directives
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, pursuant to his answer of 1 April,Official Report, column 14, if he will undertake an immediate review of past EC directives with a view to removing all gold plating. [35046]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  We take every opportunity to review the implementation of existing EC directives when regulations are updated as part of the normal process of regulatory reform. In doing so, we take account of the new "Implementing EC Law Checklist", the publication of which was announced to the House by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on 16 May. This checklist is designed to ensure that no unnecessary additional burdens are placed on business when EC directives are implemented in the UK.

  Health Action Plan
  Mr. Faber
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he intends to publish the United Kingdom national environmental health action plan. [36107]

  Mr. Gummer
  Together with my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Health, for Scotland and for Wales, I shall publish the United Kingdom national environmental health action plan, and an overview of it, on Monday 8 July.

  Copies of the documents will be placed in the Library.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Family Expenditure Survey
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) if his Department will reassess its use of the family expenditure survey in the assessment of United Kingdom poverty, so that provision is made in a new survey for the inclusion of homeless people; and if he will make a statement. [33049]

  (2) if his Department will reassess its use of the family expenditure survey in the assessment of United Kingdom poverty, so that provision is made in a new survey for the inclusion of people living in institutions with special reference to hospitals, nursing homes, residential homes and prisons; and if he will make a statement. [33048]

  Mr. Andrew Mitchell
  I refer the hon. Member to my reply of 21 June to the hon. Member for Bristol, East (Ms Corston),Official Report, column 635.

  Health and Safety
  Mr. Ian McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what was the cost in each of the past five years of(a) sick pay and (b) compensation paid to employees of his Department or their families, or members of the public, as a result of (i) minor, (ii) major and (iii) fatal injuries related to the work of his Department, detailing incidents involving information technology and those involving expenditure of more than £5,000. [33514]
  502
  Mr. Burt
  Such information as is available is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many(a) minor, (b) major and (c) fatal injuries have been suffered by staff in his Department and its agencies in work-related incidents in each of the past five years, showing in each year how many were related to information technology and giving details of all incidents involving fatalities. [33513]

  Mr. Burt
  Such information as is available is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Funeral Costs
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make it his policy to ensure that(a) a higher proportion or (b) all funeral expenses of those receiving social security benefit are met by the state. [34404]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  We have no plans to do so. However, all aspects of the benefits system are kept under review.

  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what assessment he has made of the effect of the new system of social fund funeral payments on prices and costs in the funeral industry. [34421]

  Mr. Evans
  It is estimated that the social fund funeral payments scheme accounted for 10 per cent. of all funerals in Great Britain in 1995. The restriction in the level of payment made is presumed to have had an effect upon the market.

  Benefits
  Mr. Alan Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of Slate for Social Security if he will list the number and percentage of individuals in benefit units where at least one contributory benefit is being received, by net income of the household adjusted for family size, broken down into equivalised income bands before and after housing costs. [35512]

  Mr. Burt
  The information is in the table.

  Number and percentage of individuals in benefit units where at least one contributory benefit is being received, by decile of the whole UK income distribution, 1992–93

  Before Housing Costs

  After Housing Costs

  Decile of the whole UK income distribution

  Number of individuals who are in benefit units where at least one contributory benefit is received (millions)

  Percentage of individuals who are in benefit units where at least one contributory benefit is received

  Number of individuals who are in benefit units where at least one contributory benefit is received (millions)

  Percentage of individuals who are in benefit units where at least one contributory benefit is received

  1

  1.5

  26

  1

  18

  2

  2.2

  38

  2.1

  37

  3

  2.4

  42

  2.6

  46

  4

  2.1

  37

  1.9

  33

  5

  1.6

  28

  1.7

  29

  6

  1.4

  24

  1.3

  23

  503

  Number and percentage of individuals in benefit units where at least one contributory benefit is being received, by decile of the whole UK income distribution, 1992–93

  Before Housing Costs

  After Housing Costs

  Decile of the whole UK income distribution

  Number of individuals who are in benefit units where at least one contributory benefit is received (millions)

  Percentage of individuals who are in benefit units where at least one contributory benefit is received

  Number of individuals who are in benefit units where at least one contributory benefit is received (millions)

  Percentage of individuals who are in benefit units where at least one contributory benefit is received

  7

  1.1

  20

  1.2

  21

  8

  0.9

  16

  1.0

  17

  9

  0.8

  13

  0.9

  16

  10

  0.7

  11

  0.8

  15

  Total

  14.6

  26

  14.6

  26

  Notes:

  I. Contributory benefits are unemployment benefit, contributory retirement pension, sickness benefit, invalidity benefit, maternity allowance and widow's benefit.

  2. A benefit unit is defined as a single adult or a couple, together with any dependent children.

  3. Individuals are grouped into deciles using the standard households below average income definition of income—weekly household disposable income adjusted for household size and composition (equivalised). Each decile of the income distribution consists of 5.7 million people.

  4. Figures for number of individuals are shown to the nearest 100,000 people. Columns may therefore not sum due to rounding. Percentages are shown to the nearest whole per cent.

  5. All estimates are subject to sampling error.

  Source:

  Information is derived from the 1992–93 households below average income dataset; 1992–93 is the latest period for which information is available. Figures for 1992–93 are for two calendar years' data combined.

NATIONAL HERITAGE

  Foundation for Sport and the Arts
  Mr. Barron
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if she will list the amount of Government funding to the Foundation for Sport and the Arts in each year since its inception. [34745]

  Mr. Sproat
  The Foundation for Sport and the Arts is funded partly by a 2½ per cent. reduction in pool betting duty, and partly by a voluntary contribution of 5p in the pound on pools coupons, both of which are passed on by the football pools companies to the foundation. The total amounts received annually by the foundation, as recorded in its annual reports, is as follows:

  1991–92: £39,568,711

  1992–93: £63,541,000

  1993–94: £67,922,000

  1994–95: £68,245,000

  Dance and Drama Scholarships
  Mr. Luff
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what estimate she has made of the number of students of dance and drama who will benefit from her recent announcement on the use of lottery funds for scholarship purposes. [25247]

  Mr. Sproat
  I regret the delay in replying.
  504
  My hon. Friend's deep interest in the issue of dance and drama training is well known and respected. He set out his views with passion and eloquence in introducing a debate on dance and drama students in the House last week. The announcement by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State directed the Arts Council to take account of the need to develop the skills, talents and creative abilities of young people in particular. It is for the Arts Council—the independent lottery distribution body—to draw up detailed schemes to put this direction into practice. To this end, it has recently issued a consultation document, and is holding a series of consultative meetings.

  The Arts Council has also asked a small group of its members, headed by the chairman of the London arts board, to analyse the current situation facing dance and drama students and to make recommendations on the administration of grants to these students for the future. As part of its work, the group will consider whether lottery money can be used to help with the problems facing dance and drama students in a way which does not substitute for existing public spending. I look forward to hearing the outcome of this work.

  National Lottery
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what has been the total amount available to local projects from national lottery funds in each year since its inception. [34947]

  Mr. Sproat
  The organisations responsible for distributing lottery funds do not subdivide them into amounts available for local, regional or national projects and these figures are not, therefore, available. Since its inception in November 1994, the lottery has raised more than £2 billion for projects of all sizes.

  Individual Sporting Talent
  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what plans she has to encourage the development of individual sporting talent. [33670]

  Mr. Sproat
  [holding answer 1 July 1996]: In the sports policy paper "Sport: Raising the Game", we announced our intention to establish a British academy of sport, to provide a coherent and unified programme to allow those with the greatest talent to use that talent to best effect. In addition, on 1 April, the Secretary of State issued new policy directions to allow national lottery money to provide revenue support to develop sporting talents and skills, particularly of young people.

  Royal William Yard, Plymouth
  Mr. Jamieson
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what was the total cost to her Department of the inquiry into the type of slate to be used for re-roofing the buildings in the Royal William yard, Plymouth. [34896]

  Mr. Sproat
  [holding answer 1 July 1996]: The total cost of the inquiry has yet to be finalised, but it is estimated to be approximately £16,000.
  505

PRIME MINISTER

  Hafez Dalkamoni
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to the answer of 13 May,Official Report, column 362, about the release of Hafez Dalkamoni, in what circumstances the release by one country of a prisoner who is a national of another country is not solely a matter for the authority of the detaining country; and if he will make a statement. [35824]

  The Prime Minister
  I have nothing to add to the reply given by my hon. Friend the Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, to the hon. Member for Eastwood (Mr. Stewart), on 17 January 1996,Official Report, column 590, other than that Mr. Dalkamoni was released on 27 June and deported to Syria.

  Constitution (Referendum)
  Mr. Bill Walker
  To ask the Prime Minister what legislative provisions are currently in force which would enable a referendum on the constitution to be held in Scotland; and if he will make a statement. [36108]

  The Prime Minister
  None. Powers previously taken in 1975 and in 1978 to hold referendums have been repealed.

  G7 Summit, Lyons
  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Prime Minister what proposals to move the world economy closer to ecological sustainability he made to the Group of Seven summit in Lyons. [34504]

  The Prime Minister
  The subject of ecological sustainability was not discussed at Lyon. I refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Hexham (Mr. Atkinson), on 2 July,Official Report, columns 425–27.

  Engagements
  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 4 July. [34580]

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

  Ministers
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the average length of time served by(a) Secretaries of State, (b) Ministers of State and (c) Under-Secretaries in each Government Department since he became Prime Minister. [35908]

  The Prime Minister
  This is a matter of public record.

  Parliamentary Pay and Allowances
  Mr. Dover
  To ask the Prime Minister when the Government plan to publish the report by the Senior Salaries Review Body on parliamentary pay and allowances. [36025]
  506
  The Prime Minister
  The Government have now considered report No. 38 from the Senior Salaries Review Body on parliamentary pay and allowances. The Government are grateful to the review body for undertaking this complex remit so promptly. The report is being published today—as Command Paper 3330—and copies are available from the Vote Office.

  Following representations made during the Government's consultations with other parties on the report, the Government will table motions to allow the House to consider whether it wishes to implement the recommendations of the report in full.

  The Government themselves, however, are clear that the recommended increases for Members' and Ministers' pay are too high and that the motions to give effect to these should not be passed in current circumstances. They will therefore oppose the motions and will table motions to bring into effect an increase in the salary of a Back-Bench Member from £34,085 to £35,108, that is by 3 per cent., with effect from 1 July 1996, and for similar increases in the pay of Ministers and other office holders. The Government will also table motions to implement the report's recommendation that further increases should take effect from 1 April each year and should be linked to movements in senior civil service pay bands.

WALES

  General Practitioner Lists
  Mr. Hanson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many patients have been removed by general practitioners from their practice lists in each of the last five years. [35093]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  The information requested is not available centrally.

  Monitoring Officers
  Mr. Denzil Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the names and status of the monitoring officers, and those who are designated deputies in the absence of the monitoring officers, in each unitary authority in Wales. [35520]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  The information requested is not held centrally.

  Swansea Institute of Higher Education
  Mr. Alan Williams
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has recently received about the Swansea institute of higher education; what meetings relating to that college have been attended by his(a) Ministers and (b) officials; where and when; and if he will make a statement. [35670]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  My right hon. Friend and I have not received any recent representations about the Swansea institute of higher education, or attended any meetings relating to the institute.

  Officials attended three meetings towards the end of last month at the Higher Education Quality Council, the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales and the Welsh Office.
  507

  Orimulsion
  Mr. Ainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he last met Mr. O. J. Williams to discuss the application to build a jetty to import orimulsion into Milford Haven; and if he will make a statement. [35509]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  There is no record of a meeting between my right hon. Friend and a Mr. O. J. Williams.

  Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease
  Dr. Marek
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the number of cases by unitary authority of the various categories of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease for each year since 1985. [35637]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  Details of suspected cases of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in the UK have been reported to the national CJD surveillance unit in Edinburgh since May 1990. Cases in Wales, since reporting began, are detailed in the table:

  Definite

  Probable

  Possible

  May 1990 to April 1991

  1

  0

  0

  May 1991 to April 1992

  2

  1

  0

  May 1992 to April 1993

  5

  0

  1

  May 1993 to April 1994

  3

  0

  1

  May 1994 to April 1995

  4

  0

  2

  May 1995 to April 1996

  5

  0

  0

  For reasons of confidentiality, personal details, including authority of residence, are not published.

  University Hospital of Wales (Road Construction)
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what consultations he has had with the chairmen of the University Hospital of Wales NHS trust and of the Bro Taf health authority concerning the delayed completion of the phase 1 on-slip road connecting the A48 and the University hospital of Wales site; what plans there are for the on-slip construction project to be carried out by the private finance initiative; what plans there are to re-advertise the scheme via the contracts supplement of the Official Journal of the European Communities; and if he will make a statement. [35677]

  Mr. Hague
  None. The University Hospital of Wales Healthcare NHS trust is currently negotiating contracts with a consortium of private sector companies. There is no reason to re-advertise the scheme.

  Robert Powell (Medical Treatment)
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer of 17 June,Official Report, column 371, on what date it was determined that the previous Under-Secretary of State, the hon. Member for Clwyd, North-West (Mr. Richards), would play no part in consideration of the NHS complaint by the family of the late Robert Powell. [35624]

  Mr. Hague
  At no stage was my hon. Friend the Member for Clwyd, North-West involved in this appeal.

  Children's Services
  Sir Wyn Roberts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his oral statement of 17 June,Official Report, columns 521–35, if he will make a statement on his plans for children's services in Wales. [36129]
  508
  Mr. Hague
  My Department has written today to all the local authorities in Wales enclosing an action plan setting out the timetable for the implementation of those recommendations contained in the Adrianne Jones report addressed to them. I have placed a copy of this letter and the associated action plan in the Library of the House. I have asked the local authorities to advise my Department by 14 October this year of the steps taken to implement the 17 recommendations that I expect to be implemented by 1 October 1996.

  To assist local authorities in their task, and to implement those recommendations addressed to my Department, I have asked the chief inspector of the social services inspectorate for Wales to take immediate steps to recruit three additional inspectors. This will also enable the inspectorate to check that the implementation has been effective and that practice in local authorities continues to conform to the best practice recommended in Miss Jones's report. I have also decided to establish a development fund of £500,000 which will be used to help bring about the required improvements in practice and procedures. The fund will be available for use in this financial year and in 1997£98.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Socrates-Erasmus Programme
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many United Kingdom students benefit from the Socrates-Erasmus programme; and what steps she is taking to increase their number. [35478]

  Mr. Forth
  In the academic year 1994–95, 11,946 UK students studied abroad as part of the Socrates-Erasmus programme. This number is expected to rise for the academic year 1995–96 to nearly 13,000 students. For the past four years, the Department for Education and Employment has published a booklet entitled "The European Choice" which gives information about opportunities to study in higher education in another European country. Flyers advertising the booklet are sent out with the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service information pack to students to help inform their choice of higher education courses.

  Statutory Instruments
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment 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. [35044]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  The number of statutory instruments referred to by the Department or former Departments in the periods in question was as follows:

  1994: 0

  1995: 1

  1996 to 1 May: 0

  509

  School Places
  Mr. Blunket
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, pursuant to her Department's circular 6/96, annex A, paragraphs 22 to 24, if an oversubscribed school may withhold the offer of a place on the ground that the applicant's parents are unwilling to sign a home-school contract. [35454]

  Mrs. Gillan
  The circular emphasises that school admission authorities should have the maximum flexibility to decide how places will be allocated in the event of oversubscription. Annex A gives advice on the law as it relates to admissions procedures. It does not say that places can be withheld where parents are unwilling to sign a home-school contract, rather that admission authorities may decide that parents willing to sign should be afforded higher priority when there are more applicants than places.

  Training Providers
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what amount due to be paid to training providers in respect of training provided in 1994 and financed by the European social fund will not be paid as a result of exchange rate fluctuations; and if she will list the 50 organisations which have had the largest reductions and the amounts in each case. [35455]

  Mr. Forth
  It is not yet known whether any money due to be paid to training providers in respect of 1994 projects financed by the European social fund will not be paid as a result of exchange rate fluctuations. Training providers have been paid 95 per cent. of the total European social fund money to which they were entitled in their agreed final claim. Revised final claims have been submitted to the Commission for each European social fund programme. It is hoped to pay the remaining 5 per cent. to all applicants, but the precise amount will depend on the exchange rate on the day the money is received from the European Commission. The 50 organisations for whom the largest reductions were made and the amounts concerned are as follows:

  Organisation name

  Amount reduced (£)

  Department for Education and Employment

  8,952,962

  Scottish Enterprise

  1,274,315

  Welsh Office

  707,933

  Employment Service

  566,933

  Government office for Merseyside

  560,157

  Government office for the west midlands

  422,454

  Strathclyde regional council

  416,682

  Government office for Yorkshire and Humberside

  265,955

  City of Liverpool community college

  164,780

  Government office for the north-east

  159,330

  British Coal Enterprise Ltd.

  129,490

  Wirral metropolitan college

  122,483

  Gwent tertiary college

  106,463

  Highlands and Islands Enterprise

  103,140

  Government office for the east midlands

  98,954

  Cardiff institute of higher education

  92,065

  Scottish office for mental health

  90,161

  University college Salford

  85,543

  The Sheffield college

  80,699

  Knowsley community college

  74,723

  Newcastle college

  69,331

  NRITEA

  64,125

  510

  Organisation name

  Amount reduced (£)

  Government office for the south-west

  64,118

  The Wise Group

  63,594

  The British Refugee Council

  62,282

  University of Aberdeen

  59,958

  Bilston community college

  57,663

  City college Manchester

  54,382

  Pontypridd college

  53,920

  Government office for London

  53,783

  The college of north-west London

  51,295

  University of Leicester

  50,849

  Leeds city council

  50,366

  Cleveland county council

  49,737

  Sutton Coldfield college

  48,731

  Hugh Baird college

  47,940

  Southport college

  46,188

  Fife college

  44,835

  Birmingham college of FT and creative studies

  42,725

  Wakefield college

  39,625

  Manchester college of arts and technology

  38,486

  Community Service Volunteers

  38,207

  Blackburn college

  37,776

  ATB-Landbase

  36,765

  Wearside college

  36,628

  University of Dundee

  35,890

  Tameside college technology

  35,840

  University of Wales, Bangor

  35,773

  South Birmingham college

  35,729

  Swansea institute of higher education

  35,598

SCOTLAND

  Cairn Gorm Funicular Railway
  Mr. Graham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, pursuant to his answer of 14 March,Official Report, column 730, if he will publish the financial and economic assessment of the proposed Cairn Gorm funicular railway provided by Highlands and Islands Enterprise; and if he will make a statement. [35216]

  Mr. Kynoch
  The financial and economic assessment undertaken by Highlands and Islands Enterprise of the proposed funicular railway is subject to commercial confidentiality.

  Mr. Graham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what level of grant aid has been offered, by his Department or its agencies, to the Cairn Gorm Railway Co. to support the construction of a funicular railway on Cairn Gorm. [35217]

  Mr. Kynoch
  None. My right hon. Friend is considering a request from Highlands and Islands Enterprise for his approval to the proposed of financial assistance to the Cairngorm Chairlift Co. for the construction of a funicular railway on Cairn Gorm. No decision on the request has yet been taken.

  Mr. Graham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, pursuant to his answer of 29 April,Official Report, column 375, if he will list the criteria he will use to judge the application for approval to incur expenditure by Highlands and Islands Enterprise on the proposed Cairn Gorm funicular railway. [35215]

  Mr. Kynoch
  In considering the request from Highlands and Islands Enterprise for approval of the proposed financial contribution to the Cairn Gorm
  511
  funicular railway, my right hon. Friend will take into account a range of criteria, including the need to ensure that the proposed contribution represents value for money.

  Mr. Graham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what research has been commissioned by(a) his office and (b) the Highlands and Islands Enterprise to estimate the socio-economic benefits of the proposed Cairn gorm funicular railway; what was the cost of this research; and if he will make the results available to the public. [35213]

  Mr. Kynoch
  No research into such matters has been commissioned by the Scottish Office. The research commissioned by Highlands and Islands Enterprise is an operational matter for the organisation and I have asked the chairman to write to the hon. Member.

  Grampian Structure Plan
  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he received the Grampian structure plan for consideration; and if he will make a statement. [35690]

  Mr. Kynoch
  The Grampian structure plan was formally submitted to my right hon. Friend on 13 February 1995.

  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he will reach a final decision on the Grampian structure plan. [35678]

  Mr. Kynoch
  My right hon. Friend will make a final decision on the Grampian structure plan as soon as possible.

  Nurses' Pay
  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many trusts to date have made pay offers to nurses; and what steps he is taking to ensure that the review body recommendations are acted upon. [35111]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  To date, 17 NHS trusts in Scotland have made formal pay offers to nurses. Trusts have been advised of agreements reached within the nurses national Whitley negotiating council and should be engaged in local negotiations to seek resolution of this year's pay round.

  The timing structure of pay offers is a matter for local management. It is for each trust to decide whether to make public the position it has reached.

  Private Estates (Public Funding)
  Ms Roseanna Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what guidelines he has issued to ensure that grants and loans received by private estates from public funds are adequately monitored; and if he will make a statement; [35675]

  (2) what responsibilities he has for monitoring payments made from public funds to private landed estates; and if he will make a statement. [35693]

  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  Guidelines on each scheme operated by the Scottish Office Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries Department are issued to all involved in considering applications or authorising payments. They are designed to ensure achievement of the scheme objectives and fulfilment of scheme conditions. There are no special procedures for 512
  monitoring payments from public funds to particular classes of applicant: standard procedures are applied to all recipients of assistance irrespective of their land tenure status.

  Ms Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he will introduce mechanisms to ensure that details of public funds given to landed private estates are readily available to members of the public; [35694]

  (2) if he will list the publicly funded (a) grants and (b) loans received by the Atholl estate in the financial year 1993–94; what mechanisms were adopted to monitor the use of each payment made in this period; and if he will make a statement. [35696]

  Mr. Robertson
  Details of public funds paid are subject to the provisions of the Data Protection Act 1974 and cannot therefore be made available without the express permission of the recipient. I have no plans to introduce mechanisms to ensure that details of public funds given to private estates are available to members of the public. Private estates are subject to the same monitoring conditions as all other applicants for financial assistance.

  Ms Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Banff and Buchan (Mr. Salmond) of 16 April,Official Report, column 450, if he will list the locations of the information relating to financial assistance given to the Atholl Estate since 1979; and if he will make a statement. [35695]

  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  Details of any financial assistance given to Atholl estate would be held in several locations. Some scheme details are held in the Scottish Office Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries Department's local area office and some in the sub-office covering the area where the estate lands lie. The remainder are held in Edinburgh on the computer records appropriate to each scheme. For closed schemes, where all conditions would have been met, information will no longer be available.

  Wheelhouses (Alterations)
  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many representations he has received in the last year from the fishing industry in Scotland in connection with the subject of safety improvement grants for wheelhouse alteration; and if he will make a statement on his response to these representations. [35619]

  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  I have received no representations on this subject.

  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what alternative eligibility criteria he has evaluated for safety improvement grants for the alteration of wheelhouses on fishing vessels. [34620]

  Mr. Robertson
  The Fishing Vessels (Safety Improvements) (Grants) Scheme 1995 does not provide grants for structural alterations to wheelhouses. However, equipment to enhance wheelhouse visibility is eligible for assistance—for example, the installation of wandering steering leads or the building of a dome—glass bubble—
  513
  on top of the wheelhouse with a raised platform underneath upon which the watchkeeper could safely stand, raising his sight level and increasing visibility.

  Fishing Grants
  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he has taken to monitor the setting up by local authorities of recognised grant assistance schemes in respect of applications for Pesca and Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance funds; and if he will make a statement on the results of that monitoring. [35623]

  Mr. Kynoch
  My right hon. Friend does not monitor the details of local authority involvement in Community Initiatives. It is the responsibility of the local authorities concerned to ensure that scheme details comply with the relevant regulations. However, Scottish Office officials have held a number of meetings with officials of local authorities and other bodies to offer advice on proposals for schemes, to help ensure that they are consistent with European Community rules and the Pesca programme.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Police Numbers
  Mr. Purchase
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the ratio of police officers per head of population(a) in Britain and (b) on average in the EU. [34532]

  Mr. Hain
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the ratio of police officers per head of population in Britain; and what is the current EU average. [34538]

  Mr. Kirkhope
  In England and Wales, the ratio of police officers to population was one to 407 at March 1996. No comprehensive data are available from which an average for European Union countries could be calculated.

  Mr. Mark Robinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he has taken to increase the number of police officers on the beat. [34541]

  Mr. Kirkhope
  My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has promised sufficient resources for 5,000 more officers over the three years to 1998–99, specifically to enhance visible presence on the streets. We have started to give out funding for this. Also, providing high visibility policing so as to reassure the public is one of our key objectives for the police service.

  Mr. David Martin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps his Department is taking to increase the number of police constables over the next three years. [34544]

  Mr. Kirkhope
  The Government are providing an additional £180 million in funding to enable chief constables in England and Wales to recruit 5,000 more constables over the three-year period from April 1996.

  Border Controls
  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will raise at the next 514
  meeting of the European Council of Ministers the legal status of the declaration attached to the Single European Act which preserves British border controls. [34533]

  Miss Widdecombe
  We have no plans to raise the issue of border controls at the next meeting of the Justice and Home Affairs Council.

  Public Houses (Children)
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what new obligations have been placed on publicans as a result of the initiating of children's certificates in public houses.[34534]

  Mr. Kirkhope
  Licensing justices are required to consider whether premises for which a children's certificate is sought represent a suitable environment for children. Some have exercised their discretion to impose conditions on applicants ranging from no smoking rules to restrictions to one bar per pub.

  Crime Clear-up Rates
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the trend in crime clear-up rates since 1987. [34537]

  Mr. Kirkhope
  Although the overall clear-up rate for recorded crime in England and Wales has fluctuated between 33 per cent. in 1987 and 26 per cent. in 1995, the number of offences cleared up has increased during that period from 1,229,000 to 1,270,000 last year. For violence against the person and sexual offences, the clear-up rates has remained fairly consistent at around three quarters of all such recorded crimes.

  Police Advisory Committee for London
  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has for widening the representation on the Policy Advisory Committee for London. [34539]

  Mr. Kirkhope
  Members of the Metropolitan Police Committee are chosen on individual merit, not as representatives of particular groups or organisations.

  Asylum Seekers
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are the total number of asylum seekers in custody at the latest available date. [34540]

  Mr. Kirkhope
  At the beginning of June, a total of 751 people who had sought asylum at some stage were detained.

  Prisoners (Education)
  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners are currently undertaking educational courses. [34542]

  Miss Widdecombe
  This information is not available in the form requested. Prisoners' education is recorded in hours. The total number of prisoner hours spent in education in 1995 was 9.4 million.
  515

  Firearms Certificates
  Mr. Miller
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people under the age of 18 years have been issued with firearms certificates in the last five years. [34543]

  Mr. Kirkhope
  This information is not available centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. The grant of a firearm certificate in each case is a matter for the chief officer of police, who must be satisfied that the applicant can be trusted to keep and use firearms safely.

  Young Offenders Institution (Colchester)
  Mr. Whittingdale
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress has been made in the establishment of a young offenders institution at Colchester. [34545]

  Miss Widdecombe
  On 17 April, I announced our intention to establish a young offender institution at the military corrective training centre at Colchester.

  Preparations are going well and I look forward to announcing the opening of this new institution in the autumn.

  Prisons (Ministerial Visits)
  Mr. Matthew Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many visits to prisons the Minister of State with responsibility for prisons plans in the next three months. [34530]

  Miss Widdecombe
  My plans to date include tours of the north-east and Bristol areas in September. I expect to visit at least a dozen prisons in the two areas. Other visits have yet to be arranged but I will make as many as possible, allowing for my other commitments.

  Security Industry
  Mr. Barnes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to regulate the private security industry; and if he will make a statement. [34524]

  Mr. Sackville
  Our proposals for access to criminal records by employers will go a long way to meeting the need for adequate checks on those who want to work in the security industry. We have to be sure that any further measures—such as those recommended by the Home Affairs Select Committee—are justified and would not place an excessive burden on businesses.

  Overseas Domestic Workers
  Ms Gordon
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the immigration status of domestic workers from overseas. [34536]

  Mr. Kirkhope
  Private servants in diplomatic households, and other domestic servants who are allowed to accompany their employers to the United Kingdom, may remain here subject to a condition restricting them to employment with that employer.
  516

  Doncaster Prison
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people were detained in Doncaster prison, under Immigration Acts powers in each month since January 1996; what were their nationalities; how many were deported in each month; and to what countries. [34982]

  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 4 July 1996:
  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question asking how many people were detained in Doncaster prison, under Immigration Acts powers in each month since January 1996; what were their nationalities; how many people were deported in each month; and to what countries.
  Information on the number of persons detained in HMP Doncaster under Immigration Act powers is shown in the attached table for the last day of each month for the period January to May 1996. Two people were deported after discharge from HMP Doncaster between January and May; one in January and the other in May. Information is not available on the countries to which these persons were deported. Nationality information cannot be given as it would identify individuals.

  Population of Immigration Act detainees in HMP Doncaster since January 1996, by nationality

  Date

  Number

  31 January 1996

  3

  28 February 1996

  2

  31 March 1996

  3

  30 April 1996

  4

  31 May 96

  5

  Applications for Settlement
  Mr. Fraser
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what has been the average length of time since 1 January for determining an application for settlement based on marriage to a person already settled in the United Kingdom after the 12 months leave to enter as a spouse has passed. [35124]

  Mr. Kirkhope
  The average time to decide all marriage settlement applications during the period 1 January to 14 June was 66 days.

  Ku Klux Klan
  Mr. Snape
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will initiate inquiries into the(a) recruitment and (b) other activities of the Ku Klux Klan in Great Britain with special reference to the west midlands; if he will call for a report on its activities from the chief constable of the west midlands; and if he will make a statement. [35621]

  Mr. Kirkhope
  The Government totally condemn any organisation which is intent on jeopardising the good race relations which we enjoy in this country. I understand that the West Midlands police are fully aware of the activities of a small group of people associated with the Ku Klux
  517
  Klan. Any evidence that these individuals are engaging in criminal activities will be thoroughly investigated.

  Prison Service
  Mr. George Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the progress of the study of the relationship between Ministers and the Prison Service. [35863]

  Miss Widdecombe
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to a question from the hon. member for Rossendale and Darwen (Ms Anderson) on 14 March, columns 708–9.

  Immigration
  Mr. Madden
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department on what date he was asked by the British post in Islamabad to obtain information in the United Kingdom following applications for British passports by Tahihra Jabeen, Fazal ur Rahman Hussain, and Noor ur Rahman Hussain, Ref: Con/5267; on what date information was sent to the post; what recommendations he made on these applications; and if he will make a statement. [35233]

  Mr. Kirkhope
  [holding answer 2 July I996]: A request for information was received on 11 October 1995 and a reply sent on 9 November. No recommendation was made since the consideration of an application for a British passport made abroad is a matter for the British post concerned.

  Mr. Khabra
  To ask the Secretary of State for Home Affairs what assessment his Department has made of the availability of advice to people applying for immigration to the United Kingdom. [34535]

  Mr. Hanley
  I have been asked to reply.

  We publish a comprehensive and instructive series of leaflets for different categories of visa applicant. They are readily available, along with other general advice on request, at all our entry clearance issuing posts in English and foreign language versions.

  Bosnian Eelections
  Mr. Macdonal
  To ask the Secretary of State for Home Affairs what arrangements are being made by Her Majesty's Government to enable Bosnians living in Britain to vote in the forthcoming Bosnian elections. [35081]

  Sir Nicholas Bonsor
  I have been asked to reply.

  We have made available office facilities for a registration and absentee voting centre in the UK to be run under International Organisation for Migration and the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe supervision. The centre opened on 24 June. The Government have also assisted with the distribution of information about the registration and voting procedures in Bosnian, Serbian and Croatian to refugee organisations.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Road Schemes (Newtownbreda)
  Mr. Peter Robinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what representations he has received 518
  suggesting roadworks schemes, in addition to those already planned, for easing the traffic congestion at the Forster Green junction, Newtownbreda; and if he will make a statement. [34583]

  Mr. Moss
  Responsibility for the subject in question has been delegated to the Roads Service under its chief executive, Mr. W. McCoubrey. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from V. Crawford to Mr. Peter Robinson, dated 1 July 1996:
  The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has asked the Chief Executive to reply to your question about suggestions for easing traffic congestion at the Forster Green junction, Newtownbreda. In his absence I am replying on behalf of the Chief Executive.
  As part of the public consultation process in relation to the Southern Approaches Transportation Strategy Review launched in January 1993, a number of representations were received suggesting the construction of a grade separated junction, ie flyover, at this location. Having considered these representations the Department subsequently concluded that, for the moment, only planned "at grade" improvements should be carried out pending the development of a new transportation strategy for the urban area as a whole.
  I hope this information is helpful.

  Medical Cards
  Dr. Hendron
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) how many new medical cards were issued by the Central Services Agency in each parliamentary constituency in each of the 12 months to June 1996; [35154]

  (2) how many new medical cards were issued by the Central Services Agency in each parliamentary constituency in each of the 12 months to June 1995. [35155]

  Mr. Moss
  Statistics on the number of medical cards issued cannot be broken down by parliamentary constituency and are collected only on a quarterly basis. The table shows the number issued in each quarter between 1 July 1994 and 31 May 1996.

  Medical cards issued by the Central Services Agency

  Quarter ending

  Number issued

  1994–95

  30 September 1994

  67,465

  31 December 1994

  68,866

  31 March 1995

  79,097

  30 June 1995

  74,756

  1995–96

  30 September 1995

  94,016

  31 December 95

  73,213

  31 March 1996

  70,026

  30 June 19961

  144,848

  1 June 1996 statistics are not yet available.

  Dr. Hendron
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many medical cards are in existence in West Belfast. [35156]

  Mr. Moss
  The information requested is not available.

  Mr. Hendron
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what procedure is followed by the Central Services Agency when a person reports his medical card as lost or stolen. [35160]
  519
  Mr. Moss
  Where a medical card is reported as lost or stolen, the Central Services Agency requests details of the person's surname, birth surname (where different), forenames, current address, previous address if recently changed, date of birth and the name of the patient's GP. The patient's record is traced on the central health index and at least three of the data items given by the patient must match to confirm that the correct patient record has been traced. If the details match, the central health index is updated, and a new medical card is issued to the patient, normally within five working days.

  Dr. Hendron
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what changes are proposed for the amount of information required to be on a medical card. [35242]

  Mr. Moss
  Certain changes are being considered to the medical card:

  (a) to enable patients to register under the national organ donor registration scheme;

  (b) to enable a GP, on accepting a child under five as a new patient, to indicate if child health surveillance services are to be provided; and

  (c) to remove details about dispensing by doctors in the light of a review of dispensing arrangements.

  No other changes are proposed.

  Disability Discrimination Act 1995
  Dr. Spink
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what are his plans for funding the administration costs arising from the implementation of the Disability Discrimination Act in Northern Ireland. [36126]

  Mr. Moss
  All costs associated with the implementation of the Disability Discrimination Act in Northern Ireland including the administration costs of the Northern Ireland Disability Council, the costs of providing an advice and support service and publicity costs will he borne on the Department of Health and Social Services administration and miscellaneous services vote, DHSS vote 4. Parliamentary approval of this new expenditure will be sought in a supplementary estimate for this vote. Pending that approval, urgent expenditure estimated at £230,000 will be met by repayable advances from the contingencies fund.

  Compensation Agency
  Dr. Spink
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when the Compensation Agency's corporate plan for 1996–97 to 1998–99 and the business plan for 1996–97 will be published.[36127]

  Sir John Wheelar
  The Compensation Agency's corporate and business plans will be published today. The plans explain the agency's business and organisation and set out assumptions about work-loads and resources which underpin the plans and targets.

  Animal Welfare
  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list(a) UK legislation, (b) EU legislation and (c) international treaties, conventions or other obligations concerning animal welfare for which his Department has responsibility. [34288]
  520
  Mr. Ancram
  [holding answer 25 June 1996]: The information requested is as follows:

  DOMESTIC LEGISLATION

  Welfare General

  Spring Traps Approval Order (Northern Ireland) 1961 (S.R. and O. (NI) 1961 No. 234)

  Spring Traps Approval (No. 2) Order (Northern Ireland) 1961 (S.R. and O. (NI) No. 235)

  Small Ground Vermin Traps Order (Northern Ireland) 1961 (S.R. and O. (NI) 1961 No. 236)

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

  Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 (1966 Ch. 36)

  Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 1972 (1972 Ch. 7) (ISBN 337 47207 6)

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

  Animal Boarding Establishments Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1974 (S.R 1974 No. 303) (ISBN 0 337 84303 1)

  Welfare of Animals (Fees) Order (Northern Ireland) 1979 (S.R. 1979 No. 289 (ISBN 0 337 89789 1)

  Riding Establishments Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1980 (S.R. 1980 No. 121) (ISBN 0 337 80621 7)

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

  Welfare of Livestock (Deer) Order (Northern Ireland) 1983 (S.R. 1983 No. 307) (ISBN 0 337 83807 0)

  Welfare of Animals (Scheduled Operations) (Amendment) Order (Northern Ireland) 1983 (S.R. 1983 No. 309) (ISBN 0 337 83809 7)

  Welfare of Livestock (Prohibited Operations) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1987 (S.R. 1987 No. 415) (ISBN 0 337 87915 X)

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

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

  Welfare of Livestock Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1995 (S.R. 1995 No. 172) (ISBN 0 337 91672 1)

  Welfare of Animals (Scheduled Operations) (Amendment) Order (Northern Ireland) 1995 (S.R. 1995 No. 173) (ISBN 0 337 91673 X)

  Welfare of Animals in Transit

  Animals (Transit and General) Order (Ireland) 1913 (S.R. and O. 1913 No. 604)

  Conveyance of Live Poultry (Ireland) Order 1919 (As Amended) (S.R. and O. No. 1066)

  Transit of Animals (Northern Ireland) Order 1927 (S.R. and O. (NI) 1927 No. 38)

  Conveyance of Live Poultry (Ireland) Order of 1919 (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) Order 1927 (S.R. and O. (NI) 1927 No. 97)

  Transit of Animals (Northern Ireland) (Amendment No. 2) Order 1932 (S.R. and O. 1932 No. 115)

  Horses (Sea Transport) Order (Northern Ireland) 1953 (S.R. and O. (NI) 1953 No. 87)

  Transport by Air Order (Northern Ireland) 1955 (S.R. and O. (NI) 1955 No. 127)

  Animals Sea Transport Order (Northern Ireland) 1958 (S.R. and O. (NI) 1958 No. 5)

  Transit of Animals (General) Order (Northern Ireland) 1973 (S.R. and O. (NI) 1973 No. 300) (ISBN 0 337 83300 1)

  Transit of Animals (General) (Amendment) Order (Northern Ireland) 1989 (S. R. 1989 No. 165) (ISBN 0 337 89165 6)

  Transit of Animals (Road and Rail) Order (Northern Ireland) 1989 (S. R. 1989 No. 166) (ISBN 0 337 89166 4)

  521

  Welfare of Poultry (Transport) Order (Northern Ireland) 1989 (S. R. 1989 No. 167) (ISBN 0 337 89167 2)

  Welfare of Animals during Transport Order (Northern Ireland) 1994 (S. R. 1994 No. 244) (ISBN 0 337 91244 0)

  Welfare of Animals at Market

  Sales, Markets and Lairs Order (Northern Ireland) 1975 (S.R. 1975 No. 294) (ISBN 0 337 85294 4)

  Sales, Markets and Lairs (Amendment) Order Northern Ireland) 1993 (S. R. 1993 No. 371) (ISBN 0 337 90871 0)

  Other Legislation which have Welfare Implications

  Diseases of Animals (Northern Ireland) Order 1981 (N. I. 22) (ISBN 0 11 017115 2)

  Agriculture (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Northern Ireland) Order

  1984 (S. R. 1984 No. 702 (N. I. 2)) (ISBN 0 11 046702 7)

  Agriculture (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Northern Ireland) Order 1994 (S. R. 1994 No. 1891 (N. I. 6) (ISBN 0 11 044891 X)

  EC LEGISLATION

  Council Directive 88/166 Laying Down Minimum Standards for the Protection of Laying Hens kept in Battery Cages (OJ No. L74,19.3.88,p83)

  Council Directive 91/628 on the Protection of Animals During Transport (OJ No. L340,11.12.91, p17)

  Council Directive 91/629 Laying Down Minimum Standards for the Protection of Calves (OJ No. L340,11.12.91, p28)

  Council Directive 91/630 Laying Down Minimum Standards for the Protection of Pigs (OJ No. L340, 11.12.91,p33)

  Council Directive 93/119 on the Protection of Animals at the Time of Slaughter or Killing (OJ No. L340,31.12.93, p21)

  Council Directive 95/29 amending Council Directive 91/628 concerning the Protection of Animals during Transport (OJ No. L148,30.6.95, p52)

  EUROPEAN CONVENTIONS

  European Convention for the Protection of Animals kept for Farming Purposes

  European Convention for the Protection of Animals during International Transport

  European Convention for the Protection of Animals for Slaughter

  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the animal welfare issues for which his Department has responsibility. [34287]

  Mr. Ancram
  [holding answer 25 June 1996]: The Department of Agriculture for Northern Ireland is responsible for the welfare of livestock on farm, at market and at slaughter, the welfare of all animals during transport, the welfare of animals kept in pet shops, animal riding, boarding and zoological establishments and the general protection of all animals from acts of cruelty.

  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list by group, division or other work unit the number of grades of staff working within his Department on animal welfare issues. [34289]

  Mr. Ancram
  [holding answer 25 June 1996]: The information is not available in the form requested. Welfare policy is directed by headquarters administrative and veterinary staff and implemented through veterinary and support staff engaged in field and slaughterhouse duties who have a welfare role as part of their remit.
  522

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Cattle Records
  Sir Geoffrey Johnson Smith
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will establish a national cattle database as a means to identify, trace and age every bovine animal in the United Kingdom. [30830]

  Mrs. Browning
  We are urgently working on new measures to improve animal identification and traceability. A mandatory cattle passport for animals born after 1 July 1996 is being introduced. We shall also be introducing a system of double ear tagging. Currently, only one official tag is required.

  Cattle Slaughter Scheme
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the estimated cost per head of(a) beef and (b) dairy cattle sent for slaughter in the Untied Kingdom on 1 March. [24493]

  Mr. Baldry
  The average live weight market price in the week ending 3 March was:

  Cull cows: 79.06 per kg

  Clean cows: 119.81 per kg

  Figures on the cost per head are not collected on a weekly basis.

  Dr. Strang
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many cattle were slaughtered in the United Kingdom under the 30-month scheme in the weeks beginning 20 May and 27 May. [35659]

  Mr. Baldry
  A total of 26,129 cattle were slaughtered in the week beginning 20 May and 25,170 were slaughtered in the week beginning 27 May.

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his answer of 5 June,Official Report, columns 478–79, if he will list the options currently under review by his Department for the eventual disposal of meat and bonemeal. [32807]

  Mr. Boswell
  [holding answer 13 June 1996]: The options of incineration, use as fuel in power stations and eventual landfill, are currently under review.

  Cattle
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many cattle(a) dairy and (b) non-dairy there are in the United Kingdom; and what is their estimated market value. [23213]

  Mr. Baldry
  [holding answer 1 April 1996]: According to the census carried out in June 1995, there were 4.7 million cattle in the dairy herd and nearly 7 million cattle in the beef herd. The farm gate value of total UK beef production for 1995 was £2.8 billion. It is difficult to estimate the market value of a cow in milk production, but based on an average figure of £1,200 per head, the UK dairy herd is worth around £6 billion.

  Beef Imports
  Sir Cranley Onslow
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how much beef for
  523
  human consumption has been imported into the United Kingdom from other EC countries in each month since 1 January 1995. [31009]

  Mrs. Browning
  The table shows UK imports of beef from other member states since January 1995. Information concerning trade since the BSE scare will not be available for a few weeks.

  UK imports of beef for human consumption

  UK reported-imports statistics (C and F) tonnes

  UK reported-imports statistics (C and F) £000s

  1995

  January

  7,837

  17,406

  February

  7,721

  19,357

  March

  10,407

  19,854

  April

  6,563

  17,326

  May

  8,303

  18,860

  June

  10,942

  29,730

  July

  8,011

  23,079

  August

  8,484

  26,108

  September

  9,691

  31,660

  October

  9,971

  29,562

  November

  7,009

  17,956

  December

  6,036

  16,374

  1996

  January

  4,879

  13,612

  February

  4.988

  12,848

  Source: MAFF, statistics (commodity and food).

  Unit: as indicated.

  Milk Testing
  Mr. Callaghan
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the contaminants for which milk is tested before sale; and if he will make a statement. [35057]

  Mrs. Browning
  Under the Dairy Products (Hygiene) Regulations 1995, it is the responsibility of industry to ensure that appropriate tests are carried out on milk to detect any residues of substances having pharmacological or hormonal action or of other substances which are harmful to human health, or which might be harmful to human health if those residues exceeded permitted tolerance limits. The regulations also include microbiological standards for milk. Local authorities are responsible for ensuring that the requirements are complied with and that dairy products are safe for human consumption. In addition, as part of its surveillance plan, MAFF carries out surveillance for a range of contaminants in milk. Results of the surveillance are published in annual reports or through the food safety information bulletin. Milk supplies are routinely tested for bacteriological quality and antibiotics, but not for other contaminants.

  Access Agreements
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many access agreements have been concluded with farmers in each of the environmentally sensitive areas in the United Kingdom. [35312]
  524
  Mr. Boswell
  The following number of management agreements in environmentally sensitive areas include land entered into the access tier:

  Number

  Pennine Dales

  2

  South Downs

  2

  Broads

  4

  West Penwith

  1

  Suffolk River Valleys

  6

  South West Peak

  1

  Lake District

  13

  Cotswold Hills

  1

  Dartmoor

  3

  Essex Coast

  1

  Upper Thames Tributaries

  2

  Argyll Islands

  1

  ESAs in Northern Ireland do not provide for public access.

  Mr. Prentice
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will review his policy on concluding access agreements in environmentally sensitive areas where access routes traverse permanent grassland only. [35313]

  Mr. Boswell
  The Ministry will review the access provisions of the agri-environment schemes in the next financial year.

  Whaling
  Mr. Colvin
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the outcome of the International Whaling Commission held in Aberdeen on 24 to 28 June. [36109]

  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is Her Majesty's Government's policy on the use of the electric lance; and will he make a statement. [35469]

  Mr. Baldry
  The International Whaling Commission's 48th annual meeting was held in Aberdeen from 24 to 28 June. The UK delegation was composed of officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, assisted by officials from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and the Department of the Environment, and representatives of environmental organisations.

  The United Kingdom's principal objective at this meeting was to ensure that the moratorium on commercial whaling, which has been in force since 1986, was not weakened in any way. I am pleased to report that this was achieved. A request by Japan for a quota of 50 minke whales for its coastal communities, which we and many others considered would have breached the moratorium, was once again rejected. The UK's opening statement made it clear that we would continue to oppose all efforts to end the moratorium, for the reasons set out in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Blaby (Mr. Robathan) on 8 May.

  The UK and New Zealand put forward a proposal for a ban on the use of the electric lance, which is used to kill whales that are wounded, but not killed, by an explosive harpoon. Although this received a wide measure of support, it did not secure the majority of three quarters of those voting needed for adoption under IWC rules. However, it was clear that our argument that the electric lance is inhumane was widely accepted; even many of

  525
  those who voted against a formal ban did not favour continued use of the electric lance. Japan, while continuing to defend its use of the electric lance, indicated that it planned to undertake research into possible alternatives, and would be reporting the results to the next IWC meeting. The IWC will return to this issue then.

  The United States presented a proposal for an aboriginal subsistence whaling quota of five grey whales for its Makah indian tribe, and the Russian Federation sought a quota of five bowhead whales for indigenous peoples in Siberia. Both proposals aroused a good deal of concern, and as discussions progressed it became evident that neither was likely to obtain the three quarters majority needed for adoption. In those circumstances, both the United States and the Russian Federation withdrew their proposals.

  Little progress was made on developing a revised management scheme, which is being devised to regulate all aspects of any future commercial whaling that might be permitted in the future. The United Kingdom continues to participate constructively in this work, as we believe that if commercial whaling ever did resume it would be essential to have in place tough and enforceable procedures to ensure that whaling took place only on stocks that were at healthy levels and was on a fully sustainable basis. The IWC did, however, endorse new guidelines on carrying out surveys and on calculating estimates of whale numbers; it also agreed new procedures designed to ensure better IWC oversight of these activities.

  At the scientific committee meeting, there was a lengthy discussion of new estimates of minke whale numbers in the north-east Atlantic. The committee eventually agreed that the most recent estimate, derived from a survey carried out in 1995, was adequate for use in the revised management procedure—the part of a future revised management scheme under which catch limits for a particular stock would be calculated—and Norway claimed that this justified its decision to increase the number of whales it is planning to take this year under its commercial whaling operations. Most countries, however, continue to believe that Norway's whaling activities weaken both the moratorium and the authority of the IWC and a resolution was adopted by a large majority calling on Norway to reconsider its objection to the moratorium, under which Norway is legally entitled to continue commercial whaling, and to halt all commercial whaling operations immediately. The UK strongly supported this resolution.

  We also supported a resolution calling on Japan to stop its scientific whaling and, in particular, to halt all scientific whaling within the southern ocean sanctuary. Again, this was adopted by a very large majority.

  In the scientific committee, the outcome of the recent workshop on the effects of climate change on cetaceans was discussed, and steps were agreed to take forward work on this important issue. These were fully endorsed by the IWC itself through a resolution adopted by consensus. It was agreed, in particular, that the scientific committee would set up a standing working group to co-ordinate its work on environmental change, and that it would seek increased co-operation with other international organisations working on this subject.
  526
  A number of other issues were discussed during the meeting. The UK introduced a resolution on small cetaceans, which was adopted by consensus, drawing attention to earlier resolutions on threatened species of small cetaceans and encouraging the scientific committee to continue to identify species under threat and to advise on possible remedial action. A resolution was adopted on whalewatching. It endorsed guidelines proposed by the scientific committee and drew them to the attention of coastal states responsible for regulating whalewatching. Resolutions were also adopted on improving controls on trade in whalemeat and calling on Canada, which withdrew from the IWC in 1982, to rejoin the IWC if it wishes to authorise aboriginal subsistence whaling.

  Overall, this was a satisfactory meeting for the UK, and we achieved most of our objectives. While we were not successful in securing a ban on the use of the electric lance, we made encouraging progress and are well placed to take the issue up again at the IWC's 49th annual meeting, which will take place in Monaco in October 1997.

  Quarantine
  Mr. Pickthall
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what quarantine procedures were applied to the dog owned by Irene Sanders and rescued by British Airways on 23 November 1995; and how many representations he has received on this matter.[28145]

  Mrs. Browning
  [holding answer 7 May 1996]: I have received two letters concerning the news item on the independent television 10pm news on 23 November 1995 which showed a dog apparently avoiding the usual quarantine regulations on arrival at Heathrow. In responding to them I have explained that the filming of the meeting of the dog, its owner and the pilot of the aeroplane it arrived on took place after the dog had completed a full six months' quarantine in this country.

  Mr. Pickthall
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the representations received by his Department on the subject of quarantine in the last 12 months, indicating those supportive of the present system and those supporting change along the lines proposed by the Agriculture Committee in the fifth report of Session 1993–94 (HC 347). [28121]

  Mrs. Browning
  [holding answer 7 May 1996]: It would not be possible to provide this information in the manner requested without incurring disproportionate costs. However, from 1 January 1995 to 30 April 1996, my Department received 404 letters passed on by hon. Members from their constituents on the subject of quarantine of rabies-susceptible mammals. Of these, 349 supported change along the lines proposed by the Agriculture Committee, 42 supported the present system and 13 were on other quarantine matters.

  A further 1,074 letters on the future of quarantine were received over the period, a large majority seeking change to the current system. Eight petitions supporting change were handed in.

  Senior officials have twice met representatives from the organisation Passport for Pets.
  527
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to introduce an investigation procedure to pursue complaints made by owners of animals held in quarantine about the conditions in which their animals are being held. [28929]

  Mrs. Browning
  [holding answer 14 May 1996]: There are already a number of procedures for dealing with complaints from owners of animals kept in quarantine premises. My officials investigate all complaints concerned with breaches of the Rabies (Importation of Dogs, Cats and Other Mammals) Order 1974, which covers security and the prevention of the spread of rabies. Complaints about the conditions in which the animals are kept can be referred to the veterinary superintendent appointed to the quarantine premises. Responsibility for investigating problems relating to the contract between the quarantine premises and owners of animals kept there fall to the local trading standards department of the local authority.

  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps are taken by his Department to inspect the conditions dogs are kept in at quarantine kennels. [28932]

  Mrs. Browning
  [holding answer 14 May 1996]: It is a requirement under the Rabies (Importation of Dogs, Cats and Other Mammals) Order 1974 that all quarantine premises are under the control of a veterinary superintendent, appointed by agriculture Departments. The conditions of appointment are set out in the form ID51. I have placed a copy of this form in the Library of the House. These conditions state that the veterinary superintendent is responsible for the safe custody and strict isolation of each animal throughout its period of quarantine, and for ensuring that the standard requirements set out on form ID50 are complied with. He/she or his/her deputy, similarly appointed by my Department, must visit the premises daily from Monday to Saturday each week, and on Sundays if necessary. He/she must visually inspect all animals on at least two of these visits each week. He/she must also undertake a further individual examination of any animal which concerns him/her following inspection, or where he/she requested to do so by the kennel management or its owner.

DEFENCE

  Married Quarters
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what representations he has received from representatives of the armed forces concerning the proposed married quarters sale; [35612]

  (2) what representations he has received from the chiefs of staff concerning his Department's proposed married quarters sale. [35614]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  Our proposals have been developed in full consultations with the chiefs of staff. The terms of the sale have been carefully designed to safeguard the 528
  interests of, and produce significant benefits for, the services and service families. The chiefs of staff share the Government's view that we now have the right basis for real improvements in service housing, which are long overdue.

  Dr. Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what alternative proposals to his Department's scheme for the married quarters sale he has evaluated. [35613]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  In recent years, we have considered several different approached to achieving our objective of improving the quality and management of service housing. These included different forms of sale, and retaining ownership. We believe that the proposals we have now put to bidders for the sale of the married quarters estate are the right answer, subject to reaching agreement on terms which satisfy the interests of the services and on a price which properly reflects the public interest.

  Dr. Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement concerning Mr. David Hart's involvement in his Department's married quarters sale. [35615]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Minster of State for the Armed Forces on 22 March 1995,Official Report, column 218.

  Vehicle Depots
  Mr. Clifton-Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what has been the investment over the last five years in the vehicle depots at Ashchurch and Ludgershall. [3314]

  Mr. Soames
  [pursuant to his reply, 24 June 1996, c. 37]: I understand that there was an error in the answer sent by the chief executive for the Army Base Storage and Distribution Agency. I have asked the chief executive to write again with the correct information.

  Letter from Kevin Goad to Mr. Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, dated 4 July 1996:
  I very much regret that the information I gave recently in my reply of 24 June 96 to your question concerning the investment in the vehicle depots at Ashchurch and Ludgershall (PQ Ref: 1597H) was, in part, incorrect
  It has come to my notice that there has been a basic calculation error involving the transcription of two columns of figures. This error concerns the figures shown against vehicle depot Ludgershall.
  In my reply the figures shown for Ashchurch were correct, but the cost given for Ludgershall was in fact the cumulative total for both sites.
  The corrected figures for Ludgershall are:-
  Financial year

  1991–92: £253,766

  1992–93: £432,556

  1993–94: £709,624

  1994–95: £336,040

  1995–96: £389,833

  I hope this regrettable error has not caused too much inconvenience. I can only ask you, again, to please accept my sincere apologies.
  529

DUCHY OF LANCASTER

  Levene Report
  Ms Emma Nicholson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he expects to publish the Levene report on the privatisation of public sector research establishments; and if he will make it his policy to take an immediate decision on the implementation of its recommendations. [35015]
  530
  Mr. Roger Freeman
  I have been asked to reply. Sir Peter Levene has been invited to provide further advice on certain practical questions which emerged from Ministerial consideration of the first tranche of reviews of public sector research establishments. He has been asked to make an early report to Ministers. Decisions on the establishments will be announced as soon as possible. They will be supported by explanatory memoranda which will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

  Northern Iraq: Attack on Kilken
  Northern Iraq: Attack on Kilken
  Iran: Diplomatic Representation in UK
  Iran: Diplomatic Representation in UK
  Libya: Alleged Chemical Weapons Activities
  Libya: Alleged Chemical Weapons Activities
  Compound Animal Feeds
  Compound Animal Feeds
  Prison Standing Orders: Internet Proposal
  Prison Standing Orders: Internet Proposal
  Drinking Water Inspectorate Annual Report
  Drinking Water Inspectorate Annual Report
  Sustainable Development: UK Round Table Annual Report
  Sustainable Development: UK Round Table Annual Report
  Naval Training: Partnership Arrangement
  Naval Training: Partnership Arrangement
  Civil Servants: Non-executive Directorships
  Civil Servants: Non-executive Directorships
  Tuberculosis: Reports
  Tuberculosis: Reports
  BCG Immunisation
  BCG Immunisation
  Bioethics: Council of Europe Convention
  Bioethics: Council of Europe Convention
  The Infant Formula Industry: Guidance on Donations
  The Infant Formula Industry: Guidance on Donations
  Scotland: Power to Hold Referenda
  Scotland: Power to Hold Referenda
  Parliamentary Pay: SSRB Report
  Parliamentary Pay: SSRB Report
  Sports Council: Services to Angling
  Sports Council: Services to Angling
  Recombinant Factor VIII: VAT
  Recombinant Factor VIII: VAT
  Abortion Statistics
  Abortion Statistics