Written Answers of 17 July 1996

ENVIRONMENT

  Environmental Information Regulations 1992
  Mrs. Helen Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will list the organisations subject to the Environmental Information Regulations 1992; and what plans he has to include the water companies under these requirements; [37437]

  (2) if he will make a statement on the application of the Environmental Information Regulations 1992 to water companies. [37436]

  Mr. Clappison
  My Department issued guidance on the implementation of the Environmental Information Regulations in December 1992. The guidance indicated what types of organisations would be likely to fall within the scope of the regulations, and stated that organisations would need to take a view themselves as to whether they were relevant persons and therefore subject to the requirements of the regulations. It is not for Ministers to interpret the law; in cases of dispute, it is for the courts to decide.

  Agenda 21
  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will list the local authorities which have designated an officer responsible for Agenda 21; [37508]

  (2) if he will list the local authorities which have launched projects on sustainability under Agenda 21; [37510]

  (3) if he will list the local authorities which have carried out environmental audits under Agenda 21; [37509]

  (4) if he will list the local authorities which have adopted an action plan for Agenda 21. [37507]

  Mr. Clappison
  The Department does not hold this information. Statistical information about Local Agenda 21 is contained in the 1996 survey of Local Agenda 21 activity in local government in the UK. The survey was carried out by the environment resource and information centre, university of Westminster, for the Local Government Management Board, on behalf of the Local Agenda 21 UK steering group. Copies of the survey have been placed in the House Library.

  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on progress by local authorities on Local Agenda 21. [37506]

  Mr. Clappison
  Good progress is being made at local level by local authorities in partnership with all sectors of their communities to develop local strategies for sustainable development, through the Local Agenda 21 518
  process. More than 300 local authorities in the UK have embarked on the process and the end of 1996 is the target for production of these strategies.

  The 1996 Local Agenda 21 survey is based on a 58 per cent. response from 478 local authorities. It shows that more than 90 per cent. of respondents are participating in Local Agenda 21. More than 83 per cent. are committed to produce a strategy document, more than 40 per cent. by the end of 1996.

  Contracts
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish a list showing the number, nature and value of contracts awarded by his Department to Coopers and Lybrand, KPMG, Price Waterhouse, Ernst and Young, Deloitte and Touche, Arthur Andersen, Grant Thornton, BDO Stoy Hayward, Pannel Kerr Forster, and Robson Rhodes and their subsidiaries and associates, during 1995 and 1996. [37324]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  The information requested is not held centrally by my Department and is obtainable only at disproportionate cost.

  Nuclear Waste
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what factors underlie reductions in stocks of high-level nuclear waste between 1991 and 1994 compared with the period 1986 to 1991, as set out in figure 15 of "The United Kingdom National Environmental Health Plan", Cm 3323. [37387]

  Mr. Clappison
  The decrease results from the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Agency concentrating by evaporation the high-level waste liquors that it stores at Dounreay.

  Enterprise Zones
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what benefits accrue to an area from its designation as an enterprise zone; and if he will make a statement. [36070]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  The benefits available to businesses during the 10-year life of an enterprise zone are the following: 100 per cent. allowances for corporation tax purposes for capital expenditure on industrial and commercial buildings; exemption from the national non-domestic rate on industrial and commercial property; a simplified planning regime; speedier administration of residual statutory planning controls; exemption from industrial training levies and from the requirement to supply information to industrial training boards; processing of applications for certain customs facilities as a priority, and the relaxation of certain criteria; and the reduction of Government requests for statistical information.

  Since the EZ scheme was introduced in 1981, the Government have developed a range of alternative schemes to promote regeneration and growth. These are generally better targeted and can be implemented more rapidly than the enterprise zone scheme which, in part as a result of EC regulations, can take up to three years to designate. Enterprise zones can affect economic activity over a wide area through displacement effects and are not

  519
  the appropriate regeneration measure in most circumstances. In December 1987 the Government announced that the enterprise zone scheme would not be extended other than in exceptional circumstances.

  Mineworkers
  Mr. Clapham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he is taking to ensure that mineworkers employed underground by sub-contractors are covered by the same safety regulations as those employed by the mine owner, particularly in relation to free medical checks. [37632]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  Mineworkers employed underground by sub-contractors are subject to the same health, safety and welfare provisions as those employed by the mine owner. In particular, it is the duty of any employer of persons at work at a mine, including sub-contractors, to ensure that they are provided with such health surveillance as is appropriate. Section 9 of the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974 provides that no employer shall charge any employee for anything provided in pursuance of a relevant statutory provision.

  Licences
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the licences issued by his Department; for what purpose they are issued; and what are the administrative costs involved for each. [37626]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  Licences are issued by, or on behalf of, my Department in respect of the following:waste management—to ensure that waste is disposed of, recovered or kept without harming human health or the environment, in accordance with the EC framework directive on waste;
  radioactive materials and waste—to control the retention and use of radioactive materials and waste, to safeguard workers, the public and the environment from the detrimental effects of radioactive materials and waste;
  water abstraction—to provide for the proper management of water resources;
  the control of discharges into water and sewers—to control water pollution;
  the operation of potentially polluting processes—to control the emissions from these processes to the air, water and/or land.
  the release or marketing of genetically modified organisms—to ensure proper consideration is given to human health and safety and to environmental protection, before GMOs are released into the environment or sold as products;
  hazardous substances—to control, and minimise, the risk of accidents resulting from the keeping of hazardous substances at particular locations;
  CITES—to control the import and export of endangered species;
  birds—to control the killing, taking and sale of birds from the wild;
  zoos—to ensure that the Secretary of State's standards of modern zoo practice are met in respect of animal welfare and public safety;
  caravan and camping sites—to ensure that sites are properly equipped and run in the interests of occupiers and of general amenity;
  navigation—to enable licence holders to use their boats on specified waterways;
  asbestos—to control most work with asbestos insulation and/or coating, including stripping and removal;
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  petroleum—to ensure that petroleum is stored in a manner which minimises danger to workers and the public;
  explosives—to help ensure explosives are manufactured and stored in a manner which minimises danger to workers and the public, and to ensure adequate security measures being taken to prevent theft or misuse.

  In addition, the Department of the Environment has responsibility for arrangements relating to offshore oil and gas safety cases. To ensure public confidence in these areas of high hazard, safety arrangements must be accepted by the Health and Safety Executive before certain functions may be undertaken for the safe operation of offshore installations and gas transmission systems.

  HSE has administrative responsibility for nuclear licences and railway safety cases. Ministerial responsibility rests with my right hon. Friends the President of the Board of Trade and the Secretary of State for Transport, respectively.

  Central records are not maintained to record the administrative costs for the licensing regimes.

  Fraud
  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what inquiries to detect fraud by cross-checking his Department's payroll with details of those claiming benefit he has undertaken; when these exercises took place; and how many staff were(a) suspended, (b) dismissed and (c) prosecuted as a result. [37699]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  None.

  Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996
  Mr. Hunter
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he is taking to implement the Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996. [38004]

  Mr. Clappison
  My Department has today invited local authorities and other interested bodies to comment by 13 September on the proposed implementation of this Act. Our aim is that local authorities will be able to use these welcome new powers before the end of this year.

  I have placed a copy of the consultation documents in the Library.

  Water Regulations Advisory Committee
  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he will announce the membership of the Water Regulations Advisory Committee; and if he will make a statement. [38218]

  Mr. Robert B. Jones
  Professor John Swaffield of Heriot-Watt university, Edinburgh, has accepted my invitation to chair the Water Regulations Advisory Committee. I have formally appointed Professor Swaffield and 10 members of the committee, whose names appear in the list.

  The committee's terms of reference are to advise the Secretary of State for the Environment on the requirements of plumbing installations and fittings to be included in regulations made under powers in section 74 of the Water Industry Act 1991 and on other technical matters connected with the regulations.
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  The regulations will deal with contamination, waste, undue consumption and misuse of water in premises. As part of its remit, the committee will also consider the requirements for water usage by fittings and appliances. This will include advice on such things as WC flush volumes and water used by washing machines and dishwashers.

  MEMBERSHIP OF THE WATER REGULATIONS ADVISORY COMMITTEE
  Chairman:

  Prof. J. A. Swaffield

  Members:

  Mr. J. A. Andrew

  Mrs. B. M. Bickley

  Mr. S. B. Butler

  Mr. R. F. Clayton

  Mr. P. Crane

  Dr. J. Hall

  Mr. P. W. Herbertson

  Mr. G. Marsh

  Mr. J. Roy

  Mr. M. A. Rymill

  Waste Dumping at Sea
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what duty the United Kingdom, as a contracting party to the London convention, has to provide assistance to United Kingdom dependent territories in respect of the dumping of industrial waste in the marine environment. [37575]

  Sir Nicholas Bonsor
  I have been asked to reply.

  The UK ensures that the dependent territories act in accordance with those international obligations, including the London convention of 1972 which the UK has extended to them.

  Mr. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what reports he has received from the Bermudan Government in respect of their plans to dump asbestos waste in a marine site off Bermuda. [37569]

  Sir Nicholas Bonsor
  I have been asked to reply.

  The Governor's office in Bermuda is in close contact with us on Bermuda's plans to dispose of asbestos and has kept us fully informed of the options that the Bermudian Government are considering.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Fraud
  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what inquiries to detect fraud by cross-checking his Department's payroll with details of those claiming benefit he has undertaken; when these exercises took place; and how many staff were(a) suspended, (b) dismissed and (c) prosecuted as a result. [37703]

  Mr. Streeter
  No exercise has been carried out within the Lord Chancellor's Department, Court Service or Public Trust Office to detect fraud by cross-checking the Department's payroll with details of those claiming benefit. Consequently, no suspensions, dismissals or 522
  prosecutions can be attributed to such checks. However, the Chessington Computer Centre, which provides the payroll service to the Department, and the Department of Social Security have arrangements which are designed to ensure that employees claiming benefit can be identified.

DUCHY OF LANCASTER

  Citizens Charter
  Mr. Peter Atkinson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when he intends to issue guidance for Departments and agencies on redress under the citizens charter. [38390]

  Mr. Freeman
  The Office of Public Service issued guidance to Departments and agencies today on redress under the citizens charter. This guidance takes into account the views of the Select Committee on the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration and those of the citizens charter complaints task force. It provides a framework for Departments and agencies to enable them to provide quick and effective redress when things go wrong.

  I am placing a copy of the guidance in the Library of the House.

HOUSE OF COMMONS

  Induction Programme
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Chairman of the Administration Committee what arrangements have been put in hand for an induction programme for new hon. Members. [37820]

  Mr. Michael J. Martin
  Since 1994, the Administration Committee has initiated or endorsed a number of measures to aid the induction process of new hon. Members. Such measures include:

  (a) supporting the use of the Members' handbook: as announced in my reply of 13 December 1995 to the hon. Member for Denton and Reddish (Mr. Bennett), Official Report, column 659, a revised edition has already been issued, which is also available on the PDVN and on disk;

  (b) inviting the Board of Management to consider further steps to assist in making new hon. Members aware of the procedures of the House and it services: in response, the Board of Management has produced a video which will be issued to all hon. Members newly elected at the forthcoming general election;

  (c) concurring with the Information Committee that the Parliamentary Information Technology Committee be permitted to host an exhibition of IT systems in the Grand Committee Room and the Jubilee Room for new hon. Members: the Communications Directorate, the Department of the Library and the Department of the Official Report will take part in this exhibition;

  (d) endorsing a proposal from the Serjeant at Arms that a temporary reception area be situated in the Upper Waiting Hall after the forthcoming general election to enable new hon. Members and their staff to obtain information and advice on the service provided by his Department.

  I know that the Departments of the House will also be making their usual arrangements to make newly elected hon. Members aware of the services that they provide. My

  523
  hon. Friend may wish to consult the Board of Management or individual heads of Departments directly to ascertain what advice and assistance will be provided.

TREASURY

  Personal Savings
  Mr. French
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what percentage of personal savings are held in(a) retail banks, (b) building societies, (c) life companies, (d) friendly societies and (e) other institutions; and what were the corresponding figures 10 years ago. [36465]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  Details of personal sector financial assets are published in table 9.1J of "Financial Statistics". The information is also held on the Office for National Statistics database which has recently been updated to 1996 Q1, and includes revisions to earlier years' data. These figures will be included in the July issue of "Financial Statistics" which will be published on 19 July. Both sources are available in the Library. There are no separate data for savings with friendly societies, which are included under life assurance and pension funds. Estimates of the percentage of personal assets held in various savings media in 1985 and 1995 are as follows:

  Percentage

  End-years

  1985

  1995

  Deposits with banks

  9.9

  10.0

  Deposits with building societies

  16.1

  10.5

  Life assurance and pension Funds

  45.1

  49.1

  Amounts deposited with building societies have been affected by building societies converting to, and being taken over by, banks.

  Unfunded Pension Liabilities
  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will ensure that in all future deliberations of pay review bodies the impact of awards on unfunded pension liabilities is considered and disclosed by each body. [36352]

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  I have no plans to instruct all pay review bodies to consider and report on the impact of pay awards on unfunded pension liabilities.

  Mr. Shaw
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will examine the province of Alberta's new accounting treatment and disclosure of unfunded pension liabilities; and if he will adopt a similar system for United Kingdom accounts disclosure. [36353]

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  As indicated in my reply to the hon. Member on 15 July at column 371, for each of the main occupational public service pension schemes administered by central Government, a scheme statement will be published as a note attached to the departmental resource account. There is further work to be done on the detail of these statements.
  524

  Personal Debt
  Mr. Callaghan
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what were the levels of personal debt in the United Kingdom in each year since 1992. [36272]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  Details of personal sector financial liabilities (debt) are published in table 9.1J of "Financial Statistics". The information is also held on the Office for National Statistics database which has recently been updated to 1996Q1, and includes revisions to earlier years' data. These figures will be included in the July issue of "Financial Statistics", which will be published on 19 July. Both sources are available in the House of Commons Library. The revised figures for personal sector financial liabilities are as follows:

  End-year

  £ billion

  1992

  489.9

  1993

  505.4

  1994

  528.8

  1995

  552.6

  Public Sector Assets
  Mr. Geoffrey Robinson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the value of real assets held by the public sector by(a) land, (b) buildings and (c) other. [36578]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  Estimates of real assets held by the public sector grouped by the asset types requested are unavailable. Estimates are available for public sector assets, but with a different grouping of assets, in table 12.12 of "United Kingdom National Accounts", a copy of which is available in the House of Commons Library.

  Abortion Statistics
  Mr. Bendall
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many abortions have been performed within the North Thames region under the provisions of the Abortion Act 1967; and how many and what percentage of those abortions were performed in an emergency to save the life of the mother. [37010]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  The total number of abortions carried out under the Abortion Act to women usually resident in the North Thames health region1 from 1970 to 19942 was 752,736. During this period 19 abortions— zero per cent. of the total number—were performed in an emergency, certified by the operating practitioner as immediately necessary to save the life of the woman3.

  Notes:

  1 Figures are based, where possible, on 1994 health authority boundaries. Other boundary changes have not been reflected in the figures.

  2 Figures for 1968–69 are not held on a comparable basis.

  3 Abortions performed under statutory ground 5 (1970–31 March 1991) and F (1 April 1991-present) i.e. where in the case of emergency it was necessary to save the life of the woman.

  Mrs. Peacock
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many abortions have been performed within the Northern and Yorkshire region under the provisions of the Abortion Act 1967; and how many and what percentage of those abortions were performed in emergency to save the life of the mother. [36927]
  525
  Mrs. Knight
  [holding answer 16 July 1996]: The total number of abortions carried out under the Abortion Act to women usually resident in the Northern and Yorkshire health region1 from 1970 to 19942 was 336,549. During this period, 12 abortions—zero per cent. of the total number of abortions performed—were carried out in an emergency, certificated by the operating practitioner as immediately necessary to save the life of the woman3.

  Notes:

  1 Figures are based, where possible, on 1994 health authority boundaries. Other boundary changes have not been reflected in the figures.

  2 Figures for 1968–69 are not held on a comparable basis.

  3 Abortions performed under statutory grounds 5 (1970–31 March 1991) and F (1 April 1991-present) i.e. where in the case of emergency it was necessary to save the life of the woman.

  Mrs. Peacock
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give a breakdown by gestation of pregnancy of the number of abortions performed in the Northern and Yorkshire region in the latest year for which figures are available. [36929]

  Mrs. Knight
  [holding answer 16 July 1996]: The figures presented give a breakdown of the number of abortions performed to women usually resident in the Northern and Yorkshire health region by gestation of pregnancy, for the year 19941, the latest year for which figures are available.

  Gestation of pregnancy in weeks

  Number of abortions

  Under 9

  5,220

  9 to 12

  9,103

  13 to 19

  1,735

  20 and over

  201

  Not stated

  1

  Total

  16,260

  1 1994 Abortion Statistics, England and Wales, Series AB no. 21.

  European Monetary Union
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the impact on UK tax rates of UK entry into European monetary union in 1999. [37176]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  It is too early to assess the possible impact of joining a single currency on the UK. A full assessment of the costs and benefits will be carried out nearer the time, when the facts are known. Decisions on fiscal policy, including decisions on rates and levels of tax, must remain a matter for member states. These are at the heart of national politics.

  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the advantages of monetary union to each member of the EU. [37177]

  Mrs. Knight
  It is too early to assess the possible impact of joining the single currency on the UK. A full assessment of the costs and benefits will be carried out nearer the time, when the facts are known. No assessment has been made of other member states' positions.
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  Contracts
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish a list showing the number, nature and value of contracts awarded by his Department to Coopers and Lybrand, KPMG, Price Waterhouse, Ernst and Young, Deloitte and Touche, Arthur Andersen, Grant Thornton, BDO Stoy Hayward, Pannel Kerr Forster, and Robson Rhodes and their subsidiaries and associates, during 1995 and 1996. [37315]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  During 1995–96 one contract was awarded to KPMG for assistance in the review of pay, grading and appraisal, and one to Coopers and Lybrand in connection with the privatisation programme. No contracts were awarded to any of the other firms during 1995–96, nor have any contracts been awarded to any of the firms this year.

  I am unable to provide values for the contracts as this information is commercially confidential.

  Income Tax
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the highest rate of tax on income in(a) 1978–79, (b) 1983–84 and (c) 1995–96. [37577]

  Mr. Jack
  The highest rates of income tax were 83 per cent. on earned income and 98 per cent. on investment income in 1978–79, 60 per cent. on earned income and 75 per cent. on investment income in 1983–84 and 40 per cent. and earned and unearned income in 1995–96.

  Trade Unions (Tax Exemptions)
  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if tax exemptions were claimed by(a) the Joint Industry Board for Electrical Contracting Industry and (b) Scottish Joint Industry Board for Electrical Contracting Industry during the period when they were registered as trade unions. [37560]

  Mr. Jack
  The provision of the details sought would be in breach of the statutory restrictions on the disclosure of information concerning the affairs of taxpayers, companies and other concerns.

  Earnings
  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the average hourly earnings of part-time male and female workers working less than 16 hours a week, giving the most recent available figures. [37590]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  Figures from the labour force survey, winter 1995, show that in Great Britain average hourly earnings for part-time males working less than 16 hours per week were £5.73. Average hourly earnings for part-time females working less than 16 hours per week were £5.67.

  Mr. Smith
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the answer of 2 July,Official Report, column 418, what were the average hourly earnings of (a) men and (b) women with total earnings below the national insurance contribution lower earnings limit. [37587]
  527
  Mrs. Knight
  Figures from the labour force survey, winter 1995, shows that in Great Britain the average hourly earnings for males earning less than the lower earnings limit for national insurance contributions were £2.20. Average hourly earnings for females earning less than the lower earnings limit for national insurance contributions were £3.29.

  Unemployment (North-East)
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what are the current unemployment rates in(a) South Tyneside borough council, (b) North Tyneside borough council, (c) Gateshead borough council and (d) Newcastle borough council. [37779]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  Percentage rates of claimant unemployment are not available below the level of travel-to-work area except in the case of unitary authorities.

  The labour force survey produces unemployment figures based on the internationally standard definition of unemployment recommended by the International Labour Organisation. The LFS shows that in winter 1995–96 the rates of ILO unemployment in the Newcastle and South Tyneside borough council areas were 11.3 per cent. and 15.6 per cent. respectively. This represents the extent of the available information.

  Fraud
  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what inquiries to detect fraud by cross-checking his Department's payroll with details of those claiming benefit he has undertaken; when these exercises took place; and how many staff were(a) suspended, (b) dismissed and (c) prosecuted as a result. [37710]

  Mr. Jack
  The Treasury responds to inquiries made by the Benefits Agency where there are reasonable grounds for suspicion that an individual may be involved in benefit fraud. There have been no such cases among Treasury staff for at least the last five years.

  Customs and Excise National Investigation Service
  Mr. Denham
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what were the conclusions of the fundamental expenditure review of the investigation division of Customs and Excise national investigation service on(a) the preferred location of the regional office to serve the Hampshire area and (b) the need for a fast response team to serve the Hampshire area. [36946]

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  [holding answer 16 July 1996]: The fundamental expenditure review carried out on the investigation and intelligence functions of HM Customs and Excise recommended
  "the creation of a National Investigation Service organised in regions".

  The FER proposed eight or nine regional offices with a headquarters in London, but was not explicit about the location of the regional offices.

  The FER also stated:
  "The process of "fast response" to detections by AS (Anti-Smuggling) staff will be streamlined to offer the immediate attendance of investigations to add value to every case where possible".
  528
  In the case of the central south coast area of England, the investigative first response team will almost certainly be based in Shoreham.

  Mr. Denham
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what expenditure has been incurred on seeking office accommodation for a regional office of the national investigation service in Hampshire. [36947]

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  [holding answer 16 July 1996]: No expenses has been incurred in seeking office accommodation specifically in Hampshire. Minimal expenses has been incurred at national and regional level, in seeking options for accommodation to house the NIS staff, including those in the central south coast area.

  Mr. Denham
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what sum was allocated for the acquisition of offices for a regional office of the national investigation service in Hampshire. [36948]

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  [holding answer 16 July 1996]: No funds were specifically earmarked for any regional office. Implementation of the FER recommendations will take place using funds from the Department's capital allocation.

  Mr. Denham
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the proposed location of the nearest regional office and fast response team of the national investigation service to parts of Portsmouth and Southampton. [36949]

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  [holding answer 16 July 1996]: The nearest NIS office and first specialist investigator response team will almost certainly be located in Shoreham.

  Euro Coinage
  Mr. Wilkinson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he has estimated the cost to the Exchequer of running the competition for artists to design the reverse side of the eight denominations of the proposed Euro coinage as advertised in the Royal Mint's press release of 5 July. [37059]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  [holding answer 16 July 1996]: The Royal Mint announced on 5 July the launch of the national heat of a EU-wide competition to design the common faces of Euro coins. The competition is not restricted to artists from countries which have said that they intend to adopt the single currency.

  The total prize money being provided by the Royal Mint will amount to £6,000. In addition, the mint will commission a small number of designers and pay for the production of plaster models. These procedures and the level of prizes and fees are in line with the Royal Mint's normal procedures for selecting coin designs. The total administrative costs of running the competition are estimated to be about £35,000. The prizes for the European final of the competition will be financed from the European Community budget, towards which all European Union countries contribute.
  529
  The Government are committed to full involvement in preparations for economic and monetary union, including preparatory work on the single currency coinage, to protect the interests of the United Kingdom, including commercial opportunities for the Royal Mint and UK coin designers, whether or not the United Kingdom participates in the third stage of economic and monetary union.

TRANSPORT

  Road and Rail Transport (Midlands)
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will refer the ownership of road and rail transport in the midlands to the Director General of Fair Trading. [35962]

  Mr. Watts
  My right hon. Friend has no powers to refer matters to the Director General of Fair Trading.

  Bypass Schemes (Yorkshire)
  Sir Irvine Patnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment his Department has carried out on the reduction in the number of road accidents resulting from the opening of bypass schemes in Yorkshire in the last five years; and if he will make a statement. [36886]

  Mr. Norris
  There have been five studies carried out on bypass schemes on trunk roads that have opened in Yorkshire in the last five years. Each of the studies covered the first year after the bypass opened. The change in the number of accidents following the opening of the bypasses was as follows:

  A65 Settle and Gigglewick Bypass: -1

  A65 Addingham bypass: -3

  A1079 Market Weighton bypass: +9

  A650 Drighlington bypass: -8

  A65 Draughton bypass: -1

  The accident record on the Market Weighton bypass primarily reflects problems at one particular junction which were identified and addressed at an early stage.

  The changes in accidents recorded in these studies in the first year after opening do not necessarily represent the longer-term accident trend on each bypass.

  It is for local highway authorities to monitor accidents on non-trunk roads. My Department does not hold information on the reduction in the number of road accidents resulting from the opening of local authority bypass scheme in Yorkshire in the last five years.

  Intelligent Transport Systems
  Mr. McAvoy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much finance will be invested in the current financial year in the installation of intelligent transport system in the United Kingdom, with particular reference to advanced motorway control technology. [37552]

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

  Letter from Lawrie Haynes to Mr. Thomas McAvoy, dated 17 July 1996:
  530
  The Secretary of State for Transport has asked me to reply to your recent question regarding the level of expenditure in the current financial year on intelligent transport systems in the United Kingdom, with particular reference to advanced motorway control technology.
  The Highways Agency only keeps information relating to motorways in England. However, we have obtained comparable information from colleagues in the Northern Ireland DoE and the Welsh and Scottish Offices which, taken together, indicate a total forecast expenditure for the United Kingdom in 1996/97 of £75.6m.

  Agency Printing Costs
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the agencies for which his Department is responsible and the costs incurred by each for printing(a) all publications and (b) its annual report in the last year for which figures are available. [37473]

  Mr. Norris
  The costs incurred by each of the Department's agencies in printing(a) all publications and (b) its annual report in 1995–96 are as follows:

  (a)

  (b)

  £

  £

  The Coastguard Agency

  86,652

  8,330

  Driver Vehicle and Licensing Agency

  108,059

  8,715

  Driving Standards Agency

  3,885

  1,042

  Highways Agency

  n/a

  30,333

  Marine Safety Agency

  207,874

  5,313

  Vehicle Certification Agency

  26,869

  813

  Vehicle Inspectorate

  256,544

  10,178

  Information on total printing costs incurred by the Highways Agency is not available and can be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Statistical Forms
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the statistical forms issued to businesses by his Department and the number sent out of each. [37474]

  Mr. Norris
  The following regular statistical forms are sent to businesses by the Department of Transport.

  Title

  Number of forms sent in 1995

  Continuing survey of road goods transport

  20,200

  Continuing international road haulage survey

  8,420

  Roll-on-roll-off goods vehicles

  140

  Local bus fares index

  440

  Public service vehicle operators' return

  1,930

  Ship owners' capital expenditure and international trade credit

  93

  Return of port traffic

  227

  Domestic waterborne freight

  25

  Overseas airlines' UK expenditure

  106

  Origins and destinations of UK international trade

  120,000

  1 This is a periodic survey previously carried out in 1978, 1987 and 1991, and now being carried out in 1996.

  In addition, a number of ad hoc surveys are usually carried out each year. Some will involve the use of a questionnaire, but others will be carried out mainly by personal interview. Numbers of surveys and subject areas

  531
  covered vary from year to year; however, on average about 12 such surveys are carried out annually, involving contact with about 10,000 businesses.

  Internet
  Mr. Rowe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to ensure that major publications from his Department are accompanied by a simultaneous electronic release of the text on the Internet. [37243]

  Mr. Norris
  My Department is discussing the matter with our main publisher, Her Majesty's Stationery Office.

  Coastguard Service
  Mr. Charles Wardle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to publish the findings of the independent investigation into the Coastguard actions in the Lyme bay canoeing tragedy; and if he will make a statement. [38519]

  Mr. Norris
  In March 1993, four teenagers were tragically drowned in a sea canoeing accident in the Lyme bay area. Mr. John Reeder QC was appointed to conduct a review, the terms of reference of which were:"In the light of the COASTGUARD's internal inquiry, the evidence presented to the Lyme Bay trial and the judge's comments in his summing up—

  (i) to review all of the actions, both internal and external, taken by the COASTGUARD during and subsequent to the tragedy.

  (ii) to consider how far this action was appropriate and whether any further action was necessary, and

  (iii) to make recommendations.

  Consideration under item (ii) should cover the suggestion by Sir James Spicer MP that harbourmasters should be given a more formal role in COASTGUARD'S emergency procedures."

  We have today published Mr. Reeder's findings.

  Mr. Reeder has produced a thorough and well-researched report of the Coastguard involvement in this tragedy. He reported that no lives had been lost as a result of the Coastguard's actions and that the lessons of the incident had been fully learned. He has endorsed the action taken by the Coastguard agency and other parts of my Department to make sure that all lessons were fully learned. He recommends that no further disciplinary action should be taken.

  It is right that all concerned should do all that can be done to prevent similar incidents form happening in the future. We have made regulations to seek to improve the safety of activity centres. Thanks to Mr. Reeder's report, we can now be confident that the Coastguard agency has responded fully to the tragedy, and that all necessary steps have been taken to safeguard against similar incidents in the future.

  Following the incident, the Coastguard agency carried out their own investigation and took appropriate action. Portland Coastguard has since been reorganised and all of the officers involved have been retrained.

  Mr. Reeder made recommendations on the radio coverage of the area, on the relationship between Coastguard and harbourmasters, and on the Coastguard agency and British Canoe Union's advice on sea
  532
  canoeing. All his recommendations either have been implemented by the Coastguard agency, or are being urgently addressed.

DEFENCE

  Epidemiology Research Proposals
  Mrs. Currie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many outline research proposals were received for the epidemiology programme to be initiated by the Medical Research Council at the request of his Department; what proposals in other fields besides epidemiology have been received by the MRC; if there is a deadline; how much of his Department's funding will be made available for these studies; and if he will make a statement. [37430]

  Mr. Soames
  Work on establishing the detailed programme of research into Gulf health issues, which I announced on 30 January,Official Report, columns 607–608, is progressing well. As I announced at that time, the work is being overseen by the Medical Research Council, whose independent supervision of the research programme will ensure an objective, impartial and scientific approach and compliance with the highest professional standards.

  Following a period of assessment of the most appropriate areas for research, the MRC issued its call for research proposals in scientific and medical journals at the end of May. I understand that it has already received 37 outline proposals for research in a variety of fields. Those have been submitted in confidence, and I am therefore not able to detail the precise areas which they cover. All the proposals are now being thoroughly evaluated by a scientific advisory committee, appointed by the MRC, which includes some of the most eminent medical experts in the relevant fields. The MRC will then invite the most promising applicants to submit substantive proposals by the end of August.

  The final research programme is expected to include both epidemiological studies to compare the prevalence of illness among Gulf war veterans and similar control groups, including the relative incidence of birth defects among their children, and studies to investigate other aspects of Gulf health-related issues such as any possible interaction between the vaccinations administered to personnel serving in the Gulf and the nerve agent pre-treatment sets, with which they were issued.

  Final decisions on the research projects to be funded will be made in November. My Department will meet the full costs of those research projects recommended by the MRC as being the most appropriate.

  We are keeping in close touch with US plans for research in similar fields to ensure that work is not duplicated, and that our respective programmes cover all aspects of this important issue. The US authorities have recently announced their plans for 12 major research studies, one of which is to be undertaken by Dr. Simon Wessely of King's college school of medicine. We will continue to liaise with the US authorities as this work progresses.
  533
  In parallel with the research programmes I have described, we continue to offer assessment and counselling services under the medical assessment programme established in 1993 to all serving and ex-service personnel who may be concerned about their health. Six hundred and thirty-five individual veterans have now been examined on the programme. Additional resources have been made available both to support the clinical programme itself and to develop the comprehensive database necessary for a full analysis of the programme's overall results to date. Group Captain Coker, the principal consultant on the programme, expects to publish a report on his findings to date later this year.

  On the basis of the examination of veterans undertaken so far, there is no evidence that there is any unique syndrome or illness associated specifically with Gulf service. The Government, nevertheless, retain an open mind. The painstaking, detailed approach I have outlined, which will of necessity take time, is soundly and scientifically based, and illustrates our total commitment to the health of our service personnel.

  Trident Programme
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 10 July,Official Report, column 184, how much of the remaining expenditure on the Trident programme will be spent in (a) the United Kingdom and (b) the United States of America. [37426]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  The estimated £1.61 billion of remaining expenditure on the Trident acquisition programme is planned to be spent as follows:

  £ million

  UK

  USA

  Submarine

  475

  12

  Strategic weapons system

  21

  495

  Tactical weapons system1

  68

  1

  Building works

  11

  —

  Dockyards

  266

  —

  Warhead/miscellaneous:

  Unallocated contingency1

  206

  55

  Total

  1,047

  563

  1 The apparent variation from the answer given to the hon. Member on 10 July 1996, Official Report, column 184, results from rounding of figures.

  RAF Burtonwood
  Mr. Hall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the cost of installing new telecommunications equipment at RAF Burtonwood; and if he will make a statement. [37639]

  Mr. Soames
  The cost of installing new telecommunications equipment on the RAF Burtonwood site is a matter for the tenants. No extra costs have been incurred by my Department.

  Mr. Hall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many new telephone lines have been installed at RAF Burtonwood this year; and if he will make a statement. [37640]
  534
  Mr. Soames
  Tenants at Burtonwood deal directly with suppliers regarding the installation of any additional telephone lines they may require. My Department does not hold a record of such new installations.

  Defence Police Salaries
  Ms Rachel Squire
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how the salaries of the chief constable, Ministry of Defence police, and his deputy will be determined; what performance indicators will be used to determine the level of performance-related elements; and what is the minimum and maximum possible salary in the financial year 1996–97. [37352]

  Mr. Soames
  With effect from 1 April 1996, the salaries of the chief constable and deputy chief constable, Ministry of Defence police, including any elements relating to performance will be determined in line with the provisions applying to the senior civil service.

  Maximum and minimum values for salaries are as set out in the White Paper "Taking Forward Continuity and Change" and as stated by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister in his reply of 8 February, Official Report, columns 294–96.

  Residential Property
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what account is taken of military rank or grade in the allocation of military tenants to MOD residential property consisting of detached single storey dwellings. [37561]

  Mr. Soames
  Military rank or grade is taken into account when allocating MOD residential property. This has no bearing, however, on whether the particular properties are detached and single storey in nature.

  HMS Fearless and Intrepid
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if the replacement vessels for HMS Fearless and HMS Intrepid will be constructed at the same time; and if he will make a statement; [36951]

  (2) how many months the construction of the replacements for (a) HMS Fearless and (b) HMS Intrepid are planned to take; and if he will make a statement. [36953]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  A final decision has yet to be announced concerning the replacements for HMS Fearless and HMS Intrepid. A construction programme is dependent upon an order being placed.

  Dr. Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessments he has made of the cost of preparing HMS Intrepid to go to sea. [36952]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  The cost of preparing HMS Intrepid for sea from her present material state would be some £1.5 million.

  Army Base Storage and Distribution Agency
  Mr. David Martin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about the key targets for 1996–97 for the Army Base Storage and Distribution Agency. [38313]
  535
  Mr. Soames
  The chief executive of the Army Base Storage and Distribution Agency has been set the following key targets for 1996–97:

  Key targets

  Performance output 1996–97

  1. To develop and implement the full ABSDA IS strategy by:

  (a) Implementing the IS strategy by initiating action to make changes to existing systems and to procure IT as appropriate.

  31 March 1997

  (b) Implement the full corporate MIS throughout ABSDA. (Subject to IS Strategy Study recommendations.)

  (31 March 1998)

  2. Implement the outstanding DCS 10 recommendations:

  (a) Handback of BAD Bracht site on schedule.

  30 September 1996

  (b) Closure of Vehicle Depot Ludgershall for operations on schedule.

  31 March 1997

  3. To meet targets for storage, maintenance and distribution and monitor progress towards achieving standards:

  a. Stores Demands

  Stores and Equipment. To meet the Standard Priority System (SPS) 96 Supply Chain Processing Times (SCPT) for material authorised for issue

  (a) Immediate Priority—Operational Standard Priority Code (SPC) 1

  99 per cent.

  (b) High Priority—Operational SPC 2

  98 per cent.

  (c) Medium Priority—Operational SPC 3

  97 per cent.

  (d) Routine Priority—Operational SPC 4

  95 per cent.

  (e) Immediate Priority—Non Operational SPC 5

  99 per cent.

  (f) High Priority—Non Operational SPC 6

  98 per cent.

  (g) Medium Priority—Non Operational SPC 7

  97 per cent.

  (h) Routine Priority—Non Operational SPC 8

  95 per cent.

  (Operational demands take precedence over all other demands in SPC order)

  Ammunition

  To meet the required Delivery date

  99.8 per cent.

  Vehicles

  (a) Immediate Priority

  96 per cent.

  (b) High Priority

  94 per cent.

  (c) Medium Priority

  92 per cent.

  (d) Routine Demands

  90 per cent.

  Petroleum

  (a) Bulk Fuel

  95 per cent.

  (b) Packed Fuel and Oils/Lubs

  95 per cent.

  b. To Maintain, repair, refurbish and modify Army ammunition to levels of service agreed with DLSA:

  Maintenance

  (a) Completion by target

  97 per cent.

  (b) Completion within target cost

  92 per cent.

  (c) Completion to specified quality

  98 per cent.

  Surveillance

  (a) Initial acceptance—within 4 weeks of receipt

  100 per cent.

  (b) Specials—within target date set by DLSA

  97 per cent.

  Proofing

  Completion to specified quality standard and target dates

  96 per cent.

  536

  Key targets

  Performance output 1996–97

  4. To deliver special to task and on the job training for Land Command Units Employed in the Base (LUEB).

  (a) To maintain operational and military preparedness.

  Pass OPEVAL to satisfactory standard.

  (b) To provide training for all soldiers to Army Training Directives (ATD) levels.

  Pass OPEVAL to satisfactory standard.

  5. To complete the activities and achieve the results laid down in the ABSDA TQ Strategy for each year between 1996–97 to 1998–99.

  (a) 100 per cent. of all managers to be trained.

  31 October 1996

  (b) All staff to have been trained and operating the Total Quality Leadership process. Mechanisms to be in place to train new employees,(31 March 1998)

  (c) ABSDA TQ to have a positive impact on our customers such that they have an increasing satisfaction and confidence in ABSDA and the Agency confirmed as their preferred supplier.

  (31 March 1999)

  6. To complete a Competing for Quality (CFQ) programme of ABSDA business.

  (a) Stores Division.

  (31 June 1998)

  (b) Ammunition Division.

  (31 December 1997)

  (c) Base Vehicle Depot Ashchurch.

  (31 August 1997)

  7. Deliver required efficiencies according to DG Log Sp(A)'s Efficiency Plany.

  2.5 per cent.

  Devonport Dockyard
  Mr. Jamieson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence in what circumstances the United States Government have powers to commandeer assets owned by Brown and Root at Devonport dockyard. [37606]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  [holding answer 16 July 1996]: None.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Taxi Fares
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much his Department spent on meeting the costs of taxi cab fares in the 1995–96 financial year. [36008]

  Mr. Hanley
  This information could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  University of Oman
  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which officials of Her Majesty's Government were invited to be present at the opening of the university in Oman; and on what date the opening ceremonies took place. [36611]

  Mr. Hanley
  The Sultan Qaboos university in Muscat was officially opened on 9 November 1986 by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos. We have no details of who was invited to attend or who was present at the opening ceremony.

  Gulf War
  Mr. Rogers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the work of the United Nations Compensation Commission since the Gulf war, with numbers of claims received in each category and funds accumulated in all accounts; and if he will make a statement on the work of the panels of commissioners, with particular reference to British claims. [37511]

  Mr. Hanley
  The United Nations Compensation Commission in Geneva was established in 1991. More than 2.6 million claims with an estimated asserted value of more than $180 billion have been submitted, and almost 2.2 million of these have already been assessed. Claims have been submitted by individuals, corporations and Governments.

  Her Majesty's Government have forwarded 4,990 claims from 3,418 claimants. These claims are broken down into the following categories:

  Type of claim

  Total number of claims received by UNCC

  Total number of claims submitted by UK

  Value of UK claims in US$

  Category A

  922,796

  1,148

  4,035,000

  Category B

  5,949

  258

  710,000

  Category C

  417,557

  2,746

  122,907,312

  Egyptian Bank transfer claims

  1.24 million

  Category D

  9,673

  381

  133,253,256

  Category E

  6,455

  457

  1,189,325,112

  Category F

  212

  1

  11,237,641

  Totals

  2,602,642

  4,990

  US$ 1,461,468,321

  All category B claims have been assessed and full payment made.

  The assessment of all category A claims will be completed by October this year. The next instalment of British category C claims are expected to be approved by the governing council in December this year, with the remainder to be completed by the end of 1997.

  The UNCC is hoping to set up panels of commissioners this summer to start work on categories D, E and F.

  As at 20 September 1995, the compensation fund had $31,151,700 available to meet running costs and payment of claims; 30 per cent. of the revenue under Security Council resolution 986 will be paid to the UNCC enabling it to make at least interim payments on approved A and C awards.

  1995

  1996

  Company

  Number

  Value £

  Area

  Number

  Value £

  Area

  Diplomatic wing

  Coopers and Lybrand

  3

  316,100

  1FMAS

  0

  —

  —

  KPMG

  3

  < 77,440

  Pay and grading private finance initiative

  2

  56,000

  Pay delegation

  Price Waterhouse

  3

  394,092

  Information technology FMAS

  5

  462,220

  FMAS Resource accounting and budgeting

  Ernst and Young

  1

  7,000

  Purchase of property

  0

  —

  —

  Deloitte and Touche

  0

  —

  —

  1

  215,000

  Information technology

  BDO Stoy Hayward

  3

  195,000

  FMAS

  3

  102,675

  Benchmarking efficiency

  Pannel Kerr Forster

  1

  25,000

  FMAS

  2

  78,750

  FMAS

  Total

  14

  994,632

  13

  804,645

  538

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) pursuant to his answer of 22 March,Official Report, column 386, about parliamentary questions, what method would be used by his Department in collating the information requested; [37541]

  (2) pursuant to his answer of 29 March, Official Report, column 796, about parliamentary questions, what method would be used by his Department in collating the information requested. [37542]

  Mr. Hanley
  The examination of more than 23,000 documents dating back to 1989.

  Internet
  Mr. Rowe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to ensure that major publications from his Department are accompanied by a simultaneous electronic release of the text on the Internet. [37234]

  Mr. Hanley
  Our information section run the award-winning web site "FCO On-Line". The service, which is heavily accessed both in the UK and overseas, carries 800 pages of regularly updated public diplomacy material, including selected major FCO publications.

  For practical reasons, it is not always possible to place all our publications on the Internet. However, we are always keen to make relevant texts available to a wide audience, either via the Internet or by other means. The FCO web site is at: http://www.fco.gov.uk/

  Contracts
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will publish a list showing the number, nature and value of contracts awarded by his Department to Coopers and Lybrand, KPMG, Price Waterhouse, Ernst and Young, Deloitte and Touche, Arthur Andersen, Grant Thornton, BDO Stoy Hayward, Pannel Kerr Forster, and Robson Rhodes and their subsidiaries and associates, during 1995 and 96. [37321]

  Mr. Hanley
  The table sets out the details of contracts awarded to the above firms in 1995 and 1996 by the diplomatic and aid wings of the FCO.

  The details of contracts awarded by the aid wing do not include contracts let under the aid programme.
  539

  1995

  1996

  Company

  Number

  Value £

  Area

  Number

  Value £

  Area

  1995–96

  Aid Wing

  Deloitte and Touche

  5

  30,075

  Efficiency plan fundamental expenditure review

  1 FMAS = Financial Management and Accounting System.

  2 Approximately.

  Waste Dumping at Sea
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what advice his Department has given to the Bermudan Government on their plans for dumping of asbestos waste in the marine environment; and if he will make a statement. [37574]

  Sir Nicholas Bonsor
  The UK has provided advice to the Government of Bermuda on their obligation under the 1972 London convention relating to the disposal of waste at sea. The London convention has been extended to Bermuda.

  Disposal of asbestos waste in Bermudan territorial waters is within the competence of the Government of Bermuda.

  Since their earlier announcement of the intention to dispose of asbestos waste at sea, the Government of Bermuda have decided further to explore other options for disposal.

  Mr. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his Department's policy on providing advice to United Kingdom dependent nationals on legal issues relating to the dumping of waste at sea. [37568]

  Sir Nicholas Bonsor
  The Government's policy is to ensure that the United Kingdom dependent territories comply with their international obligations, including those relating to the dumping of waste at sea.

  Advice is provided whenever necessary by the UK to its dependent territories.

  Nuclear Smuggling
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what changes in policy concerning the detection and deterrence of nuclear smuggling he plans to implement. [36073]

  Mr. David Davis
  The UK is actively involved in international efforts to confront the problems of nuclear smuggling. The nuclear safety summit held in Moscow in April agreed a programme for preventing and combating 540
  illicit trafficking in nuclear materials. Adherents—the G7 and Russia, plus the Ukraine—agreed to improve co-ordination between their Governments on all aspects of prevention, detection and prosecution of cases involving nuclear smuggling. We strongly encourage other states with an interest in the issue to join, and an international experts meeting dedicated to the implementation of this programme will be held as soon as possible.

  Dependent Countries (International Conventions)
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if United Kingdom dependent nations are bound to abide by international conventions to which the United Kingdom has signed up; and what responsibility is held by which United Kingdom authorities for ensuring that they adhere to such
  conventions. [37566]

  Sir Nicholas Bonsor
  The UK dependent territories are bound to abide by only those international conventions that the UK, in consultation with the territories in question, has extended to them.

  The Government bear international responsibility for ensuring that the dependent territories comply with the obligations of those international conventions which apply to them.

  Fraud
  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what inquiries to detect fraud by cross-checking his Department's payroll with details of those claiming benefit he has undertaken; when these exercises took place; and how many staff were(a) suspended, (b) dismissed and (c) prosecuted as a result. [37700]

  Mr. Hanley
  We have made no inquiries to detect fraud by cross-checking the Department's payroll with details of benefit claimants.

  We would respond to inquiries made by the Benefits Agency where it had reasonable grounds for suspicion that any individual might have been involved in benefit fraud.
  541

OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION

  Tied Aid
  Miss Lestor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list for each of the last three years(a) the top 30 companies receiving bilateral tied aid contracts by value and (b) the top 30 companies receiving contracts as part of the aid and trade provision by value. [36591]

  Mr. Hanley
  The number of ATP projects agreed in each of the last three years—1993 to 1995—was five, five and seven, respectively. The companies which won ATP support business as prime contractors on those projects were as follows:

  Company

  ATP allocation (£ millions)

  1993

  John Brown Engineering Ltd.

  10.925

  Siemens Plessey Radar Ltd.

  4.300

  Humatt Engineering Ltd.

  2.032

  Cossor Electronics Ltd.

  1.437

  Transmark

  0.982

  1994

  Kvaerner Boving Ltd.

  4.775

  Humatt Engineering Ltd.

  4.227

  Balfour Beatty Projects and Engineering Ltd.

  4.121

  Siemens Plessey Controls

  0.841

  Sir Alexander Gibb and Partners Ltd.

  0.093

  1995

  GEC Alsthom

  15.516

  Davy British Rail International Ltd.

  15.010

  Rolls Royce

  12.568

  Siemens Plessey

  8.400

  Serco-IAL Systems Ltd.

  4.167

  Clough Smith

  1.601

  Landrover Exports Ltd.

  1.386

  The ODA is currently compiling data on the top 30 companies receiving bilateral tied aid contracts and will provide an answer shortly.

NATIONAL HERITAGE

  National Lottery
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what plans she has to ensure an equitable regional distribution of national lottery funds. [37143]

  Mr. Sproat
  I want to see the whole country benefiting from the success of the national lottery. With the distributing bodies, we are monitoring the spread of awards across the regions and will take steps to encourage applicants in areas which do not seem to be getting a fair share.

  Contracts
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if she will list the number, nature and value of contracts awarded by his Department to Coopers and Lybrand, KPMG, Price Waterhouse, Ernst and Young, Deloitte and Touche, Arthur Andersen, Grant 542
  Thornton, BDO Stoy Hayward, Pannel Kerr Forster, and Robson Rhodes and their subsidiaries and associates, during 1995 and 1996. [37319]

  Mr. Sproat
  The agencies for which my Department is responsible have not let any contracts with the companies listed during 1995 and 1996. However, contracts with the following companies were let by my Department during that period. The contracts were awarded for various policy reviews and to provide management advice.

  Company

  Number of contracts

  Total cost £

  1995

  KPMG

  5

  228,000

  1996

  Coopers and Lybrand Deloitte and Touche

  2

  175,000

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage (1) pursuant to her answer of 28 March,Official Report, column 724, what method would be used by her Department in collating the information requested; [37539]

  (2) pursuant to her answer of 26 March, Official Report, column 518, what method would be used by her Department in collating the information requested. [37538]

  Mr. Sproat
  The examination of more than 4,900 files dating back to April 1992 when this Department was established.

  Internet
  Mr. Rowe
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what plans he has to ensure that major publications from his Department are accompanied by a simultaneous electronic release of the text on the Internet. [37237]

  Mr. Sproat
  The Department of National Heritage is reviewing its publication policy with respect to on-line publication. A number of documents are already provided on the DNH web site and the range of documents provided will be developed in the light of experience.

  DNH is committed to providing official information as widely and readily as possible in line with the Government's open government policy.

  Primary Schools Radio
  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what assessment she has made of the impact of the recent withdrawal of the BBC from primary schools radio; and if she will make a statement. [37173]

  Mr. Sproat
  In all matters concerning the editorial content and delivery of programming, responsibility rests with the corporation itself. I understand from the BBC that it is not withdrawing from primary schools radio programming. Following consultation, the BBC has opted for an alternative delivery system involving the provision of high-quality educational radio broadcast tape cassettes to primary schools, a move which has been well received
  543
  by the teaching profession. The BBC continues to broadcast a range of radio services for young children.

  Fraud
  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what inquiries to detect fraud by cross-checking her Department's payroll with details of those claiming benefit she has undertaken; when these exercises took place; and how many staff were(a) suspended, (b) dismissed and (c) prosecuted as a result. [37706]

  Mr. Sproat
  My Department responds to enquiries made by the Benefits Agency where there are reasonable grounds for suspicion that an individual may be involved in benefit fraud. No staff have been suspended, dismissed or prosecuted.

  Ministerial Visits
  Mr. Elletson
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if she will make a statement on her forthcoming visit to the United States of America. [38421]

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  I shall visit Atlanta, Washington, New York and Los Angeles from 18 to 26 July. I am going to Atlanta to support the British team in the 1996 Olympics and to represent the Government at the opening ceremony. I intend to emphasise to the key sporting figures and bodies the Government's overall commitment to sport and our readiness to be actively involved in attracting major sporting events to the UK.

  The rest of my visit will be devoted primarily to promoting UK competitiveness and encouraging inward investment, particularly in the film and tourism sectors. I shall give the Government's support to the efforts being made by the industries themselves to increase the UK exports of television programmes to the US, to attract US moviemakers to make use of the abundance of talent, expertise and facilities available to them in Britain, and to encourage more American tourists to come to Britain.

  Agency Printing Costs
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if she will list the agencies for which her Department is responsible and the costs incurred by each for printing(a) all publications and (b) its annual report in the last year for which figures are available. [37461]

  Mr. Sproat
  [holding answer 16 July 1996]: My Department is responsible for the Royal Parks and Historic Royal Palaces agencies. Listed in the table are the costs incurred by each of the agencies for printing all publications, and their annual reports in the last year for which figures are available.

  Agency

  Annual report 1994–95 £

  Publications 1995–96 £

  Historic Royal Palaces

  20,226.00

  708,686.00

  Royal Parks1

  7,409.00

  43,160.00

  1These figures do not include other associated cost of producing documents, e.g., design and photography. Figures for associated cost could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  544

  Cairn Gorm Funicular Railway
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage (1) if the proposed funicular railway on Cairn Gorm is eligible for grant aid from the Millennium Commission; [37493]

  (2) what are the criteria for judging eligibility for grant aid from the Millennium Commission. [37494]

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  [holding answer 15 July 1996]: This is a matter for the Millennium Commission. I shall reply to the hon. Member in my capacity as chairman of the commission and place copies of my reply in the Libraries of the House.

ATTORNEY-GENERAL

  Fraud
  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Attorney-General what inquiries he has undertaken to detect fraud by cross-checking his Department's payroll with details of those claiming benefit when these exercises took place, and how many staff were(a) suspended, (b) dismissed and (c) prosecuted as a result. [37716]

  The Attorney-General
  The departments and agencies for which I am responsible conduct checks to ensure that payments are made only to staff currently entitled to be on the payroll. Those departments and agencies do not hold information about individuals claiming benefit and therefore are not in a position to conduct inquiries into benefit fraud. However, they respond to inquiries made by the Benefits Agency where there are reasonable grounds for suspicion that an individual may be involved in benefit fraud.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  National Insurance Contributions
  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the effect on public revenues in a full year of(a) abolishing the 2 per cent. employee national insurance contribution on earnings below the lower earnings limit, (b) levying a 2 per cent. employee contribution on all earnings below the lower earnings limit and (c) levying employer contributions at 3 per cent. on the wages of employees earning less than the lower earnings limit. [34790]

  Mr. Heald
  The estimated effects on national insurance contribution revenue for 1997–98 are:

  (a) -£1.200 billion

  (b) +£0.095 billion

  (c) +£0.145 billion.

  Source:

  Government Actuary's Department.

  Bates Case
  Mr. Donohoe: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when the chief executive of the Benefits Agency was notified of the judgment of 16 May by the House of

  545
  Lords in relation to the Department of Social Security's appeal in relation to the Bates case; what factors led Mr. Mathison in a letter to the hon. Member for Cunninghame, South dated 30 May, reference DB 220109, concerning Mr. R. W., to indicate that it might be early June before the outcome of his Department's appeal into the Bates case would be known; when the decision of the House of Lords was notified to individual Benefits Agency offices; and what steps have been taken to lessen the time taken by his Department to notify the Benefits Agency of the outcome of appeals to the House of Lords and the time taken by the Benefits Agency to notify its offices of the decisions taken by the House of
  Lords. [36567]
  Mr. Roger Evans
  The administration of income support is a matter for Peter Mathison, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Brian Donohoe, dated 16 July 1996:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking when the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency was notified of the judgement of 16th May by the House of Lords in relation to the Department of Social Security's appeal in relation to the Bates case; what factors led Mr. Mathison in a letter to the honourable Member for Cunninghame South dated 30th May, reference DB 220109, concerning Mr. R. W., to indicate that it may be early June before the outcome of his Department's appeal into the Bates case would be known; when the decision of the House of Lords was notified to individual Benefits Agency offices; and what steps have been taken to lessen the time taken by his Department to notify the Benefits Agency of the outcome of appeals to the House of Lords and also the time taken by the Benefits Agency to notify its offices of the decisions taken by the House of Lords.
  The Benefits Agency (BA) was informed as soon as possible, on 16 May, after the Department itself had been informed.
  I am sorry that my letter of 30 May stated incorrectly that the House of Lords decision on the "Bate" case had not been issued. As soon as I was aware of this error I wrote to you (on 7 July) to apologise. Steps are being taken to ensure this does not happen again.
  BA district offices had been advised on 15 May that the decision was expected. Once all the implications had been considered, full procedural instructions were issued on 29 May 1996.
  Generally, when a House of Lords judgement affects a Social Security Benefit the Department of Social Security Policy Group are notified of the decision. Policy Group notify the BA who in conjunction with Central Adjudication Services issue appropriate guidance as soon as possible.
  I hope my reply has been helpful.

  Operation Speakeasy
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what information he has collated regarding the results of Operation Speakeasy; and if he will make a statement. [37062]

  Mr. Heald
  Operation Speakeasy was a pilot freephone fraud hotline which was in operation between 23 October 1995 and 31 January 1996. The pilot ran in four areas: Hull, Stockport, Blackburn/Burnley and Tunbridge Wells. The freephone line was set up for the public to pass information to the Benefits Agency about benefit fraud.

  Over the period of the pilot, 3,131 telephone calls were received. The value of fraud stopped as a result of information received amounted to £920,000.
  546

  Child Benefit
  Mr. Bendall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to means-test child benefit; and if he will make a statement. [37008]

  Mr. Andrew Mitchell
  We have no plans to means-test child benefit either for 16 to 18-year-olds or for any other age group.

  Child Support Agency
  Ms Lynne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what items of data are deleted on a Child Support Agency data printout when it is sent to an absent parent; and what are the reasons for each deletion. [37058]

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

  Letter from Miss Ann Chant to Ms Liz Lynne, dated 16 July 1996:
  I am replying to your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security about data protection issues.
  Prior to the issue of a Data Protection print the Agency deletes any information which relates to an individual other than the client requesting the data print. We are prevented from disclosing this information by the requirements of the Data Protection Act.
  I hope this is helpful.

  Ms Lynne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer of 27 June,Official Report, columns 228–29, on the Child Support Agency computer system, if he will (a) provide a definition of nationally sensitive or locally sensitive cases and (b) set out the procedures that are followed in designating a case as either nationally or locally sensitive. [37114]

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

  Letter from Miss Ann Chant to Ms Liz Lynne, dated 16 July 1996:
  I am replying to the your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security about the Child Support Agency Computer System.
  A case is considered nationally sensitive if it involves a VIP; any person so deemed for security reasons; or a transsexual. Decisions on whether a case is to be marked nationally sensitive are made by a section of the Contributions Agency (CA). This classification is then applied to all the Department's computer systems.
  At present a case is considered locally sensitive if it involves a member of staff, their partner or a relative of either party; a local dignitary; or any person who asks for their case to be treated as sensitive. These criteria have been reviewed recently and the revised procedures are soon to be issued. The revised instructions state that a case should be regarded as locally sensitive if the Parent With Care (PWC) or Absent Parent (AP) is employed by CSA; a close relative (mother, father, brother or sister) of the PWC or AP is employed by CSA; a member of staff has an interest in a case; or the PWC or AP has requested the case to be made sensitive and the manager considers the request to be valid. The classification applies only on the Child Support Computer System (CSCS).
  You also asked about the procedures followed in classifying cases as sensitive. Each Child Support Agency Centre (CSAC) has a nominated manger who is the focal point for sensitive cases.
  If a case is identified as being potentially nationally sensitive, the Manager contacts the appropriate section in CA. If CA accepts the case as nationally sensitive all the Department's computer system are annotated accordingly. The nominated manager maintains a

  547
  control record showing the case details, and all requests to have access to them. All papers are locked away in accommodation separate from the non-sensitive cases.
  The same procedures are followed for cases designated as locally sensitive except that the decision on classification is made by a CSA manager and the classification is annotated only on the CSCS, not the other Departmental computer system.
  I hope this is helpful.

  Ms Lynne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answers on 27 June,Official Report, columns 228–29, on the Child Support Agency, how many cases have been removed from the Child Support Agency computer system due to the process of archiving or weeding out data. [36842]

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

  Letter from Miss Ann Chant to Ms Liz Lynne, dated 16 July 1996:
  I am replying to your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security about the Child Support Agency Computer system.
  Your question is worded only slightly differently from the series of questions asked by James Pawsey MP, to which I replied recently. No complete cases have been removed from the Child Support Agency Computer System due to the process of weeding or archiving data. The process leaves a basic record on the system to show that there has been contact with the person concerned.
  I hope this is helpful.

  Funeral Expenses
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list the expenditure from the social fund in respect of funeral expenses in Wales for each of the last three years. [37607]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  The administration of the social fund is a matter for Peter Mathison, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Rhodri Morgan, dated 16 July 1996:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking if he will list the expenditure from the Social Fund in respect of funeral expenses in Wales for each of the last three years.
  The information you requested is shown in the table:

  Funeral payment expenditure in Wales

  Year

  Expenditure

  1993–94

  4,026,281.25

  1994–95

  3,942,311.77

  1995–96

  3,032,421.64

  Figures are provisional and subject to change. I hope you find this reply helpful.

  Benefits Offices
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list all benefits offices indicating the owner of the freehold, the owner of the lease, and the length of lease, and the annual cost to his Department. [37548]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is as follows:
  548
  Freehold ownership of the Government's civil estate is vested in the Secretary of State for the Environment.

  Information regarding the ownership and cost of individual leasehold properties is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  The total annual cost to the Department is currently £200.5 million.

  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when his Department began its review of the relocation of Highgate and Finsbury Park benefits offices; when the offices were relocated; and what was the cost of the relocation. [37547]

  Mr. Evans
  The Department began its review in the mid-1980s. Finsbury Park benefit office moved out of Archway tower in November 1992 and Highgate benefit office moved out in March 1995. The estimated cost of the total relocation project was £216 million, which resulted in net estimated savings of £43 million.

  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when a lease was first taken out on Archway tower, London N19, by his Department, what was its length; what has been the total payment to date; and what are the projected future payments on this building. [37546]

  Mr. Evans
  The property was acquired in 1974. Historic costs are not readily available because of variations in rent. rates and other costs over the term of the lease. Current holding costs are around £1 million per annum and the lease expires in 2009.

  Licences
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list the licences issued by his Department; for what purpose they are issued; and what are the administrative costs involved for each. [37627]

  Mr. Burt
  From time to time, this Department deposits data from surveys it has commissioned in the Economic and Social Research Council data archive at the university of Essex. The archive is licensed to provide access to the data for the purposes of academic research. The administrative costs to the Department are small.

  The Information Technology Services Agency of the DSS may license external suppliers who are providing various services to use certain departmental assets such as IT software. Details of the administrative costs involved could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Social Fund
  Mr. Duncan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when he intends to publish his annual report on the social fund for 1995–96 and the Social Fund Commissioner's annual report; and if he will make a statement. [37972]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  The Secretary of State's annual report on the social fund for 1995–96, Cm 3320, was published today and has been laid before Parliament. The report records that the gross budget allocated to the discretionary part of the fund on 1 April 1995 was
  549
  £406 million, an increase of £53 million on the budget set at 1 April 1994. For the current year, we have increased the gross discretionary budget by £13.5 million to £419.5 million.

  Total gross expenditure in 1995–96 was £534 million, £83 million higher than in 1994–95 and was the highest annual level of expenditure since the fund was set up in 1988. This included over 2 million non-repayable grants and interest-free loans worth £401 million and funeral, maternity and cold weather payments worth £133 million.

  Cold weather payments were increased from £7 to £8.50 on 1 November 1995. Over 7 million payments were made to around 3 million people at a cost of £62 million.

  As part of the aim of eliminating abuse, changes to the funeral payment scheme came into effect on 5 June 1995 to ensure that only those with good cause for taking responsibility for a funeral were eligible for help. In addition, a ceiling was placed on the amount payable to cover specified funeral directors' charges. The number of funeral payments had nearly doubled between 1988–89 and 1994–95, but expenditure had more than trebled. The new arrangements continue to provide for a dignified funeral but at the same time protect public funds. Expenditure on funeral payments has reduced from £63 million in 1994–95 to £49 million in 1995–96.

  The social fund continues to play an important role in supporting mainstream social security provision, in providing a varied and flexible response to the individual needs of applicants and in offering the taxpayer value for money.

  1994–95

  Forces

  Total police vehicle accidents

  Total police accidents arising from pursuits and emergency calls

  Police fatal injury

  Police serious injury

  Civilian fatal injury

  Civilian serious injury

  Avon and Somerset

  608

  170

  0

  1

  0

  1

  Bedfordshire

  113

  20

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Cambridgeshire

  124

  50

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Cheshire

  166

  73

  0

  1

  0

  0

  City of London

  56

  14

  0

  0

  0

  1

  Cleveland

  164

  108

  0

  0

  0

  3

  Cumbria

  160

  29

  0

  0

  1

  1

  Derbyshire

  281

  58

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Devon and Cornwall

  383

  53

  0

  0

  0

  1

  Dorset

  119

  54

  0

  2

  0

  2

  Durham

  176

  105

  0

  0

  0

  1

  Dyfed Powys

  143

  20

  0

  0

  0

  1

  Essex

  87

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  Gloucestershire

  158

  2

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Greater Manchester

  920

  426

  0

  2

  0

  4

  Gwent

  139

  9

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Hampshire

  500

  115

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Hertfordshire

  258

  10

  0

  3

  0

  0

  Humberside

  243

  69

  0

  0

  0

  2

  Kent

  938

  27

  0

  0

  0

  0

  550
  The Social Fund Commissioner's annual report has also been published today and copies have been placed in the Library.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Departmental Legal Costs
  Mr. Alan Williams
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what external legal costs have been incurred by his Department in the cases in which his Department's actions have been judged to be unlawful. [35910]

  Mr. Howard
  No central record has been kept of the outcome of all the cases against the Home Office during the more than 200 years of its existence. The cases include claims for personal injuries as well as applications for judicial review.

  Police Patrol Vehicles (Accidents)
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many road traffic accidents involving police patrol vehicles were reported in each police force area in England and Wales for the years 1994 and 1995; and how many(a) police officers and (b) civilians sustained serious or fatal injuries in such accidents. [37105]

  Mr. Maclean
  Information for the years 1994 and 1995 in the precise form requested is not available centrally. Some information is available, however, for the financial year 1994–95 and is set out in the table. The figures for deaths and serious injuries relate to the incidents which are recorded in the second column, which arose in the course of either police pursuits or responses to emergency calls in England and Wales.
  551

  1994–95

  Forces

  Total police vehicle accidents

  Total police accidents arising from pursuits and emergency calls

  Police fatal injury

  Police serious injury

  Civilian fatal injury

  Civilian serious injury

  Lancashire

  404

  72

  0

  0

  0

  2

  Leicestershire

  274

  71

  0

  1

  0

  1

  Lincolnshire

  72

  28

  0

  1

  0

  0

  Merseyside

  520

  225

  0

  6

  1

  4

  Metropolitan Police

  4,321

  1,995

  2

  22

  11

  22

  Norfolk

  194

  46

  0

  1

  1

  1

  North Wales

  93

  36

  0

  0

  0

  0

  North Yorkshire

  173

  68

  0

  1

  0

  1

  Northamptonshire

  173

  71

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Northumbria

  1,011

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  Nottinghamshire

  304

  161

  0

  1

  2

  3

  South Wales

  398

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  South Yorkshire

  285

  150

  0

  0

  0

  1

  Staffordshire

  415

  72

  0

  0

  1

  1

  Suffolk

  143

  31

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Surrey

  226

  122

  0

  2

  0

  1

  Sussex

  328

  41

  0

  4

  0

  0

  Thames Valley

  813

  327

  0

  3

  0

  0

  Warwickshire

  97

  33

  0

  1

  0

  1

  West Mercia

  328

  93

  0

  0

  0

  0

  West Midlands

  1,052

  258

  0

  1

  1

  1

  West Yorkshire

  515

  49

  0

  0

  1

  0

  Wiltshire

  73

  27

  0

  0

  0

  0

  England and Wales Total

  17,948

  5,388

  2

  53

  19

  56

  Post Office (Postal Ballot Papers)
  Mr. Pickthall
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions he has had with the Post Office and with returning officers about the need for a statutory duty for the Post Office to deliver postal ballot papers for public elections on time; and if he will make a statement. [37410]

  Mr. Sackville
  None. There is already a statutory duty upon the Post Office to deliver these ballot papers as set out in regulation 86 of the Representation of the People Regulations 1986.

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 25 March,Official Report, column 405, about parliamentary questions, what method would be used by his Department in collating the information requested. [37535]

  Driving offences attracting disqualification or endorsement

  Provision

  Offence

  Disqualification

  Endorsement

  Penalty points

  Road Traffic Act 1988

  RTA S.1

  Causing death by dangerous driving

  Obligatory

  Obligatory

  3–11

  RTA S.2

  Dangerous driving

  Obligatory

  Obligatory

  3–11

  RTA S.3

  Careless and inconsiderate driving

  Discretionary

  Obligatory

  3–9

  RTA S.3A

  Causing death by careless driving while under the influence of drink or drugs

  Obligatory

  Obligatory

  3–11

  RTA S.4(1)

  Driving or attempting to drive when unfit to drive through drink or drugs

  Obligatory

  Obligatory

  3–11

  552
  Mr. Howard
  The examination of nearly 30,000 files dating back to 1987–88.

  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 26 March,Official Report, column 495, about parliamentary questions, what method would be used by his Department in collating the information requested. [37534]

  Mr. Howard
  The examination of nearly 22,000 files dating back to 1989–90.

  Driving Offences
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the driving offences which involve(a) obligatory disqualification and (b) obligatory endorsement, indicating the degree of endorsement for each offence. [37484]

  Mr. Maclean
  Information on driving offences which attract obligatory disqualification and/or endorsement is given in the table.
  553

  Driving offences attracting disqualification or endorsement

  Provision

  Offence

  Disqualification

  Endorsement

  Penalty points

  RTA S.4(2)

  Being in charge of mechanically propelled vehicle when unfit to drive through drink or drugs

  Discretionary

  Obligatory

  10

  RTA S.5(1)(a)

  Driving or attempting to drive with excess alcohol in breath, blood or urine

  Obligatory

  Obligatory

  3–11

  RTA S.5(1)(b)

  Being in charge of a motor vehicle with excess alcohol in breath, blood or urine

  Discretionary

  Obligatory

  10

  RTA S.6

  Failing to provide a specimen of breath for a breath test

  Discretionary

  Obligatory

  4

  RTA S.7

  Failing to provide specimen for analysis or laboratory test

  Obligatory (in certain cases)

  Obligatory

  3–11

  RTA S.12

  Motor racing and speed trials on public ways

  Obligatory

  Obligatory

  3–11

  RTA S.22

  Leaving vehicles in dangerous positions

  Discretionary

  Obligatory (if motor vehicle)

  3

  RTA S.23

  Carrying passenger on motorcycle contrary to this section

  Discretionary

  Obligatory

  3

  RTA S.35

  Failing to comply with traffic directions

  Discretionary (in certain cases)

  Obligatory (in certain cases)

  3

  RTA S.36

  Failing to comply with traffic signs

  Discretionary (in certain cases)

  Obligatory (in certain cases)

  3

  RTA S.40A

  Using vehicle in dangerous condition

  Discretionary

  Obligatory

  3

  RTA S.41A

  Breach of requirement as to brakes, steering gear or tyres

  Discretionary

  Obligatory

  3

  RTA S.87(1)

  Driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence

  Discretionary (in certain cases)

  Obligatory (in certain cases)

  3–6

  RTA S.92(10)

  Driving after making false declaration as to physical fitness

  Discretionary

  Obligatory

  3–6

  RTA S.94(3A)

  Driving after failing to provide information as to disabilities

  Discretionary

  Obligatory

  3–6

  RTA S.94A

  Driving after refusal or revocation of licence

  Discretionary

  Obligatory

  3–6

  RTA S.96

  Driving with uncorrected defective eyesight or refusing to submit to test of eyesight

  Discretionary

  Obligatory

  3

  RTA S.103(1)(b)

  Driving while disqualified

  Discretionary

  Obligatory

  6

  RTA S.143

  Using motor vehicle while uninsured

  Discretionary

  Obligatory

  6–8

  RTA S.170(4)

  Failing to stop after accident and give particulars or report accident

  Discretionary

  Obligatory

  5–10

  RTA S.172

  Failure of person keeping vehicle to inform police as to identity of driver in the case of certain offences

  Discretionary (in certain cases)Obligatory (in certain cases)3

  Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984

  RTRA S.16(1)

  Contravention of temporary prohibition or restriction

  Discretionary (in certain cases)

  Obligatory (in certain cases)

  3–6

  RTRA S.17(4)

  Use of special road contrary to scheme or regulations

  Discretionary (in certain cases)

  Obligatory (in certain cases)

  3–6

  RTAR S.25(5)

  Contravention of pedestrian crossing regulations

  Discretionary (in case of motor vehicle)

  Obligatory (in case of motor vehicle)

  3

  RTRA S.28(3)

  Not stopping at school crossing

  Discretionary (in case of motor vehicle)

  Obligatory (in case of motor vehicle)

  3

  RTRA S.29(3)

  Contravention of order relating to street playground

  Discretionary (in case of motor vehicle)

  Obligatory (in case of motor vehicle)

  2

  RTRA S.89(1)

  Exceeding speed limit

  Discretionary

  Obligatory

  3–11

  Other offences

  Manslaughter by the driver of a motor vehicle

  Obligatory

  Obligatory

  3–11

  Aggravated vehicle taking under Section 12A of Theft Act 1968

  Obligatory

  Obligatory

  3–11

  554 555

  Prisons (Boards of Visitors)
  Mr. George Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has, over what time scale and at what cost, (i) to ensure that boards of visitors in the Prison Service are properly resourced and (ii) to provide the liaison section with its own premises. [37762]

  Miss Widdecombe
  As the hon. Member will be aware, recommendations about the resourcing of boards of visitors and moving the liaison section from the Prison Service to the Home Office were made by a review of the role of boards of visitors, whose report was published in May 1995. These recommendations were supported by the Learmont report, published in October 1995.

  In accordance with the recommendations, the liaison section, which provides the central administration for boards, was moved from Prison Service headquarters to new offices in a Home Office building, Horseferry house, on 1 January and it formally joined the Home Office on 1 April. On the appointment of a national director for boards, as recommended by the review, the liaison section became the secretariat to the director.

  The additional costs of providing the central administrative support necessary to implement the review were originally estimated in the review report as £270,000.

  In accordance with the review, a management consultancy review of staffing in the liaison section was carried out between May and October 1995 to determine more exactly the levels and grades of staff required. Its staffing recommendations were implemented by May 1996.

  The additional staffing costs required to implement the consultancy review with effect from the financial year 1996–97 in fact required an increase of £282,000 on the budgeted cost but an increase of only £126,000 on actual spend as compared with the outturn figures for financial year 1995–96, as some gradual increase in staffing support had already been endorsed by the Prison Service.

  Local administrative support for boards is provided by the establishment to which each board is appointed. The level of support provided is subject to agreement between the governor and the chairman of the board. A survey is currently being carried out to determine the level of support provided and ensure that it meets the standards set out in the review. Details of the costs of such administrative support are not available centrally.

  Asylum Seekers
  Mr. Parry
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the number of applications made for asylum by citizens born in Nigeria for each of the last three years up to the latest available date; how many applications have been(a) granted and (b) rejected; and if he will make a statement. [37478]

  Mr. Kirkhope
  Information on asylum applications from nationals of Nigeria, and decisions on applications, for the first six months of 1996, is given in the table. Similar information for the years 1993 to 1995 is given 556
  in tables 4.2 to 4.4 of the Home Office statistical bulletin "Asylum Statistics United Kingdom 1995", issue 9/96, a copy of which is in the Library.

  Decisions1 on applications1 received for asylum in the United Kingdom from nationals of Nigeria, excluding dependants, January to June 1996

  January to June 1996

  Asylum applications 2

  1,815

  Decisions2, 3

  2,530

  Recognised as a refugee and granted asylum

  5

  Not recognised as a refugee but granted exceptional leave to remain 4

  5

  Total refused

  2,520

  Refused asylum and ELR—after full consideration

  2,260

  Refused on non-compliance grounds5

  230

  Refused on safe third country grounds6

  30

  1 Provisional figures rounded to the nearest 5, with '*' = 1 or 2 and '..' = not available.

  2 Figures exclude information on applications made overseas.

  3 Decisions do not necessarily relate to applications made in the same year.

  4 Usually granted for a year in the first instance, subject then to further review.

  5 Paragraph 340 (paragraph 180F prior to 1 October 1994 and paragraph 101 prior to 26 July 1993) of the Immigration Rules, for failure to provide evidence to support the asylum claim within a reasonable period, including failure to respond to invitations to interview to establish identity.

  6 Refused on the grounds that the applicant had arrived from a safe third country.

  Mr. Parry
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Deaprtment how many persons who have had their claims for asylum rejected are held in detention at the present time. [37518]

  Mr. Kirkhope
  As at 27 June, there were 586 asylum seekers held in detention after having their claims for asylum rejected.

  Fraud
  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what inquiries to detect fraud by cross-checking his Department's payroll with details of those claiming benefit he has undertaken; when these exercises took place; and how many staff were(a) suspended, (b) dismissed and (c) prosecuted as a result. [37702]

  Mr. Howard
  The Department responds to inquiries made by the Benefits Agency on the basis of its belief that there are reasonable grounds for suspicion that an individual may be involved in benefit fraud.

  In the past five years, one member of staff has been dismissed following conviction for benefit fraud.

  UK Passport Agency
  Mr. Hendry
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the status of the UK Passport Agency's framework document following the decision to confirm the agency's status as an executive agency of the Home Office for a further period. [38419]
  557
  Mr. Kirkhope
  Following a "prior options" review, an announcement was made to Parliament in November 1994 that Ministers had agreed that the Passport Agency should retain its status as an executive agency for another five years. The agency's framework document has been revised and I am pleased to say that copies of the revised document have now been placed in the Library.

  Forensic Science Service
  Mr. Hendry
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will lay before Parliament the annual report for the Forensic Science Service. [38420]

  Mr. Howard
  I have today laid before Parliament copies of the Forensic Science Service's annual report and accounts for 1995–96.

  The FSS met or exceeded all its targets in 1995–96. During 1996–97, I expect the service to continue to improve its efficiency and effectiveness. The financial targets for the year are recovery of full economic costs; and a cash unit cost target of £81.33 based on an efficiency gain of 3.6 per cent. on the audited 1995–96 results. In view of the merger of the FSS with the Metropolitan police forensic science laboratory on 1 April, this target has been calculated taking into account retrospective adjustment to 1995–96 as if the merged organisation had existed throughout 1995–96. From 1996–97 onwards, the cash unit cost measure has been translated into the cost per process output hour rather than as previously the chargeable output day. The service level targets are to meet 90 per cent. of delivery dates agreed with customers; to maintain accreditation to UKAS NAMAS M10 and BSI.QA ISO 9000 series standards; and the completion of a customer satisfaction survey.

  Licences
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the licences issued by his Department; for what purpose they are issued; and what are the administrative costs involved for each. [37597]

  Mr. Howard
  [holding answer 16 July 1996]: The Home Office is responsible for a large number of licensing regimes; in most cases, the licences themselves are issued not by the Department but by bodies such as the Gaming Board, licensing justices, local authorities and the police.

  A list of Home Office issued licences and, where available, their administrative costs are as follows:

  (a) Possession of prohibited weapons authority. Details of administrative costs, which are shared with the police, are not available.

  (b) Licences to regulate the supply, etcetera of controlled drugs and precursor chemicals. The total administrative cost to the Home Office for 1996–97 will be $481,000.

  (c) Licences under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. The total annual cost of the administrative and licensing system is £2.3 million.

  558

  (d) Licences for the removal of human remains. Licences are administered free of charge and administrative costs are not available.

HEALTH

  HIV Prevention (Prisons)
  Mr. Gerrard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what measures are in place to monitor the allocation of HIV prevention money by health authorities for health promotion in prisons; [35439]

  (2) what proportion of the current HIV prevention budget has been allocated for HIV prevention initiatives in prisons. [35438]

  Mr. Horam
  Guidance issued to health authorities in EL(96)30 states that approximately 50 per cent. of the prevention allocation should be used to develop locally targeted HIV health promotion and prevention programmes. These programmes should be directed towards both the national target groups identified in the Government's HIV-AIDS health promotion strategy and any locally determined priorities. The latter may include the provision of HIV prevention programmes in prisons.

  For 1996–97, health authorities have been asked to submit a mid-year report and a detailed outturn report on prevention spending. This will take the form of a breakdown of spend by national target group and by type of activity, but does not require spend on HIV health promotion work in prisons to be shown separately.

  Copies of the guidance and the health promotion strategy are available in the Library.

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 26 March,Official Report, column 515, about parliamentary questions, what method would be used by his Department in collating the information requested. [37528]

  Mr. Horam
  The examination of more than 24,000 files dating back to 1989–90.

  Intensive Care Patients
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research he has commissioned into the psychological reactions of intensive care unit patients; and if he will make a statement. [37184]

  Mr. Horam
  None. The report of the working group on guidelines on admission to and discharge from intensive care and high dependency units published in March this year drew attention to the potential for psychological distress for the patient undergoing intensive care.
  559

  Epilepsy
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research he is funding into factors associated with depression in epilepsy; and if he will make a statement. [37186]

  Mr. Bowis
  Information on research commissioned by the Department of Health is contained in "Centrally Commissioned Research Programme" and "Centrally Commissioned Research Programme: Commissions 1994–95", copies of which are available in the Library.

  The main agency through which the Government support biomedical and clinical research is the Medical Research Council.

  Homelessness (Doncaster)
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will fund research into the utilisation of health care services by homeless people in Doncaster; and if he will make a statement. [37187]

  Mr. Bowis
  This is a matter for Doncaster health authority. The hon. Member may wish to contact the chairman of the authority for details.

  Hepatitis B
  Mrs. Mahon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent research he has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated into the infectivity of hepatitis B. [37189]

  Mr. Horam
  The Department has commissioned some owrk on hepatitis B virus deoxyribonucleic acid assays and on their use as a possible marker of transmissibility of hepatitis B infection.

  Mrs. Mahon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is his Department's estimate of the proportion of babies born to mothers fected with hepatitis B who will also become chronically infected. [37192]

  Mr. Horam
  The risk that a baby born to a mother infected with hepatitis B will become infected depends upon the relative infectivity of the mother. Studies indicate that transmission rates of around 10 to 20 per cent. or less may occur with mothers of low infectivity but these may rise to 70 to 90 per cent. with highly infectious carrier mothers. About 90 per cent. of babies infected perinatally by a highly infectious mother will become chronic carriers of hepatitis B virus; those infected by mothers of low infectivity have a much lower risk of becoming carriers. These figures are in the absence of immune prophylaxis.

  Mrs. Mahon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many hepatitis B carriers there are in the United Kingdom. [37194]

  Mr. Horam
  The number of chronic carriers of hepatitis B in the United Kingdom is not known precisely. Available data indicate that the UK, in common with other north-western European countries, has one of the lowest prevalence rates of hepatitis B carriers in the world, being around 0.1 to 0.2 per cent. The carriage rate in the UK will vary with geographical location, being low in some rural areas and higher in some inner cities where there are aggregations of high-risk groups.
  560

  Mental Health Services
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health which health authorities have put out to tender(a) the arrangement of mental health services and (b) the provision of mental health services. [37330]

  Mr. Bowis
  This information is not available centrally.

  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what has been the level of spending on mental health services in each health authority and as a percentage of total expenditure in each health authority in each of the last three years. [37329]

  Mr. Bowis
  The information will be placed in the Library.

  Dementia
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research his Department has commissioned into interventions in early dementia; and if he will make a statement. [37182]

  Mr. Bowis
  Information on research commissioned by the Department of Health is contained in "The Centrally Commissioned Research Programme: Commissions in 1994–95", copies of which are available in the Library.

  Pregnancy (Advice)
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what guidance his Department issues to general practitioners on best practice on how to advise newly pregnant women on health and dietary matters; [37223]

  (2) what advice is available from his Department to assist women in the first 10 weeks of pregnancy. [3722]

  Mr. Horam
  In the early weeks of pregnancy, advice and information are available to women from a range of health professionals, including midwives and general practitioners. It is important for women to book for antenatal care as soon as they think they might be pregnant. The report "Changing Childbirth", published in 1993, sets out the principles of woman-centred maternity care and emphasises the critical importance of good communication skills in enabling health professionals to present clear and unbiased information to women that allows them to make informed choices and take an active part in decisions about their care. Local maternity units have also been encouraged, as part of the implementation process of "Changing Childbirth", to produce their own information for women.

  An important and comprehensive source of information to women and health professionals on health and dietary needs during pregnancy is contained in the Health Education Authority's pregnancy book, given free to all first-time mothers. A Department of Health leaflet, "While You Are Pregnant," provides guidance on safe eating and how to avoid infection from food and animals. The Department has also commissioned the HEA to undertake a programme of education about the importance of an increased intake of folic acid in the prevention of neural tube defects, such as spina bifida. To achieve its full effect this needs to be increased before conception and in the very early stages of pregnancy.
  561

  Health Care (Brent and Harrow)
  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will undertake an investigation into the provision of services to expectant mothers and young children by Brent and Harrow health authority and Parkside community trust, with particular reference to services provided by health visitors and district nurses. [37174]

  Mr. Horam
  We have no plans to do so.

  Internet
  Mr. Rowe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to ensure that major publications from his Department are accompanied by a simultaneous electronic release of the text on the Internet. [37233]

  Mr. Horam
  The decision as to what media to use for a departmental publication is generally taken on a case-by-case basis. Major departmental publications are accompanied by simultaneous release on the Internet only when it is felt that the Internet is an equally appropriate and accessible medium for the target audience. The cost of preparing publications for the Internet and copyright issues are also taken into consideration when assessing publications' suitability for mounting on the world wide web. A number of publications have been published on the Department of Health Internet site, most recently the "National Health Service Performance Guide 1995–96". The DH site also includes bibliographic details about major departmental publications as they are issued, including availability, and this information is among the most heavily accessed on its home pages.

  Slimming Clinics
  Mr. Gale
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proposals he has in respect of the future management and control of slimming clinics and the drugs that they prescribe; and if he will make a statement. [37735]

  Mr. Malone
  The Medicines Commission has considered a proposal to ban anorectic agents under section 62 of the Medicines Act 1968. I have exceptionally decided to make the commission's report public and have today placed copies in the Library.

  Following extensive consultation, the commission concluded mat there was insufficient evidence of significant harm to the public as a consequence of the use of anorectic drugs to justify a ban. The Government have accepted this advice and have no plans to ban anorectic agents or introduce new regulation of slimming clinics. However, the commission has expressed concern that there may be inappropriate use of anorectic agents by some practitioners. In response to that concern, I have asked the Royal College of Physicians of London to draw up recommendations on the clinical management of obesity, including the appropriate use of anorectic drugs. The royal college has agreed to report back by the end of this year.

  Childline
  Mr. Galbraith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to increase his Department's grant to the Childline charity. [37821]
  562
  Mr. Bowis
  There has been a substantial increase in Department of Health support for Childline from this financial year. Childline's main grant from the Government is £519,000 over the three financial years ending in 1998–99. In addition, a Government grant of £60,000 is being paid to Childline over three financial years ending 1998–99 to help it continue operating its dedicated line for children in care.

  Private Finance Initiative
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much each NHS trust has spent to date on the private finance initiative; and if he will make a statement. [37844]

  Mr. Burden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list by NHS region the financial costs to the NHS associated with the dministration and testing of projects under the private finance initiative. [37714]

  Mr. Horam
  I refer the hon. Members to the reply that I gave to the hon. Member for Darlington (Mr. Milburn) on 15 January at column 337. Further information is not available centrally.

  Mr. Burden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the names and values of each private finance initiative contract which has been signed to date by NHS region. [37715]

  Mr. Horam
  The information requested for each private finance scheme with a capital value of £1 million or more has been placed in the Library. Information on schemes with a capital value of less than £1 million is not held centrally.

  Medicines Control Agency
  Mrs. Lait: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will publish the annual report and accounts of the Medicines Control Agency. [38214]
  Mr. Malone
  I have received the report and copies have today been laid before both Houses of Parliament in accordance with the requirements of section 5(2) and 5(3) of the Exchequer and Audit Departments Act 1921. Copies have also been placed in the Library.

  Medicines Commission
  Mrs. Lait
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects to receive the annual report of the Medicines Commission for 1995. [38215]

  Mr. Malone
  We have received the report, and copies have today been laid before both Houses of Parliament in accordance with the requirements of section 5(2) of the Medicines Act 1968.

  Bound volumes have been placed in the Library containing the 1995 reports of the Medicines Commission, the Committee on Safety of Medicines, the Advisory Board on the Registration of Homoeopathic Products, the British Pharmacopoeia Commission and the Veterinary Products Committee.

  We are glad to pay tribute to the valuable work done by the distinguished members of the Medicines Act advisory bodies and thank them warmly for the time and effort which they contribute in the public interest to this most important field.
  563

  Agency Printing Costs
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the agencies for which his Department is responsible and the costs incurred by each for printing(a) all publications and (b) its nnual report in the last year for which figures are available. [37472]

  Mr. Horam
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State is responsible for the following agencies: National Health Service Estates agency, Medical Devices Agency, Medicines Control Agency and NHS Pensions Agency.

  The costs incurred by each agency for printing all publications and its annual report are as follows:

  £

  NHSE

  MDA

  MCA

  NHSPA

  All publications1

  240,000

  414,490

  56,003

  203,507

  Annual report2

  7,789

  8,550

  6,411

  4,512

  1 Figures are for 1995–96. They exclude costs of artwork and photography as this could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  2 For production of the 1994–95 annual report including printing costs.

  Rubery-Hollymoor Health Centre Project
  Mr. Burden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will make a statement on the future of the Rubery-Hollymoor health centre project in Birmingham; [37625]

  (2) when building will start on the Rubery-Hollymoor health centre project in Birmingham; what is the scheduled date for completion; what were the projected dates in the former West Midlands regional health authority's "Moving Ahead" and "Looking Forward" documents; and, if so, how they differ; [37623]

  (3) if he will list the costs to the national health service (a) incurred to date and (b) projected in the current financial year in respect of the administration and testing of the proposed Rubery-Hollymoor health centre project in Birmingham under the private finance initiative; [37624]

  (4) if he will make a statement on the availability of capital to build the capital to build the proposed Rubery-Hollymoor health centre in Birmingham in the financial year (a) 1996–97 and (b) 1997–98. [37622]

  Mr. Horam
  Proposals for a new health centre to be built on the Rubery-Hollymoor site in the west midlands are well advanced. Although the method of financing the project has yet to be decided, building should be completed in 1997. This is two years later than expected because of a number of problems, including difficulties over the siting, but the extra time has allowed for an improved design to be developed and significant reduction in the cost to be identified.

  Costs incurred by the South Birmingham Mental Health national health service trust in exploring finance options are a matter for the trust and the hon. Member may wish to contact the chairman, Mrs. A. Hingley. Should the project need to be financed publicly, arrangements are in hand for enabling work to take place in 1996–97 with full funding in 1997–98.
  564

  Alzheimer's Disease
  Mr. Matthew Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the cost to his Department of funding research into Alzheimer's disease in each of the last five years and the present year to date. [37629]

  Mr. Bowis
  The main agency through which the Government support bio-medical and clinical research is the Medical Research Council, which receives its grant in aid from the office of my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade. The Department's policy research programme has contributed £750,000 to the MRC cognitive and aging study between October 1990 and June 1996. Another study, "Husbands and wives who care for elderly people with dementia and function psychiatric disorder", was undertaken at the Institute of Psychiatry and ended in December 1995; the total cost was £134,331.

  NHS Reference Guide
  Mr. Matthew Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the cost of(a) collating, (b) collecting, (c) printing and (d) publishing the annual NHS reference guide. [37628]

  Mr. Malone
  The national health service executive publishes an annual report which provides public information about the performance of the NHS and plays an important role in ensuring that the service remains accountable.

  The annual report for 1994–95 was published on 2 November 1995 and cost £32,712 to produce.

  Fraud
  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what inquiries to detect fraud by cross-checking his Department's ayroll with details of those claiming benefit he has undertaken; when these exercises took place; and how many staff were(a) suspended, (b) dismissed and (c) prosecuted as a result. [37701]

  Mr. Horam
  None.

  Child Abuse Inquiries
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the total cost to public funds of the review conducted by Sir William Utting of residential child care and his report "Children in the Public Care". [35145]

  Mr. Bowis
  [holding answer 1 July 1996]: The cost of Sir William Utting's review was around £25,000.

  The Utting report, "Children in the Public Care", was a priced Her Majesty's Stationery Office document and there were no costs to public funds arising from its publication.

  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the total cost to public funds of the committee of inquiry into the selection, development and management of staff in children's homes zeparately identifying the cost of the report "Choosing with Care". [35147]

  Mr. Bowis
  [holding answer 1 July 1996]: The cost of the Warner committee of inquiry into the selection, development and management of staff in children's homes was £171,000.
  565
  There were no costs from the publication of "Choosing with Care", which was a Her Majesty's Stationery Office priced publication.

  Ethnic Minorities
  Ms Harman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what sums have been spent by(a) his Department and (b) the NHS executive on external research on ethnic minority health in each of the last five years; and if he will list the recipient organisations and the amounts concerned. [37093]

  Mr. Horam
  [holding answer 12 July 1996]: The Department attaches great importance to ensuring that the health needs of ethnic minority populations are recognised and met. Since 1989 it has allocated £0.5 million each year to fund a range of development projects aimed at improving access to health services. A directory listing the initiatives has recently been published and copies are available in the Library.

  In addition, the Department's research programme currently funds a number of projects, to a combined value of £3.5 million, which have an ethnic dimension.

  Information on research commissioned during the last five years by the Department of Health is contained in "Centrally Commissioned Research Programme" and "Centrally Commissioned Research Programme: Commission 1994–95", copies of which are also available in the Library.

  The national health service executive has funded the following projects on ethnic minority health within the last five years:

  (i) Within the national research programme on cardiovascular disease and stroke a project on developing methods in primary care for prevention of vascular disease and diabetes in high risk ethnic groups. The total allocation was £99,353 to the department of public health, University of Manchester.

  (ii) Within the national programme on mental health, a project on screening tests for depression and dementia in elderly people from ethnic minorities. The total allocation was £116,302 to the University of Manchester.

  In addition to these projects, the NHS executive has inherited programmes of research from the former regional health authorities which were replaced by regional offices of the executive on 1 April 1996. Complete information is not available on these programmes, which have an estimated value of £420,000. Within the executive, the west midlands regional office leads on research into ethnic health issues.

WALES

  Higher Education Expenditure
  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer of 27 June,Official Report, column 211, what has been the public expenditure on higher education in Wales, excluding public expenditure on student maintenance, in (a) cash, (b) real terms and (c) expressed as a percentage of (i) estimated Welsh gross domestic product and (ii) estimated United Kingdom gross domestic product for each financial year since 1989–90; and what is planned for (1) 1996–97, (2) 1997–98 and (3) 1998–99. [37527]
  566
  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  I refer the hon. Member to the last three lines of the table in the reply that I gave him on Wednesday 26 June 1996,Official Report, columns 154–55.

  European Union Measures
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what was the impact on Wales on the blocking of European Union measures in respect of(a) civil protection on (i) the community action programme and (ii) Council regulations on research, (b) the internal market on (i) resolution on legislative simplification, (ii) conclusions on accounting standards, (iii) decision on action programme for European Union industry and (iv) proposals for decision on adoption of a programme to promote European linguistic diversity in the information society, (c) social affairs on (i) decision on a Year Against Racism and Xenophobia, (ii) resolution on transferability of vocational training qualifications and (iii) recommendation on balanced participation in roles in decision making, (d) justice and home affairs on (i) recommendations on the fight against counterfeiting, (ii) draft 1997 European budget, (iii) joint action on drugs liaison offices and (iv) common positions on draft Hague convention on protection on minors, (e) fisheries decision on the implementation of community action programme on competitiveness in industry and (f) cultural/audio-visual on (i) common position on Ariane programme and (ii) common position on Raphael programme. [37227]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  The effect of the policy of non-co-operation was to delay some measures for a short period. None was lost and no lasting damage has been caused, while considerable advantage has been gained for Wales by progress on the beef issue which would not have been achieved otherwise.

  The hon. Member may wish to note that the proposal for a programme promoting linguistic diversity was not blocked.

  Youth Training
  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what proportion of those currently on youth training schemes joined them at 16 years of age in (i) Wales and (ii) in each training and enterprise council area. [37555]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  The information requested is contained in the following table:

  Proportion of starts aged 16 at start of programme 1995–96

  Per cent.

  Gwent

  44

  Mid Glamorgan

  35

  North East Wales

  37

  Powys

  n/a

  South Glamorgan

  n/a

  Targed

  39

  West Wales

  45

  Total Wales

  align="right">41

  Note:

  n/a=not available due to small sample.

  Source:

  YT trainee database.
  567

  Suicide (Farmers)
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many farmers committed suicide in Wales in 1995; and what percentage change this represents on each of the last three years. [37153]

  Mr. Hague
  There were seven cases registered in 1995 with the Office for National Statistics, representing a reduction of 42 per cent. on 1994, a reduction of 50 per cent. on 1993 and an increase of 17 per cent. on 1992.

  Fraud
  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what inquiries to detect fraud by cross-checking his Department's payroll with details of those claiming benefit he has undertaken; when these exercises took place; and how many staff were(a) suspended,(b) dismissed and (c) prosecuted as a result. [37709]

  Mr. Hague
  None.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Queen's University (Fair Employment Cases)
  Dr. Hendron
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) how many fair employment cases taken against Queen's university, Belfast, have been settled out of court; [36603]

  (2) what legal costs have been paid by Queen's university, Belfast, in relation to fair employment cases in each of the last 10 years; [36601]

  (3) what disciplinary action has been taken against employees of Queen's university, Belfast, for failure to implement fair employment legislation and practice; [36604]

  (4) what compensation costs have been paid by Queen's university, Belfast, in relation to fair employment cases in each of the last 10 years. [36602]

  Mr. Ancram
  The information requested is not held by my Department, but I have asked the vice-chancellor of Queen's university, Belfast to write to the hon. Member and I will place a copy of the letter in the Library.

  Long-term Unemployment
  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment he has made of the report on long-term unemployment in Northern Ireland, commissioned by the Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action; and if he will make a statement. [37261]

  Sir John Wheeler
  The report, "Long-Term Unemployment in Northern Ireland", commissioned by the Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action, is an important and interesting contribution to the on-going debate on long-term unemployment in Northern Ireland.

  Many of the issues raised by the report are already being addressed by the Government as part of a wide ranging review of policy responses to the issue. The Training and Employment Agency has also recently commenced an in-depth review of the long-term unemployed and related issues and will take on board relevant recommendations contained in the report.
  568

  Business in the Community
  Ms Mowlam
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the progress of the business in the community, Northern Ireland scheme. [36152]

  Sir John Wheeler
  [holding answer 8 July 1996]: Business in the Community, established in September 1989 is a charitable organisation which seeks to develop business involvement in the community by creating links between business and local community groups, schools and small businesses. One of BITC's key strategic objectives is to establish lasting partnerships between NI companies, and relevant Government Departments and community organisations.

  Three of the NI Departments—Department of the Environment, Department of Economic Development and Department of Agriculture—have involvement with BITC through a number of initiatives.

  A copy of Business in the Community's annual review has been placed in the Library.

  Water Flouridation
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what environmental impact study he has made on the fluoridation of water supplies; and if he will make a statement. [37458]

  Mr. Moss
  [holding answer 15 July 1996]: None. On the evidence of studies carried out elsewhere, a specific Northern Ireland study was not deemed necessary.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Business Links
  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what steps he is taking to improve relationships between business links chairmen and his Department. [36068]

  Mr. Page
  My Department has good relationships with business links chairmen. The starting point has been our common commitment to the success of business links in strengthening the competitiveness of local businesses. As the business links network has developed the relationship has been strengthened by good communication links with chairmen and I will ensure that this continues.

  Mrs. Bridget Prentice
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Hornsey and Wood Green (Mrs. Roche), of 17 June,Official Report, column 318, if he will make a statement on the proportion of business links chairmen who defined their relations with his Department as poor. [36089]

  Mr. Page
  The survey of chairmen and chief executives of business links was undertaken on their behalf and funded by my Department.

  The majority of business links chairmen and chief executives said that their relationships with my Department were good.

  Mr. Hunter
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what statistics he collects on the use of business links(a) nationally and (b) in the south of England. [36092]
  569
  Mr. Page
  The Department of Trade and Industry collects information on the number of businesses using business links, and the services they use, both nationally and regionally.

  National statistics on businesses using business links are available in the quarterly "Reports on Business Link and Business Link Regional Supply Network Management Information". A copy was placed in the Library of the House on June 29.

  Small Firms
  Sir Ralph Howell
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many small firms were operating in the United Kingdom(a) at the latest available date and (b) in 1979. [36069]

  Mr. Lang
  Provisional estimates show there were 3.7 million businesses with fewer than 50 employees at end 1994, the most recent year for which statistics are available. Comparable estimates for 1979 show there were then only 2.4 million businesses.

  Manufacturing Industry
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many manufacturing businesses employing between 10 and 50 employees there are in the United Kingdom. [36085]

  Mr. Page
  There are 34,614 manufacturing businesses employing between 10 and 50 employees, according to figures from the interdepartmental businesses register.

  Mr. Roy Hughes
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what initiatives he is taking to encourage British firms to invest in manufacturing industry in the United Kingdom. [36096]

  Mr. Eggar
  We are providing a stable economic environment with low inflation, low corporation tax rates and historically low interest rates. Profits are high and the Treasury's latest forecast is that business investment, which incorporates manufacturing investment, will rise by over 7 per cent. in both 1996 and 1997.

  Sir David Knox
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade when he next expects to meet the president of the Confederation of British Industry to discuss manufacturing industry. [36087]

  Mr. Lang
  DTI Ministers regularly meet the Confederation of British Industry to discuss a range of issues, including manufacturing industry.

  Engineering Productivity
  Mr. Pawsey
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment he has made of British engineering productivity relative to other EU countries. [36086]

  Mr. Nelson
  The rate of growth of productivity in the United Kingdom engineering industry was nearly twice that of the EU average between 1991 and 1994.

  World Trade (UK Share)
  Mr. Gapes
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what was the United Kingdom percentage share of world trade in(a) exports and (b) imports in 1979 and 1995; and if he will make a statement. [36088]
  570
  Mr. Nelson
  The United Kingdom share of world exports of goods was 4.8 per cent. in 1995 compared with 5.7 per cent. in 1979. Comparable figures for imports are 6.4 per cent. in 1979 and 5.1 per cent. in 1995.

  Manufacturing Output
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the rate of manufacturing output since 1992. [36090]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  Since 1992 manufacturing output has grown by 8 per cent., an annual growth rate of 2.5 per cent.

  Barmac Nigg Site
  Mr. Charles Kennedy
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the progress of the Barmac Nigg site objective 1 application. [36091]

  Mr. Eggar
  I am pleased to say that my hon. Friend the Minister responsible for industry at the Scottish Office announced on 8 July that the objective 1 grant of £3.3 million to the Barmac oil rig at Nigg had been confirmed.

  Car Clocking
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what steps he is taking to ensure that trading standards officers can more effectively tackle car clocking. [36093]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The Trade Descriptions Act 1968 already makes it an offence to sell a car with a false odometer reading in the course of a business, but I am aware that there can be difficulties in gathering the necessary evidence of a car's true mileage and in tracing previous owners. I understand that the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency has introduced voluntary arrangements to encourage the recording of mileage and is currently looking at ways of improving these as well as at other means of improving the accuracy of the information it holds.

  I also understand that the Director General of Fair Trading is shortly to seek the views of interested parties on consumer problems when buying new cars, including the problem of car clocking. Following consultation, the director general will wish to make his own recommendations for dealing with their unacceptable practice and I and ministerial colleagues will, of course, consider these extremely carefully.

  National Minimum Wage
  Mr. Nicholas Winterton
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what estimate he has made of the impact on employment in the north-west regions of the introduction of minimum of £4 an hour under social chapter provisions. [36094]

  Mr. Lang
  A recent study estimated that a minimum wage of £4 an hour would cost 140,000 jobs in the north-west assuming only half restoration of differentials.
  571

  Holiday Price Advertisements
  Mr. Mudie
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what steps he intends to take to discourage misleading holiday price advertisements. [36095]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  I believe that the present legislation deals adequately with misleading holiday prices advertisements. There are provisions in the Consumer Protection Act 1987, enforced by trading standards departments, which make it a criminal offence to give consumers a misleading price indication about goods, services, accommodation or facilities.

  In addition, the Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992 prohibit organisers and retailers from supplying to consumers any descriptive matter concerning a package, the price of a package or any other conditions applying to the contract which contains any misleading information.

  Research and Development
  Mr. Hutton
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what proportion of the United Kingdom's gross domestic product is spent on research and development. [36097]

  Mr. Ian Taylor
  The UK's gross expenditure on R and D in 1994—the latest year for which figures are available—was 2.2 per cent. of GDP, as set out in "Science, Engineering and Technology Statistics 1996", a copy of which is held in the Library of the House.

  Balance of Trade
  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the balance of trade with the EU over the last five years; and what were the equivalent figures for trade with those countries in the five years prior to the United Kingdom's EU accession. [36098]

  Mr. Nelson
  In the latest five years the United Kingdom trade deficit in goods with the EU was worth £26.8 billion compared with a deficit of £1.9 billion in the five years preceding UK accession in 1973. The UK deficit, as a proportion of total UK trade with the EU countries, has fallen from 5.75 per cent. prior to accession to 3.5 per cent. in the latest five years.

  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on trends in the visible balance of trade between the first quarter of 1995 and the first quarter of 1996. [36104]

  Mr. Nelson
  After a deterioration in the second quarter of 1995, the trend in the balance of trade in goods has been broadly flat.

  Environmental Claims
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what action he intends to take to protect consumers from misleading environmental claims. [36099]

  Mr. Cummings
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what action he intends to take to protect consumers from abuses highlighted in the National Consumer Council report on environmental claims on goods. [36103]
  572
  Mr. John M. Taylor
  My Department is currently working with the Department of the Environment to draw up, in consultation with industry and consumer interests, a code of practice for the making of environmental claims.

  Nuclear Privatisation
  Mr. Eric Clarke
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on progress with the privatisation of the nuclear industry. [36100]

  Mr. Eggar
  British Energy has been floated successfully on the stock market. Dealings in shares began on Monday 15 July.

  Marketed Services
  Mr. Brian David Jenkins
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the United Kingdom's average level of productivity in marketed services relative to its major competitors in each of the last three years. [36102]

  Mr. Eggar
  There are no comparative international official statistics for marketed services.

  Taxi Fares
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how much his Department spent in meeting the costs of taxi cab fares in the 1995–96 financial year. [36017]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The DTI does not record expenditure on taxi fares separately from other travel and subsistence expenses paid to staff undertaking departmental business. To provide the information requested would entail disproportionate cost.

  Internet
  Mr. Rowe
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans he has to ensure that major publications from his Department are accompanied by a simultaneous electronic release of the text on the Internet. [37241]

  Mr. Ian Taylor
  My Department will continue to publish appropriate material on the Internet, including some major publications that have traditionally appeared only in print. Command papers are available on the DTI web site. Indeed, the DTI has also been at the forefront of making use of this interactive medium to deliver best practice and benchmarking guidance to business under the information society initiative and the managing in the 90s campaigns. Traffic to the DTI world wide web site is on the increase and more specialised pages are about to be launched to provide information to UK exporters to enhance further the range of information delivered to the business community through our Internet presence. OST also has its own home page on the net.

  Employment Rights
  Mr. Spring
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement about the Green Paper "Resolving Employment Rights Disputes: Options for Reform." [38391]

  Mr. Lang
  The Government are today publishing, for consultation, a draft Bill on industrial tribunals and the resolution of employment rights disputes. As
  573
  foreshadowed by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Competition and Consumer Affairs on 13 March, Official Report, column 671, in reply to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Colchester, North (Mr. Jenkin), the key thrust of the draft Bill is to encourage the use of alternative ways of resolving disputes such as in-house appeals procedures, conciliation and arbitration and to streamline and improve industrial tribunals procedures enabling cases to be dealt with more speedily and efficiently.

  The draft Bill contains proposals to implement those aspects of the Green Paper "Resolving Employment Rights Disputes: Options for Reform" Cm 2707, which commanded wide support and which require primary legislation. Some of the proposals have been modified to take account of views expressed in the consultation on the Green Paper. In some cases this has been to make them more even-handed and in others to make them more workable. The consultation document includes the draft Bill, explains the proposals in detail and seeks views on a number of specific questions.

  The publication of legislation in draft is Government policy where time allows and will give all those with an interest in the proposals an opportunity to comment on legislation of direct interest to them. This will help to improve the quality of the legislation before it is introduced to Parliament.

  The Government would welcome responses to the consultation document from all interested parties. These should be sent to:

  Ben Rimington

  Employment Rights (Dispute Resolution) Bill Team

  2.D.52

  Department of Trade and Industry

  1 Victoria Street

  London SW1H 0ET

  before Friday 27 September.

  Copies of the consultation document are being distributed widely and have been placed in the Libraries of the House.

  Skill Levels
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade, pursuant to the UK skills audit survey of multinationals, if he will list the average weighted skill level in the USA, Singapore, Japan, Germany, France and the UK, in respect of(a) numeracy, (b) ability to learn, (c) team working, (d) information technology, (e) technical, inlcuding occupation specific, (f) communication and (g) intellectual skills for the work force at all levels. [37409]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  The following table shows the average weighted skill level of the work force at all levels for the skills and countries covered in the "Skills Audit Survey of Multinationals". These figures have been estimated by assigning the following weights to the responses: good 4, adequate 2 and poor 1 and then combining the weighted responses to calculate the average weighted skill level for each skill in each country.
  574

  UK

  France

  Germany

  Japan

  Singapore

  USA

  Numeracy

  2.7

  3.0

  3.4

  3.7

  3.3

  2.7

  Ability to learn

  3.2

  2.9

  3.3

  3.3

  3.7

  2.9

  Team working

  2.8

  2.5

  2.5

  3.4

  3.2

  2.9

  IT

  2.5

  2.8

  3.1

  3.4

  2.6

  2.6

  Technical

  2.8

  3.1

  3.3

  3.5

  3.4

  2.6

  Communication

  2.7

  2.6

  2.7

  3.4

  3.1

  2.6

  Intellectual

  2.8

  2.8

  2.8

  3.0

  3.7

  2.5

  Coal Industry
  Mr. Clapham
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what is the current level of coal stocks in the United Kingdom; and what is the minimum level of stock set by his Department. [37630]

  Mr. Page
  Latest available data are for the end of April 1996 when stocks of coal totalled 12.7 million tonnes of which stocks held by electricity generators totalled 6.2 million tonnes, stocks at coke ovens totalled 1.2 million tonnes, and stocks at collieries and opencast sites totalled 5.3 million tonnes.

  I am currently reviewing the level of fossil fuel stocks to be held by generators.

  Mr. Clapham
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what financial assistance he will make available to recover underground plant and machinery at those collieries which closed when Coal Investment ceased to trade. [37631]

  Mr. Page
  This is a matter for the owners of the plant and equipment, who should contact the Coal Authority or the new licensees at those collieries which have been assigned or relicensed.

  Management Standards
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans he has to improve the standard of management of British industry. [36079]

  Mr. Eggar
  The Government's recent White Paper" Competitiveness-Creating the enterprise centre of Europe" set out a range of initiatives to improve the standards of management in British industry in partnership with business support organisations.

  Inward Investment
  Mr. Hardy
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what was the average cost to public funds for each full-time job created by inward investment during 1995. [37633]

  Mr. Eggar
  This information is not held centrally and can be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Research Base
  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what representations he has received from industrialists regarding the United Kingdom's science and technology research base. [36553]

  Mr. Ian Taylor
  I have received a wide range of representations from industry and industrialists regarding the United Kingdom's science and technology research base. Some eminent industrialists sit on the Council for Science and Technology and the research councils' bodies
  575
  for informing themselves of the needs of their user communities. Thousands of industrialists are involved in the technology foresight programme, the findings of which continue to inform decisions on the science and technology base.

  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment he has made of the contribution made by universities to the science and engineering base for the United Kingdom's industrial competitiveness. [36552]

  Mr. Taylor
  As set out in the White Paper "Competitiveness; Creating the enterprise centre of Europe", the United Kingdom universities play a vital part in enabling British industry to develop and exploit new science, engineering and technology and in the creation of a well education and highly skilled work force. Without the excellence of our science and engineering base and our graduate work force, the United Kingdom could not sustain the innovation and general business performance needed to ensure our competitiveness.

  The Scottish Office, as part of its "Commercialisation Enquiry" with the Royal Society of Edinburgh, undertook a number of studies which highlight the importance of commercialisation of research to the Scottish economy, and the direct and indirect benefits of research in Scottish universities. Producing indicators which reflect and impact upon publicly funded research in new ideas and understanding is not a trivial task and is one issue I addressed in my speech to the Royal Institution on March 21.

  Licences
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list the licences issued by his Department; for what purpose they are issued; and what are the administrative costs involved for each. [37596]

  Mr. Lang
  [holding answer 16 july 1996]: The information requested on licences and their purposes is as follows. The administrative costs involved for each could not be assessed without incurring disproportionate cost.

  Exports

  Open General Export licences.

  Open General Transhipment licence.

  Individual Specific Export licence.

  Temporary Export licence.

  Open Individual export licence.

  Transhipment licence.

  Export licensing is imposed on certain goods for a variety of reasons including national security and international treaty obligations and commitments.

  Imports

  Import licences issued against quota.

  Import licences issued for surveillance purposes.

  Special import licenses for national provisions.

  Open individual licences.

  Import licensing controls are imposed to implement internationally agreed policies, designed to stabilise markets and generate free trade, to protect UK and EU industry, to protect health and safety, and to enforce international trade sanctions.
  576
  Insurance

  Authorisation of insurance companies, to maintain confidence in the market and protect policy holders.

  Postal services

  The Post Office has the exclusive statutory privilege of conveying all letters from one place to another in the UK except for the activities covered by the following "class" licences:

  Time-sensitive/value mail (i.e. courier services: conditions published 1981)

  Charities delivery of Christmas cards (conditions published 1981)

  Document exchanges (conditions published 1982)

  Delivery of mail between Government departments (conditions published 1983)

  In addition, there is one company licence for delivery of brokers' material under specified conditions.

  Radiocommunications

  Broadcasting services (3 categories).

  Fixed services (4 categories).

  Hobby radio (5 categories).

  Public mobile radio (2 categories).

  Private mobile radio (2 categories).

  Maritime radio (7 categories).

  Paging (3 categories).

  Programme making and special events (7 categories).

  Satellite services (5 categories).

  Local authority (emergency alarm) radio.

  Long range alarms.

  Radar gauges.

  RF tagging, temporary use.

  Testing and development.

  The purpose of radiocommunications licensing is to manage the use of the UK civil radio spectrum.

  Telecommunications

  Individual licence.

  Class licence.

  Telecommunications licences define the systems that can be run, the services that can be provided and the other systems to which the licensee can connect. The licences also contain conditions concerning the provision of services to the public, relations with other operators and service providers and the provision of information to the Secretary of State and the Director General of Telecommunications.

  Oil and gas

  Seaward production licence.

  Seaward exploration licence.

  Landward petroleum exploration and development licence.

  Supplementary seismic survey licence.

  Methane drainage licence.

  The purpose of oil and gas licensing is to manage the exploitation of the UK's petroleum resources.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mr. Donohoe: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, pursuant to her answer

  577
  of 25 March, Official Report, column 433, about parliamentary questions what method would be used by her Department in collating the information requested. [37525]
  Mr. Robin Squire
  The examination of more than 36,000 files dating back to 1987.

  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, pursuant to her answer of 26 March,Official Report, column 484, about parliamentary questions, what method would be used by her Department in collating the information requested. [37524]

  Mr. Squire
  The examination of more than 24,000 files dating back to 1989.

  Administration Costs
  Ms Estelle Morris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if she will list for each local education authority in England the cash per pupil of the schools' budget spent on administration in 1995–96 and estimated to be so spent in 1996–97. [37512]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  The information set out in the following table is derived, for both years, from local management of schools budget statements produced by local education authorities.

  Outturn figures for 1995–96 are not yet available. The budget figures for that year are as previously given on 28 February in my answer to the hon. Member for Rugby and Kenilworth (Mr. Pawsey), Official Report, columns 594–95.

  1996–97 Management and administration (per pupil)

  1995–96 Management and administration (per pupil)

  Avon

  —

  63

  Barking/Dagenham

  45

  73

  Barnet

  44

  48

  Barnsley

  16

  14

  Bath and North East Somerset

  68

  —

  Bedfordshire

  37

  39

  Berkshire

  36

  37

  Bexley

  57

  55

  Birmingham

  36

  50

  Bolton

  30

  28

  Bradford

  33

  33

  Brent

  61

  78

  Bristol

  70

  —

  Bromley

  80

  63

  Buckinghamshire

  71

  77

  Bury

  41

  46

  Calderdale

  42

  41

  Cambridgeshire

  32

  33

  Camden

  78

  113

  Cheshire

  31

  29

  City of London

  262

  352

  Cleveland

  —

  54

  Cornwall

  29

  29

  Coventry

  41

  39

  Croydon

  20

  35

  Cumbria

  26

  27

  Derbyshire

  21

  25

  Devon

  25

  33

  Doncaster

  44

  42

  Dorset

  45

  48

  Dudley

  18

  25

  Durham

  38

  39

  578

  1996–97 Management and administration (per pupil)

  1995–96 Management and administration (per pupil)

  Ealing

  68

  65

  East Riding

  75

  —

  East Sussex

  24

  26

  Enfield

  55

  57

  Essex

  36

  40

  Gateshead

  45

  47

  Gloucestershire

  34

  49

  Greenwich

  96

  93

  Hackney

  84

  87

  Hammersmith/Fulham

  49

  52

  Hampshire

  42

  47

  Haringey

  48

  49

  Harrow

  49

  64

  Hartlepool

  57

  —

  Havering

  36

  38

  Hereford/Worcester

  32

  30

  Hertfordshire

  12

  17

  Hillingdon

  91

  96

  Hounslow

  47

  47

  Humberside

  —

  57

  Hull

  42

  —

  Isle of Wight

  32

  32

  Isles of Scilly

  51

  95

  Islington

  106

  79

  Kensington/Chelsea

  121

  133

  Kent

  84

  81

  Kingston

  49

  61

  Kirklees

  38

  46

  Knowsley

  38

  23

  Lambeth

  91

  160

  Lancashire

  24

  35

  Leeds

  26

  28

  Leicestershire

  22

  42

  Lewisham

  61

  67

  Lincolnshire

  42

  39

  Liverpool

  60

  52

  Manchester

  55

  49

  Merton

  33

  42

  Middlesbrough

  73

  —

  North East Lincolnshire

  60

  —

  Newcastle

  56

  59

  Newham

  57

  51

  Norfolk

  25

  18

  North Lincolnshire

  67

  —

  North Somerset

  63

  —

  North Tyneside

  33

  35

  North Yorkshire

  35

  37

  Northamptonshire

  29

  28

  Northumberland

  43

  41

  Nottinghamshire

  27

  43

  Oldham

  48

  44

  Oxfordshire

  26

  28

  Redbridge

  60

  60

  Redcar and Cleveland

  56

  —

  Richmond

  39

  33

  Rochdale

  39

  39

  Rotherham

  65

  64

  Salford

  58

  59

  Sandwell

  19

  35

  Sefton

  74

  74

  Sheffield

  39

  42

  Shropshire

  36

  37

  Solihull

  11

  11

  Somerset

  11

  18

  South Gloucestershire

  64

  —

  South Tyneside

  36

  34

  Southwark

  77

  82

  St. Helens

  41

  49

  Staffordshire

  19

  20

  Stockport

  29

  32

  579

  1996–97 Management and administration (per pupil)

  1995–96 Management and administration (per pupil)

  Stockton-on-Tees

  60

  —

  Suffolk

  25

  27

  Sunderland

  17

  40

  Surrey

  43

  51

  Sutton

  64

  74

  Tameside

  32

  32

  Tower Hamlets

  54

  51

  Trafford

  40

  37

  Wakefield

  38

  35

  Walsall

  41

  40

  Waltham Forest

  56

  54

  Wandsworth

  84

  125

  Warwickshire

  31

  43

  West Sussex

  40

  42

  Westminster

  125

  108

  Wigan

  30

  29

  Wiltshire

  32

  31

  Wirral

  34

  30

  Wolverhampton

  28

  30

  York

  67

  —

  1 Is shown in columns for the year that the relevant LEA did not exist.

  2 The figures have been calculated by dividing planned expenditure on management and administration, as recorded in each LEA's LMS budget statement for the appropriate year, by pupil numbers from the same source.

  3 The amount per pupil is rounded to the nearest pound.

  University Graduates
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what is the rate of employment for young people who graduated from universities in Wales in 1994ߝ95; and what is the equivalent figure for graduates from universities in England. [37115]

  Mr. Forth
  Information for 1994–95 is not yet available. The available data for 1993–94 are as follows:

  UK domiciled graduates employed six months after graduation

  Number

  As a percentage of all graduates with known destinations

  England

  64,747

  54.4

  Wales

  3,778

  46.8

  Education Funding
  Mr. Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what discussions have taken place since the announcement of the Government's expenditure plans for the period 1996–97 to 1998–99 between her officials and representative bodies in respect of future funding levels for(a) schools, (b) further education and (c) universities. [37262]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  Ministers and officials have had a number of meetings with representative bodies to discuss the future funding of schools, further education and universities since the announcement of the Government's expenditure plans for the period 1996–97 to 1998–99.
  580
  Mr. Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what representations Minister have received since the announcement of the Government's expenditure plans for the period 1996–97 to 1998–99 on the future funding of(a) schools, (b) further education and (c) universities. [37263]

  Mr. Squire
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has received a range of representations from a number of bodies and individuals on the future funding of schools, further education and universities since the announcement of the Government's expenditure plans for the period 1996–97 to 1998–99.

  Mr. Pickthall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when she expects the Government and the Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Principals working party studying the impact of(a) the private finance initiative and (b) budget cuts on higher education to report. [37411]

  Mr. Forth
  We expect the working groups to report in the next few weeks, subject to final discussions with the CVCP.

  School Pupils
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if she will list for each local education authority the full-time equivalent number of school pupils in 1995–96 and 1996–97. [37746]

  Mr. Squire
  Information for January 1996 will be available in the autumn. Information for January 1995, the latest data available, is shown in the following table.

  Full-time equivalent of pupils in maintained schools in each local education authority area in England—January 1995

  FTE Pupils

  Corporation of London

  212

  Camden

  21,991

  Greenwich

  35,326

  Hackney

  25,317

  Hammersmith and Fulham

  15,931

  Islington

  23,741

  Kensington and Chelsea

  9,827

  Lambeth

  25,968

  Lewisham

  31,805

  Southwark

  31,984

  Tower Hamlets

  35,011

  Wandsworth

  27,166

  Westminster

  17,013

  Barking and Dagenham

  26,354

  Barnet

  43,197

  Bexley

  35,251

  Brent

  35,579

  Bromley

  41,221

  Croydon

  43,800

  Ealing

  39,260

  Enfield

  42,387

  Haringey

  29,751

  Harrow

  27,743

  Havering

  35,287

  Hillingdon

  34,417

  Hounslow

  33,840

  Kingston upon Thames

  18,646

  Merton

  22,166

  Newham

  41,181

  Redbridge

  35,231

  Richmond upon Thames

  18,427

  Sutton

  25,152

  581

  Full-time equivalent of pupils in maintained schools in each local education authority area in England—January 1995

  FTE Pupils

  Waltham Forest

  32,192

  Birmingham

  175,628

  Coventry

  49,344

  Dudley

  47,704

  Sandwell

  50,474

  Solihull

  34,041

  Walsall

  47,633

  Wolverhampton

  41,388

  Knowsley

  28,694

  Liverpool

  80,930

  St. Helens

  29,284

  Sefton

  46,733

  Wirral

  53,350

  Bolton

  45,018

  Bury

  28,015

  Manchester

  69,828

  Oldham

  41,373

  Rochdale

  35,436

  Salford

  36,520

  Stockport

  42,542

  Tameside

  36,912

  Trafford

  32,745

  Wigan

  49,912

  Barnsley

  33,528

  Doncaster

  50,846

  Rotherham

  43,501

  Sheffield

  71,475

  Bradford

  86,533

  Calderdale

  33,300

  Kirklees

  62,361

  Leeds

  111,575

  Wakefield

  50,596

  Gateshead

  29,859

  Newcastle upon Tyne

  40,398

  North Tyneside

  30,826

  South Tyneside

  25,782

  Sunderland

  49,730

  Isles of Scilly

  283

  Avon

  138,395

  Bedfordshire

  89,697

  Berkshire

  111,976

  Buckinghamshire

  101,433

  Cambridge

  102,161

  Cheshire

  155,151

  Cleveland

  99,213

  Cornwall

  69,254

  Cumbria

  74,423

  Derbyshire

  142,493

  Devon

  143,584

  Dorset

  87,980

  Durham

  94,885

  East Sussex

  88,128

  Essex

  226,044

  Gloucestershire

  80,162

  Hampshire

  221,277

  Hereford and Worcester

  99,358

  Hertfordshire

  155,700

  Humberside

  141,566

  Isle of Wight

  18,114

  Kent

  236,550

  Lancashire

  221,217

  Leicestershire

  141,528

  Lincolnshire

  90,803

  Norfolk

  105,371

  North Yorkshire

  105,064

  Northamptonshire

  97,983

  Northumberland

  50,509

  Nottinghamshire

  154,150

  Oxfordshire

  78,849

  Shropshire

  62,179

  Somerset

  66,153

  Staffordshire

  167,399

  582

  Full-time equivalent of pupils in maintained schools in each local education authority area in England—January 1995

  FTE Pupils

  Suffolk

  93,772

  Surrey

  124,941

  Warwickshire

  73,499

  West Sussex

  96,468

  Wiltshire

  85,183

  England

  7,279,057

  School Inspections
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) what was the average cost of(a) a primary and (b) a secondary school Office for Standards in Education inspection in the most recent year for which figures are available; [37780]

  (2) what were the targets for the number of school inspections by the Office for Standards in Education in (a) 1994ߝ95 and (b) the current school year; and if she will break the targets down for (i) primary schools, (ii) secondary schools, (iii) special schools and (iv) sixth form colleges; and how many have been inspected in the current school year; [37750]

  (3) what are the targets for the number of school inspections to be undertaken by Ofsted in the next school year; how many contracts have been awarded; and if she will break the information down for school terms and for (a) primary schools, (b) secondary schools, (c) special schools and (d) sixth form colleges. [37751]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  These are matters for Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Schools, who heads the Office for Standards in Education. I have asked Mr. Chris Woodhead to write to the hon. Member.

  Fraud
  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what inquiries to detect fraud by cross-checking her Department's payroll with details of those claiming benefit she has undertaken; when these exercises took place; and how many staff were(a) suspended, (b) dismissed and (c) prosecuted as a result. [37711]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  No such inquiries have been undertaken by the Department.

  Teachers' Pay
  Mr. Fabricant
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if she will make a statement about teachers' pay in 1996–97. [38216]

  Mrs. Gillian Shephard
  I am today laying before Parliament a second Pay and Conditions Order bringing the provisions of the School Teachers' Pay and Conditions Document 1996 into force from 1 September 1996. Copies of this order are being sent to local education authorities and the teachers' and employers' organisations. I have already implemented the first stage of the 3.75 per cent. pay award for teachers by a first Pay and Conditions Order in April.
  583
  The School Teachers' Pay and Conditions Document 1996 was published on 27 June following detailed consultation with the teachers' and employers' associations and representatives of the governors of voluntary and grant-maintained schools. The document sets out the statutory pay and conditions of service for teachers in maintained schools in England and Wales.

  Training and Enterprise Councils
  Mr. Robert G. Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what progress Birmingham, Manchester and Sandwell training and enterprise councils are making in meeting the criteria for the award of a three-year licence. [38217]

  Mr. Paice
  I am pleased to announce the award of a three-year licence to Birmingham, Manchester and Sandwell training and enterprise councils which have now completed the process of meeting the rigorous standards we set.

  Teachers Pension Agency
  Mr. Riddick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what key performance targets she has set for the Teachers Pension Agency in the first half of 1996–97. [38314]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  For the period of 1 April to 30 September 1996, the key performance targets for the Teachers Pension Agency are:

  (a) to process 98 per cent. of the applications for retirement awards by the payable date, or if later, then within 30 days of receipt of the application;

  (b) to meet the agreed accuracy target for pensions-related calculations;

  (c) to provide a substantive answer to 95 per cent. of all inquiries within 15 working days of receipt;

  (d) to manage the programme agreed with the agency's clients for the collection and processing of service and salary data relating to teachers and to seek timely submission of that data; and

  (e) to support Capita Managed Services Ltd. in the orderly transition of the administration of the teachers superannuation scheme to the private sector on 1 October 1996.

  Medical Students
  Ms Harman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if she will list the percentage of applicants to(a) colleges of nursing and (b) medical schools who were offered a place, broken down by ethnic group in 1995. [37096]

  Mr. Forth
  [holding answer 12 July 1996]: Data on colleges of nursing are the responsibility of my right
  584
  hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health. Data on UK domiciled applicants and acceptances to first degree courses in medicine in the UK, autumn 1995 entry, are as follows:

  Ethnic group

  Applicants

  Accepted applicants

  Percentage accepted

  Asian Bangladeshi

  156

  39

  25

  Asian Chinese

  143

  58

  41

  Asian Indian

  1,034

  433

  42

  Asian Pakistani

  633

  163

  26

  Asian Other

  480

  180

  38

  Black African

  230

  31

  13

  Black Caribbean

  55

  5

  9

  Black Other

  39

  7

  18

  Other ethnic groups

  248

  92

  37

  White

  5,984

  3,174

  53

  Unknown

  190

  53

  28

  Total

  9,192

  4,235

  46

SCOTLAND

  Union (Benefits)
  Mr. Robert McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will set out the(a) strategic and (b) economic interests which require the maintenance of the union between Scotland and the rest of the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement. [35992]

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The Union between Scotland and the rest of the United Kingdom has provided political and financial stability for nearly 300 years. It has been the cornerstone of the prosperity enjoyed by all the peoples of the United Kingdom. The creation of a tax-raising Scottish Parliament as proposed by Opposition parties would threaten the existence of the Union and the benefits of partnership would be lost.

  Newchurch and Co.
  Mr. Chisholm
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will update his answer of 9 January,Official Report, column 131, concerning the consultancy contracts awarded by (a) Scottish health boards and (b) NHS trusts to Newchurch and Co. in relation to private finance industry contracts. [37346]

  Lord James Douglas Hamilton
  Newchurch and Co. has been engaged as a consultant by the following health bodies in relation to private finance schemes:

  Hairmyres and Stonehouse NHS Trust

  Dumfries and Galloway Acute and Maternity NHS Trust

  Grampian health board

  New Hairmyres hospital

  New day case unit and maternity facilities

  Kincardineshire health services

  Each contract was awarded following an open, competitive process.
  585

  Scottish Diet Action Group
  Mr. David Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he will publish the Scottish diet action group report; and if he will make a statement. [37395]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The action plan prepared by the Scottish diet action group, which I have chaired, will be published on 25 July 1996. The plan will provide an innovative framework for tackling the dietary shortcomings which have contributed to our poor health record over many years.

  New Hospital, Stonehaven
  Mr. Chisholm
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many representations he has received about the new Stonehaven hospital through the postcard campaign. [37358]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  My right hon. Friend has received 1,386 postcards about Grampian health board's proposals for improved health services in Kincardineshire.

  Mr. Chisholm
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the cost to(a) Grampian health board and (b) the consortium led by Grampian Healthcare NHS trust of the tendering process for the new hospital in Stonehaven. [37377]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Up to 4 July 1996, the costs incurred by Grampian health board and by Grampian Healthcare NHS trust were around £83,000 and £200,000 respectively. This exercise will result in significantly improved health services for the people of Kincardineshire.

  GP Fundholding
  Mr. Chisholm
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what percentage of patients in each health board area is registered with a GP fundholding practice. [37443]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The information requested is set out in the table:

  Percentage

  Scotland

  42.7

  Argyll and Clyde

  30.5

  Ayrshire and Arran

  13.1

  Borders

  53.2

  Dumfries and Galloway

  34.7

  Fife

  39.4

  Forth Valley

  35.5

  Grampian

  68.3

  Greater Glasgow

  51.3

  Highland

  25.6

  Lanarkshire

  42.0

  Lothian

  44.9

  Orkney

  —

  Shetland

  —

  Tayside

  49.5

  Western Isles

  23.1

  586

  Internet
  Mr. Rowe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to ensure that major publications from his Department are accompanied by a simultaneous electronic release of the text on the Internet. [37240]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  A number of recent Scottish Office publications have been accompanied by a release on the Internet. The possibility of making wider use of the Internet as a publishing medium is being kept under review.

  Hospital Readmissions
  Mr. Chisholm
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many patients, in each of the last five years, were readmitted to hospital within three months of leaving, in each health board area. [37337]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The total number of patients readmitted to hospital within three months of discharge for the last five available years is given in the table. Over the same period, total discharges increased by almost 21 per cent. The reason for a patient being readmitted is not necessarily related to the reason for original admission. The longer after discharge that a patient is readmitted, the less likely it is that the reasons are related.

  Health board

  1990

  1991

  1992

  1993

  1994

  Argyll and Clyde

  11,005

  12,517

  14,063

  15,788

  16,092

  Ayrshire and Arran

  9,973

  11,110

  13,204

  15,933

  16,106

  Borders

  2,829

  2,983

  3,420

  3,781

  4,125

  Dumfries and Galloway

  4,180

  4,632

  5,175

  5,795

  6,243

  Fife

  8,245

  9,510

  10,544

  10,643

  11,811

  Forth Valley

  8,577

  9,727

  10,235

  10,478

  10,448

  Grampian

  16,975

  17,445

  18,584

  19,194

  20,300

  Greater Glasgow

  54,412

  53,707

  57,881

  65,211

  68,451

  Highland

  6,190

  6,537

  7,548

  7,839

  8,776

  Lanarkshire

  15,544

  16,807

  18,662

  21,422

  22,694

  Lothian

  31,448

  34,256

  34,442

  43,630

  48,019

  Orkney

  355

  453

  439

  426

  500

  Shetland

  620

  627

  687

  768

  771

  Tayside

  15,633

  16,303

  16,890

  18,835

  20,386

  Western Isles

  782

  866

  971

  999

  1,065

  Scotland

  186,768

  197,480

  216,745

  240,742

  255,787

  Contracts
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the number, nature and value of contracts awarded by his Department to Coopers and Lybrand, KPMG, Price Waterhouse, Ernst and Young, Deloitte and Touche, Arthur Andersen, Grant Thornton, BDO Stoy Hayward, Pannel Kerr Forster, and Robson Rhodes and their subsidiaries and associates, during 1995 and 1996. [37326]
  587
  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  requested for 1995–96 is as follows:

  Nature of Contract

  Value £

  Coopers and Lybrand

  Advice on IT strategies

  7,708

  Coopers and Lybrand

  Priority base budgeting review

  2,370

  Coopers and Lybrand

  Financial accounts

  663

  Price Waterhouse

  Examination of urban programme funding

  5,500

  Price Waterhouse

  Review and report on Historic Scotland treatment of VAT

  4,000

  Ernst and Young

  VFM study

  10,827

  This information relates only to the appointment of management consultants. Information relating to appointments for services provided by lawyers, surveyors, civil engineers, auditors, etcetera. is not included as this information is not held centrally.

  Private Finance Initiative
  Mr. Chisholm
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will report on the progress of each PFI health project in Scotland, indicating in each case when a contract was signed or when a preferred bidder was selected or when a preferred bidder is likely to be selected. [37371]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Progress on PFI schemes in health in Scotland is set out in the tables:

  Contracts signed

  Scheme

  Procured by:

  1990

  Rutherglen elderly care beds

  Greater Glasgow health board

  1991

  Darnley elderly care beds

  Greater Glasgow health board

  Irvine elderly care beds

  Ayrshire and Arran health board

  1992

  Ruchill elderly care beds

  Greater Glasgow health board

  Shettleston elderly care beds

  Greater Glasgow health board

  Bellshill elderly care beds

  Lanarkshire health board

  1994

  Clinical waste disposal

  Northern health board consortium

  1995

  Clinical waste disposal

  Lothian/Forth Valley health boards

  Cumbernauld elderly care beds

  Lanarkshire health board

  Irvine elderly care beds

  Ayrshire and Arran health board

  CT/MRI scanner

  Edinburgh royal infirmary

  1996

  Hospital information system (January)

  Law hospital

  Ferryfield house (February)

  Edinburgh Healthcare

  Preferred bidder selected

  1996

  Scheme

  Procured by:

  March

  New Hairmyres hospital

  Hairmyres and Stonehouse NHS Trust

  588

  Preferred bidder selected

  1996

  Scheme

  Procured by:

  April

  Stobhill mental health

  Greater Glasgow Community Mental Health NHS Trust

  June

  New Law hospital

  Law Hospital NHS Trust

  East Ayrshire hospital

  Ayrshire and Arran Community Trust

  Hospital information system

  Perth and Kinross Healthcare NHS Trust

  Southern Isles hospital

  Western Isles health board

  Medicine for the elderly

  Southern General Hospital NHS Trust

  July

  Kincardine health services

  Grampian health board

  Preferred bidder—planned dates

  Scheme

  Date

  Renfrewshire healthcare geriatric assessment

  August 1996

  Yorkhill—hospital information system

  September 1996

  New RIE Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh NHS Trust

  September 1996

  WGH Redevelopment Western General Hospital NHS Trust

  September 1996

  Dumfries and Galloway acute and maternity—day case maternity

  October 1996

  Dundee Healthcare—acute psychiatric unit

  April 1997

  No date has been finalised for preferred bidder for the following schemes:

  Procurement by:

  Scheme

  Highland Communities NHS Trust

  Acute psychiatric unit

  Stirling Royal Infirmary NHS Trust

  Rehabilitation unit

  Social Development Summit
  Mr. David Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps the Scottish Office has taken to implement the agreements signed by the Government at the world summit on social development in Copenhagen in 1995; and if he will make a statement. [37339]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The documents arising from the summit were not binding on the participating states. However, in keeping with the rest of the United Kingdom, Scotland will continue to benefit from the Government's comprehensive national policies and programmes to improve living standards, reduce unemployment and promote social integration.

  Bible John Case
  Mr. McFall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will itemise the costs of the Strathclyde police inquiry into the Bible John case in respect of forensic tests conducted in(a) Scotland, (b) England and (c) Germany. [37199]
  589
  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The information in the table has been obtained from Strathclyde police. No charge was levied for the costs, as such, of carrying out the forensic tests in England and Germany, but there were associated costs. The figure for Scotland is calculated on the basis of the time taken by forensic scientists to carry out the tests, charged at the standard commercial rate used by Strathclyde police for undertaking all DNA analyses.

  Scotland: £1,420

  England: £1,600

  Germany: £250

  Energy Action Scotland
  Mr. David Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress has been made by the Scottish Office working party considering the eight-point action plan produced by Energy Action Scotland; and if he will make a statement. [37341]

  Mr. Kynoch
  The action plan put forward by Energy Action Scotland was carefully considered by the severe weather working party in its review of the issues arising from the events at new year 1996. The working party's report was placed in the Library of the House in June. Several of its recommendations benefited from the action plan. All the recommendations are being pursued.

  Information Technology
  Mr. Chisholm
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what organisations during the last 10 years have undertaken information technology functions which are similar to those undertaken by the information management group in England; and what is the total expenditure of those organisations over this period. [37376]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  No one organisation in Scotland has mirrored the range of activities carried out by the information management group of the Department of Health. In Scotland, information technology issues have, since 1988, been managed successively by the directorate of health service information systems, health systems division, within the Common Services Agency and currently by the computing and IT strategy division of the Scottish Office Department of Health, management executive.

  Expenditure figures are available from 1991–92. The table lists the expenditure directly managed by these organisations and shows a steady reduction in the retention of centrally managed funds for information technology projects, and an increase in the release of funds to health boards to make their own decisions about funding priorities in the light of the needs of patients.

  1991–92: £13.1 million

  1992–93: £11.8 million

  1993–94: £9.1 million

  1994–95: £7.7 million

  1995–96: £6.0 million

  1996–97: £4.3 million

  Fraud
  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what inquiries to detect fraud by cross-checking his Department's payroll with details of those claiming 590
  benefit he has undertaken; when these exercises took place; and how many staff were (a) suspended, (b) dismissed and (c) prosecuted as a result. [37708]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  None.

  Fire Safety
  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many large single-storey buildings in Scotland have been damaged by fire in the last year for which figures are available. [37803]

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

  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for cotland what steps have been taken to secure harmonisation of Scottish building standards with regulations for England and Wales; and if he will make a statement on the evidence his Department has evaluated into the effectiveness of Scottish standards in respect of fire safety. [37804]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Harmonisation of the technical requirements in the Scottish building standards and the building regulations for England and Wales is proceeding as parts of the regulations are updated and where judged appropriate. Given the differences in legal backgrounds, compliance checking systems, existing circumstances, and traditions in construction, complete harmonisation is not always possible. Close rapport is maintained between officials from England and Wales and from Scotland during the revision of both sets of regulations. In Scotland, the Building Standards Advisory Committee recently recommended the adoption of amended standards dealing with fire safety, which will include further harmonised requirements and which, with other amendments, are expected to come into force next year.

  Drink Driving
  Mr. Welsh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he will list the number of(a) deaths and (b) injuries from accidents caused by drink driving in Scotland in each year since 1990; [35671]

  (2) if he will list the number of (a) children and (b) adults in Scotland who have been (i) killed or (ii) injured in accidents caused by drink driving in each year since 1990. [35672]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  [holding answer 4 July 1996]: The number of reported casualties resulting from road accidents where one or more drivers failed or refused the breath test is set out in the following table. Estimates of total casualties in drink drive accidents, including those where the driver cannot be breath tested, are not available.

  Number of casualties in positive/refused breath test road accidents

  Year

  Fatalities

  Injuries

  Children (0–15 years)

  1990

  1

  49

  1991

  2

  60

  1992

  2

  48

  1993

  2

  42

  1994

  0

  45

  1995

  0

  36

  591

  Number of casualties in positive/refused breath test road accidents

  Year

  Fatalities

  Injuries

  Adults

  1990

  21

  1,049

  1991

  13

  983

  1992

  9

  823

  1993

  10

  873

  1994

  8

  765

  1995

  9

  811

  All

  1990

  22

  1,098

  1991

  15

  1,043

  1992

  11

  87143

  1993

  12

  915

  1994

  82

  810

  1995

  9

  847

  Cairn Gorm Funicular Railway
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, pursuant to his answer of 29 April,Official Report, column 375, if he will take account of the opinion of the director of Landmark Centre, concerning the project's economic viability, in considering the application by Highlands and Islands Enterprise to incur expenditure on the proposed funicular railway on Cairn Gorm. [37517]

  Mr. Kynoch
  [holding answer 15 July 1996]: Yes. The director of the Landmark Centre has made direct representations to me about the project. I have assured him that my right hon. Friend will bear these in mind in reaching his decision.

  Mr. Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, pursuant to his answer of 18 March,Official Report, column 56, how many further representations he has since received about the proposed funicular railway on Cairn Gorm; and how many of these have been in opposition to the proposal. [37516]

  Mr. Kynoch
  [holding answer 15 July 1996]: To date, my right hon. Friend has received a further 774 letters about the Cairn Gorm funicular railway. Of these, 83 support the proposal and 691 oppose the development.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Rabies
  Sir David Steel
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what research including risk assessment and full economic audit his Department has(a) carried out or (b) commissioned, on alternatives to the quarantine-based rabies control procedure; and what conclusions he has drawn. [35765]

  Mrs. Browning
  The Government made it clear, in their response to the Agriculture Select Committee report on health controls on the importation of live animals, that they did not believe that the time was yet right for any changes to be introduced to the current quarantine arrangements for pet animals coming into this country.
  592
  No specific research, risk assessment or economic audit has therefore been commissioned on what alternatives might be introduced. None the less, Ministers receive regular advice from officials on all aspects of rabies control, including the risk of introducing the disease.

  Taxi Fares
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how much his Department spent in meeting the costs of taxi cab fares in the 1995–96 financial year. [36018]

  Mr. Boswell
  It is not possible currently to identify how much the Ministry spent in meeting the cost of taxi cab fares in the 1995–96 financial year. The cost of extracting the information from the financial records would be disproportionate.

  Seeds
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask th2e Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food for what reasons(a) Uncle Fred's pea, (b) the Welsh onion, (c) the Mortgage Lifter runner bean and (d) the Ormskirk late green Savoy cabbage are omitted from the list of species which are allowed to be commercially bought or sold as seeds; and if he will make a statement. [36226]

  Mr. Boswell
  The Seeds (National Lists of Varieties) Regulations 1982, as amended, which implement EC directives, require a variety on the UK national list or EC common catalogue to have a maintainer responsible for maintaining it true to its original description. A variety of Savoy cabbage named Ormskirk was removed from the UK national list in 1989 because no one wished to maintain it. My Department has no record of the varieties Uncle Fred's pea and the Mortgage Lifter runner bean being entered as candidates for the UK national list under those names. Marketing of varieties of the species Welsh onion is not controlled by the Seeds (National Lists of Varieties) Regulations 1982, as amended, and may therefore take place without these varieties being listed.

  Mr. Jones
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) why(a) the May Blossom cauliflower, (b) the Prizewinner swede, (c) the Black Kidney potato, (d) the everlasting green kale, (e) the Black Sugarsweet turnip, (f) the blight resistant Virginia spinach, (g) the Tommy Toe tomato and (h) the Giant Tree tomato are omitted from the list of species which are allowed to be commercially bought or sold as seeds; and if he will make a statement; [37450]

  (2) for what reasons Ely white celery is omitted from the list of species which are allowed to be commercially bought or sold as seeds; and if he will make a statement. [37359]

  Mr. Boswell
  The Seeds (National Lists of Varieties) Regulations 1982, as amended, which implement EC directives, require a variety on the UK national list or EC common catalogue to have a maintainer responsible for maintaining it true to its original description. A variety of cauliflower named May Blossom was removed from the UK national list in 1984 because no one wished to maintain it; a variety of swede named Prizewinner was removed from the UK national list in 1975 and a celery named Ely white was removed in 1985 for the same
  593
  reason. My Department has no record of the varieties Black Kidney potato, everlasting green kale, Black Sugarsweet turnip, blight resistant Virginia spinach, Tommy Toe tomato or Giant Tree tomato as being entered as candidates for the UK national list under these names.

  Cattle Slaughter Scheme
  Dr. Strang
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many cattle were slaughtered in the United Kingdom under the 30-months scheme in the weeks beginning(a) 3 June and (b) 10 June.

  Mr. Boswell
  The number of cattle slaughtered under the scheme in these weeks was(a) 26,149 and (b) 28,271.

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list all those questions submitted by the hon. Member that his Department has not answered, together with the number of days elapsed since the date for which they were originally set down to answer; and if he will make a statement. [37361]

  Mrs. Browning
  According to the Department's records, none of the hon. Member's questions is overdue for reply.

  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his answer of 27 march,Official Report, column 640, about parliamentary questions, what method would be used by his Department in collating the information requested. [37522]

  Mr. Boswell
  The examination of more than 17,000 files dating back to 1987–88.

  Water Re-use
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will undertake a study to determine the safety and effectiveness of the extended water reuse system compared to conventional farming methods. [37475]

  Mr. Baldry
  I am not aware of any significant commercial advantage or public health benefit from extending beyond one month the period during which seawater may be reused in the purification of shellfish. We therefore have no plans to undertake studies to determine the safety and effectiveness of reusing seawater for extended periods, although we remain ready to evaluate any evidence of safety and effectiveness that independent researchers produce.

  Oyster Farms
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many(a) licensed and (b) unlicensed oyster farms exist in the United Kingdom; and how many oysters are produced in each category per annum. [37476]

  Mr. Baldry
  Oysters may be harvested from wild fisheries or cultivated on farms. All oyster farms must be registered for shellfish disease control purposes. There are 153 registered oyster farms in the UK. UK production of 594
  farmed oysters sold for the table amounts to some 950 tonnes per annum. Around 538 tonnes of oysters were landed from wild fisheries in 1994.

  Fraud
  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what inquiries to detect fraud by cross-checking his Department's payroll with details of those claiming benefit he has undertaken; when these exercises took place; and how many staff were(a) suspended, (b) dismissed and (c) prosecuted as a result. [37704]

  Mr. Boswell
  The Department responds to inquiries made by the Benefits Agency where there are reasonable grounds for suspicion that an individual may be involved in benefit fraud.

  The Department has no record of any member of staff being suspended, dismissed or prosecuted as a result of such inquiries.

  ADAS
  Mr. French
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what targets have been set for ADAS in 1996–97. [38584]

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The Secretary of State for Wales and I have set ADAS the following targets for 1996–97:

  to recover 100 per cent. of its costs for advisory services through charges to commercial customers;

  to comply with budgetary controls resulting from the Public Expenditure Survey and the Supply Estimates;

  to reduce the total cost per hour in contact delivery in real terms by 3 per cent;

  to maintain average debtor days at or better than 53 days;

  to meet 90 per cent. of research and development project milestones;

  to continue to achieve customer satisfaction as measured by customer surveys.

  Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what guarantees have been sought by his EU counterparts during the negotiations on matters relating to BSE to ensure that all beef carcase exports comply with BSE control regulations and are BSE-free following any raising of the EU ban on beef meat trading; [32323]

  (2) what guarantees have been sought by his EU counterparts during the negotiations on matters relating to BSE that all live beef exports will comply with BSE control regulations and will be BSE-free following any raising of the European Union ban on beef meat trading. [32322]

  Mrs. Browning
  [holding answer 17 June 1996]: Other member states agreed a framework for lifting the EU beef export ban unanimously at the Florence European Council. This included a commitment that the ban would be lifted:
  only and exclusively on the basis of public health and objective scientific criteria and of the judgement of the Commission.

  We expect all other member states to honour this commitment.

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