Written Answers of 12 June 1996

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Buckley Hall Prison
  Ms Lynne
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the number and types of incidents reported to the Prison Service since 1 March in relation to Buckley Hall prison. [30679]

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

  Letter from A. J. Pearson to Ms Liz Lynne, dated 12 June 1996:
  The Home Secretary has asked me, in the absence of the Director General from the office, to reply to your recent Question about the number and types of incidents reported to the Prison Service since 1 March in relation to Buckley Hall prison.
  The requested information is given in the following table:

  Number

  Assaults

  5

  Concerted indiscipline

  1

  Drugs

  12

  Escape

  1

  Fire

  5

  Miscellaneous

  1

  Recapture/surrender

  14

  Temporary release failure

  5

  Total

  44

  Prison Escapes
  Ms Lynne
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners are unlawfully at large having failed to return from authorised leave at each male category C prison. [30806]

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

  Letter from Richard Tilt to Ms Liz Lynne, dated 12 June 1996:
  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about the number of prisoners who are unlawfully at large having failed to return from authorised leave at each male category C prison.
  The information is not available in the form requested however, between 1 April 1995 and 31 March 1996, 271 prisoners failed to return to male category C prisons after being temporarily released on licence. In the same period, 1,458 prisoners who were unlawfully at large were recaptured or surrendered themselves.
  The figures are not directly comparable because those prisoners who were recaptured or who surrendered between 1 April 1995 and 31 March 1996 include those released during that period and before.
  150
  The 1,458 figure includes all prisoners who were unlawfully at large from any prison for any reason, including temporary release failures, absconds from open prisons and escapees.
  Also, recaptured prisoners sometimes use different names on return to custody and are often taken back into custody in a part of the country different from their destination when granted temporary release from prison.
  Following changes to the Prison Rules in April 1995, the new scheme for release on temporary licence introduced tighter controls including a stringent risk assessment. Since the introduction of the new scheme, the number of prisoners who have failed to return has fallen by 75 per cent. Since August 1995, the Prisoners (Return to Custody) Act makes it a criminal offence for any person to remain unlawfully at large following the expiry of the temporary release licence.
  The Act also gives the police increased powers to enter and search premises without a warrant in order to recapture those unlawfully at large. These provisions were designed to ensure that prisoners do not abuse the trust placed in them when granted a period of temporary release on licence.

  Recruitment
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much his Department spent in recruiting staff to his Department and its executive agencies during the 1994–95 and 1995–96 financial years; and how many staff were recruited in each of these years. [31391]

  Mr. Howard
  Excluding the Prison Service and recruitment undertaken locally within the main Home Office, apart from the immigration and nationality directorate, the Home Office spent £824,829 in 1994–95 on the recruitment of 939 staff. In 1995–96, the Home Office spent £1,059,426 on the recruitment of 1,172 staff. These figures exclude staff costs. Figures for the Prison Service and recruitment undertaken locally within the main Home Office, apart from the immigration and nationality directorate, could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Fires
  Mr. Ian McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what was, for each fire authority in England and Wales the number of(a) fires and (b) injuries and fatalities sustained in fires on residential, holiday and touring caravan sites in the years 1990 to 1995 inclusive; [31857]

  (2) what was the number of (a) fires and (b) injuries and fatalities sustained in fires in each fire authority in Scotland on residential, holiday and touring caravan sites in the years 1990 to 1995. [31856]

  Mr. Sackville
  The readily available information for England and Wales and Scotland is given in the first table, with 1993 data for each fire authority given in the second table. Data for each separate fire authority for each year could be produced only at disproportionate cost. Data for 1994 and 1995 are not yet available.
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  Fires, deaths and injuries from fires starting in caravans on sites, attended by local authority fire brigades in England and Wales and Scotland, 1990 to 1993

  England and Wales

  Scotland

  Year

  Fires

  Deaths

  Injuries1

  Fires

  Deaths

  Injuries1

  1993

  511

  1

  28

  51

  0

  1

  1992

  600

  1

  43

  73

  0

  4

  1991

  722

  0

  36

  82

  0

  4

  1990

  883

  7

  60

  115

  0

  8

  1 Injuries are defined as those which required medical treatment beyond first aid at the scene of the fire.

  Fires, deaths and injuries from fires starting in caravans on sites, by fire brigade areas in England, Wales and Scotland, 1993

  Fire brigade area

  Fires

  Deaths

  Injuries1

  England and Wales

  511

  1

  28

  Avon

  10

  0

  0

  Bedfordshire

  7

  0

  0

  Berkshire

  3

  0

  2

  Buckinghamshire

  4

  0

  0

  Cambridgeshire

  5

  0

  0

  Cheshire

  9

  0

  0

  Cleveland

  2

  0

  0

  Cornwall

  8

  0

  0

  Cumbria

  5

  0

  0

  Derbyshire

  9

  0

  0

  Devon

  8

  0

  2

  Dorset

  5

  0

  0

  Durham

  8

  0

  0

  East Sussex

  4

  0

  0

  Essex

  15

  0

  1

  Gloucestershire

  9

  0

  0

  Hampshire

  7

  0

  0

  Hereford and Worcester

  6

  0

  0

  Hertfordshire

  3

  0

  1

  Humberside

  15

  0

  1

  Isle of Wight

  1

  0

  0

  Kent

  19

  0

  1

  Lancashire

  19

  0

  2

  Leicestershire

  10

  0

  2

  Lincolnshire

  13

  0

  0

  Norfolk

  19

  0

  5

  North Yorkshire

  11

  0

  0

  Northampshire

  8

  0

  0

  Northumberland

  8

  0

  1

  Nottinghamshire

  14

  0

  0

  Oxfordshire

  4

  0

  0

  Shropshire

  2

  0

  0

  Somerset

  6

  0

  0

  Staffordshire

  5

  0

  1

  Suffolk

  3

  0

  0

  Surrey

  2

  1

  0

  Warwickshire

  5

  0

  0

  West Sussex

  6

  0

  0

  Wiltshire

  5

  0

  0

  Greater Manchester

  23

  0

  0

  Merseyside

  12

  0

  0

  South Yorkshire

  14

  0

  0

  Tyne and Wear

  20

  0

  0

  West Midlands

  25

  0

  1

  West Yorkshire

  26

  0

  2

  Greater London

  24

  0

  1

  Clwyd

  25

  0

  1

  Dyfed

  5

  0

  0

  Gwent

  4

  0

  0

  Gwynedd

  7

  0

  1

  Mid Glamorgan

  14

  0

  3

  South Glamorgan

  3

  0

  0

  West Glamorgan

  7

  0

  0

  Scotland

  51

  0

  1

  Strathclyde

  29

  0

  1

  Highlands and Islands

  4

  0

  0

  Grampian

  2

  0

  0

  Tayside

  3

  0

  0

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  Fires, deaths and injuries from fires starting in caravans on sites, by fire brigade areas in England, Wales and Scotland, 1993

  Fire brigade area

  Fires

  Deaths

  Injuries1

  Lothian and Borders

  7

  0

  0

  Fife

  4

  0

  0

  Central

  1

  0

  0

  Dumfries and Galloway

  1

  0

  0

  1 Injuries are defined as those which required medical treatment beyond first aid at the scene of the fire.

  Source:

  Home Office.

  British Citizens
  Mr. MacShane
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many British citizens with right of abode in the United Kingdom are currently living in(a) the European Union, (b) Commonwealth countries, (c) the United States of America, (d) Switzerland and (e) the rest of the world outside the United Kingdom. [32027]

  Mr. Kirkhope
  There were 420,000 British citizens resident in other countries now in the European Union and 19,000 resident in Switzerland on 1 January 1993. Later data, and the other information requested, are not available.

  Constitutional Unit
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the creation of the new constitutional unit in his office and list its responsibilities. [32265]

  Mr. Howard
  The constitutional unit was set up as part of the reorganisation of the Home Office which followed its senior management review. It is responsible for advice on the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man, elections, human rights and royal and constitutional issues.

TREASURY

  Census (Welsh Language)
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will ensure that the census in the year 2001 includes questions relating to the number of people in Wales who understand the Welsh language. [31307]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  The census offices expect to include questions in the 2001 census in Wales on whether respondents understand, speak, read and write Welsh. This would provide additional information to the questions asked in the 1991 census which covered speaking, reading, and writing Welsh, but not understanding Welsh.
  153

  Self-assessment
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what reports he has received of difficulties experienced by the Inland Revenue in respect of self-assessment income tax returns in the pilot areas operating this scheme. [31423]

  Mr. Jack
  A prototype of the self-assessment tax return has been used in a trial in Leicester involving 5,000 taxpayers. Results of that trial are currently being evaluated and a report will be published later in the year. I understand that this will suggest that the results are in line with Inland Revenue expectations of taxpayer behaviour. Feedback from the trial did inform the continuing consultation on the self-assessment tax return and a number of changes were made to the return as a result of live trial experiences.

  Exchange Rates
  Mr. MacShane
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the movement each month in 1996 of the pound against(a) the US dollar and (b) the German mark. [31931]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  Figures for monthly averages in 1996 of sterling's exchange rate against the dollar and the deutschmark are as follows:

  £/$

  £/DM

  January 1996

  1.53

  2.24

  February 1996

  1.54

  2.25

  March 1996

  1.53

  2.26

  April 1996

  1.52

  2.28

  May 1996

  1.51

  2.32

  Mr. MacShane
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent representations he has received regarding re-entry into the European exchange rate mechanism at existing parities with particular reference to the effect on exports; and if he will make a statement. [31933]

  Mrs. Knight
  None. The UK will not rejoin the European exchange rate mechanism during this Parliament, and there is no question of us ever rejoining a rigid, old-style exchange rate mechanism.

  Nationalised Industries
  Mr. Pawsey:
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the total amount of public funds invested in the nationalised industries since 1966 in 1996 prices. [31926]

  Mr. Waldegrave:
  The total amount of capital expenditure by public corporations, which include the nationalised industries, from 1966–67 to 1994–95 was £358 billion at 1994–95 prices. Of that, £135 billion was financed by capital grants or net lending from the general government sector. No separate information on the nationalised industries is held for the earlier part of this period.
  154

  Civil Servants (Duties Abroad)
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Chancellor the Exchequer how much his Department spent during the financial years 1994–95 and 1995–96 on sending civil servants accompanying Ministers from his Department on official duties abroad. [32412]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  Expenditure on travel and subsistence overseas in the two years is included in the published running costs.

  Information Technology
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the readiness of his Department's information technology projects for the start of income tax self-assessment in April 1997. [31782]

  Mr. Jack
  [holding answer 7 June 1996]: The information technology system for self-assessment is being developed in the form of a number of related tranches. Their readiness to perform the task of delivering self-assessment will be assessed on a continuing basis as software testing is undertaken during the remainder of this year and the early part of 1987.

  Mr. Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the likely cost overrun on the information technology projects associated with the move to income tax self-assessment; and if he will make a statement. [31791]

  Mr. Jack
  [holding answer 7 June 1996]: The Inland Revenue is keeping costs to completion of the information technology projects under continuous review. These costs remain within budget.

  Insider Dealing
  Mr. Darling
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proposals he has to amend legislation in relation to the offence of insider dealing; and if he will make a statement. [32058]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  [holding answer 10 June 1996]: I have no proposals to amend part V of the Criminal Justice Act 1993. An order will be made shortly under section 64(2) of that Act to update the lists of regulated markets in the Insider Dealing (Securities and Regulated Markets) Order 1994.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Grant-maintained Schools
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment which grant-maintained schools have hosted "Going GM" open days at the request of the Department; how many invitations have been issued to each; how many people have attended each; what has been the cost of each; and how many further such open days it is planned to hold. [28608]

  Mrs. Gillan
  GM schools "open days" have given head teachers and governors from local authority schools opportunities to see how GM schools are run and to discuss the implications of GM status with staff and governors. Since March 1994 the Department has supported 26 such open days, with a further six scheduled to take place this
  155
  term. We do not hold information on the number of invitations sent. An average of 14 delegates attend each of the days held so far. Costs vary, because schools make their own arrangements. The average cost so far, where a claim has been submitted, is some £430 for staff costs, including preparation for the day, and some £540 for other costs such as administered and catering. The average cost per head is some £70. We are reviewing the range of activities undertaken to provide information about the GM programme, taking account of the forthcoming White Paper on extending self-government for schools.

  Training and Enterprise Councils
  Mr. William O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what are the criteria for the nomination and selection of members of training and enterprise councils; and if she will make a statement. [32477]

  Mr. Paice
  Training and enterprise councils are private companies. The appointment of directors to TEC boards is determined by the members of the company acting in accordance with the company's articles of association and the eligibility conditions set by the TEC's contract with Government. It is for each TEC to decide on its own membership in accordance with the TEC National Council's "Framework for the Local Accountability of TECs" which has as its first principle clarity and openness in the selection of well-qualified and trained board members.

OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION

  Overseas Development Assistance
  Miss Lestor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proportion of the overseas development assistance budget is spent on projects and programmes which are primarily designed to meet the objective of the promotion of democracy and good governance. [32470]

  Mr. Hanley
  ODA bilateral assistance in 1994–95 totalled £1,120 million. Our policy information marker system covered £624.5 million, of which £164.3 million or 26 per cent. was spent on projects and programmes where good government was either a principal or significant objective. We are not able to disaggregate our multilateral contributions to identify expenditure on good government.

  Mrs. Kudirat Abiola
  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received about the likely motive for the murder of Chief Abiola's wife, Mrs. Kudirat Abiola, on 4 June. [32513]

  Mr. Hanley
  We have received no reports about the likely motive. We welcome the Nigerian Government's undertaking to investigate the circumstances of Mrs. Abiola's death promptly and to bring those responsible to justice.

ENVIRONMENT

  Recruitment
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how much his Department spent in recruiting staff to his Department and its executive agencies during the 1994–95 and 1995–96 financial years; and how many staff were recruited in each of these years. [31393]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  In 1994–95 and 1995–96 the number of permanent staff recruited to the central Department and executive agencies, and the cost of that recruitment was as follows:

  Year

  Numbers recruited

  Cost £000

  Central Department

  1994–95

  37

  216

  1995–96

  17

  51

  Executive agencies1

  1994–95

  82

  168

  1995–96

  129

  173

  HSE

  1994–95

  83

  266

  1995–96

  154

  145

  1 Excluding the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

  Women (Promotion)
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what measures her Department has implemented during the last 12 months to encourage the promotion of women into senior positions with his Department and its executive agencies; and what progress her Department has made in encouraging the promotion of women over the last five years. [31543]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  Specific action increasing opportunities for women over the last 12 months includes the issue of guidance to remind staff about the Department's policy on sexual harassment and their rights and responsibilities; detailed analysis of a new internal advertising scheme for job vacancies to ensure that it operates fairly; and the preparation of a leaflet on equal opportunities publicising the Department's policy. Items of particular relevance to women cover flexible working and coping with caring responsibilities; plans to reimburse additional expenses for the care of elderly and infirm dependents when the normal working routine is broken; and as a follow-up to a departmental review and staff attitude survey, a study is being undertaken to consider to what extent long hours working impacts on staff and how it might be reduced.

  Most of the above initiatives were taken under the Department's action plan for women published in 1993. Many others have been in place since then or earlier. They include:

  (a) a range of equal opportunities training for staff including senior management and women-only developmental training;

  (b) flexible and part-time working arrangements;

  (c) career breaks with a keeping in touch scheme;

  158

  (d) workplace nursery and holiday play scheme arrangements, and provision of reimbursement of additional child care costs incurred when normal working routines are broken;

  (e) raising awareness through membership of Business in the Community's Opportunity 2000 campaign and the Parents at Work organisation;

  (f) the appointment of equal opportunity liaison officers in each directorate to help promote equal opportunities in the workplace and reflect local needs;

  (g) ensuring that wherever possible a woman serves on promotion and selection panels and that these panels take account of equal opportunities issues;

  (h) monitoring success rate by gender applies to all stages of recruitment and promotion boards, annual performance and promotability markings, performance pay and bonuses, internal postings and part-time working. Any significant disparities between the success rates of men and women are investigated with a view to making improvements to procedures;

  Progress on all equal opportunities measures is reported to the Department's management board annually and the results of the continuous monitoring are made available to all staff. The percentage of women in the Department has increased from 34 per cent. in 1991 to 42 per cent. in April 1996. Currently, 23 per cent. of staff in the top three grades are women exceeding the existing civil service-wide benchmark of 15 per cent.

  Coal Industry (Accidents)
  Mr. Clapham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what consultations he has had with the Health and Safety Executive regarding the substantial increase in major accidents in the deep coal mining industry for 1995–96. [31930]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  None. The mines inspectorate of HSE conducts an investigation into all major accidents in the coal industry.

  While there has been an increase in serious accidents, the overall trend in reported accidents, including fatalities, continues on a downward trend. Every effort must be made to reduce accidents further, but the UK deep coal mining industry remains one of the safest in the world.

  Mr. Clapham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to inquire into the management of safety in the deep coal mining industry following the increases in major accident figures in 1995–96. [31929]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  None. I am satisfied that the mines inspectorate of HSE give proper priority to ensuring the effective management of safety in the deep coal mining industry.

  While there has been an increase in serious accidents, the overall trend in reported accidents, including fatalities, continues on a downward trend. Every effort must be made to reduce accidents further but the UK deep coal mining industry remains one of the safest in the world.

  Housing and Council Tax Benefits
  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to make the payment of housing benefit and council tax benefit in the areas of local authority work to be subject to compulsory competitive tendering. [31972]
  159
  Sir Paul Beresford
  Our proposals for changes to the framework for compulsory competitive tendering for professional services includes a proposal to raise the percentage of financial services work which must be exposed to competition from 35 per cent. to 65 per cent., and limit the availability of exemptions from CCT for authorities which cannot meet that requirement without exposing benefits work to competition. The legal definition of financial services work includes benefits work and relevant authorities may well choose to expose this work to competition in order to meet their competition requirements.

  Mr. Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has in the event of private sector management of the payment of housing and council tax benefits to ensure(a) confidentiality of claimant information and (b) adequate training in the processing of claims. [31973]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  Statutory guidance on the conduct of compulsory competitive tendering—DOE circular 5/96—advises that it is for local authorities to specify the work to be done and the standards which must be met. Within this framework, it is for relevant local authorities to ensure that the confidentiality of claimant information is properly protected and that staff who are processing claims have appropriate training.

  Further guidance in relation to housing and council tax benefit is contained within DSS circular HB/CTB A2/95.

  Private Sector
  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment where the private sector has competed for public sector work in the last five years, what percentage of work it has won. [31974]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  Latest available figures from the November 1995 survey by the Local Government Management Board show that the private sector held 25 per cent. of contracts, by value, tendered by local authorities under the Local Government Act 1988. The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy figures for 1994–95 for work tendered under the Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980 show the private sector holding 56 per cent. of contracts, by value.

  Voluntary Contracting Out
  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what response he has made to the conclusion of the report of the Business Services Association in respect of voluntary contracting out, a copy of which has been sent to him. [31975]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  The Secretary of State agrees with the Business Services Association that many local authorities have failed to secure for their electorates and taxpayers the benefits of private sector provision of public sector services. Voluntary contracting out is one way of securing such benefits. It is pleasing to note that the director general of the Business Services Association has welcomed our proposals for changes to the framework for compulsory competitive tendering of professional services, which we announced on 21 May.
  160

  Asbestos
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many tonnes of asbestos has been imported into the United Kingdom in each year since 1970. [32031]

  Mr. Clappison
  This information is not available in the required form. However, it is estimated that imports of asbestos peaked in 1973 at around 195,000 tonnes, and have since declined to around 11,000 tonnes per annum. Imports of blue and brown asbestos ceased in 1972 and 1980 respectively.

  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many prosecutions have been made since 1970 for breach of asbestos regulations. [32035]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  Information is readily available only since 1 April 1986. The latest year for which information is available is 1994–95. The number of informations laid under asbestos regulations by inspectors in HSE's field operations directorate since 1 April 1986 is shown in the table:

  Regulations

  Informations laid from 1986/87 to 1994/95

  Asbestos Regulations 19691

  35

  Asbestos (Licensing) Regulations 1983

  133

  Asbestos (Prohibitions) Regulations 19852

  nil

  Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 1987

  269

  Asbestos (Prohibitions) Regulations 1992

  nil

  1 Revoked from 1 March 1988

  2 Revoked from 1 January 1993.

  Details of proceedings taken by other enforcing authorities under the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974 are not readily available.

  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the research which he has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on the development of knowledge of the hazardous properties of asbestos. [32033]

  Mr. Clappison
  The hazardous properties of asbestos are well known and have been extensively researched by my Department. The results of that work and work commissioned by others are well documented in the scientific literature. Recently, the Department of the Environment has been researching the risks to health from exposure to asbestos in the non-workplace environment. The results of this research will be published early next year. Information on DOE's research programme is published biannually in "Research Report, DOE Science". In addition, the Helath and Safety Executive continues its programme of research into the hazards of asbestos and other fibrous materials in the workplace. Information on HSE's research programme is given in its publication "Mainstream Research Market 1996–97". HSE will also shortly publish a review of the toxicology of fibrous materials.

  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many approvals the Health and Safety Executive has withdrawn for respiratory protective equipment associated with asbestos work since January 1990. [32028]
  161
  Sir Paul Beresford
  None. However, since July 1995, new respiratory protective equipment has not required the Health and Safety Executive's approval.

  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how much money the Health and Safety Executive has spent on researching measures to prevent exposure to asbestos at the workplace for each year since 1986. [31989]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  The information requested is not readily available in a disaggregated form. The Health and Safety Executive sponsors a wide-ranging programme of research to underpin its enforcement, technical standard-setting and policy work. Some of this addresses measures to prevent exposure to asbestos specifically, but other parts of it cover more general aspects of exposure control that nevertheless have an impact on controlling exposure to asbestos.

  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how much asbestos is currently estimated to exist in United Kingdom buildings. [31991]

  Mr. Clappison
  This information is not available in the required form. However, the Department of the Environment has commissioned research to estimate the amount of asbestos in homes. The results of this research will be published early next year.

  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many notifications of asbestos work have been recorded by the Health and Safety Executive for each year since 1986. [31993]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  The Health and Safety Executive does not maintain a central record of notifications received by its area offices under the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 1987 or under the conditions of licences granted under the Asbestos (Licensing) Regulations 1983. However, a telephone survey of HSE area offices undertaken in December 1995 produced the following figures:

  Year

  Notifications received under the conditions of licences granted under the Asbestos (Licensing) Regulations 1983

  1992–93

  8,895

  1993–94

  7,954

  1994–95

  7,829

  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many tonnes of asbestos roof tiles were imported into the United Kingdom in each year since 1990. [32030]

  Mr. Clappison
  This information is not available in the required form. However, it is estimated that around 40 per cent. of the asbestos currently imported into the United Kingdom is used for producing asbestos cement, and this cement is largely used for roofing products and slates.

  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment which asbestos products are currently used in building materials. [32034]
  162
  Mr. Clappison
  White asbestos may be used in building materials apart from those products specified in the schedule to the Asbestos (Prohibitions) Regulations 1992 (SI 3067). In practice, the main current use of asbestos is in asbestos cement roofing products and cladding. The use of blue and brown asbestos was banned in 1986 and this ban was extended to all other forms of amphibole asbestos in 1993.

  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how much money has been provided by the Health and Safety Executive for campaign work aimed at raising(a) employee and (b) public awareness of the dangers of asbestos for each year since 1990. [31990]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  The Health and Safety Executive's campaign on raising awareness of the risks from asbestos is aimed at both employees and employers, and so expenditure on campaigns aimed at employees only cannot be distinguished. The expenditure on publicity campaigns addressed to both employers and employees is shown in the table:

  Year

  Employers and employees £

  1990–91

  nil

  1991–92

  nil

  1992–93

  nil

  1993–94

  nil

  1994–95

  469,700

  1995–96

  2,000

  1996–97 (to date)

  5,500

  This does not include internal staff costs, such as action by HSE inspectors. Further expenditure on raising awareness of asbestos amongst employers and employees will be incurred this year during the second phase of HSE's campaign "Good Health is Good Business".

  The Health and Safety Executive is not responsible for raising public awareness of the dangers of asbestos, and has therefore incurred no expenditure in this respect. The Department of the Environment published a leaflet for the public on asbestos in housing in 1991 and is currently preparing a revised version of this guidance.

  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment in what year(a) blue and (b) brown asbestos was prohibited from being used as a construction industry material. [32007]

  Mr. Clappison
  The marketing and use of blue and brown asbestos, and materials containing those minerals, was prohibited under the Asbestos (Prohibition) Regulations 1985 (SI 910) which came into force on 1 January 1986.

  Rents
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what has been the annual average rent increase for (i) developing housing associations, (ii) council and (iii) private tenants since 1988. [32039]

  Mr. Clappison
  The available information is that council rents increased at an average annual rate of 10.7 per cent. per annum between April 1988 and April 1995, and private rents by an average of
  163
  15 per cent. per annum between 1988 and 1994–95. These increases make no allowance for changes in the mix of property quality and type over the period.

  The estimate for private tenants is from the family expenditure survey and, like all estimates from sample surveys, is subject to sampling variability.

  Information is not available centrally on rent increases by developing housing associations for periods prior to March 1993.

  Health and Safety Executive
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many times the director general of the Health and Safety Executive has met members of the deregulation unit during(a) 1994, (b) 1995 and (c) 1996. [31988]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  The current director general of the Health and Safety Executive, Miss Jenny Bacon, took up post in July 1995. Since then she has met members of the Cabinet Office deregulation unit—CODU—on two occasions. She has also been to two other meetings where members of CODU have been present. Information about meetings prior to this is not available.

  Respiatory Protective Equipment
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many research projects the Health and Safety Executive has funded in the past five years which analysed the effectiveness of respiratory protective equipment. [31992]

  Sir Paul Beresofrd
  Ten.

  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment which respiratory protective equipment has been identified to give less protection than claimed by the manufacturer in research projects funded by the Health and Safety Executive in the last five years. [32008]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  Research projects funded by the Health and Safety Executive in the last five years have examined the field performance of respiratory protective equipment, including full-facepiece powered respirators, compared with their performance in laboratory-based tests. The HSE is not aware that manufacturers claim that respiratory protective equipment will always meet in practice the standard of protection that can be achieved in laboratory tests, so it is not possible to say from the HSE's research which respirators given less protection than that claimed.

  The HSE has for some time advised users of respirators that they should not rely on laboratory-derived information alone when choosing appropriate respiratory protective equipment.

  Health and Safety Commission
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many consultation documents the Health and Safety Commission has published for public consultation in each year since 1988. [32029]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  The figures requested are set out in the table:164

  Calendar year

  Number of Consultation documents

  1988

  8

  1989

  15

  1990

  8

  1991

  13

  1992

  13

  1993

  16

  1994

  13

  1995

  16

  1996

  10

  Housing Associations
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what studies his Department has undertaken to evaluate the comparative efficiency of tenant-managed housing associations. [31984]

  Mr. Clappison
  Ten case studies comparing tenant management organisations with locally matched social housing managed by local authorities and housing associations were carried out between 1991 and 1994. A report, "Tenants in Control: an evaluation of tenant led housing management organisations", was published last September. A copy is available in the House of Commons Library.

  Mr. Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his policy on investments by housing associations in derivatives. [31985]

  Mr. Clappison
  Housing associations are allowed to use derivatives only in order to reduce risk and, in particular, the risk of interest rates fluctuating. Each derivative transaction must match a corresponding identified risk. Speculation is not permitted. Guidance on investment in derivatives by housing associations is set out in Housing Corporation circular 11/95.

  Working Times
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the circumstances in which a 12-hour working shift would be considered a risk to health and safety. [32032]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  Employers are required to carry out assessments to identify the risks to the health and safety of their employees, including any which might result from working hours. There is no definitive list of circumstances where working 12 hours shifts might be considered a risk to health and safety, but employers might consider factors such as the nature of the work, its physical or mental demands, the level of concentration required and whether it is safety critical.

  Rents
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the annual average rent increase for non-developing housing association tenants in each year since 1988 in(a) cash and (b) real terms. [32040]

  Mr. Clappison
  This information is not held centrally.
  165

  Equal Opportunities
  Mr. Bernie Grant
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what estimate he has made of the number of new black and minority ethnic construction firms or consultancies which(a) have been able to start up and (b) develop further, from the projects that have been funded in inner-city areas; [31962]

  (2) what estimate he has made of the number of black and minority ethnic construction firms or consultancies which the banks have assisted in (i) the last financial year and (ii) in the last five years; [31963]

  (3) how many black and minority ethnic construction firms or consultancies, as defined by the Commission of Racial Equality, are on the approved contractors list of local authorities in London. [31964]

  Mr. Clappison
  No data are available centrally to answer these questions.

  Mr. Grant
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many black and minority ethnic construction firms or consultancies (i) are currently and (ii) are planned to be engaged in capital projects under(a) round 1 single regeneration budget challenge fund projects in London and (b) round 2 single regeneration budget challenge fund projects in London. [31965]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  The information requested is not available. Partnerships are required in the grant offer letter not to discriminate unlawfully against any person on the grounds of sex or race.

  Mr. Grant
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he has taken to ensure that black and minority ethnic businesses are able to compete successfully as part of the single regeneration budget challenge fund programme in London and the regions. [31966]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  The SRB challenge fund bidding guidance clearly states that bids for funding must be supported by partnerships representing all those with a key interest, including ethnic minority communities. Challenge fund objectives also address the need to involve ethnic minorities; these include enhancing the employment prospects, education and skills of local people, particularly the young and those at a disadvantage, promoting equality of opportunity and promoting initiatives of benefit to ethnic minorities.

  Over a third of successful SRB challenge fund schemes in the first two bidding rounds are specifically targeted at ethnic minorities. In addition, over 60 per cent. of successful round 2 schemes will include outputs for which ethnic minorities are intended beneficiaries.

  Mr. Grant
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps are being taken to monitor the success of local authority equal opportunities policies, with particular reference to the awarding of contracts for capital projects under the single regeneration budget challenge fund programme in London and in the regions. [31967]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  No formal monitoring of equal opportunities policies is carried out. Local authorities are required to comply with the law relating to equal opportunities. In the specific case of the SRB challenge 166
  fund, all successful partnerships are made aware of the need to comply with this law in the grant offer letter and are directed to the codes of practice issued by the Commission for Racial Equality and the Equal Opportunities Commission for further advice.

  Mr. Grant
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what percentage of the single regeneration budget—SRB—challenge fund(a) has been paid to and (b) is planned to be paid to black and minority ethnic construction firms or consultancies in (i) round 1 SRB challenge fund year by year in London and (ii) round 2 SRB challenge fund year by year in London. [31968]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  The information requested is not available.

  Thamesmead Town Ltd.
  Mr. Austin-Walker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many properties have been sold to tenants of Thamesmead Town Ltd. who had the preserved right to buy. [32455]

  Mr. Clappison
  Thamesmead Town Ltd. has sold 860 residential properties and 11 garages to tenants who had the preserved right to buy.

  Mr. Austin-Walker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many properties have been sold by Thamesmead Town Ltd. since the company took over from the London residuary body; and what was the figure for capital receipts for each year. [32456]

  Mr. Clappison
  The number of properties sold by Thamesmead Town since the company took over from the London residuary body is as follows:

  Number

  Residential land sales

  11

  Industrial land sales

  2

  Right to buy units sold

  860

  Garages sold

  12

  Equity share property sold

  1

  Void property sold

  1

  Capital receipts for each year were:

  1987–88: £2,878,000

  1988–89: £10,155,000

  1989–90: £5,350,000

  1990–91: £1,546,000

  1991–92: £876,000

  1992–93: £1,251,000

  1993–94: £3,165,000

  1994–95: £1,496,000

  1995–96: £768,000

  167
  Mr. Austin-Walker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what level of public subsidy Thamesmead Town Ltd. has received either in cash or reliefs, allowances or benefits in kind since its creation. [32457]

  Mr. Clappison
  Since its creation, Thamesmead Town Ltd. has received the following public subsidy:

  Urban Programme (received via the London Borough of Greenwich) (a) Additional pavements, Titmus avenue

  £

  Grant

  35,278

  Thamesmead Town

  11,760

  Total

  47,038

  (b) Play area, Hawksmoor youth club

  £

  Grant

  20,000

  Thamesmead town

  22,000

  Total

  42,000

  (c) Additional pavements in Bentham road were provided by the London borough of Greenwich, cost not available.

  Derelict Land Grant (received via the London borough of Greenwich) (a) Landscaping and removal of fly-tipping, East Thamesmead business park

  £

  Grant

  30,000

  Thamesmead town

  45,000

  Total

  75,000

  (b) Landscaping work and removal of fly-tipping, Eastern way verge in Birchmere park carried out on behalf of the London borough of Greenwich. Total cost £65,000.

  Urban Partnership Fund West Thamesmead business park improvements

  Source of funds

  £

  London borough of Greenwich

  40,000

  Thamesmead town

  95,000

  Business Park companies

  44,500

  Thames Water Utilities Ltd.

  15,000

  Sub-total

  194,500

  Urban Partnership Fund

  165,000

  Scheme total

  359,500

  Environmental improvements to Maran Way

  £

  Grant from Bexley London borough

  30,000

  Thamesmead Town

  45,000

  Total

  75,000

  168
  Thames Cycle Route
  Work carried out from Abbey sluice to Crossness sewage works on behalf of Bexley London borough and Sustrans. Total cost £32,500.

  Outside Toilets
  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many residential properties(a) in England and (b) in the local authority area of Manchester and Trafford still depend on outside toilets. [32515]

  Mr. Clappison
  Figures for the number of residential properties with outside toilets are not available at local authority level. The census does, however, give figures for households. These will be slightly higher because a property can contain more than one household. The 1991 census found 78,640 households living in dwellings with no inside WC. Of these, 911 households lived in Manchester and 180 in Trafford.

  Merseyside Property Development Fund
  Mrs. Jane Kennedy
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects the Merseyside property development fund to commence operation; what are the main aims of the fund; and how much is being invested in the fund by each of its partners. [31824]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  [holding answer 7 June 1996]: The proposal for a Merseyside property development fund is being developed by English Partnerships in discussion with other objective 1 partners. The objective of the fund would be to encourage greater private sector investment in the Merseyside property market.

  The applicant is exploring appropriate structures and financing mechanisms. It is envisaged that there will be funding from EP, objective 1 European regional development fund, and the private sector. Due to the complex nature of the proposals, it is difficult to forecast when the fund will be operational.

TRANSPORT

  Port of Tyne Authority
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will ask those who made written representations in respect of the proposed privatisation of the Port of Tyne authority if it has any objections to these being placed in the Library. [31311]

  Mr. Norris
  I understand that the Port of Tyne authority has already asked those who made representation whether they have any objection to the details being so deposited.

  Highway Improvement Schemes
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the cost evaluation techniques used by his Department for major highway on-line improvement schemes with particular reference to the range of costs associated with the maintenance of traffic flows; and what reliability tests are applied to these evaluations. [32037]
  169
  Mr. Watts
  I have asked the chief executive of the Highways Agency to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Lawrie Haynes to Mr. Llew Smith, dated 12 June 1996:
  The Secretary of State for Transport has asked me to reply to your recent question concerning the cost evaluation techniques used for major on-line improvement schemes.
  The Agency uses similar economic evaluation techniques for all the schemes in the Road Programme whether they be a bypass on a new alignment or an on-line widening. This involves the assessment of all the capital and maintenance costs of the scheme and the benefits to road users in reduced congestion and accident savings over a 30 year period. All these costs and benefits are discounted to a common price base and present value year to give a Net Present Value for the scheme.
  Traffic forecasts for such a long period into the future are naturally subject to uncertainty because of the effects of factors such as the price of fuel and the future economic performance of the country (in terms of GDP) for which assumptions have to be made. The Department of Transport has, for some time, recognised this uncertainty and publishes "high growth" and "low growth" national traffic forecasts, representing the range of what is likely to happen. These forecasts are incorporated into the Department of Transport's COBA (Cost Benefit Analysis) computer program which is used to assess the day to day benefits in terms of time saving, fuel savings and accident reductions. The enclosed booklet "GETTING THE BEST ROADS FOR OUR MONEY" describes the basic principles.
  The cost of delays and accidents during construction and maintenance works over a 30 year period are assessed using the Department of Transport's QUADRO (Queues And Delays at Roadwork) computer program. This program assesses the cost of delays in terms of increased fuel cost, vehicle occupants' time and accidents. It can take account of different traffic management arrangements, e.g. number of lanes closed, length etc. including the availability of a suitable diversion route.
  All appraisals are scrutinised by Departmental or Agency staff as agreed by the Department.
  The parameters and values used in the computer programs are based on research and updated when necessary. The Highways Agency's Research Programme includes projects which have the objective of improving network safety and efficiency by reducing delay and accidents at roadworks. In the current financial year the following projects may produce benefits in this area:-

  Study of Accidents and Incidents at Roadwork

  This study will update the current information about the causes, types and frequencies of accidents and incidents at roadwork and may identify improvements to the techniques used.

  Merging Traffic at Roadwork

  This research will provide information about possible ways of improving the capacity at merge points resulting from lane closures.
  If this work produces information that could affect the calculations in QUADRO or COBA the results will be passed to the Department's Central Transport Group for incorporation into the computer programs.

  London Underground
  Mr. Soley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what guarantees against the failure of the power supply to London Underground his Department has required, and from which parties, following the tendering exercise. [31977]

  Mr. Norris
  None. This is an operational matter and any such guarantees will be a matter for discussion in due course between London Underground and the preferred bidder for its Power PFI project.
  170
  Mr. Soley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) if staff members' pensions will be restored to their original value in the event of a failure of a contractor to meet the standards required by London Transport in supplying electrical power to the underground and that contract being returned to London Underground; [31979]

  (2) if staff pensions will be preserved when transferred to companies bidding for the power supply to London Underground. [31978]

  Mr. Norris
  I understand that London Underground will require the chosen contractor under its Power PFI project to offer the staff who will transfer to him pension arrangements which are broadly comparable with the existing London Transport pension scheme. In the event that a contractor defaulted and the relevant staff transferred back to London Underground until a new contract could be let, it is likely that they would temporarily rejoin the LT pension scheme.

  Swedish Minelayer
  Mr. Allason
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how the Marine Safety Agency determined the ownership of the former Swedish minelayer MUL 16. [32209]

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

  Letter from R. M. Bradley to Mr. Rupert Allason, dated 12 June 1996:

  The Secretary of State for Transport has asked me to reply to your question about the ownership of the former Swedish minelayer MUL 16.

  The ownership of MUL 16 has not been determined by the Marine Safety Agency (MSA). In my letter to you of 16 February I explained that the Registrar General of Seamen and Shipping was awaiting a number of documents, including proof of ownership before proceeding with the registration of this vessel. The necessary information has not been obtained to enable the ownership of MUL 16 to be determined in accordance with the Merchant Shipping (Registration of Ships) Regulations 1993, as amended.

  Glasgow Vehicle Registration Office
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport on what basis the appeal board in the recent trawl for executive officers in the Glasgow vehicle registration office turned down candidates on appeal when those candidates had shown that the information given to the original sift panel was incorrect and produced additional information to support their applications. [32439]

  Mr. Norris
  The original sift board had already taken a balanced view of the inconsistencies that it had identified between certain comments on some of the trawl application forms and the wider evidence available to it for reviewing at least three years' annual staff reports and the attendance records of all applicants.

  The letter sent to unsuccessful candidates failed to make this clear. These should have explained that, given the high level of competition—15 candidates for two vacancies—only applicants with the strongest claim had been shortlisted for interview. Unfortunately, would-be appellants were instead led to believe that recent

  171
  comments of their line manager on their application forms had been paramount in deciding not to call them for interview.

  The appeals board considered appeals from eight applicants, but in all but one case there was no significant new information which the original sift board had not already taken into account. The original shortlist of applicants to be interviewed increased from five to six.

  Subsequently, at a meeting sought by officials of the Civil and Public Services Association on 3 June, the procedures of the sift and appeals board were explained to the satisfaction of those present. Exceptionally, it was agreed to increase the number of candidates to be interviewed for the two vacancies from six to eight, and a detailed letter of explanation was sent to the CPSA national official for distribution to his members at Glasgow vehicle registration office.

  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what criteria were used by the sift panel in the recent trawl for executive officers in the Glasgow vehicle registration office. [32440]

  Mr. Norris
  The sift panel considered 15 applications for the two executive officer vacancies at Glasgow vehicle registration office. It reviewed the information on the trawl application forms against the evidence of the applicants' annual staff reports and attendance report to establish those whose skills and personal qualities best matched the job descriptions in the trawl notice. The shortlist of five applicants originally selected for interview included two established executive officers from outside the VRO, as well as three administrative officers from within seeking to fill the vacancies on promotion.

  Deaf Drivers
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps the Driving Standards Agency has taken to ensure that deaf candidates are not at a disadvantage when undertaking the practical part of the driving test. [32404]

  Mr. Norris
  The DSA has well-established procedures to assist deaf or hard-of-hearing candidates to take the driving test. The test application form invites persons with special needs, such as hearing difficulties, to draw this to the attention of the booking office when making an appointment, and the booking office will arrange for more time to be allocated in which to conduct the test. This allows examiners extra time to explain the test procedures, either using printed materials or by the candidate lip-reading.

  Safety Advisers
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what training is given to safety advisers in his Department and in each of his Department's agencies. [32437]

  Mr. Norris
  Staff advising on health and safety matters study for certificates of competence issued either by the National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health or by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.
  172

  Driving Examiners
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will place in the Library a copy of the Driving Standards Agency training package for new entrant driving examiners. [32341]

  Mr. Norris
  I have arranged for a copy of the briefing package given to all new driving examiners when starting their training to be placed in the Library today.

  M25
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if plans to widen the M25 motorway between junctions 12 and 15 will be subject to a public inquiry. [32281]

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

  Letter from Lawrie Haynes to Mr. Graham Allen, dated 12 June 1996:
  The Secretary of State for Transport has asked me to reply to your recent question about a public inquiry into the recently published proposals for widening the M25 between Junctions 12 and 15.
  The period for comment on the Environmental Statement ends on 3 July. All the comments received will be taken into consideration before the Secretary of State for Transport make his decision on the way forward. This scheme would be constructed entirely within the existing highway boundary. There are no statutory orders and therefore no statutory requirement for a public inquiry.

  Light Dues
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if light dues are levied on European Community vessels in British waters. [32472]

  Mr. Norris
  Yes.

  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much was raised by the light dues system from(a) commercial vessels over 20 tons, (b) pleasure craft over 20 tons, (c) tugs over 10 m in length, and (d) fishing vessels over 10 m in length in each of the last five years; and what is his estimate for the next financial year. [32530]

  Mr. Norris
  The information is as follows:

  1991–92

  (a) £45,524,904

  (b) £30,013

  (c) £131,040

  (d) £1,177,260

  1992–93

  (a) £58,485,221

  (b) £33,687

  (c) £124,353

  (d) £1,215,798

  1993–94

  (a) £62,817,801

  (b) £4,860

  (c) £139,987

  (d) £1,344,873

  173

  1994–95

  (a) £63,402,714

  (b) £3,556

  (c) £141,495

  (d) £1,237,731

  1995–96

  Provisional figures pending preparation of final accounts

  1996–97

  Estimated

  (a) £63,000,000

  (b) Nil

  (c) £110,000

  (d) £1,000,000

  First Aiders
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether employees of his Department or agencies within his responsibility who volunteer to carry out first aid duties are remunerated. [32438]

  Mr. Norris
  No, with the exception of first aiders in the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency who receive a small allowance on satisfactory completion of first aid training.

  Aviation Safety (Turkey)
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what advice he sought from the Civil Aviation Authority on safety matters before granting a permit to Monarch Airlines Ltd. to wet-lease a TriStar aircraft registered in Antigua for a flight from the United Kingdom to Turkey on 19 May. [32279]

  Mr. Norris
  None.

  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions he had with the Civil Aviation Authority over granting a waiver to Monarch Airlines Ltd. to lease a TriStar aircraft registered in Antigua for a flight from the United Kingdom to Turkey on 19 May under article 8.3 of European Council legislation 2407/92; and if such a waiver was granted. [32280]

  Mr. Norris
  None. A waiver was granted for the flight.

  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment his Department has made of the effectiveness of the civil aviation authority in Turkey. [32278]

  Mr. Norris
  None. Turkey is now a signatory to the joint aviation authorities arrangements and has committed itself to the implementation of all joint aviation requirements. These are generally more stringent than the minimum standards of the International Civil Aviation Organisation. Turkey's national aviation authority will be assessed by the joint aviation authorities as part of the procedures for full membership. If any shortcomings are identified they will be addressed.

  Commercial Vehicles (Disabled People)
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make it his policy to ensure that vans and other commercial vehicles adapted to carry 174
  people with disabilities for their own personal use do not attract insurance premiums at rates applying to commercial vehicles. [32235]

  Mr. Norris
  The setting of insurance premiums is a commercial matter for the insurance industry. When the appropriate provisions come into force, the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 will prevent insurance companies from practising gratuitous discrimination by charging disabled people unjustifiable additional premiums. My Department is not aware of any cases of insurance companies charging disabled people business rates of insurance for converted commercial vehicles which are only used privately.

  PTC Grades Pay Bill
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will provide the estimated outturn of the Public Service and Tax Commerce Union grades base pay bill for this financial year. [32441]

  Mr. Norris
  The estimated outturn for the PTC grades base pay bill in the central transport group for the current financial year is not yet known as pay negotiations for the 1996–97 PTC pay settlement are still in progress. The estimated outturn excluding the pay settlement is £14.5 million.

  Vehicle Registration Offices (Lighting)
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what action has been taken to remedy the lighting deficiencies at the vehicle registration offices in the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency's Scotland and North area. [32436]

  Mr. Norris
  The lighting deficiencies in the Scotland and North vehicle registration offices have been identified. A plan of action has been drawn up which will enable all deficiencies to be rectified by the end of October 1996.

  Traffic Area Office (Cardiff)
  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the role played by the traffic area office in Cardiff in the field of road safety and environmental protection in south Wales; and if he will make a statement. [32351]

  Mr. Norris
  I refer to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Sutton and Cheam (Lady Olga Maitland) on 10 June,Official Report, column 30. The contribution to road safety and environmental protection of any one traffic area office cannot be separately assessed.

  Driving Standards Agency
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what health and safety training is undertaken by(a) senior driving examiners, (b) supervising driving examiners, (c) assistant chief driving examiners, (d) deputy chief driving examiners and (e) chief driving examiners as part of their supervisory training; [32338]

  (2) what subsequent (a) assessments and (b) reviews have been conducted by the Driving Standards Agency on their health and safety risk assessments of the driving examiner grade; [32342]
  175
  (3) what large goods vehicles, passenger carrying vehicles and motor cycle testing duties were included in the risk assessment carried out for the driving examiner grade; [32331]

  (4) if he will place in the Library a copy of the first draft of the risk assessment for the driving examiner grade; [32332]

  (5) if he will list the driving test centres that have been closed (a) permanently and (b) temporarily over the last 12 months as a result of health and safety problems; and which driving test centres are currently being considered for closure; [32344]

  (6) if the risk assessment for driving examiners included assaults on staff; [32401]

  (7) how many recorded assaults there have been in each of the last three years on driving examiners; and how many driving test candidates have been prosecuted for such assaults in the same period; [32345]

  (8) what measures are taken by the Driving Standards Agency to protect driving examiners from injury; [32340]

  (9) if he will list for the last three years the dates of the health and safety inspections carried out at the Driving Standards Agency training centre at Cardington; [32348]

  (10) if he will list the dates when the Driving Standards Agency health and safety committee has met over the last 12 months; [32443]

  (11) on what basis it was decided not to provide first aid training for driving examiners; [32444]

  (12) how many inspections of premises occupied by the Driving Standards Agency have been made to ascertain the presence of radon gas; [32339]

  (13) which driving test centres in the Midlands and Eastern areas have had health and safety inspections carried out in the last two years; [32347]

  (14) how many fax machines have been stolen from driving test centres, from which centres they were stolen; if they were insured; and if they were security marked; [32346]

  (15) if he will list by location the driving test centres where the staffing complement has been increased to meet the demand for driving tests prior to the introduction for the theory test. [32442]

  Mr. Norris
  I have asked the Chief Executive of the Driving Standards Agency to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Laraine Manley to Mrs. Gwyneth Dunwoody, dated 12 June 1996:
  PQS RE: DSA'S HEALTH AND SAFETY PROCEDURES
  The Secretary of State for Transport has asked me to reply to your recent questions about the Agency's Health and Safety procedures, staffing complements and security at driving test centres.

  32338

  Health and safety guidance to all Agency staff is implemented primarily by Health & Safety Advice Notes. These are drafted in consultation with the managers concerned and Trades Unions. The last three Senior Driving Examiner refresher courses, conducted during 1994 and 1995, included a unit given by the DSA Health Safety & Working Environment Unit, and this will continue with future such courses.
  176
  32342 and 32331

  The original driving test risk assessment focused on car tests only, as these account for most of the Agency's testing activities. An assessment was carried out during 1993/94 and the results were promulgated in May 1994.

  Since then the following risk assessments have been conducted:

  (a) risks arising from the wearing of motorcycle radios on test was undertaken in September 1995 and resulted in guidance being issued in November 1995.

  (b) risks to driving examiners arising from vehicle pollution was undertaken in autumn 1995 and resulted in guidance being issued in January 1996.

  (c) a Female Driving Examiner Breast Trauma risk assessment is currently subject to consultation with the Trade Unions.

  (d) a large goods vehicle/passenger carrying vehicle risk assessment was completed in May 1996 and a draft report will be sent shortly to the Trade Unions for comment.

  (e) a motorcycle testing risk assessment will commence shortly.

  32332

  The report of the driving test risk assessment was placed in the House of Commons Library in February 1996. Like any important document, a Health & Safety assessment report requires quality assurance and consultation with interested parties before its findings can be considered robust. I think it would be misleading to interested parties to publish preliminary drafts of such a report.

  32344

  The following driving test centres have been closed as a result of health and safety problems during the last 2 years:

  (a) Permanently: Chaddesden (in Derby); Bounds Green (in London).

  (b) Temporarily: Cardiff East; South Norwood Road (in London).

  There are no further closures planned at this time.

  32401 and 32345

  The original driving test risk assessment, issued in May 1994, did not include reference to assaults on staff. The Agency has developed an Assaults Policy separately. Advice about assaults was issued to all staff in February 1995 following consultation with Trade Unions.
  DSA does not have a record of prosecutions or convictions of candidates over the last three years. Since February 1995 there have been 14 physical and 103 verbal assaults report.

  32340

  Driving Standards Agency takes all reasonably practicable measures to protect Driving Examiners from injury by the following methods:

  (a) providing an Agency Health and Safety at Work Policy.

  (b) control of local Health and Safety matters by senior staff.

  (c) providing written Health and Safety advice in the form of a Health, Safety and Working Environment manual for each location.

  (d) empowering Driving Examiners to cancel or terminate tests if vehicles presented are in a dangerous condition.

  (e) undertaking and making available risk assessments for working practices, associated risks and premises.

  (f) training all new entrant driving examiners in a safe system of work and including Health & Safety modules in refresher training.

  (g) ensuring adequate supervision.

  (h) ensuring that new arrivals to all locations are briefed on emergency procedures and local risk control measures on their first day in that location by their line managers.

  (i) visits from the Health and Safety Unit.

  177
  32348

  Formal Health and safety inspections were carried out by the Health, Safety and Working Environment Unit in November 1993, October 1994 and July 1995. Members of this Unit visit Cardington each month and carry out informal inspection.

  32443

  The Driving Standards Agency Health and Safety Committee has not managed to meet over the last 12 months owing to difficulties findings a date that suited the Trades Union representatives.

  32444

  Following consideration about first aid training for staff at driving test centres, it was decided that each centre would have one first aid appointed person, retrained every three years, but there was no need for cover during temporary absences.

  32339

  The Agency does not consider that such inspections are necessary.

  32347

  The Driving Standards Agency Health, Safety and Working Environment Unit have visited 17 driving test centres in the Midlands and Eastern Area; 3 have been visited twice. The Agency's Midlands and Eastern Area management have carried out 12 Health and Safety visits during the last 2 years.

  32346

  Fax machines were introduced into driving test centres in May 1995. Since that time, 18 machines have been reported stolen, from the following offices—Coventry, Crawley, Eastbourne, Gosforth, Grimbsy, Inverurie, Keighley, Kidderminster (twice), Neath, Norwood, Rotherham (twice), Wallasey and Washwood Heath (three times).

  In keeping with general Government policy these machines were not insured. Nor were they security marked. The Agency, however, did keep a record of the serial numbers and these details were passed to the police when the thefts were discovered.

  DSA is currently considering options for improving general security at driving test centres.

  32442

  The surge in demand for driving tests prior to the introduction of the theory test is expected to be a temporary phenomenon, so the Agency has not altered its formal staffing complements per test centre. It has, however, increased its examiner workforce in the face of this increase in demand for tests. Over the last 5 months 97 contract examiners have been allocated to centres to conduct practical driving tests, and these will be joined by another 135 shortly. These are employed on a contractual basis and will be used as and when required to increase test capacity. The Agency will be closely monitoring the position to ensure that we have sufficient flexibility to increase capacity further if required.

  I attach a list which shows, by area, the allocation of these extra staff to each test centre.

  Industrial Tribunals
  Mr. Ian McCartney
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) how many people were nominated by the Local Government Management Board to serve as temporary lay members of the London North industrial tribunal between 14 November 1994 and 24 October 1995; [32017]

  (2) how many people who were nominated by the Local Government Management Board to serve as temporary lay members of the London North industrial tribunal between 14 November 1994 and 24 October 1995 were subsequently appointed. [32018]
  178
  Mr. John M. Taylor
  Organisations were not asked to nominate candidates for temporary appointment to the London North industrial tribunal in November 1994. Instead, temporary members were chosen from suitable applicants who had been put forward in 1992 but not selected. In 1992, five candidates nominated by the London Government Management Board were considered suitable but were nevertheless not appointed as lay members because other candidates were better qualified. All five were considered for temporary appointment to London North in November 1994 and four were subsequently appointed.

  Lower Vickers Street, Miles Platting
  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the draft order was published relating to the closure of Lower Vickers street in Miles Platting; what plans he has to order a public inquiry; and if he will make a statement on the timetable or implementing the order. [32550]

  Mr. Norris
  The draft order was published on 11 December 1995 and a public inquiry has been arranged for 3 September 1996. We expect that the inspector will make the report six to eight weeks after the inquiry. If he recommends that the Secretary of State should make the order, a decision letter could be published within four to six weeks, and the order made about two weeks later. The roads in question could then be closed at any time during the period of planning consent granted by the local authority to the developer concerned.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Inward Investment
  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what percentage of inward investment in 1995 was due to the acquisition, takeover or merger of a United Kingdom company by overseas investors. [31370]

  Mr. Lang
  [holding answer 7 June 1996]: In 1995, acquisitions, takeovers and mergers accounted for around 25 per cent. of foreign direct and portfolio investment into the UK, based on UK balance of payments data.

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) pursuant to his answer of 28 March,Official Report, column 733, how much his Department estimated it would have cost to provide the information requested; [31451]

  (2) pursuant to his answer of 22 March, Official Report column 366, how much his Department estimated it would have cost to provide the information requested. [31445]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  More than £450, the current threshold above which answers are deemed to incur disproportionate cost.

  Women (Promotion)
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what measures his Department has implemented during the last 12 months to encourage the promotion of
  179
  women into senior positions with his Department and its executive agencies; and what progress his Department has made in encouraging the promotion of women over the last five years. [31535]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  Promotions to the senior civil service of the DTI in the past year have been minimal because of staff reductions following the implementation of the Department's senior management review. Of the four promotions that did take place, two were women.

  In other grades, under both centrally managed promotion boards that operated before September 1994 and the promotion to post system now in operation, all staff involved in selection decisions have been trained in selection techniques and in avoiding discrimination. Also, all internally advertised posts offering promotion are open to part-timers unless the post is clearly unsuitable for part-time work. In the first year of the new promotion procedures, female applicants were more likely than male applicants to be selected for promotion. Over the past five years, 3.7 per cent. of female staff outside the senior civil service have been promoted compared to 3.4 per cent. of male staff.

  I have asked the chief executive of DTI agencies to respond direct to the hon. Member in respect of the second part of the question.

  Letter from Jim Norton to Mr. Brian Donohoe, dated 12 June 1996:
  I have been asked to reply to the second part of your question on behalf of the Radiocommunications Agency.
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what measures his Department has implemented during the last 12 months to encourage the promotion of women into senior positions with his Department and its Executive Agencies and what progress his Department has made in encouraging the promotion of women over the last five years.
  The Agency received delegated responsibility for equal opportunity matters from DTI in October 1994. As part of the Agency's first programme of action on equal opportunities all members of the Agency central promotion board for engineering and technical grade staff took part in a one day refresher seminar on interviewing techniques with special emphasis on equal opportunity issues and best practice.
  Since September 1994 promotion in the administration group has been by promotion to specific (advertised) posts. Each individual promotion board is chaired by a representative of the Agency's personnel directorate who have had training in selection and interviewing techniques, which cover equal opportunities and best practice to avoid discrimination. The Agency also has a pool of line managers who have received similar training and who act as an independent members on each individual promotion board.
  From its monitoring, the Agency has identified the relative under representation in the Agency of women in Grades EO—SEO when compared to DTI centrally. Examination of the possible reasons for this relative under representation forms part of the Agency's 1996 programme for action on equal opportunities.

  Letter from Peter Joyce to Mr. Brian Donohoe, dated 12 June 1996:
  The President of the Board of Trade has asked me to reply to your question about the promotion of women in The Insolvency Service.
  Mr. John Taylor MP has replied to you, on behalf of the President of the Board of Trade, with regard to employees in the DTI. Promotion of women into senior positions within The Insolvency Service is included in Mr. Taylor's reply.
  Until 1994, the majority of staff were selected for promotion through DTI managed promotion boards. In August 1994, responsibility for promotion up to Grade 6 level was delegated to
  180
  The Insolvency Service. It is a requirement of the delegation that at least one member of staff involved in selection decisions is suitably trained and certificated. The Service's training for promotion panel members covers equal opportunities issues and best practice to avoid discrimination. All posts advertised on promotion are open to people on a career break, maternity leave and part-timers, unless the post is considered to be unsuitable for part-time work.
  Monitoring of the first year since delegation shows that female applicants were marginally more likely than male applicants to be selected for promotion. During the past five years, 5.6% of female staff have been promoted compared to 5.2% of male staff.

  Letter from Zélie Armstrong to Mr. Brian Donohoe, dated 12 June 1996:
  The President of the Board of Trade has asked me to reply on behalf of the National Weights and Measures Laboratory to your question about promotion of women.
  The first part of your question will be answered centrally by the Department. On the second part, this Agency's policy is consistent with that followed by the Department in that all staff have always had an equal opportunity to apply for all vacancies for which they are eligible.

  Letter from Paul Hartnack to Mr. Brian Donohoe, dated 12 June 1996:
  I am replying in relation to the Patent Office to your Parliamentary Question to the President of the Board of Trade about the promotion of women into senior positions in the Department of Trade and Industry and its executive agencies.
  The senior management of the Patent Office includes one woman, the Assistant Registrar of Trade Marks. Most of the other senior positions in the Patent Office are held by professional patent examiners, the grades of Principal Examiner and Superintending Examiner being broadly equivalent to Grade 5 in the general civil service. Promotion to these grades is by internal advertisement followed by interview and appointment is on merit. Over the last 12 months, due to retirement, nine vacancies at Principal Examiner and above have arisen, two of which have been filled by women. Of the 32 staff who applied for these vacancies, four were women.
  The Patent Office belongs to Opportunity 2000 in its own right and steps it has taken to encourage women to undertake careers in the Office include sponsorship of two women at Cardiff and Southampton universities who are studying science subjects.

  Letter from John S. Holden to Mr. Brian Donohoe, dated 12 June 1996:
  I have been asked by the President of the Board of Trade to respond to your parliamentary question 95/2453 concerning the promotion of women into senior positions within Companies House.
  As an Executive Agency within the DTI, we generally follow initiatives implemented within the Department. However, you might wish to know we received delegated responsibility for Equal Opportunities in September 1994. We have appointed an Equal Opportunities Officer, who happens to be a woman, and have issued our own Equal Opportunities Policy. We have also progressed an extensive programme of training for all managers and staff which is aimed at promoting a much better understanding of Equal Opportunities issues.
  Within the director-level team of five persons in the Companies House organisation, two posts are occupied by women. Within our senior management group which comprises a further ten people, three further posts are also occupied by women.
  To encourage career development and promotion opportunities for women within all grades at Companies House, we have extensively promoted opportunities for job-sharing, part-time and other flexible working patterns. For certain grades there are also opportunities for evening work.
  We have a number of women employees who have taken advantage of our career break facility and during the main school holidays we have for some years provided children's crèche facilities.
  181

  Laboratory of the Government Chemist
  Mr. John Greenway
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the contract which was assumed in the bid by the consortium which purchased the Laboratory of the Government Chemist. [33018]

  Mr. Ian Taylor
  In the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham, Hall Green (Mr. Hargreaves) on 2 April 1996,Official Report, columns 149–50, regarding the sale of the Laboratory of the Government Chemist, I stated that, in the event the purchaser was not awarded a contract which was assumed in the bid, there would be (a) payment of the purchaser of £300,000 to forestall consequential redundancies and to enable it to develop alternative business streams, and (b) an indemnity for the cost of any such redundancies up to a maximum sum of £500,000. Details of this contingent liability were notified separately to Parliament by way of a departmental minute, which was laid before the House on 1 April.

  This contingent liability matured on 22 May as LGC was not awarded the contract: the sum of £300,000 was paid to LGC on 3 June from voted provision on class IV, vote 1. The purchaser will also be able to call on the redundancy indemnity, although a number of conditions apply to this indemnity including (a) the requirement for the redundancies to be related directly or indirectly to the loss of the specific contract, (b) the sum being capped at the lesser of £500,000 or the aggregate of the payments up to the first 18 relevant redundancies, and (c) its expiry after 12 months.

  Information Society and Development Conference
  Mr. John Greenway
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what conclusions emerged from the information society and development conference held in Midrand, South Africa, on 13 to 15 May. [33017]

  Mr. Ian Taylor
  The information society and development ministerial conference, the aim of which was to consider how developing countries could be integrated into the emerging global information society, was attended by 40 countries and 18 international organisations. I led the United Kingdom's delegation to the conference, which included senior representatives of UK companies in the information and communication sector. UK companies also participated in the exhibition which ran alongside the conference.

  The conclusions agreed at the conference endorsed the core principles agreed at the G7 conference on the information society in February 1995, which included promoting dynamic competition, encouraging private investment, defining an adaptable regulatory framework and providing open access to networks. The conference also identified a number of key policy issues. I have placed a copy of the chair's conclusions in the Library of the House, as well as a copy of the formal intervention I made at the ministerial session.

  I welcome the conclusions of the conference, which set out a clear path for the extension of super-highways to developing countries and establish a common way forward in promoting the information society. Also important is the conference's recognition that the private sector has the primary role in creating the global information society and its commitment to fostering
  182
  partnerships between the public and private sector. This will encourage projects to be realistic, building on existing applications available in the private sector to meet the needs of developing and developed countries alike. I am convinced that what should follow this conference is practical implementation of technology, not a further round of Government-led pilot projects.

  The global information society offers tremendous and exiting opportunities for all countries but the attitude of Government is crucial. Countries cannot expect the information society to develop if they do not welcome and safeguard investments or do not enforce protection of intellectual property rights. Governments who want their countries to join the information society should not persist with putting barriers in place.

HEALTH

  Cardiac Surgery, Bristol
  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations his Department received from Professor English about neo-natal cardiac surgery at Bristol royal infirmary during 1992; and what action was taken in response. [31255]

  Mr. Horam
  The only representation from Sir Terence English about the neonatal cardiac surgery service at Bristol royal infirmary was a telephone call to the medical secretary of the supra-regional services advisory group in which Sir Terence expressed reservations about the continued designation of the Bristol unit, one of 10 designated units then providing the service. The SRSAG met in July 1992 to consider, inter alia, the continued designation of neonatal and infant cardiac surgery as a supra-regional service. As Sir Terence was not present, his views were conveyed to the meeting by the medical secretary. In the event, the advisory group decided to de-designate the service as a whole.

  Prosthetic and Wheelchair Services
  Mr. Mellor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action he proposes to take in response to the National Prosthetic and Wheelchair Services report. [31483]

  Mr. Bowis
  The two groups have produced reports which we have seen and shall take into account as we develop policies in these areas. We recently announced extension to our wheelchair policies in respect of powered indoor/outdoor wheelchairs and of a voucher scheme.

  Ms Lynne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what considerations led to the decision to allocate funding for indoor/outdoor wheelchairs on a basis other than the estimated number of disabled people requiring such wheelchairs in each health authority. [31934]

  Mr. Bowis
  Of the options available, we considered allocation on the basis of total resident populations most equitable. We recognise, however, that the relative number of severely disabled people might be higher in one area than another. In guidance issued to the national health service—HSG(96)34, copies of which are available in the Library—we have therefore asked health authorities
  183
  to consider setting up consortia where this will help address varying needs. Future years' allocation will be made in the light of experience gained at local level.

  Mental Illness
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 13 March,Official Report, column 621, what progress is being made in developing outcome scales to assess the health and social functioning of mentally ill people; what the indicators will be; and how assessments will relate to treatment received. [31937]

  Mr. Bowis
  The development of outcome scales to assess the health and social functioning of mentally ill people, which the Department has been undertaking with the Royal College of Psychiatrists, is nearing completion.

  The outcome scales have now been approved for use with non-elderly adults and the national health service executive priorities and planning guidance for 1997–98 requires health authorities to make progress with information systems to support their introduction.

  Dr. Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when the results of the south London survey into the met and unmet health and social care needs in the community among mentally ill people will be available. [31942]

  Mr. Bowis
  The results of the survey being conducted by the Medical Research Council at its unit at the Institute of Psychiatry will be published later this year and will be promulgated through the medical literature.

  Learning Disabilities
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Aylesbury (Mr. Lidington) on 19 December,Official Report, columns 1143–44, when the report evaluating the comparative benefits of different communities in meeting the needs of people with learning difficulties will be published; to whom it will be distributed; and when he expects further action to be taken in respect of the report's conclusions. [32013]

  Mr. Bowis
  The first phase of the evaluation was completed by the end of May as planned. I am currently considering the report and shall make a statement shortly.

  Smoking-related Diseases
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will estimate the annual cost to the national health service of smoking-related diseases for each year from 1990, and give this figure as a percentage of the overall annual health care budget; and if he will make a statement. [31900]

  Mr. Horam
  Treatment costs to the national health service are not available on a year by year basis. Based on 1990 figures, the Health Education Authority's report, "The Smoking Epidemic—A Prescription for Change", estimated that the annual cost to the NHS of treatment smoking-related diseases is £610 million.

  The national health service's total gross expenditure in 1990–91 was £23,654 million.
  184

  Mental Health Services (Staffordshire)
  Mr. Brian Jenkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what transport facilities are to be provided for patients who will have to travel from Tamworth to Burton following the transfer of mental health services; [32011]

  (2) what assessment he has made of Premier Health NHStrust's proposals to close mental health services in Tamworth; and if he will establish an urgent independent audit of the trust's accounts; [32010]

  (3) what representations he has received on Premier Health NHS trust's proposal to transfer mental health services from the George Bryan centre in Tamworth to the Margaret Stanhope centre in Burton; and if he will make a statement. [32012]

  Mr. Bowis
  No decision has yet been made about changes to services provided by Premier Health national health service trust. Proposals for change, including associated transport arrangements, are currently the subject of a public consultation exercise which closes on 3 July 1996. The annual accounts of all NHS trusts are subject to an independent audit.

  Civil Servants (Compulsory Directors)
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list those companies which have civil servants from his Department as directors and all the occasions in which those companies have been found guilty of any civil or criminal offence in the last eight years. [32285]

  Mr. Horam
  Civil servants are permitted to undertake and be paid for work outside official time—for example, directorships—if there is no conflict of interest. Staff who disclose relevant interests do so on the understanding that the declaration, like all employment matters, is confidential between them and their employer. We do not hold central records of these declarations or of the companies involved.

  General Practitioners
  Mr. Soley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health in what circumstances general practitioners are required to tell patients what services they choose to contract for; and if he will make a statement on best practice for keeping patients informed of services they will or will not be contracting. [31980]

  Mr. Malone
  General practitioner fundholders' purchasing plans, and the contracts they place, are public documents and available at the health authority. In addition, fundholders should make copies available at their practice or produce summaries or leaflets for patients.

  Mr. David Nicholson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many general practitioners were in practice in(a) England and (b) in the south-west region on 1 April for each year since 1989; what action he is taking to increase recruitment; and if he will make a statement. [32525]

  Mr. Malone
  The available information is shown in the table. The number of general practitioners continues to rise.
  185

  Year

  England

  South and West

  1989

  25,608

  1,942

  1990

  25,622

  1,980

  1991

  25,464

  1,982

  1992

  25,823

  2,018

  1993

  26,116

  2,054

  1994

  26,387

  2,084

  1995

  26,702

  2,140

  Data is at 1 April each year except 1989 and 1990 when only data at 1 October is available.

  Mr. Nicholson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is his Department's policy over general practitioners remaining in post(a) after the age of 60 years and (b) after the age of 65 years; and what action he takes to ensure that service is continued where it is in the interest of effective health service provision. [32481]

  Mr. Malone
  General practitioners are able to practice as principals until they reach the age of 70 when health authorities are required to remove their name from the medical list. General practitioners over the age of 70 remain eligible to work in general practice as assistants or locums or in a private capacity.

  Ambulance Services
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what expenditure has been undertaken by ambulance services on the procurement of systems to prepare for the prioritising of ambulance response times; and if he will list the systems. [32205]

  Mr. Horam
  A number of ambulance services have procured systems which offer telephone advice to callers as well as enabling prioritisation of calls. The Department of Health has commissioned a research evaluation, in two ambulance services, of the safety, reliability and costs of two types of system considered for use in this country. These are the medical priority dispatch system and criteria-based dispatch.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Legal Services Ombudsman
  Mr. Thomason
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department when the legal services ombudsman intends to publish his fifth annual report. [33012]

  Mr. Streeter
  The legal services ombudsman has today published his fifth annual report, and copies have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

  European Union Flag
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what instructions were issued to his Department's offices and agencies in respect of flying the European Union flag on 8 May; and if he will make a statement. [31499]

  Mr. Streeter
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 6 June by the Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office,Official Report, column 518.
  186

  Census Returns
  Mr. Boateng
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what representations he has received in relation to the role of the keeper of public records in relation to the holding of 20th century census returns. [31488]

  Mr. Streeter
  The Lord Chancellor's Department and the Public Record Office have received inquiries from one correspondent over recent months concerning the role of the keeper of public records in relation to census returns under the operations of the Public Records Act 1958 and the legislation governing the taking of the decennial census of population and the confidentiality of the returns. The Public Record Office has responded to two letters from constituents forwarded by hon. Members.

  Census Data
  Mr. Boateng
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department (1) how many applications were made to release personal census data from the Office of Population Censuses and Surveys in each of the last five years; [31486]

  (2) for how long the information contained within the 20th century census returns has been (a) sold and (b) otherwise released for profit; and which returns are involved; [31516]

  (3) what assessment he has made of the arrangements for the safekeeping of 20th century census returns and their continued confidentiality; [31487]

  (4) on what statutory authority, the sale or disposal for profit of personal information contained in 20th century census records takes place; and for how long such sales and releases have occurred. [31517]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  I have been asked to reply.

  The records for the 1901 and subsequent censuses in England and Wales are in the care of the Registrar General for England and Wales. They are confidential and not open to public inspection in any circumstance, undertakings having been given at the time of each census that the information would be used only for the preparation and publication of statistical data.

  Personal information obtained from 20th century returns are not, and never have been, either (a) sold or (b) otherwise released for profit. Census records are held in strict confidence for a period of 100 years by virtue of an instrument under the Public Records Act 1958. Under a concession announced in Parliament in 1972, information on place of birth and age can be made available from the 1901 census with the consent of the persons concerned or, if deceased, a descendant—or next of kin if the person dies childless. A further concession, announced in 1993, allows information form the 1911 census to be released where, and only where, it is essential for the purpose of establishing a legal entitlement such as an inheritance. A charge is made to the applicant to cover the administrative costs of searching the appropriate census records, and the supply of the information, if the search is successful but not for the information itself.

  The numbers of written requests for such information held on record for the last three years are:

  187

  1993: 597

  1994: 715

  1995: 673

  The census records for the years 1901 and 1911 are held by the Public Record Office in secure accommodation respectively at Chancery lane—shortly to move to Kew—and Hayes, Middlesex. Those returns for the years 1921, and 1951 to 1991 are held by the registrar general at Christchurch. Returns from the 1931 census were destroyed by fire and there was no census in 1941.

  In 1990, the British Computer Society carried out an independent review of the census security and confidentiality arrangements. Its report to Parliament— published in 1991 as Cm 1447—stated that they were generally satisfied with the arrangements for the safekeeping of census forms but recommended that the possibility of storing the forms in an alternative format be kept under review. This is being done. There was a similar review in 1981.

  Statistical abstracts of data from censuses since 1921 have been made available under section 4(2) of the Census Act 1920.

WALES

  Road Deaths
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many road deaths in(a) Wales and (b) Clwyd involved speeding vehicles, for each year since 1985; what percentage of overall road deaths this account for in each year; and if he will make a statement. [31848]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  The information requested is not available. Information on personal injury road accidents which is recorded by the police and forwarded to the Welsh Office does not include the cause of accidents.

DUCHY OF LANCASTER

  Department of Social Services
  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Great Grimsby (Mr. Mitchell) on 22 May,Official Report, column 187, if he will define the Department of Social Services. [31971]

  Mr. Freeman
  All the references to the Department of Social Services that appeared in my answer to the hon. Member for Grimsby (Mr. Mitchell) on 22 May,Official Report, column 187, should have read the Department of Social Security.

  Civil Service Recruitment
  Mr. Michael Brown
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when he expects to publish the first civil service fast stream recruitment report. [32942]

  Mr. Freeman
  The first civil service fast stream recruitment report was placed in the Libraries of the House earlier today. It covers the year to 31 March 1996, reporting the results of fast stream competitions completed during that period and action undertaken for 188
  future competitions. This information has in previous years formed part of the annual report of the Civil Service Commissioners, but is now separately published following the change to the commissioners' responsibilities last year.

  The report shows that the civil service over the year in question has successfully met its need for fast stream recruits to both generalist and specialist schemes. However, the needs of civil service work do not stand still and the report also details action under way to allow the launch of a revised fast stream development programme later this year. The revised scheme will put a stronger emphasis on early training and development and, in selection, on testing candidates' ability to get to grips with numeric data and with science-related issues. Promotion of the programme will also aim to overcome stereotypes which exist in some quarters about the sort of candidates the civil service is seeking to recruit. The goal will be to encourage top graduates from all types of background to apply.

  Deregulation
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister which(a) employer, (b) employee and (c) independent organisations the deregulation unit consults before proposing deregulatory measures. [31994]

  Mr. Freeman
  Deregulatory measures are proposed by the Government Department responsible for the relevant legislation and not by the deregulation unit. The unit is responsible for co-ordinating the deregulation initiative.

  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what representations the deregulation unit has received that the six-pack health and safety regulation has put businesses into liquidation. [32009]

  Mr. Freeman
  I have received no representations specifically identifying the implementation of the "six-pack" of EC health and safety directives as the cause of a firm going out of business. However, surveys such as that carried out by the British chambers of commerce in September 1995 have consistently identified health and safety legislation as one of the main burdens on business, particularly small business. Both the 1994 Sainsbury task force's report and the Health and Safety Commission's own 1994 review of regulation identified the "six-pack" as an area of concern and confusion for business.

  The Government fully support the Health and Safety Commission's programme to implement its own review of regulation, carried out in 1994. The "six-pack" of EC directives is being evaluated as part of that programme.

  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what is the current staffing level of the deregulation unit. [31987]

  Mr. Freeman
  The staffing level for the deregulation unit for 1996–97 is 44.2 posts.

  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what are the current annual running costs of the deregulation unit, including(a) staff costs, (b) administration costs and (c) overheads. [31995]

  The Deputy Prime Minister
  The annual running costs for the deregulation unit for 1996–97 are as follows:
  189

  £ thousand

  Staff costs

  1,313

  General administrative expenditure

  717

  Overheads (including common services on a per capita share and accommodation and telecommunications costs)

  629

  Total

  2,659

  Capital

  10

  Total

  2,669

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Benefits (Nationality Inquiries)
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what sums have been spent on sending out and processing queries about nationality when dealing with routine applications for social security benefits in the last available year; and which benefits are subject to this process. [31309]

  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 Ms Joan Walley, dated 11 June 1996:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking what sums have been spent on sending out and processing queries about nationality when dealing with routine applications for Social Security benefits in the last available year; and which benefits are subject to this process.
  The main income-related benefits (Income Support, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit) include conditions relating to the immigration status of claimants. Since 5 February 1996 Regulations exclude a person from entitlement to certain non-contributory Social Security Benefits (Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, Disability Working Allowance, Family Credit, Invalid Care Allowance, and Severe Disability Allowance) if his right to reside to remain in Great Britain is subject to any limitation or condition. In establishing immigration status and conditions attaching to a person's right to reside in the UK, it may be appropriate to seek further information regarding a customer's nationality.
  Queries on nationality are now an integral part in the processing of claims to the benefits listed below. Therefore information on the sums spent on sending out and processing queries on nationality is not available as separate records are not maintained.
  I hope you find this reply helpful.

  Industrial Injuries Advisory Council
  Mr. Duncan Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on the appointment of a new chairman to the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council. [32514]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  I am pleased to announce that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has appointed Professor A. J. Newman Taylor as chairman of the council with effect from 19 July 1996. He has been a member of the council since 1983 and has chaired the council's research working group for most of that time.
  190

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Polling Stations
  Mr. Beggs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many polling stations in East Antrim were not operable at 7 am on 30 May. [31480]

  Mr. Ancram
  All the polling stations in East Antrim were operable at 7 am on 30 May.

  Mr. Beggs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many pencils were initially supplied to polling stations in East Antrim on 30 May. [31478]

  Mr. Ancram
  The chief electoral officer for Northern Ireland has indicated that four pencils were supplied to East Antrim polling stations for each ballot box; 60 ballot boxes were used in the constituency and 240 pencils were therefore available to voters.

  Mr. Beggs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many additional pencils were subsequently delivered to polling stations in East Antrim on 30 May; and at what cost. [31479]

  Mr. Ancram
  Following inaccurate reports of pencil shortages in the East Antrim constituency on 30 May, two additional pencils for each ballot box in the constituency, making 120 in total, were delivered by roving electoral officers to polling stations. These were delivered at no extra cost and there were already sufficient pencils for all polling booths.

  Mr. Beggs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many voting booths were provided at polling stations in East Antrim on 30 May. [31477]

  Mr. Ancram
  A total of 231 voting booths were provided at polling stations in East Antrim on 30 May.

  Recruitment
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much his Department spent in recruiting staff to his Department and its executive agencies during the 1994–95 and 1995–96 financial years; and how many staff were recruited in each of these years. [31395]

  Sir John Wheeler
  Within the Northern Ireland Office and Northern Ireland Departments the information requested is not fully available. The information available is as follows:

  1994–95

  1995–96

  Number of staff recruited

  2,007

  2,666

  Cost of recruitment

  £1,205,123

  £1,564,197

  Information on the cost of recruitment of industrial and casual staff is not fully available.

  (a) for the Department of Health and Social Services, Department of Agriculture for Northern Ireland and Department of Education for Northern Ireland to provide figures would incur disproportionate cost;

  (b) for the Department of Economic Development, only advertising costs are included; and

  (c) for the Department of Environment, estimated costs are included.

  191
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what use his Department and its executive agencies have made of executive search agencies or employment companies in filling vacancies within his Department or executive agencies administered by his Department during the financial years 1994–95 and 1995–96; what agencies were employed; what was the cost in each case; how many staff were recruited in each case; and what was the total cost in each financial year of these contracts. [31410]

  Sir John Wheeler
  During 1994–95 and 1995–96, the Northern Ireland Office and Northern Ireland Departments have used Recruitment and Assessment Services and Premiere Employment. The costs and recruitment figures are listed.

  1994–95

  1995–96

  Totals costs

  £15,714

  £15,804

  Number of staff recruited

  1

  1

  Individual cases cannot be identified on grounds of confidentiality.

  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in what circumstances his Department or its executive agencies uses an executive search or employment agency to recruit staff in preference to using personnel staff within his own Department or its executive agencies. [31523]

  Sir John Wheeler
  The Northern Ireland Departments would consider using executive search or employment agencies to recruit staff for specialists jobs or in exceptional cases.

  The Northern Ireland Office cadre of home civil servants is relatively small and thus there is a minimal requirement to recruit staff. It is therefore cost-effective to use a recruitment agency.

  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list(a) the number of (i) male and (ii) female employees, (b) the number of officials employed at each of the principal grades and the numbers and percentages of women employed at each of these grades and (c) the number of staff employed at administrative grades and the numbers and percentages of these staff that are women in his Department on 1 April. [30549]

  Sir John Wheeler
  The information requested is contained in the following table:

  (i) Male employees: 10,870

  (ii) Female employees: 10,618

  At 1 April 1996

  Grade

  Number of officials

  Number of women

  Percentage of women

  Grade 6 and above

  527

  82

  15.6

  Grade 7

  896

  132

  14.7

  Deputy principal

  1,456

  290

  19.9

  Staff officer

  2,395

  635

  26.5

  Executive officer I

  3,425

  929

  27.1

  Executive officer II

  3,087

  1,847

  59.8

  192

  At 1 April 1996

  Grade

  Number of staff

  Number of women

  Percentage of women

  Admin officer

  6,639

  4,717

  71.0

  Admin assistant

  3,063

  1,986

  64.8

  1. Non-general service grades have been lumped together with their general service analogues.

  2. Figures relate to the Northern Ireland Office and the six departments of the Northern Ireland civil service.

  3. Figures include full-time, part-time etc staff.

  4. Figures do not include NICS staff seconded to the Police Authority for Northern Ireland.

  5. Industrial staff have been excluded as it would take disproportionate cost to identify the relevant figures.

  European Union Flag
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what instructions were issued to his Department's offices and agencies in respect of flying the European Union flag on 8 May; and if he will make a statement. [31509]

  Sir John Wheeler
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to him by my right hon. Friend the Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office on 6 June,Official Report, column 518.

  Forensic Science Agency
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what consideration has been given to market testing has services provided by the Forensic Science Agency of Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement. [31566]

  Sir John Wheeler
  The Forensic Science Agency for Northern Ireland became an agency on 1 September 1995. It is still in the process of developing and refining systems for charging and costing its services. The agency is disposed towards market testing and fully supports Government in this area. At the moment, I consider there is no reasonable or feasible opportunity to consider the transfer to the private sector of any part of its services. The issue will, however be addressed no later than the agency's quinquennial review—that is, by September 2000—and before that if suitable opportunities arise.

  Women (Promotion)
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what measures his Department has implemented during the last 12 months to encourage the promotion of women into senior positions with his Department and its executive agencies; and what progress his Department has made in encouraging the promotion of women over the last five years. [31541]

  Sir John Wheeler
  Measures taken by Northern Ireland Departments and agencies within the last 12 months include the introduction of mentoring, the creation of women's networks and the establishment of "keeping in touch" schemes for staff on career breaks; the inclusion in public advertisements for senior posts of statements particularly welcoming applications from women and a vigorous programme of equal opportunity awareness and training for senior staff. Other measures already in place are reported in the regularly published
  193
  reports from the central equal opportunities unit for the Northern Ireland civil service, copies of which have been placed in the Library.

  The proportion of women employed at grade 6 level and above in the non-industrial grades in the Northern Ireland civil service, has increased from 11.4 per cent. at 1 January to 15.8 per cent. at 1 January 1996.

  There is a broadly equivalent programme for action on women for home civil service staff serving in the Northern Ireland Office. Progress on the HCS programme for action on women is contained in regular reports on equal opportunities published by the Cabinet Office.

  Rate Collection Agency
  Mr. Trend
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what performance targets have been set for the Rate Collection Agency in 1996–97. [33014]

  Mr. Moss
  For 1996–97 the following performance targets have been set for the agency:

  1. To collect 98.5 per cent. of the gross collectable rate, excluding late assessments, by 31 March 1997.

  2. To achieve a reduction of 5 per cent. in the real value of the unit costs of rate collection per hereditament over the next two years.

  3. To generate refunds to 97 per cent. of ratepayers so entitled within 14 days of credits being identified.

  4. To process by 31 March 1997 93 per cent. of applications for the incoming year received before 15 March 1997 from existing housing benefit recipients.

  5. To achieve a reduction of 5 per cent. in the real value of the unit costs of processing housing benefit applications over the next two years.

  6. To process 96 per cent. of housing benefit claims free of error.

  Probation Board (Review)
  Mr. Sweeney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to carry out a quinquennial review of the Probation Board for Northern Ireland. [33015]

  Sir Patrick Mayhew
  I have arranged for a quinquennial review of the Probation Board for Northern Ireland to be carried out, which is expected to commence in June and which will be completed by 31 October 1996.

  Harland and Wolff (Pension Fund)
  Mr. Trend
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if arrangements have been concluded with Harland and Wolff Holdings plc in relation to repayment to Her Majesty's Government of the £6.5 million pension fund surplus following the report, HC paper 126, Session 1991–92, of the Committee of Public Accounts into privatisation of the company. [33016]

  Mr. Ancram
  Following detailed negotiations, the Department of Economic Development and Harland and Wolff Holdings plc have agreed arrangements whereby the company will repay £6.5 million to the Department. It has also been agreed that the Department will meet certain additional costs, in excess of those provided for at the time of privatisation, totalling £3.023 million, incurred by the company in connection with the privatisation in 1989. The Northern Ireland Audit Office has been consulted in 194
  the course of these negotiations and has been notified of the agreement which has been reached.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  UN Security Council
  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to attend a meeting of the Security Council of the United Nations to discuss the financial circumstances of the organisation. [30853]

  Sir Nicholas Bonsor
  Under the UN charter, financial matters at the United Nations are the responsibility of the General Assembly. There are no plans for a special ministerial meeting to discuss these matters.

  Russia
  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Russian Government about the timing of the presidential elections. [30866]

  Sir Nicholas Bonsor
  My right hon. and learned Friend the Foreign Secretary has made no representations to the Russian Government about the timing of the elections.

  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many entry clearance officers have been employed in Russia in each of the last five years; and where they are located. [30877]

  Mr. Hanley
  Following are the number of staff employed as entry clearance officers in the Russian Federation for the last five years. Moscow is also due to be reinforced by 17 man-months of seasonal relief in 1996, equivalent to nearly 1.5 entry clearance officers.

  Entry clearance managers (ECM)

  Entry clearance officers (ECO)

  Moscow

  1996

  2.8

  12

  1995

  1.9

  11

  1994

  1

  10

  1993

  0.5

  6

  1992

  0.5

  5

  1991

  0.5

  6

  The St. Petersburg post has operated only a visa service since 1993. In addition to permanent staff, St. Petersburg will receive four months of seasonable relief in 1996.

  Entry clearance managers

  Entry clearance officers

  St. Petersburg

  1996

  0.35

  2

  1995

  0.35

  2

  1994

  0.15

  1

  1993

  0.1

  1

  Kashmir
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what new initiatives he proposes in respect of Kashmir. [30867]
  195
  Mr. Hanley
  We continue to believe that the best way forward in Kashmir should involve simultaneous progress on dialogue between India and Pakistan, an improvement in human rights in Kashmir, the development of a genuine political process there, and a clear cessation of external support for violence in Kashmir.

  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has made to the Indian authorities to secure the release of the British hostages held in Kashmir. [30881]

  Sir Nicholas Bonsor
  The British high commissioner and his staff in New Delhi and Srinagar are in daily contact with the Indian authorities and other Governments involved in our continuing efforts to secure the early and safe release of the hostages.

  Bosnia
  Mr. Keith Hill
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on progress towards elections in Bosnia. [30868]

  Sir Nicholas Bonsor
  Under the terms of the Dayton peace agreement, the elections in Bosnia will be supervised by the OSCE and must take place by 14 September. The Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe mission in Bosnia is now working with the parties on the electoral rules and other arrangements.

  Botswana
  Mr. Nigel Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with representatives of the Government of Botswana. [30869]

  Mr. Hanley
  My right hon. and learned Friend the Foreign Secretary saw the Botswanan Foreign Minister, General Merafhe, on 18 March and will see him again on 18 June when he visits Britain as a guest of the Government.

  Sri Lanka
  Mr. Ian Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Sri Lankan Government on the armed conflict with Tamil separatists. [30870]

  Mr. Hanley
  My right hon. and learned Friend the Foreign Secretary discussed the conflict in Sri Lanka with the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister, the hon. Lakshman Kadirgamar, during his visit to London in January. I have had further discussions about the conflict with Ministers of the Sri Lanka Government who have visited London since then.

  Tibet
  Dr. Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to raise human rights in Tibet with the Chinese Government; and if he will make a statement. [30871]

  Mr. Hanley
  It is our policy to raise our concerns about the human rights situation in China, including Tibet, with the Chinese authorities at every appropriate opportunity.
  196

  Gibraltar
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to meet the Chief Minister of Gibraltar to discuss future United Kingdom policy on Gibraltar; and if he will make a statement. [30872]

  Mr. David Davis
  I met the new Gibraltar Chief Minister on 5 June. We had detailed discussions on a wide range of issues, including unacceptable delays at the frontier with Spain.

  European Court of Justice
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to discuss the role of the European Court of Justice in the intergovernmental conference. [30873]

  Mr. David Davis
  In due course, we shall publish a memorandum on the European Court of Justice, setting out in greater detail the proposals outlined in the recent White Paper "A Partnership of Nations".

  Cyprus
  Dr. Spink
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with the United Nations regarding the occupation of the northern part of Cyprus by Turkish troops. [30875]

  Mr. David Davis
  Cyprus was discussed at an informal meeting of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council on 17 April. They reaffirmed that the status quo was unacceptable and stressed the need for a comprehensive approach leading to a settlement within the framework of the UN Secretary-General's mission of good offices.

  Sudan
  Rev. Martin Smyth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the current situation in Sudan. [30876]

  Mr. Hanley
  Sudan continues to suffer from the long-running civil war. There is little sign of willingness to make progress towards a negotiated solution, although Her Majesty's Government continue to urge this upon all concerned. The human rights situation continues to give us grave cause for concern, as does Sudan's hospitality to terrorist groups. We are watching closely for firm evidence that Sudan is complying with Security Council resolutions 1044 and 1054.

  Bahrain
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he last met representatives of the Government of Bahrain to discuss human rights in that country; and if he will make a statement. [30878]

  Mr. Hanley
  Human rights issues have been discussed at ministerial or official levels on numerous occasions, and will be raised again during my visit this month.
  197
  Mr. Nicholas Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on relations between the United Kingdom and Bahrain. [32246]

  Mr. Hanley
  Bahrain is a close ally and under our 1971 treaty of friendship there is good co-operation in all fields.

  I shall be visiting Bahrain myself next week to discuss a wide range of issues with the Bahraini Government.

  Mr. Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what recent representations he has received relating to the matter of the detention in Bahrain of the wife of Mr. John Paul Goostrey; [32248]

  (2) what action he has taken to date to assist Mr. John Paul Goostrey in the matter of the detention of his wife in Bahrain. [32245]

  Mr. Hanley
  Mr. Goostrey's wife, a Bahraini citizen, is not in detention in Bahrain, but her family have obtained a court injunction preventing her from leaving the country. She is applying to the court for this decision to be overturned. The British embassy is in regular contact with Mr. Goostrey and his wife and will continue to provide all the help that it can.

  Mr. Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Bahraini ambassador in London about the matter of the detention in Bahrain of the wife of Mr. John Paul Goostrey. [32249]

  Mr. Hanley
  None, but I plan to discuss the matter with our ambassador on my visit to Bahrain in the near future.

  Mr. Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information he has concerning the number of British citizens whose spouses are citizens of Bahrain; and what advice he would give to such individuals about visiting Bahrain. [32247]

  Mr. Hanley
  We do not maintain records of foreign spouses of British nationals.

  There is no advice particular to such individuals, although they have access to our current travel advice on Bahrain.

  Hong Kong
  Sir Colin Shepherd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to visit Hong Kong to discuss administrative arrangements after 30 June 1997. [30879]

  Mr. Hanley
  My right hon. and learned Friend the Foreign Secretary has no immediate plans to visit Hong Kong, but discussions with China on matters relating to the transfer of sovereignty over Hong Kong continue at official level, most recently at the 36th plenary session of the Sino-British joint liaison group in London on 5 to 7 June.

  Tigris and Euphrates Valleys (Children)
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on his discussions with the Secretary General 198
  of the Arab League during his official visit to the United Kingdom in relation to starvation among children in the valleys of the Tigris and the Euphrates. [30880]

  Mr. Hanley
  The condition of children' in Iraq was discussed with Dr. Meguid with particular reference to Saddam Hussain's failure to provide satisfactorily for them.

  Civil Servants (Duties Abroad)
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much his Department spent during the financial years 1994–95 and 1995–96 on sending civil servants accompanying Ministers from his Department on official duties abroad. [32410]

  Mr. Hanley
  Neither the Foreign Commonwealth Office diplomatic wing nor the Overseas Development Administration holds the information in the form requested, and it could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Diplomatic wing expenditure on overseas travel by Ministers and accompanying officials was £1,848,932 in 1994–95 and £1,496,109 in 1995–96.

  ODA private office expenditure on travel and subsistence, including the Minister and civil servants working in the private office, was £131,993 in 1994–95 and £139,951 in 1995–96.

  European Union (Legislation)
  Mr. Ian Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list, by Department, the number of officials and other experts from the United Kingdom who assist the European Commission in drawing up legislation under the comitology procedure established by the Council decision of 13 July 1987, laying down the procedures for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission. [32462]

  Mr. David Davis
  UK officials participate in the exercise by the Commission of delegated powers to make secondary legislation, through their representation on the committees established under the Council decision on the comitology procedure of 13 July 1987. The number of officials and which Department they are from depends on the committees currently sitting and on the subject matter concerned.

  Argentina
  Mr. David Atkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has made to the Government of Argentina on establishing the fate of those who disappeared during the period of military rule from 1976 to 1983 and to bring those responsible before the courts; and if he will make a statement. [30813]

  Sir Nicholas Bonsor
  We have made no recent representations.

  Falkland Islands
  Mr. Luff
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he
  199
  has had with the Argentine Government over the exploration of hydrocarbons around the Falklands Islands. [30874]

  Sir Nicholas Bonsor
  At a meeting on 30 January 1996 my right hon. and learned Friend the Foreign Secretary and the Argentine Foreign Minister noted the success of the joint declaration of September 1995 which established a joint commission to promote hydrocarbons development in the south-west Atlantic. Official level talks have made good progress.

  European Commission (Employees)
  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many people are currently employed in the European Commission; at what costs to public funds; what were(a) the numbers and (b) the cost in real terms five years ago; and if he will make a statement. [31178]

  Mr. David Davis
  The European Commission's employees totalled 16,627 in 1991, and 20,831 in 1996. The cost to the EC budget was 1,261,834,635 ecu in 1991, and 1,914,177,000 ecu has been allocated to staff costs in the 1996 budget—1,674,695,000 ecu at 1991 prices. There is no direct allocation of this sum, but the UK's contribution to the overall EC budget is approximately 12 per cent. after our abatement has been taken into account.

  European Union
  Mr. Dykes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will notify the European Union Council of Ministers that Her Majesty's Government will suspend forthwith the policy of non-co-operation with the other member states in respect of forthcoming decisions by the Council of Ministers. [32264]

  Mr. David Davis
  As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister announced on 21 May, our policy of non-co-operation will continue until we have agreement on lifting the ban on beef derivatives and a clear framework in place leading to a lifting of the wider ban. The first of these objectives has now been met. We hope that the second will be met soon.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Small and Medium Businesses
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what proportion of his Department's budget was spent on procurement from small and medium enterprises in 1995–96. [27536]

  Mr. Boswell
  From information held centrally, some 10 per cent. of procurement expenditure was with enterprises identified as having under 200 employees. The Ministry does not at this time distinguish between small and medium-sized enterprises.

  Aphis Gossypii
  Mr. Ronnie Campbell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what advice he has issued on the use of chemicals to control Aphis gossypii; and if he will make a statement. [31590]
  200
  Mrs. Browning
  I have asked the chief executive of ADAS to reply to the hon. Member direct.

  Letter from Phillip Needham to Mr. Ronnie Campbell, dated 12 June 1996:
  The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has asked me to reply direct to your Parliamentary Question in which you ask what advice has been issued on the use of chemicals to control Aphis gossypii.[31590]
  ADAS has issued advice on recognition and control of A. gossypii to growers and the horticultural industry by individual consultation, newsletters e.g. 'Bedding Plant Technical Notes', 'Outdoor Ornamental Technical Notes' and by speaking at conferences e.g. the National Nursery Stock Conference and the National Cucumber Conference.
  This aphid shows resistance to some types of pesticide. ADAS has been involved in the development of biological control strategies for A. gossypii and has held workshops for growers in order to aid the uptake and success of Integrated Pest Management. Research results have also been presented at conferences and scientific papers published.

  Food Surpluses
  Mr. Rooker
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on arrangements for distribution by the voluntary sector of surplus EC food to the elderly and disadvantaged. [31561]

  Mr. Baldry
  The EC surplus food scheme was originally established as a temporary measure to dispose of certain intervention stocks when these were high. Last November my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food announced, as part of the Government's expenditure plans, that the UK would permanently withdraw from participation, in line with the recommendations of the Ministry's fundamental expenditure review. That decision, among others, has enabled the Ministry to contribute fully to the Government's policy of maintaining a tight control of public expenditure.

  Hedley Lomas (Ireland) Ltd.
  Mr. Heppell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if the Minister has received a claim for damages from Hedley Lomas (Ireland) Ltd. or its livestock export consultant. [32473]

  Mrs. Browning
  In December 1992 Hedley Lomas (Ireland) Ltd. lodged an application for judicial review in respect of the Ministry's refusal to issue the company with a licence in accordance with the Export of Animals (Prohibition) Order 1991. That application included a claim for damages but the company has not, to date, provided particulars for the alleged losses arising as a result of the decision.

  Animals (Sentient Beings)
  Mr. Khabra
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, at the forthcoming intergovernmental conference, the Government will make it their policy to argue for the re-classification of animals as sentient beings in the treaty of Rome. [32452]

  Mrs. Browning
  The Government have made it clear that they wish to see further progress made on animal welfare at a Community level. That is why we are seeking to have a protocol added to the treaty of Rome which will place a formal, legal obligation on Community institutions
  201
  to give full regard to considerations of animal welfare in the exercise of their powers on agriculture, transport, research and the single market.

  Pesticides (Food Labelling)
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans his Department has to introduce a consumer labelling system for foods treated with pesticides that identifies the pesticides used; and if he will make a statement. [32273]

  Mrs. Browning
  The Government have no plans to introduce special labelling for foods treated with pesticides.

  Organophosphates
  Mr. Austin-Walker
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has of the number of farmers and farm workers disabled following exposure to organophosphates; and if he will make a statement. [32454]

  Mrs. Browning
  The Department has information of reported suspected adverse reactions to organophosphates used in agriculture. Suspected adverse reactions involving veterinary medicines are notified to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate. In the period between 1 January 1985 and 31 May 1996 a total of 681 reports involving human suspected adverse reactions to organophosphorus sheep dips and 20 involving OP warblecides were received by the VMD. Details of cases examined by the appraisal panel for human suspected adverse reactions to veterinary medicines are set out in the published annual reports of the panel for 1993 and 1994, which are available in the Library of the House. Suspected adverse reactions involving pesticides are reported to the Health and Safety Executive, and my Department is informed. There were 29 cases of suspected organophosphate poisoning from pesticides in Great Britain in 1993–94 and 43 in 1994–95. "Pesticides Incidents Investigated in 1993–94/1994–95—A Report by the Fields Operations Division of the Health and Safety Executive" is also available in the Library of the House.

  Ostriches
  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has of the number of ostriches in the UK. [32510]

  Mrs. Browning
  The Ministry does not collect data separately for ostriches.

  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what provisions regulate the slaughter of ostriches. [32511]

  Mrs. Browning
  I refer the hon. Member to my reply of 21 March 1996,Official Report, column 314. The Welfare of Animals (Slaughter or Killing) Regulations 1995, SI 1995, No. 731, regulate the slaughter of ostriches in Great Britain. Similar legislation applies in Northern Ireland.

  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what research is being conducted into humane methods of slaughtering ostriches. [32512]
  202
  Mrs. Browning
  Earlier this year, a research study of commercial ostrich slaughter practice in the Republic of South Africa was commissioned by the Ministry. In consultation with representatives of the ostrich industry and others, the findings of that study are being used to prepare guidance on humane slaughter which will be made available to ostrich producers. A copy will be placed in the Library of the House once it is completed.

  Sheep (Collection Centres)
  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if each holding, as defined within the category of collection centres, as laid down in part 1 of the Animals and Animal Products Import and Export Regulations 1995, from which sheep have been acquired for export since 9 October 1995, has been approved for intra-Community trade as required by article 5(b) of the regulations. [30716]

  Mrs. Browning
  [holding answer 4 June 1996]: Some, but not all, holdings from which sheep have been certified since 9 October 1995 are also approved collection centres, as defined in Council directive 64/432/EEC. However, the Community legislation concerning the animal health conditions for intra-Community trade in sheep and goats does not require the places at which sheep are acquired to be approved collection centres. Sheep can be exported directly from a holding or via an approved market or assembly centre.

  The purpose of the Animals and Animal Products (Import and Export) Regulations 1995 is to implement certain pieces of Community animal health legislation, including Council directive 91/68/EEC. The regulations are made under the powers conferred on Ministers by section 2(2) of the European Communities Act 1972. It has been drawn to our attention that, in respect of sheep, the regulations do not accurately reflect the provisions in the Community legislation. We intend to take steps to eliminate the anomalies.

  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) if he proposes to issue export health certificates in respect of sheep which are acquired through a collection centre which is approved by his Department for the purposes of intra-Community trade; [32099]

  (2) if he proposes to issue export health certificates in respect of sheep which are acquired through a collection centre which is approved by him for the purposes of intra-Community trade but which at the time the sheep were acquired did not comply with the provisions relating to collection centres in Council directives 91/68/EEC. [32100]

  Mrs. Browning
  [holding answer 10 June 1996]: It is not a requirement for sheep exported to another EC member state from a holding to be purchased at an approved collection centre. Provided that they meet all other animal health requirements, sheep which are acquired through an approved collection centre can be issued with export health certificates.

  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what types of establishments and premises within the United Kingdom qualify as holding centers for the purposes of article 2 of Council directive 90/425/EEC. [32101]
  203
  Mrs. Browning
  [holding answer 10 June 1996]: For the purposes of Council directive 90/425/EEC, all the places at which the animals referred to in annexes A and B of the directive are held or kept are considered to be holdings. Annexes A and B cover all live animals, including aquaculture animals.

  Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy
  Mr. Dover
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what research projects have been(a) requested and (b) commissioned by his Department in the areas of BSE and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in the last two months. [31038]

  Mrs. Browning
  [holding answer 4 June 1996]: Details of the research projects requested and commissioned in the last two months are as follows:

  (A) Research proposals in the areas of BSE requested by MAFF in the last two months

  Audit of Bovine and Ovine Slaughter and By-products Sector.

  Strain-typing of scrapie agent in meat and bone meal.

  Transmission of studies for the detection of BSE in sheep.

  The study of BSE in sheep and the possibility of its vertical transmission.

  Applied brain metabolism and nutrition studies in cattle to aid in the control of neurological disorders.

  Bioassay of BSE infectivity in non-neural tissues by intra-cerebral inoculation of cattle.

  Immunohistochemical detection of cellular perturbations in formalin-fixed brain from cattle.

  Pathogenesis studies of experimental BSE in sheep.

  Abnormal protein distribution in the central nervous system, non-neural tissues and body fluid of cattle affected by BSE.

  Hot boning of beef to avoid carcase splitting—a case for a development project.

  Pathogenesis studies of experimental BSE in sheep.

  Abnormal protein distribution in the CNS, non-neural tissues and body fluids of cattle affected by BSE.

  A combinatorial molecular approach for the identification of early markers for BSE in cattle.

  The role of glycation in the generation of scrapie amyloid fibrils.

  Identification of peptides that are recognised by sera from animals infected with bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) using a random peptide phage display library.

  Immune complexes and related markers in BSE.

  A potential analysis for the presence of neural-tissue in beef and beef containing products.

  Proposals on the role of free living mites in the epidemiology ofTSEs.

  Proposals for developing a mouse transgenic for the bovine PrP gene.

  (B) MAFF-funded BSE research—approved April-May 1996

  The neuropathological monitoring of suspect BSE cases born in 1992.

  Development of mouse models for the study of bovine transmissible spongiform encephalopathy.

  Electrophoretic analysis of body fluids to identify disease-specific proteins in ruminant spongiform encephalopathy.

  Production of polyclonal antisera to highly purified bovine PrP scrapie.

  Responsibility for CJD research lies with the Department of Health.

  204
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on how many occasions in each year since 1989 abattoirs were found to be in default of BSE-related regulations governing the treatment of carcases. [31246]

  Mrs. Browning
  [holding answer 4 June 1996]: Prior to 1 April 1995, responsibility for meat inspection was the responsibility of local authorities. Details of contraventions of BSE-related regulations in abattoirs prior to this date are not held centrally.

  Since 1 April 1995, responsibility for meat inspection in slaughterhouses was transferred to the Meat Hygiene Service. Results of the state veterinary surveillance programme on the handling of specified bovine material in abattoirs since September 1995 were given in my answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Dorset, West (Sir J. Spicer) on 18 January 1996, Official Report, column 682, and my right hon. and learned Friend the Member for Grantham (Mr. Hogg) on 22 November 1995, Official Report, columns 192–93, and 30 April 1996, Official Report, columns 483–84.

  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on how many occasions in each year since 1989 abattoirs were prosecuted for failure to comply with BSE-related regulations governing the treatment of carcases. [31247]

  Mrs. Browning
  [holding answer 4 June 1996]: Prior to 1 April 1995, meat inspection was the responsibility of local authorities. Details of prosecutions made by local authorities of contraventions in slaughterhouses are not held centrally.

  On 1 April 1995 responsibility for meat inspection in slaughterhouses was transferred to the Meat Hygiene Service. So far, there has been one successful prosecution and a number of other cases are under investigation.

DEFENCE

  Sea Training
  Mr. Ian Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the costs of supporting flag officer sea training at Plymouth rather than at Portland; if he will estimate(a) the training days to be provided this year compared to the last full year at Portland and (b) the number of Sootax helicopter flights in support of flag officer sea training at Portland; what was the original estimate for helicopter flights from Plymouth airport and what number are actually being made from Plymouth airport; how many staff were originally estimated to be needed at Plymouth and how many are now assessed as being needed; and what is the latest estimate of the cost of closure of Portland naval base, transfer of flag officer sea training and of setting up flag officer sea training in Plymouth. [31767]

  Mr. Soames
  The Royal Navy's operational sea training organisation enjoys a worldwide reputation for its excellent and cost-effective training.

  During the period July 1994 to July 1995—the last full year at Portland—225 training days were achieved by flag officer sea training; the estimate for the 12-month period to July 1996—the first year at Plymouth—is 235 training

  205
  days. In the final year at Portland there were 547 planned Sootax helicopter sorties of which 483 were achieved; for the period July 1995 to April 1996 839 sorties were planned and 816 achieved at Plymouth. Activity levels at Plymouth have been higher than originally estimated, because of increased demand for sea training and other operational reasons.

  In 1993 it was estimated that 230 personnel, service and civilian, would be needed to run the FOST operation in Plymouth. However, training is now being successfully achieved with a complement of 202.

  The present estimate for the cost of closing Portland and moving FOST to Plymouth is some £10.4 million.

  NATO
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list(a) his Department's total expenditure and (b) the average defence expenditure of other European members of NATO in each of the last financial years, expressed in 1995–96 prices. [32072]

  Mr. Soames
  Information provided to NATO by member states gives the following comparison, at 1990 $US prices and exchange rates, between UK defence spending and the average among the other European members of the alliance:

  UK ($ million)

  European average ($ million)

  1991

  39,790

  11,869

  1992

  35,473

  11,535

  1993

  34,292

  11,198

  1994

  32,622

  10,909

  1995

  30,710

  10,640

  Armed Forces (Deaths)
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 16 May,Official Report, column 559, how many people in the armed forces who served in the Gulf war have died since January 1991. [31788]

  Mr. Soames
  [holding reply 10 June 1996]: Since January 1991 the total number of personnel who served in the Gulf war and subsequently died, while still serving in the armed forces, is 84.

  Recruitment
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much his Department spent in recruiting staff to his Department and its executive agencies during the 1994–95 and 1995–96 financial years; and how many staff were recruited in each of these years. [31397]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  This information is not held centrally within my Department or within some of its agencies, and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Where this matter falls to chief executives of my Department's agencies and the information is readily available, I have asked them to write direct to the hon. Member.
  206
  Letter from John Chisholm to Mr. Brian Donohoe, dated 11 June 1996:
  You recently asked the Secretary of State for Defence for details of numbers of staff recruited, and associated costs, for the years 1994–95 and 1995–96 for his Department and its Agencies. I am replying on behalf of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA).
  Recruitment is only one aspect of personnel work and it is not our practice to allocate specific staff and related costs solely to this activity. Major, and clearly identifiable, costs are those associated with recruitment advertising, promotional and marketing material and recruitment literature. These identifiable costs are as follows:

  1994–95: £0.9 million

  1995–96: £1.4 million

  The number of staff recruited in each of these years is as follows:

  1994–95: 631

  1995–96: 1,046

  As a result of consolidation within the MOD this Agency became about 50% larger in 1995–96 compared with 1994–95, which is the principal reason for the increased activity.

  I hope this is helpful.

  Letter from S. Parnell to Mr. Brian Donohoe, dated 11 June 1996:
  1.You recently asked the Secretary of State for Defence two Parliamentary Questions concerning the use of executive search agencies and recruitment costs within Agencies of the Ministry of Defence. The matters you raise fall within the responsibilities delegated to the Chief Executive of the Hydrographic Defence Agency, Rear Admiral J. P. Clarke. In the normal course of events Admiral Clarke would reply to you personally but unfortunately he is at present on official duty overseas so I have been asked to reply to you on his behalf.
  2. As the two questions you asked relate to similar issues I hope you will not object if I reply to them both in this letter.
  3. Turning first to your question about recruitment costs (1497H) the information you require, concerning the Hydrographic Office, can be summarised as follows:

  Year

  Number recruited

  Cost £

  1994–95

  15

  1,269

  1995–96

  66

  21,681

  4. As regards your question about executive search agencies or employment companies, (1498H) I can tell you that the Hydrographic Office did not use any executive search agency or employment company in filling any vacancies that arose during 1994/95 or 1995/96.
  I hope the above information has been helpful.

  Letter from J. C. R. Hunt to Mr. Brian Donohoe, dated 11 June 1996:
  The Meteorological Office is an Executive Agency of the Ministry of Defence. As Chief Executive I am responding to your question regarding recruitment.
  In the financial year 1994–95 we recruited 42 staff at a cost of £71,036.
  In the financial year 1995–96 we recruited 65 staff at the cost of £119,393.
  I hope this gives you the information you need.

  Letter from Brigadier T. McG. Brown to Mr. Brian Donohoe, dated 11 June 1996:
  I am replying to your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Defence, the Rt Hon Michael Portillo MP, regarding the cost of recruiting staff and the number of staff recruited in 1994/95 and 1995/96 within the MoD and its associated agencies.
  As Chief Executive, this matter falls within my area of responsibility for the Defence Postal and Courier Services Agency.
  207
  During 1994/95 and 1995/96 the Agency employed five staff to manage the personnel function for in excess of 300 civilian staff, and part of their function is to oversee recruitment. However, other than the £7,600 spent advertising for staff, the cost of the recruitment component is not separately identified. In 1994/95 and 1995/96 we recruited 55 and 122 staff respectively, excluding those we assumed responsibility for as a result of MoD reorganisations. We are not responsible for recruiting military staff who are recruited by the Army's centralised recruitment function.

  I hope this information is helpful.

  Letter from W. E. Spreadbury to Mr. Brian Donohoe, dated 11 June 1996:
  I am replying to your Question to the Secretary of State for Defence (about recruitment of staff) on behalf of the Chief Executive of the Duke of York's Royal Military School who is absent on duty as this matter falls within his area of responsibility.
  During the financial years 1994–95 and 1995–96 my Agency spent £1775 and £1847 respectively on recruiting staff. The numbers of staff recruited in these two years were 7 and 13 respectively.

  Letter from Brigadier K. J. W. Good to Mr. Brian Donohoe, dated 11 June 1996:
  I am replying to your Question to the Secretary of State for Defence regarding how much my agency has spent in recruiting staff during the 1994/95 and 1995/96 financial years; and how many staff were recruited in each of these years.
  My response, therefore, is as follows:

  Total spend on recruitment 1994/95: £86,775

  Total spend on recruitment 1995/96: £89,625

  Total number of staff recruited 1994/95: 358

  Total number of staff recruited 1995/96: 427

  I trust this fully answers your question.

  Letter from I. S. Mitchelson to Mr. Brian Donohoe, dated 11 June 1996:
  I am replying to your question to the Secretary of State for Defence relating to recruitment within this Agency during 1994/95 and 1995/96, as this matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief Executive of Service Children's Education, (SCE).
  Almost all Service Children's Education staff are recruited in the UK for service overseas or recruited locally in overseas locations. During the 1994/95 Financial Year SCE's predecessor Agency, Service Children's Schools (North West Europe), recruited 353 locally entered staff. Advertising for these types of staff was through existing service sources at negligible additional associated cost, which was not separately recorded. No associated travel and subsistence costs, nor fees for interview board members was incurred. The Agency only assumed responsibility for recruitment of locally entered staff in July 1994 and figures are not available prior to this. Additionally during 1994/95 10 UK Based staff were recruited at a cost of £20,770, inclusive of advertising costs, board members fees and candidates travel and subsistence costs.
  In the 1995/96 Financial Year, the Agency recruited 1,044 locally entered staff, almost all part-time. Twenty-two UK Based staff were recruited during the same period at a cost of £44,874. In addition to the costs at 1994/95, this figure includes the hiring of regional venues for the interviews.

  Letter from Paul A. Altobell to Mr. Brian Donohoe, dated 11 June 1996:
  I am replying to your question to the Secretary of State for Defence about expenditure on recruiting staff as this matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief Executive of the Defence Analytical Services Agency.
  DASA has spent the following on the recruitment of staff:

  1994/95: £0

  1995/96: £2,752.35

  In addition to those staff recruited for us by our parent Department (MoD) my Agency has directly recruited the following:
  208
  Number of staff

  1994/95: 0

  1995/96: 11

  Letter from Colonel A. H. Roache to Mr. Brian Donohoe, dated 11 June 1996:
  As Chief Executive of the Defence Animal Centre (DAC) I am replying to your Question to the Secretary of State for Defence regarding how much the DAC spent in recruiting staff during the 1994–95 and 1995–96 financial years and how many staff were recruited in each of these years.
  Staff are recruited through the mediums of the Area Civilian Staff Manager and the Job Centre and the use of these organisations is at no cost to the DAC.
  During the financial year 1994–95, 10 staff were recruited and 36 were recruited during 1995–96.

  Letter from Air Commodore P. C. Ayee to Mr. Brian Donohoe, dated 11 June:
  I am replying to your question to the Secretary of State for Defence, asking how much his Department spent in recruiting staff to his Department and its executive agencies during the 1994–95 and 1995–95 financial years; and how many staff were recruited in each of these years as this matter falls within my responsibility as Chief Executive of the Royal Air Force Signals Engineering Establishment.
  From its launch as an executive agency on 22 Nov 94 until the end of financial year 1994–95 my agency recruited 45 staff through the Department at no direct cost to the Agency. In financial year 1995–96 we recruited 51 staff at a direct cost of £2,652.

  Letter from Captain W. S. Graham to Mr. Brian Donohoe, dated 11 June 1996:

  1. I am replying to your Question to the Secretary of State for Defence, that asked how much was spent in the 'Naval Aircraft Repair Organisation (NARO)' in recruiting staff during 1994–95 and 1995–96 financial years, and how many staff were recruited in each of these years, as the matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief Executive of the NARO.

  2. The figures are as follows:

  94/96: 63 £19,112

  95/96: 80 £20,606

  Letter from W. E. E. Boreham to Mr. Brian Donohoe, dated 11 June 1996:
  I am replying to your Question to the Secretary of State for Defence about recruitment, as this falls into my area of responsibility as Chief Constables/Chief Executive of the Ministry of Defence Police Agency.
  I recruited 32 police officers and no civilians in 1994–95, and no police officers but 12 civilian staff, for employment at MDP Wethersfield, in 1995–96. I spent £6,192 on police recruitment advertising during financial year 1994–95 and £10,040 in 1995–96. Recruitment is conducted in-house by my Personnel Department as part of its wider duties, and the staff costs associated with recruitment are not separately identified.

  Letters from N. J. Pearson to Mr. Brian Donohoe, dated 11 June 1996:

  I am replying to your Question to the Secretary of State for Defence about the cost of recruiting staff and the number of staff recruited as this matters falls within my area of responsibility as Chief Executive of the Joint Air Reconnaissance Intelligence Centre (JARIC) Defence Agency. The Agency, which formed on 19 April 1996, continues to use the Department's centralized resources for its Service and civilian recruitment needs. Information on staff recruitment costs could only be provided at disproportionate costs. Since personnel are recruited to meet central requirements and not exclusively to fill JARIC's needs. The numbers of civilian staff externally recruited to meet JARIC's vacancies for financial years 1994–95 and 1995–96 were 14 and 16 respectively.
  209
  Letter from Brigadier J. R. Drew to Mr. Brian Donohoe, dated 11 June 1996:
  I am replying to your Question to the Secretary of State for Defence about how much was spent by Defence Agencies on recruitment in 1994/95 and 1995/96 and how many staff were recruited, as this matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief Executive of the Army Base Repair Organisation (ABRO).
  It is not possible to provide information about the full cost to ABRO of recruitment in these years as the systems are not yet available to provide this without disproportionate cost and effort. I can however advise that the number of staff recruited and the amount spent on recruitment advertising for the most recent full financial years was:

  1994–95

  1995–96

  Number of staff

  243

  533

  Cost of advertising

  £7,618

  £30,027

  I hope that this is helpful.

  Letter from Brian Raine to Mr. Brian Donohoe, dated 11 June 1996:
  I am replying to your Question to the Secretary of State for Defence, on how much his Department spent in recruiting staff to his Department and its executive agencies during the 1994–95 and 1995–96 financial year; and how many staff were recruited in each of these years.

  Cost of Advertising

  1994/95: £9,843.13

  1995/96: £9,385.53

  Numbers recruited

  1994/95: 8

  1995/96: 5

  If you have any further questions about this reply please do not hesitate to contact me.

  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what use his Department and its executive agencies have made of executive search agencies or employment companies in filling vacancies within his Department or executive agencies administered by his Department during the financial years 1994–95 and 1995– 96; what agencies were employed; what was the cost in each case; how many staff were recruited in each case; and what was the total cost in each financial year of these contracts. [31412]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  The Department and its executive agencies have engaged the services of executive search agencies and employment companies for recruitment to senior appointments such as chief executives of defence agencies.

  1994–95

  Saxton Bampfylde International plc: 1 post

  Norman Broadbent Selection (NBS): 1 post

  Total cost for year £72,000

  1995–96

  Norman Broadbent Selection (NBS): 1 post

  Recruitment and Assessment Services (RAS): 8 posts

  Total cost for year £134,853

  We also use the Recruitment and Advisory Service, formerly the Civil Service Commission, for the Department's fast stream recruitment requirements.

  The figures quoted include value added tax but not the costs of advertising. The individual fees for the companies are commercially confidential.
  210
  Where responsibility for these matters falls to the chief executives of my Department's agencies under the terms of their framework documents and they have exercised that responsibility, I have asked the chief executives to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Brigadier J. R. Drew to Mr. Brian Donohoe, dated 11 June 1996:

  I am replying to your Question to the Secretary of State for Defence about the use made by Defence Agencies of executive search agencies and employment companies in 1994/5 and 1995/96, as this matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief Executive of the Army Base Repair Organisation (ABRO).
  I have enclosed the details you requested on a separate sheet. It should be noted that the number of staff engaged through employment agencies was unusually high in 1995/96 because of the need temporarily to replace vital skills lost during the rundown of ABRO Old Dalby. All the work of that workshop is in the process of transfer to other ABRO and MOD facilities or to industry.

  ABRO: Use of employment agencies

  Agencies used

  Numbers of posts filled

  Cost £

  1994–95

  Turner Charles Ltd, Staff UK, British Nursing Corporation

  5

  96,955

  1995–96

  Turner Charles Ltd, Staff UK, British Nursing Corporation, Kelly Services, Matchmaker Personnel

  30

  205,514

  The individual fees for companies are not given as they are commercially confidential.

  Letter from John Chisholm to Mr. Brian Donohoe, dated 11 June 1996:
  Your two recent questions asked the Secretary of State for Defence in what circumstances his Department and Agencies have used executive search agencies or employment companies in filling vacancies in preference to their own personnel staff and for details about the agencies used in the years 1994–95 and 1995–96. I am replying on behalf of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) and will answer both questions in this letter.
  DERA's policy is to use its own resources for recruiting. On occasion we also use executive search or employment agencies to fill a particularly specialised post or one in a profession not immediately connected with DERA's main business.
  The agencies used by DERA with the numbers of staff recruited in the last two years were as follows:

  Agency

  Recruits

  1994–95

  Hays Accountancy Personnel

  2

  Accountancy Personnel

  1

  Saxton Barnfylde

  1

  Genesis Recruitment

  1

  HS Consultants

  1

  Total

  6

  1995–96

  Robert Half (Accountancy)

  5

  Cambridge Recruitment Consultants

  8

  Accountancy Personnel

  1

  Accountancy Appointments

  1

  Wendy B Employment Consultants

  1

  Manpower PLC

  1

  Howlett Thrope Recruitment Consultants

  1

  Index Recruitment

  2

  Total

  20

  211
  I cannot give the amounts paid to each of these companies individually as this information is commercial in confidence. The total amount paid in 1994–95 was £54,400 and the figure for 1995– 96 was £86,900.
  I hope this is helpful.

  Letter from J. C. R. Hunt to Mr. Brian Donohoe, dated 11 June 1996:
  The Meteorological Office is an Executive Agency of the Ministry of Defence. As Chief Executive I am responding to your question regarding the use of executive search agencies or employment agencies.
  In the financial year 1994–95 we made no use of such agencies.
  In the financial year 1995–96 we used an agency on one occasion to recruit a senior finance person at a cost of £21,112. This figure is not out of line with recruitment costs generally in an area where market forces are firmly in play.

  Letter from S. Parnell to Mr. Brian Donohoe, dated 11 June 1996:
  1. You recently asked the Secretary of State for Defence two Parliamentary Questions concerning the use of executive search agencies and recruitment costs within Agencies of the Ministry of Defence. The matters you raise fall within the responsibilities delegated to the Chief Executive of the Hydrographic Defence Agency, Rear Admiral J. P. Clarke. In the normal course of events Admiral Clarke would reply to you personally but unfortunately he is at present on official duty overseas so I have been asked to reply to you on his behalf.
  2. As the two questions you asked relate to similar issues I hope you will not object if I reply to them both in this letter.

  3. Turning first to your question about recruitment costs (1497H) the information you require, concerning the Hydrographic Office, can be summarised as follows:

  Year

  Number recruited

  Cost £

  1994–95

  15

  1,269

  1995–96

  66

  21,681

  4. As regards your question about executive search agencies or employment companies, (1498H) I can tell you that the Hydrographic Office did not use any executive search agency or employment company in filling any vacancies that arose during 1994/95 or 1995/96.
  I hope the above information has been helpful.

  Letter from Brigadier T. McG. Brown to Mr. Brian Donohoe, dated 11 June 1996:
  I am replying to your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Defence, the Rt Hon Michael Portillo MP, regarding the use of employment and executive search agencies within the MoD and its associated agencies.
  As Chief Executive, this matter falls within my area of responsibility for the Defence Postal and Courier Services Agency.
  In 1994/95 and 1995/96 the Agency used temporary staff from "Manpower", "Remploy Ltd" and "Josephine Sammons Ltd". We also recruited from local Job Centres and directly via advertisements in the local press. We have approached various agencies to recruit accounting staff with successful candidates being provided by "Bond Accountancy" and "Hays Accountancy Personnel". The staff recruited from agencies are temporary staff for whom we do not pay a recruitment fee, but the hourly charge for these staff incorporates a percentage payable to the recruitment agency. The overall cost of employing agency staff is similar to that of our equivalent permanent staff. We do not maintain a record of the number of general temporary staff employed in 1994/95 and 1995/96. However, the number of temporary specialist accounting staff employed in this time was two.
  I hope this information is helpful.
  212
  Letter from I. S. Mitchelson to Mr. Brian Donohoe, dated 11 June 1996:
  I am replying to your question to the Secretary of State for Defence relating to the use of executive search agencies or employment companies, insofar as this area falls within my area of responsibility as Chief Executive of Service Children's Education.
  Service Children's Education, and its predecessor Service Children's Schools (North West Europe), has not used executive search agencies or employment companies in filling vacancies during the financial year 1994–95 and 1995–96. The Recruitment and Advisory Service (RAS) is currently being used to assist the recruitment of my replacement following my retirement on 31 December 1996.

  Letter from Brigadier M. G. R. Hodson to Mr. Brian Donohoe, dated 11 June 1996:
  I am replying to your two Questions to the Secretary of State for Defence, about executive search and employment agencies, as these matters fall within my area of responsibility as Chief Executive of the Defence Transport and Movements Executive Agency.
  We formed as an Agency in April 1995 and since then have utilized the services of just one outside recruitment agency. This was in connection with the engagement of one person direct from the commercial market and in such circumstances I considered it necessary to employ the Recruitment and Assessment Services, Basingstoke, because of their expertise in this specialist area. The cost falling during financial year 1995/96 was £4,054.

  Letter from Paul Attobell to Mr. Brian Donohoe, dated 11 June 1996:
  I am replying to your question to the Secretary of State for Defence about the use of executive search agencies or employment companies as this matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief Executive of the Defence Analytical Services Agency.
  DAS A has made no use of search agencies during 1994/95 and 1995/96. We have, however, used an employment agency to bring in casual staff on a short term basis to cope with surges in capacity. The details are as follows:

  Employment Agency: Manpower plc
  Cost of using Agency: DASA recruits casual staff through a central contract placed with Manpower plc by our parent Department (MoD). No details are held locally.

  Numbers of staff recruited

  1994/95: 4

  1995/96: 4

  Total cost to DASA

  1994/95: £38,439

  1995/96: £35,608.

  Letter from Brigadier M. J. Roycroft to Mr. Brian Donohoe, dated 11 June 1996:
  I am replying to 2 of your Questions to the Secretary of State for Defence about how much his Department spent in recruiting staff to his Department and its executive agencies during the 1994–95 and 1995–96 financial years; and how many staff were recruited in each of these years. This matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief Executive of the Defence Clothing & Textiles Agency.
  The Defence Clothing & Textiles Agency has delegated recruiting powers for civilian staff. The Agency did not recruit any staff from external sources in financial year 1994–95 and did not therefore incur any expenditure for recruiting staff. In financial year 1995–96 advertising costs of £5,760 were incurred for the recruitment of 36 personnel. The Agency did not use any executive search agencies or employment companies for filling vacancies during this period.
  I hope that the above information provides the answers you require.
  213
  Letter from Keith Ellender to Mr. Brian Donohoe, dated 11 June 1996:
  I am replying to your Question to the Secretary of State for Defence about the use made of executive search agencies or employment companies to fill vacancies within agencies. This matter falls to me as Chief Executive of the Disposal Sales Agency.
  During 1995/96 the Recruitment and Assessment Services Agency (RAS) were employed to advertise the post of Chief Executive as a cost to my Agency. The cost of advertising amounted to £6,844.37. The fee paid to RAS cannot be disclosed as this information is 'Commercial-in-Confidence'.
  No use was made of executive search agencies or employment companies by my Agency during 1994/95.

  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence in what circumstances his Department or its executive agencies uses an executive search or employment agency to recruit staff in preference to using personnel staff within his own Department or its executive agencies. [31525]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  The recruitment and executive search agencies are engaged to assist the Department and its agencies in identifying and recruiting appropriately qualified and experienced individuals in cases where appointments are being filled by open competition and where the Department does not have the relevant in-house recruiting capability.

  Where the chief executives of my Department's agencies have responsibilities for this matter under the terms of their framework documents and have additional information I have asked them to write direct to the hon. Member.

  Letter from John Chisholm to Mr. Brian Donohoe, dated 11 June 1996:
  Your two recent questions asked the Secretary of State for Defence in what circumstances his Department and Agencies have used executive search agencies or employment companies in filling vacancies in preference to their own personnel staff and for details about the agencies used in the years 1994–95 and 1995–96. I am replying on behalf of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) and will answer both questions in this letter.
  DERA's policy is to use its own resources for recruiting. On occasion we also use executive search or employment agencies to fill a particularly specialised post or one in a profession not immediately connected with DERA's main business.
  The agencies used by DERA with the numbers of staff recruited in the last two years were as follows:

  Agency

  Recruits

  1994–95

  Hays Accountancy Personnel

  2

  Accountancy Personnel

  1

  Saxton Barnfylde

  1

  Genesis Recruitment

  1

  HS Consultants

  1

  Total

  6

  1995–96

  Robert Half (Accountancy)

  5

  Cambridge Recruitment Consultants

  8

  Accountancy Personnel

  1

  Accountancy Appointments

  1

  Wendy B Employment Consultants

  1

  Manpower PLC

  1

  Howlett Thrope Recruitment Consultants

  1

  Index Recruitment

  2

  Total

  20

  214
  I cannot give the amounts paid to each of these companies individually as this information is commercial in confidence. The total amount paid in 1994–95 was £54,400 and the figure for 1995–96 was £86,900.
  I hope this is helpful.

  Letter from S. Parnell to Mr. Brian Donohoe, dated 12 June 1996:
  1. You recently asked the Secretary of State for Defence a Parliamentary Question about the circumstances in which the Ministry of Defence or its executive agencies would use an executive search or employment agency to recruit staff. As the issue you raise falls within the responsibility of the Chief Executive of the Hydrographic Office Defence Agency, your question has been referred to the Hydrographic Office for the provision of a reply. In the normal course of events Admiral Clarke would reply to you personally but unfortunately he is at present on official duty overseas so I have been asked to respond to you on his behalf.
  2. In answer to your question, the Hydrographic Office would only use employment agencies in special circumstances, for example to meet short-term requirements owing to temporary absences or because of surge requirements to accommodate sudden, but temporary increases in workflow.
  3. I hope the above has been helpful.

  Letter from Brigadier K. J. W. Good to Mr. Brian Donohoe, dated 12 June 1996:
  I am replying to your Question to the Secretary of State for Defence regarding the circumstances in which my Agency uses an executive search or employment agency to recruit staff in preference to using personnel staff within the Ministry of Defence.
  There are currently no circumstances in which the Army Base Storage and Distribution Agency would make use of an executive search or employment agency, as we have no personnel delegations for mobile grades. Non-mobile grades are recruited through Job Centres at no cost to the agency or the Ministry of Defence.
  I trust this fully answers your question.

  Letter from Brigadier T. McG. Brown to Mr. Brian Donohoe, dated 12 June 1996:
  I am replying to your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Defence, the Rt Hon Michael Portillo MP, regarding the circumstances in which employment and executive search agencies are used within the MoD and its associated agencies.
  As Chief Executive, this matter falls within my area of responsibility for the Defence Postal and Courier Services Agency.
  The Agency uses employment agencies to provide temporary staff where it is not possible to recruit permanent staff from within the MoD sufficiently quickly to fill vacancies. This situation generally arises where staff are required at short notice, or occasionally where there is a need to recruit specialist staff on short term appointments. The Agency has not used executive search agencies as all senior staff, both military and civilian, have been appointed from within MoD. We always attempt to recruit from existing MoD staff before approaching employment agencies.
  I hope this information is helpful.

  Letter from N. J. Pearson to Mr. Brian Donohoe, dated 12 June 1996:
  I am replying to your Question to the Secretary of State for Defence about the circumstances under which search agencies or employment companies would be used to recruit staff as this matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief Executive of the Joint Air Reconnaissance Intelligence Centre Defence Agency. The Agency, which is only 2 months old, cannot currently envisage a circumstance in which either an executive search agency or employment company would be used to recruit staff in preference to employing the Agency's Department's own personnel resources.
  215
  Letter from Brigadier J. R. Drew to Mr. Brian Donohoe, dated 12 June 1996:
  I am replying to your Question to the Secretary of State for Defence asking in what circumstances Defence Agencies use executive search agencies and employment companies, as this matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief Executive of the Army Base Repair Organisation (ABRO).
  ABRO uses the services of employment companies only when difficulties are encountered in filling posts with internal candidates who have the requisite skills and experience or can move in the appropriate time frame. All such appointments are made on temporary contracts and are very much the exception rather than the rule.

SCOTLAND

  GP Fundholding
  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what percentage of NHS expenditure on hospital and community services in Scotland is managed by GP fundholding. [31811]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  In 1995–96 GP fundholders managed 3.7 per cent. of NHS revenue expenditure on hospital and community services in Scotland.

  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was(a) the total national cost and (b) the cost per health board area of the allowances to cover the additional administrative costs of general practitioner fundholding in Scotland in each year since its introduction. [31810]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer that I gave to the hon. Member for Cunninghame, South (Mr. Donohoe) on 6 February,Official Report, columns 83–86.

  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many health boards in Scotland have established fundholding units as a means of supporting and encouraging general practitioner fundholding; and what is the annual cost of these units in each case. [31817]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  None of the health boards in Scotland has established fundholding units. There is, however, a department of primary care within each health board which seeks to develop general practice. Staff involved in the management and support of all GPs, including fundholders, are employed within these departments.

  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the total amount of efficiency savings by GP fundholding practices in Scotland in each year since the introduction of GP fundholding including the current year to date. [31813]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  For information on the amount of savings made by GP fundholders held by health boards from 1990–91 to 1994–95, the latest year for which audited accounts are available. I refer the hon. Member to the answer that I gave to the hon. Member for Cunninghame, South (Mr. Donohoe) on 6 February,Official Report, column 85. Audited figures are not yet available for 1995–96.
  216
  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what were the total budgets of all GP fundholding practices in Scotland in each year since its introduction, including the current year to date. [31815]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The information requested is set out in the table. Information for the current year to date is not yet available.

  Financial year

  Approved budgets £ million

  1991–92

  3.1

  1992–93

  15.5

  1993–94

  95.5

  1994–95

  171.8

  1995–96

  210.0

  Purchasing Pilot Projects
  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the total purchasing pilot projects in Scotland. [31823]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  There are seven total purchasing pilot projects in Scotland:

  Lothian health Board: Lothian Health total purchasing pilot project

  Lanarkshire health board: Lanarkshire total purchasing pilot project

  Greater Glasgow health board: Strathkelvin total purchasing pilot

  Grampian health board: Aberdeen West group

  Grampian health board: Counties group

  Highland health board: Nairn and Ardersier total fundholding pilot project

  Argyll and Clyde health board: Lomondside total purchasing pilot

  Sentinel Works, Polmadie
  Mr. Allason
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he has taken to ensure the physical integrity of the grade A listed building at 61 Jessie street, Polmadie, Glasgow. [32208]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The maintenance of listed buildings is essentially a matter for the owners. In 1995 an application to demolish the building was submitted to Glasgow district council by Strathclyde regional council in connection with the proposed M74 extension. Following advice from Historic Scotland, however, it was accepted that the demolition of the building was no longer required in connection with the extension of the motorway and the application was withdrawn.

  Mr. Allason
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what responsibility he has retained for the Sentinel Works at 61 Jessie street, Polmadie, Glasgow. [32228]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  My right hon. Friend has no direct responsibility for the Sentinel Works. However, as it is a category A listed building, any applications which the planning authority was minded to approve to alter, extend or demolish the building would have to be referred to him.
  217

  Council Homes
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many council homes have been built in each financial year since 1979–80 in Scotland. [32447]

  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  The total numbers of completions of local authority dwellings in the financial years 1979–80 to 1994–95 are as follows:

  Financial year

  Number of local authority dwellings completed

  1979–80

  4,818

  1980–81

  5,199

  1981–82

  3,141

  1982–83

  2,222

  1983–84

  2,470

  1984–85

  2,024

  1985–86

  1,880

  1986–87

  1,678

  1987–88

  2,021

  1988–89

  1,818

  1989–90

  1,243

  1990–91

  987

  1991–92

  1,030

  1992–93

  574

  1993–94

  526

  1994–95

  658

  Source:

  The Scottish Office Development Department housing statistics unit.

  Legal Service (Tayside and Fife)
  Mr. Welsh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many police reports were received by(a) Arbroath and Forfar procurator fiscal offices and (b) the remainder of the procurator fiscal offices within the sheriffdom of Tayside, Central and Fife between (i) January and December 1994, (ii) January and December 1995 and (iii) December 1995 and April 1996; and, in each case, how many and what percentage were marked "No proceedings". [32528]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  My noble and learned Friend the Lord Advocate has provided the following information in relation to the total number of reports received by procurators fiscal in Tayside, Central and Fife. This information relates to all reports received in the relevant years, including death reports and reports submitted by non-police reporting agencies such as the local authorities and the Health and Safety Executive.

  Tayside, Central and Fife region—1 January to 31 December 1994

  Total reports received

  Total marked "No proceedings"

  Percentage marked "No proceedings"

  Arbroath

  3,060

  270

  8.82

  Forfar

  2,235

  142

  6.35

  Alloa

  2,588

  398

  15.38

  Cupar

  2,111

  242

  11.46

  Dundee

  11,044

  950

  8.60

  Dunfermline

  7,035

  745

  10.59

  Falkirk

  7,351

  1,011

  13.75

  Kirkcaldy

  7,687

  1,155

  15.03

  Perth

  7,623

  1,211

  15.89

  Stirling

  4,656

  468

  10.05

  Totals

  55,390

  6,592

  11.90

  218

  Tayside, Central and Fife region—1 January to 31 December 1995

  Total reports received

  Total marked"No proceedings"

  Percentage marked "No proceedings"

  Arbroath

  2,985

  354

  11.86

  Forfar

  2,048

  245

  11.96

  Alloa

  2,365

  314

  13.28

  Cupar

  2,118

  322

  15.20

  Dundee

  10,750

  1,476

  13.73

  Dunfermline

  6,497

  979

  15.07

  Falkirk

  7,286

  1,034

  14.19

  Kirkcaldy

  7,473

  995

  13.31

  Perth

  7,527

  1,009

  13.41

  Stirling

  4,926

  630

  12.79

  Totals

  53,975

  7,358

  13.63

  Tayside, Central and Fife region—1 January to 31 December 1996

  Total reports received

  Total marked "No proceedings"

  Percentage marked "No proceedings"

  Arbroath

  1,156

  185

  16.00

  Forfar

  813

  104

  12.79

  Alloa

  1,056

  195

  18.47

  Cupar

  873

  95

  10.88

  Dundee

  4,035

  705

  17.47

  Dunfermline

  2,379

  359

  15.09

  Falkirk

  2,881

  520

  18.05

  Kirkcaldy

  2,933

  395

  13.47

  Perth

  2,902

  332

  11.44

  Stirling

  1,516

  201

  13.26

  Totals

  20,544

  3,091

  15.05

  Compulsory Competitive Tendering
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what considerations underlay the statement in the Scottish Office Development Department circular 6/96 regarding the compliance of tendering practices with legislation; to which legislation this statement refers; and if the Scottish Office has received external legal guidance to support this assessment. [31567]

  Mr. Kynoch
  [holding answer 7 June 1996]: The basic legislation is the Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980, the Local Government Act 1988 and the Local Government Act 1992, and regulations made thereunder. The purpose of the circular, which was issued after careful consideration of all relevant factors and reflects experience, is to provide guidance to authorities on how they may avoid conduct which has the effect or is intended or likely to have the effect of restricting, distorting or preventing competition and thus ensure value for money for the council tax payer. The circular replaces one issued in 1993.

  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) how many representations he has received indicating that Scottish local authorities have been increasing the capacity of their direct labour organisations; and who made these complaints; [31569]

  (2) pursuant to his Department's letter to the president of the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities of 11 May, which Scottish local authorities have used his

  219
  Department's moratorium on compulsory competitive tendering to increase direct labour organisation in-house capacity; and if he will list the evidence supporting the claim. [31576]

  Mr. Kynoch
  [holding answer 7 June 1996]: We have received some 20 written complaints from contractors and other interested parties, whom it would not be appropriate to name, about authorities' actions during the CCT moratorium. We have also received representations at meetings which I and my officials have attended and have received other oral complaints. The representations have not concentrated on authorities increasing their DLO in-house capacity, on which we have no information centrally. Instead, the representations have referred to authorities taking work in-house without tendering the market and without ensuring best value for money for the council tax payer.

  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list all the legislation, statutory instruments, regulations and circulars relating to compulsory competitive tendering that have been passed or issued since 1980. [31570]

  Mr. Kynoch
  [holding answer 7 June 1996]: The information is as follows:

  CCT PRIMARY LEGISLATION

  The CCT primary legislation is:

  Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980 (Part III)

  Local Government Act 1988 (Part I)

  Local Government Act 1992 (sections 8–10)

  CCT regulations and statutory instruments

  Regulations

  Date in force

  The Local Government (Direct Labour Organisations) (Competition) (Scotland) Regulations 1982 (SI 1982/318)

  1 April 1982

  The Local Government (Direct Labour Organisations) (Accounts) (Scotland) Regulations 1982 (SI 1982/319)

  1 April 1982

  The Local Government (Direct Labour Organisations) (Competition) (Scotland) Regulations 1984 (SI 1984/159)

  1 April 1984

  The Local Government (Direct Labour Organisations) (Competition) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 1988 (SI 1988/956)

  1 July 1988

  The Local Government Act 1988 (Defined Activities) (Competition) (Scotland) Regulations 1988 (SI 1988/1413)

  1 September 1988

  The Local Government Act 1988 (Defined Activities) (Specified Periods) (Scotland) Regulations 1988 (SI 1988/1414)

  1 September 1988

  The Local Government Act 1988 (Defined Activities) (Exemptions) (Scotland) (Order) 1988 (SI 1988/1415)

  1 September 1988

  The Local Government Act 1988 (Competition in Sports and Leisure Facilities) Order 1989 (SI 1989/2488)

  28 December 1989

  The Local Government Act 1988 (Defined Activities) (Competition and Specified Periods) (Scotland) Regulations 1990 (SI 1990/1484)20 August 1990

  The Local Government Act 1988 (Defined Activities) (Exemptions) (Scotland) Amendment Order 1990 (SI 1990/1485)

  20 August 1990

  The Local Government (Direct Labour Organisations) (Competition) (Scotland) Regulations 1990 (SI 1990/1782)

  1 October 1990/ 1 April 1991

  220

  CCT regulations and statutory instruments

  Regulations

  Date in force

  The Local Government (Direct Labour Organisations) (Specified Number of Employed Persons) (Scotland) Order 1990 (SI 1990/1783) 1 October 1990

  The Local Government Act 1988 (Defined Activities) (Competition) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 1990 (SI 1990/2286)

  18 December 1990

  The Local Government Act 1988 (Defined Activities) (Competition) (Scotland) Amendment (No. 2) Regulations 1990 (SI 1990/2498)31 December 1990

  The Local Government (Direct Labour Organisations) (Competition) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 1991 (SI 1991/243)

  1 April 1991

  The Local Government Act 1988 (Defined Activities) (Competitions and Specified Periods) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 1991 (SI 1991–2548) 4 December 1991

  The Local Government Act 1988 (Defined Activities) (Specified Periods) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 1993 (SI 1993–178)

  28 February 1993

  The Local Government (Direct Service Organisations) (Competition) Regulations 1993 (SI 1993/848)

  10 May 1993

  The Local Government Act 1988 (Competition) (Defined Activities) (Housing Management) Order 1994 (SI 1994–1671)

  23 June 1994

  The Local Government Act 1988 (Competition) (Defined Activities) Order 1994 (SI 1994–2884)

  10 November 1994

  The Local Government act 1988 (Competition) (Defined Activities) (Construction and Property Services) Order 1994 (SI 1994–2888) 11 November 1994

  The Local Government Act 1988 (Defined Activities) (Exemption) (Livingston Development Corporation) Order 1994 (SI 1994–3084) 31 December 1994

  The Local Government Act 1988 (Supervision of Parking) (Exemption) (Scotland) Order 1994 (SI 1994–3107)

  31 December 1994

  The Local Government Act 1980 (Defined Activities) (Exemption of Development Corporations) (Scotland) Order 1995 (SI 1995–517)31 March 1995

  The Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980 (Competition) (Scotland) Regulations 1995 (SI 1995–677)

  31 March 1995

  The Local Government (Exemption from Competition) (Scotland) Order 1995 (SI 1995–678)

  31 March 1995

  The Local Government (Direct Service Organisations) (Competition) (Amendment) Regulations 1995 (SI 1995–1336)

  14 June 1995

  The Local Government Act 1988 (Defined Activities) (Competition) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 1995 (SI 1995–1972)

  20 August 1995

  The Local Government (Direct Labour Organisations) (Accounts) (Scotland) Regulations 1996 (SI 1996–784)

  1 April 1996

  The Local Government Act 1988 (Defined Activities) (Specified Periods) Regulations 1996 (SI 1996–917)

  1 May 1996

  221

  CCT circulars

  Circular number

  Date

  Title of circular

  46/1980

  18 December 1980

  Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980

  8/1982

  25 March 1982

  Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980—Part III: Direct Labour Organisations

  5/1984

  28 February 1984

  Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980—Part III: Direct Labour Organisations

  1/1987

  22 January 1987

  Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980—Part III: Direct Labour Organisations

  9/1988

  20 May 1988

  Local Government Act 1988

  18/1988

  23 August 1988

  Local Government Act 1988: Part I and Schedule I Competition in the Provision of Local Authority Services

  22/1990

  7 September 1990

  Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980 Direct Labour Organisations

  6/1991

  8 March 1991

  Local Government Act 1988 Part I: Competition in the Provision of Local Authority Services

  9/1991

  26 March 1991

  Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980 Direct Labour Organisations: Roads Work

  18/1991

  19 December 1991

  Local Government Act 1988 Competition in Sport and Leisure Facilities

  13/1993

  14 June 1993

  Local Government Act 1992, Section 9 Competition in the Provision of Local Authority Services

  11/1994

  30 March 1994

  Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980 Direct Labour Organisations (Rate of Return on Capital) (Scotland) Directions 1994 Local Government Act 1988 Financial Objectives (Scotland) Specifications 1994

  22/1994

  23 June 1994

  The Local Government Act 1992 (Commencement No. 4) Order 1994 Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980 Direct Labour Organisations Financial Objectives (Scotland) Specifications 1994

  10/1995

  30 March 1995

  Extension of Compulsory Competitive Tendering to Legal and Further Manual Services and to Professional Construction and Property Services

  13/1995

  21 June 1995

  The Local Government (Exemption from Competition) (Scotland) Order 1995: SI No. 678 The Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980 (Competition) (Scotland) Regulations 1995: I No. 677

  6/1996

  2 April 1996

  Guidance on the Conduct of Compulsory Competitive Tendering

  8/1996

  27 March 1996

  Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980 Financial Objectives (Scotland) Specifications 1996 Local Government Act 1988 Financial Objectives (Scotland) Specifications 1996

  The above circulars, with one exception, were issued by the Scottish Development Department/the Scottish Office Environment Department/the Scottish Office Development Department. The one exception is circular 18/1991, which was issued by the Scottish Office Education Department.
  222
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what has been the cost in terms of(a) civil servant staff time and (b) other expenditure incurred by his Department in preparing legislation, statutory instruments, regulations and circulars relating to compulsory competitive tendering since 1980. [31571]

  Mr. Kynoch
  [holding answer 7 June 1996]: This information is not available, but I refer the hon. Member to the reply that I gave to the hon. Member for Dundee, East (Mr. McAllion) on 24 April 1996, Official Report, column 124.

  Stonehaven Hospital
  Ms Harman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the payback period for the private finance initiative element in respect of Stonehaven hospital. [32041]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  [holding answer 10 June 1996]: Grampian health board has yet to decide on the preferred bidder for the Stonehaven scheme. When a contract is awarded, it will be for an initial period of 10 years and will be for the provision by the successful tenderer of a range of services, which will be provided in new hospital premises, not for the construction of the hospital itself. The winning bidder will need to demonstrate that it provides the best value for money compared to other bids and against a public sector comparator. Therefore, it will be for the private sector to consider the payback period for the new facilities that it provides in the context of its bids, which will be expressed in terms of an overall price covering service provision, overheads and any capital elements.

  Fishing (Net Sizes)
  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what information is held on the amount of large mesh bottom-set gill net in use off Scotland by(a) British boats and (b) foreign boats (i) within the six-mile limit and (ii) beyond; and how any changes in the amount and type of gill net use, as a result of the proposed derogation on monofilament net will be determined. [31777]

  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  [holding answer 7 June 1996]: Information is not collected separately on the use of large mesh bottom set gill nets. There are no plans to change this.

  Pesca Funding
  Mr. Ainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how much Pesca funding is available for fishery projects in Scotland in 1996–97; how much was paid in 1995–96; and if he will list those projects funded and the amount each project received. [32193]

  Mr. Kynoch
  [holding answer 10 June 1996]: Just over one Mecu—£827,000—is available to fund projects under the financial instrument for fisheries guidance in 1996. Eligible activity includes business opportunity studies, product development and marketing research and quality assurance initiatives. No money has been paid out under for 1995 or 1996.

  EU Measures: UK Vetoes
  EU Measures: UK Vetoes
  UN Convention on the Law of the Sea
  UN Convention on the Law of the Sea
  Burma
  Burma
  Graphite Imports: Alleged Prison-made Origin
  Graphite Imports: Alleged Prison-made Origin
  Police Search Warrant: National Sporting Club
  Police Search Warrant: National Sporting Club
  Legal Services: Ombudsman's Annual Report
  Legal Services: Ombudsman's Annual Report
  UN Convention on the Law of the Sea: Rockall
  UN Convention on the Law of the Sea: Rockall
  Battersea Power Station
  Battersea Power Station
  Heathrow Airport: Collapse of Tunnels
  Heathrow Airport: Collapse of Tunnels
  British Rail: Sale of Companies
  British Rail: Sale of Companies