Written Answers of 17 June 1996

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Promotion (Women)
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 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. [31545]

  Mr. Howard
  The Home Office is committed to the implementation of the Office of Public Service programme for action to achieve equality of opportunity for women in the civil service. It is also a founder member of Opportunity 2000, which aims to increase opportunities for women and promote the achievement of a balanced work force. The Department has continued to encourage measures which increase opportunities for women to reach senior positions. It monitors regularly the number of women in each grade, their annual report markings and their performance on promotion boards. It also makes available career breaks, flexible working arrangements and subsidised child care to assist women who want to combine work with domestic responsibilities.

  There has been steady progress in the promotion of women into senior positions over the past five years. The percentage of women in grades 1 to 7, excluding the Prison Service, has risen from 21 per cent. to 28 per cent. Within that group, the representation of women at the former grade 3 level has risen from 27 per cent. to 43 per cent. and at grade 7 level from 20 per cent. to 33 per cent. Examples of progress elsewhere within the Department are that of the 12 people reaching governor 4 grade on the accelerated promotion scheme in the Prison Service, five have been women, representing 43 per cent., and that representation at grade 7 level in the Forensic Science Service has quadrupled over the past five years.

  Life Prisoners
  Mr. Steinberg
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many life sentence prisoners released on licence in the period 1990–95 were subsequently recalled. [32151]

  Miss Widdecombe
  Provisional data show that there were 578 life sentence prisoners released on licence between 1990 and 1995 inclusive, of whom 37 had their licence revoked and were subsequently returned to prison.

  Prisoners (Phone Calls)
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if appropriate equipment exists in all prisons in England and Wales to monitor phone calls being made by inmates. [32466]
  292
  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 Mr. Tom Cox, dated 17 June 1996:The Home Secretary has asked me, in the absence of the Director General from the office, to answer your recent Question about the monitoring of telephone calls in prison.
  Cardphones for prisoners' use are provided in all establishments in England and Wales and appropriate equipment for monitoring calls is installed in all closed prisons. Arrangements for the monitoring of prisoners' calls are set out in Prison Service Circular Instructions 61/1989 and 21/1992, copies of which are in the Library.
  Consideration is being given to the introduction of new telephone technology which minimises the risk of prisoner making unauthorised calls. This follows a recent successful pilot study at Full Sutton prison.

  Prison Officers
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the present policy of his Department in respect of the wearing by prison officers of name badges when on duty in a prison establishment in prisons in England and Wales; and if he will make a statement. [32465]

  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 Mr. Tom Cox, dated 17 June 1996:
  The Home Secretary of State has asked me, in the absence of the Director General from the office, to reply to your recent Question about name badges.
  Prison Service policy on the wearing of name badges has remained unchanged since it was introduced in 1993. The policy is that staff who come into contact with prisoners or the public will be required to wear name badges; and staff will be encouraged to wear name badges in any circumstances where it will be useful or courteous to do so.
  The implementation of the policy has been by encouragement rather than by active enforcement. There is a high level of non-compliance by staff, particularly from prison officers.
  It is planned that name badges will be superseded by new security passes which will be worn by all staff. Information on the new style passes will include the name and a photograph of the member of staff. The new style passes should be introduced throughout the Prison Service by April 1997.

  Non-human Primates
  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if measures to deal with the adverse effects which may be encountered by non-human primates during transport prior to arrival in the United Kingdom will be incorporated into section 5(4) of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. [32811]

  Mr. Sackville
  There are no plans to amend section 5(4) of the 1986 Act. In advising the Secretary of State on the acceptability of overseas sources of non-human primates, the Home Office animals (scientific procedures) inspectorate takes into account any adverse effects which may arise during transport.
  293

  Prison Service Annual Report
  Mr. Mullin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to publish the Prison Service annual report for the year up to March 1995; and if he will make a statement. [32223]

  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 Mr. Chris Mullin, dated 17 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 publishing of the Prison Service annual report for the year up to March 1995.
  The report will be published on 20 June.

  Drug Addicts
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the present number of registered drug addicts in England and Wales. [32910]

  Mr. Sackville
  The information requested is published in table A3 of the Home Office statistical bulletin, issue 17/95. "Statistics of drug addicts notified to the Home Office, United Kingdom, 1994 (Area Tables)". A copy of this publication is in the Library.

  Immigration Offenders
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the number of people held in prisons in England and Wales for immigration offences as of 1 June. [32464]

  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 Mr. Tom Cox, dated 17 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 of people held in prisons in England and Wales for immigration offences as of 1 June.
  The available information is for 30 April 1996. On that date. 536 persons were detained under Immigration Act powers in Prison Service establishments in England and Wales.

  Prisoners (Body Belts)
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department on how many occasions a body belt was used on a prison inmate in each prison in England and Wales during 1995. [32478]

  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 Mr. Tom Cox, dated 17 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 of occasions a body belt was used on a prison inmate in each prison in England and Wales during 1995.
  294
  The number of applications of body belt restraints under rule 46(1) of the Prison Rules 1964 and rule 49(1) of the Young Offender Institution Rules 1988 are shown in the attached table.

  Body belt restraints1 applied to violent or refractory inmates in Prison Service establishments, by establishment, 19952

  Establishment

  Number of body belt applications

  Local prisons/remand centres

  Bedford

  1

  Belmarsh

  4

  Birmingham

  2

  Blakenhurst

  1

  Brinsford

  1

  Bristol

  3

  Bullingdon

  1

  Canterbury

  1

  Chelmsford

  7

  Doncaster

  2

  Elmley

  2

  Highdown

  2

  Highpoint

  1

  Holloway

  1

  Hull

  2

  Leicester

  1

  Lincoln

  3

  Norwich

  2

  Rochester

  1

  Shrewsbury

  1

  Wandsworth

  2

  Winchester

  4

  Woodhill

  1

  Wormwood Scrubs

  5

  Training prisons

  Acklington

  2

  Albany

  2

  Blundeston

  4

  Featherstone

  3

  Frankland

  3

  Full Sutton

  3

  Littlehey

  2

  Long Lartin

  2

  Maidstone

  2

  Moorland

  1

  Parkhurst

  5

  Stocken

  1

  Swaleside

  6

  Wakefield

  5

  Wayland

  2

  Whitemoor

  1

  Total

  95

  1. Under rule 46(1), Prison Rules 1964; Rule 49(1), Young Offender Institution Rules 1988.

  2. Provisional figures.

  Toxicity Tests
  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if the pre-1990 category acute and subacute whole body lethal toxicity tests is equivalent to the post-1990 category acute and subacute quantative whole body lethal toxicity tests in statistics on scientific procedures on living animals in Great Britain. [32813]

  Mr. Sackville
  The categories are not equivalent. The definition was widened to include all lethal toxicity tests.
  295

  Dangerous Dogs
  Mr. Gale
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many dogs in(a) the Metropolitan police area and (b) the rest of the country, held under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 as alleged pit bull or pit bull type terriers are still in custody when proceedings have been (i) discontinued and (ii) dismissed; and if he will list the weekly cost to public funds of keeping these dogs in custody. [32941]

  Mr. Sackville
  The Metropolitan police currently hold four pit bull terriers in custody where proceedings have been discontinued and three pit bull terriers where proceedings have been dismissed. There are no such dogs in either category being held by other police forces in England and Wales. The weekly cost of kennelling these dogs in £460.

  Curfew Orders
  Mr. Thurnham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions he has had with his United States counterpart about prosecutions arising from breaches of curfew orders. [31643]

  Mr. Sackville
  None, but my right hon. and noble Friend the Minister of State plans to visit the United States later this year among other things to discuss with interested bodies the systems in place for the electronic monitoring of offenders.

  Criminal Records
  Mr. Ian Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the new arrangements he intends to introduce for access to criminal records for employment and related purposes. [33375]

  Mr. Howard
  A White Paper will be published on Wednesday, 19 June setting out the Government's proposals for new arrangements for access to criminal records for employment and related purposes.

  Irish Prisoners
  Mr. Bermingham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many Irish prisoners were being held(a) on remand and (b) after being sentenced in prisons in England and Wales for (i) the latest date available and (ii) for equivalent dates in (1) 1986 and (2) 1991; [32712]

  (2) what is the total number of persons being held in prisons in England and Wales (a) of Irish descent and (b) designated as travellers, for the latest date available. [32716]

  Miss Widdecombe
  [holding answer 13 June 1996]: Responsibility for these matters has been delegated to the Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from A. J. Pearson to Mr. Gerald Bermingham, dated 17 June 1996:
  ome Secretary has asked me, in the absence of the Director General from the office, to reply to your recent Questions asking for information on the number of Irish nationals in prison and the number of persons designated as travellers in prison on the latest date available and for details on equivalent dates in 1991 and 1986.
  296
  requested information is given in the attached table and is for 31 May 1996 and 30 June 1991, the closest available month. Information for 1986 is not available.
  Information on the number of persons designated as travellers is not collected.

  Irish Nationals in Prison in England and Wales

  30 June 1991

  31 May 19961

  Remand

  149

  163

  Sentenced

  425

  465

  Total2

  587

  629

  1 Provisional.

  2 Including fine defaulters and civil prisoners.

  Feltham Prison (Travellers)
  Mr. Bermingham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many white prisoners held on remand at Her Majesty's prison Feltham were deemed to be travellers for the latest date available. [32715]

  Miss Widdecombe
  [holding answer 13 June 1996]: 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 Mr. Gerald Bermingham, dated 17 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 of white prisoners, held on remand at Feltham young offenders institution, who are deemed to be travellers.
  This information is not recorded.

  Computers (Millennium)
  Mr. Ingram
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment has been made of the cost effects of the millennium date change on the computer systems operated by his Department. [32676]

  Mr. Howard
  [holding answer 13 June 1996]: My Department is aware of the problem. The Department's information technology service provider—Sema group—has been commissioned to undertake an audit of all systems to assess the requirements for changes and a report will be produced in August. An action plan will then be prepared taking into account other developments which may have an effect. At that point, likely costs will be assessed.

  Prisoner Transport (Private Taxis)
  Ms Lynne
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) for what use, and under what specific circumstances, private taxis are used for the transporting of(a) prisoners from Buckley Hall prison and (b) other male category C prisons; [31888]

  (2) what guidance is given by his Department as to the suitability of using private taxis for the transportation of prisoners from male category C prisons. [31885]

  Miss Widdecombe
  [holding answer 12 June 1996]: Responsibility for these matters has been delegated to the Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.
  297
  Letter from Richard Tilt to Ms Liz Lynne, dated 17 June 1996
  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Questions about the use of private taxis to transport prisoners.
  Taxis are used widely to transport prisoners, particularly when there is only one prisoner to be escorted. Guidance on the use of escort vehicles, including taxis, is set out in section 52 of the Prison Service manual on Security, copies of which are in the Library.
  Buckley Hall prison and other category C prisons use taxis in the circumstances set out in the guidance.

  Custody Statistics
  Mr. Bernie Grant
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many non-United Kingdom nationals, including asylum seekers, are currently held in custody in England and Wales; if he will list the locations where they are being held; what is the ethnic breakdown

  Foreign nationals in prison in England and Wales on 30 April 19961, by sex, ethnic origin and establishment

  Ethnic origin

  White

  Black

  South Asian

  Chinese and other

  Not recorded

  Total

  Females

  Askham Grange

  1

  1

  0

  0

  0

  2

  Brockhill

  3

  3

  0

  1

  0

  7

  Bullwood Hall

  5

  14

  1

  2

  0

  22

  Cookham Wood

  6

  28

  3

  6

  0

  43

  Drake Hall

  3

  6

  0

  1

  0

  10

  Durham

  4

  5

  1

  1

  0

  11

  East Sutton Park

  3

  7

  0

  1

  0

  11

  Holloway

  33

  80

  3

  17

  0

  133

  Low Newton

  1

  0

  0

  0

  0

  1

  New Hall

  1

  3

  1

  3

  0

  8

  Risley

  4

  6

  1

  0

  0

  11

  Styal

  4

  19

  1

  2

  0

  26

  Winchester

  7

  10

  0

  2

  0

  19

  Total females

  75

  182

  11

  36

  0

  304

  Males

  Acklington

  5

  0

  1

  0

  0

  6

  Albany

  15

  15

  5

  3

  0

  38

  Aldington

  7

  4

  2

  7

  0

  20

  Ashwell

  6

  4

  10

  0

  0

  20

  Alyesbury

  4

  8

  4

  2

  0

  18

  Bedford

  10

  6

  1

  2

  0

  19

  Belmarsh

  44

  46

  2

  18

  0

  110

  Birmingham

  22

  28

  92

  28

  0

  170

  Blakenhurst

  11

  9

  17

  4

  0

  41

  Blantyre House

  3

  2

  2

  4

  0

  11

  Blundeston

  20

  35

  4

  5

  0

  64

  Brinsford

  2

  0

  5

  1

  0

  8

  Bristol

  4

  7

  4

  10

  0

  25

  Brixton

  39

  67

  18

  32

  0

  156

  Brockhill

  1

  0

  0

  2

  0

  3

  Buckley Hall

  2

  8

  3

  1

  0

  14

  Bullingdon

  22

  12

  9

  4

  0

  47

  Camp Hill

  14

  13

  4

  3

  1

  35

  Canterbury

  36

  5

  9

  11

  0

  61

  Cardiff

  1

  0

  1

  1

  0

  3

  Castington

  0

  1

  1

  0

  0

  2

  Channings Wood

  11

  4

  3

  2

  0

  20

  Chelmsford

  17

  3

  1

  3

  0

  24

  Coldingley

  7

  28

  3

  5

  0

  43

  Dartmoor

  16

  5

  4

  1

  0

  26

  Doncaster

  3

  5

  3

  1

  0

  12

  Dorchester

  2

  0

  0

  0

  0

  2

  Dover

  3

  11

  3

  2

  0

  19

  Downview

  6

  15

  4

  4

  0

  29

  Durham

  6

  3

  0

  2

  0

  11

  Elmley

  47

  8

  0

  9

  0

  64

  298
  of the non-United Kingdom nationals currently in custody; how many of them are women and if he will list the locations where they are being held; and how many non-United Kingdom nationals in custody have been granted bail, but remain in custody. [31961]

  Miss Widdecombe
  [holding answer 12 June 1996]: 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 Mr. Bernie Grant, dated 17 June 1996:
  The Home Secretary has asked me, in the absence of the Director General from the office, to reply to your recent Question asking for information on the number, sex, ethnic origin and location of foreign nationals in the prison population.
  Information for England and Wales is given in the attached table. Information for prisoners who have been granted bail but remain in custody is not held centrally.
  299

  Foreign nationals in prison in England and Wales on 30 April 19961, by sex, ethnic origin and establishment

  Ethnic origin

  White

  Black

  South Asian

  Chinese and other

  Not recorded

  Total

  Erlestoke

  3

  4

  0

  0

  0

  7

  Everthorpe

  1

  2

  5

  0

  0

  8

  Exeter

  7

  1

  1

  2

  0

  11

  Featherstone

  14

  8

  10

  6

  0

  38

  Feltham

  15

  18

  6

  18

  0

  57

  Ford

  20

  15

  5

  11

  0

  51

  Frankland

  7

  7

  5

  5

  0

  24

  Full Sutton

  22

  9

  3

  5

  0

  39

  Garth

  6

  5

  7

  4

  0

  22

  Gartree

  6

  5

  9

  1

  0

  21

  Glen Parva

  10

  0

  4

  1

  0

  15

  Gloucester

  6

  2

  0

  0

  0

  8

  Grendon

  6

  6

  6

  4

  0

  22

  Guys Marsh

  8

  2

  0

  0

  0

  10

  Haslar

  6

  61

  18

  44

  0

  129

  Hatfield

  0

  0

  3

  0

  0

  3

  Haverigg

  5

  2

  0

  0

  0

  7

  Hewell Grange

  0

  0

  6

  3

  0

  9

  Highdown

  26

  54

  4

  4

  0

  88

  Highpoint

  24

  33

  2

  8

  0

  67

  Hindley

  3

  0

  2

  2

  0

  7

  Hollesley Bay

  4

  1

  3

  0

  0

  8

  Holme House

  3

  1

  2

  1

  0

  7

  Hull

  8

  0

  0

  1

  0

  9

  Huntercombe

  5

  11

  2

  2

  0

  20

  Kirkham

  5

  0

  4

  6

  1

  16

  Kirklevington

  0

  0

  1

  1

  0

  2

  Lancaster

  1

  0

  1

  0

  0

  2

  Lancaster Farms

  2

  0

  0

  0

  0

  2

  Latchmere House

  10

  6

  2

  2

  0

  20

  Leeds

  6

  7

  23

  4

  0

  40

  Leicester

  5

  2

  7

  0

  0

  14

  Lewes

  8

  4

  0

  1

  0

  13

  Leyhill

  9

  5

  2

  1

  0

  17

  Lincoln

  4

  7

  2

  0

  0

  13

  Lindholme

  6

  1

  8

  2

  0

  17

  Littlehey

  18

  12

  11

  5

  0

  46

  Liverpool

  11

  4

  4

  2

  0

  21

  Long Lartin

  17

  11

  9

  14

  0

  51

  Low Newton

  1

  0

  0

  0

  0

  1

  Maidstone

  36

  15

  11

  9

  0

  71

  Manchester

  16

  10

  15

  9

  0

  50

  Moorland

  5

  3

  2

  1

  0

  11

  Morton Hall

  1

  0

  0

  1

  0

  2

  Mount (The)

  23

  48

  10

  16

  0

  97

  North Sea Camp

  2

  0

  1

  1

  0

  4

  Northallerton

  1

  0

  0

  0

  0

  1

  Norwich

  7

  5

  1

  5

  0

  18

  Nottingham

  5

  3

  5

  0

  0

  13

  Onley

  6

  5

  2

  4

  0

  17

  Parkhurst

  20

  8

  4

  13

  0

  45

  Pentonville

  49

  58

  16

  32

  0

  155

  Portland

  4

  5

  0

  0

  0

  9

  Portsmouth

  4

  6

  2

  3

  0

  15

  Preston

  9

  0

  4

  1

  0

  14

  Ranby

  5

  1

  2

  2

  0

  10

  Reading

  1

  1

  2

  0

  0

  4

  Risley

  10

  6

  6

  5

  0

  27

  Rochester

  5

  86

  20

  86

  0

  197

  Send

  6

  6

  1

  1

  0

  14

  Shepton Mallett

  1

  2

  0

  0

  0

  3

  Shrewsbury

  1

  0

  0

  1

  0

  2

  Stafford

  6

  4

  3

  4

  0

  17

  Stanford Hill

  15

  8

  8

  3

  0

  34

  Stocken

  7

  9

  11

  1

  0

  28

  Stoke Heath

  1

  0

  0

  1

  0

  2

  Sudbury

  6

  7

  15

  4

  0

  32

  Swaleside

  44

  38

  6

  25

  0

  113

  Swansea

  1

  1

  0

  1

  0

  3

  Swinfen Hall

  1

  1

  1

  1

  0

  4

  Thorn Cross

  1

  0

  1

  0

  0

  2

  300 301

  Foreign nationals in prison in England and Wales on 30 April 19961, by sex, ethnic origin and establishment Ethnic origin

  Ethnic origin

  White

  Black

  South Asian

  Chinese and other

  Not recorded

  Total

  Usk

  1

  3

  1

  0

  0

  5

  Verne

  35

  44

  5

  24

  0

  108

  Wakefield

  12

  6

  14

  0

  0

  32

  Wandsworth

  49

  48

  10

  24

  0

  131

  Wayland

  9

  27

  4

  9

  0

  49

  Wealstun

  5

  4

  13

  2

  0

  24

  Wellingborough

  9

  2

  6

  3

  0

  20

  Whatton

  3

  0

  2

  0

  0

  5

  Whitemoor

  32

  20

  2

  13

  0

  67

  Winchester

  18

  2

  6

  4

  0

  30

  Wolds

  6

  2

  2

  5

  0

  15

  Wood Hill

  18

  8

  4

  6

  0

  36

  Wormwood Scrubs

  92

  102

  31

  58

  0

  283

  Wymott

  8

  2

  3

  2

  0

  15

  Total males

  1,300

  1,264

  644

  707

  2

  3,917

  Total males and females

  1,375

  1,446

  655

  743

  2

  4,221

  1 Provisional data.

TREASURY

  Married Man's Allowance
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the total revenue forgone as a result of the married man's tax allowance in the last financial year for which figures are available, attributed to(a) families with children, (b) childless couples where both are in work and (c) childless couples with only one partner in work. [31603]

  Mr. Jack
  The estimated full year revenue cost of the married couple's allowance at 1996–97 income levels is about £3.3 billion. This includes the cost of related allowances—the additional personal allowance and the widow's bereavement allowance. A detailed breakdown of the cost is given in the following table. The estimates are based on a projection of the 1993–94 survey of personal incomes and the 1994–95 family expenditure survey in line with assumptions in the Budget forecast. Employment income is taken to include income from employment and self-employment.

  Analysis of the cost of the married couple's and related allowance

  Cost at 1996–97 income levels £ million

  Married couples where both partners are aged under 65 and:—

  Both are paying tax, both have employment income1

  —with children

  570

  —without children

  800

  One spouse pays tax, other spouse has employment income but does not pay tax

  —with children

  250

  —without children

  180

  One spouse pays tax, other spouse has no employment income

  —with children

  370

  —without children

  310

  Married couples with at least one partner aged 65 or over

  580

  302

  Analysis of the cost of the married couple's and related allowance

  Cost at 1996–97 income levels £ million

  Individuals in receipt of the APA

  220

  Individuals in receipt of the WBA

  20

  1 There are a few couples where both spouses are paying tax, but only one spouse has income from employment and the other spouse pays tax on investment income. These are included in this group.

  Health Insurance
  Mr. Alan Howarth
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the cost of tax exemption for permanent health insurance payments in 1995–96. [32237]

  Mr. Jack
  Precise figures are not available centrally, but, based on the latest information from the Association of British Insurers, it is estimated that in 1995–96 the cost of exempting benefits payable under permanent health insurance policies is about £30 million.

  Computers (Millennium)
  Mr. Ingram
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment has been made of the cost effects of the millennium date change on the computer systems operated by his Department. [32663]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  [holding answer 13 June 1996]: Work is in hand to assess the effects of the millennium date change on the computer systems operated in the Treasury.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the hon. Member for Walsall, North will receive a reply to his letter of 25 April, 9122/96, which was transferred to the Office for National Statistics. [31574]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  [holding answer 7 June 1996]: A reply was sent on 4 June.
  303

ENVIRONMENT

  Asbestos
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what measures his Department has taken to ensure that those involved in the asbestos removal trade operate to proper safety standards. [32071]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  The health and safety of those involved in asbestos removal work is regulated by the Health and Safety Executive. HSE administers a system for licensing employers and the self-employed who work with asbestos insulation or asbestos coating, including removal. This enables HSE to monitor and inspect the work of licensed contractors. HSE also gives advice and publishes guidance.

  Domestic Violence (Refuge Places)
  Ms Lynne
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will list the estimated number of refuge places available for women escaping domestic violence in each year since 1991; [32699]

  (2) how many refuges for women escaping domestic violence have been notified to his Department in each year since 1991 (a) in total and (b) in the Greater Manchester area. [32696]

  Mr. Clappison
  A survey carried out by the Women's Aid Federation (England) in 1995 identified 418 refuges in England, offering 6,532 bed spaces. Twenty-two of these refuges were in the Greater Manchester area. No figures are available for earlier years.

  Customer Charters
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list(a) the customer charters which are currently in use within his Department and its executive agencies and (b) the charters which have been withdrawn. [32836]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  The Department of the Environment and its executive agencies are responsible for one of the 41 main charters. This is the council tenants charter, issued in a revised form in June 1995. No charter in DoE's area of responsibility has been withdrawn.

  Postage Costs
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how much his Department spent on postage in the financial years 1994–95 and 1995–96; and how many items were posted during these periods. [328451]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  The information requested is as follows:

  1994–95 cost: £959,000

  1995–96 cost: £952,000.

  The statistics on the numbers of items posted were collected only for the London headquarters over this period and were:

  1994–95: 937,400

  1995–96: 941 400.

  304

  Local Government Finance
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what proportion of local government expenditure was provided by(a) business, (b) domestic householders and (c) central Government in each of the years 1979 to 1995. [32105]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  The requested information is available from 1981–82. Figures for the proportion provided by domestic householders are gross of rebate or benefit—as detailed in note 2—and the grants supporting these expenditures are excluded from column 3.

  Percentage

  Business rates as a proportion of local government expenditure (1)

  Domestic rates/community charges/council tax as a proportion of local government expenditure (2)

  Central government grants as a proportion of local government expenditure (3)

  1981–82

  24.9

  21.6

  54.4

  1982–83

  25.9

  22.9

  51.2

  1983–84

  26.0

  23.4

  49.5

  1984–85

  26.4

  24.4

  49.5

  1985–86

  27.8

  26.3

  48.2

  1986–87

  28.4

  27.7

  44.9

  1987–88

  27.9

  27.9

  43.9

  1988–89

  28.2

  28.7

  42.3

  1989–90

  28.8

  29.2

  40.5

  1990–91

  29.1

  34.2

  36.1

  1991–92

  31.4

  21.6

  47.2

  1992–93

  29.3

  22.7

  49.9

  1993–94

  27.8

  21.5

  52.2

  1994–95

  24.5

  21.2

  54.3

  1995–96 (provisional outturn)

  24.9

  21.4

  51.1

  1996–97 (budget estimates)

  26.9

  22.1

  48.5

  1. For the years 1981–82 to 1989–90 this represents non-domestic rate yields net of rate relief. For the years 1990–91 to 1996–97 this represents the distributable amount from the non-domestic rates pool.

  2. Gross of domestic rate rebates for the years 1981–82 to 1989–90. Gross of community charge benefit grant and transitional relief/community charge reduction scheme grant (1990–91 to 1992–93). Gross of council tax benefit grant and council tax transitional relief scheme grant (1993–94 to 1996–97).

  3. For the years 1981–82 to 1989–90 Government grants comprise aggregate Exchequer grant. For 1990–91 to 1996–97 Government grants included are revenue support grant, specific and special grants in aggregate external finance, community charge grant (1991–92), teachers pay award additional grant (1992–93), standard spending assessment reduction grant (1994–95 to 1996–97), police grant (1995–96 to 1996–97).

  4. The percentages do not add up to 100 per cent. The difference is funding or drawing from balances.

  Mr. Pickthall
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list those district areas in Berkshire, Cambridgeshire, Cheshire, Devon, Essex, Hereford and Worcester, Kent, Lancashire, Nottinghamshire and Shropshire where the Local Government Commission for England concluded that the costs of transition would be recovered by ongoing savings in annual running costs following structural change. [32808]
  305
  Sir Paul Beresford
  The Local Government Commission's estimates are in respect of whole county areas, not individual districts, and are expressed in each case as a range. They suggest that ongoing savings may be achievable in Essex, Hereford and Worcester, Lancashire, Nottinghamshire and Shropshire. In each case the estimates of costs or savings are marginal; whether savings are in fact achieved or costs incurred will depend on the decisions of the local authorities concerned.

  Mr. Tipping
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the estimates of the Local Government Commission for England for the transitional costs arising from the proposals for the reorganisation of local government in the counties of Berkshire, Cambridgeshire, Cheshire, Devon, Essex, Hereford and Worcester, Kent, Lancashire, Nottinghamshire and Shropshire. [33029]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  The Local Government Commission's estimates of transitional costs of reorganisation are:

  Transitional costs £ million

  Berkshire

  9.0–13.0

  Cambridgeshire

  14.8–7.9

  Cheshire

  13.6–8.1

  Devon

  5.0–9.0

  Essex

  26.5–12.2

  Hereford and Worcester

  6.0–9.0

  Kent

  17.8–11.2

  Lancashire

  12.9–6.1

  Nottinghamshire

  1.0–7.0

  Shropshire

  12.0–2.6

  1 Excludes costs of redundancy, early retirement and other staff compensation costs.

  2 Consists of £2.5 to £4.2 million for Thurrock (excluding redundancy costs etc.) and £4.0 to £8.0 million for Southend.

  Mr. Berry
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will indicate the maximum allocation for supplementary credit approvals to meet transitional costs, arising from the structural change of local

  Disaggregation of county council budgets 1996–97 initial notional amounts

  £ million

  Disaggregated County budget 1996–97

  District's net budget 1996–97

  Initial notional amount

  Notional budget including parishes

  Indicative SSA 1996–97

  Bedfordshire

  Bedfordshire CC

  238.2

  238.2

  238.2

  226.6

  Luton

  121.3

  24.0

  145.2

  145.2

  145.1

  Buckinghamshire

  Buckinghamshire CC

  286.6

  286.6

  286.6

  280.8

  Milton Keynes

  126.5

  22.5

  149.0

  150.0

  145.6

  Derbyshire

  Derbyshire CC

  433.4

  433.4

  433.4

  411.0

  Derby City

  149.4

  26.0

  175.4

  175.4

  169.6

  Dorset

  Dorset CC

  211.7

  211.7

  211.7

  206.7

  Bournemouth

  90.7

  19.4

  110.1

  110.1

  116.0

  Poole

  76.8

  11.6

  88.4

  88.4

  88.0

  306
  government, which will be available to relevant local authorities in England in the financial years 1997–98 and 1998–99. [32962]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  Provision for supplementary credit approvals to meet transitional costs of local government reorganisation for 1997–98 will be decided as part of the local government finance settlement later this year; that for 1998–99 will be decided in the settlement for 1998.

  Mr. Dunn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will calculate notional amounts for local authorities which are subject to local government reorganisation on 1 April 1997. [33373]

  Mr. Curry
  We intend to calculate a notional amount for each local authority which is subject to local government reorganisation on 1 April 1997. These figures will serve as a baseline against which to make a fair comparison of an authority's proposed 1997–98 budget requirement for capping purposes.

  We have made a first calculation of notional amounts for these authorities. These figures are shown in the following table along with our estimate of what each reorganised authority's 1996–97 standard spending assessment would have been on the basis of their revised boundaries and functions.

  The aim of our notional amounts calculation is to disaggregate the 1996–97 budget requirements of reorganised county councils so as to reflect the actual pattern of spending between their continuing areas and the areas of the new unitary councils. We are consulting authorities on those figures and we hope that local information will enable us to improve the calculations so as better to reflect the actual pattern of spending. We will generally be willing to accept locally-agreed budget splits put to me by both the relinquishing county and the new unitaries in its area.

  Authorities have until the end of August to comment. We shall consult further on our proposed notional amounts, incorporating any changes which we may make as a result of this initial consultation, as part of the local government finance settlement for 1997–98 later this year. Final notional amounts will be included in a report under section 55 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 which will be subject to approval by the House of Commons.
  307

  Disaggregation of county council budgets 1996–97 initial notional amounts

  £ million

  Disaggregated County budget 1996–97

  District's net budget 1996–97

  Initial notional amount

  Notional budget including parishes

  Indicative SSA 1996–97

  Durham

  Durham CC

  322.0

  322.0

  322.0

  316.8

  Darlington

  61.5

  11.6

  73.1

  73.1

  70.3

  East Sussex

  East Sussex CC

  296.2

  296.2

  296.2

  283.2

  Brighton and Hove

  146.1

  35.9

  182.1

  182.1

  187.6

  Hampshire

  Hampshire CC

  678.2

  678.2

  678.2

  664.2

  Portsmouth

  111.9

  25.4

  137.3

  137.3

  145.9

  Southampton

  130.7

  26.9

  157.6

  157.6

  161.5

  Leicestershire

  Leicestershire CC

  343.2

  343.2

  343.2

  327.8

  Leicester City

  204.3

  55.2

  259.5

  259.5

  255.5

  Rutland

  20.7

  2.9

  23.6

  23.8

  21.0

  Staffordshire

  Staffordshire CC

  461.2

  461.2

  461.2

  459.3

  Stoke on Trent

  152.1

  28.6

  180.7

  180.7

  177.3

  Wiltshire

  Wiltshire CC

  231.8

  231.8

  231.8

  228.5

  Thamesdown

  98.4

  17.5

  115.8

  116.5

  115.3

  Council Leaseholders
  Lady Olga Maitland
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how he proposes to use his powers in the Housing Bill to help council leaseholders facing high service charges for repair and improvement works. [33354]

  Mr Clappison
  On 14 June we invited comments on our detailed proposals to reduce charges to leaseholders of local authorities and other social landlords. We wish to help leaseholders whose charges are particularly high in relation to any benefits which they receive from such works. We also wish to give landlords flexibility so that they can help those in greatest difficulty—for example, those who would suffer particular hardship as a result of high charges. We have therefore included in the Bill, in clauses 191 and 192, powers to issue directions to social landlords telling them when they can, or must, reduce charges, and to what extent.
  308
  Our consultation paper, "Leaseholders of local authorities, housing action trusts, urban development corporations, registered housing associations and other registered social landlords: further proposals to reduce charges for repairs and improvements," sets out in detail how we propose to use those powers—in particular, the circumstances in which we propose that charges should be reduced, and by how much. We plan to require social landlords to reduce charges in certain cases where these are particularly high and where they will be seeking Government financial assistance for the works on or after the date of the direction. In a wide range of other cases we propose to allow them to reduce charges, and to offer refunds on charges already paid.

  I have placed a copy of the paper in the Library. We have invited comments by the end of August. The Welsh Office will be consulting similarly in Wales.
  309

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Marriage Working Party
  Mr. Jacques Arnold
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what progress has been made with regard to the work of the interdepartmental working party on marriage. [33546]

  Mr. Streeter
  The interdepartmental working party today issued a consultation paper following on from the seminar for researchers, service providers and other interested parties held on 3 April. The papers for the seminar have been published and are available in the Library. The results of this consultation exercise will inform the tender specifications being prepared for the funding of pilot projects which have particular potential for reducing the incidence and costs of marriage breakdown.

  The working party has concluded its mapping exercise of existing services. It intends to publish a directory of marriage support services in the summer.

  The mapping exercise has highlighted the lack of information about social attitudes to and expectations of marriage and also about the reasons why some marriages are so very successful when others sadly end in divorce or separation. Tender specifications will shortly be published for research into this field.

  Probate Service
  Mr. Derek Foster
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what plans he has to ensure that the recommendations contained in the report on the structure of the probate service of September 1994, are subject to parliamentary debate before their implementation. [33095]

  Mr. Streeter
  There are currently no plans for a debate on the recommendations. Comprehensive public consultation on the proposals from the report was carried out between October and March and all hon. Members whose constituencies would be affected were included in this exercise. A submission will soon be put forward for the Lord Chancellor's and my consideration. Any change to the number of probate sub-registries will be introduced by way of statutory instrument which will be laid before the House in the usual way.

  Mr. Foster
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellors's Department what assessment he has made of the extent to which the recommendations of the report on the structure of the probate service comply with the aims and commitments contained in the courts charter. [33096]

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

  Letter from M. D. Huebner to Mr. Derek Foster, dated 17 June 1996:
  The Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department has asked me to reply to your Question about the proposed changes to the structure of the Probate Service.
  310
  The quality of service which the Probate Service would be able to provide under any new structure has been the paramount consideration when assessing the proposals. Although no final decisions have yet been made, I am satisfied that the recommended structure for the Probate Service would continue to provide a high quality service and meet the standards in the Charter for Court Users.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Home Shopping
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what estimates he has made of the growth of home shopping over the next decade and what assessment he has made of the implications of such growth for the retail industry. [33077]

  Mr. Eggar
  No official forecasts of the e growth of home shopping in the UK have been made, although I am aware that some private sector organisations have made such forecasts. However, there is already a substantial amount of home shopping through mail order, response advertising and other methods. I would expect this total to rise in the next decade as electronic shopping develops.

  Contracts
  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list the(a) contracts with and (b) work carried out for (i) his Department, (ii) its agencies and (iii) development corporations by (1) Paddington Consultancy Partnership Ltd. or its directors, (2) Millbank Consultants, (3) Mr. Neale Coleman, (4) Mr. Stephen Hilditch and (5) Mr. Peter Bradley; and if he will indicate the total fees paid to (1) to (5). [32405]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  In DTI headquarters, no contracts for external consultancy have been let centrally to the organisations or individuals listed. Information on other contracts is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Agency chief executives have been asked to provide separate responses.

  Letter from Jim Norton to Mr. David Shaw, dated 17 June 1996:
  PADDINGTON CONSULTANCY PARTNERSHIP LIMITED (AND DIRECTORS), MILLBANK CONSULTANTS, MR. NEALE COLEMAN, MR. STEPHEN HILDITCH AND MR. PETER BRADLEY
  The President of the Board of Trade has asked me to reply on behalf of the Radiocommunications Agency to your Parliamentary Question No. 95/2559. I can confirm that the Radiocommunications Agency has not contracted with the consultancy companies, directors or individuals listed.

  Letter from Peter Joyce to Mr. David Shaw, dated 17 June 1996:
  The President of the Board of Trade has asked me to reply to your question about Paddington Consultancy Partnership Limited, and its directors, Millbank Consultants, Mr. Neale Coleman. Mr. Stephen Hilditch and Mr. Peter Bradley in relation to The Insolvency Service.
  None of the organisations or individuals listed has been awarded contracts with, or carried out work for, The Insolvency Service.

  Letter from R. J. Marchant to Mr. David Shaw, dated 17 June 1996:
  In the absence of the Comptroller General on official business overseas I am replying for the Patent Office to your question on the use of various named consultancies and individuals.

  311
  The Patent Office has used none of the organisations or individuals listed.

  Letter from Seton Bennett to Mr. David Shaw, dated 17 June 1996:
  President of the Board of Trade has asked me to provide additional information on behalf of the National Weights and Measures Laboratory in reply to your question about contracts placed with Paddington Consultancy Partnership Ltd, its directors and other consultants.
  of the organisations or individuals listed have carried out work for this Agency.

  Letter from John Holden to Mr. David Shaw, dated 17 June 1996:
  recently asked the President of the Board of Trade for information regarding work carried out under contract for his Department. I am replying as Chief Executive of the above Agency.
  None of the persons mentioned are current suppliers to Companies House, nor have they provided any services during the financial years 1994/95 or 1995/96. Since your question did not specify any particular period, we have not checked our records for earlier accounting periods, but have no reason to believe that Companies House has ever used the services of the persons mentioned.

  Ministerial Visits
  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list those constituencies he has visited in the last three months on official business and those constituencies he intends to visit in the next three months; and if he will make a statement. [32336]

  Mr. Lang
  In the last three months I have visited Swindon, Suffolk Coastal, Esher and Brent, South constituencies on official business. I have a number of planned engagements over the next three months, but it is not the Department's policy to make public details of the forward diary.

  Anglo-Yugoslav Trade
  Mr. Macdonald
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the availability of statistics for trade between Britain and Yugoslavia since 1990. [33277]

  Mr. Nelson
  The information on trade in goods is published in Business Monitor M20, "Overseas Trade Statistics of the United Kingdom", by HM Customs and Excise, a copy of which is available in the Library of the House. Until the end of 1992 the information was provided for Yugoslavia as a whole. Since the beginning of 1993, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Montenegro and Macedonia have been treated separately.

  Volatile Organic Compounds
  Ms Walley
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what is his assessment of the market for VOC abatement technology in(a) Europe, (b) America and (c) world wide. [32594]

  Mr. Page
  The Government's 1994 study of the UK environment industry, "The UK Environmental Industry: Succeeding in the Changing Global Market", covered VOC control technology as part of a review of the air pollution control sub-sector. The study concluded that there were good opportunities in western Europe, but that 312
  market opportunities in eastern Europe and north America were limited. The main opportunities in the United States will be for VOC control in light industry.

  Business Links
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will publish his Department's recent report into business links. [32751]

  Mr. Page
  A copy of the report was placed in the Library of the House on 13 June.

  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many business links chairmen and chief executives defined their relationship with the Department as "poor" in the categories set out in his Department's recent internal report. [32939]

  Mr. Page
  A total of 11 out of 59 surveyed.

  Strategy for Global Environmental Research
  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what contribution he has requested university history departments to make to the United Kingdom national strategy for global environmental research. [32781]

  Mr. Ian Taylor
  No contribution has been requested specifically from university history departments. Contributions were requested through an open consultation exercise before the strategy was drafted. An open consultation meeting was subsequently held to consider the draft in March. This was attended by about 240 people from academia, industry and commerce, representative bodies, non-governmental organisations and Government Departments and agencies. Around half were academics from various disciplines. A further 100 people who were unable to attend requested sight of the report and had an opportunity to comment.

  The UK national strategy for global environment research is due to be launched at a one-day conference at the British Association for the Advancement of Science annual festival of science in September 1996.

  Disused Oil Wells
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many disused oil wells in British waters(a) have leaked and (b) are believed to be leaking from the capped reservoirs into the sea. [33072]

  Mr. Page
  Only one well in British waters has leaked small quantities of gas—not oil—from a shallow horizon into the sea and remains uncapped. The well, 22/4b-4, was drilled by Mobil in November 1990.

  It was not physically possible at the time, or subsequently, to perform any sort of intervention into the wellbore which would have any degree of success in plugging or killing the well. It has not, therefore, been capped.

  Recent inspections and sampling by Mobil have confirmed that the fluid now leaking is water, which contains no trace of hydrocarbons.
  313
  There have unfortunately been three disasters where hydrocarbons have leaked into the sea: Piper Alpha, Ocean Odyssey, and Sea Gem. These leaked hydrocarbons for a short time only, until the occurrence was controlled.

  Human Genetics Report
  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade when the Government will respond to the third report of the Science and Technology Committee of Session 1995–96 (HC 231) on "Human Genetics: the Government's response"; and if he will make a statement. [33350]

  Mr. Ian Taylor
  The Government have today published their response to the Select Committee's report, "Human Genetics: the Government Response". Copies of the response have been laid before Parliament.

  Advances in human genetics have great potential for improved health care, quality of life and competitiveness. The UK currently leads Europe in the research, development and application of genetic science and the Government want that lead to be maintained. As recognised by the Science and Technology Select Committee, however, advances in human genetics raise a number of important social, ethical and economic issues. It will be important that public confidence advances at a pace which reflects that of scientific discovery.

  In evidence to the Science and Technology Select Committee earlier this year, the Government undertook to look at whether there was a need for a new body to take a trans-departmental view of developments in human genetics and to foster public confidence. In the light of this, and after consultations with the Chief Scientific Advisor and the Chief Medical Officer, the Government have decided to establish a new Human Genetics Advisory Commission.

  The new advisory commission will report to health and industry Ministers and will be supported by a joint secretariat from the Office of Science and Technology and the Department of Health. It will report periodically and will be open to the Government to seek its advice on particular issues. More details, including the terms of reference, are given in the Government's response.

  Radio Spectrum (Future Management)
  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what progress has been made in the review of the future management of the radio spectrum; and if he will make a statement. [33349]

  Mr. Lang
  I am today publishing a White Paper, "Spectrum Management: into the 21st Century".

  The radio spectrum is used by used by a wide range of businesses and public sector services and in a variety of scientific and social applications. Radio services are of considerable importance to the economy and are growing rapidly. The White Paper announces proposals to improve the way in which the finite resource of the radio spectrum is managed so that future growth can be accommodated. We intend to achieve this by bringing forward legislation on spectrum pricing when parliamentary time is available. This will allow fees for licences to use spectrum to be set to reflect its value more closely instead of being linked to
  314
  the costs of spectrum management. The White Paper seeks views on the detailed application of spectrum auctions and administrative pricing.

  The proposals will benefit the economy, enhance competitiveness and create jobs. By promoting spectrum efficiency, they will:
  tackle spectrum shortages and congestion affecting the most heavily used services in some parts of the country,
  increased opportunities to access spectrum so that more users can be accommodated in the finite spectrum that is available and the rapidly growing demand for radio services can be met;
  accelerate the introduction of advanced digital technology; and
  increase competition and choice.

  The purpose of spectrum pricing will be to achieve spectrum management objectives, rather than to increase revenue. Pricing will be phased in and applied selectively with a review after three years. Increases in charges will be focused where congestion is worst and kept to the minimum necessary to achieve spectrum management objectives. Most users will face no increases in fees and may benefit from reductions. Some users will face increased charges, but the increased availability of spectrum will bring considerable economic benefits overall. There will be concessions for safety-of-life charities.

  Radio makes a substantial and growing contribution to wealth creation, competitiveness and jobs. The UK is a world leader in the use of radio. This success is placing ever-increasing demands on the finite spectrum resource. Unless we can meet these, the UK will suffer considerable economic losses as businesses are deprived of spectrum and new services are delayed.

  The Radiocommunications Agency has fully explored existing regulatory measures to manage the spectrum effectively. These are no longer sufficient, so we intend to introduce spectrum pricing to augment them. The legislation will include provisions to allow enhanced security of tenure for licensees and selective financial assistance to radio users to accelerate desirable changes in spectrum use.

  The public sector, which is a major user of radio, will be charged on a basis comparable with the private sector, but there will be safeguards for the operations of essential services.

  The legislation will address the way in which fees are charged for licences under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949. It will not affect the licensing of independent broadcasters under the Broadcasting Act 1990 and the Broadcasting Bill currently before Parliament, nor the BBC's position under its royal charter and agreement.

  The adoption of digital broadcasting is the key to the Government's long-term spectrum strategy, since it has the potential to generate exciting wealth creation opportunities through the release of valuable spectrum for new broadcasting use or other applications. The Broadcasting Bill provides for a review of progress of digital broadcasting. The White Paper states that this review will consider the use of spectrum pricing to accelerate the transition from analogue to digital broadcasting.
  315
  The White Paper also deals with the organisation of spectrum management. Core functions, such as international representation, overall control of spectrum strategy and enforcement, need to be retained within Government. But there is already considerable private sector involvement in various aspects of spectrum management outside the core functions and we are keen to encourage further private sector participation where it delivers improved quality of service.

  The measures announced in the White Paper are necessary to deal with pressing spectrum management problems. They will provide a framework of progressive spectrum management for continued growth and success into the next century and open the door to further market-based reforms, such as secondary trading of licences.

  I am placing in the Libraries of the House copies of the White Paper and a background technical study.

  Electricity Pricing
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will order an inquiry into the electricity pool pricing system; and if he will make a statement. [32900]

  Mr. Page
  This is a matter for the Director General of Electricity Supply, who keeps the operation of the pool under review and publishes reports and other papers from time to time.

  Nuclear Generating Stations, Scotland
  Mr. Eric Clarke
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will publish detailed information on all nuclear generating stations in Scotland with special reference to safety, structural soundness, security, and good working practice, before privatisation. [31689]

  Mr. Eggar
  Detailed information on British Energy's nuclear generating stations, including those in Scotland at the Hunterston B site and at Torness, is contained in the British Energy pathfinder prospectus issued on 10 June and will also be included in the publicly available full retail prospectus which will be published on 26 June. That prospectus will also contain detailed information about the legislative and regulatory regimes which British Energy must comply with to operate. Magnox Electric's nuclear generation station at the Hunterston A site in Scotland has closed.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Schools (Parental Choice)
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many complaints under section 269 of the Education Act 1993 have been received by the ombudsman from parents failing to obtain a place for their child in the school of their choice in respect of (i) grant-maintained schools, (ii) voluntary-aided schools and (iii) special agreement schools for each year since the Act came into force. [32600]

  Mrs. Gillan
  This information is not held by the Department for Education and Employment. The annual report of the local government ombudsman for 1994–95 notes that 1,187 complaints concerning education were 316
  received in that year, and that 45 investigation reports were issued. The report does not state how many of these concerned school admissions.

  Muslim Community Schools
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what is the number of Muslim community schools in England. [32872]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  There are currently 44 Muslim schools in England which are registered independent schools, and none in the maintained sector.

  SHL Software
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the contracts his Department and his agencies have with SHL software computer systems; what is the current cost; when each contract ends; and what are the penalties involved should he seek early termination of the contract. [32914]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  The Department and agencies do not have any contracts with any company under the name of SHL software systems, nor have we been able to identify a company in this name.

  Employment Service
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) what progress has been made on the privatisation of services provided by placement assessment and counselling teams in the Employment Service; and if he will make a statement; [32310]

  (2) what progress has been made on the privatisation of local occupational psychology services within the Employment Service; and if he will make a statement; [32311]

  (3) what progress has been made in the privatisation of functions carried out by the ability development centre in the Employment Service; and if he will make a statement. [32312]

  Mr. Forth
  Responsibility for the subject of the questions has been delegated to the Employment Service agency under its chief executive. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from Mike Fogden to Mr. Dale Campbell-Savours, dated 17 June 1996:
  The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your Parliamentary Question about the privatisation of placing, assessment and counselling teams, local occupational psychology services and Ability Development Centres. As all of these relate to the market testing programme and to disability services, this letter seeks to respond to all three questions.
  As a Next Steps Agency, the Employment Services (ES), is subject to systematic and periodic examination in the form of a Prior Options Review. This review, conducted in early 1995 examined all of the services provided by ES including the feasibility of abolition, privatisation, strategic contracting out and, where these were rejected, market testing or the maintenance of current arrangements. Following the review, the then Secretary of State announced via a written Parliamentary Question that the services delivered by placing, assessment and counselling teams (PACTS) should be market tested in one or two ES regions on a pilot basis.

  317
  Market testing is a means of identifying whether the private sector can take forward work currently undertaken by the public sector at better value for money. This is done by allowing a team drawn from within the in-house service to compete with private sector bidders for the contract to do the work. Privatisation on the other hand entails a firm decision that the service should no longer be undertaken by the public sector, but should be contracted directly with the private sector. In this case we are clearly engaged in a market test, not a privatisation.
  As a consequence of preliminary research into how the Secretary of State's recommendations could be taken forward, ES senior managers decided that the market test should cover the whole of the ES Disability Service within the North West region. This includes the services provided within the Ability Development Centre (ADC) and the local occupational psychology service in addition to the PACTs service. This decision was taken to ensure that ES clients would continue to receive fully integrated service and would not suffer any disadvantage as a result of how the market test had been packaged.
  The market test was advertised in the "Disability Now" publication, and various national papers. As a consequence expressions of interest were received from private and voluntary sector organisations and also one from a team representing the in-house service. Organisations (including the in-house service provider) who wish to pursue their interest further have been asked to send an outline of how they would propose to deliver the Disability Service in the North West region, to ES by 28 June 1996. These proposals will be evaluated and shortlisted during July, with the aim of negotiating the detailed delivery proposals with the shortlisted organisations throughout the autumn. Final decisions on the outcome of the market test and the award of contract/service level agreement are planned for April/May 1997.
  Local Occupational Psychology Services (LOPS) in each of the ES regions were subjected to market testing in 1994. In each case the in-house service providers were successful. Our decision, noted above, to market test the whole of the North West Disability Services has resulted in the LOP services in North West being included in that test. Except for that region, our plans are that these services will continue to be delivered under the present arrangements for the full duration of the current service level agreements. These are scheduled to run until September 1999.
  This year we asked consultants to undertake a review of the functions of Ability Development Centres (ADCs) and how they were delivered. The review concluded that all the functions of ADCs should continue to be carried out. However, it also made a number of recommendations to allow them to be delivered more flexibly and improve their effectiveness. Senior management in ES accepted the recommendations and is currently considering how best to implement them. Within North West region, since ADC functions are within the scope of the market test, the way in which these functions will be carried out here in the future will depend on the outcome of the test.
  I hope this is helpful.

  Customer Charters
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if she will list(a) the customer charters which are currently in use within her Department and its executive agencies and (b) the charters which have been withdrawn. [32824]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  The Department and its executive agencies publish the following charters:

  the parents charter,

  the jobseekers charter,

  the further education charter,

  the higher education charter.

  No charters have been withdrawn.
  318

  Class Sizes
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what number and percentage of children in(a) primary and (b) secondary maintained schools in England have been in classes of (i) 30 or more and (ii) 40 or more in 1996; and if she will give the percentage change since 1995. [32964]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  I will write to the hon. Member at the end of June, when provisional information on class sizes in January 1996 will be available.

PRIME MINISTER

  Mr. Jovan Zebic
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Prime Minister (1) on what dates Ministers met Mr. Jovan Zebic in their official capacity since 1990; [32306]

  (2) on what dates Ministers met Mr. Zoran Tanic in their official capacity since 1990. [32307]

  The Prime Minister: As far as I am aware, none.

  Sir James Kirkham
  Mr. Wilson
  To ask the Prime Minister when he last met Sir James Kirkham; and if he will outline the matters discussed. [32965]

  The Prime Minister
  I have never heard of Sir James Kirkham. The hon. Member may be referring to Sir Graham Kirkham, whom I last met on Sunday 9 June at the Oval cricket ground and at a dinner at Downing street. We discussed raising funds for good causes, in particular Mencap, in whose interests the cricket was played and the dinner given.

  Conservative Party (Donations)
  Mr. Macdonald
  To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer to the right hon. Member for Yeovil (Mr. Ashdown) of 21 May,Official Report, column 96, what reports he received in 1991 and 1992 alleging donations to the Conservative party from sources linked to Bosnian Serbs. [33285]

  The Prime Minister
  I have nothing further to add to my answer to the right hon. Member for Yeovil (Mr. Ashown) on 21 May,Official report, column 96.

DUCHY OF LANCASTER

  Compliance Cost Assessments
  Mr. Anthony Coombs
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will list those compliance cost assessments published during the latest six-month period. [33355]

  Mr. Freeman
  Since April 1993, the Government have required Departments to prepare and publish compliance cost assessments with all proposed legislation presented to Parliament to assess the impact on business costs. This includes a special test of the impact on small businesses. Since January 1996, the responsible Minister has had to
  319
  certify that he has seen the compliance cost assessment and is satisfied that the regulatory proposal strikes an appropriateness balance between cost and benefit.

  I have presented to Parliament today a Command Paper listing 91 CCAs published between 1 July 1995 and 31 December 1995 plus four CCAs published between 1 January 1995 and 30 June 1995 which were omitted from the previous Command Paper. This is the fourth such Command Paper and further papers listing all CCAs published in the preceding six month period will be published at six monthly intervals.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Burundi
  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Government of Belgium regarding the security situation in Burundi. [32568]

  Mr. Hanley
  We remain in close touch with the Belgians and our other European partners about the situation in Burundi.

  Mr. Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the current security situation in Burundi, and if he will make a statement. [32569]

  Mr. Hanley
  The security situation in Burundi is a cause of grave concern and we have made clear our condemnation of violence from whatever quarter. We continue to give our full support to international efforts, led by former President Nyerere, to resolve Burundi's problems through political dialogue.

  Rwanda
  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the current political and security situation in Rwanda. [32570]

  Mr. Hanley
  Conditions inside Rwanda are generally stable. We are supporting action in the UN to deal with the deterioration in the security situation along the border in eastern Zaire.

  World Heritage
  Mr. Gapes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs for what reasons the United Kingdom was not represented at the biennial general assembly of states parties to the world heritage convention in November 1995. [32747]

  Sir Nicholas Bonsor
  Her Majesty's Government were represented at this meeting by the UNESCO observer section of the British embassy in Paris.

  Mr. Gapes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is Her Majesty's Government's policy towards world heritage matters; what are the responsibilities of the United Kingdom observer at UNESCO in this connection; and how information gathered by him is disseminated to interested parties in the United Kingdom. [32748]
  320
  Sir Nicholas Bonsor
  The Government ratified UNESCO's world heritage convention in 1984 and actively supports its provisions concerning the protection of the world cultural and natural heritage. The world heritage list of sites considered to be of outstanding universal value contains 16 UK sites. Later this month we shall be nominating maritime Greenwich for addition to the list.

  The Government contribute annually to the world heritage convention. For 1996, the UK contribution is approximately £129,000.

  The UNESCO observer section of the British embassy in Paris monitors events and occasionally attends meetings on behalf of the lead Whitehall Department, the Department of National Heritage. The observer's reports are sent to the DNH, which informs interested UK parties as necessary.

  Tibet
  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make it his policy to recognise the Tibetan authorities in exile as the legitimate Government of Tibet; and if he will make a statement. [33021]

  Mr. Hanley
  We do not recognise the self-proclaimed Tibetan Government in exile. We do, however, consider that Tibetans should have a greater say in the running of their own affairs in Tibet, and we have consistently urged the Chinese authorities and Tibetan Buddhist leaders to enter into a constructive dialogue, without preconditions.

  Postage Costs
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much his Department spent on postage in the financial years 1994–95 and 1995–96; and how many items were posted during these periods. [32852]

  Mr. Hanley
  The cost of postage in the FCO diplomatic wing was £154,685 for the financial year 1994–95 and £150,757 for 1995–96. The number of items posted in 1995–96 was 403,322. Figures for 1994–95 are not available.

  The cost of postage for the ODA was £42,000 for the financial year 1994–95 and £51,000 for 1995–96. The number of items posted in 1994–95 was approximately 104,000. The number of items posted in 1995–96 was 104,152.

  Customer Charters
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list(a) the customer charters which are currently in use within his Department and its executive agencies and (b) the charters which have been withdrawn. [32837]

  Mr. Hanley
  We introduced charter standard statements for overseas pensions in 1992 and consular services, legalisation work and overseas trade services in 1993. None have been withdrawn.
  321

  Burma
  Mr. Fatchett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has made to the Burmese Government about the future of human rights and democracy in Burma; and if he will make a statement. [32759]

  Mr Hanley
  We have taken action both bilaterally and in international fora such as the United Nations to put pressure on the ruling State Law and Order Restoration Council in Burma to implement democratic and human rights reforms. We have severed defence links and have imposed an embargo on arms sales and all non-humanitarian aid.

  We issued a statement on 22 May condemning the detention of National League for Democracy members and urged the SLORC to enter into meaningful dialogue with pro-democracy groups. Our ambassador in Rangoon repeated these concerns in a démarche to the SLORC on 7 June.

  Immigration
  Mr. Madden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 23 January,Official Report, column 165, when a decision is to be taken on the application by Mr. Gultasab Hussain (ref: HO C8645) to the United Kingdom post in Islamabad to join his wife in the United Kingdom. [32958]

  Mr. Hanley
  I have asked the high commission at Islamabad for details and will arrange for the hon. Member to receive a substantive reply from the migration and visa correspondence unit as soon as possible.

  St. Helena
  Dr. Marek
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 14 May,Official Report, column 383, if the teacher named and the letter from the Minister of State, the hon. Member for Upminster (Sir N. Bonsor), of 28 March has been able to take advantage of the new rules relating to maternity leave on St. Helena; and if he will make a statement. [33173]

  Sir Nicholas Bonsor
  The teacher was not able to take advantage of the new rules relating to confinement leave in St. Helena as she resigned from her job on 25 April 1996. The new rules became effective from 31 May 1996.

  General Affairs Council
  Mr. Duncan Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what was the outcome of the General Affairs Council and the intergovernmental conference ministerial meeting on 10 June. [33279]

  Mr. David Davis
  In accordance with the current policy of non-co-operation I withheld UK agreement from 17 measures where unanimity was required. I agreed to three others: signature of the EU-Slovenia agreement, a mandate for a new EU-Algeria agreement, and a joint action on Bosnia election monitoring. As a result, the only "A" points in document 7929/96 that were adopted were items 1 to 10 inclusive, which did not require unanimity, and item 26, Bosnia election monitoring. The single item 322
  in document 8047/96 was blocked. The documents will be placed in the Libraries of the House as soon as they are available. I argued strongly for early agreement on a framework for lifting the beef ban. While other Ministers and the Commission expressed their concern at the policy of non-co-operation, many urged the Commission to produce such a framework at the earliest possible date, and both the Commission and the Presidency made clear their commitment to work for an early agreement.

  The Council had a further discussion of the MEDA regulation on aid to Mediterranean countries.

  The Council discussed follow-up on the Barcelona Euro-Med conference on 27–28 November 1995.

  The Presidency explored their ideas for an informal Euro-Med ministerial in Rome on 17 June. The Presidency also asked for approval of conclusions on Barcelona follow-up activity, but I made it clear that I could not agree these on beef ban non-co-operation grounds.

  The Council discussed the middle east peace process and the Council asked the European political directors to take forward work in preparation for the Florence European Council.

  The Presidency explained arrangements for the Florence European Council.

  In a discussion on the former Yugoslavia, the Presidency and the Commission reported on their tour of the region. Carl Bildt, the EU's High Representative, briefed the Council on preparations for the Florence Peace Implementation Council.

  The Council discussed Commission proposals for revision of the agricultural generalised scheme of preferences.

  The Council discussed the draft EU-Canada action plan.

  The Commission and the Presidency reported on preparations for the EU-US summit to be held on 12 June.

  The council had an exchange of views on possible Euro-African summit.

  A ministerial session of the IGC focused on external issues. On defence, Ministers discussed the implications for the IGC of the recent Berlin NATO ministerial meeting. Ministers also discussed general common foreign and security policy issues, the question of whether the Union should acquire legal personality, and questions of external economic competence.

  The ministerial session was preceded by an exchange of views with representatives of the European Parliament.

  President Menem of Argentina briefly addressed the Council on 10 June. The first EU-Mercosur-Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay-ministerial meeting was held in the margins of the GAC on 10 June.

  On 11 June, there were meetings of the EU-Syria Co-operation Council and the European Economic Area Council.
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HOUSE OF COMMONS

  New Parliamentary Building
  Mr. Robert Ainsworth
  To ask the Chairman of the Accommodation and Works Committee what arrangements have been made to procure the cladding for the new parliamentary building; what factors have delayed the procurement process; and if he will make a statement. [31305]

  Mr. Ray Powell
  The new parliamentary building is being procured using the construction management form of contracting. This involves tendering separately for each of the main elements of the building under a firm of construction managers. The tendering process includes advertising the main packages in the EC Journal before selecting a short list of companies to submit their offers. The criteria for awarding the packages is overall value for money.

  In the particular case of the fenestration, the initial offers were all over the budget. It was therefore necessary to modify the scheme before seeking revised bids, which were received towards the end of last year. Since then, detailed discussions have taken place to finalise the technical and legal aspects of the contract.

  The contract has now been awarded to Seele Avis Fenestration Ltd., a joint venture formed by Seele GmbH and Alvis plc to combine and exploit their respective skills. I understand that much of the work will be undertaken at Alvis' factory at Coventry.

  Security Passes
  Mr. Terry Davis
  To ask the Chairman of the Administration Committee how many security passes for hon. Members have been reported lost or stolen during the last five years. [32966]

  Mr. Michael J. Martin
  One hundred and one.

OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION

  ODA Fundamental Expenditure Review
  Miss Lestor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the recommendations from the Overseas Development Administration's fundamental expenditure review which(a) will and (b) will not be implemented indicating the criteria used to select those recommendations which will be implemented. [32702]

  Mr. Hanley
  My right hon. and noble Friend the Minister for Overseas Development confirmed on 10 June in another place,Official Report, House of Lords, column 147 that the Government have accepted and are implementing most of the recommendations of the fundamental expenditure review. She listed the few exceptions.

  Each recommendation was considered against our development and foreign policies, whether it would enable us to pursue better key objectives and whether operational efficiency and effectiveness would be improved.
  324

  Oslo Conference (20/20 Initiative)
  Mr. Watson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 21 May,Official Report, column 111, which countries attended the Oslo meeting on the 20/20 initiative; which countries committed themselves to adopting the 20/20 initiative; and which countries have indicated they will implement the 20/20 measures on time. [32578]

  Mr. Hanley
  Representatives from more than 30 countries attended the Oslo meeting on the 20/20 initiative. These included more than 10 donor countries. All countries present agreed the consensus, to which I referred in my answer of 21 May. Several countries indicated informally that they would pursue the initiative in future aid talks. The United Kingdom is open to approaches from developing countries which have an interest in developing the initiative. There is no time limit for implementing the initiative.

  St. Helena
  Dr. Marek
  to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the report of the Overseas Development Administration social security adviser on his visit to St. Helena was first made available to members of the St. Helena(a) Executive Council and (b) Legislative Council. [33170]

  Mr. Hanley
  The report was sent to the St. Helena Government on 12 June for consideration and distribution.

NATIONAL HERITAGE

  Millennium Exhibition
  Mr. Rooker
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what proposals she has to use the private finance initiative to fund the proposed millennium exhibition which she announced on 28 February. [31560]

  Mr. Sproat
  The Millennium Commission is continuing to explore the viability of the proposed millennium exhibition at Greenwich. Sir Peter Levene is assessing commercial support for it on the commission's behalf.

  Ethnic Minority Broadcasting
  Ms Abbott
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what plans the Radio Authority has to consult (i) black and (ii) other ethnic minorities in(a) Manchester, (b) Birmingham and (c) London on commercial radio; and if she will make a statement. [32558]

  Mr. Sproat
  It is a matter for the Radio Authority to decide on groups and bodies to be consulted in discharging its responsibilities.

  Ms Abbott
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what is her Department's policy in respect of ethnic minority radio broadcasting. [32556]

  Mr. Sproat
  The Government are committed to the promotion of diversity and choice in radio. The BBC recognises its particular duty as a public service broadcaster to represent and serve Britain's ethnic minorities by providing targeted programmes and services and through ensuring fair representation in mainstream
  325
  radio services. In the commercial sector, the Broadcasting Act 1990 requires the Radio Authority, in awarding local radio licences, to have regard to the extent to which any applicant for a licence would cater for the tastes and interests of the local community and broaden the range of programmes available to it. These principles will be taken forward into digital audio broadcasting by the Broadcasting Bill currently before the House.

  Ms Abbott
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage (1) what consultative meetings her Department has held with representatives of the black and other ethnic minority communities on radio broadcasting in 1995–96; and if she will make a statement; [32555]

  (2) what plans her Department has to consult black and other ethnic minorities nationally about commercial radio; and if she will make a statement. [32557]

  Mr. Sproat
  Ministers and officials from my Department meet representatives from a wide range of radio broadcasting interests from time to time. The most recent meeting with representatives of the black community involved in radio broadcasting was a visit to Choice FM by the Department's permanent secretary on 24 April. We currently have no plans for a formal consultation exercise on any aspect of commercial radio policy.

  Ms Abbott
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage how many (i) black and (ii) other ethnic minority staff the Radio Authority employs; and if she will make a statement. [32554]

  Mr. Sproat
  Of the seven members of the authority appointed by my right hon. Friend, there is currently one black member. The Radio Authority has 33 staff, of whom one is from an ethnic minority. The authority also retains a former member of the authority, who is from an ethnic minority, as a consultant on ethnic minority issues.

  Ms Abbott
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage how many radio licences have been issued to (i) black and (ii) other ethnic minority radio stations. [32553]

  Mr. Sproat.
  The Radio Authority has issued 10 licences to provide local radio services aimed at catering for the tastes and interests of black and ethnic minority audiences.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  European Union Flag
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security 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. [31511]

  Mr. Lilley
  I gave instructions that the European Union flag should not be flown from Department of Social Security buildings on 8 May.
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  Recruitment
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security in what circumstances his Department or its executive agencies uses an executive search or employment agency to recruit staff in preferences to using personnel staff within his own Department or its executive agencies. [31527]

  Mr. Burt
  Under the next steps programme responsibility for recruitment has been devolved to individual business units and, within agencies, to local level. Employment agencies and executive search agencies are used by personnel sections where their expertise can add value to the recruitment process. In most cases they are used to fill senior or specialist vacancies. The Department uses recruitment and assessment services to recruit staff to the fast stream grade. The Contributions Agency has contracted out its personnel services and the contractors undertake all recruitment action on the agency's behalf.

  War Disablement Pension
  Mr. Hanson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the average length of time currently taken to process (a) an application for a war disablement pension and (b) an appeal against a refusal of an application for a war disablement pension. [32153]

  Mr. Heald
  These are matters for Mr. Kevin Caldwell, chief executive of the War Pensions Agency. He will write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from K. C. Caldwell to Mr. David Hanson, dated 13 June 1996:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about War Pension claims and appeals.
  The current average time being taken by the War Pensions Agency to clear a first claim to War Pension is 169 working days and the average time to clear an appeal is 328 working days.
  War Pensions claims and appeals, in many instances, relate to World War II cases and thus involve the determination of cause and effect of medical conditions arising from incidents in service over 50 years ago. The retrieval of old service records and the linkage from service incidents to current disablements, as well as the assessment of the current degree of disablement and determination of the part played by the service incident are all complicating factors.
  The War Pensions Agency set about a programme of modernising its administrative processes and through 1995 introduced a substantial programme of change: restructuring its operational teams into end-to-end sections to provide holistic service to claimants; introduction of a major operational computer system linked to the Department's other systems; and moving to new purpose built accommodation. These changes, aimed at providing an improved, more cost-effective service, did lead to a down-turn in performance in the second half of 1995 as the costs of retraining staff in the new arrangements were felt. As the throughput of work has picked up, and more cases are being cleared, more of these are relatively old cases in the system and average clearance times are elongated.
  The position on appeals has also been affected by the considerable increase in appeals in 1994. There are still many old appeals in the system, which will continue to depress performance, but the Agency is making inroads and now has 10,475 appeals on hand compared to 14,360 at the same time last year and is clearing about 1,000 a month against a current average intake of less than half that number.

  327
  I should explain the War Pension appeals are dealt with in two stages. First, the Agency prepares appeal papers and a Statement of Case for the independent Pensions Appeal Tribunals (PAT), who come under the jurisdiction of the Lord Chancellor's Department. The PAT, who consider all War Pension appeals, are then responsible for arranging the appeal hearing.
  The figures I have quoted relate solely to the Agency's performance. I am advised by the PAT that, after receiving the appeal papers from the Agency, it is currently taking them on average 59.4 weeks to arrange a hearing.

  I hope you find my reply helpful.

  Incapacity Benefit
  Mr. Alan Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to(a) commission and (b) undertake research into the impact of incapacity benefit. [32489]

  Mr. Burt
  A programme of external research and in-house studies is already in place to help assess whether incapacity benefit is meeting its objectives. These are to target help on people whose medical condition makes them incapable of work and to provide help in getting them back to work through arrangements that are simple to understand and fair.

  Appeals
  Mrs. Jane Kennedy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) when he intends to complete his review of the legal basis of decision-making and appeals for social security benefits. [32240]

  (2) what plans he has to reform the system of independent appeals tribunals with right of audience for appellants. [32241]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  The review my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State, announced in February is concerned with how to achieve simpler, more efficient and cost effective arrangements for decisions and appeals whilst preserving claimants' rights to properly based decisions and access to an independent appeals mechanism. It is too soon to say when the review will be completed.

  Civil Servants (Duties Abroad)
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security 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. [32420]

  Mr. Burt
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave the hon. Member for Warrington, South (Mr. Hall), on 20 March,Official Report, columns 238–40. Costs attributable to civil servants cannot reliably be identified separately.

  Means Testing
  Mr. Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer of 7 May to the hon. Member for Glasgow, Rutherglen (Mr. McAvoy),Official
  328
  Report, columns 93–94, if he will provide the same information for each year since 1978. [32579]

  Mr. Burt
  The information is in the table:

  £ million

  Year

  Social security benefit expenditure (a)

  Means-tested benefits (b)

  (b) expressed as a percentage of (a)

  1978–79

  15,873

  2,692

  17.0

  1979–80

  18,777

  2,940

  15.7

  1980–81

  22,658

  3,830

  16.9

  1981–82

  27,698

  5,587

  21.1

  1982–83

  31,628

  7,917

  25.0

  1983–84

  35,332

  9,449

  26.7

  1984–85

  38,225

  10,755

  28.1

  1986–86

  41,699

  12,163

  29.2

  1986–87

  44,913

  13,171

  29.3

  1987–88

  46,697

  13,398

  28.7

  1988–89

  47,333

  13,265

  28.0

  1989–90

  50,174

  14,050

  28.0

  1990–91

  56,509

  16,804

  29.7

  1991–92

  66,382

  20,328

  30.6

  1992–93

  75,336

  25,518

  33.9

  1993–94

  82,427

  28,707

  34.8

  1994–95

  84,866

  30,308

  35.7

  1995–96

  88,787

  31,625

  35.6

  "The Growth of Social Security"
  Mr. Alan Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security which of the assumptions concerning gross domestic product growth and unemployment in the three cases in "The Growth of Social Security" were used as the basis for calculating figure 10 in the Social Security departmental report, Cm3213. [32485]

  Mr. Burt
  The projections in "The Growth of Social Security" all assumed an unemployment level of around 3 million in 1992–93 which either stayed constant (case 1) or fell (cases 2 and 3) over the period to 1999–2000. None of these cases were appropriate for the latest projections—figure 10 of the Social Security departmental report—which assumed that the unemployment level remained constant at 2.1 million from 1995–96 to 2000–2001.

  Child Benefit
  Mr. Steinberg
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many families with children in receipt of child benefit aged(a) 16, (b) 17, (c) 18 and (d) 19 years, have a household income of (a) £0 to £5,000 per annum, (b) £5,000 to £10,000 per annum, (c) £10,000 to £15,000 per annum, (d) £15,000 to £20,000 per annum, (e) £20,000 to £25,000 per annum, (f) £25,000 to £30,000 per annum, (g) £30,000 to £35,000 per annum, (h) £35,000 to £40,000 per annum, (i) £40,000 to £45,000 per annum, (j) £45,000 to £50,000 per annum and (k) £50,000 and over. [30138]
  329
  Mr. Andrew Mitchell
  [holding answer 20 May 1996]: The information is not available in the format requested as child benefit is not payable in respect of 19-year-olds. Such information as is available is set out in the table.

  Numbers of benefit units receiving child benefit for children aged 16, 17 and 18, by bands of gross household weekly income, UK, 1992–93

  Thousands

  Numbers of benefit units receiving child benefit for children aged:

  Gross household weekly income (January 1993 prices)

  16

  17 to 18

  16 to 18

  £0–£192

  80

  60

  130

  > £192 to £385

  140

  120

  250

  > £385 to £577

  130

  110

  220

  > £577 to £769

  70

  90

  150

  Over £769

  90

  100

  180

  Total

  510

  470

  930

  Notes:

  1. Figures show the estimated number of benefit units which receive child benefit in respect of a child aged 16 to 18, by bands of weekly gross household income. A benefit unit is defined as a single adult or a couple with any dependent children; a household can contain one or more benefit units. Benefit units with children aged 16, and aged 17 or 18, will appear in both the first two columns; rows may therefore not sum.

  2. Benefit units are grouped according to bands of gross weekly household income. If received throughout the year, these bands would correspond to annual incomes in January 1993 of: (i) £0 to £10,000 (ii) over £10,000 to £20,000 (iii) over £20,000 to £30.000 (iv) over £30,000 to £40,000 and (v) over £40,000. A more detailed breakdown would not be reliable.

  3. 1992–93 is the latest period for which data is available. Figures for 1992–93 are for two calender years combined.

  4. Estimates are derived from survey data and are subject to sampling error.

  Estimates for 17 and 18-year-olds are combined, as are certain income groups, to reduce these sampling errors. Figures are shown to the nearest 10,000 benefit units. Columns may not sum due to rounding.

  Source:

  1992–93 Households Below Average Income dataset.

  Child Support Agency
  Miss Emma Nicholson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate he has made of the additional annual administration costs of the new powers of investigation which are to be given to the Child Support Agency. [32599]

  Mr. Andrew Mitchell
  There are no plans to give the Child Support Agency new powers of investigation.

ATTORNEY-GENERAL

  Asil Nadir
  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Attorney-General if he will make a statement on the current position in relation to the preparation of the case against Asil Nadir. [31641]

  The Solicitor-General
  Asil Nadir stands indicted before the central criminal court on 13 counts of theft involving over £33 million alleged to have been stolen from Polly Peck International plc. A warrant has been issued for his arrest. The Crown is ready to proceed as soon as he returns or is returned to the jurisdiction.
  330

  Racism
  Mr. Janner
  To ask the Attorney-General if he will make a statement on prosecutions for racist attacks. [31642]

  The Attorney-General
  From 1 October 1995 to 31 March 1996, 429 defendants in cases identified as racial incidents were prosecuted by the Crown Prosecution Service.

  Mr. John Marshall
  To ask the Attorney-General if he will make a statement about prosecutions for acts of racism in the last 10 years. [31644]

  The Solicitor-General
  There have been 29 applications for consent to prosecute under part III of the Public Order Act 1986. Twenty-four have been granted. Four have been declined and one withdrawn.

  Driving Offences
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Attorney-General if he will list the number of cases relating to(a) driving without due care and attention, (b) causing death by dangerous driving, (c) causing death by reckless driving that have been referred to the Crown Prosecution Service in each of the last five years resulting in (i) prosecutions and (ii) convictions. [32801]

  The Attorney-General
  Information about the number and outcome of cases by offence category is published annually by the Home Office in "Criminal Statistics England and Wales".

  The Crown Prosecution Service holds no central records showing by offence category the result of cases referred to it. The information is held on individual case files, and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Attorney-General if he will list for each of the last five years the number of cases relating to road traffic accidents involving death or injury that have been referred to the Crown Prosecution Service and resulted in (a) prosecution and (b) conviction. [32800]

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

  Prosecuting Departments
  Mr. Mark Robinson
  To ask the Attorney-General if he will make a statement concerning his relationship with those Government Departments with prosecuting responsibilities which are not subject to his superintendence. [33363]

  The Attorney-General
  I do not expect to be routinely informed about prosecutions which I do not superintend merely because they are difficult or have a high, or potentially high, public profile. But it may well be appropriate to consult me in relation to cases raising, for example, particularly difficult public interest considerations, issues of propriety, or important issues of law of general importance.

  It is always open to prosecutors to seek my guidance in relation to particular problems or issues, and open to any Department to drawn concerns about a prosecution to

  331
  my attention, whether or not it is one which I superintend. A fuller account of my role is contained in a paper which I have placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

  Scott Report
  Mr. Mark Robinson
  To ask the Attorney-General is he will make a statement on the recommendation contained in Sir Richard Scott's report that there should be a formalised system of supervision of export control prosecution by the Attorney-General. [33364]

  The Attorney-General
  As indicated in my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade in the debate on Sir Richard Scott's report on 26 February,Official Report, column 597, the Government have accepted that in future the role of the Attorney-General should include the exercise of increased supervision of Customs and Excise prosecutions in relation to export control matters. The arrangements to give effect to this increased supervision have now been settled and are contained in a paper which I have placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

  I shall be answerable to the House for actions taken by Customs and Excise in relation to individual prosecutions relating to defence exports and to sanctions infringements, other than those involving strict liability—that is not requiring evidence of deliberate evasion. Treasury Ministers will continue to be answerable for general enforcement and prosecution policy and will also remain responsible for the investigation of such offences.

  Young Offenders
  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Attorney-General how many children below the age of 10 years were prosecuted in the last year for which figures are available; which were the main offences; and if he will make a statement. [32059]

  The Attorney-General
  None. There is an irrebuttable common law presumption that children under 10 years are incapable of criminal responsibility.

  European Union (Withdrawal)
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Attorney-General if he will make a statement on his Department's recent work on the implications of withdrawal from the European Union. [31637]

  The Attorney-General
  My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has made it clear that there is no suggestion of the United Kingdom leaving the European Union. In any event, by convention, the fact of whether advice on any issue has been sought from or given by the Law Officers is not disclosed.

  Crown Prosecution Service
  Sir Gerard Vaughan
  To ask the Attorney-General what was the cost to public funds of the case involving Nick Rodwell and other defendants at Northampton crown court; and what assessment he has made of the desirability of a change in the practices of the Crown Prosecution Service in such cases. [32919]

  The Attorney-General
  The costs incurred by the prosecution in the case involving Mr. Rodwell and other defendants are estimated at £2,856.62. The costs to the 332
  Lord Chancellor's Department of the five-day Crown court trial are assessed at £10,390. That figure includes staff and administrative costs and judicial salaries but not an element for the cost to the legal aid fund. To date no payment has been made from either the legal aid fund or from central funds. Those costs will not be known until the final bills have been assessed.

  The practice of the Crown Prosecution Service in deciding whether to prosecute such cases is to apply the existing law and the code for Crown prosecutors, which is issued under section 10 of the Prosecution of Offences Act 1985.

  The Crown Prosecution Service has recently issued revised guidelines to provide a consistent standard for the selection of charges for offences against the person, which gives further guidance to prosecutors in dealing with cases such as that against Mr. Rodwell. The prosecution of Mr. Rodwell reflected the proper application of those principles.

  Improper Trading
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Attorney-General if he will list those offences in law that may be referred to as improper trading or misrepresentation of company financial status; if he will make a statement on the position of(a) civil servants and (b) Ministers, should companies to which they hold directorships be found guilty of such offences; and if he will make a statement. [31854]

  Mr. Lang
  I have been asked to reply.

  What offence or offences were charged in any particular case would depend on the individual circumstances of that case, but the offences which might be charged would include section 458 of the Companies Act 1985 (Fraudulent Trading), section 233 (Approval and Signing of Accounts) or section 234 (Duty to Prepare Directors' Report) of the Companies Act 1985, section 47 of the Financial Services Act 1986 (Misleading Statements and Practices), section 17 of the Theft Act 1968 (False Accounting), section 209 (Falsification of Company's Books) or section 210 (Material Omissions from statement Relating to Company's Affairs) of the Insolvency Act 1986.

  The position of any civil servant found guilty of a criminal offence is a matter for the Department in which the individual is employed in accordance with its disciplinary procedures. A Minister in a similar position would be responsible for judging how best to act and for justifying his or her conduct to Parliament. Ministers can remain in office only for as long as they retain the Prime Minister's confidence.

TRANSPORT

  Salvage Tugs
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he hopes to implement Lord Donaldson's recommendation in respect of the stationing of salvage tugs around the coast of the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement. [31439]
  333
  Mr. Norris
  Emergency towing vessels were stationed, as a trial, at Dover and Stornoway as a result of recommendations made by Lord Donaldson's inquiry and the emergency towing study team. The next highest priority identified by the inquiry and by the emergency towing study team was the south western approaches. On the basis of our experience with the tugs in Dover and Stornoway over the last two winters, we shall station a tug at both these locations again next winter; further, we have decided to place a third tug in the south western approaches next winter. We will shortly be inviting competitive tenders for that contract.

  Civil Servants (Duties Abroad)
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport 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. [32418]

  Sir George Young
  Information on such visits was placed in the Library in response to an earlier question from the hon. Member for Warrington, South (Mr. Hall) on 11 March 1996,Official Report, column 474. No further overseas visits were made in the financial year 1995–96.

  Ministerial Visits
  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list those constituencies he has visited in the last three months on official business and those constituencies he intends to visit in the next three months; and if he will make a statement. [32335]

  Sir George Young
  I am placing the information requested in the Library.

  Heavy Goods Vehicle Licences
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the changes that will affect licences held by HGV drivers as a result of the implementation of EC directive 5415/96. [32778]

  Mr. Norris
  The European Commission proposal for a Council directive amending directive 91/439/EEC is to introduce the use of a set of codes on licences to signify conditions under which licences may be used. It also provides for the formation of a committee of national experts to undertake minor changes to the codes, and more generally minor changes of a scientific and technical nature to the annexes to directive 91/439/EEC. Driving licences, including those for large goods vehicle drivers, first issued or renewed after the directive comes into force would be required to include codes appropriate to their conditions of use, and may be subject, in so far as they are relevant, to other, minor changes of a scientific and technical nature as agreed by the committee.

  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for transport if he will list the number of drivers entitled to drive(a) class 1 HGVs and (b) class 2 HGVs. [32779]

  Mr. Norris
  Class 1 and class 2 HGV licences were replaced in 1991 by EC driving licence categories which have a different basis. Numbers of pre-1991 HGV licences are not now held in disaggregated form, and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
  334

  London Underground (Investment)
  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what levels of investment were planned by his Department in 1992 in the London Underground for the period 1992 to 2000; and what was the level of investment(a) made in 1993–94,1994–95,1995–96 at (i) outturn and (ii) 1996 prices and (b) planned at 1996–97 prices for 1996–97 and successive years until 1999–2000. [32705]

  Mr. Norris
  Investment in London Underground is planned by London Transport, not the Government. The information requested is set out in the tables:

  London Underground core business investment 1993–94 to 1995–96

  £ million

  Year

  Outturn prices

  1996–97 prices

  1993–94

  480

  516

  1994–95

  503

  531

  1995–96

  485

  490

  London Underground core business planned investment 1996–97 to 1998–99

  Year

  1996–97 prices (£ million)

  1996–97

  360

  1997–98

  446

  1998–99

  522

  1999–2000

  622

  Figures supplied by London Transport.

  Aircraft Inspections
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport on how many occasions, and for what reasons, aircraft operated by(a) Air Operations of Europe and (b) Air Operations of Sweden have been grounded or had their take-off delayed by the Civil Aviation Authority. [32797]

  Mr. Norris
  None. However, the Swedish civil aviation authority withdrew the certification of airworthiness for one aircraft operated by Air Operations of Europe in May 1995 when severe corrosion was found by engineers during routine maintenance at Heathrow. If the Swedish authorities had not taken prompt action once the fault had been uncovered, the Civil Aviation Authority would have issued a direction to prevent the aircraft from flying. The certificate of Airworthiness was restored by the Swedish authorities when the fault had been rectified.

  At the request of the Department, the CAA undertook ramp checks of two further aircraft operated by Air Operations of Europe. These inspections did not delay the take-off of the aircraft concerned.

  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will place in the Library a copy of inspection reports compiled by the Civil Aviation Authority as a result of inspections undertaken on aircraft operated by Air Operations of Europe and Air Operations of Sweden. [32799]

  Mr. Norris
  The CAA did not produce reports of the two inspections carried out on aircraft belonging to Air Operations of Europe, which has now ceased trading.
  335
  However, they provided the Department with advice on the condition of the aircraft. That advice concluded that the aircraft concerned were airworthy. The CAA has not carried out any inspections on aircraft operated by Air Operations of Sweden.

  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list by airport for each of the last five years the number of inspections of aircraft undertaken by the Civil Aviation Authority and the number of aircraft that(a) were grounded and (b) had their take-off delayed. [32798]

  Mr. Norris
  The information requested can be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Airport Capacity (London)
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what was the usage of the cross-wind 23/05 runway at Heathrow in the last 12 months. [32788]

  Mr. Norris
  Data provided by national air traffic services shows that the crosswind 23/05 runway at Heathrow was used for 23 landings in the 12 months up to 31 May 1996.

  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the declared runway and terminal capacities for Heathrow and Gatwick airports. [32790]

  Mr. Norris
  This is a matter for BAA plc.

  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the current terminal and runway throughputs for Heathrow and Gatwick airports together with the percentage usage of available capacity these represent. [32791]

  Mr. Norris
  I understand from BAA plc, that the current terminal and runway throughputs for Heathrow and Gatwick airports are as follows:

  Throughput Year to May 1996

  Terminal passengers Thousands

  Air transport movements

  Heathrow

  54,886.3

  422,337

  Gatwick

  23,082.2

  200,955

  The capacities of Heathrow and Gatwick airports are a matter for BAA plc.

  British Airways
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what percentage of UK air transport is held by British Airways and its franchisees. [32793]

  Mr. Norris
  British Airways and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Brymon Airways, contributed 58.3 per cent. of all available tonne kilometres offered by UK airlines in 1995. A further 1 per cent. of ATK was contributed by BA's franchise partner airlines.

  Transatlantic Airline Alliance
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what instructions he has given to his officials who have been sent to Washington to support the British Airways/American Airlines alliance. [32803]
  336
  Mr. Norris
  No officials have been sent to Washington DC to support the proposed British Airways/American Airlines alliance. Informal contacts between the US and officials of this Department have continued since the UK broke off air services negotiations last year.

  Central Railway Group
  Sir John Stanley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is the legal basis for his view that a debate in each House on the Central Railway Group's proposals is required to be on a motion moved by a Minister seeking the House's approval of the proposals, regardless of whether the Government support the motion. [33100]

  Mr. Watts
  Section 9(4) of the Transport and Works Act 1992 says that in the case of proposals which in the Secretary of State's opinion are of national significance the Secretary of State may not make an order authorising the proposals unless each House of Parliament has passed a resolution, on a motion moved by a Minister, approving them. A motion seeking such approval is the only certain way of securing a decision one way or the other in a single debate. A motion framed in other terms—for example, to take note of the proposals—would risk an inconclusive result and a need for a second debate.

  Statistics
  Mr. Fisher
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport which statistics his Department had discontinued(a) the collection and (b) the publication of since 1989. [32868]

  Mr. Norris
  The information requested is shown in the list:

  Statistics for which collection and publication have been discontinued since 1989

  Express bus passengers;

  Local authority road maintenance expenditure;

  Ports' accounts;

  London coach survey;

  Oil rig servicing at ports.

  Statistics for which publication has been discontinued since 1989

  Road track costs;

  Passenger miles by bus passengers;

  Provisional quarterly estimates of road accidents;

  Average length of haul for rail freight;

  Rail receipts per passenger kilometre;

  Merchant navy seafarers;

  Ports' employment;

  Average traffic flow at selected points on the motorway network by type of vehicle;

  Road lengths by county;

  Average daily traffic flow on classified roads by type of vehicle (monthly data);

  Fish landings at ports;

  International comparisons of road capital expenditure.

  Customer Charters
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list(a) the customer charters which are currently in use within his Department and its executive agencies and (b) the charters Which have been withdrawn. [32826]
  337
  Mr. Norris
  The central transport group of the Department of Transport has published a leaflet entitled "Serving the Public", which sets out the standards of service for answering correspondence, responding to telephone inquiries and handling complaints. The Highways Agency publishes its standards of service in the road users charter. Each of the Department's other executive agencies—DVLA, the Vehicle Inspectorate, and the Driving Standards, Coastguard, Marine Safety and Vehicle Certification Agencies—publishes its service standards in customer service guides, dedicated charter standard statements or codes of practice for its business customers.

  Several of these charter documents have been revised and updated; none has been withdrawn.

  Rail Freight Industry
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions he(a) has had and (b) intends to have with the managing director of English, Welsh and Scottish Railway Ltd. concerning the sale by Railtrack of strategic land sites needed for the future development of the rail freight industry. [33076]

  Mr. Watts
  None. The arrangements for safeguarding strategic freight sites are governed by a legal agreement between Railtrack and those licensed rail freight operators either currently or formerly owned by British Rail, including English, Welsh and Scottish Railways Ltd.

  Postage Costs
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much his Department spent on postage in the financial years 1995–96 and 1995–96; and how many items were posted during these periods. [32844]

  Mr. Norris
  My Department spent £13,262,194 in 1994–95 and £13,809,113 in 1995–96 on postage. A complete record is not kept of the number of items posted, but exceeds 61 million.

  A458, Ford
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the future of the public lavatory alongside the A458 road at Ford in Shropshire; and what assessment he has made of the adequacy of public lavatory provisions on the A458 road at Ford in Shropshire. [32206]

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

  Letter from Lawrie Haynes to Mr. Alex Carlile, dated 17 June 1996:
  The Secretary of State for Transport has asked me to reply to your recent question about the future of the public lavatory alongside the A458 road at Ford in Shropshire, and what assessment he has made of the adequacy of public lavatory provisions on the A458 at Ford in Shropshire.
  The funding available for trunk road routine maintenance this year has been reduced. In these circumstances the Highways Agency has examined all activities encompassed in this type of work and taken the view that it must give priority to those directly related to safety. As a result many non safety related activities including the cleaning of trunk road toilets have been reduced in frequency or stopped. This has led to closure of some trunk road toilets. Facilities where
  338
  local authorities, local franchises or businesses have entered into agreements with the Agency to take over responsibility and associated costs for the day to day running are not affected.
  With regard to the toilets on the A458 at Ford in Shropshire, the Highways Agency are seeking to avert closure by concluding an agreement with the owners of the "Dinkies Dinah" cafe for its day to day running. If an agreement is not concluded in the near future then the toilets are likely to be closed.
  I am aware of the benefit of these facilities, but in the face of shortages, activities concerned primarily with safety must have first call on available funds.

  Sea Empress Oil Spill
  Mr. Ainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much the international oil pollution compensation fund and the Sea Empress insurers have paid out to victims of the spillage engaged in(a) fishing, (b) tourism, (c) clean-up operations and (d) other. [32961]

  Mr. Norris
  The international oil pollution compensation fund has provided the following information on the amounts paid by the joint claims handling office by 14 June:

  £

  Tourism

  54,596.75

  Fishing

  1,205,327.93

  Clean-up

  0

  Other

  45,188.29

  Total

  1,305,112.07

  In addition, cheques amounting to £75,348.06 are awaiting collection by claimants.

  Mr. Ainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much has been spent to date by(a) local authorities, (b) the marine pollution control unit and (c) private organisations on the Sea Empress clean-up operation. [32960]

  Mr. Norris
  Precise figures on local authority expenditure are not available, but it is estimated that they have incurred costs of the order of £4 million. To date, the marine pollution control unit has spent £7,372,022. Information on spending by private organisations is not held by Government.

  Milford Haven Port Authority
  Mr. Ainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will place copies of the annual reports of the Milford Haven port authority for(a) 1994–95, (b) 1993–94, (c) 1992–93, (d) 1991–92 and (e) 1990–91 in the Library. [32959]

  Mr. Norris
  I understand that the Milford Haven port authority makes its annual reports publicly available on request. I have asked the authority to send copies to the hon. Member.

  College Farm
  Mr. John Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement about the progress of his consideration about the future of College farm. [33288]
  339
  Mr. Norris
  Specialist advisers have been appointed to look into all the options for College farm with a view to establishing the planning position for the site. They are expected to report to us by the end of July, following which we shall determine the way forward for the farm.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Cattle Exports
  Mr. Heppell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many cattle exported from Northern Ireland in 1995 and not certified for export for(a) breeding and (b) slaughter were (i) under and (ii) over six months of age. [31117]

  Mr. Ancram
  Cattle exported from Northern Ireland and not certified for(a) breeding and (b) slaughter are certified for further fattening.

  In 1995, 7,587 further fattening cattle under six months of age and 78 over six months of age were exported to other member states.

  Elections (Identification)
  Mr. Robert McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make it his policy to amend the electoral rules to permit either part of a Northern Ireland driving licence to be sufficient identification for voting purposes. [32079]

  Mr. Ancram
  The list is kept permanently under review, but I have no plans to alter the requirement for both parts of the driving licence to be presented. I believe it is clearer simply to request that the complete driving licence be produced.

  Mr. McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many people, by constituency, in the 30 May elections were turned away by election staff for failing to produce required identification. [32078]

  Mr. Ancram
  The Chief Electoral Officer for Northern Ireland does not keep a record of the number of people turned away by election staff for failing to produce required identification. The Government are confident, however, that both of the leaflets specifying the precise identity documents and the legal requirement for them which were delivered to each household in Northern Ireland in April and May will have made it unlikely that many of the electorate were unaware of the statutory requirements.

  Mr. McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will arrange for the details of required identity documents to specify in future the need for both parts of a Northern Ireland driving licence to be produced at a polling station when used as evidence of identity. [32080]

  Mr. Ancram
  I am happy to take the hon. and learned Gentleman's suggestion on board. In future, the NIO information leaflets prior to elections will make it clear that both parts of the Northern Ireland driving licence are required at the polling stations. The chief electoral officer is also prepared to ensure that this clarification is included on the polling cards that he issues.
  340

  Elections (Invalid Votes)
  Mr. Robert McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many votes in each constituency in the 30 May elections were invalidated for lack of the official mark or perforation; what were the equivalent figures in the 1992 general election; and if he will make a statement. [32076]

  Mr. Ancram
  There was a 45 per cent. drop in the number of invalidated papers at the elections on 30 May as opposed to the 1992 general election. The figures are as follows:

  Constituency

  1992

  1996

  Belfast, East

  Nil

  36

  Belfast, North

  Nil

  3

  Belfast, South

  Nil

  38

  Belfast, West

  11

  47

  North Antrim

  9

  17

  South Antrim

  49

  18

  East Antrim

  44

  16

  North Down

  Nil

  Nil

  South Down

  80

  1

  East Londonderry

  40

  20

  Fermanagh and South Tyrone

  Nil

  Nil

  Foyle

  38

  7

  Lagan valley

  45

  Nil

  Mid-Ulster

  9

  1

  Newry and Armagh

  54

  18

  Strangford

  3

  4

  Upper Bann

  47

  8

  West Tyrone

  n/a

  Nil

  Total

  429

  234

  Company Directors
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many people in Northern Ireland have been disqualified from being directors of companies in each of the past five years. [32178]

  Mr. Ancram
  The following table shows the number of people disqualified from acting as directors of Northern Ireland companies:

  Financial year

  Number of directors disqualified

  1991–92

  Nil

  1992–93

  Nil

  1993–94

  Nil

  1994–95

  2

  1995–96

  24

  Population Growth
  Mr. Robert McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what has been the population growth in(a) the catchment area for the Ulster hospital since its construction and (b) the town of Bangor in the same period; and what were the forecast figures. [32082]

  Sir John Wheeler
  The population in the catchment area of the Ulster hospital has grown from 207,000 in 1961 to 257,000 in 1991. The population of the municipal borough of Bangor in 1961 was 24,000. The population
  341
  of this area has since increased to 54,000. In 1961 there were no population forecasts made at the level of geographical disaggregation requested.

  Schools (Capital Expenditure)
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what has been the total capital expenditure of schools in(a) Strangford constituency and (b) Northern Ireland in each of the past five years. [32176]

  Mr. Ancram
  Capital expenditure by education and library boards on controlled schools and grants paid by the Department of Education on approved capital expenditure incurred by voluntary and grant-maintained integrated schools for each of the financial years 1989–90 to 1993–94 is as follows:

  Year

  Strangford £

  Northern Ireland £

  1989–90

  2,015,000

  38,570,000

  1990–91

  4,118,000

  56,339,000

  1991–92

  4,607,000

  61,071,000

  1992–93

  1,453,000

  68,214,000

  1993–94

  1,797,000

  64,962,000

  Water Supply (Asbestos Cement Pipes)
  Rev. Martin Smyth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will place in the Library a copy of the Water Research Centre report on asbestos cement pipes for the Mourne to Belfast water supply; and what monitoring the department of the Environment intends to carry out on the Mourne scheme. [32087]

  Mr. Moss
  The Department has stated that the report of the water research centre on the use of asbestos cement pipes will be made publicly available when it makes a policy announcement on this topic. It expects to do this in the near future. A copy of the report will then be placed in the Library. Monitoring of the Mourne conduit will continue as is operationally appropriate. This monitoring takes account of the state of the conduit and the quality of water it delivers.

  Public Inquiries
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what has been the cost to public funds of public inquiries held by the Planning Appeals Commission in each of the past five years. [32177]

  Mr. Moss
  The information is not available in the form requested. The total cost of the planning appeals commission to public funds in each of the last five years is

  Ordinary admissions and day cases: Number of first order episodes of private patients (category code 20–22) completed during year by specialty NHS Hospitals, England, 1990–91 to 1994–95

  1990–91

  1991–92

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–95

  100 General Surgery

  14,197

  15,033

  13,657

  13,325

  13,639

  101 Urology

  3,626

  4,064

  4,386

  4,665

  5,596

  110 Trauma and Orthopaedics

  9,007

  9,263

  8,611

  9,884

  9,645

  120 Ear, Nose and Throat

  5,019

  5,139

  4,556

  4,797

  4,342

  130 Ophthalmology

  7,069

  7,793

  7,512

  8,274

  8,746

  140 Oral Surgery

  2,136

  2,059

  1,453

  1,416

  1,602

  141 Restorative Dentistry

  2

  2

  1

  0

  4

  142 Paediatric Dentistry

  4

  9

  6

  5

  13

  342
  set out in vote 4 of the Department of the Environment's appropriation accounts, copies of which are available in the Library.

CHURCH COMMISSIONERS

  Assets
  Mr. Bernard Jenkin
  To ask the right hon. Member for Selby, representing the Church Commissioners, what plans the Church Commissioners have to reduce the value of the assets in their care. [32601]

  Mr. Alison
  The Church Commissioners' assets were valued at £2.7 billion as at 31 December 1995. The commissioners' liabilities include clergy pensions, the cost of which is currently met from income. Under the arrangements being discussed within the Church of England, about half of the commissioners' assets, if the proposed pensions measure is passed, will, upon the death of the last beneficiary, be fully spent out on the payment of pensions in respect of service up to 1998. The remaining assets will continue to be used to support the commissioners' other commitments, mainly to supporting the ministry in needier dioceses, bishops and cathedral staff.

HEALTH

  Local Care Services (Costs)
  Mr. David Nicholson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the relative level of costs of providing local care services in rural areas. [32490]

  Mr. Bowis
  A number of indicators of per capita expenditure and unit costs by individual social services departments in England for 1993–94 (the latest year for which the information is available—can be found in tables E4 and E6 of the 1995 edition, and table UI of the 1996 edition of "Key Indicators of Local Authority Social Services", copies of which are available in the Library.

  Private Patients
  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many private patients in NHS pay beds received treatment in each specialty in 1990–91 and each year since then. [31936]

  Mr. Horam
  The information available centrally relates to finished consultant episodes. The table shows the number of episodes, for each specialty, where a private patient underwent treatment during their first episode of care within a hospital spell.
  343

  Ordinary admissions and day cases: Number of first order episodes of private patients (category code 20–22) completed during year by specialty NHS Hospitals, England, 1990–91 to 1994–95

  1990–91

  1991–92

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–95

  143 Orthodontics

  0

  1

  0

  0

  1

  150 Neurosurgery

  1,744

  2,127

  2,039

  2,370

  2,359

  160 Plastic Surgery

  1,696

  1,530

  1,380

  1,217

  1,402

  170 Cardiothoracic Surgery

  2,280

  2,704

  2,683

  2,692

  2,319

  171 Paediatric Surgery

  314

  537

  529

  449

  432

  180 Accident and Emergency

  135

  101

  84

  58

  67

  190 Anaesthetics

  507

  922

  701

  718

  828

  300 General Medicine

  7,253

  8,044

  7,308

  8,183

  8,011

  301 Gastroenterology

  419

  846

  889

  1,189

  1,664

  302 Endocrinology

  115

  111

  121

  202

  240

  303 Haematology

  663

  1,025

  880

  990

  1,281

  304 Clinical Physiology

  1

  3

  0

  0

  1

  305 Clinical Pharmacology

  304

  308

  308

  474

  421

  310 Audiological Medicine

  0

  0

  0

  3

  0

  311 Clinical Genetics

  3

  0

  0

  0

  1

  314 Rehabilitation

  0

  1

  2

  17

  27

  315 Palliative Medicine

  0

  23

  33

  5

  3

  320 Cardiology

  2,719

  3,572

  3,705

  3,894

  4,018

  330 Dermatology

  134

  179

  208

  239

  320

  340 Thoracic Medicine

  667

  906

  874

  1,050

  933

  350 Infectious Diseases

  23

  107

  123

  138

  76

  360 Genito-Urinary Medicine

  59

  39

  22

  35

  41

  361 Nephrology

  227

  200

  305

  384

  425

  370 Medical Oncology

  2,434

  2,786

  3,808

  5,928

  4,790

  371 Nuclear Medicine

  0

  3

  5

  1

  5

  400 Neurology

  1,214

  1,145

  1,219

  1,238

  1,244

  401 Clinical Neuro-Physiology

  4

  4

  14

  13

  14

  410 Rheumatology

  405

  407

  441

  425

  410

  420 Paediatrics

  947

  1,113

  1,058

  1,406

  1,425

  421 Paediatric Neurology

  49

  206

  237

  181

  179

  430 Geriatric Medicine

  229

  257

  228

  329

  381

  450 Dental Medicine

  0

  65

  24

  1

  0

  460 Medical Ophthalmology

  0

  0

  0

  23

  0

  501 Obstetrics

  2,259

  2,429

  2,220

  1,894

  2,070

  502 Gynaecology

  8,908

  8,360

  7,193

  7,958

  8,112

  610 General Practice—Maternity

  1

  33

  20

  2

  1

  620 GP—Other Than Maternity

  102

  121

  81

  53

  83

  700 Mental Handicap

  0

  4

  2

  5

  0

  710 Mental Illness

  66

  59

  36

  32

  37

  711 Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

  1

  1

  1

  0

  0

  712 Forensic Psychiatry

  1

  0

  1

  0

  0

  715 Old Age Psychiatry

  0

  1

  3

  2

  6

  800 Clinical Oncology

  1,108

  1,352

  1,663

  2,129

  6,421

  810 Radiology

  165

  189

  129

  567

  683

  820 General Pathology

  7

  12

  21

  25

  30

  821 Blood Transfusion

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  822 Chemical Pathology

  5

  10

  4

  0

  2

  823 Haematology

  487

  610

  880

  824

  912

  824 Histopathology

  0

  2

  0

  0

  0

  830 Immunopathology

  7

  35

  61

  33

  32

  901 Occupational Medicine

  0

  0

  2

  0

  0

  Not known

  203

  25

  38

  55

  246

  Total

  78,945

  85,877

  81,767

  89,797

  95,540

  Note:

  Data in this table is grossed for coverage only.

  Source: HES.

  Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease
  Mr. Alan W. Williams
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many cases of the possible new strain of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease are currently under investigation by the CJD surveillance unit at Edinburgh. [32171]

  Mr. Horam
  All cases of suspected Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease referred to the CJD surveillance unit are investigated. It is impossible to differentiate between new variant and other cases while they are still under investigation.
  344
  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people under 42 years have died of CJD in the last five years; and of those how many had growth hormone treatment. [33181]

  Mr. Horam
  From 1991 to date the Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease surveillance unit in Edinburgh have confirmed 20 deaths from CJD of people aged under 42 years, of which 10 had had human growth hormone treatment.
  345

  Medicines Control Agency
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to examine the efficiency and quality of the operation of the Medicines Control Agency. [31839]

  Mr. Horam
  Key tasks and targets for the Medicines Control Agency, including efficiency and quality targets, are agreed each year by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and placed in the Library. Performance against these targets is monitored throughout the year and a record of the agency's performance is published in "Next Steps Review".

  A review of the agency, covering its performance since it was established in 1991 and options for its future, was completed last year. A summary of the results of that review were placed in the Library.

  AIDS Conference, Vancouver
  Mr. Gerrard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people working in community-based organisations in the United Kingdom are being sponsored to attend the eleventh international conference on AIDS in Vancouver in July. [32350]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people living with HIV/AIDS in the United Kingdom are being sponsored to attend the eleventh international conference on AIDS in Vancouver in July 1996. [32003]

  Mr. Horam
  The Department is not directly sponsoring anyone from community-based organisations nor anyone living with HIV/AIDS to attend the conference.

  The Department is providing £1.6 million to HIV/AIDS voluntary organisations this year and it is for them to decide if they wish to send anyone to the conference.

  General Practitioners
  Ms Harman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many(a) general practitioners and (b) whole-time equivalent general practitioners there were in each of the last three years. [32560]

  Mr. Malone
  The available information is shown in the table.

  1993

  1994

  1995

  Number of unrestricted principles

  26,289

  26,567

  26,702

  Number by contractual commitments

  25,327.5

  25,430.25

  25,429.25

  Data shown for contractual commitments does not equate to whole time equivalents since general practitioners may work longer hours than those they are contracted to undertake.

  Ms Harman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the latest figures for shortages of general practitioners by(a) region, (b) health authority and (c) county. [32562]
  346
  Mr. Malone
  The recent Medical Practices Committee survey confirmed that overall there are enough good applicants to enable appointments to be made and we have no information which suggests that general practitioner shortages exist.

  NHS Pension Schemes
  Ms Harman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to extend NHS pension schemes to all employees in primary care. [32564]

  Mr. Malone
  Opening up the national health service pension scheme to practice staff employed by general practices is under consideration.

  Pensioners' Homes
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the advantages of enabling pensioners who go into permanent care to hand over their homes to their children free from charges from local authorities relating to their parents' care; and if he will make a statement. [32753]

  Mr. Bowis
  We recognise that elderly people want independence, choice and dignity. They do not want to be a burden on their families or the state, and many want to help their children by passing on some of their savings or other assets. The proposals in the Government's consultation paper "A New Partnership for Care in Old Age" are intended to help people make better provision for their own long-term care, so that they can both meet their own care costs and bequeath assets to their children.

  London Ambulance Service
  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health which contracts of the London ambulance service for accident and emergency services with the health authorities in the London area will include performance requirements for activation and response that are at least equal to the national Orcon standards. [32704]

  Mr. Horam
  The information is not available centrally. Each health authority is responsible for ensuring that appropriate services, including accident and emergency, are provided for its residents. The hon. Member may wish to contact health authority chairmen for specific information about their contracts.

  Pharmacies
  Mr. Chris Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the value of high street pharmacies to the health of local communities; and if he will make a statement. [32943]

  Mr. Malone
  Community pharmacists have a very important role to play in a primary care led national health service. Community pharmacy's position in the high street offers a readily accessible NHS dispensing service to the community and an opportunity to provide other services which use pharmacists' professional skills for the benefit of patients.

  Mr. Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the number of pharmacies in England by year since 1979. [33082]
  347
  Mr. Malone
  The table shows the number of pharmacies in England by year since 1979. Figures for 1995–96 are not yet available.

  Year

  Number of community pharmacies in England in contract to supply NHS prescriptions

  1979

  8,698

  1980

  8,704

  1981

  8,790

  1982

  8,935

  1983

  9,052

  1984

  9,203

  1985

  9,490

  1986

  9,741

  1987

  9,905

  1988

  9,753

  1989

  9,694

  The figures then change to a financial year basis:

  1990–91

  9,714

  1991–92

  9,765

  1992–93

  9,763

  1993–94

  9,766

  1994–95

  9,771

  Nursing Homes
  Mrs. Lait
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health which local authority social services departments pass on to their registered rest home and nursing home owners the annual cost of living increase. [32904]

  Mr. Bowis
  This information is not available centrally.

  GPs (Patient Lists)
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the size of the average general practitioner's patient list in England and Wales. [33103]

  Mr. Malone
  The available information is contained in "General Medical Services Statistics for England and Wales (October 1995)," copies of which are available in the Library.

  GP Fundholders, Wandsworth
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many fundholders are currently in general practice in the London borough of Wandsworth. [33106]

  Mr. Malone
  Health service information is not collected on a local authority basis.

  NHS Managers
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many(a) contracts managers, (b) other contract staff, (c) public relations managers, (d) other public relations staff, (e) risk managers, (f) other risk management staff and (g) business managers work in national health service trusts; and what is the cost of employing each category of manager. [33119]

  Mr. Malone
  This information is not available centrally.
  348
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the current(a) M1 management costs, (b) M2 management costs and (c) management consultancy costs (i) in total and (ii) as a percentage of income for each NHS trust. [33120]

  Mr. Malone
  Individual trusts' out-turn 1994–95 M1 management costs and spending as a proportion of income were published on 5 December 1995 in "Management Costs in NHS Trusts Financial Year 1994–95" copies of which are available in the Library. Trusts' out-turn 1994–95 M2 management costs are not available centrally. Trusts will be publishing their out-turn 1995–96 M1 and M2 costs in their annual accounts later in the year.

  Information on trusts' spending on management consultancy is not available centrally.

  Ms Harman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many general and senior managers there were in the national health service(a) in 1989–90 and (b) at the latest available date. [32921]

  Mr. Malone
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave the right hon. Member for Derby, South (Mrs. Beckett) on 6 November 1995 at columns 624–25.

  Child Abuse
  Mr. Nigel Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what arrangements he has made to review the safeguards against harm to children in residential care and in other placements away from home. [33435]

  Mr. Dorrell
  As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister announced on 13 June, I have asked Sir William Utting, the former chief inspector of the social services inspectorate in England, to review the existing safeguards for children living away from home.

  I have today written to Sir William in the following terms:

  Letter to Sir William Utting from Stephen Dorrell, Secretary of State for Health

  CHILDREN'S SAFEGUARDS REVIEW
  The government is grateful to you for agreeing to undertake this review. I enclose a copy of the terms of reference.The new safeguards introduced in recent years for the protection of children living away from home following the Children Act were the outcome of careful thought and consultation, and of scrutiny in Parliament. Since then, however, it has become clear from court cases and criminal justice investigations that the scale of abuse and of abuse risks was higher than generally appreciated.An important purpose of your review is to assess whether the safeguards now in place provide so far as is possible protection against these risks as they are now recognised. We are therefore concerned that it should be thorough, and that it should cover the enforcement of the safeguards as well as their principles I know that you will make the review accessible to all those with views and ideas to put across.349 There are as you know a number of areas where the Government is planning further initiatives relevant to the protection of all children and other social services users. As already announced, we shall be consulting later this summer on the ethical regulation of the social services professions. Home Office Ministers are announcing today proposals for improved arrangements for checking criminal records and new measures to prevent further crimes by convicted sex offenders after their release from prison. And we shall soon be receiving Tom Burgner's review of social services regulation. If while you are conducting your review there are any points you wish to convey to us as we take the various matters forward I and the other responsible Ministers would be very glad to know of them.It is equally important that local authorities and all others with the responsibility for ensuring the safety of children and other vulnerable people in their care should discharge that responsibility scrupulously within the framework of safeguards as it now exists. You may find ways of improving the framework, but it is essential that while your review is in progress all concerned should enforce the existing safeguards with the necessary diligence and wariness.
  STEPHEN DURRELL CHILDRENS'S SAFEGUARDS REVIEW
  to review the safeguards introduced for England and Wales by the Children Act 1989 at its implementation in 1991 and the further measures since taken to protect children living away from home, with particular reference to children's residential homes, foster care and boarding schools;to assess whether these safeguards are the most effective that can realistically be designed to protect such children from abuse and other harm and whether they are being satisfactorily enforced;
  to make recommendations accordingly to the Secretary of State for Health and the Secretary of State for Wales.

  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will institute an immediate public inquiry into the alleged abuse of children in Cheshire homes. [32920]

  Mr. Bowis
  Investigations are continuing and prosecutions still pending in the north west. Until these are completed no decision regarding further inquiries can be made.

  Supervision Registers
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 16 May,Official Report, column 536, if he will break down the numbers on supervision registers by district within each region. [33099]

  Mr. Bowls
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave him on 14 December 1995 at column 809.

  Home Help Services
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to encourage the provision of home help services by the private sector. [33052]

  Mr. Bowis
  Local authorities are required to include proposals for purchasing non-residential care services from the independent sector in their community care plans. We have encouraged providers in the independent sector to contribute to the consultation stage of these plans.
  350

  Residential Homes
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people in the United Kingdom are in residential homes in the most recent year for which figures are available in the(a) 16 to 64, (b) 65 to 74, (c) 75 to 84 and (d) 85 years and over age groups; and in each of those categories if he will list the numbers funded by (i) the local authority on a means tested basis, (ii) the individuals themselves and (iii) the Department of Social Security through preserved rights; and if he will make a statement. [33056]

  Mr. Bowis
  Centrally available information for England is provided in the table. Questions relating to Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are matters for my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Wales, and for Scotland, and my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.

  We estimate that around 25 per cent. of elderly people in residential care currently meet their own costs in full. It is not possible to obtain the number of self-funders by subtracting local authority supported residents and people with preserved rights from the number of residents, since some people receive funding from both Department of Social Security through preserved rights and a local authority.

  Residents in residential care and source of funding, by age

  England, 31 March 19951

  Numbers

  Age

  Residents in staffed residential care

  Local authority supported residents

  People funded by DSS through preserved rights to income support1

  18–64

  49,600

  36,200

  34,100

  65–74

  24,700

  13,600

  10,300

  75–84

  76,800

  39,000

  20,200

  85 or over

  118,900

  50,900

  33,700

  Note:

  1DSS figures relate to February 1995.

  Source:

  DH annual returns RAC5. SR1 and DSS QSE.

  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people in the United Kingdom are in nursing homes in the most recent year for which figures are available in the(a) 16 to 64, (b) 65 to 74, (c) 75 to 84 and (d) 85 years and over age groups; if he will list in each of those categories the numbers funded by (i) the local authority on a means tested basis, (ii) the individuals themselves, (iii) the Department of Social Security through preserved rights and (iv) NHS contract; and if he will make a statement. [33055]

  Mr. Bowis
  Centrally available information for England is provided in the table. Question relating to Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are matters for my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Wales and for Scotland and my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.
  351
  We estimate that around 25 per cent. of elderly people in nursing care currently meet their own costs in full. It is not possible to obtain the number of self-funders by subtracting local authority supported residents and people with preserved rights from the number of residents, since some people receive funding from both Department of Social Security through preserved rights and a local authority.

  Information on people funded by the NHS is not centrally available.

  Residents in nursing care and source of funding, by age

  England, 31 March 19951

  Numbers

  Age

  People in nursing care

  Local authority supported residents

  People funded by DSS through preserved rights to Income Support1

  18–64

  11,800

  3,400

  7,600

  65–74

  19,900

  5,900

  7,800

  75–84

  51,100

  16,400

  20,800

  85 or over

  64,500

  17,500

  28,900

  Note:

  1 DSS figures relate to February 1995.

  Source:

  DH annual returns K036, SR1 and DSS QSE.

  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people in the United Kingdom were living in(a) residential homes and (b) nursing homes for the most recent year for which figures are available for (i) less than six months, (ii) between six months and a year, (iii) between one and two years, (iv) between two and three years and (v) three years and more; and if he will make a statement. [33057]

  Mr. Bowis
  Latest centrally available information on length of stay in residential care in England is published in table 3 of "Survey of age, sex and length of stay characteristics of residents of homes for elderly people and younger people who are physically handicapped in England at 31 March 1988", copies of which are available in the Library. Information on length of stay in nursing homes is not centrally available.

  Questions relating to Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are matters for my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Wales and for Scotland and my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.

  Committee on Safety of Medicines
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health who acts as chairman of the Committee on Safety of Medicines in the absence of Professor Rawlins. [32721]

  Mr. Malone
  Professor Breckenridge, the vice-chairman.

  Licensing Authority
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health on what date the Licensing Authority last met. [32744]
  352
  Mr. Malone
  The Licensing Authority as constituted by section 6 of the Medicines Act 1968 does not hold formal meetings dedicated to consideration of its functions under the Act.

  Oral Contraceptives
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many representations he has received from members of the Committee on Safety of Medicines relating to desogestrel and gestodene. [32719]

  Mr. Malone
  None.

  Mr. Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 21 March,Official Report, column 318, on how many occasions since 1 January 1990 Ministers have used powers conferred by section 3(2) (c) of the Medicines Act 1968 to make requests to the Medicines Commission. [32720]

  Mr. Malone
  Since 1990 the Medicines Commission has been asked to review the committees established under section 4 of the Medicines Act 1968, with regard to changes in their numbers, on three occasions and following the commission's advice, statutory instruments were made as follows:

  The Medicines (Committee on the Review of Medicines) (Revocation) Order 1992 (No. 606)

  The Medicines (Committee on Dental and Surgical Materials) (Revocation) Order 1994 (No. 3120)

  The Medicines (Advisory Board on the Registration of Homeopathic Products) Order 1994 (No. 102)

  GP Prescribing
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) pursuant to his letter of 1 April and his answer of 4 June,Official Report, column 382, what were (a) the total prescribing costs in cash terms in each year and for each category of general practitioners and (b) the total prescribing costs in 1989–90 for first wave fundholders; [33090]

  (2) pursuant to his answer of 4 June, Official Report, column 382, if he will list the net ingredient cost per prescribing unit in 1989–90 for first wave fundholders; and when he expects data on prescribing costs for 1995–96 to be available. [33088]

  Mr. Malone
  Data for 1990–91 are shown in the table. Information on total prescribing costs by wave of fundholders for each year for 1990–91 to 1994–95 is shown in the table. The available data for 1989–90 are not held in a form which allows analysis by wave of fundholder. Data for 1995–96, as I indicated in my earlier reply, will be available shortly.
  353

  Prescribing data for General Practitioners: Non-Fundholders and Fundholders by Fundholding wave Financial years 1990–91–1994–95

  Net ingredient cost (£ million)

  Year

  Non-FH

  FH

  Continuing Non-FH

  1st wave

  2nd wave

  3rd wave

  4th wave

  5th wave

  1990–91

  2,267

  0

  1,375

  150

  133

  251

  222

  137

  1991–92

  2,424

  168

  1,566

  168

  153

  289

  258

  158

  1992–93

  2,552

  350

  1,757

  184

  165

  326

  290

  179

  1993–94

  2,467

  732

  1,943

  202

  181

  349

  323

  200

  1994–951

  2,118

  1,039

  1,913

  204

  179

  350

  307

  204

  1 For technical reasons, a proportion of items and their associated NIC values have been excluded from the 1994–95 data. The 1994–95 figures for NIC (£ millions) are not therefore comparable with those for earlier years. The 1994–95 figures for NIC per Prescribing Unit, items per PU and NIC per item are comparable with those for earlier years.

  1. Prescribing budgets for both fundholders and non-fundholders are initially set in NIC (net ingredient cost, or basic price). Fundholders' budgets are then converted to actual cost and monitored on this basis. Actual cost is not exactly equivalent to "cash", as, for example, VAT is excluded.

  2. All figures in the table are given in NIC, which is the common currency normally used to compare relative prescribing costs of fundholders and non-fundholders. To convert figures for individual waves into cash would involve substantial data manipulation and would not affect the comparison of different waves.

  3. Timing differences mean that the figures do no correspond to national NIC figures published elsewhere. The table should therefore be used only to compare the prescribing of fundholder waves and non fundholders relative to each other.

  Private Finance Initiative
  Mr. Dover
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to encourage financial institutions to participate in PFI projects with NHS trusts and to minimise the financial difficulties in doing so. [33028]

  Mr. Horam
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health is committed to the private finance initiative in the national health service. The PFI offers investment opportunities to the private sector, while enabling NHS bodies to obtain best value for money for the taxpayer when developing capital schemes. Fifty-seven PFI projects—including four major district general hospitals—with a capital value of more than £500 million have been approved since the PFI was launched in November 1992. A further 40 schemes with a total capital value of about £1.5 billion are testing private finance options as part of the procurement process.

  Officials in the Department of Health's private finance unit meet with financial institutions regularly to smooth the PFI process. Where potential difficulties have arisen action has been taken promptly. For example, the National Health Service (Residual Liabilities) Act 1996 which was passed in May this year and is now in force, makes it clear to financial institutions that, should an NHS trust be dissolved, whether as a result of financial difficulties or for any other reason, its liabilities will be transferred to the Secretary of State or to some other NHS body. Also, a potential difficulty with the availability of VAT refunds in NHS PFI projects was addressed recently by a new Treasury direction which came into force on 26 April.

  Vacant Doctor Posts
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 14 May,Official Report, column 418, on vacant doctor posts when the information will be available. [33121]

  Mr. Malone
  Information for 1995 should be available in the autumn.

  Rochdale Health Care Trust
  Ms Lynne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will ensure that future developments by the Rochdale 354
  health care NHS trust will be safeguarded following the local health authority's review of health services; and if he will make a statement. [33175]

  Mr. Horam
  This is a matter for Bury and Rochdale health authority. The hon. Member may wish to approach Mr. Alan Maden, Chairman, for more information.

  Private Finance Initiative
  Ms Harman
  To ask the Secretary of State for health what is the stage reached for the planned private finance initiatives for each of the proposed new hospitals in(a) Norfolk and Norwich, (b) Amersham, (c) Carlisle, (d) Swindon, (e) North Durham, (f) Bishop Auckland, (g) the Royal London hospital and (h) St. Thomas's hospital. [31876]

  Mr. Horam
  [pursuant to his reply, 7 June 1996, column 587]: I regret that my previous answer was incorrect. It should have read as follows:

  "Full business cases for Norfolk and Norwich, Amersham, and Swindon have all been approved. Outline business cases for the remaining schemes have been approved. At Carlisle, North Durham and Bishop Auckland the Trusts concerned have identified preferred bidders and are preparing full business cases. At the Royal London hospital and St. Thomas' hospital, the trusts concerned have prepared shortlists, from which they will identify their preferred bidder".

  Health Authorities (Guidance)
  Ms Lynne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance is provided by his Department to health authorities in respect of reorganising health services in a manner which entails the serious reduction of health service provision in one area within a health authority so as to increase health services in another area within the health authority. [33174]

  Mr. Horam
  Departmental guidance makes clear that health authorities are responsible for assessing the health needs of their population and purchasing services to meet those needs, and the consultation requirements where this involves a substantial variation in services. Copies of relevant guidance are in the Library.
  355

  Medical Locums
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 14 May,Official Report, column 419, when the information on medical locums will be available. [33126]

  Mr. Malone
  The data from the census of hospital and community health service medical and dental staff in post at 30 September 1995 should be available in the autumn.

  Trust Mergers
  Ms Lynne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what powers are available to health authorities to merge trusts. [33176]

  Mr. Horam
  None.

  Trusts and Health Authorities (Debts)
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 21 May,Official Report, column 93, if he will analyse the last set of annual returns from each area and health authority to show the level of total debt (a) in financial terms and (b) as a percentage of income. [33098]

  Responses to OEJC

  Pre-qualification

  Shortlisted

  Bidders remaining

  Norfolk and Norwich Health Care NHS Trust

  31

  8

  3

  1

  South Buckinghamshire NHS Trust (Amersham)

  38

  12

  4

  1

  Carlisle Hospitals NHS Trust

  15

  8

  3

  1

  Swindon and Marlborough NHS Trust (Swindon)

  42

  6

  5

  1

  North Durham Acute Hospitals NHS Trust (North Durham)

  13

  10

  5

  1

  Bishop Auckland Hospitals NHS Trust

  16

  11

  4

  1

  Royal Hospitals NHS Trust (Royal London Hospital)

  18

  3

  3

  2

  Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Trust (St. Thomas' Hospital)

  8

  3

  2

  2

DEFENCE

  Bourlon Barracks, Catterick
  Mr. Home Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the advice obtained by his Department about the specifications for(a) the support rails for the crane, (b) the motor for the crane, (c) the local exhaust ventilation system, (d) the doors and (e) the space allocated for storage and specialist trades for the LAD building (No. 36) at Bourlon barracks, Catterick. [31613]

  Mr. Soames
  The information requested is as follows:

  (a) My Department provided the crane specification and, as the contract included both the "design and build", it was the contractor's responsibility to install appropriate support rails.

  (b) The statement of requirement provided by my Department in January 1993 included a requirement for exhaust extraction. The specification for the local exhaust ventilation system was developed by the design team, on advice from GKN Defence the makers of Warrior. A general extraction system was also included in the specification.

  356
  Mr. Horam
  The information will be placed in the Library.

  New Hospitals (PFI)
  Ms Harman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many bids for the proposed private finance initiatives have been received for the proposed new hospitals in(a) Norfolk and Norwich, (b) Amersham, (c) Carlisle, (d) Swindon, (e) north Durham, (f) Bishop Auckland, (g) the Royal London hospital and (h) St. Thomas's hospital. [31881]

  Mr. Horam
  [holding answer 7 June 1996]: Under EC directives and public procurement regulations, national health service trusts must publish a series of advertisements and notices in the supplement to the Official Journal of the European Community for all potential contracts exceeding specified thresholds. All the schemes referred to in the question exceeded the threshold. Trusts pre-qualify a smaller number of potential partners from the list of initial responses to the OEJC advert and issue an invitation to negotiate document to the pre-qualified consortia. Trusts draw up a shortlist of the most promising potential partners following rigorous evaluation of the responses and negotiation from which the best obtainable solution involving private finance is eventually identified. The numbers of bidders involved at the various stages of the process for the trusts referred to in the question are as follows:

  (c) The specification for the doors was written by the design team.

  The specification for the space allocated for storage and specialist trades were also included in the statement of requirement, and followed JSP 315 Scales 27(4) and 45.

  Chemical Weapons (Devon)
  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what monitoring has been carried on since 1966 in respect of the safety for its current use of the site used as a chemical weapons training and trials facility at South Molton, north Devon, during the second world war; what action has been taken following such monitoring; and if he will make a statement. [31768]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  My Department has no record of any monitoring having been carried out at the South Molton site. The land in question is no longer part of the defence estate and prior to its return to civilian use any identified contamination relating to its former use involving chemical weapons activities would have been removed. Should the MOD have been alerted to any such contamination being revealed subsequently, we would
  357
  have taken the measures necessary to remedy the problem. In the case of South Molton we have no record of any such incident.

  Military Attachés
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the countries in which Her Majesty's Government have a military attaché. [32915]

  Mr. Soames
  Her Majesty's Government have service attaches resident in the following countries:

  Abu Dhabi

  Argentina

  Australia

  Austria

  Bangladesh

  Barbados

  Belgium

  Brazil

  Bulgaria

  Canada

  Chile

  China

  Columbia

  Croatia

  Cyprus

  Czech Republic

  Denmark

  Egypt

  Finland

  Former Yugoslavia

  France

  Germany

  Ghana

  Greece

  Guatemala

  Holland

  Hungary

  India

  Indonesia

  Ireland

  Israel

  Italy

  Jamaica

  Japan

  Jordan

  Kenya

  Kuwait

  Latvia

  Lebanon

  Malaysia

  Mexico

  Morocco

  Nepal

  New Zealand

  Norway

  Oman

  Pakistan

  Philippines

  358

  Poland

  Portugal

  Qatar

  Romania

  Russia

  Saudi Arabia

  Singapore

  Slovakia

  South Africa

  South Korea

  Spain

  Sri Lanka

  Sweden

  Switzerland

  Syria

  Thailand

  Turkey

  Uganda

  Ukraine

  USA

  Venezuela

  Zimbabwe

  A further 69 countries are covered by attachés with non-residential accreditations.

  Missiles
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to make an announcement concerning the contract for a conventionally armed stand-off missile; how many missiles are to be purchased; and what criteria he will use in making his decision. [32652]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  [holding answer 13 June 1996]I hope to be in a position to announce the successful bid for the conventionally armed stand off missile competition shortly. The quantity of missiles being procured is classified information and cannot be released. Many factors have been considered during our assessment, including industrial factors the total cost to public funds, operational effectiveness, and such technical aspects as performance, reliability and compatibility with our delivery aircraft.

  Chemical Weapons
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will list the sites(a) in the United Kingdom and (b) in British territories abroad where chemical weapons have been manufactured or stored since 1966; and if he will places in the Library a copy of the declarations made to date under the chemical weapons convention; [33066]

  (2) if he will list the sites on which chemical weapons have been manufactured or stored since 1966 to which Crown immunity applies. [33079]

  Mr. Soames
  The United Kingdom relinquished its offensive chemical weapons capability in the mid-1950s and no chemical weapons have been manufactured since that time in either the United Kingdom or dependent territories. Stocks of chemical weapons held were destroyed and storage sites decommissioned prior to 1966.
  359
  Any items of chemical ordnance subsequently discovered at sites in the UK where such weapons were formerly stored or trailed, are made safe and transferred to PLSD Porton Down for temporary storage prior to destruction. Porton Down is the only site at which these items have been stored since 1966.

  The chemical weapons convention requires states parties to make declarations of their chemical weapon activities since 1946. Declarations are to be made within 30 days of entry into force of the convention which is likely to occur early in 1997. No UK declaration has yet been made.

  The Chemical Weapons Act 1996 implements the CWC in the United Kingdom. The Act will be commenced before the convention enters into force. The Act expressly binds the Crown subject to certain qualifications.

  Computer Hackers
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on how many occasions in each of the last five years computer systems have been illegally accessed by computer hackers in each of the services; and if he will make a statement. [32459]

  Mr. Soames
  As a result of the robust security policy on connectivity to public data networks such as the Internet, enforced throughout my Department, there is no evidence of any incursion, from an external source, to any departmental information technology system.

  Records of unauthorised incursions by departmental staff have been maintained centrally only for the past 18 months. None of the four recorded instances has had any operational impact and appropriate disciplinary measures were taken in each case.

  Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which areas of his Department's property are being used to(a) store and (b) dispose of cattle as part of the Government's BSE eradication programme; how much his Department is receiving for the use of this property; how many cattle have been destroyed on his Department's property; when this practice first began; and if he will make a statement. [32695]

  Mr. Soames
  RAF Quedgeley is being used for the storage of rendered meat and bone meal as part of the BSE eradication programme. Use of this site started on 20 May 1996. However, deliveries have now ceased. In accordance with our normal policy, the rental paid for use of this site is commercially confidential. No cattle have been or will be stored, disposed of or destroyed on my Department's property as part of the BSE eradication programme.

  Boards of Inquiry
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 16 April,Official Report, column 462, when the board of inquiry system was instituted; and if boards of inquiry are automatically set up after an accident or suspected accident involving British-controlled nuclear weapons. [32760]
  360
  Mr. Soames
  The authority to convene naval boards of inquiry is exercised under the royal prerogative; there are no statutory rules requiring or relating to them. Records of naval boards of inquiry go back at least as far as the 18th century. The Army Act of 1881 made provision for courts of inquiry to be set up. These were adopted and adapted by the Royal Air Force when it was formed in 1918.

  The rules and regulations relating to service boards of inquiry lay down a number of circumstances in which they must be convened: these do not specifically indicate nuclear weapon-related matters, although they are not necessarily excluded.

  Any accident or suspected accident involving British-controlled nuclear weapons is investigated, but the appropriate form of inquiry is decided upon in the light of the particular circumstances.

  Nuclear Weapons
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence who has been responsible for compiling and updating the central record of accidents and suspected accidents involving(a) British-controlled nuclear weapons and (b) United States-controlled nuclear weapons within British territory since 1966. [32762]

  Mr. Soames
  Such information is held on a central database maintained by the staff of the nuclear weapon safety adviser.

  Mr. Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the nuclear weapons safety committee was set up; how many people are on the committee; and how many of members are drawn from outside his Department. [32761]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  The Nuclear Weapons Safety Committee was established in 1959. It comprises 12 Members, including the chairman. All are drawn from outside my Department but currently include four who have served previously in it. They are assisted by officials from my Department and other Government Departments who also attend meetings of the committee as and when necessary.

  Mr. Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence who is responsible for compiling reports on accidents and suspected accidents involving(a) British-controlled and (b) United States-controlled nuclear weapons on British territory; if the nuclear weapons safety committee receives the reports; and if reports are compiled on each accident and suspected accident. [32764]

  Mr. Soames
  There are established procedures for reporting any unplanned occurrence involving a nuclear weapon on British territory which has resulted in actual or potential hazard to life or property or which may have impaired nuclear safety. Responsibility for compiling an immediate report would rest with the unit which has custody of the weapon. The Nuclear Weapons Safety Committee would of course be advised of any such incidents.
  361

  Departmental Function
  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will name the persons who were admitted to his office on 5 June to attend a function held during the beating of the retreat ceremony by the Household cavalry. [33054]

  Mr. Portillo
  It is not my practice to give such information.

WALES

  Inward Investment
  Sir Wyn Roberts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many jobs he estimates were(a) created and (b) safeguarded by inward investment in Wales in the year to 31 March. [31661]

  Mr. Hague
  Inward investment recorded for Wales last year promises the creation of 6,800 new jobs and the safeguarding of 5,848 existing jobs, an increase of almost 40 per cent. on the previous year's total.

  Mr. Robert G. Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what new inward investments have recently come to south Wales. [31665]

  Mr. Hague
  Welcome announcements and openings have recently been made, including Ford's £300 million expansion at Bridgend; Newport Wafer-Fab' s £230 million expansion near Newport; Halla's £17 million investment at Pentrebach; STS's £5 million expansion at Imperial Park; Ringtel's project at Cwmbran; the Showa Corporation's new investment at Aberaman Park in the Cynon Valley; and General Electric's £27 million expansion at Nantgarw. These projects alone account for almost 5,000 new and safeguarded jobs.

  Sir Irvine Patnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what progress has been made in encouraging inward investment from Taiwan. [31666]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  My right hon. Friend has recently announced the official opening of an important Taiwanese manufacturing investment—Ringtel Electronics at Cwmbran. Taiwan is a very promising market and we are confident that this important investment will be followed by others.

  RAF Valley
  Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has received on resources for training at RAF Valley related to the contractorisation programme. [31662]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  In addition to those made by the hon. Member, the Welsh Office received four representations.

  I am sure that the hon. Member will welcome the creation of some 400 new civilian jobs at RAF Valley, following the outcome of the contractorisation process.

  Planning Guidance (Town Centres)
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has received on the 362
  recommendations contained in the recently published planning guidance relating to town centres and shopping; and if he will make a statement. [31663]

  Mr. Hague
  I have received a number of letters which have been supportive of the planning guidance issued on 21 May which recognises the importance of town centres including a strong retail base and encourages development within town centres rather than out of town sites. I will shortly be issuing for consultation a draft technical advice note on town centres and retail development.

  Built Heritage
  Sir Sydney Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what initiatives he has(a) taken recently and (b) plans to take to conserve the built heritage of Wales. [31664]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  My right hon. Friend and the Secretary of State for National Heritage have recently presented our consultation document, "Protecting our Heritage", which seeks views on a wide range of issues relating to the built heritage. We hope that responses will help shape our policies in this important field into the next millennium. In addition, new planning guidance for Wales has been published, setting out the planning framework which we expect will underpin the protection of the built heritage. Both documents are available in the Library of the House.

  Welsh Development Agency
  Mr. Murphy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he last met the chairman of the Welsh Development Agency to discuss the safeguarding of existing jobs in Wales. [31667]

  Mr. Hague
  I frequently meet the chairman of the Welsh Development Agency to discuss a wide range of issues.

  Power Station (Pembrokeshire)
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has received in the current year on the proposals for an orimulsion-fuelled power station in Pembrokeshire. [31668]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  We have received several hundred letters.

  Health Commissioners (Funding)
  Mr. Ainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many representations he has received on the funding for health commissioners in Wales for 1996–97. [31669]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  Since October 1995, six letters have been received by my right hon. Friend and three parliamentary questions have been answered.

  Food Industry
  Mr. John Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what measures have bene taken by his Department to encourage further development of the food industry in Wales. [31670]
  363
  Mr. Hague
  My Department administers a number of grant schemes aimed at developing the food industry. In addition, I announced in the White paper "A Working Countryside for Wales" my intention to develop a food strategy for Wales, which I will launch at the Royal Welsh show in July.

  Higher Education
  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many students in Wales are currently in higher education institutions; what was the figure in May 1979; and if he will make a statement. [31671]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  The information requested may be found in the following table:

  Students on higher education courses in Wales

  1979–80

  1994–951

  Further and higher education institutions (including colleges of the University of Wales2

  33,769

  79,323

  Open university3

  n/a

  4,441

  Total

  33,769

  83,794

  Notes:

  1 Provisional.

  2 At November or December each year depending on source.

  3 At February each year. Data not available for 1979–80.

  Source:

  Universities Statistical Record, Open University, Higher Education Statistics Agency and Welsh Office.

  Cattle Slaughter Scheme
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will compensate Welsh farmers for the increased transport costs arising from the lack of Welsh abattoirs participating in the 30-month slaughter scheme. [30704]

  Mr. Hague
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Ynys Môn (Mr. Jones) on 16 May 1996,Official Report, columns 544–45.

  Ministerial Working Hours (Wales)
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list, by month for the last six months, the number of working hours he has spent in Wales; and if he will make a statement. [30740]

  Mr. Hague
  Since taking office I have divided my working time approximately equally between Wales and London.

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer of 26 March,Official Report, column 521, how much his Department estimated it would have cost to provide the information requested. [31458]

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

  Recruitment
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales in what circumstances his Department or its executive agencies uses an executive search agency or employment 364
  agency to recruit staff in preference to using personnel staff within his own Department or its executive agencies. [31522]

  Mr. Hague
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave him on 11 June,Official Report, columns 83–84.

  Promotion (Women)
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what measures his Department has implemented during the last 12 months to encourage the promotion of women into senior positions within his Department and its executive agencies; and what progress his Department has made in encouraging the promotion of women over the last five years. [31542]

  Mr. Hague
  During the last 12 months my Department has held development training for senior women and a series of seminars on specific equal opportunities topics for all senior officers. This training is open to staff in the executive agency Cadw.

  My Department has been a member of Opportunity 2000 since 1992 and actively supports its aims.

  Over the last five years, the proportion of women in the senior civil service, grades 1 to 5, has risen from 15 per cent. at 1 January 1992 to 22 per cent. at 1 April 1996.

  Customer Charters
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list(a) the customer charters which are currently in use within his Department and its executive agencies and (b) the charters which have been withdrawn. [32833]

  Mr. Hague
  My Department has published charters for patients, parents, council house tenants, for further education and higher education, and a charter standard for farmers. A charter guide to the planning system has been published jointly with the Department of the Environment and the National Planning Forum. In addition, a charter standard for visitors has been produced by Cadw: Welsh Historic Monuments. No charters have been withdrawn.

  Travelling People
  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer of 30 April,Official Report, column 491, to the hon. Member for Meirionnydd Nant Conwy if he will now publish details of the number and location of sites for travelling people for each county and district area and for Wales as a whole; and if he will make a statement. [32458]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  The information has already been placed in the Library of the House.

  Mineral Sites
  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the mineral sites on the first lists of sites prepared by mineral planning authorities in compliance with mineral planning guidance note 14 where the sites are wholly or partly within sites of special scientific interest and indicating the relevant sites of special scientific interest. [32765]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  This information is not collected centrally.
  365

  Ambulance Service
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what proposals he has for the reorganisation of ambulance trusts in Wales; what public access there is to the plans; what are the main proposals; and if he will make a statement. [32766]

  Mr. Hague
  None. I would expect any proposals for trust reconfigurations to come from the boards themselves with the full support of their commissioning authorities. If such proposals are received, the application document would be subject to public consultation and a copy placed in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to amalgamate ambulance services in Powys with Powys NHS Healthcare trust; and if he will make a statement. [32767]

  Mr. Hague
  None. These are operational matters for the NHS.

  Mr. Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to close ambulance stations in powys; and if he will make a statement. [32768]

  Mr. Hague
  None. This is an operational matter for the South and East Wales Ambulance NHS trust.

  Mr. Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on proposals to reduce operational manning levels by the South and East Wales Ambulance trust. [32769]

  Mr. Hague
  This is an operational matter for the board of trust which will be discussed with the Department in the context of the 1996–97 operational plan.

  Mr. Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the financial situation of the South and East Wales Ambulance trust. [32770]

  Mr. Hague
  All NHS trusts in Wales publish their annual report and accounts in September each year. My officials have had a number of discussions with the chairman about the work he is doing to put the trust on a firm financial footing. The trust will continue to provide monthly financial progress reports to the Department as part of the regular monitoring process.

  Mr. Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what was the total amount spent on consultancy fees by the South and East Wales Ambulance trust for the last two financial years for which figures are available. [32771]

  Mr. Hague
  Expenditure by the trust on external contract staffing and consultancy services is shown in its audited accounts for the following years as:

  1993–94: £ Nil

  1994–95: £123,000

  The audited accounts for 1995–96 are not yet available.

  Robert Powell (Medical Treatment)
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer of 15 May,Official Report, column 470, if he will place in the Library a copy of the report of the inquiry into the keeping of the general practitioner records pertaining to the appeal concerning the medical treatment of Robert Powell; and what plans he has to
  366
  make changes to the rules governing the holding of general practitioner records which are the subject of official action under NHS procedures. [33091]

  Mr. Hague
  I refer the hon. Member to my letter of 10 June, a copy of which has been placed in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer of 15 May,Official Report, column 470, what representations he has received from the family of the late Robert Powell or their legal representatives concerning ministerial meetings with the general practitioners of the late Robert Powell. [33089]

  Mr. Hague
  I have received a letter from Mr. Powell's solicitors which raises the issue. During his time as a Welsh Office Minister, my hon. Friend the Member for Clwyd, North-West (Mr. Richards) was not involved with the case because he was acquainted with some of the individuals concerned.

  Health Services (Market Testing)
  Mr. Touhig
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with chairmen of health commissions in Wales about market testing of services. [31658]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  None. NHS trusts are required to market test catering, laundry and domestic services, and are expected to look at other services which would benefit from market testing, which is a proven and successful tool for achieving high quality and flexible services, and for obtaining better value for money.

SCOTLAND

  Women (Promotion)
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland 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. [31540]

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  My Department continues to support policies which enable and assist women to reach senior positions. Flexible working patterns and family-friendly policies are well established and women in particular find this facility helpful in enabling them to further their careers.

  The proportion of women is increasing at all management levels. In 1992, the earliest for which these data are available, there were 81.5 women in a total of 627.5 staff in grades 1 to 7 in the Scottish Office and its executive agencies. By 1996, a comparable figure was 102.3 women in a total of staff of 569.4.

  Water Authorities
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how much was spent in the last year for which figures are available on the remuneration of the members
  367
  of the (a) West of Scotland Water Authority, (b) East of Scotland water authority and (c) the North of Scotland water authority. [32475]

  Mr. Kynoch
  The information is set out in the table and relates to remuneration paid to members by the authorities from their establishment on 17 July 1995 up to the end of March 1996.

  £

  West of Scotland water authority

  Chairman

  26,807

  Chief executive

  53,561

  Other members (each)

  4,021

  East of Scotland water authority

  Chairman

  16,968

  Chief executive

  53,333

  Counsellor Ann Dickson

  2,984

  Other members (each)

  4,242

  North of Scotland water authority

  Chairman

  28,413

  Chief executive

  46,667

  Other members (each)

  4,242

  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland which members of Scotland's water authorities have declared interests under schedule 7 to the Local Government Act 1994 at meetings of these bodies. [32428]

  Mr. Kynoch
  There have been no such declarations to date.

  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what legal obligations exist on Scotland's water authorities in relation to the fluoridation of public water supplies. [32408]

  Mr. Kynoch
  The Water (Fluoridation) Act 1985, as amended, provides that water authorities may, on receipt of an application from a health authority, increase the fluoride content of the water which they supply within the area of that health authority.

  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will arrange for copies of the declarations of interests of the members of Scotland's water authorities to be placed in the Library. [32429]

  Mr. Kynoch
  A note of the declarations made by the members of each water authority will be placed in the Library at the same time as the authorities' annual reports.

  Bible John Case
  Mr. McFall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when Strathclyde police will report their investigations into the Bible John case. [33124]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  My noble and learned Friend the Lord Advocate informs me that Strathclude police have continued to keep the regional procurator fiscal at Glasgow informed of progress with their investigations. Forensic tests have been carried out on their behalf by expert scientists at Cambridge university and a full report by the scientists to Strathclyde police is awaited shortly. Very soon thereafter, a comprehensive police report, including the results of the 368
  forensic scientific tests, will be submitted to the regional procurator fiscal, who in turn will report to Crown counsel for instructions.

  Marine Mammals (Bycatchers)
  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what percentage of the estimated harbour porpoise population in the Celtic sea area is represented by the bycatch level recorded in the United Kingdom and Irish large mesh monofilament gillnet fisheries in this area in 1992 to 1994; and what percentage bycatch of harbour porpoise populations was adopted in 1995 by the scientific committee of the International Whaling Commission as being a reasonable threshold for concern about the sustainability of catches. [31772]

  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  [holding answer 7 June 1996]: Based on available data on gillnet bycatches, the estimates are 6 per cent. and 1 per cent. respectively. The scientific committee of the IWC is currently considering criteria for assessing the status of the harbour porpoise population.

  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what commitments to harbour porpoise conservation the Government made in their response to the biodiversity action plan; and what is his Department's policy towards its provisions on fisheries bycatch. [31778]

  Mr. Robertson
  [holding answer 7 June 1996]: The Government endorse the main proposals in the biodiversity action plan steering group report as a basis for follow-up action by country groups for England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. These groups will be responsible for implementing individual action plans, including that for the harbour porpoise, and a UK group will co-ordinate this process. The Scottish Office is committed to fulfilling its obligations for harbour porpoise conservation.

  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many harbour porpoises were killed annually in large mesh monofilament gillnet fisheries(a) in United Kingdom and Irish gillnets in the Celtic sea observed during 1992 to 1994 and (b) in Danish gillnets in the North sea during 1993. [31769]

  Mr. Robertson
  [holding answer 7 June 1996]: The estimated number caught in these gillnet fisheries are 2,237 and 7,000 respectively.

  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many marine mammals were recorded as bycaught under the national voluntary reporting scheme in each of the last five years(a) in the United Kingdom and (b) in Scotland; and if he will make a statement on the effectiveness of this scheme. [31779]

  Mr. Robertson
  [holding answer 7 June I996]: Under this scheme, three common dolphins and three common seals were recorded as bycaught in 1992 and 1993 by UK fishing vessels. No bycatches have been reported in Scottish waters under these voluntary arrangements. Research is under way to determine the extent of cetacean bycatch in the bottom-set gillnet fishery in the North sea.
  369

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Bull Semen
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the countries outside the European Union which ban the importation from the UK of bull semen; and what steps have been taken in each case to persuade those countries to lift the ban. [31617]

  Mrs. Browning
  The following countries are known to have banned the importation of bull semen from the UK prior to the introduction of the EC ban:

  Argentina

  Australia

  Bulgaria

  China

  Costa Rica

  Iran

  Jamaica

  Japan

  Kenya

  Mexico

  Paraguay

  United Arab Emirates

  Uruguay

  In addition, the former USSR had imposed a ban. Lithuania and the Ukraine have effectively carried this forward by requiring five-year country freedom from BSE as a condition of import.

  The health conditions for the importation of bull semen into third countries from the United Kingdom are determined by the countries concerned. Prior to the introduction of the EC ban, the Department was conducting negotiations with those countries for which we had trade interest.

  Now that the EC ban—as it affects semen exports—has been lifted, the Department is writing to the veterinary authorities of those third countries to which UK businesses have expressed a wish to resume exports of bull semen.

  Share Fishermen
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what additional payments(a) exist and (b) are planned for supplementary decommissioning awards with compensation for share fishermen who took their jobs when their vessels were laid up. [32535]

  Mr. Baldry
  I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer I gave him on 4 June 1996,Official Report, column 437.

  Seeds
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list those species of tomato the buying and selling of whose seeds is permitted. [32272]

  Mr. Boswell
  Sale of seed of all species of tomato is permitted in the United Kingdom. However, sale of seed of varieties of tomato species Lycopersicon lycopersicum 370
  (L.) Karsten is controlled by the Seeds (National Lists of Varieties) Regulations 1982, as amended. The effect of the regulations, which implement EC directives, is that seed of varieties of this particular tomato species may be marketed only if they are on a national list of varieties of vegetable species or the EC "Common Catalogue of Vegetable Varieties."

  There are currently 50 varieties of this tomato species on the UK national list and some 1,500 on the EC common catalogue.

  Mr. Jones
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) for what reasons the Butcher's disease-resisting cucumber is omitted from the list of species which are allowed to be commercially bought or sold as seeds; and if he will make a statement; [32276]

  (2) for what reasons the Brown Bath Cos lettuce is omitted from the list of species which are allowed to be commercially bought or sold as seeds; and if he will make a statement. [32275]

  Mr. Boswell
  The Seeds (National Lists of Varieties) Regulations 1982, as amended, which implement EC directives, require a variety on the UK national list or EC common catalogue to have a "maintainer", responsible for maintaining it true to its original description. "Butchers disease-resisting" cucumber and "Brown Bath Cos" lettuce were deleted from the UK national list in July 1986 and April 1979, respectively, because no one could be found to maintain them.

  Mr. Jones
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food for what reasons John's Purple carrot is omitted from the list of species which are allowed to be commercially bought or sold as seeds; and if he will make a statement. [32277]

  Mr. Boswell
  There is no record of a carrot variety "John's purple" being entered as a candidate for the UK national list under this name.

  Organic Farming
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his answer of 15 May,Official Report, column 505, on agricultural systems, if the comparative study his Department is considering of organic farming against conventional farming will include (a) the internalisation of agriculturally derived pollution clear-up and water treatment, (b) energy use, (c) soil erosion, (d) the internalisation of wildlife loss, (e) the impact of the BSE situation and (f) the job creation potential of each system; and if he will make a statement. [32476]

  Mr. Boswell
  Our general aim is to explore over time the relative environmental impact of organic and conventional farming. Because of the complexity of the issues raised, the work we have in mind at this stage is necessarily of a preliminary nature. We need to assess the available methods for comparing farm systems and valuing the differences, so that we have a reliable basis on which to take forward in-depth research. Our current plan is therefore to commission two short-term desk studies on these technical aspects. We will then consider the options for further, substantive work in the light of these initial studies.
  371

  Animal Feedstuffs
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the cattle feed manufacturers who(a) now specify the full ingredients of their feeds on packaging and (b) do not do so, identifying those manufacturers who have additionally included the (i) estimated and (ii) actual amount of each ingredient; and if he will make a statement. [32271]

  Mrs. Browning
  The precise information is not available. The Government, however, welcome the recent announcement by the trade organisation that most compounders are to switch to full ingredient listing for most compound feeds at the earliest opportunity. It is estimated that this change will result in some 85 per cent. of compound feed sales being subject to full ingredient listing.

  Land Management
  Mrs. Ann Campbell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to encourage farmers, conservationists and local authorities to work together on land management. [32425]

  Mr. Boswell
  The Ministry has recently established new consultation arrangements to bring together key farming, conservation and local authority interests to work with us in developing our programme of agri-environment schemes. These include. the National Agri-Environment Forum, the first meeting of which I chaired in March, which includes representatives from around 25 major national bodies. We have also established regional agri-environment consultation groups in each of the nine MAFF regions. These groups bring together local farming, conservation and Government bodies to ensure that schemes are responsive to local and regional needs.

  Beef Exports
  Sir Wyn Roberts
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what tonnages of British beef were exported to each European Union member country in 1994. [32902]

  Mrs. Browning
  Provisional data on exports of beef from the United Kingdom in 1994, as recorded in the overseas trade statistics, are as follows. Beef originating from the United Kingdom is not separately identifiable.

  Tonnes

  France

  102,030

  Belgium-Luxembourg

  3,960

  Netherlands

  25,135

  Germany

  2,739

  Italy

  21,103

  Irish Republic

  22,893

  Denmark

  2,788

  Greece

  1,025

  Portugal

  1,155

  Spain

  8,421

  Sweden1

  1,176

  Finland1

  31

  Austria

  nil

  Total

  192,456

  1 Countries joining EC in 1995.

  372

  Decommissioned Fishing Vessels
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the fishing vessels(a) Pict and (b) Sir Fred Parkes were decommissioned; how much was paid by his Department for each; to what (i) company and (ii) liquidator; and who owned the vessels at the time they were decommissioned. [32901]

  Mr. Baldry
  The fishing vessel Pict was decommissioned on 8 August 1986. A total of £728,000 was paid to Hellyer Bros. Ltd. who owned the vessel when it was decommissioned.

  The fishing vessel Sir Fred Parkes was decommissioned on 11 March 1985. £620,000 was paid to Putford Enterprises Ltd. who owned the vessel when it was decommissioned.

  Institute of Animal Health
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture. Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the future of the Institute for Animal Health at Compton. [32036]

  Mr. Ian Taylor
  I have been asked to reply.

  As I announced on 22 February 1996, the Institute for Animal Health is currently undergoing a prior options review, alongside reviews of other research establishments which carry out research in similar or related fields. I await the outcome of these reviews, which are due to be completed by end-July 1996.

  Live Animal Transport
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the policy of the United Kingdom Government on safeguarding the welfare of animals being exported to third countries. [32327]

  Mrs. Browning
  We have a long standing policy of permitting the export of food animals only to those countries with standards at least equivalent to those in force within the European Union on the protection of animals during transport and at slaughter.

  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what response he has received from the Dutch Government in respect of transportation of sheep from the Netherlands on 12 to 16 August 1995 and 5 to 7 September 1995; if he will(a) list and (b) make available the representations he has received on this subject; and what action the Dutch Government have reported to him that they have taken. [32098]

  Mrs. Browning
  [holding answer 10 June 1996]: The details are still under consideration in the Netherlands. We receive many representations about the transport of animals, but records are not kept separately on the number in every category.

  Disabled People
  Mr. Alfred Morris
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action is being taken to address the problem of discrimination against disabled people in agriculture where the employer is not covered by the provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. [32267]
  373
  Mr. Boswell
  [holding answer 13 June 1996]: Employers, including agricultural employers, who employ fewer than 20 employees are not covered by the employment provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. Such employers will be encouraged to follow the guidance in the employment code of practice. My noble Friend the Minister of State, Department for Education and Employment will be deciding when and how to promote this in due course.

  Beef Industry
  Mr. French
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has received Coopers and Lybrand's second report on the United Kingdom beef industry; and if he will make a statement. [33237]

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  I am placing in the Library copies of Coopers and Lybrand's second report on the United Kingdom beef industry. The report examines the problem of unsaleable stocks in the beef chain against the 374
  background of my statement on 16 April, Official Report column 515, when I said that the Government did not consider that financial assistance equivalent to that being made available to the slaughtering and cutting sectors should be paid to other sectors.

  Coopers and Lybrand notes that many parts of the UK beef industry are entering a period in which realignment and downsizing will take place, but state that they could not suggest any public interest argument to justify Government financial intervention at this stage.

  As foreshadowed in my statement of 16 April, the Government will introduce a scheme to support the disposal and, where necessary, the storage of unsaleable beef and beef products held in the supply chain outside the slaughtering sector. This aims to help rebuild market confidence and ensure that appropriate disposal methods are used in the interests of the environment and public health. My Department will shortly issue a consultation document asking for expressions of interest in the scheme. It will be entirely voluntary and no payments will be made to companies for ownership of the stocks.

  Wilton Park
  Wilton Park
  EU and NATO Enlargement: Comparative Costs
  EU and NATO Enlargement: Comparative Costs
  Assembly of European Regions
  Assembly of European Regions
  UK Action in EU: Legality
  UK Action in EU: Legality
  UN Weaponry Convention: Implications of Amended Protocol
  UN Weaponry Convention: Implications of Amended Protocol
  UN Human Rights Committee: Annual Report
  UN Human Rights Committee: Annual Report
  Human Rights Conventions
  Human Rights Conventions
  The Mall: Parking
  The Mall: Parking
  Fisheries Council, 10th June
  Fisheries Council, 10th June
  Mammalian Meat and Bone Meal: Disposal of Stocks
  Mammalian Meat and Bone Meal: Disposal of Stocks
  Bat Death: Rabies Diagnosis
  Bat Death: Rabies Diagnosis
  BSE Cases in Animals Born after Ruminant Protein Feed Ban
  BSE Cases in Animals Born after Ruminant Protein Feed Ban
  EU: Animal Feed Sterilisation
  EU: Animal Feed Sterilisation
  Antibiotics in Animal Feed: Monitoring
  Antibiotics in Animal Feed: Monitoring
  Emergency Towing Arrangements
  Emergency Towing Arrangements
  Vehicle Number Plates
  Vehicle Number Plates
  "Making the Punishment Fit the Crime": Scottish Office Consultation Paper
  "Making the Punishment Fit the Crime": Scottish Office Consultation Paper
  Education Provision in Prisons
  Education Provision in Prisons
  Criminal Records: Access for Employment Purposes
  Criminal Records: Access for Employment Purposes
  Marriage: Working Party Consultation Paper
  Marriage: Working Party Consultation Paper
  Water Supplies
  Water Supplies
  Leaseholders and Service Charges
  Leaseholders and Service Charges
  Local Authority Budgets: Notional Amounts
  Local Authority Budgets: Notional Amounts