Written Answers of 18 June 1996

PRIME MINISTER

  Engagements
  Sir Peter Tapsell
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Tuesday 18 June. [32060]

  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Tuesday 18 June. [32061]

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

  Berlin Bombing 1986
  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Prime Minister what changes have taken place in respect of Government policy relating to responsibility for the bombing of United States soldiers in 1986 in Berlin; what measures were taken to secure further information relating to Libyan involvement; and if he will make a statement. [32819]

  The Prime Minister
  None. The investigation of the 5 April 1986 bombing in Berlin is a matter for the German authorities.

  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will raise at the next meeting of the European Council the refusal of the United States Government to provide to the German prosecution authorities communication intercepts which the US authorities stated provide proof of the Libyan involvement in the Berlin Bombing in 1986; if he will raise the issue as being of community competence; and if he will make a statement. [32967]

  The Prime Minister
  No. This is a matter for the United States authorities.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Buckley Hall Prison
  Ms Lynne
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he received the board of visitors' first annual report for Buckley Hall prison; and on what date it will be published. [30683]

  Miss Widdecombe
  The board of visitors' first annual report for Buckley Hall covering 1995 was received by my right hon. and learned Friend on 26 March.
  376
  Boards of visitors' annual reports are not published documents. They are made to the Secretary of State who permits the board, if it wishes, to publish its report. In this case, the board decided at its meeting on 4 June to publish its annual report. A copy of the report can be made available to the hon. Member on written request to the vice-chairman of the board of visitors, Mr. J. H. Clements.

  European Union Flag
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what instructions were issued to his Department's offices and agencies in respect of flying the European Union flag on 8 May; and if he will make a statement. [31507]

  Mr. Howard
  I gave instructions that, as in previous years, the European Union flag should not be flown from Home Office buildings on 8 May.

  Wandsworth Prison
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are the present plans to refurbish A and B wings of Wandsworth prison; what is the estimated cost of such work; when is it proposed that this work will commence; and if he will make a statement. [32467]

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

  Letter from Richard Tilt to Mr. Tom Cox, dated 18 June 1996:
  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about the present plans for the refurbishment of A and B wings at Wandsworth prison.
  The Prison Service is considering three options for the refurbishment of A and B wings at Wandsworth prison which are not used at present. They are:

  (i) comprehensive refurbishment at an estimated cost of £14m;

  (ii) refurbishment and the installation of sanitation at an estimated cost of £11 m;

  (iii) installation of basic sanitation at an estimated cost of £6m.

  The start date for whichever option is chosen will depend on capital availability. Our aim is to start the work as soon as possible, given the general pressure on space in the prison system.

  Prison Places
  Mr. George Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the average cost of a place in each prison for the financial year 1995–96. [32353]

  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. George Howarth, dated 18 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 average cost of a place in each prison for the financial year 1995–96.
  These figures are not yet available. They will be sent to you as soon as they are ready.

  Firearms Acts (Home Office Circulars)
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will place in the Library an index of all Home Office circulars since 1967 relevant to the administration of the Firearms Acts 1968, 1992 and 1994, giving the number of circular, dated of issue and title. [32870]

  Mr. Maclean
  I have today placed an index of such circulars in the Library as requested.

  Domestic Violence
  Ms Lynne
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when is the next scheduled meeting of the ministerial group on domestic violence. [32697]

  Mr. Maclean
  I expect the group to meet again soon, once a range of work that has already been commissioned for it has been completed.

  Ms Lynne
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department for what reasons it is not possible for his Department to identify separately offences of domestic violence within the regular recorded crimes series collected centrally by the Home Office; and what plans he has to collate such statistics. [32698]

  Mr. Maclean
  There is currently no specific legislation which defines offences of "domestic violence" and therefore such incidents cannot be separately identified in the recorded crime data collection.

  "Domestic violence" incidents could be recorded within one of several recorded crime classifications, that is public order offences, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, wounding or inflicting grievous bodily harm, indecent assault, rape or attempted rape, threats to kill, attempted murder homicide.

  In terms of the recorded crime series, police forces are required to supply information by offence type rather than by victim and no data on the relationship of victim and suspect are routinely collected.

  The ministerial group on domestic violence is currently considering ways of improving the statistical knowledge of the nature and extent of domestic violence.

  Shotguns
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many semi-automatic and pump action shotguns have been certified as shotguns after being modified from section 1 firearms classification under the terms of the Firearms Act 1988 in each year since the Act came into operation. [32882]

  Mr. Maclean
  Since the provisions of the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1988 came into force, I understand that the proof houses at London and Birmingham have certified a total of 61,169 shotguns as modified in this manner. An annual breakdown of this figure is available only at disproportionate costs.

  Crime Statistics (West Midlands)
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the clear-up rate of(a) threats or conspiracies to murder, (b) rape, (c) attempted rape, (d) attempted murders and
  378
  (e) woundings with intent in the west midlands for each year since 1990; and he will express the figures as a percentage change from 1990. [32878]

  Mr. Maclean
  The available information is given in the tables. The clear-up rate for offences of attempted rape is included within the clear-up rate for the substantive offence and is not separately identifiable.

  Table I: Clear-up rates for offences of threat or conspiracy to murder and rape recorded by the police in the West Midlands

  Threat or conspiracy to murder

  Rape

  Year

  Clear-up rate percentage

  Percentage point change over 1990

  Clear-up rate percentage

  Percentage point change over 1990

  1990

  97

  n/a

  77

  n/a

  1991

  97

  0

  86

  +9

  1992

  92

  -5

  73

  -4

  1993

  87

  -10

  69

  -8

  1994

  95

  -2

  77

  0

  1995

  93

  -4

  68

  -9

  n/a = not applicable.

  Table 2: Clear-up rates for offences of attempted murder and wounding recorded by the police in the West Midlands

  Attempted murder

  Wounding

  Year

  Clear-up rate per cent.

  Percentage point change over 1990

  Clear-up rate per cent.

  Percentage point change over 1990

  1990

  96

  n/a

  76

  n/a

  1991

  1104

  +8

  76

  0

  1992

  94

  -2

  73

  -3

  1993

  88

  -8

  71

  -5

  1994

  100

  +4

  69

  -7

  1995

  88

  -8

  65

  -11

  1Offences cleared up in current year may have been recorded in an earlier year.

  n/a = not applicable.

  Mr. Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the total number of crimes involving serious physical violence or immediate danger to life per 100,000 population in the west midlands for each year since 1990; if he will express the figures as a percentage change from 1990; and if he will give comparable figures for France, Germany and the Netherlands. [32880]

  Mr. Maclean
  The available information relates to offences of violence against the person and is given in the table. Comparable figures for France, Germany and the Netherlands are not available.

  Notifiable offences of violence against the person per 100,000 population in the west midlands

  Rate per 100,000 population

  Percentage change over 1990

  1990

  390

  n/a

  1991

  407

  +4

  1992

  443

  +14

  1993

  417

  +7

  1994

  395

  +1

  1995

  328

  -16

  n/a = not applicable.

  Mr. Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the number of(a) rapes, (b) attempted rapes, (c) attempted murders, (d) woundings

  379
  with intent to do grievous bodily harm and (e) threats or conspiracies to murder in the west midlands for each year since 1990; and if he will express the figures as a percentage change from 1990. [32879]

  Mr. Maclean
  The available information is given in the tables. Figures for the number of attempted rapes are included with the substantive offence and are not separately identifiable.

  Table 1: Notifiable offences of rape and attempted murder recorded by the police in the west midlands

  Rape

  Attempted murder

  Year

  Number of offences

  Percentage change over 1990

  Number of offences

  Percentage change over 1990

  1990

  170

  n/a

  25

  n/a

  1991

  214

  +26

  27

  +8

  1992

  207

  +22

  33

  +32

  1993

  204

  +20

  43

  +72

  1994

  211

  +24

  38

  +52

  1995

  237

  +39

  50

  +100

  n/a = not acceptable.

  Table 2: Notifiable offences of wounding or threat or conspiracy to murder recorded by the police in the west midlands

  Wounding

  Threat or conspiracy to murder

  Year

  Number of offences

  Percentage change over 1990

  Number of offences

  Percentage change over 1990

  1990

  9,952

  n/a

  168

  n/a

  1991

  10,330

  +4

  178

  +6

  1992

  11,269

  +13

  232

  +38

  1993

  10,674

  +7

  180

  +7

  1994

  10,149

  +2

  152

  -10

  1995

  8,377

  -16

  127

  -u24

  n/a = not acceptable.

  Customer Charters
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 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. [32838]

  Mr. Howard
  The UK Passport Agency, the Fire Service College and the Prison Service all have charter standard statements. I have today published a new charter for victims of crime, superseding the charter issued in 1990. No charters, or charter standard statements, have been withdrawn.

  Prisons
  Ms Corston
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to publish the Coopers and Lybrand report into the comparative costs of publicly and privately run prisons. [33086]

  Miss Widdecombe
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to a question from the hon. Member for Rugby and Kenilworth (Mr. Pawsey) on 13 June, column 232.

  Morgan Report
  Ms Janet Anderson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 17 April,380
  Official Report, column 524, if he will list the local authorities engaged in crime prevention partnership as endorsed in the Morgan report broken down by political control. [32883]

  Mr. Maclean
  The information requested is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Secure Establishments (Young People)
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the present number of secure establishments for young people in England and Wales in which a person can be held while awaiting trial or sentence; and where these establishments are sited. [32877]

  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 David Scott to Mr. Tom Cox, dated 18 June 1996:
  The Home Secretary has asked me, in the absence of the Director General, to reply to your recent Question about secure establishments in England and Wales in which young people may be held on remand or awaiting sentence.
  There are 25 secure units in England, and two in Wales, approved respectively by the Secretary of State for Health and the Secretary of State for Wales for the purpose of restricting the liberty of children in the care of local authorities.

  These 27 local authority secure units and their location are as follows:

  Location

  The Atkinson Unit

  Exeter

  Aycliffe Young People's Centre

  Co. Durham

  Barton Moss Secure Care Unit

  Manchester

  Beechfield

  West Sussex

  Briars Hey Community Home

  Liverpool

  Dyson Hall Observation and Assessment Centre

  Liverpool

  East Moor Regional Secure Unit

  Leeds

  The Elm Unit, Netherton Park

  Northumberland

  Fairfield Lodge Observation and Assessment Centre

  Southampton

  Glen House Observation and Assessment Centre

  Southampton

  Kesteven House

  Sleaford

  Lansdowne

  East Sussex

  Llwyn Celyn

  Swansea

  Market Street Children's Home

  Chesterfield

  Orchard Lodge

  London

  Red Bank School

  Merseyside

  Red Sands Children's Centre

  Nantwich

  Silverbrook Resource Centre for Children

  Mid-Glamorgan

  St. Catherine's Centre for Girls

  St. Helens

  St. John's Centre

  Tiffield, Northants

  St. John's Community Home School

  Birmingham

  Salters Observation and Assessment Centre

  Peterborough

  Stamford House

  London

  Stoke House (The Coventry Secure Unit)

  Coventry

  Sutton Place Safe Centre

  Hull

  Thornbury

  Oxon

  Vinney Green Secure Unit

  Bristol

  Juveniles may also be sent to Glenthorne Youth Treatment Centre, Birmingham, which is run by the Department of Health.

  Justice and Home Affairs Council
  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the outcome of the Justice and Home Affairs Council held on 4 June. [33615]

  Mr. Howard
  I represented the United Kingdom at the Council in Luxembourg. In accordance with the policy outlined in my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister's statement to the House on 21 May,Official Report, columns 99–101, I was unable to agree to any decisions requiring unanimity in the Council other than those which were purely formal or procedural.

  Eleven agenda items, listed in the table, were blocked as a result of the Government's policy of non-co-operation in the European Union. However, I participated fully in negotiations on the substantive issues covered by the agenda. The main matters dealt with at the Council were as follows.

  The presidency reported progress in negotiations on the draft external frontiers convention and noted that two major political problems—a role for the European Court of Justice and territorial application of the convention—were outstanding.

  The Council examined the three draft directives proposed by the Commission for abolishing frontier controls and giving third country nationals a right to travel in member states, known as the "Monti Package". In addition to the United Kingdom's reserve of substance on these proposals, a number of issues of concern to other member states remain to be settled. The presidency undertook to consider whether negotiation on these instruments should be primarily a matter for the Internal Market Council or the Justice and Home Affairs Council.

  The Council agreed that officials should continue work on developing Eurodac, a project to establish a database of asylum seekers' fingerprints.

  The Council considered a compromise proposal for conferring on the European Court of Justice optional jurisdiction to interpret the Europol convention. The presidency concluded that this matter would be studied again at the European Council in Florence.

  The Council approved a report on the implementation of the Europol drugs unit budget in 1995, and deferred a decision on the development of a computer system for Europol.

  The Council considered the question of participation by the European Union in the International Law Enforcement academy in Budapest (ILEA), which is managed jointly by Hungary and the USA. The presidency concluded that, in the light of opposition by France to European Union involvement in the academy, this matter required further thought.

  The Council noted progress in the structured dialogue with the central and eastern European states, and a report outlining continuing action by the European Union against drugs in Latin America and the Caribbean.

  The Council discussed a number of outstanding issues arising from negotiations on the draft Convention on improved extradition procedures, and concluded that further work was required on these points by officials.
  382
  The Council discussed the question of jurisdiction for the European Court of Justice in the draft convention on corruption, and noted progress in drafting a second protocol to the convention on the protection of the Communities' financial interests.

  The presidency invited member states' views on the main issues of principle remaining to be settled in relation to the draft convention on service of documents in civil and commercial matters, and referred the text for further work by officials.

  Measures blocked by the United Kingdom at the Justice and Home Affairs Council, 4 June 1996

  Recommendation on trafficking in works of art.

  Recommendation on fight against counterfeiting.

  Joint position on pre-frontier missions of assistance and information.

  Joint action on liaison officers.

  Decision on measures implementing Article K.1 of the Treaty on European Union.

  Work programme for the Europol Drugs Unit, July-December 1996.

  Budget of the Europol Drugs Unit for 1997.

  Recommendation on combating illegal employment of third country nationals.

  Joint action establishing the Directory of counter-terrorist competences.

  Resolution laying down the priorities for co-operation in the field of justice and home affairs for the period from 1 July 1996 to 30 June 1998.

  Joint position on the Hague Convention on the protection of minors.

  Anti-terrorist Legislation
  Ms Mowlam
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to receive the conclusions of Lord Lloyd's review of anti-terrorist legislation. [32923]

  Mr. Howard
  I understand that Lord Lloyd expects to submit his report by the autumn.

  CJD and BSE Research
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what Home Office approval of licensing arrangements exist in the case of testing (1) of milk for the purposes of Crentzfeldt-Jakob disease or bovine spongiform encephalopathy research; [32924]

  (2) of urine for the purposes of CJD or BSE research. [32925]

  Mr. Sackville
  Any testing which might cause harm or suffering to animals, including the inoculation of tissues and fluids into laboratory animals, would need authorisation under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986.

  Electoral Registration
  Mr. Barnes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will issue guidelines to electoral registration officers encouraging the registration of those with no fixed abode at an accommodation address in circumstances where the requirements of permanence and the qualifying date for registration are met; and if he will make a statement. [32968]
  383
  Mr. Sackville
  No; accommodation addresses are not permitted under current legislation.

  Mr. Barnes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he has taken concerning electoral registration arrangements for homeless persons following the decision in the case of Lippiatt v. the Electoral Registration Officer, Penwith district council. [32969]

  Mr. Sackville
  We aim to issue guidance in time for this year's electoral registration canvass.

  Sentences
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the relative cost of custodial and non-custodial sentences for similar offences; and if he will make a statement. [33128]

  Mr. Maclean
  The target annual unit costs for 1996–97 for the principal disposals available to the courts are:

  Prison place: £24,388

  Probation order: £2,510

  Community service order: £1,840

  The decision whether to impose a custodial or non-custodial sentence is a matter for the courts, within the statutory limits taking into account all the circumstances of the offence and the offender. It is not determined by the costs of these disposals.

  Mr. Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what research he has evaluated which identifies a relationship between marginal increases in the prison population and marginal decreases in crime rates; and if he will make a statement. [33129]

  Mr. Maclean
  The Home Office research and statistics directorate continuously monitors research in this area. Its most recent evaluation of such research is contained within "Analysing Offending: Data. Models and Interpretations" by Roger Tarling (HMSO. 1993).

  Mr. Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has published to encourage judges to give shorter average sentences; and if he will make a statement. [33184]

  Mr. Maclean
  The Government have no plans to encourage judges to pass sentences which would mean offenders spending less time in prison. The proposals for mandatory minimum sentences for persistent burglars and drug dealers set out in the White Paper "Protecting the Public" would mean many offenders receiving significantly longer sentences than they do at present.

  Prison Population Statistics
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will provide a breakdown of the prison population for(a) the last date for which figures are available, (b) five years before that date, (c) 10 years before that date, (d) 15 years before that date and (e) 20 years before that date, by those imprisoned for (i) non-violent property crime, (ii) violent property crime, (iii) violent crimes against the person, excluding murder and manslaughter, (iv) murder and manslaughter, (v) illegal drug possession, (vi) illegal drug trafficking and (vii) other
  384
  offences; what percentage of each were men under the age of 25 years; and if he will make a statement. [33130]

  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 David Scott to Mr. Carlile, dated 18 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 a breakdown of the prison population for (a) the last date for which figures are available, (b) five years before that date, (c) 10 years before that date, (d) 15 years before that date and (e) 20 years before that date, by those imprisoned for (i) non-violent property crime, (ii) violent property crime, (iii) violent crimes against the person, excluding murder and manslaughter, (iv) murder and manslaughter, (v) illegal drug possession, (vi) illegal drug trafficking and (vii) other offences; and what percentage of each were men under the age of 25 years.
  Information on the historical sentenced prison population is published in "Prison statistics, England and Wales" for 30 June each year, by sex and offence. No detailed information on the prison population is published before 1976. Table references for the years requested are: 10990-table 1.7 (Cm1800), 1985-table 1.5 (Cmnd 9903), 1980-Table 1.5 (Cmnd 8372). Information for 1976 is given in table 1.5 of the statistical tables of the "Report on the work of the Prison Department" (Cmnd 6884). Summary information for 1995 is given in the table attached. A breakdown of these statistics by age is not available. Copies of these publications are available from the library.
  The available information on drugs offences is published in table 1 (c) of the 1986 edition and table 1 (b) of the 1994 edition of "Prison statistics, England and Wales" (Cm 210 and 3087).

  Population in Prison Service establishments under sentence on 30 June 1995; by offence and sex1

  Offence

  Male

  Female

  Violence against the person

  8,491

  290

  Sexual offences

  3,656

  12

  Burglary

  5,896

  57

  Robbery

  5,264

  108

  Theft and Handling

  3,450

  279

  Fraud and Forgery

  1,071

  96

  Drugs offences

  3,858

  398

  Other offences

  4,174

  132

  Offence not recorded

  1,547

  84

  In default of payment of a fine

  490

  26

  All offences

  37,897

  1,482

  1 Provisional figures.

  Conviction Rates
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what research he has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on relative conviction rates across European countries; and if he will make a statement. [33131]

  Mr. Maclean
  No information is currently collected centrally on conviction rates across all European countries. My Department is participating in a Council of Europe initiative to collect such information and other crime and criminal justice statistics for all member states. The first limited results from this study have been made available in the "Draft Sourcebook on Crime and Criminal Justice Statistics" published earlier this year, a copy of which is in the Library.

  Electronic Tagging
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the electronic tagging pilot scheme. [33183]

  Mr. Sackville
  The electronic monitoring equipment continues to work well in all three trial areas; and the participating courts are making increased use of the curfew order. As of 13 June, 71 orders have been made since the trials began, with over 50 of these being made in the last six months.

  Crime Statistics
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the circumstances in which a crime is considered cleared up for official purposes. [33186]

  Mr. Maclean
  An offence is deemed to be cleared up if any of the following conditions are met:

  1. a person has been charged or summonsed for the offence (irrespective of any subsequent acquittal);

  2. the offence has been taken into consideration by the court or if the unequivocal consent of the offender is obtained by way of statement of admission and desire to have further offences taken into consideration;

  3. the offender has been proceeded against in another police force area for the offence;

  4. the offender dies before proceedings could be initiated or completed;

  5. the offender has been cautioned by the police;

  6. the offender is ill and is unlikely to recover or is too senile or too mentally disturbed for proceedings to be taken;

  7. the complainant or an essential witness is dead and the proceedings cannot be pursued;

  8. the guilt of the offender is clear but the victim refuses, or is permanently unable, or if a juvenile is not permitted, to give evidence;

  9. the offender admits the offence but it is decided that no useful purpose would be served by proceeding with the charge;

  10. it is ascertained that an offence has been committed by a child under the age of criminal responsibility;

  11. an offence is admitted by a juvenile of the age of criminal responsibility and police take no action other than reporting the particulars to a local authority for action under the Children and Young Persons Act 1969;

  12. There is sufficient evidence to charge the offender but

  (a) The police prosecuting department, the Crown Prosecution Service or a senior police officer decide that no useful purpose would be served by proceeding with the charge; or

  (b) for summary offences of unauthorised taking of a motor vehicle or criminal damage value over £20 the time limit of six months for commencing prosecution has been exceeded.

  WPC Yvonne Fletcher
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) pursuant to his answer of 21 May,Official Report, column 96, about WPC Fletcher, when he expects the review of the contents of the television programme to be complete; [31915]
  386
  (2) pursuant to his answer of 20 May, Official Report, column 19, about the video in respect of WPC Fletcher, when he expects the Metropolitan police to conclude their consideration of the question. [31945]

  Mr. Howard
  [holding answer 7 June 1996]: I understand from the Metropolitan police that they hope to have reached their conclusions on these matters in the near future.

  USAF Mildenhall
  Mr. Madden
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received from, or on behalf of, the Suffolk constabulary concerning the definition of the powers of the American visiting forces outside USAF Mildenhall. [31952]

  Mr. Maclean
  [holding answer 10 June 1996]: None.

  Mr. Gultasab Hussain
  Mr. Madden
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what requests he has received from the British high commission in Islamabad to undertake inquiries into the application by Mr. Gultasab Hussain (ref: HO C8645) to join his wife in the United Kingdom; on what date the request was received; what information has been requested; and when the inquiries will be completed. [32957]

  Mr. Kirkhope
  [holding answer 17 June 1996]: The entry clearance officer in Islamabad wrote to the Home Office on 20 June 1995 asking for some inquiries to be made. These were completed and a report was sent to the entry clearance officer in October 1995.

  Animal Welfare
  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prosecutions were brought by the police relating to animal welfare; how many were successful in the last available year; and if he will make a statement. [32810]

  Mr. Maclean
  [holding answer 17 June 1996]: Information for 1994 is given in the table. The 1995 data will not be available until autumn 1996.

  Number of prosecutions brought by the police for offences relating to animal welfare by result England and Wales 1994

  Offence

  Police prosecutions

  Convictions

  Cruelty to animals

  284

  204

  Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, Sec. 22(3), 23 and 25(3).

  2

  2

  Protection of Animals Act, 1911 (as amended).

  217

  160

  Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981, Sec 8.

  —

  —

  Performing Animals (Regulation) Act 1925

  —

  —

  Protection of Animals Act, 1934.

  1

  1

  Pet Animals Act, 1951.

  2

  1

  Protection of Animals (Amendment) Act, 1954.

  11

  9

  Animal Health Act, 1981, Secs 40–42, 46, 49 and Orders under Sees 8, 9, 37,38,39 and 43.

  5

  1

  Slaughterhouses Act 1974.

  —

  —

  387

  Number of prosecutions brought by the police for offences relating to animal welfare by result England and Wales 1994

  Offence

  Police prosecutions

  Convictions

  Abandonment of Animals Act, 1960, Sec 1.

  6

  3

  Animal Boarding Establishments Act, 1963.

  —

  —

  Riding Establishments Acts, 1964 and 1970.

  —

  —

  Agriculture (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1968, Secs 1, 2 and 6.

  2

  1

  Protection of Badgers Act, 1992

  32

  22

  Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981, Sec 9

  4

  2

  Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981, Sec 11

  2

  2

  Breeding of Dogs Acts 1973 and 1991

  —

  —

  Diseases of animals Act

  10

  9

  Wild Birds Protection Acts

  49

  32

TREASURY

  Plastic Banknotes
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to introduce plastic banknotes. [31821]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  There are no current plans to introduce plastic banknotes, but the Bank of England keeps all aspects of banknote production under constant review.

  Statistics
  Mr. Fisher
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer which statistics his Department has discontinued(a) the collection and (b) the publication of since 1989. [32869]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  Numerous changes in the basis of compilation, presentation and publication of statistics occur in response to the requirements of Government, business and the wider community, including international organisations, for statistical information. Other changes reflect changes in administrative systems on which some series are based, the development of new statistical techniques and technological developments affecting the compilation and dissemination of statistical data.

  When such changes are made, they are fully documented in the relevant statistical publications. Also, for example, the published annual reports of the former Central Statistical Office since 1991–92 have listed all the surveys of businesses carried out. To bring together all the relevant information on statistics collected and published would involve disproportionate cost.

  Northern Ireland Companies (Employee Schemes)
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many companies in Northern Ireland have set up and operated(a) profit-related pay schemes, (b) employee share ownership plans and (c) approved
  388
  employee share schemes in each of the past five years; and what has been the estimated tax saving in each of those five years. [32179]

  Mr. Jack
  I regret that the information is not available centrally, since the registered addresses of companies—which could, in principle, be analysed—may differ from the regions in which their employees work.

  Balance of Payments
  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the next contribution of financial services excluding investment income to the United Kingdom balance of payments in each year since 1992. [32343]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  The net contribution of financial services—excluding investment income—to the UK balance of payments, in each year from 1992, was as follows:

  £ million

  1992

  4,713

  1993

  5,286

  1994

  5,572

  1995

  5,528

  Sources:

  The Pink Book.

  First Release (CSO(96)68).

  Postage Costs
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 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. [32854]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  The information requested is:

  1994–95

  1995–96

  Expenditure on postage

  £70,938

  £70,166

  Number of items (1st, 2nd, parcel post

  356,962

  337,290

  Tax Fraud
  Mr. Simpson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the budget and staffing level, for the investigation of tax fraud in the last financial year; and what amounts were detected or reclaimed as a direct result of these investigations. [32903]

  Mr. Jack
  It is not possible to isolate the resources and yield which relate to fraud investigations from other tax investigation work. But I refer the hon. Member to the replies I gave to the hon. Member for Darlington (Mr. Milburn) on 26 October 1995,Official Report, columns 727–28, and 3 November 1995, Official Report, column 503. Later figures are not yet available.

  Unemployment
  Mr. Ainger
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what were the unemployment rates in November 1995 in the constituencies of(a) Bassetlaw, (b) Rotherham, (c) Barnsley, Central, (d) Barnsley, East, (e) Donacaster and (f) Easington; [32756]
  389
  (2) what were the unemployment rates in February in the (a) Newcastle upon Tyne, East and (b) Wallsend constituencies. [32757]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  [holding answer 13 June 1996]: Information on percentage rates of claimant unemployment is not available by parliamentary constituency. However, information on numbers of people claimant unemployed are published in "Labour Market Trends", and on the Nomis database, available in the House of Commons Library.

  Benefit Statistics
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what sums and what proportion of gross domestic product was devoted to(a) social security, (b) benefits for the unemployed, (c) housing benefit, (d) social housing, (e) the national health service and (f) public transport in each since 1979. [32104]

  Mr. Waldegrave
  [holding answer 17 June 1996]: A functional breakdown of general government expenditure from 1978–79 to 1995–96 is given in cash, in real terms and as a percentage of gross domestic product in tables 1.2, 1.3 and 1.4 respectively of the "Public Expenditure Statistical Analyses 1996–97", Cm 3201. A more detailed breakdown of the general government expenditure can be found in table 1.5 of the same publication for the 1990–91 to 1995–96 years. Figures for other functional headings are available only at disproportionate cost.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Statistics
  Mr. Fisher
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which statistics his Department has discontinued(a) the collection and (b) the publication of since 1989. [32856]

  Sir Nicholas Bonsor
  The Overseas Development Administration collects and reports aid statistics in accordance with internationally agreed directives, which have changed little since 1989; and publishes a selection to meet the needs of customers, including Parliament and others with an interest in the UK aid programme. Some statistics on numbers of experts, students and trainees funded by UK aid are not presently published, pending system reorganising.

  The FCO diplomatic wing collects a range of statistical information for internal management purposes. The nature of this has evolved to support more efficient management of resources. However, no central record is kept of which statistics are discontinued.

  In the past few years, the volume of information published has increased considerably, in line with open government policy. In particular the FCO's departmental report, a copy of which is in the Library of the House, contains a wealth of statistical material.

  Gulf War
  Mr. Fatchett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on progress towards securing compensation for those British citizens held hostage by Iraq during the Gulf war. [33058]
  390
  Sir Nicholas Bonsor
  The governing council of the UN Compensation Commission—UNCC—last met in Geneva on 28 and 29 May and approved the second instalment of 62,122 category 'C' claims—which include compensation for having been held hostage. Some 235 British claimants in this instalment have been awarded a total of $4.6 million.

  Payment of compensation will not be possible until UN Security Council resolution 986—oil for food—is implemented and sufficient money has accumulated in the compensation fund.

  European Initiatives
  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the European initiatives which have been blocked by the United Kingdom Government since the current policy of non-co-operation commenced. [33033]

  Mr. David Davis
  As a consequence of the policy of non-cooperation, we blocked the following measures in the period 21 May to 14 June:

  Measures on which the UK has withheld agreement to date for BSE reasons

  Date

  Forum for agreement

  Measure

  22 May 96

  IGC Working Group

  Request for extra briefing meeting with EP

  22 May 96

  CFSP—Coreu

  Presidency initiative on Mongolian election observers

  CFSP—Coreu

  Presidency proposal for EU statement on detention of pro-democracy activists in Burma

  23 May 96

  Signature of Insolvency Convention

  23 May 96

  Civil Protection Council

  Community action programme

  23 May 96

  Civil Protection Council

  Council Resolution on research

  23 May 96

  Civil Protection Council

  Council Resolution on co-operation with CEEs

  28 May 96

  Development Council

  Council Conclusions on emergency aid, rehabilitation and long term development

  28 May 96

  Development Council

  Council Conclusions on operational co-ordination

  28 May 96

  Development Council

  Council Conclusions on decentralised co-operation

  28 May 96

  Development Council

  Council Conclusions on migration and development

  28 May 96

  Development Council

  Council Resolution on environmental impact of development projects

  28 May 96

  Development Council

  Council Decision on financial measures for Centre for Development of Industry

  391

  Measures on which the UK has withheld agreement to date for BSE reasons

  Date

  Forum for agreement

  Measure

  28 May 1996

  Development Council

  EU/Mexico negotiating mandate and political declaration

  28 May 1996

  Development Council

  Council Decision on emergency travel document

  28 May 1996

  Internal Market Council

  Council Resolution on legislative simplification

  28 May 1996

  Internal Market Council

  Council resolution on administrative co-operation

  28 May 1996

  Internal Market Council

  Council conclusions on accounting standards

  28 May 1996

  Internal Market Council

  Council conclusion on European company statute

  28 May 1996

  Internal Market Council

  Council decision on Action programme for EU industry

  28 May 1996

  CFSP—Coreu

  EU reply to UNGA resolution 50/75 (strengthening security and co-operation in Mediterranean)

  28 May 1996

  CFSP—Coreu

  Demarche to Israeli authorities concerning blocking of EU activities and personnel in West Bank and Gaza

  28 May 1996

  CFSP—Coreu

  Draft EU letters on Salman Rushdie

  28 May 1996

  CFSP—Coreu

  Critical dialogue meeting on 19 June with Iran

  29 May 1996

  Former Yugoslavia Working Group (CFSP)

  French proposal for a demarche in Skopje on FYROM participation in the PIC Working Group

  30–31 May 1996

  Political Committee (CFSP)

  Geographical directors (troika) visit to Beijing

  3 June 1996

  ECOFIN

  Draft regulation protecting financial interests of Community

  3 June 1996

  ECOFIN

  Proposal on VAT on cut flowers

  3 June 1996

  ECOFIN

  Response to Hariri on request for Lebanon reconstruction assistance

  3 June 1996

  Social Affairs Council

  Council decision on Year against racism and xenophobia

  3 June 1996

  Social Affairs Council

  Council resolution on transferability of vocational training qualifications

  3 June 1996

  Social Affairs Council

  Council conclusions on demography

  3 June 1996

  Social Affairs Council

  Recommendation on balanced participation of men and women in decision making

  392

  Measures on which the UK has withheld agreement to date for BSE reasons

  Date

  Forum for agreement

  Measure

  3 June 1996

  Heads of EU mission meeting Tel Aviv CFSP

  Proposed visit of Italian Foreign Minister to Israel on behalf of EU

  3 June 1996

  Working Group on external fisheries policy

  Competences for FAO committee on Fisheries Trade

  4 June 1996

  EU consuls, Bangkok—CFSP

  Sending of aide memoire on prisoner transfers and related matters to Thai Justice Ministry

  4 June 1996

  Coreu—CFSP

  Further circulation of Presidency statement on elections in Albania

  4 June 1996

  Coreu—CFSP

  EU approach to US concerning Liberia visa restrictions

  4 June 1996

  Coreu—CFSP

  EU demarche on civil rights in Belarus

  4 June 1996

  Justice and Home Affairs Council

  Recommendation on Trafficking in works of art

  4 June 1996

  Justice and Home Affairs Council

  Recommendation on Fight against counterfeiting

  4 June 1996

  Justice and Home Affairs Council

  Draft 1997 budget of Europol

  4 June 1996

  Justice and Home Affairs Council

  Report on 1995 Europol budget

  4 June 1996

  Justice and Home Affairs Council

  Joint action on directory of counter terrorist competences

  4 June 1996

  Justice and Home Affairs Council

  Joint action on drugs liaison officers

  4 June 1996

  Justice and Home Affairs Council

  Decision on measures implementing Article K1 of the Treaty on European Union

  4 June 1996

  Justice and Home Affairs Council

  Joint action on pre-frontier assistance and training assignments

  4 June 1996

  Justice and Home Affairs Council

  Recommendation on combatting illegal employment

  4 June 1996

  Justice and Home Affairs Council

  Work programme for Europol Drugs unit July-December 1996

  4 June 1996

  Justice and Home Affairs Council

  Resolution laying down priorities for co-operation in the field of justice and home affairs 1 July 1996–30 June 1998

  4 June 1996

  Justice and Home Affairs Council

  Common position on draft Hague Convention on Protection of Minors

  5 June 1996

  CFSP

  Presidency discussion paper on IAEA 93+2 programme

  5 June 1996

  CFSP

  Draft EU contribution to Nuclear suppliers group paper

  8–9 June 1996

  Euro-Mediterranean Ministerial Conference

  Conference conclusions on dialogue on third country energy co-operation

  393

  Measures on which the UK has withheld agreement to date for BSE reasons

  Date

  Forum for agreement

  Measure

  10 June 1996

  General Affairs Council

  EU declaration on Great Lakes (especially Burundi)

  10 June 1996

  General Affairs Council

  TACIS regulation

  10 June 1996

  General Affairs Council

  Common position for EU/Syria Co-operation Council 10 June

  10 June 1996

  General Affairs Council

  Common position for 10 EEA Council

  10 June 1996

  General Affairs Council

  Common position/joint action on biological and chemical weapons

  10 June 1996

  General Affairs Council

  Political decision on resumption of aid to Niger

  10 June 1996

  General Affairs Council

  Decision on financial measures for Centre for Development of Industry

  10 June 1996

  General Affairs Council

  Council conclusions on Barcelona follow up

  10 June 1996

  General Affairs Council

  6th VAT directive— derogation for Neisse Bridge

  10 June 1996

  General Affairs Council

  Adoption of common position on East Timor

  10 June 1996

  General Affairs Council

  Joint Declaration on political dialogue between EU and Andes Community

  10 June 1996

  General Affairs Council

  Assent to Commission decision on ECSC and Kazakhstan on trade in steel products

  10 June 1996

  General Affairs Council

  Appointment to Committee of the Regions

  10 June 1996

  General Affairs Council

  EEA joint committee— ALTENER programme: decision on co-operation

  10 June 1996

  General Affairs Council

  EU/Mexico negotiating mandate and political declaration

  10 June 1996

  General Affairs Council

  Response to Hariri on request for Lebanon reconstruction assistance

  10 June 1996

  General Affairs Council

  Decision on emergency travel document

  10 June 1996

  Fisheries Council

  Decision on implementation of Community Action programme on competitiveness of industry

  11 June 1996

  Culture Council

  Council Resolution on industrial co-operation with other regions and third countries

  11 June 1996

  Culture Council

  Council Decision on ARIANNE Programme

  11 June 1996

  Culture Council

  Council Decision on RAPHAEL Programme

  394

  Measures on which the UK has withheld agreement to date for BSE reasons

  Date

  Forum for agreement

  Measure

  11 June 1996

  Culture Council

  Resolution on access to culture

  11 June 1996

  Culture Council

  Resolution on electronic publishing and libraries

  Beef Imports
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what was the date of implementation of(a) the EU ban on imports of United States beef and (b) the United States ban on imports of British beef. [31764]

  Mrs. Browning
  I have been asked to reply.

  There is no EU ban on imports of United States beef. The United States of America appears on the list of countries approved for the export of bovine animal and meat, amongst other products, to the EU. However, Council directive 88/146/EEC prohibits the importation from third countries of animals and meat from animals which have been administered hormones as growth promoters. The use of such hormones is permitted in the United States and the US authorities are challenging the EU import restriction through World Trade Organisation procedures.

  The UK has not received any formal notification from the United States Department of Agriculture of a ban on imports of British beef. However, the United States has not accepted imports of British bone-in beef since 1989. In view of the clear unwillingness of the US authorities to accept such imports, subsequent negotiations have concentrated on securing access to the American market for boneless beef. These were successfully concluded in July 1994 when health certification for the import of British boneless beef was agreed with the USA.

OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION

  Developing Nations
  Mr. Jamieson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list those countries that are currently classified by his Department as developing nations and are receiving Government aid. [33273]

  Mr. Hanley
  The 27 members of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development are generally regarded as the world's developed or industrialised countries. Countries in the rest of the world are broadly divided into two categories—the developing countries and "transition" countries. The latter category comprises Latvia, Lithuania, Ukraine, Slovak Republic, Poland, Czech Republic, Russia, Estonia, Belarus, Hungary, Moldova, Bulgaria and Romania. The Government give aid to around 160 developing and transition countries.
  395
  Mr. Jamieson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list those countries that have been classified as developing nations since 1966 indicating the total amount each country has received in aid. [33272]

  Mr. Hanley
  The ODA publication, "British Aid Statistics"—published annually since 1965—provides comprehensive information on UK aid flows. Information on aid flows to and from other countries is contained in the World Bank's "World Development" report—it includes aid receipts by all countries—and in the OECD's publication "Geographical Distribution of Financial Flows to Aid Recipients". Historical data in these publications date back to the late 1960s only. All three publications are held in the Libraries of the House.

  Mr. Jamieson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what criteria determine the eligibility of a country to qualify as a developing nation for ODA aid; and which body determines which countries are eligible. [33274]

  Mr. Hanley
  The OECD's Development Assistance Committee maintains a list of countries to which donors give aid. Part 1 of the DAC list is made up of developing countries. Help to these countries counts as official development assistance. Part 2 of the list is made up of transition countries, plus six graduated countries—Bahamas, Brunei, Kuwait, Qatar, Singapore and United Arab Emirates.

  Governments are free to give aid to whichever countries they wish, but only aid to part 1 countries on the DAC lists counts as "official development assistance".

ENVIRONMENT

  Volatile Organic Compounds
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will meet the Environmental Industries Commission for the purpose of reviewing the VOC pollution deadlines; and if he will make a statement; [32598]

  (2) if he will now meet the Environmental Industries Commission for the purpose of reviewing the VOC pollution deadlines; and if he will make a statement. [32595]

  Mr. Clappison
  My right hon. Friend is meeting my hon. Friends the Members for Bromsgrove (Mr. Thomason) and for Wyre (Mr. Mans), together with representatives of the Environmental Industries Commission, on 9 July, when any such matters can be discussed.

  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will commission a further report on the costs of reducing VOC emissions with the remit to consider definitive cost estimates for individual sectors. [32593]

  Mr. Clappison
  My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade published a detailed study of costs of reducing VOC emissions from industry on 3 May. A copy is in the Library of the House. My Department will shortly be publishing a study of the costs of implementing the proposed EC solvents directive in relation to three 396
  industry sectors. My Department has no current plans for any further studies, but we will keep the position under review.

  Energy Advice Centres
  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what were the aims of the three-year energy advice centres pilot study. [32945]

  Mr. Robert B. Jones
  The study aimed to test the cost-effectiveness of the provision of free, impartial advice on energy efficiency.

  Mr. Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what plans he has to fund the energy advice centres after March 1997; [32949]

  (2) what future funding plans he has made for the energy advice centres. [32948]

  Mr. Jones
  The Government passed control of the local energy advice centre pilot study to the Energy Saving Trust at the beginning of April. It is preparing proposals for the future and will pass them on to my Department for consideration shortly.

  Mr. Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the 10 top performing local energy advice centres in order of achievement of their targets; and what percentage of their targets they(a) achieved and (b) exceeded. [32947]

  Mr. Jones
  The following 10 LEACs were the top performers in order of achievement of their targets:

  Tyneside

  Cardiff

  Bristol

  Swansea

  Greenwich

  Plymouth

  Tayside

  Lothian and Edinburgh

  Aberdeen

  Belfast

  All 10 LEACs achieved and exceeded their targets.

  Mr. Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he has made of the energy advice centre pilot scheme; and if he will make a statement. [32950]

  Mr. Jones
  The Government passed control of the local energy advice centre pilot study to the Energy Saving Trust at the beginning of April 1996. The trust is assessing the pilot study, which will be completed at the end of September.

  Mr. Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what percentage of the energy advice centres have(a) achieved and (b) exceeded their targets. [32946]

  Mr. Jones
  Some 24 of the 33 local energy advice centres achieved and exceeded their targets.

  Water Supply (Yorkshire)
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he is taking to ensure that dairy
  397
  farmers in the counties of Yorkshire will have a constant supply of mains water, with particular reference to those whose mains supply is also connected to other domestic households in the vicinity. [32907]

  Mr. Clappison
  Save for small areas at the borders of the counties, Yorkshire Water Services Ltd. and The York Waterworks plc are the appointed water undertakers serving the counties of Yorkshire. These and all water undertakers have the statutory duty to maintain supplies to all existing consumers and I expect them to take all the measures necessary to do so.

  Housing Starts
  Mr. Cann
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the total number of housing starts in England in the first quarter of 1996; and what percentage change this was over the equivalent period in 1995. [32956]

  Mr. Clappison
  It is estimated that in England during the first quarter of 1996 there were 31,800 new dwellings started. This represents a fall of 12 per cent. compared to the first quarter of 1995 when 36,100 starts were reported.

  Cemfuel
  Mr. Nigel Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the level of heavy metals in cemfuel when tested at Ribblesdale, Clithero, in October 1994. [32823]

  Coal only November 1994

  Substance

  Stack cone mg/m3 STP

  Stack cone mg/m3 actual

  Mass flow mg/s

  MGLC µ/m3 (x1000)

  EQS or EAL µ/m3

  EQ (air) (x100)

  NOx

  1216

  665

  119,737

  836

  83.3

  1.0038

  SO2

  1274

  697

  125,448

  876

  80

  1.0950

  particulate

  47

  25.7

  4,628

  32

  80

  0.0404

  HF

  0.19

  0.1

  18.7

  0.1306

  6.5

  0.002

  HCl

  76

  41.6

  7484

  52.26

  7

  0.7466

  CO

  247

  135.1

  24322

  169.8

  550

  0.0309

  NH3

  3.83

  2.1

  377

  2.634

  170

  0.0015

  Pb

  0.221

  0.12

  21.8

  0.152

  2

  0.0076

  Cr(III)

  0.085

  0.047

  8.37

  0.0584

  5

  0.0012

  Cr(VI)

  0.000255

  0.0001

  0.02

  0.0001

  0.01

  0.00010

  Mn

  0.018

  0.01

  1.76

  0.0123

  50

  0.0000

  Ni

  0.038

  0.02

  3.74

  0.0261

  10

  0.0003

  EQ(air)x100

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  2.9293

  EQ(air)

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  0.0293

  Table 6.3: Cemfuelµ November 1994

  Substance

  Stack cone mg/m3 STP

  Stack cone mg/m3 actual

  Mass flow mg/s

  MGLC µ/m3 (x1000)

  EQS or EAL µ/m3

  EQ (air) (x100)

  NOx

  1212

  662

  119,147

  832

  83.3

  0.9988

  SO2

  1311

  717

  129,092

  901

  80

  1.1269

  particulate

  72

  39.4

  7,090

  50

  80

  0.0619

  HF

  0.15

  0.082

  14.8

  0.1

  6.5

  0.0016

  HCl

  26

  14.2

  2,560

  18

  7

  0.2554

  CO

  459

  251.1

  45,197

  316

  550

  0.0574

  NH3

  6.7

  3.7

  660

  4.6

  170

  0.0027

  Pb

  0.340

  0.19

  33.48

  0.23

  2

  0.0117

  Cr(III)

  0.539

  0.3

  53.10

  0.37

  5

  0.0074

  Cr(IV)

  0.0016

  0.001

  0.18

  0.001

  0.1

  0.0010

  Co

  0.01

  0.006

  1.08

  0.008

  0.2

  0.0040

  Cu

  0.008

  0.004

  0.72

  0.005

  2

  0.0003

  Mn

  0.062

  0.034

  6.12

  0.043

  50

  0.0001

  Ni

  0.348

  0.19

  34.2

  0.24

  10

  0.0024

  398
  Mr. Clappison
  The concentrations of heavy metals in two samples taken during these trials are on the public register and were as follows.

  Metal

  Sample M1348, mg/kg

  Sample 1349, mg/kg

  Cadmium

  4.3

  4.57

  Thallium

  0.05

  0.05

  Mercury

  0.05

  0.05

  Antimony

  20

  16.7

  Arsenic

  1.02

  0.05

  Chromium

  55

  39

  Cobalt

  2.11

  2.66

  Copper

  48

  46

  Lead

  186

  157

  Manganese

  28

  18.2

  Nickel

  7.3

  2.19

  Tin

  0.05

  0.05

  Vanadium

  4.22

  2.6

  Mr. Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what were the environmental values given to each of the individual emissions from burning cemfuel at Castle Cement, Clitheroe; and which increased as compared to burning coal. [32835]

  Mr. Clappison
  The attached tables show the emissions when burning coal or coal plus cemfuel, the environmental assessment level values and the calculated environmental quotient.
  399

  Table 6.3: Cemfuelµ November 1994

  Substance

  Stack conc mg/m3 STP

  Stack cone mg/m3 actual

  Mass flow mg/s

  MGLC µ/m3 (x1000)

  EQS or EAL µ/m3

  EQ (air) (x100)

  EQ(air)*100

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  2.5316

  EQ(air)

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  0.0253

  Statistics
  Mr. Fisher
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment which statistics his Department has discontinued(a) the collection and (b) the publication of since 1989. [32860]

  Mr. Clappison
  The main statistical series discontinued since 1989 are as follows:

  (a) Collections

  Housing

  Local authority housing schemes

  Proposals to acquire land

  Tender stage—new build; environmental improvement; renovation above/below threshold

  Practical completions—new build; renovation above threshold.

  Tenders accepted for local authority housebuilding/renovation of local authority stock condition.

  General improvement areas (GIA)

  Housing action areas (HAA)

  Declaration of GIA or HAA

  Right to repair

  Housebuilding by police authority

  Homes Insulation scheme

  Local authority insulation activity

  Old style home improvement grants

  Land use

  Land use change statistics for Wales and Scotland

  (b) Publication

  Housing

  Loans for house purchase made by insurance companies (no longer collected independently)

  Land Use

  In this year's publication programme the following district level series will be dropped (still available at regional and national level).

  Section 78 planning appeals against refusal

  Appeal against enforcement notices by district planning authorities

  Listed building and conservation area consent enforcement appeals by region.

  Water Byelaws
  Mrs. Helen Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) when he will complete the consultation over the revision to water byelaws; and when he plans to put draft regulations to replace water byelaws before the House; [33376]
  400
  (2) if he will list the areas covered by the consultation over revising water byelaws; [33377]

  (3) if he has required a proposed water conservation target to be included in his revision of water byelaws; [33378]

  (4) if he will list the members of the Water Regulation Advisory Committee looking into the replacement of water byelaws. [33379]

  Mr. Clappison
  My Department issued a consultation document on the general arrangements for replacement of the water byelaws in January 1995. In the light of the comments received, I announced on 26 March the establishment of a Water Regulations Advisory Committee, whose membership 1 hope to announce shortly.

  Regulations to replace the water byelaws will deal with the prevention of contamination, waste, undue consumption and misuse of water in premises. They are expected to include requirements on water usage by fittings and appliances.

  There will be a further consultation on draft proposals, the timing of which will be determined in the light of advice from WRAC, which will also be asked to advise on the extension of the current water byelaws.

SCOTLAND

  European Union Flag
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland 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. [31510]

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  I asked officials to make sure that the European flag did not fly on 8 May.

  Development Corporations
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the amount spent by each development corporation in Scotland in supporting housing associations or co-operatives within their areas in each of the last three years; and if he will list the bodies and the amounts they have received. [32229]

  Mr. Kynoch
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 19 July 1995,Official Report, columns 1525–26, which provides the only information held centrally on the expenditure incurred by the former development corporations in East Kilbride and Glenrothes.

  The up-to-date information for the other corporations still in existence is set out in the table.
  401

  Development corporation

  Housing association

  Amount £

  Financial year

  Cumbernauld

  Abronhill

  10,500

  1993–94

  Irvine

  Irvine

  127,413

  1993–94

  181,661

  1994–95

  1-2,837

  1995–96

  Livingston

  Almond

  83,672

  1993–94

  1-15,467

  1994–95

  1 These figures are after deduction of Scottish Homes' contributions of £24,737 to Irvine development corporation and £24,140 to Livingston development corporation in these years.

  Scottish Homes (Former Chairman)
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what are the terms of the financial settlement

  Aberdeen

  Dundee

  Glasgow

  Inverness

  Edinburgh

  Indoor

  Indoor/outdoor

  Indoor

  Indoor/outdoor

  Indoor

  Indoor/outdoor

  Indoor

  Indoor/outdoor

  Indoor

  Indoor/outdoor

  Total indoor

  Total in/outdoor

  1992–93

  88

  0

  46

  2

  211

  35

  0

  0

  55

  29

  400

  66

  1993–94

  60

  30

  39

  33

  376

  206

  7

  15

  61

  27

  543

  311

  1994–95

  58

  46

  89

  62

  460

  438

  26

  14

  89

  29

  722

  589

  In the last three years, special funding totalling £2,775,000 has been made available for the provision of powered indoor/outdoor wheelchairs. The scheme has been extended and from 1 April 1996 funding is included in allocations to health boards.

  Council Tax
  Mr. Tom Clarke
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what powers he has under sections 72, 74 and 80 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 to alter the valuation list bands for dwellings; and if he will use those powers to alter the council tax liability of residents of mobile homes. [33045]

  Mr. Kynoch
  My right hon. Friend has powers under section 74 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 to alter the valuation bands for dwellings by order. My right hon. Friend has, however, no plans to make such an order.

  Primary School Class Sizes
  Mr. Davidson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) how many children in primary school in Scotland are being taught in classes of more than 30 in the current year; and how many there were in each of the last five years; [32952]

  (2) how many primary classes in Scotland contain more than 30 children, in the current year; and how many there were in each of the last five years; [32953]

  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  Information on class sizes is collected biennially in the September school census. The available information is given in the table.402
  made to Sir James Mellon, the former chairman of Scottish Homes, following his departure from this position. [32546]

  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  Sir James Mellon's appointment as chairman of Scottish Homes expired on 31 March 1996. There was no financial settlement following his departure.

  Wheelchairs
  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many powered indoor/outdoor wheelchairs have been provided to patients and other users by each of the health boards since 1992; and if he will make a statement. [32706]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Information in the form requested by the hon. Member is not held centrally. However, the number of powered indoor and indoor/outdoor wheelchairs issued by each providing centre during the period 1992 to 1995—the latest period for which figures are available—is shown:

  Education authority primary schools

  September 1991

  September 1993

  Number of primary pupils in classes over 30

  72,202

  74,894

  Percentage of primary pupils

  16.4

  17.1

  Number of primary classes with more than 30 pupils

  2,239

  2,341

  Percentage of primary classes

  12.5

  13.2

  Scottish Court Service
  Sir Hector Monro
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what targets he has set the Scottish Court Service for 1996–97. [33702]

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  Following consultation with the Lord President of the Court of Session and the sheriffs principal, I have set the following key performance targets for the Scottish Court Service for 1996–97:

  1. That no cases should fall as a result of the statutory time limits being breached.

  2. Targets for Waiting Periods

  85 per cent. of diets allocated in the Court of Session within waiting periods set by the Lord President;

  80 per cent. of criminal and justiciary appeals allocated to a roll within waiting periods set by the Lord Justice General;

  80 per cent. of sheriff courts to report summary criminal waiting periods agreed with the sheriffs principal, currently 12 weeks;

  90 per cent. of sheriff courts to report waiting periods between request for ordinary civil proof or debate and diet agreed with the sheriffs principal, currently 12 weeks;

  80 per cent. of sheriff courts reporting lack of time adjournments at 5 per cent. or lower.

  403

  3. Targets for quality of service and provision

  to achieve 95 per cent. of the standards for administrative business in the Court of Session and the High Court of Justiciary set by the Lord President/Lord Justice General;

  95 per cent. of sheriff courts to achieve the overall standards for administrative business agreed with sheriffs principal;

  80 per cent. of courthouses to meet the "coming to court" standards set out in the justice charter for Scotland.

  4. Cost and efficiency

  staff, accommodation and administrative costs to be kept within £1,020 per court sitting day;

  70 per cent. of the total costs of civil business in the Court of Session and in the sheriff courts to be recovered through fee income.

  Full details of the performance measures, including the agreed waiting periods, administrative standards and "coming to court" standards are set out in the Scottish Court Service framework document. Details of performance in 1995–96 will be published in the Scottish Court Service's first annual report.

  Incapable Adults
  Sir Hector Monro
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what response he proposes to make to the Scottish Law Commission report on incapable adults, Scot Law Corn. No. 151. [33703]

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  I have given careful consideration to the Scottish Law Commission's report on incapable adults. The report raises a number of issues which are both important and sensitive, and proposes many changes in the law relating to legal procedures for looking after the property, financial affairs and personal welfare of mentally incapable adults. Although I fully acknowledge the consultation which has already been carried out by the commission in coming to the conclusions it has reached, I also recognise that many people will have strong views on the proposals which the commission has made.

  Consequently, I have decided that before legislating on the basis of the commission's proposals there should be further consultation. I propose to issue a consultation paper this summer.

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) pursuant to his answer of 28 March,Official Report, column 672, how much his Department estimated it would have cost to provide the information requested; [31454]

  (2) pursuant to his answer of 22 March, Official Report, column 343, how much his Department estimated it would have cost to provide the information requested. [31446]

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  [holding answer 5 June 1996]: More than £450, the current cost threshold above which answers are deemed to incur disproportionate cost.

  Inverclyde Enterprise Zone
  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many designated sites of the Inverclyde enterprise zone are still awaiting industrial development; and if he will make a statement. [30176]
  404
  Mr. Kynoch
  [pursuant to his reply, 4 June 1996 c. 403–404]: Four of the 11 designated sits within the Inverclyde enterprise zone do not, at present, have any enterprise zone activity.

HEALTH

  Paediatric Intensive Care Beds
  Mr. Callaghan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what monitoring he is undertaking of the provision of paediatric intensive care beds. [31706]

  Mr. Horam
  On 29 May, we published a report on provision of paediatric intensive care. This was produced by the chief executive of the national health service executive. Copies are available in the Library.

  The report shows that for most of the year current provision is enough to meet demand, but more beds are needed in the winter. The chief executive will be monitoring the implementation of regional plans to increase provision.

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he last met the chairmen of the national health service trusts to discuss the provision of paediatric intensive care beds. [31723]

  Mr. Horam
  My right hon. Friend has not met chairmen of national health service trusts on this issue. However, my right hon. Friend has had recent detailed discussion with the chief executive of the NHS executive, whose report to him on the provision of paediatric intensive care was published on 29 May. Copies are available in the Library. The report describes plans made by NHS trusts and health authorities to develop this service, and to provide additional beds. The chief executive will keep in close touch with these plans, and will report to my right hon. Friend later this year on progress towards their implementation.

  General Practitioner Fundholders
  Mr. Nigel Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many GP fundholders there are currently in the north-west. [31707]

  Mr. Malone
  There are currently 1,857 general practitioner fundholders in the north-west, serving 53 per cent. of the population, and more are applying to join next year.

  Purchasing Contracts
  Mr. Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he last met the Royal College of Nursing to discuss the purchasing contract of district health authorities. [31708]

  Mr. Malone
  I meet the Royal College of Nursing on a regular basis to discuss a wide range of issues.

  Dentists' Contracts
  Mr. Ainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he plans to meet representatives of the British Dental Association to discuss dentists' contracts.[31709]
  405
  Mr. Malone
  We have no plans for such a meeting. As I announced last week on 12 June,Official Report, columns 313–23, we have agreed a series of reforms of the dental remuneration system with the profession's representatives. The reforms underline our commitment to improving child oral health and seek to ensure value for money.

  Smoking-related Deaths
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is his current estimate of the numbers dying in the last year from smoking-related illnesses. [31710]

  Mr. Horam
  It is estimated that in the United Kingdom about 110,000 deaths each year are smoking related.

  Oldchurch Hospital, Romford
  Sir Michael Neubert
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make an official visit to Oldchurch hospital, Romford, to discuss the future provision of services at the hospital. [31711]

  Mr. Horam
  My hon. Friend the Minister for Health visited Oldchurch hospital on 14 May. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has no immediate plans for a further visit.

  Wolverhampton Health Authority
  Mr. Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the level of financial revenue allocations to Wolverhampton health authority to meet its hospital care needs in 1996–97. [31713]

  Mr. Horam
  The 1996–97 revenue allocation for Wolverhampton health authority is £107.3 million, which brings it to within 1 per cent. of its target allocation.

  Care of the Elderly
  Mr. Olner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what monitoring he has undertaken of the provision of care to elderly people living in the community. [31714]

  Mr. Bowis
  The Department monitors provision of care to older people living in the community on a regular basis. This includes work by the social services inspectorate, the regular collection and publication of statistics and longer-term research to evaluate progress.

  Mr. Rooney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he last met the Association of Directors of Social Services to discuss the provision of care to elderly people living in the community. [31715]

  Mr. Bowis
  I regularly meet representatives of the Association of Directors of Social Services to discuss a wide range of issues, including community care. My next formal meeting with the association is on 19 June.

  Wiltshire Health Authority
  Mr. Simon Coombs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the effect on the funding of the Wiltshire health authority of the closure of the Princess Alexandra hospital at Wroughton. [31716]
  406
  Mr. Horam
  We are aware of the difficulties facing Wiltshire health authority as a result of the closure of the Princess Alexandra military hospital. The needs of the health authority is being considered alongside those of other health authorities facing special circumstances in 1996–97 and a decision will be made shortly.

  Bury and Rochdale Health Authority
  Mr. Chris Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions he has had with the Bury and Rochdale health authority about the timetable for its current review of health services. [31718]

  Mr. Horam
  None; this is a matter for the authority to decide. Any firm proposals which emerge will be the subject to full public consultation.

  Infant and Perinatal Mortality Rates
  Mr. Riddick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures he is taking to reduce infant mortality rates and perinatal mortality rates. [31719]

  Mr. Horam
  The infant mortality rate in 1995 was 6.1 per 1,000 live births, the lowest ever. The perinatal mortality rate in 1994, the latest figure available, was 8.9 per 1,000 live births —again, the lowest ever.

  The confidential inquiry into stillbirths and deaths in infancy aims to improve our understanding of factors which contribute to infant deaths and in particular ways in which the risks of death might be diminished. The next report will be published shortly.

  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of how the health of babies and very young children has changed since 1979. [32106]

  Mr. Horam
  The health of babies and young children has improved, as is demonstrated by the fall in infant and perinatal mortality rates. Deaths in children under one year of age —the infant mortality rate —fell by over half to 6.1 per 1,000 live births between 1979 and 1995. Stillbirths and deaths of babies less than a week old —the perinatal mortality rate —fell by nearly 40 per cent. to 8.9 per 1,000 live births between 1979 and 1994, the latest figure available.

  Private Finance Initiative
  Mr. Burden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the role of private finance in the national health service. [31720]

  Mr. Horam
  The role of the private finance initiative in the national health service is to enable NHS bodies to obtain best value for money for the taxpayer when developing capital schemes. It gives the NHS access to private capital and to the full range of private sector skills and experience in constructing facilities and providing supporting services. A private finance option has to be tested against a public sector comparator and is used if the overall package —which includes consideration of factors such as risk transfer, building maintenance and facilities management —offers better value for money.

  Hospitals (Beef)
  Mr. MacShane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what advice he has issued to national health service trusts about serving beef in hospitals. [31722]

  Mr. Horam
  Whether to offer beef products on patient menus, as part of a varied and balanced diet, is a matter for national health service trusts to determine locally, responding to patient choice. The Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee considered the risks to human health from eating beef or beef products and concluded that any risk was likely to be extremely small. It also concluded that if human infection with the bovine spongiform encephalopathy agent occurs, which has not been proven, hospital patients were not likely to have increased susceptibility to infection.

  Health of the Nation
  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what conclusions he has drawn about the health of the nation from the last census. [31712]

  Mr. Horam
  Census information along with other information helps us to monitor the nation's health. It continues to improve. For example, mortality rates have substantially fallen and life expectancy has increased.

  The 1991 census contained a specific health related question on limiting long-term illness which showed that, overall, 13 per cent. of the total resident population in England had a long-term illness, health problem or handicap which limited the daily activities or the work that a person could do.

  Health Authority Expenditure
  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the total figure for outturn expenditure by health authorities in England for(a)1990–91, (b) 1991–92, (c) 1992–93, (d) 1993–94 and (e) 1995–96. [32701]

  Mr. Horam
  The available information requested is shown in the table. Information on the expenditure for 1995–96 has not yet been collected.

  Total revenue expenditure by health authorities in England

  Expenditure £000

  1990–91

  14,709,888

  1991–92

  18,823,141

  1992–93

  20,112,875

  1993–94

  20,594,071

  Notes:

  1. The figures are as published in the NHS (England) Summarised Accounts.

  2. The figure for 1990–91 is not comparable with later years due to changes in accounting policy.

  Source:

  The annual accounts of district and regional health authorities and the special health authorities of the London postgraduate teaching hospitals.

  Mothers (Support)
  Sir Michael Spicer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the Government's(a) programmes and (b) proposals to help mothers to stay at home to look after their babies aged up to three years; and if he will make a statement. [32749]

  Mr. Bowis
  The Government believe that mothers should be able to choose whether they stay at home to look after their young children or seek to work, whether part or full time.

  Customer Charters
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health 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. [32829]

  Mr. Horam
  The following charters and related booklets have been produced for use in England:

  The Patient's Charter and You

  A Framework for Local Community Care Charters

  The Patient's Charter and Maternity Services

  The Patient's Charter and Services for Children and Young People

  Blood Donors (National Blood Service —Interim Charge)

  Customer Service Charter Guidelines (NHS Estates Agency)

  Commitment to Service: Members' Charter (NHS Pensions Agency)

  Working with Business (Medicines Control Agency)

  Code of Practice on Enforcement (Medical Devices Agency

  None has been withdrawn. In addition, numerous local charters have been produced by health authorities, trusts, general practitioner practices and social services departments. No complete central record of these is held.

  Speech Therapy
  Miss Emma Nicholson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the average waiting list(a) nationally and (b) in Devon, for those of primary school age wishing to be seen by a speech therapist. [33044]

  Mr. Horam
  This information is not available centrally.

  Miss Nicholson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what provision he has made in the current year for speech therapy for those of primary school age. [33043]

  Mr. Horam
  Speech therapy is provided by health authorities to adults and children as part of the range of services available to meet health care needs locally.

  Long-stay Hospital Beds
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the total number of hospital long-stay beds for people needing continuous medical care in hospitals covering the Greater London area. [32871]

  Mr. Bowis
  The information is not available in the form requested. The information that is available centrally is contained in "Bed Availability for England", copies of which are available in the Library.

  Postage Costs
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health 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. [32845]

  Mr. Horam
  Expenditure on postage was £1,429,329 in 1994–95 and £1,530,799 in 1995–96. Details of how many items were posted are not available.

  Figures have not been adjusted for inflation.

  The figures do not include the Department's agencies.

  Waiting Lists
  Rev. Martin Smyth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proposals he has to change the standards for charter marks in respect of waiting lists. [32044]

  Mr. Horam
  None.

  Prescribed Drugs
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will give for each of the last 10 years the list D data on prescribed drugs. [32814]

  Mr. Malone
  Arrangements are in hand for list D, or equivalent information, to be placed in the Library. I will write to the hon. Member when this information is available.

  NHS Pension Scheme
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list all categories of NHS employees who are not eligible to join the NHS pension scheme and the number of people currently in each category; what estimate he makes of the extra public expenditure that would be involved in giving full NHS pension scheme eligibility to each of these categories; and if he will make a statement. [32815]

  Mr. Malone
  All national health service employees are eligible to join the national health service pension scheme.

  Physiotherapy
  Mr. Khabra
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the average waiting time for the first appointment for physiotherapy treatment in hospitals in London. [31717]

  Mr. Horam
  This information is not available centrally.

  Breast Cancer
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what funding his Department has provided in each of the last five years for research into hereditary breast cancer; and if he will make a statement on progress in research. [32816]

  Mr. Malone
  The main agency through which the Government supports medical and clinical research is the Medical Research Council. The MRC is an independent body which receives its grant in aid from the office of my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade.
  410
  MRC funding for research into hereditary breast cancer is shown in the list.

  1990–91: £539,000

  1991–92: £622,000

  1992–93: £658,000

  1993–94: 1£133,000

  1994–95: £596,000

  1 It has not been possible to obtain financial information for relevant research into MRC's own establishments for 1993–94; those figures, which just cover grant support in universities, are therefore lower than the true total.

  Mr. Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many women have been diagnosed with mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2 since records began; what estimate his Department has made as to the total number of women in the UK with such a condition; and if he will make a statement; [32817]

  (2) what assessment he has made of the advantages of providing screening and preventive treatment for women at risk of developing hereditary breast cancer; and if he will make a statement. [32818]

  Mr. Horam
  Information on the number of women diagnosed with mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2 is not available centrally. The Advisory Committee on Genetic Testing was established in January 1996 to advise on developments in testing for genetic disorders and scientific and ethical issues. The Department is also planning to establish a small group to advise on cancer genetics services.

  Partial Birth Abortions
  Mrs. Peacock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what instructions he has issued in respect of partial birth abortions. [33031]

  Mr. Horam
  None. Methods of abortion are a matter of clinical judgment. We are not aware of this procedure being used in the United Kingdom.

DEFENCE

  Hawk Trainer Crash, Portugal
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he has established the reason for the crash of the Hawk trainer at Beja air base in Portugal in May. [33073]

  Mr. Soames
  No. Under the terms of a NATO standardisation agreement, the circumstances of this accident are being investigated by a Portuguese air force board of inquiry.

  Duke of York's Royal Military School
  Sir Trevor Skeet
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what key targets have been set for the Duke of York's Royal Military School in 1996–97. [33598]

  Mr. Soames
  The key targets for the Duke of York's Royal Military School in 1996–97 are as follows:

  1. To achieve 100 per cent. of GCSE passes at grades A* to G in August 1996.

  2. To achieve five or more GCSE passes at grades A* to C for 78 per cent. of candidates in August 1996.

  411

  3. To achieve 88 per cent. of A-level passes at grades A to E in August 1996.

  4. To achieve three or more A-level passes at grades A to E for 80 per cent. of candidates in August 1996.

  5. To achieve 34 per cent. of A-level passes at grades A and B in August 1996.

  6. To achieve 100 per cent. award rate for general national vocational qualification advanced and Business and Technician Education Council national diploma courses in August 1996.

  7. To implement key stage 4 modifications to national curriculum programmes by September 1996.

  8. To achieve places in higher education for 70 per cent. of sixth form leavers by October 1996.

  9. To ensure Wolfe house is prepared as a girl's senior boarding house by September 1996.

  10. To achieve a pupil per capita cost in 1996–97 of £12,180.

  11. To generate income of £410,000 by March 1997.

  12. To achieve 210 applications for the September 1997 intake by April 1997.

  Queen Victoria School
  Sir Peter Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what key targets have been set for Queen Victoria School in 1996–97. [33599]

  Mr. Soames
  The key targets for the Queen Victoria School in 1996–97 are as follows:

  1. To improve the staying on rate at school for S4 to S5 from 65 per cent. to 68 per cent. on a three-year trend.

  2. To achieve a percentage of pupils attaining at least five credit passes at standard grade at 2 per cent. above the average of all Scottish presentations, based on a three-year trend.

  3. To achieve a percentage of the presentations at grades A to C in higher grade at least equal to the Scottish average, based on a three-year trend.

  4. To review the new schemes introduced in the five to 14 programme in maths, English and environmental studies by March 1997.

  5. To develop new programme in the five to 14 programme in expressive arts, religious education, and technology by March 1997.

  6. To conduct an audit of teaching and learning in S5 and S6 within the classroom environment, to improve the overall quality and effectiveness of teaching and learning and thereby pupil performance by March 1997.

  7. To have implemented a programme of measures to gain at least a satisfactory report for the welfare inspection required by the Children Scotland Act 1995 by January 1997.

  8. To merge individual teaching staff appraisal with the annual subject departmental reviews by April 1997.

  9. To have successfully completed the first phase of admission of girls by August 1996.

  10. To reduce the 1995–96 output costs per pupil in real terms by 1 per cent. while remaining within current long-term costing provision.

  11. To generate commercial income to the school of £20,000 by March 1997.

  Former Yugoslavia
  Sir Wyn Roberts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the total number of(a) British troops and (b) troops of other peacekeeping nations on the ground in the former Yugoslavia at the latest available date. [33334]

  Mr. Soames
  There are some 10,500 UK troops and 47,500 troops from other nations with IFOR in the former Yugoslavia.

  Animal Centre
  Mr. Jessel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what key targets have been set for the Defence Animal Centre in 1996–97. [33614]

  Mr. Soames
  The key targets for the Defence Animal Centre in 1996–97 are as follows:

  1. To meet the following proportion of agreed customer requirement in terms:

  DAC military personnel and military working animals for ground and air operations—100 per cent.

  (b) Quality of trained MWAs and personnel measured in terms of customer satisfaction (1)—85 per cent.

  (c) Number of trained personnel and MWAs—95 per cent.

  (d) Timeliness of delivery measured in terms of customer satisfaction—95 per cent.

  2. Ensure success rates for training are:

  MWA—greater than or equal to course specific target figures (2)—95 per cent.

  (b) Personnel—greater than 90 per cent.

  3. Reduce net full cost, as shown in the accruals accounts by 2.5 per cent.

  4. Complete planned stages of DAC "Invertors in People" action plan.

  5. Fully explore private finance initiative options for the rebuild of administrative and single living accommodation at the DAC.

  Notes:

  1. Customer satisfaction figures based on customer satisfaction survey questionnaire.

  2. Different courses have widely varied success rates due to the nature of animal training; therefore separate expected pass rates are reported internally.

  Gulf War Syndrome
  Mr. Alfred Morris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the latest number of service men and women who served in the Gulf conflict who have come forward in relation to the Gulf war syndrome; and when he expects to make a further statement about the recommendations contained in the eleventh report of the Defence Committee of Session 1994–95 (HC 197). [32926]

  Mr. Soames
  The Government take seriously the health concerns of all service personnel, and we are committed to ensuring that those who believe they are ill as a result of their Gulf service receive the best possible treatment. Some 937 service and ex-service men and women have so far came forward for assessment under my Department's medical assessment programme. Some 592 have been seen and we have added a second physician so that those remaining are seen as quickly as possible. I intend to update the House next month on our continuing work on Gulf health issues. This will include progress on the establishment of the programme of detailed research, which is being overseen by the Medical Research Council, that I announced on 30 January 1996,Official Report, columns 607–08.

  Mr. Morris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much money has so far been spent by his Department on the epidemiological survey into Gulf war cases since the issue of the Government reply to the eleventh report of the Defence Committee (HC187 of Session 1995–96). [32927]
  413
  Mr. Soames
  As I announced on 30 January 1996,Official Report, columns 607–08, my Department will be commissioning a detailed programme of research into Gulf health issues. This research will be overseen by the Medical Research Council, which will ensure an objective, impartial and scientific approach. The MRC issued a call for research proposals including epidemiological studies at the end of May. Some preparatory work has already been completed on the database to support such research, but the costs of this work cannot be separately identified. My Department will, of course, meet the full costs of those research projects selected by the MRC as being most appropriate.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Training Levy (Construction Companies)
  Mr. Nigel Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many firms involved mainly in the construction and erection of agricultural buildings are registered for training levy with the Construction and Industry Training Board. [32822]

  Mr. Paice
  The information is not available.

  Home and School Links
  Ms Corston
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) what guidance is given to(a) local education authorities, (b) school governors and (c) head teachers on establishing and strengthening links between home and school; [33085]

  (2) what steps she has taken to ensure the dissemination of information about best practice in strengthening the links between home and school. [33087]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  The updated parents charter emphasised the importance of effective partnerships between parents and schools. This has been repeated in guidance on such matters as pupil behaviour and discipline, and special educational needs.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Benefit Entitlement
  Mr. Hain
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list social security primary and secondary legislation which has reversed benefit entitlements which were originally granted for life since 1979. [33261]

  Mr. Burt
  No such legislation has been introduced.

  Funeral Grants
  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the current limit on payment by the social fund of funeral grants; and what plans he has to change this limit. [30396]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  Like other social fund payments, funeral payments are not subject to annual uprating. However, we keep the level of all social fund payments under review.

  Asbestos-related Diseases
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the number of(a) men and (b) women who are, at present, receiving social security benefits for asbestos-related illnesses. [32873]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  The information requested is not available.

  Reduced Earnings Allowance
  Mr. Hain
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people have had their reduced earnings allowance reduced since 24 March; and if he will list their former occupations. [33258]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  Since 24 March, approximately 18,000 over pensionable age reduced earnings allowance recipients who have given up regular employment have been transferred to retirement allowance.

  Information about the former occupations of these retirement allowance recipients could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Hain
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what are the estimated savings to his Department as a result of the recent changes in reduced earnings allowance; and what proportion of his Department's total expenditure this represents. [33259]

  Mr. Evans
  The estimated savings from the changes to reduced earnings allowance introduced with effect from 24 March 1996 are £25 million in 1996–d97. This is, approximately 0.03 per cent. of the Department's total expenditure.

  Means-tested Benefits
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list the administrative costs of each main group of means-tested benefits including income support and housing benefit in cash terms for the last three complete financial years; and if he will express these costs as a percentage of the total of benefit payments. [30404]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  The information is set out in the tables in 1995–96 prices.

  The information requested is published, in cash terms, in the social security departmental report. The last year that figures are available is 1994–95.

  Year

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–95

  Administration expenditure from 1992–93 to 1994–95

  Income support

  1,655

  1,715

  1,710

  Family credit

  46

  55

  57

  Social fund

  224

  283

  215

  Housing benefit

  275

  285

  293

  Community charge benefit

  207

  204

  194

  Benefit expenditure from 1992–93 to 1994–95

  Income support

  15,934

  16,864

  16,838

  Family credit

  1,001

  1,265

  1,481

  Social fund

  433

  463

  463

  Housing benefit

  8,512

  9,649

  10,461

  415

  Year

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–95

  Community charge benefit

  1,814

  2,019

  2,126

  Administration expenditure expressed at a percentage of benefit expenditure

  Income support

  10.39

  10.17

  10.16

  Family credit

  4.60

  4.35

  3.85

  Social fund

  51.73

  61.12

  46.44

  Housing benefit

  3.23

  2.95

  2.80

  Community charge benefit

  11.41

  10.10

  9.13

  Benefits Agency (Information Officers)
  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many district information officers are or were employed by the Benefits Agency(a) at present and (b) one year ago by region. [32703]

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

  Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Chris Smith, dated 17 June 1996:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking how many District Information officers are or were employed by the Benefits Agency (a) at present and (b) one year ago by region.
  The information is not available in the format requested. With the creation of the Benefits Agency in 1991 former regions were grouped into Area and Territorial Directorates.
  The attached Annex give details of the number of District Information Officers for each Area Directorate. Some of these officers may combine other duties with their role of information officers.

  I hope you find this reply helpful.

  District information officers

  Area directorate

  Number as at 31 May 1995

  Number as at 31 May 1996

  East London and Anglia

  25

  20

  Chilterns

  25

  11

  London South

  39

  27

  West Country

  22

  18

  Mercia

  20

  13

  West Midlands

  21

  12

  Wales

  15

  13

  North West Coast

  26

  19

  Greater Manchester

  25

  18

  Yorkshire

  21

  13

  Tyne Tees

  21

  15

  West of Scotland

  20

  11

  East of Scotland

  28

  14

  Figures are provisional and subject to amendment.

  Headquarters Staff
  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will detail the number of staff at his headquarters in each year since 1992; and if he will group the staff by the benefit for which they have responsibility in each of these years. [33046]
  416
  Mr. Burt
  The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is in the table.

  Information regarding the resources allocated to particular areas of policy in the current year is contained in the headquarters business plan for 1996–97, a copy of which is in the Library.

  Total staff in DSS (HQ)

  Year

  Staff

  1992–93

  1,527

  1993–94

  1,615

  1994–95

  1,635

  1995–96

  1,481

  1996–97

  1,541

  1. Figures include professional staff.

  2. It is not possible to provide precise figures for the number of staff working on individual benefits over this period.

  3. A substantial proportion of staff are not responsible for any specific benefit or are engaged in management and supportive activities.

  Statistics
  Mr. Fisher
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security which statistics his Department has discontinued(a) the collection and (b) the publication of since 1989. [32861]

  Mr. Burt
  The information is in the table:

  Statistical series

  Date collection ceased

  Date publication ceased

  Retirement pension (RP) movements

  1March 1989

  1March 1989

  Widows benefit (WB) movements

  1March 1989

  1March 1989

  Income support annual statistical enquiry (ASE)

  2Still collected

  May 93

  Monthly analysis of new claims for unemployment benefit

  3—

  December 1994

  Quarterly analysis of unemployed claimants.

  4—

  November 1994

  Half yearly analysis of unemployed claimants.

  Analysis of adjudication officers' decisions—unemployment benefit

  5—

  December 1991

  1 RP/WB movements were discontinued from March 1989 to September 1992 because of the change from the existing pensions system to the pensions strategy computer system. They were introduced from March 1993.

  2 The income support annual statistical inquiry was replaced by the IS quarterly statistical inquiry.

  3 This was discontinued at the end of 1994, as the data were also collected and published by the (then) Employment Department.

  4"These were replaced by unemployed claimants summary statistics—a quarterly publication—from February 1995.

  5 The collection and publication of this data was transferred to the Employment Service (part of the then Employment Department) from the end of 1991.

  6 The table excludes a number of other statistics which are no longer collected through lack of demand. However, these mainly provided extra detail on benefits for which the main statistics are still published.

  417
  Mr. Hain
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many former recipients of reduced earnings allowance are also in receipt of(a) state retirement pension and (b) income support; and what proportion of total claimants this represents. [33260]

  Mr. Evans
  The information is not readily available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Child Support
  Ms Lynne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when he will make an announcement on his plans to change the level of benefit deductions for parents with care who do not co-operate with the Child Support Agency without a good cause exemption; and what is the shortest period in which he estimates these changes could be introduced. [32899]

  Mr. Andrew Mitchell
  We hope to make an announcement shortly. It should be possible to implement any changes in the autumn of this year.
  418
  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what amount of benefit savings were made by the reduced benefit direction under the Child Support Act 1991 in each year since the implementation of the Act. [33060]

  Mr. Mitchell
  Benefit savings resulting from the reduced benefit direction have not been separately identified. However, it is estimated that the value of reduced benefit directions in income support is currently between £5 million and £10 million per annum.

  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the benefit savings that would be made if(a) the reduced benefit direction under the Child Support Act 1991 was increased to 40 per cent. of the adult personal allowance for a duration of 18 months and (b) the reduced benefit direction was increased to 40 per cent. and applied until the benefit claim ceased. [33059]

  Mr. Mitchell
  It is estimated that the long-term benefit savings would be around £10 million and £15 million respectively.

TRANSPORT

  Motorway Lighting
  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his answer of 10 June,Official Report, columns 28–29, if he will place in the Library a copy of a map showing the locations of all sections of motorway in England that have overhead lighting. [33084]

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

  Letter from Lawrie Haynes to Mr. Frank Field, dated 18 June 1996:
  The Secretary of State for Transport has asked me to write to you in reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about a map of motorway lighting in England.

  Punctuality—former Network SouthEast Lines Percentage of trains more than five minutes late in peak times

  Four week periods 1995/96

  Operating company/group

  1

  2

  3

  4

  5

  6

  7

  8

  9

  10

  11

  12

  13

  1995/96

  Chiltern Trains

  4.0

  5.6

  5.8

  10.1

  5.0

  6.1

  4.6

  5.7

  7.1

  4.8

  5.8

  7.8

  3.8

  5.9

  Great Eastern

  6.3

  9.1

  14.1

  12.3

  3.2

  6.8

  8.2

  5.5

  19.6

  24.4

  15.9

  14.8

  4.9

  11.8

  LTS Rail

  6.3

  3.6

  7.3

  8.8

  18.7

  16.6

  13.9

  11.2

  11.1

  13.8

  9.4

  9.8

  7.8

  12.0

  Network South Central

  South London Lines

  6.3

  9.2

  8.9

  10.8

  14.5

  5.0

  9.8

  9.8

  23.6

  15.1

  8.7

  8.5

  6.9

  10.4

  Sussex Coast

  13.6

  12.8

  16.4

  17.2

  27.2

  15.8

  16.4

  16.2

  38.0

  18.9

  12.8

  15.5

  10.2

  17.6

  North London Railways

  Northampton Lines

  17.0

  13.8

  7.7

  13.3

  9.7

  7.1

  7.5

  9.8

  13.3

  18.3

  13.5

  27.7

  20.9

  13.3

  North London Orbital

  17.7

  23.2

  14.0

  22.7

  14.1

  10.2

  13.8

  13.1

  9.1

  14.6

  7.6

  12.3

  8.6

  13.3

  Watford Locals

  3.3

  7.1

  5.8

  8.8

  3.8

  8.7

  4.2

  8.0

  18.4

  14.7

  10.9

  16.7

  16.2

  9.6

  South East Trains

  Kent Coast

  8.2

  10.6

  11.0

  14.3

  16.6

  8.6

  11.6

  14.2

  40.9

  24.4

  20.7

  19.7

  13.1

  16.4

  Kent Link

  5.0

  6.4

  7.2

  10.3

  11.9

  9.2

  10.5

  12.7

  33.7

  22.4

  21.0

  19.9

  12.9

  13.9

  South West Trains

  Main Line

  14.6

  8.4

  11.1

  21.8

  14.4

  11.6

  9.3

  14.5

  28.7

  14.6

  10.3

  17.0

  6.3

  14.0

  Suburban

  7.8

  6.7

  7.4

  16.6

  12.0

  7.2

  5.6

  10.1

  12.2

  11.9

  5.9

  11.8

  4.4

  9.9

  Thames

  6.0

  6.7

  6.1

  13.4

  4.4

  5.0

  7.4

  6.2

  12.1

  8.0

  6.7

  7.6

  5.5

  7.3

  Thameslink

  6.1

  11.7

  12.6

  12.8

  14.6

  14.0

  9.0

  11.8

  23.1

  18.1

  16.7

  13.9

  18.1

  13.9

  West Anglia Great Northern

  Great Northern

  6.0

  5.7

  7.5

  12.9

  9.1

  10.9

  8.3

  11.6

  19.9

  18.9

  13.3

  20.7

  10.9

  11.9

  West Anglia

  4.9

  4.1

  5.7

  4.4

  5.3

  7.1

  5.3

  6.2

  12.4

  10.0

  6.1

  9.1

  3.5

  6.5

  Punctuality—former Network SouthEast Lines Number of trains more than five minutes late in peak times

  Four week periods 1995–96

  Operating company/group

  1

  2

  3

  4

  5

  6

  7

  8

  9

  10

  11

  12

  13

  1995–96

  Chiltern Trains

  37

  55

  56

  91

  50

  59

  47

  61

  76

  40

  62

  79

  41

  754

  Great Eastern

  160

  242

  340

  308

  366

  180

  223

  154

  541

  544

  441

  399

  137

  4,035

  LTS Rail

  219

  213

  114

  130

  294

  253

  227

  190

  188

  160

  160

  157

  133

  2,438

  Network South Central

  South London Lines

  215

  326

  322

  370

  538

  182

  370

  377

  814

  404

  333

  324

  266

  4,841

  Sussex Coast

  178

  177

  226

  224

  387

  217

  227

  229

  474

  186

  180

  220

  145

  3,070

  North London Railways

  Northampton Lines

  163

  142

  84

  136

  112

  68

  86

  112

  137

  143

  155

  250

  176

  1,764

  North London Orbital

  741

  1,010

  663

  825

  583

  470

  675

  735

  536

  671

  469

  501

  516

  8,395

  Watford Locals

  21

  48

  37

  52

  25

  55

  28

  51

  120

  73

  73

  110

  87

  780

  420
  A copy of the Highways Agency Motorway Lighting Map is being forwarded to the Library and a copy is also enclosed for your information.

  Network SouthEast
  Mr. Wicks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) how many and what percentage of trains arrived more than five minutes late during peak hours on each of the former Network SouthEast lines in(a) each four-week period during 1995–96 and (b) for 1995–96 as a whole; [33036]

  (2) how many and what percentage of trains were cancelled on each of the former Network SouthEast lines in (a) each four-week period during 1995–96 and (b) 1995–96 as a whole. [33035]

  Mr. Watts
  The information requested is available from citizens charter records and is shown in the following tables.
  421

  Punctuality—former Network SouthEast Lines Number of trains more than five minutes late in peak times

  Four week periods 1995–96

  Operating company/group

  1

  2

  3

  4

  5

  6

  7

  8

  9

  10

  11

  12

  13

  1995–96

  South East Trains

  Kent Coast

  178

  242

  251

  309

  405

  201

  288

  352

  968

  490

  410

  464

  328

  4,886

  Kent Link

  210

  282

  315

  426

  546

  403

  482

  586

  1,489

  838

  762

  903

  597

  7,839

  South West Trains

  Main Line

  175

  107

  143

  267

  195

  146

  129

  201

  390

  241

  140

  225

  85

  2,344

  Suburban

  242

  230

  256

  540

  435

  247

  204

  368

  777

  301

  216

  416

  158

  4,390

  Thames

  82

  96

  87

  171

  64

  71

  109

  90

  179

  94

  99

  109

  83

  1,334

  Thameslink

  68

  137

  134

  136

  169

  150

  110

  140

  224

  171

  203

  160

  200

  2,002

  West Anglia Great Northern

  Great Northern

  116

  118

  154

  245

  199

  222

  181

  246

  434

  334

  286

  417

  227

  3,179

  West Anglia

  94

  82

  114

  84

  102

  144

  111

  132

  264

  177

  128

  181

  73

  1,686

  Reliability—former Network SouthEast Lines Percentage of trains cancelled

  Four week periods 1995–96

  Operating company/group

  1

  2

  3

  4

  5

  6

  7

  8

  9

  10

  11

  12

  13

  1995–96

  Chiltern Trains

  0.2

  0.2

  0.2

  0.7

  0.2

  0.6

  0.7

  0.3

  0.5

  0.5

  0.4

  0.8

  0.1

  0.4

  Great Eastern

  0.2

  0.4

  0.3

  0.7

  0.7

  0.5

  0.9

  0.3

  0.9

  0.6

  0.9

  1.1

  0.3

  0.7

  LTS Rail

  2.7

  1.5

  2.1

  1.4

  3.5

  3.6

  2.0

  1.3

  1.5

  3.6

  1.0

  1.4

  1.2

  2.0

  Network South Central

  South London Lines

  0.3

  1.2

  0.6

  0.7

  1.3

  0.3

  0.6

  0.4

  1.9

  0.5

  0.5

  0.6

  0.4

  0.7

  Sussex Coast

  0.2

  0.3

  0.5

  0.5

  0.8

  0.3

  0.6

  0.6

  0.4

  0.5

  0.4

  0.8

  0.3

  0.6

  North London Railways

  Northampton Lines

  2.0

  1.0

  0.6

  1.3

  0.5

  0.6

  0.5

  0.9

  1.2

  1.3

  0.5

  1.1

  1.1

  1.0

  North London Orbital

  5.7

  7.4

  3.9

  11.1

  5.8

  6.6

  5.4

  3.5

  4.0

  10.3

  4.5

  14.8

  6.1

  6.6

  Watford Locals

  1.3

  2.9

  1.2

  4.5

  3.3

  3.7

  2.7

  1.2

  4.2

  2.8

  1.3

  2.5

  1.5

  2.6

  South East Trains

  Kent Coast

  0.8

  0.6

  0.5

  0.6

  1.2

  0.0

  0.5

  0.3

  1.2

  1.0

  0.8

  1.0

  0.7

  0.7

  Kent Link

  0.7

  0.9

  1.1

  1.4

  1.4

  0.5

  0.8

  0.6

  2.0

  1.0

  1.1

  1.3

  1.2

  1.1

  South West Trains

  Main Line

  0.7

  0.2

  0.4

  0.8

  0.8

  0.5

  0.4

  0.3

  1.0

  0.6

  0.4

  0.9

  0.2

  0.6

  Suburban

  0.6

  0.4

  0.6

  1.1

  1.2

  0.7

  0.6

  0.6

  1.4

  1.2

  0.4

  1.3

  0.4

  0.8

  Thames

  0.6

  0.7

  1.2

  2.6

  1.6

  1.7

  1.8

  3.0

  2.0

  1.8

  2.3

  2.1

  1.0

  1.7

  Thameslink

  0.8

  1.2

  2.5

  0.9

  1.6

  2.4

  1.0

  3.1

  1.9

  2.5

  1.6

  1.6

  1.8

  1.7

  West Anglia Great Northern

  Great Northern

  1.2

  0.7

  1.1

  3.1

  1.3

  1.1

  0.4

  0.7

  0.6

  2.3

  0.9

  1.6

  0.7

  1.2

  West Anglia

  0.6

  1.2

  1.1

  0.9

  1.9

  0.5

  0.8

  0.7

  0.7

  2.3

  1.0

  1.2

  0.5

  1.0

  Reliability—former Network SouthEast Lines Number of trains cancelled

  Four week periods 1995–96

  Operating company/group

  1

  2

  3

  4

  5

  6

  7

  8

  9

  10

  11

  12

  13

  1995–96

  Chiltern Trains

  9

  9

  8

  27

  9

  23

  32

  14

  22

  17

  17

  35

  5

  227

  Great Eastern

  29

  61

  286

  82

  99

  64

  124

  41

  126

  64

  121

  150

  44

  1,291

  LTS Rail

  164

  100

  138

  86

  243

  241

  132

  86

  99

  201

  68

  95

  83

  1,736

  Network South Central

  South London Lines

  47

  181

  97

  107

  222

  45

  98

  62

  323

  63

  80

  107

  67

  1,499

  Sussex Coast

  27

  36

  63

  55

  108

  37

  81

  84

  179

  44

  55

  105

  33

  907

  North London Railways

  Northampton Lines

  73

  40

  25

  48

  21

  21

  19

  37

  44

  38

  20

  36

  32

  454

  North London Orbital

  254

  345

  193

  456

  257

  323

  278

  205

  244

  528

  290

  708

  393

  4,474

  Watford Locals

  37

  90

  35

  124

  103

  108

  82

  36

  128

  65

  41

  76

  37

  962

  422 423

  Reliability—former Network SouthEast Lines Number of trains cancelled

  Four week periods 1995–96

  Operating company/group

  1

  2

  3

  4

  5

  6

  7

  8

  9

  10

  11

  12

  13

  1995–96

  South East Trains

  Kent Coast

  90

  66

  68

  76

  160

  1

  72

  45

  170

  103

  83

  131

  96

  1,161

  Kent Link

  138

  185

  212

  262

  304

  101

  160

  133

  420

  174

  178

  267

  259

  2,793

  South West Trains

  Main Line

  67

  24

  47

  79

  89

  59

  47

  40

  121

  52

  46

  108

  25

  804

  Suburban

  89

  67

  99

  191

  222

  132

  106

  110

  271

  157

  66

  242

  70

  1,822

  Thames

  88

  106

  176

  376

  251

  270

  269

  448

  306

  221

  352

  321

  159

  3,343

  Thameslink

  43

  63

  124

  44

  88

  128

  57

  177

  86

  116

  90

  84

  45

  1,145

  West Anglia Great Northern

  Great Northern

  102

  65

  98

  252

  117

  94

  36

  61

  49

  174

  80

  138

  62

  1,328

  West Anglia

  58

  118

  106

  85

  179

  48

  81

  67

  70

  203

  104

  114

  52

  1,285

  Highways Agency
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) which properties occupied by the Highways Agency have access for the disabled; [32434]

  (2) if he will list the names of the site supervisors for the current building works being carried out at the Highways Agency office in Birmingham. [32435]

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

  Letter from Lawrie Haynes to Mrs. Gwyneth Dunwoody, dated 18 June 1996:
  The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Questions about disabled access in Highways Agency buildings and the current building works in the Broadway office, Birmingham.
  Firstly, I can list the buildings under Highways Agency management which have access for people with disabilities. These are as follows:

  St Christopher House, Southwark Street, London.

  Federated House, London Road, Dorking.

  City House, New Station Street, Leeds.

  Jefferson House, Park Place, Leeds.

  Falcon Road, Exeter.

  Heron House, Goldington Road, Bedford.

  In addition, we are looking at a list of improvements made as a result of a recent RADA inspection at our offices in the Broadway, Birmingham.
  The current building works at the Broadway offices in Birmingham comprise of a window replacement programme undertaken by the Landlord of the building, Pillar Properties. They are being supervised by Richard Ellis, Surveyors. Mrs Jayne Cresswell of Richard Ellis is currently the main site supervisor for this work.

  Driving Instructors
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to change regulations whereby unvetted theory trainers for driving instruction can legally give unremunerated practical driving lessons; and if he will make a statement. [32772]

  Mr. Norris
  The current law regulates persons giving ordinary driving instructions for money's worth as well as money. I do not believe the courts would accept that the loophole suggested does, in fact, exist.
  424
  Mr. Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what restrictions apply in respect to those eligible to be employed as theory trainers for driving instruction; and if he will make a statement. [32773]

  Mr. Norris
  The current law regarding car driving instruction does not apply to theory tuition given, for example, in a classroom or undertaken via distance learning methods. I am not persuaded that imposing a new regulatory regime on persons such as lecturers or authors dealing with driving theory would be justified.

NATIONAL HERITAGE

  Arts Spending
  Mr. Callaghan
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what is the current level of Government expenditure per capita on the arts. [29930]

  Mr. Sproat
  The arts benefit from a complex system of plural funding. Direct central Government funding for the arts in the UK amounts to £242 million in 1996–97. In addition, local authorities spend an amount on the arts in the region of that provided by central Government through the four arts councils which in 1996–97 is more than £233 million. On top of this, it is anticipated that the arts' share of lottery awards will exceed £300 million this year. This adds up to public funding in the UK for the arts in excess of £775 million. Based on these figures, the current level of Government expenditure per capita on the arts is at least £13.27. There are, however, other sources of arts funding generated through Government expenditure, either directly or indirectly, and it is therefore difficult to give a per capita figure which is a true reflection of the overall picture.

  Civil Servants (Duties Abroad)
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage how much her Department spent during the financial years 1994–95 and 1995–96 on sending civil servants accompanying Ministers from her Department on official duties abroad. [32413]

  Mr. Sproat
  My Department spent £23,000 in the financial year 1994–95 and £18,000 in the financial year 1995–96.

  Statistics
  Mr. Fisher
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage which statistics her Department has discontinued(a) the collection and (b) the publication of since 1989. [32866]

  Mr. Sproat
  None.

  Television Licences (Second Homes)
  Mr. Chris Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage (1) what representations she has received regarding the change in policy by the television licensing office to charge owners of second homes licence fees; and if she will make a statement; [32951]

  (2) if she will introduce changes in the television licence charges at the annual review to allow licences for holiday homes belonging to pensioners to be charged at the same rate as an accommodation for residential care licence; and if she will make a statement. [32944]

  Mr. Sproat
  The Department of National Heritage has received representations on this subject from Members of the House, the general public and organisations representing caravan owners and the caravan park trade. The Government have no plans to introduce any changes in the television licence fees for holiday homes belonging to pensioners.

  Mr. Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if a second television licence is required for temporary use of a television in a mobile home; and if he will make a statement. [33158]

  Mr. Sproat
  The BBC, which is responsible for the administration and enforcement of the television licensing system, recently announced that a licence is required for use of a television in a second dwelling, including mobile homes. Licensing requirements in specific circumstances are a matter for the BBC.

  Customer Charter
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage 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. [32825]

  Mr. Sproat
  The information the hon. Member has requested is as follows:

  The Royal Parks agency has a charter standard and the Historic Royal Palaces agency has a visitors charter.

  (b) No charters have been withdrawn.

  English Heritage
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage how much income English Heritage generated from ticket sales in the most recent year for which figures are available; and what percentage of the organisation's running costs this represented. [33075]

  Mr. Sproat
  English Heritage generated £7.5 million from ticket sales at its historic properties in 1995–96. It also generated £3.5 million from its membership scheme and a further £4.7 million from retail and catering activities. The total visitor and membership income of £15.7 million represents over 30 per cent. of English 426
  Heritage's total running costs of £50.9 million in 1995–96 and over 50 per cent. of the costs of running and maintaining its 407 historic properties.

  Postage Costs
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage how much her Department spent on postage in the financial years 1994–95 and 1995–96; and how many items were posted during these periods. [32841]

  Mr. Sproat
  My Department spent £47,920 posting 98,696 items in 1994–95 and £56,119 posting 110,226 items in 1995–96

  British Tourist Authority Chairman
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what factors underlay the appointment of David Quarmby as chairman of the British Tourist Authority and the English Tourist Board; how many days a week he will work in this capacity; and at what salary. [32708]

  Mr. Sproat
  [holding answer 13 June 1996]: The qualities that my right hon. Friend sought for the chairman of the British Tourist Authority and the English tourist board were a proven track record in strategic planning in a large-scale organisation; leadership and management skills; the ability to represent British tourism effectively through the media; and an understanding of the public sector.

  My right hon. Friend appointed David Quarmby after extensive consultations, a search assisted by an executive search agency and an interview process assisted by representatives of the tourism industry.

  Mr. Quarmby will be employed for three days per week, one and a half days for each board and his salary will be £54,000 per annum.

  Computers (Millennium)
  Mr. Ingram
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what assessment has been made of the cost effects of the millennium date change on the computer systems operated by her Department. [32673]

  Mr. Sproat
  [holding answer 13 June 1996]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Bournemouth, East (Mr. Atkinson) on 3 April 1996, Official Report, columns 227–28.

  Sports (Insurance)
  Mr. Derek Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage (1) what assessment she has made of the impact of civil actions for damages, against members of voluntary and community operated amateur sports clubs with particular reference to the cost of insurance cover; [33094]

  (2) what assessment she has made of the impact of civil actions for damages against individuals engaged in competitive sports at an amateur level with particular reference to the cost of insurance cover; [33093]
  427
  (3) what assessment she has made of the financial liability that may be faced by sports clubs, sports officials and individuals engaged in competitive sport where actions for damages are raised against them in the courts. [33092]

  Mr. Sproat
  [holding answer 17 June 1996]: None. However, I would expect all those involved in sport to ensure that their insurance is in order.

  Council of Europe Meetings
  Mr. Terry Davis
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage, pursuant to the answer on 22 May,Official Report, columns 299–300, if he will make it his policy to keep a separate record of attendance by Ministers and officials of her Department at meetings of, or organised by, the Council of Europe, and if she will make a statement. [33027]

  Mr. Sproat
  [holding answer 17 June 1996]: In future. attendance by Ministers and officials of my Department at meetings of, or organised by, the Council of Europe will be recorded separately.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Specified Bovine Offals
  Mr. Heppell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the(a) recorded and (b) calculated level of specified bovine offal in each year since 1989. [26432]

  Mrs Browning
  Before the introduction of the Specified Bovine Offal Order 1995, all SBOs had to be dealt with in accordance with the Bovine Offal (Prohibition) Regulations 1989, as amended. Enforcement of these regulations lay with the local authorities up until 1 April 1995, when the Meat Hygiene Service took over this responsibility in premises licensed under the Fresh Meat (Hygiene and Inspection) Regulations 1995. The bovine offal regulations required all consignments of SBO to be accompanied by a movement permit, detailing amongst other things the quantity being moved. Once the SBO had reached its intended destination, the completed permit had to be returned to the originating local authority, which then had to keep it for a period of two years. No central records were kept.

  Since the introduction of the Specified Bovine Offal Order in August 1995, which was replaced by the Specified Bovine Material Order 1996 in March, movement permits for SBO are no longer required, in view of tighter controls which have been introduced on approval and record keeping. Persons consigning SBO to an approved premises are required to keep a record of all consigned SBO material for a period of two years. The programme of state veterinary service audits of records kept under the legislation has not yet been running for a full year, so annual data from this source are not yet available. Our best estimates based on returns from the rendering industry show that just over 78,000 tonnes of SBM was handled by it in the 12 months to March 1996. In addition, a small amount will have been destroyed by incineration.
  428
  It is not possible to calculate an exact figure for the weight of SBM that would be generated by the slaughter of a given number of animals. This is because the weight generated per animal is dependent on the dressing procedures in the slaughterhouse concerned. The effects of, for example, whether the guts are sent off full or empty, or whether head meat was removed, when that was permitted, can result in a weight of SBM generated per animal that can vary by a factor of two or more. Based on date extrapolated from the MLC kill figures for the period August 1995 to March 1996, the figure of 78,000 tonnes above lies well within the range of the maximum of about 130,000 tonnes and the minimum of about 57,000 tonnes of SBM that we would expect to have been produced.

  Live Animal Exports
  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many dealers are registered as engaging in intra-Community trade; and in what form information on that registration is held. [30717]

  Mrs. Browning
  [holding answer 4 June 1996]: The Animals and Animal Products (Import and Export) Regulations 1995 provide for notices to be served on a dealer engaging in intra-Community trade requiring him or her to be registered with the Ministry. Registered dealers are required to keep records of deliveries of animals and their subsequent destination. As at June 1 1996, 95 dealers in Great Britain were registered. Registers of dealers are maintained by divisional veterinary managers.

  Mr. Heppell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what response he has received from the authorities in the Netherlands following his inquiry about those authorities permitting British sheep to travel from premises in the Netherlands direct to Greece in contravention of EU directive 91/628. [32474]

  Mrs. Browning
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Glanford and Scunthorpe (Mr. Morley) on 17 June 1996.

  Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the value on 2 June of the foodstuffs known to be contaminated by BSE whose possession he proposes should be made a criminal offence. [31610]

  Mrs. Browning
  It is not correct to assume that all mammalian meat and bone meal contains the BSE agent but to address the possible risk, the feeding to all livestock of feed incorporating it has been prohibited since 4 April. This has the effect of removing any risk of recycling the disease through its accidental inclusion in cattle rations.

  It is difficult to identify any legitimate use for such material remaining on farms, at feed mills and at feed merchants. Rather than having any value, it represents a storage and future disposal cost for the holder. On 10 June, we announced a feed recall scheme which will provide for its collection and disposal free of charge.
  429
  Mr. Prentice
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if(a) farmers and (b) others holding BSE-contaminated foodstuffs are to be compensated; and if they will be required to state if they have fed the meal to bovines. [31618]

  Mrs. Browning
  It would be wrong to presume that all mammalian meat and bonemeal is infectious or contains the BSE agent. No compensation will be paid to farmers or others holding animal feed incorporating MBM. Farmed animal feed containing MBM is being collected and disposed of free of charge under the free recall scheme, announced on 10 June.

  Mr. Prentice
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has made of the amount and location of contaminated feedstuff suspected of carrying the BSE agent. [31609]

  Mrs. Browning
  It has been estimated that 5,000 to 15,000 tonnes of pig and poultry feed incorporating mammalian meat and bone meal may be awaiting collection and disposal at feed mills and at feed merchants. It is impossible to estimate how much, if any, of this feed harbours the BSE agent and so poses a risk of recycling the disease if it were fed to cattle, which would be an illegal act. The recall scheme will target all feedingstuffs containing MBM.

  The amount of this material remaining on farms after its feeding to all farmed animals became illegal on 4 April is thought to be relatively small.

  Mr. Prentice
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what factors underlay his proposal to EU Agriculture Ministers to make possession of BSE-contaminated feedstuff a criminal offence; and for what reasons this policy was not introduced earlier. [31759]

  Mrs. Browning
  The proposed offence to which the question refers would be for farmed animal feed containing mammalian meat and bone meal or for MBM itself to be present on farms, at feed mills or feed merchants, since some MBM may harbour the BSE agent and so pose a risk of recycling the disease if it, illegally, found its way into cattle rations.

  As feed incorporating mammalian meat and bone meal now has no legitimate use on farms and as any residual stocks in the non-ruminant farmed animal feed chain present a possible source of cross-contamination to cattle rations, it is best that it is removed. Making its possession illegal from 1 August, together with a Government-funded recall scheme, will encourage early removal.

  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on what date the Government were first informed of BSE-related contaminated feed being fed to cattle. [31249]

  Mrs. Browning
  [holding answer 4 June 1996]: Early epidemiological investigations carried out in 1987 and 1988 showed that the only common facts in herds with confirmed cases of BSE was the use of concentrated animal feed containing, in particular, concentrate containing meat and bone meal. As a result of these findings, the ruminant protein feed ban was introduced in July 1988.
  430
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what procedures he has evaluated to identify whether animal feed contains the infective agent responsible for bovine spongiform encephalopathy. [31631]

  Mrs. Browning
  [holding answer 10 June 1996]: The ELISA test is currently being used to ensure that animal feed does not contain mammalian protein. Bioassay tests on feed to test for infectivity are possible but the sensitivity of the test at present is such that it is extremely unlikely that infectivity could be detected.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many samples of commercial feed have been found to be contaminated with a BSE agent. [31632]

  Mrs. Browning
  [holding answer 10 June 1994]: No attempt has been made to detect infectivity in commercial feed. Bioassay tests on feed to test for infectivity are possible but the sensitivity of the test at present is such that it is extremely unlikely that infectivity could be detected.

  Testing has however been carried out to detect the presence of mammalian protein in animal feed. This is not synonymous with infection, but its presence would be in contravention of past and current prohibitions.

  Of 928 samples of feedingstuffs tested in February and March, eight were positive for the presence of ovine or porcine protein. None showed any evidence of bovine protein. In April, samples taken following an incident at a poultry mill and investigations into the supplier, led to the disclosure of four further positive samples. Again no bovine protein was isolated.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what quantity of material from rendering plants, potentially contaminated with BSE has been disposed of by(a) burial in landfill sites and (b) spreading on open ground. [31634]

  Mrs. Browning
  [holding answer 10 June 1996]: All BSE suspect cases are incinerated. Council regulation 716/96 requires that cattle in the over-30 month scheme be incinerated or processed at rendering plants and destroyed. A number of options for the disposal of meat and bonemeal produced at plants are under active consideration and in all cases full weight will be given to protecting the environment. The options include incineration, use as fuel in power generation and eventual landfill.

  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what opinion surveys he has conducted relating to the impact of failures by animal feed mills, rendering plants and abattoirs fully to implement BSE-related regulations on public confidence in beef products. [32308]

  Mrs. Browning
  [holding answer 17 June 1996]: None.

  Local Veterinary Inspectors
  Mr. Heppell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his answer of 23 April,Official Report, column 140, which provision of

  431
  paragraph 4g of part II of the code of practice on access to Government information he refers to when withholding the names of local veterinary inspectors. [32526]

  Mrs. Browning
  Paragraph 4g of part II of the code of practice on access to Government information permits the withholding of information whose disclosure could endanger the life or physical safety of any person, or identify the source of information or assistance given in confidence for law enforcement or security purposes.

  Postage Costs
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food 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. [32843]

  Mr. Boswell
  The Department's expenditure on postage in 1994–95 was £1,853,970.64 and in 1995–96 was £1,596,147.88. No record was kept of the number of items posted.

  Wildlife Trusts
  Sir Kenneth Carlisle
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he last met the wildlife trusts; what issues were raised; and if he will make a statement. [33020]

  Mr. Boswell
  The Minister met the wildlife trust in Lincolnshire on 10 June and visited various sites.

  Issues raised included pesticides; soil erosion; set-aside; countryside stewardship; the common agricultural policy and the intergovernmental conference; farmland birds; and agri-environmental schemes.

  In a subsequent interview with the "Natural World", the Minister was asked about reconciling food production with protection of the environment; CAP reform; biodiversity; the uplands; wildlife legislation; and the Government's achievements and aims for wildlife. He emphasised the considerable achievements of the expanded agri-environmental programme.

  Customer Charters
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food 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. [32827]

  Mr. Boswell
  The following customer service standards have been produced under the citizens charter and are currently in use within this Department and its executive agencies:

  Department

  Commitment to Service (relating to the regional organisation) second edition)

  Plant Variety Rights Office and Seeds Division Customer Service Standard

  ADAS Dairy Hygiene Inspectorate Code of Practice and Statement of Service

  Agricultural Wages Inspectorate Code of Enforcement

  Egg Marketing Inspectorate: Our Code of Practice and Service Standard

  The Fish Disease Inspectorate and You: Our Service Standards and Code of Practice for Enforcement

  432

  Horticultural Marketing Inspectorate Code of Practice and Statement of Service

  The Plant Health and Seeds Inspectorate and You: Our Service Standards and Code of Practice on Enforcement

  Sea Fisheries Inspectorate Code of Enforcement

  The State Veterinary Service; Service Standards for the Veterinary Field and Investigation Services, including the Code of practice on Enforcement

  Wine Standards Board Code of Enforcement

  Executive Agencies

  Statement of ADAS Service Standards

  Central Science Laboratory; Statement of our Standards and Quality of Service

  Central Veterinary Laboratory Service Statement

  Intervention Board: Customer Care

  Meat Hygiene Service: Appeals Procedure and Customer Service Standards

  Pesticides Safety Directorate: Statement of our Service Standards

  Veterinary Medicines Directorate Customer Service Statement

  No customer service standards have been withdrawn.

  Statistics
  Mr. Fisher
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food which statistics his Department has discontinued(a) the collection and (b) the publication of since 1989. [32858]

  Mr. Boswell
  The Ministry regularly reviews the statistics which are collected and disseminated to ensure that needs are met cost effectively. Information is not held in a form which could identify all changes since 1989 except at disproportionate cost, but the following regular statistical surveys have been discontinued:

  1995: The Production of Syrup and Treacle.

  1994: The Structure and Extent of the Turkey Population.

  1993: The Consumption of Potato Crisps and Snacks.

  1993: The Production of Processed Potatoes.

  1993: The Stocks of Cocoa Beans and Cocoa Products.

  1992: Agricultural Machinery.

  1992: Import Commitments for Sugar within the EU.

  1990: The Structure of the Egg Industry.

  1990: The Canning and Bottling of Fruit and Vegetables.

  Tobacco Producers
  Sir Keith Speed
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the countries of the European Union in receipt of EU funds to subsidise their tobacco producers and the total such expenditure to each country for the most recent 12-month period. [33182]

  Mr. Baldry
  Details of expenditure on the tobacco regime by the Community, broken down by member state, are contained in annex 2 of the annual financial reports on the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund, EAGGF, guarantee section, copies of which have been deposited in the Library of the House.

  Provisional figures for 1995 are:

  Mecu

  £ million1

  Belgium

  3.5

  2.8

  Germany

  26.2

  21.2

  Greece

  411.4

  332.4

  433

  Mecu

  £ million1

  Spain

  125.7

  101.6

  France

  81.2

  65.6

  Italy

  331.6

  267.9

  Netherlands

  0.1

  0.1

  Portugal

  13.3

  10.7

  Total

  993.0

  802.4

  1£1=1.23759 ecu. Figures may not add to totals shown because of rounding.

  Animal Feed
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on how many occasions in each year since 1989 animal feed producers were prosecuted for failure to comply with regulations relating to bovine spongiform encephalopathy governing the production, distribution and supply of cattle feed. [31248]

  Mrs. Browning
  [holding answer 4 June 1996]: No producers of animal feed have been prosecuted for failure to comply with BSE regulations relating to the production, distribution and supply of cattle feed.

  Action has been taken in conjunction with the animal feed producers where problems were identified to put these right. Feed mills are now being visited on a regular basis and samples taken for analysis. This involves tests for mammalian protein which had to be specially developed and were not available for full use until February 1996.

  Beef Supplies
  Mr. Marlow
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in what circumstances he will make over 30 months' prime beef available to the United Kingdom consumer. [31829]

  Mrs. Browning
  [holding answer 7 June 1996]: Proposals for the establishment of a voluntary beef assurance scheme for those specialist beef herds reared mainly on grass which had not come into contact with meat or bonemeal and where no cases of BSE have occurred were issued on 3 May. Under the proposed scheme, participants will be able to sell cattle over 30 months for slaughter for human consumption purposes. The detailed rules of the scheme are being drawn up with a view to introducing it in July.

  Animal Feedstuff
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the measures taken by the Government to ensure that no feed containing meat and bone meal was fed to farm animals over the past 30 months. [31383]

  Mrs. Browning
  [holding answer 10 June 1996]: The Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (Amendment) Order 1996, which came into effect on 29 March, prohibits in Great Britain the sale or supply of any mammalian meat and bone meal, for the purposes of feeding to farmed animals, including poultry, horses and farmed fish. The order also made it an offence, from 4 April, to use any mammalian meat and bonemeal, or feed containing it, for feeding to farmed animals. These measures are being reinforced by a programme of inspection and sampling on
  434
  farms and at feed mills. This programme is due shortly to be widened in scope and intensity to increase the current rate of sampling.

  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what agency will be responsible for identifying proscribed animal feed and for initiating legal proceedings against those holding it; and what estimate he has made of the manpower and budget consequences of this proposal. [31626]

  Mrs. Browning
  [holding answer 10 June 1996]: The state veterinary service and local authorities will be responsible for identifying proscribed mammalian meat and bonemeal and feed containing meat and bonemeal and will initiate proceedings in accordance with the appropriate legislation. Such activities will be carried out as part of their normal enforcement responsibilities.

  Rendering Plant, Thruxted
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the past and present disposal methods of the rendering plant at Thruxted, Kent, when dealing with potentially BSE-contaminated materials; if he will undertake an investigation into possible contamination of the environment at Eggringe wood arising from this plant; and if he will make a statement. [31629]

  Mrs. Browning
  [holding answer 10 June 1996]: This Department has not made an assessment of the effluent disposal methods of the rendering plant at Thruxted Mill, Kent which is the responsibility of the Environment Agency.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the potential for materials extracted from specified bovine offal entering the water supply at Eggringe wood, near Thruxted Mill, in Kent. [31630]

  Mrs. Browning
  [holding answer 10 June 1996]: A water treatment plant for effluent from the offals has been installed at Thruxted Mill and it is for the Environment Agency to decide if the disposal of treated water to land complies with the Water Resources Act 1991. This Department has not made such an assessment.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what quantity of residue from specified bovine offal is being stored at Thruxted Mill in Kent. [31633]

  Mrs. Browning
  [holding answer 10 June 1996]: Approximately 110 tonnes of meat and bonemeal and 90 tonnes of tallow —the resultant material from rendering —is currently stored at Thruxted Mill.

  Live Animal Transport
  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many notices under articles 15 and 16 of the Welfare of Animals during Transport Order 1994 have been issued since the order came into force by local veterinary inspectors in the vicinity of Dover in respect of animals destined for export through the ports of(a) Brightlingsea and (b) Dover where they have identified sheep, calves or pigs which are unfit to travel; and if he will make a statement. [32509]
  435
  Mrs. Browning
  [holding answer 12 June 1996]: None. I also refer the hon. Member to the answers I gave him on 13 May, Official Report, columns 379–80, and on 4 June, Official Report, column 436.

  Rabies
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the circumstances surrounding the discovery of a suspected rabid bat in Newhaven recently. [32710]

  Mrs. Browning
  [holding answer 13 June 1996]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. and learned Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to the hon. Member for Staffordshire (Mr. Fabricant) on 11 June 1996, Official Report, column 139.

  Mr. Banks
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many cases of bats infected with rabies have been confirmed in England during the past five years; how many were among native populations; and how many were suspected of coming from abroad. [32709]

  Mrs. Browning
  [holding answer 13 June 1996]: There has never been a confirmed case of rabies in a bat in England before the case in East Sussex confirmed on 10 June this year.

  Mr. Banks
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the species of bat with suspected rabies discovered in Newhaven recently; when the bat was first noticed; by whom; what action was taken; and when it came into the possession of his Department. [32707]

  Mrs. Browning
  [holding answer 13 June 1996]: The bat is believed to have been a Daubenton's bat. It was reported to a local bat conservation society by a member of the public in Newhaven in East Sussex as being weak and unable to fly. It was collected by a wildlife ranger on 31 May who took it to the society's premises in Shoreham in West Sussex that day. The bat was euthanased on 3 June following a display of uncharacteristic aggression, a spontaneous abortion and an apparent epileptic fit. The carcass was posted to the Veterinary Laboratory Agency at Addlestone on 4 June and arrived on 5 June. Routine tests were under taken for rabies. Rabies was confirmed on 10 June following positive test results to a fluorescent antibody test and a rapid tissue culture isolation test. The results of a heminested RT-PCR mouse innoculation test are still awaited.

  Mr. Banks
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what strain of rabies is suspected in the bat discovered in Newhaven recently; if the strain is capable of being passed on to humans; how long it will take to confirm the bat was rabid; and what methods are used to confirm rabies. [32711]

  Mrs. Browning
  [holding answer 13 June 1996]: Following positive test results to a fluorescent antibody test and a rapid tissue culture isolation test rabies, European bat lyssavirus strain 2 was confirmed on 10 June. This strain is capable of being passed on to humans. The results of the heminested RT-PCR mouse innoculation test are expected in the week beginning 24 June.
  436
  Mr. Banks
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the bat found in Newhaven and suspected of carrying rabies died. [32717]

  Mrs. Browning
  [holding answer 13 June 1996]: The bat was euthanased on 3 June.

  Computers (Millennium)
  Mr. Ingram
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment has been made of the cost effects of the millennium date change on the computer systems operated by his Department. [32671]

  Mr. Boswell
  Work is currently under way in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to assess the impact and likely costs of the millennium date change on the computer systems operated by the Department. Initial planning has been undertaken and a project—which covers applications and systems software, as well as hardware, from our suppliers—has been established under the auspices of the Ministry's information technology steering group. Early activities include an assessment of the impact on selected pilot systems, but until this and other related preliminary work has been completed, likely costs cannot be assessed.

  Dietary Supplements
  Dr. Marek
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what response he has made to the Shrimpton report on "Essential Nutrients in Supplements"; and what assessment he has made of its recommendations relating to consumer choice dietary supplements. [33177]

  Mrs. Browning
  [holding answer 17 June 1996]: We have noted this report commissioned by the European Federation of Associations of Health Product Manufacturers and will take its conclusions into account in considering issues related to the safety of dietary supplements.

  Beef Ban
  Mr. Marlow
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the extent to which the German Government will be able to delay the partial lifting of the beef ban while not being in conflict with EU law; and what mechanisms are available to the German Government to delay the partial lifting of the ban. [33053]

  Mrs. Browning
  [holding answer 17 June 1996]: The ban on the export of cattle, bovine semen and embryos, meat from cattle slaughtered in the United Kingdom, certain other products of such cattle and mammalian meat and bonemeal has been lifted in respect of semen, and subject to conditions of production, labelling and supervision, in respect of gelatine, tallow and certain other products. That partial lifting of the ban was done by a Commission decision that is binding on all member states of the European Community. Any member state that fails to give effect to the decision will be in breach of EC law.

  Mr. MacShane
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list those countries which have banned the import of British beef since 1987. [29036]
  437
  Mrs. Browning
  [pursuant to the reply, 16 May 1996, c. 580–81]: Commission decision 96/239/EC of 27 March provided that the UK shall not export from its territory meat and meat products obtained from bovine animals slaughtered in the UK. The following information sets out the position on the day before the Commission decision was introduced, identifying separately those countries which, during the period from 1987, have introduced and/or maintained a ban, and those which had introduced, but subsequently lifted, such a ban.

  Countries which have maintained a ban:

  Algeria Argentina

  Canada

  China

  Bahrain

  Bulgaria

  Iran

  Iraq

  Jamaica

  Japan

  Jordan

  Kazakhstan (CIS)

  Libya

  Lithuania

  Malaysia

  Philippines

  Russian Federation

  Saudi Arabia

  Switzerland

  Syria

  Taiwan

  United Arab Emirates

  Uzbekistan

  Countries which have introduced, but subsequently lifted, a ban:

  Chile

  Cyprus

  Egypt

  Kuwait

  Lebanon

  State of Sarawak (Malaysia)

  Mauritius

  Morocco

  Oman

  Poland

  Trinidad and Tobago

  Tunisia

  Turkey

  Qatar

  Mr. Simpson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture Fisheries and Food if he will list those non-EU countries which currently ban British beef, indicating in each case the date the ban became effective. [28976]

  Mrs. Browning
  [pursuant to the reply, 16 May 1996, c. 579–80]: Commission decision 96/239/EC of 27 March 1996 provided that the UK shall not export from its territory meat and meat products obtained from bovine animals slaughtered in the UK. The list of third countries
  438
  therefore shows those countries with a ban on imports of British beef on the day before the introduction of the Commission Decision. The month and year when the ban was introduced are shown where available.

  Importing country

  Date of ban

  Algeria

  June 1990

  Argentina

  August 1991

  Bahrain

  —

  Bulgaria

  September 1994

  Canada

  March 1996

  China

  October 1990

  Iran

  June 1990

  Iraq

  October 1994

  Jamaica

  September 1991

  Japan

  July 1990

  Jordan

  September 1990

  Kazakhstan (CIS)

  August 1993

  Libya

  November 1990

  Lithuania

  April 1995

  Malaysia

  —

  Philippines

  October 1994

  Russian Federation

  September 1993

  Saudi Arabia

  September 1990

  Switzerland

  June 1990

  Syria

  August 1990

  Taiwan

  February 1990

  United Arab Emirates

  August 1990

  Uzbekistan

  —

  Water Treatment
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has made of the annual cost of water treatment to remove pollutants derived from agricultural activity from(a) United Kingdom waterways and (b) United Kingdom drinking water supplies; and if he will make a statement. [32289]

  Mr. Clappison
  I have been asked to reply.

  Government policy is to take measures to reduce the risk of pollution from agricultural sources. Some costs are incurred in dealing with pollutants arising from agricultural activity but information is not collected centrally. Water suppliers in the United Kingdom have spent around £150 million per annum between 1990–91 and 1994–95 on treatment to remove pesticides and nitrates from drinking water supplies.

WALES

  Cattle Slaughter
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the locations his Department is(a) using and (b) considering using for the storage of the remains of cattle aged 30 months or over following processing of carcasses at rendering plants prior to final disposal; what is the estimated (a) maximum and (b) minimum periods these remain will be at these storage sites; and if he will make a statement. [31557]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  The Intervention Board executive agency is currently storing the resultant material from animals rendered under the 30-month scheme at stores in Exeter, Belfast, Liverpool and Gloucestershire.
  439
  Other locations will be considered in due course as it becomes apparent that more storage facilities are required. As announced by my hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture on 16 April, a number of options for the disposal of meat and bonemeal produced at plants are under active consideration and in all cases full weight will be given to protecting the environment. The options include incineration and energy recovery. The period of storage will vary between stores and will be dependent upon the final disposal route chosen.

  Mobile Homes (Council Tax)
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the application of the council tax upon mobile homes. [32886]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  A mobile home that is someone's sole or main residence and is stationed with a degree of permanence, with its pitch, constitutes a dwelling liable to council tax.

  Health Authorities
  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent representations he has received from health authorities concerning the level of funding provided to them by the Welsh Office for 1996–97 and the implications for contracts with the providing trusts; and if he will make a statement. [32269]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  Since October 1995, six letters have been received by my right hon. Friend and four parliamentary questions have been answered. Contracts are a matter between NHS trusts and health authorities.

  Postage Costs
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales 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. [32848]

  Mr. Hague
  The information is as follows:

  Financial Year

  Postage (£)

  Number of items

  1994–95

  496,869

  1,178,038

  1995–96

  427,616

  1,203,371

  Enterprise Zones
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is his policy on enterprise zones in Wales; and if he will make a statement. [32884]

  Mr. Hague
  In December 1987, the Government announced that the enterprise zone scheme would not be extended other than in exceptional circumstances.

  Cattle Database
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what proposals he has to establish a national (Wales) cattle database. [32892]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  In the Government's response to the Agriculture Select Committee report on the identification and registration of farm livestock last year, we recognised that a national database might be an appropriate solution to the new arrangements to be 440
  introduced by the EU after 1996. This will need to be looked at in more detail. In the meantime, interested organisations are being consulted about the Government's proposals for compulsory cattle passports. These documents will improve animal identification and traceability and are an important element in the measures being taken by the Government to restore confidence in British beef.

  Pharmacies
  Mr. Chris Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the number of pharmacies in Wales by year since 1979. [33081]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  The information is given in the following table

  Number of Pharmacies1

  1979

  676

  1980

  675

  1981

  663

  1982

  664

  1983

  664

  1984

  666

  1985

  676

  1986

  695

  1987

  709

  1988

  704

  1989

  702

  1990

  707

  1991

  706

  1992

  707

  1993

  708

  1994

  712

  1995

  715

  1 At 31 December for 1979 to 1989 and 30 September thereafter.

  Cardiff Airport
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the future prospects for Cardiff airport. [33162]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  The future prospects for Cardiff international airport are excellent. TBI plc, the airport's owner, is investing heavily in new facilities which will help to create one of the most modern regional airports in the United Kingdom.

  Exports
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what estimates he has made of the value of goods exported annually from Wales from United Kingdom manufacturing industries; and if he will make a statement. [33168]

  Mr. Hague
  The information requested is not available in the form requested.

ATTORNEY-GENERAL

  Driving Offences
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Attorney-General on how many occasions in the last five years a charge of manslaughter has been brought as a result of a driving offence. [32802]
  441
  Mr. Maclean
  I have been asked to reply.

  The information available to me shows that 64 manslaughter charges were brought in England and Wales during the period 1990 to 1994, following the commission of a motoring offence.

  Information for 1995 is not yet available.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Cattle Slaughter
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the locations his Department is(a) using and (b) considering using for the storage of the remains of cattle aged 30 months or over following processing of carcases at rendering plants prior to final disposal; what is the estimated (i) maximum and (ii) minimum period these remains will be at these storage sites; and if he will make a statement. [31551]

  Mr. Ancram
  (a) The Intervention Board is currently storing rendered remains of Northern Ireland cattle aged 30 months or over at stores in Belfast and Liverpool.

  (b) Other locations will be considered in due course as it becomes apparent that more storage facilities are required.

  (i) and (ii) The period of storage will vary between stores and will be dependent upon the final disposal route chosen.

  Traffic Wardens
  Mr. Mallon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in what circumstances(a) performance-related pay, and (b) commission is paid to traffic wardens in Northern Ireland. [32582]

  Sir John Wheeler
  Traffic wardens are not on performance-related pay, nor do they receive commission in relation to their duties. Their present salary arrangements are detailed below. Progression to the maximum of the scale is subject to satisfactory performance and is on an annual basis.

  Traffic warden

  £9,510 (on appointment)

  £9,710 (max)

  Senior traffic warden

  £9,970 (on appointment)

  £10,155

  £10,365 (max).

  Teachers
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many teachers there are in(a) primary schools and (b) secondary schools in (i) Strangford constituency and (b) Northern Ireland; and what have been the figures in each of the past five years. [32175]

  Mr. Ancram
  The information requested is as follows:
  442

  Strangford constituency

  Northern Ireland

  School year

  Primary

  Secondary

  Primary

  Secondary

  1995–96

  359

  353

  8,415

  10,075

  1994–95

  387

  356

  8,766

  10,005

  1993–94

  354

  340

  8,226

  9,688

  1992–93

  342

  341

  8,035

  9,544

  1991–92

  338

  331

  7,920

  9,443

  1990–91

  337

  331

  7,944

  9,553

  Road Gritting
  Mr. Mallon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the additions, deletions or amendments to the main line road gritting schedules on each section of the southern division of the Department of the Environment Roads Service, in each of the last 10 years. [32581]

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

  Letter from G. P. Fraser to Mr. Seamus Mallon, dated 18 June 1996:
  The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has asked the Chief Executive to reply to your question about amendments to the main line road gritting schedules in each section of the Southern Division of Roads Service and in his absence I am replying on his behalf. It is assumed that the question refers to the Craigavon Division of Roads Service.

  The information is as follows:-

  Additions

  Year

  Route

  1987

  B135

  Cullyhanna Road, Crossmaglen

  C222

  Tullynaval Road, Crossmaglen

  C217

  Chapel Road, Camlough Creeve Road, Newry

  C213

  Ballymoyer Road, Newtownhamilton

  1988

  Newry By-pass: Stage 1 Banbridge By-pass (second carriageway)

  1989

  No additions

  1990

  C310

  Diamond Road, Dromore

  C227

  Dundalk Road, Crossmaglen (short section)

  B135

  Carron Road, Crossmaglen (short section)

  1991

  Meadow Lane Link Road, Portadown Link Road, Dromore Anderson Street/Victoria Street, Banbridge

  1992

  M1/M12 Link Road, Craigavon A1 Mullans Corner, Dromore (second carriageway)

  1993

  Kenlis Street Roundabout and Link Road, Banbridge Main Street, Forkhill (short section)

  1994

  No additions

  1995

  Newry By-pass: Stage 2 Fort Street, Banbridge (short section)

  Other additions—precise dates unknown

  Ballynahone Avenue, Armagh

  Victoria Park, Armagh

  443

  Mellifont Park, Armagh

  Linseys Hill, Armagh

  Killuney Manor, Armagh

  Culdee Street, Armagh

  Windmill Avenue, Armagh

  Navan Street, Armagh

  Angela Crescent, Richhill

  Richmond Heights, Richhill

  Laurelvale Road, Tandragee

  Derryhale Road, Tandragee

  Deletions

  Year

  Route

  1988

  Kilmorey Crescent, Kilkeel Riverside Park, Kilkeel Caddels Lane, Rathfriland School Road, Rathfriland Back Road, Rathfriland Cross Heights, Rathfriland Spelga Drive, Rathfriland Kiltarriff Park, Rathfriland Mourne View, Rathfriland

  1995

  C203 Cormalat Road, Newtownhamilton

  I hope you find this information helpful.

  Firearms Deaths
  Mr. Robert McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will arrange for the maintenance and publication by his Department of statistics concerning deaths caused by legally held firearms, to include the particular type of gun, the reason for the grant of a firearm certificate, and a breakdown of the type of death by(a) murder, (b) suicide or (c) accident; and if he will make a statement. [32081]

  Sir John Wheeler
  I have asked the chief constable to consider the feasibility of collating this information. I will then consider whether the costs of producing the figures outweigh the benefits of having them. It is not possible to

  Gross public expenditure

  £ million (1994–95 prices)

  1990–91 Outturn

  1991–92 Outturn

  1992–93 Outturn

  1993–94 Outturn

  1994–95 Outturn

  1995–96 Estimated outturn

  (a) DOE Water Service

  137

  147

  161

  175

  187

  195

  (b) NIES

  54

  61

  62

  —

  —'

  —

  (c) DED

  581

  548

  520

  530

  503

  514

  (d) NIHE

  547

  539

  534

  518

  518

  529

  (e) Social Security Agency (including Social Security Benefits)

  —

  2,263

  2,467

  2,655

  2,786

  2,905

  (f) DANI

  240

  246

  247

  276

  317

  310

  (g) Child Support Agency

  —

  —

  —

  5

  5

  6

  (h) DENI

  1,179

  1,242

  1,277

  1,288

  1,326

  1,338

  (i) DHSS

  3,433

  3,637

  3,892

  4,143

  4,342

  4,535

  (j) DFP

  56

  60

  56

  62

  75

  86

  (k) NIO

  818

  863

  943

  955

  930

  877

  (l) Southern ELB

  101

  200

  216

  215

  215

  215

  (m) Southern HSSB

  136

  140

  170

  179

  185

  192

  444
  estimate when the exercise will be completed, but I shall write to the hon. and learned Gentleman as soon as the information becomes available.

  Northern Ireland Budget
  Mr. Mallon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the total annual budget in real terms for Northern Ireland, actual or estimated, for each financial year since 1990. [32583]

  Sir John Wheeler
  The information requested is shown in the table and relates to total gross public expenditure for Northern Ireland, including cyclical social security benefits, at 1994–95 price levels.

  (1994–95 prices)

  £ million

  1990–911

  7,588

  1991–921

  7,923

  1992–91

  8,288

  1993–941

  8,559

  1994–951

  8,872

  1995–962

  8,981

  1 Outturn.

  2 Estimated Outturn.

  Mr. Mallon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the total annual budget in real terms for the(a) Department of the Environment Northern Ireland Water Service, (b) Northern Ireland Electricity Service, (c) Department of Economic Development, (d) Northern Ireland Housing Executive, (e) Social Security Agency, (f) Department of Agriculture, (g) Child Support Agency, (h) Department of Education, (i) Department of Health and Social Services, (j) Department of Finance and Personnel, (k) Northern Ireland Office, (l) Southern education and library board; (m) Southern health and social services board, (n) Department of Environment Roads Service, (o) the Local Enterprise Development Unit and (p) the Industrial Development Board, actual or estimated, for each financial year since 1990. [32584]

  Sir John Wheeler
  The information is shown in the table and relates to gross public expenditure at 1994–95 price levels for the bodies requested.
  445

  Gross public expenditure

  £ million (1994–95 prices)

  1990–91 Outturn

  1991–92 Outturn

  1992–93 Outturn

  1993–94 Outturn

  1994–95 Outturn

  1995–96 Estimated outturn

  (n) DOE Roads Service

  155

  159

  153

  158

  161

  154

  (o) LEDU

  50

  41

  36

  34

  35

  34

  (p) IDB

  268

  240

  185

  173

  167

  153

  1. The NIE was privatised in 1993.

  2. The Social Security Agency and the Child Support Agency were created in 1991–92 and 1993–94 respectively.

  3. Figures for DHSS include the Social Security Agency, social security benefits (including cyclical benefits), the Child Support Agency and the Southern health and social services board.

  4. The 1990–91 Southern education and library board figure excludes teachers' and lecturers' salary costs. These became the responsibility of the Boards from 1991–92 onwards.

  5. The DENI figures include those shown for the Southern education and library board.

  6. The DED figures include those shown for IDB, LEDU and the NIES.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Research Councils
  Mr. Miller
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what guidelines he has issued to research councils as to the use of money allocated for expenditure on indirect costs. [31588]

  Mr. Ian Taylor
  My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade has not issued any guidance to the research councils concerning the use of money allocated for expenditure on indirect costs within research grants to higher education institutions. The indirect costs awarded in these grants was set at 40 per cent. of the staff component of the grant in 1992 by the then Secretary of State for Education and Science.

  Arms Exports
  Miss Lestor
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what measures the United Kingdom will propose to the forthcoming G7 summit on 28 and 29 June to limit export credits for arms. [32700]

  Mr. Oppenehim
  The UK continues to press in international forums that export credits and other financial support extended to the poorest developing countries should be focused primarily on goods and services which will foster and sustain their economic rehabilitation and development.

  Milk Marque
  Mr. John Marshall
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade when the Office of Fair Trading started its inquiry into Milk Marque; and when it is expected to report. [32645]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The Office of Fair Trading has been closely monitoring developments in the milk market since its deregulation in November 1994. During this time, the office has received a number of complaints about alleged abuses of monopoly power by Milk Marque. It is for the Director General of Fair Trading to consider whether there are grounds for him to use his powers under the provisions of the Fair Trading Act 1973 to make a monopoly reference to the Monopolies and Mergers 446
  Commission. He hopes to reach a decision at the earliest
  opportunity.

  Recruitment
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how much his Department spent in recruiting staff to his Department and its executive agencies during the 1994–95 and 1995–96 financial years; and how many staff were recruited in each of these years. [31401]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  I have asked the agencies to reply directly to the hon. Member. As for the remainder of my Department, in 1994–95 46 staff were recruited to permanent positions at a cost of £386, 129. All these staff were at grade 7 or below. In 1995–96, 62 staff were recruited to permanent positions at grade 7 level and below, at a cost of £392,898. In addition, in 1995–96 three senior staff were recruited at a total cost of £104,746.

  Letter from Jim Norton to Mr, Brian Donohoe, dated 18 June 1996:
  Question: To ask the President of the Board of Trade, how much his Department spent in recruiting staff to his Department and its executive agencies during the 1994–95 and 1995–96 financial years; and how many staff were recruited in each of these years.
  I have been asked to answer the question your raised on behalf of the Radiocommunications Agency.
  RA expenditure on staff recruitment was £30,313 in 1994/95, and £35,935 in 1995/96. 10 staff were recruited in 1994/95 and 23 in 1995/96.

  Letter from Peter Joyce to Mr. Brian Donohoe, dated 18 June 1996:
  The President of the Board of Trade has asked me to reply to your question about the amount spent by The Insolvency Service in recruiting staff during the 1994/95 and 1995/96 financial years; and how many staff were recruited in each of these years.
  The numbers and the associated costs for the recruitment of permanent staff into The Insolvency Service were as follows:

  1994/95: 27 staff at a total of £42,830

  1995/96: 1 member of staff at a cost of £284.

  Letter from John S. Holden to Mr. Brian Donohoe, dated 18 June 1996:
  I have been asked by the President of the Board of Trade to reply on behalf of Companies House to your recent Parliamentary Question (as/2400) concerning recruitment numbers and costs.
  The numbers recruited during 1994–95 and 1995–96 were as follows, itemised by grade:
  Recruitment Analysis: By substantive grade. Financial years 1994–95 and 1995–96
  447

  1994–95

  1995–96

  Heads

  FTE

  Heads

  FTE

  G7

  —

  —

  2

  1.65

  EO

  —

  —

  1

  1

  AO

  —

  —

  4

  4

  AA

  35

  29.27

  87

  76.56

  SGB2

  69

  58.38

  61

  49.83

  Totals

  104

  87.65

  155

  133.0

  I should explain that the majority of those particularly at the AA and SGB2 grades were casual staff on short term appointments.

  All recruitment at Companies House is undertaken by our Personnel Section. Recruitment costs are not itemised separately but are included within the general costs of that section.

  Letter from Ron Marchant to Mr. Brian Donohoe, dated 18 June 1996:
  In the absence of the Comptroller General on official business, I am responding in relation to the Patent Office to the your parliamentary question to the President of the Board of Trade about staff recruitment. The information requested is as follows:

  (i)1994/95
  The Patent Office recruited two fixed-term Network Services Technicians at a cost of £1,628.55, which is for the advertisement in the "Western Mail" and "Wales on Sunday".
  In addition, we recruited six graduates as patent examiners at a total cost of £5,722.07 made up from:

  Advertising and Recruitment Fairs: £3,600.00

  Recruitment and Assessment Services: £1,185.00

  Expenses for candidates at interview boards: £937.07

  (ii) 1995/96
  In this period we recruited 12 graduates for the patent examiner grades at a cost of £13,632.58 made up from:

  Advertising and Recruitment Fairs: £7,362.23

  Hiring Board Chairman: £1,856.50

  Expenses for those attending interviews: £1,300.00

  Entry in graduate recruitment directory: £3,113.75

  Letter from Zélie Armstrong to Mr. Brian Donohoe, dated 18 June 1996:
  The President of the Board of Trade has asked the National Weights and Measures Laboratory to reply to your questions about the cost and the number of staff recruited in 1994–95 and 1995–96.
  The figures you require are as follows:

  1994–95 3 staff recruited; £662.50

  1995–96 2 staff recruited; £1,359.00

  Ostrich Farming
  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) if he will list all companies his Department's investigations showed to be connected to directors and others involved with the Ostrich Farming Corporation Ltd. indicating those companies currently under investigation by(a) his Department and (b) other public bodies; [32929]

  (2) what investigations his Department is making into companies which obtained sales and marketing commissions from the Ostrich Farming Corporation Ltd. and the methods used by those companies to earn those commissions. [32932]
  448
  Mr. John M. Taylor
  Such inquiries are confidential and I cannot comment on whether the companies closely associated with Ostrich Farming Corporation Ltd. in the marketing of ostriches have or are being investigated.

  Mr. Shaw
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what action his Department is taking to protect the interests of owners of ostriches purchased from the Ostrich Farming Corporation Ltd. [32930]

  Mr. Taylor
  Following inquiries under part XIV of the Companies Act 1985, the Secretary of State presented a petition for the winding-up of the company in the public interest and, at the same time, sought and shortly afterwards obtained the appointment of the official receiver as provisional liquidator of the company. The official receiver is in communication with the farming companies to which the company contracted out the day-to-day care of such ostriches and with owners and representatives of owners, and is continuing to seek the directions of the court in relation to this.

  Mr. Shaw
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment he has made of the compliance of the accounting records kept by the directors of the Ostrich Farming Corporation Ltd. with Companies Act legislation; and what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the company's records of assets and liabilities. [32933]

  Mr. Taylor
  Following inquiries under part XIV of the Companies Act 1985 the Secretary of State presented a petition to the court for the winding-up of the company in the public interest and has applied for and obtained the appointment of the official receiver as provisional liquidator of the company. The official receiver has taken into his possession the known books and records, including those which are computerised and will, if appropriate, report on any deficiencies he may find in such records to the appropriate authority.

  Mr. Shaw
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade on how many occasions the marketing of ostriches by the Ostrich Farming Corporation Ltd. and the operation of the company contravening(a) financial services, (b) companies and (c) banking legislation. [32931]

  Mr. Taylor
  If the Department discovers possible contraventions of legislation in the course of its inquiries, it considers these carefully and, if appropriate, takes action or reports its findings to those with responsibility for such action, but I cannot comment on individual cases.

  Mr. Shaw
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what investigations he has conducted into newspapers which carried advertisements for the sale of ostriches by the Ostrich Farming Corporation Ltd.(a) in respect of their carrying out appropriate investigations prior to accepting the advertising and (b) the compliance of the advertisements with the financial services legislation. [32928]

  Mr. Taylor
  In respect of(a) none.

  Under the self-regulatory system of advertising controls in the UK, it is the responsibility of the Advertising Standards Authority to ensure that the advertising industry complies with its agreed codes of practice.

  In respect of (b) none.

  Burma
  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what was the cost of Government funding of the recent business delegation to Rangoon [32357]

  Mr. Nelson
  The DTI provided £23,000 towards the cost of funding the recent business delegation to Rangoon, in the form of £1,000 grants given to eligible UK companies that participated in the Asia Pacific advisory group trade mission.

  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what was the cost of mounting the "Burma—the Next Tiger?" conference in London. [32356]

  Mr. Nelson
  After deducting the income derived from attendance charges, the total cost to DTI of mounting the trade awareness seminar—"Burma—the Next Tiger" on 5 December 1995 was around £4,500.

  Director General of the Research Councils
  Mr. Ingram
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade when the contract for the Director General of the Research Councils expires. [33132]

  Mr. Ian Taylor
  The contract runs to 31 December 1996 in the first instance, with the possibility of renewal for a further two years if all parties are content.

  Framework IV Programmes
  Mr. Ingram
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what representations have been made to the European Commission on funding for research and development under the European framework IV programmes. [33133]

  Mr. Ian Taylor
  Information on representations made to the European Commission on this subject is not held centrally. The budgets for the fourth framework programme for research and technological development were established in decisions 1110/94/EC and 94/268/Euratom and the decisions which subsequently amended them to take account of the enlargement of the European Union. The Commission has recently proposed an increase of 700 mecu in the funding of the programme. The UK has opposed this through the usual negotiation machinery both because of its implications for the European Union's financial perspectives and because no convincing case has been made for the additional expenditure on its merits.

  Mr. Ingram
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what is his policy in respect of the principle and structure of the research and development task forces under the European framework IV programmes. [33134]

  Mr. Taylor
  The UK has welcomed the task force initiative. Task forces can play a useful role in improving prioritisation and co-ordination in the fourth framework programme as long as they are not too prescriptive. Experience suggests that they are most effective when they involve member states closely, focus on clearly defined areas where publicly funded R and D can make a real contribution to resolving a market failure and consult widely and meaningfully with industry and other relevant interests. It is important that framework programme IV's450
  established decision-making procedures are fully respected in any implementation of task force recommendations.

  Business Links
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many business links have a design consultant or consultancy as part of the service they offer to small and medium enterprises. [33548]

  Mr. Page
  All business links are to offer design services and have been invited to bid for funding.

  To date, proposals from 50 business links partnerships have been approved and 27 design counsellors are in post.

  Customer Charters
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade 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. [32828]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The information requested on customers charters currently in use within my Department and it executive agencies is as follows:

  (a) Charters:

  The Redundancy Payments Service

  Charter Standard Statements:

  Companies House

  The Insolvency Service

  Patent Office

  Radiocommunications Agency

  Overseas Trade Services

  Commissioners for the Rights of Trade Union Members

  (b) None.

  Statistics
  Mr. Fisher
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade which statistics his Department has discontinued(a) the collection and (b) the publication of since 1989. [32867]

  Mr. Lang
  In 1989 responsibility for the collection and publication of economic statistics was transferred from my Department to the Central Statistical Office—now the Office for National Statistics. Since that, there have been no major changes in the collection orf publication of the statistics that remain within the control of my Department. Minor changes in statistical series are made from time to time in response to the requirements of Government and international organisations for statistical information.

  Postage Costs
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade 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. [32842]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  Expenditure on postal services in each of the years was as follows:

  1994–95: £793,000

  1995–96: £718,000

  451
  Volumetric data are not available for 1994–95. In 1995–96, 1,175,698 items were despatched from headquarters offices. These items account for 92 per cent. of the postal expenditure.

  Companies (Financial Assistance)
  Mr. Jamieson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if a financial interest was declared by Mr. Z when he was a director of company Y, the identities having been supplied to him, at a time when this company received financial assistance from his Department; which form this declaration took; if the declaration was voluntary; if Mr. Z absented himself from the relevant meetings; what procedures were followed by his officials in vetting the application(s); and if he will make a statement. [30038]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  [holding answer 20 May 1996]: Members of the South West industrial development board are required as a matter of routine to declare directorships and other financial interests, and Mr. Z complied with this principle in respect of his directorship of company Y. He absented himself from the discussion by the board of the one regional selective assistance case involving the company arising during his period as a member, and officials additionally ensured that he did not see papers relating to that case. The application was appraised by the Department's south-west regional office following the usual procedures for cases of that size.

  Mr. Jamieson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list those individuals and consultancies that have advised his Department's south-west regional office on applications from companies for financial assistance since 1980. [28752]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  [holding answer 13 May 1996]: In addition to those listed in my answer of 4 June 1996, Official Report, column 308, the following external advisers have assisted the Department's south-west regional office—now the Government office for the south-west—on applications from companies for financial assistance since 1980:

  Mr. J. A. Strzelecki, Accounting and Marketing Services Ltd.

  Mr. K. E. Holmes, Dellcourts Ltd.

  Mr. J. Thornhill

  Mr. Andrew Holton

  Others may also have provided advice on an occasional basis in the earlier part of the period, but we have been unable to confirm this from surviving records.

  Mr. Jamieson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list the applications to his Department's south-west regional office for regional selective assistance that are prepared by company W, whose identity has been supplied to him, by(a) number and (b) percentage; what measures he has taken to ensure that such services are fairly distributed among other accountancy firms; and if he will make a statement. [30027]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  [holding answer 20 May 1996]: It is for applicants to decide whether to retain advisers and, if so, which. The identity of advisers is not necessarily evident from the face of the application and the total number and percentage of applications prepared with the help of company W could therefore be researched only at disproportionate cost.
  452
  Mr. Jamieson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what financial assistance has been given by his Department since 1980 to (i) company A, (ii) company B, (iii) company C, (iv) company D, (v) company E, (vi) company F and (vii) company G, whose identities have been supplied to him by(a) type of grant and (b) date, including month. [27737]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  [holding answer 2 May 1996]: Four of the companies have received assistance under the Department's principal regional, enterprise and technology schemes:

  Company

  Scheme

  Payment £

  Date

  A

  Consultancy initiative

  4,835

  November 1992

  D

  Consultancy initiative

  4,681

  July 1991

  E

  Regional Selective Assistance

  9,040

  April 1980

  First project (offered in 1977)

  9,040

  April 1981

  Second project

  40,000

  August 1988

  40,000

  May 1990

  Third project

  300,000

  December 1989

  150,000

  January 1991

  Fourth project

  250,000

  March 1993

  70,000

  January 1996

  F

  Regional Selective Assistance

  60,000

  October 1986

  First project

  30,000

  February 1988

  Second project

  30,000

  November 1995

  Mr. Jamieson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what financial assistance has been given by his Department since 1980 to (i) company H, (ii) company I, (iii) company J, (iv) company K, (v) company L, (vi) company M and (vii) company N, whose identities have been supplied to him by (a) type of grant and (b) date, including month. [27738]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  [holding answer 2 May 1996]: Three of the companies have received assistance under the Department's principal regional, enterprise and technology schemes:

  Company

  Scheme

  Payment £

  Date

  J

  Consultancy initiative

  2,562

  November 1990

  L

  Regional selective assistance

  First project

  120,000

  July 1984

  119,000

  August 1985

  119,000

  November 1986

  Second project

  125,000

  September 1986

  125,000

  February 1989

  Microprocessor application project

  100,091

  March 1985

  N

  EUREKA First project

  204,617

  11 payments from May 1991 to July 1993

  Second project

  61,299

  2 payments, March and September 1992

  453

  Company

  Scheme

  Payment £

  Date

  Third project Awareness/demonstrators programme

  7,500

  November 1995

  First project

  3,500

  October 1991

  Second project

  10,000

  March 1990

  Third project Advanced technology programme

  14,927

  March 1992

  First project

  181,229

  6 payments from February 1993 to August 1994

  Second project

  50,000

  4 payments from March to October 1995

  Mr. Jamieson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what financial assistance has been given by his Department since 1980 to (i) company O, (ii) company P, (iii) company Q, (iv) company R, (v) company S, (vi) company T and (vii) company U, whose identities have been supplied to him by(a) a type of grant and (b) date, including month. [27739]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  [holding answer 2 May 1996]: Two of the companies have received assistance under the Department's principal regional, enterprise and technology schemes:

  Company

  Scheme

  Payment £

  Date

  O

  Consultancy initiative

  2,513

  July 1989

  U

  Support for innovation—first project

  68,314

  4 payments from January to October 1983

  Second project

  58,431

  4 payments from Marcg to December 1984

  Mr. Jamieson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade, pursuant to his answer of 29 April,Official Report, columns 363–64, what was the value of the offer to Porthcurno Management Company Ltd.; on what date (a) the application and (b) the offer were made; and what was the nature of the financial assistance offered. [28302]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  [holding answer 7 May 1996]: The offer to Porthcurno Management Company Ltd. was for £500,000 regional selective assistance grant and was made in December 1993, the application having been made two months earlier.

  Mr. Jamieson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade, pursuant to his answer of 29 April,Official Report, column 365, on what date regional selective assistance was granted for each of the three mentioned projects undertaken by Marine Projects (Plymouth) Ltd.; and what part of this financial assistance was made under the terms of the previous offers. [28303]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  [holding answer 7 May 1996]: In clarification of my earlier answer, the dates of offer and first payment of grant in respect of each of the three projects are as follows:
  454

  Offer

  First payment

  First project

  December 1983

  January 1984

  Second project

  October 1986

  July 1988

  Third project

  March 1989

  January 1991

  These grants were unrelated to the earlier offers of regional selective assistance made to the company.

  Mr. Jamieson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what role was played by Mr. Kenneth Holmes in the granting of DTI financial assistance to Marine Projects (Plymouth) Ltd. since 1980. [28267]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  [holding answer 7 May 1996]: None.

  Mr. Jamieson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade, pursuant to his answer of 29 April,Official Report, column 363, if he will state (i) the advice offered by Mr.Kenneth Holmes on application for DTI financial assistance by Rodelco China Ltd. (ii) the outcome of this application, (iii) the value of the offer made to the company, (iv) if the subsequent offers made to Character Ceramics Ltd. were made in conjunction with the original offer to Rodelco China Ltd. and (v) what was the value of the offers made in 1992 and 1993 to the business when trading as Character Ceramics Ltd. [28298]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  [holding answer 7 May 1996]: Mr. Kenneth Holmes identified various shortcomings in the initial application by Rodelco China which led the Department's south-west regional office to reject the application in June 1992. A second subsequent application was made by Rodelco China in July 1992, which resulted in an offer of £88,000 regional selective assistance in November 1992 to the business, by the then incorporated as Character Ceramics Ltd. A third application resulted in a further offer of £20,000 in March 1993.

  Europa Tool Co.
  Rev. Martin Smyth
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many representations he has had concerning the location of the Europa Tool Co. [32244]

  Mr. Ancram
  I have been asked to reply.

  Thirty-eight representations have been made to the Northern Ireland office concerning the Europa Tool Co.

  South West Regional Development Board
  Mr. Jamieson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what is the average attendance for his Department's South West regional development board for each year since 1990; what number constitutes a quorum; and what changes(a) have been implemented since 1990 and (b) will be implemented in the future. [30028]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  [holding answer 20 May 1996]: The average number of members attending is as follows:

  1990: 5.75

  199 1: 5.00

  1992: 5.67

  1993: 5.50

  1994: 6.67

  1995: 6.30

  1996 (to date): 5.50

  455
  Members who are unable to attend a meeting may submit views in writing in advance which are circulated to those attending.

  The board has throughout this period generally regarded four members, including the chairman or acting chairman, as constituting a quorum, but it has occasionally agreed to discuss cases—usually as an extraordinary meeting not making formal recommendations—despite attendees falling below this level.

  The Department is reviewing, in the light of the internal report on the implications of the ROM-Data case, the quorums set for regional industrial development boards and the procedural rules covering circumstances in which numbers fall below quorum. The Government office for the south-west hopes to increase membership of its board which should, as well as strengthening the board's expertise, increase average attendance levels.

  Nuclear Industry (Privatisation)
  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for East Lothian (Mr. Home Robertson) of 30 January,Official Report, column 657, and the Government's reply to the second report of the Trade and Industry Committee, Session 1995–96, HC 383, on nuclear privatisation, what is the division of third-party liability for British Energy between the operator and public funds; what is the extent of the liability for compensation from public funds; which other private industries are liable for compensation to be paid out of public funds; and what plans he has to establish the maximum liability of the private operator at 300 million special driving rights. [32502]

  Mr. Lang
  [holding answer 11 June 1996]: Under the Nuclear Installations Act 1965, as amended, the third party nuclear liability of a licensed nuclear operator is limited to £140 million per incident. The Act requires the operator to make provision, through insurance or other means, as approved by Government, for sufficient funds

  Date

  SWIDB members

  Applicant

  Assistance applied for £

  Assistance offered £

  27 March 1990

  Kenneth Holmes

  South West Farm Processors Ltd.

  250,000

  200,000

  26 June 1990

  Roger Harris

  Felix Engineering Ltd.

  175,000

  175,000

  19 March 12991

  Michael Knight

  Western National Ltd.

  210,000

  210,000

  25 June 1991

  Roger Harris

  Redruth Brewery (1792) Ltd.

  200,000

  200,000

  26 November 1991

  Roger Harris

  ROM-Data Corporation Ltd.

  750,000

  750,000

  31 March 1991

  Roger Harris and Graham Stirling

  Barden Corporation (UK) Ltd.

  320,000

  320,000

  27 October 1992

  Roger Harris

  Fibre Data Group Ltd.

  220,000

  220,000

  23 February 1993

  Roger Harris

  Pendennis Shipyard (Holdings) Ltd.

  350,000

  350,000

  27 July 1993

  Roger Harris

  B and S Screw Machine Services Ltd.

  750,000

  750,000

  30 November 1993

  Roger Harris

  Falmouth Oil Services Ltd.

  925,000

  850,000

  Roger Harris

  Porthcurno Management Company Ltd.

  500,000

  500,000

  Roger Harris

  Rittal-CSM Ltd.

  250,000

  250,000

  21 December 1993

  Roger Harris

  Omitec Thin Films Ltd.

  250,000

  222,000

  26 January 1994

  Roger Harris

  Wrafton Laboratories Ltd.

  500,000

  450,000

  23 February 1994

  Roger Harris

  Roach Foods Ltd.

  750,000

  750,000

  23 Marach 1994

  Roger Harris and Michael Jordan

  Magrathea (Pendennis) Ltd.

  400,000

  400,000

  Graham Stirling

  Thomson IBL Ltd.

  500,000

  500,000

  25 May and 29 June 1994

  Roger Harris

  ZoMed International Ltd.

  900,000

  800,000

  25 May and 27 July 1994

  Phil Gregory1 and Roger Harris

  Squaresail Shipyard Ltd.

  150,000

  150,000

  27 July 1994

  Roger Harris

  Tecalmit Systems Ltd.

  475,000

  400,000

  Roger Harris

  Allen and Heath Ltd.

  500,000

  350,000

  11 August 1994

  Roger Harris

  Bairdwear (Bridgwater) Ltd.

  200,000

  150,000

  Roger Harris

  FalFab LLC

  266,667

  250,000

  25 January 1995

  Roger Harris

  Topfoto Services Ltd.

  325,000

  250,00

  12 Apr 1995

  Roger Harris

  Redruth Brewery (1792) Ltd.

  975,000

  700,00

  456
  to be available at all times to ensure that duly established claims are satisfied up to £140 million in respect of each of the cover periods specified in the Act. The Act also provides that Government shall make available such sums, as when aggregated with funds available through insurance, or from contributions made by other parties to the Brussels convention on civil nuclear liability, or other means, may be necessary to ensure that claims up to an amount equivalent to 300 million special drawing rights—currently equivalent to £286 million—may be met. Parliament may also vote further funds.

  These arrangements, which derive from the Brussels convention, are specific to the nuclear industry which is subject to strict liability and legal channelling. They apply whether an operator is in the public or private sector. When the UK limit of operator liability was set at £140 million, it took into account the capacity of commercial insurance available in the market. There has been no significant change in insurance capacity since then. The Government continue to monitor the situation.

  South West Industrial Development Board
  Mr. Jamieson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list the occasions since 1990 on which members of his Department's South West industrial development board have absented themselves from board meetings because of potential conflicts of interests, indicating the(a) date, (b) board members, (c) relevant company, (d) value of the financial assistance applied for and (e) value of assistance subsequently offered. [28753]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  [holding answer 13 May 1996]: The table lists the occasions on which members of the South West industrial development board are recorded as having, since 1990, absented themselves—because of potential conflicts of interest—from discussions of cases which have subsequently resulted in offers. On two occasions, as noted, they did not physically withdraw. Members have also absented themselves on 14 other occasions after which applications have been rejected or withdrawn without an offer being made.
  457

  Date

  SWIDB members

  Applicant

  Assistance applied for £

  Assistance offered £

  28 June 1995

  Roger Harris

  CH Brannam Ltd.

  350,000

  225,000

  25 October 1995

  Roger Harris

  2Pall Europe Ltd.

  950,000

  950,000

  29 November 1995

  Roger Harris

  Fryer Workwear Ltd.

  250,000

  200,000

  29 November 1995

  Roger Harris

  Cirbo Ltd.

  150,000

  125,000

  10 April 1996

  Roger Harris

  Harman International Industries Ltd.

  950,000

  950,000

  1 Mr. Gregory was absent from the meeting on 25 May 1994; but he remained for the discussion of the application at the meeting on 27 July 1994 when having declared an interest, it was deemed sufficient for him to remain silent.

  2 Mr. Harris having declared an interst, it was deemed sufficient for him to remain for the discussion without participating in any vote on the application.

  Mr. Jamieson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many offers of financial assistance have been made since 1985 by his Department's South West industrial development board which have remained unpaid due to the liquidation, receivership or dissolution of the relevant companies by(a) date, (b) type of offer, (c) company and (d) reason for withdrawal of the offer. [30037]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  [holding answer 20 May 1996]: The following eight offers of grant under the regional selective assistance scheme have been made following advice from the South West industrial development board but will not as a consequence of the companies concerned having gone into liquidation or receivership or having been dissolved, be paid out in full:

  Date of offer

  Company

  Offer £

  Reasons for non-payment

  25 August 1988

  Orca Aircraft Ltd.

  200,000

  Receivership

  5 December 1988

  Strategic Alloys Ltd.

  500,000

  Receivership

  17 April 1990

  South West Farm Processors Ltd.

  200,000

  Receivership

  27 June 1990

  Crissan Marine Ltd.

  120,000

  Receivership

  458

  Date of offer

  Company

  Offer £

  Reasons for non-payment

  24 July 1992

  Lobbs Clotted Cream Ltd

  215,000

  Receivership

  6 September 1993

  ROM-Date Corporation Ltd

  848,500

  Liquidation

  17 September 1993

  Redruth Brewery Ltd

  480,000

  Receivership

  23 December 1993

  Porthcurno Management Co. Ltd.

  500,000

  Liquidation

  Mr. Jamieson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if Mr. X, whose identity has been supplied to him, of his Department's South West industrial development board is required to absent himself from board meetings where there may be a potential conflict of interest due to his partnership in company W. [30036]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  [holding answer 20 May 1996]: Yes, although for one case it was exceptionally deemed sufficient, Mr. X having declared an interest, for him to remain provided that he did not take part in any vote on the case.

  British Beef: Import Bans
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  Mammalian Protein in Animal Feed: EU Ban
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  Organophosphate Veterinary Products Licensed for Use on Cattle
  Organophosphate Veterinary Products Licensed for Use on Cattle
  Phosmet
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  Water Supplies
  Water Supplies
  Prisoners' Property: Religious Artefacts
  Prisoners' Property: Religious Artefacts
  Justice and Home Affairs Council, 4th June
  Justice and Home Affairs Council, 4th June
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  MoD Property Disposals
  MoD Property Disposals
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  Chemical Weapons
  NATO Enlargement Costs
  NATO Enlargement Costs
  European Legislation Vetoed by UK
  European Legislation Vetoed by UK