Written Answers of 27 June 1996

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Violence Against Women
  Mr. Khabra
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he intends to take to increase the protection available to women from violence and the threat of violence. [34410]

  Mr. Maclean
  On 17 June, my right hon. and learned Friend published a consultation paper entitled "Sentencing and Supervision of Sex Offenders". The proposals in that paper would help to protect women by strengthening arrangements for the supervision of sex offenders, by requiring those offenders to notify the police of their address and by extending the powers of the police and Prison Service to take samples for the purposes of DNA testing.

  The Government are also committed to combating domestic violence vigorously. Inter-departmental groups of Ministers and of officials were set up in 1993 to co-ordinate an effective and concerted response to domestic violence. Both groups are due to meet shortly to review and develop initiatives aimed at promoting more co-ordinated national and local responses to the problems associated with domestic violence.

  Although the risk of becoming a victim of violent crime is relatively low, it can be reduced still further. Since 1988, almost 23 million copies of "Your Practical Guide to Crime Prevention" has been distributed. This Home Office booklet includes advice to women on how to minimise their risk from violence.

  Notifiable offences recorded by the police and clear-up rates, Staffordshire 1979–1995

  Burglary in a dwelling

  Theft of a vehicle

  Theft from a vehicle

  Year

  Number of offences

  Clear-up rate Per cent.

  Number of offences

  Clear-up rate Per cent.

  Number of offences

  Clear-up rate Per cent.

  1979

  2,755

  35

  2,876

  41

  4,415

  28

  1980

  3,085

  29

  3,325

  38

  4,186

  23

  1981

  3,565

  38

  3,248

  41

  5,968

  27

  1982

  4,304

  41

  3,130

  40

  5,842

  28

  1983

  5,177

  34

  3,224

  40

  6,082

  28

  1984

  5,783

  42

  3,081

  35

  6,181

  27

  1985

  5,516

  44

  3,394

  34

  6,423

  38

  1986

  6,250

  31

  4,640

  34

  7,386

  28

  1987

  6,520

  29

  4,376

  33

  8,333

  25

  1988

  6,337

  37

  4,859

  41

  9,287

  39

  1989

  5,430

  39

  5,960

  39

  8,946

  29

  1990

  7,639

  30

  7,077

  42

  12,601

  28

  1991

  9,846

  35

  9,290

  37

  15,382

  27

  1992

  12,570

  22

  11,507

  30

  16,710

  20

  1993

  13,833

  22

  10,853

  30

  16,758

  19

  1994

  12,637

  24

  9,638

  27

  16,320

  20

  1995

  12,090

  30

  8,775

  26

  14,970

  20

  Littlehey Prison
  Mr. Mullin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many suicide attempts there have been at Littlehey prison during the last three months. [33800]

  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. Chris Mullin, dated 27 June 1996:
  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about the number of suicide attempts there have been at Littlehey prison during the last three months.
  From 18 March to 19 June there were three reported suicide attempts at Littlehey prison.

  Prison Population
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he last met members of the Prison Governors Association to discuss changes in the level of the prison population. [33709]

  Miss Ann Widdecombe
  My right hon. and learned Friend last met national representatives of the Prison Governors Association on 9 February to discuss Prison Service spending. The association's concern about rises in the prison population was among the subjects raised, both at the meeting and in correspondence arising from it.

  Crime (Staffordshire)
  Mr. Brian David Jenkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what were the clear-up rates of recorded(a) car break-ins, (b) car thefts and (c) burglaries in Staffordshire in each year since 1979; [34340]

  (2) how many recorded car thefts there were in Staffordshire in each year since 1979; [34389]

  (3) how many recorded domestic burglaries there were; in Staffordshire in each year since 1979; [34347]

  (4) how many car break-ins were recorded in Staffordshire in each year since 1979. [34388]

  Mr. Maclean
  The information requested is provided in the table. Please note that information for theft from vehicles has been provided for "car break-ins".
  183
  Mr. Jenkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the average age of people convicted of(a) car theft and (b) burglary in Staffordshire in the latest year for which statistics are available. [34341]

  Mr. Maclean
  Information for 1994 on the number of offenders convicted at all courts in the Staffordshire police force area by age is given in the table. Data for 1995 will not be available until the autumn.

  Number of persons convicted at all courts of (a) car theft and (b) burglary offences in the Staffordshire Police Force Area by age, 1994

  Burglary

  Age

  Car theft1

  Domestic burglary

  Non domestic burglary

  Total burglary

  10

  —

  —

  —

  —

  11

  —

  1

  —

  1

  12

  1

  1

  1

  2

  13

  8

  4

  3

  7

  14

  16

  9

  9

  18

  15

  22

  9

  11

  20

  16

  45

  15

  20

  35

  17

  67

  40

  31

  71

  18

  60

  23

  39

  62

  19

  42

  30

  37

  67

  20

  40

  37

  26

  63

  21 and under 25

  53

  94

  99

  193

  25 and under 30

  224

  39

  53

  92

  30 and under 40

  12

  22

  34

  56

  40 and under 50

  2

  5

  4

  9

  50 and under 60

  —

  1

  1

  2

  60 and over

  1

  —

  —

  —

  All ages

  393

  330

  368

  698

  1 Car theft includes the indictable offences of aggravated vehicle taking—injury to person, damage to property of car; theft from vehicles; theft or unauthorised taking of motor vehicle car and the summary offences of stealing and unauthorised taking of a conveyance and aggravated vehicle taking where criminal damage of £2.000 or under.

  2 Includes persons, convicted of summary offences, given the default age of 25 where the exact age was not known.

  Mr. Jenkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the conviction rate for retail store robbery and till snatches in(a) Tamworth and (b) Staffordshire in each year since 1979. [34476]

  Mr. Maclean
  This information is not available centrally.

  Mr. Jenkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the average value of items stolen in recorded domestic break-ins in each year since 1979 in(a) Staffordshire, (b) the west midlands and(c) the United Kingdom. [343421

  Mr. Maclean
  Information on the average value of items stolen in recorded domestic burglaries in Staffordshire and the west midlands for 1993 and 1994 is provided in the table. Data before 1993 are no longer available, and data for 1995 are not yet available.

  Similar information for England and Wales covering 1979 to 1992 is published annually in the Command Paper "Criminal Statistics, England and Wales", copies of which are available in the Library. Information on Scotland and Northern Ireland are matters for the Secretary of State for each Department.
  184

  Average value1 of items stolen from domestic burglaries recorded by the police, 1993–1994

  Police force area

  1993£

  1994 £

  Staffordshire

  714

  795

  West Midlands

  1.048

  1.053

  England and Wales

  991

  1,002

  1Excludes offences where value was recorded as nil.

  Mr. Jenkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the average value of items recorded as stolen from cars in Staffordshire in each year since 1992. [34348]

  Mr. Maclean
  Information on the average value of items stolen from cars in Staffordshire is not generally published separately from total offences of theft. However, information for 1993 and 1994 is provided in the table. Data for 1992 are no longer available, and data for 1995 are not yet available.

  Average value 1 of items stolen from thefts from cars recorded by the police in Staffordshire, 1993–94

  Police force area

  1993£

  1994£

  Staffordshire

  255

  250

  1 Excludes offences where value was recorded as nil.

  Female Genital Mutilation
  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what proposals he has to modify regulations to facilitate the granting of asylum to women asylum seekers who claim that they are seeking to avoid genital mutilation in their countries of origin; and if he will make a statement; [34159]

  (2) how many women asylum seekers have sought asylum over the past 10 years on the grounds that they are seeking to avoid genital mutilation; how many were granted asylum; and if he will make a statement. [34160]

  Mr. Kirkhope
  The statistical information requested is not held centrally.

  To qualify for refugee status, applicants need to show that they have a well-founded fear of persecution based on one of the reasons contained in the 1951 United Nations convention relating to the status of refugees. Those who do not meet the requirements of the 1951 convention may nevertheless be granted exceptional leave to remain if there are compelling humanitarian reasons for their doing so. Cases are considered in the light of their individual circumstances.

  Women Police Officers
  Dr. Marek
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many women police officers in the metropolis have referred employment grievances to industrial tribunals in each of the last five years; and how many of these cases have been dismissed. [34758]

  Mr. Maclean
  The Commissioner informs me that the information requested is not available before July 1995. Since July 1995, the Metropolitan police have dealt with 49 applications to industrial tribunals by women police
  185
  officers. Of these cases, 10 have been withdrawn, three were settled and six dismissed. The remaining 30 cases are outstanding.

  Hoax Calls
  Mr. Thurnham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will list the annual number of hoax calls to the emergency services in each of the last five years(a) in Bolton, (b) in the north-west and (c) nationally, indicating the approximate cost of each call-out; [34408]

  Malicious false fire arms attended by local authority fire brigades in the North-West of England and United Kingdom, 1990–94

  Year

  Cumbria

  Cheshire

  Greater Manchester

  Lancashire

  Merseyside

  United Kingdom

  1990

  660

  1,604

  11,610

  3,474

  6,249

  137,540

  1991

  807

  1,548

  13,191

  4,305

  6,562

  148,112

  1992

  1,013

  1,457

  11,972

  4,745

  6,451

  160,302

  1993

  1,242

  1,398

  11,135

  4,201

  6,846

  155,169

  1994

  1,004

  1,491

  10,461

  3,868

  7,048

  149,201

  Source:

  Home Office.

  Royal Commission on Criminal Justice
  Mr. Thomason
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to issue a final response to the report of the royal commission on criminal justice. [35118]

  Mr. Maclean
  I have today placed in the Library a copy of the Government's final response to the report of the royal commission on criminal justice.

  The royal commission made 352 recommendations. The Government have accepted, wholly or in part, 204 recommendations and 58 remain under consideration in the light of other initiatives and developments. The Government have decided not to implement 46 recommendations. The remaining 44 recommendations are not primarily for the Government, but the response indicates the action that the Government understand to have been taken.

  Parole Board
  Lady Olga Maitland
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the Parole Board will become an executive non-departmental public body; and how its functions will alter. [35119]

  Mr. Howard
  A commencement order has been made that will bring into effect on 1 July 1996 section 149 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994. This will establish the Parole Board as an executive non-departmental public body. The statutory functions of the board will not be affected; the changes are essentially administrative and will make the board more accountable for its performance. A copy of the board's management statement and the financial memorandum will be placed in the Library.

  Staffordshire Police
  Mr. Brian Jenkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list for Staffordshire police force the(a) number of serving officers, (b) number
  186
  (2) if he will list the annual number of hoax calls to the fire service in each of the last five years (a) in Bolton, (b) in the north-west and (c) nationally indicating the approximate cost of each call-out; and if he will make a statement. [34409]

  Mr. Sackville
  Information on the number of times the police attend a hoax call and on the cost of so doing is not available centrally. The readily available information on malicious false alarm incidents attended by local authority fire brigades in the north-west and the United Kingdom is shown in the table. Information on cost is not collected centrally.

  of officers on the beat, (c) average police pay in real terms and (d) cost of the service in real terms for each year since 1979. [34346]

  Mr. Maclean
  Information on the number of serving officers is set out in table 1. Information on the number of officers specifically assigned to beat duties is not available. Estimates of the number of offices on patrol duties are available from 1989 and are also set out in table 1.

  Information on average police pay and total force expenditure is available only from 1988–90 and is set out in table 2.

  Staffordshire police Total force strength and number of patrol officers

  Police strength

  Patrol strength1

  Month/year

  All ranks

  Year2

  Number of officers

  April 1979

  1,980

  —

  —

  March 1980

  2,051

  —

  —

  March 1981

  2,096

  —

  —

  March 1982

  2,086

  —

  —

  March 1983

  2,080

  —

  —

  March 1984

  2,090

  —

  —

  March 1985

  2,066

  —

  —

  March 1986

  2,087

  —

  —

  March 1987

  2,113

  —

  —

  March 1988

  2,135

  —

  —

  March 1989

  2,164

  —

  —

  March 1990

  2,187

  1989

  1,278

  March 1991

  2,217

  1990

  1,300

  March 1992

  2,176

  1991

  1,091

  March 1993

  2,179

  1992

  1,304

  March 1994

  2,208

  1993

  1,234

  March 1995

  2,231

  31994–95

  1,314

  March 1996

  2,209

  41995–96

  1,302

  1 Based on returns provided by police forces, showing officers who spend more than 50 per cent. of their time on patrol duties. These include foot, car, beat and dog patrol, and mounted officers.

  2 Collected per calendar year—as at 31 December each year.

  3 The basis of collection changed in 1994 to the financial year. Figures now taken as at 31 March.

  4 Provisional.

  187

  Staffordshire police Total expenditure and average pay and allowance per police officer (at 1995–96 prices)

  Year

  Total force expenditure £

  Average pay and allowances per officer1 £

  1988–89

  81,550,0002

  24,298

  1989–90

  84,499,0002

  24,665

  1990–91

  93,196,000

  26,780

  1991–92

  96,446,000

  27,335

  1992–93

  99,778,000

  27,644

  1993–94

  103,652,000

  27,487

  1994–95

  105,514,000

  27,777

  1995–96

  106,681,0003

  n/a

  1996–97

  111,128,0003

  n/a

  1 Estimated by dividing total pay and allowance expenditure by total police strength as shown in Table 1.

  2 Excludes capital and loan charges expenditure (information not readily available).

  3 Estimated expenditure.

  Compliance Cost Assessments
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proposals he has to ensure that each legislative measure put forward by his Department contains a compliance cost assessment(a) relating to small firms and (b) in respect of which small firms have been consulted. [34126]

  Mr. Howard
  [holding answer 26 June 1996]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on 26 June, column 119.

  Locks
  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what measures are being taken by his Department to encourage the purchase of British manufactured locks in the establishments under the control of his Department. [34568]

  Miss Widdecombe
  [holding answer 26 June 1996]: Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

  £

  Organisation

  1986–87

  1987–88

  1988–89

  1989–90

  1990–91

  1991–92

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–95

  1995–96

  Prisoners' Wives and Families Society 1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  16,331

  17,426

  —

  Prisoners' Families and Friends

  5,980

  6,279

  7,130

  6,820

  7,127

  7,697

  8,236

  13,400

  13,527

  —

  Partners' of Prisoners and Families Support Groups

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  25

  20

  20

  —

  Bourne Trust

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  5

  —

  Halow (London)

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  3.5

  5

  —

  Halow(Birmingham)

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  15

  16.5

  4

  —

  Halow (Bristol)

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  5

  10

  —

  Aftermath

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  10

  15

  —

  —

  Prison Link

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  10

  10

  —

  Female Prisoners Welfare Project

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  10

  —

  —

  —

  188
  Letter from Richard Tilt to Mr. David Winnick, dated 27 June 1996:
  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about measures to encourage the purchase of British manufactured locks.
  The Prison Service is required to comply with the requirements of public competition laws when letting a contract for the supply of locks. This is done irrespective of the country of origin.

  Immigrants (Marriage Breakdown)
  Ms Short
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many(a) women and (b) men admitted to the United Kingdom on probation as a spouse were refused leave to remain due to the breakdown of the marriage before the end of the 12-month probationary period in (i) 1993, (ii) 1994 and (iii) 1995; and in each case what proportion of these marriages broke down due to the spouse seeking settlement having suffered domestic violence from the settled spouse. [34733]

  Mr. Kirkhope
  A decision to grant or refuse an application for indefinite leave to remain made on the basis of marriage to a person settled here would normally be taken at the end of the 12-month probationary period. The numbers of women and men refused leave to remain at that stage, which include those admitted as a spouse and those who married in this country, are given in the table. Allegations of domestic violence are not separately recorded.

  Refusals of applications for indefinite leave to remain on the grounds of marriage 1993–95

  1993

  1994

  1995

  Women

  300

  370

  440

  Men

  330

  410

  490

  Prisoners (Family Support)
  Mr. Chris Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what financial assistance his Department has provided towards prisoners' wives and families support groups annually since 1986. [33903]

  Miss Widdecombe
  Details of financial assistance given to prisoners' wives and families support groups are as follows:
  189

  £

  Organisation

  1986–87

  1987–88

  1988–89

  1989–90

  1990–91

  1991–92

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–95

  1995–96

  Federation of Prisoners' Family Support Groups

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  15

  25

  2

  —

  Total

  5,980

  6,279

  7,130

  6,820

  7,127

  7,697

  78,236

  124,731

  86,953

  —

  1Figures for 1986–87 to 1992–93 not available.

DUCHY OF LANCASTER

  Appeals
  Mr. Sykes
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement on progress with developing a model for appeals against enforcement action. [35080]

  Mr. Freeman
  A new model mechanism for appeals against enforcement action has been set out in S.I. 1678, which was laid before Parliament today.

  This new model provides for a speedier and cheaper way of resolving disputes on enforcement of regulations. At the same time, it incorporates procedures that will ensure every opportunity is made available to business to resolve disputes informally without having to resort to the appeal process.

  The model has been developed through wide consultation with the business and regulatory community, drawing on best practice from existing appeal procedures.

  Features of the model include: rights to make representation before formal action is taken, unless urgent action is necessary; provision for an appeal tribunal to be set up by the Minister responsible for the legislation, to resolve disputes that cannot be resolved informally; time limits for each stage of the appeal process; appeals to be considered on their merits by the tribunal; assistance with an effective and efficient resolution of disputes, for which pre-hearing reviews will be encouraged; and, where appropriate, the decision of the tribunal can be based on written submissions only, avoiding the time and costs of oral hearings.

  Each tribunal will be made up of a legally qualified chairman assigned from a panel appointed by the Lord Chancellor in England and Wales and the Lord Advocate in Scotland; a member who is expert in the field; and a member representing business. Each tribunal will be supported by a registrar to provide for active case management.

  The model is designed to apply across a wide range of policy areas. The rights to make representations at an early stage have already been implemented by the Environment Agency and for health and safety legislation. They will shortly be applied to food safety and building regulations, and later in the year to fire safety and consumer affairs.

  Health and Safety
  Mr. Ian McCartney
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what was the cost in each of the past five years of(a) sick pay and (b) compensation paid to employees of his Department or their families, or members of the
  190
  public, as a result of (i) minor, (ii) major and (iii) fatal injuries related to the work of his Department, detailing incidents involving information technology and those involving expenditure of more than £5,000. [33498]

  Mr. Willetts
  The table gives available sick pay and compensation costs for the Central Cabinet Office, including No. 10, and the executive agencies for which I am responsible.

  Part A: Sick pay

  Minor £

  Major £

  Cabinet Office and its Agencies

  1991–92

  1,313.28

  Nil

  1992–93

  694.28

  Nil

  1993–94

  8,935.80

  Nil

  1994–95

  11,595.20

  4,663.88

  1995–96

  COI

  1991–92

  Nil

  Nil

  1992–93

  Nil

  Nil

  1993–94

  Nil

  10,549.02

  1994–95

  Nil

  1,399.17

  1995–96

  Nil

  Nil

  There were no reported fatal injuries.
  Part B:

  Compensation paid to employees, their families or members of the public:

  Nil return from all Departments/Agencies except COI: 1 case 1994–95 £90,000 paid to employee.

  Incidents involving information technology:

  COI: 1 case 1993—Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI).

  Incidents involving expenditure of more than £5,000 (costs of sick leave may not all fall in one financial year):

  OHSA: 1 case 1994–95—fall.

  CCC: 1 case 1994–95—fall/slipped whilst patrolling perimeter fence.

  COI: 1 case 1993–94—RSI.

  PACE, SAFE and TBA have Nil returns for all categories and all years.

  HMSO—The information is not held centrally and can only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

  Not all work-related injuries incurred sick pay.

  Mr. McCartney
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister on how many occasions in each of the past five years health and safety problems in his Department and its agencies have been reported via internal monitoring; and on how many occasions the Health and Safety Commission has become involved. [33496]
  191
  Mr. Willetts
  The information requested from the Cabinet Office, its agencies, the Central Office of Information and HMSO is as follows:Cabinet Office and its Agencies:

  1991–92: Nil

  1992–93: Nil

  1993–94: One

  1994–95: Three

  1995–96: Five

  Central Office of Information:

  No occasions. On no occasion was the Health and Safety Commission involved.

  HMSO:

  The information is not held centrally and can only be provided at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. McCartney
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what was the cost in each of the past five years of rectifying working conditions that were the responsibility of his Department and its agencies, to bring them up to acceptable health and safety standards, detailing incidents involving information technology and those involving expenditure of more than £5,000. [33499]

  Mr. Willetts
  The Cabinet Office, its agencies, the Central Office of Information and HMSO all have rolling programmes of maintenance which are designed to ensure that working conditions meet acceptable health and safety standards. They also respond to specific concerns as they arise. Information on this type of expenditure is as follows:

  Cabinet Office and its Agencies:

  1991–92: Nil

  1992–93: Nil

  1993–94: £6,700

  1994–95: £48,600

  1995–96: £109,700

  Central Office of Information:

  Nil.

  There are no incidents involving information technology.

  HMSO:

  The information is not held centrally and can only be provided at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. McCartney
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many(a) minor, (b) major and (c) fatal injuries have been suffered by staff in his Department and its agencies in work-related incidents in each of the past five years, showing in each year how many were related to information technology and giving details of all incidents involving fatalities. [33497]

  Mr. Willetts
  The information requested from the Cabinet Office, it agencies, the Central Office of Information and HMSO is as follows:

  Minor

  Major

  Cabinet Office and its Agencies

  1991–92

  54

  Nil

  1992–93

  66

  Nil

  1993–94

  81

  Nil

  1994–95

  95

  Nil

  1995–96

  127

  1

  192

  Minor

  Major

  Central Office of Information

  1991–92

  21

  Nil

  1992–93

  13

  Nil

  1993–94

  3

  11

  1994–95

  Nil

  Nil

  1995–96

  3

  Nil

  Minor injuries consisted mainly of paper cuts, minor bruises and pulled muscles reported to first aiders. There were no minor injuries related to information technology.

  1 The one major injury in COI in 1993–94 was related to information technology.

  There were no reported fatal injuries.

  For HMSO, the information requested is not held centrally and can only be provided at disproportionate cost.

  Ministerial Visits
  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the Minister without Portfolio if he will list the constituencies he has visited in the past three months on official business and the constituencies he intends to visit in the next three months; and if he will make a statement. [34390]

  Dr. Mawhinney
  In April, I gave the Allsebrook lecture at the university of Ulster in Jordanstown in my capacity as Minister without Portfolio. My diary for the next three months has not yet been finalised, but I always do my best to give prior warning to hon. Members when I visit their constituencies in an official capacity.

  Competitiveness
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what was the cost to public funds of producing "Competitiveness: creating the enterprise centre of Europe". [34060]

  The Deputy Prime Minister
  [holding answer 25 June 1996]: Final figures are not yet available, but I expect my Department's costs for the production and launch of the White Paper and related products to be in the region of £380,000.

HEALTH

  Desogestrel and Gestodene
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if the formal written request of 11 October 1995 to the Committee for Proprietary Medicinal Products that matters relating to desogestrel and gestodene be considered by that committee received the prior approval of Ministers. [33980]

  Mr. Malone
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply that I gave him on 30 April, column 499.

  Myocardial Infarction
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 19 December 1995 to the hon. Member for Gordon, (Mr. Bruce),Official Report, column 1152, if he will name the studies relating to myocardial infarction which were made available to the Committee on Safety of Medicines on 13 October 1995; and if he will list the data included and vehicle of publication of those results and what results remain unpublished. [33979]
  193
  Mr. Malone
  I refer the hon. Member to the replies that I gave him on 7 March, column 321–22 and on 9 May, column 243.

  Licensing Authority
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the means by which the Licensing Authority has, since 1 January 1995, implemented its responsibilities to the European Medicines Evaluation Agency. [33985]

  Mr. Malone
  The Licensing Authority implements its responsibilities under the European drug regulatory system through adoption of the following European directives: the Medicines for Human Use (Marketing Authorisations Etc.) Regulations 1994, (S.I. 3144, and European Council Regulation 2309/93.

  Committee for Proprietary Medicinal Products
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health by what procedure referrals are made to the Committee for Proprietary Medicinal Products by the United Kingdom [33981]

  Mr. Malone
  Formal referrals to the Committee for Proprietary Medicinal Products must comply with the provisions of Council directive 75/319/EEC, as amended by directives 83/570/EEC and 93/39/EEC.

  Matters may also be placed on the agenda of meetings of the CPMP for information and discussion.

  Unique Patient Numbers
  Mr. Gapes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the number and proportion of hospitals, and the number and proportion of general practitioner practices, which now have systems in place to handle the unique NHS patient number. [33990]

  Mr. Horam
  [pursuant to his reply, 21 June 1996, c. 669]: I regret that there was an error in my previous reply.

  The final sentence should have read:
  "At the end of May 1996, the number of practices with this capacity was 5,700, which is 67 per cent. of all computerised practices".

  Free Prescriptions
  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the cost of providing free prescriptions and optical and dental treatment to students for each year since 1992–93. [34279]

  Mr. Malone
  The information is not available.

  Mental Illness
  Mr. Thurnham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will estimate how many people suffering(a) schizophrenia, (b) manic depression and (c) other severe mental illness receive free prescriptions; and if he will make a statement. [34103]

  Mr. Malone
  This information is not available. In 1996–97, we expect 85 per cent. of prescriptions to be dispensed free, thanks to our extensive exemption 194
  arrangements, which are among the most generous in Europe. Many people with mental health problems will benefit from these.

  Consultant Anaesthetists
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the current salary range for consultant anaesthetists in the NHS; and how many NHS trusts offer salaries in excess of the range. [34427]

  Mr. Malone
  The current salary range for hospital medical and dental consultant staff is £41,760, to a maximum of £64,690, which includes discretionary points. This applies to consultants employed on national terms and conditions of service. Consultant staff employed on trust contracts may be remunerated in excess of this range. Information on the number of consultant staff on trust contracts is not available centrally.

  Nurses' Pay (NHS Trusts)
  Ms Janet Anderson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many NHS trusts have made a pay offer additional to the pay award to nurses recommended by the Nurses and Midwives Pay Review body on 8 February. [34641]

  Mr. Corbett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list those hospital trusts in the west midlands that(a) have made pay offers to nurses and (b) have not made pay offers to nurses at the latest convenient date. [34660]

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

  Mental Health Act Commission
  Mr. Anthony Coombs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will publish his Department's response to the sixth biennial report of the Mental Health Act Commission. [35117]

  Mr. Bowis
  I have written to Lady Runciman, chairman of the Mental Health Act Commission, enclosing a detailed response and have today placed these documents in the Library.

  Wheelchairs
  Mr. Alfred Morris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance he has given to health authorities on the supply of wheelchairs to disabled people. [33730]

  Mr. Bowis
  We have recently issued HSG(96)34 to health authorities. This gives guidance on the provision of indoor-outdoor powered wheelchairs, which the Government have made available on the national health service for the first time.

  Mr. Morris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will list those health authorities which no longer supply wheelchairs to disabled people unable to walk outside their homes; [33731]

  (2) what provision he proposes to make to ensure that disabled people who are occasional users of a wheelchair have access to a wheelchair suitable for their needs. [33732]
  195
  Mr. Bowis
  Wheelchair services are the responsibility of health authorities. It is for health authorities and the wheelchair service centres that provide the service to set their own criteria and priorities.

  Mr. Morris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many wheelchairs are currently on loan from the NHS; and if he will breakdown the ages of the users into the following groups(a) 10 to 20 years, (b) 20 to 40 years, (c) 40 to 50 years, (d) 50 to 60 years, (e) 60 to 70 years, (f) 70 to 80 years and (g) 80 years-plus. [33733]

  Mr. Bowis
  The information is not available centrally in the form requested.

  Mr. Morris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what correspondence he has had with the Royal Associations for Disability and Rehabilitation regarding the wheelchair service offered by Sandwell health authority; and if he will make a statement. [33734]

  Mr. Bowis
  I have seen the correspondence between Mr. Bert Massie of the Royal Association for Disability and Rehabilitation and my officials, It is for health authorities to set their own criteria for the provision of wheelchairs within the increased resources available.

  Stored Embryos
  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research is currently being carried out on stored frozen embryos. [34581]

  Mr. Horam
  Research in the United Kingdom involving frozen embryos requires a licence from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority. At present, there are no licences granted for such research. As for previous research, I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave the hon. Member for Liverpool, Mossley Hill (Mr. Alton) on 26 January, column 415.

  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the arrangements for identifying the donors of stored embryos. [34582]

  Mr. Horam
  I refer the hon. member to my letter of 14 May to my hon. Friend the Member for Congleton (Mrs. Winterton). This was placed in the Library following the reply I gave the hon. Member for Liverpool, Mossley Hill (Mr. Alton) on 25 June, columns 85–6.

  Hospital Wards
  Mr. Barron
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what are the minimum requirements for the amount of space surrounding a bed in an NHS hospital ward; and what weight is given, when setting such requirements, to evidence on(a) the avoidance of cross-infection, (b) the ability to provide effective bedside diagnosis and treatment, and (c) the need for confidential discussions between patient and carer; [34761]

  (2) what guidelines exist to govern (a) the minimum provision of facilities and (b) the amount of space surrounding beds in NHS hospital wards; who enforces such guidelines; and what data he collects on adherence to such guidelines; [34763]
  196
  (3) what are the minimum requirements for provision within NHS hospital wards to ensure adequate (a) toilets, (b) bathrooms, (c) sluice rooms, (d) consultation areas, (e) treatment areas and (f) administration areas. [34766]

  Mr. Horam
  Guidance on facilities to be provided in different types of hospital wards and recommended bed spaces is detailed in design guidance (health building notes) produced by National Health Service Estates, an executive agency of the Department of Health. The recommended amount of space surrounding a bed varies in accordance with the level of dependency of the patient, from 7.2 sq m in an adult acute ward to 25.5 sq m for a bed in intensive care.

  A number of factors are considered in the recommendations, including the nature of bedside activities, the avoidance of cross-infection, the clinical equipment used and the associated ergonomic requirements, as well as patients' privacy.

  Rather than proposing minimum requirements, the guidance suggests an appropriate mix of bed areas, sanitary facilities, clinical treatment areas, consultation and office spaces, depending on the nature of the condition of the patient.

  It is for NHS trusts to take appropriate advice. Health building notes are intended to give good practice advice and guidance on the briefing and design implications of planning new buildings and of adapting or extending existing buildings. The guidelines are not enforced, and data on adherence to them is not available centrally.

  Community Fundholding
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the number of GPs, GP practices and patients covered by community fundholding as at 1 April 1996; and what proportion each figure is of the total numbers of GPs, practices and patient population. [34760]

  Mr. Malone
  The information is shown in the table.

  Community

  Percentage of total

  General Practitioners

  960

  4

  Practices

  419

  5

  Patients

  1.8 million

  4

  Sources:

  Community fundholding data from regional offices as at 1 April 1996. Data about all GPs from October 1995 GP Census.

  Pharmaceutical Price Regulation Scheme
  Mr. Barron
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many companies within the pharmaceutical price regulation scheme received each rate of return; how many exceeded their targets; and how many failed to reach their targets for each of the last three years for which figures are available. [34764]

  Mr. Malone
  This information is not available for reasons of commercial confidentiality. The Department last month published a first report to Parliament on the pharmaceutical price regulation scheme, which provides an overall assessment of the operation of the scheme. Copies of the report are available in the Library.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  United Nations Secretary-General
  Ms Janet Anderson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the candidates who are currently under consideration for the post of Secretary-General of the United Nations. [34566]

  Sir Nicholas Bonsor
  Dr. Boutros Boutros-Ghali, UN Secretary-General, declared his intention to stand again on 19 June. The one other formally declared candidate is Mr. Nicos Rolandis, Cyprus.

  Female Genital Mutilation
  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has received concerning the ritual practice of female genital mutilation; and if he will make a statement. [34166]

  Sir Nicholas Bonsor
  We receive occasional correspondence and this subject is also considered by the UN Commission on Human Rights.

  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received about which countries tolerate female genital mutilation; what discussions he has held with the leaders of such countries regarding it; and if he will make a statement. [34167]

  Sir Nicholas Bonsor
  The UN special rapporteur on violence against women monitors this practice in accordance with her mandate. At the Commission for Human Rights in April, the United Kingdom co-sponsored a resolution stressing the rapporteur's recommendation that states have a duty to enact and enforce legislation against the perpetrators of acts such as female genital mutilation. There have been no bilateral discussions.

  Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty
  Mr. Robin Cook
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is Her Majesty's Government's policy towards Ambassador Ramaker's proposal that a comprehensive test ban treaty should enter into force after five years if 75 states have signed and ratified it. [34753]

  Mr. David Davis
  Her Majesty's Government's position is that, for it to be a fully effective non-proliferation measure, the comprehensive test ban treaty must have as parties the declared nuclear-weapon states and all other states with a nuclear capability and which are not otherwise prevented from testing by other international agreements to which they are parties. The formula proposed by Ambassador Ramaker on 20 June, but not incorporated into his revised text, does not meet this requirement.

  Mr. Cook
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his Department's assessment of the implications for international security of a lengthy delay in the entry into force of a comprehensive test ban treaty. [34754]
  198
  Mr. Davis
  We believe that the earliest practicable entry into force of the treaty on the basis of universal adherence would best serve the interests of international security.

  Mr. Cook
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is Her Majesty's Government's policy on whether the 37 states with seismic stations or radionuclide laboratories must sign and ratify a comprehensive nuclear test ban treaty before it enters into force; and what is the reason for this policy. [34755]

  Mr. Davis
  Her Majesty's Government's position is that, for it to be a fully effective non-proliferation measure, the comprehensive test ban treaty should have as parties the declared nuclear-weapon states and all other states which are not otherwise prevented from testing by other international agreements to which they are parties. The formula referred to in the question, which appears in the chairman's draft text, meets these requirements and is therefore acceptable to the United Kingdom.

  Mr. Cook
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the verification procedures as outlined in the draft comprehensive test ban treaty will come into effect only once the treaty has entered into force. [34756]

  Mr. Davis
  Once the treaty has been opened for signature, a preparatory committee will be established in order to make the necessary arrangements for the treaty organisation and the verification regime. This work can be expected to take at least two to three years. These arrangements must be complete before the treaty enters into force. Equally, entry into force is self-evidently necessary before the verification system can be operational.

  Mr. Cook
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is Her Majesty's Government's policy on allowing a comprehensive test ban treaty to enter into force before India, Pakistan and Israel have signed the treaty; and if he will make a statement. [34757]

  Mr. Davis
  I refer the right hon. Member to my earlier answer.

  Foreign Affairs Council
  Mr. Duncan Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on forthcoming business in the Council of the European Union. [34980]

  Mr. David Davis
  The forthcoming business will be:

  SUBJECT: MONTHLY FORECAST OF BUSINESS FOR JULY 1996

  1. The following Councils are scheduled: 8 July: ECOFIN

  10 July: Social Welfare (Informal)

  11 July: Social Welfare (Informal)

  11 July: Labour Affairs (Informal)

  12 July: Labour Affairs (Informal)

  15 July: General Affairs Council

  16 July: General Affairs Council

  19 July: Environment (Informal)

  20 July: Environment (Informal)

  199

  22 July: Agriculture

  23 July: Agriculture

  25 July: Budget

  2. The following subjects are likely to be discussed:

  8 July: Ecofin Council

  Approval of the provisional agenda;

  Approval of the list of "A" items;

  Presentation of the Irish Presidency's ECOFIN programme: open debate;

  Follow up to the Florence European Council;

  Examination of the Austrian convergence programme;

  Excessive government deficit procedure: recommendations (a vote may be requested on this item;

  ELISE (possible item);

  New guarantee system for EIB lending to third countries (possible item);

  Preparation of structured dialogue with the CEECS;

  SEM 2000 interim report by the Commission;

  Fight against fraud: Commission's annual report 1995;

  Other business.

  ECOFIN will be followed by a meeting with CEES at 4.00 pm, and an informal dinner for CEEC Finance Ministers at 7.00 pm, hosted by the Presidency.

  10–11 July: Social Welfare Council (informal)

  Long-term unemployment.

  11–12 July: Labour Affairs Council (informal)

  Long-term unemployment.

  15–16 July: General Affairs Council

  Agenda not yet available.

  19–20 July: Environment Council (informal)

  Agenda not yet available.

  22–23 July: Agriculture Council

  Set aside rate for 1997–98

  Arable base area flexibility

  Price fixing (possible item)

  Reform of the fruit and vegetable regime (possible item)

  Bananas (possible item)

  Plant health: solidarity and responsibility (possible item)

  BSE (possible item)

  25 July: Budget Council

  1997 preliminary draft budget

  Animal Welfare
  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the animal welfare issues for which his Department has responsibility. [34305]

  Sir Nicholas Bonsor
  [holding answer 25 June 1996]: We have no direct responsibility for animal welfare issues. We closely follow international animal welfare issues and ensure that foreign policy considerations are taken into account in the handling of these issues.

  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list(a) United Kingdom legislation, (b) EU legislation and (c) international treaties, conventions or other obligations concerning animal welfare for which his Department has responsibility. [34306]

  Sir Nicholas Bonsor
  [holding answer 25 June 1996]: None.
  200
  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list by group, division or other work unit the number of grades of staff working within his Department on animal welfare issues. [34307]

  Sir Nicholas Bonsor
  [holding answer 25 June 1996]: The environment, science and energy department of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office employs one DS7 (HEO equivalent), one DS9 (EO equivalent) and one AO dealing with animal welfare issues.

  Antarctica
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Russian Government about their plans to drill into the freshwater lake lying under the Antarctic ice cap; and if he will make a statement. [34430]

  Mr. Ian Taylor
  I have been asked to reply.

  None.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Air Operations International
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade when Air Operations International applied for company registration within the United Kingdom; and if it currently holds such registration. [34027]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  The index of company names held by the Registrar of Companies shows no registration in the name Air Operations International and there is no application currently being processed in that name. Records covering the past 20 years show no indication of a company having used the name Air Operations International.

  Airlines (Receivership)
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what action was taken by (i) his Department and (ii) the official receiver as a result of(a) Sultan Air, (b) Time Air, (c) Omega Air and (d) Air Operations Europe going into receivership. [34026]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  After extensive research, it does not appear that companies or firms with any of these names are the subject of receivership or any other insolvency proceedings in the United Kingdom.

  Coal Authority Site (Featherstone)
  Mr. Trickett
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what directions have been given by his Department pursuant to paragraph 13(1) of schedule 1 to the Coal Industry Act 1994, to the Coal Authority in relation to the authority's efficiency and effectiveness in the disposal of assets, with particular reference to its ownership of a site at Green lane, Featherstone. [33872]

  Mr. Page
  The Secretary of State has made a determination as to the financial duties of the Coal Authority pursuant to paragraph 13(1) of schedule 1 to the Coal Industry Act 1994. That determination is set out in the authority's annual report and accounts 1994–95,
  201
  a copy of which is in the Library of the House. The restored opencast site at Green lane, Featherstone is owned by British Coal.

  Mr. Trickett
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what directions have been given by his Department, pursuant to paragraph 14(2) of schedule 1 to the Coal Industry Act 1994, to the Coal Authority in relation to retention of receipts for the financial year 1995–96; what directions he has given in relation to the realisation of further receipts from the disposal of assets for the current financial year; and what directions he has given to expedite the realisation of such receipts from the disposal of such assets as those held by the Coal Authority at Green lane, Featherstone. [33871]

  Mr. Richard Page
  The Secretary of State has given one direction to the Coal Authority pursuant to paragraph 14(2) of schedule 1 to the Coal Industry Act 1994 concerning the retention of receipts. That direction is set out in the authority's annual report and accounts 1994–95, a copy of which is in the Library of the House. The restored opencast site at Green lane, Featherstone is owned by British Coal.

  Offshore Oil and Gas Licensing
  Dr. Godman
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list the companies and location of activities which received awards in the 14th round of offshore oil and gas licensing; and if he will make a statement. [34780]

  Mr. Page
  I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Minister for Industry and Energy on 14 June 1993,Official Report, columns 409–11 in reply to my hon. friend the Member for Edmonton (Dr. Twinn). Information on this topic is also available in the Library of the House.

  Manufacturing Industry
  Mr. Pearson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment he has made of the average age of capital stock of machinery in manufacturing industry in the United Kingdom relative to(a) the United States of America, (b) Japan, (c) France and (d) Germany. [33413]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  A paper recently published by the DTI and Cabinet Office, "The UK's Investment Performance Fact and Fallacy", available in the Library of the House, outlines the available evidence on the relative age of the UK's capital stock of machinery. The evidence, from trade surveys and studies of similar plants in different countries, finds UK machinery to be of a similar age to that in other major countries.

  Technology Foresight Programme
  Mr. Ingram
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what criteria he uses to evaluate the success of the technology foresight programme. [34633]

  Mr. Ian Taylor
  The aim of the foresight programme is to build partnerships between the science base and industry, with the ultimate objective of using the UK's strengths in science and technology more effectively to increase national wealth and improve the quality of life. In the short and medium term, we are evaluating the success of the programme using a range of intermediate 202
  criteria, including: numbers actively involved in the programme; the scale of networking activity generated; the level of industry participation in collaborative projects with the science base addressing foresight priorities; and the number and value of public sector R and D programmes initiated or enhanced in direct response to the foresight recommendations.

  Terrorist Damage
  Mr. Eastham
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will instigate a scheme for payments of compensation by Government for terrorist damage on the British mainland through the Compensation Agency in accordance with the Northern Ireland model. [34661]

  Mr. Nelson
  No. Insurance to cover damage caused by acts of terrorism is available in Great Britain, with the support of the Government-backed scheme established under the Reinsurance (Acts of Terrorism) Act 1993. Such insurance has not been available in Northern Ireland for many years.

  Director General of Fair Trading
  Mr. Merchant
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade when he intends to publish the report by the Director General of Fair Trading for the year 1995. [35112]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The 22nd annual report by the Director General of Fair Trading has been published today. It covers the period from 1 January 1995 and 31 December 1995. Copies of the report have been laid before Parliament.

  Public Limited Companies
  Mr. Merchant
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade when his Department intends to publish the consultative document, referred to in the recent competitiveness White Paper Three, on the question of whether public limited companies should be required to report details of their payment practice in their accounts. [35114]

  Mr. Page
  The Government recognise that late payment is a serious problem for small businesses and sire committed to tackling it. With the aim of helping to promote a "prompt payment culture", the DTI has been developing proposals on providing more public information about the payment practices of public limited companies.

  A consultative document outlining our proposal for extending the Companies Act 1985 payment policy disclosure to cover payment practice as well is being published today. Copies have been placed in the Libraries of the Houses.

  The consultative document sets out the method to be followed when reporting payment practice and includes draft regulations, which would be introduced next Session, if supported by the results of the consultation. Comments should be submitted to the company law directorate at the DTI by 27 September.

  Radiation Illness
  Mr. Clapham
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what was the number of damages claims for
  203
  radiation-induced illness settled annually for the past five years in the United Kingdom nuclear industry; what was the average settlement for each of the years; and how many cases were attributable to the Magnox stations and how many to the advanced gas-cooled reactor stations. [34328]

  Mr. Eggar
  The compensation scheme for radiation-linked diseases is a nuclear industry voluntary scheme for determining compensation due to employees who develop radiation-linked diseases. Since it was introduced in 1982, and up until the end of 1995, compensation payments have been awarded to 63 cases, with almost £3 million in compensation being paid. This is against a total number of claims arising of almost 500.

  The employers and unions from the organisations participating in the compensation scheme agreed that, in order to protect the identification of individual claimants, information on successful claims will be provided only for the compensation scheme as a whole. Details on compensation scheme payments are contained in an annual press statement. I am arranging for copies of the 1995 statement to be placed in the Library of the House.

  Electronic Batons
  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade, pursuant to his answer of 13 June,Official Report, column 270, on electronic batons, what is the title of the marketing research report referred to. [34441]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  [holding answer 25 June 1996]: The title of the marketing report referred to in my answers of 28 March, Official Report, column 733, and 13 June, is "Police and Public Security Requirements for Equipment and Services in the Countries of the Arabian Peninsula".

OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION

  Female Genital Mutilation
  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what financial assistance and other forms of aid he has given over the past 10 years to the United Nations agencies that are attempting to eliminate female genital mutilation; and if he will make a statement. [34161]

  Mr. Hartley
  Many of the UN agencies to which we contribute are tackling the problem of female genital mutilation in their programmes but it is not possible to determine what proportion of our contributions have been used specifically for this purpose.

  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on what occasions in the last 10 years he has provided financial and other assistance, in terms of health education, to countries that have implemented, or are seeking to implement, local campaigns to eliminate female genital mutilation; and if he will make a statement. [34163]

  Mr. Hanley
  I shall write to the hon. Gentleman as soon as possible.

  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has held with his ministerial colleagues in the context of 204
  the EU multilateral aid programme concerning countries that tolerate female genital mutilation; and if he will make a statement. [34164]

  Mr. Hanley
  There have been no recent discussions between Ministers on this subject in the context of the EU multilateral aid programme. We continue to work closely with other member states to ensure the implementation of the 1995 development council resolution on gender equality.

  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) on what occasion in the last 10 years he has refused foreign aid to countries on the grounds that their Governments tolerate female genital mutilation; and if he will make a statement; [34162]

  (2) what proposals he has to increase foreign aid to countries that are taking action to eliminate female genital mutilation; and if he will make a statement. [34165]

  Mr. Hanley
  We believe that the best means to bring the practice of female genital mutilation to an end is to change attitudes: for example, through seedcorn initiatives for reproductive health and women's empowerment programmes. We support measures to this end and continue to express our views in wider dialogue with relevant governments.

  Disabled People
  Mr. Alfred Morris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much Overseas Development Administration funding in 1995–96 was provided specifically for work in developing countries with disabled people. [34382]

  Mr. Hanley
  Providing assistance to people with disabilities forms an integral part of many of our programmes in developing countries. No central record is kept of grants made.

  Mr. Morris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much of the money made available to British non-governmental organisations by the Overseas Development Administration in 1995–96 was provided specifically for work in developing countries with disabled people; and if he will make a statement. [34383]

  Mr. Hanley
  The ODA made available £2,397,419 in 1995–96 to British non-governmental organisations specifically for work with disabled people in developing countries.

  The Overseas Development Administration recognises that disabled people are often among the poorest and most vulnerable in society. We aim to assist disabled people to participate in development through a process that creates economic independence and self-help and in which they are involved in the decisions and planning that most closely affect them.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Halesowen Magistrates Court
  Mr. Hawksley
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will give his approval
  205
  for the work to be carried out at Halesowen magistrates court to allow the amalgamation of the Halesowen and Stourbridge bench. [33843]

  Mr. Streeter
  Yes

PRIME MINISTER

  Engagements
  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 27 June. [33654]

  Sir Peter Tapsell
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 27 June. [33655]

  Mr. John Evans
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 27 June. [33404]

  The Deputy Prime Minister
  I have been asked to reply.

  My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister is attending the G7 summit in Lyon.

  Unemployment (European Union)
  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will raise at the next meeting of the European Council the level of unemployment in the EU. [33400]

  The Prime Minister
  Unemployment was one of the issues discussed at the European Council in Florence. The European Council confirmed the priority attached to tackling unemployment and agreed to carry forward the strategy agreed at the Essen European Council in December 1994, which recognised the primacy of action by member states and recommended a number of lines of action reflecting this Government's approach.

  Parliamentary Delegation (OSCE)
  Mr. Duncan
  To ask the Prime Minister what changes he has made to the United Kingdom delegation to the parliamentary assembly of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe. [35115]

  The Prime Minister
  The hon. Member for Inverness, Nairn and Lochaber (Sir Russell Johnston) has been named as a substitute for the Liberal Democrat party.

HOUSE OF COMMONS

  Tour Visitors (Access)
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Chairman of the Administration Committee what action is planned to improve access to the Palace of Westminster by tour visitors. [34668]

  Mr. Michael J. Martin
  This is a matter for the Serjeant at Arms. I have asked him to write to my hon. Friend.

  Crypt Chapel
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Chairman of the Administration Committee for what reasons the Crypt chapel is not included in the line of route when it is not in use. [34671]
  206
  Mr. Michael J. Martin
  The Chapel of St. Mary Undercroft in the Crypt is not suited for visits by Members' parties of up to 16 in number on the lint; of route due to the restricted access from Westminster Hall and the limited space available. However, parties of visitors up to six in number personally escorted by an hon. Member may be admitted to the chapel from 12.30 pm to the rising of the House on sitting days only.

TRANSPORT

  Ferry Safety
  Mr. Jacques Arnold
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what will be the impact of the recent Stockholm agreement on safety standards on ferries operating to and from the United Kingdom. [35121]

  Mr. Norris
  The Stockholm agreement is a major achievement. It will provide substantial extra protection for those who travel on ro-ro ferries. Ferries operating to and from United Kingdom ports must demonstrate, within a tight time scale, that they meet a stringent basic survivability standard and that they can cope with a considerable amount of water on the car deck.

  The requirements of this significant agreement go beyond the worldwide application of the demanding SOLAS 90 standard, as agreed in the International Maritime Organisation last November. Ferries connecting ports in the United Kingdom with neighbouring countries will meet a higher standard for sea-going voyages than will similar vessels operating outside the specified area, as will those on similar UK domestic services.

  A list of ferries, showing the dates by which each must meet the new standard, has been published today. Copies of the list have been placed in the Library.

  The list shows that about 100 sea-going passenger ro-ro ferries currently serve United Kingdom ports. The majority of these vessels already have such a high survival capability that further limited modification is not required until the latter part of the agreed time scale. This shows the robustness of the ro-ro fleet, which will be fortified yet further by the application of the new standard.

  Merchant Shipping Bill
  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to publish a draft Merchant Shipping Bill; and if he will make a statement. [35243]

  Sir George Young
  A draft Merchant Shipping Bill has been published today for consultation, and copies have been placed in the Library of the House.

  The draft Bill contains clauses to implement those recommendations in Lord Donaldson's report "Safer Ships, Cleaner Seas", Cm 2560, which the Government accept and which require legislative change.

  The draft Bill contains important provisions that will be widely welcomed. Taken with the measures already implemented since the Donaldson report, they represent a significant step forward in protecting the marine environment and raising safety standards.
  207
  The most important clauses cover: enabling powers to require ports to prepare waste management plans and to take other measures to improve provision and use of waste reception facilities, and increased fines for illegal discharge of waste all of which were part of the package of measures announced by my noble Friend the Minister for Aviation and Shipping on 24 January; temporary exclusion zones at sea to allow safety zones to be placed around shipping casualties or structures on grounds of safety and/or pollution; widening intervention powers to cover all cases of significant degrees of pollution, not just pollution "on a large scale" as at present; enabling powers to change shipowners for port state control inspections, emergency response measures and standard setting activity; and enabling powers to implement new instruments providing for improved compensation payments to victims of marine pollution.

  The draft Bill also proposes a number of minor amendments to merchant shipping legislation.

  My Department is also publishing today consultation papers on sub-standard and uninsured ships and on the responsibilities of local authorities and port authorities in oil pollution response. Subject to the outcome of consultation on these papers, further draft clauses will be prepared as appropriate.

  Departmental Management Plans
  Mr. Jacques Arnold
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on his Department's management plans for 1996–97. [35123]

  Sir George Young
  I have today published the Department of Transport's departmental management and efficiency plan 1996, summary report. This gives details of how my Department will use its administrative resources in 1996–97 and also reports on efficiency achievements and reviews planned. Copies of this document have been placed in the Library.

  The "Transport Report 1996", Cm 3206, presented to Parliament in March 1996, set out my Department's expenditure plans for 1996–97 to 1998–99. It is supplemented by the business plans published by each of my Department's executive agencies and placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

  Fisheries (Safety)
  Mr. Foulkes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects the consultation and consideration by the Marine Safety Agency on a code of safety practice for fishing vessels under 12m to be concluded; how he proposes to deal with the recommendations arising from this consideration; what representations he has received about the time taken to consult on and consider this matter; and if he will make a statement. [34794]

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

  Letter from R. M. Bradley to Mr. George Foulkes, dated 27 June 1996:
  The Secretary of State for Transport has asked me to reply to your Question about the Marine Safety Agency's proposed Code of Safe Practice for Fishing Vessels under 12m in length.
  208
  The technical standards in the Code are almost complete and consultation with the fishing industry on how the Code should be implemented is still underway. The consultation process will encompass the timescale for implementing the Code and the means of applying it. A statement will be made when agreement is reached with the fishing industry.

  Search and Rescue
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment has been made of the consequences for safety in the east Shetland basin of the withdrawal by Shell Expo of the Bell 212 helicopter search and rescue facility from the beginning of 1997; and if he will make a statement. [34793]

  Mr. Norris
  The helicopter referred to has been provided by Shell Expo as an additional service and is not a declared UK search and rescue facility. Search and rescue responsibility is met by the Coastguard helicopter based at Sumburgh. Arrangements exist with Norway for the provision of a SAR helicopter based in the Norwegian sector if it is available. In addition to the declared facilities, Shell has advised that two extra pilots will be on standby overnight at Sumburgh to respond to medical emergencies using its own S61 helicopter.

NATIONAL HERITAGE

  National Lottery
  Mr. Peter Atkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage how much money from the Arts Council lottery funds has been awarded to the(a) Queen's hall, Hexham, (b) Dovecot arts centre, Stockton and (c) the Royal Court theatre, London theatres; and for what specific proposals. [33243]

  Mr. Sproat
  No award has been made to the Queen's hall, Hexham from the national lottery. The Dovecot arts centre has received an award of £16,000 towards the costs of a feasibility study for the development and extension of its existing premises. There have been two awards to theatres named "Royal Court". The Royal Court Theatre Foundation in Liverpool has received £50,000 towards urgent repairs of the 1930s listed grade II theatre. The Royal Court theatre in London has received £15.8 million towards renovation and development costs. This is the only award to theatres in south-west London.

  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if she will commission regular reports from the Office of the National Lottery on the measures it is taking and has taken to ensure that the lottery draw is conducted honestly. [34371]

  Mr. Sproat
  [holding answer 25 June 1996]: I have no plans to commission regular reports from Oflot on the measures that is taking and has taken to ensure that the lottery draw is conducted honestly. The director general is required to report to me each year on the exercising of his function. This report will cover his responsibility to ensure that the lottery is run with all due propriety.

  Television Licences
  Mr. Devlin
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what additional resources he estimates will accrue to the BBC as a result of the recent decision to charge for television licences in second homes. [34325]
  209
  Mr. Sproat
  Latest estimates from the BBC indicate that the change in the interpretation of the licensing regulations for second homes may raise around £1 million in additional television licence fee revenue, net of refunds for full, unexpired quarters of the licence term.

  Sport (Inner Cities)
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if she will make a statement on the contribution of sport to inner-city life. [34477]

  Mr. Sproat
  Sport has an important role to play in improving the quality of life for people living in inner-city areas.

  In July 1995, the Government published the sports policy statement "Sport: Raising the Game", which detailed plans for improving the opportunities for young people everywhere to take part in sport. A follow-up statement is to be published this summer detailing the action that has been taken over the past 12 months.

  In addition, the Sports Council, as the statutory distributor in England of national lottery funds for sport, has established a priority funding initiative aimed at attracting more applications from areas of sporting and social deprivation. Up to 90 per cent. lottery funding is now available for projects from identified urban areas of sporting deprivation. The council will also provide up to 80 per cent. of the capital cost for dual use projects that link schools with their communities and local clubs.

  Tobacco Sponsorship
  Mr. Barron
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what was the total spent through tobacco sponsorship on(a) sport and (b) the arts in 1994–1995; and how much has been spent each year since the voluntary agreement came into effect. [34765]

  Mr. Sproat
  There is no agreement with the Department governing tobacco sponsorship of the arts, and the Department does not hold information on arts sponsorship expenditure by the tobacco industry. The amount spent each year by tobacco companies on sports sponsorship in the UK, up to and including 1994–95, are as follows:

  1976–77: £3,226,000

  1977–78: £3,349,000

  1978–79: £3,679,000

  1979–80: £3,813,000

  1980–81: £4,720,000

  1981–82: £5,474,000

  1982–83: £7,193,000

  1983–84: £7,314,000

  1984–85: £7,349,000

  1985–86: £8,252,000

  1986–87: £7,699,000

  1987–88: £5,911,000

  1988–89: £5,329,000

  1989–90: £7,253,000

  1990–91: £7,630,000

  1991–92: £8,981,000

  1992–93: £10,403,000

  1993–94: £7,576,000

  1994–95: £8,062,000

  210
  Mr. Barron
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage how much has been spent on tobacco sponsorship of(a) motor racing, (b) snooker, (c) darts, (d) cricket and (e) Rugby League under the terms of the voluntary agreement in each year since 1990. [34762]

  Mr. Sproat
  Records are not kept of the amount spent on tobacco sponsorship on each individual sport. The voluntary agreement on sponsorship requires tobacco manufacturers to inform the Government of the expenditure incurred in each year on sports sponsorship in the United Kingdom. The amounts since 1990 are as follows:

  1990–91: £7,630,000

  1991–92: £8,981,000

  1992–93: £10,403,000

  1993–94: £7,576,000

  1994–95: £8,062,000

  Home Shopping
  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what further consideration she has given to ensuring that broadcasters have the opportunity to offer home shopping features on analogue terrestrial television. [35201]

  Mr. Sproat
  Following discussion of this issue during the Committee stage of the Broadcasting Bill, my officials have explored the way forward with home shopping interests and the Independent Television Commission. In the light of those discussions, I believe that we can meet the concerns expressed in Committee by executive action rather than a new clause. I am confident that at its July meeting the ITC will agree to amend its rules on advertising breaks to allow extended home shopping segments in the night hours on terrestrial television channels.

  For the future, the ITC has also said that it will review its rules on advertising breaks as a whole in the light of the final outcome of current negotiations for a revised EU directive and the allocation of airtime available to home shopping will form a part of this review. Should home shopping become established on the terrestrial channels within existing airtime allocations for advertising on these channels, the experience accumulated will also be relevant to decisions about how policy might evolve in the future, and the possibility of further change to ITC rules is not excluded.

  Millennium Exhibition
  Mr. Corbett
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if she will list the financial commitments made on behalf of the Government and by the Millennium Commission in connection with the capital costs of the millennium exhibition, separately identifying arrangements covering financial risk by private sector partners. [34438]

  Mr. Sproat
  [holding answer 25 June 1996]: No financial commitments have been made on behalf of the Government in connection with the capital costs of the millennium exhibition. The Millennium Commission is prepared to award a grant of up to £200 million. The involvement of the private sector is under negotiation.

  Lottery Awards (North-East Derbyshire)
  Mr. Barnes
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if she will list the grants awarded from the national lottery fund to sporting organisations in North-East Derbyshire. [34092]

  Mr. Sproat
  [holding answer 26 June 1996]: There have, to date, been no awards made to sporting organisations in North-East Derbyshire. Derbyshire as a whole, however, has benefited from 19 awards to sports organisations, totalling £1,588,294.

WALES

  Prescribing Costs
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will provide figures for prescribing costs for each of the years 1990–91 to 1995–96, for general practices, set out as(a) continuing non-fundholders, (b) first wave fundholders, (c) second wave fundholders, (d) third wave fundholders, (e) fourth wave fundholders and (f) fifth wave fundholders. [34323]

  Mr. Hague
  Information is not held in the form requested. Prescribing costs for fundholders and non-fundholders for 1994–95 and 1995–96 are as follows:

  Expenditure (£000s)

  1994–95

  1995–96

  Fundholders

  72,573.594

  93,830.025

  Non-fundholders

  172,273.066

  169,708.742

  Higher Education Expenditure
  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what has been the public expenditure on higher education in Wales, excluding public expenditure on student maintenance, both in cash terms and in real terms, and expressed as a percentage of(a) estimated Welsh gross domestic product and (b) estimated United Kingdom gross domestic product for each financial year since 1989–90; and what is planned for (i) 1996–97, (ii) 1997–98 and (iii) 1998–99. [34317]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply that I gave him on Wednesday 26 June 1996, columns 154–55.

  School Leavers
  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what proportion of school leavers went directly into work in the last year without training(a) in Wales and (b) in each TEC area. [34278]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  The precise information requested is not available. Twelve per cent. of pupils leaving school in Wales in summer 1994 were in full-time employment at September 1994.

  GCSE
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the GCSE average point scores for(a) each twentieth group and (b) the cumulative twentieth groups of 15-year-old pupils ranked according
  212
  to their average point scores for (i) 1993 and (ii) 1994 in respect of (1) all pupils, (2) pupils in the grant-maintained sector, (3) pupils in the independent sector and (4) pupils in the local education authority maintained sector, giving the numbers of each group of the whole cohort in each case. [33394]

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

  Ambulance Policy and Advisory Group
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer of 24 June,Official Report, column 50, if he will list the dates of the meetings subsequent to 16 January 1995 of the Welsh ambulance policy and advisory group attended by his officials; and what were the main subjects discussed. [34785]

  Mr. Hague
  The dates of meetings of the Welsh ambulance policy advisory group attended by my officials are:

  16 January 1995

  5 April 1995

  28 July 1995

  15 September 1995

  6 October 1995

  17 November 1995

  16 February 1996

  1 April 1996

  14 June 1996

  Discussions covered a wide range of ambulance operational and policy issues.

  Welsh Office Publications List
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will arrange to place future issues of the Welsh Office publications list in the Vote Office. [34401]

  Mr. Hague
  Future issues of the annual Welsh Office publications list will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Employment Service
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will visit the Employment Service office in Mold road, Buckley, Flintshire. [34747]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales has no plans to visit the Employment Services office in Mold road, Buckley at the present time.

  Mr. Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) if he will make it his policy to keep open the Employment Service office in Mold road, Buckley, Flintshire; [34748]

  (2) how many Employment Service offices in Wales have been closed since 1992. [34749]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  Responsibility for the Employment Service in Wales rests with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Employment.
  213
  Mr. Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will meet(a) Buckley town council and (b) Flintshire county council to discuss the proposed closure of the Buckley Employment Service offices. [34750]

  Mr. Jones
  No. Responsibility for the Employment Service in Wales rests with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Employment.

  Wheelchairs
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer of 19 March,Official Report, column 169, if he will make a statement about his plans for Wales with regard to powered wheelchairs and financial aid for wheelchairs. [34751]

  Mr. Hague
  Discussions on the future provision of wheelchair services in Wales are continuing. Decisions will be taken when detailed advice is available and has been fully assessed.

  GP Fundholding
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the number of general practitioner practices in Wales as at 1 April 1996, which were(a) total fundholding, (b) conventional fundholdings and (c) community fundholding; how many patients in total were covered by each category of GP; and what proportion this represented of the total patient population. [34767]

  Mr. Hague
  As at 1 April 1996, in Wales, there were:

  (a) Four Total Purchasing Pilot Projects involving 14 practices' with a combined list of 130,251 (4.44 per cent. of the population);

  (b) 197 Standard Fundholding practices with a combined list of 1,424,535 (48.54 per cent. of the population); and

  (c) 13 community Fundholding practices with a combined list of 39,876 (1.4 per cent. of the population).

  1 These practices are included in, not additional to, those in sub-para b).

  South East Wales Ambulance Trust
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what consultation he has had with the chairman of the South East Wales ambulance trust concerning his financial accounting proposals relating to those partially built Mercedes Benz Lifestal ambulances which have been paid for but will not be completed for trust use. [34759]

  Mr. Hague
  None; this is currently an operational matter for the trust.

ENVIRONMENT

  Council House Sales
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what has been the total number of houses or flats sold by each of the London borough authorities since 1980. [33706]
  214
  Mr. Clappison
  Information on sales of council houses and flats reported by each English local authority for financial years from 1979–80 and a cumulative total of sales to the end of December 1995 is available in the Library.

  Clinical Waste
  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) which countries export clinical and medical waste to England and Wales for high temperature incineration; and if he will make a statement. [34036]

  (2) what recent discussions have taken place with the Irish Department of Health concerning the export of medical and clinical waste to England and Wales; and if he will make a statement; [34038]

  (3) what plans he has to modify the regulations governing the importation of medical and clinical waste; and if he will make a statement; [34039]

  (4) if he will list the names and locations of those companies in England and Wales which are licensed to import medical and clinical waste for high temperature incineration; and if he will make a statement. [34037]

  Mr. Clappison
  The Government's policies on exports and imports of waste from and to the United Kingdom are contained in the United Kingdom management plan for exports and imports of waste which was published on 16 May 1996. The plan has legal effect, and came into force on 1 June 1996.

  The Government's policy proposals for waste exports and imports were initially outlined in a statement by the then Minister for the Environment and Countryside, my right hon. Friend the Member for South Ribble (Mr. Atkins) on 15 June 1994. The Department consulted on its proposals, in the form of a draft plan, during February and March 1995; the European Commission and other EC member states, including the Republic of Ireland, were also consulted at this time.

  Under the plan, imports of waste for disposal are generally banned, in line with the principle of self-sufficiency in the disposal of waste. However, exceptions to this policy occur in cases of emergency, or where the exporting country does not have, and cannot reasonably acquire, suitable disposal facilities of its own.

  Representations were received from the Irish Government, to the effect that they produce certain hazardous wastes in sufficiently small quantities overall per year that the provision of new specialised disposal facilities in Ireland would be uneconomic. As a result of these representations, the Government decided to exclude the Republic of Ireland from the phase-out of imports of waste from other EC member states for high temperature incineration at facilities capable of operating at temperatures in excess of 1100 deg C. Thus, Irish waste destined for high temperature incineration, including some categories of clinical waste, will continue to be allowed access to UK facilities. Imports from the Irish Republic of clinical or other waste destined for low temperature incineration, however, are not permitted under the plan.

  In 1994–95, the latest year for which figures are available, the following European countries exported hazardous wastes to the United Kingdom for high

  215
  temperature incineration: Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal and Spain. Wastes were also imported for high temperature incineration from Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Mozambique, Norway, Thailand, Turkey and Venezuela. Data are not available on the origin of these wastes by economic sector-clinical, medical, industrial, and so on.

  There are four sites in England and Wales which are licensed as high temperature incinerators as defined in the plan; these are listed:

  Rechem International Ltd.: Pontypool

  Rechem International Ltd.: Southampton

  Cleanaway Ltd.: Ellesmere Port

  Leigh Environmental Ltd. Killamarsh.

  We have no plans at present to modify the regulations governing the importation of medical and clinical waste into the United Kingdom. However, the question of clinical waste imports has recently been raised informally with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health by the Irish Minister for Health. As a result, we understand that the Irish Government are considering making a formal request for a temporary dispensation to continue imports of clinical waste for low temperature incineration. We will consider any such request on its merits.

  Mercury (Disposal)
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what progress he has made in persuading the lighting industry to take greater responsibility for the safe disposal of mercury. [33866]

  Mr. Clappison
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on Monday 22 April 1996,Official Report, column 1. I have no further information to add.

  Contaminated Waste (Disposal)
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the proposals and sites currently under consideration for the dispersal of contaminated waste. [33842]

  Mr. Clappison
  Applications for waste management licences are made to the Environment Agency. The agency is required to maintain a public register of licence applications made to it and of licences which it has granted. Whether a particular site would take contaminated waste would depend on the terms of the licence granted by the agency.

  Environmental Standards (Job Creation)
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he has made of the number of jobs likely to be created by higher environmental standards announced in the last year; and if he will make a statement. [33907]

  Mr. Clappison
  The effect of higher environmental standards on competitiveness and jobs is complex and depends on a number of factors, including the design and implementation of each particular standard. Chapter 7 of the third competitiveness White Paper, which was recently published by the Government, outlines some of the issues.

  Parapox Virus
  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what research he has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated into the spread of parapox and its effect on the red squirrel population. [33853]

  Mr. Clappison
  No research into the parapox virus has been commissioned by my Department.

  I am aware of work being undertaken by the Institute of Zoology in identifying the virus in red squirrels and understand that the institute is working in association with wildlife trusts under the north-west red alert scheme, which enables a number of trusts in the north-west of England to collect red squirrel carcases. We will continue to follow this work with interest and await its outcome, together with any recommendations that are forthcoming.

  Home Energy Efficiency Scheme
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what account he took of the unit costs for(a) cavity wall insulation and (b) heating system upgrade as set out in the home energy efficiency scheme proposals for change when setting the current HEES budget; and if he will make a statement. [34242]

  Mr. Clappison
  The two measures mentioned by the hon. Member are not presently provided under the home energy efficiency scheme. Their costs were not, therefore, relevant factors in determining the current level of funding. The Government are consulting on possible alterations to HEES, and will consider whether any changes are desirable in the light of that consultation.

  Business Rates
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the responsibility of(a) the local authorities and (b) the Valuation Office in ensuring that the correct rateable reference is used to calculate the liability of individual businesses for business rates. [34482]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  Valuation officers, who are employed by the Valuation Office agency, are responsible for compiling and then maintaining an accurate non-domestic rating list for each billing authority in the country. Local authorities are required to inform the valuation officer for their area of any information which suggests that a list requires alteration.

  Building Inspectors
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how he plans to monitor the performance of approved inspectors appointed under the provisions of the Building Act 1984. [34366]

  Mr. Clappison
  As with local authority building control, the Department conducts no formal monitoring of the performance of approved inspectors.

  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he plans to allow new approved inspectors appointed under the provisions of the Building Act 1984 to compete in the new house building sector. [34368]

  Mr. Clappison
  The existing approved inspector— NHBC Building Control Services Ltd.—has in place, as a statutory requirement, a scheme of insurance which has
  217
  been approved by the Secretary of State for building control work in relation to dwellings. An applicant for approved inspector status who has a similar scheme of insurance approved by the Secretary of State will, subject to demonstrating technical competence and being awarded approved inspector status, be allowed to operate as an approved inspector in the new house building sector.

  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to appoint further corporate approved inspectors under the provisions of the Building Act 1984. [34365]

  Mr. Clappison
  The appointment of further corporate approved inspectors is expected by late summer.

  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what period of authorisation he intends to adopt for the appointment of new approved inspectors under the provisions of the Building Act 1984 prior to a review of their appointment. [34367]

  Mr. Clappison
  Under the provisions of the Building (Approved Inspectors etc.) Regulations 1985, an approval by the Secretary of State of a corporate approved inspector remains extant until withdrawn. The appointments are not subject to periodic review.

  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to apply to new approved inspectors appointed under the provisions of the Building Act 1984 the same regime of departmental authorisation and performance monitoring as that applied to NHBC Building Control Services Ltd. [34369]

  Mr. Clappison
  Under the provisions of the Building (Approved Inspectors etc.) Regulations 1985, corporate approved inspectors such as NHBC Building Control Services Ltd. are approved by the Secretary of State. There is no regime of departmental authorisation beyond the approval process. As with local authority building control, the Department conducts no formal monitoring of the performance of approved inspectors.

  Building Regulations
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement in response to the representations by the Deregulation Committee about the transfer of costs from the private sector to local authorities and the completeness of his Department's consultation in relation to the Deregulation (Building) (Initial Notices and Final Certificates) Order 1996. [34370]

  Mr. Clappison
  In the 14th report of the Deregulation Committee, it was noted that the transfer of costs to local authorities that would be incurred by the Deregulation (Building) (Initial Notices and Final Certificates) Order 1996, if enacted, may not be as significant as first appeared. On this basis, the Committee indicated its willingness to accept the transfer in this case. It did, however, raise the issue of whether in principle it is acceptable to transfer costs from the private sector to local authorities as a result of deregulation orders, which is an issue that should not be addressed by my Department in isolation.

  The comments of the Committee on the completeness of the consultation have been noted, and will be addressed should the occasion arise again. However, the Committee
  218
  reported that the flaws in the consultation would have no harmful effect because the proposed changes would not undermine necessary protection.

  Government Regional Policy
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the roles of the Minister for Local Government, Housing and Urban Regeneration as(a) central co-ordinator of Government policy towards the south-west and (b) regeneration sponsor Minister for Leeds, Bradford, Batley and the Thames gateway. [34362]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  The Prime Minister has asked the Minister for Local Government, Housing and Urban Regeneration to act as central co-ordinator of Government policy towards the south-west. Working with colleagues in the relevant Government Departments, the Minister is taking a close interest in the broad issues affecting the whole of the south-west, but is focusing particularly on the concerns and interests of the counties of Devon and Cornwall.

  The Minister is continuing to discharge his responsibilities as regeneration sponsor Minister for Leeds, Bradford, Batley and the Thames gateway. His role is to support and promote Government regeneration initiatives through contact with civic and business leaders and other local interests; to act as a channel for communicating local concerns to ministerial colleagues; and to share with sponsor Minister and other colleagues experience and ideas relevant to regeneration.

  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what instructions or guidance have been given to the regional director of the Government office for the south-west on the implications of the appointment of the Minister for Local Government, Housing and Urban Regeneration as central co-ordinator of Government policy towards the south-west and the way in which the Government office should relate to him. [34364]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  The appointment of the Minister for Local Government, Housing and Urban Regeneration as a central co-ordinator of Government policy towards the south-west does not change the accountability of officials in the Government office for the south-west to Ministers in the four Departments of which they are part.

  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish the terms of reference given to the Minister for Local Government, Housing and Urban Regeneration in his capacity as a central co-ordinator of Government policy towards the south-west. [34361]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  The Prime Minister has asked the Minister for Local Government, Housing and Urban Regeneration to act as a central co-ordinator of Government policy towards the south-west. The Minister will be working with colleagues in the relevant Departments looking at the broad issues affecting the whole of the south-west, and focusing particularly on the concerns and interests of the counties of Devon and Cornwall.

  Domestic Waste
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what estimate he has made of the average calorific value of domestic waste per cubic metre and the subsequent average reduction in this estimated value after the removal of recyclable components; and if he will make a statement. [34344]

  Mr. Clappison
  The composition and density of household waste varies significantly between households, and so it is not possible to give a meaningful average calorific value of domestic waste per cubic metre. Typical calorific values fall in the range of 9.5 to 11 megajoules per kilogram.

  A summary report1 of research carried out by AEA Technology entitled "The Impact of Recycling Household Waste on Downstream Energy Recovery Systems", which was published in June 1995, concluded that all of the various source separation options for recyclable materials which were considered increased—rather than decreased—the calorific value in megajoules per kilogram of the waste feedstock. However, they also reduced in total the amount of energy that might be recovered from a given amount of waste. The report therefore concluded that the introduction of source separation schemes for recycling household waste does not prejudice energy recovery from the residual waste.
  1 Available from the Renewable Energies Bureau, ETSU, Harwell, Didcot, Oxfordshire 0X11 ORA, Tel 01235 432450, reference number B/RR/00286/REP.

  Regeneration
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish the terms of reference given to regeneration sponsor Ministers listed in figure 32 of the Department of the Environment's annual report for 1996. [34363]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  The role of sponsor Ministers is to support and promote Government regeneration initiatives in their area through contact with civic and business leaders and other local interests; to act as a channel for communicating the local concerns of their area to ministerial colleagues; and to share with sponsor Minister and other colleagues experience and ideas relevant to regeneration.

  Local Government Ombudsman
  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the circumstances under which the local government ombudsman considers cases referred more than 12 months from the day when the complainant first thought that maladministration was occurring; and what plans he has to introduce legislation to record such circumstances in law. [34498]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  Under section 26(4) of the Local Government Act 1974, the local government ombudsman may conduct an investigation into a complaint outside the 12-month period if he considers it reasonable to do so. In any such case, it is for the ombudsman to decide on the facts of that individual case whether it would be right to exercise his power to investigate. The local government 220
  ombudsman's current arrangements for handling complaints are being considered as part of the second stage of the review, which was announced on 12 February 1996 by my right hon. Friend the Minister for Local Government, Housing and Urban Regeneration, Official Report, column 402.

  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many cases the local government ombudsman has handled in each year of his existence. [34500]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  The number of cases handled by the three offices of the local government ombudsman service in England is as follows:

  Year

  Complaints received

  Complaints determined

  1974–75

  473

  355

  1975–76

  2,249

  1,916

  1976–77

  2,277

  1,930

  1977–78

  2,464

  1,519

  1978–79

  2,116

  2,031

  1979–80

  2,181

  2,105

  1980–81

  2,434

  2,303

  1981–82

  2,706

  2,501

  1982–83

  2,743

  2,763

  1983–84

  3,034

  3,019

  1984–85

  3,389

  3,284

  1985–86

  3,502

  3,134

  1986–87

  4,059

  3,853

  1987–88

  4,229

  4,158

  1988–89

  7,055

  5,961

  1989–90

  8,733

  7,290

  1990–91

  9,169

  9,104

  1991–92

  12,123

  10,713

  1992–93

  13,307

  14,057

  1993–94

  14,253

  13,718

  1994–95

  15,525

  15,140

  1995–96

  15.226

  16,344

  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will place in the Library a copy of recent assessments made of the performance and level of service of the local government ombudsman. [34502]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  As announced by my right hon. Friend the Minister for Local Government, Housing and Urban Regeneration on 12 February 1996,Official Report, columns 402–03, the second stage of a review of the local government ombudsman service is currently in progress. Copies of the report on the first stage of the review, which examined the need for an independent system for the investigation of complaints, were placed in the Library of the House on that date. The second stage will focus particularly on the efficiency and effectiveness of the local government ombudsman service as an investigatory body.

  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many complaints he has received regarding the local government ombudsman office's handling of cases in each year since the office was established. [34499]
  221
  Sir Paul Beresford
  Detailed records of this information are not kept by my Department. As announced by my right hon. Friend the Minister for Local Government, Housing and Urban Regeneration on 26 June 1995,Official Report, column 534, we have received more than 200 written representations expressing some dissatisfaction about the operation of the local government ombudsman service since 1 January 1994.

  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many staff are currently employed at the local government ombudsman's office. [34501]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  At 1 June 1996, 213 staff were employed by the three offices of the local government ombudsman service in England.

  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the current budget allocation for the running of the local government ombudsman's office; and if he intends to review its funding. [34503]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  The local government ombudsman service is funded by a grant made annually by my Department from the revenue support grant. The grant for 1996–97 is £6.7 million, in addition to which a further £600,000 is available to the service from its own resources—reserves and income earned. The funding of the local government ombudsman service is currently being considered as part of the review which was announced on 12 February 1996 by my right hon. Friend the Minister for Local Government, Housing, and Urban Regeneration,Official Report, columns 402–03.

  Green Ministers
  Ms Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish summaries of the discussions and actions agreed upon following the meetings of Green Ministers. [34573]

  Mr. Clappison
  Green Ministers decided not to publish summaries of their discussions but agreed to publish a list of contact addresses in each Government Department where inquiries on green issues could be directed. A copy of the list is in the House Library. They also agreed to publish a series of case studies which show what measures Departments have taken to ensure that environmental considerations are taken into account in policies and programmes.

  Ms Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when the next meeting of Green Ministers is planned; and what will be on the agenda. [34574]

  Mr. Clappison
  The next meeting of Green Ministers will take place later in the summer. The agenda has not yet been drawn up.

  Ms Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment which Government Departments were present at the last meeting of the Green Ministers; and which were represented by a Minister. [34575]

  Mr. Clappison
  All Green Ministers attended or were represented at their last meeting.

  "Policy Appraisal and the Environment"
  Ms Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many staff are employed within his 222
  Department with responsibility for ensuring that "Policy Appraisal and the Environment" is used by all Government Departments. [34576]

  Mr. Clappison
  It is for individual Government Departments to ensure that "Policy Appraisal and the Environment" is used within their Departments. Within my Department, no staff have exclusive responsibility for this task.

  Ms Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what guidance has been issued to the Government regional offices to ensure "Policy Appraisal and the Environment" is used in decision making at regional level; and if he will place a copy of that guidance in the Library. [34577]

  Mr. Clappison
  All Government Departments were advised to use "Policy Appraisal and the Environment" when it was published in 1991. Copies were distributed widely within the Department of the Environment, including the regional offices.

  Ms Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what monitoring is(a) currently undertaken and (b) planned of the use of "Policy Appraisal and the Environment" by Government Departments and Government regional offices. [34578]

  Mr. Clappison
  No monitoring has been undertaken, but the Department is about to appoint consultants who will evaluate the degree to which "Policy Appraisal and the Environment" has been used by Government Departments, and will make recommendations as to how the integration of environmental considerations into policy making in government can be reinforced.

  Local Government Commission
  Mr. Merchant
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will announce the name of the new chairman of the Local Government Commission for England. [35270]

  Mr. Curry
  Professor Malcolm Grant, the current deputy chairman of the Local Government Commission for England, has been appointed chairman of the commission with effect from 1 July 1996 when Sir David Cooksey's term of appointment is completed. To retain the current membership of seven commissioners a new member has been appointed, Mr. Robin Gray, who takes up post on the same day.

  Hedgerows
  Ms Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when the Government expect to publish the draft Hedgerow Protection Regulations for consultation; and if the Government propose to introduce the hedgerow protection scheme by July. [34572]

  Mr. Clappison
  Section 97 of the Environment Act 1995 requires that hedgerow protection regulations are subject to consultation and approval by both Houses under the affirmative resolution procedure before they can come into effect. We expect to publish the draft regulations for consultation later in the summer, with the aim of laying the regulations in Parliament by the end of the year.

  Purchase Grant Scheme
  Mr. Jopling
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he intends to consult on detailed proposals covering the remaining counties of England to exempt small rural settlements from the purchase grant scheme; and if he will make a statement. [35271]

  Mr. Curry
  In March, we issued a consultation paper on how we propose to exempt small rural settlements in England from the new purchase grant scheme. The paper set out the way we propose to implement the designation in England, and invited comments on our general approach, and on the detailed proposals for the first 15 counties and areas. In May, we issued a consultation paper that covered a further 15 counties. Comments were sought from local authorities, housing associations, rural groups and other interested parties.

  We have today issued a supplement to those papers, which gives detailed proposals for the final 15 counties: Norfolk, North Yorkshire, Northamptonshire, Northumberland, Nottinghamshire, Somerset, South Yorkshire, Staffordshire, Surrey, Suffolk, Tyne and Wear, Warwickshire, West Midlands, West Sussex, West Yorkshire.

  Copies of the consultation paper have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses. Copies of papers for each individual county or area, including copies of any maps needed, have also been placed in both Libraries.

  Housing Investment Trusts
  Mr. Merchant
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will ensure that housing investment trusts can benefit from the same accounting rules as other investment trusts under the Companies Act 1985. [35272]

  Mr. Curry
  The Under-Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, my hon. Friend the Member for Amber Valley (Mr. Oppenheim), has agreed, in principle, to extend the definition of investment companies in section 266 of the Companies Act 1985 to cover properties of the type to be held by housing investment trusts so that the same reliefs are available to those companies. As there is a need to consult on any proposal to amend the Companies Act, and to ensure that wider accounting treatment issues are considered thoroughly, it is unlikely the necessary amendment could be introduced this year. We would expect the required order to be laid before the House early in the new year.

  Animal Welfare
  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will list by group, division or other work unit the number of grades of staff working within his Department on animal welfare issues; [34301]

  (2) if he will list (a) United Kingdom legislation, (b) EU legislation and (c) international treaties, conventions or other obligations concerning animal welfare for which his Department has responsibility; [34300]

  (3) if he will list the animal welfare issues for which his Department has responsibility. [34299]

  Mr. Clappison
  [holding answer 25 June 1996]: The animal welfare issues for which my Department are responsible include zoos, the keeping of dangerous wild
  224
  animals, the ban on the use of certain methods of killing or taking of birds and wild animals, leghold traps and some aspects of the transport of endangered species.

  These issues are covered by the Zoo Licensing Act 1981, the Dangerous Wild Animal Act 1976, the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the EC Leghold Trap Regulation 1991 (EC No. 3254/91 and EC No. 1771/94). Provisions on accommodation and handling during the transport of endangered species are reflected in existing EC regulations (EC No. 3626/82 and 3418/83) which govern the implementation of the convention on international trade in endangered species of wild fauna and flora.

  The wildlife and countryside directorate is responsible for animal welfare issues among its other duties. The grades and approximate number of the directorate's staff involved are:

  Director (Grade 3): less than 1 full-time equivalent

  Assistant Secretary (G5): less than 1

  Principal (G7):less than 1

  Higher Executive Officer: 1

  Executive Officer: 1–2

  Administrative Officer: Assistant: 1–2.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Employment Department Offices
  Mr. Alan Williams
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how much was spent on Employment Department office refurbishment in Swansea before its sale; and what were the sale proceeds. [34483]

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

  Letter from Mike Fogden to Mr. Alan Williams, dated 26 June 1996:
  The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question about the cost of the Employment Department office refurbishment in Swansea.
  The refurbishment of one of my offices in Swansea started in February 1994. The work was essential for the following reasons;

  (i) to meet our organisational requirements at that time in order to efficiently deal with the needs of the business;

  (ii) to fulfil our lease obligations to maintain the standard of our estates responsibilities ie redecoration and maintenance/upgrade of the heating system;

  (iii) to meet health and safety requirements by upgrading light levels to ensure compliance with the Health at Work Act.

  Subsequent to these alterations taking place our operational requirements changed and. in order to meet these and to continue to improve the delivery of services to our clients, the decision was taken to fully integrate the functions undertaken at Grove House with those at my other Jobcentre in High Street.
  Although the premises have not been open to the public since September 1995, the Employment Service has continued to use the premises for its business and will do so until the lease break at the end of June 1996.
  By maintaining the standard of the office, the refurbishment will greatly offset any dilapidation claim the landlord may have against us at the end of our tenure in June.

  225
  There were no sale proceeds as the building is leasehold, not freehold. Disposal of our lease in June will realise savings of £42,500 rent and £20,000 rates per annum to the ES. Additional running cost savings of £10,500 per annum in respect of fuel, utilities etc, will also be achieved.
  I hope this is helpful.

  Employment Service
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) how many callers and inquiries have been handled at the Buckley Employment Service premises in(a) 1994 and (b) 1995; [34728]

  (2) if she will review her decision to close the Employment Service premises in Buckley, Flintshire; [34730]

  (3) if she will visit the Employment Service premises in Buckley, Flintshire; [34727]

  (4) if she will meet the (a) Flintshire county council and (b) Buckley town council to discuss the future of the Employment Services premises in Buckley, Flintshire; [34729]

  (5) how many Employment Service premises have been closed since 1992; and if she will make a statement. [34731]

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

  Letter from Robert Home to Mr. Barry Jones, dated 27 June 1996:
  The Secretary of State has asked me, in the absence of the Chief Executive, to reply to your questions concerning the closure of die Buckley Jobcentre, Flintshire later this year.
  In response to your question about the number of callers and enquiries that have been handled at the Buckley Employment Service (ES) premises in 1994 and 1995,1 am unable to provide the precise information you ask for. Jobcentres are not required to collect this information as a matter of course, however the following information does provide a good indication of regular callers at Buckley:
  The number of clients claiming benefit and signing each week averaged 300 per week for 1994 and 270 per week for 1995.
  The number of job submissions each week averaged 156 per week for 1994 and 170 per week for 1995. (These figures are not necessarily in addition to the number of clients signing as many would be submitted to job vacancies on their signing day.)
  Since 1992, ES has closed 37 offices nationally.
  The ES always keeps its operations under review and the decision to close Buckley Jobcentre was not taken lightly. Buckley is a small town 2½ miles from Mold. Mold ESJ offers clients the full range of ES services. There is a regular bus service every 15 minutes between Buckley and Mold and other ESJs within easy reach are Wrexham (12 miles) and Shotton (6 miles). The ES can do more to help its clients through its larger offices which offer the full range of ES services than small offices which offer only a limited service. Office closures are also linked to the ES programme to bring Jobcentre and Benefit Services together under one roof, a policy now required by the ES' role in the delivery of the Jobseekers' Allowance.
  In respect of your request that the Secretary of State visits the ES premises at Buckley and meets Flintshire County Council and Buckley Town Council, perhaps the most appropriate course of action would be for the District Manager, Ted Pinch and the Director for Wales, Bernard Pearce, to meet with you to discuss Employment
  226
  Service provision in Buckley and Flintshire. Should you wish to contact Ted Pinch, his telephone number is 01978 203500 and Bernard Pearce can be contacted on 01222 380705.
  I hope this is helpful.

  All-work Tests
  Mr. Alan Howard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) what is the administration cost per claimant of referrals to adjudication where a doubt has arisen about availability for work, actively seeking work, or willingness to accept work; [34788]

  (2) how many adjudication decisions have been made on questions of availability for work, actively seeking work and willingness to accept work, where the adjudication officer considered claims related to the application of the student regulation for part-time study; [34786]

  (3) how many adjudication decisions have been made on questions of availability for work, actively seeking work and willingness to accept work, where doubts have arisen (a) from the student questionnaire "People Attending Training and Further Education Courses", (b) as a result of voluntary activity and (c) as a result of part-time employment. [34787]

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

  Letter from Robert Home to Mr. Alan Howarth, dated 27 June 1996:
  The Secretary of State has asked me, in the absence of the Chief Executive, to reply to your questions about adjudication decisions relating to unemployed people who are undertaking courses of training or further education, doing voluntary work or who are in part time employment.
  Unfortunately, information is not available in the form you have requested.
  Information about the number of adjudication officer decisions and opinions, is contained in a published document entitled "Analysis of Adjudication Officers' Decisions". This provides information on all the main entitlement questions arising on claims. Copies of this document are held in the Library of the House. The latest available information relates to the quarter year and year to 31 March 1996.
  However, no statistics are held specifically in relation to availability and actively seeking work decisions on claims made by people who complete student questionnaires, declare participation in voluntary work or are in part time employment.
  I am unable to state the administration cost per claimant where referral to adjudication is necessary because of doubts on these questions. Information on administration costs is not broken down in this way.
  I hope this is helpful.

  Jobcentre Computers
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what advice has recently been received from the Furniture Research Establishment concerning the steps necessary to make safe the new jobseeker's allowance computer systems in jobcentres; what action her Department is taking in respect of this advice; what is the estimated cost; and if she will make a statement. [34792]
  227
  Mr. Forth
  Responsibility for the subject of the question has been delegated to the Employment Service under its chief executive. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from Robert Home to Mr. Stephen Byers, dated 27 June 1996:
  The Secretary of State for Education and Employment has asked me to reply to your question, in the absence of the Chief Executive, about the advice received from the Furniture Industry Research Association (FIRA) concerning electrical safety, the action being taken in respect of this advice, and the estimated cost.
  Following the recent accident at Bamsbury Jobcentre we have taken immediate steps to improve safety. The risk which we have to deal with arises not so much from the installation of new personal computers as from the cabling of electrical equipment generally. We have instructed staff to make visual checks of all cables which pass through or near their desks for signs of damage. We have also brought forward our regular six mondily check of electrical appliances. Costs arising from these actions will depend on the faults found, but are likely to be small.
  As an additional precaution we asked FIRA for advice about die earthing of desks. FIRA are providing technical specifications for our electrical contractors to enable them to begin a programme of earth bonding desks. Initial estimates are that the programme will cost around £1.75 million. The exact figure will be available when the technical specifications have been fully costed.

  Supported Employment Programme
  Mr. Mark Robinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what changes will be made to the entry procedures for the Employment Service's supported employment programme as a result of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995; and if she will make a statement. [35116]

  Mr. Forth
  We have recently completed a public consultation on the entry criteria for this programme. The consultation was announced by my hon. Friend the Minister for Disabled People in January 1995 in the publication "Ending Discrimination against Disabled People". A substantial majority of those responding were in favour of keeping the current entry criteria apart from the modifications needed to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.

  Entry to the programme is currently based on registration under the Disabled Persons (Employment) Act 1944 and judgments by the Employment Service on a disabled person's capability of undertaking open employment. The Disability Discrimination Act amends the 1944 Act by introducing a new employment right and a new definition of disability. Once these apply, towards the end of 1996, registration as disabled will cease.

  We have decided that the current entry criteria—that disabled people should be 30 per cent. to 80 per cent. productive relative to a non-disabled person and that they cannot otherwise obtain or retain employment on account of the severity of their disability—should continue to apply. Once registration as disabled has ceased, all disabled people entering the programme will need to comply with the definition of disability in the Disability Discrimination Act. Disabled people who were on the register on 12 January 1995 and on the date the new employment right comes into effect will be deemed to be disabled for the purposes of the Act without having to provide other evidence of disability.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Child Support Agency
  Ms Gordon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what plans he has to review the CSA computer system; [33827]

  (2) what plans he has (a) to revise and (b) to rebuild the CSA computer system. [33814]

  Mr. Andrew Mitchell
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by the chief executive of the Child Support Agency to the hon. Member for Rochdale (Ms Lynne), on 20 June,Official Report, column 603.

  Ms Lynne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) for what period of time the Child Support Agency is authorised to keep records of cases of former clients on its computer systems; [34313]

  (2) what safeguards are applied to ensure that data held about former clients by the Child Support Agency cannot be accessed; [34312]

  (3) in what circumstances data relating to former clients of me Child Support Agency is held on the Child Support Agency computer system after a case is closed; [34316]

  (4) how many cases of former clients of the Child Support Agency whose cases have been closed still have records on the Child Support Agency computer system; [34314]

  (5) what requirements are placed on the Child Support Agency to delete the records of former clients whose cases have been closed. [34315]

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

  Letter from Miss Ann Chant to Ms Liz Lynne, dated 27 June 1996:
  In the absence of Miss Chant, the Chief Executive, I am replying to your Parliamentary Questions to the Secretary of State for Social Security about the Child Support Agency Computer System (CSCS).
  Under the Data Protection Act 1984 the Agency is empowered to retain information for as long as mere is a business need. There are no other requirements placed on the Child Support Agency to delete records whose cases have been closed other than the Data Protection Act.
  The 6th Principle of the Data Protection Act is that "Personal Data held for any purpose or purposes shall not be kept for longer than is necessary for that purpose or purposes."
  All accesses to the CSCS require the input of a unique Personal Identification Device (PID) which registers the access on an Audit trail which is subject to management checks. In addition all devices use password techniques which prevent unauthorised access. Standard physical security practices are in place near all Agency terminals.
  Users of me CSCS are also restricted by the system, to updating only those areas of the system which are relevant to their duties.
  Data which have been archived off the CSCS cannot be retrieved through me system, but hard copy records can be obtained by authorised users.
  In the case of nationally sensitive or locally sensitive cases only designate officers with a higher security profile are allowed access to that case.

  229
  At present all closed cases are retained on die CSCS. A programme to introduce archiving and weeding of data has begun and some redundant data which have been superseded is already being removed from all cases.
  There are business reasons why the Agency needs to retain data for a specified period after the case is closed ie. enquiries, appeals, monitoring of cases for Secretary of State targets.
  There are also circumstances where it would be necessary to retain data for a longer period. This would be applicable where "Good Cause" for not pursuing a case has been established; in such a case the Agency is not permitted under its regulations to pursue the same case in future. There are other instances where it is in the best interests of Agency clients to retain data. For example, where DNA testing has been undertaken the Agency would not wish to go over ground previously covered with a client in the event of a repeat claim.
  The picture is complicated by the fact that a person may be linked to more than one assessment unit or case. Thus an assessment unit may be closed but die individual personal records may still be considered active if they are also linked to another open case. Similarly a person can legitimately leave an assessment unit, for example a non qualifying child, and their record closed but the actual assessment unit remain open and active.
  There are currently approximately 650,000 closed cases on the CSCS which represents 38% of the 1.7 million cases on die system. There are approximately 753,000 personal records which are regarded as "inactive" on die computer system which represents approximately 20% of the total 3.8 million person records on the file. These personal records include records of children.
  Whilst the Agency accepts the principle of removing or archiving much data from closed cases there are nevertheless important reasons to retain some evidence of legitimate clients in the event of repeat applications. It is important mat such records are retained for a longer period.
  I hope this is helpful.

  Family Credit
  Mr. Charles Kennedy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on the forthcoming changes in respect of eligibility for family credit; what steps were taken to advise recipients of the changes; and what estimate he has made of the likely average impact of the changes upon single parents. [33844]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  From 2 July, family credit awards will terminate when the last remaining dependent child in a family leaves full-time, non-advanced education. We have written to all families who may be immediately affected and a further letter will be sent around 2 July to all such families to give information about the new rules. From 2 July, information will be included on award notices and on forms and leaflets.

  Of me 287,000 lone parents who receive family credit, we estimate that under 4 per cent. will be affected by the change. The impact will depend on how many weeks of the 26-week family credit award remain when the child leaves school.

  Income Support
  Mr. Alan Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people were disqualified from income support under the notional income rules in respect of earnings of(a) the claimant and (b) the claimant's partner in the year 1995–96. [34215]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  The information is not available.
  230
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when the Independent Tribunal Service will inform the Benefits Agency in writing of the outcome of the tribunal hearing in Harrow on 4 June in respect of an appeal by Miss B. D. (ref. youth training 138196D), against the withholding of income support. [34224]

  Mr. Evans
  The Benefits Agency will be informed of the result of the hearing during the week commencing 24 June 1996.

  Child Care Allowance
  Mr. Alan Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what was the total spending on the child care allowance(a) during 1995–96 and (b) since its introduction. [34229]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  Information is not yet available for the full financial year 1995–96, or for the expenditure on the child care disregard in housing benefit and council tax benefit. Expenditure in family credit and disability working allowance is provisionally estimated at £17.8 million between introduction of the disregard in October 1994 and February 1996. The latest date for which information is available.

  Benefits
  Mr. Alan Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the average number of hours worked by(a) lone parents and (b) couples who claim (i) family credit, (ii) disability working allowance, (iii) housing benefit and (iv) council tax benefit. [34238]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is set out in the table.

  Family credit and disability working allowance: average weekly hours worked by recipients

  Family credit

  Disability working allowance

  Couples

  33.9

  28.9

  Lone parents

  24.9

  23.9

  Note:

  1. Data for family credit and disability working allowance, is for October 1995 and January 1996 respectively.

  2. Figures for housing benefit and council tax benefit are not available.

  Source:

  1. Family Credit Statistics Quarterly Enquiry October 1995.

  2. Disability working allowance 100 per cent. count of claims January 1996.

TREASURY

  Value Added Tax
  Mr. Janner
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations have been made to him on recent VAT receipts. [33421]

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  We receive many representations on VAT receipts.

  Beer Duty
  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to bring duties on beer into line with those in other EU member states. [33423]

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  Any change that my right hon. and learned Friend the Chancellor makes to the level of beer excise duty will be a matter for his forthcoming Budget deliberations. In reaching his decisions he takes account of all relevant factors, including the rates of duty applied by our European partners.

  Transfer Pricing
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many inquiries into transfer pricing abuses have been carried out in the last three years; and what estimate he can give of revenues recovered. [33424]

  Mr. Jack
  The Inland Revenue keeps multinational companies' tax affairs under constant scrutiny and any evidence of non-compliance with the transfer pricing legislation is carefully investigated. In the last three years inquiries by the Revenue's head office international specialists generated more than £500 million additional tax. Further significant amounts of tax were generated by work in the Revenue's oil taxation office and its local office.

  Public Finances
  Mr. Keith Hill
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations have been made to him recently on the state of the United Kingdom's public finances. [33425]

  Mr. Waldegrave
  My right hon. and learned Friend has not received any such formal representations recently.

  The public finances are improving steadily, with the PSBR on a clear downward trend.

  Private Finance Initiative
  Mr. Congdon
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the benefits of the private finance initiative to London. [33426]

  Mr. Michael Jack
  Projects with a capital value of over £3.7 billion have been agreed in the last year in and around London. These include the channel tunnel rail link, which has a capital value of £3 billion; a new fleet of trains for the Northern line of the Underground, with a capital value of £400 million; the creation of 170 new housing units in Waltham Forest with a capital value of £15 million; and the Croydon tramlink deal, which has a capital value of £160 million. Many more are under consideration. Comprehensive details of small-scale projects or projects by region are not held centrally.

  Ms Ruddock
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many civil servants have been given formal training on the private finance initiative; and what plans his Department has to increase awareness of the private finance initiative among all Government Departments. [34579]

  Mr. Jack
  Nearly 2,000 civil servants have already attended or are currently booked to attend the PFI training course announced at Budget time last year. The private 232
  finance panel hopes that between 5,000 and 10,000 will be trained in total. Government Departments, other public sector bodies and private sector organisations now run more specialised PFI courses and training of their own.

  Other measures to ensure that all civil servants involved with the PFI are fully informed about it include the publication of a comprehensive handbook "Private Opportunity, Public Benefit: Progressing the Private Finance Initiative"; "Guidelines for Smoothing the Procurement Process"; and a series of case studies, the latest of which is "Report on the procurement of custodial services for the DCMF prisons at Bridgend and Fazakerley". The "Private Finance Journal", provided under contract for the private finance panel executive, publishes regular information about the initiative. Departments are increasingly developing guidance and newsletters of their own, specific to enhancing knowledge of the PFI in their own areas.

  Investment
  Mr. Eric Clarke
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to increase levels of investment in the United Kingdom. [33427]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  Industry is expanding capacity as needed. In 1995 manufacturing investment was over 7½ per cent. up on a year earlier, and almost 15 per cent. higher than in 1993. Virtually all independent forecasters expect whole economy investment to accelerate in both 1996 and 1997.

  Mr. McKelvey
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the economic effects of current investment levels in the United Kingdom. [33430]

  Mrs. Knight
  Investment in recent years has been sufficient to underpin sustained economic growth, rising most in sectors where it has been needed to prevent capacity constraints.

  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of disincentives to business investment in the current tax systems. [33433]

  Mr. Jack
  The Government's on-going programme of tax reform has sought to create a climate in which businesses can thrive and invest and where individual initiative and risk taking are rewarded. Lower marginal tax rates and a stable economy are the best ways to encourage investment. The UK has the lowest main rate of corporation tax of any major industrialised country and a particularly favourable regime for small firms.

  Taxation
  Mr. Hain
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the economic impacts of current levels of taxation. [33428]

  Mr. Jack
  The Government have sharpened work incentives for individuals by cutting the basic rate of income tax from 33 to 24 per cent., the lowest rate for 50 years. Likewise, by cutting corporation tax rates, from 42 per cent. to 24 per cent. for small business and from 52 per cent. to 33 per cent. for other businesses, we have
  233
  created the conditions under which wealth can grow. GDP has risen by 35 per cent. in real terms since 1979.

  Privatisation
  Mr. Dunn
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent representations he has received from(a) business leaders and (b) politicians overseas regarding privatisation. [33431]

  Mr. Jack
  My right hon. and learned Friend the Chancellor frequently meets business men and politicians from all over the world, and the success of the British Government's privatisation programme and the lessons it holds for other countries is often a subject of discussion at these meetings. For instance, he has recently been visited by senior Government representatives from as far afield as China, South Africa, New Zealand, the Netherlands and the state of Sâo Paolo in Brazil.

  The promotion of British expertise in privatisation and private finance was also one of the primary objectives of the Chancellor's trip to South Africa in March, during which he addressed the South Africa Foundation, a group representing 50 top South African companies.

  Mansion House Speech
  Sir Michael Neubert
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received in response to his speech at the Mansion house on 12 June. [33434]

  Mr. Waldegrave
  My right hon. and learned Friend's speech at the Mansion House was well received.

  Health and Safety
  Mr. Ian McCartney
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer on how many occasions in each of the past five years health and safety problems in his Department and its agencies have been reported via internal monitoring; and on how many occasions the Health and Safety Commission has become involved. [33452]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  The table gives the number of reported accidents in the Treasury, Her Majesty's Customs and Excise, the Office for National Statistics, Paymaster, the Valuation Office and the Royal Mint in each of the past five years:

  1991: 7011

  1992: 1,382

  1993: 1,299

  1994: 1,462

  1995: 5841

  1 Data for Customs and Excise are not available for 1991 and 1995.

  The Health and Safety Executive was involved on six occasions.

  The Inland Revenue does not hold health and safety records centrally and could provide this information only at disproportionate cost.

  Manufacturing Output
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the reasons for the change in the level of manufacturing output less food, drink and tobacco between 1989 and 1995. [34478]
  234
  Mr. Waldegrave
  A detailed breakdown of the latest data on manufacturing output is shown in table 2 of the "Index of Production First Release for April 1996", which was published by the Office for National Statistics on 11 June. The Government pay close attention to all national accounts data, including those for manufacturing output, in monitoring and analysing developments and trends in the UK economy.

  Public Sector Borrowing Requirement
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received from organisations and individuals concerning the use of the public sector borrowing requirement as the primary instrument of fiscal control. [34431]

  Mr. Waldegrave
  A number of representations have been received by Treasury Ministers.

  Mr. Prentice
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the advantages and disadvantages of using(a) the public sector borrowing requirement and (b) the general Government financial deficit as the primary fiscal control regime. [34415]

  Mr. Waldegrave
  The PSBR is a cash concept which covers the whole public sector. It has the benefits of continuity, comprehensiveness and timeliness of data. But the Government also monitor and publish projections of other fiscal indicators, including the GGFD.

  Mr. Canavan
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his current estimate of the public sector borrowing requirement for 1996–97. [33429]

  Mr. Waldegrave
  The Budget projection of 1996–97 PSBR was £22½ billion. An updated forecast of the PSBR will be published in the summer economic forecast on 9 July.

  Mr. John Evans
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to reduce the public sector borrowing requirement over the next six months. [33432]

  Mr. Waldegrave
  The Budget projection of the 1996–97 was £22½ billion, a fall of £6½ billion compared with the Budget estimate of the PSBR in 1995–96. An updated forecast of the PSBR will be published in the summer economic forecast on 9 July.

  Financial Management Certificate
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish the submissions his Department received on a financial management certificate. [25595]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  Public responses to the consultation document, "Responses to the Financial Management Certificate Consultation Document", are now available in the Libraries.

  Securities and Investment Board
  Mr. John Greenway
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he expects the annual report of the Securities and Investments Board to be published. [35078]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  A copy of the board's report, made in accordance with section 117 of the Financial Services Act 1986, was laid before Parliament today. The
  235
  report covers the period from 1 April 1995 to 31 March 1996. Copies are now available in the Libraries of the House.

  Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy
  Mr. Matthew Banks
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the latest estimate of the cost of the measures taken to deal with the BSE crisis so far. [35122]

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  The latest estimates, updating those given by my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary to the hon. Member of Northampton, North (Mr. Marlow) on 26 April at columns 321–22, are shown in the table:

  Estimated cost of measures in the UK taken in response to BSE

  (£ million)

  1996–97

  1997–98

  1998–99

  Total cost over three years

  Net cost borne by the UK

  848

  516

  623

  1,987

  Net contribution from the EU

  189

  232

  62

  483

  Total cost

  1,037

  748

  685

  2,470

  This reflects an increase over the previous estimate of £40 million to the total cost over the three years from £2,430 million.

  The table includes the following measures:

  (a) the compensation and destruction arrangements for cattle over 30 months of age which cannot now enter the food chain.

  (b) the calf slaughter premium;

  (c) the package of aid for the renderers and the abattoir and cutting industries announced on 3 April and 16 April respectively;

  (d) the feed recall scheme;

  (e) additional running costs for the agriculture departments.

  The figures for the net contribution from the EU take account of both the UK's contribution to additional EU spending and the effect of additional receipts on the UK abatement.

  The figures do not include either the costs of increased beef intervention or the costs of the accelerated cattle slaughter programme, for which precise estimates are not yet available.

  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the effect on the public sector borrowing requirement in(a) 1996–97 and (b) 1997–98 of the BSE crisis in United Kingdom farming, including the associated compensation measures; and if he will make a statement. [34752]

  Mr. Clarke
  The direct costs of BSE measures in 1996–97 will be met either from existing departmental programmes or from the contingency reserve. Spending plans for 1997–98 also contain an unallocated reserve for meeting unforeseen commitments; BSE costs in 1997–98 will be met from this reserve. Because the reserve is part of the public expenditure control total for each financial year, there is no reason to change the published forecasts of public sector borrowing in 1996–97 or 1997–98 as a consequence of BSE measures.
  236
  The estimated aggregate impact of BSE measures on gross domestic product is small, although there will be a significant impact on certain sectors of the economy. So there are not likely to be any significant indirect effects on the PSBR.

  Financial Services Act
  Mr. Matthew Banks
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he intends to amend the Financial Services Act 1986 as recommended by the Law Commission's report (No. 236) on fiduciary duties and regulatory rules. [35120]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  At the time of the reference to the Law Commission in 1990, there was some concern about the possible mismatch between regulatory rules and common law fiduciary duties owed by firms. Structural changes of the financial markets in the mid-1980s, particularly with firms offering a wide range of financial services, increased the potential for such conflicts. This led the DTI, in April 1990, to refer the issue to the Law Commission. A parallel reference was made to the Scottish Law Commission. Since then, responsibility for this area has passed to the Treasury.

  The Law Commission's report represents a thorough review, which has exposed whether the original concerns were indeed well founded and has led to an informed consideration of all the issues. As the Law Commission's report recognises, since consulting on this issue regulatory and legal developments have helped clarify the relationship between fiduciary duties and regulatory rules. Both Law Commissions recommend that legislation would be desirable to clarify the effect of Chinese wall arrangements, so as to provide statutory protection to firms which comply with regulatory rules against any claims for breach of fiduciary duties arising out of the use of such arrangements.

  Consultation with relevant representatives within the financial services sector suggests that there is now sufficient confidence in the effectiveness of Chinese wall arrangements, without concern of exposure to possible legal uncertainties. Experience of operating under the financial regulatory system, with few practical problems of the sort feared in 1990 avoids the need to amend the Financial Services Act in this respect.

  Abortion
  Mrs. Ann Winterton
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many late abortions were performed in the latest year for which figures are available in pregnancies of 24 weeks or more; if he will indicate the numbers and percentages of those abortions which were performed on each of the legal grounds; and what numbers and percentages of those abortions were performed by each of the six doctors who performed the largest number of such abortions. [34259]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  [holding answer 25 June 1996]: In 1993, 74 abortions were performed in England and Wales beyond 24 weeks of gestation (residents and non-residents).
  237
  The breakdown by statutory ground is:

  Number

  Percentage of total abortions beyond 24weeks

  E (alone)1

  73

  99

  F or G2

  1

  1

  Total

  74

  100

  Statistical information is not produced about individual doctors.

  1to save the life of the pregnant woman, or to prevent grave permanent injury to the physical or mental health of the pregnant woman.

  2that there is a substantial risk that if the child were born it would suffer from such physical or mental abnormalities as to be seriously handicapped.

  Mrs. Winterton
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many abortions have now been performed in total under the provisions of the Abortion Act 1967; and how many and what percentage of those abortions were performed in emergency to save the life of the mother. [34261]

  Mrs. Knight
  [holding answer 25 June 1996]: The total number of legal abortions performed under the Abortion Act 1967 in England and Wales from 1968 to the end of September 1995 was 4,177,665. During this period 140 abortions—0.003 per cent. were performed in an emergency, certified as immediately necessary, to save the life of the women.

  Higher Rate Tax
  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many and what proportion of taxpayers are currently paying tax in each £10,000 band of income above the current starting point for higher rate tax. [34570]

  Mr. Jack
  [holding answer 26 June 1996]: Available estimates for higher rate taxpayers in 1996–97 are given in the table. It is not possible to provide reliable estimates for bands of taxable income above £100,000.

  Taxable income range1

  Number of taxpayers (thousands)

  Proportion of taxpayers

  £ per year

  25,500–30,000

  680

  0.026

  30,000–40,000

  750

  0.029

  40,000–50,000

  300

  0.012

  50,000–60,000

  150

  0.006

  60,000–70,000

  80

  0.003

  70,000–80,000

  50

  0.002

  80,000–90,000

  30

  0.001

  90,000–100,000

  20

  0.001

  Over 100,000

  110

  0.004

  Total

  2,200

  0.085

  1 Taxable income is defined as gross income for income tax purposes less those allowances and reliefs which are available at the taxpayer's marginal rate.

  Mr. Field
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the cost of raising the starting point for higher rate tax by an additional(a) £5,000 and (b) £10,000; and how many and what proportion of taxpayers will be affected. [34569]
  238
  Mr. Jack
  [holding answer 26 June 1996]: The full year cost of increasing the basic rate limit and the number and proportion of people affected at 1996–97 income levels are given in the table.

  Increase in basic limit (£)

  Cost in full year(£ billion)

  Number of taxpayers affected(million)

  Proportion of taxpayers affected

  5,000

  1.5

  2.2

  0.085

  10,000

  2.5

  2.2

  0.085

  Venture Capital Trusts
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much money has so far been invested in venture capital trusts; how many of the trusts have invested in new businesses; what percentage this represents of the total; what sums have been invested; and in how many businesses. [34120]

  Mr. Jack
  [holding answer 26 June 1996]: The first 12 venture capital trusts between them have now raised over £160 million in the first few months of the scheme. It may not be possible to obtain an impression of the profile of their investments until they have published reports on the first year of their activities.

SCOTLAND

  Clinical Waste
  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what plans he has to modify the regulations governing the importation of medical and clinical waste; and if he will make a statement; [34034]

  (2) if he will list the names and locations of those companies which are licensed to import clinical waste for high temperature incineration; and if he will make a statement; [34040]

  (3) which countries export clinical waste to Scotland for high temperature incineration; and if he will make a statement. [34035]

  Mr. Kynoch
  The Government's policies on exports and imports of waste from and to the United Kingdom are contained in the United Kingdom management plan for exports and imports of waste which came into force on 1 June 1996.

  Under the plan, imports of waste for disposal are generally banned, in line with the principle of self-sufficiency in the disposal of waste. However, exceptions to this policy occur in cases of emergency or where the exporting country does not have, and cannot reasonably acquire, suitable disposal facilities of its own.

  There are no licensed high temperature incinerators, as defined in the plan, in Scotland. Therefore, medical or clinical waste is not imported for high temperature incineration in Scotland.
  239
  There are no current plans to modify the regulations governing the importation of medical and clinical waste into the United Kingdom.

  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent discussions have taken place with the Irish Department of Health concerning the export of clinical waste to Scotland; and if he will make a statement. [34033]

  Mr. Kynoch
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given today by the Under-Secretary of State, for the Environment, my hon. Friend the Member for Hertsmere (Mr. Clappison), regarding the Government's policies on the imports and export of waste.

  Shields Report
  Mr. Watson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what consultation he intends should take place with local authorities in Scotland in respect of the changes to public health departments proposed by the Shields report; [34397]

  (2) pursuant to section 6.1.1 of the Shields report, what arrangements are currently in place across Scotland for communication and liaison between directors of public health and local authorities. [34447]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  There is no formal consultation on the Shields report or the NHS management executive letter that implements it. In their capacity as designated medical officers, directors of public health have the opportunity for regular contact with local authorities. A recent management executive letter emphasised the contribution designated medical officers could make to increased collaboration with local authorities on health matters, bearing in mind the potential the new single tier structure for a co-ordinated approach to health improvement. I would expect any proposed changes at local level in consequence of the Shields report with implications for local authorities to be the subject of discussion between the health boards and local councils concerned.

  Mr. Watson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what changes in the numbers of those employed by health boards in Scotland he estimates will result from the implementation of the Shields report recommendations. [34446]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The most recent estimates suggest health board management and administration spending will average £13.28 per head in 1996–97. A £10 per head target therefore implies a reduction in spending of one quarter. There may well be consequent reductions in administrative staff.

  Mr. Watson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what assessment he has made of correlations between levels of health and overall expenditure by health boards in Scotland; and if he will list the available date by health board; [34448]

  (2) for what reasons the committee which prepared the Shields report was not required to consider links between levels of mortality, morbidity and social and economic deprivation. [34449]
  240
  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The revenue funding allocation formula for health boards is based on population adjusted for age, sex and morbidity. The data are given in Scottish health authorities revenue allocation tables published annually by the information and statistics division of the common services agency of the national health service in Scotland. The committee reviewed the roles and responsibilities of health boards. Considering links between levels of mortality, morbidity and social and economic deprivation was not therefore in the committee's remit.

  Mr. Watson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he will list evidence on the effectiveness of different models of health promotion delivery presented to the committee preparing the Shields report evaluated by his Department; and with whom consultation took place on this part of the report; [34450]

  (2) what assessment he has made of the recommendations contained in section 6.1.2 of the Shields report in respect of arm's length delivery of health promotion. [34456]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  A number of health boards in Scotland already contract with NHS trusts for the delivery of health promotion services. The report suggests that all boards should consider contracting for this service element in order to evaluate the service on a more objective basis. The letter implementing the report suggests that the contract would normally be with an NHS trust, but that other models that improve local partnerships may be appropriate.

  Mr. Watson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if funds for health service development will be exempted from target costs for health board management and administration of £10 per head of population set out in the Shields report. [34451]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The purpose of the £10 target is to produce additional funds for health care and developments for patients.

  Mr. Watson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, pursuant to section 6.1.1 of the Shields report, if directors will retain the right to independent comment and the publication of independent reports on all matters affecting the health of their local population. [34452]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Section 6.1.1 of the report makes it clear that the committee would not wish to undermine the freedom of directors of public health to make an independent report or statement about the health of the local population.

  Mr. Watson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, pursuant to the recommendations contained in the Shields report, if health boards will be permitted to keep centrally those functions which they consider necessary to protect and promote public health. [34453]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The report makes it clear that protecting and promoting public health is a key responsibility of health boards. However, it is not necessary for all of the services to be provided by boards themselves.
  241
  Mr. Watson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) for what reason the Shields report committee was not required to analyse variations in expenditure on management and administration between health boards in Scotland; and to what extent such analysis was required to be carried out on the basis of individual functions or departments across health boards in Scotland; [34454]

  (2) for what reason the Shields report committee was not required to analyse variations in expenditure between health boards in Scotland; and to what extent analysis was required to be carried out on the basis of individual functions or departments. [34455]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The Shields committee was given figures showing that the variation in management and administration was from £10.46 per head to £18.82 a head in mainland health boards based on their 1994–95 annual accounts. Health boards themselves have analysed the variation in costs and numbers of staff across 10 functions. This work was aided by the Accounts Commission.

  Forestry Commission (Land Sales)
  Ms Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) how much money has been raised from the sale of Forestry Commission woodland in each year since 1981; [33808]

  (2) what is the percentage of Forestry Commission woodland sold with public access protected (a) from 1981 to the latest available date and (b) from 1989 to the latest available date; [33805]

  (3) if he will list all Forestry Commission woodlands currently for sale, and indicate for each one which English or Welsh county or Scottish region it falls in; and if an access agreement has been made with the local authority guaranteeing continuing public access; [33806]

  (4) how many Forestry Commission woodlands have been sold in each year since 1981, indicating for each year (a) the number sold without access to the public protected and (b) the number sold with access to the public protected. [33804]

  Mr. Kynoch
  [holding answer 20 June 1996]: The subjects of the questions relate to matters undertaken by Forest Enterprise. I have asked its chief executive, Mr. Gordon Cowie, to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from Gordon M. Cowie to Ms Joan Ruddock, dated 27 June 1996:
  The Secretary of State for Scotland has asked me to reply to your Question about the number of woodlands sold, the money received from their sale, the percentage sold with public access protected and the woodlands currently for sale.
  In the early years of the disposal programme no distinction was made between sales of woodland and sales of other land and properties and it is not possible to give you a breakdown of how much money has been raised specifically from the sale of Forestry Commission woodland areas for each year since 1981. However, we do know the proceeds from the sales of all our properties (including woodland areas) by year and this is shown below:-

  Year ended 31 March

  Total receipts (£ million)

  1981

  4.5

  1982

  6.9

  1983

  14.6

  242

  Year ended 31 March

  Total receipts (£ million)

  1984

  23.6

  1985

  22.1

  1986

  17.0

  1987

  14.7

  1988

  13.1

  1989

  12.4

  1990

  13.0

  1991

  12.0

  1992

  14.5

  1993

  9.9

  1994

  17.4

  1995

  12.1

  1996

  14.6

  You asked for information about public access from 1981 to 1989 to the latest available date. I attach a list of all woodlands sold with completed public access agreements. You asked for information from 1981 but the arrangements for public access agreements were only introduced in October 1991 and the list, therefore, only covers disposals since then. You will see that at 31 March 1996, there had been 48 sales of woodland with completed agreements totalling some 1724 hectares. In addition, there have been 13 sponsored sales to the local authority or other nominated body totalling 2644 hectares have been sold with public access protected. During the same period, there were 679 other sales totalling 35578 hectares. Sales with protected access comprised 8% of the number and 7% of the area sold.

  You also asked for information about Forestry Commission woodlands currently for sale. I attach a list showing all the woodlands currently on the market with the details you have asked for and those with a continued public access (CPA) agreement being asterisked.

  You asked about the number of woodlands sold since 1981 and whether they were sold with public access protected. Lists of all Forestry Commission disposals for the years 1981–1995 are placed yearly in the Library of the House of Commons and I enclose copies of these for your use. They contain details of all sales of Forestry Commission land. The numbers of sales with access to the public protected are given above.

  Sales with completed public access agreements as at 31 March 1996

  County/region

  Name

  Area(ha)

  Date sold

  1993 Wales

  Gwent

  Graig Syddi

  28

  November 1993

  1994 England

  Derbyshire

  Birch Wood

  24

  February 1994

  Derbyshire

  Britton Wood

  6

  March 1994

  Derbyshire

  Kings Lot and Longway Bank

  12

  March 1994

  Humberside

  Sutton Wood

  33

  July 1994

  North Yorkshire

  Gateforth East

  28

  March 1994

  North Yorkshire

  Moreby Wood

  33

  April 1994

  Wales

  Clwyd

  Nant y Ffridd (1)

  52

  1June 1994

  Clwyd

  Nant y Ffridd (2)

  23

  1June 1994

  Dyfed

  Allt y Gwydre

  14

  March 1994

  Dyfed

  Court Wood

  19

  September 1994

  Dyfed

  Factory Wood

  3

  March 1994

  Dyfed

  Taldrum Wood

  5

  March 1994

  Dyfed

  Tan y Lan

  32

  March 1994

  Dyfed

  Ty'r Dopa

  14

  April 1994

  Powys

  Castlering

  14

  June 1994

  Powys

  Granner Wood

  10

  August 1994

  Powys

  Hilltop

  5

  April 1994

  Powys

  Taylors Wood

  42

  October 1994

  Powys

  Tir y Gof

  47

  December 1994

  243

  Sales with completed public access agreements as at 31 March 1996

  County/region

  Name

  Area(ha)

  Date sold

  1995 Wales

  Clwyd

  Foel Uchaf

  18

  July 1995

  Dyfed

  Blwch Newydd

  8

  December 1995

  Dyfed

  Cwmere

  19

  June 1995

  Dyfed

  Penfarch

  24

  May 1995

  Dyfed

  Penwenallt

  5

  November 1995

  Gwynedd

  Coed Glygyrogwen

  110

  November 1995

  Gwynedd

  Pant y Wrach Lot 3

  27

  November 1995

  West Glamorgan

  Decoy Woods

  14

  July 1995

  Scotland

  Borders

  Gala Blocks

  127

  August 1995

  Grampian

  Lochlait Wood

  90

  July 1995

  Grampian

  White Cow Wood

  444

  October 1995

  Grampian

  Wood of Wrae

  50

  November 1995

  Highland

  Rinuden Plantation

  88

  July 1995

  Strathclyde

  Crispie

  13

  December 1995

  Tayside

  Cowden Wood

  20

  March 1995

  1996 England

  Isle of Wight

  Timber Copse

  8

  January 1996

  Kent

  Stone Wood

  11

  March 1996

  Wales

  Dyfed

  Pont Henri

  14

  March 1996

  Dyfed

  Allt Llyn Dyfrion

  11

  March 1996

  Gwent

  Coed Howell

  31

  March 1996

  Gwent

  Craig Y Merchant

  25

  March 1996

  Gwynedd

  Ffridd Fach Ddeiliog

  17

  January 1996

  Gwynedd

  Gilrhos

  29

  February 1996

  Gwynedd

  Glyn Covert

  7

  March 1996

  Gwynedd

  Gwinllan Y Gaerwen

  9

  March 1996

  Gwynedd

  Pentre Cogwen

  9

  February 1996

  Scotland

  Grampian

  Auquharney Lot 2

  44

  February 1996

  Grampian

  Auquharney Lot 3

  8

  January 1996

  Total area to date

  1,724

  Total number to date

  48

  1 One sale but agreements with two separate LAs.

  List of Forestry Commission woodland areas currently for sale

  England

  Name of property

  Area (ha)

  CPA agreement

  Berkshire

  Channers Wood

  15.0

  Buckinghamshire

  Howes Wood

  5.0

  Mercers Wood

  6.0

  Cornwall

  Port Eliot

  76.0

  Prideaux

  24.0

  Treworgey Wood

  17.0

  Wheal Par

  5.0

  244

  List of Forestry Commission woodland areas currently for sale

  England

  Name of property

  Area (ha)

  CPA agreement

  Cumbria

  Birks Wood

  8.0

  Chalk Plains Wood

  40.0

  Devon

  Deershill

  11.0

  Knowle Wood

  8.0

  Hampshire

  Crawley Down

  28.0

  Redcap and Catham

  14.0

  Whitelands Copse

  12.0

  Lancashire

  Tithe Barn

  8.0

  Norfolk

  Foulden Broom Covert

  6.0

  West Rudham Woods

  78.0

  North Yorkshire

  Haxby Plantation

  50.0

  Hayton Wood

  56.0

  1—

  Hazel Wood

  51.0

  1—

  Hazelhead

  94.0

  1—

  Kilburn Thicket

  12.0

  Robsons Spring Wood

  43.0

  Skelton Banks

  7.0

  Nottinghamshire

  Dilliner Wood

  20.0

  Roe Wood

  47.0

  Shropshire

  Coed Detton

  14.0

  Somerset

  Frys Wood

  24.0

  Higher Bitcombe

  30.0

  South Yorkshire

  Green Springs Wood

  12.0

  Old Park Wood

  41.0

  1—

  Owston Wood

  64.0

  1—

  1 Indicates CPA agreement.

  Scotland

  Name of property

  Area (ha)

  CPA agreement

  Grampian

  Auchinroath Plantation

  62.0

  Auquharney, Lot 1

  81.0

  1—

  Badiebath Woods (B&BDC)

  46.0

  Balmakewan (3222M)

  0.6

  Highland

  Craskie Woods

  49.0

  Creag Dhubh

  97.0

  1—

  Glencannich Wood

  70.0

  Kishorn Plantation

  67.0

  1—

  Muchrachd Wood

  29.0

  Orbost Plantation

  575.0

  Tor Clunes and Castle

  138.0

  1—

  Spynie

  Strathclyde

  Ardbecknish

  119.0

  1—

  Ardchonnell II

  222.0

  245

  Scotland

  Name of property

  Area (ha)

  CPA agreement

  Crookedstane

  347.0

  Docherneil

  82.5

  Ford

  57.0

  1—

  Little Clyde

  650.0

  Tayside

  Ardlebank

  43.0

  Dundurn

  680.0

  Newbigging and Braedown

  413.0

  1 Indicates CPA agreement.

  Wales

  Name of property

  Area (ha)

  CPA agreement

  Clwyd

  Blackthorn Covert

  21.5

  Coed Melin Y Moch

  12.0

  Gwrych Castle Woodlands

  49.0

  Dyfed

  Allt Cil Y Llyn Fawr

  2.5

  Allt Hengeraint

  18.6

  Allt Wig Wen

  8.2

  Allt Y Gigfran

  18.0

  Brynamlwg

  9.0

  Byrn Wichell

  15.0

  Cefn Wig

  19.0

  Cilflower Wood

  3.0

  Crossway

  4.5

  Cruglas

  6.0

  Ffynon Rhys

  32.2

  Gelli Gwenyn

  16.0

  Martletwy Wood

  18.0

  Penhill Wood

  4.0

  Rhos Maes Crug

  5.0

  Ty'r Shyme

  6.0

  Gwent

  Craig Yr Arail

  58.0

  Gwynedd

  Aberdunant, Lot 5

  16.5

  Amnodd Wood

  87.5

  Cefn Glas

  12.0

  Cwm Prysor

  56.0

  Gwinllan Rhos Ddu

  10.0

  Rhiwbach and Tyddyn Bach

  106.0

  1—

  Powys

  Y Wern

  453.0

  1—

  West Glamorgan

  Craig Ynysgollen

  10.0

  Nant Y Stalwyn

  44.0

  1 Indicates CPA agreement.

  Ms Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what measures are being taken to improve public access in Forestry Commission land which(a) has already been sold off and (b) may be sold in the future; and what further options are currently under consideration. [33807]

  Mr. Kynoch
  [holding answer 20 June 1996]: We encourage private owners to allow public access to their woodlands, irrespective of whether the woodlands were previously owned by the Forestry Commission. We also provide grants to help private owners provide facilities for public recreation.
  246
  The Forestry Commission encourages public access to all its woodlands, subject only to legal constraints or considerations of safety, irrespective of whether the woodlands may be sold in the future. The commission is now increasing and enhancing its recreation facilities for day visitors; promoting access on foot by identifying its forests on Ordnance Survey maps and by placing distinctive "Walkers Welcome Here" badges at the entrances to forests; and encouraging local residents and visitors to take advantage of the many leisure activities that are possible in its woodlands.

  Ms Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list all the occasions on which a Minister from his Department has made policy statements about continued public access to forests when Forestry Commission land is sold off, indicating the name of the Minister and the date and context of the statement in each case. [33803]

  Mr. Kynoch
  [holding answer 20 June 1996]: The information is as follows:
  16 June 1989, by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State in a statement to the House of Commons about the Government's future plans for the disposal of Forestry Commission land;
  21 November 1990, by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State in a statement to the House of Commons about continued public access to woodlands disposed of by the Forestry Commission;
  September 1991, by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State in "Forestry Policy for Great Britain", published by the Forestry Commission;
  19 July 1994, by right hon. Friend the Secretary of State in a statement to the House of Commons about the Government's conclusions from the forestry review;
  August 1994, by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State in "Our Forests: The Way Ahead", (Cm 2644);
  26 March 1996, by me in a statement to the House of Commons setting out the revised procedures for protecting continued public access.

DEFENCE

  Customer Charters
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 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. [32830]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  My Department keeps no central record of the customer charters which are currently in use. Many areas of the Ministry of Defence have drawn up statements of the service standards which they have committed themselves to provide to internal or external customers as appropriate. Of the Ministry of Defence's agencies, the Pay and Personnel Agency and the Meteorological Office have customer charters. The Defence Secondary Care Agency and the Queen Victoria School abide by the national patient's charter and the Scottish parents charter, respectively. None of the Department's agencies' customer charters has been withdrawn.

  Porton Down
  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for what reasons files with the classmarks WO 188/473–4, WO 188/652 and WO 188/656 recorded at the Public Record Office concerning the work of the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment at Porton Down are currently retained by his Department; and if he will consider opening them under the open government initiative. [34467]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  Arrangements are being made to review the papers listed at the Public Record Office under references WO 188/473–4, WO 188/652 and WO 188/656 to establish whether release into the public domain is now possible. I will write to the hon. Member on completion of the review process.

  Property Sales
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the amount of revenue received by his Department from the sale of ex-military accommodation in the United Kingdom during 1995. [34632]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  The receipts from the disposal of married quarters are not recorded separately from the receipts from the sale of other property and this information could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. Overall disposal receipts for financial year 1995–96 were £63.4 million.

  Decimomannu
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the last RAF deployments to Decimomannu will take place; what range facilities will be used for the training currently undertaken at Decimomannu; and what is the estimated saving from ceasing to use Decimomannu. [34642]

  Mr. Soames
  It is currently envisaged that RAF flying will cease at Decimomannu in autumn 1997. Some of the training currently undertaken there will be transferred to existing ranges in the UK and Germany, where spare capacity exists. It is expected that the decision to withdraw from Decimomannu will save some £8 million to £10 million per annum.

  RAF Deployment (Arizona)
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what are the dates of the next scheduled RAF deployment to Marine Corps air station Yuma, Arizona. [34643]

  Mr. Soames
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him on 12 March 1996,Official Report, column 509.

  Procurement Costs
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list his Department's 25 most expensive current procurement projects; what was the original estimated cost of each of these projects at today's prices; what is the current estimated final cost of each of the projects; and if he will list the delays in the in-service dates of these projects. [33999]
  248
  Mr. Arbuthnot
  My Department's most recent annual "Major Projects Report", MPR95, to the Committee of Public Accounts, lists the current 25 most expensive projects and details the original estimated cost, the current cost estimate and the delays in the in-service dates. A copy of this document is in the Library of the House.

  Army Equipment
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if the trends in the availability of Warrior vehicles, Challenger tanks and the multiple-launch rocket system, as indicated by the Army's battlefield equipment reliability returns, have improved over the past three years; and if he will make a statement. [34460]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  The battlefield equipment reliability return system was introduced during 1994 and BERR data are not therefore available for the whole period. However, the figures obtained from Army equipment availability reporting systems indicate that availability rates for Warrior and Challenger 1 have improved considerably over the past three years. Both these vehicles have consistently achieved availability rates in excess of 90 per cent. when deployed to Bosnia. The multiple launch rocket system fleet was undergoing a major base modification programme during 1994–95, which meant that availability rates for this equipment fell. Although two of the three MLRS regiments have undertaken operational tours in Northern Ireland during 1994–95, there has been a slight improvement in MLRS availability over the last year.

  Roll on/Roll off Ferries
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the purchase by his Department of two roll on/roll off ferries; and if he will state the nationality of the crews to be deployed on these ferries. [34457]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  A number of possible enhancements to the civil and military strategic lift available to the Joint Rapid Development Force have been examined. In the short term, the intention is to issue an invitation to tender and take subsequent contract action to charter one roll on/ roll off ship, for transporting lead elements of the JRDF.

  The longer-term option, for the second of the two vessels required, include new build, the purchase or lease of an existing vessel and the involvement of the private finance initiative.

  Subject to the outcome of tender evaluation, the options for crew would be either Royal Fleet Auxiliary or nationals from countries in NATO or western Europe.

  Royal Navy (Fuel)
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much feel was allocated to the surface flotilla in 1995–96; and how much is planned for 1996–97. [34458]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  The information requested is shown in the table, in cubic metres. The figures for 1995–96 show the quantity of fuel procured for issue to the surface flotilla. The figure for marine gas oil is approximate because its use is not centrally controlled after budgets
  249
  have been agreed. The figures for 1996–97 reflect current plans; actual amounts will be governed by operational circumstances during the year.

  FY 1995–96

  FY 1996–97 225,000

  Dieso F761

  209,000

  225,000

  Marine gas oil

  20,000

  33,000

  1 Fuel produced by refineries to specific NATO standards.

  Dr. Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much fuel was purchased for allocation to the Royal Navy fleet in 1992–93. [34459]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  Total quantities of fuel purchased in 1992–93 are shown in the table. These include fuel purchased for shore establishments and vessels other than Her Majesty's ships, as well as those for allocation to the fleet. Segregation of quantities for allocation to the Royal Navy fleet alone could be undertaken only at disproportionate cost.

  Dieso F761: 596,000 cu m

  Avcat F441: 46,000 cu m

  Marine Gas Oil2: 35,000 cu m

  1 These fuels are produced by refineries to specific NATO standards.

  2 Commercially supplied fuel for ships.

  Correspondence
  Ms Rachel Squire
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to answer the correspondence he has received from the hon. Member for Dunfermline, West concerning the sale of his property in Rosyth to the Home housing association. [34795]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  My noble Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Defence wrote to the hon. Member today.

  Compliance Cost Assessments
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proposals he has to ensure that each legislative measure put forward by his Department contains a compliance cost assessment(a) relating to small firms and (b) in respect of which small firms have been consulted. [34142]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  [holding reply 26 June 1996]: I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on Wednesday 26 June 1996, Official Report, column 119.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Licensing Authority
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on what date he last attended a meeting in his role as a member of the Licensing Authority. [33849]

  Mr. Moss
  The Licensing Authority does not meet to consider its functions under the Medicines Act 1968. There is no statutory requirement for such meetings to be held.

  Pacific Institute
  Dr. Hendron
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what expenditure has been incurred by each department in respect of courses delivered by the Pacific Institute. [34088]

  Sir John Wheeler
  Expenditure incurred by the Northern Ireland Departments and the Northern Ireland Office in respect of courses delivered by the Pacific Institute is:Department of Environment: £90,000.
  The DOE also has a contract with the institute for the supply of the institute's investment in excellence programme to its staff with delivery being undertaken by the Department's trainers over three financial years. The contract is formulated on a per capita basis for some 8,500 staff and it is estimated will cost in the region of £750,000. In addition, £11,000 has been provided through the Making Belfast Work initiative to enable a version of the investment in excellence programme to be made available to disadvantaged groups.
  Department of Finance and Personnel: £4,200.
  Department of Economic Development: £12,194.
  The Departments of Agriculture, Education, Health and Social Services and the Northern Ireland Office have not incurred any expenditure in respect of the Pacific Institute.

  Citybus and Ulsterbus
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many cars are currently provided to managers to service their work who are employed by Citybus and Ulsterbus; and what is the cost of the provision of private mileage in respect of cars provided to managers in Citybus and Ulsterbus. [34072]

  Mr. Moss
  Currently, 40 managers employed by Citybus and Ulsterbus are provided with cars. Information on the cost of private mileage is not readily available.

  De Lorean Case
  Mr. Tim Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what have been the total legal fees to date incurred in the Government's lawsuit against Arthur Andersen and Co. in the De Lorean case. [34565]

  Mr. Ancram
  The amount of legal fees incurred in the Government's action against Arthur Andersen and Co. in the De Lorean case is a matter between the Government and their lawyers. Disclosure while the legal action continues would not be in the public interest.

  Police and Criminal Evidence (Northern Ireland) Order 1989
  Mr. Maginnis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he intends to publish revised codes of practice prepared under article 65 of the Police and Criminal Evidence (Northern Ireland) Order 1989, and when he intends to publish a code of practice on tape-recording of interviews under article 60 of the same order. [35079]

  Sir John Wheeler
  My right hon. and learned Friend has today laid before both Houses draft codes of practice prepared under articles 60 and 65 of the Police and Criminal Evidence (Northern Ireland) Order 1989 with the intention of making an order to bring the codes into operation from midnight on 28 July 1996. The drafts were
  251
  prepared following wide consultation last year. They cover the exercise of stop and search powers and the searching of premises and in regard to the treatment, questioning and identification of suspects by police. A draft code of practice on the tape-recording of interviews has also been included with the revised codes laid today.

  Child Support Agency
  Mr. Nigel Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has for further changes to the administration of the Child Support Agency. [35204]

  Mr. Moss
  I am pleased to announce that a new Child Support Agency compensation scheme has been introduced in Northern Ireland following its introduction in Great Britain.

  The scheme includes a provision to make compensation payments for delays in issuing maintenance application forms, MAFs, which are issued to the parent with care, and maintenance enquiry forms, MEFs, which are issued to the absent parent.

  Where the assessment is completed before 1 April 1996, compensation will be considered where a delay exceeding three months, for which the agency is culpable, and which leads to a loss of opportunity to receive child maintenance which would otherwise be received, occurs. Where the assessment is completed on or after 1 April 1996, however, payments will be made if the delay exceeds one month, unless the agency needs to make further inquiries before issuing a MEF, when the delay period will be two months. The respective delays in cases where the assessment replaces an existing court order are six months, two months and four months.

  Additionally, a new type of consolatory payment will be introduced. In cases where the agency is culpable of sending a MEF to a person who is not the parent of the child, or children, in question, that person will be entitled to a consolatory payment of £100 to compensate for the upset and inconvenience caused by this error. This new payment will apply where the MEF is issued on or after 1 April 1996.

  These changes build on the existing arrangements which cover other losses incurred as a result of maladministration. They should ensure that compensation reaches those who do not receive an acceptable level of service in this area from the agency. The new arrangements mean the Child Support Agency now has a

  Financial year

  Higher education expenditure excluding student maintenance (£ million)

  Higher education expenditure including student maintenance (£ million)

  Cash terms

  Real terms

  Cash terms

  Real terms

  1989–90

  102

  128

  155

  194

  As percentage of UK GDP

  0.019

  —

  0.029

  —

  1990–91

  101

  117

  176

  204

  As percentage of UK GDP

  0.018

  —

  0.032

  —

  1991–92

  97

  106

  207

  226

  As percentage of UK GDP

  0.017

  —

  0.036

  —

  252
  compensation scheme which has been designed in the light of experience to meet the special circumstances of its responsibilities.

  Prison Service
  Mr. Nigel Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when the Northern Ireland Prison Service intends to publish its 1996 corporate and business plan; and what performance targets have been set for 1996–97. [35205]

  Sir John Wheeler
  The Northern Ireland Prison Service's 1996 corporate and business plan was published today. For 1996–97, the following key performance targets have been set:

  1. To ensure 100 per cent. security for prisoners in high and top-risk categories; and to ensure at least 99.5 per cent. security of prisoners in medium and low risk categories.

  2. To ensure that the number of significant breaches does not exceed 7.9 per 100 prisoners.

  3. To increase the proportion of prisoner places with access to sanitation at all times of the day and night to 100 per cent.

  4. To achieve an average 10 per cent. improvement in constructive activity hours.

  5. To conduct a customer satisfaction survey of visitors in each establishment; and to complete an extension to the visitors centre at Her Majesty's prison, Maghaberry.

  6. To extend eligibility for sentence planning to life sentence prisoners and to ensure that at least 50 per cent. of all eligible prisoners have a sentence plan and that all new committals who are eligible and who want a sentence plan will have one within three months of the date of committal.

  7. To ensure that the average cost per prisoner place does not exceed £76,329.

  8. To achieve an average of five days' training per member of staff.

  Higher Education Expenditure
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) if he will list public expenditure on higher education in Northern Ireland, including public expenditure on student maintenance, in(a) cash terms, (b) real terms and (c) expressed as a percentage of United Kingdom gross domestic product, for the financial years from 1989–90 to 1998–99; [34093]

  (2) if he will list public expenditure on higher education in Northern Ireland, excluding public expenditure on student maintenance, in (a) cash terms, (b) real terms and (c) expressed as a percentage of United Kingdom gross domestic product for the financial years from 1989–90 to 1998–99. [34094]

  Mr. Ancram
  [holding answer 26 June 1996]: Public expenditure on higher education in Northern Ireland for the financial years 1989–90 to 1998–99 is as follows:
  253

  Financial year

  Higher education expenditure excluding student maintenance(£ million)

  Higher education expenditure including student maintenance(£ million)

  Cash terms

  Real terms

  Cash terms

  Real terms

  1992–93

  98

  103

  229

  240

  As percentage of UK GDP

  0.016

  —

  0.038

  —

  1993–94

  103

  105

  244

  248

  As percentage of UK GDP

  0.016

  —

  0.038

  —

  1994–95

  121

  121

  253

  253

  As percentage of UK GDP

  0.018

  —

  0.037

  —

  1995–96

  132

  128

  260

  253

  As percentage of UK GDP

  0.019

  —

  0.037

  —

  1996–97

  127

  120

  259

  245

  As percentage of UK GDP

  0.017

  —

  0.034

  —

  1997–98

  127

  117

  260

  240

  As percentage of UK GDP

  0.016

  —

  0.033

  —

  1998–99

  127

  115

  263

  238

  As percentage of UK GDP

  0.015

  —

  0.031

  —

  1. Student maintenance expenditure has been taken to include all student support expenditure including tuition fees and loans.

  2. Financial year figures for 1989–90 to 1995–96 are actual out-turn, figures for 1996–97 to 1998–99 are planning figures.

  3. Real term figures are calculated at 1994–95 prices.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Cattle Slaughter Scheme
  Miss Emma Nicholson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to ensure that injured cattle are given priority in abattoirs during the bovine spongiform encephalopathy culling programme. [34107]

  Mrs. Browning
  One of the key principles of the allocation of slaughtering to abattoirs under the over-30-month slaughter scheme is that the slaughter of casualty animals should be given priority. Special arrangements have therefore been made for the handling of such animals. Cattle which are unfit to travel or injured can be slaughtered on-farm by licensed slaughtermen and subsequently transported to a designated slaughterhouse on a dedicated day or direct to an approved incinerator for disposal. A freephone service provides farmers with a single contact point to arrange for the efficient and humane slaughter of casualty animals.

  Ruminant Protein Feed Ban
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what agency had responsibility for policing the ruminant protein feed ban introduced in 1988. [34432]

  Mrs. Browning
  The state veterinary service and local authorities are jointly responsible for policing the 1988 ruminant protein feed ban in ruminant feed and subsequent legislation.

  Cod Prices
  Mr. William O'Brien
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will publish the wholesale and retail price of cod for each quarter period in the past two years. [34335]
  254
  Mr. Baldry
  The information requested is shown in the table. The average retail prices are for fresh cod fillets. The available data for first-hand selling prices relate to average landed values for whole fish.

  Period

  Retail price (p/kg)

  Average landed value (p/kg)

  1994

  Quarter 2

  582

  95

  Quarter 3

  584

  98

  Quarter 4

  577

  112

  1995

  Quarter 1

  549

  95

  Quarter 2

  555

  83

  Quarter 3

  551

  87

  Quarter 4

  555

  97

  1996

  Quarter 1

  1451

  89

  1 Not comparable with earlier quarters because of changes in specification.

  1. The average retail prices are based on price information used by the Office of National Statistics in compiling the Retail Prices Index.

  2. Landed prices throughout this table are based on realisations for first hand sales of fish to all outlets, i.e. for human consumption and also for other uses such as fish meal and animal feedingstuffs. The average value is based on the total landings by the UK fleet, i.e. landings by UK vessels into both the UK and abroad.

  Slaughterhouse, Nuneaton
  Mr. Olner
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the future of the closed slaughterhouse situated in Nuneaton. [34407]

  Mrs. Browning
  I assume that the hon. Member is referring to the premises of ABP Ltd. The Abattoir, Saint Mary's road, Nuneaton. These premises are licensed under the Fresh Meat (Hygiene and Inspection) Regulations 1995. Decisions about its future are a commercial matter for the company.

  Beef Ban
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on the assumption that the United Kingdom fulfils all its obligations and commitments agreed at Florence, when he expects the beef ban to be lifted in its entirety. [34741]

  Mrs. Browning
  I refer the hon. Gentleman to the statement made by the Prime Minister on 24 June,Official Report, column 21, on the outcome of the European Council, Florence.

  Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy
  Mr. Sweeney
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he plans next to publish a report on bovine spongiform encephalopathy. [35203]

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  A further report on BSE in Great Britain will be placed in the Library of the House on Monday 1 July. Copies will also be made available at the royal show.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to ensure the safe disposal of fleshings from the hide of BSE cull cattle; and if he will make a statement. [33649]

  Mrs. Browning
  [holding answer 25 June 1996]: The whole bodies, including the hides and fleshings, of cattle confirmed or suspected of having BSE are destroyed.

  Fleshings and trimmings from hides of other cattle aged over 30 months must be stained with tartrazine, kept separate from other by-products and removed in a sealed container to either an officially approved rendering plant or an incinerator for destruction.

  Quarantine
  Mr. Soley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to change the quarantine rules for pets coming to Britain from(a) Australia and (b) other countries. [30252]

  Mrs. Browning
  [holding answer 21 May 1996]: The Government have no plans to change the current import regulations for pet animals entering the UK.

  Slaughtered Cattle
  Dr. Strang
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many cattle were slaughtered in the United Kingdom under the 30-month scheme in the weeks beginning(a) 6 May and (b) 13 May. [32453]

  Mr. Baldry
  [holding answer 12 June 1996]: The number of cattle slaughtered under the scheme for the weeks in question was (a) 5,873 and (b) 21,260.

  Animal Welfare
  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list(a) United Kingdom legislation, (b) EU legislation and (c) international treaties, conventions or other obligations concerning animal welfare for which his Department has responsibility. [34294]
  256
  Mrs. Browning
  [holding answer 25 June 1996]: The information requested is as follows:

  Domestic legislation

  Welfare of animals on farm

  Docking and Nicking of Horses Act 1949 (Ch 70).

  The Protection of Animals (Anaesthetics) Act 1954 and 1964 (Ch 46 and Ch 39).

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

  Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 (1966 Ch 36).

  Agriculture (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1968 (1968 Ch 34).

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

  The Docking of Pigs (Use of Anaesthetics) Order 1974 (SI 1974 No. 798)

  The Welfare of Livestock Deer Order 1980 (SI 1980 No. 593)

  The Removal of Antlers in Velvet (Anaesthetics) Order 1980 (SI 1980 No. 685).

  The Welfare of Livestock (Prohibited Operations) Regulations 1982 (SI 1982, No. 114).

  The Protection of Animals (Anaesthetics) (Amendment) Order 1982 (1982 No. 1626).

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

  The Welfare of Livestock (Prohibited Operations) (Amendment) Regulations 1987 (SI 1987 No. 114).

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

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

  The Welfare of Livestock Regulations 1994 (SI 1994 No. 2126).

  Welfare of animals at market

  The Welfare of Animals at Markets Order 1990 (SI 1990 No. 2628).

  The Welfare of Animals at Markets (Amendment) Order 1993 (SI 1993 No. 3085).

  The Welfare of Horses at Markets (and other Places of Sale) Order 1990 (SI 1990 No. 2627).

  Welfare of animals during transport

  The Transit of Animals Order 1927 (SI 1927 No. 289).

  The Transit of Animals (Amendment) Order 1927 (SI 1927 No. 399).

  The Animals (Sea Transport) Order 1930 (SI 1930 No. 923).The Transit of Animals (Amendment) Order 1931 (SI 1931 No. 750).

  The Transit of Animals (Sea Transport) (Amendment) Order 1932 (SI 1932 No. 4984).

  The Transit of Animals (Amendment) Order 1939 (SI 1939 No. 5842).

  The Horses (Sea Transport) Order 1952 (SI 1952 No. 1291).

  The Horses (Sea Transport) Amendment Order 1958 (SI 1958 No. 1272).

  The Export of Horses (Veterinary Examination) Order 1966 SI 2966 No. 507).

  The Export of Horses (Excepted Cases) Order 1969 (SI 1969 No. 1742).

  The Export of Horses (Protection) Order 1969 (SI 1969 No. 1784)

  The Transit of Animals (General) Order 1973 (SI 1973 No. 1377).

  The Transmit of Animals (Road and Rail) Order 1975 (SI 1975 No. 1024).

  The Importation of Animals Order 1977 (SI 1977 No. 944)

  The Export of Horses and Ponies (Increase in Minimum Values) Order 1978 (SI 1978 No. 1748).

  257

  The Transit of Animals (Road and Rail) (Amendment) Order 1979 (SI 1979 No. 1013).

  The Export of Animals (Protection) Order 1981 (SI 1981 No. 1051).

  The Transit of Animals (Amendment) Order 1988 (SI 1988 No. 815).

  The Welfare of Poultry (Transport) Order 1988 (SI 1988 No. 851).

  The Welfare of Poultry (Transport) (Amendment) Order 1989 (SI 1989 No. 52).

  The Welfare of Animals During Transport Order 1994 (SI 1994 No. 3249).

  The Welfare of Animals During Transport (Amendment) Order 1995 (SI 1995 No. 131).

  Welfare of animals at slaughter

  The Welfare of Animals (Slaughter or Killing) Regulations 1995 (SI 1995 No. 731).

  Other legislation which have welfare implications

  The Animals (Miscellaneous Provisions) Order 1927 (SI 1927 No. 290).

  The Animals (Miscellaneous Provisions) Order 1938 (SI 1938 No. 5674).

  Agriculture (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 (Ch 55).

  Animal Health Act 1981 (Ch 22)

  Animal Health Act 1981 (Amendment) Regulations 1992 (SI 1992 No. 3293).

  EC Legislation

  EC Directive 88/166 laying down minimum standards for the protection of laying hens kept in battery cages.

  EC Directive 91/628 on the protection of animals during transport.

  EC Directive 91/629 laying down minimum standards for the protection of calves.

  EC Directive 91/630 Laying down minimum standards for the protection of pigs.

  EC Directive 91/119 on the protection of animals at the time of slaughter or killing.

  EC Directive 95/29 ammending EC directive 91/628 on the protection of Animals during transport.

  European Conventions

  European Convention for the protection of Animals kept for farming purposes.

  European Convention for the protection of animals during international transport.

  European Convention for the protection of animals for slaughter.

  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list by group, division or other work unit the number of grades of staff working within his Department on animal welfare issues. [34295]

  Mrs. Browning
  [holding answer 25 June 1996]: The number of posts complemented in the Ministry's animal welfare division and welfare at slaughter section and the associated sections of veterinary staff based at Ministry headquarters is as follows:

  Number

  Grade 5

  1.5

  Personal Sec

  1.5

  G7

  4

  SEO

  3.75

  HEO(D)

  2

  HEO

  4.25

  EO

  5.55

  AO

  5.5

  AA

  7.5

  258

  Number

  Typist

  0.8

  Veterinary Advisers

  2.5

  Livestock Transport Adviser

  1

  For the veterinary field service, analysis of work recording data for 1995–96 show that the following full-time equivalent staff years were spent on animal welfare by broad grade band:

  Staff years

  Veterinary grades (GB)

  49.0

  Technical grades (GB)

  11.5

  Administrative grades (England)

  5.4

  Total

  66.9

  The above figures do not include time spent by the Veterinary Laboratory Agency, the Meat Hygiene Service or ADAS on welfare matters, or the time of other officers of the Ministry—senior officials, lawyers, press officers and others—who spend part of their time on animal welfare.

  EU Agriculture Council
  Mr. Brazier
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the outcome of the Agriculture Council held in Luxembourg on 24 to 26 June; and if he will make a statement. [35202]

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  I represented the United Kingdom at this Council, accompanied by my noble Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Scotland. Following the decision by Heads of Government in Florence to increase the amount of financial aid for EU beef farmers affected by the current crisis, the Council unanimously allocated 850 mecu among member states for urgent income support measures. Of this, I secured some £112 million for UK fanners, which, at about 15.5 per cent. of the total sum, compares favourably with our 13.8 per cent. share of the EU beef cattle herd.

  The Council discussed in detail the Commission's proposals to set CAP prices for 1996–97 and to reform the EU fruit and vegetable regimes. It reached no conclusion on these dossiers and will resume discussion on them at its July meeting. However, in order to avoid a legal hiatus, the Council unanimously adopted five regulations setting prices at the same level as currently apply, in sectors where regulations are due to expire on 30 June.

  At my request, the Agriculture Commissioner undertook an urgent review of the arrangements applying to malt export refunds and agreed to make appropriate proposals in time for the 1996–97 export season to ensure stability and confidence in this important sector, taking account of the need for market balance and the EU's international commitments.

  I pressed the Commission and incoming presidency for early progress on the proposals to improve the welfare of veal calves. I also supported a German request for urgent steps to be taken on the welfare of hens in battery cages.
  259
  The Council adopted by qualified majority (Germany and Sweden voting against) a proposal concerning the financing of veterinary inspections. It adopted by qualified majority, with Germany and Greece opposing, a
  260
  proposal to reduce the entry price relating to imports of sour cherries. The Council also appointed Dr. Bart Kiewiet as President of the Community Plant Variety Office.

  EU: Council Meetings
  EU: Council Meetings
  Disabled People: Supported Employment Programme
  Disabled People: Supported Employment Programme
  Overseas Postgraduate Students in UK
  Overseas Postgraduate Students in UK
  European Rail Freight Terminals
  European Rail Freight Terminals
  Ferry Safety: Stockholm Agreement
  Ferry Safety: Stockholm Agreement
  Merchant Shipping: Draft Legislation
  Merchant Shipping: Draft Legislation
  Attendants: New Uniforms
  Attendants: New Uniforms
  Offices Committee: Minutes
  Offices Committee: Minutes
  Criminal Justice: Response to Royal Commission Report
  Criminal Justice: Response to Royal Commission Report
  Parole Board
  Parole Board
  Her Majesty's Birthday Honours List: Awards to Women
  Her Majesty's Birthday Honours List: Awards to Women
  Children: Enforcement of Employment Prohibition
  Children: Enforcement of Employment Prohibition
  Beef Import Ban by Non-EU Countries
  Beef Import Ban by Non-EU Countries
  Compound Animal Feeds: Ingredients
  Compound Animal Feeds: Ingredients
  Beef Export Ban: Sales to Third World Countries
  Beef Export Ban: Sales to Third World Countries
  Phosmet
  Phosmet
  Spongiform Encephalopathies: Tests for Origins
  Spongiform Encephalopathies: Tests for Origins
  BSE and CJD: Pre-clinical Diagnosis
  BSE and CJD: Pre-clinical Diagnosis
  Sulphur Dioxide Emissions: Reduction
  Sulphur Dioxide Emissions: Reduction
  Housing Investment Trusts: Accounting Rules
  Housing Investment Trusts: Accounting Rules
  Purchase Grant Scheme: Exemption of Small Rural Settlements
  Purchase Grant Scheme: Exemption of Small Rural Settlements