Written Answers of 7 March 1996

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Mr. Stephan Adolph Kock
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the sponsors of Mr. Stephan Adolph Kock's application for British nationality granted on 20 March 1969. [18976]

  Mr. Kirkhope
  No. It is not our practice to disclose such details.

  Blackmail
  Dr. John Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department in how many cases arrests for attempted blackmail by serious fraud squad detectives did not lead to charges(a) in 1994 and (b) in 1995. [19356]

  Mr. Maclean
  I assume the question refers to the Metropolitan police fraud squad. I understand that the figures available to the Metropolitan police do not distinguish arrests by the fraud squad from others and are kept by financial year. Figures for 1994–95 are not available, but so far in financial year 1995–96 there have been three arrests made by the Metropolitan police for attempted blackmail which have not led to charges.

  Hong Kong Citizens
  Mr. Madden
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which categories of(a) passport holders and (b) non-passport holders, settled in Hong Kong prior to 1 July 1997, will be able to apply for indefinite leave to remain in the United Kingdom as dependant relatives; and if he will make a statement. [19473]

  Mr. Kirhope
  To qualify for indefinite leave to remain as a dependant relative, any person who is subject to immigration control has to meet the requirements of the immigration rules.

  Mr. Madden
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department for what type of British passport ethnic minority people settled in Hong Kong will be eligible to apply; what rights such passports will confer on their holders; and if he will make a statement explaining the arrangements for passport applications. [19475]

  Mr. Kirkhope
  The ethnic minorities are eligible for the types of British passport which correspond to the citizenship they hold. Those who are successful in British nationality selection are entitled to British citizenship passports with right of abode in the United Kingdom. The majority will be entitled to a British dependent territories citizen—BDTC—passport or its successor, the British national (overseas)—BN(O)—passport. Any BDTC who would otherwise be stateless on 1 July 1997 will automatically become a British overseas citizen—BOC. BDTCs, BN(O)s and BOCs all enjoy visa-free travel to 298
  the United Kingdom, an entitlement to registration as a British citizen following settlement and five years' residence here, and British consular protection in appropriate circumstances. Applications in Hong Kong for British passports can be made to the Hong Kong immigration department.

  Mr. Madden
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many(a) war service and (b) other widows settled in Hong Kong are entitled to British passports; and if he will make a statement. [19472]

  Mr. Kirkhope
  I understand that, of the 23 widows of men who served in the defence of Hong Kong during the second world war who are resident in Hong Kong 18 are British dependent territories citizens or British nationals (overseas) and are therefore eligible for appropriate British passports. The number of other widows in Hong Kong who are eligible for British passports is not known. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister announced during his recent visit to Hong Kong that the Government would facilitate a private Member's Bill to give British citizenship to the wives and widows of ex-service men who served in the defence of Hong Kong during the second world war.

  Mr. Madden
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement explaining who in Hong Kong will be eligible to visa-free access to the United Kingdom from Hong Kong after 1 July 1997; what endorsement will be made to their passports before they leave Hong Kong; what will be the procedures for obtaining such endorsement; and what period of leave to enter the United Kingdom will such passport holders be granted on entry to the United Kingdom. [19474]

  Mr. Kirkhope
  Holders of British national (overseas) or Hong Kong (special administrative region) passports after 1 July 1997 will not require a visa to travel to the United Kingdom for a short visit. They will not require specific entry clearance endorsed in their passports except for those purposes for which, under the immigration rules, entry clearance is mandatory. They will, however, need to satisfy the immigration officer at the port of entry that they meet the requirements of the immigration rules. They will be granted leave to enter appropriate to the purpose of their visit.

  Mr. Madden
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many(a) heads of households and (b) their dependants in Hong Kong have, to date, been issued with British passports; what was the total number of British passports which Her Majesty's Government announced would be issued; what plans he has to issue more British passports to heads of household and dependants; and if he will make a statement. [19476]

  Mr. Kirkhope
  As at 29 February 1996, 48,610 principal beneficiaries and 80,866 dependants had been registered as British citizens under the selection scheme. On Second Reading of the British Nationality (Hong Kong) Bill, the then Home Secretary estimated"the absolute maximum number of people who might benefit"
  as 225,000 people. The selection scheme is, however, constructed on the basis of principal beneficiaries and the Act limits them to 50,000; there is no discretion to vary that number. It is the family size of the principal beneficiaries that will determine the total number of

  299
  beneficiaries, not estimates made in 1990. The Government have no plans to introduce further legislation to amend the scheme.

  Crime Statistics
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what have been the(a) crime clear-up and (b) the conviction rates for each police authority area in each of the last five years. [18958]

  Mr. Maclean
  The information requested on clear-up rates is published in table 2.11 of "Criminal Statistics, England and Wales, 1994", a copy of which is available in the Library. Information on conviction rates by police force area is given in the table.

  Conviction rates for indictable offences by police force area 1990–94

  Percentage

  Police force area

  1990

  1991

  1992

  1993

  1994

  Avon and Somerset

  64

  63

  60

  56

  57

  Bedfordshire

  63

  60

  59

  55

  59

  Cambridgeshire

  71

  67

  67

  64

  58

  Cheshire

  78

  73

  71

  73

  73

  Cleveland

  71

  64

  60

  59

  61

  Cumbria

  79

  75

  73

  72

  72

  Derbyshire

  73

  67

  65

  62

  61

  Devon and Cornwall

  82

  72

  72

  69

  65

  Dorset

  73

  67

  66

  69

  65

  Durham

  65

  61

  61

  63

  63

  Essex

  69

  62

  62

  62

  60

  Gloucestershire

  68

  67

  63

  61

  63

  Greater Manchester

  78

  77

  73

  74

  66

  Hampshire

  73

  68

  69

  66

  67

  Hertfordshire

  75

  64

  59

  59

  58

  Humberside

  77

  76

  74

  72

  73

  Kent

  84

  87

  82

  77

  77

  Lancashire

  75

  75

  77

  69

  69

  Leicestershire

  71

  67

  65

  59

  56

  Lincolnshire

  77

  69

  73

  70

  74

  City of London

  67

  67

  59

  66

  64

  Merseyside

  66

  64

  60

  63

  59

  Metropolitan Police

  79

  73

  70

  62

  63

  Norfolk

  84

  82

  84

  83

  86

  Northamptonshire

  67

  64

  60

  59

  57

  Northumbria

  70

  65

  64

  63

  60

  North Yorkshire

  74

  68

  66

  68

  68

  Nottinghamshire

  68

  61

  61

  59

  57

  South Yorkshire

  74

  71

  67

  67

  65

  Staffordshire

  65

  65

  62

  60

  60

  Suffolk

  75

  72

  68

  69

  68

  Surrey

  69

  67

  62

  62

  61

  Sussex

  73

  69

  69

  66

  66

  Thames Valley

  71

  65

  64

  62

  59

  Warwickshire

  82

  77

  68

  66

  65

  West Mercia

  74

  74

  69

  67

  65

  West Midlands

  70

  65

  59

  60

  60

  West Yorkshire

  73

  69

  63

  61

  59

  Wiltshire

  74

  71

  70

  70

  68

  Dyfed Powys

  67

  65

  62

  61

  55

  Gwent

  66

  65

  67

  61

  64

  North Wales

  79

  79

  66

  67

  67

  South Wales

  67

  66

  61

  62

  61

  England and Wales

  73

  69

  66

  64

  63

  Citizenship Applications
  Sir Michael Shersby
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to revise the fee levels for citizenship applications. [20162]
  300
  Mr. Kirkhope
  Citizenship fees were last changed in March 1991 and some changes are necessary in order to meet the Government's policy of recovering no more than the cost of processing citizenship applications. New British Nationality (Fees) Regulations 1996 are being laid before Parliament today to introduce the following fee levels with effect from 1 April 1996:

  Present fees £

  New fees £

  Registration (Adult or minor)

  85

  120

  Naturalisation on grounds of marriage to a British citizen

  135

  120

  All other naturalisations

  170

  150

  The fees for applications for naturalisation, which represent about 75 per cent. of all applications, have been reduced significantly. At the same time, the opportunity has been taken to remove the element of cross-subsidisation between applications for registration and naturalisation which has come to light since fee levels were last revised. This has led to an increase in the fee for applicants for registration.

  The existing arrangements for joint applicants will be unchanged: husbands and wives applying together for naturalisation will continue to pay one single fee, as will minor children of the same parent applying together for registration.

  The practice of returning a nominal amount where an application is subsequently withdrawn or refused has been reviewed. It has become apparent that the difference in the cost of successful and unsuccessful applications is negligible. Unsuccessful applicants who apply on or after 1 April 1996 will therefore pay the full cost of processing their applications and will not receive a refund.

  The new regulations will also increase the fees payable to the Home Office for renouncing citizenship and for supplying copy certificates and other documents from £15 to £20. The fee for administering the oath of allegiance which is payable to the person administering the oath will be increased from £3.50 to £5 in order to bring it into line with fees for analogous work under the Commissioners for Oaths (Fees) Order 1993.

  It is expected that the revised fee levels will provide sufficient income to meet the costs of processing applications over the period April 1996 to April 1997.

  Employment Law
  Mr. Bermingham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prosecutions there have been of employers for employing persons with no entitlement to work in the United Kingdom in each year from 1988 until 1994. [18238]

  Mr. Maclean
  [holding answer 29 February 1996]: I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Bradford, West (Mr. Madden) on 13 December 1995, Official Report, column 661.
  301

DUCHY OF LANCASTER

  Committee on Standards in Public Life
  Mr. John Marshall
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement on the review of the legal framework governing accountability and propriety in public bodies and the arrangements for their external audit, undertaken in response to recommendations in the first report of the Committee on Standards in Public Life. [20036]

  Mr. Freeman
  The Government have published a consultation paper, "Spending Public Money: Governance and Audit Issues", Cm 3179, which has been laid in both Houses. The paper covers executive non-departmental public bodies, NHS bodies and local government and, as regards audit arrangements, what the Nolan committee has called local public spending bodies. Comments have been invited to a 14 June deadline.

  The proposals on personal accountability include a more consistent way of handling conflicts of interest on the part of board members. Codes of conduct are planned for staff of executive NDPBs and NHS bodies. NDPB and NHS board members will be protected from the costs of personal civil liability on certain conditions. The proposals make it clear that executive NDPB accounting officers, working under their boards, are responsible for propriety in a broad sense, as Nolan recommended. The Government are not persuaded that provisions similar to surcharging in local government should be extended into areas where other sanctions, including the power of dismissal, are available. Further guidance is being provided on openness, taking account of the Nolan committee's standard of best practice as appropriate. Executive NDPBs should make records of decisions available wherever possible, and should publish reports containing at least a summary of their accounts. The Comptroller and Auditor General is encouraged to develop systematic work on comparative performance.

  External audit arrangements should support lines of accountability and include an emphasis on regularity and value for money. There should be an element independent of the audited body involved in setting standards, defining audit practice and laying down reporting requirements. Duplication should be avoided. Reports should be addressed outside the audited body on major issues arising from the audit. The Government will ensure that the Comptroller and Auditor General has inspection rights over all executive NDPBs which he does not audit. He has a key role where Parliament has established Ministers' accountability through legislation; elsewhere, other arrangements are likely to provide better support of accountability. The Government accept the Nolan committee's recommendation that the Audit Commission should be able at its own discretion to publish public interest reports on NHS bodies.

  Funding bodies should ensure that bodies receiving grants have adequate financial control arrangements. Education and housing funding bodies should as a matter of good practice require external auditors of bodies which they fund to report to them immediately if they find serious financial weakness or irregularity. They should consider ways in which they can draw on the expertise of the national audit agencies on audit arrangements and value-for-money work.
  302
  The paper proposes that the audit agencies, acting together, should commission an independent review of the interface between them. The paper gives examples of cases where public bodies audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General should ensure that he has appropriate access to contractors' records. He is invited to consider letting private sector firms compete with NAO audit staff to undertake certain audits, without affecting his statutory position as auditor.

  The Government intend to consult further on the most suitable arrangements for the external audit of local authorities and health bodies in Northern Ireland.

  The differences between sectors mean that imposing a single, uniform structure would require large-scale changes in their relationships with Parliament, requiring major legislation. The Government believe that the best way forward is to build on, and spread, good practice.

ENVIRONMENT

  Wetlands
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on his proposals to protect wetlands; if these proposals will include riparian zone protection; and how they will affect agriculture and rural communities. [18603]

  Mr. Clappison
  As a leading supporter of the Ramsar convention on wetlands of international importance the United Kingdom is committed to protecting wetlands and promoting their wise use. There are numerous mechanisms and initiatives in place to protect UK wetlands, in particular Ramsar listing and the classification of special protection areas under the birds directive, which includes river floodplains and water meadows. The development of catchment management plans and estuary management plans are among other initiatives under way. In addition, the Government intend to propose certain rivers as special areas of conservation under the habitats directive. All these initiatives are pursued in co-operation with landowners and other interested parties.

  Departmental Equipment and Furniture
  Mr. Ian McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the cost and number of items of equipment and furniture that(a) have been stolen and (b) are otherwise unaccounted for from his Department and its agencies in each of the past five years, listing by name any such items valued at £5,000 or more, and showing information technology material separately. [19035]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  Details of non-information technology and information technology thefts for the Department for the 1994–95 and 1995–96, to date, financial years, including details of thefts over £25,000, are given in the table. However, the remainder of the information requested could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
  303

  1994–95

  1995–96 (to end February)

  Number

  Value

  Number

  Value

  Non-IT Thefts

  DOE

  4

  £1,847

  4

  £868

  IT Thefts

  DOE

  24

  £40,636

  11

  £44,417

  IT Thefts with a Value of Over £5000

  1994–95—DOE

  (a) £25,000—Theft of computer components from 43 machines in the Government Office East Midlands and the Highways Agency.

  1995–96—DOE

  (a) £24,000—Theft of computer components from 2 Marsham Street.

  1995–96—PH

  (a) £17,037—Theft of computer components from St. Christopher House.

  Castle Cement
  Mr. Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will use his powers under section 12(5) of the Environmental Protection act 1990 to instruct Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution to revoke the authorisation granted to Castle Cement to burn secondary liquid fuel at its Clitheroe cement works. [18930]

  Mr. Clappison
  No case has been made to the Secretary of State as to why he should do this.

  Home Energy Efficiency Scheme
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what estimates he has made of(a) the loss to business and (b) the number of redundancies from the reduction in funding to the home energy efficiency scheme. [19265]

  Mr. Robert B. Jones
  The changes to the home energy efficiency scheme will create opportunities for businesses involved in it. Householders aged over 60 who are not on benefit will be entitled to a substantial discount. There is no reason why the number of installations should not be the same as in the previous year if installers market the scheme properly.

  Mr. Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what consultation she held with businesses before the decision to reduce Government funding for the home energy efficiency scheme. [19266]

  Mr. Jones
  Public expenditure decisions are not discussed before the Chancellor's Budget statement to the House.

  Mr. Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what has been the level of Government funding of the home energy efficiency scheme in each year since its starting date; and if he will give the figures for 1996–97 and 1997–98, in real terms and as a percentage change from the previous year. [19267]

  Mr. Jones
  The information requested is as follows. The figures show that funding for the home energy efficiency scheme for the next financial year will be 280 per cent. more than in 1991–92, its first full year of operation. This increase can be matched by few if any other programmes.
  304

  Year

  Expenditure (£ million)

  Percentage change

  1990–911

  1

  n/a

  1991–92

  26

  n/a

  1992–93

  34

  +B;31

  1993–94

  42

  +24

  1994–95

  83

  +98

  1995–96

  2106

  +28

  1996–97

  373

  -31

  1997–98

  475

  +3

  1 From 1 January.

  2 Estimated.

  3 Allocated.

  4 Planned.

  Taking 1995–96 as the base year, and taking inflation as 3 per cent., the allocation for 1996–97 and the planned allocation for 1997–98 are equivalent in real terms to £71 million.

  Colney Hospital, Norfolk
  Mr. Garrett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he proposes to call in the planning application for a new hospital at Colney, South Norfolk. [18381]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  I refer the to the answer I gave the hon. Member on 22 February,Official Report, column 279. As the adopted local plan makes specific provision for such a development, it is unlikely that the Secretary of State would wish to intervene.

  Thoresby Colliery (Fatal Accident)
  Mr. Tipping
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what discussions he has had with the director general of the Health and Safety Executive about the fatal accident at Thoresby colliery, Nottinghamshire, on Monday 4 March; and if he will make a statement. [19517]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  None. The Health and Safety Executive is conducting a full investigation into the accident.

  Council Tax Relief (Wandsworth)
  Ms Armstrong
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what was(a) the total sum, (b) the amount paid to the London borough of Wandsworth, (c) the percentage of the total paid to the London borough of Wandsworth and (d) the amount paid per dwelling in the London borough of Wandsworth, in traditional relief in respect of the council tax in each year from 1993–94 to 1995–96. [19494]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  The information requested is as follows:

  (a) Total amount of transitional relief in England:

  1993–94: £378,652,826

  1994–95: £111,283,108

  1995–96: £27,178,1791

  (b) Amount of transitional relief paid to London Borough of Wandsworth:

  1993–94: £35,984,443

  1994–95: £23,594,503

  1995–96: £10,100,6351

  305

  (c) Percentage of total amount of transitional relief paid to London Borough of Wandsworth:

  1993–94: 9.5 per cent.

  1994–95: 21.2 per cent.

  1995–96: 37 per cent.1

  (d) Average amount paid per chargeable dwelling in London Borough of Wandsworth:

  1993–94: £323.75

  1994–95: £209.29

  1995–96: £89.31

  These figures are averages. The actual amount of transitional relief varied according to a household's council tax banding, its composition and its previous liability for community charge.

  1 Information for 1995–96 is provisional and is subject to final grant claims to be made during 1996–97.

TRANSPORT

  Central Railway
  Mr. Pawsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if Central Railway plc has applied to him for directions under rule 12 of the Transport and Works (Applications and Objections Procedure) Rules granting waivers from compliance with certain application requirements in respect of the Central Railway project. [20250]

  Mr. Watts
  Yes. Copies of the applications for rule 12 waiver directions, and of the supporting documentation provided by Central Railway plc, have been placed in the House of Commons Library. Members wishing to make representations to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State concerning his decision whether to agree to issue any such directions should write to him by Friday 22 March.

  HGV Drivers (Eyesight Tests)
  Mr. Marlow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has received from lorry drivers' representatives as to the(a) numbers and (b) proportion of HGV drivers who will be barred from driving as a result of changes to eye tests from 1 July. [19570]

  Mr. Norris
  I have recently received suggestions that very large numbers of drivers of large goods and passenger-carrying vehicles will lose their entitlement to drive these vehicles as a result of changes to regulations on eyesight standards. No supporting evidence for such estimates has been provided and in some cases they are clearly based on a misunderstanding of the scope of the changes. The 1994 consultation document on the changes included an estimate, based on analysis of Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency records, that about 3,000 drivers would be affected by the proposed changes. This estimate was not challenged in the responses to consultation.

  Mr. Marlow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions he has had with HGV drivers' representatives concerning changes in eyesight tests. [19569]
  306
  Mr. Norris
  The consultation document on the proposed changes to the regulations on eyesight requirements issued in October 1994 was sent to a wide range of organisations, including representatives of HGV drivers. None requested discussions at the time.

  Mr. Marlow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when new European regulations changing eyesight regulations for HGV drivers were agreed; how the United Kingdom representative voted; and what immediate publicity was undertaken. [19516]

  Mr. Norris
  The United Kingdom voted, in 1991, for adoption of the second EC directive on driving licences, 91/439/EEC, which sets minimum standards for health, driving test and licensing requirements across the EU to underpin road safety and in the interests of free movement of nationals of the member states. The Department subsequently, in October 1994, undertook an extensive consultation specifically on changes to the regulations on eyesight standards. A press notice was issued then as well as last October, when I announced the Government's decision.

  Emergency Towing Study Team Report
  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his answer of 28 February,Official Report, column 581, what amendments he has made to the report of the emergency towing study team as originally delivered to him; and if he will make a statement. [18900]

  Mr. Norris
  [holding answer 5 March 1996]: The report is an internal document, but it will be published and placed in the Libraries of both Houses. The report was amended to remove commercially sensitive information which was provided to the study team in confidence, and material which was outside the terms of reference of the study.

  Newbury Bypass
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what evidence has been submitted to him since the start of construction of the Newbury bypass on new environmental damage; and if he will make a statement; [19065]

  (2) what representations he has received concerning the Newbury bypass since construction began; and if he will publish them with his response; [19066]

  (3) what estimates he has made of the effect of completion of the Newbury bypass on (a) volumes of traffic on the A34, (b) volumes of traffic in Newbury itself and (c) journey times of traffic travelling (i) through Newbury and (ii) along the bypass; [19111]

  (4) what has been the cost of (a) police and (b) security at the site of the proposed Newbury bypass since October 1995; and if he will make a statement. [19072]

  Mr. Watts
  [holding answer 5 March 1996]: I have asked the chief executive of the Highways Agency to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Lawrie Haynes to Mr. Jeremy Corbyn, dated 7 March 1996:

  As you know, the Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your Parliamentary Questions about the Newbury Bypass.
  307
  The cost of security for the advance works contract incurred so far is £1,182,000. The cost of Policing the work is a matter for the Thames Valley Police force.

  You ask for details of the effect of the Bypass on traffic flows on the A34, and on the rest of Newbury. On the A34 itself, the bypass provides substantial relief by allowing longer distance through traffic to avoid the town. The table below shows the benefits the bypass would bring to the A34 Inner Relief Road on which traffic flows would be reduced by about %. The figures for the residual local traffic remaining on the A34 after the bypass is open do not allow for the potential additional benefits to be provided by local traffic management measures.

  Without bypass

  With bypass

  Year

  Low growth

  High growth

  Low growth

  High growth

  2000

  57,000

  63,000

  35,000

  39,000

  2005

  61,000

  70,000

  38,000

  43,000

  2010

  65,000

  78,000

  40,000

  48,000

  Note:

  The flows given are Annual Average Daily Traffic for low and high growth.

  There would be greater benefits to other sections of the A34 bypassed by the scheme, for example traffic along Tothill Straight will be reduced by up to 75%.

  In addition to the general relief provided by the bypass there would be particular benefits from the substantial reductions (typically 65–70%) in heavy lorry traffic (estimated at up to 400 an hour at peak times) using the A34 through the town.

  Traffic flows on other major routes through the town would also be affected by the bypass. The change in traffic patterns will of course depend on what traffic management measures are brought forward. For example, on the A343 substantial flow reductions of about 30% are forecast. There would be some increases on routes feeding the bypass, for example flows on the A4 on the west side of the town would increase slightly by up to 5%. However, in overall terms the net effect of the bypass would be to remove substantial volumes of traffic, particularly heavy lorry lorries, from the town.

  As part of the traffic appraisal for Newbury Bypass, we have assessed the journey times of traffic travelling through Newbury and on the proposed bypass. The savings in travelling time have also been assessed as part of the economic evaluation of the scheme.

  For through traffic using the bypass instead of the existing A34, COBA shows average peak period time savings of 15 minutes when the scheme opens. Currently, at the worst times, delays can be up to and over one hour. In the longer term, the savings would be significantly greater since congestion on the existing road would become much worse without the bypass. A major benefit to industrial and business road users will be the much improved journey time reliability provided by the bypass.

  Since site clearance operations began, we have received about 700 written representations against the scheme, mostly from outside the area, and a small number from supporters. We have previously received nearly 20,000 expressions of support for the bypass. It would be inappropriate to publish these letters without the consent of the writers which could only be obtained at disproportionate cost. The reply to the recent representations against the scheme has been broadly along the lines of the draft attached.

  No evidence of new environmental damage has been submitted although it has been suggested that the Desmoulins' Whorl Snail, a non-priority annex II species in the Habitats Directive, may be present on the route. It has been established that these snails are present elsewhere in the Kennet and Lamboum valleys. We are liaising with English Nature and carrying out further surveys to determine whether the snails are in the area affected by the bypass and if so, what further mitigation measures are necessary.
  308

  Aviation Research
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the research projects sponsored by his Deapartment relating to aviation over the last five years.[19084]

  Mr. Norris
  The research projects relating to aviation undertaken over the last five years in which the Department of Transport has had a financial involvement are as follows:

  Safety

  Explosion Hazard Research

  Signature Identification of Pressure Pulse Research

  Helicopter Safety Research

  Crash Impact Research

  Environmental

  Aeronox

  Aerotrace

  Polinat

  Ground Emissions Study

  Field Study into Aircraft Noise and Sleep Disturbance

  Measurement and Modelling of Helicopter Noise

  Social Survey Study of Attitudes to Helicopter Noise

  Research into Helicopter Noise Characteristics and Future Trends

  Review of Departure Noise Limits at Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted airports

  Studies into Ground Noise at Night at Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted airports and Arrival Noise at the same airports

  Transport Security

  Twenty-five research projects are being or have been carried out in the area of transport security, although not all are exclusive in the aviation field.

  Sea Empress
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what requests for assistance have been received by his office in respect of clear-up operations following the Sea Empress disaster. [18356]

  Mr. Norris
  [holding answer 1 March 1996]: I have asked the chief executive of the Coastguard agency to write to my hon. Friend.

  Letter from C. J. Harris to Mr. Tony Banks, dated 7 March 1996:

  The Secretary of State for Transport has asked me to reply to your recent Questions about clear-up operations following the 'Sea Empress' disaster.

  No requests for assistance from bodies outside of the Joint Response Centre have been received by the Marine Pollution Control Unit.

  Aircraft (Landing Slots)
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) if he will list for each major UK airport the number of aircraft taking off without take-off slots, together with the airline name and country of registration for each of the last five years; [19081]

  (2) if he will list by each major airport the number of aircraft which arrived without landing slots together with the airline name and country of registration for each of the last five years. [19080]
  309
  Mr. Norris
  No records are kept for UK airports of the extent of unscheduled take-offs or landings, that is, for which no slot has been obtained in advance. However, an assessment for Heathrow during June 1995 found an average of five unscheduled departures each weekday, in addition to opportunity slots obtained by business and general aviation. Most of the unscheduled movements operated by commercial airlines are maintenance, positioning or testing flights; only a minority, such as diversions from other airports, are passenger carrying.

  Gatwick Airport
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many take-off and landing slots are currently occupied by domestic and short-haul services at Gatwick airport. [18662]

  Mr. Norris
  For the current winter season 64,599 slots at Gatwick airport are at present occupied by services to or from domestic or short-haul destinations.

  EU Directives
  Sir Richard Body
  To as the Secretary of State for Transport how many Community directives were introduced by him to United Kingdom law in 1995. [18293]

  Mr. Watts
  During 1995, the Secretary of State for Transport introduced 13 statutory instruments, the purpose of which was to implement EC legislation into UK law.

  Aircraft (Safety)
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) if he will list the countries from which aircraft are banned by the Federal Aviation Authority from flying into the United States of America and the equivalent Civil Aviation Authority list; [18669]

  (2) if he will list by country the number of inspections undertaken by the Civil Aviation Authority on aircraft flying into the United Kingdom; [18670]

  (3) if he will list the countries identified as having safety oversight procedure problems by the US Federal Aviation Authority; and how many aircraft registered by those countries entered the UK in each of the last five years; [19079]

  (4) how many inspections were undertaken on foreign registered aircraft within the UK and the country of registration in the last five years; and if he will list the defects found during those inspections. [19083]

  Mr. Norris
  Before granting permission for a non-European Economic Area aircraft to fly to the United Kingdom, we seek confirmation that the aircraft will be operated in accordance with international safety standards established by the International Civil Aviation Organisation. This confirmation is normally in the form of certificates issued by the aviation authorities of the state of registration of the aircraft, stating that the aircraft will be operated in accordance with ICAO safety standards. If there is any doubt about the safe operation of an aircraft, no permit will be issued until we are satisfied about its safety. This may involve asking the Civil Aviation Authority to conduct a physical check of the aircraft concerned.
  310
  Since 1993, we have instructed the CAA to carry out checks of aircraft from the following countries:

  Country

  Number of checks

  Bulgaria

  1

  Ghana

  2

  Nigeria

  1

  Russia

  5

  Sweden

  2

  Tajikstan

  1

  Turkey

  1

  Venezuela

  1

  Yugoslavia

  1

  In addition, the CAA carries out inspections, without instruction from the Department, on any aircraft that it has reason to believe may be unsafe to fly.

  A list of deficiencies uncovered by the physical checks is not readily available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Airports
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he proposes to issue a further White Paper on airport policy; and if he will make a statement. [18291]

  Mr. Norris
  We have no plans to issue a new White Paper on airports policy.

  BR Vendor Unit
  Mr. Wilson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the sales completed by the BR vendor unit, with the name of purchaser and price paid in each case. [16228]

  Mr. Watts
  [pursuant to his answer, 22 February 1996, c. 274]: The sales completed by the British Rail Board are listed. Those where the BR vendor unit has been involved are marked with an asterisk.

  Gross proceeds from the sales to date of businesses sold by BR amount to some £304 million. As explained in the Government's response of 14 December 1995 to the Transport Select Committee fourth report, on railway finances, it would be contrary to the commercial interests of British Rail and the Government to publish details of individual sales at this stage, as that may prejudice similar sales still in progress. Details of individual sales completed will be made public in due course.

  In addition to that figure, the sale of the rolling stock leasing companies, which was handled by my Department, realised £1,822.23 million.

  BR vendor unit

  Purchaser

  Freight

  Red Star*

  Raid Ltd.

  Rail Express Systems Ltd.

  North and South Railways Ltd.

  Other businesses

  Special Train Unit (sale of certain coaches and other assets only)*

  Flying Scotsman Railway Ltd.

  Meldon Quarry Ltd.*

  Camas UK Ltd.

  BR Telecommunications Ltd.*

  Racal Electronics Ltd.

  311

  BR vendor unit

  Purchaser

  OBS Services Ltd.*

  The European Rail Catering Company Ltd.

  BR Design Offices

  DCU Birmingham*

  Owen Williams Ltd.

  Mainline Swindon*

  Scott Wilson Kirkpatrick

  IDG Glasgow*

  Scott Wilson Kirkpatrick

  BPE Mechanical and Engineering Consultancy, Doncaster*

  James Scott Ltd., a member of AMEC plc

  Civil Engineering Design Group, York*

  British Steel plc

  Powertrack Engineering Company Ltd.*

  WS Atkins Consultants Ltd.

  CEDAC London Ltd.*

  WS Atkins Consultants Ltd.

  BR Maintenance Ltd.

  Swindon Electronic Service Centre*

  ABB Customer Support Ltd.

  Chart Leacon (Ashford) Depot (Chart Leacon Rail Maintenance Ltd.)*

  ABB Customer Support Ltd.

  Ilford Deport (Ilford Rail Maintenance Ltd.)*

  ABB Customer Support Ltd.

  Doncaster Depot (Doncaster Rail Maintenance Ltd.)*

  ABB Customer Support Ltd.

  Wolverton Depot (Wolverton Hall Maintenance Ltd.)*

  Railcare Ltd.

  Springburn (Glasgow) Depot (Glasgow Rail Maintenance Ltd.)*

  Railcare Ltd.

  Eastleigh Depot (Eastleigh Rail Maintenance Ltd.)*

  Wessex Traincare Ltd.

  BR Central Services

  Baileyfield Switches and Crossings Works*

  VAE Baileyfield Ltd.

  Ditton Timber Treatment Works Quality and Safety Services Ltd.

  The Pheonix Timber Group plc Ingleby (805) Ltd.

  Railways Occupational Health Ltd.

  Occupational Healthcare plc

  Signalling Control (UK) Ltd.

  Westinghouse Brake and Signal Holdings Ltd.

  Interlogic Control Engineering Ltd.

  ABB Daimler-Benz Transportation (Signal) Ltd.

  BR Infrastructure Services

  Scotland Track Renewals Company Ltd.

  Relayfast Ltd.

  Scotland Infrastructure Maintenance Company Ltd.

  Track Action Ltd.

  * BR vendor unit has been involved.

  Railway Incidents
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what incidents have been reported at(a) Congleton, (b) Wilmslow, (c) Litchfield and (d) Tamworth over the last 30 years of passengers alighting from a train short of the platform. [19247]

  Mr. Watts
  The Health and Safety Executive's railway inspectorate has no record since 1984 of any reportable major incidents concerning passengers alighting from trains short of the platforms, at the locations specified. Records before 1984 are no longer available.

  Railways (Short Platforms)
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list those railway stations where 312
  platforms are shorter than the length of trains stopping at that platform. [19246]

  Mr. Watts
  Details of railway stations where platforms are shorter than the length of the trains stopping there are not held centrally.

  Railways (Staff Assistance)
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will publish the text of the instructions given by(a) regional railways and (b) North West Railways in respect of assistance to be given by their staff to inter-city staff on board trains travelling through their stations. [19243]

  Mr. Watts
  This matter is for the train operating companies concerned. I suggest that the hon. Member seeks this information direct from them.

  West Coast Main Line Service
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport on how many occasions in the last 21 days the west coast main line service between Manchester Piccadilly and Euston via Stoke-on-Trent has been(a) delayed and (b) cancelled as a result of points failure; and what were the date and time of the services affected. [19248]

  Mr. Watts
  I will write to the hon. Member with the information requested.

SCOTLAND

  Public Bodies
  Dr. Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the executive non-departmental public bodies sponsored by his Department which are subject to(a) investigation by the Parliamentary Commissioner, (b) scrutiny by the Audit Commission, (c) scrutiny by the National Audit Office, (d) statutory provisions for open government, (e) performance indicators and (f) provisions under the citizens charter. [16021]

  Mr. Kynoch
  The information requested is as follows:(a) the Crofters' Commission, new town development corporations, Red Deer Commission, Scottish Arts Council, Scottish Homes, Scottish Legal Aid Board, Scottish Medical Practices Committee, Scottish Natural Heritage, Scottish Sports Council, Scottish tourist board; (b) none, as the Audit Commission does not operate in Scotland. The Accounts Commission for Scotland scrutinises the accounts of the seven Scottish river purification boards; (c) this information is listed in the Cabinet Office publication "Public Bodies 1995", a copy of which is available in the Library of the House; (d) none, although all executive NDPBs are expected to comply with all reasonable requests for information from Parliament, users of services and individual citizens; (e) performance indicators are part of the management statement or corporate plan for each NDPB; (f) the citizens charter applies to all public services, including NDPBs. NDPBs serving the public, including those sponsored by my Department, are therefore expected to meet the charter standards.
  313

  National Continence Day
  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what support he is offering for National Continence Day on 19 March, and what plans he has to improve the incontinence service in Scotland in 1996–97. [16806]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  [holding answer 28 February 1996]: The Scottish Office is providing funding for the expansion of a telephone helpline facility at the continence resource centre, Southern general hospital NHS trust, Glasgow, for a four-week period including National Continence Day on 19 March. Leaflets and posters advertising the helpline and encouraging sufferers to seek help have been distributed widely, advertisements will be placed in the local press, and a number of events are being organised across the country by local health service professionals, including continence advisers. In addition, we are working with health boards to encourage them to pursue improvements in incontinence services locally.

  Landfill Tax
  Mrs. Ray Michie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received on the effects the new landfill tax will have on the value of brown-field land; and if he will make a statement. [18278]

  Mr. Kynoch
  My right hon. Friend has received several representations regarding the possible effect of the landfill tax on remediation schemes for contaminated sites. My right hon. Friend the Paymaster-General has agreed to consider the feasibility of an exemption for waste resulting from the restoration of historically contaminated land.

  Holyroodhouse
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland who currently holds the position of deputy keeper of the palace of Holyroodhouse and the baille and clerk of the Abbey court; what accommodation within the palace is available to them; and what is the cost to public funds. [17898]

  Mr. Kynoch
  [holding answer 1 March 1996]: The position of deputy keeper of the palace of Holyroodhouse is currently held by Lord James Douglas-Hamilton. The position of baille and clerk of the Abbey court is currently held by Mr. Patrick Cadell. No accommodation is provided for them within the palace, they are unpaid and there is no cost to public funds arising from their appointments.

  Mr. Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, pursuant to his answer of 22 February,Official Report, column 288, if he will give details of the accommodation available to the hereditary keeper; what services are provided to him; what duties are undertaken by him; and what is the total cost to public funds arising from the office of hereditary keeper. [17976]

  Mr. Kynoch
  [holding answer 1 March 1996]: The accommodation available to the hereditary keeper comprises three reception rooms, two bedrooms and an office. Unless he is occupying the accommodation is connection with his ceremonial duties, the hereditary keeper is required to meet the costs of all services such
  314
  as heating, lighting and water incurred during periods of occupation. The present hereditary keeper hardly ever occupies the accommodation, which is available for use by the royal household whenever required.

  The duties of the hereditary keeper are entirely ceremonial. He receives the Queen and the Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland when they visit the palace. There are no costs to public funds arising from the office of hereditary keeper.

  Social Housing Rents
  Ms Roseanna Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the current average gross weekly rent for(a) council rented accommodation and (b) housing association rented accommodation in Scotland; and what were the figures in 1991. [19166]

  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  [holding answer 6 March 1996]: The average unrebated weekly rent for local authority accommodation in Scotland in 1995–96 is estimated to be £28.78. The most recent available information on housing association rented accommodation relates to 1994–95, when the average weekly rent was £29.13. The average local authority rent in 1991–92 was £23.12. Figures for housing association rent in 1991–92 on a comparable basis are not available.

  Comhairle nan Sgoiltean Araich
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if grants made to Comhairle nan Sgoiltean Araich can be spent within the United Kingdom but outside Scotland; [19118]

  (2) what audits have been conducted in respect of grants made to, and other public expenditure provided for, the work of Comhairle nan Sgoiltean Araich in the past three years; [19119]

  (3) what inspections have been conducted of community nurseries promoted or provided by Comhairle nan Sgoiltean Araich in the past three years; [19120]

  (4) what is his Department's responsibility for the grant funding or inspection of the London-based Gaelic medium community nurseries provided by Comhairle nan Sgoiltean Araich; [19121]

  (5) what (a) public funds and (b) grants are made available to Comhairle nan Sgoiltean Araich. [19122]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Scottish Office grants totalling £61,200 in 1995–96 are made to support the administrative costs associated with Comhairle nan Sgoiltean Araich—the Gaelic Pre-School Council—work in developing Gaelic pre-school groups in Scotland. None of our grants, which are closely monitored and audited annually, are spent outside Scotland. Information on the levels of funding for the individual pre-school groups provided by Government agencies, local authorities, companies, trusts, voluntary organisations, individuals and by the pre-school groups themselves is not held centrally.

  The Children Act 1989 empowers local authorities to inspect nursery and day care premises registered under section 71 of the Act. Authorities must exercise that power at least once every year. Registered community

  315
  nurseries should, therefore, be inspected at least annually. Information about inspections of particular nurseries is not centrally available.

  Prisoners (Transfers)
  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many applications for transfer to prisons in(a) Northern Ireland and (b) the Republic of Ireland were made by Irish prisoners in each of the past 10 years; and how many were successful. [18071]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  I refer the hon. Member to the information which the chief executive of the Scottish Prison Service gave to the hon. Member for Newry and Armagh (Mr. Mallon) in his letter dated Wednesday 28 February 1996,Official Report, column 619.

PRIME MINISTER

  Engagements
  Sir Peter Tapsell
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 7 March. [17989]

  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 7 March. [17990]

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

  Far East (Visit)
  Mr. John Townend
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on his recent visit to the far east. [20056]

  The Prime Minister
  I attended the inaugural Asia-Europe summit meeting in Bangkok on 29 February to 2 March together with my right hon. Friend the Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office. This summit, for the first time, brought together the leaders of Thailand, Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Japan, South Korea, China, the 15 member states of the European Union and the President of the European Commission. I warmly welcomed the opportunity it offered to reinforce the relations between Europe and East Asia, politically and economically two of the world's three most important regions.

  The informal discussions covered a wide range of political and economic issues. The participants agreed on the need to deepen the political dialogue between Asia and Europe, to increase co-operation over arms control, human resource development, environmental protection and the fight against poverty, drugs terrorism and other international crime.

  On economic matters, there was common ground over the benefits of strengthening trade and investment flows between Asia and Europe in both direction. The meeting agreed to work for the further liberalisation of trade and for the success of the World Trade Organisation. It also recognised that intensified exchanges of science and technology, especially in sectors such as agriculture,
  316
  information and technology, energy and transport, were important for extending the economic links between the two regions. Finally, there was agreement on the value of closer people-to-people contacts, especially among younger generations.

  The meeting set in hand an ambitious programme of follow-up work, including preparations for the first ministerial meeting of the World Trade Organisation in Singapore in December, work on improving conditions for the flow of investment between the two regions, the establishment of a business forum and promotion of reform of the United Nations including the EU initiative on financial reform.

  The meeting accepted the United Kingdom's offer to host the second summit which will be held during our presidency of the EU in the first half of 1998. This is a clear signal of our commitment to developing relations with Asia and our determination to play a leading role in the evolving relationship between the two regions.

  Hong Kong

  During my visit to Hong Kong between 2 and 4 March, I had the opportunity to hear the concerns of a wide range of the Hong Kong community about their future. I was able to reassure them that:

  (i) Britain has a long-term commitment to Hong Kong which will last well beyond the transfer of sovereignty on 1 July 1997;

  (ii) in the event of a breach of the Sino-British joint declaration, we would pursue every avenue open to us and mobilise the international community;

  (iii) holders of the Hong Kong special administrative region passport would not be required to obtain visas for visits to Britain after 30 June 1997;

  (iv) we would guarantee admission to Britain for any member of the non-Chinese ethnic minority community with solely British nationality who came under pressure to leave Hong Kong after the transfer of sovereignty; and

  (v) we would support a private Member's Bill to grant British citizenship to the wives and widows of the ex-service men from Hong Kong who fought for Britain in the war.

  I also had the opportunity to visit several parts of the territory, including the new airport and the extension to the convention and exhibition centre, where development is being pursued to ensure Hong Kong's continuing success.

  Korea

  Korea is an important trading partner: our exports increased by 44 per cent. in 1995 to more than £1.5 billion, and we have attracted more than 40 per cent. of all Korean inward investment in Europe. The prospects for further growth in these areas are good.

  I had a meeting with President Kim Young Sam, our third in 12 months, at which we discussed ways to increase the co-operation between our countries, particularly in trade and investment. I also met the leaders of the major Korean conglomerates. I encouraged them to consider further inward investment here by assuring them of the major benefits of doing so. During my visit, three new Korean investments worth £2.5 million were announced, bringing the number of Korean companies in the UK to 19. Four contracts were signed by British companies for joint ventures valued at £90 million, including a co-operation agreement between British

  317
  Nuclear Fuels Ltd. and Hanjung for the building of spent fuel storage casks in a market expected to grow from £35 million to £2 billion.

  Princess of Wales
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Prime Minister what discussions or communications Her Majesty's Government have had since the beginning of the current year with the Governments of those other Commonwealth countries whose Head of State is Her Majesty the Queen, about the constitutional future and status of Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales. [18883]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 4 March 1996]: None.

  Duchy of Cornwall (Profits)
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Prime Minister if the income and profits of the Duchy of Cornwall are private and personal to the Prince of Wales. [18886]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 4 March 1996]: The capital assets of the Duchy of Cornwall are inalienable, and the income from capital disposals must be reinvested in new capital assets. The Prince of Wales is personally entitled to the net income from the revenue account of the Duchy of Cornwall, from which he meets both public and private expenditure for himself, the Princess and their family.

  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Prime Minister at what time or stage on 28 February he was advised that Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales was issuing a statement announcing her intention to divorce His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales. [18882]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 4 March 1996]: I was informed of the statement after it was issued.

  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Prime Minister what provisions exist for the Princess of Wales to renounce the rank and the title of Her Royal Highness. [18881]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 4 March 1996]: The use of the style lies ultimately in the Queen's gift, although the wishes of the princess would be taken into consideration.

  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Prime Minister what future funding arrangements from public funds are being made to facilitate HRH the Princess of Wales continuing her public duties subsequent to divorce. [18877]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 4 March 1996]: Matters relating to the divorce of the Prince and Princess of Wales and the princess's future role are under discussion.

  Civil Servants (Conduct)
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Prime Minister if it is his policy that civil servants criticised in the Scott report shall be disciplined. [19282]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 6 March 1996]: I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, on 6 March, Official Report, column 252.
  318

  EU Directives
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the EU directives which have been gold plated when transcribed into United Kingdom law in the past five years. [18640]

  The Prime Minister
  The Government's policy is not to add unnecessary burdens on business when implementing EC directives in the UK. Departments keep existing legislation under review in the light of this policy.

  "Questions of Procedure for Ministers"
  Dr. Wright
  To ask the Prime Minister hen he expects to issue a revised version of "Questions of Procedure for Ministers". [18622]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 4 March 1996]: I will revise and reissue "Questions of Procedure for Ministers" as and when appropriate.

  Civil Servants (Company Directors)
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Prime Minister which serving civil servants in his Department are presently directors of companies; and if he will indicate for each(a) the name of the company concerned and (b) if annual remuneration was (i) £1 to £5,000, (ii) £5,000 to £10,000 and (c) above £10,000. [18146]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 1 March 1996: For these purposes, my office forms part of the Cabinet Office. I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on 6 March, Official Report, columns 250–51.

HEALTH

  Dental Services
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people have been deregistered from their dentist since 1992 in each family health services authority area; and if he will make a statement. [17592]

  Mr. Malone
  This information will be placed in the Library.

  GP Fundholders
  Ms Harman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance he issues to general practitioner fundholders on the appropriate use of savings. [17936]

  Mr. Malone
  Guidance on the use of fundholder savings is set out in HSG(95)46, copies of which are available in the Library.

  Ms Harman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what were, in each of the last five years(a) the total losses of fundholders, (b) the total savings and (c) the total net savings. [17935]

  Mr. Malone
  Information about fundholder efficiency savings and budget overspends is shown in the table. Figures for 1994–95 are not yet available.
  319

  Efficiency savings:

  Budget overspends:

  Year

  £ million

  Per cent. of budgets set

  £ million

  Per cent. of budgets set

  1991–92

  15

  3.7

  2

  0.6

  1992–93

  28

  3.5

  10

  1.2

  1993–94

  64

  3.5

  13

  0.7

  Source: Regional offices.

  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimates he has made in each year of the net worth of general practitioners fundholders' assets. [19499]

  Mr. Malone
  None. All general practitioners, whether fundholding or not, are independent contractors to the national health service. Information is not therefore available about their assets.

  "Patients not Paper"
  Mr. Barron
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many, and which, health service bodies have so far identified board level members with responsibility for implementing the recommendations of "Patients not Paper"; and what progress has been reported by them. [18795]

  Mr. Malone
  Each family health services authority in England and Wales has appointed a board level person responsible for implementing the recommendations of "Patients not Paper". In addition, all eight regional offices have appointed a lead individual responsible for co-ordinating the implementation of "Patients not Paper" throughout their region. Good progress towards introducing the recommendations on schedule has been reported from all regions. The key date for introduction of new forms is 1 July 1996.

  NHS Medical Staff
  Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the total number of(a) full-time and (b) part-time NHS medical staff in (i) 1993, (ii) 1994 and (iii) 1995. [18803]

  Mr. Malone
  Information for hospital and community health services doctors is available in "Hospital Medical Staff England Tables" for 1993 and 1994, and from "Public Health Medicine and Community Health Services Medical Staff England Tables" for 1993 and 1994.

  Figures for general practitioners are available in "General Medical Services Statistics for England and Wales" 1993 and 1994.

  Information for 1995 is not yet available.

  Copies of the publications are available in the Library.

  Continuing Care
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health for what reasons salaries are not paid to chairmen of continuing health care review panels. [18821]

  Mr. Bowis
  It is not normal practice to pay salaries for appointments of this kind, but chairmen are entitled to receive reasonable expenses.
  320
  Mr. Wicks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many, and which, health authorities are intending to use the Barthel index to determine eligibility for NHS continuing in-patient care from April 1996; and what score on the index is being used as the basis for eligibility in respect of each one. [19807]

  Mr. Bowis
  This information is not available centrally; health authority policies and eligibility criteria are currently in the process of being finalised for operation from 1 April.

  Tomlinson Report
  Mr. Pearson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health for what reasons his Department did not implement the recommendation contained in paragraph 42 of the Tomlinson report. [18937]

  Mr. Malone
  After consultation with the profession, we introduced a package of work force flexibilities in the London initiative zone in September 1995. Together with premises' flexibilities and their general medical services cash-limited allocations, this will enable health authorities and the profession locally to work together to improve services for patients.

  Private Hospitals
  Mr. Battle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many NHS hospitals in(a) West Yorkshire and (b) Leeds are paying private sector hospitals to treat NHS patients; if he will list the hospitals; and what are the costs involved. [18962]

  Mr. Horam
  This information is not available centrally. The hon. Member may wish to contact chairmen of NHS trusts in West Yorkshire for details.

  Residential Care
  Mr. Denham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many local authorities are applying the same capital asset rules to means testing for domiciliary care and for residential care; and if he will publish a list of those authorities. [18965]

  Mr. Bowis
  This information is not available centrally.

  General Practitioners
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the number of(a) GPs and (b) GP vacancies in each health authority area in England. [19256]

  Mr. Malone
  The available information will be placed in the Library. Information on general practitioner vacancies is not available centrally.

  NHS Audits
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will hold centrally information on the proportion of NHS audit activity devoted to probity audits; and if he will make a statement. [19347]

  Mr. Horam
  No. The examination of probity forms one part of the work carried out by internal and external auditors, and cannot readily be quantified.
  321

  Whittington Hospital NHS Trust
  Mr. Deva
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Islington, North (Mr. Corbyn) on 13 February,Official Report, column 798, what is the current average time that patients have to wait before being seen when attending the accident and emergency department at the Whittington Hospital NHS trust. [19609]

  Mr. Malone
  At present, 95 per cent. of patients are seen within five minutes for triage assessment. The average waiting time to see a doctor in January 1996 was 65 minutes. Approximately 45 per cent. of patients were seen by a doctor within 30 minutes, 58 per cent. within 60 minutes, 78 per cent. within 120 minutes and 90 per cent. within 180 minutes. Children and patients needing urgent treatment are always given priority.

  Oral Contraceptives
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) when the Licensing Authority expects to receive further data on myocardial infarction and third generation oral contraceptives; [19189]

  (2) whether data on myocardial infarction risk from third generation oral contraceptives were made available to members of the Committee on Safety of Medicines on 13 October 1995; and from which studies that data were derived; [19186]

  (3) if he will publish the odds ratios relating to myocardial infarction and third generation oral contraceptives which were made available from the World Health Organisation and Spitzer studies to the Medicines Control Agency prior to the meeting of the Committee on Safety of Medicines on 13 October 1995. [19187]

  Mr. Malone
  Preliminary data on myocardial infarction from the World Health Organisation case control study were made available to the Committee on Safety on Medicines on 13 October 1995. These data remain unpublished and were provided to the Medicines Control Agency in confidence. Limited data on myocardial infarction from the general practice research database were also available to the committee. Further data from the GPRD study and the findings of the transnational study have since become available, and have been published in the medical literature. Further epidemiological data on myocardial infarction are expected, but the time frame for their availability is currently unclear.

  Mr. Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what financial contribution the Licensing Authority made to the costs of distributing the letter dated 26 October 1995 from the Family Planning Association which contained advice on the prescribing of combined oral contraceptives. [19188]

  Mr. Malone
  The Medicines Control Agency covered the costs of printing and distribution of the letter to relevant health professionals.

  Mr. Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what legal proceedings have been instituted against(a) the Licensing Authority, (b) the Medicines Control Agency, (c) Medicines Control Agency staff and (d) the
  322
  Committee on Safety of Medicines in connection with the recent advice from the Committee on Safety of Medicines on third generation oral contraceptives. [19192]

  Mr. Malone
  None.

  Mr. Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health on what date Ministers in his Department were informed of potential safety concerns regarding third generation oral contraceptives. [19183]

  Mr. Malone
  Ministers were informed of the preliminary findings of the World Health Organisation's case control study on 14 July 1995.

  Mr. Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to monitor the effects on public health of the dissemination of the advice from the Committee on Safety of Medicines relating to third generation oral contraceptives. [19185]

  Mr. Malone
  Information from a variety of sources is being monitored, including data on the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases, pregnancy and abortion.

  Committee on Safety of Medicines
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment his Department made of the arithmetical accuracy of the tables made available by Professor Spitzer on 9 October 1995. [19191]

  Mr. Malone
  The tables provided by Professor Spitzer were assessed by experts on the Committee on Safety of Medicines.

  Mr. Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what safeguards are in place to ensure that the advice of the Committee on Safety of Medicines is independent. [19190]

  Mr. Malone
  The Committee on Safety of Medicines is an independent body of drug safety experts. Following consultation with appropriate organisations and on the recommendation of the Medicines Commission, its members are appointed by the United Kingdom Health Ministers—the Licensing Authority.

  Members do not represent organisations, but contribute by their individual expertise and judgment to the advice given by the committee to the licensing authority. In addition, members are required to follow a code of practice on relations with the pharmaceutical industry and to declare their interests which are published annually.

  Mr. Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many resignations have been received from staff of(a) the Medicines Control Agency and (b) the Committee on Safety of Medicines since 1 October 1995. [19184]

  Mr. Malone
  The Medicines Control Agency has received six resignations since 1 October 1995; while the Committee on Safety of Medicines has received none.

  Chelsea and Westminster NHS Trust
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what representations he has received about the closure of the B 12 unit at the Chelsea and Westminster NHS trust; and if he will make a statement; [19193]
  323
  (2) what representations he has received on the need for an independent inquiry into the closure of the B 12 unit at the Chelsea and Westminster NHS trust; and if he will make a statement; [19195]

  (3) what involvement his Department had in the decision to close the B12 unit at the Chelsea and Westminster NHS trust; [19194]

  (4) what representations he has received on, and what assessment he has made of, the health risks faced by children whose treatment has been interrupted as a result of the closure of the B12 unit at the Chelsea and Westminster NHS trust; and if he will make a statement. [19196]

  Mr. Horam
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has received several representations on the future of the vitamin B 2 unit at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital. The future inclusion of the vitamin B 12 unit into the services provided by the Chelsea and Westminster Healthcare national health service trust is a matter for the trust and the Charing Cross and Westminster medical school.

  Laparoscopic Surgery
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when an independent inquiry into an allegation of clinical negligence or misconduct involving the use of laparoscopic surgical techniques in a case of uterine cancer was last carried out in respect of the Northern and Yorkshire health region; by whom that inquiry was carried out; and at what cost. [19234]

  Mr. Horam
  Northern and Yorkshire regional health authority carried out an inquiry into an allegation about the use of laparoscopic surgical techniques in a case of uterine cancer in the second half of 1995. The hon. Member may wish to contact John Greetham CBE, chairman of the authority, for further details.

  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if the use of laparoscopic surgical techniques for hysterectomy in the case of uterine cancer requires ethics committee approval. [19236]

  Mr. Horam
  Laparoscopic surgical techniques require local research ethics committee approval only if carried out as part of a research project.

  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he is preparing guidelines as to when laparoscopic surgical techniques may be used for hysterectomy in the case of uterine cancer; [19237]

  (2) what guidelines exist covering the circumstances under which laparoscopic surgical techniques of hysterectomy may be used in the case of uterine cancer. [19238]

  Mr. Horam
  No guidelines exist covering specifically the circumstances under which laparoscopic surgical techniques of hysterectomy may be used in the case of uterine cancer. The development, publication and maintenance of guidelines for the clinical management of various groups of illnesses are the responsibility of the medical, nursing, dental and other clinicians and their professional bodies.
  324

  Clinical Negligence
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance he issues as to the professional qualifications and usual place of work of individuals commissioned by regional health authorities to look into alleged cases of clinical negligence. [19235]

  Mr. Horam
  There is no formal guidance for regional health authorities that deals specifically with the investigation of alleged cases of clinical negligence.

  Regional medical officers are responsible for arranging for two independent consultants to conduct the third stage of the current hospital clinical complaints procedure, called independent professional review. Existing guidance is contained in paragraph 27 of annexe B to health circular HC(88)37, copies of which will be placed in the Library. This states that the consultants should be in active practice in the appropriate speciality or specialties. They should be nominated by the joint consultants committee, and at least one should be a doctor working in a comparable hospital in a different region from that which is setting up the independent professional review.

  A new national health service complaints system will be introduced from April 1996, in which there will no longer be separate procedures for dealing with clinical complaints.

  Cancelled Operations
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will provide a quarterly analysis of the number of operations cancelled in each region since figures have been published. [19497]

  Ms Coffey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will place in the Library figures by(a) district health authority and (b) regional health authority, of the number of operations cancelled on the day of, or the day after, admission to hospital and the number of those patients not readmitted within a month for (i) the second and (ii) the third quarter of 1995–96. [19471]

  Mr. Horam
  The national health service performs over 5 million operations annually. Fewer than 50,000 or less than 0.01 per cent. were cancelled in 1994–95 and many of these would have been unavoidable.

  The available information relates to the number of operations cancelled for non-medical reasons on the day patients are due to arrive or after arrival in hospital. This will be placed in the Library.

  Trust Managers (Pay Increases)
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what further advice he intends to issue to trusts regarding the appropriate level of pay increases to general and senior managers beyond that contained in HSG(961); and what monitoring he proposes to undertake. [19493]

  Mr. Malone
  None. These are matters for local determination following extant guidance and I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Taunton (Mr. Nicholson) on 13 February,Official Report, column 559.
  325

  Health Authorities
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will provide a list of the professions of those(a) nominated and (b) appointed to serve as non-executives on the newly merged health authorities. [19498]

  Mr. Malone
  A list of all non-executive appointments together with professions of appointees to national health service authorities and trusts will be published in the summer of 1996.

  Hospital Closures
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what statistics his Department collects on hospital department closures. [19492]

  Mr. Horam
  The Department does not routinely collect information on hospital department closures. I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave the hon. Member for Peckham (Ms Harman) on 28 February,Official Report, column 569.

DEFENCE

  Executive Agencies
  Mr. Cummings
  To as the Secretary of State for Defence on how many occasions in each of the past five years Ministers in his Department have passed(a) hon. Members' letters and (b) hon. Members' questions to agencies for response; and what this figure is as a percentage of the total number of letters and questions received. [19423]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  For parliamentary questions, I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire (Mr. Kirkwood) on 14 February 1996,Official Report, column 609.

  Information on the number of hon. Members' letters passed to defence agencies to reply is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Bills (Payment)
  Ms Lynne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the average time taken by his Department in the payment of commercial bills in each year since 1993; and what are his Department's policies for the payment of commercial bills for contracts awarded to small companies. [19607]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  This is a matter for the chief executive of the Defence Bills Agency. I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from T. R. Thurgate to Ms Liz Lynne, dated 8 March 1996:

  You asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the average time taken by his Department in the payment of commercial bills in each year since 1993; and what are his Department's policies for the payment of commercial bills for contracts awarded to small companies. As this matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief Executive of Defence Bills Agency I have been asked to reply.

  The statistics which are readily available go back to April 1993. During this time 99.99% of bills have been paid within 30 days of presentation of a valid bill. The Defence Bills Agency also measures
  326
  performance against a higher departmental standard of payment within 11 days of receipt of a valid bill. We achieved the 1993/94 target of 96%, the 94/95 target of 97%, and are on course to achieve the 97% target for 95/96.

  All new MOD contractors receive a 'Prompt Payment Guide' from the Defence Bills Agency, I have enclosed a copy for you. This booklet provides guidance on MOD payment procedures to help contractors submit bills correctly and therefore receive prompt payment.

  Equipment Exports
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the letter sent by him to defence industry firms concerning Government policy on exports of defence equipment to Iran in(a) 1984 and (b) 1985. [18539]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  We are aware of one letter sent by the Ministry of Defence to a UK defence manufacturer in 1985 which referred to new policy guidelines in relation to exports to Iran and Iraq. Very few papers exist from the two years in question and it is possible that other letters were sent by the Ministry of Defence at the time.

  Chechnya
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his current policy on the sale of(a) aircraft and (b) other armaments to Chechnya; and if he will make a statement. [18270]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  We do not sell defence equipment to Chechnya, which is internationally recognised as part of the Russian Federation.

  Business Appointment Rules
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what inquiries have been made with John Laing International to establish whether former officials or officers have failed to seek approval under the business appointments rules. [18961]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  None. There has been no reason to write to the company about former MOD employees.

  Air Vice-Marshal Howard
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 26 February,Official Report, column 318, when Air Vice-Marshal Howard retired; when he took up a business appointment with Tripod Engineering; and how long that appointment lasted. [19045]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  I have nothing to add to the information contained in section D2 of the Scott report.

  Computers
  Mr. Miller
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list all cases since 1987 where his Department has bought computer capacity from(a) other Departments and (b) the private sector, giving the value of each contract and the name of the private sector contractors. [19460]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  No central record is held of the extent to which computer capacity might have been brought from other Departments. Computer capacity has been
  327
  bought from many private sector sources, but again no central record is held. In both cases, information could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. David Hart
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is Mr. David Hart's current job description within his Department; and what other job description he has held since assisting his Department. [19897]

  Mr. Portillo
  Mr. Hart has agreed to assist me with advice on any matter which I decide to refer to him. He is also free to raise matters with me. He had a similar arrangement with my predecessor.

  Franco-German Armaments Agency
  Mr. Wilkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which defence equipment projects for his Department he has identified as being suitable for management by the enlarged Franco-German Armaments Agency to include the United Kingdom. [19126]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  The UK is considering a number of possible projects for management by the Franco-German organisation in the event of UK entry.

  Mr. Wilkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what will be the relationship between the procurement executive of his Department and the Franco-German Armaments Agency following British participation in this agency. [19124]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  The UK is currently discussing with France and Germany the implications of possible participation in the Franco-German armaments organisation. No decisions have been made on the organisation's policies and operating procedures.

  Mr. Wilkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will set out the process of funding and financial accountability for defence equipment destined for his Department and managed by the Franco-German Armaments Agency enlarged to include the United Kingdom. [19125]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  In the event of UK involvement in the Franco-German organisation, detailed management arrangements for collaborative projects will be determined before any commitment. The UK will not relax her standards of monitoring and control.

  Multi-role Armoured Vehicles
  Mr. Wilkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what measures he is taking to maintain a British capability to design, develop and build military vehicles in his evaluation of the options to meet the Army's multi-role armoured vehicle requirement. [19123]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  We are discussing with France and Germany possible UK participation in the first stage of a collaborative venture to meet part of the UK's requirement for a multi-role armoured vehicle. The implications and opportunities for UK industry are an important factor in these discussions.
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AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Sea Empress
  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his Department will make an assessment of the potential environmental after-effects of the Sea Empress oil spillage on the north Devon coastline and Lundy island and of the steps that need to be taken to manage and mitigate these effects. [17718]

  Mr. Baldry
  Our initial survey work suggests that there is no cause for concern of the effects of the Sea Empress oil spillage on the fisheries and wider marine environment along the north Devon coastline and Lundy island. We shall continue to monitor the environmental effects of oil spillage for as long as is necessary to be sure that this continues to be the case.

  Oil Spillage Dispersants
  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has made of the level of oestrogen-mimicking chemicals in dispersants used to combat oil spillages; what assessment he has made of the long-term effects; and if he will make a statement.[17983]

  Mr. Baldry
  [holding answer 5 March 1996]: Oestrogen-mimicking chemicals are not components of any oil dispersant product approved by the Department for combating oil spilt in United Kingdom waters.

  Environmental Objectives
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent measures his Department has taken to implement regulation 2078 in the United Kingdom, in respect of setting clear environmental objectives on(a) rural employment, (b) biodiversity, (c) pollution and (d) soil erosion; what measures have been taken in other EU member states; and if he will make a statement. [18613]

  Mr. Boswell
  The aim of Council regulation 2078/92—the "agri-environment regulation"—is to promote farming practices which are compatible with protection of the environment and maintenance of the countryside. It requires all EU member states to introduce programmes of environmental incentive schemes for farmers which reflect their own environmental circumstances and priorities.

  The agri-environment regulation has been implemented in England by expanding the existing environmentally sensitive areas and nitrate sensitive areas schemes and by introducing a range of new incentive schemes addressing major environmental priorities such as creation of wildlife habitats, promotion of organic farming, conservation of heather moorland and access. We have also recently completed public consultation on proposals for the expansion and development of the countryside stewardship scheme when it transfers to MAFF from the Countryside Commission at the end of the month.

  One of the main aims of our agri-environment programme is to protect and enhance biodiversity, and many of the schemes are contributing towards the Government's objectives under the biodiversity action plan. The schemes also address concerns over pollution by controlling or prohibiting inputs of fertilisers and

  329
  pesticides, and concerns over soil erosion through measures such as the reversion of arable land to grassland. The issue of rural employment falls outside the scope of regulation 2078/92; the Government's policy in this area is set out in the rural White Paper.

  As indicated in the rural White Paper, we have now set up a national agri-environment steering group specifically to advise Ministers on the objectives, targeting, development and monitoring of agri-environment schemes. We have also set up a new national forum, which meets for the first time on 25 March, to allow a wide range of interested bodies the opportunity to feed in their own ideas on these issues.

  Fishing Vessels (Ownership)
  Mr. Harris
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many boats on the United Kingdom fishing vessel register are in foreign ownership; and, of these, how many were registered(a) while in such ownership and (b) as a result of the vessels being sold by United Kingdom owners to foreign interests. [18960]

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

  Letter from R. M. Bradley to Mr. David Harris, dated 7 March 1996:

  The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your Question about vessels on the UK Fishing Vessel Register which are in foreign ownership.

  When the Merchant Shipping (Registration of Ships) Regulations 1992 came into force in March 1994, the information you asked for ceased to be available. It is still possible to identify the nationality of individual owners but many fishing vessels are owned by companies and the nationality of the shareholders of these companies cannot be ascertained.

  Before March 1994, the Merchant Shipping Act 1988 provided that corporate owners of fishing vessels registered in the United Kingdom had to be made up mainly of qualified shareholders. A company had therefore to complete a declaration that its shareholding complied with the Act. After the 1993 regulations came into force, the only requirement for eligibility in respect of companies is that they be incorporated in a member state of the European Economic Area and have a place of business in the UK. As a result of this change, it is no longer necessary to know the nationality of the shareholders and no such information is now collected.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  EU Directives
  Sir Richard Body
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many Community directives were introduced by him into the law of the Untied Kingdom in 1995. [18292]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  Twelve Community directives—six Council/Council and Parliament directives and six Commission directives—were introduced as DTI measures into the law of the United Kingdom, all by way of statutory instrument, in 1995.

  Arms Sale Guarantees
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade, pursuant to his answer of 12 January 1996,Official Report, column 403, if he will indicate, without revealing
  330
  the contracts concerned, the four largest sums put up by Her Majesty's Government as a financial guarantee or collateral in respect of securing an arms deal. [15979]

  Mr. Lang
  The four largest guarantees issued by ECGD in respect of defence equipment sales were as follows:

  Year guarantee issued

  ECGD liability £ Million

  1993–94

  750

  1988–89

  450

  1992–93

  427

  1985–86

  378

  Overseas Exhibitions
  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade, pursuant to his answers of 24 January,Official Report, columns 253–56, (1) which sections of the Data Protection Act 1984 preclude release of information relating to individual companies; [17811]

  (2) which sections of the Data Protection Act 1984 preclude release of information relating to individual companies. [17395]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  [holding answer 26 February 1996]: Regrettably, the information on which my answer of the 24 January was based was incomplete and arose from a misunderstanding which has now been corrected. Further advice indicates that the provisions of the Data Protection Act are not relevant to information about exhibitors supported by the Department at overseas trade fairs. This information is being placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

  EDS Ltd.
  Ms Eagle
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list those countries his Department currently holds with EDS, indicating for each the(a) date of inception, (b) value and (c) duration. [17456]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  We have no current contracts with EDS let centrally. I have asked the chief executives of the Department's executive agencies to reply separately to this question.

  Letter from Desmond Flynn to Ms Angela Eagle, dated 7 March 1996:

  In the absence of Peter Joyce the Chief Executive I am responding on behalf of this Agency to your Parliamentary Written Question 95/1321 addressed to the President of the Board of Trade.

  The Insolvency Service does not currently hold any contracts with EDS.

  Letter from J. C. Octon to Ms Angela Eagle, dated 7 March 1996:

  In the absence of the Comptroller General on official business, I have been asked to reply on behalf of the Patent Office to your Parliamentary Question about contracts with EDS. I can confirm that the Office currently has no contracts with that company.
  331
  Letter from Adrian Wilson to Ms Angela Eagle, dated 7 March 1996:

  The President of the Board of Trade has asked me to reply to your Parliamentary Question: 95/1321 about contracts currently held with Electronic Data Systems.

  LGC does not currently hold any contracts with Electronic Data Systems.

  Letter from Seton Bennett to Ms Angela Eagle, dated 29 February 1996:

  The President of the Board of Trade has asked me to reply on behalf of the National Weights and Measures Laboratory to your question about contracts with EDS. This Agency holds no contract with the said company.

  Letter from David Durham to Ms Angela Eagle, dated 29 February 1996:

  You asked the President of the Board of Trade for information on contracts his Department currently holds with EDS regarding the date of inception, value and duration.

  For Companies House the answer is none.

  Letter from Jim Norton to Ms Angela Eagle, dated 7 March 1996:

  The President of the Board of Trade has asked me to reply to your Parliamentary Question about contracts with EDS. I can confirm that the Radiocommunications Agency does not currently hold any contracts with EDS.

  Scott Report
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on changes instituted in the Export Control Organisation since events covered by Sir Richard Scott in his report took place. [18555]

  Mr. Lang
  [holding answer 1 March 1996]: The changes instituted in the Export Control Organisation since events covered by Sir Richard Scott in his report took place were set out in a press notice issued by my Department on 15 February 1996.

  The Government are currently considering Sir Richard Scott's proposals and will publish a consultation paper in due course.

  Post Office
  Mr. Battle
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what studies have been undertaken by his Department since 1 January 1995 into the effectiveness of Post Office distribution; and what were the results. [18817]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  No specific studies into the effectiveness of Post Office distribution have been undertaken by my Department since 1 January 1995 as this is an operational matter for the Post Office. Quarterly and annual quality of service statistics obtained by independent survey have for many years been published for Royal Mail. These statistics show the percentage of first and second class mail delivered respectively within Royal Mail's target of the next working day and three working days. The efficiency study of the Post Office commissioned from KPMG in 1995 covered all main areas of the Post Office's operations. Its findings have been used to inform discussion and decision on a range of issues.
  332
  Mr. Hain
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what was the cost of the performance review of the Post Office commissioned from the consultants KPMG; when it was completed; how it has been used; and if it will be published. [18968]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  The performance review of the Post Office commissioned from KPMG was completed on 31 August 1995 and has been used to inform discussion and decisions on a range of issues. These include in particular the setting of the Post Office external financing limits in last November's Budget, and consideration of the financial and efficiency targets which are to be set for Royal Mail, Post Office Counters and Parcelforce for the financial years 1996–97, 1997–98 and 1998–99. The cost of work undertaken by individual contractors is commercially confidential. The contents of the report are confidential between the Government, their advisers and the Post Office board.

  Mr. Hain
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) what will be the Government's target for real unit cost reduction for Royal Mail and Post Office Counters for the financial years(a) 1996–97, (b) 1997–98 and (c) 1988–99; [18970]

  (2) what will be the Government's target for the return on capital employed in Royal Mail, Parcelforce and Post Office Counters for the financial years (a) 1996–97, (b) 1997–98 and (c) 1998–99. [18969]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  The new financial and efficiency targets for Royal Mail, Post Office Counters and Parcelforce for the financial years 1996–97, 1997–98 and 1998–99 will be published when final decisions on them have been taken.

  Bankruptcies
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many people were declared bankrupt in each year since 1990 for debts up to(a) £50,000, (b) £500,000 (c) £6 million and (d) over £6 million. [19091]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  The number of bankruptcy orders made in England and Wales since 1990 is as follows:

  Number

  1990

  12,058

  1991

  22,632

  1993

  31,016

  1994

  25,634

  1995

  21,933

  Information regarding the size of debts could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Merseyside Special Investment Fund
  Mrs. Jane Kennedy
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on his Department's role in the establishment of the Merseyside special investment fund; which other organisations are involved in its establishment; and on what date its operations will commence. [18840]
  333
  Mr. John M. Taylor
  [holding answer 4 March 1996]: The Department has worked with a range of private and public organisations to ensure that the proposed fund will complement existing provision of finance to small and medium-sized enterprises and will operate according to Government and European Commission financial requirements.

  The Department and MSIF are currently considering with the European Commission their concerns about European regional development fund grant to the fund.

  Mrs. Kennedy
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what estimate he has made of the total budget of the Merseyside special investment fund; what will be the total level of Government financial support; and what will be the fund's other sources of finance. [18841]

  Mr. Taylor
  [holding answer 4 March 1996]: The Department is considering an application from the Merseyside special investment fund for £16.1 million of European regional development fund grant towards its overall budget of £52.6 million. Other funding will primarily come from private sector contributions and income from companies supported by the fund.

  Trade and Research Associations
  Mrs. Peacock
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) what amount of grant is paid each year to the trade associations representing the(a) paper, (b) leather, (c) shoe, (d) furniture, (e) timber and (f) textiles industries; [18378]

  (2) what amount of grant is paid each year to the research associations related to the (a) paper, (b) leather, (c) shoe, (d) furniture, (e) timber and (f) textiles industries. [18379]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  [holding answer 5 March 1996]: None of these organisations receives any automatic grant annually from the Department. However, some receive discretionary grants to support specific competitiveness or export activities in their sectors. In 1994–95 the totals of such grants paid were as follows:

  Sector

  Competitiveness support

  Export support £ million

  Paper

  0.360

  —

  Leather

  0.020

  0.214

  Footwear

  0.328

  0.057

  Furniture

  0.109

  0.862

  Timber/Textiles

  —

  —

  Clothing

  0.348

  2.084

  Orimulsion
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will initiate discussions with National Power on the proposed import of orimulsion. [19252]

  Mr. Page
  No. The choice of fuel to be used in a power station is a commercial matter for the company concerned subject to the operation of the station being able to satisfy the requirements of Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution.
  334

  Mid Kent Holdings
  Sir John Stanley
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what steps he has taken to enforce the statutory undertaking given to him by General Utilities not to enter into any arrangement with an associated person which may result in his joint holdings in Mid Kent Holdings plc exceeding 19.5 per cent. [19515]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  Under section 88 of the Fair Trading Act 1973 the Director General of Fair Trading has a duty to give advice to my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade if it appears to him that a statutory undertaking has not been or is not being fulfilled. He also has a duty to advise where it appears to him that a person can be released from an undertaking or that the undertaking needs to be varied or superseded. The President of the Board of Trade will wish to consider carefully any advice he may receive from the Director General of Fair Trading in relation to the statutory undertakings given by General Utilities plc in March 1991 concerning the acquisition of shares in Mid Kent Holdings plc.

  Public Bodies
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many pages of guidance notes have been issued by(a) his Department, (b) regulatory authorities and (c) non-departmental public bodies in each of the last three years. [18642]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  This information cannot be provided except at disproportionate cost.

  Wages
  Mr. Battle
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what is the current average male wage. [17635]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The "New Earnings Survey" (1995) estimates that the average gross weekly earnings for men on full-time adult rates is £374.60 per week.

NATIONAL HERITAGE

  Departmental Equipment and Furniture
  Mr. Ian McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if she will list the cost and number of items of equipment and furniture that(a) have been stolen and (b) are otherwise unaccounted for from her Department and its agencies in each of the past five years, listing by name any such items valued at £5,000 or more, and showing information technology material separately. [19043]

  Mr. Sproat
  Since it was established in April 1992, my Department has neither lost nor had stolen any items of equipment or furniture. Three items of IT material have been lost, none of which was valued over £5,000.

  The Historic Royal Palaces agency has suffered no theft or other loss of any item of furniture, equipment or IT material.

  The Royal Parks agency lost four small non-IT items in 1995, the total value of those items being £513.
  335

  Sport (London)
  Miss Hoey
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage when she expects to make a decision in respect of London as an international city of sport as defined by the Sports Council. [18906]

  Mr. Sproat
  Decisions on all applications for designation under the Sports Council's city of sport programme are entirely a matter for the Sports Council. However, I understand that the Sports Council is working closely with the London Sports Co-ordinating Committee which is developing an application.

  Television Licence Fee
  Ms Lynne
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage when she expects to make an announcement on the proposals from the BBC for the introduction of a weekly cash instalment scheme for the payment of a television licence fee. [18911]

  Mr. Sproat
  The Government have given approval in principle to a BBC proposal to introduce a weekly cash instalment scheme for payment of the television licence fee. Regulations will have to drafted, and we will make an announcement when these are laid before the House. The BBC needs to make the necessary arrangements to implement the scheme, which it hopes to be in a position to do this summer.

  BBC
  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage when the new BBC charter and agreement will come into effect. [20251]

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  We have considered the views of right hon. and hon. Members in the debate on 15 February.Official Report, columns 1172–1234, and those expressed in another place. We have considered whether there is substantial support for significant changes to be made to the draft royal charter or the agreement which was approved by this House. We have concluded that no such changes are warranted.

  Many of the points raised related to specific aspects of the BBC's services. The new charter and agreement set out explicitly the broad standards we expect of the BBC. It is for the BBC to give more specific undertakings, after consulting its audiences, in its statement of pledges.

  Concern was voiced that the BBC should reflect the needs of audiences throughout the UK. The new charter and agreement establish a clear framework to ensure that programme makers in all parts of the country make a proper contribution to the BBC's output, and that the BBC stays closely in touch with the needs and opinions of all viewers and listeners. The statement of pledges will underpin these commitments.

  We have made explicit the independence of the BBC. Alongside this, the BBC must be accountable to the public. We have made it clear that the responsibility for ensuring the BBC fulfils its obligations rests with the board of governors.

  The policies reflected in the draft charter and agreement will secure the future of the BBC for the next 10 years and allow it to flourish, at home and abroad, in its public services and its commercial enterprises, under its new
  336
  chairman, Sir Christopher Bland. I am therefore making a representation to Her Majesty that the new charter now be granted to the BBC. Subject to Her Majesty's approval, I expect the new royal charter and agreement to come into force on I May 1996.

ATTORNEY-GENERAL

  Treasury Solicitor's Office (Computer Disc Theft)
  Dr. John Cunningham
  To ask the Attorney-General, pursuant to his answer of 15 February 1996,Official Report, column 695, what was the relationship between the two people who were the subject of the investigation by the Metropolitan police. [19358]

  The Solicitor-General
  Brother and sister.

  Dr. Cunningham
  To ask the Attorney-General, pursuant to his answer of 15 February 1996,Official Report, column 695, what factors underlay the decision that it was not in the public interest to prosecute the woman against whom the Metropolitan police had established sufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction. [19359]

  The Solicitor-General
  In order to ensure fair and nationally consistent decisions on prosecutions, the Crown Prosecution Service follows the guidance set out in the code for Crown prosecutors. Copies of the code, which is issued under section 10 of the Prosecution of Offences Act 1985, are available in the Library of the House. Section 6 of the code deals with the factors commonly taken into account in determining where the public interest lies. Those factors were applied in this case.

  Public Interest Immunity
  Dr. John Cunningham
  To ask the Attorney-General on how many occasions the public interest has been evoked in each of the last three years to protect from prosecution persons against whom the Metropolitan police had established sufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction for(a) alleged theft and (b) blackmail. [19357]

  The Solicitor-General
  Following charge, or in cases where advice is sought, it is the Crown Prosecution Service which decides whether a prosecution should proceed or continue. While the service maintains detailed statistics on the cases, it deals with it does not break those figures down either by police force or by type of offence. In order to determine the number of cases which were not prosecuted on public interest grounds it would be necessary to check each file individually. This could be done only at disproportionate cost.

  Restraint and Confiscation Orders
  Mr. Steinberg
  To ask the Attorney-General how many restraint and confiscation orders have been obtained in each of the last three years; and for what amounts. [17142]

  Mr. Maclean
  I have been asked to reply.
  337
  Information about the number of "restraint orders" made by the High Court is not collected centrally by my Department.

  Information about the number of confiscation orders made by courts in England and Wales is given in the table.

  Offenders ordered to pay confiscation orders under the Drug Trafficking Offences Act 1986 and the Criminal Justice Act 1988 by amount and type of court 1992–94

  England and Wales

  Legislation/court/amount

  1992

  1993

  1994

  DRUG TRAFFICKING OFFENCES ACT 1986

  Crown Court

  Orders made

  Under £1,000

  675

  712

  921

  £1,000 and under £3,000

  164

  126

  160

  £3,000 and under £10,000

  82

  78

  97

  £10,000 and under £30,000

  43

  37

  29

  £30,000 and under £100,000

  22

  15

  22

  £100,000 and under £300,000

  13

  7

  9

  £300,000 and under £1 million

  1

  6

  8

  £1 million and over

  2

  2

  2

  Total

  1,002

  983

  1,248

  CRIMINAL JUSTICE ACT 1988

  Magistrates' Court

  Orders made

  £10,000 and under £30,000

  —

  —

  1

  £30,000 and under £100,000

  —

  —

  —

  £100,000 and under £300,000

  —

  —

  —

  £300,000 and under £1 million

  —

  —

  —

  £1 million and over

  —

  —

  —

  Total

  —

  —

  1

  Crown Court

  Orders made

  £10,000 and under £30,000

  1

  7

  5

  £30,000 and under £100,000

  —

  3

  4

  £100,000 and under £300,000

  2

  3

  1

  £300,000 and under £1 million

  —

  2

  1

  £1 million and over

  —

  —

  1

  Total

  3

  15

  12

  The quality of Confiscation Order data recorded under the Criminal Justice Act 1988 Part VI is suspect as it is often wrongly recorded.

TREASURY

  Single European Currency
  Mr. David Evans
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will undertake a study of the implications of the length of time taken from the decision to introduce decimalisation to its introduction for the introduction of a single currency. [17628]

  Mr. Waldegrave
  If we were to take part in a single currency in 1999, we would be committed to the timetable agreed by the European Council in Madrid in December 1995.

  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the effects of a single European currency on Government spending in Britain. [17637]
  338
  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  It is not immediately obvious that there need be any effects on Government spending, but it is too early to assess the possible impact of a single currency. A full assessment of the costs and benefits will be carried out nearer the time, when the facts are known.

  Competitiveness
  Mr. Merchant
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions he has had with business leaders regarding the United Kingdom's economic competitiveness. [17629]

  Mr. Waldegrave
  My right hon. and learned Friend frequently meets business leaders where a wide range of topics, including our improving economic competitiveness, are discussed.

  Trade Statistics
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what statistics are retained by his Department on matters relating to trade. [17630]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  The Central Statistical Office publishes a large number of statistics covering a wide range of trade data.

  European Currency Values
  Mr. MacShane
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he had made of the impact of the current value of the German mark and the French franc on the British economy; and if he will make a statement. [17631]

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  Sterling's value against the German mark and French franc are just two of many factors which influence the British economy. But we do know that the United Kingdom ran a visible trade surplus with EC countries in December for only the third time since monthly records began in 1988.

  Export Credits Guarantee Requests
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what records he keeps in respect of Treasury decisions on export credits guarantee requests. [17632]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  A record of exchanges between Ministers, minutes of meetings and correspondence between officials is kept for at least 10 years.

  Mis-selling of Pensions
  Mr. Clapham
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what action he plans regarding the mis-selling of pensions. [17633]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  The Government continue to support the initiative of the Securities and Investments Board, announced in October 1994, to require reviews of certain personal pension cases. A recent example is the inclusion in the current Finance Bill of provisions to exempt compensation payments from tax.

  Government Borrowing
  Mr. Purchase
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the level of Government borrowing in the next financial year. [17634]
  339
  Mr. Touhig
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent estimate he has made of the level of Government borrowing in the next financial year. [17639]

  Mr. Waldegrave
  The Budget forecast of the public sector borrowing requirement for 1996–97 was £22.5 billion.

  Drug Control Policy
  Mr. Booth
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement about the Customs and Excise Department's drug control policy. [17636]

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  The reduction of supplies of drugs from abroad is a key part of the Government's strategy for tackling drug misuse, and maintaining the anti-smuggling enforcement effort is a top priority for customs. Customs' drug control policy focuses on:

  the prevention and detection of illegal importation and exportation of controlled drugs;

  the investigation of organisations and individuals engaged in international drugs smuggling;

  the prosecution of drug smugglers; and

  the identification to the courts for possible forfeiture of any proceeds of drugs smuggling.

  VAT (Domestic Fuel)
  Mr. Canavan
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent representations he has had about VAT on domestic fuel. [17638]

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  We have received a number of such representations from Members and direct from the public.

  Budget (Impact on Women)
  Mrs. Jane Kennedy
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what arrangements exist within his Department to assess the impact of his Budget on women. [17640]

  Mr. Jack
  The impact of the Budget on all groups is considered very carefully.

  Landfill Tax
  Mr. William O'Brien
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the income from the tax on waste to landfill sites in(a) 1996–97 and (b) 1997-–98; and if he will make a statement. [17641]

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  The landfill tax is expected to raise £110 million in 1996–97 and £450 million in 1997–98.

  Tax Evasion
  Ms Lynne
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the amount of revenue lost through tax evasion last year. [17642]

  Mr. Jack
  There is no reliable way of estimating the amount of tax evaded annually. But in each of the last four tax years, the Inland Revenue has brought into charge approximately £1.5 billion from its counter-evasion work.
  340

  Inheritance Tax
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people receive conditional exemption from inheritance tax because they allow the public access to their land. [17643]

  Mr. Jack
  As conditionally exempt property may be owned jointly by several persons or held in trust, information in the form requested could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  However, in the United Kingdom, there have been 189 designations of land for conditional exemption purposes, and 171 designations of historic buildings. Some designations of the buildings will have extended to the surrounding land, and some of the buildings will have been designated for the purposes of the tax provisions on maintenance funds rather than for conditional exemption of the buildings themselves.

  Mortgage Interest Rates
  Mr. John Greenway
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the level of mortgage interest rates for the forthcoming year. [17644]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  It is a long-standing practice not to publish the details of the interest rate assumptions underlying official economic forecasts.

  However, average building society mortgage interest rates are their lowest for a generation. As a result, average mortgage payments are currently £170 less a month, £150 less a month than five years ago. This has been possible only because of the Government's success in controlling inflation.

  Savings
  Mr. French
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to increase the levels of savings held by the public. [17645]

  Mr. Waldegrave
  The 1995 Budget reduced tax on savings income for basic rate taxpayers, benefiting around 14 million taxpayers.

  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what were the levels of savings in(a) the last year and (b) the year to May 1979 in 1996 values; and if he will make a statement. [17988]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  It is not possible to quote the levels of saving at 1996 values. Current national accounts practice is to revalue at 1990 prices. Total personal saving at 1990 prices in the 12-month period to September 1995—the latest available year—was £37.4 billion. The corresponding figure for the 12-month period to June 1979 was £30 billion. The national accounts are prepared quarterly and this is the closest period to May 1979 for which there are data. Information on personal sector saving at current prices is published annually in the Central Statistical Office Blue Book and quarterly in the CSO first release quarterly national accounts and is held on the CSO database; all sources are available in the Library.
  341

  Share Option Schemes
  Mr. Hawkins
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what priority he attaches to increasing the number of employees participating in employee share option schemes. [17624]

  Mr. Jack
  Measures proposed in the Finance Bill are designed to encourage further and additional take-up of these schemes.

  Guidance Notes
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many pages of guidance notes have been issued by(a) his Department, (b) regulatory authorities and (c) non-departmental public bodies in each of the last three years. [18632]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  [holding answer 5 March 1996]: The information requested could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Pre-retirement Courses
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what action heads of his agencies are taking to safeguard the provision of pre-retirement courses; and if he will make a statement. [19349]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  Each of the Chancellor's agencies offer pre-retirement courses to its staff.

  Female Employment
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list for the Staffordshire region how many women are(a) unemployed, (b) in full-time employment and (c) in part-time work. [19491]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  There were 7,801 women claiming unemployment-related benefits in Staffordshire in January 1996. The labour force survey sample of International Labour Organisation unemployed women in Staffordshire is too small to provide a reliable estimate.

  The latest available information from the labour force survey on employment, however, shows there were 122,000 women in full-time employment and 107,000 in part-time employment in Staffordshire in summer—June to August-1995.

  Companies (Reinvestment Relief)
  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will set out the rules governing qualification for reinvestment relief relating to the percentage shareholding of any subsidiary companies and any overseas subsidiary companies; and if he will set out the relationship between these rules and the Government's policy drive for exports. [18905]

  Mr. Jack
  A company must not control, or own directly or indirectly, more than 50 per cent. of the share capital of any company which is not a qualifying subsidiary. There is no relationship between these rules and exports from the United Kingdom.
  342

  Labour Statistics
  Mr. Ian McCartney
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will provide a breakdown, by region and gender, for (i) November 1990 and (ii) the latest date available, of(a) employees in temporary jobs because they could not find permanent employment, (b) the total number of employees in temporary jobs and (c) the total number of employees in temporary jobs as a proportion of the total number of employees in employment; [19103]

  (2) if he will provide a breakdown, by region and gender, for (i) November 1990 and (ii) the latest date available, of (a) employees in part-time jobs because they could not find full-time employment, (b) the total number employees in part-time jobs and (c) the total number of employees in part-time jobs as a proportion of the total number of employees in employment. [19104]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  The information requested can be obtained via the Quantine labour force survey service available for spring—March to May—1991 and spring 1995, the latest comparable quarter.

  VAT (Opticians' Services)
  Mr. Nigel Griffiths
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the amount of VAT wrongly levied on opticians' services since 1988; and what steps he is taking to ensure that this money is returned to customers. [18730]

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  It is estimated that the total amount of VAT to be refunded to opticians is of the order of £200 million. Where opticians acknowledge that VAT was passed on to customers, it is for the two sides to agree on the sum to be refunded. Where opticians have absorbed the VAT in their profits, they are under no obligation to pass on the refund to customers. Customs and Excise has no powers to insist that refunds are made to customers where the optician maintains they are not due.

  Exempt Works of Art
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of(a) the number and (b) the percentages of items on the register of conditionally exempt works of art for which (i) the location other than the county is not specified and (ii) the listed telephone number is incorrect. [18494]

  Mr. Jack
  All items in the register of conditionally exempt works of art are shown only by their broad location, usually the county, to take account of owners' concern for the security of the exempted items. The requested information about the listed telephone numbers is not available.

  The Inland Revenue monitors the operation of the exemption and the register by carrying out an annual sample audit of the exempted objects and by writing to owners every five years. The Inland Revenue's press release, issued with each quarterly update of the register, invites members of the public to write to the capital taxes office, Nottingham, if there is any difficulty in making satisfactory arrangements to view exempted objects. The capital taxes office has no evidence yet of any difficulties in practice.
  343

  Euro
  Mr. Wilkinson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what expenditure he has authorised to date by the Royal Mint for preparations to produce coins and banknotes denominated in euros. [16090]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answers that my right hon. and learned Friend the Chancellor gave him on 21 February 1996,Official Report, column 156.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Statistics (Gender Breakdown)
  Ms Jowell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what steps the Department is taking to collect statistics broken down by gender where relevant. [17693]

  Table A: Capital expenditure by LEAs 1990–91 to 1994–95

  £000s

  1990–91 Total expenditure

  1991–92 Total expenditure

  1992–93 Total expenditure

  1993–94 Total expenditure

  1994–95 Total expenditure (provisional)

  Corporation of London

  18,181

  0

  25

  2

  2,779

  Camden

  1,256

  2,819

  1,542

  409

  1,353

  Greenwich

  1—

  1,501

  1,122

  402

  2,182

  Hackney

  1,492

  1,203

  1,212

  1,535

  2,585

  Hammersmith and Fulham

  2,169

  2,071

  4,738

  3,398

  2,304

  Islington

  3,872

  1,947

  598

  851

  1,283

  Kensington and Chelsea

  5,046

  2,798

  2,023

  2,412

  2,339

  Lambeth

  894

  1,587

  2,144

  1,789

  2,071

  Lewisham

  1,522

  1,534

  757

  1,967

  4,795

  Southwark

  1—

  2,159

  3,148

  3,906

  4,407

  Tower Hamlets

  19,602

  17,103

  12,918

  12,068

  11,718

  Wandsworth

  3,818

  4,306

  5,835

  6,114

  7,694

  City of Westminster

  1,301

  1,848

  1,298

  1,025

  3,016

  Barking and Dagenham

  2,073

  7,249

  6,604

  3,013

  5,561

  Barnet

  5,255

  2,300

  2,734

  5,278

  5,572

  Bexley

  2,666

  2,365

  3,206

  5,606

  5,411

  Brent

  6,447

  3,727

  2,496

  1,639

  1,321

  Bromley

  5,527

  7,215

  6,189

  6,311

  13,453

  Croydon

  15,764

  8,439

  4,532

  3,772

  7,045

  Ealing

  2,816

  1,926

  3,524

  4,561

  5,054

  Enfield

  20,457

  16,146

  2,990

  2,356

  2,131

  Haringey

  1,339

  2,047

  693

  2,801

  2,615

  Harrow

  3,057

  3,538

  5,442

  5,099

  5,741

  Havering

  7,618

  4,848

  2,739

  1,024

  1,631

  Hillingdon

  4,958

  1,717

  5,513

  9,195

  4,842

  Hounslow

  5,300

  5,304

  7,311

  5,877

  3,528

  Kingston upon Thames

  4,144

  4,213

  1,257

  1,406

  3,117

  Merton

  10,861

  3,955

  3,468

  3,538

  4,791

  Newham

  7,128

  10,662

  6,751

  1,818

  3,087

  Redbridge

  5,842

  3,264

  5,370

  3,413

  5,337

  Richmond upon Thames

  3,010

  2,946

  2,713

  2,554

  2,898

  Sutton

  7,536

  7,292

  3,907

  3,426

  4,353

  Waltham Forest

  6,973

  3,441

  5,869

  7,264

  3,996

  Birmingham

  14,121

  14,507

  12,690

  12,853

  16,647

  Coventry

  11,415

  6,877

  5,388

  3,042

  3,052

  Dudley

  4,640

  6,667

  10,935

  4,047

  4,746

  Sandwell

  4,352

  2,740

  2,190

  5,581

  5,625

  Solihull

  3,275

  3,389

  2,644

  3,481

  3,497

  Walsall

  2,957

  2,447

  2,508

  1,528

  1,791

  Wolverhampton

  2,189

  2,631

  3,224

  3,304

  2,298

  Knowsley

  2,885

  1,297

  2,548

  2,496

  2,069

  Liverpool

  3,371

  2,477

  2,367

  3,457

  6,277

  St. Helens

  4,530

  7,084

  2,168

  1,698

  1,708

  Sefton

  4,854

  3,636

  2,294

  2,996

  1,199

  Wirral

  4,135

  4,630

  2,718

  1,294

  1,165

  344
  Mrs. Gillan
  Gender is a key characteristic of many of the statistics we collect in the Department.

  Capital Spending
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what has been the capital spending by each local education authority in each of the last five years for which figures are available; what have been the Government capital allocations in each of those years and in all subsequent years for which allocations have been made. [19263]

  Mrs. Gillan
  Table A gives capital spending by local education authorities for the years 1990–91 to 1994–95 inclusive.

  Government capital allocations over the years 1990–91 to 1996–97 inclusive and are given in table B.
  345

  Table A: Capital expenditure by LEAs 1990–91 to 1994–95

  £000s

  1990–91 Total expenditure

  1991–92 Total expenditure

  1992–93 Total expenditure

  1993–94 Total expenditure

  1994–95 Total expenditure (provisional)

  Bolton

  3,683

  1,530

  2,037

  1,642

  1,777

  Bury

  1,324

  1,085

  1,047

  618

  1,491

  Manchester

  1—

  6,907

  9,807

  9,171

  12,593

  Oldham

  4,701

  10,989

  8,573

  4,278

  6,148

  Rochdale

  4,640

  7,362

  9,114

  2,068

  3,129

  Salford

  4,868

  3,651

  2,096

  3,365

  3,726

  Stockport

  3,123

  2,552

  2,033

  1,933

  1,694

  Tameside

  2,250

  1,949

  1,910

  1,231

  2,549

  Trafford

  11,207

  5,333

  5,572

  5,515

  4,008

  Wigan

  3,980

  5,322

  3,813

  1,323

  1,044

  Barnsley

  2,011

  1,910

  4,133

  2,704

  1,662

  Doncaster

  478

  410

  794

  1,580

  5,800

  Rotherham

  1,976

  1,331

  2,401

  1,855

  486

  Sheffield

  1—

  6,302

  7,022

  8,188

  8,181

  Bradford

  10,019

  12,505

  12,102

  9,380

  10,612

  Calderdale

  2,149

  2,153

  2,227

  1,856

  1,999

  Kirklees

  4,779

  4,463

  7,514

  9,087

  6,683

  Leeds

  10,903

  20,429

  25,556

  21,537

  9,799

  Wakefield

  1—

  3,299

  5,609

  11,768

  11,471

  Gateshead

  4,384

  5,078

  3,992

  1,837

  1,577

  Newcastle upon Tyne

  2,520

  3,387

  2,490

  3,280

  6,037

  North Tyneside

  2,122

  1,963

  2,331

  3,603

  4,854

  South Tyneside

  4,650

  4,584

  1,911

  1,849

  1,014

  Sunderland

  4,229

  4,223

  5,855

  5,553

  0

  Isles of Scilly

  212

  50

  117

  35

  22

  Avon

  10,539

  15,323

  14,077

  8,979

  8,069

  Bedfordshire

  3,219

  1,872

  5,880

  5,531

  5,207

  Berkshire

  10,662

  7,357

  16,234

  17,656

  17,079

  Buckinghamshire

  13,941

  13,312

  11,931

  9,766

  12,078

  Cambridgeshire

  16,232

  22,713

  23,230

  8,596

  10,921

  Cheshire

  10,778

  16,465

  21,908

  19,022

  21,310

  Cleveland

  6,643

  4,954

  4,786

  4,103

  5,715

  Cornwall

  12,333

  11,435

  14,611

  10,787

  7,989

  Cumbria

  8,306

  10,100

  12,325

  12,859

  10,016

  Derbyshire

  16,357

  14,459

  15,921

  10,512

  11,057

  Devon

  26,053

  32,599

  26,643

  25,308

  23,282

  Dorset

  8,900

  13,195

  14,622

  11,837

  20,180

  Durham

  5,822

  7,159

  8,218

  6,863

  6,684

  East Sussex

  13,937

  17,275

  18,156

  16,494

  17,832

  Essex

  19,713

  23,992

  19,844

  17,971

  23,824

  Gloucestershire

  11,956

  10,569

  7,331

  9,338

  10,775

  Hampshire

  33,101

  25,013

  23,715

  24,508

  34,322

  Hereford and Worcester

  11,919

  10,656

  5,493

  7,807

  8,427

  Hertfordshire

  14,040

  14,091

  13,432

  11,702

  16,845

  Humberside

  10,291

  8,578

  9,379

  7,123

  5,307

  Isle of Wight

  2,712

  3,299

  2,184

  2,597

  4,044

  Kent

  18,956

  24,964

  25,898

  23,190

  28,825

  Lancashire

  20,675

  20,255

  24,096

  25,019

  27,548

  Leicestershire

  13,282

  12,543

  12,373

  10,344

  10,374

  Lincolnshire

  11,667

  18,463

  19,485

  15,641

  16,346

  Norfolk

  6,936

  6,152

  5,707

  7,490

  6,724

  North Yorkshire

  5,586

  10,844

  8,170

  7,070

  4,715

  Northamptonshire

  4,956

  3,966

  3,250

  8,438

  5,701

  Northumberland

  2,969

  5,460

  5,338

  2,968

  2,503

  Nottinghamshire

  6,294

  6,318

  7,772

  5,767

  5,966

  Oxfordshire

  11,583

  3,524

  10,784

  11,824

  18,543

  Shropshire

  6,561

  7,384

  4,256

  4,856

  7,623

  Somerset

  7,777

  5,770

  11,132

  10,412

  8,466

  Staffordshire

  8,949

  10,160

  10,792

  6,917

  9,536

  Suffolk

  12,377

  11,109

  12,328

  11,256

  10,900

  Surrey

  17,896

  17,366

  15,917

  22,179

  22,566

  Warwickshire

  5,618

  3,602

  4,200

  4,726

  6,485

  West Sussex

  17,028

  14,753

  13,845

  21,437

  21,431

  Wiltshire

  9,483

  10,009

  9,949

  6,403

  5,626

  Total

  812,7492

  797,677

  797,610

  732,158

  799,281

  1 LEA did not submit information.

  2 Totals have been grossed to compensate for non-returns.

  346 347

  Table B: Local authority capital allocations: 1996–97

  £ million

  Education credit approvals

  Receipts taken into account

  Allocation for specialist schools1

  Announced total education2

  1990–913

  426.10

  49.00

  —

  475.10

  1991–923

  492.00

  46.00

  —

  538.00

  1992–933

  559.70

  36.00

  —

  595.70

  1993–94

  381.50

  62.00

  —

  443.50

  1994–95

  379.20

  31.00

  —

  410.20

  1995–96

  395.90

  31.00

  2.10

  429.00

  1996–974

  423.00

  35.00

  4.30

  462.30

  1 Allocations for specialist schools are by way of supplementary credit approval. The 1996–97 allocations are yet to be made.

  2 Total of annual capital guidelines (ACGs) and supplementary credit approvals (SCAs).

  3 Includes allocations to the further education sector prior to the establishment of the Further Education Funding Council.

  4 Figures include a £42 million reserve for SCAs which will issue during 1996–97.

  Overseas Visits
  Mr. Hall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if she will place in the Library a list of all overseas visits made by all Ministers of her Department, the Department for Education and the Department of Employment since 1990, including(a) details of the places visited and brief reasons for the visit, (b) details of the size, composition and cost to public funds of the delegation and (c) the names of non-ministerial members of each delegation and the capacity in which each was present. [17489]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  [holding answer 1 March 1996]: For information relating to the former Education and Employment Departments covering the period April 1992 to July 1995, I refer the hon. Member to the replies given by my hon. Friends to the hon. Member for Knowsley, North (Mr. Howarth) on 5 and 6 July 1995, Official Report, columns 233 and 360 respectively. Information prior to April 1992 is not available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. I have arranged for details of the information requested since the Department for Education and Employment was created in July 1995 to be placed in the Library. It is not our normal practice to give the names of the delegates who accompany the Minister. However, a delegation would normally include a private secretary and those officials needed to provide advice on policy and technical issues.

  Transsexuals (Discrimination)
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what(a) legislative changes and (b) other measures she plans to eradicate discrimination against transsexuals in the workplace following the European Court of Justice ruling in the case of PVS and Cornwall county council. [19260]

  Mrs. Gillan
  The opinion of the Advocate General of the European Court of Justice was given on 14 December 1995. The court has yet to give its decision.

  Assisted Places Scheme
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if she will remove the duty 348
  of investigating claims by parents seeking help under the assisted places scheme from participating schools and place such responsibility in the hands of an independent body. [19340]

  Mrs. Gillan
  Schools participating in the assisted places scheme determine eligibility for places and assess parental contributions towards fees, within the framework of the regulations and detailed guidance from the Department. Their discharge of these tasks is regularly audited. We continually seek ways of improving the administration of the scheme but have no present plans to remove responsibility from schools.

  Guidance Notes
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many pages of guidance notes have been issued by(a) his Department, (b) regulatory authorities and (c) non-departmental public bodies in each of the last three years. [18641]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  This information cannot be provided except at disproportionate cost.

  EU Funding
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how much European funding has been received under the Socrates programme and predecessor schemes by(a) local education authority maintained schools, (b) grant-maintained schools, (c) city technology colleges and (d) independent schools, over the last available five-year period. [19144]

  Mr. Forth
  This information is not collected centrally. Available details of the funding allocated by the European Commission to institutions in the United Kingdom under Socrates and its predecessor programmes were given in my answer of 29 January 1996 to the hon. Member for Neath (Mr. Hain),Official Report, column 562.

  Nursery Voucher Scheme
  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, pursuant to her answer of 29 February 1996,Official Report, column 665, what guidance she has given to accepted, or potential, providers of early-years education concerning selection of children, or parents, holding vouchers relating to them, when valid applications for places exceed the capacity of the settings they are authorised, or able, to provide. [19568]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  Places will be allocated according to providers' admissions criteria which they will be required to publish.

  Nursery Education (Inspections)
  Mr. Deva
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what arrangements have been made for the inspection of funded nursery education, as proposed in the Nursery Education and Grant-Maintained Schools Bill. [20023]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  Subject to its passage through Parliament and royal assent, the Bill will place upon Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Schools in England the duty of securing the inspection of funded nursery education, or
  349
  nursery education under consideration for funding, provided at any premises. The chief inspector will also be required to maintain a register of nursery education inspectors for England and ensure that they satisfactorily complete a course of training. In order for inspections to commence from the autumn term of this year, the office of Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Schools in England, Ofsted, must begin work immediately on the development of procedures for the recruitment and training of the inspectors.

  Parliamentary approval to this new service is subject to the passage of the Bill to Royal Assent. Pending that approval, urgent essential expenditure in 1995–96 estimated at £75,000 will be met by advances from the contingencies fund, to be repaid from the 1996–97 Ofsted vote—class IX, vote 4.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Cold Weather Payments
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list for(a) Mexborough and (b) Doncaster residents within the parliamentary constituency of Don Valley entitled to received cold weather payments the station used as the basis for calculations; in respect of how many days each area has received cold weather payments in winter 1995–96; what has been the total amount paid to date; and if he will make a statement. [17376]

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

  Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 6 March 1996:

  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking if he will list for (a) Mexborough and (b) Doncaster residents within the Parliamentary constituency of Don Valley entitled to receive Cold Weather Payments (CWPs) the station used as the basis for calculations; in respect of how many days each area has received cold weather payments in winter 1995–96; what has been the total amount paid to date; and if he will make a statement.

  The information is not available in the format requested. This is because statistics are not kept which are specific to Parliamentary Constituencies but are kept by Benefit Agency Districts.

  Postal codes within the Rother and Dearne and Doncaster Districts are linked to the weather stations at Leeds and Waddington. A copy of the postal codes which are linked to each weather station is available in the Library. Leeds Weather Station has had 7 days of identified cold weather and Waddington has had 21 days.

  Rother and Deame District, which comprises the Benefit offices Goldthrope, Mexborough, Rotherham North, Rotherham South and Wath on Dearne, has made 24,032 CWPs amounting to £204,272 and Doncaster District, which comprises the Benefit offices Doncaster Castle House and Doncaster St. Peters House, has made 46,602 CWPs amounting to £396.117.

  I hope you find this reply helpful.

  Mrs. Ann Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people in(a) West Yorkshire and (b) the Dewsbury constituency have received (i) one, (ii) two, (iii) three and (iv) four cold weather payments in the past three months. [17335]
  350
  Mr. Evans
  The administration of the social fund is a matter for Peter Mathison, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Peter Mathison to Mrs. Ann Taylor, dated 6 March 1996:

  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking how many people in (a) West Yorkshire and (b) the Dewsbury constituency have received (i) one, (ii) two, (iii) three and (iv) four cold weather payments in the past three months.

  The information is not available in the format requested. Statistics are not kept which are specific to Parliamentary Constituencies but are kept for Benefit Agency Districts. Also information is not kept on the number of people who received payments but is available to show the total number of payments made. The numbers of payments issued to each individual could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

  However information is available for each district office (including the district which covers the Dewsbury area) in West Yorkshire for the last three months and is given at Appendix A.

  I hope you find this reply helpful.

  Appendix A: Number of cold weather payments paid in West Yorkshire 1995–96

  District Benefit Offices

  Number paid

  Bradford

  Bradford East

  Bradford South

  Bradford West

  130,643

  Kirklees

  Dewsbury

  Huddersfield

  66,442

  Leeds Aire and Wharfe

  Leeds North

  Leeds North-west

  16,828

  Leeds Ridings

  Leeds East

  Leeds South

  Leeds West

  24,732

  Wakefield

  Castleford

  Hemsworth

  Pontefract

  Wakefield

  18,226

  Yorkshire Penine

  Halifax

  Keighley

  Skipton

  88,824

  Figures are provisional and subject to change. These figures do not include any clerical payments that may have been made in January and February as this information is not yet available. The data given are the number of actual payments made and not the number of people who received a payment.

  EDS Ltd.
  Ms Eagle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list those contracts his Department currently holds with EDS, indicating for each the(a) date of inception, (b) value and (c) duration. [17457]

  Mr. Burt
  The information is not available in the format requested.
  351
  The contracts and agreements currently held with EDS are as follows:

  Child Support Agency (CSA)

  Start date

  Duration (years)

  CSA Software Support Services Agreement

  7 March 1992

  10

  CSA Operational Accounting System

  7 March 1992

  10

  CSA Maintenance Assessment

  8 July 1992

  10

  CSA Technical Services Agreement

  1 May 1994

  3

  The total value of these contracts is £23 million. The value of individual contracts is commercial in confidence.

  Information Technology Services Agency (ITSA)

  Start date

  Duration (years)

  ITSA Data Centre Services

  1 October 1995

  10

  The charges for these contracts are based on the volumes of outputs handled, and therefore values will depend on future levels of business. Current estimates are that over the 10-year period charges will be in the region of £600 million.

  "Options for Equality" Report
  Mr. Foulkes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what conclusions he has reached on the recommendations of the 1992 Social Security Advisory Committee report "Options for Equality in State Pension Age" that(a) there should be a new premium with income support for those unemployed for more than two years and aged over 55 years and long-term sick or disabled aged over 55 years, (b) invalid care allowance should be extended to 65 years for women and (c) the relationship between invalidity benefit and retirement pension should be reviewed. [18483]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  The Government have noted the comments of the 1992 Social Security Advisory Committee's proposals, including the three listed.

  We have no plans to introduce a new premium in income support. The existing premium structure directs additional resources to those groups identified as having extra needs.

  Regulations came into force on 28 October 1994 equalising the upper age limit for claiming invalid care allowance at 65 for both men and women.

  Invalidity benefit was replaced by incapacity benefit on 13 April 1995. Entitlement to the long-term rate of incapacity benefit ends when a person reaches state pension age. We have no plans to change this condition.

  Mobility Centres
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the level of Government funding for the United Kingdom forum of mobility centres. [18542]
  352
  Mr. Burt
  The table sets out the Government support to two member of the UK forum of mobility centres. In addition, the Department of Transport funds its own mobility centre—the mobility advice and venicle information service—which is Crowthorne, Berkshire.

  Forum member

  Allocation 1995–96 £

  Banstead Mobility Centre

  54,000

  Mobility Information Service

  13,000

  Publicity Costs
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how much was spent in 1995 on publicising leaflet DS704; and how much is to be spent in 1996. [18546]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  Leaflet DS704 forms part of the Benefits Agency's extensive leaflet programme and, as such, it is made available in a number of ways. There is no specific advertising of this leaflet and to extract a figure for its part of the overall budget for publicising benefits could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Pensioners' Incomes
  Mr. Foulkes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what longitudinal studies of pensioners' incomes he has conducted to investigate the extent to which the incomes of a representative sample of pensioners have changed since 1979; and if he will publish the results of these studies. [18336]

  Mr. Heald
  There are no DSS studies of the type described. We have commissioned a longitudinal survey of a nationally representative sample of people who were aged 55 to 69 when first interviewed in 1988–89. The results of the initial interviews can be found in an Office of Population Censuses and Surveys report entitled "Retirement and Retirement Plans", a copy of which is available in the Library. In 1994 this group were re-interviewed and a report based upon both sets of interviews will be published by the summer of 1997. Information on the average incomes of pensioners 1979–1993 is published in "Pensioners' Incomes Series 1993", a copy of which is available in the Library.

  Disabled People (Discrimination)
  Mr. Callaghan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what action the Government are taking to tackle discrimination against disabled people(a) nationally and (b) in the Greater Manchester area. [18347]

  Mr. Burt
  The Disability Discrimination Act 1995, which applies to the whole of the United Kingdom, will make discrimination against disabled people unlawful in the fields of employment, services and property. It also includes measures to improve access to transport and education. The National Disability Council has been set up to advise the Government on the elimination of discrimination against disabled people and the operation of the Act.
  353

  Motability
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what monitoring his office carries out of Motability and Motability Finance Ltd.; and what representations he has received about Motability Finance Ltd.'s financial arrangements and profits. [18547]

  Mr. Burt
  Motability is required to report to the Department in accordance with conditions set out in the financial memorandum, the latest copy of which is in the Library. Motability Finance Ltd., MFL, is neither funded by nor accountable to this Department. Representations about the finance arrangements and profits of MFL have been received from several Members of both Houses, and a few members of the public.

  Income Support (Mortgages)
  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many borrowers who have claimed income support for help with mortgages since October 1995 are currently repaying loans at a rate higher than the 5 per cent. standard rate set by his Department in October 1995; and what savings this interest rate ceiling has produced to date. [18302]

  Gross Class 1 National Insurance Contributions in Great Britain at 1994–95 prices

  £ billion

  1994–95

  2000–01

  2010–11

  2020–21

  2030–31

  (a) Employers

  Current structure

  26.7

  33.0

  40.3

  46.9

  52.4

  (i) Extended to all earnings1

  26.9

  33.1

  40.4

  47.0

  52.5

  (ii) Extended to earnings below LEL1

  26.9

  33.1

  40.4

  47.0

  52.5

  (iii) Extended to earnings above UEL2

  26.7

  33.0

  40.3

  46.9

  52.4

  (b) Employees

  Current structure

  20.1

  24.4

  28.0

  30.1

  30.7

  (i) Extended to all earnings3,4

  23.1

  29.6

  36.1

  542.0

  547.0

  (ii) Extended to earnings below LEL3

  20.2

  24.5

  28.1

  530.1

  530.7

  (iii) Extended to earnings above UEL4

  23.0

  29.5

  36.0

  42.0

  47.0

  Notes:

  1Assumes the current 3 per cent. contribution rate would apply to earnings below the Lower Earnings Limit.

  2There is no Upper Earnings Limit on employers' contributions.

  3Assumes the current 2 per cent. contribution rate would apply to earnings below the Lower Earnings Limit.

  4Assumes the current 10 per cent. contribution rate would apply to earnings above the Upper Earnings Limit.

  5The additional yield from contributions on earnings below the Lower Earnings Limit is estimated to be negligible.

  1. The figures for 2000–01 and later years are based on the assumptions contained in the "National Insurance Fund Long Term Financial Estimates" (HC160) published in January 1995. All figures exclude the effects of contracted-out rebates.

  Source:

  Government Actuary's Department.

  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate he has made of the number of men aged between 60 and 64 years who paid employee's national insurance contributions in the last year for which figures are available. [19496]

  Mr. Heald
  In the 1992–93 tax year 571,000 men' aged between 60 and 64 at 5 April 1993 paid some employee's national insurance contributions.

  Notes:

  Includes men who paid a mixture of class 1 employee and class 2 self-employed national insurance contributions.

  Source:

  1 per cent. sample of national insurance records.
  354
  Mr. Roger Evans
  The standard rate applied under the income support mortgage interest scheme is 8 per cent.; prior to 28 January it was 8.39 per cent. The standard rate is applied unless the borrower's actual interest rate is less than 5 per cent. when help with mortgage interest payments begins. In such cases, that rate is used until the borrower's actual rate increases to 5 per cent. or more, at which stage, the standard rate is applied. Information on the claimant's actual interest rate is not collected when the standard rate is applied. Outturn information on savings from the introduction of the standard rate will become available when the February 1996 quarterly statistical inquiry is published.

  National Insurance
  Ms Corston
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is estimated to be the total value of(a) employers' and (b) employees' national insurance contributions; and what would be the corresponding total values if (i) contributions at present rates were collected on all earnings, (ii) contributions at present rates were extended only to earnings below the lower earnings level and (iii) contributions at present rates were extended only above the upper earnings level in (1) 1994–95, (2) 2000–01, (3) 2010–01, (4) 2020–01 and (5) 2030–01, at 1994 prices. [18914]

  Mr. Heald
  The information is in the table:

  Hearing Loss
  Mr. Alfred Morris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate he has made of the net saving or additional cost from abolishing lump sum awards to ex-service people with an attributable hearing loss of 20 per cent., taking into account the extra costs of appeal hearings by the pensions appeal tribunals since abolition; and if he will make a statement. [18953]

  Mr. Heald
  [holding answer 6 March 1996]: Any service-related disablement assessed at 20 per cent. or more attracts a continuing pension rather than a lump sum gratuity.
  355
  The threshold excluding payment of war pension gratuities for service-related noise-induced sensorineural hearing loss assessed at less than 20 per cent. came into operation from 7 January 1993. We estimate that, between that date and the end of January this year, the total cost of the gratuities otherwise payable would have been over £130 million.

  The estimated administrative cost of appeals heard by the pensions appeal tribunals involving the assessment of noise-induced sensorineural deafness in the same period is approximately £2 million.

  The change on noise-induced sensorineural hearing loss formed part of a package which increased considerably, from April 1993, the war pensions of the most severely disabled ex-service men and women. Nearly 265,000 war pensioners are now benefiting from the increase at an estimated annual cost of some £26 million.

WALES

  Teachers' Pay Award
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will provide additional funds to local education authorities to match the teachers' pay award; and if he will make a statement.[18448]

  Mr. Richards
  My right hon. Friend's decisions on the Welsh local government revenue settlement for 1996–97 were approved by the House of Commons on 8 February. The settlement is consistent with the Government's commitment to restrain public expenditure and is sufficient for all local authorities in Wales to fund services adequately.

  The School Teachers Review Body took account of the Government's policy on public spending, including their view that increases in public sector pay should be met from improvements in productivity and efficiency, along with evidence submitted by the teachers' unions and the employers, in formulating its recommendations.

  The Government do not consider it appropriate to provide additional resources to fund the pay award. The money could be found only at the cost of other important spending programmes, such as health. The decision to stage the award, increasing pay scales by 2.75 per cent. from 1 April 1996 and by a further 1 per cent. on 1 December 1996, will help local authorities and schools absorb the increases and meet the demand of other budgetary pressures.

  Strategic Development Scheme
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how much the county of Mid Glamorgan received in 1995 from the strategic development scheme; and if he will make a statement. [18271]
  356
  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  The strategic development scheme funding approved in 1995–96 for local authorities in the county of Mid Glamorgan is:

  Local authority

  Total approved £

  Mid Glamorgan county council

  4,961,500

  Cynon Valley borough council

  3,262,032

  Merthyr Tydfil borough council

  1,445,640

  Ogwr borough council

  1,122,622

  Rhondda borough council

  2,708,758

  Rhymney Valley district council

  1,080,067

  Taff Ely borough council

  815,220

  Total

  15,395,829

  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what amount of the money allocated to Mid Glamorgan under the strategic development scheme for 1996 will be spent on new schemes; and if he will make a statement. [18273]

  Mr. Jones
  Strategic development scheme support for new schemes in 1996–97 has been allocated to new unitary authorities as follows:

  Unitary authorities

  Allocations for new schemes £

  Bridgend

  818,000

  Caerphilly

  1,855,000

  Merthyr

  492,000

  Rhondda Cynon Taff

  4,037,250

  Total

  7,202,250

  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how much he estimates will be allocated to Wales in 1996 under the strategic development scheme; and if he will make a statement. [18269]

  Mr. Jones
  A total of £63 million has already been allocated for 1996–97 under the strategic development scheme for projects to revitalise Welsh communities, regenerate town centres and open up new areas of investment and opportunity in areas of need.

  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how much the county of Mid Glamorgan will receive in 1996 from the strategic development scheme; and if he will make a statement.[18272]

  Mr. Jones
  Strategic development scheme support in 1996–97 has been allocated to new unitary authorities as follows:

  Unitary authority

  Total allocation (£)

  Bridgend

  1,408,972

  Caerphilly

  4,210,451

  Merthyr

  1,660,407

  Rhondda Cynon Taff

  9,742,909

  Total

  17,022,739

  357
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what was the total of money allocated to Wales in(a) 1994 and (b) 1995 under the strategic development scheme; and if he will make a statement. [18274]

  Mr. Jones
  The total allocated to local authorities in Wales under the strategic development scheme was(a) £59.4 million in 1994–95 and (b) £57 million in 1995–96. Outturn allocations for 1995–96 may vary.

  Chernobyl
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what considerations led him not to include data on the effects and quantities of radioactivity from the Chernobyl accident in his Department's ninth annual "Environmental Digest for Wales". [18550]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  The "Environmental Digest for Wales" is a wide-ranging compilation of statistics on the Welsh environment but is not intended to be exhaustive. The Chernobyl accident is referred to on page 110 of the digest, together with sources for further information. Appendix 4 of the digest gives references to additional data held in earlier editions.

  Further Education Colleges
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assistance he plans to make available to colleges of further education in 1996–97; and if he will make a statement. [18451]

  Mr. Richards
  The Department's letter of 13 December 1995 to the Further Education Funding Council for Wales set out the Government's priorities for the Welsh further education sector in 1996–97. It announced that £173.423 million of grant in aid would be made available to the funding council in that year. A copy of the letter was placed in the Library of the House.

  Ofsted Budget
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what was the Ofsted budget in(a) 1994–95 and
  (b) 1995–96; what the outturn figure for 1995–96 will be; and if he will make a statement. [18447]

  Mr. Richards
  This is a matter for Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Schools in England, who heads the Office for Standards in Education. Mr. Chris Woodhead will write to the hon. Member.

  Cocaine-related Deaths
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many cocaine-related deaths have occurred in each of the past five years in Wales; and if he will make a statement. [18267]

  Mr. Richards
  According to records kept by the Office of Population Censuses and Surveys, no death certificates relating to deaths of Welsh residents in the period 1990 to 1994 mention cocaine.
  358

  Doctors
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many patients were registered with NHS family doctor practices in(a) 1980, (b) 1985, (c) 1990 and (d) 1995, indicating the figures as a percentage of the population in Wales. [18819]

  Mr. Richards
  Information on patients registered with general medical practitioners (family doctors) in Wales is given in the following table. The figures may include people who, although registered with doctors in Wales, are not Welsh residents and people who are still registered with a doctor but who have either died or moved and not re-registered.

  Number of patients registered

  Percentage of population

  1 October 1980

  2,862,239

  102

  1 October 1985

  2,915,168

  104

  1 October 1990

  2,963,612

  103

  1 April 19951

  2,982,429

  102

  1 The latest data available. The 1994 population figure has been used to calculate the percentage as 1995 data are not yet available.

  Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many(a) junior doctors, and (b) other hospital doctors there were in (i) 1985, (ii) 1990 and (iii) 1995. [18739]

  Mr. Richards
  The information is given in the following table:

  Whole-time equivalent number of staff in post (excluding locums)

  Junior hospital doctors1

  Other hospital doctors2

  30 September 1985

  1,305

  893

  30 September 1990

  1,394

  1,042

  30 September 19953

  1,651

  1,321

  1 House officers, senior house officers, registrars and senior registrars.

  2 Consultants, staff grades, associate specialists, hospital practitioners and clinical assistants.

  3 Provisional.

  Trainee Nurses
  Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what was the number of trainee nurses for(a) 1993, (b) 1994 and (c) 1995. [18729]

  Mr. Richards
  New arrangements for pre-registration nurse education and training were phased in under Project 2000. Information on the numbers of Project 2000 students and pre-registration learners other than Project 2000 students is given in the following table:

  Project 2000 students

  Pre-registration learners (excluding Project 2000)

  30 September1993

  1,709

  1,042

  30 September1994

  2,062

  145

  30 September 1995

  1,851

  8

  Regional Development Funding
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what was the total money allocated to Wales under the objective 2 programme in(a) 1994 and (b) 1995; and if he will make a statement. [18610]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  The amounts allocated in the objective 2 industrial south Wales single programme document 1994–95 are:

  (a) 1994: 59.76 mecu

  (b) 1995: 62.32 mecu

  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how much he estimates will be allocated to Wales in 1996 under the objective 2 programme; and if he will make a statement. [18606]

  Mr. Jones
  The amount allocated for 1996 in the objective 2 industrial south Wales single programme document 1994 to 1996 is 65.92 mecu. Our intention is to commit to projects all the programmes available grant resources by the end of 1996.

  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how much the county of Mid Glamorgan received in(a) 1994 and (b) 1995 from the objective 2 programme; how much it will receive in 1996; and if he will make a statement. [18605]

  Mr. Jones
  Payments to projects in the county of Mid Glamorgan under previous industrial south Wales objective 2 programmes were as follows:(a) £9.3 million in 1994; and (b) £4.4 million in 1995. Payments made to date under the 1994 to 1996 programme will register in 1996.

  It is not possible to quantify how much will be received by the county of Mid Glamorgan in 1996 since this is dependent on future approvals under the latest programme and sponsors submitting claims for grant to the Welsh Office on time.

  Livestock Quotas
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many Welsh producers applied unsuccessfully for assessment of applications to category 3 as developers, in respect of the 1993 national quota reserve; and if he will make a statement. [18809]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  A total of 807 applications from sheep producers and 226 applications from suckler cow producers were unsuccessful.

  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what publicity is given to the closing date for applications for the sheep and suckler cow quota. [18808]

  Mr. Jones
  Details of the opening and closing dates for the various national reserve application periods are announced through Welsh Office press releases. In addition, we inform the main farming organisations and, in certain circumstances, write to individual producers.

  Smoking
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what percentage of(a) men and (b) women in Wales aged 15 to 20 years smoke; and if he will make a statement. [18607]
  360
  Mr. Richards
  The 1994 Welsh youth health survey shows that in the 15 to 16 age group, 26 per cent. of males and 34 per cent. of females smoke at least occasionally. The 1993 Health in Wales shows that in the 18 to 20 age group 28 per cent. of male and 25 per cent. of females smoke at least occasionally. No survey has included 17-year-olds.

  Road Construction
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is the planned expenditure on road construction on Wales in(a) 1995 to 1996 and (b) 1996 to 1997; and if he will make a statement. [18784]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  Provisional outturn for central Government net expenditure on new construction and improvement of motorways and trunk roads in 1995–96 is £118 million. Net provision for 1996–97 is £86.7 million.

  Ambulance Services
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer of 27 February 1996,Official Report, column 496, in which month the financial problems of the South East Wales ambulance trust became apparent; and on what date his Department commenced its close contact with the trust. [18625]

  Mr. Hague
  [holding answer 4 March 1996]: The trust has provided monthly financial information to my Department since May 1993. My Department became concerned about the financial performance of the trust following a meeting on 24 June 1994. The financial information submitted by the trust in August reinforced these concerns. A letter was sent to the chief executive on 2 September 1994 expressing the Department's disquiet and asking for an assurance that the necessary action would be taken to meet statutory financial obligations.

  Theatr Clwyd
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he proposes to visit Theatr Clwyd, Mold, Clwyd; and if he will make a statement. [18928]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  I visited Theatr Clwyd on Wednesday 28 February.

  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make representations to(a) Welsh and (b) English local authorities in the vicinity of Theatr Clwyd to make additional contributions to the running costs of Theatr Clwyd, Mold. [18917]

  Mr. Hanson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what further discussions he intends to undertake with Flintshire, Denbighshire, Wrexham and Abercolwyn/Conwy councils regarding the future funding of Theatr Clwyd, Mold. [19479]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  In his letter to the leader of Flintshire county council offering a one-off grant of £1.3 million to discharge Theatr Clwyd's outstanding capital debt, my right hon. Friend made it clear that he was looking to Flintshire to undertake urgent consultations with local authorities in the area, and any other interested parties, with a view to securing financial support for the running of the theatre. This responsibility rests with Flintshire county council.
  361

  Schools (Music)
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what action he has taken to assist the teaching of music in schools. [18918]

  Mr. Richards
  The Bright Future programme applies to music as to every other discipline.

  Manufacturing Jobs
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what are his priorities in respect of his proposals to create jobs in the manufacturing sector. [18921]

  Non-IT

  IT material

  Year

  Number

  Value £

  Number

  Value £

  Items of equipment and furniture stolen

  1991–92

  14

  4,972.10

  Nil

  —

  1992–93

  5

  1,682.80

  Nil

  —

  1993–94

  8

  2,037.17

  1

  1,183.74

  1994–95

  5

  23,220.08

  Nil

  —

  1995–96

  22

  23,513.53

  6

  3,415.73

  Items of equipment and furniture unaccounted for

  1991–92

  27

  95.00

  Nil

  —

  1992–93

  1

  25.00

  Nil

  —

  1993–94

  Nil

  —

  Nil

  —

  1994–95

  17

  94.23

  Nil

  —

  1995–96

  1

  68.49

  17

  5,500.00

  There were no individual items valued at £5,000 or more

  Teacher Morale
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what measures he proposes to improve the morale of teachers; and if he will make a statement. [18923]

  Mr. Richards
  Good teachers are motivated by the desire to see their pupils achieve, and by the sense of purpose and direction which a good senior staff team is able to create in a school. The document "A Bright Future", published last year, focuses on these issues, and has been well received by teachers in Wales.
  362
  Mr. Hague
  During the Welsh Affairs debate on 29 February 1996,Official Report, columns 1024–98, I set out those areas of policy that I considered most important to the economy of Wales, and in particular to the manufacturing sector.

  Departmental Equipment and Furniture
  Mr. Ian McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the cost and number of items of equipment and furniture that(a) have been stolen and (b) are otherwise unaccounted for from his Department and its agencies in each of the past five years, listing by name any such items valued at £5,000 or more, and showing information technology material separately. [19042]

  Mr. Hague
  The information requested is as follows for the Welsh Office and its agency:

  Unemployment Benefit (Alyn and Deeside)
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what estimate he has made of the amount of unemployment benefit paid to claimants in the Alyn and Deeside constituency in(a) 1994 and (b) 1995, separately indicating the sums for (i) long-term unemployed and (ii) those aged 18 to 24 years. [18929]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  I have been asked to reply.

  The information could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Angola
  Angola
  US Arms Sales to Greece and Turkey
  US Arms Sales to Greece and Turkey
  UN Contributions
  UN Contributions
  Dayton Agreement
  Dayton Agreement
  Cairngorms: Proposed Developments
  Cairngorms: Proposed Developments
  Diet and Cancer and Heart Disease
  Diet and Cancer and Heart Disease
  Low Birth Weight and Ill Health
  Low Birth Weight and Ill Health
  Tuberculosis
  Tuberculosis
  AIDS and HIV
  AIDS and HIV
  Parliamentary Mail: Delivery to Government Departments
  Parliamentary Mail: Delivery to Government Departments
  Legal Aid Board
  Legal Aid Board
  Public Interest Immunity: Consultation
  Public Interest Immunity: Consultation
  Factortame Judgment
  Factortame Judgment
  Fishing Quotas
  Fishing Quotas
  Large Goods Vehicles: Drivers' Eyesight
  Large Goods Vehicles: Drivers' Eyesight
  Citizenship Application Fees
  Citizenship Application Fees
  Prison Ombudsman
  Prison Ombudsman
  Prime Minister's Visit to Far East
  Prime Minister's Visit to Far East