Written Answers of 21 March 1996

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  House of Commons Notepaper
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, pursuant to his answer of 18 March,Official Report, column 692, if he will specify the nature and duration of the Wilprint contract. [22132]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  The contract referred to in my answer of 18 March is for the provision of judge's stationery and envelopes. The Department places orders with HMSO. HMSO made its contractual arrangements with Wilprint independently of the Department. I have asked HMSO to inform the hon. Member directly of the details of its contract.

  Public Bodies
  Dr. Wright
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list those of his Department's advisory non-departmental public bodies which(a) the Government are required to consult prior to legislative proposals and (b) the Government are required to publish their response to advice supplied by them. [21860]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  Of the Lord Chancellor's Department's advisory bodies, the Insolvency Rules Committee and Land Registration Rule Committee have to be consulted about relevant rules and the Council on Tribunals must be consulted before procedural rules are made for any tribunal specified in schedule 1 to the Tribunals and Inquiries Act 1992 and on procedural rules made by the Chancellor or the Lord Advocate concerning statutory inquiries.

  The Government are not required to publish their response to advice from these bodies. Although there is no legal requirement to consult the Advisory Council on Public Bodies, it generally is consulted on legislation affecting public records. The County Court Rule Committee, Supreme Court Rule Committee, Family Proceedings Rule Committee and Crown Court Rule Committee actually make rules and the Lord Chancellor is a member of all but the first.

ATTORNEY-GENERAL

  Public Interest Immunity Certificate
  Mr. Allason
  To ask the Attorney-General if a public interest immunity certificate was issued in the case of R. v. Roche at Plymouth Crown Court in July-August 1991. [21692]

  The Attorney-General
  So far as I am aware, no public interest immunity certificate was issued in this case.

SCOTLAND

  Cairngorm Plateau
  Mr. Graham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when his Department first received a recommendation from his statutory advisers for the designation of the Cairngorm plateau as a special protection area under EC directive 79/409; when he expects to designate this area; and what consideration he has made in the intervening period. [20320]

  Mr. Kynoch
  An initial recommendation without supporting data was received from the former Nature Conservancy Council in 1987. SPA classification has significant long-term implications for both nature conservation and other legitimate land use interests. Officials have, therefore, been involved in detailed discussions with Scottish Natural Heritage on the scientific case for classification. SNH will be commencing consultations very shortly with owners and occupiers and other local interests. Subject to the outcome of these, I expect a decision on classification to be taken later this year.

  Poverty
  Mr. David Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what proposals he has to reduce the levels of poverty in Scotland; and if he will make a statement. [21101]

  Mr. Kynoch
  We shall continue our policies of promoting sustained economic growth and helping those in greatest need.

  Cervical Smear Tests
  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, pursuant to his answer of 28 February,Official Report, column 878, if the women pursuing claims against the Argyll and Clyde health board in respect of the mis-reading of cervical smear slides at the Inverclyde Royal hospital have recourse to the newly instituted complaints procedure; and if he will make a statement. [21691]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The new complaints procedure to which I referred in my answer of 28 February will become operational on 1 April 1996. There will be a transitional period during which existing complaints procedures will run in parallel with the new procedure, and it has been decided that non-clinical complaints, such as those referred to by the hon. Gentleman, received before 1 April 1996 will be dealt with under the old procedures. The women pursuing claims against the Argyll and Clyde health board in respect of the mis-reading of cervical smear slides at the Inverclyde Royal hospital will not therefore have recourse to the new complaints procedure.

  Fire Service
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many fire brigades failed to meet the statutory minimum standards for their rescue and firefighting role in 1995–96; and if he will make a statement. [21577]
  253
  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  I am satisfied that the fire brigades in Scotland are able to meet the nationally recommended standards of fire cover. Her Majesty's inspectorate of fire services for Scotland draws attention to any localised exceptions in the course of its inspections of brigades. It is for the fire authority concerned to take the appropriate action in any such case.

  Departmental Contractors and Suppliers
  Mr. MacShane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what measures his Department is taking to ensure that its contractors and suppliers(a) pay their employees a wage which ensures such employees do not need supplementary welfare payments via various state benefits and (b) meet workplace health and safety regulations; and if he will make a statement. [21463]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  In procuring goods and services, the Department's prime objective is to obtain value for money from public expenditure. To this end, we encourage and use competition unless there are convincing reasons to the contrary. Terms and conditions of employment, including wages, are a matter between the contractors or suppliers and their employees, subject of course to any relevant legal requirements. In the case of workplace health and safety, compliance with relevant regulations is a legal requirement for contractors or suppliers although in practice the Department draws the regulations to the attention of any contractors or suppliers whose staff will be working on our premises.

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the average cost of answering an(a) oral and (b) written parliamentary question from (i) Opposition and (ii) Conservative hon. Members in each Session since 1989–90. [21789]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  This Department does not collect the information in the form requested.

  Further Education Colleges
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what mechanisms exist in respect of a further education college becoming insolvent. [20589]

  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  Provisions in the Further and Higher Education (Scotland) Act 1992 allow for my right hon. Friend to make an order for the closure and dissolution of boards of management. Such an order may include provision on the transfer and vesting of property, rights, liabilities and obligations.

  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland(a) which principals and (b) which boards of management of further education colleges have met his Department to discuss the finances of their colleges in the current year. [20590]

  Mr. Robertson
  Officials maintain regular contact with the principals and boards of management of further education colleges on financial and other matters. Meetings took place with North Glasgow and Clydebank colleges in 1995 to discuss their forward development plans.
  254
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland which aspects of further education colleges' financial affairs are(a) open and (b) not open to public scrutiny. [20591]

  Mr. Robertson
  The Further and Higher Education (Scotland) Act 1992 requires the agenda, minutes and papers of board of management proceedings to be available for public inspection, except where it appears to the board that matters should be treated as confidential because of their commercial nature or otherwise. Audited annual accounts are publicly available from colleges and annual reports with financial information are published.

  Public Bodies
  Dr. Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland which of the national health service bodies sponsored by his Department have a statutory base; and if he will list those bodies which(a) admit members of the public to all board or committee meetings and (b) hold open meetings for the public (i) under a statutory requirement and (ii) voluntarily. [21829]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  All national health service bodies in Scotland have a statutory basis. Health boards and special health boards are statutorily required to admit members of the public to their meetings, unless by resolution they exclude the public to all or part of their meetings for a specific reason, such as security considerations. NHS trusts are statutorily required to hold an annual public meeting and many trusts voluntarily admit the public to their board meetings. The Mental Welfare Commission, the Common Services Agency and the National Board for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting for Scotland are not required to hold any board meetings to which the public are admitted.

  Dr. Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland which of the national health service bodies sponsored by his Department publish(a) annual reports, (b) annual accounts, (c) minutes of meetings, (d) agendas of meetings and (e) a register of members' interests (i) under a statutory requirement and (ii) voluntarily. [21835]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  There is a statutory obligation on national health service trusts to publish an annual report; all other NHS bodies are required to do so by the codes of conduct and accountability and the code of practice on openness in the NHS in Scotland. There is a statutory obligation on all NHS bodies to publish annual accounts but no obligation on them to publish minutes of their meetings, although many do. Health boards and special health boards are statutorily required to publish the agendas of their meetings. All NHS bodies are required by the codes of conduct and accountability to maintain a register of members' interests.

  Dunblane (Shootings)
  Mr. George Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland on what basis the inquiry into the Dunblane shootings will be established; and what will be its terms of reference. [22729]

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The inquiry will be established under the Tribunals of Inquiry (Evidence) Act 1921. This procedure, which was followed in the case of the Aberfan inquiry, will enable evidence to be taken on oath,
  255
  as Lord Cullen wishes, and will attract the provisions of the Contempt of Court Act 1981. I propose that the inquiry's terms of reference should be:
  "To inquire into the circumstances leading up to and surrounding the events at Dunblane Primary School on Wednesday 13 March 1996, which resulted in the deaths of 18 people; to consider the issues arising therefrom; to make such interim and final recommendations as may seem appropriate; and to report as soon as practicable."

  It is important that adequate preparation time is allowed as this will enable the inquiry itself to be shorter and more focused. I anticipate that, after initial procedure, the inquiry will begin to take evidence in public in June with a view to reporting by about the end of September.

  Meanwhile, work will be carried forward within Government to review relevant aspects of firearms legislation, school security and the supervision of adults working with children so that we will be in a position to respond promptly to recommendations from the inquiry.

TRANSPORT

  Rail Privatisation
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list those rail track renewal and maintenance companies that have been sold to date indicating the sale price, the number of bidders and the successful purchaser. [21221]

  Mr. Watts
  The table lists those track renewal and infrastructure maintenance company sales which have been completed, or where sale contracts have been exchanged. It would be contrary to the commercial interests of the British Railways Board and the taxpayer to publish price and bidding details at this stage; this could prejudice sales still in progress.

  Company

  Purchaser

  Scotland Track Renewals Company Ltd.

  Relayfast Ltd.

  Scotland Infrastructure Maintenance Company Ltd.

  Track Action Ltd.

  Central Track Renewals Company Ltd.

  Tarmac Construction Ltd.

  Central Infrastructure Maintenance Company Ltd.

  GT Railway Maintenance Ltd.

  Western Infrastructure Maintenance Ltd.

  Amey Railways Ltd.

  Eastern Track Renewals Company Ltd.

  Fastline Rail Services Ltd.

  Mr. Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) if he will list the track renewal and maintenance companies whose sale is currently being negotiated and, in each case, the number of bidders; [21226]
  256
  (2) what is the timetable for the sale of the remaining rail track renewal and maintenance companies. [21224]

  Mr. Watts
  The British Railways Board is pursuing sales of the following businesses and expects to conclude them over the coming months:

  Western Track Renewals Company Ltd.

  Northern Infrastructure Maintenance Company Ltd.

  Northern Track Renewals Company Ltd.

  Eastern Infrastructure Maintenance Company Ltd.

  Southern Track Renewals Company Ltd.

  South West Infrastructure Maintenance Company Ltd.

  South East Infrastructure Maintenance Company Ltd.

  It would be contrary to the commercial interests of the British Railways Board and the taxpayer to give the number of bidders for each company at this stage.

  Royal Train
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his answer of 12 March, 1996,Official Report, column 572, on what basis he considers the period of the contract awarded to Wisconsin Central to operate the royal train to be commercially confidential. [21589]

  Mr. Watts
  The royal train is operated by Rail Express Systems Ltd. under a contract with Railtrack. Details of all Railtrack's contracts with private sector suppliers are a matter of commercial confidentiality between the parties.

  Doncaster, Selby and York Rail Service
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport for what reasons there was no rail service between Doncaster and Selby and Selby and York on the morning of 12 March. [21730]

  Mr. Watts
  On the morning of 12 March, the 06.16 service from Selby to Doncaster and the 06.52 service from Selby to York were cancelled due to points failure.

TREASURY

  Executive Action
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list those areas of executive action where he has discretion to act in respect of an individual without giving reasons for his decision. [20531]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  Records are not kept in the form requested.

  Contracts
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many contracts for goods or services have been awarded in each of the last three financial years by his Department and its executive agencies after competitive tendering; and what was the total combined value of these contracts. [21027]
  257
  Mrs. Angela Knight
  The total number of contracts awarded by the Treasury after competitive tender for the years in question are shown in the table. It is Treasury policy that all contracts with a potential value of over £10,000 be the subject of competitive tender. The total value of orders over £10,000 placed in these years is also given. These relate not only to the contracts placed in the same year but to those continuing from previous years.

  1993–94

  1994–95

  1995–96 (to date)

  Total number of contracts subject to competitive tender

  36

  32

  20

  Total value of orders of over £10,000 placed excluding VAT (£ million)

  6.8

  14.0

  7.3

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many questions were tabled to his Department in each Session since 1987–88; how many were not answered on the grounds of disproportionate cost; what percentage of the total number of questions this represented; how many were not answered on the grounds that the information was not centrally available; and what percentage of the total number of questions this represented. [21144]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  The table gives the number of written and oral questions tabled to Treasury Ministers since 1987–88:

  Session

  Written

  Oral

  1987–88

  3,244

  464

  1988–89

  2,694

  330

  1989–90

  2,145

  338

  1990–91

  1,465

  251

  1991–92

  859

  148

  1992–93

  2,857

  402

  1993–94

  1,742

  217

  1994–95

  2,031

  246

  1995–961

  677

  143

  1 To 10 March.

  The analyses sought of questions not answered substantively are not readily available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Economic and Monetary Union
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the effect on public services in Wales of measures necessary to meet the Budget deficit criteria for membership of the EMU. [19400]

  Mr. Waldegrave
  [holding answer 18 March 1996]: I have made no such estimates. The Government's plans for spending on public services in Wales reflect the importance they attach to controlling overall public expenditure while shifting more money towards hospitals, schools and the police. The plans help to keep the budget deficit on a clear downward path, so that the recovery will be sustained.

  Housing Associations
  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received from Wirral-based housing associations about the Registrar of Friendly Societies having allowed the establishment of new housing associations with similar names to existing housing associations. [21237]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  None.

  Public Bodies
  Dr. Wright
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list those of his Department's advisory non-departmental public bodies which(a) the Government are required to consult prior to legislative proposals and (b) the Government are required to publish their response to advice supplied to them. [21867]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  There are none.

  Office for National Statistics
  Mr. Matthew Banks
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchquer if he will make a statement about his plans for the new Office for National Statistics. [22582]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  The new Office for National Statistics will be created on 1 April. I am today placing in the Libraries of the House copies of its framework document, its first business plan and policy statements on confidentiality, pricing and dissemination and release of data.

  The creation of the new office is a significant milestone in the development of official statistics in the United Kingdom. These documents set out its constitution, key policies and future plans, including performance targets for the coming year. They will guide the office in meeting its aims to serve Government and the wider community. I am confident that rapid progress will be made both in the field of national statistics and in the registration activities to be undertaken by the office.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Cable Television (Northern Ireland)
  Mr. Ian Bruce
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what estimate he has made of the speed at which cable television will be introduced to Northern Ireland; if telephone services will be available via this cable network; and what assessment he has made of the effect on householders and businesses. [21433]

  Mr. Ian Taylor
  Cable Tel Northern Ireland Ltd., which was awarded the franchise for the whole of Northern Ireland in May 1995, has committed to offer service to at least 428,000 homes in the province by the end of 2003. The company is expected to build past some 60 per cent. of homes in the franchise by the end of 1999. I am pleased to confirm that telephone services will be available via this cable network, which means that domestic and commercial customers alike will be able to benefit from the choice and competitive prices which are already available to more than 6 million homes in mainland Britain where cable networks pass.

  Ministerial Visit (South Africa)
  Mr. Terry Davis
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list in the Official Report the names of the business men who accompanied his predecessor to South Africa in July 1994; and if he will list the companies represented by those business men. [21665]

  Mr. Lang
  The information requested is as follows:

  Delegates accompanying the President of the Board of Trade to South Africa—July 1994

  Name

  Position

  Company/Organisation

  Mr. S. Wauchope

  Managing Director

  Acorn Computers Ltd.

  Mr. J. Cheesbrough

  Regional Director and General Manager (Africa)

  AMEC Process and Energy Ltd.

  Mr. C. R. Kemp

  Director General

  The Association of British Healthcare Industries

  Mr. G. Edington

  Chairman

  BAA International Ltd.

  Mr. R. Mabey

  Managing Director

  Bovis International Ltd.

  Mr. J. Weston

  Executive Director

  British Aerospace plc

  Mr. I. Alston

  Regional manager

  BT (Worldwide) Ltd.

  Mr. R. J. Petersen

  Chief Executive

  Bridon plc

  Mr. D. Savage

  Director

  British Educational Suppliers Association

  Mr. J. Carrington

  Director of Regional Businesses

  Cable and Wireless plc

  Mr. J. Caudwell

  Chairman

  Caudwell Communications Ltd.

  Mr. A. Boyd

  Advisor to CDC4

  Commonwealth Development Corporation

  Professor M. Brown

  Managing Director

  De Montfort University

  Mr. D. Probert

  Chairman

  Crown Agents

  Mr. A. Morrison

  Chairman

  Defence Systems Ltd.

  Mr. G. Cowen

  Managing Director

  Dewplan Ltd.

  Mr. P. Daubeney

  Chief Executive

  Electricity Association Ltd.

  Mr. H. J. Pearce

  Managing Director

  EMS Medical Group

  Mr. N. Gutteridge

  Marketing Director

  Fairey hydraulics Ltd.

  Mr. G. F. Page

  Chief Executive

  Flight Refuelling Ltd.

  Mr. J. Cronin

  Managing Director

  GEC Alsthom

  Mr. P. Turner

  Goddard Kay Rogers and Associates Ltd.

  Mr. B. F. Baldock

  Deputy Chairman

  Guinness plc

  Mr. J. First

  Director

  Henry Ansbacher and Co. Ltd.

  Mr. G. Gonszor

  Managing Director

  Hill Samuel Bank Ltd.

  260

  Delegates accompanying the President of the Board of Trade to South Africa—July 1994

  Name

  Position

  Company/Organisation

  Mr. D. Teague

  Managing Director

  ICL

  Mr. G. Cooper

  Managing Director

  Industrial Control Services plc

  Mr. H. A. Lyons

  Managing Director

  International Hospitals Group Ltd.

  Mr. J. Patterson

  Managing Director

  J C Sales Ltd.

  Mr. D. Spencer

  Director

  John Laing International Ltd.

  Mr. D. A. Piesold

  Chairman

  Knight Piesold and Partners

  Mr. S. C. Y. Parker

  Director

  Kleinwort Benson Ltd.

  Mr. P. G. Emmel

  Managing Director

  Johnson Matthey Ltd.

  Mr. B. Kennedy

  Deputy Chief Executive

  Longwall International Ltd.

  Mr. H. Johnston

  Managing Director

  MIVAN Overseas Ltd.

  Mr. M. Kingston

  Director

  Morgan Grenfell and Co. Ltd.

  Mr. D. Mansfield

  Chief Executive

  Nottingham Group Holdings plc

  Mr. R. M. Bostock

  Director

  Ove Arup Economics and Planning

  Mr. S. Lister

  Sales Director

  Pace Micro Technology Ltd.

  Mr. J. Foley

  Marketing Director

  Philip Harris Education and Scientific

  Mr. K. McDonald

  Chairman

  Polypipe plc

  Mr. A. Carnell

  Group Commercial Director

  Racal Electronics plc

  Dr. R. Davies

  Managing Director

  Rialech International

  Dr. T. Harrison

  Chief Executive

  Rolls-Royce plc

  Mr. P. Hills

  Managing Director

  Samuel Montagu and Co. Ltd.

  Mr. A. Platt

  Director Group Development

  Sedgwick Group plc

  Mr. G. Henderson

  Senior Partner

  Slaughter and May

  Mr. T Gould

  Chief Executive

  Structherm Ltd.

  Mr. R. A. Davies

  Chief Executive

  TecQuipment Ltd.

  Mr. B. Myers

  Chief Executive

  Trafalgar House plc

  Mr. J. Smith

  Group Chairman

  Turner and Townsend Group

  Mr. A. Hicks

  Chief Executive

  United Kingdom Southern Africa Business Association

  Mr. D. Henning

  Managing Director

  Vodafone Group plc

  Mr. D. Hastie

  Sales Director

  Vickers Defence Systems

  261

  Delegates accompanying the President of the Board of Trade to South Africa—July 1994

  Name

  Position

  Company/Organisation

  Mr. M. D. Willetts

  President (Development)

  Wade Adams Construction

  Mr. T. Quick

  Acting Sales and Marketing Director

  Westland Group plc

  Mr. D. G. Brant

  Executive Director

  George Wimpey plc

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what was the average cost of answering an(a) oral and (b) written parliamentary question from (i) Opposition and (ii) Conservative hon. Members in each Session since 1989–90. [21791]

  Mr. Lang
  This Department does not collect information in the form requested.

  Trade Delegations
  Mr. Fatchett
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list, with location and dates, all trade delegations which took place in(a) 1994, (b) 1995 and (c) 1996 to date, and those which are planned for the remainder of 1996. [21064]

  Mr. Nelson
  [holding answer 18 March 1996]: The number of trade delegations supported under the outward mission scheme were 151 in 1994, 184 in 1995 and 49 so far in 1996. In the remainder of 1996, it is anticipated that more than 190 additional supported missions will take place.

  I have arranged for a full list of the details of these mission giving locations and dates to be placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

  AST Group, Aylesbury
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what investigative action he has initiated into the collapse of the AST Group of Aylesbury under the Companies Act. [21496]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  [holding answer 20 March 1996]: It is not the policy of the Department of Trade and Industry to comment on the affairs of individual companies.

  Electrical Goods Supply Industry
  Mr. William O'Brien
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade, pursuant to his answer of 12 March 1996,Official Report, column 526, (1) what consultations his Department has had with the electrical goods supply industry on the extension of time for the Monopolies and Mergers Commission to report on the supply of certain goods; [21233]

  (2) what were the reasons given by the Monopolies and Mergers Commission for its application for an extension of time to report on the supply of certain electrical goods. [21232]
  262
  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The Monopolies and Mergers Commission requested an extension because of the complexity of the inquiry. The scale of the exercise is exceptional in terms of the number of referred markets—eight—and interested parties. It is important that all those with a significant interest are given the chance to give evidence to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission. Section 55 of the Fair Trading Act 1973 does not require the Secretary of State to consult on extensions given to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission to complete reports and he did not do so.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Departmental Staff (Working Hours)
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many persons in his Department worked in excess of 48 hours per week in any of the last 52 weeks; and what percentage of the staff employed this represents. [21513]

  Mr. Hanley
  Records of the number of hours worked by each employee are not kept centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Public Bodies
  Dr. Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list those of his Department's advisory non-departmental public bodies which(a) the Government are required to consult prior to legislative proposals and (b) the Government are required to publish their response to advice supplied by them. [21857]

  Mr. Hanley
  None.

  European Commission Publications
  Mrs. Ann Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs through which directorate of the European Commission funds are allocated for the production of "Social Europe Magazine"; how much is spent annually upon this publication; upon what authority that money is allocated; upon what basis Mr. Padraig Flynn was appointed editor; if he is consulted about the content of that magazine; whether the statement in that publication relating to the AIDS campaign mounted by CSV Media constitutes European Union policy; and if he will make it his policy to ensure that in future the European Commission publishes only magazines which are essential to its core purpose. [20506]

  Mr. David Davis
  [holding answer 12 March 1996]: The Commission is responsible for the preparation and presentation of Community information and communication policy, for which it has a budget of 78 mecu—£65.6 million—in 1996.

  "Social Europe Magazine" is published by Directorate General V of the European Commission. I understand that the hon. Member has asked the European Commission separately about its cost and editorial content, and a reply is in preparation.

  I can confirm that it is European Union policy to promote AIDS awareness.
  263
  Mrs. Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list those magazines, journals, periodicals, and leaflets which are published by each directorate of the European Commission, indicating for each the size of budget, the proportion of that budget which statistically would be represented by United Kingdom contributions and the specific steps which are taken to ensure that his Department is consulted in advance about the content of such publications. [20509]

  Mr. Davis
  [holding answer 12 March 1996]: A list of such publications and their costs will be placed in the Libraries of the House in due course.

  The Commission is responsible for the preparation and presentation of Community information and communication policy, for which it has a budget of 78 mecu—£65.6 million—in 1996.

  The UK contribution to the EC Budget is calculated on the basis of the whole of the budget and is not attributed to specific items.

  The UK gross contribution after abatement to the 1996 EC budget is expected to be 8.8 becu—£7.4 billion. The total 1996 EC budget is 81 becu.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Hampstead Garden Suburb Institute
  Mr. John Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what grants were paid to the Hampstead Garden Suburb Institute in each of the last three financial years. [19653]

  Mr. Paice
  Funding of the Garden Suburb Institute by the Further Education Funding Council for the period from April 1993 to July 1995 was as shown in the answer of 2 November 1994,Official Report, column 1160. The institute's recurrent funding for the 1995–96 academic year has yet to be finalised, but core funding is expected to amount to £127,958.

  Capital Spending
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, pursuant to her answer of 7 March,Official Report, columns 343–47, on local education authority capital spending, what have been the Government (a) credit approvals and (b) announced total capital allocations to each local education authority in each of the years for which spending figures were given. [20551]

  Mrs. Gillan
  The data are contained in a number of tables, copies of which will be placed in the Library.

  Table 1(A) gives total education annual capital guidelines for the years 1990–91 to 1995–96 inclusive, while data for 1996–97, when several new local education authorities will exist, are given in table 1(B). Table 2 gives details of supplementary credit approvals from 1993–94 to 1995–96. A sum of approximately £42 million will be distributed as SCAs in 1996–97. Comparable data on SCAs for earlier years could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  A-level Examinations
  Mr. Callaghan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many students sat A-level examinations in the summer terms of 1994 and 1995 in each secondary school and further education college in England. [21524]

  Mr. Paice
  The school and college performance tables for the 16 to 18 age group for 1994 and 1995, published by the Department in November 1994 and 1995 respectively, give details of the numbers of students aged 16 to 18 who sat GCE A-AS examinations in each secondary school and further education college in England. They show separately the numbers who sat fewer than two GCE A-AS examinations and those that sat two or more.

  Public Bodies
  Dr. Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if she will list those of her Department's advisory non-departmental public bodies which(a) the Government are required to consult prior to legislative proposals and (b) the Government are required to publish their response to advice supplied by them. [21855]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  This information is not available centrally other than in the relevant statutory provisions. A comprehensive list cannot, therefore, be assured. The Department is, however, aware of the following.

  In relation to the national curriculum, section 20 of the Education Reform Act 1988 requires the Secretary of State to refer certain proposals for regulations to the School Curriculum and Assessment Authority, which then reports back to the Secretary of State. That report is published. There is a subsequent statutory consultation on the proposed order or regulations.

  In relation to certain procedural rules—for instance, for the special educational needs tribunal or appeal committees relating to admission to and exclusion from schools—the Secretary of State is required to consult the Council on Tribunals.

  Section 3(3) of the Activity Centres (Young Persons Safety) Act 1995 obliges the Secretary of State to consult the Health and Safety Commission in certain circumstances before making regulations.

  In a number of cases the Secretary of State is under a statutory obligation to consult before making regulations. Such consultation might involve one of the Department's advisory non-departmental public bodies but such consultation is not specified.

  Under section 80 of the Sex Discrimination Act 1975, the Secretary of State has power to amend certain sections of the Act by order subject to draft affirmative parliamentary procedure. Section 80(2) requires her to consult the Equal Opportunities Commission before laying any such draft order before Parliament.
  265
  Section 73 of the Race Relations Act 1976 makes similar provision in relation to that Act, requiring the Secretary of State to consult the Council for Racial Equality before laying a draft order before Parliament.

  Except to the extent described in relation to the national curriculum, the Department is not aware of any requirement placed on the Government to publish its response to advice supplied by the advisory body.

  Schools (Access Audit)
  Mr. Peter Atkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if she will publish the results of the recent access audit on mainstream schools. [22530]

  Mr. Forth
  Nationally, some 46 per cent. of primary and secondary schools have wheelchair access to more than 50 per cent. of teaching accommodation. The following table shows the proportion of schools in each local education authority which do so. This information will be useful to local education authorities and schools in assessing where there is a particular need for greater access for disabled pupils. A more detailed analysis of the data collected will be placed in the Library.

  LEA

  Total number of schools

  Number with more than 50 per cent. access to teaching accommodation

  Percentage with more than 50 per cent. access to teaching accommodation

  Corporation of London

  1

  0

  0

  Camden

  52

  5

  10

  Greenwich

  89

  31

  35

  Hackney

  71

  12

  17

  Hammersmith

  46

  12

  26

  Islington

  66

  1

  2

  Kensington

  29

  7

  24

  Lewisham

  82

  36

  44

  Southwark

  80

  21

  26

  Tower Hamlets

  89

  31

  35

  Wandsworth

  67

  15

  22

  Westminster

  49

  8

  16

  Barking

  63

  41

  65

  Barnet

  108

  16

  15

  Bexley

  77

  31

  40

  Brent

  69

  20

  29

  Bromley

  95

  16

  17

  Croydon

  115

  50

  43

  Ealing

  74

  5

  7

  Enfield

  82

  17

  21

  Haringey

  85

  4

  5

  Harrow

  63

  19

  30

  Havering

  89

  35

  39

  Hillingdon

  86

  38

  44

  Hounslow

  76

  46

  61

  Kingston upon Thames

  45

  19

  42

  Merton

  60

  20

  33

  Newham

  79

  28

  35

  Redbridge

  68

  3

  4

  Richmond upon Thames

  47

  6

  13

  Sutton

  54

  22

  41

  Waltham Forest

  78

  45

  58

  Birmingham

  405

  141

  35

  Coventry

  108

  56

  52

  Dudley

  104

  54

  52

  Sandwell

  130

  44

  34

  Solihull

  82

  49

  60

  Walsall

  121

  58

  48

  Wolverhampton

  118

  53

  45

  Knowsley

  74

  19

  26

  266

  LEA

  Total number of schools

  Number with more than 50 per cent. access to teaching accommodation

  Percentage with more than 50 per cent. access to teaching accommodation

  Liverpool

  208

  6

  3

  St. Helens

  78

  49

  63

  Sefton

  115

  56

  49

  Wirral

  125

  73

  58

  Bolton

  120

  60

  50

  Bury

  84

  41

  49

  Manchester

  199

  79

  40

  Oldham

  117

  77

  66

  Rochdale

  84

  45

  54

  Salford

  105

  21

  20

  Stockport

  123

  69

  56

  Tameside

  98

  50

  51

  Trafford

  94

  54

  57

  Wigan

  142

  99

  70

  Barnsley

  106

  40

  38

  Doncaster

  144

  102

  71

  Rotherham

  132

  36

  27

  Sheffield

  169

  60

  36

  Bradford

  244

  87

  36

  Calderdale

  100

  59

  59

  Kirklees

  188

  90

  48

  Leeds

  291

  122

  42

  Wakefield

  160

  93

  58

  Gateshead

  93

  42

  45

  Newcastle upon Tyne

  100

  41

  41

  North Tyneside

  80

  44

  55

  South Tyneside

  69

  40

  58

  Sunderland

  117

  51

  44

  Isles of Scilly

  5

  0

  0

  Avon

  425

  190

  45

  Bedfordshire

  286

  175

  61

  Berkshire

  324

  166

  51

  Buckinghamshire

  322

  138

  43

  Cambridgeshire

  303

  182

  60

  Cheshire

  495

  218

  44

  Cleveland

  245

  109

  44

  Cornwall

  278

  156

  56

  Cumbria

  318

  133

  42

  Derbyshire

  501

  275

  55

  Devon

  495

  188

  38

  Dorset

  252

  144

  57

  Durham

  338

  173

  51

  East Sussex

  253

  100

  40

  Essex

  681

  385

  57

  Gloucestershire

  299

  72

  24

  Hampshire

  646

  292

  45

  Hereford and Worcester

  357

  239

  67

  Hertfordshire

  505

  186

  37

  Humberside

  409

  220

  54

  Isle of Wight

  67

  45

  67

  Kent

  672

  268

  40

  Lancashire

  693

  428

  62

  Leicestershire

  406

  210

  52

  Lincolnshire

  353

  215

  61

  Norfolk

  428

  265

  62

  North Yorkshire

  450

  226

  50

  Northamptonshire

  322

  192

  60

  Northumberland

  204

  136

  67

  Oxfordshire

  280

  159

  57

  Shropshire

  244

  48

  20

  Somerset

  261

  70

  27

  Staffordshire

  486

  74

  15

  Suffolk

  333

  241

  72

  Surrey

  366

  75

  20

  Warwickshire

  271

  157

  58

  West Sussex

  287

  172

  60

  Wiltshire

  322

  186

  58

  Total/average

  21,746

  10,052

  46

ENVIRONMENT

  Telecommunications Masts and Wind Turbines
  Mr. Nigel Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what planning restrictions there are on the number of telecommunications masts erected in a particular area. [21415]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  The erection of masts by telecommunications code system operators is subject either to full planning control or the prior approval procedure under part 24 of schedule 2 to the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995, depending on the size and location of the mast. There are no specific limits on numbers.

  Mr. Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many representations he has received from(a) South Somerset council and (b) Ryedale council in Yorkshire about planning applications for telecommunications masts. [21416]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  In the past two years, the Department has received one representation each from South Somerset district council and Ryedale district council.

  Mr. Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what research he has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on the impact of (i) telecommunications masts and (ii) wind farms on the number of visitors to rural areas. [21410]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  My Department has not commissioned or evaluated research of this nature.

  Mr. Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to review the section of planning policy guidance note 8 dealing with the erection of telecommunications masts. [21406]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  My Department has no plans for reviewing this guidance. However, we shall shortly be publishing a code of practice on the planning procedures for the erection of masts under permitted development rights. This has been prepared jointly with local authority associations and the major operators who erect masts.

  Mr. Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what planning regulations apply to telecommunications masts which are under 15 ft high. [21413]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  Part 24 of schedule 2 to the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted development) Order 1995 gives permitted development rights for telecommunications code system operators' masts up to 15 m high, except in protected areas such as conservation areas, national parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty, where full planning control applies. These rights are subject to a prior approval procedure which enables a local planning authority to give or refuse approval for the siting or appearance of a mast within 28 days of receipt of an application from an operator.
  268
  Mr. Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what statutory protection is provided to areas on the outskirts of areas of outstanding natural beauty from(a) telecommunication masts and (b) telecommunications masts less than 100 ft high. [21417]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  The erection of masts by telecommunications code system operators in these adjoining areas is subject to either to full planning control or the prior approval procedure under part 24 of schedule 2 to the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995, depending on the size and location of the mast. The fact that it is visible from a specially protected area could be a material consideration in a planning decision relating to a mast.

  Mr. Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to require companies which erect telecommunications masts to share these masts with other companies. [21405]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  My Department already encourages mast sharing in planning policy guidance note 8, "Telecommunications". It is also a condition of the licences granted by the Department of Trade and Industry to mobile operators that the possibility of sharing an existing radio site must be explored.

  Mr. Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he has made of the extent to which satellite technology will supersede telecommunications masts and over what time scale. [21407]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  My Department understands that, because radio frequencies are limited, satellite technology is unsuited to telephone systems which handle a great many calls simultaneously.

  Tree Felling
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many appeals he has considered in each of the last five years under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 against refusals of local authorities to grant consent to fell trees; how many of these appeals he has upheld; and how many of his Department's staff are involved in work on these appeals. [21573]

  Mr. Clappison
  Separate information on appeals relating to felling only is not readily available. However, the table shows all appeals on tree-related matters considered by the Secretary of State under the 1990 Act in each of the last five financial years, and those upheld by him in the years for which figures are available. Work on these appeals forms a part of the responsibilities of several staff in the Department, and especially in the Government offices for the regions. The total annual staff effort currently involved is about 10 person years.

  Year

  Appeals considered

  Appeals upheld

  1995–96 (to date)

  396

  141

  1994–95

  401

  120

  1993–94

  383

  not applicable

  1992–93

  349

  not applicable

  1991–92

  331

  not applicable

  Mining and Quarrying Waste
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what joint working groups he has established with the mining and quarrying industries on the subject of mining and quarrying waste. [21735]

  Mr. Clappison
  There have been two formal joint working groups in the past to look at disposal of quarrying spoil and underground stowage in North-East Leicestershire. Other mining and quarrying issues, including waste, are covered in less formal discussions between the Department, the mining and quarrying industries and other interested parties where necessary as they arise.

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the average cost of answering an(a) and (b) written parliamentary question form (i) Opposition and (ii) Conservative hon. Members to each Session since 1989–90. [21813]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  This Department does not collect the information in the form requested.

  Rough Sleepers
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he is taking to enable local authorities to(a) quantify the extent of rough sleeping in their areas, (b) examine the causes of rough sleeping in their areas, (c) analyse the extent to which the needs of the homeless are catered for and (d) review the effectiveness of existing local strategy and the role of the public, private and voluntary sectors. [20874]

  Mr. Clappison
  It is the responsibility of every local authority to consider the housing needs of all its residents. The current "Housing Strategies" guidance advises local authorities to assess the resources within their area for single homeless people, including authorities' own provision and the contribution being made by others, including the private sector, housing associations, and voluntary sector organisations. The guidance also advises that, to assist this assessment, local authorities may wish to consider undertaking a count of rough sleepers, involving street agencies as appropriate.

  The strategy paper "Rough Sleepers Initiative: The Next Challenge", issued by the Government on 4 March 1996 announced that the successful rough sleepers initiative would be extended outside central London to Bristol where a recent single night head count had found 84 people sleeping rough. Twenty-three other local authorities were invited to let my Department know if they would like assistance in undertaking a detailed evaluation of the number of people sleeping rough in their area, including an assessment of current services available. These counts will be undertaken in partnership with local agencies wherever possible.

  South Oxfordshire (Computing Services)
  Mrs. Anne Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what was the cost to public funds of(a) South Oxfordshire district council's failed contract for computing services and (b) earlier development work by John McLintock's company; [21106]
  270
  (2) what reasons have been given by South Oxfordshire district council for terminating the contract for computing services; and what was the original expiry date; [21107]

  (3) what severance arrangements South Oxfordshire district council has made with the contractor for computing services; and what payment has been made to (a) the owner and (b) his company; [21108]

  (4) if the district auditor has been asked to report on the quality of computing services purchased by South Oxfordshire district council. [21109]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  These are matters for South Oxfordshire district council to whom these questions should be put in the first instance. If there are doubts about the propriety or value for money for the contract in question they should be raised with the authority's external auditor.

  Mrs. Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the implications for the privatisation of local government services of the contracting out of computing services by South Oxfordshire district council. [21105]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  Authorities are free to contract out elements of their computer services subject to their obligations under EU and domestic legislation. As from 1 April 1999, South Oxfordshire district council will be required to subject part of its information technology services to compulsory competitive tendering.

  Rateable Values
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on linking rateable value of property to changing house prices. [21281]

  Mr. Clappison
  I take it that the hon. Member is referring to the banding of dwellings for council tax. The bandings reflect the relativities between the values of dwellings, based on 1991 property values. These relativities are not necessarily affected by subsequent changes in absolute house prices, and the Government have no current plans to review the bandings.

  Water Bills
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received from individuals and organisations on the payment of water bills by pensioners and low-income households. [21282]

  Mr. Clappison
  Over the past 18 months my right hon. Friend has received representations on the payment of water bills by pensioners and low-income families from individuals, consumer groups, charities, pensioners' associations and local authorities.

  Severn Trent Water (Salaries)
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received from residents in Conventry concerning Severn Trent Water and the salaries paid to the company directors. [21283]
  271
  Mr. Clappison
  My right hon. Friend has not received any representations from residents of Coventry about the salaries paid to directors of Severn Trent Water.

  Mr. Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what discussions he has had with Severn Trent Water regarding the level of salaries of the company's directors. [21284]

  Mr. Clappison
  My right hon. Friend has not held any discussions with Severn Trent Water about the salary levels of its directors. This is a matter for the company and its shareholders.

  Mr. Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will give figures for the highest paid employee of Severn Trent Water from 1979 until privatisation(a) in real terms and (b) percentage change from the previous year. [21285]

  Mr. Clappison
  Information about the salary levels of Severn Trent water authority's board members for the years 1984 to 1989 is given in the annual editions of "Public Bodies", published by the Cabinet Office (Office of Public Service and Science). Salary levels of the authority's chairmen only are given in the 1982 and 1983 editions of this report. Copies of these publications are available in the Library. Comparable information for the period 1979 to 1981 is not available.

  Leicester City Council (Home Improvements)
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how much Leicester city council has received towards home improvements for each year since 1986; and how much its bid for each year was since 1986. [22068]

  Mr. Clappison
  Since 1986–87, Leicester city has received the following housing investment programme allocations to spend on the whole of its housing programme, a substantial amount of which would have been spent on improvements to both the public and private sector stock. These allocations have been supplemented by expenditure from the council's capital receipts.

  £ million

  HIP received

  HIP bid

  1986–87

  13.375

  47.735

  1987–88

  12.909

  52.091

  1988–89

  12.407

  57.369

  1989–90

  9.165

  62.037

  1990–91

  18.320

  54.392

  1991–92

  18.300

  54.035

  1992–93

  19.830

  49.416

  1993–94

  21.545

  29.393

  1994–95

  14.998

  22.500

  1995–96

  9.345

  17.400

  In addition, the city has benefited from the following additional resources to improve housing stock under the following three programmes:

  The estate action programme

  1986–87: £0.226 million

  1987–88: £0.650 million

  1988–89: £1.979 million

  1989–90: £2.549 million

  1990–91: £1.773 million

  1991–92: £3.455 million

  272

  1992–93: £2.779 million

  1993–94: £1.257 million

  1994–95: £2.599 million

  1995–96: £5.309 million.

  City challenge

  1993–94: £1.608 million

  1994–95: £0.836 million

  1995–96: £0.897 million.

  Housing association grant for new rehab units

  1986–87: not available

  1987–88: £6.062 million

  1988–89: £5.809 million

  1989–90: £2.713 million

  1990–91: £1.512 million

  1991–92: £2.348 million

  1992–93: £4.362 million

  1993–94: £5.078 million

  1994–95: £4.051 million

  1995–96: £2.051 million.

  Information on how these resources relate to the bids for each of the three programmes is not readily available.

  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what schemes for home improvements have been in receipt of housing grant in the City of Leicester since 1986. [22067]

  Mr. Clappison
  It is primarily for the city council to determine what schemes grant resources are spent on and the council should be able to provide full information. In the main, these resources will have funded the repurchase of defective dwellings, enveloping, group repair, homes insulation, environmental and other general improvements to the private sector stock in five housing action areas, 10 general improvement areas, and six renewal areas.

  Departmental Staff (Salaries)
  Ms Armstrong
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many staff in his Department earn salaries in each band of £10,000 above £40,000 per annum where salary is defined on the same basis as the draft accounts and audit regulations require of local authorities; and if that definition when applied to his Department's staff includes an element for the non-contributory civil service pension. [21880]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  The number of staff in my Department—excluding Ordnance Survey, PSA Services and the Health and Safety Executive—in each salary band above £40,00 is as follows:

  Salary band

  Number of staff

  £40,000 to £50,000

  252

  £50,000 to £60,000

  90

  £60,000 to £70,000

  22

  £70,000 to £80,000

  5

  £80,000 to £90,000

  1

  £90,000 to £100,000

  1

  Salaries do not include sums due by way of expense allowances, nor any element for the non-contributory civil service pension.

  Leicester City Council (Housing Grant)
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what amounts of housing grant were received by Leicester city council in each year since 1986 as(a) in cash terms, and (b) in 1986. [22066]

  Mr. Clappison
  In the four years from 1986–87 to 1989–90 the following housing grant was given at the rates of 75 per cent. or 90 per cent. against loan charges for improvements to private sector dwellings in Leicester:

  £ million

  (a) In cash terms

  (b) In 1986 terms

  1986–87

  6.782

  6.782

  1987–88

  7.938

  7.536

  1988–89

  8.954

  7.968

  1989–90

  11.284

  9.386

  From 1990–91 a new financial control system was introduced under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989, and for the first time a separate allocation, known as the SCG or specified capital grant allocation, was given for improvements to private sector dwellings as follows:

  £ million

  (a) In cash terms

  (b) In 1986 Terms

  1990–91

  4.502

  3,466

  1991–92

  3.198

  2.318

  1992–93

  4.732

  3.296

  1993–94

  4.300

  2.910

  1994–95

  3.089

  2.052

  1995–96

  2.325

  1.503

  For the three years 1990–91 to 1992–93 grant was given at the rate of 75 per cent. From 1993–94 the rate has been 60 per cent.

  In addition, the following city challenge grant was given for the renewal of private sector dwellings in Leicester.

  £ million

  (a) In cash terms

  (b) In 1986 terms

  1993–94

  0.328

  0.221

  1994–95

  0.376

  0.250

  1995–96

  0.300

  0.193

  Public Bodies
  Dr. Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list those of his Department's advisory non-departmental public bodies which(a) the Government are required to consult prior to legislative proposals and (b) the Government are required to publish their response to advice supplied by them. [21856]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  A list of the advisory non-departmental public bodies sponsored by my Department can be found in the Cabinet Office publication "Public Bodies 1995". A copy is available in the House of Commons Library.
  274
  There are statutory requirements for Ministers to consult the Advisory Committee on Hazardous Substances, the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment, the Building Regulations Advisory Committee and the Inland Waterways Amenity Advisory Council in specified circumstances. Proposals for secondary legislation to effect boundary and structural changes in local government can only be put forward by the Government after the Local Government Commission has made recommendations.

  There is no statutory requirement for the Government to publish responses to advice from advisory bodies.

  Bradford Metropolitan Council
  Mr. Devlin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has considered the response by the City of Bradford metropolitan council to the notices served upon the authority on 3 October 1995 under section 13 of the Local Government Act 1988; and if he will make a statement. [22703]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  My right hon. Friend has considered carefully the responses which the City of Bradford metropolitan council have made to the notice served on the authority for alleged anti-competitive behaviour. He has today given the authority a direction under section 14 of the Local Government Act 1988 for anti-competitive behaviour.

  After careful consideration, the Secretary of State remains of the opinion that the authority acted in an anti-competitive manner in awarding a contract for other catering work worth £112,516 to its in-house direct labour organisation. He considers that the authority required tenderers to have in place systems based on BS5750. He considers that the authority has not been able to demonstrate satisfactorily that the performance bond level was not too high. He is also of the belief that the authority did not consider a full analysis of the ways the contract could have been packaged and that such an analysis would have demonstrated the varying benefits to the authority from adopting different ways of tendering the work. He also notes that, contrary to the advice in paragraph 9 in the Department's circular 10/93, bidders were not allowed to bid for only parts of the contract.

  The direction given to the City of Bradford metropolitan council requires the authority to retender the work so that new arrangements are in place by 1 August 1997. The authority will need to obtain the Secretary of State's permission if it is intended to award the work in-house and to consult the British Hospitality Association before drawing up the new contract specification.

  Duty of Care (Code of Practice)
  Sir Sydney Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to revise the code of practice on the duty of care; and if he will make a statement. [22704]
  275
  Mr. Clappison
  Following public consultation, my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for the Environment, for Wales and for Scotland have today issued a revised duty of care code of practice under section 34 of part II of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

  The code of practice gives practical guidance to all waste holders on how to discharge their responsibilities under the duty of care. It has been revised to take into account changes to waste management legislation since it was first published in 1991 and in order to provide specific guidance to the metal recycling industry.

  The duty of care applies to any person who produces, imports, carries, keeps, treats or disposes of controlled waste. It obliges waste holders:

  to prevent the escape of waste in their control;

  to transfer it only to someone who is legally authorised to accept it; and

  to ensure that it is recovered or disposed of lawfully by others.

  Parties to any waste transfer must complete, sign and keep a transfer note which provides a "cradle to grave" audit trail of the waste transferred.

  The code of practice is admissible as evidence in court in prosecutions for breach of the duty of care. Breach of the duty is an offence with a penalty of an unlimited fine if convicted on indictment.

  As required by section 34(9) of the 1990 Act, a copy of the revised code of practice is being laid before the House and placed in the Library of the Houses.

  Single Regeneration Budget
  Mr. Booth
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when the Government will publish their response to the first report by the Environment Committee into the single regeneration budget. [22705]

  Mr. Curry
  The Government are today publishing their response. Copies of the response have been placed in the Library of the House.

  North Lincolnshire District Council
  Mr. Leigh
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what arrangements he is making to enable payment of the first instalments of grant under section 88A of the Local Government Finance Act 1988 to recompense North Lincolnshire district council for the income forgone as a consequence of the transitional reduction of council taxes under the Local Government Changes for England (Council Tax) (Transitional Reduction) Regulations 1996—S.I. 1996 No. 176 as amended by S.I. 1996 No. 333. [22706]

  Mr. Curry
  My right hon. Friend has already announced that some £2.182 million is to be paid to North Lincolnshire under section 88A of the Local Government Finance Act 1988. Parliamentary approval of this new expenditure is being sought in the 1996–97 main supply estimates for the local government and planning, England vote, class VI, vote 4. Pending that approval, urgent expenditure of £0.8 million on the first instalments of grant to the new North Lincolnshire district council will be met by a repayable advance from the contingencies fund.

HOUSE OF COMMONS

  Car Travel Expenses
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Lord President of the Council how many hon. Members who claim car mileage allowance as set out in his answer of 17 July 1995,Official Report, column 974, only claim one rate at each of the three dates. [19268]

  Mr. Newton
  The Fees Office has advised me that the breakdown of the 478 Members who claimed only one rate at that date is as follows:

  a) 11 Members claimed rate 1

  b) 150 Members claimed rate 2

  c) 317 Members claimed rate 3.

  Dr. Jones
  To ask the Lord President of the Council, pursuant to his letter of 9 November, what was the total cost of car travel expenses claimed in 1994–95 by(a) hon. Members claiming only rate 3, (b) hon. Members claiming only rate 2 and (c) hon. Members claiming both rates 2 and 3. [19264]

  Mr. Newton
  The Fees Office has advised me that the costs of car travel expenses claimed for standard journeys in 1994–95 are as follows:

  (a) £4,207,741

  (b) £761.731

  (c) £1,169,171.

  Divisions
  Dr. Goodson-Wickes
  To ask the Lord President of the Council what is the largest number of votes cast in a Division in the House since 1966. [20071]

  Mr. Newton
  This information is not held in the form requested, and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Members' Salaries and Pensions
  Sir Trevor Skeet
  To ask the Lord President of the Council if he will request the chairman of the Senior Salaries Review Body to present an interim report on hon. Members' salaries and pensions by 31 May if the report is to be published after that date. [21247]

  Mr. Newton
  The chairman of the Senior Salaries Review Body has been asked to aim to complete the review in time to make recommendations at the end of June. It would not be reasonable to ask the SSRB to produce a report before then.

  Children's Act Exhibition
  Mrs. Bridget Prentice
  To ask the Chairman of the Administration Committee if he has considered an application for an exhibition of children's art work in London to be displayed in the Upper Waiting Hall. [22433]

  Mr. Michael J. Martin
  I understand that, under procedures agreed by the Administration Committee, arrangements have been made for the exhibition to be held in the Upper Waiting Hall from Monday 24 June to Friday 28 June 1996.

  Reflections of Life Exhibition
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Chairman of the Administration Committee if he has considered an application for an exhibition relating to reflections of life to be displayed in the Upper Waiting Hall. [22440]

  Mr. Michael J. Martin
  I understand that, under procedures agreed by the Administration Committee, arrangements have been made for the exhibition to be held in the Upper Waiting Hall from Monday 20 May to Friday 2 May 1996.

  House of Commons Notepaper
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the right hon. Member for Berwick upon Tweed, representing the House of Commons Commission, pursuant to his answer of 14 March,Official Report, column 692, if Wilprint held the contract for the crested notepaper prior to February 1995; and what was the original agreed duration of the February 1995 contract. [22121]

  Mr. Beith
  Wilprint held the contract prior to February 1995; the agreed duration of the current contract is from February 1995 to October 1996.

PRIME MINISTER

  Engagements
  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 21 March. [20525]

  Sir Peter Tapsell
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 21 March. [20526]

  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.

  Ministerial Committee on the Co-ordination and Presentation of Government Policy
  Mr. Mandelson
  To ask the Prime Minister which non-ministerial individuals, other than civil servants, attend meetings of the EDCP Cabinet Committee. [21588]

  The Prime Minister
  Some officials from Conservative Central Office and parliamentary private secretaries attend at the invitation of the Deputy Prime Minister, as chairman of this committee. They do not take part in any discussions, but are ready to follow up any issues of a party political nature. In this way, the civil servants present are protected from following up matters that do not properly relate to the presentation and co-ordination of Government policy.

  Departmental Contractors and Suppliers
  Mr. MacShane
  To ask the Prime Minister what measures his Department is taking to ensure that its contractors and suppliers(a) pay their employees a wage which ensures such employees do not need supplementary welfare payments via various state benefits and (b) meet workplace health and safety regulations; and if he will make a statement. [21464]
  278
  The Prime Minister
  For this purpose my office is part of the Cabinet Office. I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary, Office of Public Service, on 20 March 1996,Official Report, columns 194–95.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Benefits Agency
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what was the average daily attendance at each of his Benefits Agency offices covering the(a) Doncaster and (b) Mexborough area for each year since 1993, and the current year to date; and what were the staffing levels for each benefits Agency office. [19630]

  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 20 March 1996:

  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking what was the average daily attendance at each of his Benefits Agency (BA) offices covering the (a) Donacaster and (b) Mexborough area for each year since 1993, and the current year to-date; and what were the staffing levels for each BA office.

  The information is only available for BA Districts. The Doncaster District comprises of Doncaster West (Castle House) and Doncaster East (St Peters House) offices and the Rother and Dearne District comprises of Goldthorpe, Mexborough, Rotherham North, Rotherham South and Wath on Dearne offices.

  Annex A gives details of average daily attendance at each District and Annex B gives details of the staff in post at the dates indicated in the table.

  I hope you find this reply helpful.

  Annex A: Average daily attendance at Doncaster and Rother and Dearne districts

  Number

  1993–94

  Doncaster district

  CB Callers

  265

  IS Callers

  392

  Rother and Dearne district

  CB Callers

  294

  IS Callers

  321

  1994–95

  Doncaster and district

  CB Callers

  251

  IS Callers

  418

  Combined Callers

  645

  Rother and Dearne district

  CB Callers

  298

  IS Callers

  387

  Combined Callers

  653

  CB Callers = Contributory Benefit. IS Callers = Income related Benefit.

  Combined Caller count introduced August 1995.

  CB and IS Callers should not be added together to arrive at the Combined Caller Count since one caller could have approached both caller areas.
  279

  1 April 1995–31 January 1996

  Number

  Doncaster District

  641

  Rother and Dearne District

  696

  Data is not yet available for February/March 1996.

  Data are provisional and subject to change.

  Data supplied by BA central data unit.

  Annex B: Staff in post for Doncaster and Rother and Dearne Districts from 1993

  1 April 1993

  1 April 1994

  1 April 1995

  1 March 1996

  Doncaster District

  285.1

  270.8

  265.8

  282.4

  Rother and Dearne District

  355.5

  326.0

  312.3

  312.3

  These figures are provisional and subject to change.

  Child Support Agency
  Mr. David Atkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many Child Support Agency clients are paying in maintenance more than(a) £400, (b) £500 and (c) £900 a month. [20887]

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

  Letter from Miss Ann Chant to Mr. David Atkinson, dated 20 march 1996:

  I am replying to your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security about Child Support Agency maintenance assessments.

  Information is not available on the number actually paying maintenance. However, a statistically valid sample of live cases on the Child Support Computer System in August 1995 provided the following figures relating to the amount of full maintenance assessments;

  CSA clients assessed to pay

  Number

  Over £400 per month

  4,420

  Over £500 per month

  940

  Over £900 per month

  0

  I hope this is helpful.

  Benefit Payment Card
  Mr. Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to ensure that information currently contained in the pension book will be preserved and improved with the proposed new benefit payment card system with particular reference to(a) a permanent record of pension payments received, (b) details of how the pension is made up, (c) clear information on the amount due and the date available, (d) information on change of circumstances and (e) details of claiming income support. [11750]

  Mr. Heald
  [pursuant to his reply, 31 January 1996, c. 947]: I am advised that Peter Mathison, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency, is writing again to clarify his reply of 31 January 1996.
  280
  Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Keith Bradley, dated 20 March 1996:

  I am writing to clarify the information provided to you in my letter of 31 January 1996 in response to your Parliamentary Question. You asked the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to ensure that information currently contained in the pension book will be preserved and improved with the proposed new benefit payment card system with particular reference to (a) a permanent record of pension payments received, (b) details of how the pension is made up, (c) clear information on the amount due and the date available, (d) information on change of circumstances and (e) details of claiming Income Support (IS).

  The potential service suppliers have been asked to produce a receipt which will only include the following information; details of the type(s) of benefit paid, the amount(s) payable and the due date and the date of payment, but not the date of the last payment(s) made, as indicated in my earlier reply. As I explained in my earlier letter, customers should have no difficulty keeping a record of payment collected from the post office as a receipt will be given and the facility to request a full statement of the benefit account will be retained. This statement will be available on request from the local benefits office.

  I hope this explains the position and I apologise for any confusion.

  War Pensions
  Sir Peter Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many service personnel were awarded war pensions(a) between 1967 and 1987 and (b) since 1987; how many in (a) and (b) were awarded war pensions owing to disabilities or injuries sustained on active service; and how many in (a) and (b) were awarded war pensions for asbestos-related conditions. [21529]

  Mr. Heald
  The estimated number of war disablement pensions or lump sum gratuities awarded is as follows:

  (a) between 1967 and 1987–76,000

  (b) since 1987–297,770.

  These figures include awards made to other groups such as civilians and mercantile mariners who sustained qualifying injuries since records of awards made solely to ex-service personnel for disablement due to service in the armed forces are not available.

  The other information requested is not available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  National Disability Council
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if the minutes of the first meeting of the Government's new National Disability Council will be published. [21592]

  Mr. Burt
  This is a matter for the National Disability Council.

  Departmental Staff (Working Homes)
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many persons in his Department worked in excess of 48 hours per week in any of the last 52 weeks; and what percentage of the staff employed this represents. [21509]
  281
  Mr. Burt
  Records of the number of hours worked by each employee are not kept centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  War Pensions Agency Helpline
  Ms Lynne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will give a breakdown of the lost incoming telephone calls recorded by the War Pensions Agency helpline for each month since it was introduced. [21274]

  Mr. Heald
  This is a matter for Mr. Kevin Caldwell, chief executive of the War Pensions Agency. He will write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from K. C. Caldwell to Ms Liz Lynne, dated 20 March 1996:

  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the number of lost incoming telephone calls recorded by the War Pensions Agency Helpline since it was introduced.

  Although a Helpline has been in existence since February 1992, information on lost calls has only been available since we upgraded our telephone system in February 1994. The enclosed table shows the number of calls lost each month since then. These figures do not reflect the number of people attempting to contact us because enquirers often call back later if they cannot get through quickly at the first attempt.

  The number of calls received by the Helpline rose significantly during 1995 for a number of reasons. We introduced a new computer system, reorganised the way we work and moved to a new building. All this is aimed at securing a better, more cost effective service but there have been some issues arising from the changes which have resulted in many pensioners contacting the Agency for a variety of reasons. There was also the special exercise in restoration of War Widow's Pensions to those widows who had remarried after the death of their first husband and subsequently became widowed again or divorced/legally separated.

  Extra staff were drafted in to answer calls and our telephone system was upgraded further to divert automatically to an answerphone calls which have not been answered within 30 seconds. A message can then be left and the call is returned. These measures have led to a gradual reduction in lost calls since their peak in October 1995 and we are working to reduce lost calls to the pre-1995 level.

  I hope you find my reply helpful.

  Lost telephone calls to War Pensions Agency Helpline

  Month

  Total lost

  1994

  February

  116

  March

  484

  April

  748

  May

  1,266

  June

  1,530

  July

  1,077

  August

  1,890

  September

  2,548

  October

  2,390

  November

  1,804

  Decembe

  692

  1995

  January

  1,202

  February

  1,497

  March

  7,495

  April

  18,918

  May

  17,552

  June

  7,839

  July

  19,015

  282

  Lost telephone calls to War Pensions Agency Helpline

  Month

  Total lost

  August

  30,425

  September

  44,915

  October

  73,575

  November

  53,579

  December

  32,005

  1996

  January

  46,474

  February

  19,484

  Public Bodies
  Dr. Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list those of his Department's advisory non-departmental public bodies which(a) the Government are required to consult prior to legislative proposals and (b) the Government are required to publish their response to advice supplied by them. [21864]

  Mr. Burt
  Except in circumstances prescribed in section 173 of, and schedule 7 to, the Social Security Administration Act 1992, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State is required to refer proposed regulations to either the Social Security Advisory Committee or the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council for consideration and advice. If the committee reports on proposed regulations, he is required to lay before Parliament its report with his response to any recommendations when he lays the relevant statutory instrument.

  Motability Scheme
  Ms. Lynne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) if, under the proposed Social Security (Disability Living Allowance) Amendment Regulations, hospital patients will be able to joint the waiting list for the hire or purchase of a vehicle through the Motability scheme while in hospital; [16623]

  (2) what factors led to the decision to protect, under the proposed Social Security (Disability Living Allowance) Amendment Regulations, payments of the disability living allowance mobility component payable directly only to Motability when the agreement still has a period to run after a claimant has been admitted to hospital. [16709]

  Mr. Andrew Mitchell
  Under the proposed legislation, which would align payment arrangements of the mobility component of disability living allowance with those of the DLA care component for people in hospital, people entering hospital with Motability agreements would have those agreements protected. This decision recognises that access to the Motability scheme depends entirely on payment of the higher rate mobility components of DLA—sufficient to meet the terms of the agreement—by the Department direct to Motability Finance Ltd.

  The proposed changes would not prevent someone in hospital who expects to be discharged, from applying for a vehicle or wheelchair through the Motability scheme. Although payment of the benefit ceases during periods of hospitalisation, entitlement to the benefit continues. It would be for Motability to decide whether to accept such applications.

DEFENCE

  Boarding School Allowances
  Mr. Jamieson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the estimated cost to his Department for children whose parents have claimed boarding school allowances in(a) autumn term 1995 and (b) in spring term 1996 at (i) Finborough, (ii) Rodney and (iii) Lime House schools. [22024]

  Mr. Soames
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 14 March,Official Report, column 680, concerning Finborough, Rodney and Lime House schools. Information concerning how much my Department pays in boarding school allowance in respect of particular schools is not collected centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Works of Art
  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what disciplinary action has been taken or is planned against officials in his Department who moved works of art without official permission. [20836]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  Moving works of art without official permission is not a specific disciplinary offence. Officials are warned that loans could be withdrawn if works of art are moved without official permission. Disciplinary action could arise if a work of art were damaged or lost as a result of being moved without permission.

  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will list those works of art which have been loaned or which are currently on loan to Ministers or former Ministers; and how such loans are authorised; [20833]

  (2) if he will list those works of art which have been loaned to members of the Defence Council; and how such loans are authorised. [20832]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  A list of works of art on loan to the offices of current ministers and other members of the Defence Council has been placed in the Library of the House. To list the works of art loaned to other Ministers, while in office, would incur disproportionate cost.

  Ministers and other Members of the Defence Council are entitled to borrow works of art from the Government art collection, subject to their conditions of loan, and from my Department's own collection. Other collections and museums may lend works at their own discretion.

  Royal Navy Vessel Procurement
  Mr. Churchill
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he is taking to replace the Royal Navy's coastal survey vessels; which yards have been invited to tender for new vessels; when such tenders are due to be returned; what estimate he has made of the cost per ship; and when it is intended they will enter service. [21701]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  In addition to the ocean survey vessel, HMS Scott, which was ordered in January 1995, my Department is currently considering plans to procure further survey vessels. I expect to be in a position to initiate discussions with industry later this year with a view to inviting tenders for a competitive procurement 284
  around the end of the year leading to an order later in 1997. I am not in a position to release estimates of cost as this information is commercially sensitive.

  Foxhounds
  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what criteria his Department has set for the registering of packs of foxhounds which hunt on their land; and if such packs must also be recognised by the Masters of Foxhounds Association. [21756]

  Mr. Soames
  Foxhunting on the defence estate is regulated by the issue of licences to those hunts which are officially recognised and accepted by the committee of the Master of Foxhounds Association. The licence is issued to a hunt representative who must be a member of the Master of Foxhounds Association.

  The registration of packs of foxhounds in the foxhound kennel stud book is a matter for the master of the hunt.

  Upholder Class Submarines (Disposal)
  Mr. Jamieson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has for the four Upholder class submarines currently at Barrow-in-Furness; and if he will make a statement on the steps he is taking to ensure that their disposal represents the best value for money to public funds. [22022]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  The four Upholder class submarines are currently being marketed for sale or lease to a number of friendly countries. The cost of marketing is regularly assessed against the likely return to Her Majesty's Government to ensure that it is cost-effective.

  Mr. Jamieson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about negotiations with foreign countries with which his Department is involved with regard to disposal of the four Upholder class submarines. [22023]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  My Department is currently engaged in negotiations with the Governments of several friendly nations interested in acquiring the Upholder class submarines.

  United States Bases
  Mr. Madden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the United States bases in the United Kingdom which are covered by(a) leases, (b) security of tenures and (c) other arrangements. [21842]

  Mr. Soames
  Bases are made available for use by United States forces in accordance with the NATO status of forces agreement of 1951 and confidential arrangements between the Governments of the United Kingdom and of the United States of America. It is not our practice to comment on the details of such arrangements.

  Mr. Madden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what approaches he has received from(a) the US Government and (b) the US armed forces to renew the security of tenure arrangements at (i) Menwith Hill station and (ii) other US bases in the UK. [21850]
  285
  Mr. Soames
  The administration arrangements governing the basing of United States forces at RAF Menwith Hill are confidential between the Governments of the United Kingdom and the United States of America. These include the security of tenure correspondence which applied solely to Menwith Hill.

  RAF Brawdy
  Mr. Madden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many United States personnel work at RAF Brawdy; and how many of them are employed by the National Security Agency of America. [21844]

  Mr. Soames
  None.

  Menwith Hill Station
  Mr. Madden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the planned numbers of United States military personnel at Menwith Hill station will be in(a) the coming year, (b) the next three years and (c) the next five years. [21846]

  Mr. Soames
  It is not our policy to give details of personnel assignment.

  Mr. Madden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many(a) United States, (b) British and (c) Government communications headquarters personnel currently work at Menwith Hill station. [21848]

  Mr. Soames
  There are currently approximately 1,200 United States and 600 UK personnel employed at RAF Menwith Hill. This includes a significant GCHQ presence. It is not Government policy, however, to give more detailed information on the deployment of GCHQ staff.

  Mr. Madden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) which members of the Intelligence and Security Committee visited Menwith Hill station; if the Committee took(a) oral and (b) written evidence before its visit; who the Committee met during the visit; what report the Committee plans to make about work undertaken at the station; and if he will make a statement; [21839]

  (2) when the Intelligence and Security Committee visited Menwith Hill station; what was the purpose of its visit; if the proposal that Menwith Hill station should become an RAF station was discussed; who invited the Committee to visit; how long the visit lasted; to what parts of the station the Committee was denied access; what was the outcome of the visit; and if he will make a statement. [21840]

  Mr. Soames
  It is not the Government's practice to disclose details of the Intelligence and Security Committee's business. The Committee itself does this through its annual report to the Prime Minister which he lays before Parliament; the publication of other reports is dependent on their content.
  286
  Mr. Madden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what research he has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated into links between the operations of Menwith Hill station and local incidence of cancer. [21841]

  Mr. Saomes
  My Department has neither commissioned nor evaluated any such research. Health issues affecting the local population are a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health.

  Mr. Madden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what measures are taken to ensure that operations at Menwith Hill station (i) comply with the Interception of Communications Act 1985 and (ii) do not intercept the communications of British businesses. [21843]

  Mr. Soames
  All interception of communications on public telecommunications networks in the UK is subject to the provisions of the Interception of Communications Act 1985. It is not Government policy to comment on the detailed operations of the intelligence and security agencies.

  Mr. Madden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what new building and construction work has been carried out or commissioned, at Menwith Hill station over the last six years; at what cost; to whom and what further work is planned over(a) the next year, (b) three years and (c) five years. [21845]

  Mr. Soames
  Over the past six years, there has been a variety of new building and construction work at RAF Menwith Hill including new radomes and operational structures as well as a range of social and domestic buildings including barrack accommodation and water towers. The total cost is a matter for the US authorities. Further planned development of the site will cover a new child development centre, an extension to the chapel, the erection of portable classrooms and extension of security fencing.

  Mr. Madden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many US military personnel have started work at Menwith Hill station since 8 August 1995. [21847]

  Mr. Soames
  Since 8 August 1995, the overall manpower structure has not changed significantly.

  Mr. Madden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence under what legal basis the US army occupies Menwith Hill station. [21849]

  Mr. Soames
  The basis on which the US army, along with other United States forces, is stationed in the UK is contained in the NATO status of forces agreement of 1951.

  Redundancy Costs
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the costs incurred by his Department as a result of redundancies in each of the three services in each of the last five years. [21886]

  Mr. Soames
  The "Options for Change" redundancy programme began in financial year 1992–93. In that year, redundancy payments of £232 million were made. In 1993–94, 1994–95 and 1995–96 the payments totalled £509 million, £453 million and £187 million respectively.
  287
  These costs are split between the three services as follows:

  £ million

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–95

  1995–96

  RN

  12

  95

  75

  28

  ARMY

  209

  328

  281

  16

  RAF

  11

  86

  97

  143

  Total

  232

  509

  453

  187

  These payments include special capital payments, and early payment of terminal grants, commuted pension payments and the first year's payment of immediate pensions.

  Merchant Vessels
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on how many occasions merchant vessels chartered by his Department to transport troops and equipment to the UN implementation force operation in Bosnia have been inspected under port state control arrangements; and what vessel deficiencies have been identified by such inspections. [22001]

  Mr. Soames
  Neither of the two merchant vessels chartered for IFOR and used for deployment and sustainment was subject to a port state control inspection during the period of MOD charter.

  USAF Lakenheath
  Mr. Madden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what emergency plans are in place in the event of an accident involving the American nuclear weapons store at USAF Lakenheath. [21851]

  Mr. Soames
  It has been the long-standing policy of both the United Kingdom and the United States Governments neither to confirm nor deny the presence of nuclear weapons at any particular place or time. Bilateral arrangements for responding to an accident involving a US nuclear weapon provide for a joint response in which US and UK military and civilian personnel would work in conjunction with the civil emergency services.

  Recruitment Costs
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the costs of recruitment in each of the three services in each of the last five years. [21887]

  Mr. Soames
  The costs of recruitment in each of the three services for each of the last five years is shown. Total recruitment figures for the Army are not available for the first year as they cannot be identified separately.

  £ million

  Year

  Royal Navy

  Army

  RAF

  1990–91

  23.48

  n/a

  26.33

  1991–92

  26.83

  42.20

  27.98

  1992–93

  19.00

  42.60

  27.45

  1993–94

  21.10

  48.61

  27.60

  1994–95

  19.50

  45.91

  27.87

  Reservists
  Mr. Brazier
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to replace those members of the Territorial Army and Army Reserve who were called out last December and February to support the United Kingdom's contribution to the NATO implementation force in former Yugoslavia. [22650]

  Mr. Soames
  Work has commenced to trawl for suitably qualified volunteers from the Army Reserve and Territorial Army who are willing to be called out for service in former Yugoslavia, and also to identify those reservists currently called out who are prepared to extend their period of service.

  Munitions Dumping
  Mr. Foulkes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 11 March,Official Report, columns 510–11, what was the use of Bedenham quay in Hampshire in munitions dumping exercises; how long it was in use for those purposes; and what was the volume and type of material which was dumped in each area. [21954]

  Mr. Soames
  I am not aware of any surviving records that document any past sea dumping of munitions from Bedenham jetty, now part of the Royal Navy armaments depot, Gosport.

  Mr. Foulkes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 11 March,Official Report, columns 510–11, what radioactive waste emanating from military establishments has been dumped or loose dumped into the English channel. [21955]

  Mr. Soames
  Details of the UK's sea disposal programme for low and intermediate-level radioactive wastes, including very low-level contaminated sludges generated by MOD establishments and disposed of at Hurd deep, were contained in a report commissioned by the Department of the Environment titled "Report of the Independent Review of Disposal of Radioactive Waste in the Northeast Atlantic" published in November 1984.

  Boi de Mai Residence
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his Department's asking price for the official service residence Boi de Mai; what was the original purchase price; in what year the property was purchased by his Department; and what was the total amount spent by his Department on improvements to the residence. [21964]

  Mr. Soames
  Boi de Mai was purchased in November 1992 and furnished for £2.4 million. The price of the house was £1.9 million. The economic recession in western Europe has affected the Belgian residential housing market. As a consequence, our agents advise an unfurnished asking price of £1.565 million. These prices are calculated at the Government accounting exchange rate prevailing at the time. A total of £683,000 was spent on improvements and maintenance to the property. This figure includes an initial refurbishment and "get you in" package of some £235,000—including the installation and subsequent repairs of a security system. Some £150,000 was also spent on other furnishings which will be removed.

  Empty Quarters
  Mr. David Nicholson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the number of empty Ministry of Defence quarters in southern England(a) by county and (b) by shire district or borough at the latest available date. [21381]

  Mr. Soames
  My Department has 4,976 empty family quarters in southern England. Of these, 558 are to be modernised, 1,454 have been identified for disposal, 316 are to be demolished and 630 are allocated for incoming service families.

  A breakdown by county and local authority is given:

  Number

  Avon

  Woodspring District Council

  207

  Berkshire

  Bracknell Forest Borough Council

  12

  Newbury District Council

  24

  Royal Borough of Windsor

  9

  Wokingham District Council

  55

  100

  Cornwall

  Kerrier District Council

  89

  Restormel District Council

  71

  Caradon District Council

  11

  171

  Devon

  East Devon District Council

  36

  Exeter City Council

  10

  North Devon District Council

  48

  Plymouth County Council

  298

  South Hams District Council

  9

  West Devon District Council

  9

  410

  Dorset

  East Dorset District Council

  18

  North Dorset District Council

  188

  Poole Borough Council

  18

  Purbeck District Council

  81

  Weymouth and Portland Borough Council

  33

  338

  East Sussex

  Wealden District Council

  76

  Hampshire

  East Hampshire District Council

  53

  Fareham District Council

  21

  Gosport Borough Council

  238

  Hart District Council

  22

  Havant District Council

  20

  Portsmouth County Council

  142

  Rushmoor City Council

  120

  Test Valley Borough Council

  101

  Winchester County Council

  63

  New Forest District Council

  51

  831

  Hertfordshire

  Watford District Council

  22

  Three Rivers District Council

  23

  Hertsmere District Council

  40

  85

  290

  Number

  Kent

  Dover District Council

  191

  Gravesham District Council

  17

  Rochester upon Medway District Council

  127

  Shepway District Council

  210

  545

  London

  Barnet Outer London Borough

  230

  Bromley Outer London Borough

  3

  Camden Inner London Borough

  7

  Croydon Outer London Borough

  3

  Greenwich Outer London Borough

  206

  Harrow Outer London Borough

  21

  Hillingdon Outer London Borough

  82

  Hounslow Outer London Borough

  122

  Kensington and Chelsea Inner London Borough

  24

  Kingston Outer London Borough

  60

  Lambeth Inner London Borough

  3

  Lewisham Inner London Borough

  11

  Merton Outer London Borough

  1

  Richmond Outer London Borough

  15

  Sutton Outer London Borough

  12

  Wandsworth Inner London Borough

  46

  Westminster Inner London Borough

  139

  985

  Oxfordshire

  Vale of the White Horse District Council

  67

  Somerset

  South Somerset District Council

  44

  Surrey

  Elmbridge District Council

  4

  Guildford Borough Council

  89

  Horsham Borough Council

  1

  Spelthorne District Council

  5

  Surrey Heath Borough Council

  42

  Tandridge District Council

  129

  Working Borough Council

  28

  298

  West Sussex

  Chichester Borough Council

  37

  Wiltshire

  Kennet District Council

  262

  North Wiltshire District Council

  17

  Salisbury District Council

  454

  Thamesdown Borough Council

  49

  782

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Public Houses (Opening Hours)
  Mr. Allason
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to introduce legislation to allow public houses to stay open later. [21296]

  Mr. Kirkhope
  We are currently considering the scope for relaxing evening licensing hours. Any proposals for extending existing hours would be subject to public consultation.

  Buckley Hall Prison
  Ms Lynne
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are the responsibilities of the Home Office representatives that are at present at Buckley Hall
  291
  prison in relation to the decision to grant a prisoner a period of release on temporary licence under (a) prison rules and (b) young offenders institution rules; and if the responsibilities of a governor of a privately run prison are identical to those of a governor of a prison directly run by the Prison Service in making a decision to grant a prisoner a period of release on temporary licence under (a) and (b). [21882]

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

  Letter from Richard Tilt to Ms Liz Lynne, dated 21 March 1996:

  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about the respective responsibilities of the Home Office Controller and the Director of a privately-managed prison with regard to granting a prisoner release on temporary licence.

  The decision to grant a prisoner a period of release on temporary licence under the Prison Rules or Young Offender Institution Rules is a matter for the Secretary of State. In practice, this will normally be taken on his behalf by the governor of the prison or, in the case of a contracted-out establishment, the Home Office Controller.

  Any recommendation to grant a period of temporary release is passed to the Controller for authorisation. The Controller must be satisfied that the systems in place, to allow a risk assessment to be undertaken on all prisoners applying for temporary release, fulfil all contractual requirements.

  Ms Lynne
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what investigations the Prison Service has carried out into Buckley Hall prison; what information on these is in the public domain; what investigations are currently being carried out; and if details of these investigations will be made public. [21888]

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

  Letter from Richard Tilt to Ms Liz Lynne, dated 21 March 1996:

  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about investigations the Prison Service has carried out into Buckley Hall prison; the information which is in the public domain; the investigations which are currently being carried out; and whether details of these investigations will be made public.

  The Prison Service Controller has carried out six investigations. These dealt with: (a) an allegation that a member of staff had threatened a prisoner; (b) a member of staff had allegedly assaulted a prisoner; (c) the escape of a prisoner from within the prison; (d) an attempted escape; (e) an escape from an escort; and (f) a hospital break-in by prisoners. All the reports were submitted to the area manager. None are in the public domain and there is no intention to make such reports available.

  Group 4 are currently examining the number and type of temporary release failures as a normal response to such incidents. Any report produced will also be for internal use only.

  Ms Lynne
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the objects that were stolen from the hospital in Buckley Hall prison following the break-in by prisoners in August 1995; and if he will list the objects that were subsequently recovered. [21891]

  Miss Widdecombe
  Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the temporary Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.
  292
  Letter from Richard Tilt to Ms Liz Lynne, dated 21 March 1996:

  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question requesting a list of objects stolen from the hospital at Buckley Hall prison following a break-in by prisoners in August 1995, and a list of the objects subsequently recovered.

  The items stolen by prisoners from the hospital at Buckley Hall were:

  Valium 2mg x 1000 tablets

  Valium 5mg x 300 tablets

  Coproxamol x 300 tablets

  Diamorphine 5ml x 2 ampules

  Temgesic x 28 tablets

  DF118 x 460 tablets

  Amitriptyline 50ml.

  Many of the tablets are believed to have been recovered as a result of later cell searches, it is not possible to identify whether all the tablets recovered were stolen from the hospital or, if some were tablets issued to prisoners which they had failed to take.

  Ms Lynne
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many failed escape attempts have occurred at Buckley Hall prison since its opening; and what is the national average over the same period of time for male category C training prisons. [21889]

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

  Letter from Richard Tilt to Ms Liz Lynne, dated 21 March 1996:

  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question asking how many failed escape attempts have occurred at Buckley Hall prison since its opening; and what is the national average over the same period of time for male category C training prisons.

  Between its opening on 14 February 1992 and 29 February 1996, there have been three reported failed escape attempts from Buckley Hall prison by individual prisoners. In the same period, the reported average for the category C training estate is 1.68.

  These figures refer to failed escape attempts from within the prison and exclude escorts.

  Ms Lynne
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the recorded number of assaults on prison officers at Buckley Hall prison since its opening; and what is the average number for male category C training prisons over the same period. [20919]

  Miss Widdecombe
  [holding answer 18 March 1996]: Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the temporary Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange a reply to be given.

  Letter from Richard Tilt to Ms Liz Lynne, dated 21 March 1996:

  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question asking for the latest figures of assaults on prison officers for Buckley Hall and all male category C training prisons.

  The attached table provides provisional information on the number of assaults on staff of all grades, including prison officers, during the period January 1995 to February 1996.

  The details of assaults on prison officer grades alone would only be available at disproportionate cost.
  293

  Number and rates of assault on staff per 100 population January 1995—February 1996

  Assaults on staff1 2

  Number

  Rate per 100 population

  1995

  Buckley Hall

  16

  7.1

  Male cat. C training prisons

  322

  2.5

  January-February 1996

  Buckley Hall

  1

  31.8

  Male cat. C training prisons

  60

  32.7

  1 Includes assaults on staff of prison officer grade or another member of staff.

  2 Provisional.

  3 Based on population for end January 1996.

  Fine Defaulters
  Mrs. Anne Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the average length of sentence of a fine defaulter. [21114]

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

  Letter from Richard Tilt to Ms Anne Campbell, dated 21 March 1996:

  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question asking, what is the average length of sentence of a fine defaulter.

  The average custody period imposed on prisoners received in 1995 for non-payment of a fine was about 17 days.

  Mr. Steinberg
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people are currently in prison for(a) non-payment of fines, (b) non-payment of the community charge and (c) non-payment of council tax. [21244]

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

  Letter from Richard Tilt to Mr. Gerry Steinberg, dated 21 March 1996:

  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question asking, how many people are currently in prison for (a) non-payment of fines, (b) non-payment of the community charge and (c) non-payment of council tax.

  The latest available information is for 31 January 1996. On that date there were 358 persons in Prison Service establishments in England and Wales for non-payment of a fine and 42 for non-payment of community charge. No persons were recorded as being in custody for non-payment of council tax.

  Fire Service
  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will place in the Library copies of maps of the areas covered by each of the London, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Newcastle, Leeds and Bristol fire authorities showing the risk areas together with their minimum statutory response requirements. [21534]
  294
  Mr. Sackville
  No. Categorisation of fire risk within a particular brigade area is a matter for the local fire authority concerned.

  Replica Weapons
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many convictions have been achieved since the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 came into force for possession of replica weapons as part of a criminal activity; and if he will make a statement. [21711]

  Mr. Maclean
  [holding answer 19 March 1996]: The Firearms (Amendment) Act 1994, which came into force on 21 September 1994, introduced a new offence under section 16A of the Firearms Act 1968 of possession of a firearm or imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.

  Information held centrally shows no record of any convictions under the aforesaid legislation in 1994. The 1995 data will not be available until the autumn 1996.

  Firearms Certificates
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are the total number of valid firearms certificates in respect of each police district of London for the current year. [21710]

  Mr. Maclean
  [holding answer 19 March 1996]: The information requested could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. The latest figures which are readily available relate to December 1994, when in the whole of the Metropolitan police area there were 9,345 valid firearm certificates on issue.

  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what training is given to police officers in the evaluation of applications for firearms licences; and if he will make a statement. [21712]

  Mr. Maclean
  [holding answer 19 March 1996]: Nationally, all police officers are given training in the firearms administration process as part of their probation. Additional training is provided to those undertaking the evaluation of applications for firearms licences at the discretion of individual chief officers of police. In the majority of police forces, applications are evaluated either by dedicated trained police officers or civilian staff, or by nominated officers who are trained and experienced in firearms issues.

  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the total number of firearms certificates(a) issued for new applications, (b) which are renewals and (c) which are valid for more than one year in England and Wales for each year since 1985. [21709]

  Mr. Maclean
  [holding answer 19 March 1996]: The latest available information is published in the annual Home Office Statistical Bulletin 'Firearm certificate statistics, England and Wales 1994', issue 11/95, table 1, copies of which can be found in the Library.

  New firearms certificates granted prior to 1995 were initially made valid for three years and could be renewed after this time for further three-year periods. Since the Firearms (Period of Certificate) Order 1994 came into

  295
  effect on 1 January 1995, the order has extended to five years the life of all firearms certificates granted or renewed after that date.

  Gun Clubs
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the total number of gun clubs in each local authority district of England and Wales indicating the total number of weapons held in each and the total membership for each year since 1985. [21714]

  Mr. Maclean
  [holding answer 19 March 1996]: There are currently 2,252 gun clubs in England and Wales approved by the Home Office under section 15 of the Firearms Act 1988 in which members may use firearms for target practice without holding a firearms certificate. More detailed information about these clubs could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. Information is not held centrally on gun clubs which do not fall within the section 15 scheme.

  Firearms-related Crime
  Mr. Loyden
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what further steps he is taking to deal with the problem of firearms-related crime. [13872]

  Mr. Howard
  [pursuant to his reply, 15 February 1996, c. 707) I and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland were in discussion with the police service before the Dumblane tragedy about the possibility of a firearms amnesty. It has now been agreed that such an amnesty will take place in England and Wales and in Scotland. The details are being worked out.

DUCHY OF LANCASTER

  Public Bodies
  Dr. Wright
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will list those of his Department's advisory non-departmental public bodies which(a) the Government are required to consult prior to legislative proposals and (b) the Government are required to publish their response to advice supplied by them. [21853]

  Mr. Willetts
  This Department responds publicly to reports of some NDPBs, such as the Standing Committee on Standards in Public Life and the Government panel on sustainable development. We are not, however, required by statute so to do.

NATIONAL HERITAGE

  National Lottery
  Ms Eagle
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if she will list the membership of the board of trustees of each national lottery distribution body, indicating for each(a) the salary of the chief executive, (b) the staff complement and (c) the overall annual budget; and if she will indicate the figures for (a) to (c) prior to introduction of the national lottery. [17224]
  296
  Mr. Sproat
  The list shows the membership of the board of trustees of each national lottery distribution body. For the details of salary, staff complement, and overall annual budget, prior to the introduction of the national lottery, I would refer the hon. Member to the answers given on 29 February,Official Report, columns 697–700.

  The Arts Council of Northern Ireland

  Donnell Deeny, QC (Chairman)

  Jim Aitken Esq

  Sir Charles Brett, CBE

  Sam Burnside

  Councillor Fred Cobain

  Paddy Donnelly

  Ms Rita Duffy

  Dr. Tess Hurson

  Ms Kate Ingram

  Professor Edna Longley

  Councillor William O'Connell

  Richard Pierce Esq

  Chrissie Poulter

  Mrs. Irene Sandford

  Professor Robert Welch

  The Arts Council of England

  Lord Gowrie (Chairman)

  Sir Richard Rogers

  Peter Gummer

  Trevor Nunn

  Usha Prashar

  Prudence Skene

  Thelma Holt

  Professor Christopher Frayling

  Gavin Henderson

  Stephen Phillips

  Richard Cork

  Sir Ernest Hall

  Stella Robinson

  Maggie Gillebaud

  Robert Southgate

  David Reid

  The Scottish Arts Council

  Dr. William Brown (Chairman)

  Fiona Walker

  Dr. Rita McAllister

  Geraint Stanley Jones Esq

  Paul Dowds Esq

  Councillor Keith Geddes

  Councillor Janette Richardson

  Lesley Thomas Esq

  Dr. Sheila Brock

  Sheriff Peter Hamilton

  John Denholm Esq

  Dr. Ian McGowan

  Robert Love Esq

  Professor Eric Spiller

  The Arts Council of Wales

  Sir Richard Rogers

  Ms Jane E. Davidson

  Meirion Edwards Esq

  297

  Frank Evans Esq

  H. Keith Evans Esq

  Ms Katrina Gass

  J. Peter G. Griffiths Esq

  R Gerallt H. Jones Esq

  Geraint Stanley Jones Esq CBE

  David Richards Esq

  Alwyn Roberts Esq

  Eurig Thomas Esq

  Professor Gwyn Thomas

  Ms Moira M. Vincentelli

  The Sports Council for Wales

  Ossie Wheatley MA (Chairman)

  Tom Baxter-Wright (Vice Chairman)

  Mrs. Wendy Williams

  Mrs. Jill Edwards

  Councillor Mrs. Dorothy James

  Miss Anne Ellis OBE

  Councillor W. J. Williams

  Mr. Hugh Thomas

  Mr. Robert Turner

  Mr. Harvey Davies JP

  Mr. Peter Gunn

  Mr. Edgar Lewis

  Mr. David Burcher

  The Sports Council for Northern Ireland

  Don Allen (Chairman)

  Stephen Hilditch (Vice Chairman)

  Peter Robinson Tony Carlin

  Mrs. Roseanne McCaughan

  Mrs. June Davis

  Mrs. Georgie Hear

  Mrs. Jackie Mc Williams

  David Bowen

  Clarence Hiles

  Dr. Ian Corry

  Miss Fionuala McGrady

  Jim Mckeever

  Dawson Stelfox

  Ronnie Trouton

  The GB Sports Council

  Rodney Walker (Chairman)

  Gerald Dennis Esq.

  Trevor Booking MBE

  Julie Bracewell

  Tim Marshall MBE

  Keith Oates

  Graeme Simmers OBE CA

  Dr. Sarah Springman

  Geoff Thompson

  Ossie Wheatley MA

  Derek Casey (Chief Executive)

  The Scottish Sports Council

  Graeme Simmers, OBE, CA

  Alan Grosset

  G. Malcolm Murray, FFA

  David Arnott

  J. Neil Stevenson

  298

  Miss Lesley Grant, MBE

  Alan Grosset, WS

  Mrs. Evlyn Ruistrick

  Mrs. Margaret Seymour

  Major-General John MacDonald Esq. CB CBE

  Fred Nelson

  The National Heritage Memorial Fund

  Lord Rothschild (Chairman)

  Sir Richard Carew Pole

  Lord Crathorne

  W Lindsay Evans Esq

  Sir Nicholas Goodison

  Mrs Caryl Hubbard

  Sir Martin Jacomb

  John Keegan Esq

  Lord Macfarlane of Bearsden

  Professor Palmer Newbould

  Mrs Diane Nutting

  Mrs Catherine Porteous

  Commander Michael Saunders Watson

  The Millennium Commission

  Rt Hon Virginia Bottomley MP (Chairman)

  Professor Heather Couper BSc D Litt FRAS

  The Earl of Dalkeith

  The Hon T Robin V Dixon, CBE DL

  Sir John Hall

  The Rt Hon Michael Heseltine MP

  Simon Jenkins Esq

  Michael Montague, CBE

  Patricia Scotland QC

  National Lottery Charities Board

  David Sieff Esq (Chairman)

  English Committee

  Ian Clarke Esq

  Stella Clarke

  Amanda Jordan

  Andrew Phillips

  Chirs Woodcock

  Scotland Committee

  Graham Bowie Esq

  William Kirkpatrick Esq

  Philomena de Lima

  Garth Morrison

  Wales Committee

  Tom Jones Esq

  June Churchman

  Linda Quinn

  Alan Higgins

  Northern Ireland Committee

  John Simpson Esq

  Mrs Aideen McGinley

  Ms Monica McWilliams

  Noel Stewart

  UK Committee

  Andrew Phillips Esq

  Amir Bhatia Esq

  Graham Bowie Esq

  Julia Kaufman

  Sir Adam Ridley

  Departmental Staff (Working Hours)
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage how many persons in her Department worked in excess for 48 hours per week in any of the last 52 weeks; and what percentage of the staff employed this represents. [21582]

  Mr. Sproat
  The number of staff recorded as being paid for overtime which took their hours worked to over 48 hours in a week is 65, which represents 18 per cent. of the Department's staff.

  No records are held centrally, however, of the hours worked either by senior staff not eligible for paid overtime or other staff who choose not to claim overtime, or those on flexible working schemes.

  Sports Grounds (Taylor Report)
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what estimate she has made of the total cost of implementing the Taylor committee's recommendations on safety in sports grounds over the period 1990 to 2000. [21223]

  Mr. Sproat
  From 1990 to the end of 1994–95, it is estimated that around £400 million was committed to implementing improvements at league football grounds related to the recommendations of the Taylor report into the Hillsborough disaster. In 1993, it was estimated that, between 1995–96 and 1999–2000, a further £295 million would be needed to complete this work. The latest estimate by the Football Trust is that likely costs will be £358 million. To date, the Football Trust has contributed some £135 million towards the league clubs' costs, funded from a special 2.5 per cent. reduction in pool betting duty that will continue until 2000. A further 0.5 per cent. reduction in pool betting duty was announced in the last Budget, effective from May 1996, which it is estimated will generate an extra £2.5 million to £3 million a year for the Football Trust to grant aid Taylor-related works.

  Princess of Wales (Accommodation)
  Mr. Alan Williams
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage, pursuant to his answer of 12 March,Official Report, column 557, what the Princess of Wales's apartment consists of; what her staffs accommodation consists of; and what accommodation is available in other occupied royal palaces for the princess and her staff. [21360]

  Mr. Sproat
  Her Royal Highness's apartment at Kensington palace comprises five reception rooms, three principal bedrooms and bathrooms and three ancillary rooms, together with nine staff bedrooms, four bathrooms and shower rooms, five general staff rooms, three offices, and kitchen and utility areas.

  Self-contained residential accommodation for Her Royal Highness's staff comprises one flat with a kitchen, bathroom living room and three bedrooms and one flat with a kitchen, bathroom, living room and one bedroom.

  The Princess of Wales and her staff have no residential accommodation on the occupied royal palaces estate other than that referred to.

  Prince of Wales (Accommodation)
  Mr. Alan Williams
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage, pursuant to his answer of 12 March,Official Report, column 557, what the Prince of Wales's apartment consists of; what non-self-contained residential accommodation is available for His Royal Highness's staff; and what accommodation is available in other occupied royal palaces for His Royal Highness and his staff. [21361]

  Mr. Sproat
  His Royal Highness's apartment in St. James's palace comprises three reception rooms, one principle bedroom and two staff bedrooms, together with ancillary accommodation.

  Accommodation for His Royal Highness's staff comprises three flats and one house at Kensington palace. Two flats have one bedroom and one reception room and one has one bedroom and two reception rooms. The house has four bedrooms, three reception rooms and ancillary rooms.

  The Prince of Wales and his staff have no residential accommodation on the occupied royal estate other than that referred to.

  Government Art Collection
  Dr. John Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage how many works of art from the Government art collection are currently on loan to each Government Department or office. [20564]

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  The figures given relate to the core holding only. All works on loan to the Government art collection from public and private collections, all works owned by other Government Departments which the GAC includes on its computerised database to facilitate their administration and care, all works currently on public display in exhibitions and all reproductions are excluded. So too are all works at GAC headquarters—these include works in temporary storage during Government rebuilding projects, works awaiting conservation, photography or framing, works reserved pending transport and installation, as well as those available for reselection. Excluding works in those categories, the current figures for loans to Government Departments and offices from the Government art collection are as follows:

  Number

  Agriculture and Food Council

  2

  British Library

  1

  Cabinet Office

  102

  Central Statistical Office

  7

  Charity Commission

  2

  Civil Service Commission

  1

  Commonwealth Secretariat

  32

  Crown Estate Office

  8

  Customs and Excise

  21

  Department for Education and Employment

  82

  Department of the Environment

  91

  Department of Health

  78

  Department of National Heritage

  154

  Department of Social Security

  67

  Department of Trade and Industry

  97

  Department of Transport

  47

  Export Credits Guarantee Department

  3

  English Heritage

  1

  Foreign Office: 284 Locations Abroad

  4,722

  Foreign Office: UK Locations

  463

  301

  Number

  Government Actuary's Department

  1

  Government Conference Centre: Lancaster House

  29

  Government Hospitality

  9

  Her Majesty's Treasury

  189

  Her Majesty's Treasury: Location Abroad

  6

  High Court of Justiciary

  42

  Historic Royal Palaces

  66

  Home Office

  101

  Inland Revenue

  17

  Land Registry

  1

  Legal Secretariat to the Law Officers

  28

  Lord Advocate's Department

  17

  Lord Chancellor's Department

  592

  Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food

  41

  Ministry of Defence

  267

  Ministry of Defence: Locations Abroad

  118

  Monopolies and Mergers Commission

  24

  Museums and Galleries Commission

  10

  National Audit Office

  16

  National Gallery

  1

  National Heritage Memorial Fund

  7

  National Investment and Loans Office

  1

  Northern Ireland Office

  116

  Office of Fair Trading

  4

  Office of the National Lottery

  5

  Office of Population Censuses and Surveys

  5

  Office of Public Service and Science

  12

  Office for Standards in Education

  7

  Office of Telecommunications

  5

  Office of Water Service

  5

  Overseas Development Administration

  18

  Palace of Westminster

  6

  Patent Office

  1

  Parliamentary Commissioners

  7

  Parliamentary Council

  28

  Prime Minister's Office

  164

  Privy Council Office

  48

  Property Holdings: Admiralty House

  4

  Public Record Office

  10

  Queen Elizabeth Conference Centre

  16

  Royal Armouries

  4

  Royal Fine Arts Commission

  3

  Register of Friendly Societies

  8

  Royal Hospital

  14

  Royal Mint

  8

  Scottish Courts Administration

  4

  Special Commissioners of Income Tax

  2

  Scottish Home and Health Department

  5

  Scottish Land Court and Lands Tribunal

  8

  Scottish Office

  37

  Council on Tribunals

  5

  Treasury Solicitors' Department

  7

  Government Whips' Office

  28

  Welsh Office

  79

  Total

  8,237

  Government department Defunct organisations in square brackets

  Missing 1991–96

  Missing 1898–1991

  Stolen 1991–96

  Stolen 1898–1991

  [British Maritime Technology]

  —

  2

  —

  —

  Cabinet Office

  1

  5

  -

  —

  Civil Service Commission

  —

  1

  —

  —

  Crown Prosecution Service

  —

  1

  —

  —

  Customs and Excise

  —

  18

  —

  —

  [Department of Education and Science]

  —

  6

  —

  —

  [Department for Employment]

  —

  4

  —

  —

  [Department of Energy]

  —

  4

  —

  1

  Department of the Environment

  1

  48

  —

  4

  [Department of Health and Social Security]

  —

  18

  —

  —

  Department of Trade and Industry

  —

  22

  —

  —

  Department of Transport

  —

  —

  —

  2

  Export Credits Guarantee Department

  —

  1

  —

  —

  Foreign Office Abroad: 356 buildings

  10

  196

  1

  1

  302
  Dr. Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage (1) if she will list by Government Department or office how many works of art on loan from the Government art collection are considered to have been(a) missing and (b) stolen for (i) less than five years and (ii) more than five years; [20562]

  (2) if she will list by Government Department or office the number of works of art on loan from the Government art collection that are considered to be (a) missing and (b) stolen. [20563]

  Mrs. Bottomley
  The Government art collection, under different aliases, has existed since 1898 but it was not until after the second world war that a retrospective, and necessarily inaccurate, manual record of accessions was created. The first project to computerise the accession records and the current locations of works began in 1981. Given the distribution of the collection in, at the peak, around 600 different buildings in 300 cities across the world, computerisation was not completed until 1993. Tracing the consecutive history of individual works throughout the century, using inconsistent and incomplete manual records, has not always been possible and the fate of some may never be established. Thus, numerical accounts of works which have been long lost can only be approximate in that they reflect records which cannot be reconciled rather than actual lost works.

  It is also seldom possible to state exactly whether works have been misplaced or deliberately stolen. The table listing the number of pictures considered to be missing and stolen over the past 98 years from the named Government Departments and offices reflects the GAC's best effort to decide the individual circumstances which caused a particular work of art to leave a particular room in a particular building in a particular city somewhere in the world. "Missing" is not an absolute status; it means a work is not in the room where it was last installed and recorded by the GAC. Each year "missing" works are found again, often in legitimate Government locations where they had been moved without GAC authority and knowledge. Efforts to trace works continue until and unless it can be established that they no longer exist.

  Six of the 27 works listed below as missing since 1991 were lost during the emergency evacuations of British embassies in Belgrade and Baghdad. The 27 works include no paintings, 20 prints, two photographs and five watercolours. Of the 10 works stolen since 1991, five are prints, four are watercolours and one is a painting.
  303

  Government department Defunct organisations in square brackets

  Missing 1991–96

  Missing 1898–1991

  Stolen 1991–96

  Stolen 1898–1991

  Emergency evacuations of Embassies

  6

  —

  —

  —

  In transit and at contractors abroad

  —

  —

  —

  20

  Foreign Office UK

  —

  14

  3

  —

  Her Majesty's Stationery Office

  —

  5

  —

  —

  Her Majesty's Treasury

  —

  7

  —

  —

  Home Office

  3

  9

  —

  —

  Inland Revenue

  —

  2

  —

  —

  Lord Chancellor's Department

  2

  9

  —

  9

  Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food

  —

  4

  1

  —

  Ministry of Defence UK

  2

  53

  1

  12

  Ministry of Defence abroad

  2

  6

  —

  5

  Northern Ireland Office

  —

  1

  —

  —

  Overseas Development Administration

  —

  3

  —

  —

  [Property Services Agency]

  —

  2

  —

  —

  Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre

  —

  —

  4

  —

  Scottish Home and Health Department

  —

  1

  —

  —

  Department Unknown

  —

  3

  —

  —

  Millennium Exhibition
  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage, pursuant to the answer of the Prime Minister of 28 February 1996,Official Report, column 568, for what purpose and to whom funds will be contributed by the private sector to offset the cost of mounting the millennium exhibition; and what advantages will such donors gain from their contributions. [19571]

  Mr. Sproat
  [holding answer Friday 8 March 1996]: The Millennium Commission makes all decisions entirely independently of Government, and it is for the commission to determine the arrangements for a millennium exhibition. The commission has selected the ideas and concepts for an exhibition submitted by Imagination Group Ltd., and announced on 28 February its preference for the event to be located on the Greenwich peninsula site. The commission has made it very clear that it intends that an exhibition would be funded by a combination of private sector funds alongside a commission grant. The commission has stated that it will need to be fully satisfied as to the firm commitment of the private sector support and viability of the whole project before a final grant decision will be taken. This work is currently in progress, and it would be inappropriate for me to comment on the details of private sector involvement while negotiations are taking place.

  The commission is inviting Sir Peter Levene to examine the work completed to date and the work which Imagination, in conjunction with British Gas—the owners of the site—and English Partnerships, to develop the final details of the project to the point where private sector funding is committed.

  Public Bodies
  Dr. Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if she will list those of her Department's advisory non-departmental public bodies which(a) the Government are required to consult prior to legislative proposals and (b) the Government are required to publish their response to advice supplied by them. [21861]

  Mr. Sproat
  The answer is(a) None; and (b) None.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Mitchell Commission
  Mr. Gapes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on progress towards implementation of the Mitchell commission recommendations. [20423]

  Sir John Wheeler
  The Government have welcomed and accepted all the international body's recommendations, and has called on others to do the same. In particular, the Anglo—Irish communique of 28 February states that all parties"would need to make clear at the beginning of discussions their total and absolute commitment to the principles of democracy and non-violence set out in the report of the International Body".

  They would also need to address, at that stage, its proposals on decommissioning.

  Children Order
  Rev. Martin Smyth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment he has made of the impact the proposed reduction in the health and social services budget on the implementation of the children order. [20424]

  Mr. Moss
  The proposed reduction in the health and personal social services budget will have no detrimental impact on the implementation of the Children (Northern Ireland) Order. Indeed, I am pleased to say that redeployment of the reductions will enable me, among other things, to make available £4.928 million in 1996–97 for this purpose.

  Peace Process
  Dr. Spink
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what recent discussions he has had regarding the system for elections leading to all-party talks. [20425]

  Mr. Hain
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on progress towards peace. [20436]
  305
  Mr. Alton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he last met the political leaders in Northern Ireland to discuss the peace process. [20429]

  Sir Patrick Mayhew
  I refer my hon. Friend and the hon. Members to the answer that I gave earlier today to my hon. Friend the Member for Colne Valley (Mr. Riddick) and the hon. Members for Falkirk, West (Mr. Canavan) and for Lewisham, East (Mrs. Prentice).

  International Fund for Ireland
  Mr. Trimble
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he last communicated with the board of the International Fund for Ireland with regard to its operations in Northern Ireland. [20426]

  Sir John Wheeler
  My right hon. and learned Friend last met the board on 20 November 1995 and has had a number of informal meetings with the chairman of the fund since then, as have other ministerial colleagues. The Government are kept fully apprised of the work of the fund through its advisory committee of senior officials.

  Rathlin Island
  Miss Hoey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans there are to compensate those who will lose their jobs on Rathlin island when the new ferry service is introduced. [20427]

  Mr. Moss
  It is my understanding that the vessels presently operating the Rathlin ferry service are crewed by their owners and their families. Our legal advice is that there is no liability for compensation for loss of business as neither is viable without the subsidy which we have paid since 1991. When the new service commences, probably in November 1996, opportunities will be created for a number of jobs, both full and part-time, and those presently involved with the ferry service will be able to compete for them.

  Illegally Held Weapons
  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what discussions he has held recently with the Government of the Republic of Ireland concerning the recovery of illegally held weapons. [20428]

  Sir John Wheeler
  The Government regularly discusses security matters, including the question of illegal arms, with the Irish Government and will continue to do so as part of both Government's determination to maintain close and effective security co-operation. It would not be appropriate to reveal details of such discussions.

  Social Security Fraud
  Mr. Clifford Forsythe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he intends to introduce a strategy to combat fraud in the social security system. [20430]

  Mr. Moss
  The Social Security Agency is currently compiling a security strategy to tackle social security fraud, excluding housing benefit, the implementation of which will commence in April. The DHSS is also committed to the introduction of a housing benefit fraud strategy by the end of June.

  Security Situation
  Sir Fergus Montgomery
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is his assessment of the current security situation in Northern Ireland. [20432]

  Sir John Wheeler
  The announcement on 9 February by the Provisional IRA that it has ended its ceasefire, and the subsequent terrorist outrages, have rightly earned the condemnation of the world. Allied to this, the Combined Loyalist Military Council recently issued a statement declaring it will match PIRA violence "blow for blow".

  Against this background, the security forces have introduced additional security measures and have responded in a proportionate manner.

  The Government have consistently made it clear that they will not be deflected by terrorism from their determination to work towards a settlement which can win the allegiance of both communities.

  Drug Dealing
  Mr. Rathbone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment he has made of the influence of drug dealing on violence in the Province; and if he will make a statement. [20434]

  Sir John Wheeler
  An accurate assessment of the influence of drug dealing on the extent of violent crime is not available. Because of the influence of terrorist groups, victims and witnesses may sometimes be unwilling to make complaints or otherwise assist any form of police investigation. Between April 1995 and January 1996, seven alleged drug dealers were murdered by a group calling itself "Direct Action Against Drugs", a covername for the Provisional IRA. The RUC continues to pursue those responsible and in this it has the full support of the Government.

  Economic Prospects
  Mr. John Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment he has made of the prospects for the Northern Ireland economy. [20435]

  Mr. Ancram
  Prospects for the Northern Ireland economy remain encouraging. Employment is at record levels, output and trade are increasing and we would wish this excellent progress to be maintained. Nonetheless, Northern Ireland's economic prospects would be significantly more assured through a permanent end to paramilitary violence.

  Dairy Industry
  Mr. Pickthall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the dairy industry in Northern Ireland. [20431]

  Mr. Ancram
  The dairy industry contributes some £275 million or 2 per cent. of Northern Ireland's gross domestic product. There are up to 9,900 people employed on 6,050 dairy farms and 2,800 people are employed in 39 dairy processing plants. Liquid milk accounts for only 16 per cent. of production with the remainder being processed into butter, cheese and milk powders which are marketed world wide. The milk marketing scheme was
  307
  revoked on 1 March 1995, thus effecting the deregulation of the industry. The average producer price for milk increased by 4p per litre in 1995.

  Departmental Expenditure
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment he has made of the expenditure of his Department, agencies and non-departmental public bodies on all external consultants including management consultants for each of the years(a) 1979–80, (b) 1989–90, (c) 1991–92, (d) 1993–94, (e) 1994–95 and (f) 1995–96 (i) to date and (ii) as estimated for the whole year; what estimate he has made of such expenditure for 1996–97; and if he will estimate the savings accruing to his Department from the use of consultants in each of these years. [11399]

  Sir John Wheeler
  [holding answer 25 January 1996]: The information in respect of the Northern Ireland Office, Northern Ireland Departments and agencies is listed.

  1979–80: not available

  1989–90: £12,996,000

  1991–92: £25,239,000

  1993–94: £30,382,000

  1994–95: £26,388,000

  1995–96: £ll,190,0001,2

  1995–96: £17,911,0002,3

  1996–97: £16,058,000.4

  1To date.

  2Excludes DED who could only provide information for these years at disproportionate cost.

  3Yearly estimate.

  4Excludes DED, DHSS and DENI as estimates for such expenditure has not yet been made.

  Information on non-departmental public bodies could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  As consultants are, in many instances, engaged to contribute particular skills to an element of a much larger process it is not possible to quantify savings which such expenditure has resulted in, but in each instance consultants were engaged on the basis of best value for money.

  Computers
  Mr. Miller
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list all cases since 1987 in which 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. [19451]

  Sir John Wheeler
  The Northern Ireland Departments and the Northern Ireland Office, Belfast have bought the following computer capacity from:

  (a) Other Departments

  The Department of Social Security Information Technology Services Agency provide systems relating to income support, unemployment benefit, pension strategy, family credit, disability working allowance, disability living allowance, social fund and child support services to the Social Security Agency and Child Support Agency.

  308

  (b) The private sector

  In 1991 a contract was awarded to CFM by the Department of Finance and Personnel on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office and Northern Ireland Departments for the provision of a computer bureau and associated services. Other Northern Ireland Departments have also taken out separate contracts with CFM as follows:

  Department of Health and Social Services

  provision of contingency service—commenced 1991;

  provision of mainframe bureau services—commenced 1993;

  provision of a contingency support system for pensions system—commenced 1993.

  Department of Agriculture

  provision of Accounting System—1994–1997.

  Department of Economic Development

  provision of computing services for selected systems—commenced September 1992.

  Department of the Environment

  provision of computerised printing of all communications excluding start of year rate demands—1995–1997.

  In addition computer capacity has been purchased from the following:

  (1) MVM Consultants, Bristol 1993–1998

  (2) Kendrick and Jefferson, Birmingham 1987–1994

  (3) Aluset Ltd, Dublin 1995

  (4) Kendrick and Jefferson, Birmingham 1996–1998

  (5) Datashield, Hoddleston, Herts. 1987–1995.

  Individual contract values cannot be disclosed on grounds of commercial confidentiality.

  Information from the Northern Ireland Office, London is not available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Anti-social Neighbours
  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what estimate he has made of the current number of anti-social neighbours; and if he will make a statement. [20527]

  Mr. Moss
  It is not possible to provide an estimate of the number of anti-social neighbours in Northern Ireland.

  Proposals for dealing with anti-social behaviour in the public sector are set out in the housing policy review document published on 19 December 1995, a copy of which is in the Library.

  Law Commission Act 1965
  Mr. Robert McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will amend the Law Commission Act 1965 to end the exclusion of Northern Ireland from its remit. [21682]

  Sir John Wheeler
  No. In my reply to the hon. and learned Gentlemen on 28 February 1996,Official Report, column 574, I set out the arrangements for review of the law for Northern Ireland, which include regular contact with the Law Commission. I am satisfied that the arrangements function efficiently.

  Housing Benefit
  Mr. Robert McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in respect of how many new housing benefit claims in Belfast and North Down in 1995 the Housing Executive has recorded the name of an estate agent acting for a private landlord but not the landlord's name. [21683]

  Mr. Moss
  I understand from the chief executive of the Housing Executive that the information requested could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  North Down and Ards Community Trust
  Mr. Robert McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many staff in the North Down and Ards community trust were employed on six-month contracts; how many have been on such contracts for more than two years; and will he make a statement. [21684]

  Mr. Moss
  The policy of the trust is to set each temporary contract to reflect the needs of the post. Eighty-nine staff are currently on temporary contracts. Ten of them have been employed for over two years.

  Orders in Council (Debate)
  Mr. Robert McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to his answer of 6 March,Official Report, column 224, for the period since 1 January 1995, if he will list those Northern Ireland Orders in Council debated on the floor of the House. [21685]

  Sir John Wheeler
  The information is as follows:

  Date of debate

  Children (NI) Order 1995

  8 February 1995

  Children (Northern Ireland Consequential Amendments) Order 1995

  8 February 1995

  Appropriation (NI) Order 1995

  8 March 1995

  Appropriation (No. 2) (NI) Order 1995

  18 July 1995

  Appropriation (NI) Order 1996

  19 February 1996

  Rathgael Centre
  Mr. Robert McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to his answer of 6 March,Official Report, column 225, if he will specify the daily average number of residents at the Rathgael centre in Bangor in 1995 and the annual total, by type, and the percentage who absconded in that year, and the range of penalties that can be, and were imposed for going absent without leave; and if he will make a statement. [21686]

  Sir John Wheeler
  The information requested is as follows:

  (1) The annual average number of residents on campus at Rathgael in the year from 1 January 1995 to 1 January 1996 was 82. Of this total an average of 53 were the subject of order for care, protection and control and 29 were the subject of orders for offending.

  (2) In that period Rathgael had a throughput of 285 children of which 166 were there for care reasons and 119 for offending.

  (3) During the same one-year period 144 children—76 care and 68 justice—were responsible for 481 incidents of absconding. This represents an average of 1.3 per day or
  310
  1.6 per cent. per day of the average population. These statistics include all those suspected of leaving the campus without permission, even for a very short time.

  (4) There is a range of sanctions available to staff to enable them to respond meaningfully to absconding and other misdemeanours. At the lowest level a young person may be given extra chores, lose recreation time, be sent to bed earlier for a specified period, suffer a reduction in pocket money and have restrictions placed on, or even lose, home leave privileges. At the higher level, where there are concerns about physical or moral welfare or where there is evidence of anti-social behaviour or persistent absconding, a child may be sent to one of the on-site close supervision units. In extreme cases a young person may be removed to the secure unit at Lisnevin or to the Young Offenders Centre at Hydebank.

  Farm-reared Deer (Hunting)
  Mr. Robert McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what proposals he has to review the law on the hunting of farm-reared deer or stags; if he will set out the legal provisions on carting which are specific to Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement. [21687]

  Mr. Moss
  I have no plans to review the law on the hunting of farm-reared deer or stags.

  Under the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985, it is illegal intentionally to kill, injure or take, without a licence, any species of deer during the close season or at night during the open season. It is also an offence, under that order, to take and remove any live deer at any time without a licence. These provisions do not apply to any person who keeps and breeds deer for the purposes of a trade or business certified by the Department of Agriculture or to veterinary practitioners in the course of their work.

  In addition, the Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 1972 provides for the general protection of all animals from cruelty. Under the Act, it is illegal to hunt any animal—other than a domestic animal—which is released for that purpose, if it is released in an injured, mutilated or exhausted condition or the animal is hunted in an enclosed space from which there is no reasonable chance of escape.

  Public Bodies
  Dr. Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list those of his Department's advisory non-departmental public bodies which(a) the Government are required to consult prior to legislative proposals and (b) the Government are required to publish their response to advice supplied by them. [21862]

  Sir John Wheeler
  The information requested is as follows:

  (a) The Drainage Council for Northern Ireland

  The Council for Nature Conservation and the Countryside

  The Northern Ireland Buildings Regulations Advisory Committee

  The Statistics Advisory Committee

  The Health and Safety Agency

  (b) None

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Live Animal Exports
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he first issued the export certificate, numbered EC400, for use by local veterinary inspectors to certify calves under the age of 42 days destined for France. [20774]

  Mrs. Browning
  The earliest available official records confirm that export certificate EC400 was in use in 1977 and applied originally to the export of calves under 15 days of age. It is not possible, however, to establish when it was first used. Records also confirm that the certificate was first used for the export of calves under 42 days of age to France in October 1980.

  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many consignments containing calves between the ages of 15 days and 42 days were exported on certificate EC400 to France in 1995. [20822]

  Mrs. Browning
  Precise information on the number of consignments containing calves between 15 and 42 days of age exported in 1955 to France on EC400 certification could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. We believe, however, that approximately 1,800 consignments were exported on certificate EC400 in 1995. An informal analysis of trade during 1995 indicated that the majority of consignments of calves exported to France included calves between 15 days and 42 days of age.

  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what percentage of livestock markets in England and Wales currently meet the approved EU standards for export purposes, such that they would qualify as departure points for calculation of overall journey times; and if he will make a statement. [21826]

  Number of licences issued in England during the last five years1

  County

  Year ending 31 March 1992

  Year ending 31 March 1993

  Year ending 31 March 1994

  Year ending 31 March 1995

  Period ending 19 March 1996

  Cheshire

  2

  1

  —

  —

  —

  Cornwall

  1

  2

  1

  1

  1

  Dorset

  1

  1

  1

  1

  1

  Hampshire

  —

  —

  —

  1

  1

  Humberside

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  Isle of Wight

  1

  1

  1

  1

  1

  Lancashire

  9

  9

  4

  5

  5

  Norfolk

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Northumberland

  1

  1

  1

  1

  1

  Staffordshire

  —

  —

  1

  1

  1

  Suffolk

  3

  2

  2

  1

  —

  West Yorkshire

  —

  2

  1

  1

  1

  Total

  19

  20

  12

  13

  12

  1 The date of issue of a licence does not necessarily correspond with the date on which the licence comes into affect.

  312
  Mrs. Browning
  The percentage of livestock markets that meets the conditions for EC approval is not known since all livestock markets that want to be EC approved must apply for such status and be inspected by Ministry veterinary staff before approval may be granted.

  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many consignments of calves which started their export journey at Wix lairage in Essex are under investigation in respect of animal health certification and ear tag irregularities. [21757]

  Mrs. Browning
  This Department is not carrying out any investigations at Wix lairage in Essex. Enforcement of the legislation governing the health rules for consignments intended for export is the responsibility of the local authority.

  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the animal export certification procedures carried out by the local veterinary inspector at Wix lairage in Essex. [21758]

  Mrs. Browning
  Meetings have been held with the local veterinary inspector—LVI—for the Wix lairage in Essex to discuss the export certification procedures. In addition, export health certificates issued by the LVI are checked by local Ministry staff as part of the Department's audit procedures.

  Fur Farms
  Mr. Heppell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many fox fur farms there are in each county of England and Wales. [21367]

  Mrs. Browning
  There is no requirement to register fox fur farms. However, I am not aware of any in England and Wales.

  Mr. Heppell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many licences were issued for mink farms in each county of England and Wales in each of the last five years. [21366]

  Mrs. Browning
  No licences have been issued in Wales in the last five years. The number of licences issued in England is set out in the table.

  Sheep Cloning Experiments
  Mr. Alton
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what inquiries he has made of the Roslin institute, Edinburgh, concerning the deaths of sheep during experiments into cloning and the excess growth of another animal; if he will publish a full report into the extent of publication of the outcome of the cloning experiments; if he will ban such experiments; and if he will make a statement. [21647]

  Mrs. Browning
  The Ministry encourages the full publication of scientific results and notes that the original scientific paper in Nature disclosed the deaths of three sheep during a cloning experiment. It is aware that the research team plans the publication of further details on the weights of the lambs at birth. The Ministry is aware of the large birthweight offspring and has commissioned research into this problem.

  MAFF is guided by the recommendations of the 1995 report of the committee to consider the ethical implications of emerging technologies in the breeding of farm animals—the Banner report—which endorsed cloning, subject to safeguards. Experiments on animals are regulated by the Animal (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, which is administered by the Secretary of State for Home Affairs.

  Selective Breeding
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the effect of the selective breeding of farm animals on the gene pool. [21480]

  Mrs. Browning
  The Ministry has commissioned work on the theory of genetics, which included specific studies on the effects of selective breeding of farm animals on the gene pool. The research concluded that any potential negative effects can be avoided by targeted breeding.

  Departmental Contractors and Suppliers
  Mr. MacShane
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what measures his Department is taking to ensure that its contractors and suppliers(a) pay their employees a wage which ensure such employees do not need supplementary welfare payments via various state benefits and (b) meet workplace health and safety regulations; and if he will make a statement. [21453]

  Mr. Boswell
  The Department seeks to award contracts in accordance with chapter 31 of "Government Accounting" and the public procurement rules. In choosing its suppliers and contractors, the Department has regard to the eligibility, economic and financial standing, and the ability and technical capacity of its suppliers and contractors to deliver the contracted goods and services at the contracted charges. Terms and conditions of employment, including wages, are a matter between contractors or suppliers and their employees, subject of course to any relevant legal requirements. Compliance with health and safety regulations is a legal requirement for contractors or suppliers.

  Ostriches
  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what plans he has to protect the welfare at slaughter of ostriches in the United Kingdom; and on what scientific research those plans are based; [21759]

  (2) by what methods and on what premises it is permitted to slaughter ostriches on a commercial basis in the United Kingdom; [21760]

  (3) how many farmed ostriches have been slaughtered to date in the United Kingdom; by which method they have been slaughtered; and if he will make a statement. [21761]

  Mrs. Browning
  There is at present no commercial slaughter industry for ostriches in this country. Although small numbers of birds have been killed on farms in recent years, information on their number or on the methods used is not available. The state veterinary service continues to monitor developments.

  The slaughter of ostriches for human consumption in the United Kingdom must be carried out in a slaughterhouse licensed under the relevant Great Britain or Northern Ireland hygiene legislation for the production of poultry meat or in exempt premises which comply with general food hygiene legislation.

  The welfare at slaughter of ostriches bred or kept for the production of meat or other products is already protected in Great Britain by the Welfare of Animals (Slaughter or Killing) Regulations 1995, S.I. No. 1995/731. The regulations provide specific controls over the movement, lairaging, restraint, stunning, slaughter and killing of animals and make it an offence to cause any animal, which includes birds, any avoidable excitement, pain or suffering during these operations. The permitted methods of stunning are by means of a captive bolt, by concussion stunner or by electronarcosis—electrical stunning. After stunning, the birds must be bled without delay in accordance with the regulations. Similar regulations will be made in Northern Ireland.

  Government-commissioned research into ostrich slaughter is due to provide a preliminary report and recommendations at the end of this month. In the light of the findings of this research, guidance on recommended slaughter practice will be made available to producers.

  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many ostrich farms operate in the United Kingdom; and what is the current size of the United Kingdom ostrich flock. [21762]

  Mrs. Browning
  The information is not available. The Ministry's agricultural and horticultural census does not separately identify ostrich farmers or the number of birds they keep. Ostrich farmers must hold a dangerous wild animals licence, issued by local authorities under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976. I understand that the Department of the Environment, which is responsible for this Act, does not keep a central register of this information.
  315
  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how much ostrich meat was consumed in(a) 1994 and (b) 1995 in the United Kingdom; what were the countries of origin of that meat; and if he will make a statement. [21763]

  Mrs. Browning
  The information is not available. The consumption of ostrich meat is not identified separately in the national food survey. Only one establishment—in France—has been approved to export ostrich meat to the UK.

  Pet Dogs and Cats (Illegal Imports)
  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has made of the number of pet dogs and cats illegally imported in each year since 1986; and how many cases of such imports have been discovered. [22070]

  Mrs. Browning
  No estimates are made of the number of people who smuggle animals into the country undetected. However, figures are available for the number of animals reported as illegally landed since 1988.

  Dogs

  Cats

  1988

  93

  16

  1989

  38

  28

  1990

  59

  40

  1991

  72

  39

  1992

  60

  33

  1993

  50

  39

  1994

  70

  39

  1995

  59

  44

  Live Animal Transport
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what action he is taking to implement the EU directive on the welfare of live animals in transit in a way that ensures the future viability of livestock markets, including those in Wales, and if he will make a statement on the impact of these measures on farmers dependent on livestock markets; [21824]

  (2) when he expects to be able to set out the terms on which the EU directive on the welfare of live animals in transit is to be implemented with particular reference to (a) rest periods and (b) the conditions for allowing time at markets to be discounted from time in transit; and if he will make a statement. [21825]

  Mrs. Browning
  We are developing our plans to implement this directive in the light of responses to our consultation paper and in full discussion with all those with an interest. We attach particular importance to developing provisions on journey time and rest, for example, which meet the requirements of the directive in a way that recognises the reality of livestock marketing practice in Great Britain. We shall set our detailed plans out in a further consultation document before finally deciding what approach to adopt.

  Quarantine
  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his answer of 14 March,Official Report, column 727, what were the main recorded causes of death of dogs and cats held in quarantine in the United Kingdom in each year since 1986. [22071]

  Mrs. Browning
  No information is available on the causes of death of dogs and cats held in quarantine prior to 1995, other than those which died from rabies. The information collected from 1995 onwards shows that the causes of death were varied and no different from those that could be expected in a population of similar animals. Tumours/cancer accounted for around 25 per cent. of deaths. About a further 10 per cent. of the deaths in quarantine were where animals were euthanased at the owners request.

  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many imported(a) dogs and (b) cats have passed through United Kingdom quarantine in each year since 1986. [22069]

  Mrs. Browning
  It is possible to provide information only on the number of animals for which licences have been issued permitting their import. Information on the number of animals actually imported into the United Kingdom is not available for this period.

  Dogs

  Cats

  1986

  4,738

  2,329

  1987

  5,249

  2,927

  1988

  5,132

  3,095

  1989

  5,915

  3,220

  1990

  5,999

  3,687

  1991

  5,290

  3,289

  1992

  5,175

  3,190

  1993

  5,738

  3,633

  1994

  5,554

  3,863

  1995

  5,394

  4,126

HEALTH

  Factor 8
  Mr. Barron
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the quantity of (i) recombinant factor 8 and (ii) plasma-derived factor 8,(a) produced and (b) used annually in the national health service. [19567]

  Mr. Horam
  This information is not collected by the Department of Health. Figures collected by the United Kingdom haemophilia centre directors, which may be incomplete, show that some 158 million units of factor 8 were used in the UK in 1994. Of the total, 4 per cent. were recombinant, 64 per cent. plasma-based products produced by the national health service and 32 per cent. plasma-based imported products.

  Oral Contraceptives
  Ms Harman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people died from thrombo-embolic complications arising form the use of the contraceptive pill in each of the last five years. [21013]
  317
  Mr. Horam
  Mortality statistics are based on the cause of death as stated by the doctor or coroner. It may not be possible for the certifier to link definitely the thrombo-embolic episode to oral contraceptives and consequently oral contraceptives may not be mentioned on the certificate.

  The table shows the number of deaths in England and Wales from thrombo-embolic complications, ICD1 E932.2, stated to be associated with the use of the contraceptive pill in each of the last five years.

  Year

  Number of deaths

  1990

  7

  1991

  7

  1992

  2

  1993

  6

  1994

  3

  1 International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision.

  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what external legal advice he sought on the implications of issuing the "Dear Doctor" letter of 18 October 1995 prior to the issuing of that letter. [20500]

  Mr. Malone
  None.

  Mr. Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to(a) withdraw or (b) amend the advice to prescribers issued in the "Dear Doctor" letter of 18 October 1995. [20501]

  Mr. Malone
  None.

  Mr. Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list those members of the Spritzer team of investigators for the trans-national study of oral contraceptives employed to advise(a) the Medicines Control Agency and (b) the Licensing Authority since 18 October 1995 on safety concerns relating to third generation oral contraceptives; on what date they were recruited; what are their emoluments and if they were required to sign the Official Secrets Act. [20502]

  Mr. Malone
  None were employed.

  Mr. Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment the Licensing Authority has made of the dangers of third generation oral contraceptives; and if the authority proposes to license these products. [20511]

  Mr. Malone
  I refer the hon. Member to the statement that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health made in the House on 23 October 1995,Official Report, columns 701–11. A number of third generation oral contraceptives are currently licensed; applications for subsequent licences will be considered under normal procedures.

  Safety of Medicines
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many yellow cards have been received by the Medicines Control Agency for each month since January 1994. [20499]

  Mr. Malone
  The information is shown in the table. A report of a suspected adverse drug reaction does not necessarily mean that the condition was caused by the medicine.
  318

  Month and year of receipt

  Number of yellow cards received

  1994

  January

  1,171

  February

  1,262

  March

  1,464

  April

  1,133

  May

  1,277

  June

  1,619

  July

  1,309

  August

  1,412

  September

  1,543

  October

  1,352

  November

  2,072

  December

  1,950

  1995

  January

  1,741

  February

  1,484

  March

  1,720

  April

  1,210

  May

  1,517

  June

  1,472

  July

  1,579

  August

  1,347

  September

  1,437

  October

  1,381

  November

  1,559

  December

  1,289

  1996

  January

  1,487

  February

  1,660

  Mr. Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health on how many occasions and on what date or dates since the coming into effect of the Medicines Act 1968 the powers under section 3 (2) (c) of the Act have been used by Ministers to request the Medicines Commission to review the section 4 committees; and if he will not invoke those powers. [20503]

  Mr. Malone
  This information could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health who is the chairman of the Committee on Safety of Medicines for the period 1 January 1996 to 31 December 1998. [20504]

  Mr. Malone
  Professor Michael Rawlins.

  Amphetamines
  Mrs. Mahon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects to make an announcement on the use of amphetamines for sliming purposes. [21053]

  Mr. Malone
  An announcement is expected to be made shortly concerning the availability for sliming purposes of a range of medicinal products known as anorectic agents.

  Osteoporosis
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to take new measures to(a) increase public awareness of osteoporosis and (b) combat the disease. [21519]

  Mr. Horam
  We are continuing to implement the report of the advisory group on osteoporosis, which was published in January 1995. Work in clinical guidelines is
  319
  under way, led by the Royal College of Physicians. The Department of Health has increased its financial support for the National Osteoporosis Society, which undertakes a wide range of public and professional education activities and launched a £9 million national exercise campaign on 19 March.

  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to increase the resources available in the north-west for the early diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis. [21477]

  Mr. Horam
  Nationally, health authority general revenue allocations for the financial year 1996–97 will increase by 1.1 per cent. in real terms—£221 million—over 1995–96 allocations. Within these allocations, the provision of local services is a matter for local managers.

  Clinical Waste
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the illegal dumping of clinical waste in Hertfordshire in 1995. [21291]

  Mr. Horam
  I understand that a quantity of clinical waste was found dumped on two sites in Hertfordshire and was cleared and made safe by the local waste disposal regulatory authority. Investigations are being undertaken and co-ordinated by the Hertfordshire county council waste regulation unit in collaboration with other waste regulators and with regional offices of the NHS Executive. Legal action against the contractor concerned is being considered by the waste regulation unit.

  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary for Health (1) how many of the NHS trusts which contracted for the disposal of the clinical waste found at Hertford checked the incineration procedures to be used by the contractors; [21301]

  (2) if he will name the NHS health trusts which contracted with Green Environmental Services to handle infected clinical waste subsequently found dumped at various sites in Hertfordshire. [21292]

  Mr. Horam
  This information is not available centrally. Investigations by the Hertfordshire county council waste regulation unit continue.

  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what action he has taken to warn the public of the dangers arising from the dumping of infected hospital clinical waste; [21293]

  (2) what representations he has made to the chief constables of Essex, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire about the need to alert their officers to the risk of infected clinical waste in unattended lorry trailers. [21294]

  Mr. Horam
  These are matters for waste regulation and environmental health authorities. The Hertfordshire county council waste regulation unit continues to co-ordinate the investigation of possible breaches of waste regulations in collaboration with other authorities in Hertfordshire and elsewhere.

  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what are the responsibilities of the NHS for the safe disposal of infected clinical waste. [21271]
  320
  Mr. Horam
  As a waste producer, the national health service is bound by the "duty of care" requirements of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 to ensure that clinical waste is properly disposed of, even when this work is contracted out. In particular, each waste producer must ensure that waste is transferred only to an authorised transporter. It must describe the waste accurately, ensure its safe disposal and keep records of waste consignments. It must also ensure that proper documentation is passed to the transporter.

  NHS Magazine
  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what are the costs to his Department of(a) publishing, (b) printing and (c) distributing each issue of the NHS magazine. [21384]

  Mr. Horam
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply that I gave to hon. Member for Leeds, Central (Mr. Fatchett) on 15 January at columns 344–55 for information about production costs/gross revenues for issues Nos. 1 to 3 of the magazine.

  Issue No. 4 was published on 13 March. Details of production costs are as follows:

  £

  Production (editorial/photography/design/reproduction/print)

  49,486

  Advertising revenue

  25,417

  Distribution

  12,700

  NHS Trusts (External Financing Limits)
  Mr. Spellar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what are the external financing limits for each NHS trust in the current year; and on how much of this they have drawn. [21177]

  Mr. Horam
  Trusts do not draw on external financing limits. They meet them through a combination of borrowing and repaying debt, and drawing down or building up cash balances. Their responsibility is to ensure that, at the year end, their total expenditure is within their authorised external financing limit and they report their performance against this objective in their annual accounts which are audited and published.

  The current external financing limit for each national health service trust will be placed in the Library.

  Social Work Records
  Mr. Kirk wood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action he has taken to implement the proposals on access to social work records set out in his Department's consultation paper of February 1992, following the European Court of Human Rights decision in the case of Graham Gaskin. [21674]

  Mr. Bowis
  The open government White Paper, Cm 2290, proposed a statutory access right to personal records, which will be introduced as soon as the parliamentary timetable allows. The Government are reviewing the scope for including in this measure provisions to implement the European Court of Human Rights decision in the case of Graham Gaskin.

  Surplus and Underused Properties
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the number and value of surplus and underused NHS properties. [21645]

  Mr. Horam
  Most operational national health service property is owned by NHS trusts. No information is available centrally about the number of value of properties identified as surplus by NHS trusts.

  The non-NHS trust estate includes 876 properties identified as surplus, or potentially surplus, which will be sold over the next 10 years. They have an estimated open market value of £1.2 billion.

  No information is available centrally on the number or value of underused NHS properties.

  Asthma
  Mr. Nigel Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people suffered from asthma in east Lancashire for(a) 1989 and (b) 1994; and what were the national figures for these two dates. [21644]

  Mr. Horam
  Information on the number of people in East Lancashire suffering from asthma is not available centrally. My hon. Friend may wish to contact the relevant family health services authorities, which hold some information on the number of people resident in east Lancashire who suffer from asthma.

  There are no comprehensive national data on the number of people with a diagnosis of asthma. However, it has been estimated that the prevalence of asthma sufficiently severe to require regular medical supervision is from 4 to 6 per cent. in children and about 4 per cent. in adults. More information is given in "Asthma: An Epidemiological Overview", produced by the central health monitoring unit of the Department of Health and published on 22 March 1995, copies of which are available in the Library.

  Departmental Staff (Working Hours)
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many persons in his Department worked in excess of 48 hours per week in any of the last 52 weeks; and what percentage of the staff employed this represents. [21508]

  Dr. Horam
  Records of the number of hours worked by each employee are not kept centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Nursing and Residential Homes
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what data his Department collate on the size of(a) nursing and (b) residential homes. [21646]

  Mr. Bowis
  The Department collects information on the number of registered beds in nursing homes registered under section 23 of the Registered Homes Act 1984, the number of registered places and residents in residential homes registered under the Registered Homes Act 1984 and the Registered Homes (Amendment) Act 1991 respectively and the number of places in staffed and unstaffed local authority residential homes.
  322
  More detailed information on these collections is contained—under the entries for returns KO36, RAC5, RAC5(S) and RAU1—in the personal social services statistical information directory, copies of which are available in the Library.

  NHS Executive (Redundancy Costs)
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what were the redundancy costs of reducing management and manpower at the NHS executive, Quarry house in each of the last three years. [21723]

  Mr. Horam
  The costs for the Department of Health's voluntary early severance/retirement scheme for national health service executive staff at Quarry house for each of the last three financial years is shown in the table. There have been no compulsory redundancies in the NHS executive during this period.

  1993–94 £

  1994–95 £

  1995–96 £

  Total cost

  0

  388,406

  3,812,635

  Centrally funded

  0

  310,724

  3,050,108

  Net cost to DH

  0

  77,681

  762,527

  Fraud
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will take steps to ensure that fraud appears as a separate item in the losses statements of health authorities and trusts from 1 April. [21729]

  Mr. Horam
  With effect from December 1995 health authorities and trusts were already required to report the value of all frauds to the national health service executive separately.

  Physical Activity Task Force
  Mr. Riddick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if the work of the physical activity task force has been completed; and if he will make a statement. [22730]

  Mr. Horam
  The work of the physical activity task force has now been concluded. The Government fully appreciate the valuable work of the task force, from which the Department of Health has developed a physical activity statement. Copies of this statement are available in the Library.

  Darlington Memorial Hospital
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement about the future of accident and emergency services at Darlington memorial hospital. [22074]

  Mr. Horam
  This is a matter for South Durham health authority. The hon. Member may wish to contact the chairman of the authority, Dr. John Marshall, for details.

  Public Bodies
  Dr. Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health which of the national health service bodies sponsored by his Department have a statutory base; and if he will list those bodies which(a) admit members of the public to all

  323
  board or committee meetings and (b) hold open meetings for the public (i) under a statutory requirement and (ii) voluntarily. [21828]

  Mr. Malone
  All national health service bodies, as defined by the Cabinet Office, have a statutory basis. Health authorities and special health authorities are statutorily required to admit members of the public to their meetings. NHS trusts are statutorily required to hold an annual public meeting and many voluntarily admit the public to board meetings. There is no requirement on the Dental Practice Board to hold any meetings to which the public are admitted.

  Dr. Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the national health service 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. [21833]

  Mr. Malone
  National health service bodies, as defined by the Cabinet Office, are subject to investigation by the Health Service Commissioner (Ombudsman), and scrutiny by both the Audit Commission and the National Audit Office.

  The principles of open government are incorporated in the code of practice on openness in the national health service, with which all national health service bodies must comply. The principles of the citizens charter apply to national health service bodies and have been incorporated into the patients charter.

  The NHS executive monitors the performance of all national health service bodies.

  Dr. Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health which of the national health service bodies sponsored by his Department publish(a) annual reports, (b) annual accounts, (c) minutes of meetings, (d) agendas of meetings and (e) a register of members' interests (i) under the statutory requirement and (ii) voluntarily. [21838]

  Mr. Malone
  There is a statutory obligation on national health service trusts to publish an annual report, all other NHS bodies are required to do so by the codes of conduct and accountability. There is a statutory obligation on all NHS bodies to publish annual accounts but no obligation on them to publish minutes of their meetings, although many do. Health authorities and special health authorities are statutorily required to publish the agendas of their meetings. All NHS bodies are required by the codes of conduct and accountability to maintain a register of members' interests.

  NHS Trusts
  Mr. Mudie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will break down by(a) element and (b) amount the emolument figure paid to NHS trust board members in 1993–94 in the NHS accounts; [22000]

  (2) if he will break down the £985,000 compensation for loss of office by board members of NHS trusts in 1993–94 by (a) the number of individuals involved, (b) the amounts, and (c) the trusts concerned. [21994]
  324
  Mr. Malone
  Information will be placed in the Library on the fees paid to non-executive directors, other emoluments of executive directors, compensation for loss of office and early retirement pensions paid to the directors of NHS trusts for 1993–94. Information on the number of individuals involved is not available centrally.

  We do not recognise the amount of £985,000 quoted by the hon. Member.

  Mr. Mudie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will break down by (i) trust, (ii) element and (iii) amount the losses and special payments totaling £24,902,000 as set out in the NHS summarised accounts 1994–95. [21995]

  Mr. Horam
  The information could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health which NHS trusts no longer recruit senior managers on fixed-term contracts. [20901]

  Mr. Malone
  The information is not available centrally

  Play Schemes
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has either to suspend or abandon his proposed deregulation of supervised activities and holiday play schemes used by children under eight years of age. [22075]

  Mr. Bowis
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply that I gave him on 18 March at column 82.

WALES

  Executive Action
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list those areas of executive action where he has discretion to act in respect of an individual without giving reasons for his decision. [20530]

  Mr. Hague
  Comprehensive records are not kept in the form requested. I exercise discretion to act in respect of an individual without a legal obligation to give reasons in the following subject areas, which provide examples of such powers. However, as a matter of practice and in accordance with the Government's code of practice on access to government information, reasons are usually given when there is an exercise of any discretionary power.

  The subject areas, with examples are:

  1. Agriculture, fisheries and food:

  eg section 18 Agriculture Act 1986

  section 33(5) Plant Varieties and Seeds Act 1964

  2. Industry

  eg section 5 Thermal Insulation (Industrial Buildings) Act 1957

  3. Employment and training:

  eg section 84(1) Factories Act 1961

  section 27 Children and Young Persons Act 1933

  4. Education:

  eg section 99 Education Act 1944

  section 5 Education Reform Act 1988

  325

  5. Transport

  eg section 51 Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981

  section 17(2) Transport Act 1982

  6. Housing:

  eg section 164 Housing Act 1985

  7. Environment:

  eg section 15 Environmental Protection Act 1990

  section 44 Water Resources Act 1991

  8. Health and social services

  eg section 123 Mental Health Act 1983

  section 86 National Health Service Act 1977.

  Ministerial Visits (Nursery Schools)
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales which nursery departments and nursery schools he has visited. [21132]

  Mr. Richards
  Since our appointments, in addition to a number of my constituency visits, my right hon. Friend or I have visited the following infant and primary schools, many of which have nursery provision:

  Palmerston County Primary School, Barry, South Glamorgan

  Ysgol Caergeiliog (Grant Maintained), Anglesey, Gwynedd

  St. Giles Infant School, Wrexham, Clwyd

  Rhostyllen Primary School Rhostyllen, Clwyd

  Pen Barras County Primary School, Ruthin, Clwyd

  Ysgol Pen-y-Bryn (Grant Maintained), Colwyn Bay, Clwyd

  Ysgol Bro Carmel, Holywell, Clwyd

  Llanellen Primary School, Abergavenny, Gwent

  Llanfihangel Rhydithon Primary School, Llandrindod Wells, Powys

  Bryn Coch County Primary School, Mold, Clwyd

  Ysgol Dewi Sant, Llanelli, Dyfed.

  Ysgol Llys, Prestatyn, Clwyd.

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what was the average cost of answering an(a) oral and (b) written parliamentary question from (i) Opposition and (ii) Conservative hon. Members in each Session since 1989–90. [21787]

  Mr. Hague
  This Department does not collect the information in the form requested.

  Welsh Office Staff
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer of 18 March,Official Report, columns 92–93, how many people were employed at the time of transfer in each of the services transferred out of his Department into other agencies. [22136]

  Mr. Hague
  The numbers of Welsh Office staff working for next steps agencies, for which the Welsh Office has some responsibility, were, at the time the agencies were set up as follows:

  Cadw: 216

  Planning Inspectorate: 20

  ADAS: 45.

  Additionally, 41.5 staff transferred to the Benefits Agency.

  National Health Service
  Dr. Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales which of the national health service bodies sponsored by his Department have a statutory base; and if he will list those bodies which(a) admit members of the public to all board or committee meetings and (b) hold open meetings for the public (i) under a statutory requirement and (ii) voluntarily. [21827]

  Mr. Richards
  All national health service bodies, as defined by the Cabinet Office, have a statutory basis. Health authorities and special health authorities are statutorily required to admit members of the public to their meetings. NHS trusts are statutorily required to hold an annual public meeting and many voluntarily admit the public to board meetings.

  Dr. Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales which of the national health service bodies sponsored by his Department publish(a) annual reports, (b) annual accounts, (c) minutes of meetings, (d) agendas of meetings and (e) a register of members' interests (i) under a statutory requirement and (ii) voluntarily. [21836]

  Mr. Richards
  There is a statutory obligation on national health service trusts to publish an annual report, all other NHS bodies are required to do so by the code of conduct and accountability. There is a statutory obligation on all NHS bodies to publish annual accounts but no obligation on them to publish minutes of their meetings, although many do. Health authorities and special health authorities are statutorily required to publish the agendas of their meetings. All NHS bodies are required by the code of conduct and accountability to maintain a register of members' interests.

  Pembrokeshire Islands Conservation Area
  Mr. Ainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) when the consultation period ended on the proposed special area of conservation for the Pembrokeshire islands; and which individuals and organisations registered objections; [22018]

  (2) if he will place in the Library a copy of the bjections to the proposed Pembrokeshire islands special area of conservation including any maps of the area concerned. [22016]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  The consultation period on the proposed Pembrokeshire islands special area of conservation ended on 22 June 1995.

  It is not proposed to place copies of responses in the Library of the House. Copies of objections received following the national consultation exercise are kept in the Welsh Office library, and can be viewed on request. Responses to the local consultation were treated as in confidence by the Countryside Council for Wales.

  Mr. Ainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will place in the Library a map of the proposed special area of conservation known as the Pembrokeshire islands as recommended by the Countryside Council for Wales. [22020]
  327
  Mr. Jones
  As I said in my letter of 29 March 1995 to the hon. Member, maps of all potential special areas of conservation on which we consulted last year have been placed in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Ainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what is the procedure for approving special areas of conservation under the EU habitats directive; and what are the deadlines relating to the Pembrokeshire islands special area of conservation; [22019]

  (2) when he plans to forward to the European Commission his final recommendation on the special area of conservation for the Pembrokeshire islands; [22021]

  (3) what is the current position of the Pembrokeshire islands proposed special areas of conservation under the EU habitats directive; and if he will make a statement. [22017]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for the Environment to my hon. Friend the Member for Hexham (Mr. Atkinson) on 9 January,Official Report, columns 6–8, in which he stated that further sites would be forwarded to the Commission when the remaining points raised during consultation have been fully considered. Discussions are continuing regarding Pembrokeshire islands; it is hoped that a further meeting of interested parties to be held shortly will enable an announcement to be made shortly.

  Powys Healthcare NHS Trust
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what consultations he has had with the chairman of the Powys Healthcare NHS trust concerning the cash management and year-end flexibility arrangements required by trusts reaching the financial year end without settling the 1995–96 wage claim; and if he will make a statement. [22072]

  Mr. Hague
  None.

  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment he has made of the consequences on the administration of health care in Powys of the industrial dispute between Powys Healthcare NHS trust and its trade unions and professional associations. [22112]

  Mr. Hague
  There have been lengthy negotiations over pay but no industrial action has taken place. The performance of all NHS trusts is monitored against a range of measures, including patient charter standards, and the results for 1995–96 will be published in the summer.

  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he expects to appoint the new chairman of the Powys Healthcare NHS trust. [22118]

  Mr. Hague
  I expect to make an announcement shortly.

  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for wales what consultations he has had and what representations he has received in relation to the Powys Healthcare NHS trust, corporate public relations contract with Golley Slater; and what is the latest estimate outturn for the value of that contract for the year 1995–96. [22076]

  Mr. Hague
  None. This is a matter for the NHS trust to manage.
  328
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what instructions he will give the incoming chairman of the Powys Healthcare NHS trust concerning(a) the payment of across the board annual wage increases and (b) the retention of Whitley Council arrangements; and if he will make a statement. [22119]

  Mr. Hague
  None. This is a matter for the NHS trust which has the power to use local pay bargaining to achieve greater flexibility and efficiency in delivering health services.

  General Practitioners
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will give the numbers of trainee general practitioners on the first year of the general practice vocational training scheme. [22110]

  Mr. Hague
  The number of trainee GPs on their first year of general practice vocational training schemes as at 31 January 1996 was 64.

  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales on what date the Merthyr and Neath general practitioner trainee schemes terminated. [22109]

  Mr. Hague
  The Merthyr Tydfil vocational training scheme was terminated on 30 September 1993. The Neath vocational training scheme terminated on 30 September 1994.

  Performing Arts
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment he has made of the locus of(a) the Cardiff Bay development corporation, (b) the Welsh Arts Council, (c) the Institute of Welsh Affairs and (d) local authorities in taking the lead in providing a new home for the Welsh National Opera company (i) within and (ii) without a new lyric theatre for Wales; and if he will ake a statement. [22114]

  Mr. Hague
  I am aware that a meeting was held on 8 March among a number of public and private bodies to discuss the possibility of a centre for the performing arts in Cardiff. I have made no assessment of their locus in this matter; the funding of any such centre would be an issue for the funding bodies.

  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has had from the chairman of the Cardiff Bay development corporation concerning its 1996–97 budget; and what resource will be allocated within it for the funding of a trust or other body to develop the proposed new lyric theatre or centre for the performing arts in Cardiff bay. [22111]

  Mr. Hague
  None. Financial support to a trust or other body for the development of a new theatre or centre for performing arts in Cardiff bay is, within delegated limits, an operational matter for the Cardiff Bay development corporation. I have asked the chief executive to reply and will place a copy of his response in the Library of the House.

  Cardiff Bay Barrage
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent consultations he has had with the chairman of the Wales region of the National Rivers Authority concerning the safety of water sports in the impounded lake behind the Cardiff bay barrage. [22120]

  Mr. Hague
  None.

  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment he has made of the current forecast gross out-turn cost of constructing the Cardiff bay barrage to its original specification relative to the gross cost cap he gave to the Cardiff Bay development corporation. [22116]

  Mr. Hague
  The estimated final cost of the barrage project announced to Parliament in April 1995 was £191 million. I have asked the Cardiff Bay development corporation to contain expenditure within that figure. The expenditure forecasts are monitored by the Welsh Office on a monthly basis.

  The detailed assessments of the final cost of the barrage project, including the barrage construction contract, and changes to the original specifications are operational matters for the corporation. I have asked the chief executive to reply to the hon. Member on those aspects and will place a copy of his response in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment he has made of the capital cost savings in(a) 1996–97 and (b) 1997–98 in the budgets of the Cardiff Bay development corporation of the omission or postponement of the (i) third boat lock, (ii) sea-angling pier, (iii) environmental island and (iv) dredging to provide 2.5 m lake water depth; and if he will make a statement. [22115]

  Mr. Hague
  These are operational matters for the Cardiff Bay development corporation. I have asked the chief executive to reply and will place a copy of his response in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has received from the Royal Yachting Association concerning the siltation of the current mooring areas of the Cardiff Yacht Club and its relationship to the construction of the Cardiff bay barrage. [22113]

  Mr. Hague
  None.

  South-East Wales Ambulance Trust
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer of 18 March, what proposals he has received from the Powys sub-section of the South and East Wales Ambulance NHS trust to break away from the trust. [22134]

  Mr. Hague
  None. I would expect any proposals for trust reconfigurations to come from the boards themselves with the full support of their commissioning authorities.

  IMAX Theatre Project
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent consultations he has had with the President of the court of governors of the national museum of Wales concerning the location and funding of the expansion of the Welsh industrial and maritime museum with particular reference to its IMAX theatre project. [22108]

  Mr. Hague
  The National Museums and Galleries of Wale's ideas for museum development in Cardiff bay were raised with my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State, at a meeting with the museum's council to discuss its corporate plan on 28 July 1995; it may be further discussed at a meeting between my hon. Friend and the President on the museum's operational plan for 1996–97, to be held on 27 March. No specific proposals have been submitted to the Welsh Office.

  Departmental Running Costs
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer of 18 March 1996,Official Report, columns 92–93, what part of the £22 million additional running cost figure for his Department's 1995–96 budget relative to 1979–80 are attributable to (a) superannuation charges, (b) TEC management fees and (c) accommodation and other miscellaneous overheads. [22137]

  Mr. Hague
  My Department's running cost budget for 1995–96 includes £5 million for superannuation costs; £9 million for TEC management fees; and £8 million for accommodation costs. These items were not included in the Welsh Office running cost figures for 1979–80.

  East Glamorgan NHS Trust
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer of 18 March 1996,Official Report, columns 93–94, how the issue of public dividend capital to East Glamorgan NHS trust counts against the public sector borrowing requirement. [22133]

  Mr. Hague
  Public dividend capital advances, which are issued by the Government as a form of long-term finance on which the trust pays dividends, score within the public sector borrowing requirement.

  NHS Trusts
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) if he will list the dates on which the NHS trusts in Wales agreed annual wage increases for 1995–96; [22073]

  (2) what date each NHS trust in Wales agreed the annual wage increase for 1995–96 with (a) nursing staff, (b) auxiliaries and (c) professionals allied to medicine. [22117]

  Mr. Hague
  This information is not held centrally.

  Public Bodies
  Dr. Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list those of his Department's advisory non-departmental public bodies which(a) the

  331
  Government are required to consult prior to legislative proposals and (b) the Government are required to publish their response to advice supplied by them. [21868]

  Mr. Hague
  There are no such bodies.

  Emergency Medical Admissions
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answers of 18 March, 1996,Official Report, columns 91–92, if the NHS emergency admissions action plan recommendation that he discuss levels of community care with unitary authorities has been (a) rejected and (b) communicated as such to trusts and health authorities. [22135]
  332
  Mr. Hague
  In the normal course of business, the Welsh Office will continue to discuss both the resourcing and implementation of community care with local authorities. Decision on the use of their resources are, however, the matter for individual local authorities.

  It is for individual health authorities to agree with local authorities on how to manage their shared responsibilities for continuing care in the light of local needs and circumstances and Welsh Office guidance. This policy is well known to the NHS and local government, and will be confirmed when the Welsh Office responds formally to the final report of the NHS working group on emergency admissions.

  Dunblane: Inquiry
  Dunblane: Inquiry
  Nitrate in Vegetables: EC Legislation
  Nitrate in Vegetables: EC Legislation
  Agriculture Council, 18th-19th March
  Agriculture Council, 18th-19th March
  Former Yugoslavia: UK Army Reservists
  Former Yugoslavia: UK Army Reservists
  Operation Granby: Chemical Warfare Agents
  Operation Granby: Chemical Warfare Agents
  Chemical Warfare Agents: Detection
  Chemical Warfare Agents: Detection
  Recruitment and Assessment Services: Staff Transfers
  Recruitment and Assessment Services: Staff Transfers
  Former Yugoslavia: US Forces and NATO
  Former Yugoslavia: US Forces and NATO
  Bosniac-Croat Federation Armed Forces: Funding
  Bosniac-Croat Federation Armed Forces: Funding
  Arctic Organisations UK Participation
  Arctic Organisations UK Participation
  Factortame: Judgment
  Factortame: Judgment
  Subsidiarity
  Subsidiarity
  European Court of Justice: Interpretations
  European Court of Justice: Interpretations
  Gedhun Choekyi Nyima and Chadrel Rinpoche
  Gedhun Choekyi Nyima and Chadrel Rinpoche
  Secure Accommodation: Expenditure
  Secure Accommodation: Expenditure
  US Military Intelligence
  US Military Intelligence
  Murder and Manslaughter Offences (Young People)
  Murder and Manslaughter Offences (Young People)
  Offences Committed by UK Nationals Overseas: Review
  Offences Committed by UK Nationals Overseas: Review
  Local Taxes: Debt Enforcement
  Local Taxes: Debt Enforcement
  Environmental Protection: Duty of Care
  Environmental Protection: Duty of Care
  Schools: Wheelchair Access
  Schools: Wheelchair Access