Written Answers of 1 May 1996

HEALTH

  Northern and Yorkshire Region (Chairman's Expenses)
  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health on what date a banker's card for the payment of expenses was supplied to the chairman of the Northern and Yorkshire region; how much has been charged to this card; and how much has been reimbursed by the health service. [24968]

  Mr. Malone
  I will write to the hon. Member on this matter.

  Children aged 16 or over who ceased to be looked after during the year to 31 March 1994 by length of time in continuous care1

  England

  Length of time looked after

  Legal status

  All periods

  Under two weeks

  Two to eight weeks

  Eight weeks to six months

  Six months to one year

  One to two years

  Two to three years

  Three to five years

  Five to ten years

  Over ten years

  All1

  8,600

  600

  660

  980

  820

  1,200

  960

  1,100

  1,000

  1,100

  Care orders:

  2,900

  —

  —

  20

  20

  70

  310

  670

  800

  990

  Full

  180

  —

  —

  10

  20

  40

  30

  20

  30

  30

  Deemed

  2,700

  —

  —

  —

  —

  20

  270

  650

  770

  970

  Other

  30

  —

  —

  10

  10

  10

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Accommodated by agreement under section 20

  4,900

  390

  440

  800

  730

  1,100

  640

  470

  210

  150

  Accommodated compulsorily:

  690

  210

  210

  150

  60

  40

  20

  —

  —

  —

  Remanded or detained

  650

  200

  200

  140

  50

  30

  10

  —

  —

  —

  Other

  40

  10

  —

  10

  10

  —

  10

  —

  —

  —

  Other

  50

  —

  10

  20

  10

  10

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Note:

  1 Figures exclude agreed series of short-term placements under section 20 of the Children Act 1989.

  Mr. Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health for how many young people each local authority has a duty to provide advice, assistance and befriending up to the age of at least 21 years, pursuant to section 24 of the Children Act 1989, in each year for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement. [27061]

  Mr. Bowis
  Information is available centrally on children who in each year qualify for advice and assistance because they have ceased to be looked after by a local authority at age 16 or over. Figures for the period 14 October 1991 to 31 March 1994 will be placed in the Library.

  Mr. Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the numbers of young people who have been subject to care orders, pursuant to section 31(1)(a) of the

  St. George's Hospital, Tooting
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people were waiting for operations at St. George's hospital, Tooting, as of 14 April. [26584]

  Mr. Malone
  The latest published information for St. George's Healthcare National Health Service trust is that 6,404 people were waiting for in-patient or day case treatment on 30 September 1995. Of these, the vast majority—5,373—had waited less than six months and there were no patients waiting over 18 months.

  Local Authority Care
  Mr. Nigel Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the number of young people aged 16 years and above who left local authority care(a) in the 12 months ending December 1994, (b) in the 12 months ending December 1995 and (c) for the last 12 month period for which statistics are available; if he will provide a breakdown by (i) the legal status of those young people immediately prior to leaving the care of the local authority and (ii) the length of time in continuous care, by legal status; and if he will make a statement. [27042]

  Mr. Bowis
  The latest figures available centrally are for the financial year ending 31 March 1994 and are shown in the table.

  Children Act 1989 on or after their 16 birthday, and for whom local authorities have a continuing duty to provide advice, assistance and befriending up to the age of at least 21 years, pursuant to section 24 of the said Act, by local authority area in each year for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement. [27062]

  Mr. Bowis
  The figures available centrally for the period 14 October 1991 to 31 March 1994 will be placed in the Library.

  Listeria
  Mr. David Nicholson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many(a) deaths and (b) recorded occasions of illness have resulted from listeria as a consequence of eating unpasteurised cheeses in each year since 1990;

  517
  what research he has (i) evaluated and (ii) commissioned regarding the incidence and effects of listeria; and what action under public health law he has taken. [26910]

  Mr. Horam
  During the period 1990–95 there have been no deaths or illness as a result of eating unpasteurised cheesees. However, because of the characteristics of human listeriosis, specified food vehicles are rerely identified.

  The Department continues to monitor and evaluate the findings of United Kingdom and international research and surveillance of listeria monocytogenes. The Department has funded projects on L. monocytogenes in foods including seafoods, vegetables and various self-service salad bar foods. Other work which has been funded includes the effect of modified atmospheres on the growth of L. monocytogenes, the effect of thermisation on L. monocytogenes in milk and the carriage of and infection by L. monocytogenes during pregnancy.

  The Department is currently funding a microbiological study of raw cows' milk on retail sale in England and Wales including surveillance for L. monocytogenes.

  No action has been taken under food safety legislation concerning L. monocytogenes in unpasteurised cheeses.

  Operations
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if the consent of patients is required before non-medically qualified persons are admitted to an operating theatre. [26973]

  Mr. Horam
  If a patient has consented to a treatment, such as an operation, this will include the involvement of all staff, medically qualified or not, who are required to ensure that the operation is performed safely and effectively. The admission of observers not connected with treatment should be permitted only if the professional in charge of the patient's care believes that it will not be detrimental to the patient and the patient has not objected.

  Mr. Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what restrictions govern the entry into operating theatres by non-medically qualified people. [26974]

  Mr. Horam
  Entry to an operating theatre of non-medically qualified people is permitted if those people are necessary to the safe and effective running of the theatre, the theatre equipment, or are necessary to the delivery of patient care. The admission of observers not connected with treatment should be permitted only if the professional involved in the patient's care believes that it will not be detrimental to the patient and any patient concerned has not objected.

  Mental Illness (Homicides)
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the number of homicides in mental illness acute hospitals or other inpatient NHS supported mental illness hostels or places in each of the last three years and in the first three months of 1996 by region of location. [27339]

  Mr. Bowis
  This information is not available centrally.

  Operation Cancellations, Durham
  Mr. Steinberg
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many operations were cancelled at short notice throughout the Durham hospitals NHS trust over the last 18 months. [27377]

  Mr. Horam
  The latest information available is as follows:

  North Durham Health Authority area

  1994–95

  Quarter 1: 47

  Quarter 2: 27

  Quarter 3: 14

  Quarter 4: 16.

  1995–96

  Quarter 1: 13

  Quarter 2: 30

  Quarter 3: 41.

  Note:

  Figures represent the number of operations cancelled for non medical reasons on the day the patient is due to arrive or after they have arrived in hospital in North Durham health authority area.

  Private Purchasing
  Mr. Kevin Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the amount spent on purchasing health care from the private sector by(a) Doncaster health authority, (b) Doncaster royal infirmary and Mexborough Montagu trust, (c) Doncaster health care trust and (d) general practitioner fundholders in each year since 1991–92. [27433]

  Mr. Horam
  The information available is listed in the tables:

  Expenditure on the purchase of health care from commercial (for profit) providers—1994–95

  Expenditure £000

  Doncaster district health authority

  874

  Doncaster Healthcare NHS trust

  0

  Doncaster Royal and Montagu Hospital NHS trust

  0

  Notes

  1. The figures are provisional

  2. Information is available for 1994–95 only.

  Expenditure on purchase of health care from private providers by general practitioner fundholders in the Doncaster family health services area

  Expenditure £000

  1991–92

  77

  1992–93

  215

  1993–94

  415

  1994–95

  578

  Dental Caries
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of five-year-old children in England had dental caries in(a) 1990, (b) 1992 and (c) 1995; and if he will make a statement. [27417]
  519
  Mr. Malone
  Every two years, the British Association for the Study of Community Dentistry conducts a survey of dental caries prevalence in children aged five throughout Great Britain. It has found that the mean percentage of five-year-old children in England for whom there is evidence of caries experience in 1989–90 was 46.5 per cent. and in 1991–92 was 40.7 per cent. Figures for 1995–96 will not be available until March 1997.

  Medium Secure Unit (Bradford)
  Mr. Sutcliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will review the suitability of a proposed medium secure hospital unit within the Bierley area of Bradford. [27372]

  Mr. Bowis
  This is a matter for Bradford Community National Health Service trust and Bradford health authority, which will organise public consultation as appropriate. The hon. Member may wish to contact the chairman of the trust for details.

  Small and Medium Businesses
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of his Department's budget was spent on procurement from small and medium enterprises in 1995–96. [27529]

  Mr. Horam
  This information is not available centrally.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Kaymar Studios
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what contracts his Department has entered into with Kaymar Studios; and if he will make a statement. [25926]

  Mr. Howard
  The Home Office has not entered into any contracts with Kaymar Studios.

  Buckley Hall Prison (Escapes)
  Ms Lynne
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department for what crimes the four prisoners who escaped from Buckley Hall on 23 April had been sentenced; and what was the length of their sentences. [27289]

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

  Letter from Richard Tilt to Ms Liz Lynne, dated 1 May 1996:
  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question asking for what crimes the four prisoners, who escaped from Buckley Hall prison on 23 April 1995, had been sentenced; and what was the length of their sentence.
  The requested information is as follows: (i) robbery, five years; (ii) handling stolen goods, five years; (iii) robbery, seven years; and (iv) burglary, one year and nine months.

  Ms Lynne
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the estimated cost to Greater Manchester police force in(a) staff and (b) use of a police helicopter in capturing the four prisoners who escaped from Buckley Hall prison on 23 April. [27290]
  520
  Mr. Maclean
  I understand from Greater Manchester police that no additional costs were incurred as the resources utilised in the operation were part of the force's normal deployments and contingencies.

  Prison Closures
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to close or cluster prisons during the next 12 months; which prisons will be affected; and if he will make a statement. [26663]

  Miss Widdecombe
  [holding answer 29 April 1996]: Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange a reply to be given.

  Letter from Richard Tilt to Mr. Alex Carlile, dated 1 May 1996:
  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about what plans the Prison Service has to close or cluster prisons during the next 12 months.
  The Prison Service has announced the planned closure of Finnamore Wood young offender institution in May 1996 and Oxford prison by the end of 1996. Pucklechurch remand centre closed in March. No decisions have been taken concerning any other prison closures. Consideration is being given, as part of plans for improving cost efficiency, to the possible sharing of some management and support services at prisons where operational and geographical considerations permit.

  National Lottery (Medical Research)
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received in relation to the categories of medical research which may be supported via the National Lottery Charities Board; what consultations he has had with the chairman of that board concerning the financial compensation via board grants for medical charities which lost income when the lottery introduced scratchcards and other competing fund-raising methods; and if he will make a statement. [27314]

  Mr. Sackville
  [holding answer 29 April 1996]: We have received numerous representations about medical research charities receiving grants from the National Lottery Charities Board. Many of these have been concerned with specific types of research. The board announced on 23 April its latest grant round, which will focus on health, disability and care. It will be open to all categories of medical research organisation to make suitable applications.

  The national lottery is a major source of new income for the voluntary sector and has had a beneficial effect in raising the profile of lotteries generally. It has led, and will lead, to hundreds of millions of pounds of additional money reaching charitable and voluntary organisations every year. The Home Office has commissioned research, in association with the voluntary sector, on the specific issue of charitable income before and after the introduction of the lottery. Once the results of this research are known, we will consider whether action is required.

  From 1 May, responsibility for voluntary services passed to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for National Heritage.

  Dunblane Inquiry
  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what arrangements he has made to submit evidence on firearms controls to the inquiry being conducted by Lord Cullen into the events in Dunblane. [28021]

  Mr. Howard
  The Government submitted their evidence on firearms controls to Lord Cullen yesterday. With Lord Cullen's agreement, I and my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Scotland are today publishing the evidence. Copies have been placed in the Library. A copy of the evidence has been submitted to the Home Affairs Select Committee for its use in the separate inquiry which it is undertaking into handguns. Copies of the evidence have also been made available to the press, the police in England and Wales and Scotland, the Firearms Consultative Committee, the British Shooting Sports Council, and other shooting organisations. The Home and Scottish Offices will provide copies on request to other organisations.

ENVIRONMENT

  Stray Dogs
  Mr. Battle
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what provisions exist for local authorities to take up responsibility for stray dogs. [27300]

  Mr. Clappison
  Under section 149 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, districts and London boroughs have to seize, where practicable, dogs straying in their area. Where the owner can be traced, he must be given the opportunity to reclaim his dog within seven days. If he has not done so in this period, the local authority may sell, give away or destroy it.

  Under section 150 of the 1990 Act, districts and London boroughs have to deal with stray dogs taken to them by members of the public. They can allow the finder to keep the dog or they can treat it as if it had been seized.

  These provisions came into force on 1 April 1992.

  Eland House
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what decision his Department has reached on the placing of solar PV panels on Eland House. [27124]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  The Department of the Environment considered installing photovoltaic cells at Eland house. The investment was not judged to be justified, given that the potential energy savings were small in relation to the capital cost. A number of other cost-effective energy saving measures were however, included in the design.

  Chernobyl
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what expertise will be made available from the British nuclear industry to help mitigate the contamination consequences of the recent fires around Chernobyl. [27095]
  522
  Mr. Clappison
  The UK Government have received no requests to provide assistance in respect of the Chernobyl fires.

  Small and Medium Businesses
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what proportion of his Department's budget was spent on procurement from small and medium enterprises in 1995–96. [27531]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  The information requested is not held centrally and is available only at disproportionate cost.

  Water Supplies
  Mrs. Peacock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on water supply arrangements in England and Wales in the light of the Environment Agency's report published on 1 May. [28062]

  Mr. Robert B. Jones
  The Environment Agency's report, "Review of Water Company Plans to Safeguard Summer Water Supplies", underlines the exceptional lack of rainfall and consequent impact on water resources in many parts of the country during the past 12 months. It confirms the extent of the measures which the water companies are taking to maintain supplies even if this summer is as dry as last. Over £400 million of capital expenditure has been announced in England and Wales—investment which will be financed without increasing prices to consumers.

  The Environment Agency's assessment is that the companies are taking appropriate measures, and that, despite the present level of many reservoirs and aquifers, these measures should be sufficient to enable essential supplies to be maintained in all areas even through a hot, dry summer. But there is no room for complacency and, should dry weather continue into the autumn, further measures could be required.

  On 1 September last year, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced that he was putting in hand, with the agency, the Director General of Water Services and representatives of the water companies, a review of water resources and water supply in the longer term. This work is continuing and we expect to publish a report later in the summer.

  Provided, that the costs of supply are met, the environment is properly protected, and waste is avoided, the aim should be to provide consumers with the water they want. Within the framework of sustainable development, it will, however, be necessary to make sometimes difficult choices about the extent to which supply should be guaranteed in extreme droughts for inessential as well as for essential purposes. These are matters on which there is a need for dialogue between companies and their customers, in the light of the costs and benefits of different levels of security of supply.

  The work on the review so far suggests that the basic framework for making water resource and supply decisions is sound, and the water companies, the Office of Water Services and the Environment Agency, with the involvement of the Government where necessary, should be able to reach satisfactory decisions on the management of existing resources and the provision of the resources

  523
  where needed. In planning and managing water resources and supply, particular attention needs to be given to the following points:
  changing patterns and structure of demand for water use: it is essential that present and likely future requirements should be better understood.
  appropriate use should be made of the scope for influencing demand for water through tariff structures and selective metering. The high costs of meeting some water uses, particularly at times of peak demand, should be met directly and fully by those who make use of the water. It should be possible to do this without impacting on charges to meet basic household needs—whereas under present charging arrangements the costs of meeting peak demands are averaged across all consumers.
  water supply systems must be managed efficiently and economically. In particular, in the interests of customers and the environment, leakage levels should be reduced as rapidly as possible to economic levels. Methods of estimating leakage should be fully applied and improved. Ofwat has been discussing leakage reduction programmes with companies and will be publishing information on this shortly.
  increased efficiency in the use of water should continue to be sought. Immediate responsibility for this lies with domestic and industrial consumers, and manufactures of domestic equipment. The Environment Act 1995 gave water companies a new duty to promote efficient water use by consumers, and the Director General of Water Services new powers to supervise the use of the duty; further information on the subject will be published shortly.
  in the light of these factors and in consultation with the Environment Agency, water companies need to review urgently and comprehensively, if they are not already doing so, the reliable yields of each water resource system, with a view to establishing their adequacy and whether additional resources will be needed to meet properly-managed demand. These reviews should take account of the likely impact of climate change so far as it can be predicted. In some locations, new resources may well be needed and plans should be made to provide them in an environmentally-satisfactory manner.
  The report will in particular seek to identify the issues on which further work is needed, the timetables for completing it, and who should be responsible for carrying each matter forward.

  The director general proposes to put to my right hon. Friend shortly proposals for changes in arrangements for compensation of consumers for failures of supply.

  Marsham Street Offices
  Mr. Nigel Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what has been the cost to date of the scaffolding provided for the work on his Department's offices in Marsham street; what is the expected total cost; what tendering procedures applied to the contract for the supply of scaffolding; who was the successful tenderer; and if he will make a statement; [27053]

  (2) when he expects work to be completed on his Department's offices in Marsham street; and if he will make a statement; [27055]

  (3) if he will give an annual breakdown of costs for the work on his Department's offices in Marsham street; and if he will make a statement; [27054]

  (4) what has been the cost to date of the work on his Department's offices in Marsham street; what is the expected total cost; and if he will make a statement. [27056]

  Mr. Freeman
  I have been asked to reply.
  524
  As these are purely operational matters, I have asked the chief executive of the Property Advisers Civil Estate to write directly to the hon. Member.

  Letter from N. E. Borrett to Mr. Nigel Jones, dated 30 April 1996:
  The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster has asked me to write to you providing information in answer to the points raised in your Ordinary Written Questions which appeared in the House of Commons Order Paper on 25 April numbered 13, 17, 18 and 21.
  The main scaffolding to the building was erected in 1991 to provide a means of access to survey the end walls, to enable pieces of concrete debris made loose during freezing weather to be removed safely and to provide protection to those passing beneath the building. This remedy was adopted as the result of a review of the building conducted during 1990 and 1991 which led to the conclusion that it was beyond economical repair and refurbishment.
  The cost of the scaffolding for the end walls to the towers of 2 Marsham Street to the end of 1995/96 was £763,000 and the cost by the end of the current financial year will have risen by £134,000 to £895,000. The scaffolding was procured by competitive tender from specialist scaffolding contractors. The successful contractor was Coventry Scaffolding Co. (London) from whom the scaffolding is hired. They are also responsible for conducting fortnightly statutory safety and maintenance inspections, the cost of which is subsumed within the above figures.
  The cost of the work for the bi-annual inspection and removal loose concrete debris varies according to the amount of removal required, but the readily available information shows that the costs in 1994/95 and 1995/96 were £14,800 and £13,000 respectively. This service was obtained by competitive tender from specialist contractors. The successful contractor was Rope Technology Ltd.
  In addition there have been from time to time, smaller scale requirements for repairs to other parts of the building which have been provided by general contractors whose services have also been procured by competitive tendering and the annual hire and repair costs amount to some £30,000.
  All the scaffolding will be removed as part of the planned demolition of the building following the departure of the last of the occupants into their new accommodation in Victoria in the early part of 1997.

TRANSPORT

  Ashley Health Underpass
  Mrs. Maddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when work on the Ashley Health underpass on the A31 in Dorset began; when it was originally scheduled to be completed; when it is currently scheduled to be completed; and if he will make a statement. [27454]

  Mr. Watts
  I have asked the Chief Executive of the Highways Agency to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Lawrie Haynes to Ms Diana Maddock, dated 1 May 1996:
  As you know the Secretary of State for Transport has asked me to reply to your Parliamentary Question about the Ashley Health Bypass.
  Work on the scheme started on 1 November 1993. It was originally scheduled for completion on 21 July 1995. The road opened in two stages, the westbound carriageway on 21 July 1995 and the eastbound carriageway on 20 September 1995. The official opening ceremony was on 20 September 1995.
  We issued a certificate of substantial completion on 5 November to say that the road was fit for its purpose but the contractor is allowed one year from that date to carry out routine maintenance and remedial works required under the contract. Most of that work is now complete but there will be occasions when further work is needed and when that happens, it will be done at off peak times.

  LTS Rail Franchise
  Dr. Spink
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what progress has been made with the re-tendering of the LTS rail franchise. [27894]

  Mr. Watts
  On 26 April 1996, the Franchising Director announced that he had selected Prism Rail plc as preferred bidder for the LTS rail franchise. Prism plans to bring new rolling stock, lower levels of subsidy and other significant passenger benefits to the line. A formal announcement on the award of the franchise is expected to be made soon.

  Airlines
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list, by airline, the number of requests made for(a) dry leasing and (b) wet leasing of aircraft over the last 12 months and the name of the operator providing the leased aircraft together with its country of registration. [26832]

  Mr. Norris
  Applications from UK Airlines to lease foreign registered aircraft, other than substitution flights, for the period 1 April 1995–31 March 1996, not all of which have been approved.

  UK airline

  Number of aircraft

  Type of lease D-dry W-wet

  Lessor

  Country of registration

  Heavylift airlines

  1

  W

  Volga-Dnepr

  Russia

  1

  W

  Balkan

  Bulgaria

  Pelita Air

  11

  W

  Services

  Indonesia

  1

  W

  Volga-Dnepr

  Russia

  11

  W

  Volga-Dnepr

  Russia

  Pelita Air

  1

  W

  Services

  Indonesia

  16

  W

  Volga-Dnepr

  Russia

  Air Foyle

  2

  W

  Souther Air

  USA

  1

  W

  Safair

  South Africa

  11

  W

  Khors Air

  Russia

  1

  W

  Khors Air

  Russia

  1

  W

  Cargolux

  Luxembourg

  Airtours International

  1

  W

  Centennial

  Spain

  1

  D

  Transwede

  Sweden

  11

  D

  Transwede

  Sweden

  1

  W

  AV Atlantic

  USA

  11

  W

  AV Atlantic

  USA

  1

  W

  Spanair

  Spain

  1

  W

  Sky Service

  Canada

  1

  W

  Transwede

  Sweden

  Atlantic Air Cargo

  1

  W

  Safair

  South Africa

  1

  W

  Aer Atlantic

  Ireland

  1

  W

  Renown

  USA

  British Airways

  11

  W

  Evergreen

  USA

  13

  W

  USAir

  USA

  2

  W

  Cargo Lion

  Luxembourg

  5

  W

  MK Cargo

  Nigeria

  11

  W

  Southern Air

  USA

  Atlas Air

  1

  W

  Cargo

  USA

  Atlas Air

  1

  W

  Cargo

  Luxembourg2

  12

  W

  Cargo Lion

  Luxembourg

  11

  W

  USAir

  USA

  Atlas Air

  11

  W

  Cargo

  USA

  Atlas Air

  1

  W

  Cargo

  USA

  526

  UK airline

  Number of aircraft

  Type of lease D-dry W-wet

  Lessor

  Country of registration

  1

  W

  Gemini

  USA

  European Air

  1

  W

  Cargo

  Spain

  Atlas Air

  1

  W

  Cargo

  USA

  Atlas Air

  1

  W

  Cargo

  USA

  11

  W

  Gemini

  USA

  Virgin Atlantic Airways

  1

  W

  Translift

  Ireland

  11

  W

  Translift

  Ireland

  Business Air

  1

  W

  Crossair

  Switzerland

  Channel Express

  2

  W

  Zantop

  USA

  1

  W

  Farner

  Switzerland

  Air Foyle Charter

  1

  W

  Transwede

  Sweden

  1

  D

  Alter Baeri

  France

  Petroleum

  Dollar Helicopters

  1

  W

  Helicopters

  USA

  Macair

  2

  D

  Sun Air

  Denmark

  1

  W

  Sun Air

  Denmark

  Maersk Air

  Maersk Air

  1

  W

  Denmark

  Denmark

  Titan Airways

  1

  D

  Aer Tara

  Ireland

  11

  D

  Aer Tara

  Ireland

  11

  D

  Aer Tara

  Ireland

  KLM Era Helicopters

  3

  D

  KLM Era BV

  Netherlands

  3

  D

  KLM Era BV

  Netherlands

  2

  D

  KLM Era BV

  Netherlands

  4

  W

  KLM Era BV

  Netherlands

  Suckling Aviation

  11

  D

  Aerocondor

  Portugal

  1

  D

  Dornier

  Germany

  11

  D

  Dornier

  Germany

  21

  D

  Dornier

  Germany

  All Leisure Airlines

  1

  W

  Translift

  Ireland

  1

  W

  Canair

  canada

  Flightline

  1

  W

  Balair

  Switzerland

  Malaysian

  Air UK Leisure

  1

  D

  Airlines

  Malaysia

  European Air Charter

  1

  W

  Safair

  South Africa

  Canadair

  Air 2000

  11

  W

  3000

  Canada

  Cityflyer Express

  1

  D

  TAT

  France

  11

  D

  TAT

  France

  11

  W

  Transwede

  Sweden

  1

  W

  Transwede

  Sweden

  1

  D

  Britair

  France

  GB Airways

  1

  W

  Ryanair

  Ireland

  Brymon Airways

  1

  D

  Bombardier

  Canada

  11

  D

  Bombardier

  Canada

  Adria

  Caledonian Airways

  1

  W

  Airways

  Slovenia

  1

  W

  Challengair

  Belgium

  1

  W

  AOM

  France

  11

  W

  AOM

  France

  1

  W

  Sun Country

  USA

  1

  W

  Sun Country

  USA

  Air Ops of

  1

  W

  Europe

  Sweden

  2

  W

  Transwede

  Sweden

  1

  W

  Air Atlanta

  Iceland

  Air Ops of

  Britannia Airways

  1

  W

  Europe

  Sweden

  American

  1

  W

  Trans Air

  USA

  Heliglobe

  Emerald Airways

  1

  W

  Finet

  France

  Hunting Cargo Airways

  1

  W

  Safair

  South Africa

  Aircraft

  British Midland Airways

  2

  D

  Finance and Trading

  Netherlands

  1 Extensions of previously approved leases.

  2 Aircraft dry leased by Atlas from Cargolux of Luxembourg, then leased on to British Airways.

  London Underground
  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will place a copy in the Library of the report from London Regional Transport on the electrical failure on the London underground on 6 April. [27414]

  Mr. Norris
  A report about the electrical failure on the London underground on 6 April will be placed in the Library once the investigation has been completed and a report for publication has been approved by London Underground Ltd.

  Small and Medium Businesses
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what proportion of his Department's budget was spent on procurement from small and medium enterprises in 1995–96. [27520]

  Mr. Norris
  This information is not held centrally.

  Railtrack
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what reasons led him(a) to sell Railtrack in its entirety and (b) not to sell shares in tranches. [27341]

  Mr. Watts
  The decision to sell substantially all of the Government's shareholding in Railtrack in a single tranche is in line with the Secretary of State's objectives in the Railways Act 1993.

  Highways Agencies
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assistance is available to local authority highways agencies to meet additional redundancy costs; and if he will make a statement. [25474]

  Mr. Watts
  I have asked the Chief Executive of the Highways Agency to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Lawrie Haynes to Ms Joan Walley, dated 1 May 1996:
  As you know, the Minister for Railways and Roads, Mr. John Watts, has asked me to reply to you Parliamentary Question asking what assistance was available to local authority highways agencies to meet additional redundancy costs and if a statement could be made.
  I take this question to be referring to the work carried out by local authorities under their agency agreements with the Highways Agency for managing and maintaining the trunk road network. The current arrangements do not provide for a guaranteed level of work to be carried out by agents. Furthermore, how this work is procured and the management of staff, including redundancies, are issues which we believe are the responsibility of local authority agents. The Agency will of course meet its contractual obligations in relations to these agencies.
  We are optimistic that the new agency arrangements will not in themselves give rise to significant redundancies. Although tenders for the first tranche of new-style agencies have not yet been invited, potential bidders have shown considerable interest in employing existing knowledgeable local authority staff.
  We have already acquired the statutory powers to enable local authorities to compete for the new agencies and we are keen for them to do so. We are now seeking the necessary powers to enable local authority Direct Labour Organisations to compete for the term and works contracts in the new agencies. We believe that such competition will allow the road user to benefit from the best that the public and private sectors have to offer.

DUCHY OF LANCASTER

  Small and Medium Businesses
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what proportion of his Department's budget was spent on procurement from small and medium enterprises in 1995–96. [27533]

  Mr. Willetts
  The information is not held centrally and is available only at disproportionate cost.

  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what guidance has been issued to his Department's purchasing staff regarding the implications of dealing with small and medium enterprises. [27513]

  Mr. Willetts
  The Office of Public Service and its agencies, HMSO and the Central Office of Information have issued guidance to purchasing staff based on guidelines produced by the Treasury and the Department of Trade and Industry. In addition, copies of the new edition of the "Think Big Buy Small" booklet will be made available to purchasing staff.

  Serco Ltd.
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what contracts his Department has with Serco Ltd; what is the current cost; when each contract ends; what are the penalties involved should he seek early termination of the contract; and if he will make a statement. [26642]

  The Deputy Prime Minister
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given yesterday by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary, Office of Public Service.

NATIONAL HERITAGE

  Television Licences (Blind People)
  Ms Lynne
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what is the estimated number of blind people who receive a discount for their television licence; what is the level of discount; how long it has remained at this amount; and if he will make it his policy to increase the discount for blind people financed by the extra revenue raised through ending the exemption for a television licence on second homes. [26817]

  Mr. Sproat
  It is estimated that some 27,000 registered blind people receive the available £1.25 reduction in the television licence fee. The last increase was in 1965 and the Government have no plans to increase the level of this concession. Any such increase would inevitably lead to demands for similar concessions from other groups of people. These demands could not be satisfied without an increase for those who pay the full licence fee, irrespective of their means.

  Heritage Sites (Canals)
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what estimate he has made of the number of heritage sites which are located alongside or in close proximity to canals. [27337]
  530
  Mr. Sproat
  No such estimates are possible because information held on listed buildings, scheduled monuments and other heritage sites does not necessarily indicate their relationship to canals.

  Voluntary Sector (Ministerial Responsibility)
  Mr. Nigel Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage when she will assume ministerial responsibility for volunteering, the voluntary sector and charity matters; and if she will make a statement. [28030]

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister announced on 1 April,Official Report, column 1, that these responsibilities would be transferred to me from my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department as soon as the necessary financial and other arrangements could be made. I have agreed with my right hon. and learned Friend that I shall take over ministerial responsibility from 1 May 1996. At the same date, the staff who currently perform these functions in the Home Office will transfer to the Department of National Heritage.

  I have decided that, following the transfer, my hon. Friend the Minister of State will become responsible for the work of the National Lottery Charities Board alongside his existing responsibility for lottery matters; and my noble Friend the Under-Secretary of State will become responsible for work on the voluntary sector, volunteering, charities and community development.

  My Department will be seeking parliamentary authority in the summer supplementary estimates to enable it to make payments of grants and for the transfer of resources currently in the Home Office. Until such time as approval is given, the Home Office will remain accountable for the actual physical payment of these grants.

  EU Directives
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if she will list the directives which have affected her Department in each of the past three years and(a) the United Kingdom legislation introduced as a result of the directives, (b) the United Kingdom legislation which goes beyond the minimum standards set out in the directives and (c) the clauses within each piece of United Kingdom legislation which amplify the minimum standards set out in the directives. [27079]

  Mr. Sproat
  [holding answer 29 April 1996]: My Department has implemented only one directive in the last three years in an area for which it has lead policy responsibility. This is directive 93/7/EEC on the return of cultural objects unlawfully removed from the territory of a member state. Implementation was made by means of a statutory instrument, SI 1994/501, The Return of Cultural Objects Regulations 1994, which came into force on 2 March 1994. The regulations do not go beyond the absolute minimum required to comply with the directive.

  Playing Fields
  Mr. Pendry
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage when the Government will announce the results of their consultation process about giving the Sports Council statutory consultee status on the sale of playing fields. [27262]
  531
  Mr. Robert B. Jones
  I have been asked to reply.

  The Government's consultation on the possibility that the Sports Council should become a statutory consultee for development affecting playing fields ended on 15 March. The responses have been analysed and indicate broad support for this proposal. Subject to further consideration of some technical and legal points, we expect to lay the necessary statutory instrument before Parliament in June.

TREASURY

  EDS Ltd.
  Mr. MacShane
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the Inland Revenue contract with EDS mentioned in his answer of 19 July 1995,Official Report, column 1264, precluded open tendering for software development for self-assessment of taxpayers; what is the estimated cost of EDS' s trial development of self-assessment software; and what is the expected cost over the next five years of full development of the software including delivery and technical support to the public. [27249]

  Mr. Jack
  As stated in my answer of 19 July 1995,Official Report, column 1264, the contract between the Inland Revenue and the computer company EDS Ltd. was awarded as a result of an open competition to provide all information technology services to the Inland Revenue for the contract period of 10 years. Software development for the self assessment programme falls within that contract.

  Information concerning the cost to the Inland Revenue of producing an electronic version of the return which will be distributed to taxpayers is commercial confidential.

  Summer Economic Forecast
  Mr. Andrew Smith
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the summer economic forecast 1996 will be published. [27330]

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  The summer economic forecast will be published on Tuesday 9 July.

  Small and Medium Businesses
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of his Department's budget was spent on procurement from small and medium enterprises in 1995–96. [27519]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  The Treasury does not distinguish between different sizes of supplier. The Department's aim is to award contracts which offer the

  £ per annum 1995–96 prices

  Average earnings

  Single person's basic retirement pension

  Real terms growth per annum

  1.5 per cent.

  2 per cent.

  2.5 per cent.

  0 per cent.

  1.5 per cent.

  2 per cent.

  2.5 per cent.

  1995–96

  17,490

  17,490

  17,940

  3,060.20

  3,060.20

  3,060.20

  3,060.20

  2000–01

  18,840

  19,310

  19,790

  3,-6-.20

  3,296.80

  3,382.60

  3,460.60

  2010–11

  21,860

  23,540

  25,330

  3,060.20

  3,824.60

  4,126.20

  4,435.60

  532
  best value for money, irrespective of supplier size. This follows advice on good procurement practice issued by the central unit of procurement. Small and medium enterprises are encouraged to bid for Government contracts as detailed in the video and booklet package "Think Big Buy Small" which was published in April.

  Ministerial Residences
  Mr. Hall
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer which Ministers currently pay tax on their official residences as a benefit in kind. [27515]

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  Several Ministers do so, but for reasons of confidentiality details of individual Ministers' tax affairs are not disclosed.

  Late Payments
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish the amount of money paid late to the private sector for goods and services in 1995–96 by each Government department. [27511]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  This information is not held centrally.

  Trustee Investments Act 1961
  Mr. Matthew Banks
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he plans to publish the consultation document on reform of the Trustee Investments Act 1961. [28031]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  The consultation document has been published today. It proposes replacement of the Trustee Investments Act by an order under the Deregulation and Contracting Out Act 1994. The proposed order would contain provisions designed to achieve the necessary level of continuing protection for beneficiaries of trusts and for trustees. The consultation period will end on 31 August. Copies of the document are available in the Libraries of the House.

  Retirement Pension
  Ms Corston
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list (i) average annual earnings and (ii) the annual value of the flat-rate retirement pension for a single person, for(a) the latest year for which both figures are available, (b) 2000–01, (c) 2010–11, (d) 2020–21 and (e) 2030–31, assuming that earnings grow at (1) 1½ per cent., (2) 2 per cent. and (3) 2½ per cent. per annum, and (A) that pensions remain price-related and (B) grow at the same rate as earnings. [26444]

  Mr. Heald
  I have been asked to reply.

  The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is in the table.
  533

  £ per annum 1995–96 prices

  Average earnings

  Single person's basic retirement pension

  Real terms growth per annum

  1.5 per cent.

  2 per cent.

  2.5 per cent.

  0 per cent.

  1.5 per cent.

  2 per cent.

  2.5 per cent.

  2020–21

  25,370

  28,690

  32,420

  3,060.20

  4,435.60

  5,028.40

  5,678.40

  2030–31

  29,450

  34,970

  41,500

  3,060.20

  5,148.00

  6,128.20

  7,269.60

  Notes

  1. The latest year for which information is available on both earnings and basic retirement pension is 1995–96. A single person's basic retirement pension was £3,060.20 per annum, or £58,85 per week. Average earnings for all full-time adult employees in April 1995 were estimated at £17,490 per annum, or £336.30 per week (Source: new earnings survey).

  2. The uprating convention for retirement pension has been followed, i.e. the weekly amount of uprated retirement pension is rounded to the nearest 5p and it is this rounded figure that forms the basis of the following year's uprating. Annual average earnings figures have been rounded to the nearest £10.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Legal Aid Board (Payments)
  Mr. William Powell
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list the 20 solicitors' companies in rank order which have received the most money from the Legal Aid Board and the amount paid to them in each of the last five years. [26742]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  The 20 solicitors' firms receiving the most money from the Legal Aid Board in 1993–94 and 1994–95 are listed. Figures for the previous three years can be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Fee payments to solicitors' firms 1993–94

  Rank

  Firm

  Amount paid £

  1

  Robinsons

  3,243,614

  2

  The Smith Partnership

  2,502,581

  3

  Brendan Fleming

  2,427,040

  4

  Irwin Mitchell

  2,135,450

  5

  Pictons

  2,108,801

  6

  Hugh James Jones and Jenkins

  1,904,482

  7

  Nelson Johnson and Hastings

  1,851,869

  8

  Hodge Jones and Allen

  1,833,646

  9

  Stephensons

  1,736,863

  10

  Russell and Russell

  1,683,591

  11

  TV Edwards

  1,651,832

  12

  Powell Spencer and Partners

  1,542,569

  13

  John Howell and Co

  1,520,285

  14

  Iliffes Booth Bennett

  1,502,287

  15

  Forbes and Partners

  1,502,251

  16

  Hart Brown

  1,478,979

  17

  McGrath and Co

  1,455,032

  18

  Tyndallwoods and Millichip

  1,422,874

  19

  R. Gwynne and Sons

  1,416,620

  20

  Goldsmith Williams

  1,408,409

  Fee payments to solicitors' firms 1994–95

  Rank

  Firm

  Amount paid £

  1

  Leigh Day and Co.

  8,331,586

  2

  Robinsons

  2,806,424

  3

  Brendan Fleming

  2,685,721

  4

  Irwin Mitchell

  2,419,950

  5

  The Smith Partnership

  2,388,512

  6

  Pictons

  2,202,127

  7

  Hugh James Jones and Jenkins

  2,007,195

  8

  Nelson Johnson and Hastings

  1,977,206

  9

  Hodge Jones and Allen

  1,857,077

  10

  Stephensons

  1,847,252

  11

  John Howell and Co.

  1,832,717

  12

  Hart Brown

  1,811,452

  534

  Fee payments to solicitors' firms 1994–95

  Rank

  Firm

  Amount paid £

  13

  Ilffees Booth Bennett

  1,677,068

  14

  Russell and Russell

  1,667,759

  15

  Tyndallwoods

  1,664,141

  16

  T V Edwards

  1,652,947

  17

  Powell Spender and Partners

  1,615,022

  18

  Forbes and Partners

  1,602,053

  19

  McGrath and Co.

  1,599,705

  20

  Fisher Meredith

  1,589,059

  The figures shown are based on the main final bills received from solicitors, inclusive of VAT and disbursements, in respect of civil legal aid, criminal legal aid in the magistrates courts, legal advice and assistance, assistance by way of representation and duty solicitors schemes. They do not include counsels' fees, payments on account which would have been paid or recouped, nor adjustment purposes only cases, where the costs are met by the other side and ultimately no payment is made out of the fund. Neither do they take account of amounts received or recovered by way of contributions, costs or damages awarded.

  Law on Mishap or Accident
  Mr. Marlow
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will take action to review the law with a view to reforms such that the potential for litigation is reduced, in particular with regard to mishap or accident. [26757]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  I have no present plans to do so.

  Adoption Minutes
  Mr. Donald Anderson
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what assessment he has made of the case for updating the requirement in Home Office Circular No. 37/1968 relating to the destruction, save for a random sample, after 21 years, of adoption minutes or minutes books in the records of magistrates courts so as to respond to subsequent changes in disclosure possibilities to adopted children. [26756]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  The Lord Chancellor's Department, in consultation with various interested parties, is currently undertaking a review which will address this requirement and wider related issues.

  Correspondence (Immigration Appellate Authorities)
  Mr. Pawsey
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department when the hon. Member for Rugby and Kenilworth can expect replies to his correspondence of 23 February and 4 April addressed to the immigration appellate authorities referring to Mr. Babar Shahzada of Rawalpindi, Pakistan; and what are the reasons for the delay which has so far occurred. [26754]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  The immigration appellate authorities replied on 4 March to the hon. Member's letter of 23 February and on 19 April to his letter of 4 April; both within the target of 10 working days. Copies of these replies have been made available to him.

  External Legal Advice
  Mr. Boateng
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what was the total cost of the external legal advice received by his Department in relation to transfers of civilian enforcement staff from the police to magistrates courts committees; and when and in what form the contents of that advice will be made available to magistrates courts committees. [26729]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  No external legal advice has been obtained relating to the transfer of civilian enforcement staff from the police to magistrates courts committees. MCCs were again reminded in circular MCD(96)1 on 3 April that whether the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 1981 apply in a particular situation depends on the facts of the case. Each MCC must determine for itself whether, given its particular circumstances, TUPE will apply, and obtain its own legal advice if necessary.

  Office Space (Doncaster)
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what plans he has to buy or rent office space in the Doncaster metropolitan borough council area. [26695]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  The Lord Chancellor's Department, including its executive agencies, has no plans to buy or rent office space in the Doncaster metropolitan borough council area.

  Private Finance Initiative
  Ms Janet Anderson
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list the revenue spending estimated by his Department in connection with the private finance initiative for(a) 1995–96, (b) 1996–97 and (c) 1997–98. [26634]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  For the Lord Chancellor's Department, including the Court Service and the Public Trust Office, no revenue payments were made to the private sector in respect of private finance initiative projects in 1995–96. Current estimates suggest that such payments to the private sector will be £20,000 in 1996–97 and £6.52 million in 1997–98.

  Court Service (Conflict of Interest)
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what safeguards his Department took in respect of the last head of the civil business branch of the court Service, in relation to a possible conflict of interest when he took up employment as a consultant with the Drakes Group Ltd.; and if he will make a statement. [26696]

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

  Letter from Michael Huebner to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 1 May 1996 PQ 96/467: FORMER HEAD OF CIVIL AND FAMILY BUSINESS
  The Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department has asked me to reply to your Question about the former Head of Civil and Family Business in the Court Service.
  The Court Service is satisfied that the last Head of Civil and Family Business has complied with the requirements of the Business Appointments Rules in every relevant respect.
  Before his departure he applied for permission to seek post retirement consultancy work. Permission was given, subject to the completion of a further application in the event of accepting a commission with a firm with whom he had had previous dealings. This requirement applies for a period of two years following the date of his retirement. Advice on the application was taken from the Cabinet Office.
  The former Head of Civil Business had no dealings with Drakes Group Limited during his employment, although he was aware of their existence. His involvement in policy work on the collection of parking fines ended over two ago.

  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what contracts his Department and his agencies have with Serco Ltd.; what is the current cost; when each contract ends; what are the penalties involved should he seek early termination of the contract; and if he will make a statement. [26639]

  Mr. Evans
  The Lord Chancellor's Department holds no contracts with Serco Ltd. I have asked the chief executives of its executive agencies, the Court Service, the Land Registry, the Public Records Office and the Public Trust Office to reply direct, as the question concerns operational matters.

  Letter from Michael Huebner to Martin Redmond, dated 1 May 1996 PQ 96/468: CONTRACTS WITH SERCO LTD
  The Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department has asked me to reply to your Question about Serco Ltd.
  The Court Service can find no record of having any current contracts with Serco Ltd.

  Letter from Julia C. Lomas to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 1 May 1996 The Parliamentary Secretary has asked me to reply to you as part of the Lord Chancellor's Department's response to your Parliamentary Question, listed on 23rd April 1996, regarding details of contracts made with Serco Ltd.
  The Public Trust Office has not entered into any contracts with Serco Ltd.
  537
  Letter from Sarah Tyacke to Mr. Martin Redmond dated, 1 May 1996 I have been asked by the Lord Chancellor's Parliamentary Secretary to reply for the Public Record Office to your question about contracts with Serco Ltd.
  The Public Record Office has no contracts with Serco Ltd.

  Letter from John Manthorpe to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 1 May 1996 I have been asked by the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, to reply to your recent question concerning contracts with Serco Ltd. I can inform you that H M Land Registry has granted no contracts to this company.

  Small Firms (Access to Government)
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what was the outcome of his Department's review of how to facilitate small firms' access to appropriate areas to Government procurement in the light of good practice. [27512]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  Action has been taken in a number of areas to facilitate small firms' access to the Department's procurement procedures. Our contribution to the DTI's booklet "Tendering for Government Contracts", which provides small firms with contact points has resulted in an increase in the number of enquiries. Information provided by suppliers has been distributed to purchasing staff around the Department. It is also practice for all tenders to contain a contact point for dealing with inquiries relating to the contract. An exercise to identify which of the Department's suppliers are small or medium enterprises will be completed shortly as part of the development of a national purchasing system. This will allow trends in the use of small firms to be measured in the future. I have asked my officials to keep the question of access for small firms under review and to introduce further measures where the scope for improvements can be identified.

  Small and Medium Businesses
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what proportion of his Department's budget was spent on procurement from small and medium enterprises in 1995–96. [27527]

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

PRIME MINISTER

  Small and Medium Businesses
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Prime Minister what proportion of his Department's budget was spent on procurement from small and medium enterprises in 1995–96. [27524]

  The Prime Minister
  For these purposes my office is part of the Cabinet Office. I refer the hon. Member to the 538
  reply given today by my hon. Friend, the Parliamentary Secretary, Office of Public Service.

  Civil Servants (Party Policies)
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Prime Minister what representations he has received in the last six months from individual civil servants or their representative bodies expressing concern that civil servants have been asked to cost policies of opposition political parties; and if he will make a statement. [27359]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer Tuesday 30 April]: As far as I am aware, none.

  Mr. Hughes
  To ask the Prime Minister if (i) he and (ii) his Departmental colleagues have in the last six months asked civil servants to cost policies of opposition political parties; and if he will make a statement. [27360]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer Tuesday 30 April]: Civil servants have, from time to time, been asked to cost Opposition policies, insofar as they can be identified. The guidelines on costing policies of Opposition parties, were submitted as a memorandum to the Treasury and Civil Service Select Committee in 1990, and were published in its fifth report, HC260, Session 1989–90.

WALES

  Departmental Staff
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what was the number of staff employed at the Welsh Office in(a) 1979, (h) 1985, (c) 1990, (d) 1994 and (e) 1995; and if he will make a statement. [26989]

  Mr. Hague
  The full-time equivalent number of staff employed in my Department was:

  Year

  Number of staff

  19791

  2,680

  1985

  2,402

  1990

  2,406

  1994

  2,586

  1995

  2,480

  1 Nearest available, December 1978.

  The figures relate to April for each year except 1979.

  The current figure is 2,295, a reduction of 185 since April 1995.

  Departmental Advertising
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what proportion of his Department's advertising budget was allocated to local weekly newspapers in Wales in(a) 1993–94 and (b) 1994–95; and if he will make a statement. [26990]

  Mr. Hague
  Of the total which was spent on advertising in 1993–94, some 28 per cent. was spent with local weekly newspapers in Wales, and the corresponding figure for 1994–95 was some 21 per cent.

  Community Care
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what consultations he has had with the new directors of social services in each of the new counties of Wales on community care; and if he will make a statement. [26970]

  Mr. Richards
  The social services inspectorate Wales has met all the new directors of social services to monitor their progress on delivering community care as part of their overall responsibilities.

  Drug Abuse
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to meet the chief constable of North Wales to discuss measures to limit drug abuse; and if he will make a statement. [26971]

  Number of persons on the handicap register at 31 March 1995

  Clwyd

  Dyfed

  Gwent

  Gwynedd

  Mid Glamorgan

  Powys

  South Glamorgan

  West Glamorgan

  Wales

  Disability

  Deaf with speech

  29

  109

  246

  52

  252

  49

  206

  170

  1,113

  Deaf without speech

  114

  75

  241

  49

  213

  32

  116

  109

  949

  Hard of hearing

  784

  429

  214

  94

  940

  400

  617

  549

  4,027

  Blind

  950

  1,370

  1,797

  1,046

  2,068

  290

  1,017

  935

  9,473

  Partially sighted

  1,243

  1,055

  1,421

  719

  1,660

  252

  670

  1,421

  8,441

  General'

  46,117

  9,144

  14,562

  4,459

  40,414

  7,268

  3,689

  11,081

  136,734

  Number on register

  49,237

  12,182

  18,481

  6,419

  45,547

  8,291

  6,315

  14,256

  160,737

  1 The number shown for Clwyd relates to 31 March 1993.

  Press Inquiries and Interviews
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales which Welsh Office Ministers will respond to press inquiries or requests for interviews on each portfolio subject in the Welsh Office responsibilities; and what changes or restrictions have been placed on the granting of interviews during recent weeks. [27156]

  Mr. Hague
  Ministers respond on the basis of their own portfolio of responsibilities. There have been no changes or restrictions placed on granting interviews in recent weeks.

  Small and Medium Businesses
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what proportion of his Department's budget was spent on procurement from small and medium enterprises in 1995–96. [27518]

  Mr. Hague
  The information requested is not held centrally.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Ethnic Minorities
  Mr. Steinberg
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what percentage of people entering higher education are from ethnic minority groups. [27383]

  Mr. Forth
  The available information is given in the following table:
  540
  Mr. Richards
  My right hon. Friend and I met the chief constables of all Welsh forces on 16 January this year to discuss amongst other things, drug and alcohol misuse. He has no plans to do so again in the near future.

  Disability
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what he has made of the number of disabled people, by category, in each of the local authorities in Wales. [26969]

  Mr. Richards
  No estimates have been made of the numbers of disabled people by category in each local authority. Information currently available relating to the number of disabled persons registered under section 29 of the National Assistance Act 1948 in each of the former county councils is given in the following table. Similar information has been requested from each local authority and will be available later in 1996.

  Home entrants to higher education in higher education institutions in the UK 1995–96 (provisional)

  Ethnic group

  Percentage1

  White

  87.4

  Black Caribbean

  1.4

  Black African

  1.9

  Black other

  0.6

  Indian

  3.0

  Pakistani

  1.6

  Bangladeshi

  0.4

  Chinese

  0.8

  Asian other

  1.2

  Other

  1.6

  All students

  100.0

  1 Based on those students for whom ethnicity information was collected/provided.

  Training and Enterprise Councils
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans she has to set(a) commitment and (b) recognition targets for TECS for Investors in People with firms of under 50 employees. [27188]

  Mr. Paice
  I expect training and enterprise councils to offer support to all firms, including those with under 50 employees. I have no plans to set TECs Investors in People targets for firms with fewer than 50 employees.

  Government offices agree targets with TECs for Investors in People. The targets are linked directly with the achievement of the national targets for education and training. Lifetime target 3 calls for 70 per cent. of all

  541
  organisations employing 200 or more employees, and 35 per cent. of these employing 50 or more, to be recognised as Investors in People.

  Small and Medium Businesses
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what proportion of her Department's budget was spent on procurement from small and medium enterprises in 1995–96. [27532]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  The information requested could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Student Loans Company
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what are the terms of contract the Student Loans Company has with the SHL Systemhouse Europe software computer system; and if she will make a statement. [27637]

  Mr. Forth
  This is a matter for the Student Loans Company. I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member with the information requested.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Diplomats (Fines and Offences)
  Mr. Merchant
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will publish figures recording the number of parking fines incurred by diplomatic missions in London during 1995. [26740]

  Sir Nicholas Bonsor
  During 1995, the London diplomatic missions incurred a total of 1,586 unpaid parking fines, which is less than half the 1994 figure of 3,613. In February this year, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office wrote to all diplomatic missions to give them the opportunity to pay off all outstanding parking tickets, or appeal to have the ticket cancelled. Since then, payments totalling £11,600 have been received. The biggest offender is the Nigerian mission, which has appeared at or near the top of the list for the third year running. The attached table shows only missions which have 11 or more fines outstanding.

  Unpaid parking fines

  Position

  Diplomatic mission

  1995

  1994

  1

  Nigeria

  117

  118

  2

  India

  83

  79

  3

  Ghana

  66

  76

  4

  Sudan

  45

  56

  5

  Malaysia

  32

  37

  6

  Philippines

  31

  19

  7

  Romania

  27

  30

  8

  Burma

  26

  7

  9

  Lesotho

  22

  14

  9

  Oman

  22

  63

  9

  Pakistan

  22

  61

  12

  Egypt

  20

  50

  12

  Greece

  20

  32

  12

  Qatar

  20

  353

  12

  Thailand

  20

  32

  16

  Algeria

  19

  24

  16

  Bangladesh

  19

  49

  18

  Uganda

  18

  24

  19

  Turkey

  17

  27

  542

  Unpaid parking fines

  Position

  Diplomatic mission

  1995

  1994

  20

  Cyprus

  16

  29

  20

  Jordan

  16

  52

  22

  Iran

  15

  12

  22

  Russian Federation

  15

  31

  22

  Zimbabwe

  15

  21

  25

  Tanzania

  14

  28

  25

  Albania

  14

  1

  25

  USA

  14

  22

  28

  Azerbaijan

  13

  5

  28

  Cameroon

  13

  20

  30

  Israel

  12

  33

  30

  Poland

  12

  35

  32

  Brazil

  11

  10

  32

  Ivory Coast

  11

  40

  32

  Hungary

  11

  49

  32

  Zaire

  11

  18

  859

  1,557

  Mr. Merchant
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many serious offences were allegedly committed in 1995 by persons entitled to diplomatic immunity; and how many foreign diplomats or members of their families were withdrawn from their posts in Britain in the past year as a result of alleged offences. [26741]

  Sir Nicholas Bonsor
  Twenty-eight alleged serious offences by persons entitled to diplomatic immunity were drawn to the attention of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in 1995. "Serious offences" are defined in accordance with the report to the Foreign Affairs Committee "The Abuse of Diplomatic Immunities and Privileges (1985)" as offences which fall into the category which in certain circumstances attract a maximum penalty of six months' imprisonment or more: the majority involved drinking and driving and shoplifting.

  Five diplomats or members of their families were withdrawn at our request from post in Britain as a result of alleged offences, compared with six the previous year.

  North Korea
  Mr. Parry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the economic assistance given by Her Majesty's Government to North Korea. [27138]

  Mr. Hanley
  We have not offered any economic assistance, nor have the North Korean authorities requested any from us.

  Mr. Parry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps Her Majesty's Government are planning to take to assist the peaceful and democratic reunification of the Korean eninsula; and if he will make a statement. [27139]

  Mr. Hanley
  The reunification of the Korean peninsula can be achieved only through meaningful dialogue between South and North Korea. We encourage such dialogue at every opportunity and have welcomed the proposal, announced on 16 April by the Presidents of the USA and South Korea, that a four-party meeting be convened to discuss the future of the Korean peninsula. We hope that North Korea will respond positively.

  China
  Mr. Parry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's policy in respect of China's policy on peace in south-east Asia and human rights. [27326]

  Mr. Hanley
  We continue to monitor carefully developments in south-east Asia, and to urge all sides involved in disputes in the area to pursue settlement of their differences by peaceful means.

  We remain deeply concerned about human rights in China. We express our concerns on this subject to the Chinese authorities at every suitable opportunity.

  Land Mines
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many countries have announced their support to date for an international ban on the production, stockpiling, sale and use of anti-personnel mines. [27550]

  Mr. David Davis
  To our knowledge, some 32 countries, including the United Kingdom, have announced their support for a total international ban on anti-personnel landmines.

  Mr. Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the effect of the upgrading of the Ranger landmines delivery system on his policy of working towards the eventual elimination of anti-personnel mines. [27551]

  Mr. Davis
  We intend as soon as possible to destroy nearly half of our existing stocks of anti-personnel landmines. We intend to destroy the remainder when an international ban is agreed, or when viable alternatives become available. In the meantime, should it become necessary to replace any of the remaining mines, we shall do so only with self-destruct systems. One possible option to achieve this objective would be to upgrade the existing Ranger landmine delivery system, but not final decisions have been taken. We shall continue to pursue the policy which, in our view, offers the best prospect of addressing the terrible consequences for innocent civilians of the irresponsible use of anti-personnel landmines.

  Small and Medium Businesses
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proportion of his Department's budget was spent on procurement from small and medium enterprises in 1995–96 in respect of(a) the diplomatic wing and (b) the ODA. [27530]

  Mr. Hanley
  These figures are not yet available. I shall write to the hon. lady with the information as soon as possible.

ATTORNEY-GENERAL

  Serco Ltd.
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Attorney-General what contracts his Department and his agencies have with Serco Ltd.; what is the current cost; when each contract ends;544
  what are the penalties involved should he seek early termination of the contract; and if he will make a statement. [26638]

  The Attorney-General
  The Departments and agencies for which I am responsible have no contracts with Serco Ltd.

  Small and Medium Businesses
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Attorney-General what proportion of his Department's budget was spent on procurement from small and medium enterprises in 1995–96. [27535]

  The Attorney-General
  The information is not held in the form requested and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Patent Office
  Mr. Luff
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what contractorisation of Patent Office functions has been achieved to date; and if he will make a statement. [28032]

  Mr. Ian Taylor
  Two contracts have been awarded as a result of the Patent Office's drive to improve quality and efficiency where this is compatible with the office's role and good value for money. These awards were made after two competitive tenders in line with EC procurement rules; they are

  (i) for the facilities management of Patent Office accommodation, reception, messenger, post room, porterage and warehouse services. A contract was awarded to WS Atkins Building Management Ltd. and commenced on 1 April 1996 and

  (ii) for the facilities management of the Patent Office London front office, including document reception and public search room facilities. A contract has been awarded to Hays Information Management and will begin on 1 June 1996.

  Both contracts are for three years with an option to extend for a further two years at the sole discretion of the Patent Office. The bidders were required to demonstrate against a number of predetermined criteria that their bids were the most economically advantageous. The contracts contain provisions to ensure that the appropriate levels of confidentiality and quality are maintained.

  Coal Reserves
  Mr. Hardy
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what is his estimate of the volume of coal reserves which will be lost if the collieries owned by the Coal Investments Company were to close. [26360]

  Mr. Page
  [holding answer 30 April 1996]Reports by John T. Boyd, mining engineers, published in 1993, include the following reserves estimates:

  Silverdale: 21.9 million tonnes

  Annesley Bentinck: 6.4 million tonnes

  Markham Main: 23.2 million tonnes

  Trentham (now Hem Heath): 31.9 million tonnes

  545
  No comparable figures are available for Coventry or Cwmgwilli.

  Council for Science and Technology
  Mr. Ingram
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will place in the Library all submissions made by the Council for Science and Technology. [27181]

  Mr. Ian Taylor
  [holding answer 30 April 1996]: The Council for Science and Technology gives its advice to Ministers direct across the table. It has made no separate written submissions.

  South West Industrial Development Board
  Mr. Jamieson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade between what dates Mr. Roger Harris was a member of the industrial development board in the south-west regional office; what was the nature of his work; and what other positions he held in connection with the Department. [24715]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  [holding answer 16 April 1996]: Roger Harris joined the South West industrial development board in January 1983 and became chairman in February 1991. The board advises my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade on applications for selective financial assistance and on industrial opportunities in the south west. Mr. Harris has also been deputy chairman of the Government office for the South-West's competitiveness advisory board since November 1994.

  Working Hours
  Mr. McAvoy
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what measures he has taken to protect employees from being forced to work for unreasonably long hours. [27444]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  Hours of work are best agreed between employers and their employees, or their representatives, in the light of their own particular circumstances.

  Employees who work long hours are protected under the general duties of the Health and Safety at Work etc., Act 1974. Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1992, employers are required to carry out a risk assessment to identify hazards, such as fatigue, and to evaluate the extent of the risks involved, so that measures can be taken to comply with the general duties of the Health and Safety at Work etc., Act 1974.

  Financial Assistance
  Mr. Jamieson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what financial assistance has been given by his Department since 1980 to(a) Bowring (South West) Ltd., (b) Cablechief Ltd., (c) Cornish Stairways Ltd., (d) Fivebeat Ltd., (e) Prawn Farm Investments Ltd. and (f) Conosil Ltd. [24713]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  [holding answer 16 April 1996]: Two of the companies have received assistance under the Department's principal regional, enterprise and technology schemes since 1980:
  546

  Company

  Scheme

  Payment £

  Date

  Cornish Stairways Ltd.

  Regional development grant

  47,377

  1986–88

  Enterprise initiative

  1,265

  1990

  Regional enterprise grant

  25,000

  1992

  Conosil Systems Ltd.

  Microprocessor application project

  28,776

  1995

  Loans to Conosil Systems Ltd., were guaranteed under the loan guarantee scheme in 1983 and 1985.

  Mr. Jamieson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what financial assistance has been given by his Department since 1980 to(a) M. Squared Technology Ltd., (b) Match Sportswear Ltd., (c) Smart Shape Ltd., (d) Havenfire Ltd., (e) Beares Highland Ltd., (f) Beares Engineering Ltd. and (g) H. Beare and Sons Ltd.

  Mr. Oppenheim
  [holding answer 25 March 1996]: Only one of the companies has received assistance under the Department's principal regional, enterprise and technology schemes since 1980:

  Company

  Scheme

  Payment £

  Year

  M Squared Technology Ltd.

  Consultancy Initiative

  3,000

  1992

  Eureka

  261,525

  1993–96

  General Industrial Collaborative Project

  58,843

  1993

  Small Firms Merit Award for Research and Technology (SMART)

  57,898

  1994–95

  Regional Enterprise Grant

  25,000

  1985

  A loan to Smart Shape Ltd. (later trading as South West Leisure Products Ltd.) was guaranteed under the Loan Guarantee Scheme in 1985.

  Mr. Jamieson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what role was played by(a) Mr. Kenneth Holmes, (b) Mr. Roger Harris and (c) Mr. Michael Jordan in the granting of DTI financial assistance to (i) Pendennis Shipyard Ltd., in 1993 and 1995, (ii) Queensbury International Ltd., (iii) South West Leisure Products, (iv) ModernTask Ltd. and (v) Thimbles Ltd; and which of these individuals (1) were at the time or (2) subsequently became directors of these companies. [24714]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  [holding answer 16 April 1996]: Mr. Kenneth Holmes, acting as an external accountancy adviser, advised the Department on the regional selective assistance application from Pendennis Shipyard Ltd.

  Mr. Roger Harris was chairman of the South West industrial development board when it considered the application by Pendennis Shipyard Ltd. but, because of a potential conflict of interest, absented himself from the board meeting in February 1993 which decided to recommend a grant.
  547
  In respect of Mr. Michael Jordan's involvement in advising the Department on these cases, I refer the hon. Gentlemen to my answers of 22 March, Official Report, column 373 and 29 April, Official Report, column 364. As well as holding the directorship of Pendennis Shipyard Ltd., Michael Jordan has also been a director of Queensbury International Ltd. since August 1993. No other directorships of the five companies listed have been held by Messrs. Holmes, Harris and Jordan.

  Coal Mining
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how much coal was produced from deep mines in(a) England, (b) Wales, (c) Scotland and (d) the United Kingdom in each year since 1980; and if he will make statement. [27500]

  Mr. Page
  British Coal deep-mined production was as follows:

  Thousand tonnes

  England

  Wales

  Scotland

  United Kingdom

  1980–81

  94,161

  8,280

  7,846

  110,287

  1981–82

  93,411

  8,140

  7,320

  108,871

  1982–83

  90,677

  7,580

  6,681

  104,938

  1983–84

  78,179

  6,560

  5,323

  90,062

  1984–85

  2—

  2—

  304

  27,664

  1985–86

  76,932

  7,210

  4,276

  88,418

  1986–87

  77,531

  6,980

  3,442

  87,953

  1987–88

  74,336

  5,460

  2,603

  82,399

  1988–89

  77,578

  5,530

  1,927

  85,035

  1989–90

  69,538

  4,040

  1,994

  75,572

  1990–91

  66,353

  3,740

  2,207

  72,300

  1991–92

  66,444

  2,320

  2,246

  71,010

  1992–93

  57,877

  1,900

  2,028

  61,085

  1993–94

  2—

  1,430

  2—

  42,700

  1994–951

  2—

  2—

  2—

  21,500

  1 April to December 1994 only.

  2 Not available.

  Source

  British Coal and Digest of Welsh Statistics.

  United Kingdom deep-mined production in 1995 from the privatised coal industry totalled 35,103 thousand tonnes in 1995 compared with 31,854 thousand tonnes in 1994. Separate figures for England, Wales, and Scotland are not available.

  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many miners were employed in(a) England, and (b) Wales, (c) Scotland and (d) the United Kingdom as a whole in each year since 1980; and if he will make a statement. [27439]

  Mr. Page
  The number of underground wage earners1 on British Coal colliery books was as follows:

  Thousands

  Month ending

  England

  Wales

  Scotland

  United Kingdom

  March 1981

  185

  20

  20

  225

  March 1982

  137

  20

  15

  172

  March 1983

  132

  18

  14

  164

  March 1984

  120

  17

  11

  148

  March 1985

  2—

  2—

  10

  139

  March 1986

  93

  14

  7

  114

  March 1987

  77

  10

  4

  91

  March 1988

  64

  8

  3

  75

  March 1989

  61

  6

  2

  69

  March 1990

  50

  4

  1

  56

  March 1991

  45

  3

  1

  49

  548

  Thousands

  Month ending

  England

  Wales

  Scotland

  United Kingdom

  March 1992

  36

  1

  1

  38

  March 1993

  25

  1

  1

  28

  March 1994

  2—

  1

  2—

  10

  December 1994

  2—

  2—

  2—

  7

  1 Figures for 1994 include all industrial colliery workers, not just underground workers.

  2 Not available.

  Source:

  British Coal and Digest of Welsh Statistics.

  At the end of 1995 about 10,000 mineworkers were employed in the large deep mines in operation in the private sector.

  Working Time Directive
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what representations he has received from the Confederation of British Industry and the Institute of Directors about the working time directive. [27338]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The CBI and the Institute of Directors have consistently made clear that regulation of working time through the working time directive will damage competitiveness and undermine flexible ways of working.

  Prompt Payments
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade on what date he plans to publish figures showing the percentage of bills paid promptly by Government Departments in 1995–96. [27510]

  Mr. Page
  Government Departments and their agencies are required to monitor their payment performance and publish the results in their annual or departmental reports. In addition, my Department is producing a table of results of all Departments and their agencies for 1995–96. This will be available, in line with previous years, before the summer recess.

  Small and Medium Businesses
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what proportion of his Department's budget was spent on procurement from small and medium enterprises in 1995–96. [27521]

  Mr. John M. taylor
  This information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION

  North Korea
  Mr. Parry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent aid was given to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea by the European Union; and if he will make a statement. [27137]
  549
  Mr. Hanley
  The European Community Humanitarian Office has contributed 290,000 ecu—approximately £228,346—in late 1995 to North Korea following the flood.

  United Kingdom assistance is described in my answer to the hon. Member for Fife, North-East, Mr. Campbell, on 7 February 1996, Official Report, column 192. We will consider a further contribution to the IFRC appeal depending on the findings of the nutritionist's report which is expected shortly.

  Natural Resources Institute
  Mr. Elletson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the Natural Resources Institute will transfer to new ownership. [28061]

  Mr. Hanley
  We have now completed negotiations for the transfer of the Natural Resources Institute to the University of Greenwich and for associated arrangements with the other members of the Consortium—the University of Edinburgh, Imperial college and Wye college. Contracts were signed on 30 April and became effective on 1 May.

  This is a very satisfactory outcome. It achieves the objectives set by my right hon. Friend the Minister for Overseas Development, namely maintenance of a multi-disciplinary centre of natural resources expertise, on which ODA and others can draw in order to help meet our aims for the overseas aid programme; value-for-money for the taxpayer; and a positive future for the staff. It also marks the first privatisation of a pubic sector research establishment by transfer to the university sector.

DEFENCE

  Land Mines
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to acquire Italian anti-personnel mines which(a) self-destruct and (b) self-deactivate. [27544]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  As my hon. Friend the Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs stated in his announcement on 23 April 1996,Official Report, column 84, the UK will work actively towards a total world-wide ban on anti-personnel mines. If we need to replace our remaining anti-personnel mines before an international ban is agreed, we will procure only those with a self-destruct capability. No final decisions on the procurement of these mines, including a source, have been taken and any decision will take account of all relevant factors, including progress towards a total worldwide ban.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 23 April,Official Report, column 84, what plans he has to ensure that future British self-destruct anti-personnel mines will be used only in marked, fenced or monitored areas, will be cleared as soon as feasible and will be used strictly in accordance with the laws of armed conflict. [27322]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  [holding answer 30 April 1996]: Instructions have been issued that current non-self-destruct anti-personnel mines must be placed in
  550
  a marked or fenced or monitored area and that every effort must be made to avoid civilian casualties. No decision has been made on procurement or deployment of self-destruct anti-personnel mines, but instructions will be issued to ensure that use will be in accordance with the international laws of war.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 23 April,Official Report, column 84, if the new restriction that British non-self-destruct anti-personnel mines will be used only in exceptional circumstances will apply equally to future self-destruct anti-personnel mines deployed by British forces. [27321]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  [holding answer 30 April 1996]: No decision has been taken on the procurement or use of self-destruct anti-personnel mines.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 23 April,Official Report, column 84, what assessment has been made of whether the military utility of Britain's anti-personnel mines is affected by whether such weapons are also deployed by an adversary. [27325]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  [holding answer 30 April 1996]: We believe that, in exceptional circumstances, where there are no alternatives available, it may be necessary for British forces to use anti-personnel mines in order to ensure that they are properly protected. Such circumstances may obtain whether or not such weapons are deployed by an adversary.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 23 April,Official Report, column 84, which makes of anti-personnel mines will be destroyed; and which makes will be destroyed completely. [27317]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  [holding answer 30 April 1996]: No final decision has been made on which types of anti-personnel mines will be destroyed. However, a number of Ranger and Elsie mines will probably be destroyed.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 23 April,Official Report, column 84, when he expects to reach a decision on the replacement of existing non-self-destructing anti-personnel mines with self-destructing ones; and when is the planned in service date. [27318]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  [holding answer 30 April 1996]: We are currently considering our future requirement for anti-personnel land mines, but have reached no decisions. Any new mines introduced into service would have a self-destruct capability and would fully meet the requirements of international laws of armed conflict. Such a decision will take account of all relevant factors, including progress towards an international ban and whether a suitable alternative is found.

  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he(a) has had and (b) plans to have with the US Department of Defense concerning the review of US policy on anti-personnel mines; and if he will make a statement. [27549]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  We keep in close touch with the US and other allies on this issue.
  551
  Mr. Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if in the formulation of military policy regarding the use of anti-personnel mines he will take account of the recent statements by General John Shalikashvili and General Norman Schwarzkopf. [27548]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  We have noted the open letter to President Clinton, signed by General Schwarzkopf and others, about anti-personnel mines; and the views on these weapons attributed to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Shalikashvili. Our policy on anti-personnel mines reflects our national judgment of the balance to be struck between humanitarian goals and the continuing needs of our armed forces until there is international agreement on a total ban on such mines, or viable alternatives are developed.

  Mr. Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions his Department is engaged in regarding the upgrading of the Ranger land mine delivery system; which United Kingdom companies are involved in these discussions; and what plans he has for part of the work connected with the upgrading to be carried out in Britain. [27546]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  No decision has been taken to upgrade the Ranger land mine delivery system. If we need to replace our remaining anti-personnel mines, upgrading the Ranger system is one option which would be considered. The manufacturer of this system is aware of this. As no decisions have been taken, potential work to be undertaken in Britain cannot be determined. Any new or upgraded land mines would have a self-destruct capability. Final decisions on future procurement would take account of all relevant factors, including progress towards a total world-wide ban.

  Mr. Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the recent report of the International Committee of the Red Cross regarding anti-personnel mines. [27547]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  We have noted this report, but do not share its conclusions.

  Mr. Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what military criteria will determine the use by British forces of anti-personnel mines. [27545]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  Ministers must be satisfied that the use of anti-personnel mines is essential to ensure that British troops are properly protected and that there are no practicable alternative ways of achieving that end.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 23 April,Official Report, column 84, how many anti-personnel mines will be destroyed as a result of his announcement on 23 April. [27319]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  [holding answer 30 April 1996]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave the hon. Member for South Shields (Dr. Clark) on 29 April 1996, Official Report, column 394.

  Equipment Upgrades
  Mr. Bill Walker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what major equipment upgrades the RAF is planned to receive over the next three years. [27028]
  552
  Mr. Arbuthnot
  This information is given in table 9, pages 63-64, of the "Statement on the Defence Estimates 1996", Cm3223, which has been published today and a copy of which is in the Library of the House.

  Kaymar Studios
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what contracts his Department has entered into with Kaymar Studios; and if he will make a statement. [25927]

  Mr. Soames
  My Department maintains central records of contracts which are valued at over £5,000 and which are let centrally by contracts branches within the Ministry of Defence head office, the Procurement Executive and service command headquarters. These records cover the last six years. Low-value contracts issued under local purchase powers and Defence agency contracts are not recorded centrally.

  No record has been found of any contract with a business called Kaymar Studios having been let centrally over the last six years. It would not be possible, without disproportionate cost, to establish whether any contracts have been placed with a business of that name under local purchase powers or at an earlier date.

  Small and Medium Businesses
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proportion of his Department's budget was spent on procurement from small and medium enterprises in 1995–96. [27534]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  The information is not available in the form requested and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Farmers (Compensation Payments)
  Mr. Illsley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much money was spent on compensation payments for price cuts to farmers in Northern Ireland in 1995. [26219]

  Mr. Ancram
  [holding answer 22 April 1996]: I understand that the hon. Member is seeking information on the effects of increased payments made to farmers under the 1992 common agricultural policy reform measures which shifted the balance of CAP expenditure away from market support to schemes aimed at supporting production at the level of individual farms. It is not possible precisely to identify the elements of these payments which would have been compensatory but the total amount paid in 1995 was £102 million. The equivalent amount paid to farmers in 1992, which was the last year in which market support measures were predominant, was £25.45 million.

  Private Finance Initiative
  Ms Janet Anderson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the revenue spending estimated by his Department in connection with the private finance initiative for(a) 1995–96, (b) 1996–97 and (c) 1997–98. [26628]
  553
  Sir John Wheeler
  No specific PFI contracts have as yet been agreed and signed but the procurement process has begun across a range of projects including water and sewerage, roads, transport, health, education, accommodation and information technology schemes. As a consequence, it is too early to estimate the revenue spending in connection with these projects.

  The private investment levered in to date in Northern Ireland relates mainly to the Laganside development, housing and urban regeneration. The public sector contribution associated with these projects is as follows:

  1995–96: £70 million

  1996–97: £61 million

  1997–98: £60 million.

  Teachers (Qualifications)
  Mr. Robert McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is his assessment of the Irish Government's continued Irish language requirement for secondary school teachers with United Kingdom qualifications; and if he will test this requirement at the European Court of Justice. [26734]

  Mr. Ancram
  The Irish Government's Irish language requirement for secondary school teachers with United Kingdom qualifications corresponds with the teaching qualifications it requires of its own nationals. I will accordingly not be referring this matter to the European Court of Justice.

  Mr. McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many Irish schoolteachers had their qualifications recognised under EU rules in 1993–94 in(a) Northern Ireland and (b) Great Britain; and how many United Kingdom school teachers had their qualifications recognised in the Irish Republic. [26733]

  Mr. Ancram
  Forty-five Irish schoolteachers in Northern Ireland and 198 in Great Britain. The number of United Kingdom schoolteachers in the Irish Republic is a matter for the Irish Government.

  Serco Ltd.
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what contracts his Department and his agencies have with Serco Ltd.; what is the current cost; when each contract ends; what are the penalties involved should he seek early termination of the contract; and if he will make a statement. [26684]

  Sir John Wheeler
  The Northern Ireland Office, Northern Ireland Departments and their agencies have the following four contracts:

  1. Roads Service: Maintenance of electronic works. Finishing in 2000.

  2. Roads Service: Maintenance of variable message signs. Finishing in 2000.

  3. Roads Service: Supply of motorway control system for the M2/M3, Belfast cross-harbour bridge. Finishing in 1996–97.

  4. Water Service: Collection and transportation of water quality samples (western division). Finishing 31 March 1998.

  In all of these contracts, the penalty for seeking early termination is "reasonable costs". The costs of the contracts have not been given on grounds of commercial confidentiality.

  Law Reform Advisory Committee
  Mr. Robert McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland which(a) bodies and (b) individuals the Law Reform Advisory Committee has consulted on judicial review; and when it will issue its report. [26736]

  Sir John Wheeler
  The Law Reform Advisory Committee has held consultations with the following individuals and bodies:

  The Northern Ireland Prison Service

  The Crown Solicitors Office

  Crown Counsel, Mr. Patrick Coghlin Q.C

  Mr. Ronald Weatherup Q.C

  Mr. Bernard McCluskey B.L

  Mr. John Larkin B.L

  Mr. Kevin Winter, Solicitor

  Mr. Justice Kerr

  Mr. Jack Burton

  Professor Brigid Hadfield.

  The first draft of a report on judicial review is still at an early stage; it is too early yet to judge when it will be issued.

  Mr. McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what research has been commissioned by the Law Reform Advisory Committee for Northern Ireland on a consultancy basis; what fees have been paid for such research; and what consideration has been given to the appointment of a full-time researcher. [26735]

  Sir John Wheeler
  Since its inception in 1989, the Law Reform Advisory Committee has used consultants on certain topics. Mrs. Norma Dawson, Mr. John Jackson and Mrs. Eithne Harkness, from the school of law at Queen's university, Belfast, have conducted research in the areas of business tenancies, civil evidence and actions arising from insidious diseases respectively.

  The fees paid for research commissioned by the committee to date amounts to the sum of £4.300.00.

  Consideration has been given to the appointment of a full-time researcher, but it is the presently held view that the use of an expert consultant in particular areas is a more constructive deployment of committee fund.

  Fair Employment Tribunal
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many of the 410 applications registered with the Northern Ireland fair employment tribunal during 1995 resulted in judgments in favour of the applicant; of those how many(a) were in favour of (i) Catholics and (ii) Protestants, and (b) concerned (1) promotions, (2) hiring and dismissals and (3) unfair treatment at work. [26648]

  Mr. Ancram
  Of the complaints registered in 1995, one complaint to date has been determined in favour of the applicant. The applicant was a Protestant and the complaint concerned unfair treatment at work.

  Higher Education (Irish Nationals)
  Mr. Robert McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the current annual cost to the
  555
  Government of educating citizens of the Irish Republic in institutes of higher education in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement. [26731]

  Mr. Ancram
  I am not yet in a position to answer the hon. Gentleman's question, but I will write to him in due course and place a copy in the Library in the House.

  Male Rape
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many cases of male rape were reported in Northern Ireland in(a) 1985 and (b) 1995; and if he will make a statement. [27018]

  Sir John Wheeler
  There is no offence of "male rape" recorded by the Royal Ulster Constabulary. For recording purposes, the offence of "buggery with a male person without his consent" is grouped with other buggery offences including those with consent and those with females. It is not therefore possible to provide figures for any one of these offences in isolation.

  Schools Expenditure
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what has been the capital expenditure for each of the past five years in(a) primary schools and (b) secondary and grammar schools in (i) Northern Ireland and (ii) Strangford constituency. [26963]

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

  Year

  Primary schools

  Secondary and grammar schools

  Northern Ireland

  1989–90

  9.517

  27.494

  1990–91

  11.689

  41.317

  1991–92

  11.534

  44.043

  1992–93

  15.635

  45.754

  1993–94

  17.585

  42.786

  Strangford constituency

  1989–90

  0.491

  1.482

  1990–91

  0.360

  3.670

  1991–92

  0.484

  4.101

  1992–93

  0.512

  0.914

  1993–94

  0.589

  1.130

  Belfast Gazette
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the circulation of the Belfast Gazette; and if this figure is confirmed by the Audit Bureau of Circulations. [26861]

  Sir John Wheeler
  The weekly subscription to the Belfast Gazette is 208. It is also available from HMSO Northern Ireland.

  The circulation figure is not confirmed by the Audit Bureau of Circulations.

  Ballywalter Primary School
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what was the enrolment in each of the past five years at Ballywalter primary school; what is the expected enrolment of the school in each of the next five years; what proposals there are to provide additional accommodation at the school; how many places in primary one will be available in the next academic year; how many applicants there are for places in primary one at the school for the next academic year; how many pupils there have been per teacher for each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement. [26964]

  Mr. Ancram
  The enrolments in each of the past five years are as follows:

  Year

  Number of pupils enrolled

  1991–92

  138 (at January 1991)

  1992–93

  135 (at October 1992)

  1993–94

  141 (at October 1993)

  1994–95

  141 (at October 1994)

  1995–96

  153 (at October 1995)

  It is not possible to project accurately an enrolment figure for each of the next five years. However, the Department has approved a temporary variation to increase the enrolment number of the school to 161 for the 1996–97 school year.

  Provision of controlled primary schools places in Ballywalter is the responsibility of the South-Eastern education and library board. The provision of a temporary classroom at Ballywalter primary school is currently under consideration by the South-Eastern education and library board.

  The Department has approved a temporary variation to the school's admissions number from 21 to 25 for the 1996–97 school year. The school has received 27 applications.

  The number of pupils per teacher—the pupil: teacher ratio—over the last five years are:

  Year

  Pupil: teacher ratio

  1991–92

  23.0

  1992–93

  19.9

  1993–94

  21.2

  1994–95

  20.9

  1995–96

  21.0

  Police White Paper
  Mr. Maginnis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he intends to publish the White Paper on policing structures. [27629]

  Sir Patrick Mayhew
  Following wide consultation, I have today published a White Paper setting out proposals for the reform of the tripartite structure for policing governance in Northern Ireland.

  The proposals seek to build on the consensus which has been shown to exist for a police service which upholds and is seen to uphold the law fairly with rigorous impartiality, efficiency and effectiveness, which:

  557
  is accountable both to the law, and through a strong and independent Police Authority, to the community; and
  is responsive to the community,

  accordingly commanding widespread confidence and support.

  To this end, the proposals would:
  enhance and render transparent the accountability of the police to the community through the Police Authority;
  safeguard the operational independence of the police, so ensuring that the law is enforced impartially without partisan political interference;
  enable the community, through the Police Authority, to engage meaningfully in shaping the future direction of policing through the provision of statutory objective setting and police planning processes; and
  achieve greater efficiency in the use of resources devoted to policing by removal of bureaucracy and duplication of effort.

  The White paper offers proposals for the basis of future legislation. Such legislation would, however, be informed by the forthcoming discussions on policing in the all-party political talks that are due to take place on an open agenda, and it would be shaped to reflect any agreements which emerge.

  Small and Medium Businesses
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what proportion of his Department's budget was spent on procurement from small and medium enterprises in 1995–96. [27525]

  Sir John Wheeler
  Within the Northern Ireland Office and Northern Ireland Departments, the information requested is not available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Police Complaints Report
  Mr. Hargreaves
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he will lay before parliament the 1995 annual report of the Independent Commission for Police Complaints for Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement. [28060]

  Sir Patrick Mayhew
  I have today arranged for the 1995 annual report of the Independent Commission for Police Complaints to be laid before Parliament.

  The report, which follows the format of last year's, comments on the work of the commission in 1995 including the supervision of the investigation of complaints against the police and the commission's role in disciplinary procedures arising from those complaints. It also contains details from a public attitudes survey conducted for the commission on the extent of public awareness of its work and confidence in its procedures.

  For the first time, the report covers a year under conditions of declared terrorist ceasefires. This has led to some interesting changes in the number of complaints in certain categories and also to the way in which complaints arise. We will have to see whether or not the Provisional IRA's actions on 9 February alter these new trends.

  The number of complaints fell overall by 12 per cent. from the 1994 level; a greater reduction in the number of complaints in the early part of 1995 was offset by a significant rise in August and September. The commission supervised its highest-ever proportion of complaints—
  558
  15.7 per cent. The percentage of cases informally resolved continued to rise, with 18.3 per cent. in 1995 compared to 15.7 per cent., 10 per cent. and 7.6 per cent. in the previous three years.

  The report shows that the commission and its staff had another busy year. I would like to record by my thanks to them for their continued dedication and commitment.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Upper Earnings Limit
  Mr. Steinberg
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans there are to index link the upper earnings limit. [27385]

  Mr. Heald
  The upper earnings limit for class 1 national insurance contributions is, in effect, already index linked. Section 5(3) of the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992 links it to the weekly rate of the basic category A retirement pension, which is increased each year as part of the annual uprating of benefits. We have no plans to change these arrangements.

  Small and Medium Businesses
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what proportion of his Department's budget was spent on procurement from small and medium enterprises in 1995–96. [27522]

  Mr. Burt
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply that I gave her on 27 November 1995,Official Report, column 512.

  Pensions
  Ms Corston
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer of 14 March,Official Report, column 757, what is the Government Actuary's assumption of the numbers of pensioners receiving and likely to receive a state earnings-related pension in 1994–95,1995–96,2000–01,2010–11,2020–21 and 2030–31. [26449]

  Mr. Heald
  The estimated number of recipients of the state-earnings-related pension was 4.2 million in 1994–95 rising to 4.6 million in 1995–96.

  Estimates of the number of future recipients are not available.

  Note: Figures are rounded to the nearest 0.1 million.

  Source: The Government Actuary's Department.

  Ms Corston
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer of 14 March,Official Report, column 757, what was the estimated total cost of (a) flat rate retirement pensions and (b) state earnings-related pensions for the United Kingdom in 1995–96, in pounds sterling and as a percentage of gross domestic product; and what is the Government Actuary's estimate of these costs, allowing for the provisions of the Pensions Act 1995 in respect of pensionable ages for women, at 1995–96 prices, assuming (i) price uprating and (ii) earnings uprating of flat-rate benefits and the earnings limits in (1) 2000–1, (2) 2010–11, (3) 2020–21 and (4) 2030–31. [26452]
  559
  Mr. Heald
  The information is not available in the format requested. The information given in the table is for Great Britain, but includes the cost of pensions paid to persons residing overseas.

  The tables give the expenditure figures and the Government Actuary's estimates of future costs allowing for all the provisions of the 1995 Pensions Act.

  Table 1: 1995–96 expenditure

  Total cost £ billion

  Percentage of GDP

  Basic pension

  27.9

  3.9

  State earnings-related pension (SERPS)

  2.3

  0.3

  Notes:

  1. Expenditure figures are rounded to the nearest £0.1 billion and percentages are rounded to the nearest 0.1 per cent.

  2. The underlying GDP figure is that shown for 1995–96 in table 6A.1 of the Financial Statement and Budget Report 1996–97.

  Source:

  Social Security Departmental Report, March 1996-Cm 3213.

  Table 2: Basic pension: estimated future expenditure at 1995–96 prices

  £ billion

  2000–1

  2010–11

  2020–21

  2030–31

  (i) Prices uprating

  30.4

  34.3

  36.0

  42.8

  (ii) Earnings uprating

  33.3

  43.5

  52.9

  73.2

  1. Costs are based on the assumptions underlying the Government Actuary's report on the effects of the Pensions Bill 1994 on the national insurance fund, Cm 2714.

  2. Figures are rounded to the nearest £0.1 billion.

  Table 3: SERPS: estimated future expenditure at 1995–96 prices

  £ billion

  2000–1

  2010–11

  2020–21

  2030–31

  (i) prices uprating

  4.3

  8.6

  11.1

  12.3

  (ii) earnings uprating of lower and upper earnings limits for SERPS accrual

  4.2

  8.5

  10.9

  11.8

  1. Costs are based on the assumptions underlying the Government Actuary's report on the effects of the Pensions Bill 1994 on the national insurance fund, Cm 2714.

  2. Figures are rounded to the nearest £0.1 billion.

SCOTLAND

  Health Service Standards
  Dr. Reid
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he last met the chief executive of the Scottish national health service management executive to discuss standards of service; and if he will make a statement. [26050]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  I meet the Chief Executive of the NHS in Scotland regularly to discuss with him how further to improve health care for the people of Scotland.

  Mr. Chisholm
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he last met the chairmen of health boards to discuss NHS services. [26068]
  560
  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  My right hon. Friend and I meet health board chairmen regularly to discuss matters of current interest.

  Children (Safety)
  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent discussions he has held relating to the safety of children in organised groups. [26069]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  My hon. Friend the Minister for Education recently hosted an informal discussion with representatives of voluntary youth organisations and heard views about many topics, including child safety and youth work leaders.

  Voluntary Organisations (Funding)
  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he last met with representatives of voluntary organisations to discuss funding allocations for the current financial year. [26070]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Officials met the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations last week to discuss local government reorganisation. The discussions included funding issues.

  School Conditions
  Mr. Connarty
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he last met representatives of the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities to discuss the conditions in Scottish schools. [26071]

  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  My right hon. Friend has met representatives of COSLA on four occasions recently, but conditions in schools were not among the topics raised.

  Crime Statistics
  Mr. Galbraith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many crimes were committed in 1980; and how many in the last year for which figures are available. [26072]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Some 364,587 and 502,802 respectively.

  Secondary School Expenditure
  Sir David Knox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how much was spent per pupil in secondary schools in Scotland in the most recent year for which figures are available; and what was the figure in 1978–79, at constant prices. [26073]

  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  Current expenditure per secondary pupil in 1993–94 was £2,846. That is 38 per cent. higher in real terms than in 1979.

  NHS Finance
  Mr. Ernie Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he last met the chairmen of health boards to discuss NHS finances. [26074]
  561
  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  My right hon. Friend and I meet health board chairmen regularly to discuss a wide range of issues. The last meeting was on Friday 1 March.

  Inward Investment
  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he has made of the number of jobs which have been brought to Scotland by inward investors over the last 12 months. [26075]

  Mr. Kynoch
  The latest figures available are for 1994–95, when Locate in Scotland helped to attract to Scotland inward investment projects involving the planned creation or safeguarding of more than 12,300 jobs. Figures for 1995–96 will be published in the Locate in Scotland annual review in June.

  Meat Processing Industry
  Mrs. Adams
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to meet the Scottish Trades Union Congress to discuss the current situation in the meat processing industry. [26076]

  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  My noble Friend the Under-Secretary of State with responsibility for agriculture, forestry and the environment addressed the STUC conference on the beef issue on 17 April.

  Roads
  Mr. Gallie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he estimates the new M8, M77 and A77 link will be completed; and if he will make a statement. [26077]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Construction of the M77 Ayr road route, linking the M8/M77 and the A77, is proceeding to schedule and the road is expected to open to traffic in November 1996.

  Highlands and Islands Transport Links
  Mr. Macdonald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what improvements he plans to transport links in the Highlands and Islands in the current financial year. [26078]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  In 1996–97 I have approved investment by Caledonian MacBrayne in a new minor vessel to provide the ferry service across the sound of Harris. I shall provide financial assistance for the improvement of harbour works connected with this service at Newton ferry, North Uist, and Leverburgh, Harris. I shall also be providing financial assistance for the construction of both the new ferry terminal in Stornoway harbour and for the improvement of the ferry berth at Ullapool harbour to provide new berthing facilities for the new major vessel operated by Caledonian MacBrayne on the Ullapool-Stornoway service. Highlands and Islands Airports Limited is pursuing the redevelopment of Inverness airport terminal under the private finance initiative.

  The proposed causeway at Berneray is the responsibility of Western Isles Council. The council has received an offer of European regional development fund objective 1 funding of up to 50 per cent. of the estimated
  562
  project cost. The project will also be considered for challenge funding in future years if and when the council submits an application to the Scottish Office.

  Two major trunk road schemes are planned to start, to improve the A830 between Polnish bridge and Loch Nan Uamh and the A9 between Logie Easter and Garrick bridge. Almost £16 million has also been allocated for maintenance and minor improvements to the trunk road network.

  Victoria Hospital, Glasgow
  Mr. Watson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment he has made of the extent to which the prevention of an in-house bid in the competitive tendering process for support services in respect of Victoria hospital, Glasgow NHS trust complied with Government guidelines. [27052]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The in-house service was not prevented from bidding for the contract for support services; it was free to bid for the contract on the same basis as commercial tenderers. In addition, the trust offered to fund independent external advice for any staff group who wished to mount a bid. The offer was not taken up and no in-house bid was made.

  Scottish Banknotes
  Mr. David Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has for discussions in the EC about the future of Scottish banknotes. [26079]

  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions he has had about the future of Scottish banknotes. [26053]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  There is no change in the Government's policy of supporting the issue of banknotes by commercial banks in Scotland, which was so valiantly defended by Sir Walter Scott in the 19th century.

  My right hon. Friend has no plans for discussions on Scottish banknotes in the European Community.

  Beef
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he next plans to visit Aberdeenshire to inspect the beef industry. [26080]

  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  My right hon. and hon. Friends have met farmers from many parts of Scotland, including Aberdeenshire, over the last few weeks and such contacts will continue.

  Automated Finger Printing System
  Mr. Batiste
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment he has made of the benefits of the police automated finger printing system in combating crime in Scotland. [26081]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Since 1992, the number of people identified from their fingerprints has quadrupled and the cost per search has been halved.

  Unemployment
  Mr. John Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement about unemployment in Scotland. [26082]

  Mr. Kynoch
  Unemployment has declined by 56,000 since December 1992 and in March 1996 was below 200,000 for the 10th consecutive month.

  Scottish unemployment is well below the European Union average and less than in France, Spain and Italy.

  Scottish Enterprise
  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he next intends to meet representatives of Scottish Enterprise to discuss trends in the Scottish economy; and if he will make a statement. [26083]

  Mr. Kynoch
  My right hon. Friend expects to meet the chairman of Scottish Enterprise this month.

  Scottish Economic Council
  Ms Roseanna Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he last met the Scottish Economic Council to discuss employment in Scotland. [26086]

  Mr. Kynoch
  On Friday 22 March 1996.

  Beaufort's Dyke
  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what proposals he has for further surveys to be conducted at and around the Beaufort's Dyke area. [26085]

  Exam year

  Number of pupils in cohort

  S4 candidates awarded one or more standard/ordinary grades (at 1–3/A-C)

  S4 candidates awarded one or more standard/ordinary grades (at 1–6/A-E)

  Number

  Percentages1

  Number

  Percentages1

  1975

  90,100

  51,727

  57.4

  —

  —

  1985

  84,300

  55,231

  65.5

  —

  —

  1990

  66,200

  45,899

  69.4

  57,708

  87.2

  19952

  64,000

  52,594

  82.2

  61,132

  95.5

  Comparable data not available.

  1 Percentage of pupils who were in cohort at S1.

  2 Provisional.

  These figures show a substantial growth in numbers gaining nationally recognised qualifications. Standard grade courses are designed to meet the needs of pupils of all abilities. Achievement is measured against clearly stated standards.

  Education Institute of Scotland
  Mr. Chisholm
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many Education Institute of Scotland funding campaign postcards he received after 24 February. [27349]

  Mr. Raymond S
  . Robertson: A total of 12,024.
  564
  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  Further surveys of the Beaufort's Dyke area will be conducted from 26 April to 17 May; and from 19 to 29 July. The results of these surveys will be published.

  Mr. Foulkes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received regarding the further survey of the Beaufort's Dyke area. [26087]

  Mr. Robertson
  Apart from the hon. Gentleman, representations have been received from the hon. Member for Greenock and Port Glasgow (Dr. Godman).

  Bible John Case
  Mr. McFall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if the Crown Office has received a report from Strathclyde police subsequent to the DNA testing of the exhumed body associated with the Bible John case. [27567]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  My noble and learned Friend the Lord Advocate informs me that Strathclyde police have kept the regional procurator fiscal at Glasgow informed of progress in respect of forensic tests being carried out on their behalf. Strathclyde police are unable to forecast when the results of the tests will be available, but will report them to the regional procurator fiscal as soon as they are.

  Examination Results
  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many pupils passed standard grades last year in number and as a percentage of the population; what were the equivalent figures (i) five, (ii) 10 and (iii) 20 years ago; and if he will make a statement. [26084]

  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  The available information is given in the table:

  Lockerbie
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on progress in respect of the prosecution of those responsible for blowing up PA103 over Lockerbie. [26163]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  It is now almost four and a half years since demands were made of the Libyan Government for surrender of the two Libyan accused for trial in Scotland or the United States of America. These demands have been endorsed by the United Nations Security Council, It is a matter of regret that the Libyan Government have thus far not complied with these demands, but the resolution of this matter lies in their hands.

  Small and Medium Businesses
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what proportion of his Department's budget was spent on procurement from small and medium enterprises in 1995–96. [27523]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  I refer the hon. Member to my answer of 28 November 1995 at column 589 to her similar question relating to 1994–95. Our financial and procurement systems in use in 1995–96 had no facility for categorising suppliers according to the size of their business. We are currently implementing a new system which we intend to use to help us to provide the information requested in future years.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Specified Bovine Offal
  Mr. Heppell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many prosecutions have been taken out by his Department(a) for abuses of the specified bovine offal regulations and (b) against animal feed manufacturers for not conforming to the animal feed ban in each year since 1989. [26480]

  Mrs. Browning
  At 8 March 1996, there were 2,827 local veterinary inspectors appointed to inspect and certify farm animals for export. Of these, 50 were appointed between 1 January 1995 and 8 March 1996. Their names will not be disclosed under paragraph 4g of part II of the code of practice on access to Government information.

  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent reports he has received from the State Veterinary Service concerning mishandling of specified bovine offals in slaughterhouses. [26419]

  Mrs. Browning
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for High Peak (Mr. Hendry) on 30 April 1996.

  Mr. Prentice
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many prosecutions have been taken out by his Department(a) for abuses of the specified bovine offal regulations and (b) against animal feed manufacturers for not conforming to the animal feed ban in each year since 1989. [26480]

  Mrs. Browning
  There is currently one case before the courts for non-compliance with the regulations on specified bovine offals. A number of other cases are under investigation.

  There have been no prosecutions by this Department against animal feed manufacturers for not complying with the ruminant protein feed ban.

  Live Animal Exports
  Mr. Heppell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many animals were exported from the United Kingdom in 1995(a) with a further fattening export certificate and (b) with a for slaughter certificate. [26442]
  566
  Mrs. Browning
  The first table shows the numbers of farm animals, by species, certified for export from Great Britain to other member states in 1995 with further fattening and slaughter export certificates respectively. The figures are collated from the ANIMO system. They remain provisional and subject to amendment.

  The second table gives details of exports from Northern Ireland to other member states in 1995. The statistical records used to obtain the information do not enable the numbers of breeding certificates and further fattening certificates issued to be separately identified.

  Numbers of animals certified for export from GB in 1995 with further fattening or slaughter certification

  Further fattening

  Slaughter

  Cattle

  347,450

  0

  Sheep

  976,010

  89,430

  Goats

  0

  6

  Pigs

  790

  900

  Poultry

  16,383,640

  217,000

  1 Comprises poultry certified as breeding and production; and as day-old chicks.

  Numbers of animals certified for export from Northern Ireland in 1995 with breeding/further fattening or slaughter certification

  Breeding/further fattening

  Slaughter

  Cattle

  7,880

  1,150

  Sheep

  370

  0

  Goats

  0

  0

  Pigs

  2,240

  230

  Poultry

  15,617,000

  10,860

  1 Comprises poultry certified as breeding and production; and as day-old chicks.

  Scrapie
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what information his Department has evaluated on the persistence of scrapie on lands used for the grazing of sheep. [24421]

  Mrs. Browning
  No studies have been carried out on the persistence of scrapie on lands used for the grazing of sheep. On-going epidemiological studies into scrapie may, however, throw some light on the mechanism of infection. A paper by Wisniewski and others entitled "Mites as vectors for scrapie" which was published in The Lancet on 20 April is currently being evaluated.

  Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy
  Dr. Strang
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his oral statement of 20 March,Official Report, columns 387–96, on what day he was advised of the new evidence regarding a possible link between BSE and Creutzfeldt Jakob disease. [24704]

  Mrs. Browning
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Portsmouth, South (Mr. Martin) on 29 April 1996,Official Report, column 409.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on what date he was first informed of the link between BSE and the new strain of CJD. [24833]
  567
  Mrs. Browning
  [holding answer 16 April 1996]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Portsmouth, South (Mr. Martin) on 29 April 1996, Official Report, column 409.

  Mr. Colvin
  To ask the Minster of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what liaison there has been between his Ministry and the US National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland on research into BSE and CJD. [24905]

  Mrs. Browning
  UK officials have frequent contact with US officials by letter, phone and by personal contact at international meetings. This has extended to the provision of research materials and information when requested.

  Mr. Home Robertson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make an exemption from the rule on the destruction of the carcases of cattle over the age of 30 months for highland cattle and other slow-maturing native breeds from herds where there is no history of BSE. [25177]

  Current diagnosis research on TSEs

  Project code

  Project title

  Start date

  End date 1996–97

  Total costs

  Project status

  SE1409

  Development of an antemortem test for BSE and natural scrapie inflection through the detection of abnormal deposits of PrP

  1 April 1994

  31 March 1998

  341,312

  4

  SE1411

  Further analysis of nucleic acid differences between control and scrapie/BSE infected animals

  1 April 1994

  31 March 1998

  125,532

  4

  SE1705

  Electrophoretic analysis of body fluids to identify diagnostic markers in BSE and scrapie

  1 April 1992

  31 March 1996

  28,300

  4

  SE1707

  Sensitivity studies of fibril detection techniques used in Electron Microscopy for the diagnosis of scrapie

  1 April 1991

  31 March 1997

  42,176

  4

  SE1723

  Production of polyclonal antiaera to highly purified bovine PrP scrapie

  1 April 1995

  31 March 1996

  —

  4

  SE1724

  Biochemical changes in the spongiform encephalopathies

  1 April 1995

  31 March 1996

  —

  4

  SE1727

  Identification of putative NA components of the etiologic agent of the transmissible spongiform encephalopathies

  1 June 1995

  31 May 1996

  34,658

  4

  SE1728

  Production and properties of PrP: EC IVch framework collaboration

  1 April 1996

  31 March 1999

  92,493

  4

  SE1730

  Electrophoretic analysis of body fluids to identify disease specific proteins in ruminant spongiform encephalopathy

  1 April 1996

  31 March 1999

  151,530

  0

  SE1731

  Production of polyclonal antisera to highly purified bovine PrP scrapie (was SE1723)

  1 April 1996

  31 March 1997

  167,022

  5

  SE1732

  Collaboration agreement with Electrophoretics International to develop ZDE techniques for the diagnosis of BSE

  22 December 1995

  31 December 1996

  0

  4

  SE1917

  Scrapie infection of sheep neural and extraneural cell lines

  1 January 1994

  31 December 1996

  33,920

  4

  SE1922

  Studies of the sensitivity and specificity of methods of PrP scrapie detection in animal TSEs

  1 April 1995

  31 March 1998

  153,591

  4

  Total

  1,170,924

  Thirteen records listed.

  Mr. Welsh
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what sums his Department has allocated to research into the preparation of a live test for BSE; and if he will make a statement on the conclusions of that research. [23361]

  Dr. Strang
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the projects that receive funding from Government, or are under consideration for funding, that are related to establishing a live identification test for spongiform
  568
  Mrs. Browning
  [holding answer 16 April 1996]: Officials are working on a scheme under which animals which can safely be identified as low risk may be sold for human consumption. I hope to issue a consultation paper very shortly.

  Dr. Strang
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list all projects related to spongiform encephalopathies that receive funding from Government, or are under consideration for funding; and if he will give the start date and proposed end date for each project. [23198]

  Mrs. Browning
  [holding answer 28 March 1996]: The attached table shows both the projects that currently receive funding by MAFF, that are related to spongiform encephalopathies. Research funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, the Medical Research Council and the Department of Health may also be relevant.

  encephalopathies; and if he will give the start date and proposed end date for each project. [23197]

  Mrs. Browning
  [holding answer 28 March 1996]: The attached table shows both the projects that currently receive funding and the projects that are currently being considered for funding by MAFF, that are related to establishing a live test for spongiform encephalopathies. The list also shows the cost of the research. Some research funded by the BBSRC may also be relevant; details can be provided by the Office of Science and Technology.
  569

  Current diagnosis research on TSEs

  Project code

  Project title

  Start date

  End date 1996–97

  Total costs

  Project status

  SE1409

  Development of an antemortem test for BSE and natural scrapie inflection through the detection of abnormal deposits of PrP

  1 April 1994

  31 March 1998

  341,312

  4

  SE1411

  Further analysis of nucleic acid differences between control and scrapie/BSE infected animals

  1 April 1994

  31 March 1998

  125,532

  4

  SE1705

  Electrophoretic analysis of body fluids to identify diagnostic markers in BSE and scrapie

  1 April 1992

  31 March 1996

  28,300

  4

  SE1707

  Sensitivity studies of fibril detection techniques used in Electron Microscopy for the diagonsis of scrapie

  1 April 1991

  31 March 1997

  42,176

  4

  SE1723

  Production of polyclonal antiaers to highly purified bovine PrP scrapie

  1 April 1995

  31 March 1996

  —

  4

  SE1724

  Biochemical changes in the spongiform encephalopathies

  1 April 1995

  31 March 1996

  —

  4

  SE1727

  Identification of putative NA components of the etiologic agent of the transmissible spongiform encephalopathies

  1 June 1995

  31 May 1996

  34,658

  4

  SE1728

  Production and properties of PrP: EC IVth framework collaboration

  1 April 1996

  31 March 1999

  92,493

  4

  SE1730

  Electrophoretic analysis of body fluids to identify disease-specific proteins in ruminant spongiform encephalopathy

  1 April 1996

  31 March 1999

  151,530

  0

  SE1731

  Production of polyclonal antisera to highly purified bovine PrP scrapie (was SE1723)

  1 April 1996

  31 March 1997

  167,022

  5

  SE1732

  Collaboration agreement with Electrophoretics International to develop ZDE techniques for the diagnosis of BSE

  22 December 1995

  31 December 1996

  0

  4

  SE1917

  Scrapie infection of sheep neural and extraneural cell lines

  1 January 1994

  31 December 1996

  33,920

  4

  SE1922

  Studies of the sensitivity and specificity of methods of PrP scrapie detection in animal TSEs

  1 April 1995

  31 March 1998

  153,591

  4

  Total

  1,170,924

  Thirteen records listed.

  Mr. Thurnham
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of(a) the incidence and (b) the causes of BSE otherwise than in the United Kingdom. [23535]

  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the number of cases of BSE reported in each of the states of the European Union to the most recent available date. [24415]

  Mrs. Browning
  I refer the hon. Members to the answer I gave to the hon. Members for Edinburgh, East (Mr. Strang) and for Angus, East (Mr. Welsh) on 29 April 1996,Official Report, column 408.

  We have no reason to believe that BSE in other countries is caused by any other reason that the feeding of infected animal feedingstuffs.

  Mr. Marlow
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in which EU countries in which specified bovine offals are not removed from the carcase there have been cases of BSE within the last 12 months. [25860]

  Mrs. Browning
  [holding answer 19 April 1996): Cases of BSE have been recorded in France, Portugal, the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom in the last 12 months.

  According to our information, the only member states which apply SBO controls are Portugal, France, Belgium and the United Kingdom. Further information on the SBO controls in place in these member states was given in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Salisbury (Mr. Key) on 29 April 1996, Official Report, columns 413-14.
  570
  Ms Quin
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many cases of BSE there have been in(a) France and (b) Switzerland; and in how many of those cases the cause has been attributed to animal feed imported from the United Kingdom. [26022]

  Mrs. Browning
  [holding answer 23 April 1996): As at 29 April, 20 cases of BSE have been recorded in France and 210 cases in Switzerland.

  We have no information to suggest that any of these cases were caused by the consumption of animal feed imported from the United Kingdom; however, this possibility cannot be discounted.

  Beef Exports (EC Ban)
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement about the treaty basis on which the European Commission purports to exercise the power to impose a world-wide ban on the export of British beef. [23455]

  Mrs. Browning
  [holding answer 29 March 1996): The ban has been imposed on the basis of EC directives 90/425/EEC—in particular, article 10(4)—and 89/662/EEC—in particular, article 9—governing intra-community veterinary checks. These directives are based on article 43 of the treaty of Rome.

  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the total number of cases of BSE reported in the United Kingdom in each county or equivalent local authority area. [24416]
  571
  Mrs. Browning
  Attached are tables showing the total number of confirmed BSE cases in the United Kingdom by county since November 1986, as at 12 April 1996.

  BSE county summary (Great Britain); week ending Friday 12 April 1996

  Total number of cases confirmed since November 1986

  Region

  County

  Cases

  Northern

  Cleveland

  221

  Cumbria

  5,029

  Durham

  785

  Humberside

  875

  Northumberland

  1,088

  Tyne and Wear

  52

  Yorkshire north

  6,914

  Yorkshire south

  681

  Yorkshire west

  999

  Total

  16,644

  Midlands and Western

  Cheshire

  6,456

  Derbyshire

  3,807

  Hereford and Worcester

  2,678

  Lancashire

  5,295

  Leicestershire

  3,175

  Manchester

  194

  Merseyside

  125

  Nottinghamshire

  965

  Shropshire

  3,960

  Staffordshire

  4,094

  West Midlands

  123

  Warwickshire

  1,549

  Total

  32,421

  Eastern

  Bedfordshire

  453

  Cambridgeshire

  504

  Essex

  873

  Hertfordshire

  686

  Lincolnshire

  1,176

  Norfolk

  3,984

  Northamptonshire

  1,327

  Suffolk

  1,982

  Total

  10,985

  South west

  Avon

  2,975

  Cornwall

  9,898

  Devon

  13,966

  Dorset

  9,407

  Gloucestershire

  3,246

  Scilly Isles

  1

  Somerset

  12,407

  Wiltshire

  7,019

  Total

  58,919

  South east

  Berkshire

  828

  Buckinghamshire

  1,388

  Hampshire

  3,880

  Isle of Wight

  795

  Kent

  2,137

  London

  139

  Oxfordshire

  2,226

  Surrey

  1,245

  Sussex east

  1,882

  Sussex west

  3,229

  Total

  17,749

  Wales

  Clwyd

  2,472

  Dyfed

  7,735

  Glamorgan mid

  250

  Glamorgan south

  426

  Glamorgan west

  117

  572

  BSE county summary (Great Britain); week ending Friday 12 April 1996

  Total number of cases confirmed since November 1986

  Region

  County

  Cases

  Gwent

  1,104

  Gwynedd

  686

  Powys

  2,292

  Total

  15,082

  Scotland-south

  Borders

  504

  Central

  222

  Dumfries

  2,262

  Lothian

  212

  Strathclyde

  1,816

  Scotland-north

  Fife

  334

  Grampian

  1,323

  Highland

  328

  Orkney

  96

  Shetland

  10

  Tayside

  565

  Western Isles

  1

  Scottish total

  7,673

  Overall total for Great Britain

  159,473

  Cases confirmed in a particular month will have a date of clinical onset of disease and date of report prior to that month. In addition, in counties where incidence is low, the number of confirmed cases may show a reduction when purchased cases are reallocated to other premises in a different county.

  Northern Ireland county summary: week ending 12 April 1996

  Total number of cases confirmed since 29 November 1988

  County

  Cases

  Antrim

  466

  Armagh

  120

  Down

  305

  Fermanagh

  151

  Londonderry

  308

  Tyrone

  348

  Animal Imports (Rabies)
  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the quarantine kennels licensed by MAFF to accept animals imported into the United Kingdom. [26739]

  Mrs. Browning
  [holding answer 25 April 1996]: At present, there are 80 quarantine kennels authorised to operate in the UK. These are listed in the information pack issued to those who intend to import rabies-susceptible animals into this country. I have placed a copy in the Library of the House.

  Sir Cranley Onslow
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many(a) dogs, (b) cats and (c) other rabies-susceptible animals were imported into the United Kingdom under licence in 1995. [26882]

  Mrs. Browning
  Information on the number of animals actually imported during the whole of 1995 is not available. It is possible to provide information only on the number of animals for which licences have been issued
  573
  permitting their import during this period. For 1995, the figures for licensed animals were: 5,394 dogs, 4,126 cats and 81,054 other rabies-susceptible mammals.

  Maize-derived Glucose
  Mr. Wilson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the effect of reforms in the common agricultural policy on(a)EU self-sufficiency in maize and (b) the market price of maize-derived glucose. [27110]

  Mr. Baldry
  When account is taken of year-on-year variations in area, yield and consumption, the effect of reform of the common agricultural policy on EU self-sufficiency in maize, which remains around 100 per cent. has been largely neutral.

  The Department does not have independent price data on glucose and at present there is no simple and reliable way of distinguishing between glucose made from maize and glucose made from other raw materials such as wheat.

  Mr. Wilson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to alleviate the impact of increases in the price of maize-derived glucose produced in European Union countries on the British pharmaceutical industry; and if he will make a statement. [27111]

  Mr. Baldry
  With maize, as with other cereals, the Government's aim remains the progressive reduction of institutional price support, thereby removing one of the main factors leading to distortion between EU and world market prices for this raw material. In the short term, however, the Government are continuing to do all they can to ensure that the EU Commission operates the mechanisms designed to compensate EU starch and glucose users for the higher cost of their raw materials by comparison with those of their third country competitors in a fair and equitable manner.

  Cattle (Slaughter in Abattoirs)
  Dr Strang
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if those cattle aged over 30 months which are now ineligible for human consumption will be slaughtered in abattoirs which also kill livestock for human consumption; and if he will make a statement on the detailed arrangements for the implementation of the 30-month rule, describing the responsibilities of farmers, livestock markets, slaughterhouses, rendering plans and other parties. [27234]

  Mrs. Browning
  [holding answer 29 April 1996]: Cattle aged over 30 months may be slaughtered in abattoirs which also kill livestock for human consumption. The rules governing the 30-month scheme require that no cattle destined for human consumption may be present when animals are being slaughtered under the scheme. In addition, if any scheme animals need to be held in lairage, they must be kept separate from animals destined for human consumption and products from scheme animals must be stored separately from meat or other products for human or animal consumption. In
  574
  practice, this means that abattoirs participating in the scheme must agree to designate whole days (at least one) to the slaughter of animals under the scheme.

  The detailed arrangements for the scheme are still being finalised.

  Turkey Farming
  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent representations he has received about turkey farming. [27452]

  Mrs. Browning
  [holding answer 30 April 1996]: Some of the numerous representations we receive on farm animal welfare have related to the welfare of intensively farmed turkeys.

  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will commission an inquiry into the welfare of intensively farmed turkeys. [27453]

  Mrs. Browning
  [holding answer 30 April 1996]: The Farm Animal Welfare Council has recently conducted a review of the welfare of all farmed turkeys. Its report was published in 1995 and the Government response is currently in preparation.

  Slaughterhouse Waste
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what study has been made of the safety of disposing of fifth quarter material from abattoirs on to land in use for agriculture; and if he will make a statement. [25713]

  Mrs. Browning
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer to the hon. Member for Sheffield, Hillsborough (Mrs. Jackson) on 16 April,Official Report, column 466.

  Mrs. Helen Jackson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his answer of 16 April,Official Report, column 466, on research to provide guidelines on the landspreading of industrial wastes, (a) who has been commissioned to carry out the research and (b) when the results of the research will be published. [27455]

  Mrs. Browning
  The Ministry, together with the Department of the Environment and the Environment Agency, has commissioned the Water Research Centre and ADAS—an executive agency of MAFF—to conduct the aforementioned research on the landspreading of industrial wastes. Findings from the research are expected later this year and will be used as the basis for drafting guidance to regulators, waste operators, farmers and the public. The draft guidance will be subject to public consultation.

  Fish Oil
  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of controls on the manufacture of fish oil and associated products from depleted fish stocks; what plans he has to enhance their effectiveness; and if he will make a statement. [27552]

  Mr. Baldry
  Measures taken to protect depleted fish stocks focus primarily on limiting catches of the fish in the first place rather than the use to which they are put once landed.

  Natural Resources Institute
  Natural Resources Institute
  Iran and Libya: UK Policy
  Iran and Libya: UK Policy
  Iraqi Refugees: Alleged Deportation to Iran
  Iraqi Refugees: Alleged Deportation to Iran
  ODA: Review of NGO Funding
  ODA: Review of NGO Funding
  Voluntary Sector and Charities: Transfer of Departmental Responsibilities
  Voluntary Sector and Charities: Transfer of Departmental Responsibilities
  Human Settlements: UN Conference
  Human Settlements: UN Conference
  Water Supplies
  Water Supplies
  Firearms Control: Evidence to Inquiry
  Firearms Control: Evidence to Inquiry
  Painting of House of Lords in Session
  Painting of House of Lords in Session
  Refugees: Free School Meals
  Refugees: Free School Meals
  Income Support for Parent with Care
  Income Support for Parent with Care
  Defence Secondary Care Agency
  Defence Secondary Care Agency
  Mark 1 Rolling Stock, Safety
  Mark 1 Rolling Stock, Safety
  Channel Tunnel Rail Link
  Channel Tunnel Rail Link
  Liberia: Flag of Convenience
  Liberia: Flag of Convenience
  Rights of Audience: Law Society's Application
  Rights of Audience: Law Society's Application
  British Coal Land in Use for Sport and Recreation
  British Coal Land in Use for Sport and Recreation