Written Answers of 10 May 1996

ENVIRONMENT

  Local Authority Trading Powers
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what recent guidance he has given to the Audit Commission concerning local authority trading powers. [28467]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  None. My Department did, however, write to the local authority associations on 7 December 1995 on this issue and the Audit Commission was aware of that correspondence.

  Landscape Preservation
  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list, by English county, the name, location and size in hectares of areas designated by local authorities(a) to protect local landscape character and value, (b) as quasi-green belts or green wedges, (c) to protect historic parkland and gardens and (d) further to protect the open countryside. [28878]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  The Government do not collect this information centrally. Under section 8C of the Historic Buildings and Monuments Act 1953, as amended by the National Heritage Act 1983, English Heritage compiles a register of parks and gardens of special historic interest in England.

  Unitary Authorities (SSAs)
  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the amount of standard spending assessment per person for(a) North Lincolnshire unitary authority, (b) North East Lincolnshire unitary authority and (c) North Yorkshire unitary authority and Kingston upon Hull unitary authority. [28623]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  The figures requested are as listed:

  Local Authority

  SSA per head £

  (a)

  North Lincolnshire unitary authority

  718

  (b)

  North East Lincolnshire unitary authority

  760

  (c)

  North Yorkshire county council

  595

  Kingston upon Hull unitary authority

  814

  As a county council, North Yorkshire does not provide as wide a range of services as unitary authorities.
  270

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Higher Education (Inquiry)
  Mr. Mans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if she will announce the membership of the national committee of inquiry into higher education, and its terms of reference. [29330]

  Mrs. Gillian Shephard
  The national committee of inquiry into higher education faces an important and challenging task. Higher education has a vital role to play in raising the levels of the nation's skills and competitiveness and thus enhancing our capacity to generate wealth and to improve our quality of life. The national committee of inquiry will make recommendations on how the purposes, shape, structure, size and funding of higher education should develop to meet the needs of the United Kingdom over the next 20 years. It will have a significant influence on future generations of students, on the development of universities and colleges, and on the wider economy, society and culture of the country.

  My right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Scotland, for Wales and for Northern Ireland and I are therefore grateful to all those who responded to our consultations on the committee's composition and draft terms of reference. In the light of those responses, we are pleased to appoint the following members:

  Sir Ron Dearing (Chairman) and Professor John Arbuthnott: Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Strathclyde

  Baroness Dean of Thornton le Fylde: (formerly Brenda Dean)

  Ms Judith Evans: Director of Corporate Personnel, Sainbury's

  Sir Ron Garrick Managing Director and Chief Executive of Weir Group

  Sir Geoffrey Holland: Vice-Chancellor of the University of Exeter

  Professor Diana Laurillard: Pro Vice-Chancellor (Technology Development) of the Open University

  Mrs P. A. Morris: Headteacher, The Blue School, Wells

  Sir Ronald Oxburgh: Rector of Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine

  Dr. David Potter: Chairman of Psion Plc

  Sir George Quigley: Chairman of Ulster Bank

  Sir William Stubbs: Chief Executive of the Further Education Funding Council and Rector Designate of the London Institute

  Sir Richard Sykes: Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive of Glaxo-Wellcome Plc

  Professor David Watson: Director of the University of Brighton

  Professor Sir David Weatherall: Regius Professor of Medicine at the University of Oxford

  Professor Adrian Webb: Vice-Chancellor of the University of Glamorgan

  Mr. Simon Wright: Education and Welfare Officer, Students Union, the University of Wales College of Cardiff.

  We are grateful to these members for agreeing to serve on this important inquiry.

  We are placing a copy of the list of members and the full terms of reference in the Library.
  271

DEFENCE

  Gulf War (Chemical Weapons)
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent(a) evidence and (b) reports his Department has received concerning the use of (i) chemical and (ii) biological weapons during the Gulf war. [28725]

  Mr. Soames
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Sunderland, South (Mr. Mullin) on 16 January, Official Report, column 535.

  Procurement Collaboration
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his Department's policy concerning(a) European and (b) American procurement collaboration; and if he will make a statement. [28729]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  The United Kingdom is committed to pursuing greater collaboration armaments procurement both in Europe and with the United States. We have recognised for many years that co-operation with our allies is a most effective means of achieving value for money; the principal forum for this in Europe is the Western European armaments group. I announced on 13 March, Official Report, columns 648–49, that the UK wishes to join France and Germany in their work on setting up an armaments agency.

  Equally, we are keen to promote procurement collaboration with the United States. We wish to maintain the UK's extensive two-way business relationship on defence equipment with the US, which we value for strategic reasons and as the sole source of equipment which it would be uneconomic to develop elsewhere.

  Territorial Army
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the manpower strength of the Territorial Army at 1 April 1990; and what will be its estimated strength at 1 April 1999. [28727]

  Mr. Soames
  The manpower strength of the Territorial Army on 1 April 1990 was 74,440. On 14 July 1994 it was announced that the Territorial Army was to be restructured to an establishment of 59,000 by 1 April 1997. Present planning maintains the establishment of the Territorial Army at 59,000 in 1999 and it is hoped that the recruiting and retention initiatives will maintain the TA at this level.

  Defence Statistics
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what date he will publish the 1996 UK defence statistics. [28726]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  On 18 July 1996.

  Army Regiments
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Army regiments there were at 1 April 1990; and what is the current number. [28728]
  272
  Mr. Soames
  The information requested is given in the table:

  Number of major army units at 1 April 1990 and 1 April 19961

  Corps

  1 April 1990

  1 April 1996

  Royal Armoured Corps

  219

  2 311

  Royal Artillery

  222

  10

  Royal Engineers

  413

  216

  Infantry

  555

  541

  Special Air Service

  1

  1

  Army Air Corps

  64

  65

  Royal Corps of Signals

  215

  212

  Total

  128

  96

  1 The table covers Regular Army units of battalion size or equivalent in the major combat arms.

  2 Includes one training regiment.

  3 Excludes the Household Cavalry mounted regiment.

  4 Includes the Queen's Gurkha Engineers.

  5 Includes Gurkha battalions.

  6 Includes one Territorial Army squadron.

TRANSPORT

  Railtrack (Safety of Structures)
  Ms Short
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has made of the cost to Railtrack of complying with its safety standards for structures. [28555]

  Mr. Watts
  I have made no such estimate.

  Railtrack has a key role in managing safety on the rail network in its capacity as infrastructure controller and through its compliance with and operation of the railway group standards code, as required by its network licence, in an efficient manner. Railtrack's asset maintenance plan for track and route structures forecasts the expenditure required over the 10-year period from 1 April 1994 for sustaining the operational capability of these assets in accordance with Railtrack's operational policies and standards, including safety standards, and to comply with its statutory obligations.

  Rail Service Standards
  Ms Short
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport which train service groups failed to meet their passengers charter standards, when judged by the moving annual average figures, for(a) punctuality and (b) reliability, for the end of (i) 1994–95 and (ii) 1995–96. [28556]

  Mr. Watts
  The information requested is as follows:

  (i) 52 weeks ending 31 March 1995

  (a) Punctuality Avon

  Avon

  Cardiff Valleys

  Central Inter Urban

  Cross Country

  East Coast

  Gatwick Express

  Great Northern

  Lancashire Local

  LTS Rail

  Manchester Local

  Merseyrail City Line

  273

  Mid Wales and Marches

  Northampton Lines

  North London Lines

  North Wales Branches

  ScotRail Central

  ScotRail East

  Sussex Coast

  Transpennine

  West Coast

  (b) Reliability

  Anglia Locals

  Avon

  Cardiff Valleys

  Central Inter Urban

  Cornwall

  Cumbria

  East Midlands and Lincs

  Great Northern

  Lancashire Local

  LTS Rail

  Manchester Local

  Manchester Long

  Merseyrail City Line

  Mid Wales and Marches

  Northampton Lines

  Northern Long

  Northern Short

  North London Lines

  North Wales Branches

  North Wales Inter Urban

  South Cotswolds

  South Yorkshire and Humberside Long

  South Yorkshire and Humberside Short

  Thameslink

  Transpennine

  West and Central Wales

  West Yorkshire Long

  West Yorkshire Short

  Western Inter Urban

  (ii) 52 weeks ending 26 March 1996

  (a) Punctuality

  Anglia Intercity

  Avon

  Central Inter Urban

  Cross Country

  East Coast

  East Suffolk

  Felixstowe

  Gatwick Express

  Great Northern

  Great Western

  Kent Link

  Lancashire Local

  Manchester Local

  Northampton Lines

  North London Orbital

  North Wales Branches

  Peterborough/Cambridge

  274

  South West Main Line

  Sussex Coast

  Thameslink

  Transpennine

  West Coast

  Western Inter Urban

  (b) Reliability

  Avon

  Cardiff Railway Co. Ltd.

  Cornwall

  Cumbria

  Devon

  East Coast

  Felixstowe

  Great Northern

  Lancashire Local

  Manchester Local

  Manchester Long

  Merseyrail City Line

  Northern Long

  Northern Short

  North London Orbital

  North Wales Branches

  North Wales Inter Urban

  South Yorkshire and Humberside Short

  Thames

  Thameslink

  Transpennine

  West and Central Wales

  West Coast

  Western Inter Urban

  Note:

  On 1 April 1995, North London Lines was disaggregated into North London Orbital and Watford Locals route groups. Anglia Locals was disaggregated into East Suffolk, Felixstow, Great Yarmouth, Lowestoft, Peterborough/Cambridge and Sheringham route groups.

  Marine Accidents Investigation Branch
  Mr. Ainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what regulations existed before 1994 concerning the requirement of the MAIB to consult individuals or organisations that were subject to potential criticism in MAIB reports. [28861]

  Mr. Norris
  Prior to 1994, section 9(4) of the Merchant Shipping (Accident Investigation) Regulations 1989 met this requirement.

  Oil Spillage (Sea Empress Incident)
  Mr. Ainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what information has been requested by the Environment Agency from his Department about the Sea Empress oil spillage; when that information was requested; and if he will place a copy of his Department's reply in the Library. [28860]

  Mr. Norris
  There have been close contacts between the Environment Agency and my Department on a range of matters associated with the Sea Empress oil spillage.
  275
  It is not usual practice to place copies of correspondence between the Environment Agency and my Department in the Library.

  Concessionary Travel
  Mr. Foulkes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to amend the London Regional Transport Act 1984 and the Transport Act 1985 to include men aged 60 years or over as a further eligible class of person for transport concessions as a result of the Atkins v. Wrekin district council and Department of Transport case considered by the European Court. [28986]

  Mr. Norris
  The European Court of Justice has not yet given its judgment in the Atkins case. When it does, we shall consider any implications for the current legislation.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Pre-School Voucher Scheme
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what qualifications will be demanded of those responsible for organising the provision of pre-school provision under the proposed voucher scheme. [28731]

  Mr. Ancram
  The consultation document "Pre School Education: The Voucher Scheme in Northern Ireland" describes the qualifications which the Government propose to require in respect of staff employed by providers under the scheme. These are:

  Grant-aided nursery schools/classes: teachers(s) with qualified teacher status and qualified nursery assistant(s).

  Reception classes in primary schools: qualified teachers and a classroom assistant.

  All other settings: at least half of the staff must hold a relevant qualification in day-care or education.

  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what provision he has made for increased capital expenditure for the education and library boards to respond to his voucher scheme for pre-school children. [28733]

  Mr. Ancram
  No additional capital resources will be made available under the pre-school voucher scheme itself but education and library boards will be able to apply for assistance to meet the capital costs of additional nursery provision from the special support programme for peace and reconciliation. It will in the first instance be a matter for them to determine their own capital priorities in response to the scheme.

  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what provisions exist to cancel the contract to be issued to a pre-school voucher company without cost to public funds; and if he will make a statement. [28735]

  Mr. Ancram
  No contract has yet been drawn up between the Department of Education Northern Ireland and any company in respect of the pre-school voucher scheme.

  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if providers of pre-five activity under the proposed voucher scheme will be required to meet current 276
  standards required in terms of staff qualifications and health and safety standards in nursery education; and if he will list all differences in requirements. [28730]

  Mr. Ancram
  Providers of pre-school education will be required to meet different requirements in respect of qualifications, depending on the type of provision which they make. The different requirements proposed are set out in the consultative document which I have recently issued on the pre-school voucher scheme. All providers will be subject to the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work (NI) Order 1978.

  Nursery Education
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the differences in requirements for accommodation for nursery education(a) conforming to Department of Education standards, and (b) proposed in draft regulations and guidance on family support, child minding and day care as required in the Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995. [28732]

  Mr. Ancram
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of the letter in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the current average cost in Northern Ireland of providing a full-time nursery education place. [28734]

  Mr. Ancram
  Information in the exact form requested is not readily available because it is difficult to identify separately the costs associated with nursery classes in primary schools. However, the average recurrent cost of a full-time nursery place in a nursery school based on Education and library boards' planned expenditure for 1996–97 is £2,130.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Motability
  Mr. Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what assessment he has made of whether the financial reserves of Motability Finance Ltd. are being fully used to the benefit of its customers. [27716]

  Mr. Burt
  Financial reserves are maintained by Motability Finance Ltd. as a normal business measure to safeguard the operation of the Motability schemes.

  Child Support
  Sir David Steel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will include costs of family travel in remote rural areas as essential living costs to be assessed by the Child Support Agency. [28104]

  Mr. Andrew Mitchell
  A broad-bush allowance for high travel-to-work costs is already included in the child support formula and the departures scheme, which is currently being piloted with a view to its introduction later this year, will provide the flexibility for this to be varied where it does not fully meet individual circumstances. The new scheme will also take account of high travel costs for absent parents, necessary to enable them to maintain contact with their children.
  277
  The child support maintenance requirement is intended to cover the basic day-to-day needs of the children for whom an assessment is due. This is based on income support levels which apply nationally and it would not be appropriate to vary the amounts involved.

  Family Credit
  Mr. Ian McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list, by region, for 1995–96(a) the total amount paid out in family credit, (b) the number of family credit recipients, (c) the average number of child dependants of each recipient and (d) the average weekly amount paid out to each recipient. [28223]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  The available information is set out in the table.

  Total amount of family credit paid 1995–96 £ million

  Number of recipients

  Average number of children

  Average weekly family credit £

  Northern

  Eastern

  313

  114,000

  2.0

  52.40

  Midlands

  308

  115,000

  2.1

  51.05

  London North

  199

  76,000

  2.1

  50.10

  London South

  171

  66,000

  2.1

  49.53

  Wales and South

  Western

  233

  87,000

  2.0

  50.84

  North Western

  276

  100,000

  2.0

  52.54

  Scotland

  182

  70,000

  1.9

  49.52

  Total for Great Britain

  1,682

  627,000

  2.0

  51.06

  Notes:

  1. The expenditure figures have been derived by apportioning the estimate of total family credit expenditure published in the 1995–96 departmental report, and must therefore be treated with caution.

  2. Numbers are rounded to the nearest thousand.

  3. Regions used are Department of Social Security administrative regions.

  4. The number of recipients are for families in receipt of family credit at July 1995, this being the most recent information currently available.

  Source:

  Family credit 5 per cent. sample of awards.

  Suspension of Benefits
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what statutory powers he has under social security regulations to suspend or amend the payments of benefits awarded to claimants. [28629]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  Payment of an award of benefit made by the independent adjudicating authorities may be suspended or withheld, in whole or in part, by the Secretary of State for Social Security under the provisions of regulations 37, 37A or 37AA of the Social Security (Claims and Payments) Regulations 1987. The Secretary of State has no other powers which enable him to amend an award of benefit, however independent adjudication officers do have a power to review an award.

  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security on how many occasions he has used powers to suspend or amend payments of benefits to claimants 278
  already in receipt of them; how many applicants were affected by these changes; and what was the total amount that these actions saved his Department in the payment of benefits in each of the last three years. [28631]

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

  Child Support Agency
  Ms Lynne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many official complaints have been received by the Child Support Agency in each month since the agency started to operate. [28056]

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

  Letter from Ann Chant to Ms Liz Lynne, dated 9 May 1996.

  I am replying to your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security as to the number of official complaints received by the Child Support Agency.

  We have not separately identified 'official' complaints to the Agency, but have taken the broadest view as to what constitutes a complaint whether it be against the policy, the administration or some other aspect of Child Support legislation.'

  So what we record as complaints will cover things like policy issues; concerns about the imposition of deduction from earnings orders; the level of assessed maintenance; requests for assessments to be rechecked; the time taken to process a case; general administrative concerns and suggestions that the other client's affairs have not been properly taken into account. We also include complaints and queries from people who are not clients of the Agency.

  The table attached shows a monthly breakdown of all such complaints received in 1994/95 and 1995/96; we did not keep monthly totals in 1993/94.

  I hope this is helpful.

  Number of complaints received by Child Support Agency

  Number

  1993–94

  10,886

  1994–95

  April

  1,465

  May

  1,984

  June

  1,881

  July

  1,992

  August

  1,131

  September

  2,536

  October

  2,579

  November

  3,070

  December

  2,458

  January

  1,483

  February

  3,121

  March

  3,948

  1995–96

  April

  3,025

  May

  2,501

  June

  3,113

  July

  2,281

  August

  3,160

  September

  2,645

  October

  3,004

  November

  2,813

  December

  1,792

  January

  1,922

  February

  2,373

  March

  1,962

  279

DUCHY OF LANCASTER

  Competitiveness
  Mr. Alfred Morris
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what assessment he has made of the competitiveness of the United Kingdom economy relative to(a) other EU states and (b) the rest of the world. [28342]

  The Deputy Prime Minister
  The Government's plans for improving the competitiveness of the United Kingdom were set out in the 1994 and 1995 White Papers on competitiveness. Progress on those plans will be reported in a third Competitiveness White Paper in the summer.

  The UK has had the strongest recovery since 1992 of any major EU country. Over the last international cycle, 1982 to 1993, Japan was the only G7 country to outpace the UK in terms of gross domestic product per capita growth. The UK significantly outpaced France, Italy, Canada and the European average.

HEALTH

  Midwives
  Mrs. Bridget Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to hold an inquiry into the reasons for the acute shortage of midwives in the South Thames area; and if he will make a statement. [28262]

  Mr. Malone
  None. This is a matter for local employers who since 1992 have been responsible for planning and training the number of midwives they need. The Inner London Education Consortium has increased the number of commissions for registered midwifery training by 35 per cent.

  Mental Health (Prescription Charges)
  Mrs. Ray Michie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what plans he has to extend the list of eligible people with mental illnesses exempt from paying for prescribed treatment; and if he will make a statement; [28200]

  (2) what representations he has received from (a) organisations and (b) individuals about the extra financial costs imposed by prescription charges on people suffering from mental illnesses; [28202]

  (3) what plans he has to introduce free medication for people with mental illnesses who are treated in the community; and if he will make a statement. [28201]

  Mr. Malone
  None. Many people who are mentally ill benefit from our extensive exemption arrangements, which are among the most generous in Europe. In 1996–97 we expect 85 per cent. of prescriptions to be dispensed free.

  We receive approximately two letters per month on this subject, mainly from individuals.

  Alzheimer's Disease
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much cash has been spent on Alzheimer's disease research by his Department in each year since 1989; and if he will make a statement. [28212]
  280
  Mr. Bowis
  The main agency through which the Government support bio-medical and clinical research is the Medical Research Council which receives its grant-in-aid from the office of my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade. My Department's policy research programme is contributing £750,000 to the MRC cognitive and ageing study between October 1990 and June 1996. Another study, "Husbands and wives who care for elderly people with dementia and functional psychiatric disorder", was undertaken at the Institute of Psychiatry and ended in December 1995; the total cost was £134,331.

  Private Finance Initiative
  Ms Harman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the pay-back period under the proposed PFI contracts for new hospitals at(a) Norwich, (b) Swindon and (c) Royal London. [28348]

  Mr. Horam
  The national health service trusts are currently negotiating their private finance initiative contracts with private sector partners or potential private sector partners. The dates of the payments under the contracts are part of these negotiations.

  Oral Contraceptives
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations the Medicines Commission has received relating to oral contraceptives containing desogestrel and gestodene; and what response the commission has made to those representations. [28136]

  Mr. Malone
  The chairman of the Medicines Commission has received requests from one individual for the commission to examine issues relating to these oral contraceptives. The chairman responded that it was not appropriate at this time for the commission to consider the matter.

  Mr. Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Bradford, West (Mr. Madden) of 2 April, Official Report, column 186, what steps the Medicines Control Agency and the Committee on Safety of Medicines took to exclude a false low estimate of the risk of venous thromboembolism with oral contraceptives containing levonorgestrel. [28289]

  Mr. Malon
  e: Recent studies have indicated that oral contraceptives containing desogestrel or gestodene are associated with greater risk of venous thromboembolism than oral contraceptives containing levonorgestrel. A number of factors, including various forms of bias, confounding and chance can potentially influence the findings of such studies, leading to estimates of risk being falsely high or low. The Medicines Control Agency and Committee on Safety of Medicines carefully considered detailed analyses examining the possible effects of these factors and concluded that the observed differences in risk could not be fully explained by them.

  Medicines (Safety)
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the occasions during 1994 on which(a) the Licensing Authority, (b) the Medicine Control Agency and (c) the Committee on Safety of Medicines have taken legal action with respect to matters relating to

  281
  the Medicines Act 1968; and how many injunctions have been sought during that period relating to material relating to the efficacy or safety of medicines. [28137]

  Mr. Malone
  A list of those occasions will be placed in the Library.

  One injunction was sought with the consent of the Attorney-General and granted in 1994: to stop the illegal promotion and sale of gamma hydroxybutyrate, an unlicensed medical product known to be used as a drug of abuse.

  Mr. Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list for each occasion that the chairman of the Committee on Safety of Medicines has sent "Dear Doctor" letters to United Kingdom doctors, what regulatory action accompanied the letter, the date of the letter and the date of the licensing action. [28139]

  Mr. Malone
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave him on 9 May. The "Dear doctor" letters sent out by the chairman of the Committee on Safety of Medicines prior to 1980 are shown in the table.

  Subject

  Date of letter

  Products containing the following drug substance(s)

  Establishment of the Committee on Dental and Surgical Materials—advice on reporting of adverse reactions

  23 January 1979

  No safety issue

  Mortality among women using oral contraceptives

  6 October 1977

  Combined oral contraceptives

  Phenformin and lactic acidosis

  7 September 1977

  Phenformin

  Sub-acute myelo-optic neuropathy with clioquinol;

  May 1973

  Clioquinol

  Vaginal adenocarcinoma with stilboestrol;

  May 1973

  Stilboestrol

  Safety of local anaesthetics containing noradrenaline, use in patients on antidepressants;

  May 1973

  Local anaesthetics (preparations containing 1:25,000 noradrenaline), Tricyclic antidepressants

  Anticonvulsants and congenital abnormalities

  May 1973

  Anticonvulsants including primidone, phenobarbitone and phenytoin

  Combined oral contraceptives and pulmonary embolism

  May 1973

  Oral contraceptives (>50 micrograms oestrogen)

  Medicines Act 1968
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 2 April, Official Report,
  282
  column 186, if he will list for each of the 35 occasions in 1995 when the Licensing Authority instigated legal action, whom the legal action was taken against, what was the relevant statutory provision, what the outcome of the action was and what costs were incurred by the Licensing Authority. [28138]

  Mr. Malone
  A list of those occasions will be placed in the Library.

  The relevant statutory provisions were sections 108(1), 67 and 45 of the Medicines Act 1968. It was not the practice in 1995 to apportion costs of enforcement action to each individual defendant.

  Medicines Commission
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health who employs the legal advisers of the Medicines Commission; and what is their relationship with (i) the Licensing Authority, (ii) the Department of Health and (iii) the Medicines Control Agency. [28140]

  Mr. Malone
  The Medicines Commission has access, on request, to legal advice from the office of the solicitor to the Department of Social Security in respect of medicines for human use and to the office of the legal adviser and solicitor to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in respect of veterinary products. The Department of Health and the Medicines Control Agency, who act on the Licensing Authority's behalf, receive legal advice from the office of the solicitor to the Department of Social Security.

  Sheffield Centre for Health and Related Research
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) pursuant to his answer of 26 April, Official Report, column 293, if he will list the staff employed by the Sheffield centre for health and related research who are former employees of the Trent regional health authority; and if he will make a statement on the academic research experience of the staff, their salary levels and which bodies are responsible for paying these salaries; [28343]

  (2) pursuant to his answer of 26 April, Official Report, column 293, what was the position of the three staff formerly employed at Trent regional health authority who took up posts at the Sheffield centre for health and related research held at the regional health authority; and what severance terms were agreed by the regional health authority. [28420]

  Mr. Malone
  These are matters for the University of Sheffield. The three staff resigned from the Trent regional health authority and no severance terms were agreed. As to their positions, I refer the hon. Member to the reply that I gave him on 26 April at column 293.

  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what funding was provided by the former Yorkshire regional health authority to the Sheffield centre for health and related research. [28353]

  Mr. Malone
  None.

  Redundancies
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 16 April, Official Report,

  283
  column 477, what exceptions were made in providing redundancy terms more favourable than those listed in section 45 of the general Whitley council handbook or circular HSG (94) 18, following the dissolution of the former Yorkshire regional health authority; if he will indicate in each case the circumstances in which this was done; and by how much the terms agreed exceeded those set out in the guidance. [28352]

  Mr. Malone
  No exceptions were made.

  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the total sum currently being made available(a) through the national health service executive and (b) direct from the Department of Health to the Sheffield centre for Health and related research in 1996–97. [28354]

  Mr. Malone
  The total value in 1996–97 of contracts awarded to the Sheffield centre for health and related research is £965,660 by the national health service executive and £555,390 by the Department of Health.

  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will list the staff employed by the Sheffield centre for health and related research who are former employees of the Yorkshire regional health authority; and if he will make a statement on the academic research experience of the staff indicating their salary levels and the bodies responsible for their pay; [28419]

  (2) which staff from the former Yorkshire regional health authority (i) transferred to take up posts at the Sheffield centre for health and related research and (ii) took up posts at that centre following the dissolution of the regional health authority; what was their former position at the regional health authority; and what were the severance terms agreed by the regional health authority. [28421]

  Mr. Malone
  These are matters for the University of Sheffield.

  Psychiatrists
  Mr. Meale
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the current numbers of consultant psychiatrist posts in England and Wales by local health authority area. [28875]

  Mr. Malone
  The available information is shown in the table.

  Consultants in the psychiatric group by region as at 30 September 1994

  Whole Time Equivalents

  Number

  England and Wales total

  1,990

  Northern

  100

  Yorkshire

  130

  Trent

  180

  East Anglia

  90

  North West Thames

  130

  North East Thames

  160

  South East Thames

  180

  South West Thames

  130

  Wessex

  110

  Oxford

  110

  South Western

  120

  284

  Consultants in the psychiatric group by region as at 30 September 1994

  Whole Time Equivalents

  Number

  West Midlands

  180

  Mersey

  90

  North Western

  140

  Special Health Authorities

  30

  Wales

  110

  Figures are rounded to the nearest 10.

  It is standard practice not to show statistical data relating to NHS staff in such detail that individuals could be identified.

  Mr. Meale
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many health trusts and health authorities by region do not utilise psychiatrists in planning services for the mentally ill. [28867]

  Mr. Bowis
  This information is not available centrally.

  Mr. Meale
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many vacancies there are for consultant psychiatrists in each health authority area in the UK. [28876]

  Mr. Malone
  Figures for England are shown in the table. Questions relating to Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are matters for my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Wales and for Scotland and my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.

  Consultant vacancies in the psychiatry group as at 30 September 1994 by region

  Whole time equivalents

  Number

  England total

  170

  Northern

  10

  Yorkshire

  10

  Trent

  20

  East Anglia

  10

  NW Thames

  20

  NE Thames

  10

  SE Thames

  10

  SW Thames

  20

  Wessex

  0

  Oxford

  0

  S Western

  0

  W Midlands

  30

  Mersey

  10

  N Western

  10

  Special Health Authorities

  0

  Figures are rounded to the nearest 10. Numbers greater than zero but less than or equal to 5 are shown as zero.

  It is standard practice not to show statistical data relating to NHS staff in such detail that individuals could be identified.

  Mr. Meale
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many psychiatric posts are currently occupied by locums in each health authority area in the UK. [28877]

  Mr. Malone
  This information is not available centrally.
  285

  Read Codes System
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 2 May, Official Report, column 608, what estimate he has made of the number of (a) hospitals and (b) general practice doctors who have participated in the development of the Read codes system; what financial value he has placed on their time in evaluating the costs and benefits of continuing public investment in the Read codes system; and if he will make a statement. [28934]

  Mr. Horam
  The clinical terms projects involved approximately 2,000 clinicians including 72 general practitioners. Individual hospitals were not represented.

  The clinicians were associated with 55 working groups. The chairman of each group received a small honorarium and members were re-imbursed travel expenses for attendance at meetings.

  No estimate was made of the financial value of the time that each clinician spent on the project.

  With regard to an evaluation of the Read codes I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave him on 2 May at column 608.

  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 2 May, Official Report, column 608, what was the total licence income accruing for all NHS sources to Computer Aided Medicine Systems Ltd. in each financial year since 1991–92; and on what occasion the appropriate risk-rewards ratio pertaining to this licence income was last independently evaluated. [28938]

  Mr. Horam
  The following are the revenues for national health service licences paid to Computer Aided Medical Systems Ltd. in each financial year since 1991:

  £

  April 1991 to 30 September 1992 (18 months)

  1,530,900

  1 October 1992 to 30 September 1993

  1,286,912

  1 October 1993 to 30 September 1994

  1,572,877

  1 October 1994 to 30 September 1995

  1,684,016

  All the company's accounts and business practices have been audited and accepted for each year up to 30 September 1994.

  The annual audit for 1994–95 accounts began on 20 April 1996, and the report is awaited from the auditors with completion scheduled for the end of May 1996.

  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 2 May, Official Report, column 607, if he will list those elements of the Read codes 3 system which will reach service strength in (a) 1996, (b) 1997, (c) 1998, (d) 1999 and (e) 2000. [28937]

  Mr. Horam
  The time scale for key elements of Read codes version 3 to reach service level strength is as follows:
  286
  1996

  A product to support the business requirements of hospitals including disorders, procedures, signs and symptoms which describes the work of hospital doctors and is to be used by doctors and coders within hospitals to enable the production of discharge summaries, statutory data sets and reports.

  1997

  A product including additional terms and qualifiers to support the needs of general practioners and doctors in acute trusts for more detailed electronic clinical records.

  Work will take place in 1997 to pilot exchange of clinical messages between and within the various healthcare sectors.

  1998 onwards

  The nature of the further refinement and development of version 3 will depend on the feedback from users.

  Health Services
  Mr. Meale
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will issue guidelines to helath authorities and health trusts requiring them to involve local health professionals in the planning of health services in their areas; [28874]

  (2) if he will issue guidelines to health authorities and trusts requiring them to obtain the advice of (a) psychiatrists and (b) other health professionals practising locally in the NHS when developing strategic plans for mental health. [28873]

  Mr. Malone
  Health authorities are responsible for developing local health service strategies in partnership with primary care, local trusts and other agencies and are legally required to take appropriate professional advice in carrying out their functions. This is set out in EL(94)79 and HSG(95)11, copies of which are available in the Library.

  Cancelled Operations
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 7 March, Official Report, column 324, if he will now provide comparable information on cancelled operations during the fourth quarter of 1995–96. [28939]

  Mr. Horam
  The information will be placed in the Library.

  The national health service carries out some 5.5 million operations annually. Less than 1 per cent. are cancelled on the day the patient is due to arrive, or after arrival, in hospital, and 89 per cent. of patients whose operations are cancelled are readmitted within one month.

  NHS Trusts
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what information his Department collates on trusts which have established limited companies. [28723]

  Mr. Horam
  None.

  Mental Handicap Hospitals
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many mental handicap hospitals there were in each district health authority for each year since 1979; and how many have gained trust status. [28724]
  287
  Mr. Bowis
  Information is not available centrally in the form requested. The number of trusts and directly managed units with learning disability beds, by region, in 1994–95 is shown in the table.

  Number of trusts

  Number of DMUs

  Northern and Yorkshire

  19

  0

  Trent

  11

  1

  Anglia and Oxford

  13

  0

  North Thames

  11

  2

  South Thames

  18

  3

  South West

  15

  0

  West Midlands

  12

  1

  North West

  15

  0

  Further detail on the number of beds is available in "Bed Availability for England", copies of which are available in the Library.

TREASURY

  Office Space
  Mrs. Bridget Prentice
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the square footage and cost of office space rented by his Department and its agencies and the number of his Department or agencies' buildings partly or fully unoccupied, together with the square footage of that unoccupied office space and its estimated rental value where available in each of the past five financial years. [27735]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  The properties occupied by the Inland Revenue, HM Customs and Excise and the Office for National Statistics—formerly central statistical office-Paymaster, Valuation Office and the Royal Mint formed part of the Government common user office estate which, prior to 1 April 1996, was managed by Property Holdings. From that date Departments took over responsibility from Property Holdings when they became fully accountable for their own accommodation. Information relating to vacant CUE space for the years in question was given by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for the Environment on 30 January, Official Report, columns
  648–49.

  Not all the information requested on occupation and cost of office space is available. However, for those Departments and agencies in respect of which information is held, the total square footage and cost of office space rented for the five years in question were:

  Year

  Square feet

  Cost £

  1991–921

  41,368

  557,296

  1992–93

  2,678,800

  28,365,826

  1993–94

  2,602,795

  29,394,490

  1994–95

  2,577,414

  27,940,773

  1995–96

  2,520,690

  27,497,485

  1 Excluding Customs and Excise

  288

  European Union
  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate of the number of jobs lost to the United Kingdom economy as a direct result of the annual net contributions to the European Union made since 1973. [27940]

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  The direct employment effects of the United Kingdom's net contributions to the European Union could not be calculated without making assumptions about how the money might otherwise have been spent or used to reduce taxes.

  Pre-tax Incomes
  Mr. Timms
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will update the answer to the hon. Member for Taunton (Mr. Nicholson) of 20 December 1994, Official Report, column 1080, for 1993–94, 1994–95, 1995–96 and 1996–97, giving his answer at 1996–97 prices. [28583]

  Mr. Jack
  The table provides estimates based on the survey of personal incomes of numbers of individuals for 1993–94, the latest year for which information is available at such high levels of income, 1983–84 and 1973–74.

  Pre-tax income range (adjusted for changes in average male earnings)

  Thousands

  £200,000–£400,000

  £400,000+

  1993–94

  18

  7

  1983–84

  7

  1

  1973–74

  12

  3

  The income ranges used for 1983–84 and 1973–74 have been adjusted to take account of changes in average adult male earnings up to 1993–94.

  Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy
  Mr. Alan W. Williams
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the cost to public finance from the BSE situation of(a) compensation to farmers, abattoirs and meat processing companies and (b) indirect losses from reduced tax revenue and employment in ancillary industries. [28520]

  Mr. Waldegrave
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend, the Member for Northampton, North (Mr. Marlow) on 26 April, Official Report, columns 321–22.

  The indirect effects on Government tax revenues will depend upon both the length of time that output in ancillary industries is reduced, and the extent to which lower output and employment in the ancillary industries is offset by higher output and employment elsewhere in the economy. It is impossible to estimate these effects with any precision.

  Bristol and West Building Society
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received concerning the proposed takeover of the Bristol and West building society. [28464]
  289
  Mrs. Angela Knight
  None.

  Government Deficit
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the general Government financial deficit in 1996–97; and what was the outturn in 1995–96. [28890]

  Mr. Waldegrave
  The Budget forecast of the general Government financial deficit in 1996–97 was £26 billion, equivalent to 3½ per cent. of gross domestic product. An updated forecast will be published in the summer economic forecast on 9 July.

  An outturn estimate of the GGFD in 1995–96 is not yet available.

  EU Directives
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the directives which have affected his 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. [27086]

  Mr. Jack
  [holding answer 29 April 1996]: This information is not currently available, and could not be obtained without incurring disproportionate cost.

  EU Budget Fraud
  Mr. Clifton-Brown
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what treaty changes the Government are proposing to the current intergovernmental conference to combat fraud and financial mismanagement of EU funds. [27191]

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  [holding answer 8 May 1996]: As stated in "A partnership of Nations", the Government made significant progress at Maastricht in obtaining treaty changes to combat fraud and improving financial management. The Government believe that the Community should make better use of the existing provisions, but would naturally support any effective proposals to strengthen these.

  Employees' Rights
  Ms Jowell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what provision is available to employees of his Department for(a) maternity leave, (b) maternity pay, (c) paternity leave, (d) parental leave, (e) flexible working hours, (f) part-time work, (g) job sharing, (h) leave to care for sick children, (i) home working, (j) term-time contracts, (k) annual hours contracts,(l) workplace nurseries, (m) child care allowances, (n) carers' leave and (o) career break schemes; and what criteria are used to judge eligibility in each case. [27594]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  [holding answer 7 May 1996]: The information requested is as follows for the Treasury, Inland Revenue and Customs and Excise.

  HM TREASURY

  (a) Maternity leave

  (b) Maternity pay
  290
  The Treasury gives three months and one week's paid maternity leave to a pregnant member of staff for the period of continuous absence before and after confinement provided that she (i) states that she intends to return to work in the Treasury after her confinement, and that she agrees to repay any payment made during that period if she fails to return—such repayment will exclude any statutory maternity pay to which there is entitled—(ii) is in paid service with the Treasury at the time her maternity leave begins and has rendered at least one year's such service, (iii) is not employed on a casual appointment, and (iv) is not employed on a fixed term appointment of less than two years.

  Women who have not completed one year's service or who are employed for a period of less than two years are not entitled to contractual maternity pay, but may be able to receive statutory maternity pay or maternity allowance.

  A woman who qualifies for paid maternity leave will also qualify for a period of unpaid maternity leave. The total period of paid and unpaid maternity leave may not exceed 52 weeks.

  (c) Paternity leave

  Fathers are entitled to take two days paid paternity leave.

  (d) Parental leave

  Staff entering into adoption procedures may be granted up to 20 working days paid special leave.

  (e) Flexible working hours

  Flexible working hours are widely available in the Treasury to staff in pay range E and below. Participation is dependent on agreement between staff and managers in individual teams.

  (f) Part-time working

  (g) Job Sharing

  (i) Home working

  (j) Term-time contracts

  Treasury staff can adopt alternative working patterns such as part-time working, job sharing, home-working and term-time working. Due to the nature of Treasury business, not all posts can be adapted to every alternative working pattern. Where adaptation is possible line managers are encouraged to make alternative working patterns available.

  (h) Leave to care for sick children

  Up to 10 days in any one leave year paid special leave may be granted for reasons of grave concern to the member of staff which can be dealt with only by him or her in person, for example, acute domestic difficulties such as care of a sick close relative or child.

  (k) Annual hours contracts

  The Treasury does not offer annual hours contracts.

  (l) Workplace nurseries

  The Treasury does not offer a workplace nursery, but does offer subsidised places in the Westminster holiday play scheme.

  (m) Childcare allowances

  Staff who are required to work extra hours or work outside their normal working pattern are entitled to claim reimbursement for additional child care costs.

  (n) Carers' leave

  This is covered by (h).

  (o) Career break schemes

  A career break of up to five years unpaid special leave may be allowed to staff with unavoidable domestic commitments or other exceptional circumstances. The scheme is open to all staff with a satisfactory attendance, performance and conduct record.

  INLAND REVENUE

  (a) Maternity Leave

  (b) Maternity pay

  The Inland Revenue gives three months and one week's paid maternity leave to a pregnant member of staff for the period of continuous absence before and after confinement provided

  291
  that she (i) states that she intends to return to work in the Inland Revenue after her confinement, and that she agrees to repay any payment made during that period if she fails to return (such repayment will exclude any statutory maternity pay to which there is entitlement), (ii) is in paid service with the Inland Revenue at the time her maternity leave begins and has rendered at least one year's such service, (iii) is not employed on a casual appointment, and (iv) is not employed on a fixed term appointment of less than two years.

  Women who have not completed one year's service or who are employed for a period of less than two years are not entitled to contractual maternity pay, but may be able to receive statutory maternity pay or maternity allowance.

  A woman who qualifies for paid maternity leave will also qualify for a period of unpaid maternity leave. The total period of paid and unpaid maternity leave may not exceed 52 weeks.

  (c) Paternity leave

  Men are entitled to two days paid paternity leave.

  (d) Parental leave

  The Revenue has no special arrangements for parental leave. But it recognises that people have family responsibilities, and allows paid time off for short-term emergencies or, for long-term needs, time off without pay and full employment rights on return to work.

  (e) Flexible working hours

  Flexible working hours are offered wherever possible and are worked in most Revenue offices, but availability is always subject to the needs of the job, and people can always choose to revert to a standard day if they wish. Each office adapts a centrally agreed scheme to its needs in consultation with its staff.

  (f) Part-time working

  Inland Revenue employees have been able to work part-time since 1985. The Revenue tries to meet individual needs but requests are considered in the light of the work of the office, service to taxpayers and the effect on other staff. On average, 15 per cent. of Revenue employees work part time at any one time.

  (g) Job sharing

  Staff can work part time on a job-sharing basis. As with part-time working, the aim is for flexibility to provide benefits for individuals and the department; jobs can be shared by two or more people sharing one or more full-time jobs.

  (h) Care for sick children

  If someone needs to care for their children or spouse or partner's children when alternative arrangements have fallen through or could not be made at short notice, the Inland Revenue will give up to five days special leave with pay to cover the emergency.

  (i) Home working

  There is currently no general provision for home working in the Inland Revenue but pilot experiments are under way to establish whether working at or from home on a voluntary basis will provide benefits for the department and individual employees, taking account in particular of the wider implications, such as security.

  (j) Term-time contracts

  There is a provision for Inland Revenue employees to work full or part-time hours during school terms but be absent during all or some of the school holidays. Arrangements for each year are agreed in advance and, if they choose, employees can plan to use some of their annual leave allowance to reduce the loss in pay.

  (k) Annual hours contracts

  The Inland Revenue does not offer annual hours contracts.

  (l) Workplace nurseries

  Inland Revenue employees have access to 15 nurseries through the workplace.
  292
  (m) Child care allowances

  If a parent has to attend a training course which affects their normal working hours, the Revenue meets the cost of any additional child care expenses.

  (n) Carers' leave

  This is covered by career breaks.

  (o) Career breaks

  Career breaks are open to men and women in order to look after someone close to them such as children or elderly relatives. An employee would be eligible if they had completed probation and established a good record for health, attendance and performance. At the end of the career break the person concerned resumes the same employment rights as other employees.

  The maximum absence is five years. If the initial arrangement was for less, an extension up to the maximum may be allowed, or a person may opt to come back sooner.

  CUSTOMS AND EXCISE

  (a) Maternity leave

  (b) Maternity pay

  Customs and Excise gives three months and one week's paid maternity leave to a pregnant member of staff for the period of continuous absence before and after confinement provided that she (i) states that she intends to return to work in Customs and Excise after her confinement, and that she agrees to repay any payment made during that period if she fails to return (such repayment will exclude any statutory maternity pay to which there is entitlement), (ii) is in paid service with Customs and Excise at the time her maternity leave begins and has rendered at least one year's such service, (iii) is not employed on a casual appointment, and (iv) is not employed on a casual appointment, and (iv) is not employed on a fixed term appointment of less than two years.

  Women who have not completed one year's service or who are employed for a period of less than two years are not entitled to contractual maternity pay, but may be able to receive statutory maternity pay or maternity allowance.

  A woman who qualifies for paid maternity leave will also qualify for a period of unpaid maternity leave. The total period of paid and unpaid maternity leave may not exceed 52 weeks.

  Paternity leave

  Fathers are entitled to two days paid paternity leave per confinement. Staff who are temporarily appointed for a period of less than two years are excluded from this arrangement.

  (d) Parental leave

  Line managers are encouraged to grant staff special leave without pay to either parent to help them to care for their children whilst enabling them to pursue their careers.

  (e) Flexible working hours

  (f) Part-time working

  (g) Job sharing

  (h) Term-time contracts

  Customs and Excise uses flexible working hours, part-time work, job sharing and term-time contracts. Applications are considered on their merits by local management, taking into account all individual circumstances and the business needs of the department.

  (h) Leave to care for sick children

  Parents of children who are ill can apply to their line manager for special leave. Alternatively parents can take annual leave, flexi-leave etc. Managers are encouraged to treat these applications sympathetically as they are applications for parental leave under (d) above.

  (i) Home-working

  At present the department acknowledges a difference between staff who work from home and those who are home workers. Working from home is an informal arrangement, typically for staff who are VAT visiting officers.
  293
  A small number of staff are officially designated as home-workers with the department providing telephones, fax machines etc., based in the officers' homes and paying a portion of their utility bills etc. The department will, this financial year, be undertaking a review of the arrangements for officers who use their homes as a base for their work.

  (k) Annual hours contracts

  Managers in certain operational areas of the Department have discretion to introduce an annual hours working scheme where there is a need for additional hours, weekend or shift working. The scheme is a management tool however rather than a voluntary arrangement for which individuals can state a preference.

  (l) Workplace nurseries

  Customs and Excise has five workplace nurseries accommodating 155 children. The department also buys places in 20 other Crown and privately owned nurseries nationwide accommodating a further 120 children. Nursery places are available subject to a satisfactory staff needs analysis and value for money business case. All members of staff are eligible to use the nurseries.

  (m) Child care allowances

  If the normal working pattern is temporarily disrupted, and additional child care costs are incurred, staff can claim help with those expenses. From 1 April 1996, this concession was extended to cover additional adult care costs for dependent relatives, in exceptional circumstances, and where the officer is the primary carer. The purpose of the concession is to help staff with short-term additional costs when the normal working pattern is temporarily disrupted.

  Claims are limited to no more than three weeks on a continuous basis or a total of no more than five weeks per year.

  (n) Carers' leave

  Line managers can agree to special leave with or without pay for a variety of reasons including in order to care for sick relatives. Special leave is discretionary, but managers are encouraged to treat applications sympathetically. Staff who may have long-term caring responsibilities can apply for a career break.

  (o) Career break schemes

  The career break scheme is a form of special leave without pay aimed at staff who want a long break from work—up to five years, or longer if necessary—yet be able to return to their career again. It can be granted for a variety of reasons such as child care, full-time study or caring for sick relatives etc. The scheme is open to all staff who have completed their probation and who have a satisfactory performance and conduct record.

NATIONAL HERITAGE

  British Academy of Sport
  Mr. Pendry
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage how many of the responses which the Sports Council received in his consultation process on the British academy of sport supported (1) core funding of the academy by commercial interests; and how many did not; [27260]

  (2) the idea that the academy should have a role in setting and assuring standards for facilities that are currently available; and how many did not; [27256]

  (3) a selection of sports it chooses to help; [27252]

  (4) its location at a greenfield site; how many supported a brownfield site; and how many favoured a combination of the two; [27254]
  294
  (5) the location of national training facilities for their specific sport at the headquarters site; and how many did not; [27250]

  (6) a management team involving commercial interests to run the academy; and how many did not; [27253]

  (7) the provision of generic sports services at the headquarters site; and how many did not; [27251]

  (8) when the Government will publish their proposals on the planned British academy of sport; [27259]

  (9) how many responses the Sports Council received in its consultation process on the British academy of sport; how many of these supported its location at a single large site; how many supported an enhanced network of services throughout the United Kingdom; and how many supported a combination of the two. [27255]

  Mr. Sproat
  Following the publication last July of the sports policy document, "Raising the Game", which first put forward proposals for the British academy of sport and an associated network of local sports institutions, the Sports Council consulted widely on how best to carry forward the proposals. The consultations have now been completed. The Government's proposals for a British academy of sport as the pinnacle of a network of regional centres of sporting excellence and sports-specific academies, was widely welcomed in the consultation. Details of the proposals will be set out in the bid prospectus, which is now being prepared with the Sports Council. The prospectus will be published shortly.

  The findings of the consultation form an important part of the development of the policy and the preparation of the bid prospectus. A summary of the main conclusions will be published with the bid prospectus.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Nuclear Power
  Mr. Whittingdale
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the financial position of British Energy, and on the financial and commercial position of Magnox Electric, following the restructuring of Nuclear Electric on 31 March. [29058]

  Mr. Eggar
  On 31 March 1996, Nuclear Electric plc and Scottish Nuclear Ltd. were restructured to form one group of companies which owns the advanced gas-cooled reactor/pressurised water reactor stations and their associated assets and liabilities—British Energy plc and its subsidiaries Nuclear Electric Ltd. and Scottish Nuclear Ltd. (British Energy)—and one company which owns the magnox stations and their associated assets and liabilities, Nuclear Electric plc, which was renamed Magnox Electric plc on 1 April 1996.

  In due course, British Energy and Magnox will be publishing their financial statements for the period ended 31 March 1996. These will give details of the companies' financial results for the period and their financial positions at that date. In addition, the prospectus for the sale of British Energy will give further information on its activities.
  295
  The companies intend to use a 3 per cent. real discount rate when calculating their nuclear liabilities for inclusion in their financial statements. A rate of 2 per cent. real was used in previous years. The change is consistent with recent United Kingdom accounting proposals and has been approved by the auditors of both companies. British Energy will be taking into the private sector the liabilities associated with its assets, including—using a 3 per cent. real discount rate—nuclear liabilities of approximately £3.7 billion for past use of fuel and for decommissioning. In addition, British Energy will owe debt and has inherited a debt due from Scottish Nuclear Ltd. to the Government which will be repaid before privatisation.

  Whenever financial statements are produced the directors must consider the carrying value of the company's fixed assets as recorded in the accounting records. The Companies Act 1985 requires fixed assets as recorded in the accounting records. The Companies Act 1985 requires fixed assets to be written down if there has been a permanent diminution in value. This is a technical accounting matter and is purely an entry in the books of account. No cash changes hands as a result of such a write-down. It will have no effect on the cash generated by the stations, nor will it reduce the proceeds of sale—the company is expected to be valued by investors on the basis of its dividends and cash flow.

  Asset write-downs by British Energy are a matter for the board of directors and the company's auditors. The board has informed me, ahead of the publication of its annual financial statements, of its provisional decision to write down the carrying value of the fixed assets. As a result, the fixed assets will stand in the balance sheet of British Energy at approximately £5 billion. There are two main elements in the change.

  First, a decision was taken not to build any new UK nuclear power stations at present and accordingly the directors of Nuclear Electric plc decided to write off, in the accounting records, the first-of-a-kind costs of about £0.8 billion, incurred in building the UK's first PWR reactor, Sizewell B. This accounting write-off has been agreed with the company's auditors.

  In addition, British Energy's directors' view of the long-term economic value of the stations differs from the views adopted when the 31 March 1995 accounts were finalised: in particular, the planned reduction in levels of payments under the primary nuclear contract and the ending of the nuclear energy agreement premium following privatisation; and lower than previous expectations of future electricity pool prices. I understand that, having considered these factors, the board of British Energy has concluded, with the agreement of its auditors, that there has been a permanent diminution in the value of certain nuclear fixed assets of about £1.2 billion. It will, therefore, as required by the Companies Act 1985, reduce the carrying value of the fixed assets in its accounting records.

  In return for the disposal of the assets and liabilities related to the AGR/PWR stations in England and Wales, and the assumption of assets and liabilities related to the Hunterston A magnox station in Scotland, Magnox has received a financial undertaking from the Government. No payments are to be made under the undertaking before Magnox exhausts its other sources of funding, including cash and investments currently held—£3.0 billion at
  296
  31 March 1996—income from electricity generation, and outstanding fossil fuel levy income that is due. In recent years the nuclear generators have made significant improvements in their understanding and control of decommissioning costs and other nuclear liabilities; and the active management of Magnox Electric's costs and integration with BNFL should allow it to reduce its liabilities even further. Payments will be made under the undertaking only to the extent they are needed to enable Magnox to meet its financial obligations, including reprocessing, waste management and decommissioning costs, as those obligations fall due. The face value of the undertaking is initially capped at £3.8 billion at 31 March 1996. I have placed a copy of the undertaking in the Library of each House. Assurances on financial obligations given to Nuclear Electric plc in March 1990 by the then Secretary of State for Energy will remain in force for Magnox.

  The Government are keen to secure the advantages of integrating Magnox into BNFL and will proceed with the process of integration after the privatisation of British Energy. Consultation with the Health and Safety Executive, Environment agencies, and others over the integration will begin in due course. In addition, the Government plan to free Magnox from some of the restrictions on contracting originally placed on Nuclear Electric plc—in particular, the requirement to offer electricity sale contracts by open tender. The Government intend that Magnox should be required to act in a commercial manner, and that it should be a full competitor in the electricity market.

  Mr. Whittingdale
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade which companies are now responsible for the nuclear power stations which were owned by Nuclear Electric and Scottish Nuclear before the restructuring of the nuclear industry. [29059]

  Mr. Eggar
  The nuclear power stations formerly owned by Nuclear Electric plc and Scottish Nuclear Ltd. are now owned by Magnox Electric plc and by British Energy plc's operating subsidiaries, Nuclear Electric Ltd. and Scottish Nuclear Ltd. The details are as follows:

  Station

  Type

  Company

  Stations formerly owned by Nuclear Electric plc

  Berkeley (decommissioning)

  magnox

  Magnox Electric plc

  Bradwell

  magnox

  Magnox Electric plc

  Dungeness A

  magnox

  Magnox Electric plc

  Hinkley Point A

  magnox

  Magnox Electric plc

  Oldbury

  magnox

  Magnox Electric plc

  Sizewell A

  magnox

  Magnox Electric plc

  Trawsfynydd (decommissioning)

  magnox

  Magnox Electric plc

  Wylfa

  magnox

  Magnox Electric plc

  Dungeness B

  AGR

  Nuclear Electric Ltd.

  Hartlepool

  AGR

  Nuclear Electric Ltd.

  Heysham 1

  AGR

  Nuclear Electric Ltd.

  Heysham 2

  AGR

  Nuclear Electric Ltd.

  Hinkley Point B

  AGR

  Nuclear Electric Ltd.

  Sizewell B

  PWR

  Nuclear Electric Ltd.

  Stations formerly owned by Scottish Nuclear Ltd.

  Hunterston A (decommissioning)

  magnox

  Magnox Electric plc

  Hunterston B

  AGR

  Scottish Nuclear Ltd.

  Torness

  AGR

  Scottish Nuclear Ltd.

  In addition, the hydro-electric plant at Maentwrog is now owned by Magnox Electric plc.
  297
  Mr. Whittingdale
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what progress has been made on the issuing of licences and consents to British Energy and Magnox Electric. [29060]

  Mr. Eggar
  On 31 March 1996 new nuclear site licences came into force for each of the nuclear power stations owned by the British Energy group. These licences were granted by the Health and Safety Executive. On the same date, new discharge authorisations for Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution and Her Majesty's industrial pollution inspectorate came into effect for British Energy plc's operating subsidiaries, Nuclear Electric Ltd. and Scottish Nuclear Ltd. respectively. The Director General of Electricity Supply has granted an electricity generation licence to Nuclear Electric Ltd. and is in the process of consulting on a modified electricity generation licence for Scottish Nuclear Ltd. Nuclear Electric Ltd. has also been granted with a second
  tier supply licence for England, Wales and Scotland.

  Cuba
  Mr. John Greenway
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement about the recent US legislation on Cuba. [29304]

  Mr. Ian Taylor
  I made a speech to a seminar hosted by the Caribbean trade advisory group on 2 May setting out Her Majesty's Government policy in respect of this legislation and how the interests of United Kingdom business could be protected if threatened by its provisions. A copy of this speech has been placed in the Library of the House.

  As I Indicated in that speech, we are still seeking to clarify certain areas of deep concern about this potentially damaging piece of legislation. Our objection is to its attempts to interfere with the legitimate trade of UK companies outside US. In this connection, my officials will be meeting US State Department officials this week to establish details on how the latter intend to implement the provisions covering the exclusion of persons from the US. We will take the opportunity to reiterate the UK's concern that the Helms/Burton legislation could disrupt normal trading relationships with the USA. We shall consider carefully how to co-ordinate our response with our EU partners.

  Equitas
  Mr. John Greenway
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade, pursuant to his answer to the hon. member for Bournemouth, West (Mr. Butterfill) on 29 March, Official Report, columns 762–64, what developments there have been since 29 March concerning Equitas; and if he will make a statement. [29305]

  Mr. Nelson
  Since I announced the authorisation of Equitas on 29 March 1996, Official Report, columns 762–63, further work has taken place on the level of liabilities which Equitas will reinsure and on the assets available to cover them. As a result, the expected opening balance sheet of Equitas will be significantly stronger than originally foreseen, while the increase in provisions for 1992 and prior liabilities required will be about £1.2 billion rather than the £1.5 billion or more
  298
  previously envisaged. These developments improve the prospects that Equitas will be able to pay off its liabilities in full as they fall due.

  Fossil Fuel Levy
  Mr. Battle
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how much money was raised by the fossil fuel levy in each year from its inception to date; how much of that money was spent on renewables in each year; and how much money was retained by the Treasury in each year. [27948]

  Mr. Page
  The information requested is:

  £ million

  Year

  Amount raised

  Paid to renewable generators

  1990–91

  1,175

  6

  1991–92

  1,324

  12

  1992–93

  1,348

  29

  1993–94

  1,233

  68

  1994–95

  1,205

  96

  1995–961

  1,104

  95

  2 Estimate.

  The balance of levy receipts is used to finance payments to Nuclear Electric, British Nuclear Fuels plc in respect of nuclear electricity generated by its plant, and to cover certain other costs such as administration costs.

  Industrial Death and Retirement Fund
  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the President of the board of Trade (1) if he will place in the Library copies of the documentation held by his Department relating to the industrial death and retirement fund; [28888]

  (2) if he will make it his policy that where British Coal intends to destroy documents relating to the industrial death and retirement fund a minimum of 42 days notice is given to the National Association of Colliery Overmen, Deputies and Shotfirers and to his own Department. [28887]

  Mr. Page
  These are matters for the British Coal Corporation, which is subject to the Public Records Act 1958.

  Ostrich Farming
  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans he has for compensation measures for ostrich breeders affected by his Department's investigation into the Ostrich Farming Corporation. [28527]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  I see no reason to consider compensation payments.

  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the progress of his Department's investigation into the Ostrich Farming Corporation. [28528]

  Mr. Taylor
  Following an investigation under Companies Act powers, on 28 March 1996 the Secretary of State presented a petition to wind up the company in the public interest. On 3 April 1996, at an opposed hearing, the court granted the Secretary of State's further application for the appointment of the official receiver as provisional liquidator pending the hearing of the petition. On 8 May the company stated its intention to oppose the
  299
  petition and the court allowed a further five weeks for the filing of evidence and indicated that the petition should be heard as soon as possible thereafter which it is expected, on present information will be before the end of July 1996.

  Business Links
  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what is the forecast cost of the current Government-sponsored national advertising campaign for business links. [28536]

  Mr. Page
  The forecast cost of the 1996–97 business links national publicity campaign is £4 million, of which the budget for the national advertising campaign is £2.5 million.

  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what has been the cost to date of(a) setting up business links and (b) the services provided by business links; and if he will make a statement. [28522]

  Mr. Page
  DTI's contribution to date towards establishing the network is £53.6 million over the period 1993–94 to 1995–96. Over the same period DTI has provided £112.9 million for business support services. DTI only contributes part of the costs, with business links receiving other revenue from partner contributions in cash or in kind and from income generation activities including charges for services.

  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) what steps are being taken to monitor the use of funds provided to business links by his Department; [28535]

  (2) what measures he has taken to prevent the misuse of departmental funds by a business link. [28538]

  Mr. Page
  All funding provided by DTI to business links is channelled through training and enterprise councils and is subject to a set of contactual requirements agreed by the relevant TEC.

  In addition to the statutory requirements for business links companies and TECs to prepare financial statements, the following arrangements are in place to prevent the misuse of DTI funds provided to business links:
  TECs are required by Government to have an effective system for the financial appraisal and monitoring of their providers, including business links.
  Government office accountants teams visit each TEC at least once a year to check that funds are being claimed in accordance with the contractual requirements. In addition, for business links pump-priming funding:
  before any grant is paid, a report is required from an independent accountant confirming that the TEC and business links accounting systems are sufficiently sound to enable the accountant to report on subsequent grant claims;
  the final claim in each operational year must be accompanied by a report from the independent accountant confirming that claims for payment have been made in accordance with the relevant contractual requirements.
  Business links pump-priming projects and services funding are monitored on a regular basis by Government office staff, who check that the project to establish the business links and the services are being delivered in accordance with the relevant contractual requirements.
  300
  In order to achieve accreditation Business Links must have documented systems in place to ensure effective management and financial accountability and a strategy for achieving and maintaining long-term financial viability.

  Companies (Financial Assistance)
  Mr. Jamieson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade which office of his Department is responsible for the granting of each form of financial assistance to businesses; what are the implications of the level of assistance for the division of responsibility between offices; and if he will make a statement. [27736]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  [holding answer 2 May 1996]: A business wanting assistance from my Department should normally contact its local business link in the first instance. Procedures for final decisions on whether to offer assistance in particular cases vary depending on the scheme and on the level of assistance proposed.

  Mr. Jamieson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what representations his Department has received since 1988 from hon. Members about financial assistance from his Department to (i) Ivens Electronics Ltd., (ii) Ridgewood Industries Ltd., (iii) Ridgewood Engineering Ltd., (iv) Ridgewood Electronics Ltd., (v) Ridgewood Holdings Ltd., (vi) Avocet Ltd. and (vii) MGC Technical Services Ltd. [21185]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  [holding answer 18 March 1996]: We have been unable to trace records of representations from any hon. Member about financial assistance to these companies.

  Mr. Jamieson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what representations his Department has received since 1985 from hon. Members about financial assistance from his Department to (i) Pendennis Shipyard Ltd., Falmouth, (ii) ModernTask Ltd., Redruth, (iii) Pan Atlantia (UK) plc, Birmingham, (iv) Cornish Stairways Ltd., Penryn, (v) Thimbles Ltd., Redruth and (vi) Queensbury International Ltd., Portsmouth. [21184]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  [holding answer 18 March 1996]: We have been able to trace records of only one representation, from my hon. Friend the Member for Falmouth and Camborne (Mr. Coe) on behalf of a constituent concerning the implications of financial assistance to Pendennis Shipyard Ltd.

  Joint Industry Board
  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what requests he has received for the trade unions certification officer to take the Joint Industry Board to court for contravention of the Trade Union Act 1984 during the period when it was registered as a trade union; and if he will make a statement. [28213]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The certification officer is an independent authority appointed by statute. Requests for the certification officer to investigate complaints are made directly to him and not to Ministers.
  301

  Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease
  Mr. Alan W. Williams
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what funds were allocated to research into Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and its possible relationship with bovine spongiform encephalopathy over the period(a) 1986 to 1990, (b) 1990–91 to 1995–96 and (c) 199697. [28518]

  Mr. Ian Taylor
  The information is not all available in the form requested.

  The Department of Health and the Medical Research Council's expenditure on research into Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and its possible relationship with BSE is as follows:

  £ million

  1986–87 to 1987–88

  1988–89 to 1989–90

  1990–91 to 1995–96

  1996–97 (estimated spend)

  Department of Health

  Nil

  Nil

  1.7

  2.3

  MRC

  n/a

  0.6

  13.6

  n/a

  1 This figure includes an estimated spend of £700,000 for 1995–96, as the figure for this year has not yet been finalized.

  n/a = not available

  It is difficult to estimate the MRC's spend for 1996–97 because a forthcoming call for proposals in this area is likely to lead to increased spend in future years.

  The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council also supports research related to CID, and over the period 1991–92 to 1997–98 it awarded grants to the value of £2.4 million.

WALES

  Pembrokeshire NHS Trust (Auditors' Report)
  Mr. Ainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he proposes to place in the Library a copy of the auditors' report by Coopers and Lybrand into the circumstances leading up to, and financial implications of, the departure of the former chief executive of the Pembrokeshire NHS trust. [28889]

  Mr. Richards
  A report under section 20(3) of the NHS and Community Care Act 1990 has recently been received from the trust's external auditors. I shall write to the hon. Member when it has been properly considered.

  Oil Spillage (Sea Empress Incident)
  Mr. Ainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what information has been requested by the Environment Agency from his Department about the Sea Empress oil spillage; when that information was requested; and if he will place a copy of his Department's reply in the Library; [28866]

  (2) if he will place in the Library copies of the letters sent by the Environment Agency requesting information from Government Departments about the Sea Empress oil spillage. [28865]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  There have been close contacts between the Welsh Office and the agency on a range of matters associated with the Sea Empress oil spillage. It is 302
  not my usual practice to place copies of correspondence between the Environment Agency and the Welsh Office in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Ainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what investigations are being carried out by the Environment Agency into the spillage of oil from the Sea Empress. [28863]

  Mr. Jones
  The agency is collecting a broad range of information relating to its responsibilities for the protection of the environment.

  Read Codes System
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment he has made of the licence income paid by different segments of the NHS in Wales for participating in or helping to develop the Read codes system. [28936]

  Mr. Hague
  The value for money of licence fees charged to NHS trusts in Wales for use of Read codes is under consideration as part of the pilot project based at Pembrokeshire NHS trust.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Calf Slaughter
  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received about the calf slaughter scheme. [28871]

  Mr. Baldry
  I have received a number of representations about this scheme. They relate mainly to the requirement for processors to give three days' notice of presentation of animals for slaughter and the penalties if the number actually presented does not tally with that notified in advance. My officials are pressing the EU Commission for a relaxation of these rules so as to make the scheme more flexible.

  Cattle Slaughter
  Dr. Strang
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how long he estimates it will take the approved slaughterhouses to slaughter those cattle currently over the age of 30 months. [28324]

  Mr. Baldry
  [holding answer 7 May 1996]: It is too early to make a meaningful estimate of this kind. The slaughter programme has now started and we aim to remove the backlog of cattle as quickly as possible.

  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what facilities will be available in the county of Northumberland to collect cull cows and cattle of over 30 months for a slaughter; and if he will designate Acklington mart for this purpose. [28543]

  Mr. Baldry
  [holding answer 7 May 1996]: Several centres in Northumberland, including Acklington, and others at Hexham, Morpeth and Wooler, are included in the provisional list of markets being designated as collection centres for the slaughter of cattle over 30 months.
  303

  EC Beef Ban
  Mr. Marlow
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will set out the main points of the report by the Scientific Veterinary Committee that was consulted by the EC Commission with regard to beef on 22 March. [24889]

  Mrs. Browning
  [holding answer 16 April 1996]:I have placed in the Library of the House a copy of the conclusions of the Scientific Veterinary Committee's meeting of 22 March.

  In the view of the committee, the data presented at the meeting on the new variant of CJD do not to date provide evidence that BSE is transmissible to man.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Drugs Misuse
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which committees, Ministers and officials within his Department are responsible for the development of a multi-agency and cross-Government Department approach on the misuse of drugs; and if he will make a statement. [28254]

  Mr. Sackville
  The ministerial sub-committee of the Cabinet on the misuse of drugs, chaired by my right hon. Friend the Lord President of the Council, co-ordinates the work of Departments, including the Home Office, involved in tackling drug misuse. The Lord President is supported in his co-ordinating role by the central drugs co-ordination unit. Independent advice to Government is provided by the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs.

  Police and Fire Services
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what additional resources the Government are making available to meet increased costs from pensions, inflation and other unavoidable costs in the police and fire services; and if he will make a statement. [28245]

  Mr. Maclean
  [holding answer 9 May 1996]: For the police service in England and Wales the settlement for 1996–97 included an extra £79.9 million for pensions, £123.6 million for pay and other inflationary pressures, and a further £20 million to enable the police service to recruit 1,000 additional constables by the end of 1996–97. The Association of Chief Police Officers and the police authority associations play a valuable role in forecasting additional pressures on police authority budgets. Their views will be taken into account in the 1997–98 spending round.

  For the fire service for England, the settlement for 1996–97 included an extra £14 million for pensions and £3 million for training. The total fire standard spending assessments are distributed to individual fire authorities by means of a formula. This was adjusted to take account of factors for pensions and fire safety for 1996–97 in line with recommendations by the Audit Commission. The
  304
  formula is looked at each year and local authority representatives play a full part in that review.

  Mr. Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what plans he has to increase the length of service for police and firemen from 30 years to 35 years before securing a full pension; and if he will make a statement; [28250]

  (2) what percentage of (a) firemen and (b) police officers retire on ill health grounds with less than 30 years service; and if he will make a statement on how these figures affect each pension scheme. [28252]

  Mr. Maclean
  [holding answer 9 May 1996]:The information about the number of retirements on ill health grounds is not available in the form requested. The details of the police and fire service pension schemes have been under review. The results will shortly be the subject of consultation with police and fire interests.

  Mr. Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the cost in real terms of the police and fire service pension schemes in each of the last 10 years; what estimate he has made of these costs for each of the next 10 years; and if he will make a statement. [28251]

  Mr. Maclean
  [holding answer 9 May 1996]: The net cost of the police and fire pensions scheme between 1985–86 and 1994–95, as actual expenditure and at 1996–97 prices, is set out in the tables. Projections of costs from 1995–96 to 1999–2000 are available only in respect of police pensions as set out in the tables.

  Additional provision for police pensions has been made available in the last four settlements. The rising trend in police and fire pensions costs is being monitored and assessed in the context of each spending round.

  Police pensions

  £ million

  Year

  Net expenditure (actual)

  Net expenditure (at 1996–97 prices)

  Actual outturn1

  1985–86

  187

  306

  1986–87

  224

  356

  1987–88

  237

  357

  1988–89

  254

  359

  1989–90

  292

  386

  1990–91

  333

  407

  1991–92

  409

  471

  1992–93

  461

  510

  1993–94

  543

  584

  1994–95

  611

  645

  Estimates2

  1995–96

  702

  721

  1996–97

  793

  793

  1997–98

  830

  810

  1998–99

  884

  848

  1999–2000

  949

  —

  1 Outturn figures from 1985–86 to 1993–94 were calculated from gross pensions expenditure and pensions income (pensions holding account) in the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy's Police Statistics (Actuals). In the absence of CIPFA Actuals for 1994–95, figures for 1994–95 were calculated from authorities' returns to the Home Office (revenue grant claim forms).

  2 Projections from 1995–96 onwards were derived from Government Actuary Department models. Actual expenditure was expressed at 1996–97 prices using the latest GDP deflators which run to 1998–99.

  305

  Fire pensions

  £ million

  Year

  Net expenditure (actual)

  Net expenditure (at 1996–97 prices)

  Actual outturn1

  50

  82

  1985–86

  58

  92

  1986–87

  64

  96

  1987–88

  73

  104

  1988–89

  84

  111

  1989–90

  98

  120

  1990–91

  117

  135

  1991–92

  131

  144

  1992–93

  147

  158

  1993–94

  159

  168

  1994–95

  1 Outturn figures from 1985–86 to 1994–95 were calculated from authorities' revenue outturn returns to the Department of the Environment and the Welsh Office.

  Metropolitan Police
  Mr. Mullin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the cost of(a) out-of-court settlements and (b) awards made in court against the Metropolitan police in each of the last three years and the current year to date; and what were the legal costs in each such year. [28907]

  Mr. Maclean
  Information on the legal costs in each year could be provided only at disproportionate cost. The following is the other information requested.

  Calendar year

  1993 £

  1994 £

  1995 £

  11996 £

  Out-of-court

  settlements2 (in 000s)

  1,536

  1,259

  1,293

  396

  Court awards (in 000s)

  53

  84

  267

  839

  Total

  1,589

  1,343

  1,560

  1,235

  1 To 8 May.

  2 Including High Court writs, county court summonses and threatened actions.

  Prisons (Drugs)
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners have tested positive for drugs in each month of the last three years and of these how many have subsequently tested positive again; and if he will make a statement. [28237]

  Miss Widdecombe
  [holding answer 8 May 1996]: Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from A. J. Butler to Mr. Alex Carlile, dated 10 May 1996:

  The Home Secretary has asked me, in the absence of the Director General from the office, to reply to your recent Question about the number of prisoners who have tested positive for drugs in the last three years and how many have tested positive more than once.

  Mandatory drug testing (MDT) has been introduced as a phased programme since February 1995. No drug test results are available before that date. A table setting out the number of prisons in which MDT has been implemented and the number of confirmed positive
  306
  random test results each month is attached. Results for other forms of mandatory drug testing are not yet centrally collated.

  The data available to Prison Service headquarters is supplied by the drug testing laboratory. To protect confidentiality, the laboratory is only able to identify the sample and not the prisoner who provided it. Because of this, data on prisoners who have tested positive more than once could only be supplied at a disproportionate cost by reviewing every establishment's records.

  Mandatory drug testing random testing programme: numbers testing positive February 1995 to February 1996

  Month

  Number of prisons testing at end of month

  Number positive

  1995

  February

  6

  78

  March

  7

  122

  April

  8

  127

  May

  8

  84

  June

  8

  113

  July

  8

  138

  August

  8

  57

  September

  15

  171

  October

  23

  195

  November

  43

  429

  December

  68

  601

  1996

  January

  97

  663

  February

  121

  920

  1 Until October 1995 the statistics reflected all positive test results. For example, a prisoner who tested positive for both cannabis and cocaine was counted as two positive tests. Hence, the numbers of tests positive between February to September 1995 are distorted slightly upwards. Since October such multiple positives have been factored out of the statistics.

  Checking of statistical returns for January and February 1996 has revealed a number of errors. Error checking continues and this data must be regarded as provisional.

  Young Offenders
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his estimate of the offending rate for 15, 16 and 17-year-old(a) boys and (b) girls in each of the last three years for which figures are available; and what information he has collated on the number convicted or cautioned for previous offences. [28174]

  Mr. Maclean
  Information on the offending rate for males and females aged 15 to 17 years is given in the table.

  Information collated on the numbers convicted for previous offences appears in the annual Command Paper, "Criminal statistics, England and Wales", which is available in the Library. Figures for 1991 and 1993 appeared in chapter 9 of the 1993 and 1994 issues respectively. There is no information collated on the number cautioned for previous offences.

  Offending rate1 for persons aged 15, 16 and 17 by sex 1992–1994

  England and Wales

  Age

  Sex and type of offence/year

  15

  16

  17

  Males

  Indictable (excluding motoring offences) 1992

  6,710

  7,513

  8,479

  307

  Offending rate1 for persons aged 15, 16 and 17 by sex 1992–1994

  England and Wales

  Age

  Sex and type of offence/year

  15

  16

  17

  1993

  6,088

  6,668

  8,232

  1994

  6,175

  6,882

  8,000

  Females

  Indictable (excluding motoring offences)

  1992

  2,420

  2,178

  1,971

  1993

  1,995

  1,849

  1,813

  1994

  1,114

  1,842

  1,688

  1 Offending rate is the number per 100,000 population found guilty or cautioned.

  Special Constables
  Mr. Touhig
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the current average cost of recruiting, training and equipping a special constable. [28205]

  Mr. Maclean
  It is not, so far, common practice for force finance departments to maintain separate records of expenditure for special constabulary activities. In general, these costs are absorbed into the operating costs of the regular force and borne by the police fund. Therefore, it is not possible to give accurate average costs.

  Costs will also vary according to the type of equipment favoured by each force, and the different combinations of regular officers, civilian staff and special constables involved in recruitment, training and administration.

  As a rough guide, it has been estimated that a special constable will cost his or her force some £1,500 in the first year to recruit, train and equip: thereafter, the annual cost is about £500.

  Mr. Touhig
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to change the name of the special constabulary. [28203]

  Mr. Maclean
  There are no plans to do so. The special constabulary is a generic name for the 43 special constabularies of England and Wales.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Kaufman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he intends to reply to the letters sent to him on 22 January, 23 February and 27 March from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton, with regard to Stephen Hall, an inmate of Littlehay Prison.

  Miss Widdecombe
  [holding answer 7 May 1996]: My right hon. and learned Friend replied on 3 May.

  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the hon. Member for Walsall, North will receive a reply to his letter to the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, the hon. Member for Leeds, North-East (Mr. Kirkhope), of 3 April—Home Office reference PO4618/96—about his constituent. [28547]

  Mr. Kirkhope
  I have written to the hon. Gentleman today.
  308

  Parole Board
  Mr. Congdon
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to revise his directions to the Parole Board. [29306]

  Miss Widdecombe
  We have revised our directions to the Parole Board on the release and recall of determinate sentence prisoners, originally issued in 1992 under section 32(6) of the Criminal Justice Act 1991, in order to tighten and clarify the framework within which parole decisions are made. We have asked Lord Belstead, chairman of the Parole Board, to implement these directions as soon as possible. Copies of the new directions have been placed in the Library.

  The main changes to the directions on release are as follows:

  there is a more explicit statement about the need to protect the safety of the public being a paramount factor;

  it is made clear that the board can take into account the nature and circumstances of the original offence when assessing risk;

  it is made clear that previous post-release behaviour must be considered; and

  emphasis is placed on the need to take into account, in the case of a violent or sexual offender, any previous convictions for violence or for sexual offences.

  The directions on recall have been recast in such a way as to preserve consistency with the revised directions on release.

  Firearms
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list all firearms which do not currently require a licence; and if he will make a statement. [28253]

  Mr. Maclean
  The only weapons which meet the definition of a firearm in the Firearms Acts but do not require a firearm certificate are low powered air weapons and antique firearms kept as curiosities or ornaments. In addition there are several exemptions under the Firearms Acts to the general requirement to have a certificate issued by the police, but these are dependent on the user, or the proposed use of the weapon, rather than the firearm itself.

  Mr. Touhig
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many(a) firearm certificates and (b) shotgun certificates have been issued in (i) 1980, (ii) 1985, (iii) 1992, (iv) 1993, (v) 1994 and (vi) 1995; [28258]

  (2) how many registered firearms dealers there were in the United Kingdom in (a) 1980, (b) 1985, (c) 1992, (d) 1993, (e) 1994 and (f) 1995; [28266]

  (3) how many firearm certificates and shotgun certificates have been revoked in accordance with section 30 of the Firearms Act 1968 in (a) 1980, (b) 1985, (c) 1992, (d) 1993, (e) 1994 and (f) 1995. [28257]

  Mr. Maclean
  The available information for 1985, 1992, 1993 and 1994 is published in Home Office statistical bulletin "Firearm Certificate Statistics, England and Wales", copies of which can be found in the Library.

  Figures for 1980 and for the number of registered firearms dealers and the number of firearm and shotgun certificates revoked in 1985 are not available centrally.
  309
  Provisional figures for 1995 show that 49,000 firearm and 220,700 shotgun certificates were issued in England and Wales and 2,470 firearms dealers were registered at 31 December. A total of 206 firearm and 685 shotgun certificates were revoked.
  310
  Figures for Scotland are a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and figures for Northern Ireland are a matter for my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.