Written Answers of 13 May 1996

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Prison Service
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will restore the planned reductions in the Prison Service budget. [27859]

  Miss Widdecombe
  The Government have made additional funding available to the Prison Service for security improvements, combating drug abuse and to cater for expected increases in the prison population, but they believe that efficiency savings can be achieved and that the privately managed prisons have shown that lower costs are possible without putting security and control at risk. The savings being required of the Prison Service over the next three years are broadly consistent with those expected of the public services generally. There are no plans to reduce the requirement.

  Doncaster Prison
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answers to the hon. Member for Tooting (Mr. Cox) of 16 April,Official Report, columns 362–63, and 13 March, Official Report, column 631, why Doncaster prison was omitted from the list of prisons which carried out dye stamping of visitors. [27643]

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

  Letter from A. J. Butler to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 13 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 dye stamping of visitors to prisons.

  I regret that the reply to Mr. Cox's Question was not comprehensive. Records of prisons using dye stamping are not routinely kept, as it is a matter for the governor's discretion whether to use the system. The information on which the reply was based had been collected for another purpose, and did not reveal that Doncaster used dye stamping.

  The Director General's reply to your Question of 13 March was separately researched and unfortunately the result was not included in the reply to the later Question. Investigation of this error has revealed that Bedford prison was also missing from the list.

  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on current staff morale within the Prison Service. [28172]

  Miss Widdecombe
  Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.
  312
  Letter from A. J. Butler to Dr. Lynne Jones, dated 13 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 current level of staff morale within the Prison Service.

  Prison Service staff perform a difficult job within a considerable degree of dedication. The Service is facing a number of pressures, including the increase in the prison population and, in common with other public services, the need to make efficiency savings. But the Service, is approaching the task professionally, in consultation with unions and staff and with a firm determination to maintain the balance between essential security and control measures, constructive and effective regimes for prisoners and providing support for staff.

  Prison Population
  Mr. George Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the answer to the hon. and learned Member for Montgomery (Mr. Carlile) of 29 April,Official Report, column 399, on the prison population, if he will list the number of prisoners held (a) in prison and (b) in police cells, on the last day of each of the last 24 months. [28347]

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

  Letter from A. J. Butler to Mr. George Howarth, dated 13 May 1996:

  The Home Secretary has asked me, in the absence of the Director General from the office, to reply to your recent Question asking pursuant to the Answer to the honourable Member for Montgomery of 29 April on the prison population, if he will list the number of prisoners held (a) in prison and (b) in police cells, on the last day of each of the last day of each of the last 24 months.

  The requested information is given in the attached table.

  Population in Prison Service establishments and police cells in England and Wales on the last day of the month, April 1994–April 1996

  Date

  In Prison Service establishments

  Police cells

  Total

  1994

  April

  47,719

  224

  47,943

  May

  48,532

  143

  48,675

  June

  48,879

  50

  48,929

  July

  49,095

  74

  49,169

  August

  49,194

  198

  49,392

  September

  49,554

  258

  49,812

  October

  49,710

  141

  49,851

  November

  50,427

  138

  50,565

  December

  47,550

  61

  47,611

  1995

  January

  49,408

  134

  49,542

  February

  50,40

  162

  50,571

  March

  51,220

  374

  51,594

  April

  50,559

  228

  50,787

  May

  50,516

  127

  50,643

  June

  51,084

  —

  51,084

  July

  51,279

  —

  51,279

  August

  51,265

  —

  51,265

  September

  51,286

  —

  51,286

  October

  52,027

  —

  52,027

  November

  52,540

  —

  52,540

  December

  49,949

  —

  49,949

  313

  Population in prison Service establishments and police cells in England and Wales on the last day of the month, April 1994–April 1996

  Date

  In Prison Service establishments

  Police cells

  Total

  1996

  January

  51,947

  —

  51,947

  February

  53,178

  —

  53,178

  March

  53,740

  —

  53,740

  April1

  54,211

  —

  54,211

  1 Provisional figures.

  Mr. Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the answer given to the hon. and learned Member for Montgomery (Mr. Carlile) on 29 April,Official Report, column 399, on the prison population, when he expects to receive the Home Office feasibility study on the super-max prison; when he expects its publication; and when a decision will be announced on whether to commission such a prison. [28349]

  Miss Widdecombe
  The Prison Service submitted to Ministers its report examining the feasibility, costs and benefits of building a maximum security prison to house the most dangerous prisoners in the system and a control prison to hold the most unruly and disruptive prisoners, on 30 April. No decisions have yet been made on publications, timing or whether, and if so how, this project should proceed.

  Prison Staff (Overtime)
  Mr. George Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what is the average number of hours of overtime worked by prison staff for which time off in lieu is outstanding for each financial year since 1991–92 for each prison establishment; [28346]

  (2) how many hours of overtime were worked by prison staff for which time off in lieu is outstanding for each prison establishment. [28319]

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

  Letter from A. J. Butler to Mr. George Howarth, dated 13 May 1996:

  The Home Secretary has asked me, in the absence of the Director General from the office, to reply to your recent Questions about overtime worked by prison staff and time off in lieu.

  Prison officers have not worked overtime since the current (Fresh Start) working arrangements were introduced in 1987, when the average amount of overtime worked was 16 hours per week.

  The Fresh Start agreement allowed for fluctuations in staffing levels to be met by the movement of officers' shifts or the anticipation of hours to be repaid by time off in lieu. The balance of additional hours/time off in lieu fluctuates throughout the year and from prison to prison.

  The figures you request are not currently collected centrally and could be produced only at disproportionate cost. We are, however, able to provide you with information, for the period between April 1993 and July 1995, which was collected for a particular exercise and is given in the attached tables.

  I have arranged for a copy of these tables to be placed in the Library.
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  Prisons (Directors' Emergencies)
  Mr. George Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the number of directors' emergencies which were called, and the reasons for calling them during each financial year since 1991–92 for each prison establishment. [28320]

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

  Letter from A. J. Butler to Mr. George Howarth, dated 13 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 `directors'

  emergencies'.

  The term 'directors' emergencies' is not in common usage in the Prison Service but there are occasions when, for operational reasons, the normal provisions of our Industrial Relations Procedural Agreement are overridden—for example when a failure to agree has been registered by a branch of the Prison Officers' Association about plans for a prison to take additional prisoners, when this has been necessary to avoid holding prisoners in police cells. Such occasions are infrequent and no central record is kept of them.

  Parole
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners in England and Wales were paroled during 1995. [28601]

  Miss Widdecombe
  Provisional figures show that around 1,600 prisoners were recommended for parole during 1995.

  Art Theft
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what use the police are making of private enterprise firms with computerised databases and specialised knowledge of art theft. [27851]

  Mr. Maclean
  The police work closely with the art loss register, which has a database of around 70,000 items. The Government consider this is an excellent example of partnership between the police and private enterprise.

  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of recent trends in the theft of art and antiques in the United Kingdom. [27852]

  Mr. Maclean
  None. The recorded crime figures do not separately identify theft of art and antiques. However, the National Criminal Intelligence Service is aware of the problem of art thefts. Many local police forces have specialist computer systems which enable them to exchange information with each other.

  Buckley Hall Prison
  Ms Lynne
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 24 April,Official Report, column 170, relating to Buckley Hall prison, what were the reasons for determining that a new Prison Service establishment should not be inspected until it had been operational for at least two years; and what was the

  315
  previous policy for the time taken before a prison faced an inspection under Her Majesty's Inspectorate annual programme of inspections. [28879]

  Miss Widdecombe
  The decision not to inspect new establishments until they have been operational for two years was taken in 1993 by the then chief inspector, who considered that that amount of time was necessary for new establishments to consolidate those aspects of their work which would be under scrutiny by his staff. Before 1993, the decision when to inspect new establishments was taken on the basis of such information as was known about each individual prison.

  Agecroft (Prison Site)
  Mr. Sumberg
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what alternative sites to the Agecroft site in Salford were investigated by the Prison Service for the siting of a new prison; and what were the reasons the Agecroft site was preferred against each of such alternatives. [29077]

  Sites in Manchester

  Site

  LPA

  Vendor/Owner

  Comment

  Eastlands

  Manchester City Council

  Manchester City Council

  Large amount of land, but reserved for project for millennium funding.

  Ardwick Goods Yard Site

  Manchester City Council

  Manchester City Council

  Already allocated to local industrial users who are moving from Eastlands. 11 acres available (too small).

  Middleton

  Rochdale MBC

  Mixed

  Land assembly delays/uncertainties; remote from public transport; surrounded by housing; and significant sections in Green Belt. Not for development before late 1997–98.

  Godley Hill

  Tameside MBC

  Tameside MBC/ other owners

  Site is small, badly shaped and undulating, as such not suitable for a prison. Problems of access and land assembly.

  Dewsnap Sidings

  Tameside MBC

  Tameside MBC

  43 acres with good public transport in area. But possible highway access difficulties and adjoining high density housing estates. Vendor refused to negotiate sale. Developer selected—permission granted. Development to start May/June 1995.

  Linnyshaw

  Salford MBC

  Manchester Ship Canal Company

  Green belt land. Wwaiting outcome of UDP objection.

  —

  Bury MBC

  —

  Too small (12 acres) and access problems as prospective vendor specified off-site access.

  Weaste Quarry Weaste & Seedley

  Salford MBC

  British Coal

  Within an industrial area. Site allocated under Salford Unitary Development Plan for industrial and warehousing use. Some development already under way. previous excavation and tipping make part of site unusable.

  Royal Ordinance Survey Factory Eccles

  Salford MBC

  Royal Ordinance

  Within industrial/commercial area. Allcoated for business and high tech uses in Salford UDP. Too small and surrounded by housing.

  Barton Eccles

  Salford MBC

  Mixed including Manchester CC

  Proposed for regional shopping centre (UDP). Planning application under judicial review. High amenity site for high tech industry and business. Partly owned by Manchester CC. Legal objections to this now dismissed.

  316
  Miss Widdecombe
  Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from A. J. Pearson to Mr. David Sumberg, dated 13 May 1996:

  The Home Secretary has asked me, in the absence of the Director General from the office, to reapply to your recent Question about sites which were considered as alternatives to the Agecroft site in Salford.

  Information about alternative sites considered and rejected by the Prison Service is provided in the attached table.

  The Agecroft site, in comparison with the other locations considered:

  made strategic sense in terms of other Prison Service establishments and courts in Greater Manchester;

  was suitable in terms of topography and ground conditions;

  was in the urban area, but was in a wedge of land largely isolated from its surroundings by a river and a canal. It was also at a considerable distance from large housing developments;

  was not allocated to any alternative use in the local planning control documents or policies;

  was available for sale (the owners of several other sites indicated that they would not sell) and at a price which the Prison Service could afford.

  317

  Reason

  Broadway Oldham

  Oldham

  —

  Allocated within Oldham Development Plan for industry and warehousing. Fragmented site— maximum single area available 12 acres (too small).

  Queens Road Cheetham Hill

  Manchester City Council

  Manchester City Council

  Used as a tip—unsuitable for building.

  Ashton Moss

  Tameside MBC

  Mixed inc. Tameside MBC

  Part within Green Belt. Planning permission for high quality industrial estate, site available late 1997–1998 when motorway completed.

  Kingswater

  —

  North West Water

  Subject to tenancies necessitating removal of two golf clubs—timing a problem.

  Wharfside

  Trafford MBC

  Multiple

  20 acre site available—2 developers working up proposal for 80 bedroomed hotel and 70,000 sq ft of B1 use for first tranche. Some development has now taken place.

  Northwest Direct

  Trafford MBC

  Gazeley Properties

  Contains a significant number of activities on site that handle hazardous substances. 30 acre site ASDA superstore being built on site. Plans for petrol filling station, Costco and cinema on remainder.

  The Village

  Trafford MBC

  Trafford MBC

  Contains a significant number of activities that handle hazardous substances. Site broken into small units; total available 20 acres. Maximum site size 4 acres.

  Hough End Playing Fields

  Manchester City Council

  Manchester City Council

  Used for recreation. Council unlikely to sell. Restrictive convenant for public open space.

  Adoption
  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department on what date the Home Office received an application on behalf of the child whose name has been passed to him to allow that child indefinite leave to remain here for the purposes of adoption; on what date the Home Office notified the parties concerned of its decision to allow that child to remain in the United Kingdom; and for what reasons there was a delay in processing this application. [29189]

  Mr. Kirkhope
  We have no trace of such an application.

  Fire Service
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much money in real terms(a) overall and (b) specifically for mileage reimbursement has been allocated to local government for the fire service in each area of England and Wales in each of the last 10 years; and if he will make a statement. [28246]

  Mr. Sackville
  [holding answer 9 May 1996]: The amount allocated for mileage reimbursement from within budgets is a matter for each fire authority. Details are not held centrally. Information of the overall financial provision for individual brigades is not available in the form requested and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what percentage of the revenue budget for each fire service authority is used to meet pension costs; and if he will make a statement. [28249]

  Mr. Sackville
  [holding answer 9 May 1996]: The information requested has been placed in the Library.
  318

HOUSE OF COMMONS

  Upper Waiting Hall Exhibition
  Mr. Coe
  To ask the Chairman of the Administration Committee if he has considered an application for a displayed exhibition relating to the Myasthenia Gravis Association to be held in the Upper Waiting Hall. [29327]

  Mr. Michael J. Martin
  I understand that, under procedures agreed by the Administration Committee, arrangements have been made for the exhibition to be held in the Upper Waiting Hall from Monday 10 June to Friday 14 June 1996.

TREASURY

  Taxation
  Mr. Alan W. Williams
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the total amount of taxation that will be paid by the average family during 1996–97; and how much this would have been if 1992–93 rates of taxation now applied. [28519]

  Mr. Jack
  The available information is contained in the table.

  Tax paid by a one-earner couple on male average earnings with two children1

  £ per week in 1996–97

  Actual tax system

  21992–93 tax system

  Income tax

  50.21

  55.12

  Income tax and NICs

  85.06

  87.10

  1 Assumes only income is that from earnings. Child benefit is treated as a negative income tax.

  2 1992–93 tax rates and allowances.

  319

  Tax Office, Salisbury
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will review the decision to close the tax office at Salisbury; and if he will make a statement; [28994]

  (2) if he will place in the Library the background papers which formed the basis for the decision to close the Salisbury tax office; and if he will make a statement on the costs and benefits of the proposed closure; [28995]

  (3) what market research was commissioned by his Department prior to the closure of the Salisbury tax office to assess the effects on local businesses and individuals; [28996]

  (4) what estimate has been made of the increase in levels of tax evasion and uncollected tax which will result from the closure of the Salisbury tax office; and if he will make a statement. [28997]

  Mr. Jack
  No decision has been taken to close the tax office at Salisbury.

  Mr. Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the number of visits made to the Salisbury tax office by local residents in the latest year for which information is available. [28998]

  Mr. Jack
  During the year to March 1996, 10,126 visits were made by members of the public to Salisbury tax office and tax inquiry centre. Although it is not possible to estimate the number of visits made by local residents, it is likely that the majority of these visits were made by individuals who either live or work in the Salisbury area.

ENVIRONMENT

  County Hall
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what applications have been received by his Department in respect of the operation of an aquarium by Shirayana Shokusan in the county hall, London SE1. [28926]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  My Department has received no applications for either listed building consent or planning permission relating to the operation of the proposed aquarium at county hall.

  Mr. Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the current location of the chairman of the GLC's chair. [28920]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  That is a matter for the owners of the riverside building of county hall.

  Mr. Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how much remains to be paid by Shirayana Shokusan to the London residuary body for the purchase of county hall; and when he expects to be paid this sum. [28924]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  The contract for the sale of county hall provided for a deferred sum of £10 million to be paid to the London residuary body from April 1997, subject to the full sum being paid by 2012. Following the winding up of the London residuary body on 29 March of this 320
  year, the London borough of Bromley inherited the remaining rights and liabilities in respect of county hall including those in relation to the payment of this sum.

  Mr. Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what payments have been made to the London residuary body by Whitbread plc in respect of the that company's involvement in the development of county hall. [28925]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  Prior to the winding up of the London residuary body on 29 March 1996, Whitbread plc had not been required to make any payments to the residuary body in respect of the development of county hall.

  Direct Labour Organisations
  Mr. Merchant
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he proposes to take against those local authorities whose direct labour organisations failed to meet their statutory financial obligations in 1994–95. [29186]

  Mr. Congdon
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he proposes to take against those local authorities whose direct labour and direct service organisations failed to meet their statutory financial objectives in 1994–95. [29281]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  On 13 February this year, 19 statutory notices were served on eight local authorities concerning the failure of their direct labour and service organisations to meet the required financial objectives in 1994–95. My right hon. Friend has now considered the responses to those notices, and has decided to take action against six local authorities.

  Each of the six local authorities which are the subject of today's announcement recorded losses in 1994–95 in excess of £500,000 on work they carried out. The action we have taken today will ensure that, where authorities are failing to put their houses in order, they will have to subject the work to a fresh competition.

  In some cases, the in-house team will be barred from competing if it has been a consistently poor performer in recent years. The end result will be either better-run in-house teams or the use of private contractors. This will ultimately be for the benefit of local taxpayers.

  The directions take the following five forms:
  preventing the following authority from carrying out the work after a specified date: Hereford and Worcester (building maintenance).
  restricting the work carried out by the DSO and preventing the authority from carrying out the remainder of the work if it fails to meet the financial objective in 1996–97 or 1997–98: Burnley borough council (building maintenance).
  requiring the authority to retender the work and to seek the consent of the Secretary of State if proposing to award the work in-house: Burnley borough council (highways and sewers).
  preventing an authority from carrying out the work if it fails to meet the financial objective in 1996–97 or 1997–98: the London borough of Southwark (building maintenance).
  requiring authorities to retender the work if they fail to meet the financial objective in a specified year or years, and to seek the Secretary of State's consent where the work has to be retendered and where the authority subsequently wishes to award work in-house:

  321
  1995–96 and 1996–97: Hereford and Worcester county council (highways and sewers), Kingston-Upon-Hull city council (building cleaning, building maintenance and grounds maintenance), and Salford city council (grounds maintenance).
  1996–97: St. Helens MBC (highways and sewers).
  1996–97 and 1997–98: Burnley borough council (other catering).

  The Secretary of State has also decided to take no further statutory action in respect of financial failure in 1993–94 by:
  New Forest district council (highways and sewers) and Salford city council (highways and sewers and schools and welfare catering).
  He is still considering the response from Liverpool city council (schools and welfare catering, vehicle maintenance, building cleaning, grounds maintenance and highways and sewers).

  In addition to the 19 notices served on 13 February, a further 26 were served on 22 local authorities on 2 April. Responses to these notices are currently being considered, and our decisions will be announced in June. Further notices for financial failure will be issued later in the year, and we expect to have announced all of our decisions by the end of October.

  The Secretary of State has also decided to revoke a direction given on 22 August 1995 to Hereford and Worcester county council for schools and welfare catering work, following financial failure in 1993–94.

  Environment Agency
  Mr. Pickthall
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps his Department has taken to inform parish councils of the role and responsibilities of the new Environment Agency. [28646]

  Mr. Clappsion
  [holding answer 10 May 1996]: None. The Environment Agency has contacted local organisations to inform them of the agency's role and responsibilities.

  Mr. Pickthall
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what contact his Department has had with district and parish councils in Lancashire over the role and responsibilities of the Environment Agency in Lancashire. [28647]

  Mr. Clappsion
  [holding answer 10 May 1996]: The Department consulted the local authority associations on its proposals for the Environment Agency, its scope and responsibilities.

HEALTH

  Residual Trust Property (Manchester)
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the value of the North West regional health authority residual trust property which is being transferred to Manchester health authority; and where it is located. [28099]

  Mr. Horam
  No trust fund property is to be transferred to Manchester health authority.

  Grant Aid Funding
  Miss Lestor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 30 April,Official Report,
  322
  column 500, if he will list (a) the non-London organisations which have received section 64 grant aid funding for the provision of service to HIV clients and (b) the organisations receiving first time grants under section 64 grant aid funding for the provision of services to HIV clients, for the financial year 1996–97. [28465]

  Mr. Horam
  The non-London organisations which are currently receiving section 64 grant aid funding for the provision of services to HIV clients for the financial year 1996–97 are as follows:

  National Network of Body Positive Groups;

  Body Positive North East.

  The organisations receiving first-time grants under section 64 grant aid funding for provision of services to HIV clients, for the financial year 1996–97 are as follows:

  Positive Care Link;

  National Network of Body Positive Groups;

  UK Coalition of People Living with HIV and Aids;

  Body Positive North East.

  A new grant was also awarded to the National AIDS Trust, although this was not a first-time grant for the organisation.

  Milk (Nutritional Value)
  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research his Department has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated regarding the nutritional value of milk consumed by children between the ages of 11 and 16 years; and if he will make a statement. [28530]

  Mr. Horam
  (a) The Department, together with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, has commissioned, through the national diet and nutrition survey programme, a survey designed to assess the habitual diet of school children aged four to 18 years. The results of this survey will give information about the amount and nutritional value of milk consumed by children between the ages of 11 and 16 years.

  (b) None.

  Dental Services (General Anaesthetics)
  Ms Harman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will place in the Library the guidelines currently in place for dentists who give general anaesthetics in their dental surgeries. [28620]

  Mr. Malone
  The Department has issued no guidelines for dentists who give general anaesthetics in their surgeries, as this is a professional matter for the relevant professional bodies. The General Dental Council, in May 1993, published "Professional Conduct and Fitness to Practise", copies of which are available in the Library; paragraphs 17 to 28 are guidelines on general anaesthesia, sedation and resuscitation.

  BSE
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when his Department received advice from the Committee on the Safety of Medicines concerning the sourcing of materials from cattle under six months from BSE—free herds; what steps were subsequently taken as a result of this advice; and when. [27980]
  323
  Mr. Horam
  In February 1989, at the request of the Licensing Authority, the Committee on the Safety of Medicines, the Committee on Dental and Surgical Materials and the Veterinary Products Committee, convened an expert group to formulate guidelines on the sourcing of bovine materials for the use in the manufacture of medicinal products. These guidelines were considered and agreed by the CSM at its February 1989 meeting. The guidelines recommended that source animals should be calves up to six months of age. A letter containing these joint CSM-VPC Guidelines was sent to the pharmaceutical industry. The industry was asked to provide information on the source and type of material of animal origin used in the manufacture of medicines. Subsequently, the bovine spongiform encephalopathy working party was established jointly by the CSM and VPC. This group considered the replies from companies at its October 1989 and subsequent meetings. Companies changed their source of bovine materials to non-UK sources for parenteral, ocular and topical products applied to broken skin. All products licensed since the 1989 CSM-VPC guidelines were issued, and the subsequent European Committee on Proprietary Medicinal Products 1992 guidelines, which replaced them, have been assessed in accordance with the guidelines for the acceptability of the bovine materials used.

  Private Hospitals
  Ms Harman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many private hospitals there were (i) by region (ii) nationally in each of the last five years; [29192]

  (2) what estimate he has made of the number of private hospital beds (i) by region and (ii) nationally in each of the last five years. [29191]

  Mr. Malone
  Information relating solely to private hospitals is not available centrally. Information on private hospitals, homes and clinics as a group is available and published annually in "Private hospitals, homes and clinics registered under section 23 of the Registered Homes Act 1984", copies of which are available in the Library. For the last two years, information is presented separately for private hospitals and clinics and for private nursing homes. Additional information on private hospitals can be found in the annual survey of "Acute Hospitals in the Independent Sector with Psychiatric Hospitals Supplement" by the Independent Healthcare Association.

  Elective Surgery
  Ms Harman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what assessment he has made of the levels of elective surgery performed in the private sector(a) by region and (b) nationally in each of the last five years; [29184]

  (2) what was the amount of elective surgery performed in the private sector privately as a percentage of NHS elective surgery (a) by region and (b) nationally in each of the last 10 years. [29185]

  Mr. Malone
  Information on elective surgery performed in the private sector is not collected centrally. Information on the volume of elective and emergency admissions in NHS hospitals is contained in the annual publication "Hospitals Episode Statistics", copies of which are available in the Library.
  324

  Cost Rent Schemes
  Ms Harman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many cost rent schemes have been agreed(a) in London and (b) outside London in each of the last 10 years. [29187]

  Mr. Malone
  Information is available for only 1994–95 and relates to cost rent projects agreed in principle by health authorities. Details will be placed in the Library.

  Human Embyros
  Mrs. Ann Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many embryos have been frozen under the provisions of licences issued by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority since its establishment; and in how many of those cases storage facilities are no longer able to trace the parents of that embryo. [28999]

  Mr. Horam
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave her on 25 March, columns 421–22. Statistics about contacts between licensed centres and patients are not available centrally.

  Private Finance (General Practitioner Premises)
  Ms Harman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement about private finance in respect of general practitioner premises. [29188]

  Ms Horam
  The primary care sector of the national health service has always used private capital to fund the development of general practitioner premises.

  Health Authority Expenditure
  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the per capita expenditure by each health authority area in each of the last three years for which information is available. [29070]

  Mr. Horam
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply my right hon. Friend the Minister for Health gave the hon. Member for Darlington (Mr. Milburn) on 26 May 1994, column 305 and the reply my right hon. Friend the then Secretary for Health gave the hon. Member for Darlington on 12 December 1994, column 465, for per capita spend for each district health authority in 1992–93 and 1993–94.

  Per capita spend for each district health authority in 1994–95 will be placed in the Library.

  Comparisons of these per capita spend figures need to be treated with caution. First, not all the expenditure covered arises from population-related activities. Secondly, crude populations do not reflect differences in age structure or relative health care need. These differences feature in the formulae used to inform the main allocations to the former district health authorities.

  Adoption Rules (Foreign Children)
  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what are the rules governing transfer of consent by the natural parents on cases of adoption of foreign national children; and what assessment he has made of the compliance of the procedures in the case about which he has been informed with those rules. [29190]
  325
  Mr. Bowis
  Where an adoption application has been made to a court in England and Wales in accordance with the Adoption Act 1976, the court may not make an adoption order unless it is satisfied that the child is free for adoption and that agreement of the parent or guardian to the adoption has been obtained. Before making an adoption order, section 16 of the 1976 Act requires the court to satisfy itself that such consent has been given freely and with full understanding of what is involved and that each parent has agreed unconditionally to the making of the adoption order.

  Rules of court require that a guardian ad litem be appointed by the court in any case where consent is not given or there are special circumstances. In cases of consent, a reporting officer will be appointed. If he has any doubt about the validity of the consent, the court will consider whether to appoint a guardian. In the High Court, this is the official solicitor unless he declines to act or one of the parties objects. It is the duty of the guardian ad litem to investigate the application and prepare a report for the court.

  Parental agreement to the making of an adoption order may be dispensed with by the court in certain prescribed circumstances. These provisions apply to all adoption applications irrespective of the country of origin of the child concerned. Similar provisions apply in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

  Read Codes System
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 2 May,Official Report, column 608, if he will list each hospital participating in the development of the Read codes project; which aspects of its application each hospital was deemed to be piloting; and when each pilot project was due to start and finish. [28935]

  Mr. Horam
  [holding answer 10 May 1996]: The hospitals concerned have requested that their details are not divulged until the project has been completed.

OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION

  Know-how Fund
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what new proposals he has to extend the work of the know-how fund in the Baltic states. [27700]

  Mr. Hanley
  We are starting a regional project covering all three Baltic states in public administration development. Through this and other initiatives, the know-how fund will continue to provide rapid and flexible assistance to the reform process in the Baltic states. The countries concerned very much welcome our support.

  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on what occasion and in relation to which contracts, contracts sponsored under the know-how fund in Moscow in the last five years were allocated and subsequently extended without being the subject of tendering or re-tendering procedures. [29237]
  326
  Mr. Hanley
  Of the 1,574 contracts the know-how fund has issued over the last five years, 1,256 contracts were awarded without a requirement to tender. This includes contracts issued to nominated individuals, low-value contracts where the costs of a competition would outweigh potential savings, and cost-sharing contracts.

  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) if he will list the United Kingdom contractors and consultants who have been engaged on know-how fund sponsored food distribution projects and training projects in Moscow during the last five years; [29235]

  (2) on what occasions and in relation to which contracts United Kingdom contractors and consultants who have been engaged on know-how fund sponsored contracts in the last five years were given such contracts without a requirement to tender; [29236]

  (3) if he will list the projects funded during the last five years by the know-how fund relating to (a) food distribution in Moscow and (b) training in Moscow. [29234]

  Mr. Hanley
  The answers could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Nigeria
  Sir Michael Grylls
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on what date the British high commissioner returned to Nigeria; what steps he is taking to encourage the restoration of democracy in that country; and on what date he expects the Nigerian high commissioner to return to London. [29010]

  Mr. Hanley
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave the hon. Member for Stretford (Mr. Lloyd) on 19 February, column 22. The Nigerian authorities have given us no indication of a date for the return of the Nigerian high commissioner to London.

  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had, and with whom, on the current regime in Nigeria. [28600]

  Mr. Hanley
  We continue to consult closely with Commonwealth, European Union and other partners on all aspects of our policy towards Nigeria.

  Human Rights Monitors (Africa)
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the number of British sponsored and financed human rights monitors in Africa; and if he will list the countries in which they are working. [28599]

  Mr. Hanley
  UN human rights monitors are deployed in Rwanda and Burundi.

  Rwanda has 101 human rights monitors in the field. The UK is the largest bilateral donor and has contributed £3 million since 1995 towards the cost of the operation. The UK also contributes through the European Union, which is funding 11 of the UN monitors, rising to 27 at the end of May.

  In Burundi the first four UN monitors, funded by the European Union, were deployed in April 1996.
  327

  Land Mines
  Mr. Mullin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assistance is being provided to(a) agencies involved in demining and (b) the victims of land mines; and if he will make a statement. [27697]

  Mr. Hanley
  Since April 1993, the ODA has funded mine clearing operations totalling nearly £17 million, including the UK share of European Community-funded projects. Details of these commitments have been placed in the Library of the House.

  We recognise the need for both post-trauma and longer-term assistance to land mine victims. We support medical care and rehabilitation through contributions to the International Committee of the Red Cross and non-governmental organisations. Longer-term needs to promote self-help and economic independence are addressed through country development programmes.

  Vector-borne Diseases (Iraq)
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of vector-borne diseases in Iraq with particular reference to(a) malaria and (b) visceral leishmaniasis. [27764]

  Mr. Hanley
  We have not been invited to undertake an assessment of either malaria or visceral leishmaniasis in Iraq. An intensive spraying programme in northern Iraq, funded by the European Community, led to a dramatic decrease in malaria, from 65,000 cases in 1994 to 38,000 in 1995. No deaths have been reported. We understand that there are sufficient stocks of insecticide for 1996. Available information suggests that there was a decrease in leishmaniasis between 1992 and 1994—the last year for which we have information.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Coal Stocks
  Mr. Battle
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what tonnages of stockpiled coal are presently held by(a) Powergen, (b) National Power, (c) Scottish Power, (d) British Steel and (e) private mine owners. [27301]

  Mr. Page
  Latest available data are for the end of February 1996 when stocks of coal held by electricity generators totalled 7,413,000 tonnes, stocks at coke ovens totalled 1,155,000 tonnes, and stocks at collieries and opencast sites totalled 5,984,000 tonnes. Figures for individual companies are commercially sensitive and cannot be disclosed.

  Fireworks
  Mr. Battle
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans he has to change existing legislation regarding the sale of aerial shell fireworks to the public. [27299]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  On 28 March, I announced that my Department would be undertaking a comprehensive review of the voluntary and legislative measures dealing with the availability of fireworks to the public. The review will consider, among other issues, the current classification system of fireworks including the treatment 328
  of aerial shells. My Department will seek views from a wide range of interested organisations during the summer and I will then consider possible was in which the current measures might be improved.

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

  Mr. Page
  British Coal remains liable to meet all entitlements under the industrial death and retirement scheme—which closed in January 1995. I understand that the chairman has written to the hon. Member previously explaining British Coal's disclosure practice and, given the essentially commercial nature of the arrangements, it would not be appropriate to make these papers more generally available.

  Telecommunications Industry (Intellectual Property)
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade, pursuant to the letter of 19 February from the Under-Secretary of State for Science and Technology, what action he is taking in European Telecommunications Standards Institute for the publication of the de facto standards in relation to intellectual property in the telecommunications industry; and if he will make a statement. [27933]

  Mr. Ian Taylor
  The European Telecommunications Standards Institute is the main body in Europe producing telecommunications standards. It has a membership of some 30 Governments and 370 private and public telecommunications companies.

  DTI officials have held various elected positions in the institute and in this capacity have been pursuing the idea that ETSI should be ready to publish not only its own standards but those that are drafted elsewhere, including de facto standards. This concept was agreed last year and incorporated in ETSI' s new rules of procedure on 19 April this year.

  Such publication should ensure that essential intellectual property is available on fair and non-discriminatory terms. The publication of a particular de facto standard depends though on the willingness of the originator to submit it for publication in this way and it is too early to say whether this will, in fact, be widely accepted.

  Energy Council
  Mr. Day
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the outcome of the EC Energy Council held on 7 May. [28845]

  Mr. Eggar
  The Council considered several issues and received reports on matters of interest. I represented the UK.

  The Council made some limited progress on electricity market liberalisation. Ministers agreed the broad framework for opening up electricity markets to competition and undertook to continue discussions on the extent and pace of market opening. I hope that we can

  329
  make further progress in the coming weeks with a view to reaching a final decision at at an extraordinary Council meeting before the end of the Italian Presidency.

  The Council also reached political agreement on the key elements of the Commission's proposal for a second programme, aimed at encouraging best use of energy efficiency technology which will help reduce CO, emissions. A five-year programme with a budget of 45 mecu was agreed.

  The Council reached agreement on a resolution on the European energy policy White Paper. Broadly, this invites the Commission to continue its existing activities in the energy field; to organise co-operation on energy policy objectives and energy studies; to report on transparency measures and to present proposals from the indicative work programme on the basis of existing treaties and competences.

  Also, the Council agreed conclusions on a Commission report on gas supply and prospects. These invite the Commission to continue to examine the issues raised in the report, bring forward proposals if necessary and report back to the Council in two years' time.

  Council conclusions were agreed on the energy aspects of the Barcelona Euro-Mediterranean conference which identified energy as having a pivotal role in economic co-operation especially in terms of investment and the activities of companies in extending networks. The conclusions look forward to a conference of energy ministers in Trieste on 8 to 9 June—preceded by a day involving the industry on 7 June—to discuss possible participation in the energy charter treaty, implementation of trans-european energy projects and definition of priorities for future action.

  The Council held a discussion on the SYNERGY proposal which involves a multi-annual financial support programme over five years to help non-member countries in the definition, formulation and implementation of energy policy. Work on this dossier will continue.

  In addition, the Council received presentations from the Commission on its reports on civil protection, tourism and energy, as requested by declaration 1 to the treaty of the European Union, and on the oil supply and refining markets as well as progress reports on the energy charter treaty and the draft directive on integrated resource planning.

  Mid-Kent Holdings Plc
  Dame Peggy Fenner
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will maintain the legal undertakings given by General Utilities plc to the then President of Board of Trade in March 1991 regarding its interests in Mid-Kent Holdings. [29155]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  General Utilities gave undertakings to the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on 21 March 1991. Since then, no decision has been made to vary the undertakings or to release General Utilities from them. The undertakings therefore remain legally binding.

  Mr. Rowe
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment he has made of the effects on the Government's competition policy of the judgment of Mr. Justice Knox in the Chancery Division of the 330
  High Court in the case of Mid-Kent Holdings plc delivered on 30 April; and if he will make a statement. [29007]

  Mr. Taylor
  I will study carefully the judgment given by Mr. Justice Knox in the above case. It would, however, be inappropriate for me to give a view on whether and to what extent the Government's competition policy affected this judgment.

  Business Links
  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list(a) the names, (b) the dates of report and (c) the dates of publication of each departmental study of business links; and if he will make a statement. [28534]

  Mr. Page
  The main departmental studies on business links that have been carried out so far are:DTI: Evaluation of Business Link; Report by KPMG Peat Marwick; published in April 1994
  Evaluation of Business Links; Report by Ernst and Young; published in February 1996

  The Government have an on-going programme of assessing business links. This includes gathering quarterly monitoring information, measuring the awareness perceptions and use of business links by businesses through bi-annual surveys and assessing the quality of information and services received by business through a mystery shopper exercise. In addition, we plan to carry out further evaluation studies of businesses links later this year and in 1997.

  Biotechnological Inventions (Legal Protection)
  Mr. Ingram
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the EU draft directive on legal protection of biotechnological inventions. [29002]

  Mr. Ian Taylor
  The Commission's proposal for an EC directive on the legal protection of biotechnological inventions is the subject of explanatory memorandum 4519/96 submitted on 4 March 1996 and available in the Library of the House.

  The proposal is currently under discussion before the Council. A first opinion of the European Parliament is not expected until this autumn.

  AEA Technology Restructuring Fund
  Mr. Ingram
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what was the total amount allocated by the Government to the AEA Technology restructuring fund up to 31 March to prepare the company for privatisation. [29000]

  Mr. Eggar
  Until 31 March 1996, AEA Technology was a division of the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority. In respect of UKAEA restructuring, I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the President of Board of Trade, on 6 February 1996,Official Report, columns 144–45, which provides the most recent information on funding. Restructuring of UKAEA has been going on since the late 1980s and reflects the changing role of the authority and changes in its external business environment.
  331

  Global Free Trade
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what action he is proposing to pursue the goal of global free trade. [28913]

  Mr. Nelson
  The Government envisage three main stages in the pursuit of global free trade. First, the ministerial meeting of the World Trade Organisation in Singapore in December 1996 should set in train a comprehensive work programme to carry forward the process of liberalisation, building on the achievements of the Uruguay round. Secondly, a new multilateral negotiating round should be launched in the WTO before the end of the decade, to be concluded and implemented early in the next century. Thirdly, the WTO should set itself a firm date for achieving the ultimate goal of global free trade by 2020. My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade set out his views on these issues in a speech given to the British American Chamber of Commerce on 30 April, a copy of which I have arranged to be placed in the Library of the House.

  Business Link Network Ltd.
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what is(a) the DTI's involvement with and (b) the status of the Business Link Network Ltd. [28746]

  Mr. Page
  The Business Link Network Ltd. has recently been established by the business links national partners, including the TEC National Council, British chambers of commerce, the National Federation of Enterprise Agencies and local authority associations, to provide a range of practical support services to help business links to deliver a better service to the business community. Plans include the bulk purchase of insurance and other common services, dissemination of good practice and the development of a national business link presence on the Internet.

  The DTI is in discussion with the Business Link Network Ltd. about possible areas for collaboration.

  Scottish and Newcastle Breweries
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade on how many occasions in the last two years he has received communications from hon. Members relating to the interests of Scottish and Newcastle Breweries. [29233]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade and ministerial colleagues have answered 23 separate letters or parliamentary questions, all of which relate to the acquisition by Scottish and Newcastle of Courage and the new company formed after the merger, Scottish Courage. In addition, three early-day motions were tabled and an Adjournment debate was held in January 1996.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Mature Students
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many people aged 65 years or over were engaged in full or part-time education in(a)332
  and (b) the latest year for which information is available; and what percentage each represents of the relevant age group. [28127]

  Mrs. Gillan
  [holding answer 7 May 1996]: The figures are given in the tables.

  Students aged 65 and over, 1990–91 and 1994–95, England

  1990–91

  1994–95

  Higher education

  8,127

  11,782

  Open University

  n/a

  2,441

  Further education

  165,000

  122,000

  Participation rate: percentage of population aged 65 and over

  1990–91

  1994–95

  Higher education

  0.1

  0.2

  Open University

  n/a

  0.0

  Further education

  2.2

  1.6

  Total

  2.3

  1.8

  A considerable number of people aged 65 and over attend adult education centres; no estimate is available. The decrease in numbers in further education since 1990–91 is due mainly to fewer students taking non-examinable courses; the number enrolled for examinable courses has increased sharply.

  n/a not available.

  Assisted Places Scheme
  Sir Alan Haselhurst
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if she will extend the assisted places scheme to schools catering exclusively for children with special educational needs. [28350]

  Mrs. Gillan
  We have no present plans to do so, but are keeping the matter under review.

  Statemented Pupils
  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if she will list by local education authority(a) the total number and (b) the percentage of pupils who are currently statmented. [28523]

  Mrs. Gillan
  The latest available information is shown in the table:

  Pupils with a statement of special educational needs in schools by local education authority area

  England

  January 1995

  Pupils with a statement of SEN

  Percentage1

  Corporation of London

  0

  0.0

  Camden

  837

  2.9

  Greenwich

  1,369

  3.6

  Hackney

  877

  2.9

  Hammersmith and Fulham

  662

  3.3

  Islington

  827

  3.3

  Kensington and Chelsea

  242

  1.2

  Lambeth

  848

  3.0

  Lewisham

  1,050

  2.9

  Southwark

  929

  2.4

  Tower Hamlets

  1,089

  3.0

  Wandsworth

  1,220

  3.6

  Westminster

  373

  1.6

  Barking and Dagenham

  559

  2.0

  Barnet

  915

  1.8

  Bexley

  858

  2.3

  333

  Pupils with a statement of special educational needs in schools by local education authority area

  England

  January 1995

  Pupils with a statement of SEN

  Percentage1

  Brent

  736

  1.9

  Bromley

  1,221

  2.6

  Croydon

  864

  1.6

  Ealing

  755

  1.6

  Enfield

  666

  1.5

  Haringey

  627

  1.9

  Harrow

  643

  2.0

  Havering

  810

  2.2

  Hillingdon

  1,135

  2.9

  Hounslow

  1,012

  2.8

  Kingston upon Thames

  507

  2.2

  Merton

  551

  2.0

  Newham

  990

  2.3

  Redbridge

  676

  1.7

  Richmond upon Thames

  497

  1.9

  Sutton

  694

  2.5

  Waltham Forest

  986

  2.8

  Birmingham

  4,327

  2.3

  Coventry

  1,084

  2.0

  Dudley

  923

  1.9

  Sandwell

  814

  1.5

  Solihull

  746

  1.9

  Walsall

  1,294

  2.6

  Wolverhampton

  1,095

  2.4

  Knowsley

  910

  3.0

  Liverpool

  2,512

  2.9

  St. Helens

  1,430

  4.6

  Sefton

  1,468

  2.8

  Wirral

  1,570

  2.7

  Bolton

  1,054

  2.1

  Bury

  1,042

  3.3

  Manchester

  1,523

  2.0

  Oldham

  607

  1.4

  Rochdale

  876

  2.4

  Salford

  723

  1.8

  Stockport

  1,536

  3.1

  Tameside

  1,034

  2.7

  Trafford

  742

  2.0

  Wigan

  1,933

  3.8

  Barnsley

  996

  2.8

  Doncaster

  1,931

  3.6

  Rotherham

  1,374

  3.0

  Sheffield

  1,761

  2.3

  Bradford

  1,639

  1.7

  Calderdale

  679

  1.9

  Kirklees

  2,113

  3.2

  Leeds

  3,510

  2.9

  Wakefield

  1,244

  2.2

  Gateshead

  588

  1.8

  Newcastle upon Tyne

  1,259

  2.7

  North Tyneside

  1,035

  3.1

  South Tyneside

  656

  2.4

  Sunderland

  1,561

  3

  Isles of Scilly

  4

  1.4

  Avon

  4,341

  2.8

  Bedfordshire

  2,425

  2.5

  Berkshire

  3,591

  2.7

  Buckinghamshire

  3,336

  3.0

  Cambridge

  2,718

  2.5

  Cheshire

  5,140

  3.1

  Cleveland

  2,524

  2.4

  Cornwall

  2,908

  4.0

  Cumbria

  3,205

  4.0

  Derbyshire

  5,251

  3.4

  Devon

  5,338

  3.4

  Dorset

  2,470

  2.5

  Durham

  2,942

  2.9

  East Sussex

  3,534

  3.4

  Essex

  5,492

  2.3

  Gloucestershire

  2,282

  2.6

  Hampshire

  7,739

  3.2

  Hereford and Worcester

  2,608

  2.3

  334

  Pupils with a statement of special educational needs in schools by local education authority area

  England

  January 1995

  Pupils with a statement of SEN

  Percentage1

  Hertfordshire

  4,599

  2.6

  Humberside

  3,222

  2.2

  Isle of Wight

  487

  2.5

  Kent

  7,256

  2.8

  Lancashire

  7,815

  3.3

  Leicestershire

  3,683

  2.4

  Lincolnshire

  3,048

  3.2

  Norfolk

  3,759

  3.3

  North Yorkshire

  2,616

  2.3

  Northamptonshire

  2,316

  2.2

  Northumberland

  1,155

  2.2

  Nottinghamshire

  1,932

  1.1

  Oxfordshire

  1,875

  2.0

  Shropshire

  2,449

  3.5

  Somerset

  1,947

  2.6

  Staffordshire

  4,543

  2.6

  Suffolk

  3,049

  2.9

  Surrey

  5,074

  3.1

  Warwickshire

  1,771

  2.2

  West Sussex

  2,598

  2.4

  Wiltshire

  2,624

  2.9

  England

  211,307

  2.6

  1 Pupils with a statement of special education needs expressed as a percentage of the school population.

  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if she will list by local education authority the number and percentage of currently statemented pupils statemented at(a) key stage 1 and (b) key stage 2. [28525]

  Mrs. Gillan
  The information requested is not collected centrally.

  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if she will list by local education authority the amount per special educational needs pupils spent on special needs education in 1995–96. [28524]

  Mrs. Gillan
  The data collected centrally identify expenditure on statemented pupils and on special schools, but do not identify separately expenditure on other forms of provision for special educational needs.

  Mr. Havey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if she will list by local education authority the percentage of currently statemented pupils who are statemented for(a) physical disability and (b) severe learning difficulties. [28526]

  Mrs. Gillan
  The information requested is not collected centrally.

  Teacher Training
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what was(a) the target for 1996 and (b) the actual intake for primary teacher training in 1995. [28587]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  The primary target for England for 1996–97 is 11,500. The actual intake to primary teacher training in 1995–96 was 13,601.
  335

  Statutory Instruments
  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what amended orders she proposes to lay arising from the recommendations contained in the 15th report of the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments (HC 34-xv, HL 60 of Session 1995–96); and what is her timetable for laying these orders. [28628]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  [holding answer 10 May 1996]: The 15th report of the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments refers to two sets of regulations made by the Department, the Education (Grants for Nursery Education) (England) Regulations 1996, SI 1996/353, and the Education (Grants for Education Support and Training: Nursery Education) (England) Regulations 1996, SI 1996/235.

  In the case of SI 1996/353, the Committee, after calling for two memorandums from the Department, determined not to draw the special attention of both Houses to the regulations. In the case of SI 1996/235, the Committee drew the special attention of both Houses to the regulations on the ground that they included two provisions which referred to provisions in another instrument rather than setting the provisions out in full. Since the instrument is unambiguous and contains no error, it does not call for amendment. The Department therefore does not propose to lay any amending regulations arising from this report but will bear in mind the Joint Committee's views on drafting in future.

  Expulsion
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what guidance she has issued on the grounds which are justifiable for the expulsion of a child from school; and if she will make a statement. [28977]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  Guidance was issued by the Department in May 1994 to heads, governing bodies and local education authorities on the proper use of exclusion. It indicated that exclusion should be used sparingly—as a last resort—in response to serious breaches of school policy or law.

  Competitiveness and Deregulation Policy
  Mr. John Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if she will make a statement on the implications of her competitiveness and deregulation policy for job prospects in the United Kingdom in relation to those in other EU countries. [27678]

  Mr. Forth
  International evidence shows that keeping regulation to a necessary minimum allows employers to create a diverse pattern of jobs, giving workers greater choice in when and how to work. This leads to more people in employment. The latest available figures indicate that, in 1994, the UK had a higher proportion of its population of working age in employment than any other major EU member state.

  Interview Expenses
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) what assessment has been made by her Department of the impact of lengthening the qualifying period for the payment of 336
  expenses for attending job interviews; and what assessment has been made of the benefits of the scheme; [29003]

  (2) how much her Department has spent in each of the last three years in meeting the expenses incurred by unemployed people in attending job interviews; and how much her Department expects to save as a result of recent changes in the unemployment qualifying period for the payments of travelling expenses for attending job interviews. [29004]

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

  Letter from Mike Fogden to Mr. Brian Donohoe, dated 13 May 1996:

  The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your questions to her about the payment of expenses for attending job interviews. This is something which falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of the Agency.

  The ES provides financial assistance to unemployed people attending job interviews beyond their normal daily travelling distance through the Travel to Interview Scheme (TIS).

  The performance of TIS is assessed on a regular basis to provide information which will improve the effectiveness of the scheme in helping unemployed people back into work. Management information is collected quarterly to monitor the operation of the programme and latest figures show that in 1995–96 the scheme helped 46,810 people with travel costs.

  A full evaluation of TIS has also been carried out. This examined, in more detail, various aspects of the operation and impact of the programme. The evaluation was not designed to assess the impact of lengthening the qualifying period for payment. However, the report does contain some information about the impact of TIS on people with different unemployment durations. If you would like to see the full detail of this study, copies can be obtained through the House of Commons library.

  Over the last three financial years the cost of meeting the expenses incurred by unemployed clients to attend job interviews have been.

  1993–94 £1.79 million enabling 50,373 interviews

  1994–95 £1.8 million enabling 51,140 interviews

  1995–96 £1.7 million enabling 46,810 interviews

  As the figures show, the demand for TIS has fallen over the last 12 months. However, we will not be able to compare savings made through the introduction of the 13 week measures until we have collected statistics at the end of June and compared them with the corresponding quarter last year. I will write to you again in August when that comparison has been carried out.

  I hope this is helpful.

  Objective 4 Status
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assessment she has made of the amount of money which would be available to British firms(a) in total, (b) with fewer than 100 employees, (c) with fewer than 50 employees and (d) with fewer than 10 employees, from the European Union if Britain had applied for objective 4 status.[28748]

  Mr. Forth
  The amount of support available under any objectives depends on the terms of the programme, which is agreed with the Commission in respect of that objective. Since the Government have not negotiated such an agreement in relation to objective 4, it is impossible to estimate which firms would be eligible.
  337
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what estimate she has made of the number of British firms(a) in total, (b) with fewer than 100 employees, (c) with fewer than 50 employees and (d) with fewer than 10 employees, which would be eligible for European Union aid under objective 4. [28749]

  Mr. Forth
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave earlier.

  Education Council
  Mr. French
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what was the outcome of the Council of EC Education Ministers held on 6 May. [29513]

  Mr. Forth
  On 6 May, the Council of EC Education Ministers adopted conclusions on the European Commission White Paper "Teaching and Learning: Towards the Learning Society" and held a public debate on this topic. The Council also adopted conclusions on the synergies between academic recognition and professional recognition of qualifications within the community and a resolution on multimedia educational software.

  Ministers received information from the European Commission on the assessment of quality of higher and non-higher education; the European Year of Lifelong learning; co-operation with third countries; the progress of work on the forthcoming Commission green paper on obstacles to mobility; and the Commission publication "Key Data on Education in the European Union 1995". Ministers received a communication from the Greek delegation about the proposed European centre classical literature and were briefed by the presidency on the outcome of the conference on "Cultural Diversity and Social Integration" held in Turin on 11 to 13 April 1996.

  A copy of the official minutes of the Council will be placed in the Library when they become available.

  School Security
  Mr. French
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when she will publish the report of the working group on school security. [29514]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  The report will be published tomorrow morning, and I shall place copies in the Library.

  Footballers' Work Permits
  Mr. Wareing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what was the outcome of her recent discussions with the football authorities in respect of the issue of work permits to footballers from other countries(a) entering the United Kingdom to play for a British Club and (b) being transferred between British Clubs; and if she will make a statement. [22383]

  Mrs. Gillan
  I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Bassetlaw (Mr. Ashton) on 18 March 1996,Official Report, column 37.

CHURCH COMMISSIONERS

  Archdeacons
  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the right hon. Member for Selby, representing the Church 338
  Commissioners, how many (a) male and (b) female archdeacons are currently paid by the Church Commissioners; at what stipend and emoluments; and if he will make a statement. [27704]

  Mr. Alison
  Most archdeacons receive their stipend from money raised by their diocese which is paid through the commissioners' payroll. At the end of April 1996, there were 104 male archdeacons and one female archdeacon on the payroll. The stipend recommended by the Church Commissioners, as Central Stipends Authority, is £20,860 per annum.

  Investment Income and Expenditure
  Sir Sydney Chapman
  To ask the right hon. Member for Selby, representing the Church Commissioners, if he will make a statement on the Church Commissioners' investment income and expenditure in 1995. [27706]

  Mr. Alison
  The commissioners' investment income in 1995 was £137 million, a yield of 6.1 per cent. compared with 6.2 per cent. in 1994 based on the WM All Funds' independent assessment of our performance. This reduction is a consequence of rebalancing the portfolio by reducing property and gilts and increasing equities. Total return—that is, income plus capital growth—was 19.5 per cent. compared to the WM All Funds' benchmark of 19.1 per cent.

  Expenditure was £143 million. The two main items of expenditure were £77 million for clergy pensions, which are currently paid in full by the commissioners, and £42 million for clergy stipends.

TRANSPORT

  Sea Empress Incident
  Mr. Ainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects the report on the damage suffered by the Sea Empress to be made available to the marine accident investigation branch; and if he will place a copy in the Library. [28903]

  Mr. Norris
  The marine accident investigation branch will be conducting its own assessment of the damage to the Sea Empress. The vessel has only just become available for inspection following the cleaning operation in dry dock in Belfast and MAIB's findings will form part of its report into the accident and salvage operation. The MAIB report will be published and copies will be placed in the Library.

  Heavy Goods Vehicle Licences
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what provisions apply to people suffering from insulin dependent diabetes in respect of holding HGV licences; and if he will make a statement. [28596]

  Mr. Norris
  People with diabetes subject to insulin treatment are prohibited from holding a large goods vehicle driver's licence, with the exception of certain drivers who already held such a licence on 1 April 1991.
  339

  Foamix
  Mr. Jacques Arnold
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects the application of R. J. Maxwell Ltd. for accreditation of its product Foamix to be formally approved by the Highways Authorities and Utilities Committee. [28953]

  Mr. Watts
  This matter is due to be discussed at the next meeting of the full committee on 16 May. I shall write to my hon. Friend advising him of the outcome.

WALES

  Milford Haven
  Mr. Ainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he received a request from the Countryside Council for Wales to issue a holding direction on the application by Milford Haven port authority to construct a jetty to import orimulsion and limestone for Pembroke power station; and if he will make a statement. [29196]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  The request was received on 15 April and is being considered, along with requests that the application be called in.

  European Regional Development Fund
  Mr. Ainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the European regional development fund projects approved under the Rural Wales 5b programme in 1995–96, indicating in each case their total eligible costs, the grant originally allocated to each project, the date each sponsor was informed of the actual grant available and how much grant was spent by 31 March. [28950]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  Under the objective 5(b) rural Wales single programming document 1994–1999, 250 projects had been approved to receive European regional development fund grant assistance by 31 March 1996. The lists of selected projects and estimated individual grant amounts were published in Welsh Office press notices dated 24 August 1995, 5 February 1996 and 18 March 1996 and copies are available in the Library of the House. ERDF grant totalling around £36.7 million had been committed on projects with estimated eligible costs of £131.6 million, of which £5.8 million grant has been paid on expenditure up to 31 January 1996. The dates on which approval letters were issued will vary in each individual case.

  European Funding
  Mr. Ainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) if he will list the European regional development fund projects approved under the Leader II programme in 1995–96, indicating in each case their total eligible costs, the grant originally allocated to each project, the date each sponsor was informed of the actual grant available and how much grant was spent by 31 March; [28948]

  (2) if he will list the total grant aid available for European regional development fund projects under Leader II and Rural Wales 5b programmes and European agricultural guidance and guarantee fund projects under Leader II and Rural Wales 5b programmes in 1995–96 from the Welsh Development Agency; if he will indicate
  340
  the budget for these programmes from the Welsh Development Agency in 1996–97; and if he will make a statement; [28952]

  (3) if he will list the European agricultural guidance and guarantee fund projects approved under the Leader II programme in 1995–96, indicating in each case their total eligible costs, the grant originally allocated to each project, the date each sponsor was informed of the actual grant available and how much grant was spent by 31 March. [28951]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  I will write to the hon. Member as soon as possible and place a copy of my reply in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Ainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the European agricultural guidance and guarantee fund projects approved under the rural Wales programme in 1995–96, indicating in each case their total eligible costs, the grant originally allocated to each project, the date each sponsor was informed of the actual grant available and how much grant was spent by 31 March. [28947]

  Mr. Jones
  Under the objective 5(b) rural Wales single programming document 1994–1999, 52 projects had been approved to receive European agricultural guidance and guarantee fund grant assistance by March 1996. The lists of selected projects and estimated individual grant amounts were published in Welsh Office press notices dated 24 August 1995 and 5 February 1996 and copies are available in the Library of the House. EAGGF grant totalling around £6.09 million had been committed on projects with estimated eligible costs of £14.4 million, of which £1.07 million grant has been paid on expenditure up to 31 January 1996. The dates on which approval letters were issued will vary in each individual case.

  Weather Data
  Mr. Ainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) if he will place a copy of the weather data from the Countryside Council for Wales meteorological station at Deer park, Marloes, Pembrokeshire, for February in the Library; [29171]

  (2) if he will place a copy of the weather data from the Countryside Council of Wales wave rider buoy in St. Bride's bay, for February in the Library. [29172]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  I will arrange for copies to be placed in the Library of the House as soon as possible.

  Rural Wales Projects
  Mr. Ainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the total grant in aid available from the Welsh Development Agency to projects in rural Wales in 1995–96 and the budget allocated for similar projects in 1996–97; and if he will make a statement. [28949]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  The Welsh Development Agency's programmes support economic development throughout the whole of the agency's area; with the exception of the specific rural development programme expenditure in rural and non-rural areas is not identified separately. The agency's specific rural development programme budget for 1995–96 was £6.8 million with a forecast outturn of £6.0 million; the budget for 1996–97 is £2.5 million but, in addition, there is significant
  341
  expenditure in rural areas through the main property and environmental capital programmes and support for the encouragement of businesses.

  Rate Relief Scheme
  Mr. Sweeney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on his proposals for a new rate relief scheme targeted on general stores and post offices in villages, as announced in the White Paper, "A Working Countryside for Wales". [29511]

  Mr. Hague
  The consultation paper I have published today sets out the proposals I promised in the White Paper "A Working Countryside for Wales" to help sustain village shops and post offices.

  These proposals will provide significant help to the small general stores and post offices which are a feature of village life and which provide an invaluable service to local people. Many small general stores and post offices will in future be entitled to at least 50 per cent. relief on their business rates. Local authorities will have discretion to top this up to 100 per cent. Local authorities will also have wide discretion to reduce the rates bills of other rural businesses, thereby helping to safeguard rural communities and preserve the fabric of village life.

LORD PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL

  EU Documents
  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Lord President of the Council at which public libraries explanatory memorandums relating to documents considered by the Council of the European Community are regularly deposited; and by what other means members of the public are currently advised of the publication of such memorandums. [27118]

  Mr. Newton
  Explanatory memorandums are regularly deposited with four depository libraries in the United Kingdom. These are the lending and reference divisions of the British Library in Wetherby and London, the City of Westminster central reference library, and the Liverpool and District scientific, industrial and research library. Explanatory memorandums can also be obtained direct from Government Departments. Members of the public may obtain advice and information about European Union matters, including where to obtain copies of explanatory memorandums, through the national network of public information relays established throughout the United Kingdom by the European Commission. This includes European information centres, European documentation centres, European reference centres, public library authorities as well as a number of national organisations including the Local Government Information Bureau, the Confederation of British Industry, the Trades Union Congress and citizens' advice bureaux.

  Drugs Strategy
  Mr. Rathbone
  To ask the Lord President of the Council what progress has been made in implementing the Government's "Tackling Drugs Together" strategy; and if he will make a statement. [28989]
  342
  Mr. Newton
  The Government's drugs strategy for England for the period 1995–98, "Tackling Drugs Together", was published on 10 May 1995. While fully maintaining the emphasis on law enforcement and reducing supply, the strategy recognises the need for stronger action on reducing the demand for illegal drugs. Separate action is under way in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, consistent with the strategy for England, but tailored to the particular circumstances in those countries.

  Some 49 tasks were set for Government Departments and statutory agencies in implementing the strategy during 1995–96. All have been undertaken and, where appropriate, completed. In particular:

  all police forces are publishing drugs strategies which combine law enforcement, demand reduction and partnership measures;

  research into the nature and incidence of drug-related crime is underway;

  HM Customs and Excise has reviewed its anti-drugs effort, and resources allocated to its investigation and intelligence work has been increased;

  the National Criminal Intelligence Service has reviewed its operations and is working more closely with the police and Customs;

  co-operation between the police and Customs has been enhanced, with performance indicators set for 1996–97 covering the full range of drugs law enforcement—and, for the first time, a joint press conference announced collective results in 1995;

  each probation service is developing a drugs strategy in line with guidance from the Home Office and Association of Chief Officers of Probation;

  all prison establishments have developed local drugs strategies—focusing on supply control, demand reduction and treatment—in line with the national strategy, using trained multi-disciplinary teams of staff;

  mandatory drug testing has been successfully implemented in all prison establishments;

  a first phase of drug treatment pilot schemes, involving 22 prisons, has been introduced;

  practical guidelines for local criminal justice drug prevention programmes have been issued for consultation—six collaborative projects are putting the guidelines into practice;

  funding of £5.9 million has delivered 16 innovative drug education projects and enhanced teacher training;

  guidance on managing drug-related incidents and drug education has been sent to all schools, with local policies being developed accordingly;

  information about drug education teaching materials and resources has been made available to schools;

  the Office for Standards in Education is monitoring the response by schools and others, including specific studies of drugs education and the contribution of the youth service to drugs prevention;

  consultations with further and higher education bodies have been undertaken to encourage effective prevention, counselling and support services;

  a three year national publicity campaign targeted at young people and parents run by the Health Education Authority, costing £5 million a year, has been launched;

  an increasing number of private companies have become involved in working nationally and locally on drugs prevention;

  £1.1 million has been used on 40 projects for early intervention services for young people at risk of drug misuse;

  a review of substance misuse services for young people has been published by the Health Advisory Service;

  343

  the consultation phase on improving the health and safety of young people at clubs and other venues is nearing completion;

  a four-year work programme has been agreed for the drugs prevention initiative;

  the 24-hour free national drugs helpline service has answered 192,755 calls in its first year;

  a national drugs information strategy is being developed, in consultation with the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs and other bodies;

  the effectiveness review on effective and appropriate treatments reported to Ministers and has now been published, with work in hand to provide guidance to purchasers in the light of the review and other recent findings;

  shared care arrangements for drug misusers between primary and secondary health care providers have been reviewed by all health authorities;

  contacts have been made with medical and nursing professional and statutory bodies to improve staff training and education.

  At regional and local level, the main action has been the establishment of 105 drug action teams across England, and their local community networks—drug reference groups. All teams were established by 30 September 1995, and I agreed all their action plans for 1996–97 and 1997–98 by the beginning of April. Every team comprises senior professionals from the relevant health and local authorities, and police, probation, and (where appropriate) prison services. Some teams also include voluntary sector, business and Customs representatives. All are seeking to encourage these and other groups to engage in practical work to tackle drug misuse on the ground. A digest of examples, drawn from the first action plans, has been published to help on this.

  To assist in assessing the effectiveness of the strategy as it develops, baseline information on the key performance indicators set out in "Tackling Drugs Together" is now being collected. The significance of these indicators—and others locally—will be their trends over time. The immense commitment to tackling drug misuse which has been shown across the country—especially among drug action teams—is already very encouraging. The Government will continue to support this work as a high priority, both through the central drugs co-ordination unit and in other ways.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Primary School Pupils
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many pupils are currently enrolled at each primary school in the constituency of Newry and Armagh; and how many were in each primary school in the constituency five years ago. [28079]

  Mr. Ancram
  The current enrolment and that for five years ago for each primary school in the constituency of Newry and Armagh is in the table.

  Primary School

  Enrolment 1991–92

  Enrolment 1995–96

  Aghavilly primary school, Milford, Armagh

  90

  80

  Ahorey primary school, Portadown

  21

  1—

  Anamar primary school, Crossmaglen, Newry

  76

  74

  344

  primary school

  Enrolment 1991–92

  Enrolment 1995–96

  Annaghmore primary school, Portadown

  79

  98

  Armagh Christian Bros, primary, Keady Road, Armagh

  463

  458

  Armstrong primary school, Armagh

  400

  384

  Bessbrook primary school, Bessbrook, Newry

  118

  125

  Cabra primary school, Tandragee

  30

  1—

  Carrickrovaddy primary school, Cullyhanna, Newry

  34

  36

  Clady (St. Michael's) primary school, Mowhan, Armagh

  38

  45

  Clare primary school, Tandragee

  69

  84

  Clay primary school, Keady

  70

  51

  Clonalig primary school, Crossmaglen

  181

  159

  Cloughoge primary school, Newry

  379

  400

  Collone primary school, Collone, Armagh

  127

  112

  Corttamlet primary school, Altnamachin, Newry

  39

  39

  Darkley primary school, Darkley, Armagh

  110

  155

  Derryhale primary school, Portadown

  80

  62

  Drelincourt infants primary, Armagh

  43

  32

  Dromintee primary school, Killeavy, Newry

  133

  138

  Drumhillery primary school, Middletown, Armagh

  68

  54

  Drumsallen primary school, Killylea, Armagh

  47

  64

  Foley primary school, Tassagh, Armagh

  102

  102

  Glassdrummond primary school, Middletown, Armagh

  88

  76

  Hamiltonsbawn primary school, Hamiltonsbawn, Armagh

  112

  123

  Hardy Memorial primary school, Richhill, Armagh

  492

  506

  Jonesborough primary school, Jonesborough, Newry

  142

  132

  Keady primary school, Keady, Armagh

  44

  44

  Killeen primary school, Keady

  111

  123

  Killylea primary school, Armagh

  85

  64

  Kingsmills primary school, Whitecross, Armagh

  27

  40

  Kinnego primary school, Dungannon

  23

  1—

  Lisdrumchor primary school, Glenanne, Armagh

  27

  1—

  Lisnadill primary school, Armagh

  71

  96

  Lissummon, Newry

  2—

  36

  Loughgall primary school, Kilmore, Loughgall

  45

  24

  Markethill primary school, Markethill, Armagh

  235

  248

  Middletown Boys' primary school, Middletown, Armagh

  52

  52

  Mount St. Catherine's Con primary school, Armagh

  467

  410

  Mountnorris primary school, Mountnorris, Armagh

  76

  91

  Mullaghglass primary school, Newry

  69

  71

  Mullavilly primary school, Tandragee

  68

  90

  Newry Model primary school

  35

  1—

  Newtownhamilton (St. Michael's) primary school, Newtownhamilton

  97

  99

  Newtownhamilton primary school, Newtownhamilton

  119

  98

  345

  Primary School

  Enrolment 1991–92

  Enrolment 1995–96

  Our Lady's primary school, Keady

  43

  36

  Poyntzpass primary school, Poyntzpass

  69

  69

  Saints and Scholars Integrated primary school, Palace Grounds, Armagh

  2—

  117

  St. Brigid's primary school, Crossmaglen, Newry

  139

  145

  St. Bridgid's primary school, Belleeks, Newry

  85

  77

  St. Clare's Convent primary school, Keady, Armagh

  248

  184

  St. Clare's Convent primary school, Newry

  654

  491

  St. Colman's Abbey primary school, Newry

  721

  515

  St. Colman's-Saval primary school, Newry

  2—

  118

  St. Colmcille's primary school, Armagh

  29

  44

  St. James' primary school, Drumatee, Markethill

  48

  65

  St. James' primary school, Tandragee

  68

  55

  St. Jarlath's primary school, Blackwaterstown, Dungannon

  157

  140

  St. Joseph's Convent primary, Newry

  453

  462

  St. Joseph's primary, Armagh

  133

  145

  St. Joseph's primary school, Poyntzpass

  91

  83

  St. Joseph's primary school, Killeavy

  175

  182

  St. Joseph's primary school, Bessbrook

  406

  402

  St. Lawrence's primary school, Belleeks, Newry

  54

  41

  St. Louis' Convent primary school, Middletown, Armagh

  51

  47

  St. Malachy's primary school, Whitecross, Armagh

  76

  63

  St. Malachy's primary school, Armagh

  210

  211

  St. Malachy's primary school, Camlough, Newry

  283

  259

  St. Malachy's primary school, Carnagat, Newry

  454

  450

  St. Mary's Boys' primary school, Keady, Armagh

  233

  152

  St. Mary's primary school, Tassagh, Armagh

  69

  98

  St. Mary's primary school, Jerrettspass, Newry

  53

  69

  St. Mary's primary school, Mullaghbawn, Newry

  226

  211

  St. Mochua's primary school, Keady

  104

  115

  St. Oliver Plunkett primary school, Forkhill, Newry

  92

  122

  St. Oliver Plunkett primary school, Kilmore, Armagh

  111

  100

  St. Patrick's Boys' primary school, Rooneys Meadow, Newry

  382

  311

  St. Patrick's primary school, Crossmaglen, Newry

  323

  282

  St. Patrick's primary school, Armagh

  533

  552

  St. Patrick's primary school, Cullyhanna, Newry

  282

  226

  St. Peter's primary school, Cloughreagh, Bessbrook

  274

  290

  St. Ronant's primary school, Newry

  2—

  265

  Tandragee primary school, Tandragee

  321

  314

  346

  Primary School

  Enrolment 1991–92

  Enrolment 1995–96

  The Cope primary school, Loughgall, Armagh

  113

  134

  Tullyheron primary school, Mountnorris

  48

  50

  Tullymore primary school, Killyleagh, Armagh

  56

  62

  Tullyroan primary school, Dungannon

  40

  47

  Tullysaran primary school, Armagh

  77

  81

  Windsor Hill primary school, Newry

  216

  237

  1 Closed or amalgamated.

  2 Not open in 1991–92.

  Ulster University
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many new students were enrolled in Ulster university in the present academic year; how many of these students came from the Republic of Ireland; if the enrolment of new students was within the agreed numerical limit; and what assessment he has made of the consequences of this year's enrolment rates for enrolment of new students in the next academic year. [28048]

  Mr. Ancram
  The number of new full-time under-graduate students enrolled at the university of Ulster in the present academic year was 4,801 of whom 854 were domiciled in the Republic of Ireland.

  The limit—maximum aggregate student number MASN—which the university is required to observe is on its total enrolment of award-holding students. There is no specific control on the enrolment of new students. In 1995–96, the MASN was exceeded by 558 students. For the university to remain within its MASN in the next academic year, it will have to make an adjustment to its intakes commensurate with last year's excess.

  Carryduff Primary School
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what was the enrolment in each of the past five years at Carryduff primary school; what is the expected enrolment at the school in each of the next five years; what proposals there are to provide additional accommodation and teaching staff at the school; how many places in primary one will be available in the next academic year; how many applicants there are for places in primary one at the school for the next academic year; and if he will make a statement. [28080]

  Mr. Ancram
  The enrolment in each of the past five years are in the table.

  Year

  Number of pupils enrolled

  1991–92

  293 (at January 1991)

  1992–93

  280 (at October 1992)

  1993–94

  279 (at October 1993)

  1994–95

  281 (at October 1994)

  1995–96

  293 (at October 1995)

  It is not possible to project accurately an enrolment figure for each of the next five years. The Department has approved an enrolment number of 333 for the 1996–97 school year.
  347
  Accommodation issues at the school are a matter for the South-Eastern education and library board and there are no proposals to provide additional accommodation. The provision of additional teaching staff is a matter for the board of governors of the school.

  My Department has approved a temporary variation to the school's admissions number to 55 for the 1996–97 school year. The school has received 55 applications.

  Civil Evidence Act 1995
  Dr. Hendron
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when section 10 of the Civil Evidence Act 1995 will be brought into effect in Northern Ireland. [28437]

  Sir John Wheeler
  I refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply I gave the hon. Member for North Antrim (Rev. Ian Paisley) on 20 March 1996,Official Report, column 199.

  European Union Flag
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what proposals he has to fly the European Union flag in Northern Ireland on European day; and if he will make a statement. [28458]

  Sir John Wheeler
  The Government have no formal plans to fly the European flag in Northern Ireland on 8 May.

SCOTLAND

  Sludge, Garrock Head
  Mr. Foulkes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what results have been obtained by the marine laboratory in Aberdeen from its survey of sludge dumped at Garrock Head; what evidence of the effect of polychlorinated biphenyls, DDT or Dieldrin in the food chain has been evaluated; what action he has taken or will take to deal with the problems arising; and if he will make a statement. [28100]

  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  The Scottish Office Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries Department's marine laboratory in Aberdeen regularly monitors contaminant levels at Garroch Head. All results of this monitoring programme are published or are available for public inspection. Fish analyses show that detected levels of contamination are well below internationally agreed limits. The marine laboratory's monitoring programme will continue up to and beyond 1998, when sewage sludge dumping in UK waters will cease.

  Ayrshire Child Abuse Case
  Mr. Foulkes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish the judgment of Sheriff Miller made at Ayr sheriff court on 25 April on the reduction requested by the Scottish Legal Aid Board in the fees charged by lawyers in the Ayrshire child abuse case, insofar as it relates to public money involved. [28296]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Proceedings on 25 April were held in private and details of the decision by Sheriff Miller were made available only to the parties 348
  to the action. I understand that the chief executive of SLAB will make the decision available to the hon. Member very shortly.

  Physiotherapy
  Mrs. Ray Michie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) how many people qualified as physiotherapists in each year since 1990; [28206]

  (2) which regions no longer provide funding for clinical education placements for physiotherapists. [28207]

  (3) how many placements were available for physiotherapy students for each year since 1990. [28208]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  This information is not held centrally.

  Mrs. Michie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many physiotherapists there were in(a) general practices and (b) hospitals, in each health board area, in each of the last two years. [28210]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The information available centrally is shown in the tables.

  Qualified physiotherapists employed by NHS Trusts in Scotland: by health board area: as at 30 September

  1994

  11995

  Headcount

  Whole time equivalent

  Headcount

  Whole time equivalent

  Total

  1,774

  1,427.2

  1,865

  1,508.9

  Argyll and Clyde

  118

  89.8

  127

  100.1

  Ayrshire and Arran

  138

  104.3

  143

  112.7

  Borders

  44

  33.7

  42

  32.5

  Dumfries and Galloway

  38

  30.7

  40

  30.9

  Fife

  121

  100.5

  119

  98.2

  Forth Valley

  84

  69.2

  88

  75.8

  Grampian

  170

  123.5

  183

  137.1

  Greater Glasgow

  374

  316.5

  378

  318.6

  Highland

  69

  58.7

  72

  58.4

  Lanarkshire

  144

  117.1

  162

  131.4

  Lothian

  309

  253.1

  333

  273.0

  Orkney

  8

  5.7

  8

  5.6

  Shetland

  8

  8.0

  9

  7.9

  Tayside

  135

  105.8

  147

  116.1

  Western Isles

  14

  10.6

  14

  10.6

  1 Provisional.

  Physiotherapists employed in general medical practices in Scotland; by health board; as at 1 April

  1994

  1995

  Headcount

  Whole time equivalent

  Headcount

  Whole time equivalent

  Scotland1,2,3

  2

  0.1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Argyll and Clyde

  1

  0.1

  —

  —

  Ayrshire and Arran

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Borders

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Dumfries and Galloway

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Fife

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Forth Valley

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Grampian

  —

  —

  —

  —

  349

  Physiotherapists employed in general medical practices in Scotland; by health board; as at 1 April

  1994

  1995

  Headcount

  Whole time equivalent

  Headcount

  Wholetime equivalent

  Greater Glasgow

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Highland

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Lanarkshire

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Lothian

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Orkney

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Shetland

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Tayside

  1

  0.0

  —

  —

  Western Isles

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1 1994 data exclude staff in fundholding practices in Fife Health Board.

  2 Data for Grampian Health Board are as at the dates shown, with the exception of those staff in 'live' fundholding practices for whom expenditure was met from the Practice Staff Scheme, for whom data are as at the date on which the practice became 'live'.

  3 As Lothian Health board was unable to supply data as at 1 April1995, data as at 1 October 1994 have been substituted.

  — = nil.

  0.0 = negligible.

  Mrs. Michie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he has made of the current number of physiotherapy vacancies. [28209]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Up-to-date information as requested is not yet available centrally. Information on vacancy levels at 31 March 1996 is being sought from NHS trusts in Scotland.

  Local Authority Boundaries
  Mr. Home Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the local authorities which cover all or part of each of the parliamentary constituencies which will come into existence at the end of the present Parliament. [28711]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The information is as follows:

  New Parliamentary constituency

  Unitary authority(s)

  Aberdeen Central

  Aberdeen City

  Aberdeen North

  Aberdeen City

  Aberdeen South

  Aberdeen City

  Airdrie and Shotts

  North Lanarkshire

  Angus

  Angus/Dundee City/Perth and Kinross

  Argyll and Bute

  Argyll and Bute

  Ayr

  South Ayrshire

  Banff and Buchan

  Aberdeenshire

  Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross

  Highland

  Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley

  East Ayrshire/South Ayrshire

  Central Fife

  Fife

  Clydebank and Milngavie

  East Dunbartonshire/West Dunbartonshire

  Clydesdale

  South Lanarkshire

  Coatbridge and Chryston

  East Dunbartonshire/North Lanarkshire

  Cumbernauld and Kilsyth

  North Lanarkshire

  Cunninghame North

  North Ayrshire

  Cunninghame South

  North Ayrshire

  Dumbarton

  Argyll and Bute/West Dunbartonshire

  350

  New Parliamentary constituency

  Unitary authority(s)

  Dumfries

  Dumfries and Galloway

  Dundee East

  Dundee City

  Dundee West

  Dundee City

  Dunfermline East

  Fife

  Dunfermline West

  Fife

  East Kilbride

  South Lanarkshire

  East Lothian

  East Lothian

  Eastwood

  East Renfrewshire

  Edinburgh Central

  City of Edinburgh

  Edinburgh East and Musselburgh

  City of Edinburgh/East Lothian

  Edinburgh North and Leith

  City of Edinburgh

  Edinburgh Pentlands

  City of Edinburgh

  Edinburgh South

  City of Edinburgh

  Edinburgh West

  City of Edinburgh

  Falkirk East

  Falkirk

  Falkirk West

  Falkirk

  Galloway and Upper Nithsdale

  Dumfries and Galloway

  Galloway Anniesland

  City of Glasgow

  Glasgow Baillieston

  City of Glasgow

  Glasgow Cathcart

  City of Glasgow

  Glasgow Govan

  City of Glasgow

  Glasgow Kelvin

  City of Glasgow

  Glasgow Maryhill

  City of Glasgow

  Glasgow Pollok

  City of Glasgow

  Glasgow Rutherglen

  City of Glasgow/South Lanarkshire

  Glasgow Shettleston

  City of Glasgow

  Glasgow Springburn

  City of Glasgow

  Gordon

  Aberdeenshire/Moray

  Greenock and Inverclyde

  Inverclyde

  Hamilton North and Bellshill

  North Lanarkshire/South Lanarkshire

  Hamilton South

  South Lanarkshire

  Inverness East, Nairn and Lochaber

  Highland

  Kilmarnock and Loudoun

  East Ayrshire

  Kirkcaldy

  Fife

  Linlithgow

  West Lothian

  Livingston

  West Lothian

  Midlothian

  Midlothian

  Moray

  Moray

  Motherwell and Wishaw

  North Lanarkshire

  North East Fife

  Fife

  North Tayside

  Angus/Perth and Kinross

  Ochil

  Clackmannanshire/Perth and Kinross/Stirling

  Orkney and Shetland

  Orkney Islands/Shetland Islands

  Paisley North

  Renfrewshire

  Paisley South

  Renfrewshire

  Perth

  Perth and Kinross

  Ross, Skye and Inverness West

  Highland

  Roxburgh and Berwickshire

  The Scottish Borders

  Stirling

  Stirling

  Strathkelvin and Bearsden

  East Dunbartonshire

  Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale

  Midlothian/The Scottish Borders

  West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine

  Aberdeenshire

  Western Isles

  Western Isles

  West Renfrewshire

  Inverclyde/Renfrewshire

  Speech and Language Therapists
  Mrs. Ray Michie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the number of speech and language therapists at each grade for spine points 23 to 27 in each of the past five years. [28444]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The information requested is not available centrally.
  351

  Strathclyde Police
  Mr. McFall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, pursuant to his answer of 29 April,Official Report, column 376, relating to Strathclyde police (1) if he will list those individuals in the criminal justice system involved in the investigation outwith Strathclyde police; [29012]

  (2) how many witnesses in relation to the allegations have been interviewed by Strathclyde police; and how many (a) cautions and (b) charges resulted; [29014]

  (3) what instructions have been issued by Crown counsel regarding the conduct of the inquiry; [29011]

  (4) on what date the decision was made by Strathclyde police and the regional prosecutor that the inquiry would be internal. [29013]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  My noble and learned Friend the Lord Advocate has confirmed that it would be wholly inappropriate to give details of those individuals involved in this investigation or of the instructions given by Crown counsel. As I stated in my reply to a question from the hon. Member on 29 April, column 376, it would also be inappropriate to disclose details of the investigation. The Lord Advocate has confirmed, however, that no charges have been brought against any person. The regional procurator fiscal decided on 2 June 1995 that an investigation should be conducted by Strathclyde police. Crown counsel was aware of this decision, which has been kept under review.

  Commercial Premises Valuation Appeals
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was in each(a) former regional and island council and (b) unitary council area in Scotland the total number of appeals lodged against valuation of commercial premises, the number and percentage of appeals which so far have been dealt with, the number and percentage of appeals which so far have been (i) successful and (ii) unsuccessful, and the average amount of time taken to deal with a valuation appeal for each council area. [28630]

  Progress of appeals between 1 April 1995 and 31 March 1996

  Valuation area/Valuation joint

  Cases disposed of prior to VAC1 hearing

  Cases heard and disposed of by the VAC1>

  Cases dismissed by the VAC1 for non- attendance

  Cases referred to and accepted by the Lands Tribunal for Scotland

  board area

  Number

  Per cent.

  Number

  Per cent.

  Number

  Per cent.

  Number

  Per cent.

  Scotland

  9,236

  8.6

  96

  0.1

  229

  0.2

  0

  0.0

  Ayrshire

  145

  1.9

  0

  0.0

  0

  0.0

  0

  0.0

  Central Scotland

  1,718

  29.4

  1

  0.0

  0

  0.0

  0

  0.0

  Dumfries and Galloway

  438

  14.3

  1

  0.0

  16

  0.5

  0

  0.0

  Dumbartonshire and Argyll and Bute

  1,160

  19.9

  0

  0.0

  60

  1.0

  0

  0.0

  Fife

  769

  11.8

  0

  0.0

  0

  0.0

  0

  0.0

  Glasgow

  1,795

  9.4

  4

  0.0

  118

  0.6

  0

  0.0

  Grampian

  1,140

  10.5

  3

  0.0

  0

  0.0

  0

  0.0

  352
  Mr. Kynoch
  [holding answer 10 May 1996]: From 31 March 1996, detailed quarterly information on the progress of appeals against valuation is being collected from assessors for each valuation area, or valuation joint board area. The available information, on the progress of appeals up to 31 March 1996, is given in table 1. This shows numbers and progress of appeals in relation to the 1995 revaluation, and also of inter-revaluation appeals.

  Information is also being collected from assessors on the number and progress of appeals in relation to the 1995 revaluation for properties in each unitary council area. The available information, on the progress of appeals up to 31 March 1996, is given in table 2.

  Detailed information is not collected on the time taken to process each appeal. Overall, almost 9 per cent. of appeals and complaints lodged with assessors against the 1995 revaluation were dealt with by 31 March 1996, which is within 15 weeks of 15 December 1995, the date by which such appeals had to be lodged. All appeals arising from the 1996 revaluation have to be dealt with by 31 March 1998 under the terms of the Valuation Timetable (Scotland) Order 1995.

  Table 1: Number of appeals lodged and progress of appeals by valuation area/valuation joint board area

  Number of appeals lodged between 1 April 1995 and 31 March 1996

  Valuation area/ Valuation joint board area

  Appeals against1995 revaluation Number

  Running roll appeals1 Number

  Total all appeals Number

  Scotland

  103,172

  3,896

  107,068

  Ayrshire

  7,225

  283

  7,508

  Central Scotland

  5,504

  342

  5,846

  Dumfries and Galloway

  3,025

  46

  3,071

  Dunbartonshire and Argyll and Bute

  5,666

  163

  5,829

  Fife

  6,249

  257

  6,506

  Glasgow

  18,528

  631

  19,159

  Grampian

  10,293

  530

  10,823

  Highland and Western Isles

  6,178

  203

  6,381

  Lanarkshire

  10,283

  308

  10,591

  Lothian

  13,324

  521

  13,845

  Orkney and Shetland

  468

  55

  523

  Renfrewshire

  6,505

  268

  6,773

  Scottish Borders

  1,944

  50

  1,994

  Tayside

  7,980

  239

  8,219

  1Inter-revaluation appeals.

  353

  Progress of appeals between I April 1995 and 31 March 1996

  Valuation area/Valuation joint

  Cases disposed of prior to VAC1 hearing

  Cases heard and disposed of by the VAC1

  Cases dismissed by the VAC for non- attendance

  Cases referred to and accepted by the Lands Tribunal for Scotland

  board area

  Number

  Per cent.

  Number

  Per cent.

  Number

  Per cent.

  Number

  Per cent.

  Highland and Western Isles

  60

  0.9

  0

  0.0

  0

  0.0

  0

  0.0

  Lanarkshire

  314

  3.0

  0

  0.0

  0

  0.0

  0

  0.0

  Lothian

  778

  5.6

  86

  0.6

  35

  0.3

  0

  0.0

  Orkney and Shetland

  240

  45.9

  0

  0.0

  0

  0.0

  0

  0.0

  Renrewshire

  59

  0.9

  0

  0.0

  0

  0.0

  0

  0.0

  Scottish Borders

  532

  26.7

  1

  0.1

  0

  0.0

  0

  0.0

  Tayside

  88

  1.1

  0

  0.0

  0

  0.0

  0

  0.0

  1 VAC: Valuation Appeals Committee.

  Table 2: Number of appeals against the 1995 revaluation of non-domestic rates

  Appeals against 1995 revaluation1

  Appeals disposed of up to 31 March 1996

  Valuation board area

  Council

  Number of appeals

  Number of properties2

  Number of properties

  Percentage of properties

  Scotland

  103,172

  94,327

  8,639

  9.2

  Ayrshire

  East Ayrshire

  2,215

  2,038

  30

  1.5

  North Ayrshire

  2,382

  2,291

  30

  1.3

  South Ayrshire

  2,628

  2,425

  48

  2.0

  Central Scotland

  Clackmannanshire

  634

  621

  165

  26.6

  Falkirk

  2,711

  2,553

  894

  35.0

  Stirling

  2,159

  2,021

  484

  23.9

  Dumfries and Galloway

  Dumfries and Galloway

  3,025

  2,923

  434

  14.8

  Dunbartonshire and Argyll and Bute

  Argyll and Bute

  3,028

  2,855

  583

  20.4

  East Dunbartonshire

  1,195

  1,107

  258

  23.3

  West Dunbartonshire

  1,443

  1,357

  263

  19.4

  Fife

  Fife

  6,249

  5,870

  742

  12.6

  Glasgow

  Glasgow, City of

  18,528

  16,013

  1,584

  9.9

  Grampian

  Aberdeen City

  5,500

  4,926

  722

  14.7

  Aberdeenshire

  3,304

  3,143

  161

  5.1

  Moray

  1,489

  1,439

  142

  9.9

  Highland and Western Isles

  Highland

  5,860

  5,489

  55

  1.0

  Western Isles

  318

  311

  2

  0.6

  Lanarkshire

  North Lanarkshire

  4,995

  4,455

  171

  3.8

  South Lanarkshire

  5,288

  4,628

  89

  1.9

  Lothian

  East Lothian

  1,005

  967

  5

  0.5

  Edinburgh, City of

  9,150

  8,517

  762

  8.9

  Midlothian

  777

  743

  9

  1.2

  West Lothian

  2,392

  2,139

  120

  5.6

  Orkney and Shetland

  Orkney

  294

  286

  111

  38.8

  Shetland

  174

  167

  118

  70.7

  Renfrewshire

  East Renfrewshire

  1,071

  985

  3

  0.3

  Inverclyde

  1,713

  1,479

  14

  0.9

  Renfrewshire

  3,721

  3,285

  38

  1.2

  Scottish Borders

  Scottish Borders

  1,944

  1,893

  516

  27.3

  Tayside

  Angus

  1,597

  1,547

  23

  1.5

  Dundee City

  3,918

  3,520

  16

  0.5

  Perth and Kinross

  2,465

  2,334

  47

  2.0

  1 Appeals and complaints lodged with Assessors departments in relation to the 1995 revaluation.

  2 The number of properties against which there are appeals. This is less than the number of appeals because there are, in some cases more than one appeal in relation to a property.

  354 355

DEFENCE

  Louise Jensen (Killing)
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if Her Majesty's Government will pay the defence costs of the appeals by the three British military personnel against sentence and conviction for the manslaughter of a Danish tour guide in Cyprus; and if he will make a statement. [28598]

  Mr. Soames
  The Army legal aid scheme will continue to pay the legal expenses of the three British service men convicted of the manslaughter of Miss Louise Jensen until all legal processes have been exhausted.

  Refit Contracts
  Mr. Hicks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list those refit contracts that have been undertaken at(a) Rosyth and (b) Devonport as part of their core allocated programmes since 1994; and what has been the average cost per man hour to public funds for each contract. [29057]

  Mr. Arbuthhnot
  The following core refits have been completed since 1 April 1994:at Rosyth: HM ships Berkeley, Leeds Castle, Gloucester, Ledbury, Orkney, York, Shetland, Edinburgh, Dumbarton Castle and Cattistock; and
  at Devonport: HM ships Illustrious, Battleaxe, London, Bulldog, Trafalgar and Herald.

  Information relating to labour costs is commercially confidential.

  Mr. Hicks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will list for(a) Rosyth and (b) Devonport dockyards, the refit contracts that have been provisionally allocated as part of their core allocated programmes and the projected starting date for each contract; [28058]

  (2) if he will list those Royal Navy ships and submarines that will require refits before the year 2002 and be the subject of competitive tendering; and what is the estimated time period and cost of each contract. [28059]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  The refit programme continues to be governed by the principles announced by my right hon. and learned Friend the Member for Edinburgh, Pentlands (Mr. Rifkind) on 24 June 1993,Official Report, columns 447–50 in an oral statement. It is not our practice to release information relating to the future movements of vessels, including their refit start dates. Individual refits will continue to be announced either at the time their allocation is confirmed, for those in the core programme, or at the outset of competition for those in the unallocated programme.

  United States Air Force
  Mr. Madden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will release the correspondence between Her Majesty's Government and the United States Administration under which facilities in the United Kingdom are made available to the United States air force; and if he will make a statement. [29072]
  356
  Mr. Soames
  Facilities are made available for use by United States forces in accordance with the NATO status of forces agreement of 1951 and confidential arrangements between the Governments of the United Kingdom and of the United States of America. It is not our practice to disclose the details of such arrangements.

  RAF Menwith Hill
  Mr. Madden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what legal process was involved in designating RAF Menwith Hill; on what date this change of name took effect; how many RAF personnel are stationed at RAF Menwith Hill; what is the role and function at the base of the senior RAF officer; who is the base commander; who is accountable to the senior RAF officer; to whom he is accountable; and if he will make a statement. [29073]

  Mr. Soames
  Menwith Hill is a Crown freehold site belonging to the Ministry of Defence. The designation RAF Menwith Hill came into effect on 19 February 1996. This was simply an administrative change to bring the base into line with other RAF sites made available by the Ministry of Defence to the United States Government.

  The senior RAF representative at the base is the RAF commander whose role is to provide advice to the base commander, who is the senior US officer on the site, on a range of UK policy and protocol matters. He is also responsible for liaising with the local community.

  The RAF commander has the status, disciplinary powers and responsibilities of a commanding officer in respect of all RAF personnel and in respect of civilians—except the Ministry of Defence police—employed by the MOD at the site. However, it is not our policy to give details of personnel assignment. As a serving RAF officer, the RAF commander is responsible to the higher command of the Royal Air Force, which in this instance is exercised through the air officer commanding directly administered units at HQ strike command, High Wycombe.

  Territorial Army
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if members of the Territorial Army called up for service in Bosnia were required to send home their civilian clothes and travelling bags from Bosnia at the start of their service. [27653]

  Mr. Soames
  [holding answer 2 May 1996]: No policy instructions have been issued from the UK or in theatre which require personnel to send home their civilian clothing. I understand, however, that a few members of the Territorial Army have arrived in theatre with inappropriate civilian clothing. Storage space for personal effects is limited in Bosnia and in such circumstances the individual may well have been instructed to return unnecessary clothing to the UK. The guidance on civilian clothing given to the reservists about to deploy to Bosnia has been made more specific, so that the problem should not recur.
  357

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Israel-Lebanon Peace Settlement
  Miss Emma Nicholson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans Her Majesty's Government have to use their good offices to raise the issue of reparation payments for damage to property and infrastructure inflicted during the recent Israeli-Lebanese conflict as part of a peace settlement. [28562]

  Mr. Hanley
  Details of a peace settlement between Israel and Lebanon would be a matter for the two countries concerned. We are concerned by the scale of damage in Lebanon and are discussing Lebanese requests for reconstruction assistance with our EU partners.

  Armed Conflict
  Mr. Alan Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proposals he intends to put forward at the Council of Foreign Ministers on 13 May to make the European Union more effective in preventing armed conflict(a) between and (b) within states. [28451]

  Mr. David Davis
  I shall not be putting forward any proposals about the EU's role in conflict prevention at the 13 May Foreign Affairs Council. The EU's role in conflict prevention in Africa was considered at the 25 March Foreign Affairs Council. Officials are currently examining detailed proposals. The UK plays a leading role in conflict prevention—through national action, through the EU's common foreign and security policy, and through other international organisations, in particular the UN.

  Mr. Lashkar Singh Dhami
  Mr. Khabra
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what contacts have been made with the Indian high commission in London, and the authorities in India, to establish the facts of the disappearance of Mr. Lashkar Singh Dhami since his arrival in Bombay on 7 May 1992, on British Airways flight No. 139. [28719]

  Mr. Hanley
  Our high commission in New Delhi and our deputy high commission in Bombay have made extensive inquiries of the Indian authorities in an attempt to trace Mr. Dhami. The latest contact was with the missing persons bureau of the Bombay criminal investigation department in January 1996. It is extremely disappointing that, as yet, there has been no trace of Mr. Dhami.

  Our posts will continue to press the Indian authorities for the news of Mr. Dhami. However, they have no investigative role in cases of this nature. The proper channel is through Interpol. There has been no contact with the Indian high commission in London.

  Mr. Khabra
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the whereabouts of Mr. Lashkar Singh Dhami, who arrived in Bombay, India, on 7 May 1992, on British Airways flight No. 139. [28720]
  358
  Mr. Hanley
  Despite extensive inquiries by our high commission in New Delhi and our deputy high commission in Bombay, there has been no trace of Mr. Dhami since his arrival in Bombay on 7 May 1992.

  War Crimes Tribunal (The Hague)
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what has been the United Kingdom's contribution to the work of the war crimes tribunal in The Hague; and if he will make a statement. [28856]

  Mr. Hanley
  We have consistently demonstrated our support for the international criminal tribunal for the former Yugoslavia.

  To date, we have donated £950,000 in assessed contributions to the tribunal. We have also given almost £500,000 in voluntary contributions to help fund the secondment of staff and to provide equipment.

  European Court
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when Her Majesty's Government will table proposals at the intergovernmental conference to limit the power of the European Court of Justice. [28916]

  Mr. David Davis
  I refer my right hon. Friend to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Colchester, South and Maldon (Mr. Whittingdale), on 3 April,Official Report, column 382.

  North Atlantic Common Market
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he has yet tabled proposals in(a) Brussels and (b) Washington to develop a common market of the north Atlantic. [28914]

  Mr. Hanley
  We have been at the forefront of European states pressing for the further liberalisation of trade with north America—in both Brussels and Washington. One of the priority elements of the EU/US action plan, which closely reflects the UK's ideas, is a joint study which will look at ways of reducing transatlantic barriers to trade and investment.

  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if it remains his policy to create a north Atlantic free trade area. [28931]

  Mr. David Davis
  As was made clear in the Queen's Speech of 15 November 1995, this Government"will continue to pursue the objective of transatlantic free trade in the context of world trade liberalisation".

  Lebanon
  Miss Emma Nicholson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will support the findings of the United Nations report on the shelling of the UN base at Qana. [28704]
  359
  Mr. Hanley
  We welcome the publication of the UN's thorough report into the Qana bombing and the fact that it has been discussed in the Security Council. We have expressed in the Security Council and elsewhere our concern at the report's findings. We look to the Israelis to respond fully to it.

  Taiwan (Environmental Damage)
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations his Department has received concerning environmental degradation and pollution in Taiwan; and if he will make a statement. [28642]

  Mr. Hanley
  None. The environmental problems of Taiwan are primarily the responsibility of the authorities in Taiwan. Taiwan gross national product per capita in 1994 was US$ 11,604, which suggests Taiwan has the financial resources necessary to deal with its problems. Total reserves excluding gold at February 1996 stand at US$ 90.1 billion. British companies stand ready to supply the relevant expertise and equipment on a commercial basis.

  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action is being taken by the United Kingdom to help Taiwan tackle its environmental problems; and if he will make a statement. [28645]

  Mr. Hanley
  The environmental problems of Taiwan are primarily the responsibility of the authorities in Taiwan. Taiwan gross national product per capita in 1994 was US$ 11,604, which suggests Taiwan has the financial resources necessary to deal with its problems. Total reserves excluding gold at February 1996 stand at US$90.1 billion. British companies stand ready to supply the relevant expertise and equipment on a commercial basis.

  British Council Budget
  Miss Lestor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans the Government have to help the British Council to cover the costs involved in restructuring following reductions in its budget. [28722]

  Mr. Hanley
  The possibility of the Government helping the British Council with some of its restructuring costs is being looked at the context of the studies currently being carried out with the aim of avoiding overseas post closures.

  Sudan
  Mr. MacShane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the recent elections in Sudan. [28884]

  Mr. Hanley
  Regrettably, the elections did not offer the Sudanese people a full choice. The opposition, whose parties remain banned, refused to take part. Government candidates were thus given a clear run. Observers also reported a number of flaws in the election organisation and procedures.
  360
  Mr. MacShane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the current state of relations between the United Kingdom and Sudan. [28883]

  Mr. Hanley
  Relations with Sudan remain cool. We are concerned at the Government of Sudan's prosecution of the civil war in Sudan, their appalling human rights record, their support to terrorist groups and their obstruction of the UN's Operation Lifeline Sudan relief operation. The UK voted for, and will implement, UN Security Council resolution 1054, which imposes diplomatic and visa sanctions on the Government of Sudan for their failure to hand over three suspects implicated in last year's assassination attempt on President Mubarak of Egypt and their support for terrorist groups.

  Mr. MacShane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the human rights situation in Sudan. [28885]

  Mr. Hanley
  We remain extremely concerned about human rights in Sudan. The continuing civil war in Sudan is a source of many serious abuses of human rights. We have received disturbing reports of slavery and genocide. The Sudanese authorities continue to detain activists without trial.

  We welcome the Government of Sudan's agreement to resume co-operation with the UN special rapporteur, Gaspar Biro, and hope that they will facilitate his early visit to Sudan.

  West Bank and Gaza Strip
  Miss Lestor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action his Department has taken to raise with the Israeli authorities the issue of access by international non-governmental organisation workers to the west bank and Gaza strip. [28721]

  Mr. Hanley
  We raised the specific cases of British non-governmental organisation workers with the Israeli authorities through our embassy in Tel Aviv. We also have pressed the Israeli Government at a senior level to relax the closure on the west bank and Gaza.

  British Military Cemetery (Baghdad)
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has had from the keeper of the British military cemetery in Baghdad about his need to grow vegetables to sustain his family within the cemetery grounds; and when the cemetery keeper was last paid by Her Majesty's Government. [27762]

  Mr. Hanley
  None. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission is responsible for the British military cemetery in Baghdad and for paying staff who work there.

  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the condition of the grave in the British military cemetery in Baghdad of the late Lieutenant-General Sir Stanley Maude, commander of the metropolitan expeditionary force. [27766]
  361
  Mr. Hanley
  The Commonwealth War Graves Commission is responsible for the British military cemetery in Baghdad.

  Food and Agriculture Organisation Report (Iraq)
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what evaluation he has made of the FAO report of 1995 on Iraq in relation to cereals, meat, fish and baby milk. [27763]

  Mr. Hanley
  We remain very concerned about the suffering of the Iraqi people. Our aid programme has a high priority, and we are working for implementation of UN Security Council resolution 986. We believe, though, that the 1995 report by the Food and Agriculture Organisation and the World Food Programme gave a seriously misleading picture of the situation in Iraq. The report did not take account of the misallocation of resources by the Iraqi regime. Further, the research methods were flawed—the statistics in the report were based in part on Iraqi data, which could not be independently confirmed. We have taken this up with the FAO and the WFP.

  Sanctions (Iraq)
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on UK policy to United Nations joint council resolution 986. [27765]

  Mr. Hanley
  We co-sponsored Security Council resolution 986 in April 1995 as a way of alleviating the suffering of the Iraqi people. The regime has since refused to co-operate. We hope that current discussions in New York will at last result in Iraq implementing the resolution. Meanwhile, UN sanctions must remain for as long as Saddam refuses to comply with Iraq's international obligations.

  "Hundan Al Belgrano"
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received from(a) his Department's officials in Argentina, (b) other sources in Argentina and (c) Sir Sandy Woodward about the showing of the film "Hundan Al Belgrano"; and what responses he has sent. [27809]

  Mr. Hanley
  I have received only one report, from our embassy in Buenos Aires, to the effect that the film is now showing in one cinema in Buenos Aires.

  Salman Rushdie
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the work of the European Union delegation which visited Iran to discuss terrorism and the fatwa against Salman Rushdie. [27849]

  Mr. Hanky
  A European Union troika delegation visited Iran on 2 to 3 April 1996 to deliver a clear message on terrorism and the middle east peace process, as mandated by EU Foreign Ministers at their meeting in Palermo on 9 to 10 March 1996. The delegation received assurances that Iran would not interfere with, or sabotage, the peace process. Iran also reaffirmed its commitment to the "critical dialogue" with the EU.
  362

  Hafey Dulkamoni
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations Her Majesty's Government have made to the German Government about the impending release of Hafey Dulkamoni, a Syrian citizen. [27850]

  Mr. Hanley
  None. Any question of release is solely a matter for the German authorities.

  German Trade (Iran)
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations Her Majesty's Government have made to the German Government to abandon trade relations with Iran. [27853]

  Mr. David Davis
  None.

  Ali Fallahian
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations Her Majesty's Government have made to the German Government about the guided tour given by the German intelligence chief, Bernd Schmidbauer, of the German intelligence headquarters at Wiesbaden, to Ali Fallahian, head of Iranian intelligence. [27854]

  Mr. Hanley
  The Iranian Intelligence Minister, Ali Fallahian, visited Germany as a guest of the German Government from 6 to 7 October 1993. The arrangements for the visit were a matter for the German Government. The right hon. Member for Witney (Mr. Hurd), then the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, expressed his concern to Foreign Minister Kinkel about the visit and about Iran's activities.

  Russian Nuclear Submarines
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what protests Her Majesty's Government have made to the Russian Government about an operation to dump 20 elderly nuclear submarines at sea. [27855]

  Mr. Hanley
  No protest has been made. Media reports of such an operation have not been substantiated. At the Moscow nuclear safety and security summit on 20 April, President Yeltsin stated that Russia would formally accept in 1996 the 1993 amendment to the London convention 1972 banning the dumping at sea of all radioactive waste.

  Clothing Costs (Royal Family)
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what costs were met by his Department for clothes worn by the Princess of Wales when she participated in the tour of Oman, Qatar, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia in 1986. [28923]

  Mr. Rifkind
  It is not possible to specify individual expenditure items for this visit, since detailed records for 1986 have been destroyed in line with Government accounting practice.
  363
  Mr Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much his Department has paid for clothes for members of the royal family undertaking official duties abroad in each of the last 10 years; and if he will identify the recipient in each case. [28922]

  Mr. Rifkind
  The information requested is no longer available in full, and could not be provided except at disproportionate cost.

  Overseas Visits (Royal Family)
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much his Department has paid towards the cost of visits abroad by members of the royal family in each of the last 10 years. [28921]

  Mr. Rifkind
  Expenditure by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on official visits overseas by members of the royal family in each of the last 10 years is as follows:

  1986–87: £382,500

  1987–88: £386,600

  1988–89: £396,400

  1989–90: £424,000

  1990–91: £464,000

  1991–92: £620,800

  1992–93: £455,695

  1993–94: £491,845

  1994–95: £558,268

  1995–96: £405,342 (bills presented to date).

  Diplomats (Expulsions)
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many United Kingdom diplomats officially accredited to missions in foreign countries have been expelled from(a) Libya, (b) the former Soviet Union, (c) the former Czechoslovakia, (d) Bulgaria, (e) Cuba, (f) Vietnam, (g) Iran, (h) South Africa and (i) Sudan, since 3 March 1995; and on what dates and for what stated reasons. [29006]

  Mr. Hanley
  One. The head of the British interest section at Tripoli was expelled on 24 December 1995. The stated reason was that he was

  "engaging in activities which were incompatible with his diplomatic status".

  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many diplomats officially accredited to missions in London have been expelled since his answer of 18 January 1995,Official Report, column 580, and if he will indicate their nationalities. [29009]

  Mr. Hanley
  Two diplomats have been expelled; one from Libya, one from Iraq.

  Hong Kong
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Secretary of State and Commonwealth Affairs what representations have been made to the Government of China concerning the protection of existing business interests in Hong Kong; and if he will make a statement. [28944]
  364
  Mr. Hanley
  We have on many occasions explained to the Chinese, through the Sino-British joint liaison group and other official channels, the importance of maintaining Hong Kong's economic and social systems, in particular an environment in which business can prosper and flourish. These priorities were enshrined in the Sino-British joint declaration on the question of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong basic law—a Chinese law which will be Hong Kong's constitution after 30 June 1997—which contains important provisions designed to ensure that Hong Kong businesses can continue to operate in a free and open environment. It provides for the economic and social systems in Hong Kong to remain unchanged, for Hong Kong to retain its status as an international financial centre, and for private property, ownership of enterprises, legitimate right of inheritance and foreign investment to be protected by law. The common law ill continue to apply in Hong Kong.

  Telecommunications Industry (Hong Kong)
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions have been held with the Chinese Government in the last three years about the future of the telecommunications industry in Hong Kong. [28946]

  Mr. Hanley
  The regulations and development of the telecommunications industry in Hong Kong is a matter for the Hong Kong Government. However, the British side keeps the Chinese side informed, in the Sino-British joint liaison group, of significant developments in the industry. We also consult the Chinese side on the award of renewal of major contracts, including telecommunication franchises, that will straddle the transition.

  State Recognition
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the states Her Majesty's Government do not officially recognise. [29076]

  Mr. Hanley
  Those entities which some claim to be states, but which are not recognised as such by the UK are:

  Palestine

  Taiwan

  The Saharan Arab Democratic Republic

  The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

  Chemical Weapons Convention
  Mr. Gale
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has been made towards United Kingdom ratification of the chemical weapons convention. [29512]

  Mr. David Davis
  The UK's instrument of ratification was signed on 1 May. The instrument has been sent to New York and will be deposited with the Secretary-General of the United Nations today.

  Official Hospitality
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much was spent on official hospitality by his Department and all associated agencies in the financial year 1995–96. [28569]
  365
  Mr. Hanley
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Gordon (Mr. Bruce) on 1 February,Official Report, columns 857–58 which included a projection of £8,213,136 for expenditure in 1995–96 on hospitality and entertainment by the FCO, diplomatic wing; its Wilton Park agency; the Overseas Development Administration; and the Natural Resources Institute, which was then the ODA's agency, but is now in the private sector.

  Provisional outturn expenditure figures for 1995–96 are expected to be available soon.

PRIME MINISTER

  Ministers (Unlawful Actions)
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the occasions on which Government Ministers have had their actions declared unlawful since 1973 in(a) United Kingdom courts, (b) the European Court of Human Rights and (c) the European Court of Justice. [28980]

  The Attorney-General
  I have been asked to reply.

  As regards cases in the United Kingdom and in the European Court of Justice, the information requested by the hon. Member is not held centrally, and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. In any event, most actions in the European Court of Justice are either references from national courts, in which the European Court of Justice does not declare actions to be unlawful, or infraction proceedings commenced by the Commission, where the case is against the United Kingdom and in practice it rarely, if ever, happens that action taken by a particular Government Minister is in issue. As regards the European Court on Human Rights, proceedings are against the United Kingdom, rather than individual Government Ministers. In practice, it is difficult to say that a breach of the convention has arisen solely because of action taken by a particular Government Minister.

  Healthcare Group plc
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer of 1 April,Official Report, column 74 (1) what procedure was used by his Department prior to its entering into its contract with the General Healthcare Group plc; what other private companies or organisations were approached with a view to tendering for the contract now held by Healthcare Group plc; how many companies or organisations tendered for this contract; and what adjustments have been made to the terms of this contract since it was entered into; [28621]

  (2) how many audiology tests were carried out under his Department's contract with the General Healthcare Group plc in each financial year since 1993–94; and what was the cost of this contract in each of these years. [28622]

  Mr. Burt
  These are matters for Mr. Kevin Caldwell, the chief executive of the War Pensions Agency. He will write to the hon. Member.
  366
  Letter from Kevin Caldwell to Mr. Brian Donohoe, dated 10 May 1996:

  The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Questions about the contract held with General Healthcare group plc and the process leading up to the award.

  The tender exercise leading to the award of contract began with an advertisement in the national press on 30 November 1992. This invited any organisation who wished to do so to express an interest in participating in the exercise with a view to inclusion on the tender list.

  Questionnaires were then issued to thirty eight organisational who had expressed interest, requesting information on such areas as financial stability, capacity and capability, management infrastructure and commitment together with experience in the audiology field. Evaluation of these responses identified six companies who appeared suitable for shortlisting to the next stage, which consisted of site reference visits and further exploration of potential capability to provide the service. Of these six, four were considered suitable for inclusion on the tender list.

  In fact sealed tenders were received from three companies: Nuffield Audiological Services, Minerva Health Management and General Healthcare Group PLC. They were opened in line with usual Departmental guidelines and evaluated by a panel comprising representatives from medical, operational and contractual backgrounds.

  Following its analysis, the tender evaluation panel produced a report recommending award of a national contract to General Healthcare Group plc, trading as BMI Healthcare Audiology Services. This recommendation was endorsed by an independent Tender Board comprising senior managers within the Department.

  Several adjustments have been made since the commencement of full service in 1993. These are all of an operational or administrative nature designed to modify operational aspects of the service in order to ensure maximum efficiency in the prevailing circumstances. The Terms and Conditions of the original contract remain unchanged.

  The volume of tests by category together with the relevant costs in each financial year since award of contract is as follows:

  Volume of tests

  14 June 19931 31 March 1994

  Standard Tests

  61,822

  Standard Tests (Domiciliary Visit)

  1,661

  Tympanograms

  7,984

  Cortical Evoked Response Audiometry

  562

  Cortical Evoked Response Audiometry (Domiciliary Visit)

  17

  Annual Cost £2,948,588.80

  1 April 1994–31 March 1995

  Standard Tests

  60,553

  Standard Tests (Domiciliary Visit)

  5,025

  Tympanograms

  8,178

  Cortical Evoked Response Audiometry

  2,756

  Cortical Evoked Response Audiometry (Domiciliary Visit)

  364

  Annual Cost £3,929,563.90

  1 April 1995–31 March 1996

  Standard Tests

  align="right">36,338

  Standard Tests (Domiciliary Visit)

  3,593

  Tympanograms

  4,951

  Cortical Evoked Response Audiometry

  2,563

  Cortical Evoked Response Audiometry (Domiciliary Visit)

  691

  Annual Cost £3,636,035.42

  1 Setting up of operations began in July 1993. Full services were operational from October 1993.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Child Support Agency
  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the total number of cases dealt with by the Child Support Agency since it was established, within(a) the Newbury parliamentary constituency, (b) the area of Newbury district council and (c) the area of Berkshire county council. [28906]

  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 Mr. David Rendel, dated 10 May 1996:

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

  Information in the form you have requested is not routinely kept, nor is it readily available.

  Every case the Agency deals with involves at least two clients who may live in very different parts of the country. Our cases are allocated to an office on the basis of the location of the home of the parent with care. The Agency's work is dealt with by six Child Support Agency Centres (CSACs), each supported by Divisional and Field offices, dealing with particular geographical locations. Plymouth CSAC covers the Southwest and Central Southern regions. It has a Field office in Newbury, but the boundaries of this office do not correspond to any or all of the three areas you mention.

  When the Agency was established, the Field offices dealt only with cases requiring local contact. The majority of work was dealt with by the CSAC. Since June 1995, Newbury Field office has dealt with pre maintenance assessment work in its area and has kept figures on the number of cases it has dealt with since then. Such figures, however, only relate to the area covered by the office and not the areas specified in your question.

  National Insurance
  Mr. Hunter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many employers make national insurance contributions; and what would be the yield from removing the present cap on employers' contributions. [28311]

  Mr. Heald
  There is no upper earnings limit on the payment of national insurance contributions by employers: the limit applies only to employees. It is estimated that in any one week in the year 1996–97 some 18.6 million employees will pay contributions and that of those 3.2 million will have earnings above the upper earnings limit.

  If the upper earnings limit on employees' contributions were removed, it is estimated that an extra £3.25 billion would be collected in a full year.1

  Note:

  1Assumes that the current 10 per cent. contribution rate would apply to earnings above the upper earnings limit.

  Maternity Pay
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how much has been paid by employers of(a) under 100 employees, (b) under 50 employees and (c) under 10 employees, since the withdrawal of reimbursement of statutory maternity pay. [28750]

  Mr. Heald
  The information is not available in the format requested.
  368
  Small businesses which pay annual national insurance contributions of £20,000 or less are still able to obtain full reimbursement of their statutory maternity pay costs. For employers paying more than £20,000, the reimbursement rate was reduced to 92 per cent. from 4 September 1994 to meet the cost of improving maternity pay for employees as a result of the Government's implementation of the EC pregnant workers directive. The first full year following the change has just ended and any information about employers's payments will not be available until end-of-year-returns have been submitted and assessed.

  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to amend the small employers' relief scheme for statutory maternity pay. [28751]

  Mr. Heald
  None.

  Benefits (Reductions)
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security on how many occasions since 1979 a benefit has been reduced in cash terms. [28632]

  Mr. Burt
  A comparison of the main benefit rates payable in 1978 and 1996, is made in the 1995–96 departmental report (HMSO, CM3213, March 1996), a copy of which is in the Library. The table (Fig. 20) shows no reduction in the main benefits in cash terms over that period.

  State Earnings-related Pension Scheme
  Mr. Gapes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many pensioners are currently in receipt of SERPS pensions; what is the average weekly payment; and what was the equivalent figure in(a) 1985 and (b) 1990. [28892]

  Mr. Heald
  The information is in the table.

  Pensioners in receipt of additional pension

  Number of pensioners

  Net average weekly payment

  September 1995

  4,584,700

  £9.33

  September 1990

  3,066,050

  £4.88

  September 1985

  1,443,650

  £1.89

  Notes:

  1. Figures are for all countries. The sample size for 1985 and 1990 was 10 per cent. The sample size for 1995 was 5 per cent.

  2. The net payment is the amount of additional pension paid after the deduction of a contracted out deduction (COD). A COD is deducted when a person has been contracted out of SERPS into a contracted-out pension scheme or an appropriate personal pension used in place of SERPS.

  Source:

  Retirement Pensions Statistics.

  Mr. Gapes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate he has made of the percentage of pension income of newly retired pensioners, excluding the basic state pension, which was represented by SERPS payments, in the most recent year; and what were the equivalent figures in(a) 1985 and (b) 1990. [28894]

  Mr. Heald
  The information is not available in the format requested.
  369
  The source of data for estimates of pensioners' incomes is the pensioners' income series. This is based on the family expenditure survey, which contains information only on total state retirement pension and cannot differentiate between basic and additional pension.

  The table gives an estimate of the percentage of pensioner income of newly retired pensioners which is total state retirement pension.

  State retirement pension as a proportion of pension income

  Per cent.

  Recently retired pensioner units

  1981

  1987

  1990

  1993

  Pensioner couples

  57

  50

  53

  52

  Single pensioners

  58

  59

  61

  65

  All pensioner units

  58

  53

  55

  55

  Notes:

  1. Recently retired pensioner units are defined as being single women aged 60–64, single men aged 65–69 and couples in which the husband is aged 65–69.

  2. Pension income has been defined for this purpose as being the sum of total State Retirement Pension receipt and occupational pension payments.

  3. Figures are rounded to the nearest whole per cent.

  4. No information is available for 1985 as the Pensioners' Income Series was not compiled for this year.

  5. Estimates drawn from the PI 1993 are subject to a large degree of statistical variability, particularly in relation to recently retired pensioners because of the limited sample size, and co comparisons of estimates from different years may not give reliable results.

  Sources:

  Pensioners' Income Series—1981, 1987, 1990, 1993.

  Mr. Gapes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what was the average weekly SERPS pension paid to those who retired in the most recent year; and what was the equivalent figure in(a) 1985 and (b) 1990. [28893]

  Mr. Heald
  The information is not available in the format requested. Figures are not available for 1990 as the movement tables were not produced due to the change from the existing pensions computer system to the pensions strategy computer system which took place during the period 1989 to 1992.

  The number of new retirement pension awards and the average weekly additional pension paid for 1985 and 1995 are given in the table.

  Year ending

  Number of pensioners

  Net average weekly payment (£)

  31 March 1995

  322,890

  11.92

  31 March 1985

  251,510

  2.35

  Notes:

  1. Figures are for all countries and the numbers of pensioners relate to the number of awards of retirement pension in the period.

  2. The net payment is the amount of additional pension paid after the deduction of a contracted out deduction (COD). A COD is deducted when a person has been contracted out of SERPS into a contracted-out pension scheme or an appropriate personal pension used in place of SERPS.

  3. The figures for 1985 were collected on a yearly basis ending March. The movement tables are now issued every six months. To enable a comparison to be made with the earlier figures, the 6 monthly figures of September '94 and March '95 have been added together, with the average payment being recalculated accordingly.

  Source:

  Retirement Pension Statistics—Movement Tables.
  370

  Child Support Act 1991
  Ms Lynne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will provide a progress report on the research work being undertaken by the centre for research in social policy at the university of Loughborough into the effects of the Child Support Act; and if he will make a statement. [28738]

  Mr. Andrew Mitchell
  No research into the effects of the Child Support Act has been commissioned from the university of Loughborough.

  Income Support
  Mr. Gapes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many pensioner claimants of income support have savings of less than £3,000. [28896]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  The information is not available in the format requested. The number of income support pensioner claimants who were recorded as having capital of up to and including £3,000 was 464,000 in May 1995, the latest date for which figures are available.

  Source:

  Income Support Quarterly Statistical Enquiry: May 1995

  Notes:

  1. Pensioner claimants are defined as those in the pensioner statistical groups ie. where either the claimant or partner is aged 60 or over.

  2. The figure has been rounded to the nearest thousand.

  3. Some claimants with savings of less than £3,000 may not be recorded as these amounts do not affect the assessment of benefits.

  Mr. Gapes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the cost of administering income support for pensioners; and what this figure is expressed as a percentage of income support paid to pensioners. [28897]

  Mr. Evans
  The information is not available.

  Statutory Sick Pay
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how much has been paid in statutory sick pay to employees by employers of(a) under 100 employees, (b) under 50 employees and (c) under 10 employees since the withdrawal of the small employers relief scheme for statutory sick pay in April 1995. [28743]

  Mr. Heald
  The information is not available.

  The first full year following replacement of the small employers relief scheme has just ended. Any information about employers' payments will not be available until end-of-year-returns have been submitted and assessed.

  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) how many firms(a) in total, (b) with under 100 employees, (c) with under 50 employees and (d) with under 10 employees reclaimed statutory sick pay under the small employers' relief fund in each of the 10 years preceding the end of the scheme in April 1995; [28744]

  (2) how much was reclaimed in statutory sick pay under the small employers' relief fund in each of the 10 years preceding the end of the scheme in April 1995 by (a) all firms, (b) firms with under 100 employees, (c) firms with under 50 employees and (d) firms with under 10 employees. [28745]
  371
  Mr. Heald
  Information is not available in the format requested.

  The statutory sick pay small employees relief scheme was introduced from 6 April 1991. For the years 1991–92 to 1993–94, employers were not required to distinguish in their end-of-year returns between reimbursement under SER and the 80 per cent. reimbursement of employers' SSP costs available to all employers. For 1994–95, following abolition of 80 per cent. reimbursement from 6 April 1994, the total amount reclaimed under SER was £25 million.

  Pensioners (Savings)
  Mr. Gapes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many pensioner recipients of(a) social fund loans and (b) social fund grants, have savings in excess of (i) £500, (ii) £1,000 and (iii) £3,000. [28895]

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

  Industrial Tribunals
  Mrs. Helen Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many cases of unfair treatment have been taken to industrial tribunals by employees of the Department of Social Security in each year since 1988; and in how many of these the industrial tribunal found in favour of the employee. [28660]

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

DUCHY OF LANCASTER

  Citizens Charter
  Mrs. Helen Jackson
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what assessment has he made of the effectiveness of the citizens charter. [27667]

  Mr. Willetts
  The key criterion for evaluating the effectiveness of the citizens charter is improvement in the standards and responsiveness of public services. A full account of this is set out in last year's charter White Paper "The Citizen's Charter: The Facts and Figures".

  Delegated Legislation
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many statutory instruments were introduced in the 1994–95 Session; and what is their estimated total annual cost to business and to public funds. [27668]

  Mr. Freeman
  Numbers of statutory instruments are recorded by calendar year. The number of new statutory instruments in 1995 was 3,345, of which fewer than 12 per cent. placed compliance costs on business. The costs of individual instruments are specified in compliance cost assessments, but these include transfers between sectors and other factors which prevent the type of aggregation requested by my hon. Friend.
  372

  Contracting Out (in Service Pensions)
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what representations he has received regarding the Contracting Out (Administration of the in Service Pension Scheme) Order 1996. [27676]

  Mr. Willetts
  Various representations that had been made were taken fully into account in the decision to open up to competition administration of the principal civil service pension scheme and associated schemes. Competition will ensure value for money, and the focus on performance outputs will help improve further the quality of service to scheme members.

  Ministerial Visit (Plymouth)
  Mr. Jamieson
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister when he next intends to visit Plymouth to discuss inward investment. [27684]

  The Deputy Prime Minister
  I have no such plans at present, but would be very glad to consider an invitation.

  Widdecombe Report
  Dr. Goodson-Wickes
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what recent assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the implementation of the Widdecombe report on the conduct of local government. [27685]

  The Deputy Prime Minister
  None. This is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment.

  Regional Offices
  Ms Quin
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the relationship between his Department and the Government's regional offices. [27686]

  Mr. Freeman
  My Department is in regular contact with the 10 Government regional offices on those matters relevant to this Department—competitiveness and deregulation.

  Departmental Initiatives
  Mr. Fabricant
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what initiatives his Department is taking to disseminate abroad its work in co-ordinating Government policies. [27689]

  Mr. Willetts
  My Department has responded positively to interest expressed by other countries in the action we take to co-ordinate and present Government policy.

  European Legislation
  Mr. Hain
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what assessment his Department has made of the impact of European regulations and directives. [27690]

  Mr. Freeman
  Revised guidance requiring Departments to produce a compliance cost assessment for each EC legislative proposal was published in January. These assessments are a vital tool for helping to minimise any costs to business arising from new legislation.
  373

  Deregulation
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minster what discussions he has had with trade unions in respect of his policies on deregulation. [27691]

  Mr. Freeman
  We welcome the views of all interested parties to our deregulation initiative, including those from trade unions.

  Departmental Staff
  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what plans he has to alter the number of staff in his office; and if he will make a statement. [27666]

  The Deputy Prime Minister
  I expect to see further reductions in staff numbers in the Office of Pubic Service in the coming year.

  BSE
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what is his role in disseminating information relating to BSE. [27683]

  The Deputy Prime Minister
  Like other senior members of the Government, I take every opportunity to explain the Government's position.

  Official Hospitality
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how much was spent on official hospitality by his Department and all associated agencies in the financial year 1995–96. [28578]

  Mr. Willetts
  Expenditure on official hospitality by the Cabinet Office, including the Office of Public Service, and its executive agencies, excluding HMSO and the Buying Agency, in the financial year to 31 March 1996 is estimated to be £53,900. This figure includes total annual expenditure of £5,000 on official hospitality by the Security and Facilities Agency, responsibility for which transferred to the Office of Public Service from the Department of the Environment on 1 January 1996.

  Expenditure by HMSO and the Buying Agency, both of which have a different accounting year, was 38,500 and 4,000 respectively, covering the calendar year to 31 December 1995. Responsibility for TBA transferred to the Office of Public Service from the Department of the Environment on 1 January 1996.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Young Bulls
  Mr. David Nicholson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what intervention proposals he has for young bulls aged around 12 months; what representations he has had on this matter; and if he will make a statement. [24465]

  Mrs. Browning
  There have been several representations on this matter, as a result of which young bulls were, at our request, added to the list of animals the meat of which is currently eligible to be sold into intervention in the UK. To date, intervention tenders for more than 500 tonnes of UK young bull beef have been accepted for purchase into intervention.
  374

  Cattle Herds
  Mr. Welsh
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the total number of(a) dairy and (b) beef cattle in England at the latest available date. [28144]

  Mrs. Browning
  The latest figures available are from the 1995 December agriculture survey—1 December:

  Cattle and calves

  Thousands

  Total breeding herd

  Dairy herd

  1,838

  Beef herd

  798

  Total heifers in calf

  Dairy herd

  322

  Beef herd

  111

  Total other cattle and calves

  3,591

  Total cattle and calves

  6,661

  Totals may not necessarily agree with the sum of their components due to rounding.

  Please note that "other cattle and calves" includes bulls for service, and also cattle intended for replacements for the beef and dairy herds. Further breakdown of the figures are detailed in statistical notice 58/96/Survey of Agriculture: 1 December 1995 England—published on 9 April 1996—which is available from the MAFF press office.

  Dietary Supplements
  Mr. Hain
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects the European Commission to publish its forthcoming consultation document on the availability of vitamin, mineral and other dietary supplements; and for what period of time he expects that document to be open for consultation. [28220]

  Mrs. Browning
  I refer to the answer I gave the hon. Gentleman on 12 March in the Official Report, column 577.

  Mr. Hain
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list for each other member country of the European Union the information which he has evaluated on the controls which are imposed upon the availability of vitamin, mineral and other dietary supplements. [28221]

  Mrs. Browning
  Our understanding of the controls on the availability of vitamin, mineral and other dietary supplements in other member states is based on a number of sources, including the position member states took when this matter was previously discussed at EU level in 1992.

  Mr. Hain
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to persuade his counterparts in other European countries to support his policies in respect of the continued availability of vitamin, mineral and other dietary supplements; what steps he has taken to encourage support for that policy at recent meetings of the Agriculture Council; and if he will make a statement setting out that policy. [28219]
  375
  Mrs. Browning
  My Department takes every opportunity to ensure that other member states are aware of our views on dietary supplements. However, the matter is not one which is considered by the Agricultural Council.

  Former Defence Site, Rhydymwyn
  Mr. Hanson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress has been made with regard to investigations into the former MOD site at Rhydymwyn, Mold, Flintshire. [28271]

  Mr. Boswell
  In April 1996, the Ministry, in conjunction with Flintshire county council and the Welsh Development Agency, commissioned AEA Technology to

  Applications received1

  Applications refused

  Applications granted

  Number of birds licensed to be shot

  Number of birds actually shot2

  Cormorants

  90

  32

  52

  341

  121

  Goosanders

  25

  19

  5

  19

  2

  Mergansers

  1

  1

  —

  —

  —

  1 Some applications are still to be determined.

  2 Provisional figures.

  BSE
  Mr. Alan W. Williams
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many prosecutions there have been of(a) farmers, (b) cattle dealers, (c) auctioneers, (d) abattoir purchasers and (e) meat wholesalers concerning breaches of BSE regulations. [28529]

  Mrs. Browning
  One case has been successfully prosecuted under the Specified Bovine Offals Order 1995. The defendants were fined at total of £3,000 plus £2,000 costs for two offences under the order. There are no further cases before the court at present; a number of other cases are, however, under investigation.

  Local government also plays a significant role in implementing the control measures on BSE. It is in part responsible for enforcing the Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy Order 1991, as amended, and the provisions of the new Specified Bovine Materials Order 1996 in relation to SBOs in non-food premises. We are aware that local authorities have taken several BSE-related prosecutions. We do not, however, hold details of these centrally.

  Mr. Nicholls
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on(a) the incidence of BSE, (b) the steps in place to identify cases of BSE, (c) the steps taken to remove specified bovine offal from the carcases of animals believed to be affected and (d) the method by which the carcases of animals slaughtered because their herd was infected with BSE are disposed of in respect of each of the other EU countries; and what assessment he has made of the relative effectiveness of each country's programme to protect the public from BSE-related diseases. [28544]

  Mrs. Browning
  Up until 3 May 1996, 160,032 suspect cases of BSE have been reported in Great Britain. All suspect cases of BSE must, by law, be notified to the Ministry. The Ministry's veterinary officers visit all 376
  carry out a further assessment of the site to identify chemical and mineral residues. The results of its desk study are expected by late summer. Field work and chemical analysis will then follow, if necessary.

  Cormorants and Saw-billed Ducks
  Sir Cranley Onslow
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many applications for a licence to shoot cormorants and saw-billed ducks were received by his Department in the year 1995–6; how many of these were refused; how many birds were licensed to be shot; and how many have been reported as having been shot. [28293]

  Mrs. Browning
  The information requested is set out in the table for the period 1 May 1995 to 31 March 1996:

  suspect animals to make a clinical diagnosis. Animals subsequently confirmed by the Ministry's veterinary officer as being suspected of suffering from BSE will be slaughtered on farm and their carcase disposed of by incineration. Specified bovine material is not removed from these animals as the whole carcase goes for disposal.

  We do not have details of the preferred method of disposal of BSE suspect cases in other EU member states. Details of SBO controls in other EU member states were given in my response to my hon. Friend the Member for Salisbury, (Mr. Key) on 29 April, Official Report, column, 413–14.

  Dr. Strang
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list all recommendations made since 1986 by the scientific committees advising the Government on spongiform encephalopathies, which have not been fully implemented. [23199]

  Mrs. Browning
  [holding answer 28 March 1996]: There have been four reports published by the various advisory committees on transmissible spongiform encephalopathies since 1989.

  Recommendations were made in both the "Report of the Working Party on Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (Southwood Report)" dated February 1989 and the "Interim Report (Tyrrell Report)" dated June 1989. The only recommendation made to Government which has not been implemented is a low-priority research recommendation for the survey of brains of cattle routinely sent for slaughter to monitor incidence of unrecognised infection, which was contained in the Tyrrell report. This recommendation was of course superseded by regulations which protected human health by the exclusion of specified bovine offals from the food chain.
  377
  The two later reports produced by the Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee "Interim report on Research" dated April 1992 and the "Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies—A Summary of present Knowledge and Research" dated September 1994 contained no recommendations to Government. The interim report on research did, however, state that detailed examination of the relevant studies indicated that, in the Committee's view, there were no inappropriate overlaps; that all high-priority studies had been started, and that satisfactory progress had been made in implementing the recommendations of the interim report (Tyrrell report) (paragraph 4.1).

  The committee has made a number of recommendations to Government on transmissible spongiform encephalopathies since the last set of published recommendations contained in the Tyrrell report were put to Government. The Government have acted swiftly to ensure that these recommendations were put in place with the minimum of delay.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many BSE cases have been confirmed in animals aged less than 30 months old since 1988. [27978]

  Mrs. Browning
  Since 1986 and up to 3 May 1996, the number of BSE cases confirmed in animals less than 30 months in Great Britain is 80.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what information he has evaluated on the distribution and timing of BSE infectivity in cattle before the final brain disease under farming conditions. [27979]

  Mrs. Browning
  All details on BSE infectivity have been published in the latest progress report. So far, from confirmed field cases, the BSE agent has been detected only in brain, cervical spinal cord, terminal spinal cord and retina. Under experimental conditions, infectivity has also been detected in the distal ileum of calves 18 months after challenge, but in no other tissues. Assays of tissues collected at later stages of that experiment are still in progress.

  In the same study, CNS lesions were detected no more than three to four months before onset of clinical disease.

  Feline Spongiform Encephalopathy
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many cases of cats suffering from spongiform encephalopathies have been reported to his Department in each of the last five years; and what research his Department has evaluated relating to future trends in the incidence of such diseases. [28590]

  Mrs. Browning
  The following table shows the numbers of cases of feline spongiform encephalopathy recorded in the United Kingdom until 8 May 1996:

  Number of case

  1990

  13

  1991

  12

  1992

  10

  1993

  11

  1994

  16

  378

  Number of cases

  1995

  8

  1996

  1

  Epidemiological studies are in progress but are incomplete. With the exception of one cat thought to be born in October 1990, none of the cases of feline spongiform encephalopathy confirmed in the United Kingdom are believed to have been born after the ban, in September 1990, on the use of specified bovine offals in animal feed.

  These investigations are complicated by the difficulty in obtaining lifetime feeding and breeding histories for cats. This makes predicting the future trends difficult, although, at present, the shape of the epidemic appears to be similar to that of BSE.

  Plympton Market
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will reopen the Plympton market as a collecting centre for the culling scheme. [29071]

  Mr. Baldry
  I understand that an application for approval of Plympton market under the scheme is being considered by the intervention board at the moment.

  Fishing Grants
  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the average length of time taken to process applications for grants awarded in England and Wales under the provisions of the fishing vessels (safety improvements) (grants) scheme each year from 1990 to 1995. [29153]

  Mr. Baldry
  The Sea Fish Industry Authority administers the fishing vessels (safety improvements) (grants) scheme on behalf of the Government. It does not keep detailed historic records of the time taken to deal with individual applications, but I understand that the average time taken to deal with an application, from receipt to formal approval, is estimated at four weeks.

  Tanning Industry
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what financial support will be provided to the tanning industry in the financial year 1996–97. [25135]

  Mrs. Browning
  [holding answer 16 April 1996]: It is not the Government's intention that financial assistance should be specifically targeted at the tanning industry in this financial year.

  Beef Heads
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what financial support will be provided to plants licensed to process beef heads in the financial year 1996–97. [25134]

  Mrs. Browning
  [holding answer 16 April 1996]: The Government sympathise with the cattle and head deboners whose traditional business has disappeared as a result of measures introduced on 29 March. However, as Ministers have made clear on a number of occasions, the purpose

  379
  of the financial assistance which has been made available to the slaughtering sector is to provide market support to keep the essential links in the beef supply chain operating while companies adjust to the changed market circumstances. It is not our policy to use public funds to compensate businesses for losses incurred. Against this background, we have concluded that no financial assistance can be offered to plants licensed to process beef heads, except the support available to all licensed slaughterhouses and licensed cutting premises in respect of unsold beef stocks.

  Animal Welfare
  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to improve the welfare of animals; and if he will make a statement. [27571]

  Mrs. Browning
  [holding answer 9 May 19961: We have action in hand across a wide range of animal welfare issues. For example, we are now developing our plans to implement the important new EU rules on the welfare of animals in transit which were secured by my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary to the Treasury in June 1995; we are pressing hard, in the EU negotiations on the welfare of calves which we ourselves got brought forward, for an end to the veal crate throughout Europe; and we shall be pressing at the intergovernmental conference for a protocol to be added to the treaty, placing a legal obligation on the Community institutions to pay full regard to animal welfare when exercising their powers in relation to agriculture, transport, research and the single market.

  Sea Empress Incident
  Mr. Ainger
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food 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. [28864]

  Mr. Baldry
  [holding answer 10 May 19961: Primary responsibility for fisheries matters in relation to the Sea Empress oil spillage rests with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales. I refer the hon. Member to his reply of 10 May 1996, Official Report, column 301–02.

  Live Animal Exports
  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what procedures are taken to ensure that an animal rejected by a local veterinary inspector as 380
  unfit to travel on an export journey is not transported in Great Britain in a way which may cause it unnecessary suffering. [28627]

  Mrs Browning
  [holding answer 10 May 1996]: There is a considerable variety of circumstances in which local veterinary inspectors may reject an animal as unfit for an export journey, and there is no basis for specifying a follow-up procedure which would be applicable in all cases. However, if an animal is unfit to travel, anyone who transported it, except in accordance with the Welfare of Animals during Transport Order 1994, would be committing an offence.

  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many bovines were exported during 1994 and 1995 to(a) Northern Ireland, (b) the Republic of Ireland, (c) France, (d) Spain, (e) Italy, (f) Belgium, (g) Netherlands and (h) Greece. [28625]

  Mrs. Browning
  [holding answer 10 May 1996]: Exports of bovine animals from the United Kingdom for 1994 and 1995 as recorded in the overseas trade statistics are as follows:

  Number of head

  19941

  19951

  Irish Republic

  1,313

  668

  France

  238,080

  234,013

  Spain

  Nil

  Nil

  Italy

  Nil

  119

  Belgium-Luxembourg

  79,372

  56,385

  Netherlands

  160,803

  138,257

  Greece

  Nil

  Nil

  1Data provisional.

  These overseas trade statistics record exports from the United Kingdom but not trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. However, figures collated from the computerised animal movement—ANIMO—database, which records animals certified for export, show that 18,340 and 25,044 bovines were exported from Great Britain to Northern Ireland in 1994 and 1995 respectively. These figures remain provisional, and subject to amendment.

  Animal Feed
  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will ensure there is an obligation on manufacturers of animal feed to declare a full list of ingredients. [28872]

  Mrs. Browning
  [holding answer 10 May 1996]: Ingredients of compound animal feed must be declared either in full or by category. The Government are currently exploring whether the relevant EC directive should be changed.

  Chemical Weapons Convention
  Chemical Weapons Convention
  Transport Policy for Scotland
  Transport Policy for Scotland
  Forestry Consultation Procedures
  Forestry Consultation Procedures
  Higher Education: National Committee of Inquiry
  Higher Education: National Committee of Inquiry
  NHS Supplies Authority: Corporate Governance
  NHS Supplies Authority: Corporate Governance
  Habitual Residence Test
  Habitual Residence Test
  Drugs Strategy
  Drugs Strategy
  Women on Remand: Bail
  Women on Remand: Bail
  Prison Repairs and Maintenance Cuts
  Prison Repairs and Maintenance Cuts
  Gender Dysphoria in Prisoners
  Gender Dysphoria in Prisoners
  UN Human Rights Committee: Reports from NGOs
  UN Human Rights Committee: Reports from NGOs
  Oftel/DTI Dialogue
  Oftel/DTI Dialogue
  Privatised Industries: Regulators' Accountability
  Privatised Industries: Regulators' Accountability
  Privatised Industry Reports: Discussion by Parliament
  Privatised Industry Reports: Discussion by Parliament
  Privatised Industries: Appeals against Regulators
  Privatised Industries: Appeals against Regulators
  Government Computer Systems: Software Modification Costs
  Government Computer Systems: Software Modification Costs
  Morocco: Fisheries Agreement Cost
  Morocco: Fisheries Agreement Cost