Written Answers of 7 November 1996

DUCHY OF LANCASTER

  Open Government
  Mr. Pawsey
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when the Government will respond to the outstanding recommendations contained in the second report of the Select Committee on the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration on open government, HC 84, Session 1995–96. [3055]

  Mr. Freeman
  The Government have submitted their response to the remaining recommendations of the report of the Select Committee on the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration, and the Committee is arranging for the response to be published today.

  The Government responded to the majority of the recommendations contained in the Select Committee's report on 28 June 1996. It welcomed many of the conclusions and recommendations contained in the report, and in particular the Committee's endorsement of the "Code of Practice on Access to Government Information" as having been an important and valuable contribution to more open government. The Government's response reaffirmed their commitment to greater openness.

  The Government's initial response did not, however, cover seven of the Committee's recommendations which had implications for openness in government beyond the code of practice. The Government wished to await the report of the Public Service Committee on ministerial accountability and responsibility, believing that it would provide a valuable contribution to their consideration of the issues in this area. That report was published on 30 July and the Government's response to it is also being published today.

  The Government are grateful to the Select Committee on the PCA for the constructive contribution that it has made to the debate on openness. I am pleased that we have been able to agree to many of the recommendations contained in its report and that much common ground has been established between the Committee and the Government on these important issues.

  However, the Government do not accept the Committee's proposal for a Freedom of Information Act. It believes that the non-statutory code of practice has a proven record and should now be given an enhanced role as setting the clear, recognised minimum standard for providing information to Parliament, and in setting out the reasons for withholding information on those occasions when this is necessary. Given this increased importance for the provisions of the code, the Government do not believe that it would now be sensible to seek a fundamental change in its status.

  The Government will soon be issuing a revised code of practice and guidance on its interpretation, to reflect the responses to the PCA and Public Service Committees and
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  in the light of the day-to-day operation of the code during the last two and a half years. The ability to amend the code to reflect experience in this way is, in the Government's view, a major advantage of their preferred non-statutory approach.

  Ministerial Accountability and Responsibility
  Mr. Radice
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement on the Government's response to the second report of the Select Committee on Public Service of Session 1995–96 on ministerial accountability and responsibility (HC313). [3501]

  Mr. Freeman
  The Government have submitted their response to the report from the Public Service Committee on ministerial accountability and responsibility, and the Committee is arranging for the response to be published today.

  The Government are grateful to the Select Committee for undertaking this investigation which, as envisaged by the President of the Board of Trade in the debate on 26 February, Official Report, column 593, has provided a helpful basis for the Government's consideration of the recommendations on ministerial accountability made by Sir Richard Scott in his report.

  The Government reaffirm their commitment to arrangements under which it will remain properly accountable to Parliament. The Government's response to the Committee's report is addressed to this shared democratic objective.

  The Government note the Committee's decision to follow what it describes as a pragmatic approach in setting out a "working definition" of ministerial responsibility, reflected in a proposed resolution of the House. The Government agree with many of the principles underlying the working definition, and share the Committee's view that there could be value in the House making explicit how it expects Ministers to discharge their responsibilities to Parliament. The Government will initiative further discussion on a cross-party basis to this end with a view to bringing forward an appropriate motion in due course.

  The Government believe that effective scrutiny and accountability are secured by the giving of a full account through a rigorous policy on openness. The Government agree with the Committee on the central importance of the "Code of Practice on Access to Government Information" and it will now proceed, in accordance with the Committee's recommendations, to ensure that throughout Government the code is followed as the clear, recognised minimum standard for providing information to Parliament, and in setting out the reasons for withholding information, on those occasions when this is. necessary.

ENVIRONMENT

  Chemical Plants (Unauthorised Releases)
  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many unauthorised releases from chemical plants have taken place each year since 1970;
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  how many were classified as serious; how many led to prosecutions; and what was the fine or penalty in each case. [1009]

  Mr. Clappison
  Chemical processes have been subject to prior authorisation under the integrated pollution control regime since 1990. So far as air is concerned, details of unauthorised releases, prosecutions and other enforcement action taken between April 1991 and March 1996 are contained in the annual reports of Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution, which was the IPC regulator between those dates. The annual reports are in the House Library.

  HM inspectorate of pollution became a part of the Environment Agency on 1 April this year. I understand from the agency that since that date there have been 550 unauthorised releases to air from chemical processes. Few of these had serious implications. I further understand that the agency has to date carried out one prosecution in respect of those releases and that a further one is in hand. Prosecution is only one of a number of enforcement options available to the Environment Agency, which can also issue enforcement or prohibition notices.

  Energy Advice Centres
  Mr. Raynsford
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received about the need for continuing financial support from(a) the Government and (b) the Energy Savings Trust for local energy advice centres funded by the Energy Savings Trust over the last three years. [2254]

  Mr. Robert B. Jones
  My Department has received approximately 30 representations about the funding of local energy advice centres over the last three years. Of these, 14 covered Government funding and five funding by the Energy Saving Trust. The remaining 11 were concerned with financial support in general.

  Mr. Raynsford
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the local energy advice centres which have been funded via the Energy Savings Trust in the last three years. [2220]

  Mr. Jones
  The local energy advice centres which have been funded by the Energy Saving Trust in the last three years are:

  Aberdeenshire Energy Advice Centre

  Belfast Energy Advice Centre

  Black Country Energy Advice Centre

  Bristol Energy Advice Centre

  Cardiff Energy Advice Centre

  Croydon Energy Advice Centre

  Greenwich Energy Advice Centre

  Highland Energy Advice Centre

  Islington Energy Advice Centre

  Leeds Energy Advice Centre

  Leicester Energy Advice Centre

  Lewisham Energy Advice Centre

  Lothian and Edinburgh Energy Advice Centre

  Middlesborough Energy Advice Centre

  Northumbria Energy Advice Centre

  Orkney Energy Advice Centre

  Peterborough Energy Advice Centre

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  Plymouth Energy Advice Centre

  Ryedale Energy Advice Centre

  Shetland Energy Advice Centre

  Solent Energy Advice Centre

  Stockton on Tees Energy Advice Centre

  Strathclyde and Central Energy Advice Centre

  Swansea Energy Advice Centre

  Tayside Energy Advice Centre

  Telford Energy Advice Centre

  Thames Valley Energy Advice Centre

  West Wales Energy Advice Centre

  Western Isles Energy Advice Centre

  Western Regional Energy Advice Centre

  Wirral Energy Advice Centre.

  Mr. Raynsford
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the local energy advice centres which his Department has assessed as currently lack sufficient funding to ensure their continuing operation. [2256]

  Mr. Jones
  The local energy advice centres are the responsibility of the Energy Saving Trust. I understand that only one local energy advice centre, which failed to meet its targets on 31 August 1996, has ceased to operate.

  Mr. Raynsford
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he has made of(a) the effectiveness of the local energy advice centres funded via the Energy Savings Trust in the last three years and (b) the need for the continuation of their services. [2255]

  Mr. Jones
  The Energy Saving Trust has now taken full responsibility for the further continuation and management of LEACs. On 12 July 1996, I approved grants totalling £4.1 million over three years to be paid to the Trust in support of this work.

  Previously, market research showed that the LEACs provide an effective and value for money service. In 1994–95, about 57,000 clients visited LEAC offices and as a result of advice received, savings were made of 21,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions and £1.8 million over the same period.

  Estuary Management Zones
  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) how many coastal management zones are now fully integrated and operating successfully; [2596]

  (2) how many authorities have published estuary management plans; and if he will publish guidance on their implementation. [2594]

  Mr. Clappison
  In England, 20 estuary management plans have so far been published as part of the estuaries management initiative promoted by English Nature and further plans are in preparation. Estuaries represent the areas of major pressure on the coast but there are also other initiatives under way with the objectives of managing areas of open coast. On 31 October, the Department of the Environment issued a best practice guide on coastal zone management which will assist in taking forward both types of schemes.

  Water Abstraction
  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many sites have been identified by English Nature as being at risk from water abstraction; and what proposals he has for the conservation of these sites and for reducing water consumption in the surrounding areas. [22562]

  Mr. Clappison
  In its report published in September 1996, English Nature reviewed 152 wetland sites of special scientific interest, of which 18 were assessed as being at high risk from water abstraction and 38 were considered to be at medium risk, with a further 23 at high risk and 10 at medium risk if water demands continue to increase. The Environment Agency will be reviewing the report with English Nature, with a view to establishing an agreed list of sites at risk and from that deciding actions which may be needed for alleviation.

  Homelessness (Durham)
  Mr. Cummings
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what estimate he has made of the number of homeless people in the county of Durham. [2401]

  Mr. Clappison
  I refer the hon. Member to the supplementary table which accompanies the quarterly information bulletin, entitled "Households found accommodation under the homelessness provisions of the Housing Act 1985: England" for the available information. A copy of the bulletin, the latest of which provides statistics for the second quarter of 1996, is in the Library.

  Disabled Facilities Grants
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the average level of(a) discretionary and (b) mandatory disabled facilities grants in each year since 1990. [2462]

  Mr. Clappison
  The information requested is shown in the table.

  Disabled facilities grants: England

  Average final grant payment (£s)

  Mandatory grants

  Discretionary grants

  1990

  1,820

  2,860

  1991

  2,950

  3,470

  1992

  3,740

  4,640

  1993

  4,100

  2,740

  1994

  4,190

  2,200

  1995

  4,180

  2,190

  Mr. Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many applications for disabled facilities grants were refused in each year since 1990. [2463]

  Mr. Clappison
  The Department does not collect regular data on unsuccessful applications for disabled facilities grant. However, recent research for the Department indicates that about 7,000 applications for disabled facilities grants in England were refused in the year 1993–94.
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  Mr. Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many(a) mandatory and (b) discretionary disabled facilities grants have been made in each year since 1990 in (i) the west midlands and (ii) the United Kingdom. [2461]

  Mr. Clappison
  The table shows the available information about the west midlands and about England. Figures about the United Kingdom are not available as the grants system in Scotland differs from that in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

  Disabled facilities grants: Final payments (Number of grants)

  West Midlands

  England

  Mandatory grants

  Discretionary grants

  Mandatory grants

  Discretionary grants

  1990

  40

  —

  360

  10

  1991

  990

  40

  10,790

  180

  1992

  1,590

  70

  15,450

  290

  1993

  1,450

  30

  16,720

  430

  1994

  2,090

  10

  20,410

  500

  1995

  2,310

  20

  22,730

  420

  Area Cost Adjustment
  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what estimate he has made of the impact on council tax levels in the south east of England of the abolition of the area cost adjustment. [2564]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  The abolition of the area cost adjustment was not proposed by the team reviewing the area cost adjustment or by other participants in the discussions this year. I have not estimated the impact on council tax levels in the south-east of England of the abolition of the area cost adjustment. To do so would involve making assumptions about capping limits in the new circumstances and about local authority responses.

  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what proposals the Department's working party has made for the future of the area cost adjustment; and what assessment he has made of the impact on the Isle of Wight of the abolition of area cost adjustment. [2563]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  The review of the area cost adjustment recommended a new method for calculating the adjustment, using data from the labour force survey to determine a factor for each local authority in England. Several variations of this approach were included as options in the report of the standard spending assessments sub-group to the Consultative Council on Local Government Finance. No proposals to abolish the area cost adjustment were made by the review team or in the sub-group report. For illustrative purposes, the effect on SSAs for 1996–97 of abolishing the area cost adjustment has been estimated. The SSA for the Isle of Wight would be reduced by £3.4 million, which is 3.5 per cent. of its SSA.

  Conservation
  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the sites in the Solent and the
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  lagoons that have been submitted to the European Commission for designation as special areas of conservation. [2565]

  Mr. Clappison
  A third tranche of candidate special areas of conservation was forwarded to the European Commission on 14 October 1996; I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment on Wednesday 16 October,Official Report, column 1073–74. As indicated in that reply, the Solent and Isle of Wight lagoons was one of the candidate sites. This site includes all or part of the following sites of special scientific interst:

  Brading Marshes to St. Helen's Ledges;

  Gilkicker Lagoon;

  Hurst Castle and Lymington River Estuary;

  Langstone Harbour.

  Information Technology Projects
  Ms Church
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many information technology projects have been undertaken since 1992, and are planned for the coming year, arranged in cost bands of £1,000,000. [1893]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  The table sets out the number of projects and expenditure incurred in respect of information technology projects undertaken or planned by my Department for the project requested.

  Cost bands £ millions

  Projects undertaken and completed since 1992

  Projects planned for the coming year and/or ongoing

  0–1

  21

  12

  1–2

  3

  1

  2–3

  Nil

  1

  3–4

  Nil

  Nil

  4–5

  Nil

  Nil

  5–6

  Nil

  Nil

  6–7

  Nil

  1

  7–8

  Nil

  1

  Energy Efficiency
  Mr. Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what percentage of mortgage lenders provided standard assessment procedure ratings as part of valuation surveys in(a) 1994, (b) 1995 and (c) 1996; and what estimate he has made of the likely percentages in (i) 1997 and (ii) 1998. [2962]

  Mr. Clappison
  My Department is working with mortgage lenders to encourage the uptake of energy efficiency measures and to promote the wider use of standard assessment procedure ratings via mortgage valuation surveys. A total of 4,000 SAP ratings were issued by the Nationwide building society in 1995 under a joint initiative with the Department; under a similar initiative with the Halifax building society this year, 6,500 SAP ratings were issued. We are not aware of any statistics on or estimates of the percentage of mortgage lenders providing SAP ratings.
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  Mr. Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what research he has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated into the effect upon household energy efficiency measures of providing standard assessment procedure ratings in valuation surveys. [2964]

  Mr. Clappison
  My Department continues to work with mortgage lenders to encourage the uptake of energy efficiency measures through the provision of standard assessment procedure ratings. In particular, the Department and the Halifax building society are co-operating on a joint project to evaluate the impact of providing SAP ratings as part of the valuation process. The results are expected shortly.

  Mr. Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what percentage of property valuation surveys included standard assessment procedure ratings in(a) 1994, (b) 1995 and (c) 1996; and what estimate he has made of the likely percentages in (i) 1997 and (ii) 1998. [2963]

  Mr. Clappison
  My Department is working with mortgage lenders to encourage the uptake of energy efficiency measures and to promote the wider use of standard assessment procedure ratings via mortgage valuation surveys. We are not aware of any statistics collected on this subject.

  Deregulation
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the rules and regulations he proposes to repeal or amend by means of a reference to the Deregulation Committee before the end of 1996; and if he will make a statement. [2914]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  My Department has recently consulted interested parties on the following proposal for use of the deregulation order-maker power:Public Health Acts Amendment Act 1907: removal of need for local authority licences for pleasure boats on waters owned or managed by British Waterways or the Environment Agency.

  The timing of any reference to the Deregulation Committee will depend on the outcome of our consideration of the responses.

  In addition, we have recently laid draft regulations under section 37 of the Deregulation and Contracting Out Act 1994 to remove 16 pieces of redundant health and safety legislation.

  Going for Green Initiative
  Mr. Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he has made of the going for green initiative over the last 12 months; and what its targets are for the next 12 months. [2965]

  Mr. Clappison
  Going for Green Ltd. is a private company limited by guarantee, with the aim of promoting sustainable development to the public and helping to change everyday behaviour in a more sustainable direction. Since becoming a private company on 1 April 1996, Going for Green has secured private sector sponsorship of £360,000 in cash and an estimated £950,000 in benefits in kind. Its programme of work has included national publicity campaigns, the publication of a green code, the establishment of sustainable communities pilot projects, a study of waste minimisation
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  and the development of ways of measuring the extent to which individuals' lifestyles are sustainable. This work is a fundamental part of the Government's strategy on sustainable development.

  Targets for 1997–98 are currently under discussion with the Department in the context of the company's business plan for next year.

  Sheffield Development Corporation
  Sir Irvine Patnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when Sheffield development corporation will be wound up; and if he will make a statement. [3041]

  Mr. Curry
  Statutory orders will be laid before Parliament early next year to effect the wind up and dissolution of Sheffield development corporation. Subject to parliamentary approval, the corporation will cease to act from 1 April 1997, except for the purpose of preparing its final accounts and report and winding up its affairs. The corporation will be dissolved on 1 July 1997.

  Urban development corporations were set up, with finite lifetimes, to regenerate their designated areas. Since designation on 30 June 1988 Sheffield development corporation has encouraged a grant-aided private sector development and undertaken substantial environmental and infrastructure improvements, which have helped to stimulate new jobs and new life in the city and to realise Sheffield's ambitions for a city airport.

  By the end of its lifetime, the corporation expects to have reclaimed 259.2 hectares of land, created 521,100 sq m of commercial floorspace, built or improved 15 m of road, created 17,683 permanent jobs and attracted £695 million of private sector investment. The corporation has transformed the Lower Don valley area and Sheffield will continue to benefit well into the next century.

  Environment Agency
  Mr. Simon Coombs
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he intends formally to issue the guidance to the Environment Agency required under section 4 of the Environment Act 1995. [3171]

  Mr. Gummer
  A draft of the guidance which Ministers are required under section 4 of the Environment Act 1995 to give to the Environment Agency on its objectives, including the contribution it is to make towards the achievement of sustainable development, has been laid before the House for the required period of 40 sitting days. Together with my right hon. and learned Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales, I am today formally issuing this guidance to the Environment Agency.

  We are also formally issuing to the Environment Agency a management statement which summaries Ministers' aims and objectives for the agency, its duties, powers and responsibilities, and its relationship with Ministers, Government Departments and other bodies.

  An explanatory document which restates the principles of sustainable development, provides non-statutory guidance on particular functions and offers a commentary on the agency's duty to take account of likely costs and benefits is also being provided to the agency.
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  Copies of these documents have been placed in the Library.

  Health and Safety
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what legal advice was received prior to the Single European Act 1986 as to the effect of the term "working environment, as regards the health and safety of workers" contained in article 118a; if a copy of the advice will be placed in the Library; and if he will make a statement. [2978]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  By convention, any such legal advice to Government is treated as confidential and its substance is not normally disclosed.

TRANSPORT

  Information Technology Projects
  Ms Church
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many information technology projects have been undertaken since 1992 and are planned for the coming year, in cost bands of £1,000,000. [1904]

  Mr. Bowis
  The Department estimates that it will have undertaken or plans to undertake, a total of 181 information technology projects by the end of the year. In cost bands these are as follows:£0–£1 million—167, £1–£2 million—3, £2–£3 million—2, £3–£4 million—4, £4–£5 million—3, £11–£12 million—1. £13–£14 million—1.

  Some of these will have started in earlier years and some will last several years. So it is not possible to identify the actual costs for a specific year.

  Rail Coaches
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the number of unserviceable passenger rail coaches that have been taken out of service in each of the last five years. [2198]

  Mr. Watts
  The information is no longer held by British Rail and is a matter for the rolling stock leasing companies.

  Railway Stations
  Mr. Chidgey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many railway stations are planned to be(a) opened and (b) re-opened in the next two years by the franchise companies. [2040]

  Mr. Watts
  There are a number of proposed new stations which were the initiative of local authorities in agreement with British Rail train operating companies. These proposals are being continued by the franchisees.

  Franchisees have their own longer-term initiatives to open new stations. The LTS rail franchisee, Prism Rail, intends to open a new station at West Ham by the end of 1999. The midland main line franchisee, National Express Group, is undertaking a feasibility study for a new east midlands Parkway station with the aim of completing building and development of the station during 2001.

  Accident Reports (Leaks)
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will discuss with the chairman of Railtrack the leaking of accident investigation reports before their agreed publication dates. [1874]

  Mr. Watts
  I deplore the premature and unauthorised release of accident investigation reports, and the use which is made of such leaks. The reports of internal railway joint inquiries are not normally published. This is a matter for the railway parties involved.

  Rail Safety
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will direct train operating companies to install and operate automatic train protection on all trains. [1870]

  Mr. Watts
  No. Automatic train protection would require changes to infrastructure as well as trains. Railtrack and train operators are pursuing a range of alternative measures to reduce risks arising from signals passed at danger, overspeeding the buffer stop collisions. The independent Health and Safety Commission advised that the introduction of ATP, as piloted, on a network-wide basis was not reasonably practicable, and that there were alternative safety investments which would be likely to yield greater effectiveness in terms of lives saved, and better value for money.

  Sheffield Supertram
  Sir Irvine Patnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what income has been generated by Sheffield Supertram since it became operational; and what steps have been taken to increase this income. [2392]

  Mr. Watts
  Management of South Yorkshire Supertram is a matter for the South Yorkshire passenger transport executive, which I understand has sought to increase what have hitherto been very disappointing levels of passenger carryings.

  Speed Limits
  Mr. Robathan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to encourage the use of 20 mph speed limits in urban areas. [2395]

  Mr. Bowis
  There are now around 300 20 mph zones in place. These have been very successful in reducing accidents. We have recently ring fenced £1 million of transport supplementary grant for the creation of additional zones in appropriate areas.

  VHF Radio Service
  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what advice he has issued to commercial and pleasure craft in respect of the phasing out of the VHF radio service. [2569]

  Mr. Bowis
  I have asked the chief executive of Marine Safety Agency to write to my hon. Friend.
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  Letter from R. M. Bradley to Mr. Barry Field, dated 7 November 1996:
  The Secretary of State for Transport has asked me to reply to your Question about the advice which has been issued to commercial and pleasure craft in respect of the phasing out of VHF radio services.
  There are no plans to phase out the use of Channel 16 in the UK in the foreseeable future. The UK is however keen to promote the voluntary adoption by non-SOLAS vessels of Global Maritime Distress and Safety Systems (GMDSS) principles and the use of automated distress calling. Further information on what is involved is contained in a Marine Safety Agency (MSA) leaflet entitled GMDSS: Radio of the Next Century which has been available for some time. The MSA is also active in promoting the positive benefits of GMDSS at boat shows and other similar commercial events around the country.

  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions he has had with commercial fishermen about phasing out VHF radio services. [2574]

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

  Letter from R. M. Bradley to Mr. Barry Field, dated 7 November 1996:
  The Secretary of State for Transport has asked me to reply to your Question on the discussions that have taken place with commercial fishermen about phasing out VHF radio services.
  The fishermen's organisations are aware that the UK is committed to the continued use of Channel 16. HM Coastguard will maintain a listening watch on Channel 16 for as long as necessary after 1 February 1999 and all SOLAS Convention ships in the UK Search and Rescue Area are encouraged to continue to maintain watch on Channel 16 where possible for as long as necessary. Internationally, the UK in conjunction with other European administrations, will seek agreement at the next World Radio Conference in 1997 to Channel 16 remaining a calling frequency for non-SOLAS vessels.

  Rail Accidents
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) if he will list the occasions when rolling stock operated by private freight companies have been involved in accidents on the west coast main line; [1437]

  (2) if he will list those railway accidents occurring on (a) the west coast main line, (b) the east coast main line and (c) London rail routes since privatisation. [1444]

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

  Digital Selcall
  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) when he expects the new tender for digital selcall to be published; [2570]

  (2) what plans he has to re-equip Her Majesty's Coastguard with digital selcall equipment; and when VHF will be phased out; [2572]

  (3) how many vessels in the United Kingdom rely on VHF radio for emergency purposes; and what transitional arrangements he intends to introduce for digital selcall; [2575]
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  (4) what discussions he has had with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution about digital Selcall for emergency use. [2573]

  Mr. Bowls
  I have asked the chief executive of the Coastguard Agency to write to, my hon. friend.

  Letter from C. J. Harris to Mr. Barry Field, dated 7 November 1996:
  The Secretary of State for Transport has asked me to reply to your recent Questions about the introduction of Digital Selcall, how it affects the use of VHF and our consultations with the RNLI on this subject.
  The Agency awarded a contract for Digital Selcall, more properly known as VHF Digital Selective Calling (VHF (DSC)), to GEC-Marconi Communications Ltd. on 3 October to supply and fit equipment at 105 sites around the UK coastline. Her Majesty's Coastguard will begin to be equipped with VHF (DSC) from mid-January with the aim of completing in February 1999 to coincide with the start date for full implementation of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS), of which VHF (DSC) forms a part. On 1 February 1999 GMDSS will become a requirement for all SOLAS Convention vessels over 300 Tonnes.
  As VHF radio, in particular the VHF Distress Channel 16, is essential for the voice response to VHF (DSC) digital alerts, there are no plans to phase it out.
  The total number of UK vessels with VHF licences is over 51,000 of which nearly 48,000 are pleasure vessels. Vessels which do not come under GMDSS legislation are not required to fit VHF (DSC). HM Coastguard is particularly anxious that non-compatibility of distress frequencies should not constitute a risk to the safety of non SOLAS Convention vessels which do not install VHF (DSC) equipment, and Ministers have already given a commitment not only to ensure that HM Coastguard maintains a listening watch on Channel 16 post I February 1999, but also that all SOLAS Convention ships in the UK search and rescue area should be encouraged to maintain watch on channel 16 where possible for as long as necessary. In addition to that the Coastguard Agency together with the Marine Safety Agency are presently pushing for agreement by the International Maritime Organisation and the World Radio Conference that channel 16 should continue to be monitored and used as a calling frequency for some time after 1 February 1999.
  Although RNLI lifeboats are not subject to SOLAS, the requirements for GMDSS have been discussed at liaison meetings between the Coastguard Agency and the RNLI. I understand that all the RNLI's All Weather Lifeboats will be fitted with both VHF and M/F DSC equipment. The existing distress frequencies distress frequencies will continue to be used as they are at present for distress communications. Communications between RNLI lifeboats and HM Coastguard will not be affected by the introduction of the GMDSS.

HOUSE OF COMMONS

  State Opening (Costs)
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Chairman of the Accommodation and Works Committee what was the total cost to the House of the state opening of parliament. [2806]

  Sir Raymond Powell
  The total cost of the state opening of Parliament on 23 October has not yet been calculated, but some £24,000 has been set aside by the House for this purpose.

  Line of Route Visitors
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Chairman of the Accommodation and Works Committee what plans he has to improve facilities for Line of Route visitors with 606
  specific reference to a cafeteria facility, improved toilets and facilities to shelter visitors when queuing in unfavourable weather. [2945]

  Sir Raymond Powell
  On 12 July 1994, the House approved the first report of Session 1992–93 from the Catering Committee which recommended that the area currently occupied by the Westminster Hall cafeteria should be converted into a visitor centre to include appropriate toilet facilities. This recommendation cannot be implemented until the opening of the new cafeteria in phase 2 of the new parliamentary building. There are no plans to improve the facilities to shelter visitors queuing in unfavourable weather which have been provided with in the Sovereign's Entrance since 1990.

  Palace of Westminster (Wheelchair Access)
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Chairman of the Accommodation and Works Committee (1) what plans he has to provide facilities that will allow access to wheelchair-bound hon. Members to all relevant areas of the Palace of Westminster with specific reference to the Chamber of the Commons; [2943]

  (2) what plans he has to improve facilities to allow access to wheelchair-bound visitors to the Line of Route, Terrace, dining and Committee rooms; [2944]

  (3) what plans he has to provide facilities that will allow access to wheelchair-bound civil servants to all relevant areas of the Commons with specific reference to the Officials' Box in the Chamber. [2946]

  Sir Raymond Powell
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Tooting (Mr. Cox) on 8 February 1995,Official Report, columns 243–45, which describes in detail the conclusions of the review by the Accommodation and Works Committee of access to the House for disabled people. Since then, the Parliamentary Works Directorate has implemented the approved improvements. These improvements enable hon. Members and civil servants who are wheelchair users to access relevant areas of the Palace of Westminster, including the Chamber of the Commons and visitors who are wheelchair users to access the Line of Route, the Terrace, and the dining and Committee rooms. There are no plans currently to make the Officials' Box in the Chamber accessible to wheelchair users. In the event that a wheelchair-using civil servant was required to support a Minister, it is envisaged that he or she would be able to do so from the area adjacent to the Officials' Box. However, a handrail has been fixed in the Officials' Box to assist persons with disabilities.

  Palace of Westminster (Works)
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Chairman of the Accommodation and Works Committee, pursuant to his answer of 31 October,Official Report, columns 220–21, what were the (a) objectives and (b) costs of the work to restore (i) the two fresco paintings off Central Lobby, (ii) the fresco painting in the House of Lords Chamber and (iii) the 35 oil paintings. [2926]

  Sir Raymond Powell
  The work was to conserve, restore and maintain the value of works of art. The cost to the House was approximately £30,000. The total cost of some £50,000 was shared with the House of Lords on a 60:40 basis.
  607
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Chairman of the Accommodation and Works Committee, pursuant to his answer of 31 October,Official Report, columns 220–21, what were the (a) objectives and (b) costs of the work on the second phase of overhaul of the Carriage Gates. [2905]

  Sir Raymond Powell
  The work on the second phase of the overhaul of the Carriage Gates was necessary to maintain the gate mechanism for security and for stonework and metalwork restoration. The cost to the House was approximately £29,400. The total cost of some £49,000 was shared with the House of Lords on a 60:40 basis.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Chairman of the Accommodation and Work Committee, pursuant to his answer of 31 October,Official Report, columns 220–21, what are the expected final costs of the full parliamentary data and video network cabling at (a) Star Chamber Court block, (b) Norman Shaw North floors 1 and 2, (c) House of Lords west front ground and first floors and (d) 1 The Abbey Garden. [2900]

  Sir Raymond Powell
  The expected final cost of this year's PDVN cabling work is as follows:(a) Star Chamber Court block and (c) House of Lords west front approximately £1.6 million—shared with the House of Lords on a 60:40 basis, cost to the House £960,000, (b) Norman Shaw North floors 1 and 2 (£300,000), and (d) 1 The Abbey Garden is administered by the House of Lords, for which I have no responsibility.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Chairman of the Accommodation and Works Committee, pursuant to his answer of 31 October,Official Report, columns 220–21, what proportion of the total spending was in areas and

  Project

  Objective

  In-year cost to the House £

  In-year total cost1 £

  Reconstruction of: (a) Members' Cafeteria (b) Strangers' Cafeteria

  Following a resolution of the House, to meet statutory requirements with regard to health and safety, hygiene, fire, ventilation and other building standards

  3 million

  3 million

  Repair work to (c) the roof of the Lords' Chamber (d) the Royal Gallery

  To cure leaks

  0.66 million

  1.1 million

  (e) PDVN cabling2

  To implement the resolution of the House to install the PDVN

  Palace: 0.96 million Norman Shaw North: 0.30 million

  1.6 million 0.3 million

  (f) Connection of all hon. Members' offices to colour televisions with clean feed from the Chamber

  To implement the resolution of the House

  0.145 million

  0.145 million

  (g) New servery in the Members' Tea Room

  To implement the resolution of the House to improve health, safety and hygiene standards

  85,000

  85,000

  (h) Furniture restoration for the Members' Tea Room

  To maintain appropriate standards

  31,000

  31,000

  (i) Renovation of the Speakers outer office

  To maintain appropriate standards

  24,000

  24,000

  (j) Redecoration of the Churchill Room

  To maintain appropriate standards

  24,000

  24,000

  608
  facilities used by (a) hon. Members, (b) House of Commons staff, (c) visitors, (d) disabled visitors and (e) disabled hon. Members, civil servants and staff. [2948]

  Sir Raymond Powell
  Since Members, staff and visitors share many areas of the parliamentary estate, it is not possible separately to identify the costs. During the last three years, considerable progress has been made on improving access to the parliamentary estate for disabled people. Depending upon the nature of an individual's disability, most of the spending in the summer of 1996 has been on facilities potentially available to people with disabilities.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Chairman of the Accommodation and Works Committee, pursuant to his answer of 31 October,Official Report, columns 220–22, what were the (i) objectives and (ii) total individual costs of the (a) reconstruction of the Members' Cafeteria, (b) reconstruction of the Strangers' Cafeteria, (c) repair work to the roof of the Lords Chamber, (d) repair work to the roof of the Royal Gallery, (e) full parliamentary data and video network cabling, (f) connection of all hon. Members' offices to colour televisions with clean feed from the Chamber, (g) new servery in the Members' Tea Room, (h) furniture restoration for the Members' Tea room, (i) renovation of the Speaker's outer office, (j) redecoration of the Churchill Room, (k) the refurbishment of the lavatories in (1) Upper Committee Corridor South, (2) opposite Committee Room 7 and (3) Commons Court block, second floor, and (l) refurbishment of the cash machines corridor; and if he will make a statement. [2947]

  Sir Raymond Powell
  The objectives forecast in-year costs relating to work in the House of Commons are as follows:
  609

  Project

  Objective

  In-year cost to the House £

  In-year total cost1 £

  (k) The refurbishment of the lavatories in:

  (1) Upper Committee Corridor South

  To provide adequate capacity as required by Members

  16,800

  28,000

  (2) Opposite Committee Room 7

  To conclude last years work on adaptions to provide a lavatory for the disabled

  15,000

  25,000

  (3) Commons Court Block— second floor

  To maintain appropriate standards

  9,000

  15,000

  (1) Refurbishment of the cash machines corridor;

  To complete the wheelchair access route, improve facilities as requested by Members and maintain appropriate standards

  72,000

  120,000

  1 The cost of shared projects listed is split between House of Commons and House of Lords in a ratio of 60:40

  2 PDVN cabling was also installed in areas administered by the House of Lords for which I have no responsibility

OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION

  Kenya
  Mr. Soley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received on torture and human rights abuses in Kenya; and what is the Government's policy on this matter. [1632]

  Dr. Liam Fox
  We receive reports from a variety of sources about human rights, including torture, in Kenya. This issue forms part of our ongoing dialogue with the Kenyan authorities. We take every suitable opportunity to remind the Government of Kenya of their obligations and of our concerns on this subject.

  Cameroon
  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations the British Government are making to the Government of Cameroon about the necessity of holding free and fair elections. [2657]

  Dr. Liam Fox
  Our high commissioner in Yaounde has stressed repeatedly to the Cameroonian Government the importance we attach to free and fair elections in Cameroon. My noble friend Baroness Challker outlined out concerns to the Cameroonian Deputy Foreign Minister during his visit to the United Kingdom in August and expressed our willingness to help Cameroon establish an independent electoral commission.

  Mr. Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the process of registering voters in Cameroon. [2656]

  Dr. Fox
  Registration of voters in Cameroon takes place each year from 1 January to 30 April. This year the period was extended by three months to 31 July. The Ministry for Territorial Administration estimates that 60 to 80 per cent. of those registered for the municipal elections in January have now re-registered which represents between 30 and 40 per cent. of those eligible to vote.

  Mr. Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the possibility of free and fair elections being held in Cameroon in 1997. [2655]
  610
  Dr. Fox
  Cameroon's electoral code provides a framework for free and fair elections. We have made clear to the Cameroonian Government the importance we attach to the establishment of an independent electoral commission and offered to help, if necessary. In conjunction with a number of other donors, we are launching a training programme for 2,000 Cameroonian election observers in preparation for the next year's legislative and presidential elections.

ATTORNEY-GENERAL

  Health and Safety
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Attorney-General on what dates legal advice was given as to the effect of the term "working environment, as regards the health and safety of workers" contained in article 118a of the European Community treaty. [2979]

  The Attorney-General
  By convention, the fact of whether the Law Officers have advised on a given issue is not disclosed, nor is the substance of any advice which may have been given.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Young Offenders
  Mrs. Anne Campbell
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what was the average length of time between arrest and conviction for young offenders in 1994–95. [937]

  Mr. Streeter
  The exact information requested is not available although similar figures are recorded by the magistrates courts time intervals survey. This survey collects information on defendants in indictable, including triable either way, cases against whom proceedings are completed in three sample weeks a year—in February, June and October. The June survey also collects information about proceedings in summary cases. The period which corresponds most closely with that requested is charge to verdict, although it is not possible to separate those defendants who were found guilty from those whose cases were dismissed.

  The average time from charge to verdict for defendants whose cases were dealt with by summary proceedings in the youth court, as reported by the surveys in the period

  611
  April 1994 to March 1995, was 84 days and 73 days for defendants charged with indictable and summary offences respectively. These figures include only defendants who were charged and not those who were summonsed. In addition, cases where proceedings did not progress as far as a verdict are excluded, for example, where charges were withdrawn.

  Child Sex Abuse
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what plans he has to extend the period in which actions can be brought under civil law by victims of child sex abuse. [2980]

  Mr. Streeter
  The Law Commission has undertaken a comprehensive review of the law of limitation periods with a view to its simplification and rationalisation, and the Government will consider the
  recommendations made when the Law Commission completes its report. We do not plan to modify the law relating to limitation of actions before then.

  Obstetric Intervention Cases
  Mrs. Wise
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department on how many occasions in the last five years the Official Solicitor has appeared in cases involving applications for obstetric interventions without the consent of the patient, and(a) in how many of these he acted as (i) guardian ad litem and (ii) amicus curiae, (b) on how many occasions the application resulted in an order, (c) in how many the use of force was explicitly authorised by the court, (d) in how many cases the patient was detained under the Mental Health Act 1983 and (e) in how many cases the patient was under the age of 18 years. [1844]

  Mr. Streeter
  The Official Solicitor has appeared in four cases in the last five years involving applications for obstetric interventions—emergency caesarean sections—without the consent of the patient,(a) in two cases he has acted as guardian ad litem and two as amicus curiae; (b) in each case an order authorising a caesarean section was made; (c) in two cases the use of force was explicitly authorised by the court; (d) two of the patients were detained under the Mental Health Act 1983; (e) none of the patients was under the age of 18 years. In three of the cases an emergency caesarean was performed. In one case a normal vaginal delivery took place.

  Mrs. Wise
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what guidance the president of the family division has issued to judges in the family division relating to applications for court orders for obstetric interventions without the consent of the patient. [1845]

  Mr. Streeter
  No guidance has been issued by the president of the family division on these matters. Every such application is to be considered by the judge concerned according to its merits.

  Outstanding Fines
  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department (1) what amount of fines imposed by magistrates courts is currently outstanding; and what plans he has to allow magistrates courts to charge interest on outstanding fines; [2561]
  612
  (2) what is the percentage of fines transferred to magistrates courts by Crown court for collection which are outstanding. [2556]

  Mr. Streeter
  Separate figures for outstanding fines imposed by the Crown court and magistrates courts are not available. However, from returns made to my Department by magistrates courts I can say that the total outstanding in respect of fines imposed by the Crown court and magistrates courts was about £239 million at the end of the June quarter this year. I have no plans to allow magistrates courts to charge interest on outstanding fines.

  Magistrates
  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what plans he has to give magistrates immunity from court action in respect of decisions taken by them in the discharge of their official duties. [2560]

  Mr. Streeter
  On 23 August 1996, the Lord Chancellor issued a consultation paper on this subject entitled, "Liability of Judicial Officers and others for Costs in Court Proceedings". Responses are requested by 29 November 1996. The matter will then be considered in light of representations made.

  Mr. Field
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department against how many magistrates' benches legal action is currently outstanding. [2559]

  Mr. Streeter
  This information is not kept centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Courts and Legal Services Act
  Ms Corston
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department when he plans to bring into effect section 13 of the Courts and Legal Services Act 1990, in respect of(a) abolition of the £5,000 administration order limit, (b) abolition of the requirement for a county court judgment and (c) the three-year limitation period; and if he will make a statement. [2369]

  Mr. Streeter
  The delay in implementing section 13 of the Courts and Legal Services Act 1990 is due to practical problems identified as likely to result from its operation. My Department has been seeking a way forward which avoids these problems, and this work will continue in the context of the changes to civil procedure recommended by Lord Woolf. In the meantime, a number of steps have already been taken to improve the operation of administration orders, including the introduction of guidance to court staff that the debts included in an application for such an order should be considered for composition by the district judge if the applicant cannot pay the outstanding debt within three years.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Deregulation
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the rules and regulations he proposes to repeal or amend by means of a reference to the Deregulation Committee before the end of 1996; and if he will make a statement. [1407]

  Mr. Hanley
  This Department issues very few rules and regulations. We have no current plans to repeal or amend any rules or regulations by the end of 1996.

  International Criminal Court
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to support the establishment of an international criminal court at the United Nations; and if he will make a statement. [2982]

  Dr. Liam Fox
  This Department supports the establishment of an international criminal court to try certain of the most serious crimes of concern to the international community. Our support for the establishment of such a court is dependent, among other things, upon its being a court of last resort in cases where states are unable or unwilling to act. A court should be established only if it is generally accepted by the international community.

  Asylum and Immigration Appeals
  Mr. David Martin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has been made in appointing a person, under section 10(3AA) of the Asylum and Immigration Appeals Act 1993, to monitor the refusals of entry clearance where there is no right of appeal by virtue of section 10(3A) of the Act. [3602]

  Dr. Liam Fox
  My right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs has invited Dame Elizabeth Anson to serve a second three-year term as the independent monitor of entry clearance refusals when her current term expires on 30 November. I am pleased to report that Dame Elizabeth has agreed to do so.

LORD PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL

  Information Technology Projects
  Ms Church
  To ask the Lord President of the Council how many information technology projects at the Office of the Lord President of the Council have been undertaken since 1992 and are planned for the coming year, in cost bands of £1,000,000. [1902]

  Mr. Newton
  Actual and planned Privy Council Office expenditure on information technology in the years in question is as follows:

  1992: £8,265

  1993: £11,057

  1994: £66,703

  1995: £15,165

  1996: £25,355.

  614
  These figures comprise the purchase cost of equipments, and the costs of training and maintenance. The equipments concerned are desk-top computers and printers. No specific projects can be separately identified. Figures for the three latest years include expenditure on items for the central drug co-ordination unit.

PRIME MINISTER

  Engagements
  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 7 November. [1093]

  The Deputy Prime Minister
  I have been asked to reply.

  This morning, my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister presided at a meeting of the Cabinet and had meetings with ministerial colleagues and others. My right hon. Friend has now departed for Bordeaux to attend the Anglo-French summit.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  World Trade Organisation
  Mr. Simpson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) when papers relating to the World Trade Organisation review in Singapore in December will be placed in the Library; [2319]

  (2) when Her Majesty's Government propose to produce a paper for the World Trade Organisation review. [2317]

  Mr. Lang
  My right hon. and learned Friend the Foreign Secretary and I will shortly lay before Parliament a White Paper setting out the Government's approach to trade policy and its interaction with UK foreign policy.

  Mr. Simpson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade who will be representing Her Majesty's Government at the World Trade Organisation review to be held in Singapore in December. [2238]

  Mr. Lang
  I will lead the UK delegation to the World Trade Organisation ministerial meeting in December in Singapore.

  Mr. Simpson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what preparations have been made by Her Majesty's Government for the World Trade Organisation review to be held in Singapore in December. [2280]

  Mr. Lang
  The Government have made extensive preparations for the World Trade Organisation ministerial meeting in Singapore on 9 to 13 December, in conjunction with the European Commission and other EU member states and in consultation with UK business, consumer and other interested organisations.

  Mr. Simpson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if her Majesty's Government are a signatory to the European policy paper for the World Trade Organisation review in December; and if he will make a statement. [2277]
  615
  Mr. Lang
  The Government have discussed European policy towards the World Trade Organisation ministerial meeting in December in Singapore, in the Council of Ministers. The most recent discussion took place on 29 October when the Council agreed conclusions to serve as guidelines for the EU in preparation for the meeting.

  My right hon. and learned Friend the Foreign Secretary and I will shortly lay before Parliament a White Paper setting out the Government's approach to trade policy and its interaction with UK foreign policy.

  Fireworks
  Mr. Snape
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what representations he has received from the Fire Brigades Union about the control and sale of fireworks; and if he will publish his reply. [2274]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  I received a considered and detailed response from the Fire Brigades Union covering all the issues set out in my Department's discussion document. I have not responded to each organisation on the comments they submitted, but all the views and suggestions received will be given careful consideration.

  Milkmen
  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what progress is being made in the inquiry by the Office of Fair Trading into the preference by dairy companies for their own milk roundsman as opposed to an independent milkman. [2597]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  This is a matter for the Director General of Fair Trading. I understand the hon. Member wrote to the DGFT on 8 August and that the deputy DGFT sent the hon. Member a holding reply on 28 August. In his letter, he informed the hon. Member that officials at the OFT were currently investigating this matter and that he would write to the hon. Member again when the investigating was complete. I understand that this remains the case.

  Petrol Prices
  Mr. Battle
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade when the requirement on petrol retailers to advertise the price of petrol in litre units rather than gallons was introduced. [2664]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  Petrol retailers have been required to display prices by reference to the litre since 1 October 1995, with the option of indicating the gallon-equivalent price alongside the price per litre.

  Fossil Fuel Levy
  Mr. Battle
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what estimate he has made of the income to be generated from the fossil fuel levy in each year from 1996 to 2005; and what estimates he has made of the proportion that will be spent in each of those years on(a) renewables, (b) Magnox, (c) British Nuclear Fuels plc, (d) administration and (e) other. [2666]

  Mr. Page
  The Director General of Electricity Supply normally calculates the expected income from the fossil fuel levy annually, with the intention that income in each 616
  year matches expenditure. In respect of renewables, premium payments to generators under the first and second non-fossil fuel orders currently amount to almost £100 million. These will cease when their contracts finish in 1998. Payments to generators under the third NFFO order will rise as their projects come on stream, as would payments to generators under the fourth NFFO order which we intend to lay in 1997 and the fifth NFFO order in 1998. The future cost is estimated for the UK as a whole as a maximum of £150 million a year, but the actual cost could be substantially less than this if renewables continue to make good progress in converging towards the market price for electricity. The nuclear NFFO contracts will end in March 1998. In respect of Magnox, I estimate that payments in 1996–97 will amount to £680 million—of which £310 million relates to the period before the privatisation of British Energy—and to £123 million in 1997–98. Annual payments to BNFL are likely to amount to £25million in both 1996–97 and 1997–98. The annual cost of administration of the levy scheme remains fairly constant at £400,000. There is no other expenditure from the levy.

  Mr. Battle
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans he has to make further reductions in the fossil fuel levy. [2667]

  Mr. Page
  Responsibility for the calculation of the fossil fuel levy rests with the Director General of Electricity Supply. In July this year, the DGES announced that the levy rate would fall from 10 per cent. to 3.7 per cent. from 1 November 1996, and that he anticipated that it should be possible to maintain or reduce the rate from 1 April 1997.

  Coal Mining
  Mr. Battle
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many people were employed in full-time equivalent terms in the coal mining industry in(a) 1992 and (b) 1996. [2665]

  Mr. Page
  Available information is as follows:

  Employees in Great Britain

  Mining and agglomeration of hard coal1

  Full-time

  Part-time

  Total

  19912

  76,700

  700

  77,400

  19932

  32,400

  400

  32,700

  19953

  10,400

  200

  10,600

  1 Standard Industrial Classification 1992.

  2 Sources: Census of Employment September 1991 and September 1993, Office for National Statistics. The census of employment was conducted every two years, so data are not available for even numbered years.

  3 Source: Annual Employment Survey September 1995 (which replaced the biennial census of Employment) Office for National Statistics.

  Financial Services Act 1986
  Mr. David Nicholson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many criminal investigations have been undertaken since 1 January 1995 into alleged breaches of section 47 of the Financial Services Act 1986; and what(a) advice, (b) information and (c) assistance has been given by his officials to these investigations. [2632]
  617
  Mr. John M. Taylor
  Since 1 January 1995, one criminal investigation into alleged breaches of section 47 of the Financial Services Act 1986 has been undertaken. That investigation is being carried out by investigation officers, who are my officials, under the supervision of lawyers of my Department.

  Pennine Commercial Holdings
  Mr. Bernard Jenkin
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if the inspectors appointed to investigate the affairs of Pennine Commercial Holdings plc have completed their report; and when it will be published. [3407]

  Mr. Lang
  The inspectors, Elizabeth Appleby QC and Peter Foss FCA, signed their report on 26 July 1996, thus completing the final stage of a series of inquiries, which commenced in 1983, into a group of six connected companies all of which were subsequently put into liquidation.

  By November 1989, the only report outstanding was that into Pennine. Although substantially complete, it remained unsigned until July, pending the outcome of appeals by individuals connected with Pennine against convictions on criminal charges relating to, among other things, the subject matter of the inspectors' inquiries.

  While the Department's general practice has been to publish reports by inspectors into public quoted companies, as Pennine formerly was, the Secretary of State has concluded that, in this case, publication is not justified.

  Limited Liability Partnerships Law (Jersey)
  Mr. Bernard Jenkin
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what action he intends to take in response to the draft limited liability partnerships law in Jersey with particular reference to United Kingdom professional firms moving their nominal registration to Jersey. [3406]

  Mr. Lang
  I am well aware of the concerns of many within the professions about the possible consequences of the unlimited liability of partners in the modern commercial environment. In a big modern partnership advising on large commercial transactions it may be impossible for partners to know all other partners and their work—yet their personal assets can be put at risk by the actions of their partners. The Government are determined to maintain a competitive and up-to-date legal framework for business in the UK. We are aware of recent developments in partnership law in other jurisdictions such as the United States of America and Jersey, and responses to a recent consultation were strongly in favour of dealing with this issue. The Government therefore intend to bring forward legislation at the earliest opportunity to make limited liability partnership available to regulated professions in the UK, subject to appropriate safeguards to protect the interests of those doing business with the limited liability partnership. To keep a level playing field with companies and partnerships registered in the UK, limited liability partnerships registered abroad but operating from a place of business in the UK will be required to file financial information equivalent to that to be required from limited liability partnerships registered 618
  in this country. The Government will publish before Easter full and detailed proposals for legislation, for consultation with all interested parties.

  Marketed Services (Productivity)
  Mr. Robert Ainsworth
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what is the United Kingdom's average level of productivity in marketed services; and what are the equivalent levels in other OECD countries. [548]

  Mr. Lang
  There are no published figures for average levels of productivity in market services in the UK. There is some evidence that our productivity across market services is still roughly a third less than in the US, France and Germany, but, on average, the gap has narrowed since 1979.

  Butte Mining
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade on what dates during 1993 and 1994 the then Minister for Corporate Affairs attended meetings to discuss whether disqualification proceedings should be taken against certain directors of Butte Mining arising from their conduct as directors of Butte Mining; and on what date the Minister decided that no proceedings should be brought. [2983]

  Mr. Lang
  It is not my Department's practice to comment on the affairs of individual companies.

  Information Technology Projects
  Ms Church
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many information technology projects have been undertaken since 1992 and are planned for the coming year, in cost bands of £1,000,000. [1897]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The information requested on IT projects undertaken by my Department since January 1992 is set out. Projects approved by the Department's next step agencies and funded from their budgets are not included. This information provided on projects below £200,000 and on planned projects is limited to that readily available from central records.

  Number approved

  Number planned

  Less than £200,000

  141

  7

  £200,000-£1 million

  7

  3

  £1 million-£2 million

  4

  1

  £2 million-£3 million

  2

  2

  £3 million-£4 million

  1

  0

  £4 million-£5 million

  2

  0

  £5 million-£6 million

  1

  0

  £6 million-£7 million

  0

  0

  £7 million-£8 million

  0

  0

  £8 million-£9 million

  2

  0

  £9 million-£10 million

  0

  0

  Over £10 million

  1

  0

  Privatised Utilities (Redundancies)
  Mr. Clapham
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many workers have been made unemployed by the privatised gas, water, electricity and telecoms utilities between April 1992 and April 1996; and what is the estimated cost to public funds. [2974]
  619
  Mr. John M. Taylor
  This is a commercial matter for the companies concerned. There are long-term benefits to the whole economy from allowing resources, including labour, to move to more productive uses, and to the extent that redundant employees find alternative employment there would be benefits to public funds as well as to the economy.

  British Energy
  Mr. Clapham
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade when he last discussed matters with British Energy. [2977]

  Mr. Page
  Under the UK nuclear site licensing regime, nuclear operators must demonstrate the safety of nuclear installations to the satisfaction of the nuclear industry's independent regulator, the Health and Safety Executive's nuclear installations inspectorate. Therefore, while Ministers might discuss, in general terms, safety issues with nuclear licensees such as British Energy, operational safety at nuclear installations is a matter for licencees in consultation with the regulator.

  Mr. Clapham
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what guarantees British Energy has given that its proposal to shed jobs over the next three years will not affect safety standards. [2976]

  Mr. Page
  For British Energy, ensuring safety at its nuclear installations is an absolute prerequisite for its future business success. In announcing its proposals to reduce staff numbers as part of its aim of reducing costs and improving the overall efficiency of the company, British Energy made it clear that these staff reductions will in no way compromise the company's commitment to safety. The nuclear industry's independent regulator, the Health and Safety Executive's nuclear installations inspectorate, is being fully consulted on the proposed changes and will need to be satisfied that the proposals remain consistent with arrangements for the management of safety within British Energy.

  Alco-pop
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what proposals he has to ensure that alco-pop drinks are not marketed to under-18s. [1804]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The Government believe that self-regulation is the most effective way to control alcohol advertising. We welcome the responsible approach taken by the Portman Group and its members in drawing up a voluntary code of practice for the packaging, marketing and sale of alcoholic soft drinks in response to concerns about these drinks and their appeal to young people. There is, therefore, no need for action by Government in this area.

  Competition Law
  Dr. Howells
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what proportion of submissions received in 1996 by his Department on proposals for competition law reform were broadly in favour of(a) the incorporation of measures similar to article 85 of the treaty of Rome into United Kingdom law and (b) the introduction of a prohibition approach to anti-competitive agreements. [2245]
  620
  Mr. John M. Taylor
  Responses were almost universally in favour of a prohibition approach to anti-competitive agreements following the broad framework of article 85, with a majority preferring that the prohibition set out in article 85(1) should be narrowed in scope along the lines suggested in the consultation document.

  Dr. Howells
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what progress his Department has made since the publication of the Green Paper "Abuse of Market Power" in 1992; and if he will make a statement. [2244]

  Mr. Taylor
  The Government announced in April 1993 that they intended to strengthen the existing provisions in the Fair Trading Act 1973 and the Competition Act 1980 to deal with abuse of market power A consultation document issued in March 1996, "Tackling Cartels and the Abuse Market Power—a consultation document", set out specific proposals on how the existing framework should be strengthened. Draft clauses which would give effect to the proposals to strengthen the fair trading and competition Acts were published in August 1996 as part of a draft competition Bill.

  Dr. Howells
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the advantages of introducing a prohibition approach to United Kingdom competition law. [2248]

  Mr. Taylor
  The Government believe that their proposals to replace the present Restrictive Trade Practices Act 1977 with a prohibition of anti-competitive agreements will be a more efficient and effective way of dealing with the control of anti-competitive agreements.

  On a prohibition of abuse of market, the Government remain of the view that no compelling case has been made in favour of a prohibition-based system for the economy at large. The difficulties of clearly defining abuse risk deterring genuinely competitive behaviour. The Government are, however, happy to promote further public debate on this matter.

  Dr. Howells
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many submissions have been received to date following the publication of the consultation paper "Tackling Cartels and the Abuse of Market Power". [2246]

  Mr. Taylor
  My Department has published two consultation documents under this heading this year, the first a consultation document on the detailed policy options for implementing the Government's proposals, the second a document containing a draft Bill.

  In response to the first document, we have received 109 submissions. In response to the second document, we have received 91 submissions to date.

  Dr. Howells
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how much departmental time was spent in preparation of the consultation paper "Tackling Cartels and the Abuse of Market Power." [2247]

  Mr. Taylor
  My Department has issued two consultation documents under this heading this year, the first a consultation document on the detailed policy options for implementing the Government's proposals, the second a document containing a draft Bill: 1.4 man years were spent in preparing the first document, 3.2 man years in preparing the second.

  Multi-fibre Arrangement
  Mr. Rooney
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) what discussions took place at the Council of Ministers meeting on 25 October regarding the multi-fibre arrangement; [2987]

  (2) what discussions he has had with the World Trade Organisation regarding the operation of the multi-fibre arrangement; [2986]

  (3) what representations he has recently received regarding the operation of the multi-fibre arrangement. [2988]

  Mr. Lang
  My Department has been consulting the British textile and clothing industry, retailers, importers and consumers about the basis on which the European Union should implement stage 2 of the phase-out of the general agreement on tariffs and trade multi-fibre arrangement on 1 January 1998. The General Affairs Council has not yet considered the matter but is likely to take a decision on 25 November. Decisions on this sort by textile importing countries, including the EU, are a matter for them and are not up for negotiation at the ministerial meeting of the World Trade Organisation to be held in Singapore from 9 to 13 December.

  Deregulation
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what regulations his Department proposes to repeat by the end of 1996; if he proposes to conduct a compliance cost assessment on each resolution repealed; and what is the estimated cost of undertaking a compliance cost assessment to determine the advantages and disadvantages of each repeal. [1404]

  Mr. Page
  My Department currently proposes to repeal the following regulations by the end of 1996:

  Trade Descriptions (Place of Production) (Marking) Order 1988;

  The Rag Flock (Other Filling Materials) Act 1951;

  The Rag Flock and Other Filling Materials Regulations 1981;

  The Stand for Carry-Cot (Safety) Regulations 1966;

  The Gas Catalytic Heaters (Safety) Regulations 1984;

  The Asbestos Products (Safety) Regulations 1985;

  The Asbestos Products (Safety) (Amendment) Regulations 1987; and

  The Quotations Regulations 1989.

  My Department currently proposes to repeal and replace the following regulations by the end of 1996:

  The Sex Discrimination and Equal Pay (Remedies) Regulations 1993;

  The Race Relations (Interest on Awards) Regulations 1994; and

  The Dual-Use and Related Goods (Export Control) Regulations 1995.

  Since the effect in each case will be to reduce rather than increase, compliance costs, a compliance cost assessment is not required. Departments do, however, seek to estimate approximate savings wherever possible. The cost of undertaking a CCA varies from case to case, but it is generally modest. Because part of the cost falls on the businesses consulted, a full CCA would be inappropriate for measures designed to reduce business burdens. If, however, a replacement regulation would increase burdens, a CCA will be produced.

  Television Decoders
  Mr. Renton
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what steps he is taking to ensure that his television decoder to be used for digital satellite programmes is also available at fair and reasonable cost for digital terrestrial programmes. [2053]

  Mr. Ian Taylor
  [holding answer 6 November 1996]:] Regulations have been in place since 23 August this year, well in advance of any manufacturing agreements for decoders, which deal with the licensing of decoder technology. The regulations—1996/2185—provide that licensing of proprietary technology for conditional access to manufacturers of consumer equipment must be undertaken on fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory terms. Owners of such technology, when licensing one manufacturer, must therefore consider applications for additional licences from other manufacturers—perhaps acting on behalf of other broadcasters operating on other delivery systems—and must grant or refuse such applications on fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory terms. If a manufacturer or broadcaster believes he is being unfairly refused a licence, the regulations allow him to take immediate action in court against the owner of the technology.

  Taken together, these will enable manufacturers to supply set-top boxes which either incorporate facilities for terrestrial and satellite reception, or to which such facilities could be added at a fair and reasonable cost, should they see a market for such receivers which is worth pursuing.

  The regulations also prohibit the owner of the technology from dissuading a manufacturer from including additional conditional access technology or a common interface in the same decoder. A common interface allows for the attachment of additional conditional access components and other components of the digital decoder—for example, a receiver for another deliver mechanism such as digital terrestrial.

  The Government do not intend to impose requirements which will increase the cost of set-top boxes, the equipment which will be used to decode digital television signals, by mandating the inclusion of facilities which consumers may not wish to use. However, the European standards for digital television are designed to assist manufacturers who wish to produce receivers capable of receiving and decoding both satellite and terrestrial signals, or to which additional reception capabilities can be added.

  In due course, conditional access systems are likely to be integrated in the television set, the manufacturers of which will seek to provide access to a wide range of broadcasters.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Learning Credits
  Mr. Steinberg
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to introduce learning credits for 16 to 19-year-old students. [2207]
  623
  Mr. Paice
  The Government propose to bring together, into a single entitlement to learning expressed in the form of a credit, their existing guarantee of training and the statutory duty of the Further Education Funding Council to secure sufficient and adequate education for young people. All young people would be issued with a learning credit as they complete their compulsory education. Learning credits, which would not be cash based, would build on the best of youth credits arrangements already operated by training and enterprise councils. Careers services, working closely with providers, would have an important role in issuing the credit as part of the information and guidance they provide to all young people.

  The Government believe that the learning credits approach, taken together with the work proposed to secure greater convergence of post-16 funding arrangements, would further strengthen the choices young people make and the responsiveness of providers to them. They intend to consult on learning credits in December, with a view to their phased introduction from 1997.

  Drug and Alcohol Abuse
  Mr. Cummings
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what financial provision is being made to(a) the local education authority and (b) voluntary organisations in the county of Durham to increase awareness of drug and alcohol-related problems. [2406]

  Mrs. Gillan
  Under the grants for education support and training programme for 1996–97, £67,450 has been made available to Durham LEA in support of in-service training of teachers whose responsibilities include drug education in schools; and £14,000 in support of training for youth and community workers in raising their awareness of and developing skills for dealing with young people at risk from, or in the early stages of, drug abuse.

  Mr. Cummings
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many school absences of pupils have been related to drug and alcohol abuse in the county of Durham since 1992. [2407]

  Mrs. Gillan
  This information is not collected centrally. Information on levels of authorised and unauthorised absence is collected annually in respect of all day pupils of compulsory school age, but schools are not required to break their absence totals down by cause of absence.

  Mr. Cummings
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many school children in the county of Durham have received treatment and counselling for alcohol dependency since 1992. [2408]

  Mr. Burns
  I have been asked to reply.

  This information is not available centrally.

  Physics Examinations
  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what percentage of students sitting the A-level examination in physics obtained passes at A, B and C grades(a) in 1976 and (b) in 1996. [2438]
  624
  Mrs. Gillan
  The percentage of students obtaining passes at grades A, B and C in GCE A-level physics syllabuses examined in 1976 were 9.5 per cent., 13.3 per cent. and 12.5 per cent. respectively. The corresponding figures for the syllabuses examined in 1996 were 20.6 per cent., 19.1 per cent. and 17.9 per cent.

  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) if she will calculate the number of questions, accounting for what percentage of the marks, a candidate prepared for the 1976 A-level examination in physics could have answered in the 1996 examination; [2435]

  (2) if she will calculate the number of questions, accounting for what percentage of marks, a candidate prepared for the 1976 0-level examination in physics could have answered in the 1996 GCSE examination; [2436]

  (3) if she will calculate the number of questions, accounting for what percentage of marks, a candidate prepared for the 1996 A-level examination in physics could have answered in the 1976 examination. [2437]

  Mrs. Gillan
  The examination boards have always offered a range of physics syllabus at GCE A-level, GCE 0-level and, since 1986, GCSE. It is therefore not possible to calculate the precise number of questions common to physics examinations in 1976 and 1996.

  European Structural Fund
  Mr. Burden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) how much money has been withheld from the United Kingdom by the European Commission as a result of the Government's decision not to participate in objective 4 of the European structural fund(a) as a percentage of the total United Kingdom allocation and (b) in pounds sterling for the period 1994 to 1996; [2403]

  (2) what sum has been withheld from (a) the west midlands region and (b) the city of Birmingham by the European Commission as a result of the Government's decision not to participate in objective 4 of the European structural funds (i) as a percentage of the total United Kingdom allocation and (ii) in pounds sterling for the period 1994 to 1996. [2405]

  Mr. Paice
  Some 3,377 million ecu are available for spending in Great Britain under objectives 3 and 4 of the structural funds between 1994 and 1999. The objective 3 plan for 1994 to 1996 period, which was agreed with the European Commission, provided for 1,501 million of that money to be spent in the UK. The remaining 1,876 million ecu are available for spending in Great Britain under objectives 3 and 4 of the structural funds between 1997 and 1999. The plans for spending that money are currently being negotiated.

  Mr. Burden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what sums her Department estimates will be withheld from the United Kingdom European Commission as a result of the Government's decision not to participate in objective 4 of the European structural fund(a) as a percentage of the total United Kingdom by the allocation and (b) in pounds sterling for 1997 to 1999. [2404]
  625
  Mr. Paice
  There is no reason to believe that any sums will be withheld by the European Commission for 1997 to 1999. Officials are currently negotiating plans with the Commission for the combined budget for objective 3 and 4 between 1997 and 1999.

  Mr. Burden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what factors underlay her Department's decision not to participate in objective 4 of the European structural fund, and what plans she has to review her policy. [2398]

  Mr. Paice
  We preferred to spend the joint budget for objective 3 and 4 on help for unemployed people. Officials are currently negotiating the use of the budget for 1997 to 1999 with the European Commission.

  Medical Pay Awards
  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans she has to make an announcement on the alignment of academic medical pay awards this year with medical pay awards generally within the NHS; and if she will make a statement. [2662]

  Mr. Forth
  My right hon. Friend holds to the view that academic medical pay awards should generally be aligned with NHS medical pay awards, settled following the Doctors and Dentists Remuneration Review Body recommendations, but it is for university and college employers to set pay levels.

  Barnsley and Doncaster Training and Education Council
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what steps her Department

  Financial Years

  Cost band

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–95

  1995–96

  1996–97

  Total

  £0-£1 million

  68

  43

  61

  71

  81

  324

  £1-£2 million

  —

  —

  —

  1

  1

  2

  £2-£3 million

  1

  —

  1

  —

  —

  2

  £3-£4 million

  1

  1

  —

  —

  —

  2

  £4-£11 million

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  £11-£12 million

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  The project numbers for 1996–97 include those planned and started. Further projects will be added for the coming year after the annual round of consultations with customers.

  Sponsor Governors
  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what are the functions and purpose of proposed sponsor governors for county and controlled schools; under what circumstances she would expect to use her proposed powers of direction; and what financial arrangements she would expect to be agreed prior to her decision to make a directive. [2693]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  The Department proposes to enable county, voluntary-controlled and special agreement secondary schools have to have sponsor governors. This 626
  is taking to encourage partnerships between Barnsley and Doncaster TEC and the local employment service. [2677]

  Mr. Paice
  Barnsley and Doncaster TEC has in place a joint statement of arrangement with the two local Employment Service district offices in its area, for liaison and co-operation. This results in regular meetings between the TEC, Employment Service district managers and lead suppliers to discuss and take forward operational matters.

  The statement of arrangement has been strengthened this year by the addition of specific targets for training for work referrals and starts; and arrangements for joint monitoring of performance.

  Testing
  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assessment(a) she and (b) bodies receiving public funds, have made of the impact of the joint requirements of the national curriculum and key stage testing on the ability of school staff and heads to order the manner of individual and corporate learning most likely to attain the objectives set out by The national forum for values. [2694]

  Mrs. Gillan
  None. Such assessment would be premature, given that the School Curriculum and Assessment Authority has only just started consulting on the recommendations of its national forum for values in Education and the Community.

  Information Technology Projects
  Ms Church
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many information technology projects have been undertaken since 1992 and are planned for the coming year, in cost bands of 1,000,000. [1905]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  The number of information technology projects undertaken since 1992 is:

  will help such schools strengthen their links with the business world and enable sponsors to take part in governance to the mutual benefit of school and sponsor. Similar arrangements exist for grant-maintained and voluntary-aided schools. We would expect a direction to be made only after a request by the governing body of a school designated as a specialist school to change its instrument of government to include sponsor governors. No financial arrangements would need to be agreed prior to a decision to make a directive.

  Competitive Admissions
  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment who will be responsible for(a) deciding on the criteria of tests used, (b) conducting the tests or examinations and (c) establishing

  627
  arrangements for external adjudicators for a maintained school which has received approval to obtain its annual entry by means of a competitive admissions policy. [2695]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  The admission arrangements of a selective or partially selective school are, and will continue to be, the responsibility of the relevant school admission authority: the local education authority in the case of a county or controlled school and the governing body in the case of a voluntary-aided, special agreement or grant-maintained school.

  Education Bill
  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if she will send a copy of the Education Bill to each primary and secondary maintained school head teacher in England and Wales, together with a letter requesting them to report in respect of(a) each clause, (b) each group of clauses and (c) related schedules, (i) any problems they foresee in their implementation and (ii) any likely consequential effects. [2696]

  Mr. Forth
  No. Many of the proposals in the Bill have already been the subject of widespread consultation and we doubt whether head teachers would welcome such a request.

  Disabled Pupils
  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what estimates she has made of the resources available to each local education authority to provide(a) extra facilities, (b) extra teachers and (c) extra funds, over those allocated under local management of schools formulae, to be devoted to meeting the special behavioural and scholastic needs of pupils in mainstream (i) primary and (ii) secondary schools, not being schools already wholly devoted to the needs of pupils with innate disabilities. [2697]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  It is for the LEAs to decide how to allocate the resources at their disposal, for which Government provision is made in the light of the full range of LEAs' responsibilities.

  Grant-maintained Schools
  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment from what source she expects the Funding Agency for Schools to obtain the costs of establishing a new grant-maintained school under powers granted to it. [2698]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  The capital costs that fall to the Funding Agency for Schools when it establishes a new grant-maintained school would have to be met from the capital resources available to the agency. The recoupment of recurrent costs from the local education authority in which a new GM school is situated will be considered case by case.

  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, pursuant to her answer of 4 November,Official Report, column 376, if borrowing by grant-maintained schools to expand their capacity by up to 50 per cent. by means of commercial borrowing or the private finance initiative, will be taken into account in their grant formula as distinct from the formulae used for schools of their category expanding their capacity. [2985]
  628
  Mr. Squire
  It is for the Funding Agency for Schools to decide how the sums available for GM schools' capital are distributed among individual schools in the light of the priorities for GM capital spending.

  Pupil Selection
  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, pursuant to her answer of 4 November,Official Report, column 379, concerning the selection of pupils for secondary schools by aptitude or ability, what studies she has evaluated in respect of the indications of general academic ability at the age of 16 years which can be predicted by tests at the age of 11 years; who are the admissions authorities determining which tests are to be applied; and how many persons will be responsible for making these decisions. [2984]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  Research on value added in education consistently shows that prior attainment is the best single predictor of subsequent academic performance. Local education authorities and schools often compare the attainment of pupils entering secondary education with achievements at age 16, for management and other purposes. It is for the relevant school admission authority to decide if tests of aptitude or ability should form part of the admissions process.

  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, pursuant to her answer of 4 November,Official Report, columns 379–80, concerning the proposed duty of grant-maintained and non-grant-maintained secondary schools to consider annually the introduction of selective entry, what estimate she has made of the percentage of parents of primary school children who prefer selective admission arrangements for secondary schools; and what sample polls she has conducted concerning such preferences. [2993]

  Mr. Squire
  A survey carried out for the Association of Teachers and Lecturers, published on 22 January 1996, found that half those parents surveyed favoured selective education. Existing selective schools are popular with parents and many are significantly oversubscribed.

  Secondary Schools
  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, pursuant to her oral statement of 29 October,Official Report, column 471, concerning the successful co-existence of selective and comprehensive secondary schools, if she will list those local education authorities in whose areas such co-existence exists without prejudicing the standard of education of secondary school pupils. [2994]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  My right hon. Friend was referring to comments made by the hon. Member for Colchester, North (Mr. Jenkin) about educational standards in areas with both wholly selective and non-selective schools. In the majority of such areas the proportion of children receiving five or more GCSE grades A* to C is higher than the national average.

  Minority Languages
  Mr. Rooney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what advice is issued by her Department to examination boards on the range of minority languages to be offered at A-level. [2989]

  Mrs. Gillan
  None.

  Selective Education
  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if she will take steps to ascertain the views of parents of children under the age of 11 years on proposals to introduce a system of selective education within the areas of those local education authorities where no such system currently exists in the maintained sector of secondary education. [2992]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  Governing bodies are best placed to assess local parental demand for the introduction or extension of selection in their schools. The Education Bill proposes that they should be required to consider the issue annually.

  Bengali
  Mr. Rooney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what representations she has received regarding the availability of Bengali as an A-level subject. [2991]

  Mrs. Gillan
  My right hon. Friend has received letters about the availability of Bengali as an A-level subject from the hon. Members for Cardiff, West (Mr. Morgan) and for Bath (Mr. Foster).

  Mr. Rooney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment which examination boards currently offer Bengali as an A-level subject. [2990]

  Mrs. Gillan
  The Northern examination and assessment board currently offers Bengali at GCE A-level.

  Personal Services
  Mrs. Helen Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) how many jobs in the personal services industry, with special reference to male escort agencies, are classed as vacancies at jobcentres; and if she will break down the information by region; [2915]

  (2) into what classification the Employment Service places jobs in the personal services industry, with special reference to jobs in male escort agencies and editing adult magazines; [2916]

  (3) what guidelines are issued to jobcentre staff in respect of training advice on personal safety to female jobseekers who have been recommended to apply for jobs in the personal services industry, with special reference to work for escort agencies and adult magazines; [2918]

  (4) if a jobseeker is entitled to refuse to attend an interview for work in the personal services industry without putting their benefit at risk. [2917]

  Mr. Forth
  Responsibility for the subject of the questions has been delegated to the Employment Service agency under its chief executive. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.
  630
  Letter from M. E. G. Fogden to Mrs. Helen Jackson dated 7 November 1996:
  The Secretary of State for Education and Employment has asked me to write to you direct about your questions of 4 November concerning vacancies in the personal services industry advertised in Jobcentres. This falls within my responsibility as Chief Executive of the Employment Service.
  The information you requested on the number of jobs in the personal services industry which are classed as vacancies is not available and the Employment Service does not collect specific information on the number of vacancies with male escort agencies.
  The Employment Service does not classify vacancies as being in the personal services industry. All vacancies are classed according to the occupation.
  All Jobcentres have guidance which gives points to check when considering the suitability of vacancies to ensure jobseekers are not put at risk. Jobcentres seek as much information as possible about the job, its location, whether the duties or hours are different from those normally expected for the type of job and whether the arrangements for interview are outside normal working hours and away from the work premises. For vacancies in the personal services sector special regard is paid to these factors.
  In addition there is a leaflet available to jobseekers in all Jobcentres titled "Be Alert" which describes the steps to take to ensure personal safety when seeking work from an employer.
  Guidance issued to Jobcentres state that if they are notified of vacancies which require models, offer employment in sauna baths, massage parlours, escort and kissogram agencies, or other personal/telephone services special regard should be paid to the reputation of the employer. Details are sought of establishment and conditions of training and employment, whether the hours of work or the location or interview arrangements give cause for concern and whether there is any indication of a lack of professional standards. Jobcentres are advised that where any concerns arise around the above issues that such vacancies should he treated with caution and in any cases of doubt they should refuse to handle the vacancies.
  The Jobseeker's Act provides that jobseekers may be sanctioned for refusing or failing to apply for, or refusing or failing to accept a job notified to them by an officer of the Employment Service. Guidance to people in local offices emphasises that any vacancies offered to the jobseeker must be those which they are table to undertake. It would not be in either the jobseeker's or the employer's interests to submit jobseekers to vacancies for which they were unsuitable.
  Jobseekers are told at the time they are made aware of a suitable vacancy that refusal or failure to apply for the job, or subsequent non-acceptance of the job offered, may result in loss of Jobseeker's Allowance. This ensures that the jobseeker can make their decision in the full knowledge of the consequences.
  If the jobseeker subsequently refuses to apply for, or accept, a suitable job the case will be sent to an independent adjudication officer to determine whether the jobseeker had good cause for their refusal. The adjudication officer will examine the suitability of the job offered and the jobseekers reasons for refusal. In addition where the jobseeker refused the vacancy due to any sincerely held religious or conscientious objection this would constitute good cause.
  I hope this is helpful in clarifying the position.

  Teachers (Early Retirement)
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many (i) head teachers, (ii) deputy head teachers and (iii) teachers took early retirement on the grounds of ill health(a) in total and (b) in each local education authority in the financial year 1995–96; and if she will make a statement. [2970]

  Mrs. Gillan
  The following table shows the numbers of teachers in service at 31 March 1995 who were awarded ill-health retirement in the financial year 1995–96. The table covers the maintained nursery, primary, secondary and special education sector in England.
  631

  Ill-health retirements in financial year 1995–96 (provisional)

  Heads

  Deputies

  Classroom teachers

  Corporation of London

  0

  0

  0

  Camden

  0

  *

  18

  Greenwich

  *

  0

  16

  Hackney

  *

  *

  9

  Hammersmith and Fulham

  *

  0

  16

  Islington

  *

  *

  5

  Kensington and Chelsea

  *

  0

  8

  Lambeth

  0

  0

  16

  Lewisham

  *

  0

  10

  Southwark

  *

  0

  13

  Tower Hamlets

  0

  0

  8

  Wandsworth

  0

  *

  11

  Westminster

  *

  *

  7

  Barking and Dagenham

  *

  *

  6

  Barnet

  *

  0

  18

  Bexley

  *

  *

  8

  Brent

  0

  *

  10

  Bromley

  7

  0

  12

  Croydon

  *

  0

  17

  Ealing

  0

  *

  11

  Enfield

  *

  0

  16

  Haringey

  6

  *

  7

  Harrow

  0

  *

  13

  Havering

  *

  *

  17

  Hillingdon

  0

  *

  9

  Hounslow

  *

  *

  20

  Kingston upon Thames

  *

  *

  12

  Merton

  *

  *

  *

  Newham

  0

  0

  11

  Redbridge

  *

  0

  7

  Richmond upon Thames

  *

  0

  8

  Sutton

  0

  *

  13

  Waltham Forest

  *

  *

  16

  Birmingham

  6

  9

  93

  Coventry

  0

  *

  25

  Dudley

  *

  *

  23

  Sandwell

  *

  *

  20

  Solihull

  0

  *

  12

  Walsall

  *

  *

  30

  Wolverhampton

  0

  *

  19

  Knowsley

  *

  0

  12

  Liverpool

  *

  *

  40

  St. Helens

  *

  *

  11

  Sefton

  *

  *

  24

  Wirral

  *

  *

  26

  Bolton

  *

  *

  19

  Bury

  *

  *

  17

  Manchester

  *

  *

  34

  Oldham

  *

  *

  18

  Rochdale

  5

  *

  26

  Salford

  0

  *

  21

  Stockport

  *

  *

  32

  Tameside

  *

  *

  21

  Trafford

  *

  *

  23

  Wigan

  *

  5

  22

  Barnsley

  0

  5

  16

  Doncaster

  *

  *

  24

  Rotherham

  *

  *

  14

  Sheffield

  6

  *

  31

  Bradford

  7

  5

  37

  Calderdale

  *

  *

  20

  Kirklees

  *

  *

  38

  Leeds

  *

  6

  70

  Wakefield

  5

  *

  40

  Gateshead

  *

  *

  26

  Newcastle upon Tyne

  0

  0

  18

  North Tyneside

  *

  *

  9

  South Tyneside

  *

  *

  13

  Sunderland

  *

  *

  32

  Avon

  12

  7

  55

  Bedfordshire

  *

  5

  34

  Berkshire

  *

  *

  54

  Buckinghamshire

  5

  *

  41

  Cambridgeshire

  *

  5

  35

  Cheshire

  12

  7

  72

  Cleveland

  5

  11

  70

  Cornwall

  12

  7

  35

  632

  Ill-health retirements in financial year 1995–96 (provisional)

  Heads

  Deputies

  Classroom teachers

  Cumbria

  5

  9

  33

  Derbyshire

  14

  9

  46

  Devon

  17

  9

  74

  Dorset

  6

  0

  47

  Durham

  6

  11

  82

  East Sussex

  8

  *

  37

  Essex

  9

  14

  107

  Gloucestershire

  5

  *

  32

  Hampshire

  11

  12

  123

  Hereford and Worcester

  12

  8

  58

  Hertfordshire

  *

  *

  71

  Humberside

  5

  13

  85

  Isle of Wight

  *

  0

  15

  Kent

  26

  9

  128

  Lancashire

  24

  19

  167

  Leicestershire

  6

  5

  68

  Lincolnshire

  9

  *

  40

  Norfolk

  16

  11

  57

  North Yorkshire

  7

  5

  37

  Northamptonshire

  6

  5

  67

  Northumberland

  5

  *

  25

  Nottinghamshire

  13

  8

  75

  Oxfordshire

  *

  *

  43

  Shropshire

  7

  *

  27

  Somerset

  15

  6

  48

  Staffordshire

  8

  11

  113

  Suffolk

  8

  *

  49

  Surrey

  7

  5

  50

  Warwickshire

  5

  *

  37

  West Sussex

  8

  *

  25

  Wiltshire

  5

  *

  38

  England

  479

  374

  3,627

  In order to avoid sensitive information about individuals being identified, numbers less than five are shown as asterisks.

  Disability Discrimination Act 1995
  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when she proposes to make regulations under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 in respect of the questions procedure. [3499]

  Mrs. Gillan
  We have today laid regulations under section 56 of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. These regulations will provide someone, the complainant, who believes he or she may have been discriminated against under the Act's employment provisions with a questionnaire to ask questions of the person believed to have discriminated, the respondent. The regulations also provide for a form with which the respondent can reply. These forms will be included in a booklet together with guidance on how to complete them. The booklet will be available free of charge from jobcentres, citizens advice bureaux and the DDA information line and can be provided in Braille and audio cassette format. The procedure will assist the complainant in deciding whether or not to start proceedings and, if proceedings are started, in formulating and presenting a case in the most effective manner.

  International Labour Conference
  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans she has for publishing the White Paper on the instruments adopted at the 82nd session of the International Labour Conference 1995. [3500]

  Mr. Paice
  My right hon. Friend has today published the White Paper entitled "International Labour Conference" which gives details of the instruments
  633
  adopted at the 82nd session of the International Labour Conference 1995 and sets out the Government's intentions in relation to these new instruments.

NATIONAL HERITAGE

  Information Technology Projects
  Ms Church
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage how many information technology projects have been undertaken since 1992 and are planned for the coming year, in cost bands of £1,000,000. [1903]

  Mr. Sproat
  The Department of National Heritage has undertaken 23 information technology projects since 1992 and seven are planned for 1996–97. All these projects fall into the cost band £0 to £1,000,000.

  British Museum
  Sir Patrick Cormack
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what additional resources she plans to make available to the British museum to compensate for the sum paid by the British library as a contribution to the running costs of the Bloomsbury site. [2805]

  Mr. Sproat
  The Government have already provided some additional resources to the British museum. In November 1993, the then Secretary of State, the right hon. Member for City of London and Westminster, South (Mr. Brooke), announced that the Government would provide the British museum with an additional £1 million per annum from 1996–97 onwards, in recognition of the consequences of the departure of the British library from Bloomsbury.

  The Government are considering the museum's case for funding most carefully. Grant in aid allocations will be announced immediately after the Chancellor of the Exchequer's Budget statement.

  Deregulation
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what regulations her Department proposes to repeal by the end of 1996; if she proposes to conduct a compliance cost assessment on each regulation repealed; and what is the estimated cost of undertaking a compliance cost assessment to determine the advantages or disadvantages of each repeal. [2912]

  Mr. Sproat
  The Department of National Heritage does not plan any repeals before the end of 1996. When regulations are identified for repeal, the effect is to reduce rather than increase compliance costs. Therefore, although we seek to identify approximate savings where possible, a compliance cost assessment is not required. Because part of the cost falls on the businesses consulted, a full CCA is not appropriate either for measures designed to reduce business burdens.

HEALTH

  Homelessness
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the primary care projects in England to help homeless people funded by his Department. [1033]
  634
  Mr. Burns
  The Department has funded 35 primary health care projects in England to help homeless people to access the health care services that they need. These projects are listed in the following table. Main funding for the 35 schemes finished by 31 March 1996 but the Department still monitors the schemes and continues to make available non cash-limited funding for general practitioner sessions for 26 projects.

  Primary Health Care Projects

  Projects that no longer receive cash limited funding but continue to receive non-cash limited funding, for GP sessions only:

  Bath

  Birmingham

  Bradford

  Cambridge

  Camden and Islington

  City and East London

  Cricklewood

  Durham

  Ealing

  Hereford and Worcester

  Kensington and Chelsea

  Kirklees

  Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham

  Leeds

  Milton Keynes

  Newcastle

  Nottingham

  Oxford

  Peasholme

  Peterborough

  Preston

  Reading

  Sheffield

  Southampton

  Toxteth

  Whitechapel

  Projects that no longer receive cash limited or non-cash limited funding:

  Blackpool

  Brighton

  Bristol

  Croydon

  Fazakerley

  Gloucester

  Hammersmith

  Maidstone

  Morecambe.

  Trust Mergers
  Mr. Trickett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what advice he gave to Wakefield district health authority in relation to the process of public consultation concerning NHS trust mergers; [1822]

  (2) what is the current position in respect of the proposed merger of national health service hospital trusts in the Wakefield district; [1815]
  635
  (3) When the decision was taken to transfer the conduct of the Wakefield NHS trust merger consultation from the project team to the district health authority; and what advice was offered by his Department at that time. [1813]

  Mr. Horam
  Pontefract Hospitals national health service trust and Pinderfields Hospital national health service trust have conducted public consultation on their proposed merger. On 7 October, the NHS executive asked Wakefield health authority to undertake a further period of statutory consultation with Pontefract and District community health council, Wakefield community health council, and staff interests at both the trusts on proposals contained in the document "An Application for National Health Service Trust Status".

  This further period of statutory consultation will end on 17 February 1997.

  Mr. Trickett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much was spent on the aborted initial consultation process about the merger of NHS trusts in the Wakefield district. [1814]

  Mr. Horam
  All responses to the consultation undertaken by the project team acting for Pontefract Hospitals national health service trust and Pinderfields Hospital national health service trust will be passed to the NHS executive for consideration, together with responses to the further statutory consultation.

  Community Health Councils
  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the cost of the consultants appointed to undertake a review of the role and function of community health councils. [2660]

  Mr. Horam
  Insight management consultants were commissioned by the national health service executive to consider a resource allocation system and performance management framework for community health councils. The cost of this work will be approximately £80,000.

  Medication
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the average(a) number of types and (b) quantity of preparations taken by people in the United Kingdom in each of the last five years broken down by (a) gender and (b) age bands of 10 years; and if he will make a statement. [2883]

  Mr. Malone
  No estimate has been made.

  Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority
  Mr. Deva
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will announce changes in membership of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority; and if he will make a statement on the outcome of the quinquennial review of the authority. [3433]

  Mr. Horam
  I am pleased to announce that the following have been appointed members of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority for three years from today:>Dr. Gulum Bahadur, clinical biochemist at the University College and Middlesex school of medicine;
  636
  Dr. Ruth Chambers, general practitioner and senior lecturer at the centre for primary health care, University of Keele; and fellow of the Royal College of General Practitioners;
  Professor Christine Gosden, professor of medical genetics, University of Liverpool, at Liverpool women's hospital;
  Professor Stuart Lewis, professor of psychology applied to medicine in the School of Clinical Medicine at Queen's university, Belfast.

  There is one further vacancy and I expect to announce an appointment shortly to bring the number of members up to 21, including the chairman.

  In all, 15 members of the authority completed their terms this year. Ten members have been re-appointed, for terms varying between one and three years in order to avoid a large number of members completing their period of tenure at the same time:

  Term

  Diana Lady Brittan (deputy chairman)

  1 year

  Ms Liz Forgan

  2 years

  Most Reverend Richard Holloway

  1 year

  Professor Martin Johnson

  3 years

  Mr Richard Jones

  2 years 3 months

  Dr. Brian Lieberman

  3 years

  Ms Angela Mays

  1 year

  Ms Anne McLaren

  2 years

  Julia Lady Tugendhat

  3 years

  Mr John Williams

  2 years 3 months

  These appointments were all made in accordance with guidance issued by the Commissioner for Public Appointments following the first report of the Committee on Standards in Public Life—the Nolan report Cm 2850–1, May 1995.

  The members have been selected on the basis of their experience and personal qualities. They have been chosen so as to ensure that the authority is informed by views and experience across a wide range of relevant disciplines.

  I am very grateful to Professor Robert Berry, Ms Joan Harbison, Professor Stephen Hillier, and Ms Penelope Keith who are retiring, having served with the authority since its inception in 1990.

  In common with all executive non-departmental public bodies, the HFEA is subject to a review every five years. The first such review of the HFEA, carried out by Mr. M. G. Lillywhite, has been completed. I have placed a copy of the report to United Kingdom Health Ministers in the Library.

  The review concluded that the case for an independent statutory body in the field of human fertilisation and embryology remains valid and that there is no other body which might perform the function of the HFEA more effectively. Mr. Lillywhite made 12 recommendations, which we have accepted and for which the HFEA has agreed an implementation plan. In particular, the authority's management statement, which I placed in the Library, announced in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Chingford (Mr. Duncan Smith) on 24 July 1996 at column 524, provides for the production of annual business plans and corporate plan. We shall also be holding the authority to account in future through an annual accountability review.
  637
  We are very grateful to Mr. Lillywhite for his thorough report. I reaffirm my appreciation of the work undertaken by the HFEA in line with its responsibilities under the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990.

  Alco-pop Drinks
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what consultation he has had with the President of the Board of Trade on the regulation of the advertising of alco-pop drinks to ensure that it is not directed at people aged under 18 years. [1802]

  Mr. Burns
  Although my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has not directly consulted with my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade on this issue, the Government share the concern that has been expressed about the potential appeal of these drinks to young people. We very much welcome the industry's efforts to self-regulate through the Portman Group's code of practice for the packaging, marketing and sale of such drinks. However, the Government will continue to monitor the industry's response closely. The industry must demonstrate to the satisfaction of the public that it can regulate itself effectively.

  Mr. Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research has been carried out to ascertain whether there is a relationship between under-age drinking and alco-pop drinks. [1801]

  Mr. Burns
  We are aware of several recent surveys which have been reported in the national press. The Health Education Authority will also be publishing before the end of the year some research they have commissioned on young people and alcohol.

  The Department of Health regularly researches teenage drinking behaviour by adding questions to the biennial survey of smoking among 11 to 15-year-olds. Results of the 1996 survey should be available by Easter 1997.

  Alcohol (Young People)
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research his Department has carried out since 1990 into the relationship between alcohol and depression amongst young people. [1788]

  Mr. Burns
  As our report, "Sensible Drinking", 1995, recognised, only extremely heavy drinking—in excess of 80g—10 units—a day—over long periods of time is likely to cause conditions such as clinical depression. There is no evidence from the most recent survey of adolescent drinking, the Office of Population Censuses and Survey's "Teenage Drinking in 1994", which looked at alcohol consumption of 11 to 15-year-olds, that any of them were drinking alcohol at levels likely to lead in the short term to psychiatric disorders.

  Alcohol-related Illness
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many alcohol-related deaths there have been(a) nationally, (b) in the west midlands and (c) in Coventry in each year since 1990; and what was the percentage change from the previous year in each case; [1781]
  638
  (2) how many young people experienced alcohol-related problems (a) nationally and (b) in the west midlands for each year since 1990; and what was the percentage change from the previous year in each case; [1786]

  (3) what research has been carried out to determine how much alcohol-related illnesses and accidents costs the NHS each year. [1790]

  Mr. Burns
  There is no accepted definition of the term "alcohol-related".

  Mr. Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to assist general practitioners in detecting and treating patients suffering from alcohol-related illness. [1782]

  Mr. Burns
  We are currently considering what support we might give to purchasers of treatment and care for people with alcohol misuse problems. This would include general practitioners involved in the purchasing and planning of such services. We aim to produce, by next summer, guidance equivalent to the guidance we issued this year to purchasers of services for drug misusers.

  Mr. Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to increase awareness among school children of alcohol-related problems. [1787]

  Mr. Burns
  Later in the year, the Health Education Authority will be launching a campaign targeted at young people with a particular focus on the short term risks of intoxication. This follows up recommendations in our report "Sensible Drinking", 1995. However, the national curriculum already requires that pupils are taught about alcohol, including the effects of misuse on health.

  Alcohol Support Groups
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much funding alcohol support groups(a) nationally and (b) in the west midlands, have received in each year since 1990; and what was the percentage change from the previous year in each case. [1783]

  Mr. Burns
  This information is not available centrally. Purchasing alcohol services is primarily the responsibility of local authorities in accordance with the provisions of the National Health Service and Community Care Act 1990.

  Mr. Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to increase the funding of alcohol support(a) nationally and (b) in the west midlands for the coming year. [1784]

  Mr. Burns
  Purchasing alcohol services is primarily the responsibility of local authorities in accordance with the provisions of the National Health Service and Community Care Act 1990. It is for them to agree funding in the light of local priorities.

  Mr. Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much public money was provided in(a) Holland, (b) France, (c) Germany and (d) Belgium to alcohol support groups in the most recent year for which statistics are available. [1785]

  Mr. Burns
  Comparable information is not collated centrally.
  639
  All but three of the projects costing over £1,000,000 are projects controlled by the NHS Executive.

  Free Spectacles
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received in the last six months regarding the provision of free NHS spectacles for younger children; and what plans he has to improve the availability and range of such spectacles. [2700]

  Mr. Malone
  All children under 16 are entitled to national health service spectacle vouchers which their parents can use to buy a pair of spectacles outright or, alternatively, top-up to buy a more expensive pair. In the last six months I have received representations from two parents who elected to top-up the value of the voucher when buying their children spectacles.

  Finished consultant episodes with a primary diagnosis of "alcohol dependency syndrome" in NHS hospitals in England and West Midlands, 1989–90 to 1994–95

  England

  West Midlands

  Financial year

  Number (thousands)

  Percentage change from previous year

  Number (thousands)

  Percentage change from previous year

  1989–90

  20.7

  —

  2.2

  —

  1990–91

  21.0

  1

  2.2

  -2

  1991–92

  18.4

  -13

  2.2

  1

  1992–93

  19.7

  7

  2.2

  0

  1993–94

  20.1

  2

  2.5

  14

  1994–95

  20.7

  3

  2.5

  -3

  Notes:

  1. Numbers are rounded to the nearest hundred.

  2. Figures are based on code 303 of the 9th revision of the International Classification of Diseases, alcohol dependency syndrome.

  3. Figures refer to area of treatment.

  Source:

  Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health.

  Mr. Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many under-18s have received treatment for alcohol dependency(a) nationally and (b) in the west midlands each year since 1990; and what was the percentage change in each year. [1803]

  Mr. Burns
  The information available is given in the table.

  Finished consultant episodes amongst under-18s with a primary diagnosis of "alcohol dependency syndrome" in NHS hospitals in England and West Midlands, 1989–90 to 1994–95

  Financial year

  England

  West Midlands

  1989–90

  53

  10

  1990–91

  80

  5

  1991–92

  50

  8

  1992–93

  82

  3

  1993–94

  74

  4

  1994–95

  98

  2

  Notes:

  1. Figures are based on code 303 of the 9th revision of the International Classification of Diseases, alcohol dependency syndrome.

  2. Figures refer to area of treatment.

  3. The numbers involved are small and year-on-year percentage changes have not been shown, because they are not considered to be meaningful.

  Source:

  Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health.

  Alcohol Abuse and Unemployment
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research his Department has carried out into the relationship between unemployment and alcohol abuse. [1810]

  Mr. Burns
  None.

  Alcohol Dependency
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people have received treatment for alcohol dependency(a) nationally and (b) in the west midlands each year since 1990; and what was the percentage change in each year. [1800]

  Mr. Burns
  The information available is given in the table.

  Information Technology Projects
  Ms Church
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many information technology projects have been undertaken since 1992, and are planned for the coming year, arranged in cost bands of £1,000,000. [1906]

  Mr. Horam
  The number of information technology projects undertaken since 1992 by the Department is:

  Number

  £0 to £1,000,000

  184

  £1,000,000 to £2,000,000

  7

  £2,000,000 to £3,000,000

  2

  £3,000,000 to £4,000,000

  2

  £4,000,000 to £5,000,000

  3

  £6,000,000 to £7,000,000

  1

  £8,000,000 to £9,000,000

  1

  £10,000,000 to £11,000,000

  1

  £11,000,000 to £12,000,000

  1

  £16,000,000 to £17,000,000

  2

  £19,000,000 to £20,000,000

  1

  £29,000,000 to £30,000,000

  1

  The number of new projects planned for the coming year is:

  Number

  £0 to £1,000,000

  33

  All but three of the projects costing over £1 million are projects controlled by the NHS management executive.

  Diabetics
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what plans he has to issue free needles to diabetics; [2180]

  (2) what is the cost to the NHS of providing a free needle for use by a diabetic; [2176]

  (3) what criteria are used to determine those diabetics who are entitled to receive free needles. [2177]

  Mr. Malone
  People with diabetes mellitis who need to inject insulin can get free national health service prescriptions from their general practitioner. NHS prescriptions can currently be written both for glass insulin syringes and for the separate needles which fit them; also for disposable insulin syringes with attached needles. The cost to the NHS of a needle for the glass syringe which is intended for multiple use is 28p, and of a needle intended for single use is 2.2p. The cost of a disposable syringe with attached needle varies between 11.5p and 11.9p, depending on the size of the syringe.

  We are considering the case for making the needles to fit insulin injection pens available on GP prescription under the NHS.

  Mr. Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many diabetics there are(a) nationally and (b) in the west midlands; how many there were in each year since 1990; how many require injections of insulin; and if he will express the figures to show the percentage change on the previous year; [2173]

  (2) what was the cost to the NHS of treating diabetic patients in each year since 1990 (a) nationally and (b) in the west midlands; and if he will express the figures (i) in real terms and (ii) to show the percentage change on the previous year; [2174]

  (3) what percentage of diabetics received free needles in each year since 1990 (a) nationally and (b) in the west midlands; and if he will express the figures to show the percentage change on the previous year. [2175]

  Mr. Malone
  This information is not available centrally.

  On-duty Car Signs
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received regarding the provision of on-duty car signs to non-GP health professionals in the NHS; what plans he has to widen the provisions of such signs; and if he will make a statement. [2701]

  Mr. Horam
  I have received a limited amount of correspondence on this subject. It is for NHS trusts to develop workable resolutions to meet any local need, for example through dialogue with the police and local authority.

  Mentally Disordered Offenders
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to give additional financial assistance to health authorities in respect of their responsibility for mentally disordered offenders. [2702]
  642
  Mr. Burns
  We recognise that mentally disordered offenders have specialised and complex needs, and that in certain areas there is greater pressure on mental health services to provide for their care and treatment. Current funding of mental health services already recognises, through the capitation formulae, the needs of this group of patients within the spectrum of care and allows individual health authorities to set their priorities for mental health expenditure based on the assessed needs of their local population.

TREASURY

  Labour Statistics
  Mr. Ian McCartney
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) when he last reviewed the way in which unemployment statistics are calculated; and if he will publish papers submitted to that review, together with its conclusions, in the Library; [831]

  (2) what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the unemployed claimant count as a measure of the scale of unemployment; [829]

  (3) what plans he has to undertake a new survey measure of unemployment to supplement the claimant count; and if he will make a statement. [830]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  [holding answer 28 October 1996]: I refer to the answer which the Chancellor of the Exchequer gave on 24 October to the hon. Member for Southport (Mr. Banks), Official Report, columns 5–6.

  In August 1995, the director of the Office for National Statistics commissioned a technical study from Dr. David Steel, senior lecturer in the department of applied statistics at the university of Wollongong, Australia. This study looked into options for producing monthly statistics from a labour force survey including unemployment figures based on the internationally standard International Labour Organisation definition. Following public consultation on the results of this study, the director of the ONS has decided that there is insufficient demand to justify the monthly publication of LFS data within the agency's budget. I respect that decision.

  A report on the consultation exercise will be given in the November 1996 edition of "Labour Market Trends." The latter will be published on 7 November and a copy will be held in the Library. A full set of the responses received during consultation will be available from ONS on application.

  The former Select Committee on Employment investigated the validity of the current measures of unemployment in the course of its 1995–96 Session. The Government's response was sent to the successor committee, the Education and Employment Select Committee on 24 October. I understand that the latter will be placed in the Library by the Committee in due course. In his evidence to that Committee, the director of the ONS made it clear that he was satisfied that the claimant count is an accurate measure of those people claiming unemployment-related benefits and that it is particularly useful as a short-term indicator of turning points in the labour market.
  643
  Mr. McCartney
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people, by region and gender, are undertaking(a) youth training and (b) training for work; and how many people, in each case, appear in the unemployed claimant count statistics. [1144]

  Mrs. Knight
  The information falls within the responsibility of the chief executive of the Office for National Statistics. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from Tim Holt to Mr. Ian McCartney, dated 7 November 1996:
  The Chancellor of the Exchequer has asked me to reply as the Director of the Office for National Statistics to your recent question on the number of people undertaking Youth Training and Training for Work and whether they are included in the claimant unemployment statistics.
  The table below gives the latest readily available official figures. The figures relate to training starts and have been compiled from information provided by the Department for Education and Employment and the Scottish Office. It should be noted that a person can start on the same programme more than once - such cases will be counted in the figures as separate starts.
  More highly summarised information giving totals for England & Wales and for Scotland is published in the ONS monthly Labour Market Statistics First Release. The latter is available in the House of Commons Library.

  Training starts for financial year 1995–96 by gender and region (000s)

  Youth training

  Training for work

  Government office region

  Male

  Female

  Male

  Female

  South East

  16.5

  15.3

  12.5

  6.2

  London

  14.5

  12.6

  19.3

  12.4

  Eastern

  12.1

  10.2

  10.5

  5.2

  South West

  12.8

  10.5

  13.4

  5.4

  West Midlands

  13.9

  12.9

  17.3

  7.6

  East Midlands

  13.1

  12

  11.9

  4.7

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  16

  14

  19.2

  7.3

  Merseyside

  6.7

  6.0

  10.7

  4.2

  North West

  19.1

  16.1

  17.3

  7.5

  North East

  10.4

  8.9

  14.5

  5.1

  England

  135.1

  118.5

  146.7

  65.7

  Wales

  9.6

  7.8

  8.5

  3.6

  Scotland

  23.2

  14.5

  23.8

  5.7

  Participants on long-term work-related Government supported training programmes, such as Youth Training and Training for Work, are not included in the claimant count or in the ILO measure of unemployment from the Labour Force Survey and never have been. People on these schemes are either contributing directly to the production of goods and services, or are receiving training in the work place. Accordingly, they are treated as employed, which is consistent with the guidelines of the International Labour Office on the treatment of trainees.

  Mr. Hain
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the proportion of employed men in full-time work for each year since 1979. [1668]

  Mrs. Knight
  [holding answer 5 November 1996]: The information falls within the responsibility of the chief
  644
  executive of the Office for National Statistics. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from Tim Holt to Mr. Peter Hain, dated 7 November 1996:
  The Chancellor of the Exchequer has asked me to reply as the Director of the Office for National Statistics to your recent question on the proportion of men in full-time work since 1979.
  Information on the number of men in full-time employment is available only on a consistent annual basis from Spring 1984 and is published in Labour Force Survey Historical Supplement 1984–1996. Information showing the total number of men in employment is published in Table 1b and information showing the number of men in full-time employment in Table 2a. A copy of the publication is available in the House of Commons Library.

  Bank of England
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what preparations his Department has made for granting operational independence to the Bank of England; and if he will make a statement. [803]

  Mrs. Knight
  [holding answer 31 October 1996]: No such preparations have been made.

  Population Statistics
  Mr. William Powell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of the total United Kingdom population lives in(a) England, (b) Scotland, (c) Wales and (d) Northern Ireland. [2131]

  Mrs. Knight
  The information falls within the responsibility of the chief executive of the Office for National Statistics. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from Tim Holt to Mr. William Powell, dated 7 November 1996:
  The Chancellor of the Exchequer has asked me to reply as the Director of the Office for National Statistics to your recent question on the proportion of the total United Kingdom population who live in England. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
  The figures requested are shown below. They are for the mid-year 1995 and are the most recent available. The latest estimates are regularly published in Table 6 of the ONS Population Trends quarterly journal.

  Resident population estimates mid-1995

  Country

  Thousands

  Percentage

  England

  48,930.4

  83.4

  Wales

  2,916.8

  5.0

  Scotland

  5,136.6

  8.8

  Northern Ireland

  1,649.0

  2.8

  United Kingdom

  58,605.8

  100.0

  Taxation
  Mr. William Powell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of total United Kingdom tax is raised in(a) England, (b) Scotland, (c) Wales and (d) Northern Ireland. [2127]
  645
  Mr. Jack
  Information on total tax revenue by country is not available. Information on income tax is available by region in "Inland Revenue Statistics", published by the Inland Revenue statistics and economics office. Figures for 1994–95, the latest year available, are in the table.

  Proportion of total UK income tax by country

  As a percentage of total

  England

  86.5

  Scotland

  8.0

  Wales

  3.5

  Northern Ireland

  2.0

  Value Added Tax
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what factors underlay his decisions(a) to allow taxpayers three years to reclaim wrongly paid VAT and (b) to allow Customs and Excise to reclaim errors for six years. [2578]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  The Government have become increasingly concerned at the large amounts of revenue at risk in taxation boundary disputes and it is not in the public interest that the Exchequer remains open to large retrospective claims, in some cases back to the introduction of VAT in 1973. The proposed three-year limit will introduce more certainty and achieves a reasonable balance between the rights of individual taxpayers and taxpayers at large. It is proportionate in effect because, at the time the transactions in question took place, both businesses and their customers will normally have worked on the assumption that tax was due.

  There are no proposals to change the six-year limit Customs currently has under its powers to assess for underpaid VAT. A six-year period for assessment is necessary to recover tax underpaid through one-sided error or carelessness and to deter non-compliance with the rules by business.

  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what action Her Majesty's Customs and Excise has taken in respect of the new rules on the limitation of VAT claims announced on 18 July; and if he will make a statement; [2680]

  (2) what discussions he has had with the European Commission concerning the legality of the Government's recently announced changes to the rules for reclaiming VAT; and if he will make a statement. [2682]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  [holding answer 6 November 1996]: Following the announcement on 18 July by the then Paymaster General that, subject to parliamentary approval as part of the Budget process, a three-year time limit on refunds of overpaid VAT, and other indirect taxes, was to be introduced immediately, Customs and Excise has deferred payments of refunds which are more than three years old.

  Customs and Excise officials recently met representatives of the European Commission to discuss the proposals for limiting refunds of overpaid VAT and other indirect taxes. The Commission noted the United Kingdom's position.
  646
  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the total amount due for repayment in respect of VAT incorrectly paid to Her Majesty's Customs and Excise with respect to company cars on the basis of(a) a three-year limit on reclaims, (b) a six-year limit on reclaims and (c) payment made only in respect of claims already made; and if he will make a statement. [2681]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  [holding answer 6 November 1996]: The High Court found in the appeals of Royscot Leasing Ltd. and Royscot Industrial Leasing Ltd., Allied Domecq plc and T. C. Harrison Group Ltd. that the relevant UK law restricting VAT input tax recovery on company cars is permitted by the EC sixth VAT directive, contrary to the appellants' contentions. No VAT has therefore been incorrectly paid to Her Majesty's Customs and Excise with respect to company cars.

  Breast Cancer
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many women, and what percentage of the female population, were diagnosed with breast cancer in each of the last six years. [1295]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  [holding answer 5 November 1996]: The information falls within the responsibility of the chief executive of the Office for National Statistics. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from Tim Holt to Mr. Jim Cunningham, dated 7 November 1996:
  The Chancellor of the Exchequer has asked me to reply as the Director of the Office for National Statistics to your recent question asking how many women, and what percentage of the female population, were diagnosed with breast cancer in each of the last six years.
  The information for England for the latest six years for which data are available is given in the table below.

  Year

  Number

  Percentage

  1988

  24,975

  0.11

  1989

  25,838

  0.11

  1990

  26,994

  0.11

  1991

  28,032

  0.11

  1992

  28,324

  0.11

  1993

  27,502

  0.11

  Mr. Cunningham
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many women in the west midlands were diagnosed with breast cancer in 1995. [1241]

  Mrs. Knight
  [holding answer 5 November 1996]: The information falls within the responsibility of the chief executive of the Office for National Statistics. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from Tim Holt to Mr. Jim Cunningham, dated 7 November 1996:
  The Chancellor of the Exchequer has asked me to reply as the Director of the Office for National Statistics to your recent question asking how many women in the West Midlands were diagnosed with breast cancer in 1995.
  The provisional number of registrations of breast cancer in the West Midlands in 1993 (the latest year for which data are currently available) is 3,199.

  Financial Advisers
  Mr. David Nicholson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received regarding the proposal by the Personal Investment Authority to abolish the requirement for financial advisers to disclose(a) whether they are tied or independent and (b) to what extent they are paid by commission. [2630]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  No representations have been received.

  Endowment Mortgages
  Mr. David Nicholson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received since 1 January 1995, regarding alleged mis-selling of endowment mortgages; what(a) investigations and (b) studies he has commissioned on the subject; and what discussions he has had on this issue with the Securities and Investments Board. [2631]

  Mrs Angela Knight
  The Treasury has on a number of occasions received representations about concerns that mortgage advice may be unduly influenced by the commissions available, including suggestion from the Consumers Association for further regulation. New disclosure rules introduced in January 1995 have the effect that commissions on endowment policies must be disclosed to potential clients. The Treasury has not commissioned any investigations or studies on the subject. Discussions with the Securities and Investments Board take place from time to time at ministerial and official level on all issues of regulatory concern.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Asylum Seekers
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the current total of asylum seekers being held in custody. [920]

  Miss Widdecombe
  On 1 October 1996, a total of 864 persons who had sought asylum at some stage were detained.

  Arrest Procedures
  Mr. Fabricant
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will meet his European counterparts to discuss arrest procedures in the European Union; and if he will make a statement. [928]

  Mr. Howard
  I meet regularly with my counterparts in the European Union and discuss a range of justice and home affairs issues. We have not discussed arrest procedures but my hon. Friend is no doubt aware of the memorandum of understanding agreed last week between Her Majesty's Customs and Excise and the United Road Transport Union which is aimed at minimising the risks run by lorry drivers who ferry sealed loads across international borders.

  Police Forces (Guns)
  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to issue new guidelines to police forces on the use of guns. [930]
  648
  Miss Widdecombe
  My right hon. and learned Friend has no plans to do this.

  Prisoners (Terrorist Offences)
  Mr. Madden
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners convicted of terrorist offences have been(a) released from prison in the United Kingdom, (b) transferred to prisons in Northern Ireland and (c) repatriated to the Republic of Ireland to complete sentences, since August 1994. [931]

  Miss Widdecombe
  Since 1 September 1994, three prisoners convicted of Irish terrorist-related offences have been released from prisons in England and Wales: 16 have been transferred from England and Wales to prisons in Northern Ireland either on a permanent or temporary basis, and two prisoners have been repatriated to the Republic of Ireland to complete their sentences.

  Voting (Homeless People)
  Mr. Skinner
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions he has had with homeless organisations to enable homeless people to vote. [934]

  Mr. Sackville
  Officials met representatives of various organisations working with the homeless as part of the review of electoral law and practice which the Government set up after the last general election.

  Victim Support Services
  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the development of victim support services in England and Wales. [935]

  Mr. Maclean
  The new victim's charter, published in June 1996, establishes the continuing commitment of all the criminal justice agencies to improve their services to victims of crime. For example, last year the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board paid out £180 million to victims, making it by far the most generous such scheme anywhere in the world. And the Home Office grant to Victim Support since 1990–91 alone has risen 147 per cent. from £4,735 million to £11,682 million. This has enabled Victim Support to achieve nationwide coverage by establishing 365 local schemes and branches to support the victims of crime throughout England and Wales and to establish a witness support service at all 77 Crown court centres in the country. Victim Support's paid staff of over 800 and its 12,000 volunteers offer support to over one and a quarter million victims of crime a year.

  Prison Ombudsman
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the recent annual report by the prisons ombudsman. [936]

  Miss Widdecombe
  The prisons ombudsman's annual report for 1995 was laid before Parliament on 23 October. It describes the important contribution which the prisons ombudsman has made in investigating complaints about the Prison Service.

  Child Care Workers (Vetting)
  Ms Janet Anderson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to improve the system of vetting those working with children. [939]

  Ms Corston
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to improve the system of vetting those working with children. [940]

  Mr. Maclean
  The Police Bill makes provision for criminal record checks giving details of convictions and cautions recorded centrally to be available for all who have regular contact with children whether as employees, trainees or volunteers. Where access is both regular and unsupervised, additional information will be provided from local police records including details of convictions for minor offences and relevant non-conviction information.

  Hand Guns
  Mr. Hall
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many .22 repeating hand guns are legally held in the United Kingdom. [941]

  Miss Widdecombe
  Exact figures are not available centrally. The total number of .22 handguns, both repeating and single shot, which are legally held by private individuals on firearm certificate in Great Britain is in the order of 40,000 and others are legally owned by firearms dealers.

  Knives (Advertising)
  Mr. Stott
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make it his policy to ban the advertising of knives in ways which appear to incite or condone violence. [942]

  Mr. Maclean
  It is already an offence for a person to incite another to commit an offence. The content of advertisements is regulated by the Advertising Standards Authority under a code of advertising practice which states that advertisements should not contain anything which might condone or encourage violent or anti-social behaviour.

  Open Prisons
  Mr. French
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on his policy on open prisons. [943]

  Miss Widdecombe
  Open prisons are a valuable part of the prison estate. They provide low security places at relatively low cost for prisoners who have been assessed as presenting minimal risk to the public. Open prison regimes are based on a full working week and provide an important means of preparing prisoners for their return to society.

  Probation and After-care Service
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proposals he has for the future of the probation and after-care service. [938]
  650
  Mr. Sackville
  I refer the hon. Member to the three-year plan for the probation service 1996–99 which has been placed in the Library, and which sets out my priorities and expectations for the work of area probation services.

  Firearms Offences
  Mr. Marlow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list for each of the last five years the number of offences involving firearms indicating whether the weapons were(a) legally or (b) illegally held. [1665]

  Miss Widdecombe
  [holding answer 1 November 1996]: Information as to whether the firearms used in notifiable offences recorded by the police are legally held is not at present collected centrally in England and Wales.

  However, a special exercise has recently been conducted to find out whether the guns used in offences of homicide were licensed or not.

  This covered the years 1992 to 1994, and out of a total of 196 homicides, information was available in 152 cases to show that 22 cases—14 per cent.—involved the use of a firearm legally held by the suspect.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to reply to the letter of the hon. Member for Nottingham, North of 17 October on sale of drugs by Nottingham bouncers. [403]

  Mr. Maclean
  A reply will be sent shortly.

  Detainees (Birmingham Prison)
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people were detained in Birmingham prison under Immigration Act powers in(a) July, (b) August and (c) September; and what were the nationalities of those detained. [1039]

  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 Dr. Lynne Jones, dated 7 November 1996:
  The Home Secretary has asked me, in the absence of the Director General from the office, to reply to your recent Question about the number of people detained in Birmingham prison, under Immigration Act powers, in July, August and September; and what were the nationalities of those detained.

  651
  The requested information is given in the attached table.

  Population of Immigration Act detainees1 in Birmingham prison on 31 July, 31 August and 30 September 1996 by nationality2

  Nationality

  Number

  31 July 1996

  Algeria

  3

  China

  2

  India

  20

  Jamaica

  3

  Nigeria

  3

  Pakistan

  2

  Others

  6

  Total

  39

  31 August 1996

  Algeria

  4

  India

  12

  Morocco

  2

  Nigeria

  2

  Pakistan

  3

  Others

  7

  Total

  30

  30 September 1996

  Algeria

  3

  India

  11

  Israel

  4

  Nigeria

  4

  Pakistan

  3

  Others

  5

  Total

  30

  1 Provisional figures.

  2 Nationalities with only one prisoner are included in "other".

  Young Offenders Institute, Colchester
  Mr. Whittingdale
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects the first offenders to be admitted to the new young offenders institute at Colchester. [1481]

  Miss Widdecombe
  I expect the first young offenders to be admitted to Colchester young offender institution as soon as the outstanding issues are resolved.

  Juvenile Offenders
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many juveniles aged 15 and 16 years have been remanded(a) in adult prisons and (b) in total in each of the last five years; and what has been the average period of their detention. [2314]

  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 Dr. Lynne Jones, dated 7 November 1996:
  The Home Secretary has asked me, in the absence of the Director General from the office, to reply to your recent Question about the number of juveniles aged 15 and 16 years who have been remanded (a) in adult prisons and (b) in total in each of the last five years; and what has been the average period of their detention.
  The information on the number of remand receptions for untried juvenile prisoners is given in the attached tables, along with the estimated average periods in custody for all juvenile untried prisoners.
  652
  Information on the average period spent by juveniles in adult prisons is not separately available.

  Receptions of 15 and 16 year old untried prisoners into Prison Service establishments in England and Wales, 1991–95

  Age

  Year

  15

  16

  Adult prisons

  1991

  43

  91

  1992

  7

  16

  1993

  2

  16

  1994

  36

  53

  1995

  8O

  136

  All establishments

  1991

  384

  684

  1992

  354

  666

  1993

  429

  840

  1994

  613

  1,044

  1995

  604

  1,182

  Average time held in custody for untried prisoners aged under 17 in Prison Service establishments in England and Wales, 1991–1995

  Year

  Untried

  1991

  16

  1992

  19

  1993

  25

  1994

  32

  1995

  28

  The average days in custody are estimated from the population held on 30 June each year and the total number of initial receptions in the year. The estimate is subject to some uncertainty due to the small numbers held.

  Project Quantum
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what consultation has taken place with representatives of administrative, secretarial and executive staff in the Prison Service about Project Quantum; [2119]

  (2) what assessment he has made of the effect on Prison Service jobs of the implementation of Project Quantum; [2120]

  (3) what assessment he has made of the impact of Project Quantum on the maintenance and improvement of standards of security and control in the Prison Service. [2122]

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

  Letter from Richard Tilt to Ms Lynne Jones, dated 7 November 1996:
  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Questions about the Quantum Project. You asked what assessment has been made of the effects on Prison Service jobs and on the maintenance and improvement of standards of security and control and what consultation has taken place with representatives of administrative, secretarial and executive staff.
  An assessment of the effect on Prison Service jobs of the implementation of Quantum is not possible at present as the final scope of the project has yet to be decided. That decision is likely to be made following a study by suppliers during the second quarter of 1997.

  653
  As a minimum, Project Quantum suppliers will be expected to meet the Prison Service key performance indicators for standards of security and control. They will also be encouraged to improve upon them.
  During the month of September. 40 consultation sessions took place with representatives from administrative, secretarial, and executive staff in the Prison Service. These will continue throughout the term of the Quantum project. Consultation meetings have also been held with the trades unions.

  Prison Service (Redundancies)
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his policy on the implementation of redundancies in the Prison Service. [2121]

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

  Letter from Richard Tilt to Dr. Lynne Jones, dated 7 November 1996:
  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about policy on the implementation of redundancies in the Prison Service.
  As an Executive Agency of the Home Office, the Prison Service must follow Home Office-wide procedures. Redundancy cannot be considered unless posts are being lost, work reduced or changed significantly. It would not be right to use public money for redundancy unless the right conditions existed.
  Before a redundancy scheme is introduced, a 90 day period of consultation with the Prison Service Trade Unions is instigated. Good communications with staff and Trade Unions is considered fundamental to the success of a redundancy programme, and staff are kept informed throughout the exercise using the normal channels of communication.
  The current redundancy scheme, the Voluntary Early Retirement and Severance scheme (VERSE), was introduced o meet the budget cuts that the Service is required to achieve. Under VERSE the aim is to achieve the required post reductions through voluntary redundancies.
  Almost 4000 applications have been received for voluntary early retirement and severance and it is expected that around 1300 staff will be able to leave under VERSE.

  Child Prostitution
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to introduce new measures to combat child prostitution. [2580]

  Mr. Maclean
  We have no plans to do so. We believe that the present law is adequate to deter and punish those who exploit child prostitutes. We will continue to encourage all the agencies concerned to give a high priority to action to prevent the sexual exploitation of children and young people.

  Burglary Statistics
  Mr. John Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people have been burgled on more than three occasions since 1990. [2446]

  Mr. Maclean
  Information is not available to answer the question as posed.

  The British crime survey, which is conducted by the Home Office, provides information on the extent of repeat burglary victimisation:
  654

  (a) During 1995, 0.2 per cent. of households in England and Wales had an actual or attempted burglary on more than three occasions.

  (b) In the five years 1991 to 1995 inclusive, 7.2 per cent. of households in England and Wales had an actual or attempted burglary two or more times.

  Warrington Bombing
  Mr. Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress has been made in reviewing the conviction of John Kinsella and in obtaining a statement from Padraic MacFloinn in relation to Kinsella's knowledge about the Warrington bombing. [1092]

  Mr. Kirkhope
  We expect to receive very shortly from the police a report into certain matters raised in the representations made on Mr. Kinsella's behalf. This will include a statement which, I understand, was taken last week from Mr. MacFhloinn. As soon as that material has been received, we shall consider in the context of the evidence as a whole, whether grounds have emerged on which it would be right to refer Mr. Kinsella's conviction to the Court of Appeal.

  Philip Lawrence
  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on his proposals for an award to commemorate the life and work of Philip Lawrence. [1094]

  Mr. Maclean
  The Philip Lawrence memorial will recognise outstanding achievements of good citizenship by young people. Details about the award will be announced as soon as possible.

  Domestic Violence
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the relationship between alcohol abuse and domestic violence. [1806]

  Mr. Maclean
  The 1996 British crime survey found that 32 per cent. of assailants in cases of domestic violence were said by their victims to be under the influence of alcohol at the time of the assault. Home Office research study 107, "Domestic Violence", considered the interaction between alcohol abuse and domestic violence, with a review of the available literature. The research evidence suggests that excessive alcohol consumption is not a cause of domestic violence but a condition that co-exists with it.

  Alcohol-related Offences
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many alcohol-related juvenile offences were committed(a) nationally and (b) in the west midlands each year since 1990; and what was the percentage change in each year; [1808]

  (2) what was the cost of alcohol-related crimes (a) nationally and (b) in the west midlands each year since 1990; and what was the percentage change in each year; [1807]
  655
  (3) how many offences of under-age drinking were recorded (a) nationally and (b) in the west midlands each year since 1990; and what was the percentage change in each year; [1809]

  (4) how many recorded offences of under-age drinking were recorded (a) nationally and (b) in the west midlands in each year since 1990; and what was the percentage change from the previous year. [1789]

  Mr. Maclean
  The information requested is not collected centrally.

  Mr. Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many alcohol-related crimes and violent crimes were committed(a) nationally, (b) in the west midlands and (c) in Coventry in each year since 1990; and what was the percentage change in each year. [1805]

  Mr. Maclean
  Figures available on violent crime for the west midlands and nationally are given in the table. Figures for Coventry, and those for alcohol-related crimes generally, are not collected centrally.

  Offences of violent crime (violences against the person, sexual offences and robbery) recorded by the police

  Year

  West Midlands

  England and Wales

  Offences

  Percentage change

  Offences

  Percentage change

  1990

  14,861

  —

  249,904

  —

  1991

  16,288

  +10

  265,085

  +6

  1992

  18,228

  +12

  284,199

  +7

  1993

  18,462

  +1

  294,231

  +4

  1994

  18,789

  +2

  310,332

  +5

  1995

  17,738

  -6

  310,936

  0

  Table A: Number of females sentenced to immediate custody, probation and community service in the West Midlands police force area and England and Wales for all offences 1990–19951

  Number sentenced

  Area/Disposal

  1990

  1991

  1992

  1993

  1994

  11995

  West Midlands

  Immediate custody2

  127

  100

  114

  127

  136

  164

  Probation3

  647

  525

  473

  458

  599

  577

  Community service4

  138

  102

  125

  144

  220

  235

  England and Wales

  Immediate custody2

  2,216

  2,354

  2,328

  2,520

  3,149

  3,768

  Probation3

  9,606

  8,709

  7,873

  7,665

  9,646

  9,839

  Community service4

  2,108

  2,210

  2,569

  3,532

  4,340

  4,739

  Percentage change

  Area/Disposal

  1990–91

  1991–92

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–951

  West Midlands

  Immediate custody2

  -21

  +14

  +11

  +7

  +21

  Probation3

  -19

  -10

  -3

  +31

  -4

  Community service4

  -26

  +23

  +15

  +53

  -7

  England and Wales

  Immediate custody2

  +6

  -1

  +8

  +25

  +20

  Probation3

  -9

  -10

  -3

  +26

  +2

  Community service4

  +5

  +16

  +37

  +23

  +9

  1 Provisional.

  2 Includes detention in a young offender institution, unsuspended imprisonment and partly suspended imprisonment (before 1 October 1992).

  3 Includes probation and supervision orders.

  4 Includes community service orders and combination orders (from 1 October 1992).

  1. Although there is a known shortfall, in 1995, for the total number sentenced, this did not affect those sentenced to immediate custody, probation or community service.

  Information Technology Projects
  Ms Church
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many information technology projects have been undertaken since 1992, and are planned for the coming year, arranged in cost bands of £1,000,000 [1896]

  Mr. Howard
  The information requested could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Offenders
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many women(a) have been sent to prison, (b) have been placed on probation and (c) have been ordered to carry out community service (i) nationally and (ii) in the west midlands for each year since 1990; and if he will list the figures as the annual percentage change; [2178]

  (2) how many juvenile offenders (a) received custodial sentences and (b) were placed on probation (i) nationally and (ii) in the west midlands for each year since 1990; and if he will express the figures to show the percentage change on the previous year; [2171]

  (3) how many offenders have been (a) placed on probation, (b) received custodial sentences and (c) were ordered to carry out community service (i) nationally and (ii) in the west midlands for each year since 1990; and if he will express the figures (1) in real terms and (2) to show the percentage change on the previous year. [2168]

  Mr. Maclean
  Information for 1990 to 1995, which is provisional, is given in the tables.
  657

  Table B: Number of persons aged 10 to under 18 sentenced to immediate custody, probation and community service in the West Midlands police force area and England and Wales for all offences 1990–19951

  Number sentenced

  Area/Disposal

  1990

  1991

  1992

  1993

  1994

  19951

  West Midlands

  Immediate custody2

  438

  349

  337

  339

  336

  431

  Probation3

  758

  725

  694

  725

  903

  974

  England and Wales

  Immediate custody2

  4,495

  4,390

  4,003

  3,884

  4,316

  5,063

  Probation3

  11,092

  10,471

  9,133

  9,110

  11,145

  12,298

  Percentage change

  Area/Disposal

  1990–91

  1991–92

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–951

  West Midlands

  Immediate custody2

  -20

  -3

  +1

  -1

  +28

  Probation3

  -4

  -4

  +4

  +25

  +8

  England and Wales

  Immediate custody2

  -2

  -9

  -3

  +11

  +17

  Probation3

  -6

  -13

  -0

  +22

  +10

  1 Provisional.

  2 Detention in young offender institution.

  3Includes probation and supervision Orders.

  Number of offenders sentenced to immediate custody, probation and community service in the West Midlands police force area and England and Wales for all offences 1990–19951

  Number sentenced

  Area/Disposal

  1990

  1991

  1992

  1993

  1994

  19951

  West Midlands

  Immediate custody2

  4,401

  3,994

  3,898

  3,779

  4,328

  4,791

  Probation3

  3,453

  3,434

  3,115

  3,561

  3,887

  3,709

  Community service4

  2,459

  2,471

  2,725

  3,378

  3,642

  3,764

  England and Wales

  Immediate custody2

  57,613

  61,249

  57,988

  58,399

  69,185

  79,137

  Probation3

  54,354

  53767

  49,881

  51,099

  59,725

  59,541

  Community service4

  38,597

  42,495

  45,381

  56,901

  61,868

  62,896

  Percentage change

  Area/disposal

  1990–91

  1991–92

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–951

  West Midlands

  Immediate custody2

  -9

  -2

  -3

  +15

  +11

  Probation3

  -1

  -9

  +14

  +9

  -5

  Community service4

  -0

  +10

  +23

  +8

  +3

  England and Wales

  Immediate custody2

  +6

  -5

  +1

  +18

  +14

  Probation3

  -1

  -7

  +2

  +17

  +0

  Community service4

  +10

  +7

  +25

  +9

  +2

  1 Provisional.

  2 Includes detention in a young offender institution, unsuspended imprisonment and partly suspended imprisonment (before 1 October 1992).

  3 Includes probation and supervision orders.

  4 Includes community service orders and combination orders (from 1 October 1992).

  Although there is a known shortfall, in 1995, for the total number sentenced, this did not affect those sentenced to immediate custody, probation or community service.

  658 659
  Mr. Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many juvenile offenders there were(a) nationally and (b) in the west midlands for each year since 1990; and if he will express the figures to show the percentage change on the previous year; [2170]

  Table A: Number of persons aged 10 to under 18 found guilty or cautioned for all offences in the West Midlands police force area and England and Wales 1990 to 19951

  Number found guilty or cautioned

  Area

  1990

  1991

  1992

  1993

  1994

  19951

  West Midlands

  13,409

  12,916

  13,004

  11,464

  12,149

  10,990

  England and Wales

  211,512

  196,415

  196,923

  176,938

  186,716

  188,425

  Percentage change

  Area

  1990–91

  1991–92

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–951

  West Midlands

  -4

  +1

  -12

  +6

  -10

  England and Wales

  -7

  +0

  -10

  +6

  +1

  1 Provisional.

  Table B: Number of females found guilty for all offences in the West Midlands police force area and England and Wales 1990 to 19951

  Number found guilty

  Area

  1990

  1991

  1992

  1993

  1994

  19951

  West Midlands

  12,998

  12,912

  14,977

  14,308

  16,270

  12,0891

  England and Wales

  229,356

  235,988

  258,990

  251,062

  251,046

  217,9832

  Percentage change

  Area

  1990–91

  1991–92

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–951

  West Midlands

  -1

  +16

  -4

  +14

  -262

  England and Wales

  +3

  +10

  -3

  -0

  -132

  1 Provisional.

  2 In 1995 there is a known shortfall for the total number of female offenders convicted (estimated at 39,800 for England and Wales).

  Paedophile Crime
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what initiatives he has taken to reduce the incidence of paedophile crimes; and if he will make a statement. [925]

  Mr. Howard
  The Government are determined to do all they can to deter people from sexually abusing children, and to detect and punish severely those who do. To this end, we have already enacted the Sexual Offences (Conspiracy and Incitement) Act 1996; and we have recently announced a number of other legislative proposals which I hope will have the support of the whole House.

  Prison Statistics
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the total prison population(a) nationally and (b) in the west midlands for each year since 1990; and if he will list the figures as an annual percentage change. [2179]

  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.
  660
  (2) how many women were convicted of crimes (a) nationally and (b) in the west midlands for each year since 1990; and if he will express the figures to show the percentage change on the previous year. [2169]

  Mr. Maclean
  Information for 1990 to 1995, which is provisional, is given in the tables.

  Letter from A. J. Pearson to Mr. Jim Cunningham, dated 7 November 1996:
  The Home Secretary has asked me in the absence of the Director General from the Office, to reply to your recent Question asking, what is the total prison population (a) nationally and (b) in the West Midlands for each year since 1990; and if he will list the figures as an annual percentage change.
  Information on the average prison population in England and Wales and for Birmingham prison is given in the attached table. Information for Scotland and Northern Ireland is available from the Secretaries of State for Scotland and Northern Ireland respectively.

  Average prison population1 England and Wales and Birmingham prison, 1990–1996

  Date

  Average prison population in England and Wales

  Annual percentage change

  Average population in Birmingham prison

  Annual percentage change

  1990

  45,636

  —

  974

  —

  1991

  45,897

  +0.6

  968

  -0.6

  1992

  45,817

  -0.2

  915

  -5.5

  1993

  44,566

  -2.7

  803

  -12.2

  1994

  48,794

  +9.5

  767

  -4.5

  1995

  51,047

  +4.6

  862

  +12.4

  1 Includes prisoners held in police cells. This information is published in "Prison statistics, England and Wales". Cm 3355.

  Prison Sentencing Policy
  Mr. John Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received about the prison sentencing policy; and if he will make a statement. [929]

  Mr. Maclean
  I receive many representations about all aspects of sentencing policy.

  Crossbows Act 1987
  Mr. Corbett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prosecutions and convictions there were under the Crossbows Act 1987 between 1990 and the last year for which figures are available. [2804]

  Mr. Maclean
  The information requested cannot be identified separately from other summary offences.

  Firearms
  Mr. Marlow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 5 November Official Report, column 432, on the use of firearms in notifiable offences, how many and what proportion of firearms used in the homicides for which information is available were of categories (a) to be banned and (b) not to be banned in the Firearms (Amendment) Bill. [2966]

  Miss Widdecombe
  Of the 155 homicides involving firearms in England and Wales committed during the period 1992 to 1994 where the calibre of the weapon was known, 64, 41 per cent., involved handguns of a calibre exceeding .22 inches, the calibre to be prohibited by the Firearms (Amendment) Bill.

  Of the remainder, 91, 59 per cent., involved firearms that will not be prohibited.

  Child Sex Tourism
  Mr. Pope
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to introduce legislation to tackle the problem of child sex tourism. [932]

  Mr. Maclean
  The Sexual Offences (Conspiracy and Incitement) Act 1996, which came into force on 1 October, makes it an offence in the United Kingdom to conspire or incite others to commit sexual offences against children in other countries.

  I announced in the summer, in the light of a general review of extra-territorial jurisdiction, that the Government had decided that United Kingdom courts should be given jurisdiction over acts of child abuse committed abroad by Britons or British residents.

  Provisions to this effect will be included in the Government's proposed Bill on the registration of sex offenders.

  Motorists
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what percentage of motorists stopped by the police for exceeding the 30 mph speed limit were subsequently charged with an offence in each of the last five years. [2059]
  662
  Mr. Maclean
  [holding answer 6 November 1996]: The information is not collected in the form requested.

  During 1995, 689,100 speeding offences were dealt with by official police action. The Home Office Statistical Bulletin, "Motoring Offences, England and Wales 1995" issued on 29 October 1996 gives further details on the type of action taken, and penalties received for offences of speeding. Copies are available in the Library.

  Prisoners (Visitors)
  Mr. Mallon
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what financial assistance is available for visits to prisoners by their immediate relatives, in respect of (i) travel, (ii) accommodation, subsistence and (iv) other costs; and if he will give the rates for that assistance where the prison is situated in(a) Northern Ireland and (b) Scotland; [1773]

  (2) what financial assistance is available for visits to prisoners by their immediate relatives in respect of (i) travel, (ii) accommodation, (iii) subsistence and other costs; and if he will give the rates for that assistance where the prison is situated in (a) Northern Ireland and (b) England or Wales. [1778]

  Miss Widdecombe
  [holding answer 6 November 1996]: Responsibility for these matters 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. Seamus Mallon, dated 7 November 1996:
  The Home Secretary has asked me in the absence of the Director General from the office to reply to your recent Questions about financial assistance for visits to prisoners by their immediate relatives.
  For relatives who qualify under the assisted prison visit scheme and who reside in England, Scotland or Wales and visit prisons in those countries, or Northern Ireland, the full cost of travel by public transport or community bus (if no more expensive than public transport) is reimbursed. For claimants who travel by car, the journey is paid at 10 pence per mile.
  Where an overnight stay is deemed necessary a contribution is made towards the cost. For prisons in the London area the rate per night is £21 for adults and £11.30 for children between the ages of three and fourteen. For all areas outside London the rates are £15 and £7.50 respectively. All applicants and their children aged over three years receive a contribution of £2.55 towards the cost of food when the total time away from home is between five and ten hours. The rate for over ten hours away from home is £5.10.
  Other unavoidable expenses such as taxi fares to remote prisons where there is no public transport, toll fees and childminding fees are met.
  The Northern Ireland Office is responsible for administering payment to residents of Northern Ireland who visit any prison in the United Kingdom.

DEFENCE

  Army Vehicle Depot
  Mr. Murphy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what use of the private finance initiative is being made in the development of the new Army vehicle depot at Ashchurch; [2220]

  (2) what will be the cost of the move of the Army vehicle depot to Ashchurch; [2223]
  663
  (3) what (a) technical facilities and (b) specialist management is available at the Army vehicle depot at Ashchurch to deal with vehicles previously maintained at Ludgershall; [2242]

  (4) when he expects the Army vehicle depot at Ludgershall to close; [2225]

  (5) what plans he has to prevent traffic disruption as a result of the movement of Army vehicles from Ashchurch to Salisbury plain for training purposes; [2222]

  (6) how many civilian technicians qualified to maintain the armaments of armoured vehicles are employed in the Army vehicle depot at Ashchurch; [2221]

  (7) how many employees have agreed to move from the Army vehicle depot at Ludgershall to Ashchurch. [2217]

  Mr. Soames
  These are matters for the chief executive of the Army Base Storage and Distribution Agency. I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Brigadier K. J. W. Goad to Mr. Paul Murphy, dated 7 November 1996:
  I am replying to the recent questions you tabled to the Secretary of State for Defence as these matters fall within my area of responsibility as Chief Executive of the Army Base Supply and Distribution Agency. For ease of reply I have combined my comments to your questions, in the order you posed them, within this one letter.
  First, you asked about the use being made of the PFI in the development of the new Army vehicle deport at Ashchurch.
  The Base Vehicle Depot (BVD) at Ashchurch has been an Army depot since 1939. As part of the Defence Cost Studies, Army vehicle storage is being rationalised on a single site at Ashchurch. The operation of the vehicle storage facility at Ashchurch is currently being subject to competition with Industry under the CFQ initiative. The necessary refurbishment of the site will be subjected to PFI.
  Secondly, you asked about the cost of the move of the Army vehicle deport to Ashchurch.
  A recent review of the Investment Appraisal which supported the move from two vehicle depots to one confirmed significant savings in public expenditure. The cost to date of moving the vehicles previously stored at BVD Ludgershall to Ashchurch, which included ancillary equipment, is approximately £200,000. Twenty one vehicles only await transportation at BVD Ludgershall which will incur minimal additional cost.
  Thirdly, you asked what technical facilities and specialist management are available at the Army Vehicle Depot at Ashchurch to deal with vehicles previously maintained at Ludgershall.
  The specific facilities for 'A' vehicles to be offered by Vehicle Depot Ashchurch are as follows:

  (a) A fuelling and de-fuelling facility.

  (b) Wash down facility.

  (c) Anti freeze facility.

  (d) Overhead servicing facilities and associated oils and lubricants dispensing/collection systems.

  (e) Appropriate security systems.

  Two senior managers at Ashchurch already have extensive armoured vehicle experience. The remaining civilian managers have familiarised themselves with armoured vehicles over the past year and this training continues. Additionally the military staff in two vehicle troops at Ashchurch have a high degree of 'A' vehicle experience.
  Fourthly, you asked when the Base Vehicle Depot at Ludgershall will close.
  Following a review of the Investment Appraisal which formed the basis for the decision, Minister (AF) announced that the Base Vehicle Depot at Ludgershall will close by the end of March 1997.
  664
  Fifthly, you asked about plans to prevent traffic disruption as a result of the movement of Army vehicles from Ashchurch to Salisbury Plain for training purposes.
  There will be no significant increase in numbers of vehicles travelling from Ashchurch to Salisbury Plain for training when BVD Ludgershall closes. Few vehicles are ever issued on loan simply for training. Vehicles are usually issued to Army units. 'A' vehicles issued to units in the north of the UK will no longer transit the route from Salisbury Plain, thus reducing such vehicle movements and the potential for traffic disruption. Other classes of vehicles issued to units within the Salisbury Plain, thus reducing such vehicle movements and the potential for traffic disruption. Other classes of vehicles issued to units within the Salisbury Plain area have, for many years, been despatched from Ashchurch; this will not change.
  Sixthly, you asked how many civilian technicians qualified to maintain the armaments of armoured vehicles are employed in the Army vehicle depot at Ashchurch.
  The one qualified Gun Fitter at Ludgershall did not wish to move to Ashchurch. The recruitment of suitable qualified civilian technical staff at Ashchurch is ongoing.
  Finally, you asked how many employees have agreed to move from the Army vehicle depot at Ludgershall to Ashchurch.
  One civilian craftsman from the workshop at Ludgershall has moved to Ashchurch.
  I hope that I have answered your questions fully. Agreed by and signed on behalf of CE ABSDA in his absence on duty.

  Unexploded Bombs (South Yorkshire)
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what reports his Department has(a) received and (b) assessed in respect of unexploded bombs in South Yorkshire; how many unexploded bombs are estimated to exist in each of the four metropolitan borough councils in South Yorkshire; how many bombs are officially listed; what is the estimated risk associated with these; what contact his Department has had with planners, surveyors and their representative groups in this matter; what action he plans to take; and what consultation he has had with other ministerial Departments on this subject. [2679]

  Mr. Soames
  My Department has no record of unexploded bombs in South Yorkshire. This does not mean that no unexploded ordnance exists in the area, only that the original Home Office wartime and post-war civil defence documents on which our data are based make no mention of any. Local county or city council public record offices may provide a better source of information in this case.

  For further information on the issue of unexploded bombs, I refer the hon. Member to the letter I wrote to the hon. Member for Southwark and Bermondsey (Mr. Hughes) on 24 October. A copy is available in the Library of the House.

  Maintenance Work
  Mr. Geoffrey Robinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the current backlog of maintenance work in his Department. [2800]

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

  Information Technology Projects
  Ms Church
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many information technology projects have been undertaken since 1992, and are planned for the coming year, arranged in cost bands of £1,000,000. [1915]
  665
  Mr. Arbutnot
  This information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Deregulation
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what regulations his Department proposes to repeal by the end of 1996; if he proposes to conduct a compliance cost assessment on each regulation repealed, and what is the estimated cost of undertaking a compliance cost assessment to determine the advantages or disadvantages of each repeal. [2911]

  Mr. Soames
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to him yesterday,Official Report, column 519.

SCOTLAND

  Tuberculosis
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) how many registered homeless have died from tuberculosis in Scotland in each of the last 10 years; and if he will make a statement; [1556]

  (2) how many cases of tuberculosis among the registered homeless have been diagnosed in Scotland in each of the last 10 years; and if he will make a statement. [1576]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Information is not available in the form requested but existing data suggest that the numbers of cases of tuberculosis among the homeless are not high. Nevertheless, the expert working party, which I have set up to review the arrangements for the control, surveillance and treatment of tuberculosis in Scotland is considering the special needs of the homeless and will make recommendations accordingly.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) how many people have died from tuberculosi.s in Scotland in each of the last 10 years; and if he will make a statement; [1560]

  (2) how many cases of tuberculosis have been diagnosed in Scotland in each of the last 10 years; and if he will make a statement. [1581]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The information is as follows:

  Number of deaths1 from tuberculosis

  Number of tuberculosis cases notified

  1986

  53

  756

  1987

  42

  560

  1988

  48

  528

  1989

  56

  533

  1990

  39

  583

  1991

  56

  563

  1992

  46

  559

  1993

  58

  554

  1994

  49

  546

  1995

  39

  478

  1 Information provided by the General Register Office (Scotland).

  666
  These figures cover all forms of tuberculosis, respiratory and non-respiratory. Existing arrangements for the control, surveillance and treatment of tuberculosis are currently being reviewed by a Scottish Office working party, whose report is expected shortly.

  National Health Service (VAT)
  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment he has made of the impact of restrictions placed by Customs and Excise on(a) the ability of the NHS bodies to recover value added tax retrospectively on contracted-out services on the budgets of NHS trusts and (b) the use of external services within the NHS; and what assessment he has made of the losses which will be incurred in respect of these restrictions by NHS trusts in Scotland. [2341]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  HM Customs and Excise has extended the deadline for NHS bodies to submit retrospective claims for VAT refunds on contracted out services. There should be no effect on the use of external services. It is not feasible to assess whether any VAT will remain unrecovered.

  Permaculture
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he has made of how many farms or holdings are operating on permaculture principles; and if he will make a statement. [2354]

  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  No estimate has been made of the number of farms or holdings operating on permaculture principles.

  Mr. Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to encourage permaculture within the national parks in Scotland; and if he will make a statement. [2360]

  Mr. Kynoch
  There are no national parks in Scotland.

  Organic Farming
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list for each year since 1994(a) what forms of financial aid are available exclusively for organic farmers in Scotland, (b) what administration procedures were required for its acquisition, (c) how much money was ear-marked and (d) what percentage of the money annually ear-marked was received by farmers for that year; and if he will make a statement. [2362]

  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  Financial aid is provided through the organic aid scheme. It provides assistance to farmers and crofters who wish to convert to organic standards. The scheme requires participants to register with a United Kingdom register of organic food standards approved sector body; remain registered for the five-year duration of the scheme; and follow a conversion plan agreed by the approved sector body. Scheme provision and expenditure are set out in the following table:
  667

  Organic aid scheme (£ million)

  1994–95

  Provision

  —

  Expenditure

  —

  1995–96

  Provision

  .07

  Expenditure

  0.5 (71 per cent.)

  1996–97

  Provision

  .17

  Expenditure

  Not yet available

  Hypothermia
  Mr. Robin Cook
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many deaths from hypothermia occurred in Scotland in each month in the four years up to June 1996. [2380]

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The information requested is given in the table.

  Deaths where hypothermia1 was mentioned on the death certificate, Scotland January 1992 to June 1996

  1992

  1993

  1994

  1995

  19962

  Total

  117

  141

  136

  123

  64

  January

  12

  19

  28

  22

  22

  February

  23

  14

  23

  22

  19

  March

  12

  9

  13

  16

  6

  April

  9

  12

  12

  15

  6

  May

  4

  7

  8

  6

  6

  June

  4

  5

  5

  5

  5

  July

  3

  6

  3

  3

  —

  August

  1

  2

  4

  1

  —

  September

  2

  8

  3

  5

  —

  October

  14

  7

  8

  1

  —

  November

  10

  19

  8

  8

  —

  December

  23

  33

  21

  19

  —

  1 World Health Organisation International Classification of Diseases (Ninth Revision) codes E901 (primary cause), 778.3, 780.8, 780.9, E901 (secondary cause).

  2 Provisional.

  Information Technology Projects
  Ms Church
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many information technology projects have been undertaken since 1992, and are planned for the coming year, arranged in cost bands of £1,000,000. [1918]

  Table 1

  £ thousand

  11987–88

  11988–89

  11989–90

  11990–91

  11991–92

  11992–93

  11993–94

  11994–95

  21995–96

  Capital allocation for introduction of community charge

  6,000

  15,000

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Community charge grant

  —

  —

  —

  —

  437,000

  16,000

  9,000

  7,445

  3,780

  Community charge transitional relief

  —

  —

  —

  24,000

  2,000

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Community charge reduction scheme

  —

  —

  —

  —

  140,000

  107,000

  3,050

  86

  —

  Community charge rebilling grant

  —

  —

  —

  —

  4,000

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Council tax transitional relief

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  17,000

  3,137

  216

  Council tax valuation grant

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1,000

  7,000

  1,600

  —

  —

  Source:

  1 Scottish Office Development Report.

  2 Scottish Office Outtum figures (Branch files).
  668
  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  An analysis of capital costs of IT projects undertaken by the Scottish Office since 1992 and approved for 1997–98 is as follows:

  Expenditure band

  Number of projects

  £0 to £1 million

  60

  £1 million to £2 million

  9

  £2 million to £3 million

  3

  £3 million to £4 million

  0

  £4 million to £5 million

  1

  £5 million to £6 million

  0

  £6 million to £7 million

  0

  £7 million to £8 million

  1

  Dunblane
  Mr. Nicholas Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) when the Bishopbriggs social work department contacted the parent whom Lord Cullen cited in his report, page 51, paragraphs 5.22, as having made complaints about Thomas Hamilton's relationship with her son; and for what reasons that contact was not made by telephone on the date of receipt by the social work department of the letter providing details of that complaint; [3017]

  (2) when the Bishopbriggs social work department received the letter cited in his report by Lord Cullen, page 51, paragraph 5.22, relating to complaints about Thomas Hamilton in connection with the Bishopbriggs boys club; and what factors accounted for the delay between the date of receipt of that letter and the related telephone call made by the social work department on 12 March. [3016]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  At the relevant time, the Bishopbriggs area office was the responsibility of the social work department of Strathclyde regional council. Following local government reorganisation, it transferred to East Dunbartonshire council, and I have asked the director of social work to write to the hon. Member.

  Local Government Finance
  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the total cost of(a) setting up the community charge and (b) setting up the council tax in Scotland. [1529]

  Mr. Kynoch
  [holding answer 31 October 1996]: Costs incurred by local authorities in setting up the community charge and the council tax, which were reimbursed by the Scottish Office development department through grant schemes and capital allocations, are set out in table 1. Known costs for administering local taxation collection are shown in table 2.
  669

  Table 2

  £ thousand

  1989–90

  1990–91

  1991–92

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–95

  1995–96

  1996–97

  Community charge registration

  9,645

  11,709

  14,048

  11,342

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Council tax valuation

  —

  —

  —

  4,908

  13,798

  14,236

  9,999

  10,243

  Community charge collection

  10,426

  25,817

  25,618

  29,595

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Local tax collection

  —

  —

  —

  8,903

  40,338

  28,722

  26,621

  30,630

  Council tax preparation costs

  —

  —

  —

  17,523

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Figures obtained from information returned to The Scottish Office by local authorities. (1989–90 to 1994–95 are Final Outturns.

  1995–96 are Provisional Outturns.

  1996–97 are Budget Estimates).

  1Is a budget estimate as final outturn figures were not collected.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  BSE
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the desirability of providing financial aid and incentives to encourage rural local authorities to set up specific local exchange trading schemes to help farmers during the BSE crisis: and if he will make a statement. [2313]

  Mr. Boswell
  Although we recognise that many farmers may be suffering cash flow problems as a result of the current state of markets for cattle, farming unions have made no representations to us to suggest that local exchange trade schemes would be of use to them. ff they were to do so, we would suggest that those currently engaged in auctioneering and valuation in the farming sector would be better placed than rural local authorities to set up such schemes.

  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what has been the change in the level of beef imports to the United Kingdom since the onset of the BSE crisis. [2452]

  Mr. Boswell
  Imports of beef1 as recorded in the overseas trade statistics are given. Imports will fluctuate for many reasons, and it is not possible to identify separately a change linked specifically to the introduction of the BSE measures.

  000s tonnes

  £ millions

  Month

  1994

  1995

  1996

  1994

  1995

  1996

  January

  14

  15

  16

  32

  34

  38

  February

  15

  15

  13

  29

  35

  31

  March

  18

  20

  14

  39

  43

  34

  April

  19

  17

  20

  40

  42

  43

  May

  18

  24

  20

  39

  54

  44

  June

  24

  28

  20

  49

  68

  44

  July

  19

  26

  —

  45

  62

  —

  August

  20

  22

  —

  44

  55

  —

  September

  19

  26

  —

  41

  69

  —

  October

  19

  24

  —

  36

  60

  —

  November

  18

  19

  —

  39

  44

  —

  December

  16

  17

  —

  37

  39

  —

  Total

  221

  254

  103

  472

  607

  235

  All data are provisional.

  1Beef includes the following; bovine carcase meat, bovine offal and preparations of bovine meat and bovine offal.

  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what percentage and total amount of BSE eradication and compensation scheme expenditure 670
  has been received by (a) farmers, (b) slaughterers, (c) renderers and (d) other recipients; and if he will make a statement. [2159]

  Mrs. Browning
  [holding answer 6 November 1996]: My right hon. and learned Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced the estimated cost of BSE measures for each financial year from 1996–97 to 1998–99 on 24 July 1996, Official Report, column 532.

  Between April and the end of October 1996, the total expenditure on BSE eradication and compensation schemes broken down by recipient was as follows:

  £ Million

  (Per cent.)

  (a) Farmers

  477.3

  (68)

  (b) Slaughterers1

  96.8

  (14)

  (c) Renderers

  77.5

  (11)

  (d) Other recipients

  48.2

  (7)

  699.8

  1 Expenditure between April and the end of October on the calf processing scheme amounted to £24.5 million. Of this, we estimate that £19.6 million will have been passed on to farmers by the slaughterers.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the research funding for BSE, project by project, for each of the past eight years. [682]

  Mrs. Browning
  [holding answer 6 November 1996]: The total amount spent on research and development by the Government during 1988–89 to 1991–1992 financial years was £16.4 million, of which around £5 million was spent on MAFF-related transmissible spongiform encephalopathy research.

  A table listing the MAFF research projects undertaken on transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, including BSE, which have been held on computer record since 1992 has been placed in the Library. This table includes all the projects which were current in 1992 and every programme we have introduced since then.

  Prior to 1992, MAFF research project records were not computerised and details of projects which began and ended before that year are not readily available.
  671
  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what has been the total expenditure to date on the BSE eradication and compensation schemes; and if he will make a statement. [2164]

  Mrs. Browning
  [holding answer 6 November 1996]: My right hon. and learned Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced the estimated cost of BSE measures for each financial year from 1996–97 to 1998–99 on 24 July 1996, Official Report, column 532.

  The total expenditure in the United Kingdom between April and the end of October 1996 on BSE eradication and compensation was £699.8 million.

  This includes expenditure under the over-30-month slaughter scheme, the calf processing scheme, the additional EU compensation package—the beef special premium scheme and Buckler calf processing scheme—top-up, beef marketing payment scheme, the beef stocks transfer scheme, the animal feed recall scheme, aid to renderers, emergency aid to the slaughtering sector.

  Retail Beef Prices
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what has been the change in retail beef prices over the period since 20 March. [2577]

  Mrs. Browning
  The index for the retail price of beef, as measured through the retail prices index, is given.

  Index (January 1987=100)

  February

  137.7

  March

  138.2

  April

  134.8

  May

  133.4

  June

  134.5

  July

  132.1

  August

  136.9

  September

  134.5

  Source:

  First Release: Retail prices index, (monthly series), Office for National Statistics.

  Beef Sales
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the average monthly volume of British beef sold in the 12 months to 20 March; and what has been the monthly average for the period since then. [2581]

  Mr. Boswell
  The average monthly volume of UK home fed production of beef and veal between April 1995 and March 1996 was 80,400 tonnes. The average monthly volume of UK home-fed production of beef and veal from April 1996 to September 1996 was 49,500 tonnes.
  672
  Home-fed production is expressed in carcase weight equivalent, and is defined as the slaughterings of British cattle within the UK for human consumption plus live exports of British cattle. It therefore includes beef sold for export and beef sold into intervention.

  From 20 March 1996 home-fed production figures have excluded animals entering the over-30-month scheme and the calf processing aid scheme as the meat is not destined for human consumption.

  Information Technology Projects
  Ms Church
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many information technology projects have been undertaken since 1992, and are planned for the coming year, arranged in cost bands of £1,000,000. [1917]

  Mr. Boswell
  In response to the above question, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food have undertaken 722 information technology projects since 1992 to 1996 inclusive, and 145 are planned for 1997, subject to available funds.

  On a financial year basis, all IT projects have fallen within the cost band £0 to £1,000,000 with the exception of certain major projects which are necessarily developed and implemented in "phases" across a number of years, such as those relating to common agricultural policy reform. If aggregated to the end of 1997, these projects would fall within two bands:
  £1,000,000-£10,000,000: BSE systems, Establishment of Meat Hygiene Service;
  Greater than £10,000,000: CAP Reform, Resource Management Strategy, Farm Survey System and MAFF's corporate office system.

  Fishing
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what rights exist for EU countries to fish in waters controlled by non-EU countries; which countries enjoy such rights; and what sums have been paid to Governments by the EU in order to facilitate these concessions. [2487]

  Mr. Baldry
  Details of the fisheries agreements between the European Community and non-EU countries, other than those on the west coast of Africa, are shown in the following table. For details of agreements with west African countries, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave him on 28 October 1996,Official Report, column 52.
  673

  EU fisheries agreements with countries other than on the west coast of Africa

  Country

  Fishing opportunities

  Main EU beneficiaries

  Annual Cost of agreement

  Argentina

  Quotas: Hubbsi hake—120,000 tonnes, Patagonian grenadier—50,000 tonnes, Illex squid—30,000 tonnes, Patagonian rockcod/rough head grenadier—50,000 tonnes

  Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Greece, Germany, Netherlands and United Kingdom

  41,500,000 ECU

  Estonia

  Quotas: Cod—530 tonnes, Herring—10,500 tonnes, Salmon—4,500 fish, Sprat—22,500 tonnes

  Denmark, Germany, Finland and Sweden

  810,000 ECU

  Farore Islands

  Quotas: Cod, haddock—500 tonnes, Saithe—2,503 tonnes, Redfish—7,000 tonnes, Blue ling, ling—3,600 tonnes, Blue whiting—25,000 tonnes, Flatfish—1,000 tonnes, Mackerel—4,910 tonnes, Others—760 tonnes

  Germany, France, United Kingdom, Denmark and Netherlands

  Reciprocal exchange of quotas

  Greenland

  Quotas: Cod—31,000 tonnes, Redfish—52,320 tonnes, G. Halibut—7,050 tonnes, Prawns—4,525 tonnes, Halibut—400 tonnes, Catfish—2,000 tonnes, B. Whiting—30,000 tonnes, Capelin—63,150 tonnes. Grenadier—9,000 tonnes, P.cod—2,000 tonnes

  Germany, United Kingdom, Denmark and France

  38,7000,000 ECU

  Iceland

  Quotas: Refish—3,000 tonnes

  Germany, and United Kingdom

  Reciprocal exchange of quotas

  Latvia

  Quotas: Cod—1,420 tonnes, Herring—3,500 tonnes, Salmon—6,500 fish. Sprat—19,500 tonnes

  Denmark, Germany, Finland and Sweden

  496,100 ECU

  Lithuania

  Quotas: Cod—2,125 tonnes, Herring—3,000 tonnes, Salmon—4,500 fish, Sprat—12,500 tonnes, Flatfish— 25 tonnes

  Denmark, Germany, Finland and Sweden

  839,300 ECU

  Madagascar

  Quota: 9,000 tonnes of tuna.Licences for 42 freezer tuna vessels and 16 surface longliners

  Spain and France

  725,000 ECU

  Mauritius

  Quota: 6,000 tonnes of tuna.Licences for 20 ocean-going tuna seiners and 100 GRT1 per month of vessels fishing by line.

  Spain and France

  485,000 ECU

  Norway

  North of 62oN— Quotas: Cod—30,050 tonnes, Haddock—3,500 tonnes, Saithe—7,000 tonnes, Redfish—3,500 tonnes, Greenland halibut—100 tonnes. Blue whiting—1,000 tonnes, Others—450 tonnes, Mackerel—10,100 tonnes.

  United Kingdom, Germany, France, Denmark, Spain Portugal and Ireland

  Reciprocal exchange of quotas

  South of 62oN—Quotas: Norway pout—50,000 tonnes, Sandeel—150,000 tonnes, Shrimp)—1,230 tonnes, Others—11,000 tonnes, Whitefish—2,560 tonnes, Herring—840 tonnes, Mackerel—240 tonnes, Industrial species—800 tonnes.

  Denmark, Sweden and United Kingdom

  Reciprocal exchange of quotas

  Poland

  Quotas: Herring—1,000 tonnes, Salmon—1,350 fish, Sprat—15,000 tonnes, Flatfish—50 tonnes.

  Sweden

  Reciprocal exchange of quotas

  Republic of Comoros

  Quota: 4,500 tonnes of tuna Licences for 37 ocean-going freezer tuna vessels.

  Spain and France

  36,000 ECU

  Seychelles

  Quota: 46,000 tonnes of tuna.Licences for 42 ocean-going freezer tuna seiners and 15 surface longliners.

  Spain and France

  3,300,000 ECU

  1 Gross registered tonnes

  Sandeels
  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what response he has made to the recommendations from Joint Nature Conservation Committee that sandeel fisheries be restricted in the Wee Bankie, Marr bank and Scalp bank of the North sea. [2636]

  Mr. Baldry
  In responding to a Ministry consultation letter on technical conservation measures, the Joint Nature Conservation Committee suggested, among other things, that sandeel fisheries be restricted in an area off the east coast of Scotland. The Ministry replied, explaining the initiatives taken by the Government over the past few months on industrial fisheries. Subsequent to the JNCC letter, a major international research project has been announced to study the impact of industrial sandeel fisheries on predator species off the east coast of Scotland. The Scottish Office marine laboratory is participating in this study.

  Religious Slaughtering Methods
  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many(a) sheep, (b) calves, (c) adult cattle and (d) chickens were slaughtered by a method approved for religious reasons in (i) 1993, (ii) 1994 and (iii) 1995. [2688]

  Mrs. Browning
  This question could be answered only at disproportionate cost.

  Live Animal Transport
  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food for what reasons his instructions to his appointed local veterinary inspectors do not require them to be present at the loading of ovine animals for export. [2689]
  675
  Mrs. Browning
  The instructions to veterinary inspectors reflect the requirements of EU legislation. Sheep consigned to another member state must be inspected within the 48-hour period prior to loading. Additionally, inspections must be carried out to check compliance with EU rules, and the spot checks carried out in fulfilment of this include supervised loadings.

  Cattle Cull
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he plans to pay Richard Haddock of Collaton Barton farm, Kingswear, for the 50 cattle which were culled in early October; and what factors underlie the delay in this payment. [2910]

  Mr. Baldry
  Payment for cattle slaughtered under the over-30-month scheme typically takes 35 to 42 days. The procedure is as follows:Claims for payment are submitted weekly in arrears by collection centres acting on the producer's behalf. The Intervention Board makes payment to collection centres within 14 days of receipt of a fully documented claim. Collection centres are required to pay producers within 14 days of receipt of payment by the Intervention Board.

  Providing, therefore, Mr. Haddock submitted properly completed documentation with his animals, he can expect to be paid shortly.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Belfast Airport
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the amount spent on(a) accountants, (b) consultants, (c) lawyers and (d) other professionals in relation to the privatisation of Belfast airport. [1867]

  Mr. Moss
  The Department spent a total of £3,426 million on privatisation costs. It is not the practice to disclose the remuneration for individual consultancies.

  Timber (Construction Use)
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to promote the greater use of timber in the construction industry; and if he will make a statement. [1760]

  Mr. Moss
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given today by my hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment.

  Nursery Vouchers
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what administrative action he has taken to assist the introduction of the nursery education voucher programme. [1689]

  Mr. Ancram
  Action has been taken on a number of fronts as follows:

  1. A consultation document on the proposed operation of the nursery voucher scheme in Northern Ireland was issued in April 1996.

  2. The Department of Education has been involved in the tendering process to select the company to administer the voucher scheme nationally. Discussions are taking place with
  676
  education and library boards about funding mechanisms, and arrangements are being made for the inspection and registration of providers. General publicity about the scheme is planned for early 1997.

  3. The Northern Ireland Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment has prepared a pre-school curriculum for Northern Ireland.

  4. An Order in Council to provide the powers necessary to implement the voucher scheme is expected to be laid before Parliament during November.

  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what estimate he has made of the per capita expenditure on the administration of the nursery education voucher programme. [1690]

  Mr. Ancram
  The estimated per capita expenditure on the administration of the nursery education voucher programme in Northern Ireland is £9.17.

  General National Vocational Qualifications
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the number, percentage and type of schools involved in the development of GNVQ programmes in secondary education in Northern Ireland and the range of subject areas involved. [1691]

  Mr. Ancram
  The number and percentage of schools involved in the delivery of full GNVQs in Northern Ireland were as follows:

  1992–93: 6 (2.5 per cent.)

  1993–94: 65 (28 per cent.)

  1994–95: 86 (36.6 per cent.)

  1995–96: Not available

  1996–97: Not available.

  The number of schools involved in piloting part 1 GNVQ were:

  1995–96: 9 (3.9 per cent.)

  1996–97: 15 (6.4 per cent.)

  The range of subject areas offered for full GNVQs are:

  Art and Design1

  Built Environment

  Business2

  Health and Social Care2

  Hospitality and Catering

  Information Technology1

  Leisure and Tourism1

  Manufacturing Science2

  1 Also offered as part I from September 1995.

  2 Also offered as part I from September 1996.

  Education Expenditure
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what was the capital expenditure on(a) nursery, (b) primary, (c) secondary and (d) further education in each of the past five years. [1692]

  Mr. Ancram
  Capital expenditure by education and library boards on controlled schools and further education colleges, and grants paid by the Department of Education on approved capital expenditure incurred by voluntary and grant-maintained integrated schools for each of the financial years 1990–91 to 1994–95 is set out in the following table.
  677

  £ million

  Year

  Nursery schools

  Primary schools

  Secondary schools (including grammar)

  Further education colleges

  1990–91

  0.426

  11.263

  41.317

  7.598

  1991–92

  0.428

  11.106

  44.043

  5.553

  1992–93

  0.475

  15.160

  45.754

  8.524

  1993–94

  0.788

  16.797

  42.786

  7.393

  1994–95

  0.855

  18.442

  43.548

  7.956

  Private Finance Initiative
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what projects have been committed under the private finance initiative to date; and what projects are under consideration. [1693]

  Sir John Wheeler
  Projects committed under the private finance initiative to date include a contract energy services scheme at Holywell hospital, car parking facilities at the Royal group of hospitals, and leasing of medical and other equipment. Details of PFI projects currently under consideration are given in the table:

  Project

  Bangor and Kinnegar sewerage treatment works

  Design, build, finance and operate

  Hydro-electric project

  Hydro Electric Scheme

  Westlink urban motorway

  Design, build, finance and operate

  Motorway emergency telephone system

  Replace and operate system

  Strangford ferry

  Replace ferry

  Holywood road, social security office

  Government office accommodation

  Hydebank

  Government Office Accommodation

  Driver and Vehicle Testing

  Vehicle testing and IT

  Agencies vehicle testing project

  Land Registry IT system

  Computerisation

  Planning Service IT system

  Computerisation

  Antrim bus station library

  Bus station library

  Ulsterbus/ Citybus

  Bus replacement

  Northern Ireland Railways

  Class 80 R stock replacement

  Ulster folk and transport museum

  Visitor centre

  North-West institute of further and higher education

  Add. Teaching Accom.

  Belfast institute of further and higher education

  Add. Teaching Accom.

  St. Genevieve's High school

  New accommodation

  Drumglass high school

  New accommodation

  Wellington college

  Refurbishment

  Balmoral high school

  Refurbishment

  Ulster hospital

  Extension/ Refurbishment

  Downe hospital

  New block/ Refurbishment

  Belfast city hospital

  New renal dialysis facs

  Belfast city hospital

  Car park facilities/site

  Causeway hospital

  Contract energy services

  Daisy hill hospital

  Renal dialysis facilities.

  Craigavon area hospital

  Contract energy services

  The Department of Education is also undertaking a market sounding study of its schools estate in order to assess the wider potential for PFI in respect of over 100 high-priority schools projects.
  678

  Education and Training Targets
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what are the national targets for education and training for the year 2000; and what has been the Northern Ireland achievement against those targets in each of the past five years. [1694]

  Mr. Ancram
  The following national targets for education and training for the year 2000 apply in Northern Ireland:

  Foundation Learning

  (1) By age 19, 85 per cent. of young people to achieve five GCSEs at grade C or above, an intermediate GNVQ or an NVQ level 2.

  (2) By age 19, 75 per cent. of young people to achieve level 2 competence in communication, numeracy and information technology; and 35 per cent. to achieve level 3 competence in these skills by age 21.

  (3) By age 21, 60 per cent. of young people to achieve two A-levels, and advanced GNVQ or an NVQ level 3.

  Lifetime Learning

  (1) 60 per cent. of the work force to be qualified to NVQ level 3 advanced GNVQ or two A-level standard.

  (2) 30 per cent. of the work force to have a vocational, professional, management or academic qualification at NVQ level 4 or above.

  (3) 70 per cent. of all organisations employing 200 or more employees, and 35 per cent. of those employing 50 or more, to be recognised as investors in people.

  The information available about progress in Northern Ireland towards those targets is as follows:

  Foundation targets

  Percentage

  1991–92

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–95

  Foundation target 1

  56.4

  63.2

  64.5

  n/a

  Foundation target 3

  41.0

  43.0

  42.5

  n/a

  n/a = not available.

  Lifetime targets1

  Percentage

  1993

  1994

  1995

  Lifetime target 1

  34

  36

  37

  Lifetime target 2

  20

  21

  21

  Lifetime target 3

  percentage of organisations with 200 or more employees recognised as investors

  0

  1

  percentage of organisations with 50 or more employees recognised as investors

  0.5

  1

  Notes:

  There is currently no measure for foundation target 2.

  Source:

  1 Labour Force Survey (Spring).

  Free School Meals
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what percentage of(a) grammar school and (b) secondary school pupils are entitled to free school meals [1799]

  Mr. Ancram
  The percentage of pupils entitled to free school meals in(a) grammar schools was 9.6 per cent. and (b) in secondary schools was 35.3 per cent.
  679

  Reading Recovery Programmes
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement about the use of reading recovery programmes in Northern Ireland and his assessment of their effectiveness. [1791]

  Mr. Ancram
  Training for teachers in the reading recovery approach is available in four board areas, and will be in the fifth from September 1977.

  The Queen's university of Belfast school of education is carrying out an evaluation of the effectiveness of reading recovery in two board areas, and the findings of the evaluation are expected shortly.

  Education (Attainment Levels)
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what analysis he has made of(a) the impact of the earlier age of starting school in Northern Ireland upon attainment levels in Northern Ireland education; and (b) the impact of month of birth in the transfer test. [1793]

  Mr. Ancram
  (a) The earlier school starting date came into operation in 1989; the first cohort will not leave school until the summer of 2002. No analysis of the impact of the earlier starting age has been carried out, but there is a substantial body of evidence supporting the view that early years education makes a positive impact on educational attainment in the longer term.

  (b) There is a known correlation between age and test performance. To allow for the difference in age between the oldest and youngest children taking the tests, an allowance is made for younger pupils. This is calculated for each child in accordance with the day of his/her birth. The younger the child, the larger the allowance will be. There is a well-established practice in relation to the tests. No analysis of the process as such has been undertaken.

  School Inspections
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement about how frequently(a) primary school, (b) secondary school, (c) grammar school and (d) further education colleges are inspected. [1795]

  Mr. Ancram
  All grant-aided schools in Northern Ireland are inspected at least once every five years.

  There is a general—full—inspection of each college of further education every eight years and an inspection of a key aspect of provision in each college at least once every four years.

  Nursery Education
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what percentage of four-year-olds who are not in school receive nursery education; and what percentage of three-year-olds receive nursery education. [1797]

  Mr. Ancram
  Compulsory school age in Northern Ireland begins at four, so if a pupil is four on or before 1 July, they begin primary school the following September: 31 per cent. of three-year-olds received nursery education in 1995–96.

  Private Education
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what percentage of 12-year-olds in Northern Ireland receive private education. [1798]

  Mr. Ancram
  Information on pupils receiving private education is not available, but 0.3 per cent. Of 12-year-olds in Northern Ireland are educated in independent schools.

  School Staff
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many staff, fulfilling what functions and at what cost, are employed in the Department of Education in direct funding and contact with schools. [1792]

  Mr. Ancram
  The Department of Education employs 25.41 staff in both direct funding and contact with schools, at a cost of £484,331 per annum—current rates. Collectively, these staff perform the following functions:
  Advising voluntary grammar and grant-maintained integrated schools on procedures and requirements relating to school meals provision and processing grant claims in respect of expenditure incurred by these schools in providing this service.
  Policy/resourcing/payment of grants/guidance on all financial and audit matters relating to the voluntary grammar and grant-maintained integrated school sectors.
  Planning and approval of capital schemes and the payment of appropriate grants in relation to voluntary grammar, grant-maintained integrated and maintained schools.
  1 full-time equivalent

  Grammar Schools
  Mr. Worthignton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the availability of grammar school places for those from the (i) Protestant and (ii) Catholic traditions in each of the education and library boards; and in which areas there is relative under provision. [1794]

  Mr. Ancram
  While it should be noted that many grammar schools are attended by both Protestant and Roman Catholic pupils, the distribution of grammar school places between schools under Roman Catholic management—denominational schools—and others—non-denominational schools—in each board area in the 1995–96 school year, the most recent statistics available, is as follows:

  Grammar school places

  Denominational

  Non-denominational

  Belfast

  5,894

  10,126

  Western

  7,382

  3,896

  North Eastern

  3,830

  9,824

  South Eastern

  2,872

  7,264

  Southern

  7,352

  3,605

  Total

  27,330

  34,715

  There is evidence of a relative shortfall of grammar school places in Londonderry, Belfast, Newry, Banbridge, Bangor and Carrickfergus. Steps are being taken to address any underprovision, subject to the availability of capital resources.
  681
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what percentage of 11-year-olds in Northern Ireland attend grammar schools. [2491]

  Mr. Ancram
  In 1995–96, the percentage of 11-year-olds attending grammar schools in Northern Ireland was 34 per cent.

  Raising School Standards Initiative
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement about the (i) progress and (ii) evaluation of the raising school standards initiative. [1796]

  Mr. Ancram
  The raising schools standards initiative was launched in 1995 with the aim of improving standards in schools with particular problems of educational and social disadvantage.

  All schools in the programme are working to approved action plans and receiving the necessary financial and professional support to ensure delivery.

  The schools have been inspected during 1995–96 and will be inspected again in 1997–98. The findings will contribute to an evaluation of the approach. In addition, the institute of education, university of London, is undertaking a research project within participating schools which assesses progress using the "value added" approach. This report is expected in December 1998 and will contribute to the final evaluation which will be available in 1999.

  Mobile Classrooms
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the trend in the number of temporary mobile classrooms in use in Northern Ireland. [2032]

  Mr. Ancram
  Detailed information to establish a trend in the number of mobile classrooms in the schools estate is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Class Sizes
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many(a) five, (b) six and (c) seven-year-old children are being taught in classes over 30 in size; and how many such classes there are. [2033]

  Mr. Ancram
  This information is not collected in the form requested.

  Education Administration Costs
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is his policy in respect of the level of costs of educational administration in Northern Ireland; and what assessment he has made of the level of these costs relative to those elsewhere in the United Kingdom. [2031]

  Mr. Ancram
  The Government believe that the costs of educational administration in Northern Ireland should be reduced through annual efficiency savings, through the 682
  restructuring of the education and library boards—which I announced earlier this year—and through the development, where practicable, of regionalised services.

  The different local government structures in the United Kingdom do not permit direct comparisons with the costs of educational administration elsewhere.

  Homework Centres
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what evaluation has taken place of the 12 homework centres in Northern Ireland referred to in his answer of 13 March,Official Report, column 644; what conclusions he has reached in respect of future projects; and what proposals he has for expansion of the projects. [2063]

  Mr. Ancram
  Eight homework centres, funded through the making Belfast work programme, have been evaluated by the education and training inspectorate. This evaluation concluded that the most successful centres share the following characteristics:a location which is readily accessible by the pupils that the homework centre is intended to serve;
  they are based within schools, have access to the wider facilities and resources of the school, and involve activities to develop pupils that extend beyond the completion of homework set by the school; and
  evidence of commitment and active support by the principal of the school at which the centre is based and principals of other main participating schools.

  The future expansion of homework centres is subject to availability of resources and competing priorities.

  Students
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what percentage of higher education students with homes in Northern Ireland go to Great Britain or Irish institutions to study; and what percentage return for employment in Northern Ireland on completion of their studies. [2064]

  Mr. Ancram
  In 1994–95 32 per cent. of Northern Ireland domiciled full-time undergraduate new entrants to higher education went to institutions in Great Britain and 7 per cent. to institutions in the Republic of Ireland; 19 per cent. of Northern Ireland domiciled full-time undergraduates who graduated from Great Britain higher education institutions in 1994–95 returned to Northern Ireland to take up employment.

  No information is available on the destinations of Northern Ireland domiciled graduates from Republic of Ireland institutions.

  Education Budget
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list in(a) cash and (b) constant price terms the resources that have gone into education in each year since 1979, and the percentage of the departmental budget which has been devoted to education in each year. [2065]
  683
  Mr. Ancram
  The information is set out in the table:

  Education as percentage of

  Year

  Education cash £m

  Expenditure1 1996–97 prices

  (a)NI expenditure2

  (b)NI managed block3

  1979–80

  388

  1,017

  15.9

  20.5

  1980–81

  458

  1,014

  15.8

  20.6

  1981–82

  499

  1,008

  15.5

  20.7

  1982–83

  534

  1,007

  15.3

  20.8

  1983–84

  556

  1,002

  14.6

  20.3

  1984–85

  580

  995

  14.1

  19.7

  1985–86

  602

  979

  14.1

  20.2

  1986–87

  695

  1,097

  15.4

  22.4

  1987–88

  750

  1,124

  15.5

  22.3

  1988–89

  812

  1,141

  15.9

  20.7

  1989–90

  898

  1,179

  16.6

  21.8

  1990–91

  1,004

  1,221

  18.2

  24.5

  1991–92

  1,124

  1,284

  18.7

  25.5

  1992–93

  1,203

  1,319

  18.3

  25.3

  1993–94

  1,248

  1,330

  17.6

  24.9

  1994–95

  1,295

  1,356

  17.5

  25.1

  1995–96

  1,350

  1,380

  17.3

  25.0

  1996–97 planned

  1,395

  1,395

  17.4

  25.5

  1 Includes youth training programme expenditure prior to 1992–93, when responsibility for this activity transferred to the Department of Economic Development.

  2 NI expenditure is the total expenditure within the Secretary of State's responsibility within the control total. It includes NIO expenditure, and for the years prior to 1988–89, cyclical social security benefits.

  3 Includes expenditure by the NIO and NI Departments, excluding national agricultural and fisheries support, and most social security benefits expenditure.

  Local Management of Schools
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the percentage of education and library boards' budgets which must be delegated to schools; and what plans he has to change it. [2066]

  Mr. Ancram
  The LMS arrangements in Northern Ireland do not provide for fixed levels of delegation, but list specific areas of expenditure which boards either must delegate or may delegate to schools. Under these arrangements, education and library boards presently delegate to individual schools 86 per cent. of the funds capable of delegation. The boards retain resources to cover centrally funded services, such as landlord maintenance, curriculum advisory and support services, home-to-school transport, and educational welfare and psychology services. Levels of delegation are reviewed annually.

  Colleges
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is his target date for the implementation of his proposals for the incorporation of colleges. [2489]

  Mr. Ancram
  For planning purposes, the target date for the incorporation of colleges is 1 August 1997.

  School Assessments
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress he has made in incorporating a value added element into the assessment of schools. [2490]

  Mr. Ancram
  It will not be possible for value added to be determined until the assessment outcomes for a cohort of pupils at consecutive key stages can be compared. Assessment of pupils' attainments at the end of key stages 1, 2 and 3 became a statutory requirement from 1 September 1996; it will be a further three years before the best means of establishing value added measures can be determined.

  University Places (Costs)
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the per capita cost of a full-time university place excluding student support in(a) real and (b) constant price terms in each of the past 10 years. [2492]

  Mr. Ancram
  The recurrent cost per full-time equivalent student, excluding student support, at universities in Northern Ireland has been as follows:

  (a) Cash price (£)

  (b) Constant 1993–94 prices £)

  1986–87

  4,290

  6,345

  1987–88

  4,501

  6,320

  1988–89

  4,553

  5,966

  1989–90

  4,929

  6,064

  1990–91

  5,187

  5,908

  1991–92

  5,275

  5,653

  1992–93

  5,232

  5,392

  1993–94

  5,185

  5,185

  1994–95

  5,059

  4,958

  Source:

  Universities statistical record data (1996–87 to 1993–94); HESA data (1994–95).

  School Transport
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on his Department's policy on school transport; what savings he expects to make in a full financial year as a result of policy changes; from which school sectors; and what impact he assesses this will have on enrolment. [2493]

  Mr. Ancram
  From the beginning of the 1997–98 school year, assistance will be provided only to pupils who are unable to gain a place in a suitable school or institution of further education within statutory walking distance of their home. Statutory walking distance is defined as two miles for primary school pupils and three miles for other pupils.

  It is estimated that savings of some £3.4 million per annum in total will be achieved when the policy is fully implemented.

  The estimated savings in each sector are:

  £million

  Primary

  0.5

  Secondary/Grammar

  2.5

  Further education

  0.4

  685
  The policy change is not expected to affect overall enrolment figures, although variations to enrolments at individual schools are expected. The extent of these will be determined by whatever choices parents make for their children in response to the new transport arrangements.

  Fireworks
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what powers exist for(a) Customs and Excise and (b) other authorities to prevent the importation of illegal fireworks through ports into Northern Ireland. [2495]

  Sir John Wheeler
  Where Customs and Excise officials know that cargoes include fireworks, they check for compliance with the British standard and routinely advise the Health and Safety Executive and the Royal Ulster Constabulary. If, however, random searches at ports reveal fireworks which have not been listed as such, officials detain them and notify the RUC.

  Fireworks coming into ports in Northern Ireland must comply with the Explosives Act 1875, as amended, and they must be authorised and appear on the "List of Authorised Explosives" issued by the Health and Safety Executive. They must also be classified in accordance with the Classification and Labelling of Explosives Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1991 and it is an offence under the Health and Safety at Work Order 1978 not to comply with these regulations.

  The Placing on the Market and Supervision of Transfers of Explosives (Enforcement) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1996 give an inspector appointed under article 21 of the Health and Safety at Work Order 1978 the power to seize and detain, in accordance with section 74 of the Explosives Act 1875, fireworks which he has reasonable cause to believe will be unlawfully acquired, used or dealt in.

  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what representations he has received from the RUC about its powers to deal with fireworks in Northern Ireland. [2496]

  Sir John Wheeler
  When consulted on the draft Explosives (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) Order 1996 the Chief Constable indicated that he would wish to have various, additional powers to enter, stop, search and seize in relation to offences committed under the new regulations.

  The Secretary of State gave this request the most careful consideration, but was not persuaded that such additional powers, which Parliament has reserved solely for the prevention and detection of serious and violent crime, were wholly appropriate to offences committed under the fireworks legislation.

  Teacher Education
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to what extent teacher education falls within the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Higher Education Council; and if he will make a statement. [2497]

  Mr. Ancram
  Provision for teacher education in Northern Ireland is not included under the remit of the Northern Ireland Higher Education Council.

  Education and Library Boards
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what expenditure will be incurred in respect of his proposals for reducing the number of education and library boards(a) before parliamentary approval has been given and (b) before the proposals are carried out. [2498]

  Mr. Ancram
  Expenditure requirements for the restructuring of the education and library boards in the next financial year have yet to be determined. Expenditure in the current financial year is not expected to be significant.

  Orange Parade
  Mr. Mallon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) when he was informed by the Chief Constable of the decisions to (i) prevent and (ii) allow the Orange parade which marched down Garvaghy road on 11 July; [1767]

  (2) what consultations he had with the Chief Constable of the RUC regarding the decision to prevent the passage of an Orange parade along Garvaghy road, and what subsequent consultation he had with the Chief Constable prior to the decision to permit the passage of the parade; [1768]

  (3) if he will publish the directions issued by the Chief Constable in relation to the Orange parade at Garvaghy road, Portadown between 6 and 11 July. [1770]

  Sir John Wheeler
  [holding answer 6 November 1996]: I refer the hon. Gentleman to the statement made in the House by my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State on 15 July Official Report, columns 787–90, which set out the events surrounding the parade at Drumcree, and to the Chief Constable's BBC interview of the previous day referred to in that statement, a copy of which is in the Library.

  Mr. Mallon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what consideration he gave to making an order under article 5 of the Public Order (Northern Ireland) Order 1987 in respect of circumstances on the Garvaghy road between 6 and 11 July; what advice he sought on this matter; and on what basis a decision was made not to issue any such order. [1769]

  Sir John Wheeler
  [holding answer 6 November 1996]: My right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State did not make an order under article 5 of the Public Order (Northern Ireland) Order 1987 because the Chief Constable did not advise him to do so.

  Mr. Mallon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what representations were made to him during the period 6 to 11 July regarding unwillingness of members of the RUC to enforce the directions of the Chief Constable made on 6 July. [1771]

  Sir John Wheeler
  [holding answer 6 November 1996]: None.

  Beach Safety
  Mr. Robert McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps his Department is taking to ensure the safety of people on beaches along the North Down littoral from the wash of passenger ferries. [2459]
  687
  Mr. Bowis
  I have been asked to reply.

  I have asked the chief executive of the Marine Safety Agency to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from R. M. Bradley to Mr. Robert McCartney, dated 7 November 1996:
  The Secretary of State for Transport has asked me to reply to your Question about wash from passenger ferries and what is being done to ensure the safety of people on North Down beaches.
  An Extraordinary Meeting of the Belfast Lough District Safety Committee Working Group will take place on 13 November 1996 to discuss wash from ferries. The meeting is to be chaired by the Marine Safety Agency's Regional Chief Surveyor and will be attended by representatives from all interested parties including the ferry operators. North Down Borough Council and the police.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Reduced Earnings Allowance
  Mr. Hain
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people were transferred from reduced earnings allowance to retirement allowance between 1 April and 1 October in each Benefits Agency region. [2683]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  The administration or reduced earnings allowance, payable under the Industrial Injuries scheme, is a matter for Peter Mathison, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Peter Hain, dated 6 November 1996:

  Budget allocations for Out of Hours Service

  Area directorates

  1992–93 £

  1993–94 £

  1994–95 £

  1995–96 £

  1996–97 £

  Tyne Tees

  48,630

  50,037

  82,273

  87,360

  74,539

  South Yorkshire and Humberside

  42,624

  20,963

  69,200

  73,182

  72,385

  North and West Yorkshire

  40,388

  76,468

  95,277

  104,892

  77,523

  Glasgow and Paisley

  27,088

  35,871

  101,271

  111,251

  135,276

  North Central and West Scotland

  31,860

  75,859

  159,744

  174,392

  184,286

  East of Scotland

  29,081

  83,305

  179,008

  164,201

  183,169

  East Midlands

  30,534

  45,016

  68,024

  71,202

  73,350

  Midlands South West

  30,710

  30,633

  52,066

  46,796

  48,491

  West Mercia

  35,514

  32,202

  52,074

  45,627

  33,265

  Wales

  35,180

  37,505

  57,600

  57,419

  61,434

  Merseyside

  28,247

  74,988

  108,472

  105,936

  119,108

  Greater Manchester

  28,046

  64,894

  96,729

  75,716

  85,402

  Lancashire and Cumbria

  31,060

  55,801

  95,039

  76,555

  83,673

  Anglia

  18,431

  30,463

  64,344

  56,395

  70,705

  Chilterns

  11,341

  24,002

  55,407

  62,047

  64,644

  South London and West Sussex

  15,122

  9,008

  14,122

  30,396

  33,524

  West Country

  22,132

  146,208

  205,600

  233,070

  263,211

  East London and Essex

  21,866

  33,018

  42,821

  60,332

  57,462

  South East

  13,644

  17,281

  37,870

  40,453

  35,838

  Wessex

  19,857

  43,634

  82,655

  76,413

  76,389

  Totals

  561,353

  987,156

  1,719,596

  1,753,635

  1,833,674

  Figures are provisional and subject to change.

  Benefits Agency Medical Services
  Mr. Burden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) if he will make it his policy that the practice whereby hospital case notes are currently supplied free of 688
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking how many people were transferred from Reduced Earning Allowance (REA) to Retirement Allowance (RA) between 1st April and 1st October in each Benefits Agency (BA) region.
  The information is not available in the format requested. Statistics are collated by BA Area Directorates, not on a regional basis.
  In order to assess those people who might be transferred to Retirement Allowance under amending legislation (Social Security (Industrial Injuries and Diseases)(Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 1996) which came into force on 24 March 1996, the Benefits Agency identified all Reduced Earnings Allowance recipients over pensionable age as at 24 March 1996. From 24 March to 30 September 1996, 21,299 have had their entitlement to REA transferred to RA. This includes REA recipients who attained pension age before and after 24 March 1996.
  The information is shown in the attached table.
  I hope this reply will be helpful.

  Benefits agency area directorate

  Number of REA cases transferred to RA

  East London and Anglia

  857

  Chilterns

  402

  London South

  2,019

  West Country

  878

  Mercia

  2,640

  West Midlands

  780

  Wales

  2,109

  North West Coast

  1,767

  Greater Manchester

  1,666

  Yorkshire

  2,002

  Tyne Tees

  4,398

  West of Scotland

  507

  East of Scotland

  1,172

  Overseas

  102

  Total

  2,1299

  Figures are provisional and subject to amendment.

  charge by the NHS to the Benefits Agency medical services will continue, should private companies win the contracts currently on offer under the contracting out of the operations of the Benefits Agency medical services; and if he will make a statement; [754]
  689
  (2) if he will make it his policy that the practice whereby external medical opinions are currently obtained free of charge under NHS authorisation to the Benefits Agency medical services will continue, should private companies win the contracts currently on offer under the contracting out of the operations of the Benefits Agency medical services. [755]

  Mr. Burt
  We are currently discussing this issue with officials from the NHS executive. These discussions should be concluded within the next few weeks. Whatever the outcome of these, it is imperative that the provision of these services will not lead to any increase in the expenditure of public funds.

  Mr. Burden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make it his policy that, where private contractors be charged for the service whereby external medical opinions are currently obtained free of charge under NHS authorisation to the Benefits Agency medical services, his Department will guarantee that the private companies will not reduce the number of cases for which external medical help is sought; and if he will make a statement. [753]

  Mr. Burt
  In any case referred to an external medical supplier, the contractor's doctors must be able to supply adequate reasons for the advice being given. If it RS not possible for them to advise on the evidence already available then they must seek information from other sources. The Department will not be satisfied with advice which is not fully supported by documentary evidence. This will be stated in the terms of the contracts with any private contractors and will be rigorously monitored by the contract management team. It is not anticipated that the number of requests for further medical evidence will be reduced.

  Mr. Burden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) if he will stipulate in the contracts awarded to companies bidding to undertake the assessment of claims for incapacity benefit currently performed by the Benefits Agency medical services the target number of clients for this benefit to be seen per session by doctors employed by these companies to evaluate the eligibility of claimants; [751]

  (2) if he will stipulate in the contracts awarded to companies bidding to undertake the assessment of claims for incapacity benefit currently performed by the Benefits Agency medical services, (a) the annual number of cases to be reviewed, (b) the annual maximum number of clients that will be deemed eligible for incapacity benefit and (c) the total amount of benefit to be authorised. [737]

  Mr. Burt
  The Benefits Agency has never set targets covering the number of people who should be allowed or disallowed benefit.

  Performance indicators and targets for the potential service provider of the medical service have not yet been set: they will be matters for discussion and negotiation prior to contract(s) being awarded.

  The set targets will relate to how the service is delivered rather than decisions on entitlement to benefit.

  Mr. Burden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) which were the companies involved in(a) the partnering exercise and (b) the collaborative study into the Benefits Agency medical services before the decision to
  690
  contract out the Benefits Agency medical services; which were the companies that were later involved in tendering for the subsequent contracts; and if he will make a statement; [746]

  (2) which were the firms that were involved in the feasibility study to determine contracting out of the Benefits Agency medical services and which have been shortlisted for the three geographical areas; when he expects the final decision to be (a) made and (b) announced; and if he will make a statement. [747]

  Mr. Burt
  A partnering project team was established in September 1994 to look for ways in which the private sector could be involved in the future delivery of a medical service. Advertisements were placed in the national press seeking expressions of interest from suitable companies to undertake a collaborative study with the project team. The companies chosen to take part in the study were BMI, Capita and Serco.

  The three companies undertook independent studies of the Benefits Agency medical services, BAMS, organisation. Assessment of their reports concluded that the work of BAMS could be contracted to the private sector.

  In June 1996 an advertisement was placed inviting expressions of interest: five companies were subsequently chosen to enter into negotiations with the Department for the provision of a medical service. Those companies are Andersens, BMI, Capita, EDS and Sema.

  Some of the information that was made available during the collaborative study is now out of date. Shortlisted contractors who have been invited to enter into negotiations will receive all relevant information to ensure they fully understand the requirements, and to ensure that they are able to develop proposals based on the same information. No advantage will accrue to the companies who participated in the collaborative study.

  A final decision and subsequent announcement is anticipated by April 1997.

  Mr. Burden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make it his policy that any private company bidding to undertake the medical assessment of claims for incapacity benefit from the Benefits Agency medical services and acquiring confidential data in the course of their assessments will be legally prohibited from (i) using and (ii) disclosing that information for their other commercial interests in(a) private health care and (b) all other commercial applications; and what measures his Department intends to use to investigate such eventualities. [759]

  Mr. Burt
  The Department places strong emphasis on customer confidentiality and would demand the same standards from the successful contractor or contractors. The contractor(s) will have a mandatory contractual requirement to conform to the security policy of the Department which is based on Government security policy.

  The successful bidder or bidders will be required to ensure that any data or information passed to them by the Department or a third party, or revealed during the course of the contract, is used only for the purpose directly relating to the Departments business and only by the appropriate staff.
  691
  Rigorous monitoring systems will be put in place to ensure on-going compliance with the requirements.

  Mr. Burden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if, following his Department's decision to contract out the functions of the Benefits Agency Medical Services, he will give the rationale for his Department's decision to use the negotiated procedure in respect of contracting out the functions of the Benefits Agency medical services, rather than the restrictive procedure for the shortlisted firms. [748]

  Mr. Burt
  The use of the negotiated procedure is considered to be less adversarial than the restrictive procedure. It provides an opportunity for meaningful two-way dialogue, allowing the necessary flexibility for discussions and negotiations, thus ensuring better informed and higher quality bids.

  Mr. Burden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make it his policy that, following his Department's decision to contract out the functions of the Benefits Agency medical services, commercial considerations will not affect the decisions to obtain the consultants' reports that enable doctors to make full and professional assessments of claimants for incapacity benefit. [752]

  Mr. Burt
  In the majority of cases, a consultant's report is obtained at the request of the customer. On

  occasions the contractor or contractors will need to obtain a report from a consultant as this will represent the most satisfactory way of establishing the evidence necessary to advise the adjudication officer.

  Post contract management arrangements will ensure that the contractor(s) achieve the correct balance between customer care and profits.

  Mr. Burden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will revise(a) the target number of clients for incapacity benefit seen per session by doctors of (i) the Benefits Agency medical services and (ii) any private contractors successful in their bid to take over the functions of the Benefits Agency medical services and (b) any other aspect of the service; and if he will make a statement. [750]

  Mr. Burt
  One of the primary objectives in contracting out Benefits Agency medical services is' to improve the provision of a medical service to the Department.

  The Department will be specifying the outputs in terms of service delivery in a way that is measurable.

  Whilst the output will be specified, how the contractor achieves the specification will not, thereby providing the contractor with the maximum flexibility for delivery of the service.

  Mr. Burden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if individual members of the assessment panel responsible for the recommendation for full contracting out of the functions of the Benefits Agency medical services were allowed to put in a bid for the resulting contracts; and if he will make a statement. [749]

  Mr. Burt
  The medical service to be contracted out to the private sector was advertised in the Official Journal of the European Community and Government Opportunities.
  692
  Following the response to a questionnaire completed by the private sector and individuals working in the Benefits Agency medical services, a full and auditable evaluation of responses was undertaken resulting in five private sector companies being invited to go forward to the next stage of the procurement process.

  No individuals included in the assessment panel are involved in the bidding process for this service.

  Mr. Burden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what efficiency savings his Department estimates will accrue from the decision to contract out the functions of the Benefits Agency medical services. [767]

  Mr. Burt
  It is not possible at this stage to estimate the precise level of savings. However, experience of similar exercises within the Department has identified that efficiencies will be gained in all cost areas of the contract or contracts.

  Benefits Agency (Emergency Services)
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list for each of the last five years and for each Benefits Agency office the cost of operating the out-of-hours service. [1431]

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

  Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. David Hinchliffe, dated 6 November 1996:
  The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking if he will list for each of the last five years and for each Benefits Agency office the cost of operating the out-of-hours service.
  The information is not available in the format requested. The total budgets allocated for the operation of the Out of Hours Service for each of the last five years were as follows:

  1992/93: £0,561 million

  1993/94: £0,987 million

  1994/95: £1,720 million

  1995/96: £1,754 million

  1996/97: £1,834 million.

  Figures are provisional and subject to change.
  The budgets allocated to each Area Directorate are detailed in the attached table. Each Area Director decides on the distribution of these budgets to District Offices to support the operation of the Out Of Hours Service across their Area and details could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.
  I hope you find this information helpful.

  Incapacity Benefit
  Mr. Alfred Morris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many incapacity benefit claimants have been found to be fit for work by the all-work test since its introduction; how many such claimants have since claimed benefits as being unemployed and seeking work; and how many have obtained employment. [1406]
  693
  Mr. Burt
  Up to the end of September 1996, around 178,000 incapacity benefit claimants had been found capable of work following the all-work test. A total of 73,000 claimed unemployment benefits. A total of 47,000 have since left the register and around 10,000 were placed in employment or on training schemes by the Employment Service.

  Information Technology Projects
  Ms Church
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many information technology projects have been undertaken since 1992, and are planned for the coming year, arranged in cost bands of £1,000,000. [1916]

  Mr. Burt
  The information is not available in the format requested and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Compensation Recovery
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on proposals to reform regulations governing compensation recovery; if there will still be a threshold for compensation payments below which recovery will not take place; if he will review cases affected by current rules backdated to 1990; how he will ensure that compensation components for pain and distress are properly identified; and when he intends to bring forward the proposed legislation. [1549]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  [holding answer 5 November I996]: We have introduced a Bill into the House of Lords today to reform the compensation recovery scheme. We propose that, from October 1997, the compensator will become liable for the repayment of all benefits paid as a consequence of the accident, injury or disease. The compensator will be permitted to reduce relevant damages where a corresponding benefit is repaid to the Department. Damages for pain and suffering will not be reducible. We plan that the new rules should apply to all compensation claims determined on or after the point of change. The present small payments limit of £2,500 below which recoupment does not take place, will be removed. There will be no entitlement to reopen cases determined before the point of change.

WALES

  Public Transport
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what initiatives are being pursued and how much funding is available to promote increased use of public transport; and if he will make a statement. [1866]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  Local authorities have been given powers to promote public transport in their areas. Including concessionary fares schemes, this support is estimated at some £18 million in 1995–96. In addition, assistance is available to local authorities for major projects, as well as through the capital challenge scheme, the strategic development scheme and the bus priority scheme. This support includes more than £8 million over the three years from 1996–97 to improve rail links between Cardiff and the valleys.
  694

  Drug Action Team
  Mr. Hanson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what action he is taking to encourage the formation of a regional drug action team in north Wales. [1929]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  My right hon. Friend issued "Forward Together-A Strategy to Combat Drug and Alcohol Misuse in Wales" in May 1996. In it, he asked all those organisations which have a part to play in combating drug and alcohol abuse to come together to form drug and alcohol action teams in each of the five new health authority areas; to submit local strategies and plans to him by December 1996; and to implement them from April 1997.

  Nursery Voucher Road Show
  Mr. Hanson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what will be the total cost of the nursery education voucher road show to his Department; [1490]

  what is the itinerary of the nursery voucher roadshow; [2014]

  (3) to whom invitations have been sent to attend the nursery voucher roadshow. [2013]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  My right hon. Friend and I are determined that the voucher scheme will be implemented in Wales as smoothly and efficiently as possible. It is important that providers of nursery education in the maintained, private and voluntary sectors have full information about the detailed operation of the scheme. To that end, the Welsh Office is proposing to hold a number of factual information seminars and is currently assessing demand among private and voluntary nurseries and playgroups for seminars in Cardiff, Swansea, Carmarthen, Llandudno, Wrexham and Llandrindod Wells. So far, over 360 organisations have said they want to attend. The cost of the seminars is expected to be between £2,000 and £3,000, depending on numbers and locations.

  Local education authorities were invited to consider holding joint LEA/Welsh Office seminars for schools, but have declined, many, I understand, making separate arrangements to brief their schools.

  Dentists
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent initiatives he has taken to assist the recruitment of dentists to rural areas in Wales; and if he will make a statement. [1750]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  The £3 million initiative, announced in September last year, enabled Welsh health authorities to offer grants to attract new dentists, into those parts of Wales where they are most needed, and to expand the community dental service.

  The initiative has been very successful. Just under £2 million has been offered as grants for 56 new dentists. Twenty-seven of them are already in place and another 14 should be operational by January 1997. Grants of £25,000 are still available to attract new dentists to certain part of mid, west, and north, Wales.
  695
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State foe Wales (1) how many NHS dental practitioners there were in Wales in(a) each year since 1990 and (b) at present; and if he will make a statement; [1853]

  (2) how many dental practitioners undertaking national health service work there were in Wales by county in each year since 1989; and if he will make a statement. [1858]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  The available information is given in the following table.

  Number of general dental practitioners treating at least some NHS patients1

  1989

  1990

  1991

  1992

  1993

  1994

  1995

  Clwyd

  108

  111

  105

  102

  114

  117

  125

  Dyfed

  96

  98

  101

  104

  104

  105

  101

  Gwent

  123

  125

  139

  135

  135

  138

  143

  Gwynedd

  66

  69

  65

  66

  67

  66

  65

  Mid Glamorgan

  135

  134

  123

  134

  126

  125

  129

  Powys

  34

  34

  36

  35

  34

  33

  35

  South Glamorgan

  132

  131

  129

  127

  133

  133

  145

  West Glamorgan

  133

  135

  134

  128

  130

  132

  133

  Wales

  827

  837

  832

  831

  843

  849

  876

  1 At 30 September.

  19961

  Bro Taf

  216

  Dyfed Powys

  136

  Gwent

  158

  Morgannwg

  170

  North Wales

  183

  Wales

  863

  1 At 30 June.

  Railways
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what evaluation his Department has carried out of the effect of the imposition of a minimum passenger requirement as currently stated on the north Wales to Crewe train services; and if he will make a statement. [1862]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  I am sure that passengers will welcome the availability for the first time of contractual guarantees of minimum service levels.

  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what are his Department's responsibilities in respect of(a) Regional Railways and (b) InterCity West Coast in respect of (i) overcrowding, (ii) punctuality and (iii) reliability; and if he will make a statement. [2260]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  These are matters for the Franchising Director, who sets specifications and places requirements on the train operators through the passenger service requirements and franchise agreements.

  Tuberculosis
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many cases of tuberculosis among the registered homeless have been diagnosed in Wales in each of the last 10 years; and if he will make a statement. [1575]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  The information requested is not available centrally.
  696
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many people have died from tuberculosis in Wales in each of the last 10 years; and if he will make a statement. [1559]

  Mr. Jones
  The information requested, supplied by the Office for National Statistics, is given in the following list:Deaths from tuberculosis1: Welsh residents, 1986–1995

  1996: 38

  1987: 23

  1988: 35

  1989: 26

  1990: 30

  1991: 29

  1992: 36

  1993: 28

  19942: 25

  19952:32

  1 International Classification of Diseases (9th revision), codes 010–018.
  2 Figures for 1993 and 1994 represent the number of deaths occurring in each year. All the other figures are the number of deaths registered in the year. Also, new procedures for coding cause of death from 1993 and the absence of medical enquiries mean that figures for 1993 onwards may not be exactly comparable with earlier years.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what percentage of school leavers in Wales have been vaccinated against tuberculosis; and if he will make a statement. [1561]

  Mr. Jones
  Information is not available centrally in the form requested. Over the last three financial years, the average number of BCG, tuberculosis, vaccinations given each year to children aged 15 and under in Wales for their individual protection was 24,000. A further 1,2000, on average, were found to have an existing immunity to tuberculosis. For those aged between 10 and 15 years, the number of children in each school year in Wales is between 36,000 and 38,000—provisional January 1996 figures.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many cases of tuberculosis have been diagnosed in Wales in each of the last 10 years; and if he will make a statement. [1580]

  Mr. Jones
  The information is given in the following table.

  Number of cases of tuberculosis notified

  1986

  251

  1987

  232

  1988

  201

  I989

  210

  1990

  194

  1991

  166

  1992

  205

  1993

  199

  1994

  181

  1995

  184

  697
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) how many tuberculosis cases recorded in Wales since 1979 related to(a) children, (b) men and (c) women; and if he will make a statement; [2271]

  (2) how many tuberculosis cases have been reported since 1979. [2268]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  The information for 1995 is given in the following table.

  Number

  Children

  19

  Men

  92

  Women

  66

  Total1

  184

  1 Includes age/sex not known.

  The numbers of notifications of tuberculosis for earlier years, giving an age and sex breakdown, are published in table 4 of "Communicable disease statistics", series MB2—No. 6 for 1979 to No. 21 for 1994—available in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is his policy concerning efforts to limit tuberculosis cases in Wales. [2269]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  The department has taken a number of measures to combat tuberculosis (TB).

  In 1994, the United Kingdom health departments established the interdepartmental working group on TB to consider what further action could be taken to improve current measures to control, and prevent, cases of TB. Two reports emanating from the group, "Recommendations for the prevention and control of TB at local level" and "TB and homeless people" have recently been widely disseminated to the NHS in Wales. In addition, the Department has convened a small working party to consider arrangements for a framework to audit TB, in Wales, including arrangements for diagnosis, reporting and contact tracing. It is anticipated that the audit will be completed by the end of 1997.

  Updated guidance on TB with recommendations of persons who should be immunised with BCG vaccine, contained in the UK Health department's memorandum, "Immunisation against Infectious Disease", was issued to the NHS in Wales in September. In particular, this advice recommends the continuation of the school BCG immunisation programme.

  General Practitioners
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what initiatives he is undertaking to assist the recruitment of general practitioners to rural medical practices; and if he will make a statement. [1740]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  There are already a number of fees and allowances available specifically to general practitioners in rural areas. Additionally, in Wales the financial allocation to health authorities includes a rurality component to help defray additional costs associated with rural practices.

  Drug Reference Groups
  Mr. Hanson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what steps he plans to take to establish drug reference groups in north Wales; and what financial help he plans to make available. [1928]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  My right hon. Friend and I have recommended that drug and alcohol action teams establish implementation teams and local advisory teams to assist them in achieving their local strategies to combat drug and alcohol abuse.

  Some £3 million of Welsh Office funding for drug and alcohol initiatives was transferred to health authorities in 1994 to help them support local action.

  My right hon. Friend and I established a Welsh drug and alcohol unit with new funding of £1.5 million over three years, to provide advice and support to organisations throughout Wales.

  Cadw
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when does Cadw plan to establish an office in north Wales; and if he will make a statement. [17471

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to Cadw under its chief executive, Mr. Tom Cassidy. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from T. J. Cassidy to Mr. Elfyn Llwyd, dated 7 November 1996:
  The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your Question in which you ask when Cadw plans to establish an office in North Wales.
  Cadw has a works management unit in Caernarfon and our professional and field staff frequently travel throughout Wales. They provide a direct point of contact for members of the public who may be potential grant applicants; offer advice to local authorities on statutory procedures and best practice in conservation; and liaise with a range of bodies and organisations which have an interest in preserving and promoting the built heritage.
  I am most anxious that the services available from Cadw should be readily accessible, but I do believe that service to and communication with the public are already at a high standard and I have no plans to supplement the unit in Caernarfon with an office in North Wales.

  Police Authority Funding
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has received on the subject of the funding of police authorities during the last six months; and if he will make a statement. [1855]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  My right hon. Friend and I received 22 representations between 1 May and 31 October. My right hon. and learned Friend the Home Secretary and my right hon. Friend will make announcements about the funding of police authorities shortly after the Budget.

  Rail Services
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what proposals he has to improve the railway services of North West Regional Railways in respect of the Wrexham to Bidston railway line; and if he will make a statement; [2265]
  699
  (2) what proposals he has to improve the railway services of North West Regional Railways as they are provided on the Holyhead to Crewe railway line; and if he will make a statement. [2264]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  The level of service on North West Regional Railways is a matter for the Office of Passenger Rail Franchising and the train operator. I understand that the franchising director is currently consulting local authorities and rail users' consultative committees about the draft passenger service requirement for North West Regional Railways, which will specify minimum service standards. When assessing bids for the franchise, the franchising director will take into account proposed improvements to the level and quality of services.

  Green and Brown Field Sites
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is his estimate of the number of(a) green field and (b) brown field sites which will be developed in the next five years. [2257]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  Information on which to make estimates of green field and brown field development sites is not collected centrally. The Government's policy is that full and effective use should be made of brown field sites to reduce pressure for development on green field sites.

  Rural Areas (Development)
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what research he has(a) evaluated and (b) commissioned of low impact development in rural areas; and if he will make a statement. [2345]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  Welsh Office officials keep abreast of, and appraise, all published research that is relevant to the development of rural Wales. In planning terms, no research on low impact development has either been commissioned or is pending. Our policies for rural Wales are set out in "A Working Countryside for Wales", CM 3180, published on 13 March 1996.

  Inward Investment
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what estimate he has made of the number of Japanese companies intending to locate in Wales in the next 12 months; and if he will make a statement. [2259]

  Mr. Hague
  A number of Japanese companies are considering investing in Wales, some for the first time, some reinvesting in existing operations and another is contemplating a joint venture. While we will do all that we can to convert these prospects into projects, it would be unwise to speculate further at this stage.

  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many Japanese companies have located in each of the counties of Wales since 1990. [2258]

  Mr. Hague
  Since 1 January 1990, the Welsh development agency has recorded projects by nine Japanese companies carrying out new investments in Wales; four entering into joint ventures; three acquisitions; and 41 expansions of existing operations.
  700
  Ten projects have been recorded for Clwyd; five for Dyfed; 13 for Gwent; one for Gwynedd; 15 for Mid Glamorgan; two for Powys; eight for South Glamorgan; and three for West Glamorgan.

  Free School Meals
  Mr. Richards
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list for each local education authority the proportion of children who received free school meals in(a) primary schools and (b) secondary schools in the most recent year for which figures are available. [2004]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  The information requested is contained in the following table.

  Number of pupils taking free meals on the day of the Schools' Census (16 January in 1996) expressed as a percentage of the number of pupils in attendance on that day, by unitary authority

  Primary schools

  Secondary schools

  Blaenau Gwent

  29.3

  21.1

  Bridgend

  23.5

  15.9

  Caerphilly

  29.1

  20.8

  Cardiff

  29.0

  17.8

  Carmarthenshire

  20.9

  13.9

  Ceredigion

  17.9

  11.3

  Conwy

  20.5

  17.1

  Denbighshire

  19.7

  12.9

  Flintshire

  16.1

  10.1

  Gwynedd

  21.3

  13.9

  Isle of Anglesey

  24.0

  14.7

  Merthyr Tydfil

  34.0

  19.7

  Monmouthshire

  13.9

  9.4

  Neath Port Talbot

  26.0

  17.4

  Newport

  29.8

  18.2

  Pembrokeshire

  25.2

  17.1

  Powys

  12.8

  6.8

  Rhondda, Cynon, Taff

  29.1

  19.9

  Swansea

  24.8

  19.8

  Torfaen

  26.8

  20.4

  The Vale of Glamorgan

  19.5

  12.4

  Wrexham

  18.6

  13.1

  Wales

  24.0

  16.1

  Rail Investment
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what plans he has to invest in the Wrexham to Bidston railway line; [2263]

  (2) what plans he has to invest in infrastructure relating to the Holyhead to Crewe railway line. [2262]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  The level of investment in rail infrastructure is a matter for Railtrack.

  Mobile Mass Radiography Service
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will restore the mobile mass radiography service to Wales. [2270]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  The service was particularly successful, when introduced in the 1950s, in its aim of identifying patients with TB. It would be an inappropriate use of resources, in view of the relatively low annual number of TB cases now being reported in Wales, to continue a mass service.

  Emergency Planning
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will establish an urgent review of the emergency planning arrangements for(a) industrial plants and (b) nuclear plants in Wales to take account of the recent industrial accident at Avonmouth. [2124]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  The monitoring of emergency planning arrangements is a matter for the Health and Safety Executive. Sites with significant chemical hazards are already required to prepare on-site emergency plans under the Control of Industrial Major Accident Hazard Regulations 1984. The regulations also require the appropriate local authority within whose area such a site fails to prepare and keep up-to-date an off-site emergency plan.

  The operators of nuclear power stations are required under the Nuclear Installations Act 1965 and 1969 to have an emergency plan approved by the Health and Safety Executive for each installation and to exercise these arrangements regularly.

  Two new European directives, covering the control of major accident hazards involving dangerous substances and basic safety standards, will have relevance for emergency planning requirements over the coming years.

  A487 (Bypass)
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will review his time scale for the construction of the Penygroes and Llanllyfni bypass on the A487 trunk road, with a view to bringing forward the commencement date; and what is the earliest possible date by which legal procedures and land acquisition could be completed to facilitate such a start if finance was, at that date, available. [2203]

  Mr. Hague
  The forward trunk road programme was reviewed as part of the process of preparing the Welsh Office's departmental report in March. This scheme was placed in the "in preparation" pool of the programme. It commands a high priority but is unlikely to start be fore April 1999. It is not possible to give a precise date for a start of work. The scheme is being progressed as quickly as the constraints of undertaking the detailed design work, completing the necessary statutory procedures and the availability of finance allow.

  Aberconwy Borough Council
  Mr. Richards
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment he has made of the consequences of his predecessor's decision not to cap Aberconwy borough council in 1993. [2005]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  In 1993, Aberconwy borough council was capped at the budget it set. That decision was taken because of the flooding in Llandudno which created unexpected expenditure pressures on the local authority.

  Deregulation
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what regulations his Department proposes to repeal by the end of 1996; if he proposes to conduct a compliance cost assessment on each regulation repealed; and what is the 702
  estimated cost of undertaking a compliance cost assessment to determine the advantages and disadvantages of each repeal. [1405]

  Mr. Hague
  None.

  Information Technology Projects
  Ms Church
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many information technology projects have been undertaken since 1992, and are planned for the coming year, arranged in cost bands of £1,000,000. [1919]

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

  The Old School and School House Caergilig
  Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will place in the Library a copy of the application and supporting evidence presented to him prior to making an order for the disposal of property known as The Old School and School House Caergilig, Ynys Mon. [2488]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  A copy of the relevant documents has been placed in the Library of the House.

  Departmental Cash Limits
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for the Vale of Glamorgan (Mr. Sweeney) of 1 November,Official Report columns 295–96, if he will list the main sectors of NHS expenditure covered by the cash limit increase for vote 4 resulting from take-up of end-year flexibility; if he will list those health authorities affected by the take-up and the corresponding sums; and if he will make a statement. [3029]

  Mr. Hague
  More than £20 million of the expenditure requirement relates to NHS trusts and GP fundholders exercising their freedoms to carry-forward funds from year to year. Other main areas of expenditure include: the programme to expand dental provision; the clinical effectiveness scheme; and the provision of repayable loans to meet in-year service pressures. The precise amounts at authority level have yet to be finalised.

  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for the Vale of Glamorgan (Mr. Sweeney) of 1 November,Official Report columns 295–96, what assessment he has made of the consequences of the transfer of responsibility for urban investment grants to the Welsh Development Agency; from which bodies or departments responsibility for urban investment grants has been transferred and in what proportions of the total sums involved; if administrative staff previously responsible have been transferred with the responsibility; and if he will make a statement. [3025]

  Mr. Hague
  The urban investment grant scheme was previously operated by the Welsh Office; £3,882 million has been transferred to the WDA for 1996–97 to fund ongoing and new project. The Welsh Office staff previously responsible for management of the scheme are
  703
  on secondment to the WDA until the end of December to ensure a smooth transition in the administration of the scheme.

  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for the Vale of Glamorgan (Mr. Sweeney) on 1 November,Official Report, columns 295–96, if he will list the principal reasons for the increase in the running costs limit of the Office of Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Schools in Wales. [3027]

  Mr. Hague
  The reason for the increase in the running costs limit of the Office of Her Majesty's Inspectorate for Schools in Wales is the take-up of end-year flexibility as announced by the chief executive in his response to the hon. Member for Southport (Mr. Banks) on 12 July 1996,Official Report, columns 326–31. This will be largely used for funding early retirement; helping OHMCI to meet the targets set in the White Paper "Development and training for Civil Servants: A Framework for Action"; IT training; and, administrative support for nursery inspection.

  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for the Vale of Glamorgan (Mr. Sweeney) of 1 November,Official Report columns 295–96, if he will list the approximate percentages of the increase in his Department's running cost limit in the present financial year that is accounted for by (a) the BSE crisis, (b) the costs of the north Wales child abuse inquiry and (c) other reasons; what impact each of these factors has had on the head count of his Department's employees as to (i) permanent and (ii) temporary staff; and if he will make a statement. [3023]

  Mr. Hague
  The increase will be applied to a number of the Department's budgets, largely to support additional work on BSE and the north Wales inquiry. The work is involving some re-deployment of permanent staff supplemented by temporary support staff recruited in the usual way. A number of these staff also carry out other duties.

  My Department keeps under continual review its staffing requirements to ensure that these and other areas of business are taken forward appropriately.

  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for the Vale of Glamorgan (Mr. Sweeney) of 1 November,Official Report, columns 295–96, what proportion of the cash limit increase in vote 2 is covered by the take-up of end-year flexibility; if he will list the principal schemes covered by such end-year flexibility take-up; and if he will make a statement. [3030]

  Mr. Hague
  Of the £14,906 million cash limit increase for class XIV, vote 2, £11,357 million was covered by the take-up of end-year-flexibility. Of this total, £1,378 million was allocated to the capital provision of grant-maintained schools and £127,000 to the Welsh Office multi-media and portable initiative. The balance contributed towards the net increase of £25.313 million in the Welsh Development Agency's grant in aid.
  704
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for the Vale of Glamorgan (Mr. Sweeney) of 1 November,Official Report, columns 295–96, what assessment he has made of the principal reasons for the lower than expected claims for agrienvironmental and farm conservation schemes; what impact the BSE crisis has had on the level of such applications; and if he will make a statement. [3026]

  Mr. Hague
  When payment rates are determined under environmental land management schemes administered by my Department, careful consideration is given to the need to achieve satisfactory uptake levels. Regular payment reviews are also undertaken to ensure that payment levels continue to be appropriately set. An example of this is the 20 per cent. increase in payment rates under the moorland scheme.

  Payment levels alone may not be the only factor resulting in lower than anticipated uptake. Socio-economic evaluations of the impact of each scheme are carried out on a five-yearly basis. The reports of the socio-economic evaluations of the Cambrian mountains and Lleyn peninsula environmentally sensitive areas are available in the Library of the House. Reports relating to other schemes will be placed in the library of the House as they become available.

  An assessment of the impact of BSE on the uptake of schemes has not been undertaken, although an increase in interest has been noticed.

  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for the Vale of Glamorgan (Mr. Sweeney) of 1 November,Official Report, columns 295–96, if he will list the principal components of that net cash limit increase in vote 3 which arise from the take-up of end-year flexibility. [3028]

  Mr. Hague
  As announced by my hon. Friend, the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, on 12 July, end-year-flexibility entitlements for class XIV, vote 3 totalled £1,177,000. Of this amount, £262,000 was taken up to cover capital expenditure on the central Government roads programme and £915,000 to cover additional departmental running costs, including costs associated with the north Wales child abuse inquiry.

  Rugby World Cup
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what arrangements he has made to maximise the economic benefits to Wales of the holding of the final of the 1999 rugby world cup. [3013]

  Mr. Hague
  My hon. Friend, the Member for Cardiff, North (Mr. Jones) has responsibility for the co-ordination of my Department's efforts to maximise the economic benefits arising from the rugby world cup. He has established a Welsh Office liaison group with core representatives from the Welsh rugby union, the Wales tourist board, the Welsh Development Agency, the Development Board for Rural Wales, the Cardiff Bay development corporation, the Welsh Local Government Association, and Cardiff Marketing. Cardiff county council is also invited to attend. The group provides a focal point to ensure that Wales as a whole gains the maximum economic and tourism benefit from the event.

  Welsh Development Agency
  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for the Vale of Glamorgan (Mr. Sweeney) of 4 November,Official Report, column 350, on the Welsh Development Agency's budget, if the sum of £20 million for the LG project is provision for 1996–97 alone; if it is the total provision by the Welsh Development Agency for the project; what is the planned expenditure for 1995–96 by the Welsh Development Agency on the LG project; and what elements of the LG project the £20 million provision will fund. [3021]

  Mr. Hague
  The £20 million allocated to the WDA of the LG project is for 1996–97; and additional spending requirements will be met as part of the WDA's normal priorities; the details of the funding arrangements are commercially confidential.

  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for the Vale of Glamorgan (Mr. Sweeney) of 4 November,Official Report, column 350, on the Welsh Development Agency's budget, when construction of the LG factory is planned to commerce; and how much of the £20 million committed in grant in aid for the LG project is allocated to (a) land acquisition, (b) site preparation and (c) factory construction. [3022]

  Mr. Hague
  Construction of the LG electronics development is expected to start in January 1997; construction of the LG semiconductors development is expected to start in March 1997. Details of the funding arrangements are commercially confidential.

  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for the Vale of Glamorgan (Mr. Sweeney) of 4 November, column 350 on the Welsh Development Agency's budget, what is the source of the additional £25.4 million of central Government provision for the Welsh Development Agency for 1996–97. [3020]

  Mr. Hague
  The additional provision of £25.3 million in class XIV, vote 2 for the grant in aid to the Welsh Development Agency has been funded mainly from (i) end-year flexibility entitlements carried forward from previous years, (ii) a switch of resources from class XIV, vote 1 as a result of claims proving lower than expected agri-environmental and farm conservation schemes, and (iii) numerous cases of virement within vote 2.

  Welsh Health Common Services Authority
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what consultations he has had with the chairman of the Welsh Health Common Services Authority as regards the movement of staff from Crickhowell house to other Government-owned premises in the Cardiff area; what estimate he has made of the savings in rent for those market-tested units of the authority leaving Crickhowell house for other Government-provided accommodation; and if he will make a statement. [3014]

  Mr. Hague
  None. The authority is considering options, on a commercially confidential basis, to re-locate staff from Crickhowell house. If this takes place, it will be essential to demonstrate value for money for the health service and a final decision has not been taken.

  Cardiff Bay Development Corporation
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for the Vale of Glamorgan (Mr. Sweeney) of 1 November,Official Report, columns 295–96, if he will list the principal reasons for the increased grant in aid for the Cardiff Bay development corporation during the current financial year; what impact the current increase has had on previous estimates of (a) the final outturn cost of the barrage and (b) the current cumulative total public expenditure by the corporation; and if he will make a statement. [3024]

  Mr. Hague
  The grant in aid has been increased to fund additional estimated expenditure on inward investment projects, which could add to the cumulative total public expenditure by the corporation, and to fund the cash flow demands of the barrage project. The estimated final outturn cost of the barrage project remains within the £191 million announced to Parliament.

  GP Fundholding
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has received concerning approval for the split up of GP fundholding practices; and if he will make a statement [3012]

  Mr. Hague
  From 1 April 1996, the minimum list size criterion for standard GP fundholding in Wales was reduced to 4,000 from 7,000. Thirty-seven practices previously within 17 fundholding groups, applied to change their status, and were approved. Some 31 are now single practice funds; six practices remain in three groups.

  Compulsory Competitive Tendering
  Mr. Sweeney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what arrangements for compulsory competitive tendering for work subject to the provisions of the Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980 will apply to local authorities. [3524]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  My right hon. Friend has given very careful consideration to the timetable for the re-introduction of compulsory competitive tendering for this work after local government reorganisation. We have consulted on the regulations which provide for the re-introduction of compulsory competitive tendering and, separately, have received representations that a number of local authorities are continuing to have operational difficulties in complying with the timetable which was announced in June 1995.

  My right hon. Friend has concluded that authorities should be given an additional six months for the re-introduction of compulsory competitive tendering for this work, that is to 1 October 1997. Welsh Office officials have written today to local authorities and other interested parties seeking comments on this proposal. A copy of this letter has been placed in the Library of the House.

  An announcement on the way in which compulsory competitive tendering will be extended to professional services and housing management will be made shortly.

  Prison Chaplains: Multi-Faith Courses
  Prison Chaplains: Multi-Faith Courses
  Ballot Papers: Fraudulent Titles
  Ballot Papers: Fraudulent Titles
  Absent Voting Forms
  Absent Voting Forms
  Foreign Diplomats: Working Spouses
  Foreign Diplomats: Working Spouses
  Homicides: Firearms Figures
  Homicides: Firearms Figures
  Defence Helicopter Flying School
  Defence Helicopter Flying School
  Immigration Act: Detainees
  Immigration Act: Detainees
  Electoral Registration Publicity: Cost
  Electoral Registration Publicity: Cost
  Secure Training Centres: Sites
  Secure Training Centres: Sites
  Polling Stations: Accessibility
  Polling Stations: Accessibility
  Government Services: Electronic Delivery
  Government Services: Electronic Delivery
  Dounreay: Newspaper Report
  Dounreay: Newspaper Report
  Plutonium Cargo: Newspaper Report
  Plutonium Cargo: Newspaper Report
  THORP: Commissioning
  THORP: Commissioning
  Remploy: Performance Figures
  Remploy: Performance Figures
  Environment Agency: Guidance Documents
  Environment Agency: Guidance Documents
  Asylum Seekers: "Grace Days"
  Asylum Seekers: "Grace Days"
  Crown Servants in Overseas Posts: Eligibility
  Crown Servants in Overseas Posts: Eligibility
  Turkey: Treatment of Prisoners
  Turkey: Treatment of Prisoners
  Botswana: Wildlife Conservation
  Botswana: Wildlife Conservation
  Royal Armouries Museum, Leeds
  Royal Armouries Museum, Leeds
  Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority: Review
  Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority: Review