Written Answers of 4 December 1997

TREASURY

  Tax Self-assessment
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the accuracy on Inland Revenue tax computations after self-assessment by taxpayer. [17230]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 25 November 1997]: The vast majority of around 3 million calculations so far issued are correct. However, errors can occur if the taxpayer provides incorrect information, or information is not properly keyed into Inland Revenue systems by staff. Inland Revenue offices have quality assurance processes in place to minimise the latter form of error, and these will be enhanced as experience is gained of the new system. Where an error is pointed out to the Inland Revenue, or where one is picked up during the inquiry process, it will be corrected.

  Offshore Oil and Gas
  Mr. Timms
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to change the rules used to value North Sea gas for tax purposes. [19570]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The Government intend to introduce legislation which will ensure that the rules used to value North Sea gas for tax purposes will continue to operate in the way that the industry and the Inland Revenue have until now applied them. This will remove some doubts, arising from recent legal advice, about the current interpretation of the rules. The legislation will be included in the next Finance Bill and will apply to all gas disposals which have to be valued, including disposals which have already taken place. The Inland Revenue is issuing a Press Release today which contains details of the changes and draft legislation on which it will be consulting the North Sea oil and gas industry.

  National Assets Register
  Mr. Charles Clarke
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list those assets listed in the National Assets Register which are located in the City of Norwich. [18148]

  Mr. Darling
  The National Asset Register was put together within five months, in order to meet the Government's promise to produce it by the end of November, from the data currently available to departments. And, as a result, the information is at a relatively high level of aggregation which does not easily allow a full geographic analysis to be undertaken. However, in order to increase openness and accountability, the Government will consider how to improve the information on the assets owned by the nation.

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  Railtrack (Communications)
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if dedicated telephone links exist between all Railtrack zonal controls; and if he will make a statement. [18206]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The Health and Safety Executive's Railway Inspectorate understands that all Zonal Controls are connected to the internal railway telephone system and have separate BT numbers. In addition, after the Ais Gill accident on 31 January 1995, the telephone access between the controls was enhanced by the installation of a number of auto diallers and emergency lines at some controls including York and Manchester. A further enhancement is currently being implemented by Railtrack so that there will be designated lines at each control centre for exclusive use by adjacent control centres.

  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if NRN radio is available for each Railtrack control office. [18205]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The Health and Safety Executive's Railway Inspectorate understands that all Railtrack Control Offices, except one located at Derby, have direct access to the National Radio Network. The Derby control is a satellite office of the Birmingham control and there is a direct hot line between the offices. HM Railway Inspectorate is satisfied with these arrangements.

  Rail Services (Safety)
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what measures he is taking to strengthen safety measures in respect of the provision of rail services. [18149]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The Health and Safety Commission (HSC) is the safety regulator for the railways and advises Ministers on the need for measures to be taken to strengthen existing requirements and arrangements. Ministers expect the Health and Safety Commission and the Health and Safety Executive to ensure that safety standards are maintained, and improved where necessary.

  Nuclear Fuel (Transport)
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what regulations exist covering the rail transport of mixed oxide plutonium-based nuclear fuel through the Channel Tunnel; and what safety and emergency planning exercises have been conducted in respect of accidents involving trains carrying radioactive material through the tunnel. [18520]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The rules of Eurotunnel do not permit mixed oxide nuclear fuel to be transported through the Channel Tunnel.

  Transporters of radioactive material within the United Kingdom must have contingency plans in place to respond to accidents. The United Kingdom Nuclear Industry

  281
  Road/Rail Emergency Plan (NIREP) has been established to enable an immediate response from the nearest participating organisation to a transport incident involving radioactive material: the plan is exercised annually. Eurotunnel also holds annual exercises to test its emergency procedures which would apply in the event of any incident in the Channel Tunnel. Eurotunnel's express permission must be sought before any shipment of radioactive material is transported via the Channel Tunnel and it may obtain advice/assistance via NIREP should radioactive material be present on a train involved in an accident.

  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what amendments the United Kingdom proposed to the draft code covering the safe carriage of nuclear materials on board ships, as adopted by the International Maritime Organisation; and what mechanisms his Department has in place to monitor the application of the code to the sea transport of nuclear materials to and from the United Kingdom. [18405]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The Code for the Safe Carriage of Irradiated Nuclear Fuel, Plutonium and High-Level Radioactive Wastes in Flasks on board Ships (INF Code) was adopted by the Assembly of the International Maritime Organisation in 1993. The Assembly adopted amendments to the Code last month. The United Kingdom participated fully in the negotiations leading to the adoption both of the original Code and these amendments. While compliance with the INF Code is currently voluntary, UK registered ships engaged in the trade have documents of compliance issued by my Department's Marine Safety Agency. UK companies involved in transporting materials covered by the INF Code use ships complying with the Code. The UK is currently participating in work to make compliance with the Code mandatory. This will enhance our enforcement powers.

  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what contribution his Department made to the preparation of the International Atomic Energy Agency Safety Series Number 6 (SS6) Regulations on the transport of radioactive materials; and what review he has undertaken of the application of the regulations to the air transport of mixed oxide fuel. [18406]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Officials from my Department participated fully in the meetings of the International Atomic Energy Agency during the development of Safety Series Number 6, Regulations for the Safe Transport of Radioactive Material 1985 Edition (As Amended 1990). These multi-modal recommendations provide the basis for the mandatory requirements for air transport as incorporated into the current edition of the International Civil Aviation Organisation's Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air. The Department similarly supported the IAEA's continuous review and revision procedures leading to the latest edition of "Regulations for the Safe Transport of Radioactive Material 1996 Edition", now known as Safety Standards Series No. ST-1. The transport of radioactive material in large quantity by air, including that of mixed oxide fuel, was considered in great depth and detail during the development of ST-1. The UK will continue to 282
  contribute to future regulatory developments through both the IAEA and the International Civil Aviation Organisation.

  Housing
  Mr. Tom King
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what research his Department and government regional offices have undertaken of the capacity of urban areas to accommodate extra housing; and what were its findings. [18603]

  Mr. Raynsford
  My Department and the Government Offices have commissioned and funded a number of projects on brownfield sites and urban capacity, most of which will report next year.

  Mr. Tom King
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how much land for new housing is currently identified as available by local planning authorities in each(a) region and (b) county. [18602]

  Mr. Raynsford
  This information is held by local planning authorities and not held centrally. Local authorities are required by PPG3 to maintain a continuous five year supply of land for housing.

  Mr. Tom King
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what guidance he has given local planning authorities about the size of windfall sites to be included in assumptions about future housing land supply in(a) development plans and (b) housing land availability studies. [18605]

  Mr. Raynsford
  Guidance on this matter is contained in Planning Policy Guidance Note 3 (PPG3). A copy of this document is held in the House of Commons Library.

  Cycling
  Mr. Gunnell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many responses to his consultation document on developing an integrated transport system made reference to cycling. [18845]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The closing date for responses to the consultation on an integrated transport policy was 14 November. We have received a large number of responses which we are in the process of analysing. It is too early to give details of representations on individual subject areas although a number of respondents have mentioned cycling.

  Mr. Gunnell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on his timetable for developing a national cycling strategy. [18846]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The National Cycling Strategy was launched in July 1996. It aims to double the number of trips by bicycle by 2002, and double them again by 2012. My Department, along with many other partner organisations, is supporting the Strategy. Work to implement it is being co-ordinated by the National Cycling Forum, which I chair. A first annual report on progress will be published before Christmas.

  Rental Housing
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to encourage the building of properties within the Greater London Authority area for low cost rent. [18587]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The Government recognise that the building of properties for low cost rent within London raises particular issues because of the scarcity of land for new social housing developments and the high cost of acquisition in what is a global property market. The Revised Strategic Planning Guidance for London Planning Authorities (RPG3) and the proposed revisions to circular 13/96 which details how the delivery of affordable housing may be assisted through negotiations with developers, both send out a clear message that the Government wish to ensure greater allocation of land for low cost rent properties in the capital than has been provided in recent years.

  The main mechanism for the delivery of affordable housing is through the Housing Corporation of Local Authority Social Housing Grants. In 1997/98. some £161 million representing 65 per cent. of the Housing Corporation's London Region programme, is being directed to new build housing for rent.

  Our early action to release capital receipts from council; house sales has injected an additional £53 Million into London's housing in 1997–98. Allocations for 1998–99 will be announced shortly. A significant proportion of this will be used by the London Authorities in enabling the provision of new or rehabilitated social housing partnership with registered social landlords.

  Dr. Iddon
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will estimate the gross cost to public funds of a reduction in housing association rents of(a) 10 per cent., (b) nine per cent., (c) eight per cent., (d) seven per cent., (e) six per cent., (f) five per cent., (g) four per cent., (h) three per cent., (i) two per cent. and (j) one per cent.; and what would be the cost net of savings in (i) housing benefits and (ii) public expenditure linked to the RPI. [18595]

  Mr. Raynsford
  There are no powers under which the Government could impose a general reduction in housing association rents. The calculations below are on the hypothetical assumption that the cuts in rent could be achieved and that housing associations would be fully compensated for their loss of revenue. The estimated gross cost and the cost net of savings in Housing Benefit are as shown. The figures represent the annual costs calculated on the basis of average housing association rents in 1996–97. The Department does not have a model for calculating the RPI-related savings in public expenditure arising from reductions in housing association rents.

  Reduction in rents percent

  Cost of compensating HA revenue loss £ million per annum

  Net cost after savings in Housing Benefit £ million per annum

  10

  298

  86

  9

  269

  77

  8

  239

  68

  7

  209

  60

  6

  179

  51

  284

  Reduction in rents percent

  Cost of compensating HA revenue loss £ million per annum

  Net cost after savings in Housing Benefit £ million per annum

  5

  149

  42

  4

  119

  34

  3

  90

  25

  2

  60

  17

  1

  30

  9

  Dr. Iddon
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will estimate the gross cost to public funds of a reduction in local authority rents of(a) 20 per cent., (b) 19 per cent.,(c) 18 per cent., (d) 17 per cent., (e) 16 per cent., (f) 15 per cent., (g) 14 per cent., (h) 13 per cent., (i) 12 per cent. and (j) 11 per cent.: and what would be the cost net of savings in (i) housing benefits and (ii) public expenditure linked to the RPI. [18596]

  Mr. Raynsford
  A reduction in Guideline Rent in 1998–99 for Housing Revenue Account local authorities in England wouldhave the following estimated effects:

  Present value (discounting to 1996–97) of effects from 1998–99 to 2027/28 1996–97 prices discounting to 1996–97

  Guideline Rent reduction in 1998–99 (percent)

  Loss of gross rental income (£ million)

  Saving in rent rebates. (£ million)

  Saving in public expenditure linked to the RPI. (£ million)

  Net public expenditure cost. (£ million)

  11

  6,402

  4,816

  1,476

  110

  12

  6,984

  5,244

  1,610

  130

  13

  7,565

  5,675

  1,744

  146

  14

  8,147

  6,104

  1,878

  165

  15

  8,729

  6,527

  2,012

  190

  16

  9,311

  6,954

  2,146

  211

  17

  9,893

  7,379

  2,280

  234

  18

  10,475

  7,799

  2,415

  261

  19

  11,057

  8,222

  2,549

  286

  20

  11,639

  8,643

  2,683

  313

  Figures in the table have been rounded to the nearest £1 million. The calculations are derived from LAMOD, the Department's model for estimating the public expenditure effects of a change in Guideline Rent policy for local authorities. The results from LAMOD are sensitive to assumptions which are kept under continuous review.

  Social Housing
  Mr. Tom King
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimates his Department has produced of the need for social housing in each(a) region and (b) county. [18609]

  Mr. Raynsford
  My Department has not in the past produced estimates of the need for social housing for either(a) counties or (b) regions. We are considering the scope for more detailed regional analysis of housing requirements including social housing needs.

  Channel Tunnel Rail Link (Compensation)
  Mr. Rowe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he has taken to notify households likely to be eligible for the exceptional compensation payable as a result of Channel Tunnel Rail Link blight on their properties; and if he will make a statement. [18625]
  285
  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The arrangements for the Scheme of Redress for Exceptional Hardship were advertised in a range of local newspapers selected to cover the various route options. In addition, details were sent to Members of Parliament, local authorities and Citizens Advice Bureaux for the areas concerned. As a reminder prominent newspaper advertisements have recently been re-published. Furthermore, the initial announcement of the Scheme attracted wide coverage including on local television news.

  Thorne and Hatfield Moors
  Caroline Flint
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many representations he has received concerning the proposed de-notification of SSSI status on Thorne and Hatfield Moors, indicating how many were(a) supportive of the proposal and (b) opposed to the proposal. [18597]

  Angela Eagle
  The Secretary of State has received 725 representations against English Nature's proposals to de-notify parts of Thorne and Hatfield Moors Sites of Special Scientific Interest. There have been no letters of support to date. On 2 December English Nature's Council decided not to proceed with the de-notification.

  Rail Operators (Fines)
  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how much rail operators have been fined for failing to deliver an adequate service in the last 12 months. [18709]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The Rail Regulator has imposed financial penalties totalling £350,000 on rail operators for failing to meet his standards for the National Rail Enquiry Service (NRES).

  The Franchising Director has imposed financial penalties totalling £141,000 on two train operating companies for trains being run with fewer seats than required under the franchise agreements. The Franchising Director has also operated financial incentive regimes under franchise agreements which reward or penalise operators according to performance compared with historical benchmarks. Details of these appear in the Franchising Director's quarterly bulletins and in his Annual Report which are in the Library of the House.

  Commuting
  Mr. Tom King
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received on disincentives to commuting journeys in respect of his integrated transport strategy. [18876]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The closing date for responses to the consultation on an integrated transport policy was 14 November. We have received a large number of responses which we are in the process of analysing. It is too early to give details of representations on individual subject areas although a number of respondents have mentioned specific journey purposes including commuting in their responses. The importance of encouraging "Green Commuting" was a major theme in the regional consultation meetings held to discuss the consultation document.
  286
  A full report on the consultation exercise will be published with the White Paper.

  Red Routes
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the present mileage within the Greater London Authority area of the red route system. [18965]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The length of the red route network is 315 miles.

  Building Control Inspectors
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what measures are in place for the monitoring and control of approved building control inspectors from the private sector; and if he will make a statement; [18871]

  (2) what measures are in place for the monitoring and control of local authority building control inspectors. [18870]

  Mr. Raynsford
  [holding answer 3 December 1997]: Local authority building control officers are answerable to the chief officers of the authorities for which they work, and through them to elected members. As regards private sector approved inspectors, the appointing body also has the power to withdraw approval. In the case of corporate bodies, approval is given by the Secretary of State, and, in the case of individuals, it is given by the Construction Industry Council. I am currently consulting the Local Government Association, the Construction Industry Council and the Association of Corporate Approved Inspectors on ways of securing consistent building control standards and better conditions for competition across the public and private sectors of building control.

  Local Government Finance
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will meet deputations from local authorities to discuss his provisional capping and grant settlement. [18976]

  Mr. Raynsford
  [holding answer 3 December 1997]: Yes. My Department wrote to local authorities on Tuesday 2 December with details of the provisional local government finance settlement 1998–99 and set out the arrangements we propose for discussions on our proposals.

  Computers (Century Date Change)
  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what advice his Department has offered local authorities on millennium compliance and its cost. [18887]

  Mr. Raynsford
  [holding answer 3 December 1997]: Each local authority is responsible for ensuring its own millennium compliance. Authorities have access to high-quality advice on this issue, through the Local Government Management Board and other professional bodies. In addition, the Government have published best practice guidance on millennium compliance. We have

  287
  taken the financial implications of millennium compliance into account in the proposed 1998–99 local government financial settlement.

  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the total cost of millennium compliance to local government. [19202]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The Department has not itself made an estimate of the total cost of millennium compliancy. The Local Government Association's estimate of the cost, for 1998–99, of information technology adaption for the year 2000 was taken into account in the Local Government Finance provisional settlement which was announced to the House on Tuesday 2 December.

  Planning Appeals
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions which Acts of Parliament require him to call in planning appeals for proposed developments involving more than 150 houses or flats for his own determination. [19036]

  Mr. Raynsford
  There is no statutory requirement for my right hon. Friend to recover planning appeals for his own determination. Under paragraph 3 of schedule 6 to the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, my right hon. Friend may, if he thinks fit, direct that a planning appeal will be determined by him rather than by an appointed person.

  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) how many planning applications for proposed developments involving more than 150 houses or flats were(a) approved and (b) rejected on appeal in (i) 1994–95, (ii) 1995–96 and (iii) 1996–97; [19035]

  (2) how many planning appeals for proposed developments involving more than 150 houses or flats were called in for his or his predecessor's own determination in each of the years (a) 1994–95, (b) 1995–96 and (c) 1996–97 [19038]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The provision of information on Planning Appeals is the responsibility of the Planning Inspectorate. I have asked the Inspectorate's Chief Executive, Mr. Chris Shepley, to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from C. J. Shepley to Mr. Tim Yeo, dated 4 December 1997.
  The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your Questions about planning appeal decisions in 1994–95 to 1996–97 for proposed developments involving more than 150 houses or flats.
  Our records, for those appeals where the number of dwellings were indicated, show the following:

  Planning appeals involving more than 150 houses or flats

  Year

  Allowed

  Rejected

  1994–95

  2

  8

  1995–96

  3

  3

  1996–97

  3

  5

  288

  Planning appeals involving more than 150 houses or flats recovered for decision by the Secretary of State

  Year

  Number

  1994–95

  18

  1995–96

  14

  1996–97

  8

  Task Force on Cleaner Vehicles
  Mr. Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when the Minister for the Environment was informed that Mr. Keith Taylor, Chief Executive of Esso, had been appointed to the Government's task force on cleaner vehicles. [19151]

  Mr. Meacher
  The members of the Task Force's steering group were nominated by the Minister for Transport, in close consultation with the Science, Energy and Industry Minister and officials from the Department for the Environment, Transport and the Regions and Department of Trade and Industry. I, along with other relevant DETR Ministers, have been kept fully informed of developments in appointing members of the Cleaner Vehicles Task Force.

  Regional Planning Guidance
  Mr. Pearson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the advice of the West Midlands Regional Forum of Local Authorities on housing provision; and if he will issue an amendment to Regional Planning Guidance II. [19508]

  Mr. Caborn
  The Forum is to be congratulated on the comprehensive nature of its advice and its involvement of the House Builders Federation and the Council for the Protection of Rural England in its formulation.

  We have concluded that further Regional Planning Guidance on housing provision in the West Midlands is required. We expect to issue this early in the new year. I will write to the hon. Members at that time and place a copy of the amendment in the Library of the House.

  We have concluded that provision should be made for 335,000 dwellings in the region between 1991 and 2011 including replacements and conversions to be redistributed as set out below. This is broadly in line with the advice received from the Forum but we take the view that the metropolitan area has the capacity to make slightly higher provision than they proposed. This would have benefits both for urban regeneration and protection of the countryside. In amending the guidance we will want to set out clear policies that authorities should pursue in their development plans to increase the amount of housing on previously developed land, to make provision for affordable housing and to ensure sustainable locations for housing development within transport corridors.

  Annual average of housing provisions for west midlands region 1991–2011

  Number

  Regional total

  16,750

  Herefordshire

  825

  Worcestershire

  2,065

  Shropshire

  2,400

  289

  Annual average of housing provisions for west midlands region 1991–2011

  Number

  Staffordshire

  3,520

  Warwickshire

  2,035

  Shire County total

  10,845

  Birmingham

  2,325

  Coventry

  555

  Dudley

  620

  Sandwell

  890

  Solihull

  505

  Walsall

  505

  Wolverhampton

  505

  Metropolitan total

  5,905

  Speed Cameras
  Mr. Gunnell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proportion of the speed cameras on the motorway system are active over a 24 hour weekday period. [18844]

  Mr. Michael
  I have been asked to reply.

  The information is not available centrally. The use made of speed cameras on motorways is an operational matter for each individual chief officer of police to decide, taking account of local priorities and resources. It is important to bear in mind that, even when the cameras are not taking photographs, their signs and presence are influencing driver behaviour. It is the driver's perceived risk of detection which makes him comply with the speed limit now. Prosecution may make him do so in future. The police do not want to detect and prosecute all speeding motorists. Their aim is to achieve driver compliance with speed limits with the minimum necessary prosecutions.

  Mr. Gunnell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many prosecutions have taken place in West Yorkshire in 1997 as a result of information taken from speed cameras(a) on the motorway systems and (b) on trunk roads. [18843]

  Mr. Michael
  I have been asked to reply.

  Information broken down by motorway systems and trunk roads is not collected centrally but I understand from the Chief Constable that provisional figures for West Yorkshire Police for 1997 so far indicate that some 9,400 offences have been detected by automatic cameras and dealt with either by fixed penalty or prosecution. Of these, I understand that some 5,300 arose from speed cameras on the motorway systems and 4,100 on trunk roads. Official, verified statistics for police action against speeding offenders detected by automatic cameras in England and Wales for 1997 will be published in the usual way next year.

  Bathing Water Quality
  Mr. Leslie
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will announce the United Kingdom Bathing Water Compliance results for 1997; and if he will make a statement. [19301]

  Mr. Meacher
  The quality of UK bathing waters fell slightly this year, with 88 per cent. of identified waters meeting EC mandatory coliform bacteria standards. This 290
  compares with 90 per cent. of UK bathing waters meeting the standards in 1996. The proportion of bathing waters complying with the standards in England and Wales remained the same at 89 per cent.

  The UK results are around the average for the EU but I want us to be among the leaders. We will only get there by urgent and targeted action on the small proportion of bathing waters which fail persistently. No Member State achieves 100 per cent. compliance consistently but I shall not be satisfied until we are achieving close to 100 per cent. regularly. There is still some way to go.

  It is very disappointing that compliance with the Directive is not better than last year, as more improvement schemes have come on stream.

  The results in the North-West are especially poor, with only half the bathing waters there passing the mandatory bacteria standards, compared with 61 per cent. last year. This is particularly disappointing when major bathing water improvement schemes have been completed in the area. I am asking North West Water to work with the Environment Agency as a matter of urgency to help to sort out the remaining problems, particularly in the Blackpool, Fylde coast area.

  I am also writing to the Chairman of the Environment Agency for a detailed report on the prospects for compliance and the action needed on persistent failures. I know that only last month the Agency warned water companies that delays in programming major investments were putting Britain at risk of failing to meet EC deadlines for improved sewage treatment under the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive. In addition to speeding up work to implement the UWWTD, I want to see concerted action by the Agency and the water companies to identify the causes of failure of bathing waters under the Bathing Water Directive, and give priority to tackling them in order to raise the level of compliance. However there is also good news in the results I am announcing today. I am encouraged to see that 180 UK bathing waters reached the higher guideline standard this year which is needed for a "Blue Flag" and I hope more local authorities than have done so in the past will be encouraged to apply for this prestigious award.

  Furthermore, 397 is a record number of bathing waters meeting the required standard and nearly two-thirds of the 50 failures in England and Wales missed compliance by only one of the 20 samples. Some regions performed particularly well this year and Anglian region deserve to be congratulated for achieving 100 per cent. compliance.

  The main results for the United Kingdom are summarised below. This information, together with details of English and Welsh bathing waters, will be placed in the Libraries of the House today. This will be supplemented by a report with more detailed results in due course.

  England and Wales Environment Agency—Operational regions

  Pass

  Fail

  Total

  Northumbrian1

  32(29)

  2(5)

  34(34)

  Yorkshire1

  19(20)

  3(2)

  22(22)

  Anglian

  35(34)

  0(1)

  35(35)

  Thames

  3(2)

  0(1)

  3(3)

  291

  England and Wales Environment Agency—Operational regions

  Pass

  Fail

  Total

  Southern

  67(62)

  8(7)

  75(69)

  Wessex1

  39(41)

  4(1)

  43(42)

  South West1

  125(126)

  12(12)

  2137(138)

  North West

  17(20)

  17(13)

  34(33)

  Welsh

  60(52)

  4(5)

  64(57)

  Total

  397(386)

  50(47)

  447(433)

  Scotland

  18(21)

  5(2)

  23(23)

  Northern Ireland

  14(16)

  2(0)

  16(16)

  Grand Total

  429(423)

  57(49)

  486(472)

  Results for 1996 are in brackets.

  1 Northumbrian and Yorkshire, South West and Wessex Regions were amalgamated in 1993, results are recorded separately here to enable comparison to be made with earlier years.

  2 South West has one less bathing water this year due to engineering works on the cliffs at Beacon Cove between May and August, making sampling impossible. Beacon Cover is, therefore, not included in compliance assessment for 1997.

  Coastguard
  Mr. Viggers
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions on which date Ministers approved the five-year strategy for Her Majesty's Coastguard. [19203]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Ministers approved, for consultation, the five year strategy on 13 November. The announcement was made on 17 November. Further discussions are underway. The first consultation meeting with the Trade Unions was on 24 November.

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  Correspondence
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to reply to the letter from the hon. Member for Portsmouth South, sent on 18 September concerning Miss Nor ford of South sea. [18519]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  I wrote to the hon. Member on 28 November.

  Cannabis
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the BMA's report on the therapeutic uses of cannabis; and if he will make a statement. [18560]

  Mr. George Howarth
  My right hon. Friend and I were sent copies of the report by the British Medical Association on 17 November with an invitation to comment, and we are currently studying the recommendations which relate to Home Office responsibilities in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health. When we respond, I shall place a copy of the reply in the Library.

  Special Constables
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has completed his consultation exercise on the provision of compensation for special constables 292
  injured in the course of their duty; and when he expects to introduce the regulations recommended in the report of the Working Group on the Special Constabulary. [18562]

  Mr. Michael
  Proposals for new regulations were endorsed by the Working Group on 20 November and we are about to begin formal consultation with the police and local authority association. Subject to these consultations, we propose to implement the proposals as part of a comprehensive new set of regulations for the Special Constabulary. This will take account of other recommendations by the Working Group and we are aiming to lay the Regulations before Parliament before the Summer recess.

  I have placed a copy of the consultation paper in the Library.

  Slot Machines
  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of the increase in slot machine turnover from his decision to allow the £2 coin to be used as a stake. [18272]

  Mr. George Howarth
  Following a recommendation from the Gaming Board, the maximum stake for a single game on gaming machines was increased from 25p to 30p from 1 October 1997. Larger coins can already be used for multiple play.

  We do not have any estimates of the effect of the £2 coin on machine turnover. It is unlikely to be in use in amusement-with-prizes and jackpot gaming machines until next year.

  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many slot machines are currently operated on premises licensed to sell alcoholic beverages; and what estimate he has made of the total annual turnover of these machines. [18273]

  Mr. George Howarth
  Figures kept centrally do not categories gaming machines by different types of premises.

  The British Amusement Catering Trades Association (BACTA), the trade association representing the gaming machines industry, has recently undertaken a study in conjunction with the Henley Centre. This suggests that at the end of 1996 there were around 75,000 amusement-with-prizes machines (maximum prize £10) in public houses in Great Britain; 700 jackpot machines (maximum prize £250) in casinos; 31,300 jackpot machines in members clubs registered under the Gaming Act 1968; and 25,000 machines in bingo clubs, the majority with £10 prizes.

  BACTA estimates that in 1996 the amount spent in public houses was about £2.6 billion, with 80 per cent. returned as prizes. Total gross turnover on machines in the above premises is estimated at approximately £5 billion, with about £4 billion paid back to the players.

  Asylum Seekers
  Mr. Gerard
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will list the organisations and individuals who have made submissions to the
  293
  review of the detention of asylum seekers; and when he expects to (a) announce and (b) publish the findings of the review; [17419]

  (2) what is the timetable for the inter-departmental review of the detention of asylum seekers. [17461]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  At the beginning of September, I wrote to 12 non-governmental organisations inviting their comments on the major policy areas covered by the detention review. Submissions have been received from the following groups:

  United Nations High Commission for Refugees

  Amnesty International

  Immigration Advisory Service

  The Law Society

  The Refugee Council

  Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants

  Churches Commission for Racial Justice

  Refugee Legal Centre

  Charter 87

  Immigration Law Practitioners Association

  A number of other bodies have put forward submissions on this issue, both before and during the review.

  Consideration is now being given to the comments received. I expect to be able to announce the results in the new year.

  Mr. Gerard
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what issues relating to asylum are currently under review; which Government Departments are involved; and what are the terms of reference of each review group. [17420]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  All the issues relating to asylum are under review, especially the procedures for dealing with asylum claims and the means of supporting asylum seekers while their claims are being assessed. The Government Departments which have provided members of the study team are the Home Office; Department of the Environment, Transport and Regions; Department of Health; Department of Social Security; and the Cabinet Office. Departments represented on the Steering Group which is overseeing the study team's work, in addition to those already listed, are the Foreign and Commonwealth Office; the Lord Chancellor's Department; Department for Education and Employment; and Her Majesty's Treasury.

  The terms of reference are: to carry out a scrutiny of the arrangements for dealing with and providing for asylum seekers to assess how these might be improved to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the arrangements taken as a whole, and to identify ways of minimizing costs across government with a view to containing those costs well within the total provision for asylum seekers in existing Departmental programmes. In particular:
  to evaluate whether the existing allocation of responsibilities between Departments for processing and provision is the most conducive to efficient and cost-effective management and to recommend any options for improvement;
  to recommend other changes to structures, incentives and information flow to enhance the overall efficiency of systems of processing and provision;
  294
  to develop coasted proposals to reduce significantly both the time taken from the beginning to the end of the asylum process and the number of unfounded applications; and
  to make recommendations on the most cost effective arrangements for providing for asylum seekers throughout the process, taking account of the impact of those arrangements on the numbers of applicants for asylum and the likely take-up.

  We are also conducting internal reviews of detention policy and of the immigration and asylum appeals system.

  Motoring Offences
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans his Department has to review the sentencing procedures for lesser motoring offences resulting in(a) deaths and (b) injury not taken into consideration in sentencing. [18589]

  Mr. Michael
  The Government have no plans to review sentencing procedure for lower level motoring offences resulting in death and injury. Sentencing procedure in individual cases is a matter for the courts. A range of offences exist to deal with those who commit motoring offences, with severe penalties available for serious offences. For example, causing death by careless driving while under the influence of drink or drugs and causing death by dangerous driving carry maximum penalties of ten years' imprisonment.

  The North Report in 1988 considered, but rejected, the creation of a new offence of causing death by careless driving. It concluded that it would be wrong to visit on a driver severe penalties for the tragic consequences of an act which amounted only to carelessness.

  Sex and Violence (Offenders)
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many offenders convicted of offences including(a) sex and (b) violence were sentenced to periods of imprisonment of over four years in the last year for which figures are available. [18847]

  Mr. Michael
  For England and Wales in 1996 (latest available), of the 4,426 offenders convicted of indictable sexual offences, 635 were sentenced to periods of immediate custody of over four years, of whom 17 recorded life sentences.

  Similarly, for the indictable offence group of violence against the person, 30,011 offenders were convicted, of whom 944 were sentenced to periods of imprisonment of over four years, including 267 life sentences.

  Crime Victims
  Ms Beverley Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will review the current policy and practice of the police in providing the media with the names of victims of crimes. [17933]

  Mr. Michael
  [holding answer 2 December 1997]: The Home Office is currently considering whether new central guidance to the police on relations with the media would be valuable. The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) has been asked for its views. Currently, the ACPO Media Advisory Group advises chief officers that, wherever possible, they should consider the wishes of the victim in deciding whether to publicize a crime and the identity of the victim and respect the victim's wishes if

  295
  he or she does not wish his or her personal details to be given any publicity. Some police forces, as a matter of policy, do not release the names of victims. I understand that Greater Manchester Police issue guidance to all their officers to the effect that the names of victims should not be released to the press without their consent.

  Firearms Acts
  Mr. Hawkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what(a) has been the total cost of compensation paid to date and (b) estimate he has made of that to be paid to the end of 1997–98 under the Firearms Acts. [19102]

  Mr. Michael
  As at 28 November, £25.4 million had been paid out in compensation. The current estimate of compensation payments in 1997–98 is £115 million. This figure will be reviewed in the new year in the light of further progress on the processing of payments.

  Community Penalties
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what research his Department has undertaken on the level of the public's satisfaction with the use of community penalties; and if he will make a statement. [18637]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 3 December 1997]: The Home Office has not itself recently undertaken research designed to investigate the level of public satisfaction with the use of community penalties. But studies such as that by Professor Hough published in the Howard Journal of Criminal Justice (Vol. 35 No. 3 1996) confirm that these penalties are not as widely understood or valued as they should be.

  Rapid Draw Lotteries
  Mr. Fraser
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received from charities regarding the introduction of rapid draw lotteries. [18811]

  Mr. George Howarth
  [holding answer 3 December 1997]: As at 1 December, we have received representations from 22 charities; 20 of these stand to benefit from the introduction of Pronto and two do not wish to be associated with it.

  Youth Organisations
  Mr. Rowe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to establish the national accreditation bodies for youth organisations recommended by Lord Cullen. [19000]

  Mr. Michael
  The recommendation for the national accreditation of clubs and groups voluntarily attended by children and young people is under consideration by the Government.

  Parole Board Panels
  Ms Blears
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to alter the composition of Parole Board panels considering the release of mandatory life sentence adult prisoners. [19593]
  296
  Ms Quin
  The Parole Board is facing a continuing and significant increase in its work load. A very important element of that overall work load is the task of advising Ministers on the progression and release of adult life sentence prisoners convicted of murder. At present, the panels considering these cases comprise four members of the Board, always including a judge and a psychiatrist.

  By contrast, the panels that consider the release of discretionary life sentence prisoners and those sentenced to be detained during Her Majesty's pleasure, and those that decide or advise on the release of long term determinate sentence prisoners, comprise only three members. The additional member in mandatory cases incurs costs to the Board of around £25,000 annually, and complicates the listing of cases, leading to delay.

  I am satisfied, on the advice of both the current Chair and recently retired Chairman of the Parole Board, that the size of mandatory panels can now safely be reduced from four to three, without risking in any way the quality of advice which Ministers receive. I have asked that these panels should continue to include both a judge and a psychiatrist.

  Schengen Acquis
  Mr. Coaker
  To ask the Secretary of Stat for the Home Department if he will make available to Parliament the full Schengen acquis. [19720]

  Mr. Straw
  The Government wish to make the fullest possible information available to Parliament in connection with the ratification of the Treaty of Amsterdam. The key Scheme Treaties which form the framework for Scheme co-operation are available in the Library. We have been informed that Scheme states have now finalised a list of documents which, for the purposes of incorporation, are to be considered formally as the acquits. Once we receive the full set of papers which comprise the acquits, we shall make them, subject to the usual understanding about confidentiality, available to Parliament.

  Lunar House Staff
  Mr. Alasdair Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many staff are currently based at Lunar House; and what was the number last year at the most convenient comparative date. [18396]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The total number of staff who were working in Lunar House as at 28 November 1997 was 1,628.

  A comparable figure for the corresponding period in 1996 is not available as historical staff records are not maintained on a building specific basis.

  Police (Video Cameras)
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what controls apply to the use of hand-held video cameras by the police. [18914]

  Mr. Michael
  The use of hand-held video cameras is an operational matter and the decision to use them and in which circumstances comes within the responsibility of individual chief officers.
  297
  Guidelines on the use of equipment in police surveillance operations, including cameras, were issued by the Home Office in 1984. They make it clear that a senior officer should give authority for the equipment to be used and that he should first satisfy himself that its use will not involve any unwarrantable intrusion of privacy and is fully justified in all the circumstances of the operation in question.

  Human Rights Convention
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the implications for sentencing in England and Wales of the incorporation of the European Convention on Human Rights. [17703]

  Mr. Michael
  The Human Rights Bill is designed to give people direct access in the United Kingdom to the rights and freedoms guaranteed under the European Convention on Human Rights. After incorporation, people who are subject to a sentencing decision will be able to argue in our domestic courts that the decision is not compatible with the Convention, whereas at present, they are able to argue the point only before the European Court of Human Rights.

  MI5
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many full-time equivalent staff are dedicated to supporting the telephone-tapping function of MI5. [18698]

  Mr. Straw
  It has been the policy of successive Governments not to discuss operational matters relating to the work of the security and intelligence services.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has seen the files held on him by MI5. [18696]

  Mr. Straw
  I have not asked to see, nor have I seen, any file which the Security Service may hold on me.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what safeguards are in place to ensure that MI5 does not operate outside its legal remit. [18699]

  Mr. Straw
  The Security Service falls under my authority and I take a close interest in its work, by regular meetings with the Director General and otherwise. The Permanent Secretary and other officials in my Department deal regularly and directly with the Service across the range of its activities, and ensure that I am aware of any significant developments. I receive, annually, reports on the service's performance and plans, and I act as joint sponsor of the Single Intelligence Vote under which the Service is funded. Applications for warrants to intercept communications or interfere with property are submitted to me and are reviewed by independent Commissioners whose annual reports are published.

  Complaints from individuals about the Security Service are investigated by an independent Tribunal which, together with the Commissioner, has full access to Security Service documents and information which they need. The service's accounts are scrutinised by the National Audit Office and its overall policy, administration and finance are subject to scrutiny by the Intelligence and Security Committee to which I give evidence from time to time. And
  298
  finally—but very importantly—the Service has extensive internal procedures to ensure that its operations are properly authorised and comply with statutory requirements.

  British Telecom
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many current British Telecom employees have been required to sign the Official Secrets Act 1911. [18695]

  Mr. Straw
  It is a matter for British Telecom to ensure that their employees comply with all legislation relevant to their work.

  Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many times those subject to investigation under(a) Article 7 and (b) Article 8 of the Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters (i) have been informed and (ii) have not been informed that they have been subject to investigation; [18701]

  (2) how many requests have been (a) received and from whom and (b) made and to whom under Article 6 of the Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters; [18700]

  (3) how many video conferences have taken place under Article 12 of the Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters. [18684]

  Mr. Straw
  None. The draft Convention to which I referred in my reply to the hon. Member of 17 November 1997,Official Report, column 39, is presently under negotiation.

  MI6 and GCHQ
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his Department contributes to the budget of(a) MI6 and (b) GCHQ; and if he will make a statement. [18682]

  Mr. Straw
  No. The budgets of all the security and intelligence agencies are funded from the Single Intelligence Vote (Class XVIII Vote 2).

  Official Secrets Act 1911
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will estimate how many United Kingdom citizens have signed the Official Secrets Act 1911 since 1967. [18694]

  Mr. Michael
  Certain provisions of the Official Secrets Act 1911 were repealed by the Official Secrets Act 1989, which came into effect on 1 March 1990. Prior to that date, it had been the practice to require Government Ministers and members of the Civil Service and of the armed forces to sign a declaration certifying that they were aware of the provisions of the legislation. Information about the numbers of those who signed such declarations is not available centrally.

  Current practice is to draw the relevant provisions of the Official Secrets Acts to the attention of those most likely to have access to the sorts of information covered by them.
  299
  The provisions of the Official Secrets Acts apply, and have always applied, irrespective of whether any formal declaration has been signed.

  Telecommunications (Interception)
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will extend the scope of the Interception of Communications Act 1985 to cover automatic call tracing. [18915]

  Mr. Straw
  In my reply to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Cynon Valley (Ann Clwyd) on 24 November 1997,Official Report, column 441, I said that it was my intention to introduce, in due course, legislation to bring interception on private networks into the statutory framework. Whether we should take that opportunity to introduce further measures relating to interception of communication; and, if so, what those measures should comprise, is currently under consideration.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to ensure cordless telephones can be subject to legal interception only by means of a warrant. [18908]

  Mr. Straw
  I refer the hon. Member to my reply to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Cynon Valley on 24 November 1997,Official Report, column 441

  Metropolitan Police
  Mr. Wilshire
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will ensure that all residents within the Metropolitan Police District are treated equally for the purposes of consultation on proposals to create a new police authority. [18644]

  Mr. Michael
  The Green Paper 'New Leadership for London—the Government's proposals for a Greater London Authority' was published in July 1997 and included details of the proposals for a new police authority to cover the Metropolitan Police District (MPD). During the period of consultation, which ended on 24 October, the Green Paper was freely available to any interested individuals or organisations, including residents of the MPD. The Government Office for London received over 1,200 written responses, including ones from Hertfordshire County Council, the Boroughs of Broxbourne and Reigate and Banstead. I recently met members of the Outer London Metropolitan Police Group, which represents the interests of those districts which are not London boroughs, to hear their views and discuss the proposals. All comments and written responses will be taken into account.

  Secure Training Centres
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the estimated average annual payment which will be made to private sector contractors for each child detained in a secure training centre; and if he will make a statement. [18642]

  Mr. Michael
  It would be inappropriate to publish the average payment figure to contractors while there are contracts yet to be awarded. The Government will ensure that secure training centres offer good value for money through normal contract requirements for "best value".

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Torture Equipment
  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list those European Union countries which(a) prohibit and (b) limit the export or transhipment of torture equipment. [17313]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  It is difficult to define torture equipment. Many items of equipment can be mis-used for the purposes of torture. We are in the process of consulting our European Union partners in relation to our intention during our forthcoming Presidency to encourage them to impose similar restrictions to those that we announced on 28 July, 1997,Official Report, 28 July 1997, columns 65–66, on the export and transhipment of equipment where there is evidence that it has been used for torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. The picture is not yet complete, but it is already clear that there is no uniformity of practice within the Union. Some partners control equipment of the type described in our announcement, while others do not.

  Overseas Staff (Telephone Numbers)
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs for what reasons the Private Office of the Under-Secretary of State does not have the out-of-hours telephone number of the Deputy High Commissioner in Bombay. [18527]

  Mr. Fatchett
  It is our practice not to disclose the home telephone numbers of our staff serving overseas. All of our overseas posts operate a Duty Officer system which enables those who need to transact business urgently with our staff outside normal working hours to do so.

  Ottawa Treaty
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the United Kingdom plans to ratify the Ottawa Land Mines Treaty; and what action Her Majesty's Government plan to take to encourage non-signing countries to ratify the treaty. [18936]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  On ratification of the Ottawa Convention, I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. and learned Member for North-East Fife (Mr. Campbell), on 24 November 1997,Official Report, columns 398–99. We shall continue to take every opportunity to urge as many countries as possible to sign the Ottawa Convention and will press for complementary action, to promote a global ban on anti-personnel land mines, in international fora, including the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva.

  The Late Mr. and Mrs. Wigham (Egypt)
  Mr. Fallon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will investigate the circumstances in which the personal effects and valuables of the late Mr. and Mrs. Wigham of Swanley, Kent were not returned by the Egyptian authorities: what action the British Embassy in Cairo has been taking to secure their immediate return; and if he will issue a statement. [19003]
  301
  Mr. Fatchett
  As soon as the Embassy heard that valuables were missing they asked the Egyptian authorities urgently to locate them. They have not yet found and the Embassy continue to press. The authorities released the luggage to the Embassy on 2 December. With Embassy assistance, the insurers will return it to the family immediately.

  GCHQ
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many(a) civilian and (b) non-civilian staff have been employed within GCHQ for each year from 1980. [18916]

  Mr. Robin Cook
  It is not our policy to provide detailed information on the staffing of the Intelligence and Security Services.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if GCHQ is required to apply for warrants each time it wishes to intercept overseas telegrams. [18690]

  Mr. Robin Cook
  GCHQ obtains a warrant wherever necessary as required by the Interception of Communications Act 1985.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on what occasions since 1987 GCHQ has been involved in the surveillance of party political conferences. [18702]

  Mr. Robin Cook
  The Intelligence Services Act 1994 requires the Director of GCHQ to ensure that GCHQ does not take any action to further the interests of any UK political party. This was established policy even before the Act was passed. On a number of occasions GCHQ has provided advice and assistance to the police present at such conferences on the security of their communications, at their request and also as provided for under the Act. But GCHQ has not been involved in the surveillance of party political conferences.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if CCHQ is permitted to undertake(a) telephone tapping and (b) other interceptions of communications where the terminal points of the communication are both in Great Britain [18686]

  Mr. Robin Cook
  GCHQ's functions are set out in Section 3 of the Intelligence Services Act 1994. Communications which GCHQ is permitted to intercept under the authority of a warrant are set out in section 2 of the Interception of Communications Act 1985.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will set out the range of responsibilities currently discharged by GCHQ. [18917]

  Mr. Robin Cook
  The responsibilities of GCHQ are set out in Section 3 of the Intelligence Services Act 1994.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what guidance has been given to employees at GCHQ in respect of the Data Protection Act 1984. [18688]

  Mr. Robin Cook
  All staff were informed in 1986 that personal data held by GCHQ are exempt from operative parts of the Data Protection Act 1984 because that exemption is required for the purpose of safeguarding 302
  national security. The guidance said that the spirit of the Act would be applied so far as serving staff members were concerned, in that they would be given access to personal data held on data bases in the same way as they would have been had the Act been in force.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many staff who were members of a union were seconded from(a) the DTI and (b) other departments to work in GCHQ Cheltenham during the period that a union ban was in place. [18691]

  Mr. Robin Cook
  GCHQ estimates that about 10 people were seconded from other Government Departments to GCHQ between 1984 and 1997. It is not believed that any of these were from the DTI. GCHQ has no record of their union membership.

  Diplomatic Privileges Act
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he takes to ensure there is no contravention of the Diplomatic Privileges Act 1964. [18687]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  The Diplomatic Privileges Act 1964 gave legal force in the UK to the Vienna Convention concluded in 1962. However, as a result of the 1985 Government Report on the Abuse of Diplomatic Immunities and Privileges (Cmnd 9497), the Government's requirements and procedures were tightened. Stricter standards are applied, in particular on: size of diplomatic missions; notification of new staff; use of diplomatic premises; handling of diplomatic bags; breaches of criminal law and illegal parking.

  Protocol Department within the Foreign and Commonwealth Office is responsible for implementing these requirements and monitoring any breaches. To this end, the Department issues a comprehensive memorandum on privileges and immunities to every Diplomatic Mission. A section of the memorandum states the action we will take in the event of any breach of privileges or abuse of diplomatic immunity. This section is given to each newly appointed diplomat with their identity card. All Heads of Mission are reminded regularly of their obligations by the Head of the Diplomatic Service and the Director of Protocol. Protocol Department also controls the duty-free privileges of each mission in relation to alcohol, tobacco and vehicles.

  The Diplomatic Protection Group of the Metropolitan Police report all offences allegedly committed by diplomats to Protocol Department who in turn takes the necessary action with the relevant Head of Mission, asking for a waiver of immunity or in its absence the removal of a diplomat if the circumstances merit such action. Only six such requests were made in 1996. Diplomats who park illegally and incur fixed penalty fines are expected to pay them. All figures relating to alleged serious crimes committed by diplomats and unpaid parking fines are submitted to Parliament annually and published in Hansard

  Visa Applications
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs under what circumstances visa
  303
  applications from United Kingdom citizens seeking to visit countries overseas are monitored by MI6; and what proportion of visa applications are thus monitored. [18697]

  Mr. Robin Cook
  Visa applications from United Kingdom citizens seeking to visit countries overseas are a matter between the individual and the Government of the country concerned. They do not involve any British Government agency. It has been the policy of successive Governments not to disclose information about operational matters relating to the work of the intelligence and security services.

  Lawyers
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many trained lawyers are employed within(a) M16 and (b) GCHQ. [18692]

  Mr. Robin Cook
  Both the Secret Intelligence Service and the GCHQ employ qualified Legal Advisers. It is not our policy to provide detailed information on the staffing of the Intelligence and Security Services.

  EU Agreements
  Mr. Howard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to his oral answer of 25 November 1997,Official Report, column 754, on what previous occasions he has made statements relating to the bilateral agreement between Spain and the Dutch Presidency; and if he will make a statement. [19043]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  I refer the right hon. and learned Member to the replies I gave him on 2 December 1997,Official Report, columns 122–23. I have referred to events surrounding the outcome on Article 4 of the Scheme Protocol on several occasions, as has my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary, notably during the evidence he gave to the Foreign Affairs Committee on 4 November and during the Second Reading of the European Communities (Amendment) Bill on 12 November.

  Zimbabwe
  Mr. Faber
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations the Government has made to the government of Zimbabwe about the proposed confiscation of land. [19207]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  We recognise the need for land reform in Zimbabwe but do not support that Government's present programme of land acquisition. We have expressed to them our concern that their current action will damage the economy, undermine investor confidence and do nothing to help the poor. We have urged them to follow a carefully planned programme that is fair and transparent and aimed at poverty eradication.

WALES

  Out of School Clubs
  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what estimate he has made of the current number of out of school clubs in Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney; and how 304
  many he estimates will be established in (a) Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney and (b) Wales under the Government's new undertaking. [18505]

  Mr. Hain
  I understand that one out of school club is being developed in Merthyr Tydfil and there are Homework Clubs associated with each of the secondary schools in Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney. During 1997 there were, in addition, 3 Summer Literacy Schools in Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney. Under the Government's proposals, The National Lottery New Opportunities Fund will become an important source of funds for new initiatives in education. These will be carefully selected after wide consultation. The extra resources for child care announced by the Chancellor on 26 November 1997 is extremely welcome news and we will make sure that a fair allocation of the new money comes to Wales.

  Welsh Assembly
  Mr. Rhodri Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what proposals he has to consult the people of Wales on their preferred location for the Welsh Assembly. [18523]

  Mr. Ron Davies
  I am publishing a consultation paper on Monday. I am also arranging for pre-publication copies to be sent to all Welsh members and am making copies available in the Library of the House today so that members will have it in advance of Second Reading of the Government of Wales Bill.

  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to ensure that the Welsh Assembly has a duty to promote sustainable development; and in what form he will publish such proposals. [19117]

  Mr. Ron Davies
  Paragraph 1.24 of "A Voice for Wales" (Cm 3718) said that the Government would ensure that the Assembly promotes sustainable development. I plan to make an announcement to the House on this matter during Second Reading of the Government of Wales Bill.

  Job Creation
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what new policies he plans to introduce to encourage job creation in Wales. [18793]

  Mr. Hain
  Our proposals for stimulating the Welsh economy are set out in "An Economic Strategy for Wales" (Welsh Office October 1997). A copy is in the Library of the House. Comments are invited by 20 December.

  Dentists
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what steps he is taking to protect the public from incompetent dentists. [18725]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  The Dental Practice Board has a statutory responsibility to the Secretary of State to monitor aspects of clinical probity in the General Dental Service in Wales and to initiate appropriate action in circumstances where acceptable standards have not been met.

  Some 2,500 random examinations have been carried out in Wales since April 1997 by the Board's Dental Reference Service to provide assurance about the quality

  305
  of diagnosis and treatment provided by individual dentists. About 1 per cent. of such examinations are referred to health authorities for consideration of appropriate action. There is also an established procedure for patient complaints. A health authority may refer complaints or matters of concern, whether from the Board or from a patient, to a Dental Discipline Committee for investigation. Only in a small proportion of such cases is the dentist found to be "in breach" of NHS Terms of Service.

  A health authority can also refer allegations of a disciplinary nature to the General Dental Council, the NHS Tribunal or the local police authority.

  The General Dental Council exercises statutory functions under the Dentists Act 1984 in relation to dentists' professional conduct and fitness to practise.

  Section 27 of the Act provides that dentists shall be liable to have their names erased from the Dentists Register if they have been convicted of a criminal offence or have been guilty of serious professional misconduct. It is an offence for an unregistered person to engage in the practice of dentistry.

  The Council at its November meeting approved the publication of new ethical guidance for dentists under the title "Maintaining Standards". This new guidance will be issued to all dentists on the UK Register.

  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the former NHS dentist, Mr. McDonald. [18723]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  No. To do so may prejudice the appellate role of the Secretary of State for Wales in respect of Dental Service Committee Appeals.

  Vaccination Reward Scheme
  Mr. Caton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment he has made of the effect of the National Vaccination Reward Scheme on the registration of children by GP practices. [18620]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  No assessments have been undertaken. GPs are reimbursed for childhood vaccinations under the GP Target Payment Scheme. These targets are set at less than 100 per cent. in recognition of the fact that not all parents wish to have their children immunised.

  Planning Regulations
  Dr. Marek
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to review planning regulations in Wales. [17587]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  [holding answer 1 December 1997]: Planning regulations are kept under continuous review. The key principles of planning policy are contained in Planning Guidance (Wales): Planning Policy (May 1996) (PG(W):PP): that document is currently under review and a revised version is likely to be published in early 1998. PG(W):PP is currently supplemented by thirteen Technical Advice Notes (Wales) (TAN(W)s) covering particular subjects: a further ten TAN(W)s are planned for publication in 1998.

  CELTEC
  Dr. Marek
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales pursuant to his answer of 27 November 1997,Official Report, column 639, what estimate he has made of the (a) number and (b) cost of (i) redundancies and (ii) resignations of managers of CELTEC as a result of the reorganisation of the TEC. [19147]

  Mr. Hain
  I am advised that the transfer of the assets and liabilities of the Alkemy and Business Advance companies is shortly to be completed, and the staff who transfer will then be integrated into the TEC. Following this transfer CELTEC will be undertaking a detailed review of all its resources against its prospective business requirements for the 1998–99 financial year. The outcome of this review will be presented to the CELTEC Board in the New Year, at which time the TEC will be able to finalise its business plans and staffing needs. I will write to my hon. Friend at that time with further details, and place a copy of my reply in the Library of the House.

  The cost of any redundancies of staff currently employed by the Hightown Holdings Group of companies which are not transferring to CELTEC is a matter for Hightown Holdings to determine.

  Accounting Officer
  Mr. Rhodri Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales on how many occasions written directions have been sought by permanent secretaries and other accounting officers in the past five years; in what circumstances; and on what dates. [19217]

  Mr. Ron Davies
  There have been no such directions in the Welsh Office in the last five years.

  Tai Cymru
  Mr. Gareth Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he proposes to abolish Tai Cymru; and how he will make its functions democratically accountable. [19573]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  Following the publication of the Government of Wales Bill, which makes provision for the winding up of Tai Cymru, I am pleased to announce that Tai Cymru and Welsh Office Housing Division will be merged to form an integrated Housing Department of the Welsh Office. This will initially be accountable to my right hon. Friend and ultimately to the Assembly.

  Subject to the enactment of the Government of Wales Bill we propose that the new Housing Department will be formed on 1 January 1999 and will cover all the existing functions of the two organisations. I estimate that the staffing structure of the new organisation will produce long-term pay bill savings of approximately £55,000 per annum, about 20 per cent. of the current pay costs of the two organisations. There will be some short-term setting up costs.

  I have today published a consultation paper on the organisation and role of the Housing Department and its relations with other bodies including an enhanced role for local authorities in planning the provision of housing in their areas. I have placed copies in the Library of the House.

  Local Authorities (Best Value)
  Mr. Gareth Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales which local authorities in Wales will be involved in the Wales evaluation study to test the duty of best value; and if he will make a statement. [19571]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  I have received a report from the Best Value Project Group which I asked to evaluate the 26 proposals sent in by Welsh authorities. The Project Group concluded that 23 proposals had reached the stated quality threshold set out in its report and should be used to evaluate the impact of Best Value in Wales. There are 21 proposals from local authorities in Wales, one from a police authority, and one from a fire authority. The Project Group felt this would allow Best Value to be vigorously tested across the whole range of public services in Wales. I am happy to accept the Project Group's recommendations.

  Three of the Welsh proposals have also been chosen to participate in the Best Value research programme commissioned by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

  I am writing to all those who brought forward proposals and I will arrange for a list of those authorities accepted for both the Welsh and the English studies to be placed in the Library of the House.

  The development of Best Value will help us deliver our Manifesto commitment to repeal Compulsory Competitive Tendering. Primary legislation will be required for this and the Government intends to introduce a Bill when Parliamentary business allows.

  Ahead of this there is a need for a wide-ranging debate on Best Value involving local government, the private sector, trades unions and, most importantly, local people. I therefore propose to issue a consultation paper early in the New Year which will seek comments on this and other issues affecting local government in Wales.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Paramilitary Beatings
  Mr. Trimble
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many persons have been charged with offences in connection with paramilitary beatings in 1997. [16031]

  Mr. Ingram
  Between 1 January 1997 and 2 November 1997 one person was charged with an offence in connection with paramilitary assault.

  Equal Opportunities
  Mr. McGrady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans she has to increase the representation of Catholics in major public sector organisations in Northern Ireland following the recent Fair Employment Commission report on public service employment in Northern Ireland. [17888]

  Mr. Ingram
  I welcome the overall increase in the Roman Catholic share of senior public sector posts and the recognition in the Fair Employment Commission's Report of this improvement.
  308
  It is for individual public sector bodies, as employers, to comply with their responsibilities under the fair employment legislation. This includes a duty to take action, within the law, to ensure fair participation in employment by members of both communities.

  The report highlights the fact that the significant progress made by NI Government Departments in achieving fair representation among most of its work force, has yet to be reflected in the composition of senior grades. Several measures have already been taken to address this issue. These include the use of positive action advertisements, open advertising of posts, particularly chief executive posts, and the removal of various internal barriers so as to encourage a better flow of staff from lower to higher grades within and between Departments.

  The Civil Service will continue to consult the Fair Employment Commission on affirmative action measures and the development of future goals and timetables for change in this area.

  European Peace and Reconciliation Programme
  Mr. McGrady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will list the projects receiving funding under the European Peace and Reconciliation Programme indicating the money allocated to each project between 1994 and 1997. [18135]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  I will arrange to have placed in the Libraries of both Houses a list of all projects funded and the amounts allocated to them under the EU Special Support Programme for Peace and Reconciliation in 1995, 1996 and the first six months of 1997. No projects were funded in 1994.

  Belfast International Airport
  Mr. McGrady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will make a statement on the Northern Ireland Audit Office report into the privatisation of Belfast International Airport. [18131]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  The privatisation of Belfast International Airport was authorised and carried out by the previous Government. The Northern Ireland Audit Office's Report will be considered by the Public Accounts Committee. The Government will respond to the Committee in due course.

  Ambulance Service
  Mr. McGrady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what measures will be taken to improve the ambulance fleet in Northern Ireland. [18133]

  Mr. Worthington
  In recognition of the particular problems faced by the ambulance service, the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service Trust has received a further allocation of £500,000 in the current financial year in addition to its normal capital provision of £500,000 for urgent replacement of ambulance vehicles. The Trust has also been permitted to draw on £200,000 of its 1998–99 capital allocation to supplement those resources. In addition, the Trust is presently drawing up proposals for a major ambulance replacement programme to be tested for a private partnership under PFI. These measures should make a significant difference to the state of the ambulance fleet but I will keep the matter under review.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Further Education
  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the per capita funding for further education students for each year from 1978–79 to 1998–99; and if he will make a statement. [17395]

  Dr. Howells
  It is not possible to give figures since 1978–79 on a comparable basis. The following figures are the average funding per full-time equivalent student in further education in England (in £ cash rounded to the nearest £10) since the establishment of the Further Education sector:

  1993–94: 3,080

  1994–95: 3,040

  1995–96: 2,920

  1996–97: 2,860

  These figures are based on an improved method of calculating full-time equivalent students.

  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assessment he has made of changes in unit costs of further education since 1978–79 and of their overall effect on funding requirements. [17396]

  Dr. Howells
  It is not possible to assess unit costs on a consistent basis going back as far as 1978–79. One of the objectives of the additional funding announced by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State on 12 November is to limit the pressure on unit costs to the costs arising from inflation.

  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assessment he has made of the impact of New Deal education and training on current facilities and infrastructure in colleges of further education; and if he will make a statement. [17401]

  Dr. Howells
  Further Education colleges will have the opportunity to bid for well over £100 million of new deal funds for next year.

  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on the projected required funding for further education over the next three years. [17399]

  Dr. Howells
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced additional funding for further education in 1998–99 on 12 November. Decisions on funding for financial year 1999–2000 and beyond will be announced next summer in the light of the Government's comprehensive spending review.

  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what representations he has received concerning the projected required funding for further education over the next three years. [17400]

  Dr. Howells
  My right hon. Friend has received representations on further education from a number of colleges, national representatives bodies and members of the public.

  Ms Hodge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) if he will identify the college which is described in the Further Education Funding Council's annual report as having lost up to £335,000 on a business 310
  venture from which there was no benefit to the students of the college; and what action has been taken to prevent such a circumstances happening elsewhere; [17822]

  (2) if he will identify the college which is described in the Further Education Funds Council's annual report as having spent £440,000 on provision which may not be eligible for Further Education Funding Council funding; and when the auditors will have determined whether the council's funding has been correctly applied. [17824]

  Dr. Howells
  I have asked the Chief Executive of the Further Education Funding Council to write to my hon. Friend concerning this matter.

  National Disability Council
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to ensure public access to the agendas, council papers and minutes of National Disability Council meetings. [17740]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  The National Disability Council (NDC) has a good record on openness. For example, it produces an annual report giving full information on its activities, writes to its partners during the year to keep them in touch with developments and undertakes wide public consultation before presenting Codes of Practice to Government on access for disabled people to goods, facilities, services and premises.

  We will be considering how the NDC and other Non-Departmental Public Bodies which advise my Department might be made even more open in the light of comments made on the consultation document "Opening up Quangos" issued earlier this month by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.

  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what representation Her Majesty's Government received from the National Disability Council(a) before and (b) after 3 May in respect of securing amendments to the Treaty of European Union in favour of the disabled. [17739]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  As noted in its annual report for 1996–97, the National Disability Council (NDC) advised Government both before and after 3 May of its concerns that the Treaty did not sufficiently protect the interests of disabled people. It urged support for an amendment to Article 6a which had been proposed to combat discrimination based on various grounds, including disability. The NDC also encouraged amendment of Article 100a to ensure that measures designed to harmonise the single market did not inadvertently damage the interests of disabled people.

  With support from the UK Government, an amendment to Article 6a was agreed at the Intergovernmental Conference in June. The Government also initiated and secured a declaration on Article 100a which requires the institutions of the European Community to take account of the needs of disabled people in drawing up single market measures. The NDC subsequently welcomed these positive steps forward for disabled people.

  Tuition Fees
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how much the Government has spent on
  311
  advertising (a) on commercial radio, (b) on television and (c) in newspapers in relation to its policy on tuition fees for university students. [17939]

  Dr. Howells
  The cost for advertising, in relation to the policy on tuition fees for university students, is, for commercial radio, £222,209 and for the national press, £137,831. There has been no advertising on television.

  Welfare to Work
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many Welfare to Work places will be created in(a) Wales, (b) the North West, (c) the East Midlands and (d) the South West; and if he will make a statement. [17646]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  We will offer help to everyone who becomes eligible for the new deal and sufficient places will be available to meet this commitment.

  We are making good progress in Wales, the North-West, the East Midlands and the South West—as elsewhere—in the planning and implementation of the New Deal.

  New Deal
  Mr. Ivan Henderson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what obligations and responsibilities a private sector organisation given the lead role in a New Deal district, would have towards the local partners, particularly local authorities, involved in delivering the service within their local area. [18354]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  We have invited bids from the private sector, under contract to the Employment service (ES) to lead the delivery of new deal in a total of ten

  Pupil teacher ratios in maintained nursery, primary and secondary schools by local education authority area in England: 1974, 1979, 1991 and 1997

  Position as at January

  1974

  1979

  1991

  1997

  Nursery

  Primary

  Secondary

  Nursery

  Primary

  Secondary

  Nursery

  Primary

  Secondary

  Nursery

  Primary

  Secondary

  Inner London1

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  18.7

  14.9

  n/ap

  n/ap

  n/ap

  n/ap

  n/ap

  n/ap

  City of London

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/ap

  19.4

  n/ap

  n/ap

  214.0

  n/ap

  Camden

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  15.7

  19.0

  15.4

  20.0

  20.0

  214.3

  Greenwich

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  18.0

  19.6

  15.9

  26.4

  21.1

  16.0

  Hackney

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  19.4

  18.6

  14.6

  212.3

  19.5

  14.9

  Hammersmith

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  16.7

  18.7

  14.5

  18.1

  20.5

  17.4

  Islington

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  14.5

  18.5

  17.0

  16.3

  21.1

  215.7

  Kensington and Chelsea

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  13.7

  17.4

  12.5

  14.2

  17.7

  12.9

  Lambeth

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  16.6

  18.8

  15.1

  213.6

  19.8

  215.0

  Lewisham

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  16.8

  19.9

  15.6

  21.2

  20.6

  215.2

  Southwark

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  16.3

  19.9

  16.3

  16.4

  21.8

  215.8

  Tower Hamlets

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  16.3

  17.4

  14.1

  16.4

  20.7

  15.9

  Wandsworth

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  17.4

  17.7

  14.4

  18.1

  20.5

  15.5

  Westminster

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  12.4

  17.1

  14.3

  211.7

  18.6

  14.9

  Barking

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  22.3

  15.5

  n/ap

  22.3

  15.8

  n/ap

  22.7

  215.7

  Barnet

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  21.5

  15.5

  17.4

  21.0

  15.1

  19.2

  321.3

  2, 314.8

  Bexley

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  25.1

  17.2

  20.4

  23.3

  16.1

  n/ap

  324.8

  17.4

  Brent

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  18.7

  13.9

  13.7

  20.9

  14.5

  213.6

  21.9

  15.2

  Bromley

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  24.5

  16.7

  n/ap

  23.5

  16.1

  0.0

  324.4

  216.3

  Croydon

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  23.0

  16.3

  2.3

  21.3

  15.7

  217.1

  23.0

  216.2

  Ealing

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  20.4

  15.6

  15.1

  20.4

  14.6

  2 12.3

  22.5

  16.4

  Enfield

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  24.0

  16.8

  n/ap

  20.6

  15.7

  0.0

  323.2

  315.9

  Haringey

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  20.9

  16.0

  14.8

  21.8

  14.1

  213.0

  221.1

  314.6

  Harrow

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  22.1

  16.1

  n/ap

  21.7

  15.3

  0.0

  2. 320.7

  315.5

  Havering

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  23.6

  17.0

  n/ap

  22.6

  15.5

  0.0

  23.8

  316.3

  Hillingdon

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  23.0

  16.5

  20.2

  22.5

  15.5

  219.8

  322.6

  316.2

  Hounslow

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  21.9

  15.9

  n/ap

  20.9

  15.5

  n/ap

  321.5

  15.8

  Kingston upon Thames

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  22.1

  16.1

  16.6

  22.3

  14.6

  214.8

  23.9

  16.6

  Merton

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  22.2

  17.6

  n/ap

  18.4

  14.4

  n/ap

  321.7

  317.2

  312
  locations. The bidding process will make clear that private sector organisations should consider carefully the particular needs within each locality and the key local partners, including local authorities, they need to work with to make new deal a success. The successful private sector lead organisation will need to continue to work closely with a range of local public and private sector bodies effectively to delivery new deal opportunities to clients.

  Detailed arrangements for delivery will be a matter for discussion between the lead organisation and its partners. However, it is expected that in most cases these will take the form of a written contract, the terms and conditions of which will be binding on all parties.

  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assistance New Deal participants aged over 25 years and unemployed for more than two years will receive during the period before their six-month placement begins. [18710]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  We are currently considering the detailed design of the new deal for people aged 25 years or over and unemployed for two years or more. We will make an announcement shortly.

  Pupil Teacher Ratios
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the local education authorities where the pupil teacher ratio in 1997 was below that in(a) 1974, (b) 1979 and (c) 1991 in maintained (i) nursery, (ii) primary and (iii) secondary schools. [18555]

  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 1 December 1997]: The available information is shown in the following table.
  313

  Pupil teacher ratios in maintained nursery, primary and secondary schoolsby local education authority area in England: 1974, 1979, 1991 and 1997

  Position as at January

  1974

  1979

  1991

  1997

  Nursery

  Primary

  Secondary

  Nursery

  Primary

  Secondary

  Nursery

  Primary

  Secondary

  Nursery

  Primary

  Secondary

  Newham

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  21.4

  16.1

  23.4

  24.7

  15.1

  218.2

  224.3

  16.3

  Redbridge

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  24.1

  17.1

  n/ap

  23.6

  16.4

  0.0

  2. 322.9

  316.5

  Richmond upon Thames

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  22.2

  17.0

  14.8

  20.9

  15.7

  18.9

  321.7

  17.0

  Sutton

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  24.0

  17.3

  20.0

  21.9

  15.7

  20.0

  323.9

  316.8

  Waltham Forest

  n/av

  n/av

  n/ay

  n/av

  22.4

  14.7

  18.4

  22.2

  14.3

  218.3

  2. 321.7

  15.6

  Birmingham

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  23.9

  16.5

  22.5

  23.5

  16.0

  220.5

  322.7

  316.1

  Coventry

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  22.7

  16.0

  20.6

  22.7

  14.2

  217.5

  23.6

  16.6

  Dudley

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  25.5

  18.0

  31.8

  21.3

  14.0

  41.0

  322.4

  316.5

  Sandwell

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  24.4

  16.4

  19.7

  22.6

  14.2

  216.5

  324.0

  16.8

  Solihull

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  23.5

  16.4

  n/ap

  22.9

  15.2

  n/ap

  24.0

  16.8

  Walsall

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  22.6

  15.8

  28.9

  21.0

  14.5

  226.2

  23.7

  16.3

  Wolverhampton

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  21.1

  15.8

  20.5

  2.3

  14.0

  220.2

  22.4

  15.9

  Knowsley

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  23.4

  16.3

  n/ap

  22.1

  15.0

  n/ap

  23.7

  16.6

  Liverpool

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  21.1

  16.1

  17.9

  22.4

  14.9

  18.7

  23.6

  16.7

  St. Helens

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  23.8

  16.2

  17.9

  23.0

  14.8

  20.5

  323.3

  315.6

  Sefton

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  23.6

  17.3

  21.2

  23.0

  15.9

  218.9

  323.2

  316.3

  Wirral

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  24.2

  17.1

  15.6

  20.7

  14.8

  215.0

  323.2

  316.2

  Bolton

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  25.2

  16.5

  21.8

  21.7

  14.5

  216.6

  323.1

  16.8

  Bury

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  23.5

  16.5

  21.0

  22.5

  15.5

  216.3

  24.2

  17.2

  Manchester

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  21.9

  15.1

  14.8

  22.3

  13.8

  17.3

  23.4

  15.9

  Oldham

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  25.2

  17.6

  n/ap

  22.6

  15.0

  n/ap

  324.4

  316.0

  Rochdale

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  22.9

  15.4

  20.6

  23.6

  15.2

  21.3

  24.7

  16.7

  Salford

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  23.5

  16.2

  22.4

  22.3

  13.7

  24.4

  24.0

  16.4

  Stockport

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  26.3

  17.3

  25.1

  23.2

  15.1

  25.3

  324.05

  316.9

  Tameside

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  24.1

  16.5

  13.0

  23.0

  15.3

  17.2

  25.4

  17.8

  Trafford

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  22.2

  16.5

  n/ap

  23.9

  15.1

  n/ap

  24.7

  16.7

  Wigan

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  22.6

  16.1

  15.2

  22.7

  14.6

  20.5

  23.1

  316.0

  Barnsley

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  23.6

  16.8

  22.4

  23.1

  16.0

  222.3

  25.5

  17.8

  Doncaster

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  22.2

  16.6

  n/ap

  22.1

  15.5

  n/ap

  24.4

  16.6

  Rotherham

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  24.0

  17.4

  19.4

  21.6

  14.6

  20.0

  24.0

  317.2

  Sheffield

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  21.8

  16.4

  16.9

  22.0

  14.8

  2.1

  23.3

  17.3

  Bradford

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  20.4

  17.6

  15.7

  20.4

  15.8

  16.6

  23.0

  18.1

  Calderdale

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  23.7

  17.6

  n/ap

  22.7

  15.5

  n/ap

  24.3

  316.9

  Kirklees

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  23.6

  18.3

  13.4

  21.2

  14.9

  14.5

  23.8

  317.4

  Leeds

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  24.6

  17.8

  18.9

  20.7

  15.3

  6.5

  324.1

  316.9

  Wakefield

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  23.3

  18.0

  16.4

  22.8

  15.7

  17.7

  24.4

  316.9

  Gateshead

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  21.2

  16.5

  18.3

  21.0

  14.9

  19.8

  22.3

  316.0

  Newcastle upon Tyne

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  18.7

  14.7

  17.3

  20.8

  14.7

  22.8

  23.9

  16.8

  North Tyneside

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  21.1

  16.2

  22.1

  21.2

  15.2

  217.2

  23.9

  17.2

  South Tyneside

  flay

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  20.3

  16.0

  18.0

  21.4

  15.0

  217.9

  23.4

  16.9

  Sunderland

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  23.5

  16.7

  19.0

  22.4

  15.3

  218.6

  322.8

  316.3

  Isles of Scilly

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  15.3

  11.3

  n/ap

  15.1

  7.9

  n/ap

  16.9

  39.3

  Avon

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  24.2

  17.0

  18.5

  22.4

  16.0

  n/ap

  n/ap

  n/ap

  Bath and NE Somerset

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/ap

  n/ap

  n/ap

  n/ap

  n/ap

  4—

  422.4

  416.6

  City of Bristol

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/ap

  n/ap

  n/ap

  n/ap

  n/ap

  419.5

  423.0

  415.6

  NorthSomerset

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/ap

  n/ap

  n/ap

  n/ap

  n/ap

  4—

  423,8

  416.0

  South Gloucestershire

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/ap

  n/ap

  m/ap

  n/ap

  n/ap

  419.3

  424.2

  416.7

  Bedfordshire

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  21.6

  17.3

  17.4

  21.6

  16.8

  19.0

  23.3

  17.8

  Berkshire

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  23.8

  16.8

  17.3

  23.4

  15.7

  217.3

  323.5

  316.6

  Buckinghamshire

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  24.2

  16.8

  23.3

  22.9

  16.1

  221.2

  323.9

  17.3

  Cambridgeshire

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  23.3

  16.7

  18.5

  23.0

  16.1

  19.1

  24.4

  17.4

  Cheshire

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  23.5

  17.0

  21.4

  24.2

  16.4

  24.2

  223.8

  17.0

  Cleveland

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  23.4

  18.4

  18.3

  23.4

  14.9

  n/ap

  n/ap

  n/ap

  Hartlepool

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/ap

  n/ap

  n/ap

  n/ap

  n/ap

  417.3

  425.2

  417.1

  Middlesborough

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/ap

  n/ap

  n/ap

  n/ap

  n/ap

  4n/ap

  423.7

  416.2

  Redcar and Cleveland

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/ap

  n/ap

  n/ap

  n/ap

  n/ap

  4n/ap

  424.3

  417.2

  Stockton on Tees

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/ap

  n/ap

  n/ap

  n/ap

  n/ap

  414.3

  424.2

  417.1

  Cornwall

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  24.2

  16.9

  2.9

  23.3

  16.3

  217.1

  323.7

  17.4

  Cumbria

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  23.1

  16.5

  21.8

  22.2

  15.0

  219.8

  23.4

  16.9

  Derbyshire

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  23.7

  17.5

  18.5

  21.7

  14.1

  218.0

  25.9

  317.4

  Devon

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  24.3

  17.9

  26.8

  22.7

  16.1

  39.6

  324.1

  317.1

  Dorset

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  23.7

  17.5

  n/ap

  22.9

  16.4

  n/ap

  24.6

  17.7

  Durham

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  21.5

  16.9

  20.5

  22.3

  16.1

  21.0

  24.1

  17.4

  East Sussex

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  23.4

  17.5

  19.9

  22.2

  15.8

  218.4

  322.8

  316.2

  Essex

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  24.8

  17.8

  18.4

  23.1

  16.6

  18.6

  323.0

  316.6

  Gloucestershire

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  23.4

  17.4

  n/ap

  21.3

  15.7

  n/ap

  23.6

  317.3

  Hampshire

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  24.6

  17.4

  13.4

  22.8

  15.8

  212.5

  323.0

  316.6

  Hereford and Worcester

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  24.2

  17.7

  n/ap

  22.4

  16.5

  13.3

  323.2

  17.8

  Hertfordshire

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  22.5

  15.9

  20.2

  22.0

  15.5

  218.4

  22.9

  15.9

  Humberside

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  22.1

  16.8

  23.0

  22.6

  15.7

  n/ap

  n/ap

  n/ap

  314

  315

  Pupil teacher ratios in maintained nursery, primary and secondary schools by local education authority area in England: 1974, 1979, 1991 and 1997

  Position as at January

  1974

  1979

  1991

  1997

  Nursery

  Primary

  Secondary

  Nursery

  Primary

  Secondary

  Nursery

  Primary

  Secondary

  Nursery

  Primary

  Secondary

  City of Kingston Upon Hull

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/ap

  n/ap

  n/ap

  n/ap

  n/ap

  421.0

  425.5

  418.2

  East Riding of Yorkshire

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/ap

  n/ap

  n/ap

  n/ap

  n/ap

  421.4

  425.5

  417.0

  North East Lincolnshire

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/ap

  n/ap

  n/ap

  n/ap

  n/ap

  420.8

  425.0

  417.9

  North Lincolnshire

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/ap

  n/ap

  n/ap

  n/ap

  n/ap

  4n/ap

  424.6

  417.54

  Isle of Wight

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  23.9

  18.6

  n/ap

  22.8

  16.9

  n/ap

  2.322.6

  318.2

  Kent

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  24.3

  17.7

  14.6

  24.3

  16.6

  18.6

  2.323.9

  2.316.3

  Lancashire

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  24.7

  16.6

  18.6

  23.1

  15.7

  217.9

  324.4

  16,7

  Leicestershire

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  23.3

  16.4

  22.9

  22.9

  15.0

  22.9

  23.5

  17.2

  Lincolnshire

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  23.7

  17.0

  22.2

  23.5

  16.2

  219.9

  23.9

  2.315.9

  Norfolk

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  22.8

  17.6

  17.9

  22.1

  15.4

  19.1

  322.3

  315.7

  North Yorkshire

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  22.5

  17.1

  22.2

  22.4

  15.3

  n/ap

  n/ap

  n/ap

  North Yorkshire

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/ap

  n/ap

  n/ap

  n/ap

  n/ap

  419.5

  423.5

  416.4

  York

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/ap

  n/ap

  n/ap

  n/ap

  n/ap

  426.8

  424.3

  416.3

  Northamptonshire

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  24.4

  17.0

  20.7

  22.6

  16.3

  218.6

  323.5

  316.8

  Northumberland

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  23.4

  17.5

  25.5

  23.5

  16.7

  28.3

  24.5

  18.6

  Nottinghamshire

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  24.7

  17.0

  17.4

  22.0

  14.9

  215.0

  24.8

  17.3

  Oxfordshire

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  24.2

  18.0

  21.0

  22.6

  16.6

  215.4

  323.6

  18.1

  Shropshire

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  23.8

  17.0

  14.0

  21.4

  15.0

  21.3

  24.4

  316.5

  Somerset

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  24.6

  18.6

  n/ap

  22.1

  15.7

  n/ap

  323.5

  318.0

  Staffordshire

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  23.2

  16.8

  28.9

  23.1

  15.8

  29.7

  24.9

  17.7

  Suffolk

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  23.4

  18.1

  24.4

  21.6

  16.4

  222.9

  322.3

  316.6

  Surrey

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  21.9

  16.8

  13.8

  21.3

  15.1

  14.2

  22.3

  16.9

  Warwickshire

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  23.1

  17.0

  21.0

  21.7

  15.5

  21.1

  24.5

  17.4

  West Sussex

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  24.3

  18.5

  21.5

  22.1

  16.2

  216.0

  322.7

  316.8

  Wiltshire

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  n/av

  23.9

  17.7

  n/ap

  21.9

  15.5

  n/ap

  323.5

  317.0

  England

  22.5

  24.9

  17.6

  20.2

  23.1

  16.8

  19.1

  22.2

  15.6

  2.318.9

  34.5

  316.7

  n/ap = not applicable.

  n/av = not available.

  1 No comparable data for ILEA.

  2 Lower than 1991.

  3 Lower than 1979.

  4 No comparable data for the new unitary authorities

  Special Schools
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what proportion of local education authority maintained special schools had acting head teachers at the most recent date for which figures are available. [18805]

  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 2 December 1997]: Information from a Local Government Management Board survey in October this year showed that about 9 per cent. of LEA maintained special schools had acting or temporary heads.

  Teacher Training
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment under what statutory authority Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Schools has been given the power to inspect research findings in initial teacher training institutions; and what conditions are imposed by Government on Ofsted for the awarding of contracts to consultants to carry out such inspections. [18806]

  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 2 December 1997]: HMCI has no powers to inspect research findings in initial teacher training institutions and does not do so.

  As a government department, Ofsted is expected to follow government guidance and best practice in procurement and contracting, and has an obligation always to seek best value for money.
  316
  I have asked Chris Woodhead to write to the hon. Member on both these points.

  After-school Child Care
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) what will be the structure and level of charges for the additional after-school child care places announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer; [19027]

  (2) what restrictions will be placed on eligibility for the additional after-school child care places announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer; [19028]

  (3) what estimate he has made of the proportion of the 1 million additional after-school child care places which will be taken up by lone parents currently receiving income support. [19029]

  (4) what he expects to be the annual income from charges for additional after-school child care places announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer; and if the estimated costs of the scheme are gross of revenue from charges; [19030]

  (5) how many additional after-school child care places he expects to be in place by (a) April 1998, (b) October 1998 and (c) April 1999; and when he expects the target of 1 million extra places to be reached. [19034]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  It is too early to give detailed information of this kind. We expect that most of the funding will be allocated in response to bids and plans
  317
  which originate at local level. The precise nature of the projects supported will therefore vary according to local needs and circumstances. We shall be developing further guidance over the next few months. We expect the funding to be complemented by investment from other sources, such as employers. These projects are part of a wider National Child Care Strategy which will help parents, especially women, to balance family and working life and my right hon. Friend, Secretary of State for Education and Employment will make an announcement in the first part of next year.

  School Places
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what is his estimate of the number of children(a) of primary school age and (b) of secondary school age, who are currently without a school place (i) in total and (ii) as a result of exclusion. [18645]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  Local education authorities have a duty to arrange suitable education for pupils who cannot attend school. In January 1997 these arrangements covered 25,000 pupils, including some pupils who were dually registered at a Pupil Referral Unit and at another school. We estimate that around half of these children were out of school following an exclusion. The majority of such pupils are of secondary school age. Additionally, it has been estimated that around 10,000 children are educated otherwise than at school under arrangements made by their parents.

  Written Directions
  Mr. Rhodri Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment on how many occasions written directions have been sought by permanent secretaries and other accounting officers in the past five years; in what circumstances. [19215]

  Dr. Howells
  No written directions have been sought in the past five years by permanent secretaries or other accounting officers in the Department for Education and Employment, nor by those in the former Employment Department or Department for Education.

  Waiver Clauses
  Dr. Gibson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement of Government policy on the use of waiver clauses in fixed-term contracts. [18630]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  [holding answer 2 December 1997]: I have been asked to reply.

  The Government recognise that there may be circumstances where a job which is for a fixed specific period should not necessarily attract the same benefits on termination as apply where an open-ended contract is terminated. However, the Government are also aware that there may be cases where waiver clauses are abused and they condemn such abuse.

HOUSE OF COMMONS

  Minister without Portfolio
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the President of the Council what assessment she has made of the operation of the arrangements under which the Minister without Portfolio answers oral questions on his duties related to the Millennium Dome. [18921]

  Mrs. Ann Taylor
  None. There has been only one oral question for the Minister without Portfolio.

SCOTLAND

  Scottish Parliament
  Mr. Gorrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will place in the Library the Scottish Office brief for the design of the Scottish Parliament and the brief to the transport consultants. [18134]

  Mr. McLeish
  We shall in due course make available the draft working brief for the design of the Scottish Parliament building. A copy of the brief for the transport and environmental impact assessment has today been placed in the Library.

  Smoking
  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his estimate of the number of people who have died from smoking-related diseases in Scotland for each year since 1979; and if he will provide a breakdown by(a) sex, (b) age, (c) socio-economic class and (d) health board area. [17857]

  Mr. Galbraith
  [holding answer 1 December 1997]: It is not possible to be precise, but in 1992 it was estimated that some 10,600 people in Scotland died each year from smoking-related diseases, including lung cancer, coronary heart disease and stroke. No later official Scottish estimate has been made. The figure was based on estimates of the proportions of deaths from smoking-related diseases that were directly attributable to smoking. It would not be appropriate to apply these general proportions to the various sub-groups mentioned in the Question.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  National Lottery
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what has been the sum given since the commencement of the National Lottery in Northavon; and if he will list the individual awards. [18198]

  Mr. Banks
  To date 36 awards totalling £1,442,504 have been made to organisations in Northavon. I have arranged for a list to be placed in the Libraries of the House.

  Information on Lottery awards is now available on the Department's website www.lottery.gov.uk.
  319
  Mrs. Gordon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what National Lottery distributing bodies funding has been allocated to projects in each parliamentary constituency in the Anglia area; [18355]

  (2) what National Lottery Charities Board funding has been allocated to projects in each parliamentary constituency in the Anglia area. [18348]

  Mr. Banks
  The Department holds Lottery awards information by Government economic region. I have arranged for a table showing the breakdown of awards by constituency in the Eastern region (which comprises Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Essex but excludes Greater London) to be placed in the Libraries of the House. Figures for the National Lottery Charities Board are included in this table.

  Information on Lottery awards is now available on the Department's website www.lottery.gov.uk.

  Mrs. Brinton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans he has to amend the National Lottery Act 1993 so that convenience retailers may receive a return of more than 5 per cent. of sales. [18547]

  Mr. Banks
  The level of retailer commission is a commercial matter for the Lottery operator. The Government is concerned to protect the contribution which the Lottery makes to small retailers and the Director-General of the National Lottery will have this in mind when considering applications for the next operating licence.

  Tourism
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps he intends to take to promote employment in the tourist industry. [18858]

  Mr. Tom Clarke
  We shall continue to work with the tourism, leisure and hospitality industry to ensure that this fast moving and exciting sector reaches its full potential for generating wealth and employment. With the Tourism Forum, we are developing a comprehensive strategy for sustainable growth of the industry. Working Groups of the Forum are also looking at ways to improve staff management practices and to encourage more young people to consider a career in the sector.

  In addition, Sector Challenge funding will, for example, enable the Springboard Project to go nationwide with its promotion of positive information about careers in the hospitality industry to potential recruits, and is supporting the British Hospitality Association's development of a code of practice and awards scheme to encourage quality.

PRIME MINISTER

  Social Exclusion Unit
  Mrs. Golding
  To ask the Prime Minister which estates will be targeted by the social exclusion unit; and which local authority areas they come within. [18359]

  The Prime Minister
  The terms of reference for the social exclusion unit will be announced next week.

  Royal Yacht
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Prime Minister what assessment Her Majesty's Government has made of the scope for future public support for the Royal Yacht Britannia after she is decommissioned. [18924]

  The Prime Minister
  Seven proposals for preserving HM Yacht Britannia are being considered. Most of these claim extensive public support for a particular proposal. This is being taken in to account in the assessment of the options. I hope that the announcement can be made soon.

  Ministerial Announcements
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Prime Minister how many ministerial announcements have not been made in the first instance to the House; and of those how many were(a) speeches to outside bodies, (b) press releases, (c) press briefings and (d) made by other means, since 1 May; and if he will make a statement about his Department's policy in respect of making public prime ministerial announcements. [18903]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 3 December 1997]: Any policy announcement that should be made to the House has been made to the House.

  Joint Intelligence Committee
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Prime Minister what is the function of, and what are the powers available to, the Joint Intelligence Committee; and if he will make a statement. [18693]

  The Prime Minister
  The Joint Intelligence Committee is responsible, subject to Ministerial approval, both for setting the UK's national intelligence requirements and for producing for Ministers and officials regular intelligence assessments on a range of situations and issues of current concern.

  The role of the Joint Intelligence Committee, including its terms of reference, is described fully in the booklet "Central Intelligence Machinery". The booklet was published in 1996, but there have been no significant changes to the arrangements relating to the Joint Intelligence Committee since its publication. A copy of the booklet is available in the libraries of the House.

  Minister without Portfolio
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Prime Minister under what circumstances the Minister without Portfolio is required to gain clearance, and from whom, before holding meetings with persons about matters which relate to responsibilities of other members of the Government. [18920]

  The Prime Minister
  My hon. Friend's role is to assist me and other ministerial colleagues in the strategic implementation and presentation of government policy. It is for him to hold meetings as necessary to enable him to fulfil that role.

  Offshore Trusts
  Mr. Lilley
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will revise Questions of Procedure for Ministers to include recommendations relating to trusts in offshore tax havens. [19113]
  321
  The Prime Minister
  I have already revised Questions of Procedure for Ministers, which has been retitled as the Ministerial code, a copy of which was placed in the library of the House in July 1997. The Code advises Ministers that they should ensure that there is no conflict of interest between their official duties and their private financial interests. I see no need to include specific guidelines about offshore trusts.

  National Asset Register
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Prime Minister if assets held by(a) MI5, (b) MI6 and (c) GCHQ have been included in the National Asset Register. [18741]

  The Prime Minister
  As stated in the introduction, no information is given in the National Asset Register on assets owned by the security and intelligence services on grounds of national security. However, like other departments, the agencies will review their assets as part of the Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR). The CSR for the security and intelligence services was announced on 30 October and the terms of reference placed in the Library.

  Food Safety
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will set out the limits of responsibilities of the Minister without Portfolio for food safety issues. [18907]

  The Prime Minister
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my hon. Friend the Minister without Portfolio to the hon. Member for North Cornwall (Mr. Tyler) on 28 November 1997,Official Report, column 668.

  Telephone Tapping
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Prime Minister pursuant to his answers to the hon. Member for Walsall, North (Mr. Winnick) of 30 October 1997,Official Report, column 861, and to the hon. Member for Lewes of 17 November 1997, Official Report, columns 17–18, on telephone tapping, if the policy applies to telephone interception and the use of electronic surveillance by MI6 and GCHQ. [18985]

  The Prime Minister
  I can confirm that the policy described in my answers to my hon. Friend the Member for Walsall, North on 30 October 1997,Official Report, column 861, and to the hon. Member on 17 November 1997, Official Report, columns 17–18, applies in relation to telephone interception and to the use of electronic surveillance by any of the three security and intelligence agencies.

ATTORNEY-GENERAL

  Asil Nadir
  Mr. Skinner
  To ask the Attorney-General what recent efforts his Department has made to contact Asil Nadir; and if he will make a statement. [17700]

  The Attorney-General
  None. Asil Nadir remains a fugitive from justice. The Central Criminal Court has issued a warrant for the arrest of Asil Nadir and Interpol 322
  has been informed. The Serious Fraud Office intends to proceed against him on charges of theft when he returns or is returned to the jurisdiction.

  Victim Consultation
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Attorney-General what consultations his Department holds with victims before deciding whether or not to proceed with prosecutions. [17702]

  The Attorney-General
  The police are required in certain cases and encouraged in others to pass to the Crown Prosecution Service information about the views of the victim and the effect of the crime upon that person. That information is an important factor in deciding whether it is in the public interest to proceed with a prosecution.

  Police Prosecutions
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Attorney-General what prosecutions have taken place of police officers and other related parties in connection with the overturning on appeal of criminal prosecutions proven to be unsound in the last three years; and if he will make a statement. [17696]

  The Attorney-General
  The Crown Prosecution Service does not keep statistics on particular offences it deals with. Consultation with relevant staff, however, suggests that there have been two cases, involving six defendants, in the last three years or thereabouts resulting in prosecutions, of which one case, involving four defendants, is still pending. There may be others.

  Diplomatic Privileges
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Attorney-General how many matters have been reported for prosecution under the Diplomatic Privileges Act 1964 since 1967; and how many prosecutions have been undertaken. [18689]

  The Attorney-General
  None. The Diplomatic Privileges Act 1964 does not create any criminal offences.

  Extradition
  Mr. Canavan
  To ask the Attorney-General if he will make a statement about the role of his Department in requests for extradition from the United Kingdom. [17699]

  The Attorney-General
  Extradition from the UK is essentially a matter for the Home Office although the Crown Prosecution Service, which I superintend, is typically asked to act on behalf of the requesting State.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Bilateral Aid
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the proportion of the United Kingdom aid programme devoted to bilateral assistance. [18729]

  Mr. Foulkes
  In 1996–97, bilateral aid comprised 50 per cent. of DFID's programmes; multilateral aid was 47 per cent. The remaining 3 per cent. comprised mostly
  323
  administrative costs. (These figures are provisional subject to the forthcoming publication of British Aid Statistics.)

  Development Policy
  Sir Alastair Goodlad
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what is her estimate of the cost of establishing a development policy forum and publishing its annual reports. [18943]

  Mr. Foulkes
  We are planning to hold the policy forum and publish the annual report towards the end of 1998. The forum will incur only minimal costs (stationery, postage etc.) plus the possible cost of a venue.

  We have not yet decided on the exact form of the annual report and thus it is difficult to give a clear figure for the cost. However, a broad estimate would be between £40,000 to £50,000.

  Sir Alastair Goodlad
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will take steps to rationalise the EU's development co-operation programmes into a single directorate during the UK Presidency. [18953]

  Mr. Foulkes
  Discussion is currently under way within the Commission on the establishment of a common services unit to handle aid administration for the external Directorates-General responsible for implementing Community aid programmes. The Directorates-General would retain responsibility for some aspects of the programmes but the exact division of tasks between them and the new structure has yet to be announced. Reorganisation of this sort is an internal management issue for the Commission, but member states have a legitimate interest in the effectiveness of the new arrangements. We will be keeping in close contact with the Commission and other member states about developments throughout the UK Presidency.

  Sir Alastair Goodlad
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what is her estimate of the cost of the working group to be established by her Department to promote awareness of development issues. [18944]

  Mr. Foulkes
  The only expenditure directly associated with the working group will be the normal stationery and postage costs.

  There will be some cost for the time of the staff administering the group but until we have a clearer idea of how much actual time will be involved it is difficult to make an estimate.

  Kenya
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on her recent visit to Kenya. [18967]

  Mr. Foulkes
  During her visit in October my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for International Development met President Moi and Finance Minister Mudavadi. She explained Britain's commitment to the elimination of poverty in poorer countries and our intention to work with those Governments which are themselves committed to achieving this aim. As well as meeting their President and the Minister of Finance, she 324
  visited two projects assisting poor people in an informal settlement in the Kibera area of Nairobi: one of which is providing credit to enable people to start or expand small businesses, and one working with HIV positive people and AIDS orphans.

  Zimbabwe
  Mr. Faber
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much bilateral aid the United Kingdom plans to provide to Zimbabwe in the current year; and what percentage of the total United Kingdom aid budget that represents. [19208]

  Mr. Foulkes
  We estimate that direct bilateral expenditure on current aid projets in Zimbabwe, including ATP projects, will be around £13 million during the financial year 1997–98. This would represent approximately 0.6 per cent. of the total multilateral and bilateral aid budget. The final aid expenditure figures will be published in British Aid Statistics next year.

DUCHY OF LANCASTER

  Computers (Century Date Change)
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on what date the Government decided to purchase or lease millennium-compliant computer systems; and when that decision was implemented. [18722]

  Dr. David Clark
  The Central Computer and Telecommunications Agency (CCTA) provides model contract clauses for Departments and agencies to use when purchasing computer equipment and services.

  In September 1996, revised Model Agreements were produced by the CCTA containing a clause on millennium compliance in each model contract, for immediate adoption.

  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will list those(a) Government Departments and (b) sections of Departments which will not be millennium compliant by 30 June 1999. [19198]

  Dr. David Clark
  According to plans submitted by Departments and agencies, Central Government business critical systems will be millennium compliant well before the end of 1999. The only such organisations not to specify a completion date before 30 June 1999 were:

  Foreign and Commonwealth Office: (September 1999)

  Historic Royal Palaces: (August 1999)

  Royal Mint: (Well before the end of 1999)

  Valuation Office: (End of 1999)

  A number of the plans received also indicate that PC replacement plans may run into late 1999.

  Further information can be gained from the plans, which are accessible via the Internet at: (http://www.open.gov.uk/citu/cituhome.htm).

  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what estimate he has made of the number of IT specialists who will be required by Government Departments to complete millennium compliance; and
  325
  which Government Departments have indicated that they have shortages of IT skilled personnel to complete millennium compliance. [19199]

  Dr. David Clarke
  Government Departments have submitted their plans for achieving millennium compliance for their computer systems, and those are available in the Libraries of the House and on the Internet.

  I have written to colleagues asking them to specifically address the skills issue and requesting further information before the end of the month.

  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster which Government Departments are now dealing with(a) non-governmental organisations and (b) suppliers which are not millennium compliant; and in each case at what date they will cease to deal with (a) and (b). [19200]

  Dr. David Clark
  The Central Computer and Telecommunications Agency in my Department has published detailed guidance on the action needed to deal with the Year 2000 date change problem. It is for individual departments and agencies, on a case by case basis, to manage their dealings with external organisations, having regard to the guidance.

  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what contingency plans he has established against failures in millennium compliance in Government Departments. [19196]

  Dr. David Clark
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave the hon. Member for Bournemouth, East (Mr. Atkinson) on 1 December 1997,Official Report, column 3.

  Civil Service Gradings
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if the Government's review of the working of government will include a review of the(a) transparency and (b) consistency of the Civil Service grading system. [18821]

  Dr. David Clark
  There is no single Civil Service grading system. As from 1 April 1996 pay and grading was delegated to departments and agencies for all Civil Servants outside the Senior Civil Service, enabling them to tailor pay and grading systems more closely to their business needs. We have no plans for a Civil Service wide review of grading systems.
  326
  Departments and agencies must evaluate their systems every three years, or earlier if they so wish. This is to ensure that they continue to reflect the key principles laid down in the Civil Service Management Code. OPS will work closely with departments and agencies on their evaluations, in support of the developing Better Government agenda.

  For the Senior Civil Service (around 3,000 staff), there is a common pay framework based on job weight, comprising nine pay bands and a Permanent Secretaries' pay range. Within this framework, departments can develop their own management structures according to the needs of their organisation. There are no centrally recognised grades.

  Public Appointments
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Leicester, East (Mr. Vaz) of 28 November 1997,Official Report, column 668, (1) if he will make it his policy to seek the consent of holders of public appointments to the publication of their individual ethnic origin; [19150]

  (2) whether he will make it a condition of holding a public appointment that the holder should agree to the publication of information relating to the holder's ethnic origin; [19149]

  (3) if applicants for membership of public bodies are required to state their ethnic origin; and if he will make a statement. [19148]

  Dr. David Clark
  The First Report from the Committee on Standards in Public Life and the Commissioner for Public Appointments' Guidance emphasise the principle that public appointments should be made on merit. Individuals are selected because they have the skills, qualities and experience required by the public bodies in question. Disclosure of ethnic origin or a requirement to allow the publication of this information should not be a precondition of appointment.

  In line with the Commissioner's Guidance, candidates for public appointments provide details of their ethnic origin on the basis of voluntary self-classification. This information is collected on the understanding that it is treated as confidential and will be used only for statistical purposes as part of the process to monitor the characteristics of those appointed to serve on public bodies.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Benefit Integrity Project
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what has been the total cost to date of the benefit integrity project, including staff training; and what have been the total savings. [16561]

  Mr. Denham
  One of our key aims is to rebuild integrity in, and public support for, the Social Security system and the way in which public money is spent. We need to focus on those who are properly entitled to benefit. This is why we have set up the Benefit Integrity Project.

  The administration of this programme is a matter for Peter Mathison, Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. he will write to my hon. Friend.

  Letter from Peter Mathison to Dr. Lynne Jones, dated 3 December 1997:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question concerning the total cost to date of the Benefit Integrity Project, including staff training and the total savings.
  The total cost of the Benefit Integrity Project, including staff training, is £3,459,986.00 as at 31 October 1997.
  The savings at 31 October 1997 are £5,414,785.00. This level of savings has been calculated using the Department's standard method of assessment and takes into account increases to benefit entitlement as well as decreases. The project is expected to continue for two years, by which time we expect to achieve savings of approximately £74,000,000.
  I hope you find this reply helpful.

  Income Support
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if the extra money for pensioners on income support will be paid out before the end of December. [18737]

  Mr. Denham
  [holding answer 2 December 1997]: Payments will not be possible before the end of December. Legislation is currently being drafted and will be referred to the Social Security Advisory Committee shortly. Once they have cleared the draft Regulations they will be laid before the House. As soon as they come into force the process of payment will commence. Payments will be made in time to help with heavy winter fuel bills.

  Lone Parents
  Mr. Duncan Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what were the reasons for the control groups for the New Deal for lone parents starting in September. [18631]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  [holding answer 2 December 1997]: The control groups for the New Deal for Lone Parents did not start in September.

  Data for control areas which are comparable to the pilot areas have been collected since the New Deal for Lone
  328
  Parents began in July 1997, and will be used in the full evaluation of the scheme in due course.

  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many lone parents in the United Kingdom are currently(a) receiving income support and (b) receiving child benefit. [19146]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is as follows.

  We are able to provide information for Great Britain only.

  As at February 1997, there are 1,020,000 Lone Parents in receipt of Income Support. The Department estimates that in 1996–97 there were about 1.7 million lone parents in Great Britain. Their rate of take-up of Child Benefit has not been separately measured, but within the whole population take-up has been estimated at about 99 per cent.

  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many children in the United Kingdom are(a) under the age of five years and (b) five-years-old or over, in lone parent families. [19040]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  For 1995–96, it is estimated that in Great Britain, 0.8 million children under the age of five years and 2.0 million children aged five-years-old or over were living in lone parent families. A child is defined as an individual aged under 16 or an unmarried 16 to 18 year old on a course up to and including "A" level standard (or up to and including "Highers" in Scotland). A lone parent family is a non-pensioner single adult aged 16 or over with children.

  Note:
  The 1995–96 financial year is the latest period for which data are available.

  Source:
  The data are taken from Households Below Average Income (HBAI) based on the Family Resources Survey (FRS).

  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the estimated total reduction in the cost of support for lone parents as a result of the changes proposed in the Social Security Bill for 1998–99 and each of the four subsequent years. [19041]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is as follows.

  The estimated net savings from the measure contained in the Social Security Bill to removal entitlement to the lone parent rate of Child Benefit for new cases are in the table:

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  Savings

  £5 million

  £15 million

  £25 million

  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the total cost of support for lone parents
  329
  under the New Deal for 1998–99 and each of the four subsequent years. [19042]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  The anticipated costs of the New Deal for Lone Parents for 1998–99 are £30 million. Funding is available only for the next three years as follows:

  1999–2000: £40 million

  2000–01: £39 million

  2001–02: £41 million.

  The total will comprise £150 million over the life of the Parliament. In addition, there will be £50 million to improve financial help with the cost of child care in the In-Work benefits.

  As announced in the Green Budget on 25 November Lone Parents making a new claim for Income Support from April 1998 will be offered the help to work that is provided by the New Deal for Lone Parents.

  An extra £25 million has been allocated from October 1998 to the New Deal for Lone Parents for those whose youngest child is under 5 and who are seeking support from the New Deal.

  Accounting Officers
  Mr. Rhodri Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security on how many occasions written directions have been sought by permanent secretaries and other accounting officers in the past five years; in what. circumstances; and on what dates. [19214]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  There have been no such directions issued in the last five years.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Medical Negligence
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what representations he has received on the use of a no-fault compensation scheme for medical negligence in place of legal aid for common law claims. [18280]

  Mr. Hoon
  I have not, so far, received any representations on this subject.

  Divorce
  Mrs. Ballard
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will make a statement on compulsory mediation in those divorce cases which involve children. [18213]

  Mr. Hoon
  Mediation, by definition, is a voluntary process and as such can take place only if the parties agree to mediate.

  Judges
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many of Her Majesty's judges in England and Wales are able to speak and 330
  understand the Welsh language; and if he will make a statement. [18211]

  Mr. Hoon
  There are a total of 37 of Her Majesty's judges in England and Wales who are understood to be able to speak and understand the Welsh language.

  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many people from ethnic minorities are currently appointed full-time judges in England and Wales. [18207]

  Mr. Hoon
  The attached table sets out the figures for holders of full-time judicial office believed to be of ethnic minority origin. The figures are believed to be correct, but as the ethnic origin of candidates for judicial office was not sought before October 1991, the data may be incomplete.

  Judicial office holders of ethnic minority origin as at 1 November 1997.

  Post

  Total

  Of ethnic minority origin—Black/Asian

  Of ethnic minority origin— other

  Total of ethnic minority origin

  High Court Judges

  93

  —

  —

  —

  Circuit Judges

  552

  4

  2

  6

  District Judges

  336

  1

  3

  4

  Stipendiary Magistrates

  90

  2

  —

  2

  Chairmen of Industrial Tribunals (Full-time)

  78

  3

  —

  3

  Full time Chairmen Social Security Appeals Tribunals

  61

  1

  1

  2

  Pensions Appeal Tribunal
  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what representations he has received regarding the workings of the Pensions Appeal Tribunal of the War Pensions Agency. [18145]

  Mr. Hoon
  The question concerns a matter which has been assigned to the Court Service under the terms of its framework document. I have therefore asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Michael Huebner to Mr. Tim Loughton, dated 4 December 1997:
  The Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, has asked me to reply to your Question about representations concerning the Pensions Appeal Tribunals. The Court Service is responsible for the administration of the Pensions Appeal Tribunals. They are wholly independent of the War Pensions Agency, which is an Executive agency of the Department of Social Security.
  Since April, I have answered five letters on the subject from Members of Parliament, including one addressed to the Parliamentary Secretary, one to the Secretary of State for Social Security and one to the Chief Executive of the War Pensions Agency.
  In the same period, staff in Court Service Headquarters have replied to 14 letters from members of the public. Of these, four were addressed to the Lord Chancellor, eight to the Court Service, one to the Home Secretary and one to the Open Government Unit.

  Courts Martial
  Mr. Keith Simpson
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what consultations he has had with the Secretary of State for Defence in respect of reviewing Queen's Regulations and the system of service courts martial. [19114]

  Mr. Hoon
  None.

  Military Law
  Mr. Garnier
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department (1) how many times since 1 May the Lord Chancellor has contacted the MOD in respect of cases brought under military law; and if he will make a statement; [19219]

  (2) if he will list the occasions on which the Lord Chancellor or his officials have contacted the Ministry of Defence since 1 May by (a) letter, (b) e mail and (c) orally in respect of disciplinary proceedings concerning Major Joyce; and if he will publish (i) that correspondence and (ii) minutes of such oral communications. [19220]

  Mr. Hoon
  In respect of disciplinary proceedings concerning Major Joyce, these communications remain confidential. Neither the Lord Chancellor nor his officials have contacted the Ministry of Defence in respect of any other cases brought under military law.

DEFENCE

  Territorial Army
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received in respect of the Territorial Army in the present Strategic Defence Review; and if he will make a statement. [18365]

  Dr. Reid
  We have received many written submissions to the Strategic Defence Review about the Territorial Army and the other Reserve Forces. We have placed in the Libraries of both Houses copies of those submissions whose authors have agreed that we should do so. In addition we have received a number of letters from hon. Members concerning various aspects of the Territorial Army. All of these inputs are being taken fully into account in work on the future role and structure of the Reserve Forces.

  Departmental Property
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many military service properties in the United Kingdom are for sale. [18650]

  1.14 (1.12) Imports of Defence equipment1

  Current prices (£ million)

  1975

  1980

  1985

  1990

  1992

  1993

  1994

  1995

  1996

  Identified2 imports

  50

  147

  246

  627

  634

  1,023

  1,126

  1,433

  1,527

  Split by commodity

  Armoured fighting vehicles and parts

  5

  7

  10

  12

  34

  42

  29

  83

  82

  Military aircraft and parts

  —

  2

  18

  316

  282

  769

  950

  1,137

  1,240

  332
  Mr. Spellar
  There are currently some 230 sites with the Defence Estate Organisation for disposal. This excludes small parcels of land, sites which are vacant or in the process of closing but are not yet ready for disposal and housing units in the Annington Homes portfolio.

  Nimrod
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what assessment he has made of the advantages of upgrading the current Nimrod aircraft in advance of the introduction of Nimrod 2000. [18593]

  (2) what estimate he has made of the reduction in operating costs of Nimrod aircraft that could be achieved through use of improved technology; [18615]

  (3) what assessment he has made of the capability of the current Nimrod aircraft to meet military threats before replacement by Nimrod 2000. [18617]

  Mr. Spellar
  The UK's ability to meet evolving military threats is continually assessed and steps are taken as necessary to address any significant shortfall in operational capability. In addition, operating costs are kept under constant review; new technologies and upgrades are introduced where they are affordable and provide the same or better capability with lower running costs.

  Foreign Equipment Purchases
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the value of foreign military equipment purchased by the United Kingdom in each of the last three years. [18584]

  Mr. Spellar
  This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Analytical Services Agency (DASA). I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Paul Altobell to Mr. Tom Cox, dated 4 December 1997:
  I am replying to your question to the Secretary of State for Defence concerning the value of foreign military equipment purchased by the United Kingdom in each of last three years, since this falls within my area of responsibility as Chief Executive of the Defence Analytical Services Agency.
  The information is contained in our annual publication 'UK Defence Statistics' in Table 1.14—Imports of Defence Equipment. Copies of this publication are available from the House of Commons Library. For your convenience I attach a copy of the table.
  The table is compiled from HM Customs and Excise data and refers to deliveries of defence equipment which have passed through UK Customs. The equipment concerned falls under those headings in the UK Tariff and INTRASTAT Common Nomenclature categories which have been identified as covering purely military equipment.
  I hope you find the information useful.
  333

  1.14 (1.12) Imports of Defence equipment1

  Current prices (£ million)

  1975

  1980

  1985

  1990

  1992

  1993

  1994

  1995

  1996

  Warships

  —

  —

  —

  —

  25

  —

  —

  —

  1

  Guns, small arms and parts

  6

  32

  40

  36

  48

  41

  36

  71

  46

  Guided weapons, missiles and parts

  25

  65

  119

  190

  163

  167

  107

  134

  124

  Ammunition

  14

  20

  35

  27

  34

  4

  3

  5

  9

  Radio and radar apparatus

  —

  21

  11

  32

  35

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Optical equipment and training simulators

  —

  21

  13

  15

  13

  —

  1

  3

  25

  Split by origin1

  NATO countries and other Europe

  46

  141

  220

  471

  503

  798

  862

  1,162

  1,205

  Asia and Far East

  4

  5

  16

  12

  12

  77

  93

  102

  112

  Latin America and Caribbean

  —

  1

  —

  —

  4

  4

  6

  3

  5

  Others

  —

  —

  10

  145

  115

  144

  165

  166

  205

  Source:

  DASA (Financial).

  Notes:

  1 Compiled from Customs and Excise data. They refer only to deliveries of defence equipment which have passed through UK Customs. They relate only to those headings form the UK Tariff and form the INTRASTAT Common Nomencisture which have been identified as covering purely military equipment. Exports totals differ from figures for Defence Sales which are based on new contracts signed.

  2 During the period covered by the tables, changes were made to the list of "identified" Defence equipment by:(a) parts of guided weapons and missiles being added from 1987.

  (b) parts of military aircraft being added from 1988.

  (c) military aircraft and parts being identified as "other than civil" rather than "military" from 1993 and

  (d) military radio/radar apparatus, optical and infrared equipment and simulators other than ground flying trainers being deleted from 1993.

  Further details are given in Defence Statistics Bulletin 4.

  1. Based on figures from the Society of British Aerospace Companies. They relate only to those items where the official commodity classifications do not distinguish between military and civil aerospace equipment. These are liable to alter from year to year in line with changes to the classifications. Exports for collaborative projects are excluded.

  2. Signed during the year for equipment and services. Figures taken from the Defence Export Services Organisation (DESO) publication "The World Defence Export Market", compiled from a regular DESO survey of the defence industry.

  1.15 (1.13) Defence balance of payments: invisible transactions

  Current prices (£ million)

  1985

  1990

  1992

  19931

  1994

  1995

  1996

  Net balance

  -1,246

  -2,037

  -1,804

  -1,521

  -1,709

  -1,691

  -2,076

  Total debits

  1,620

  2,541

  2,321

  2,033

  2,164

  2,057

  2,284

  Expenditure2

  Germany

  872

  1,373

  1,207

  1,007

  1,060

  1,038

  1,307

  Other NATO countries

  286

  572

  506

  591

  604

  684

  734

  Mediterranean

  113

  169

  147

  183

  124

  135

  145

  Hong Kong

  92

  112

  93

  83

  62

  6

  1

  Other areas

  258

  316

  368

  169

  314

  194

  97

  Total credits

  374

  504

  517

  512

  455

  366

  207

  Receipts

  Receipts from US Forces in UK

  142

  153

  187

  155

  172

  136

  115

  Other receipts3

  232

  351

  330

  357

  283

  230

  92

  Notes:

  1 From 1993, the basis of the table has changed, as some administrative data formerly used to construct the table were no longer available. The table now shows figures, produced for the Office for National Statistics as a component of the UK Balance of Payments, which cover more receipts. More details are given in Defence Statistics Bulletin 4.

  2 Based on drawings of foreign exchange made to support our forces overseas.

  3 A mix of sales and receipts from other governments and international organisations for services provided overseas.

  Royal Yacht
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what fixtures, fittings and equipment he plans to remove from the Royal Yacht Britannia on her decommissioning. [18878]

  Dr. Reid
  Final decisions have yet to be taken. Following paying off, the Royal Collection and other Royal items will be removed for safe keeping. The Palace has indicated that it will be prepared to consider the loan 334
  or replication of certain items, subject to adequate safeguards, to a successful preservation group. Likewise the Royal Navy would be prepared to discuss with a preservation group what naval items could be kept.

  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he plans to announce his decision on the future of the Royal Yacht Britannia. [18926]
  335
  Dr. Reid
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Greenock and Inverclyde (Mr. Godman) on 1 December 1997,Official Report, column 6.

  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many(a) representations and (b) proposals he has received on the future use of the Royal Yacht Britannia; and from whom. [18925]

  Dr. Reid
  The Government have received a large number of representations and proposals on the future use of the Royal Yacht. It is not practical to quantify a total. These have been reduced to a shortlist of seven preservation proposals which have been assessed in detail. These are:

  Bankside Consultants Ltd. (Britannia 2000 Ltd.)

  Clyde Heritage Trust

  Forth Ports plc

  Lords of the Isles Ltd.

  Peel Holdings plc (Manchester Ship Canal Company)

  Portsmouth City Council in consortium with Flagship Portsmouth

  Swift International Developments Ltd.

  The Government hope to be able to make an announcement about the future of Britannia shortly.

  Equipment Exhibition
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will identify by name, rank and unit, the(a) Chilean and (b) Turkish military, security, police, paramilitary and special forces personnel who attended the Royal Navy and British Army equipment exhibition. [13673]

  Mr. Spellar
  [holding answer 4 November 1997]: I have placed in the Library of the House a list of all overseas Government representatives who are recorded as attending RNBAEE 1997 as guests of the Government. The list excludes representatives of London Embassies who are routinely invited to such events.

  Trident
  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what has been the total cost of the Trident nuclear programme(a) for each of the past five years and (b) since the programme was first purchased by the United Kingdom. [19232]

  Mr. Robertson
  The acquisition cost of Trident in each of the past five years has been as follows:

  Financial year

  £ million

  1992–93

  993

  1993–94

  892

  1994–95

  703

  1995–96

  403

  1996–97

  372

  These figures are at outturn prices for the relevant year. The total expenditure on procuring Trident up to
  336
  30 September 1997 was £8,820 million, also at outturn prices.

  The cost of operating Trident has been estimated at £200 million a year over the 30 year lifetime of the system. We are looking at the basis upon which cost estimates have been calculated in the light of operating experience and as part of the wider Strategic Defence Review.

  Courts Martial
  Mr. Keith Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he intends reviewing Queen's Regulations and the system of service courts martial; and if he will make a statement. [19115]

  Dr. Reid
  The court-martial system was reformed on 1 April 1997 by a series of measures included in the Armed Forces Act 1996. The reforms were wide ranging and affected the pre-trial, trial and post-trial stages of the court-martial system. The purpose of these reforms was to reinforce the independence of the court-martial, principally by reducing the apparent influence of the chain of command, whilst preserving its necessary involvement.

  The reforms meet the European Court's concerns about the shortcomings of the system. The ECHR has recognised our actions, noting
  "with satisfaction that the UK authorities had made changes to the court-martial system with a view to ensuring the observance of their Conventional commitments".

  Although we are not taking any further steps at present to improve the procedures, we are aware that we cannot afford to be complacent. The system is kept under review and will, of course, be looked at as part of the process of preparing for the next quinquennial Armed Forces Bill.

  Queen's Regulations are a form of secondary legislation which contain much of the detail relating to provisions in the primary legislation. They also contain other administrative and disciplinary measures to assist with the overall command and administration of the armed forces. As with the primary legislation, these regulations are kept constantly under review and amended when necessary.

  Written Directions
  Mr. Rhodri Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on how many occasions written directions have been sought by permanent secretaries and other accounting officers in the past five years; in what contexts; and on what dates. [19213]

  Mr. Spellar
  No formal directions to MOD accounting officers have been sought or given since 1 May 1997. Under the previous administration, one direction was given within the past five years, in March 1995 in the context of the procurement of medium support helicopters for the Royal Air Force.

  Defence Intelligence Staff
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what are the present functions of the Defence Intelligence Staff; and how many staff are employed therein. [18918]
  337
  Mr. Spellar
  The function of the Defence Intelligence Staff is to provide timely and accurate intelligence warning, assessments, and intelligence and geographic support in the most cost-effective manner to MOD Ministers and Central Staffs, the Permanent Joint Head Quarters, NATO and other Government Departments as directed. It employs 4,589 in the headquarters, the Agencies and other parts of the Armed Forces.

  Nuclear Materials
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many flights have taken place for each year since 1967 between RAF Brize Norton and the United States in which special nuclear materials have been carried. [18922]

  Dr. Reid
  The number of flights carrying special nuclear material each year between UK and US depends on programme requirements which are confidential between the two governments. I am therefore withholding the information requested under Exemption 1 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

  Major Eric Joyce
  Mr. Randall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on how many occasions and on what dates(a) he and (b) other Ministers in his Department have met Major Eric Joyce. [19039]

  Dr. Reid
  To the best of our knowledge, no Defence Minister has met Major Eric Joyce since 1 May 1997. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, my noble Friend the Minister for Defence Procurement and my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State have never knowingly met him prior to that date.

  Over six years as an Opposition Defence Spokesman prior to 1 May 1997 I met a great many Members of all three Services at all ranks. To the best of my recollection, I met Major Joyce twice: once during the second half of 1995 and again in May 1996.

  RAF Watton
  Mrs. Shephard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on(a) the ownership,(b) management and (c) future use of the site and buildings at the former RAF Watton. [19001]

  Mr. Spellar
  The MOD owns the freehold interest in the site of the former RAF Watton, Norfolk. The former airfield is under the management of the Army and used as an Army Training Area; the two areas for disposal namely, the former Technical and Border Radar Sites, are in the stewardship of the Defence Estate Organisation.

  The two sites in disposal have been offered for sale on the open market through local marketing agents. An agreed Planning Brief provides for residential use on the Border Radar Site and part residential use on the technical site. Unfortunately these proposed uses cannot be confirmed until the outcome of the Public Planning Inquiry into the Breckland District Local Plan is known sometime in mid-1998.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  E-mail
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade, pursuant to the answer from the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, of 10 November 1997,Official Report, column 441, if she will list the e-mail addresses of (a) Ministers, (b) senior officials and (c) chief executives of agencies for which she is responsible. [15880]

  Mrs. Beckett
  [holding answer 13 November 1997]: The addresses are as follows:

  (a) Ministers

  Margaret Beckett; tlo.beckett@tlo.dti.gov.uk

  Lord Clinton-Davis; tlo.clinton-davis@tlo.dti.gov.uk

  John Battle; tlo.battle@tlo.dti.gov.uk

  Ian McCartney; tlo.mccartney@tlo.dti.gov.uk

  Lord Simon of Highbury; tlo.simon@tlo.dti.gov.uk

  Nigel Griffiths; tlo.griffiths@tlo.dti.gov.uk

  Barbara Roche; tlosoche:@tlo.dti.gov.uk

  (b) Senior Officials

  Michael Scholar; tlo.scholar@tlo.dti.gov.uk

  Sir Robert May; robert.clay@osct.dti.gov.uk

  (c) Agency Chief Executives

  I have asked the Chief Executives of the Agencies to reply direct to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Peter Joyce to Mr. Bernard Jenkin, dated 4 December 1997:
  The President of the Board of Trade has asked me to reply to your question about The Insolvency Service's e-mail address.
  The Service currently has no e-mail address, either for myself or the Agency as a whole.

  Letter from Jim Norton to Mr. Bernard Jenkin, dated 4 December 1997:
  The President of the Board of Trade has asked me to reply to your Parliamentary Question 97/1503 on electronic mail addresses on behalf of the Radiocommunications Agency.
  My E-Mail address is:

  nortonj@ra.gtnet.gov.uk

  I am more than happy to accept mail by this route rather than conventional post or fax.

  Letter from P. R. S. Hartnack to Mr. Bernard Jenkin, dated 20 November 1997:
  I have been asked to reply to your question to the President of the Board of Trade about the e-mail addresses of Ministers, senior officials, and chief executives of agencies. My e-mail address is PAUL HARTNACK@PATENT.GOV.UK.

  Letter From John Holden to Mr. Bernard Jenkin, dated 4 December 1997:
  I have been asked to respond to your question to the President of the Board of Trade regarding the e-mail addresses of Chief Executives of Agencies for which she is responsible.
  There is currently no e-mail address for the Chief Executive of Companies House. It is expected that an e-mail address for the Chief Executive will be publicised within approximately 6 months as part of a wider external and internal communications initiative which should a its utility to customers and public.
  339
  Letter from Ian Jones to Mr. Bernard Jenkin, dated 4 December 1997:
  You tabled a Parliamentary Question to the President of the Board of Trade, for named day reply on 13 November, about e-mail addresses of Ministers, senior officials and Chief Executives of agencies. I have been asked to reply in respect of the Employment Tribunals Service.
  At present I do not have an e-mail address.

  Letter from Dr. Seton Bennett to Mr. Bernard Jenkin, dated 4 December 1997.
  The President of the Board of Trade has asked me to reply on behalf of the National Weights and Measures Laboratory to your question about e-mail addresses. I do not yet have an e-mail address, but the Agency is currently setting up addresses for a number of its staff and I hope to be able to publish them very soon.

  Funeral Industry
  Mr. Chidgey
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what monitoring she has instigated concerning whether undertakings received from providers of funeral services following recommendations by the Monopolies and Mergers Commission(a) have been and (b) have not been carried out; and what further action she intends to take to ensure that such undertakings are carried out. [16704]

  Mr. Nigel Griffiths
  [holding answer 19 November 1997]: Following the MMC's report on the acquisition by Service Corporation International (SCI) of Plantsbrook Group plc, SCI gave an undertaking on 18 December 1996 to divest individual funeral directors' businesses in 10 specified localities, together with undertakings about the future conduct of its business. SCI sold the funeral directors' businesses on 4 April 1997. On 3 November 1997, I accepted a variation to the undertakings given by SCI to allow it to acquire Birkbeck Securities Ltd. (Birkbeck) on condition that SCI disposed of the funeral directing business of Birkbeck's subsidiary, H. Copeland and Son Ltd. within six months. That business has now been sold by SCI.

  The task of monitoring the continuing behavioural undertakings is a matter for the Director General of Fair Trading (DGFT). His duties in this respect are set out in Section 88(4) of the Fair Trading Act 1973. He is under a duty to advise Ministers if it appears to him that an undertaking has not been, or is not being fulfilled.

  It is now about one year since the undertakings were given by SCI. I understand that the DGFT is not aware of any evidence that SCI is failing to comply with the undertakings. However, his officials will shortly be undertaking a review of the situation in order to verify that the undertakings are being carried out.

  Mr. Chidgey
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what statistics her Department collates on the ownership and company status of funeral director companies and their subsidiaries; and if she will make a statement. [18742]

  Mr. Nigel Griffiths
  The Department does not collect such information.

  The statistical information collected by The Office for National Statistics (ONS) on service sectors such as funeral direction does not cover the level of detail requested. The larger firms in the sector are required to report financial information to Companies House but
  340
  many smaller firms in the sector do not have to do so. A number of funeral directors are also likely to be beneath the VAT threshold.

  Turkey (Military Equipment)
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many export licences for sale of military equipment to Turkey have been refused in the last three years. [17860]

  Mrs. Roche
  [holding answer 26 November 1997]: Between 1 January 1994 and 25 November 1997, 11 applications were refused for standard or open individual licences to export to Turkey goods controlled under entries in Part III of Schedule I to the Export of Goods (Control) Order 1994 (the so-called "Military List"). This does not include applications from which these goods or this destination were removed before a licence was issued.

  Applications for individual export licences refused between 1994 and 25 November 1997

  1994

  1995

  1996

  1997 to 25 November

  Standard individual export licences

  1

  1

  1

  2

  Open individual export licences

  0

  2

  4

  0

  Tobacco Sponsorship
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade when she was consulted over the recent change of policy on tobacco sponsorship. [16940]

  Mrs. Beckett
  [holding answer 20 November 1997]: My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has made it clear that this was a collective decision made in the normal way. It has been the practice of successive governments not to give details of the internal handling of individual decisions.

  Coal Industry
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what is the Government's policy on the British coal industry. [18068]

  Mrs. Beckett
  [holding answer 27 November 1997]: The Government's policy is to ensure secure, diverse and sustainable supplies of energy at competitive prices. I believe that the British coal industry can continue to make a significant contribution to meeting that objective. Since taking office, we have taken several steps to correct the bias against coal we inherited from the previous Administration.

  Post Office
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans she has to increase the provision of post office services in urban areas and estates. [18851]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  Decisions on the level of service provision and the location of individual post offices are an operational matter for the Post Office.
  341
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade when she last met the Chief Executive of the Post Office; and how often she has met him. [19227]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade met the Chief Executive of the Post Office on 22 July and I have met him on several occasions since May.

  Industry Council
  Jacqui Smith
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will make a statement on the outcome of the EU Industry Council held in Brussels on 13 November. [19651]

  Mrs. Beckett
  The Council reached political agreement on the Draft Article 94 Regulation on State Aid. This will enable the Commission to bring forward state aid block exemption regulations under which member states would not need to seek prior approval for individual aid schemes and awards and in return would publish details of these state aids in the Official Journal and submit annual reports to the Commission.

  A constructive first discussion of the new shipbuilding aid regime took place. The Council agreed on a two step approach to replacing the Seventh Directive on shipbuilding aid. Step one, previously agreed at the Industry Council in Luxembourg on 24 April, would involve the extension of the current regime on which the first exchange of views took place. The Commission's proposed new regime would end operating aid in 2000, introduce regional investment and innovation aid and tighten criteria for restructuring and closure aid.

  The Commission presented its Communication on the treatment of ECSC funds after expiry of the Treaty in 2002. It felt that the simplest solution was for outstanding reserves to be transferred to the Communities under the Commission's supervision to be used for coal and steel sector research in line with the conclusions of the Amsterdam European Council. The Commission's proposals met with general approval. However some member states suggested that an independent foundation should be established to manage the assets and the research programme. Another suggested that further work was needed on the roles of the Commission and member states in managing the funds with further reflection on the impact of future Community enlargement. The Council concluded that the Communication should be referred to Coreper for further work leading to a more detailed discussion at a future Council.

  The Presidency introduced its note on the future competitiveness work programme, continuing into the UK and Austrian presidencies. I mentioned that I planned to hold a competitiveness dinner on 6 May to which I will invite Industry Ministers and members of the Competitiveness Advisory Group. Austria will use informal Industry Council to involve representatives of small and medium enterprises.

  Debates also took place on research and development, Aerospace and the Information Society. The Council agreed the conclusions on Electronic Commerce. There were presentations on SMEs, the Construction Industry and the Textile Industry.

  Acquired Rights Directive
  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment the Government have made of the effect of the judgment in the Suzan case in the European Court of Justice on its policy towards the acquired rights directive; and if she will make a statement. [19211]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  The Government are currently reviewing their policy on the Acquired Rights Directive and will shortly be issuing a public consultation document setting out and seeking views on all relevant issues, including the implications of the Suzan judgment.

  Offshore Oil and Gas
  Mr. Derek Twigg
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what awards have been made in respect of petroleum production licences for blocks 204/14 and 204/15 west of Shetland. [19650]

  Mr. Battle
  I am pleased to announce the award of petroleum production licences for blocks 204/14 and 204/15 in the Atlantic Frontier area to a group of companies comprising ARCO British Ltd., Conoco UK Ltd., British-Borneo Oil and Gas Ltd. and Ranger Oil (UK) Ltd.

  We received six very strong applications for these blocks, which were offered for licensing by a Notice in the Official Journal of the European Communities, C205 of 5 July 1997. All six met the award criteria set out in the Notice, but the work programme submitted by the ARCO consortium offers the best scheme for timely and thorough exploration of the full range of prospects in both blocks.

  After applications for the blocks had been received, a Note was received from the Danish Government reserving its position regarding a possible claim to a small part of the North West corner of block 204/14. Our response to the Note stated that the UK has no doubts about its sovereign right to licence the block. Both the Danish and Faroese Governments have been kept fully advised about the designation and offer of the area concerned. All six applicants were informed about the Note and all confirmed that they wished their applications to proceed.

  Council for Science and Technology
  Mr. Coaker
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade when she will publish the Council for Science and Technology's recent advice on research issues arising from the Dearing Committee's report on higher education. [19652]

  Mrs. Beckett
  In the past, the Council for Science and Technology has been accused of being a rather secretive body. We wish to change this perception and raise its public profile. In future there will be a presumption in favour of publishing detailed advice from the Council.

  When I gave evidence to the House of Lords Select Committee on Science and Technology on 29 October I said that we would shortly publish the Council's advice on the research issues arising from the Dearing Committee's report. I can now confirm that we are publishing this advice today. I must however make it clear that it represents the views of the independent members of the Council, not necessarily mine or other Government Ministers.
  343
  The Council's advice will feed into our broader consideration of the research aspects of the Dearing recommendations and we will be issuing policy statements in due course. The timing of these will depend on a number of factors, including the Government's Comprehensive Spending Review.

  More generally, my hon. Friend the Minister of State for Science, Industry and Energy and I are now considering how to revitalise the Council as a key source of advice on science and technology issues and will make an announcement on this as soon as possible.

  I have arranged copies of the Council's advice to be placed in the Library of the House.

  Toys (Safety)
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what information her Department has collated to establish the number of children who have become ill from coming into contact with toys containing cyclobutanone. [18910]

  Mr. Nigel Griffiths
  No accidents involving toys containing cyclobutanone have been identified in my Department's Home Accident Surveillance System, nor have any been drawn to the attention of the DTI from any other source. If the hon. Member has such evidence I would be grateful to receive it.

HEALTH

  Fair Trade (Coffee and Tea)
  Mr. MacShane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to the oral statement by the Secretary of State for International Development, 5 November 1997,Official Report, column 332, if he will instruct officials to serve coffee and tea furnished by suppliers who adhere to fair trade standards in his Department. [15491]

  Ms Jowell
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister gave him on 13 November 1997,Official Report, column 617. All procurement decisions in the Department are based on the Government's policy of value for money.

  Community Health Councils
  Mr. Flight
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he last met representatives of community health councils; and what matters were discussed. [18300]

  Mr. Milburn
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health met with representatives of the Association of Community Health Councils for England and Wales (ACHCEW) on 1 July 1997 and discussed a range of National Health Service matters which they raised.

  My noble Friend the Baroness Jay, Minister of State, has agreed to meet representatives of ACHCEW on a six monthly basis and expects to meet them again early in the new year.

  Wigan and Bolton Health Authority
  Mr. Cunliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will review the accident and emergency services of the Wigan and Bolton Health Authority with particular reference to those provided at Leigh Infirmary. [18353]
  344
  Mr. Boateng
  This is a matter for the health authority. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State recently approved a change to the opening hours of the minor injuries unit at Leigh Infirmary. Wigan and Bolton Health Authority has been allocated £1.4 million in winter pressures money and will use this additional funding to increase the capacity of the hospitals and social services departments in the district to deal with rising numbers of emergency admissions.

  Breast Cancer
  Mr. Stinchcombe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what additional funding his Department is providing for research into the causes and prevention of breast cancer. [18525]

  Mr. Boateng
  The Government are committed to encouraging breast cancer research. The main agency through which the Government support medical and clinical research is the Medical Research Council (MRC). Since 1995–96, the Council has supported 81 projects on breast cancer with a total cost of £13 million. Six projects were also supported in MRC Units at a cost of £1.4 million in 1995–96.

  The Department of Health's Policy Research Programme (PRP) is currently funding studies into breast cancer with a total cost of £2.4 million. In addition, the PRP provides support of £420,000 per year to the Cancer Screening Evaluation Unit at the Institute of Cancer Research, which deals largely with breast cancer screening. Recent commissions include a contribution of £573,000 to the UKCCCR's (United Kingdom Co-ordinating Committee on Cancer Research) Breast Radiotherapy Fractionation Trial (the START trial) and over £100,000 to evaluate the East Sussex and Leeds/Wakefield pilot projects currently being established for breast screening in women aged 65 to 69.

  The NHS National Cancer Research and Development Programme is currently funding studies into breast cancer totalling some £500,000.

  Breast Screening Services
  Mr. Stinchcombe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans his Department has for improving the(a) breast screening service and (b) symptomatic breast service. [18511]

  Mr. Boateng
  The Government are committed to providing high quality breast services.

  In the light of the recent failure of the breast screening programme in Exeter, the Government have announced wide ranging action on the organisation and management of cancer screening, to strengthen quality assurance, eliminate weaknesses in the management of screening, and restore public confidence. In addition to this, we are funding research into ways to improve the standard of the breast screening service offered to women. This includes pilot schemes to evaluate the effectiveness of extending the screening programme to invite women aged 65 to 69 routinely for screening; and research into the possible benefits of screening women more frequently than every three years.
  345
  We intend to improve all cancer services and fully endorse the recommendations set out in the Calman/Hine document "A Policy Framework for Commissioning Cancer Services". As a first step we have made available £10 million of extra resources specifically for breast cancer services. The additional funding is supporting over 300 initiatives around the country to improve the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. Particular emphasis has been given to supporting projects that give rapid access to diagnostic services through the provision of one-stop clinics, speeding access to treatment by reducing waiting times and the provision of high quality care delivered in line with published guidance by specialist multi-disciplinary teams.

  Head Lice
  Mr. Cotter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what estimate he has made of the number of cases of head lice in schools for each health authority in England for each of the last five years; [18714]

  (2) what advice is issued by his Department to health authorities to deal with the problem of head lice in schools; [18715]

  (3) what his Department has done to promote best practice in dealing with head lice in schools. [18713]

  Mr. Boateng
  Information on the number of cases of head lice in schools is not collected centrally. In April 1996, the Department of Health launched a poster and leaflet campaign "The Prevention and Treatment of Head Lice". So far, over 1.5 million copies of the leaflet have been sent to parents, teachers and health professionals. The Department's publication, "Child Health in the Community: A Guide to Good Practice", issued to health and local authorities in September 1996, includes guidance on best practice in dealing with head lice in schools. We shall continue to work with the Department for Education and Employment to promote best practice, focusing on a "whole school approach"—where action is taken at the same time to detect and treat every case of head lice within the school thus minimizing opportunities for re-infestation. This approach is actively promoted by the voluntary organisation, Community Hygiene Concern, whose efforts we support through grant aid. In addition Consultants in Communicable Disease Control, who have local responsibility for public health programmes, are currently working on a review document on head lice.

  Departmental Press Office
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the changes he has introduced to his Department's press office. [18728]

  Mr. Boateng
  Good, effective, modern and reliable communication, including the provision of a good, effective, modern and reliable press office, is an essential duty of Government. The Department's Press Office is always looking for ways to improve its services to Ministers. Ministers are always looking for ways to improve communication and the provision of information to the general public and with hon. and noble Member of both Houses. Since 1 May, Ministers and the press office have been constructively working together to deliver the best possible service to both. They will continue to do so.

  Meningitis
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what plans he has to increase public awareness of meningitis; [18879]

  (2) what sums his Department has spent in each of the last three years on increasing public awareness of meningitis. [18880]

  Mr. Boateng
  The Chief Medical Officer (CMO) holds an annual press briefing for journalists to raise public, professional and media awareness of meningitis. CMO also writes to all doctors each year giving advice on the early diagnosis of suspected cases of meningococcal infection and stressing the need for immediate antibiotic treatment and urgent referral to hospital. The Department of Health contributes to the many articles in newspapers and the medical press, and television and radio programmes that appear during the winter increase in cases.

  This year's briefing took place on 3 November. This year, we have also revised the Department's information leaflet entitled "Knowing about meningitis and septicaemia" available to the public from GPs' surgeries. Meningococcal infections peak with most cases in children under one year, and there is a second smaller peak in late teenagers. Extra information is, therefore, targeted in these areas. The Health Education Authority (HEA), funded by the Department, produces the leaflet "A Guide to Childhood Immunisations", which includes advice on recognising the signs and symptoms of meningitis and is provided to new parents. The HEA also produce a leaflet targeted at students, "Look out for your mate", which is distributed to colleges and universities. The Department provides funding to both the National Meningitis Trust and the Meningitis Research Foundation to support their valuable information work. Both organisations took part in this year's press briefing.

  It is not possible to identify the amount spent on public awareness of meningitis separately as it is a key theme of the Department's, the HEA's and the meningitis charities', information campaigns at this time of year. The costs of preparing, printing and distributing leaflets and posters such as "A Guide to Childhood Immunisations" and "Look out for your mate" are subsumed within the HEA/DH contract covering immunisation awareness. Around one million copies of "A Guide to Childhood Immunisations", which is updated annually, are produced each year and around 1.2 million "Look out for your mate" leaflets and posters were distributed this year. 250,000 copies of the Department's leaflet were printed this year.

  Barnardos
  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received concerning the change in policy by Barnardos to allow former children access to their personal files; and if he will provide a section 64 special project grant to Barnardos in support of its decision to allow former children access to their personal files. [19142]
  347
  Mr. Boateng
  There have been no representations to the Department concerning the change in policy by Barnardos to allow former children access to their personal files. No application for Section 64 funding has been received from Barnardos for a project of this nature.

  Anti-Smoking Initiatives
  Mr. Randall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what provision has been made in the current year for anti-smoking initiatives. [19105]

  Mr. Boateng
  In 1997–98, the Government are funding an adult smoking campaign costing £5.5 million being run by the Health Education Authority. A teenage smoking campaign costing £1 million is being run by Brewer Blackler Limited.

  Pharmaceutical Price Regulation
  Mr. Ian Stewart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he intends to publish the second report of Parliament on the Pharmaceutical Price Regulation Scheme. [19653]

  Ordinary admissions and day cases

  Over 12 month waiters

  Over 18 month waiters

  Over 24 month waiters

  Trust

  On 31 March 1997

  On 30 September 19771

  On 31 March 1977

  On 30 September 19771

  On 31 March 1977

  On 30 September 19771

  Ashford Hospital NHS Trust

  324

  418

  6

  6

  0

  0

  St. Peter's Hospital NHS Trust

  466

  486

  0

  0

  0

  0

  West Middlesex University NHS Trust

  192

  289

  0

  37

  0

  0

  1 Figures for 30 September are provisional.

  Hospital Mergers
  Mr. Wilshire
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the criteria in respect of(a) financial savings, (b) waiting list reduction, (c) increase in treatments and (d) reduction in managerial staff numbers he will use in his decision on the proposed merger between the Ashford (Middlesex) and St. Peter's (Chertsey) Hospital NHS Trust. [18419]

  Mr. Milburn
  Any proposal to merge National Health Service trusts will be considered on its own merits. Most importantly, they must lead to benefits for patients in improved health care. We have set a minimum target of £500,000 management savings which must be realised in the first two years of merger and be reinvested in patient care.

  General practitioner fundholding accounts

  Number of funds making savings

  Savings retained from budget (£000)

  Number of funds overspending

  Overspends incurred on budget (£000)

  Surrey Family Health Services Authority

  1993–94

  21

  1,559

  9

  522

  1994–94

  26

  1,380

  15

  1,085

  West Surrey Health Authority

  1995–96

  23

  952

  11

  462

  348
  Mr. Milburn
  The second Report to Parliament on the Pharmaceutical Price Regulation Scheme was published today. Copies have been placed in the Library.

  Waiting Lists
  Mr. Wilshire
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many people in the Ashford (Middlesex) Hospital NHS Trust area had been waiting for treatment for more than(a) 24 months, (b) 18 months and (c) 12 months on (i) 31 March and (ii) 30 September; [18416]

  (2) how many people in the St. Peter's (Chertsey) Hospital NHS Trust area had been waiting for treatment for more than (a) 24 months, (b) 18 months and (c) 12 months on (i) 31 March and (ii) 30 September; [18417]

  (3) how many people in the West Middlesex Hospital NHS Trust area had been waiting for treatment for more than (a) 24 months, (b) 18 months and (c) 12 months on (i) 31 March and (ii) 30 September. [18420]

  Mr. Milburn
  The information requested is given in the table.

  Fund holding
  Mr. Wilshire
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list by practice(a) the under spend and (b) the overspend of general practitioner fundholding practices in the West Surrey Health Authority area in each year since 1993. [18418]

  Mr. Milburn
  Information is not held centrally on expenditure from general practitioner fund holder budgets at practice level. Such information can be obtained directly from the practices concerned.

  The table details the number of GP fundholders showing retained savings (net of any savings voluntarily returned to their health authority before audit) or overspending in Surrey in each financial year from 1993–94 to 1995–96, and the total level of retained savings or overspends made on their budgets. These data are taken from GP fundholders' accounts. Audited data for 1996–97 are not yet available.
  349

  General practitioner fundholding accounts

  Number of funds making savings

  Savings retained from budget (£000)

  Number of funds overspending

  Overspends incurred on budget (£000)

  East Surrey Health Authority

  1995–96

  5

  250

  6

  171

  Source:

  GP fundholder audited accounts.

  Bed Blocking
  Mr. Wilshire
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list by(a) health authority area and (b) social services authority area the number of hospital beds blocked by patients waiting for social services placements. [18516]

  Mr. Boateng
  Information collected on delayed discharge, by health authority, has been placed in the Library. This information is not collected centrally on a social services authority basis.

  Accounting Officers
  Mr. Rhodri Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health on how many occasions written directions have been sought by permanent secretaries and other accounting officers in the past five years; in what circumstances; and on what dates. [19216]

  Mr. Boateng
  Health Ministers have not issued any such directions in the last five years.

  Xenotransplantation
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions he has had with groups and individuals opposed to xenotransplantation. [18912]

  Mr. Boateng
  No formal discussions have taken place with groups or individuals opposed to xenotransplantation. A wide range of opinions were received in response to a consultation exercise held between 25 January 1996 and 29 March 1996 by the Advisory Group on the Ethics of Xenotransplantation and detailed in its report, "Animal Tissue into Humans". Views were sought during a further consultation period which began in January 1997 with the publication of that report. The United Kingdom Xenotransplantation Interim Regulatory Authority has offered the Government advice on the responses and issues arising from this latest consultation exercise. This is presently under consideration.

  Computers (Century Date Change)
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the total cost to the National Health Service of millennium compliance. [19201]

  Mr. Boateng
  Information is not available to estimate accurately the total costs of millennium compliancy. The best estimate available from industry and other sources is that the total cost of resolving the problem for Information Technology systems in any organisation will be equivalent to the annual expenditure on those systems, For the National Health Service as a whole this amounts 350
  to between £200 and £300 million. This does not include expenditure in resolving the embedded chip problem for which no estimates are currently available.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Flooding (Thames and Medway Estuaries)
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his assessment of the impact of rising water levels on the potential for flooding in the Thames and Medway estuaries. [17672]

  Mr. Morley
  The Department's current guidance to flood defence operating authorities is that an allowance of 6 mm a year should be made for relative sea level rise due to global warming and vertical land movements when assessing the need for further coastal defence measures in the south of England.

  Less Favoured Areas
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent representations he has received from farmers in the less-favoured areas; and if he will make a statement. [17675]

  Dr. John Cunningham
  I and my Ministerial colleagues have received many representations from farmers in the less-favoured areas. We are considering the case the industry has made for increasing the rates of Hill Livestock Compensatory Allowance and I hope to make an announcement shortly.

  Hill Farming
  Mr. Peter Atkinson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he next proposes to meet hill farmers in Northumberland to discuss farm incomes. [17676]

  Dr. John Cunningham
  My noble Friend the Parliamentary Secretary is planning to visit Hexham later this month to meet local farming representatives.

  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what initiatives he has taken to improve(a) the incomes and (b) the security of hill farmers. [17681]

  Mr. Morley
  An announcement will be made shortly on support for hill farmers.

  Environmental Initiatives (Norfolk Broads)
  Mr. Blizzard
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what measures he is undertaking to promote environmental initiatives on the Norfolk Broads. [17677]
  351
  Mr. Morley
  We have just announced new targets for protecting and enhancing the grazing marsh land of the Broads by increasing the uptake of the Environmentally Sensitive Area scheme.

  Organophosphate Sheep Dips
  Charlotte Atkins
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress is being made towards a moratorium on the use of organophosphates in sheep dips. [17678]

  Mr. Rooker
  No veterinary medicine is authorised for use unless it meets stringent statutory criteria of safety, quality and efficacy. The Government act on the advice of the independent scientific Veterinary Products Committee, which has recently reaffirmed its advice that, provided they are used safely, there is no scientific justification for withdrawing organophosphate sheep dips from the market.

  We constantly remind users of the need to follow instructions and advice as to procedure in use of such authorised products.

  Dr. Brand
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to implement recommendations made in the 1997 Veterinary Products Committee Report, with particular reference to those relating to the use and purchase of organophosphorous sheep dips. [18164]

  Mr. Rooker
  New guidance from the Health and Safety Executive will be sent to all registered sheep farmers in the New Year. It will emphasise the importance of the Certificate of Competence in the Safe Use of Sheep Dips. It will explain practical measures for planning and carrying out dipping, including the steps necessary under the Control of Substances to Health Regulations 1994 (COSHH) to assess the risks and decide what precautions are needed, and will advise on safe disposal of used sheep dip.

  In parallel, the National Proficiency Tests Council is reviewing its testing scheme for the Certificate of Competence and will incorporate the recommendations of the Veterinary Products Committee (VPC).

  Other recommendations of the VPC, relating to supply of organophosphate (OP) dips by veterinarians, labelling, disposal, research and reviews of non-OP dips and other OP veterinary medicines, have been implemented or are being actively pursued.

  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many people have notified his Ministry or the Department of Health to date that they are suffering from the toxic side effects of exposure to organophosphate sheep dips; and if he will make a statement. [18208]

  Mr. Rooker
  The Department of Health does not keep records of human suspected adverse reactions (SARs) to veterinary medicines, which are reported to the Suspected Adverse Reaction Surveillance Scheme (SARSS) run by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate. Reports of the 352
  Appraisal Panel for human SARs are published annually and are available in the Library of the House. The Panel's Report for 1996 will be published shortly. It will show that, for the 11 years up to December 1996, there were 602 reports of human SARs to organophosphorus sheep dips.

  Common Agricultural Policy
  Mr. Davidson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what his main objectives are in respect of CAP reform. [17679]

  Dr. John Cunningham
  I want to secure a market oriented policy with less costly farm support decoupled from agricultural production; a better deal for consumers and more emphasis placed on target environmental and rural development objectives.

  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what reforms to the Common Agriculture Policy the Government propose; and what account will be taken of rural development policy and its impact on the rural economy. [18794]

  Mr. Rooker
  The Government want to secure a market oriented policy with less costly farm support decoupled from agricultural production; and more emphasis placed on targeted environmental and rural development objectives.

  Biodiversity
  Mr. Grogan
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he has taken to achieve biodiversity targets. [17680]

  Mr. Morley
  Actions taken by the Department are set out in a paper prepared for the UK Biodiversity Group "MAFF's Role in Implementing the Biodiversity Action Plans". I have today placed a copy in the Library of the House.

  Food Imports
  Mr. Alan Simpson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what proportion of United Kingdom food imports could be grown in Britain; and what success the United Kingdom has had in reducing such imports. [17682]

  Mr. Rooker
  Provisional figures indicate that last year the UK was 69 per cent. self-sufficient in terms of food and feed products or materials that could be grown in season, in the UK. This figure shows a reduction of about 4 per cent. on the average in recent years, mainly as a result of reduced output and exports of beef and higher levels of imported meat and meat products.

  Access to Open Country
  Mr. Pickthall
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received on access to open country. [17683]

  Dr. John Cunningham
  My Department has received a number of representations from farmers and landowners, conservation organisations and walkers.

  Milk (Dioxin Levels)
  Mr. Barnes
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will establish a continuing survey of dioxin levels in milk in North-East Derbyshire; and if he will make a statement. [17684]

  Mr. Rooker
  Samples of cows' milk from farms in the north-east Derbyshire area have been analysed regularly since 1991, when elevated levels of dioxins were first discovered. Samples taken in July 1997 from 19 farms in the Bolsover area showed that levels of dioxins in the milk have fallen and are now generally similar to those found in other parts of the UK. The need for further surveys will be reviewed next year in the light of the results from samples taken in October this year and the next survey planned for July 1998.

  Environmentally Friendly Farming
  Mr. David Stewart
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what measures he has taken to encourage environmentally friendly farming. [17686]

  Mr. Morley
  The Government are working with conservation and farming organisations to improve the efficiency and targeting of agri-environment schemes. Existing schemes are regularly reviewed and, where appropriate, we are also developing new initiatives. The pilot Arable Stewardship scheme, which will be introduced next year, is aimed at restoring the wildlife interest of arable farmland areas and includes measures for reversing the loss of plant and animal species which are largely dependent on arable crops. We have also established, through the National Agri-Environment Forum, a working group to address the environmental issues associated with the uplands.

  In addition, the Organic Conversion Information Service helps farmers decide whether organic farming would be appropriate for them, as well as providing more detailed advice for those considering conversion. We are reviewing the rates and structure of aid, under the Organic Aid Scheme, for those considering conversion to organic farming. We are also considering, in consultation with farming and conservation organisations, the practicality of drawing up a Code of Good Agricultural Practice for Wildlife and Landscape.

  For the future, the Government see a continuing and increasing role for environmental incentive schemes as part of a reformed CAP.

  Food Labelling
  Ms Keeble
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to improve food labelling for consumers. [17687]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the Government's policy on improving food labelling information for consumers. [17693]

  Mr. Rooker
  I refer my hon. Friends to the answer I gave to our hon. Friend the Member for Glasgow, Maryhill (Mrs. Fyfe) on 6 November 1997,Official Report, column 339.

  Abattoirs
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the provision of abattoirs. [17688]

  Mr. Rooker
  There are currently 29 abattoirs operating the Over Thirty Months Scheme (OTMS) in the UK. These were awarded contracts in July 1997 following a competitive tender exercise run by the Intervention Board. It was necessary to reduce the number of abattoirs participating in OTMS as numbers of cattle entering the scheme diminished.

  The plants were chosen on the basis of objective criteria, principally proximity to the main production areas, hygiene standards and value for money. Together, they provide more than enough capacity to handle the number of animals now expected to come forward under the OTMS, with an allowance which can be factored in to cope with seasonal fluctuations.

  Some journey times may have increased, but in general, all cattle are travelling no further to abattoirs than they were prior to the OTMS and in many cases the distances are shorter. Also, the number of livestock markets participating in the scheme has not changed, so access for farmers should not have been seriously affected.

  Although there are no OTMS abattoirs in Sussex, sufficient capacity is available in the South East to handle effectively all cattle presented under the scheme in the area.

  Food Safety
  Mr. Lepper
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how much his Department spends on(a) food safety and (b) standards surveys; and how much he expects to spend in the current year. [17689]

  Mr. Rooker
  The Department spends about £8.5 million on food surveys of which more than 95 per cent. is on food safety. Microbiological surveillance accounts for £413,000 with the remainder funding the food chemical surveillance programme. A similar level of spend is expected for the current year.

  Mr. Canavan
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will take steps to improve standards of food safety. [17691]

  Mr. Rooker
  We are already taking such steps by the establishment of the Food Standards Agency and other related measures.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will publish the number of food samples submitted each year from 1990 to date to public analysts for analysis; and if he will make a statement. [18911]

  Mr. Rooker
  The information requested forms part of our statistical return to the EU Commission, which is published and copies of which are placed in the Library of the House. However, the specific information requested is as follows:

  year

  Number of samples1 (UK figures)

  1996

  62,350

  1995

  63,726

  355

  Year

  Number of samples1 (UK figures)

  1994

  65,162

  1993

  67,959

  1992

  65,398

  1991

  46,976

  1990

  2—

  1 These are official samples only, i.e. those taken for the purpose of enforcement of the Food Safety Act 1990. They do not include samples taken for surveillance or other purposes, for which information is not held centrally.

  2 No data collected.

  Fruit Harvest
  Dr. Stoate
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received from fruit growers regarding problems experienced with the present year's harvest. [17692]

  Mr. Rooker
  The Department has received a number of representations in writing from Members on behalf of fruit growing constituents and from individual growers. In addition the matter was discussed when my noble Friend the Parliamentary Secretary met the Horticultural Executive of the National Farmer's Union in July and subsequently visited fruit growers in Kent.

  Beef Ban
  Mr. Charles Kennedy
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on progress towards the lifting of the beef ban. [17690]

  Dr. Jim Cunningham
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given today to my hon. Friend the Member for Carmarthen, West and South Pembrokeshire (Mr. Ainger).

  Rabies Committee
  Mr. Malins
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if the composition of the Kennedy Committee of Inquiry into rabies and quarantine has been finalised; and what is the target date for it to report. [18351]

  Mr. Rooker
  I refer the hon. Member to the answers I gave to the hon. Member for Salisbury (Mr. Key) on 24 November 1997,Official Report, columns 410–11.

  Live Animal Exports
  Dr. Palmer
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his answer of 18 November 1997,Official Report, column 117, to which countries the pigs exported for breeding from January to October 1997 were exported. [18494]

  Mr. Rooker
  The computer records of animal health UK export certifications show the countries concerned as Antigua and Barbuda, Austria, Barbados, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Czech Republic, Chile, China, Columbia, Cyprus, Denmark, Falkland Islands, France, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Japan, Malaysia (Peninsula), Mexico, Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Singapore, Slovakia, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, Russia, United States of America, Venezuela, Vietnam.
  356
  The information is provisional and subject to change.

  Agenda 2000
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to which elements of the Agenda 2000 proposals he plans to propose amendments. [18801]

  Mr. Rooker
  The Government will respond to the Commission's formal legislative proposals once they have been published.

  Cattle Passports
  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will publish a breakdown of the cost elements and the amounts involved which he used to determine his current published estimated costs of a computerised cattle passport. [18831]

  Dr. John Cunningham
  The cost of a cattle passport under the Cattle Tracing System has not yet been determined, although it is expected to be in the range of £5 to £10. The current estimated costs of the Cattle Tracing System are broken down as follows:

  £ million

  Set-up cost

  Database development

  3.5

  Project management

  2.3

  British Cattle Movement Service (Accommodation)

  3.4

  British Cattle Movement Service (Equipment and Services)

  3.8

  Total

  13

  Annual running costs

  Staff costs

  3.2

  Accommodation, administration and consumables

  3.0

  Common services and depreciation

  2.8

  Office supplies (including cost of "freepost" system for reporting cattle movements)

  6.0

  Total

  15

  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the estimated establishment cost of his proposed computerised cattle passport scheme; which MAFF locations will be involved in operating it and what will be their annual running costs; and what are the estimated running costs of the new scheme for each of the first three years of its operation. [18829]

  Dr. John Cunningham
  The Cattle Tracing System will not only provide cattle passports, but also a computerised register of all cattle in Great Britain, their location and their movement history. The estimated establishment cost is around £13 million. It will be operated by the British Cattle Movement Service, which will be part of my Department, based at Workington in Cumbria. The estimated running costs of the system for each of the first three years of operation are likely to be around£15 million per year.

  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what charges will be made for the cattle passport scheme; what will be the costs of(a) its establishment and (b) its administration; and if these will be recovered in full from farmers. [18940]
  357
  Mr. Rooker
  I refer my hon. Friend to the replies given by my right hon. Friend the Minister to the right hon. Member for Fylde (Mr. Jack) today.

  Unpasteurised Cows' Milk
  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the advice from the Advisory Committee on the Microbiological Safety of Food on the sale of raw cows' milk for drinking consumption. [18717]

  Dr. John Cunningham
  The advice of the Committee is unequivocal. This is why I have arranged public consultation on a proposal to ban the sale in England, Wales and Northern Ireland of raw cows' milk for drinking. We will reflect further when the results of public consultation are available.

  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what factors underlay his decision to consult interested parties on the sale of unpasteurised cows' milk for drinking consumption. [18716]

  Dr. John Cunningham
  After careful consideration of the issues, the Advisory Committee on the Microbiological Safety of Food expressed concern about the microbiological quality of unpasteurised cows' milk for drinking and recommended that the sale of such milk be banned in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Such sales are already banned in Scotland.

  This is a matter of public health concern and I considered it appropriate to consult interested parties on a proposal to ban its sale.

  Ministerial Announcements
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many ministerial announcements have not been made, in the first instance to the House; and of those how many were(a) speeches to outside bodies, (b) press releases, (c) press briefings and (d) made by other means, since 1 May; and if he will make a statement about his Department's policy in respect of making public ministerial announcements. [18893]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 3 December 1997]: Announcements made by the Department have followed established Parliamentary procedure. This practice is our policy.

  Ostriches
  Mrs. Ann Cryer
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what proposals he has for changes in the regulations governing the slaughter of ostriches. [18539]

  Mr. Morley
  I am not proposing any changes to the Welfare of Animals (Slaughter or Killing) Regulations 1995 which set down detailed rules governing the methods of slaughter or killing of farmed animals including ostriches.

  Ostriches may be slaughter on farm, or in premises specifically licensed to handle ostriches under the Poultry Meat, Farmed Game Bird Meat and Rabbit Meat (Hygiene and Inspection) Regulations 1995. We are also considering the possibility of amending the Fresh Meat (Hygiene and Inspection) Regulations 1995 to permit ostrich slaughter in red meat abattoirs which meet specific structural requirements.

  Correspondence
  Mrs. Shephard
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he plans to reply to the letter of the right hon. Member for South-West Norfolk dated 3 September, on the subject of the export of poultry meat to China; and if he will make a statement on his timetable for responding to letters from hon. Members on constituents' concerns. [19116]

  Mr. Rooker
  My right hon. Friend the Minister replied to the letter regarding the export of poultry meat to China on 2 December.

  This Department endeavours to reply to letters from hon. Members and peers within 15 working days. This Department received about 6,000 letters between January and October this year and 77 per cent. of these received a reply within this target.

  Tobacco Subsidy
  Mr. Wilkinson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what discussions he has had on the EU subsidy to tobacco producers with the Commission of the European Union. [17664]

  Mr. Rooker
  The Commission is in no doubt about UK views and the depth of our concern. We expect new proposals next year. We will continue to press for the greatest possible reform.

  Calves' Milk Replacement: Bovine Blood Cells and Plasma
  Calves' Milk Replacement: Bovine Blood Cells and Plasma
  Mul2tilateral Agreement on Investment: Developing Country Preferences
  Mul2tilateral Agreement on Investment: Developing Country Preferences
  Alcohol Risks: Education Measures
  Alcohol Risks: Education Measures
  Ferry Operators and Foreign Tourists
  Ferry Operators and Foreign Tourists
  Summer Time
  Summer Time
  Schengen Acquis
  Schengen Acquis
  Parole Board: Composition
  Parole Board: Composition
  West Midlands: Housing Provisions
  West Midlands: Housing Provisions
  Pharmaceutical Price Regulation Scheme
  Pharmaceutical Price Regulation Scheme
  Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and the Russian Federation: Diplomatic Missions
  Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and the Russian Federation: Diplomatic Missions
  Middle East: Weapons
  Middle East: Weapons
  Diego Garcia
  Diego Garcia
  Sudan: UK Entry Visa Applications
  Sudan: UK Entry Visa Applications
  Bosnia: UK Supply of Armoured Range Rover
  Bosnia: UK Supply of Armoured Range Rover
  Small Arms Trafficking
  Small Arms Trafficking
  EU Council: Forthcoming Business
  EU Council: Forthcoming Business