Written Answers of 9 December 1997

HOUSE OF COMMONS

  Members' Travel Expenses
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the President of the Council if she will estimate the cost of travel incurred by hon. Members returning to Westminster for one day. [19226]

  Mrs. Ann Taylor
  It is not possible to provide a realistic estimate of the travel cost of one day's travel to and from Westminster.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Legal Education and Conduct Report
  Mr. Pickthall
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department when the Lord Chancellor's Advisory Committee on Legal Education and Conduct intends to publish its sixth annual report. [20115]

  Mr. Hoon
  The Lord Chancellor's Advisory Committee on Legal Education and Conduct has today published its sixth annual report, and copies have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL

  Information Services
  Fiona Mactaggart
  To ask the President of the Council what was the aggregate amount spent by her Department and its agencies during 1996–97 on(a) advertising, (b) public relations, (c) promotions, (d) public information campaigns, (e) press and information services and (f) market research and opinion polls. [19163]

  Mrs. Ann Taylor
  In 1996–97, a total of £49,919 was spent by my Department on press and information services.

SCOTLAND

  NHS White Paper
  Mr. Ernie Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he expects to publish his White Paper on the future of the NHS in Scotland; and if he will make a statement. [20239]

  Mr. Dewar
  Our White Paper on the future of the NHS in Scotland, "Designed to Care", is published today. Copies have been laid before the House. Copies are available in the Library of the House and the Vote Office.
  492
  Our objective is a modernised patient-centred health service designed to ensure that wherever patients make use of the services of the NHS they receive the highest quality care. We will create a seamless service which gives patients continuity of care from GP through hospital to rehabilitation. And we will harness new technologies to improve reliability and effectiveness of patient care.

  The White Paper sets out clearly the system which will replace the internal market in health care. The cost of the internal market has been fragmentation, bureaucracy and the beginning of a two-tier service. Our proposals will save £100 million over the lifetime of this Parliament, money which will be reinvested in patient care. "Designed to Care" honours our commitment to retain the central role for primary care whilst removing the disadvantages of GP fundholding. We will do this by giving strong organisational support to primary care through the creation of Primary Care Trusts, which will allow professionals to take the lead in combining locally to organise health services for the benefit of all patients in their area. We have retained distinct roles for those responsible for strategy and those responsible for service delivery to promote devolved decision-making.

  "Designed to Care" re-focuses NHS Trusts on improving services to patients and gives clinicians and those who use their services a bigger say in their management. We are committed to fewer NHS Trusts, and the White Paper sets out the criteria to guide this process to a speedy conclusion.

  "Designed to Care" sets out our vision for the future of the NHS in Scotland, with solutions suited to Scottish needs. It lays the foundation for the work of the Scottish Parliament in continuing to improve the health of the people of Scotland.

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  Mixed Oxide Fuel
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions have taken place in the European Environment Council on the environmental implications of the transportation of mixed oxide fuel from the European Union to Japan; and if he will ensure that a full report is prepared on this subject during the period of the United Kingdom presidency. [18493]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  We are unaware of any such discussions. However, the fourth report of the Standing Working Group on the Safe Transport of Radioactive Material of DG XVII has recently been submitted to the Commission and will be submitted to the Council of Ministers, the European Parliament, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of Regions. We have no plans to issue any further report on this matter.

  Nuclear Materials (Transport)
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what contingency plans are in place to deal with accidents involving
  493
  (a) aircraft and (b) ships whilst transporting mixed oxide fuel from the United Kingdom to (i) mainland Europe and (ii) Japan. [18476]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Transporters of radioactive material within the United Kingdom are required, by statutory safety regulation, to have contingency plans in place to respond to accidents. The UK transporters of mixed oxide fuel have such plans in place for air and sea modes.

  Rail Operators
  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how much money has been awarded in bonuses for(a) meeting and (b) exceeding service standards to rail operators in the last 12 months. [19340]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The Franchising Director operates financial incentive regimes under franchise agreements which supplement the pressure of market forces where necessary; intercity train operating companies are not covered by such regimes. The regimes 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.

  Local Government Finance
  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the district, county and unitary councils that have not been permitted to spend above their 1990–91 capping level for each of the years from 1990–91 to 1998–99. [19476]

  Mr. Raynsford
  Capping levels were only set for 21 authorities in 1990–91. Of these, the following have had provisional caps at or below the level of their 1990–91 cap in the years shown:

  Barnsley, 1992–93;

  Basildon, 1991–92 to 1998–99;

  Bristol, 1991–92 to 1995–96;

  Derbyshire, 1991–92, 1993–941, 1997–982.

  1The cap limit was lower in 1993–94 as a result of the adjustment for the transfer of Further Education out of the local authority sector.

  2The cap limit was lower in 1997–98 as a result of the transfer of functions to the new unitary authority of Derby City Council.

  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what have been the total community charge and council tax receipts in each year since 1991–92. [19929]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The information requested is as follows:

  £ million

  1991–92

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–95

  1995–96

  1996–97

  Community charge

  6,590

  7,300

  584

  278

  167

  103

  Council tax

  n/a

  n/a

  6,807

  7,549

  8,149

  8,717

  These figures are the amounts received in each financial year.

  494
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what has been the level of spending by English local authorities in each year since 1991–92; and if he will indicate the annual percentage change in real terms. [19821]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The information is given below. There has been a number of changes in local authority responsibilities in the period covered. In particular;in April 1993 responsibility for further education was transferred to the Further Education Funding Council;
  from 1994–95 onwards, Care in the Community responsibilities were transferred to local authorities;
  in 1997–98 budgeted expenditure decreased by some £500 million as the result of the introduction of the nursery voucher scheme.

  For these reasons it is not always valid to make comparisons between years.

  Net revenue expenditure—English authorities

  Year

  Cash1(£ million)

  Percentage change(Real terms)2

  1991–92

  38,454

  3.8

  1992–93

  40,801

  1.8

  1993–94

  39,742

  -5.3

  1994–95

  41,677

  3.3

  1995–96

  43,087

  0.6

  1996–973

  45,828

  3.5

  1997–984

  46,486

  -1.2

  1Net revenue expenditure is net of all specific grants except, for years since 1995–96, police specific grants. Hence, for consistency, the figures for the years prior to 1995–96 have been adjusted to include the principal police specific grant.

  2The percentage change in expenditure in real terms has been calculated by using the GDP deflator.

  3Provisional Outturn.

  4Budget.

  Road Users (Disabled People)
  Mrs. Ballard
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his Answer of 26 November 1997,Official Report, column 554, if he will ensure that orange badges for disabled motorbike riders are produced in a form which will fit into their normal vehicle tax disc holder. [19452]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Orange Badges should be displayed by motorcyclists only when they are in use in connection with parking. Any secure holder may be used to display the badge as long as the details on the front of the badge are visible.

  British Airways
  Mr. MacShane
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations(a) his Department and (b) authorities responsible for air traffic control and safety have received about problems in identifying in the air British Airways aircraft following the new decorations on their tailplanes. [10916]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  None.

  Aviation Fuel
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what research his Department has undertaken into the environmental damage arising from burning of aviation fuel(a) at ground level and (b) in the upper atmosphere. [19742]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  We continue to support research on the nature and effects of local and global emissions from aircraft engines. Many of these projects are major international collaborative efforts. The Department has a leading role in the International Civil Aviation Organisation's environmental committee, which includes an emissions group. It also supports participation by UK experts in major science and technology assessments, for example the European inventory of aircraft NOx emissions and the current assessment by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) of aviation and the environment.

  Rural Development Commission
  Mr. Luff
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what will be the future role and responsibilities of the Rural Development Commission and if he will make a statement. [19749]

  Mr. Carbon
  We are considering this as part of the Comprehensive Spending Review. We expect to reach conclusions in the New Year.

  Mr. Curry
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) when he last met the Chairman of the Rural Development Commission to discuss the future of the Rural Development Commission; [19782]

  (2) pursuant to his oral statement of 3 December 1997, Official Report, columns 357–59, when he received a request from the Chairman of the Rural Development Commission for a meeting to discuss the future of the Commission. [19819]

  Mr. Caborn
  Ministers in the Department of the Environment, Transport and Regions had several meetings with Lord Shuttleworth at which the future of the Rural Development Commission was discussed, including on 21 July, 23 July, 16 September and 2 December 1997.

  Lord Shuttleworth's letter requesting a meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister to discuss the future of the Commission was dated 27 October 1997.

  Alexandra Palace and Park
  Mr. Edward Davey
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will publish the correspondence between his Department and the London Borough of Haringey regarding Alexandra Palace and Park which is of a non-commercial nature. [19734]

  Ms Armstrong
  Identifying this information from the considerable volume of correspondence with Haringey over Alexandra Palace and Park would be time consuming and could not be undertaken except at disproportionate cost.
  496
  In November 1996 the Department gave the London Borough of Haringey directions, allowing an increase in their aggregate credit limit totalling £55 million, in connection with the Council's proposals for establishing the future of Alexandra Palace and Park. The directions are technical measures and do not convey additional financial support. I am arranging for a copy of the directions to be placed in the library.

  Mr. Edward Davey
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what proposals his Department has received from(a) the London Borough of Haringey and (b) other interested parties for the closure of Alexandra Palace and Park; and if he will make a statement; [19731]

  (2) what financial guarantees his Department has given since 1990 to the London Borough of Haringey with regard to Alexandra Palace and Park. [19732]

  Ms Armstrong
  None.

  Local Self-government
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions which clauses of the European Charter of local self-government the Government plan to sign up to. [19680]

  Mr. Raynsford
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to him on Thursday 31 July 1997,Official Report, column 546.

  Regional Development Agencies
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions whether the boundaries of regional development agencies and regional chambers will be co-terminous. [19679]

  Mr. Caborn
  Regional chambers are being established under voluntary arrangements by local authorities and others. However, we wish to encourage a single chamber covering each region to provide a coherent voice for the region, in particular to offer views to the Regional Development Agency.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Indian Sub-continent (Visa Applications)
  Fiona Mactaggart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) how many(a) visit, (b) settlement and (c) other visa applications made at the British High Commission in (i) Islamabad, (ii) Karachi, (iii) New Delhi, (iv) Mumbai, (v) Calcutta, (vi) Madras, (vii) Dhaka and (viii) Colombo were (1) made, (2) refused initially, (3) granted initially and (4) deferred in each year since 1992; [19013]

  (2) how many (a) visit, (b) settlement and (c) other visa applications made at the British high commissions in (i) Islamabad, (ii) Karachi, (iii) New Delhi, (iv) Mumbai, (v) Calcutta, (vi) Madras, (vii) Dhaka and (viii) Colombo were (1) made, (2) refused initially, (3) granted initially and (4) deferred in each month since January 1996 to the latest convenient date. [19023]
  497
  Mr. Fatchett
  In view of the amount of detail needed to answer this question, my noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Baroness Symons will write to my hon. Friend shortly.

  Fiona Mactaggart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many visit visa applications from people aged over 65 years were(a) made, (b) granted initially, (c) refused initially and (d) deferred at the British High Commission (i) Islamabad and (ii) New Delhi in each year since 1992. [19100]

  Mr. Fatchett
  The details are as follows:

  Islamabad
  10,864 applications were made between 1992 and November 1997 as follows:

  1992: 504

  1993: 1,086

  1994: 1,091

  1995: 2,846

  1996: 3,645

  1997 (to November): 1,692

  A breakdown into issues, refusals and deferrals cannot be given without a physical search of all applications which would entail disproportionate cost to public funds.

  New Delhi
  New Delhi only maintains non-settlement records for 2 years after a visa is issued. The figures for 1996 and to the end of November 1997 are as follows: Deferred figures are not available.

  Year

  Applications made

  Granted

  Refused

  1996

  4,801

  2,647

  991

  1997

  4,084

  3,394

  439

  Ottawa Convention
  Mr. Martin Bell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer to the hon. and learned Member for North-East Fife (Mr. Campbell) of 24 November 1997, Official Report, columns 398–99, on the Ottawa Convention, when he plans to introduce the legislation necessary for the ratification of the Convention. [19323]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  We attach great importance to the Ottawa Convention, signed by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for International Development on 3 December. We intend to ratify it as soon as possible. The timing of the legislation necessary for ratification will depend on our legislative programme. We intend to introduce the legislation as soon as the parliamentary timetable allows.

  Cyprus
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the maximum number of Greek military personnel allowed in Cyprus in accordance with its role as a guarantor power; how many Greek Army personnel are presently in Cyprus; how many military aircraft are in Cyprus; which authority monitors 498
  the level of Greek military presence in Cyprus; and if he will make a statement. [19512]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  Under the 1960 treaties, Greece is allowed to station a force of up to 950 military personnel in Cyprus. We estimate that there are about 2,000 Greek military personnel in Cyprus at present. There are no fixed-wing military aircraft permanently based in Cyprus. No international authority monitors the level of Greek military presence in Cyprus.

  European Commission Directorates
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many British nationals currently work for each directorate of the European Commission. [19559]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  According to July 1997 figures, the numbers of British nationals working at A Grade in each Directorate-General of the European Commission are as follows:

  I: 38

  IA: 58

  IB: 30

  II: 11

  III: 36

  IV: 17

  V: 27

  VI: 32

  VII: 20

  VIII: 44

  IX: 9

  X: 14

  XI: 26

  XII: 48

  XIII: 43

  XIV: 5

  XV: 23

  XVI: 21

  XVII: 22

  XIX: 8

  XX: 8

  XXI: 17

  XXII: 15

  XXIII: 10

  XXIV: 8.

  In addition, there are the following numbers of British nationals working at B, C and D Grade for the European Commission:

  B Grade: 237

  C Grade: 308

  D Grade: 7.

  These figures include staff paid from the Central and Research Budgets, and permanent and temporary staff.

  Western Sahara
  Ms Kingham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans the Government have to contribute financial resources and personnel to
  499
  MINURSO, to ensure that the United Nations supervised referendum on self-determination for the people of Western Sahara is free and fair. [19708]

  Mr. Fatchett
  The UK contributes 6.568 per cent. in UN assessed contributions to the total costs of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO). Accordingly, we will pay 6.568 per cent. of the estimated costs (£129 million) of the expansion of MINURSO as set out in the Secretary-General's report of 13 November and its addendum of 19 November 1997. We have no plans to contribute personnel.

  We fully support the expansion of MINURSO to facilitate the full implementation of the settlement plan.

  Brazil
  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Brazilian Government concerning the eucalyptus plantation established by Aracruz Cellulose on land previously occupied by Tupirikim Guarani Indians. [19710]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  After meeting representatives of the Tupinikim and Guarani Indians, I wrote to the Brazilian Ambassador on 1 July about their claim to land occupied by Aracruz Cellulose. I also raised it with the Head of the National Foundation for Assistance to Indians (FUNAI), when I visited Brazil in September 1997. Our Embassy in Brasilia continues to monitor this particular case. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary raised other indigenous issues with the Brazilian Foreign Minister during their talks on 3 December.

  Gibraltar
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will review the policy on voting rights of Gibraltarian citizens in European Parliament elections. [19272]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  To include Gibraltarian citizens in European Parliament elections would require an amendment to annexe II to the EC's 1976 Act concerning the election of the representatives of the European Parliament. This would require the unanimous agreement of all Member States, and ratification by each Member State in accordance with their respective constitutional requirements. We keep policy under review in the light of those facts.

  Sudan
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his policy towards aiding the development of democratic government in the Sudan; and if he will make a statement. [19273]

  Mr. Fatchett
  We have made clear both to the Government of Sudan and to the opposition National Democratic Alliance our wish to see progress towards a pluralist democratic system of government and respect for human rights in Sudan. Development of bilateral relations is dependent on progress in this and other fields.

  Sierra Leone
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is Her Majesty's Government's policy towards the new Government in Sierra Leone; and if he will make a statement. [19274]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  There is no new Government in Sierra Leone. We condemned the military coup which took place there on 25 May 1997 and have consistently called for the restoration of the legitimate Government of President Kabbah. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) reached agreement with the military junta on 23 October in Conakry on a framework for the restoration of that Government. We have played a leading role within the international community in promoting discussion of the implementation of that agreement. With our encouragement, the United Nations is currently considering how best it can support ECOWAS activities in this regard.

  Raicha Jivan Parmar
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps the British High Commission in Bombay is taking in respect of the case of Raicha Jivan Parmar of Maidston Road, Leicester, currently in India. [19949]

  Mr. Fatchett
  We have asked the High Commission in Bombay to provide a detailed account of the position. My noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Baroness Symons will write to my hon. Friend within one week of receiving that account.

  Hamir, Lakhu and Devshi Vega
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the refusal of Bombay to issue a visa to Hamir, Lakhu and Devshi Vega (ref. R/973542), whose parents reside at Avonside Drive, Leicester. [19950]

  Mr. Fatchett
  We have asked the High Commission in Bombay to provide a detailed account of the position. My noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Baroness Symons will write to my hon. Friend within one week of receiving that account.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Biodiversity
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on her Department's Biodiversity Strategy. [19672]

  Clare Short
  The Department for International Development (DFID) is committed to providing continued assistance to help poor people in developing countries benefit from safeguarding biodiversity, both through the bilateral programme and the UK contribution to the Global Enviornment Facility (which is the financial mechanism for assisting developing countries implement the Convention on Biological Diversity). During negotiations with multilateral organisations, DFID will also pay particular attention to the impact of intellectual property rights on the interests of indigenous and local
  501
  communities who depend on local biodiversity for their livelihoods. To assist in the identification and provision of assistance in situations with opportunities for both alleviating poverty and safeguarding biodiversity, DFID is reviewing its bilateral biodiversity strategy in co-operation with interested parties, including NGOs.

  Environment and Development
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if the Government will initiate a joint Environment and Development Council during its presidency of the European Union. [19785]

  Clare Short
  We do not propose to hold a joint Environment and Development Council but will contribute fully to the Environment Council's preparations for the Commission on Sustainable Development next year and continue to work closely with our environment colleagues on other issues of mutual interest.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what measures the Government will take to improve the effectiveness of EU overseas aid devoted to environment protection and enhancement schemes. [19784]

  Clare Short
  We will discuss any recommendations arising from the Commission's independent evaluation of the environmental performance of EC-funded programmes which is due to be completed in the new year, and continue to encourage the EC to integrate fully environmental considerations into the design of its projects. We will continue to participate in the Commission's Scientific Environmental Monitoring Group and the forestry and water expert groups, and have agreed to provide a project leader to prepare an EC/Member States strategy for biodiversity conservation. We have also seconded a forestry specialist to work for the Commission on the management of tropical forestry programmes.

  Sustainability
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what proposals he has to promote the integration of sustainability through the Development Council. [19787]

  Clare Short
  We will continue to promote the integration of sustainability into the Community's aid programmes by seeking to ensure that due weight and consideration are given to it in the Community's legislation and policies. This will be one of our top priorities in the discussions on the future of Lomé during the UK Presidency.

  India (Port Development)
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what representations she has received regarding the proposed port development by P &O at Vadhavan in Dahanu Taluka, India. [19918]

  Clare Short
  The Department of Trade and Industry takes the lead on this question. The Department for International Development and other Government Departments have received a number of letters on this subject.

DEFENCE

  Cadet Forces
  Mr. Burden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what sum his Department has spent on supporting combined cadet forces in schools in(a) 1994–95, (b) 1995–96 and (c) 1996–97, broken down between (i) private schools and (ii) state schools. [19737]

  Mr. Reid
  The Ministry of Defence has allocated the following sums to schools in support of the Combined Cadet Forces. The figures are in £million at current prices.

  1994–95: 6.6

  1995–96: 6.2

  1996–97: 5.8.

  I regret that my Department keeps no separate records detailing the overall costs attributable to individual schools, whatever their category. This information could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

  HMS Caroline
  Kate Hoey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans the Royal Navy has for the future use of HMS Caroline; and if he will assess the advantages of converting it to a museum. [19560]

  Mr. Spellar
  HMS Caroline will continue in use as the RN Reserve Training Centre (RTC) for the Belfast area for the foreseeable future. Consideration would be given to moving the Centre to a shore-based site if suitable accommodation could be identified, and if the requisite funding could be made available. The Ministry of Defence has no plans to assess the advantages of converting Caroline into a Museum.

  Resource-based Accounting
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what will be the impact on his Department's budget of the introduction of resource-based accounting; and if he will make a statement. [19839]

  Dr. Reid
  When fully implemented, resource accounting will provide visibility of the full costs of all resources consumed. This will enable better informed management and decision taking throughout the department.

PRIME MINISTER

  Hospitality
  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Prime Minister what sums he has spent on hospitality for representatives of business at No. 10 Downing Street since 1 May. [19101]

  The Prime Minister
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary, Office of Public Service on 5 December,Official Report, columns 376–77.

  Ministerial Appointments
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the mechanism by which the security services are able to make representations to him about his proposed ministerial appointments. [18919]
  503
  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 4 December 1997]No representations are made to me by the Security Services about proposed Ministerial appointments. Advice is available to me when relevant.

  BSE
  Mr. Charles Kennedy
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on his policy in respect of an inquiry into BSE. [19909]

  The Prime Minister
  My right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food will make a statement shortly.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Transsexuals
  Ms Roseanna Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are the current arrangements for the(a) police, (b) courts and (c) prison service in respect of transsexuals; what plans he has to review these arrangements; and if he will make a statement. [19730]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  (a) The Association of Chief Police Officers suggested to forces in 1995 that a transsexual prisoner be asked to state a preference for the gender of the searching officer and to sign the custody record in confirmation. In the event of a lack of co-operation, the custody officer would treat the prisoner as being of the sex under which they were documented and living their lives. Best practice guidance for dealing with transsexuals is being drawn up and will be issued to forces.

  (b) The Court Service has no special arrangements in respect of transsexuals. Where appropriate, the police and prison service escort service address any special accommodation requirements of which they may be notified. There are no plans to review this arrangement.

  (c) The Prison Service decides where to locate and how best to care for transsexual prisoners on a case by case basis, taking account of such factors as their sex in law, their most obvious physical characteristics and their ability or otherwise to integrate with other prisoners. It is currently engaged in drawing up guidelines for issue to establishments on the care, management and treatment of prisoners with gender dysphoria.

  Under-age Drinking
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what measures his Department is taking to combat under-age drinking. [19842]

  Mr. George Howarth
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to a Question from my hon. Friend the Member for Selby (Mr. Grogan) on 16 July 1997,Official Report, column 173, and to the letter which I sent to all hon. Members on 17 July.

  Firearms
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the differences between the Draft Firearms (Amendment) (No. 2) Act 1997 504
  Compensation Scheme laid before the House on 27 November 1997 and the ex gratia scheme under Schedule 1, Paragraph 10 of the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997. [19598]

  Mr. Michael
  The Government have given assurances that those who chose to surrender their small-calibre pistols voluntarily under the present ex-gratia scheme would not be disadvantaged compared to claimants under a future statutory scheme, and so the two schemes are identical as regards the range and values of firearms and ancillary equipment covered. There are some minor textual changes to the claims handling procedures described in the new draft scheme to reflect practice in the Firearms Compensation Section, and three items have been added to the list of ancillary equipment qualifying for compensation at Annex B of the scheme: speedloaders, speedloader pouches and spare parts held by registered dealers. While these items were not included explicitly under the previous published scheme, compensation has been paid for them on an exceptional basis.

  Czech and Slovak Asylum Seekers
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to answer the question of the hon. Member for Hertsmere of 20 November on asylum seekers from the Czech Republic and Slovakia. [19752]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  I replied to the Question on 5 December 1997,Official Report, columns 361–62.

  Prisoners (Drugs)
  Mr. Malins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many random drugs tests in United Kingdom prisons proved positive; and how many prisoners found positive were subsequently charged with a criminal offence as a result of the test in the most recent year for which figures are available. [18991]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The number of random drug tests on prisoners which proved positive in England and Wales in 1996–97 was 13,797.

  The use of illicit drugs is not a criminal offence as such. Consequently, there is no central record kept of prisoners who may have been charged with a criminal offence following a drug test.

  A prisoner whose drug test is positive will generally be charged with a disciplinary offence under Prison Rules. Data held centrally do not separate charges concerning random mandatory drug tests from charges following positive results from the other aspects of the mandatory drug testing programme. In 1996–97, there were 21,588 mandatory drug tests in total which were positive. Disciplinary proceedings under Prison Rule 47 or Young Offender Institution Rule 50, "administering a controlled drug or failing to prevent its administration", followed in 16,757 cases.

  Handcuffs
  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidelines he has issued in relation to the use of rigid handcuffs; and under what circumstances they permit police officers to use such handcuffs. [18990]
  505
  Mr. Michael
  A Home Office circular to chief police officers containing guidance about the use of handcuffs was withdrawn on 23 January 1997. This was replaced by guidance issued by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) which reflects the provision in section 3 of the Criminal Law Act 1967 that a person may use such force as is reasonable in the circumstances in the prevention of crime, or in effecting or assisting in the lawful arrest of offenders or suspected offenders. I am placing a copy of the ACPO guidance in the Library.

  Metropolitan Police
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department on how many occasions in each of the last four years the metropolitan police has invited representatives of the media to be present at the scene of(a) a raid and (b) an arrest. [19048]

  Mr. Michael
  [holding answer 8 December 1997]The Commissioner informs me that the information requested on the number of occasions the Metropolitan Police has invited the media to be present at the scene of a raid or an arrest is not readily available and could be only obtained at disproportionate cost.

  He tells me that on occasions when Metropolitan Police operations are a matter of public interest the media may be invited to accompany the police on raids. On some of these occasions, arrests may take place. The Commissioner says that if the Metropolitan Police decides to invite the media to attend, their involvement is strictly controlled and carefully planned.

  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when Wiltshire Constabulary were asked to collaborate with the Metropolitan Police in the raid on the Rectory at Donhead St. Andrews on 21 November. [19050]

  Mr. Michael
  [holding answer 8 December 1997]The Chief Constable of Wiltshire Constabulary informs me that Wiltshire Constabulary were requested to participate in the inquiry on 13 October 1997. The request came from Sussex Police.

  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the media representatives who were invited by(a) the Wiltshire Constabulary and (b) the Metropolitan Police to be present at the police raid on the Rectory at Donhead St. Andrews on 21 November. [19049]

  Mr. Michael
  [holding answer 8 December 1997]I am told by the Chief Constable of Wiltshire Constabulary and the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police that no representatives of the media were invited to be present at the raid on the Rectory at Donhead St. Andrews on 21 November.

  Police Officers
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his policy on the total numbers of police officers required; and if he will make a statement. [19270]

  Mr. Michael
  [holding answer 8 December 1997]Ministers have no direct control over police numbers. Under legislation passed by the previous Government in 1994, it is for individual chief constables to determine the 506
  number of police officers in their force. We are already working with the police to reduce administrative burdens and to enable chief constables to put more officers on the streets.

  My right hon. Friend announced on 2 December that the spending power of the police in England and Wales next year can increase by £258 million, or 3.7 per cent. over 1997–98. The provisional settlement includes an additional £40 million of police grant in 1998–99. This sum is to ensure that police authorities have funds available which would allow them to increase spending on meeting the key objectives for the police in 1998–99. This could include the recruitment of additional police officers if the chief constable considers that this is the most beneficial way of delivering the objectives.

  Speed Camera Detectors
  Mr. Cotter
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to prohibit the sale of speed camera detectors; and if he will make a statement. [19467]

  Mr. Michael
  The use of such detector devices without a license is already an offence under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949 and successful prosecutions have been taken out by the police against motorists who have used them. This Department has carried out tests which showed such devices to be largely unreliable and ineffective. We have no plans to create a new offence but we have asked the Association of Chief Police Officers Traffic Committee to keep us informed of any significant increase in the use of these devices and of any difficulties which forces experience. In addition, where an advertisement for such a device is brought to this Department's attention we lodge the papers with the Advertising Standards Authority so that the Authority can ensure that the advertising copy makes the legal position clear.

  Intrusive Surveillance
  Mr. Mullin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to publish the leaflet "The Police Act 1997, Complaints About the Use of Intrusive Surveillance"; and if he will make a statement. [19284]

  Mr. Michael
  The leaflet will provide guidance to members of the public and their representatives regarding the mechanism for complaints about intrusive surveillance operations authorized under Part III of the Police Act 1997. It will be published when the provisions of Part III are implemented next year.

TREASURY

  National Register
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to charge Departments for the value of their assets recorded on the National Register. [18194]

  Mr. Darling
  [holding answer 2 December 1997]Departments, and parts of Departments, which are trading funds already incur a charge for their fixed assets; this forms part of the full cost of services provided which they are obliged to recover from income. As part of the introduction of resource accounting and budgeting, all
  507
  fixed assets on all departmental balance sheets will be subject to a capital charge. This will affect departmental budgets from 2001–02 when the system is fully implemented. I shall make a further statement on the Government's plans under resource accounting and budgeting in due course.

  Car Parking
  Mr. Brake
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many car park spaces are provided for his Department's(a) Ministers, (b) employees and (c) visitors in (i) London and (ii) the United Kingdom. [19363]

  Mrs. Liddell
  [holding answer 8 December 1997]There are six parking spaces allocated to Ministers, and 46 available to Treasury staff and visitors in London. There are no other parking facilities outside London.

  Banks and Building Societies
  Mr. Love
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) how many bank and building society branches in(a) England and Wales and (b) Scotland were open in each year between 1979 and 1996; [19723]

  (2) if she will list the number of open banks and building society branches in (a) England and Wales and (b) Scotland, together with the number and percentage rate of closed branches, broken down into the smallest available geographical areas, in each year between 1989 and 1996; [19724]

  (3) how many bank and building society branches in Northern Ireland were open in each year between 1979 and 1996; [19721]

  (4) if he will list the number of open bank and building society branches in Northern Ireland, together with the number and percentage rate of closed branches, broken down into the smallest available areas, in each year between 1989 and 1996. [19722]

  Mrs. Liddell
  The Treasury does not have this information.

  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his current estimate of the amount of windfall gains from the demutualisation of building societies that will be spent in the current and forthcoming financial years; and how this differs from his estimate at the time of the July budget. [19702]

  Mrs. Liddell
  Estimates of spending out of windfall gains are set out in the box on "Windfall Payments" in Appendix A of the November 1997 Pre-Budget Report (Cm 3804, page 75).

  Insurance
  Mr. Pendry
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received about the inability of travel agents to value-shift between holiday and insurance products. [19661]

  Dawn Primarolo
  I have received a number of such representations but all the evidence suggests that value shifting between holiday and insurance is widespread in the travel industry, as reflected by respective profit margins applied to these products.
  508
  Mr. Pendry
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the latest estimate of the tax gain resulting from the higher insurance premium tax rate; and what are the reasons for the change in his previous estimate of £70 million. [19663]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The latest estimate of the overall tax gain from applying the higher rate of insurance premium tax to travel insurance is £60 million. This revision from the earlier estimate of £70 million took place prior to the introduction of this measure and reflected a reassessment of the share of the UK travel insurance market enjoyed by travel agents and tour operators.

  Mr. Pendry
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what evidence he has received showing that the lower rate of insurance premium tax is being used as a marketing promotion by those insurance retailers who compete with travel agents levied at the higher rate. [19665]

  Dawn Primarolo
  I have received a number of examples of advertising literature on travel insurance, some of which mention the higher rate of insurance premium tax charged by travel agents.

  Veterinary Fees
  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much was received from value added tax levied on fees charged by veterinary surgeons in the last financial year for which figures are available; and how much was received from VAT on medicines sold by veterinary surgeries; and if he will reduce the level. [18932]

  Dawn Primarolo
  In the year to 31 March 1997, £80 million net VAT was received from veterinary practices. Figures are not separately available for VAT on veterinary surgeons' fees and medicines sold by veterinary surgeries, as veterinary practices are not required to show these amounts separately on their VAT returns. The Government have no plans to reduce the level of VAT on such supplies. However, there is already a VAT zero rate on veterinary medicines where they are supplied to animal welfare charities that provide treatment to sick animals.

  VAT (Domiciliary Care)
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the Government's policy regarding VAT on domiciliary care services. [19160]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The policy on the VAT treatment of domiciliary care services depends upon their nature. Where those services constitute medical care or welfare they are exempt from VAT. Domestic services such as laundry, cleaning, etc. do not qualify for VAT relief under any exemption. However, many of these are provided by people below the threshold for VAT and are tax free.

  Economic and Monetary Union
  Mr. Sayeed
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what calculations he has made of the total unfunded pension liabilities of the member states of the European Community; and what assessment he has made of the potential impact of that liability within EMU on interest rates to the year 2025. [18987]
  509
  Mrs. Liddell
  The Treasury has made no independent calculations of other Member States' unfunded pension liabilities. Estimates and projections of pension expenditure by Member States are available in "Public pension expenditure prospects in the European Union; A survey of national projections" published by the European Commission in European Economy No. 3 1996. Pension liabilities are unlikely to have a major impact on interest rates, given the rigorous constraints imposed by the Stability Pact on public borrowing.

  Government Assets
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what guidance he has given on the arrangements for determining which assets listed in the register of Government assets are surplus to requirements. [18651]

  Mr. Darling
  It is for each individual Department, as part of the Comprehensive Spending Review, to review its asset holdings as set out in the National Asset Register and decide whether they meet the Department's aims and objectives. If they do not, it is for Departments to decide the appropriate course of action in each case. The measures I announced on 24 November will give Departments the right incentives to do this.

  Statistical Surveys
  Mr. Swinney
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if(a) the Family Expenditure Survey, (b) the Family Resources Survey, (c) the British Household Panel Survey, (d) the New Earnings Survey, (e) the General Household Survey and (f) the Social Attitudes Survey include samples from the area north and west of a line from Fort William to Inverness; if these surveys can be disaggregated to a Scottish level; and if he will increase the sample size of these surveys so that accurate statistics be produced for Scotland. [19154]

  Mrs. Liddell
  [holding answer 8 December 1997]The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Chief Executive of the Office for National Statistics. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from Tim Holt to Mr. John Swinney, dated 9 December 1997:
  The Chancellor of the Exchequer has asked me to reply, as the Director of the Office for National Statistics (ONS), to your recent question on the sampling arrangements for various surveys and the disaggregation of survey analyses to a Scottish level.
  As regards the Family Expenditure Survey (FES) and the General Household Survey (GHS), samples include the mainland part of Scotland north of the Caledonian Canal (i.e. line from Fort William to Inverness) but do not include the islands.
  The samples are designed to be representative of Scotland, minus the islands, and some analyses from these surveys are produced for Scotland. However, the sample sizes are not large enough to produce reliably all the analyses available for Great Britain.
  The New Earnings Survey (NES) is a 1% sample of employees in Great Britain who are members of pay-as-you-earn (PAYE) income tax schemes. The sample includes employees north of the Caledonian Canal. Results from the NES can be disaggregated to unitary authority level in Scotland.
  The Family Resources Survey (FRS) is sponsored by the Department of Social Security. It does not include samples from the area north of the Caledonian Canal due to the disproportionate fieldwork costs in this area. Some analyses are (can be) produced for the population of Scotland south of the Caledonian Canal but
  510
  the sample sizes are not large enough for all the analyses that are available for Great Britain. The information on this survey was provided by a statistician from the Government Statistical Service within the Department of Social Security.
  ONS co-ordinates the user requirements for a number of nation-wide surveys—including the FES, GHS and NES—in consultation with other government departments including the Scottish Office. Departmental requests for increases in the sample sizes of these surveys in particular areas, and their source of funding, are considered along with all other requests for information from the surveys. There are no plans to increase the sample size of the FRS in Scotland.
  Information regarding the British Household Panel Survey can be obtained from Nick Buck (01206 873 066) at the ESRC Research Centre on Micro-Social Change at the University of Essex.
  Information regarding the Social Attitudes Survey can be obtained from Alison Park (0171 250 1866) at Social and Community Planning Research.

  Devolution
  Mr. Timms
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what arrangements will be made for determining changes to the budgets of the Scottish Parliament and National Assembly for Wales under devolution; and if he will make a statement. [20062]

  Mr. Darling
  The Government set out their position on the funding of the budgets for the Scottish Parliament and National Assembly for Wales in the White Papers published in July (Cm 3658 and Cm 3718). The key to these arrangements is block budgets which the devolved Administrations, like the Secretaries of State now, will be free to deploy between the functions under their control in response to local priorities. Changes in these block budgets will be linked to changes in equivalent English spending plans by the Barnett formula which gives Scotland and Wales a population-based share of planned changes in comparable spending in England.

  In order to help inform debate about these arrangements during the passage of the Scotland and Wales Bills, the Government published yesterday a statement of the principles which govern the existing block/formula arrangements and which will continue to do so under devolution. A copy of the statement is appended. Copies were placed yesterday in the Libraries of both Houses and referred to by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales when he opened the Second Reading debate on the Government of Wales Bill.

  Although the block and formula arrangements have operated for nearly 20 years, this is the first time that these principles have been spelt out in public.

  Devolution

    PRINCIPLES TO GOVERN DETERMINATION OF THE BLOCK BUDGETS FOR THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT AND NATIONAL ASSEMBLY FOR WALES
    1. The Government set out its position on the Block and formula arrangements in its White Papers on Scottish and Welsh devolution published in July (Cm 3658 and Cm 3718 respectively). The Scottish White Paper, Scotland's Parliament, said:
    "In practice these arrangements, based on the Block and formula, have produced fair settlements for Scotland in annual public expenditure rounds and have allowed the Secretary of State for Scotland to determine his spending decisions in accordance with Scottish needs and priorities. They have largely removed the need for annual negotiation between the Scottish Office and the Treasury. The Government have therefore concluded that the financial

    511
    framework for the Scottish Parliament should be based on these existing arrangements with, in future, the Scottish Parliament determining Scottish spending priorities."
    The Wales White Paper, A Voice for Wales, said:
    "The Government proposes that the financial arrangements for the Assembly will largely replicate the existing system.
    Annual changes to the Welsh Block will be calculated by the population-based formula used at the moment. These arrangements based on the Block and formula have worked in practice, producing fair settlements for Wales in annual public expenditure rounds."
    2. The Scottish Parliament and National Assembly for Wales will therefore have block budgets, which they will be free to allocate in response to local priorities among the functions under their control and for which they will be accountable to local people. This note outlines the principles set out in the White Papers and describes how they will govern changes made to these block budgets under devolution.
    Setting Scotland's and Wales' shares of UK public expenditure: the "Barnett" formula
    Existing position
    3. All UK tax revenues are pooled. Decisions about the allocation of UK public expenditure are made in the light of the Government's judgement of relative priorities and relative needs. Changes to the shares of public expenditure available to the Secretaries of State for Scotland and Wales are determined by a formula linked to changes in provision for equivalent spending programmes in England.
    4. This formula, which has operated for almost 20 years, is known as the "Barnett" formula. It provides that, in settling new plans for public expenditure, Scotland and Wales should receive a share of the planned cash changes in provision for equivalent public services in England which is proportionate to their population. In other words, Scotland's and Wales' shares of changes in relevant planned spending in England are the same proportions as their populations represent of England's population. The formula applies only to changes in spending plans, not to the underlying baselines which remain unaffected. The formula also applies only to changes in the block budgets: expenditure in Scotland and Wales, and expenditure on nationalised industries in Scotland, is outside the block budgets at present and
    After devolution
    5. These arrangements will continue under devolution, with only minor adjustments. Changes to the block budgets for which the Scottish Parliament and the National Assembly for Wales will become responsible will continue to be determined by a formula linked to changes in provision for the equivalent spending programmes in England. The formula will continue to be based on relative populations. The spending for which the devolved administrations in Scotland and Wales will assume responsibility is set out in the annexes to this note.
    6. The Government intends that these population shares will be re-calculated annually on the basis of the latest population estimates for England, Scotland and Wales published each year by the Office of National Statistics. The population ratios will next be updated for the purpose of determining changes in the Scottish and Welsh block budgets for 1999–2000.
    7. The Government intends that this population-based formula will apply to changes in almost all the expenditure under the control of the Scottish Parliament and National Assembly for Wales. It will not apply to changes in agriculture programmes 100 per cent. funded by the EU. The Government will also want to consider whether this approach or another formula is appropriate in relation to provision for Council Tax Benefit and Housing Benefit which will both come within the Scottish Block for the first time after devolution; Housing Benefit is already within the Welsh Block, but, as in Scotland, Council Tax Benefit will come within the Block for the first time.
    Adjustments to the Scottish and Welsh block budgets not determined by the Barnett formula
    8. There are a number of circumstances in which the block budgets under the control of the Secretary of State for Scotland and Wales are open to adjustment other than on the basis of the Barnett formula. These exceptions will continue to apply under devolution. Adjustments may be made where:

    (a) the UK Government decides to make a uniform general adjustment to public expenditure programmes;

    (b) action taken by the Scottish or Welsh administrations in a devolved area has knock-on costs for the UK Government or vice versa. The block budgets may be adjusted downwards to compensate for costs incurred by the UK Government as a result of the action of the devolved administrations, or upwards to compensate the devolved administrations for costs which they incur as a result of actions by the UK Government and are not allowed for through the operation of the Barnett formula. The block budgets will not however be adjusted upwards by reason of additional costs incurred as a result of actions by the UK Government which the UK Government is expecting English departments with parallel responsibilities to absorb within existing spending plans;

    (c) the devolved administrations receive capital receipts as a result of a privatisation or major change in the role of the public sectors in Scotland or Wales. In these circumstances, the block budgets may be adjusted downwards in the year in which the receipts occur to reflect the continuing interest in these receipts of UK taxpayers as a whole who financed the underlying capital assets in the past. Proceeds from the sales of other capital assets under the control of the Scottish Parliament or National Assembly for Wales will be available to be re-cycled within Scotland or Wales;

    (d) the devolved administrations receive significant trading surpluses from the commercial exploitation of publicly funded assets: the Uk Government may take these surpluses into account in settling block budgets;

    (e) local authority self-financed expenditure grows more rapidly than equivalent expenditure in England over a period and in such a way as to threaten targets set for public expenditure as part of the management of the UK economy. In such circumstances it will be open to the UK Government to take the excess into account in considering the level of the block budgets.

    9. These principles concern the determination of changes to the block budgets under the control of the Scottish Parliament and the National Assembly for Wales, not the level of Westminster grant to support these budgets. The latter may also be affected by changes in the level of self-financed items of expenditure—local authority capital expenditure funded by borrowing, for example—which currently count towards the block Budgets.
    In-year changes to the block budgets for Scotland and Wales
    10. The arrangements outlined above apply to changes in the plans for expenditure in future years in Scotland and Wales. These paragraphs deal with changes in-year to the budgets arrived at under the arrangements outlined above and in particular with access to the UK Reserve for the devolved Scottish and Welsh administrations.
    11. The general presumption, as at present, is that the Scottish and Welsh administrations will contain in-year pressures on their budgets by re-allocating priorities within their Blocks, not through access to the UK Reserve. Access to the Reserve may however be considered at the discretion of the UK Government in exceptional circumstances and specifically where:

    (a) the Government is making available additional provision in-year for equivalent services in England in order to cope with exceptional circumstances affecting the UK as a whole unforeseen at the time spending plans for the year concerned were settled; and

    513

    (b) Scotland or Wales face exceptional and unforeseen domestic costs—arising, for example, from a natural disaster—which cannot be reasonably absorbed within the planned block budgets without major dislocation to existing services.

    Revising these principles
    12. As noted above, the formula will be updated annually to take account of population changes and from time to time to take account of other technical changes. Any more substantial revision would need to be preceded by an in-depth study of relative spending requirements and would be the subject of full consultation between the devolved administrations and the UK Government.
    Spending programmes forming part of the Scottish Block

    Domestic agriculture, fisheries and food (after devolution)

    Forestry (after devolution)

    Industry, enterprise and training

    Roads and transport

    Housing

    Other environmental services

    Law, order and protective services

    Education

    Arts and libraries

    Health

    Social Work Services

    Other public services

    ESF

    ERDF

    Nationalised Industries (after devolution)

    Council Tax Benefit (after devolution)

    Local authority expenditure

    Spending programmes forming part of the Welsh Block

    Domestic Agriculture (after devolution)

    Forestry (after devolution)

    Health and Personal Social Services

    Transport

    Industry, Trade and Employment

    Training (excluding ESF)

    Education

    Housing

    Other Environmental Services

    Arts and Libraries

    Local Government

    Central Administration

    Office of Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Schools in Wales

    European Regional Development Fund

    Council Tax Benefit (after devolution).

  ECOFIN
  Ms Lawrence
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the council meeting of the Economic and Finance Ministers of the European Union held on 1 December. [19569]

  Mr. Gordon Brown
  I represented the UK at the Economic and Finance Council—ECOFIN—of the European Union in Brussels on 1 December. The Financial Secretary accompanied me.

  The Council agreed a package of measures for tackling harmful tax competition in the EU. This comprises a Code of Conduct on Business Taxation, and agreement that the
  514
  Commission should come forward with proposals on the taxation of savings by non-residents, and on interest and royalty payments between companies in different Member States.

  The Council continued its discussion of economic co-ordination in Stage 3 of EMU, in the response to the remit from the Amsterdam European Council in June this year. No agreement was reached on what ECOFIN' s report to the European Council should say about proposals for informal discussions of issues relating to Economic and Monetary Union. The European Council will consider this at Luxembourg on 12 and 13 December.

  Agreement was reached on a common position on the FISCALIS programme (which facilitates administrative co-operation between the indirect tax authorities).

  The Council noted the important economic and fiscal issues surrounding the development of electronic commerce.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  Tourism
  Mr. Healey
  To ask the Security of State for Culture, Media and Sport what job opportunities the tourism industry can offer as part of the New Deal programme. [17996]

  Mr. Tom Clarke
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Aberdeen, North (Mr. Savidge) on 8 December 1997,Official Report, columns 465–66.

  Sport and Schools
  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) how many sportsmark award have been awarded in the past 12 months; [19478]

  (2) how many gold star awards have been awarded since April 1997; [19479]

  (3) if he will list those schools which have received sportsmark awards in the past 12 months, indicating the date of award. [19481]

  Mr. Banks
  The first round of Sportsmark and Sportsmark Gold awards were made in June this year. Three hundred and eighty-two schools achieved a Sportsmark award and a further 30 achieved a Sportsmark Gold. A full list of successful schools has today been placed in the Libraries of the House.

  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what actions he is taking arising from the audit of the in-service needs of teachers and schools undertaken by the National Coaching Foundation; [19483]

  (2) what plans the National Coaching Foundation has to organise further training weeks for teachers and trainees, indicating the sports involved and the number of teachers participating. [19486]

  Mr. Banks
  The National Coaching Foundation (NCF) delivers the coaching for teachers programme on behalf of the English Sports Council (ESC). This is a four year programme. The second year of the programme will be run in spring-summer 1998.
  515
  There will be coaching for teachers weeks in every Sports Council region. Sports included in the programme are cricket, hockey, swimming, athletics, football, netball, rugby and tennis. Following the evaluation of the needs of teachers and schools conducted by the NCF during the pilot scheme, two new sports, badminton and volleyball, are to be introduced in 1998, as well as sports for people with disabilities including boccia.

  About, 8,000 teachers took part last year and a similar number are expected to attend in 1998.

  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many hours of sporting opportunity per week are required to achieve a sportsmark. [19480]

  Mr. Banks
  In order to achieve a Sportsmark award schools should provide a minimum of two hours a week of timetable PE lessons for every pupil and a minimum of four hours a week of organised sport outside timetabled lessons for all interested students.

  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what has been the take-up of moneys from the Challenge Fund to assist school or club links; [19492]

  (2) what steps he is taking to promote links between sporting clubs and schools. [19502]

  Mr. Banks
  One of the criteria for the Sportsmark award is for schools to develop links with a number of local sports clubs as a way of providing students with further opportunities outside school hours.

  A £1 million Challenge Fund was made available in October 1996 to promote links between local schools and clubs or governing bodies of sport. Guidance was sent to all secondary schools and over 400 schools successfully applied and received financial support for local initiatives that established or strengthened the links between local schools and clubs.

  The take-up of moneys in the first year of the scheme was around half a million pounds. A similar amount is budgeted for the 1997–98 academic year.

  Sport (Participation)
  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans he has for further regional conferences to generate interest in sports participation. [19489]

  Mr. Banks
  We are planning to hold a series of regional conferences in the new year.

  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how he is implementing the OFSTED survey's findings on the need for improved co-ordination of information to young people to help them towards independent adult sport participation. [19488]

  Mr. Banks
  The English Sports Council are currently working on proposals for a Community Sports Co-ordinators Initiative. The Co-ordinator would be based in a secondary school with the task of liaising and working closely with all the agencies and providers beyond the schools to ensure the best possible provision of physical education and sport for pupils at school and when they leave.
  516
  In addition, the Top Club initiative, developed by the Youth Sport Trust, the English Sports Council and the governing bodies of sport is designed to help clubs build a better future in sport for children of all ages through the governing bodies of sport. This initiative is currently being piloted.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Child Care
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what amount of funding she will be allocating for child care centres in 1998–99; how many child care centres will be proposed for Northern Ireland; and if she will make a statement. [18224]

  Mr. Worthington
  [holding answer 28 November 1997]We will announce shortly the level of funding in 1998–99 for a planned expansion of high-quality pre-school education in Northern Ireland. The number of centres to be funded will be determined at local level by Education and Library Boards in consultation with local pre-school Education Advisory Groups and may include settings in the private, voluntary and statutory sectors.

  Additional funding for out-of-school activities will begin in April 1999, but during 1998–99 details of the arrangements will be made known and applications sought from providers.

  Fair Employment Legislation
  Mr. McGrady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when she plans to implement the recommendations contained in the SACHR Review on Fair Employment legislation. [18591]

  Mr. Worthington
  The Government's consideration of the recommendations contained in the Standing Advisory Commission on Human Rights report on employment equality is well advanced. The Secretary of State has already indicated certain recommendations on which the Government propose to take action—clarification of the law on direct recruitment of the long-term unemployed and firmer powers against persistent discriminators. The Government will give a response to the full range of SACHR's proposals in a paper to be published early in the New Year. Decisions on foot of SACHR's recommendations will be implemented as soon as possible.

WALES

  Gross Domestic Product
  Mr. Denzil Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is his estimate of the GDP per capita of(a) South West Wales and (b) North Wales as a percentage of the (i) United Kingdom and (ii) European Union averages. [19110]
  517
  Mr. Hain
  The latest available information is shown in the following table.

  Gross Domestic Product per head, 1994

  PPS1 units (thousands)

  Percentage of United Kingdom average

  Percentage of European Union average

  Dyfed (South West Wales)

  11.9

  72

  71

  Gwynedd and Clwyd (North Wales)

  13.8

  84

  83

  Source Eurostat.

  1Figures are given in PPS (purchasing power standard) units to cancel out differences in price levels between countries.

  Breast Implants
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what provision there is within the National Health Service in Wales for women who suffer from ruptured silicone breast implants, to have them removed. [19287]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  The removal of a ruptured silicone breast implant is a clinical matter for individual clinicians to address with their patients.

  Agri-environment Scheme
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the(a) name of, (b) employer of and (c) organisation being represented by each of the members of the Wales Agri-environment Steering Group. [19670]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  There is no Steering Group for the new agri-environment scheme; my right hon. Friend will decide the form the scheme is to take.

  The members of the Working Group which is advising us on the technical detail of the management prescriptions for each feature have been chosen for their personal expertise; they do not represent any organisation. They are as follows:

  Name

  Employer

  Mr. D. Archer

  Snowdonia National Park

  Mr. J. D. Cowie

  Welsh Office

  Mr. H. Davies

  The Forestry Authority

  Mr. C. Gillmore

  Countryside Council for Wales

  Mr. G. E. Jones

  Farming and Rural Conservation Agency

  Ms C. Keenleyside

  Countryside Council for Wales

  Mr. Bob Merriman

  Environment Agency

  Ms R. Nowell-Phillips

  Farmers Union Wales

  Mr. B. Pawson

  Countryside Council for Wales

  Dr. S. Rees

  Cadw

  Mr. J. Salmon

  Country Landowners Association (Wales)

  Mr. M. Thomas

  National Farmers Union (Wales)

  Mr. N. Thomas

  Royal Society for the Protection of Birds

  Mr. J. Young

  Welsh Office

  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is the planned budget of the All Wales Agri-environment Scheme in each of the next three years. [19671]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  The allocation of funds for the new scheme is yet to be decided.

  Less Favoured Areas
  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the level of Objective 5B funding in the less-favoured areas of Wales in(a) 1993, (b) 1994, (c) 1995 and (d) 1996. [19919]

  Mr. Hain
  There is not direct relationship between less favoured area status and objective 5B funding, and records are not kept in the form requested.

  Local Authority Spending
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what has been the level of spending by local authorities in each year since 1991–92; and if he will indicate the annual percentage change in real terms. [19824]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  The information requested is given in the following table.

  Local authority expenditure in Wales1

  Net revenue expenditure (£ million) (Cash prices)

  Annual percentage change in real terms(Constant 1997–98 prices)

  1991–92

  2,411.2

  5.0

  1992–93

  2,577.1

  2.6

  1993–94

  2,554.8

  -3.7

  1994–95

  2,684.0

  3.5

  1995–96

  2,862.9

  3.8

  1996–972

  2,969.6

  0.9

  1997–983

  3,005.0

  —1.5

  1Excluding expenditure funded by specific grants. For consistency, the figures shown for the years prior to 1995–96 have been adjusted to include police specific grants. Includes additional resources for community care for 1993–94 onwards. The annual changes in 1992–93 and 1993–94 were effected by the transfer of higher and further education colleges from the local authority sector on 1 April 1992 and 1 April 1993.

  2Provisional outturn.

  3Budget.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Disabled People
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) if he will ensure during the United Kingdom presidency that implementation of United Nations Standard Rules for the Equalisation of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities is subject to annual review; [19676]

  (2) what arrangements exist to monitor progress towards implementing the UN Standard Rules for the Equalisation of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities. [19681]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  [holding answer 8 December 1997]Progress towards implementing the UN Standard Rules for the Equalisation of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities is monitored by the UN Special Rapporteur on Disability, Bendt Lindqvist, whose work the Government support.
  519
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment who will be involved in the review of the threshold exempting employers with fewer than 20 employees from the employment provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. [19678]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  The review of the exemption provision includes a consultation exercise to gather views and evidence from a wide range of disability organisations, particularly those representing the interests of disabled people in employment or seeking employment, and employer organisations, especially those representing the interests of small firms, as well as individual disabled people and employers. The review will include meetings with interested parties.

  The Government will consider the responses to the consultation carefully before deciding whether the threshold should be lowered to extend the Act's employment rights to more disabled employees and job applicants.

  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what will be the time scale of the review of the 20 employee threshold in the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. [19677]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  Section 7 of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 requires that a review of the effects of the small employer exemption threshold must be completed within nine months. I announced such a review on 3 December 1997 and expect that it will be completed in the late Spring of 1998. Any change to the threshold has to be made within one year of the review commencing.

  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment whether he will ensure that research into the impact of European economic policy on disabled people is commissioned during the UK presidency. [19682]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  DfEE officials have provided the European Commission with details of research undertaken across Government into disability issues. This information will be used by the Commission in conjunction with similar reports from the other member states to identify where there is a significant need for co-ordinated research at a European level. It is not yet possible to say which subjects, if any, the Commission will identify as suitable for this kind of treatment but no areas have been ruled out.

  The Department has an extensive and continuing programme of disability research which addresses current priorities. The Department routinely publishes the results of the research it commissions in line with the requirements of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

  New Deal
  Mr. Willis
  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. [19180]

  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 as soon as possible.

  School Sport
  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many(a) primary and (b) secondary schools are currently providing sports annual reports and prospectuses. [19482]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  All maintained schools are required to publish in their prospectus a statement indicating the aims of the governing body with respect to sport at their school and the provision made for sport. In its annual report to parents, the governing body must indicate the extent to which its aims were met and to give details of any notable sporting achievements by the school's teams. In our White Paper "Excellence in schools" we undertook to consult on the balance between requiring schools to include specific information and leaving more to their discretion.

  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many teachers coaching at(a) primary school level have obtained NVQ 1 and (b) secondary level have obtained NVQ 2. [19484]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  This information is not collected by the Department.

  Rushey Mead School, Leicester
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how much aid he plans to give to Rushey Mead School, Leicester, under the New Deal for Schools. [19177]

  Mr. Byers
  All LEAs will be entitled to bid, on behalf of the schools they maintain, for the £1 billion-worth of resources which remains to be allocated under the New Deal for Schools, in addition to the £83 million that has already been allocated in the first round of NDS. Bids will be considered on the same basis as in the first round; namely, cost-effectiveness, urgency, and how far they will raise educational standards.

  If Rushey Mead School believes that it has a project that can be supported by NDS, I suggest that it discusses with Leicester City Council the possibility of including it in a future bid for NDS resources.

  National Curriculum (Music)
  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will ensure that music is made part of the national curriculum. [19350]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  Music is a foundation subject in key stages 1, 2 and 3 of the National Curriculum.

  Development Education
  Sir Alastair Goodlad
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) what is his Department's estimate of the cost of providing relevant teaching materials for the integration of development issues into the national curriculum; [18941]

  (2) what arrangements will be made to ensure that the development education material proposed by the White Paper "Eliminating World Poverty" will be presented in an objective manner; [18947]
  521
  (3) which Minister in his Department is responsible for integrating development issues into the national curriculum. [18948]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  I am responsible for the school curriculum, including the National Curriculum, and its assessment. There are already requirements and opportunities for pupils to study development issues through the National Curriculum, particularly in geography and history. The choice of materials to support the school curriculum is primarily a matter for individual schools. I understand, however, that the Department for International Development makes funds available to support organisations which produce materials to help schools address these issues.

  There are legal safeguards against biased teaching in schools. Schools are required to ensure that pupils are offered a balanced presentation of opposing views when they are taught about any political issue.

  E-mail
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, pursuant to the answer from the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on 10 November 1997,Official Report, column 441, if he will list the e-mail addresses of (a) Ministers, (b) senior officials and (c) chief executives of agencies for which he is responsible. [15879]

  Dr. Howells
  [holding answer 13 November 1997]The Department is planning to introduce a Department-wide Internet e-mail service by the end of this year. We will publish the information requested, on the Department's Internet home page, in the New Year, as soon as implementation of the new service has been completed.

  Pupil Admission Appeals
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many appeals he has heard concerning pupil admissions to(a) GM primary schools; and (b) non-GM primary schools; and, in each case, how many time she has ruled that schools should accept additional pupils in classes in excess of 29 pupils. [19491]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  School admission appeals are heard by statutory independent appeal committees. The Secretary of State does, however, have a duty to consider any referral from a school directed under section 431 of the Education Act 1996 to accept a pupil. Since 1 May, he has only considered two primary school referrals, both from the same GM school. In each case the directions were issued by Essex LEA and resulted in a decision by the Secretary of State that the school should admit the pupil to a class in excess of 29.

  Careers Service
  Mr. Edward Davey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how much money was allocated to the Careers Service in London in(a) 1991–92, (b) 1992–93, (c) 1993–94, (d) 1994–95, (e) 1995–96 and (f) 1996–97; what sums have been allocated for (i) 1997–98 and (ii) 1998–99; and if he will make a statement. [19373]
  522
  Mr. Alan Howarth
  The former Employment Department, which became part of the Department for Education and Employment in July 1995, allocated money for the careers services in London as follows:

  £ million

  1994–95

  25.3

  1995–96

  26.2

  1996–97

  26.5

  1997–98

  25.8

  Amounts for 1998–99 are not decided.

  Until 1994 careers services were largely financed through the Department of the Environment's Revenue Support Grant. Separate budget allocations for careers service regions within this budget are not available.

  Child Care
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when he expects to publish the National Strategy for Child Care. [19948]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  We are currently developing the National Child Care Strategy which will help parents, especially women, to balance family and working life and will make an announcement in the first part of next year.

  Equal Opportunities Commission
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to vary the level of grant in aid to the Equal Opportunities Commission. [19987]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  The grant in aid for the Equal Opportunities Commission in 1998–99 will be set out in the DfEE Departmental Report, to be published in the new year.

  National Targets
  Mr. Touhig
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to update the national targets for education and training. [15144]

  Mr. Blunkett
  I will today announce the publication of a Consultation Document on the National Targets—"Targets for our Future", copies of which are being placed in the Library. The Government are inviting views on a number of new Targets which they believe better reflect their priorities and are more likely to generate the widespread commitment that is essential if we are to improve skills levels and be a competitive and inclusive nation.

  Education and Work
  Mr. Watts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to improve the range and quality of opportunities for young people to link their education to work. [18478]

  Mr. Blunkett
  Today I shall be making a public announcement about investing in Young People, a strategy designed to tackle the problem of under-achievement, widen the range and improve the quality of education and training available to young people aged 14–18 and prepare them for the world of work. The strategy is aimed at making sure as many as
  523
  possible of our young people stay on in education and training after the age of 16, and that everyone in this age group achieves their full potential. As a Government we are committed to ensuring that all education and training for these young people provide the essential foundation for lifelong employability.

  The measures which make up the investing in Young People strategy include:

  I. All schools to set targets for raising attainment of qualifications at NVQ Level 2 at age 16.

  II. Widening the range of vocational options and the work relevance of the curriculum for 14–16 year olds.

  III. Introducing a single school leaving date at the end of June each year, so that no child should be able to leave school, in the year they become 16, until they have had a chance to sit for GCSE or other external examinations.

  IV. Measures to help young people plan and manage their own learning—including a new National Record of Achievement.

  V. The introduction of a Learning Card, promoting young people's entitlement to continue in learning post-16.

  VI. Refocusing the Careers Service to target support and guidance on those who need it most.

  VII. Developing a New Start strategy to re-engage disaffected young people from age 14 upwards in learning, where they have already dropped out or are in danger of doing so.

  VIII. Legislating to ensure that all young employees—with the support of their employer—can undertake education and training up to NVQ Level 2.

  IX. Introducing National Traineeships as a high-quality work-based route to NVQ level 2, building on the successful Modern Apprenticeships and including key skills.

  X. Raising Standards by improving the quality of all post-16 provision: setting targets, identifying success, spreading good practice, and eliminating failure.

  Schools, colleges TECs, careers services and the Youth Service all have a part to play in achieving our goals. But the involvement of employers is also essential. We want all employers to commit themselves to the training needs of all their young employees. If all our employers emulate the performance of the best, we will have the best-trained workforce in Europe.

  A booklet accompanying the launch of the investing in Young People strategy is being widely distributed to partners throughout industry, education and training, and copies will be available in the Library.

  Employment Zones
  Mr. Michael Jabez Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what progress has been made on introducing prototype employment zones; and if he will make a statement. [20116]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  On 17 November, I received bids from local partnerships in the eight areas invited to put forward proposals for prototype Employment Zones. All were of a high standard and included innovative solutions to local problems.

  I am pleased to announce that I have now decided to make funds available to the following five areas to develop prototype Employment Zones: Glasgow, Liverpool, North West Wales, Plymouth and South Teesside.
  524
  We will also be examining how best to carry forward the good work completed in the other three areas which submitted proposals.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Potato Sprays
  Mr. Blizzard
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what research his Department has evaluated into the effect on wildlife of spraying potato crops with sulphuric acid. [19242]

  Mr. Rooker
  All pesticides are carefully evaluated and approval for marketing or use is given only if it is established that a given product can be used without unacceptable risks to people, wildlife and the wider environment.

  The independent Advisory Committee on Pesticides reviewed the approval of sulphuric acid in October and recommended that use could continue subject to specific restrictions.

  Food Packaging
  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of whether consumers have adequate information about food packaging which is potentially disruptive to endocrine systems. [19711]

  Mr. Rooker
  It is recognised by most scientists that evidence of the disruption to endocrine systems by chemicals which might migrate from packaging is not conclusive at present and that considerable further research is required before there is adequate information about effects and causes. The Government have an active programme of research and surveillance on the migration of chemicals from packaging including possible "endocrine disrupters". The results of this work are reported in the MAFF/DH "Food Safety Information Bulletin" together with advice from expert committees.

  Irradiated Food
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on his policy in respect of irradiated foodstuffs. [19791]

  Mr. Rooker
  The irradiation of food is permitted provided it has been irradiated in accordance with the Food (Control of Irradiation) Regulations 1990 and labelled in accordance with the Food Labelling Regulations 1996. The Government support the common position text of the proposed food irradiation Directive agreed by the Council of Ministers on 27 October 1997.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the adequacy of diagnostic tests to detect food that has been irradiated. [19790]

  Mr. Rooker
  The Department has developed an extensive range of methods to detect irradiated foods. Of these, four have been published in the Department's series of reports on non-statutory validated methods and a
  525
  further six are currently in the process of being validated. Together, these cover all the categories of food that might be irradiated.

  Cattle Slaughter Scheme
  Mr. Dawson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food pursuant to his answer of 13 November 1997,Official Report, column 619, (1) when he expects to make a statement on his preferred option for the disposal of meat and bonemeal arising from the over-30-months scheme; [198201]

  (2) further to his answer of 13 November 1997, Official Report, column 619, if he will make a statement on the options for disposal of animal carcases under the over-thirty-months scheme. [19845]

  Mr. Rooker
  The Government will announce their decisions on the various disposal options when a wide range of investigations and negotiations are complete. Good progress is being made and the Intervention Board will write this week to companies which bid for incineration under its integrated tender.

  Mr. Dawson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what guidance he has issued on the use or disposal of tallow produced from the render of animals under the over-30-months scheme. [19781]

  Mr. Rooker
  The majority of tallow produced under the over-30-months scheme (OTMS) is being stored pending a decision being taken on the disposal options. These are under active consideration. In the meantime, subject to the consent of the local authority, a small amount of OTMS tallow is being burned as fuel to power the rendering process.

  Beef Assurance Scheme
  Mr. Charles Kennedy
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps have been taken to ensure that markets and processors are notified of the details of the Beef Assurance Scheme; and if he will make a statement. [19846]

  Dr. John Cunningham
  Further to the answer given to the hon. Member on 19 November 1997,Official Report, column 229, the organisations which received details of the Beef Assurance Scheme included the main trade organisations representing livestock auctioneers, meat wholesalers, meat manufacturers, butchers and producers of meat products, as well as consumers and other bodies.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Telecommunications Council
  Mr. Ivan Lewis
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what decisions were taken at the EU Ministerial Council on Telecommunications on 1 December; and what matters were voted upon. [20240]

  Mrs. Roche
  I represented the UK at the Telecommunications Council held in Brussels on 1 December.

  The Council reached unanimous agreement on a multi-annual programme to stimulate the establishment of the information society in Europe (Stimulis). There was
  526
  political agreement to adoption shortly of a common position on a directive, amending directive 97/33/EC on interconnection in telecommunications, concerning number portability and carrier pre-selection. The Council also unanimously adopted, without discussion, a directive on the processing of personal data and the protection of privacy in the telecommunications sector. There was also a televised debate on internet issues.

  Following European Commission presentations, the Council adopted conclusions on two Commission Communications: on the further development of mobile and wireless communications in Europe (universal mobile telecommunications system); and on digital signatures and encryption in electronic communication. The Commission also made oral presentations on a Communication on implementation by Member States of Community legislation in the telecommunications sector, and on the forthcoming Commission Green Paper on convergence in broadcasting, telecommunications and information technology. The Council took note of a progress report on negotiations on a draft directive on terminal equipment.

  I raised the problem of the century date change for computer systems and presented a paper on the subject.

  Insurance Companies
  Gillian Merron
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans she has to change the regulations made under the Insurance Companies Act 1982 regarding financial reporting by insurance companies. [20242]

  Mrs. Beckett
  Regulations have been laid before Parliament which make certain amendments to the Insurance Companies (Accounts and Statements) Regulations 1996 in the light of experience of the first year of implementation. These amendments are set out below.

  The information which life insurance companies are required to submit in respect of the long term business in their annual returns has been extended to provide the regulator with the additional detail necessary to be satisfied that "with profits" life insurance policies are meeting the reasonable expectations of policyholders.

  Two areas of disclosure have been removed from the scope of audit. Firstly, it was the intention under the previous Regulations that the inclusion of directors' certification on compliance with the money laundering guidelines within the scope of audit be optional, in recognition that in the normal course of business auditors are unlikely to be in a position to give an opinion on the reasonableness of this statement. The amendment clarifies this position. Secondly, it is important that the regulatory framework provide for independent audit assurance that directors' statements that their companies' practices are consistent with representations to policyholders have been reasonably made.

  The formulation in the existing regulations for obtaining this independent assurance has not provided satisfactory in practice and has been removed pending further consultation with the audit profession on how to introduce a more effective provision for future years. The statutory requirements relating to certificates by directors remain unaffected by these changes to the scope of audit.
  527
  Some of the wording and forms in the Insurance Companies (Accounts and Statements) Regulations 1996 have been clarified without materially changing their meaning.

  Internal Market Council
  Mr. Watts
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what decisions were taken at the EU Ministerial Council on the Internal Market on 27 November; and what matters were voted upon. [20241]

  Mrs. Beckett
  My Noble Friend the Minister for European Trade and Competitiveness represented the United Kingdom at the Internal Market Council in Brussels on 27 November.

  The Council reached political agreement by qualified majority voting on proposals on legal protection of biotechnological inventions, on insurance groups, on the extension of the KAROLUS programme (for exchanges of Single Market enforcement officials).

  Common positions were agreed by qualified majority on proposals on Action Robert Schuman, an initiative to improve the training and informing of the legal profession about European law; on a proposal on in vitro diagnostic medical devices; on a modification of Directive 83/189/EC, to extend to information society services its mechanism for Member States to notify draft technical measures to the Commission and other Member States; on amendment of the food additives Directive 95/2/EC; and on a proposal on coffee and chicory extracts.

  The Council discussed the Single Market Action Plan, legislative simplification, including proposals for revising the INTRASTAT regulations, and the proposals on chocolate, the Commission's Green Paper on food law, the legal protection of designs, and the free movement of goods.

  The Council also received presentations from the Commission on proposals on foodstuffs, bus and coach construction, reform of the Community customs transit system, the European Company Statute, product liability, and the Community patent system.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Edward Davey
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade when the Minister for Competition and Consumer Affairs plans to reply to the letter from the hon. Member for Kingston and Surbiton dated Tuesday 30 September regarding the Inntrepreneur Pub Company. [19733]

  Mr. Nigel Griffiths
  A letter from the hon. Member about the Inntrepreneur Pub Company dated 13 August was received by my Department on 19 August. A reply was sent on 26 August. My Department has not received a further letter from that hon. Member on this matter since that date. On receiving the Parliamentary Question my Department telephoned the hon. Member's office to obtain a copy of the letter dated 30 September. I have since replied to that letter.

  Unfair Dismissal
  Mr. Breed
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many claims for unfair dismissal have reached an 528
  industrial tribunal; and what were the outcomes and compensation paid for (a) employment tribunals, (b) the Insolvency Service, (c) Companies House, (d) the Patent Office, (e) the Radio communications Agency and (f) ACAS in each of the last two years. [19517]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  In the past two years, one unfair dismissal case brought by an employee of the Government Agencies was heard by an industrial tribunal. The case involved Companies House. At the hearing on 16 June 1997, the tribunal ruled that the applicant was not unfairly dismissed.

  Nuclear Fuel
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) what export controls her Department operates in respect of the export of mixed oxide fuel; [18495]

  (2) what non-proliferation measures her Department undertakes in respect of the export of mixed oxide fuel; [18492]

  (3) what assessment she has made of the compliance of United Kingdom (a) manufacture and (b) export of mixed oxide fuel with the United Kingdom's international obligations in respect of (i) export control and (ii) non-proliferation. [18497]

  Mrs. Roche
  The UK's export controls on nuclear and nuclear-related goods are derived from international nuclear non-proliferation commitments and membership of international nuclear export control regimes, in particular the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) whose members have agreed common guidelines for the transfer of nuclear and nuclear-related goods and technology.

  These commitments are given effect in the relevant legislation, which in this case is Council Regulation (EC) No. 3381/94 on the export of dual use goods and the related Council Decision 94/942/CSFP as amended.

  In accordance with the legislation, mixed oxide fuel (MOX) requires an export license. Individual applications for licences for exports of MOX are considered on their merits, but before any license is issued certain conditions have to be fulfilled. These include assurances from the recipient government:
  that the goods will not be used for any purpose that would result in any nuclear explosive device;
  that the goods will be placed under effective physical protection;
  that the transfer will only take place once the receiving State has brought into an agreement with the IAEA requiring the application of safeguards on all source and special fissionable materials in its current and future peaceful activities;
  that the goods would only be transferred to a third country if the recipient country had provided the same assurances as those required by the supplier for the original transfer.

  Both the manufacture and export of MOX are entirely consistent with the UK's international obligations in the field of export control and non-proliferation. In addition to the controls on the export of MOX outlined above, all civil nuclear materials in the UK, including MOX, are subject to Euratom safeguards.

  Inward Investment
  Dr. Fox
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade, pursuant to her answer to the hon. Member for Banbury (Mr. Baldry)of 20 November 1997,Official Report, column 281, on the concordat on inward investments, when she expects the concordat to be published. [18150]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade to the right hon. Member for Wokingham (Mr. Redwood) on 3 December 1997,Official Report, column 255.

  Investment (United States)
  Dr. Gibson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what is the current annual level of(a) US inward investment into the United Kingdom and (b) United Kingdom investment into the US; and if she will make a statement. [19736]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  In 1995, the latest year for which figures are available, the United Kingdom's net inward direct investment from the US was £9.1 billion. The UK's net outward direct investment in the US was £10.4 billion.

  Barclays Bank (Dispute)
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will request ACAS to invite Barclays Bank and the unions representing Barclays' staff to use its conciliation services to help resolve the current dispute. [19813]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  ACAS is an independent body and the Government cannot and should not direct it to act in any particular way. ACAS of course stands ready to assist but can become involved in talks only where both sides agree.

  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what representations she has received from(a) Barclays Bank, (b) BIFU, (c) UNIFI and (d) ACAS on the current dispute between Barclays Bank and its staff; and if she will make a statement. [19812]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  My Department has received some representations from the Banking Insurance and Finance Union and UNIFI about this dispute. ACAS is an independent body and it does not make representations to Government about individual disputes.

  Industrial disputes are matters for the parties concerned to resolve with the assistance of ACAS where both sides agree.

  Horticultural Industry
  Mr. Luff
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how the Government's proposals for a minimum wage will take account of piece work payments in the horticultural industry. [18592]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  The National Minimum Wage Bill make provision for the hourly rate of remuneration of workers to be determined in regulations following consideration by the Low Pay Commission. The statutory 530
  minimum pay rates for agricultural workers, including those on piece work in the horticultural industry, will not be set at a level lower than the National Minimum Wage.

  Temporary Workers
  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will make a statement on the legal rights applicable to temporary workers who have been employed for less than two years. [19578]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  All employees, whether temporary or not, have the same statutory rights, some of which depend on the length of service. Many employment rights apply as soon as an employee starts work, including protection against unlawful deductions from wages, against adverse treatment on grounds of sex, race, disability, trade union membership or non-membership or activities, or for taking specified types of action on health and safety grounds, and against dismissal for maternity-related reasons or for seeking to enforce statutory rights.

  Invest in Britain Bureau
  Mr. Denis Murphy
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many overseas offices the Invest in Britain Bureau has; and if she will indicate(a) the number of staff operating out of each office, (b) the location of each office and (c) the countries or regions covered by each office. [19253]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  The Invest in Britain Bureau has an overseas sales force of 57 in 17 FCO posts abroad carrying out full time inward investment promotion work, the majority of whom are FCO staff. In addition a further 34 staff give some of their time to inward investment promotion work.

  Details are shown in the following table.

  Invest in Britain Bureau: Location of inward investment offices in overseas posts

  Country

  City

  Number of staff

  Country/region covered

  North America

  Canada

  Toronto

  4

  USA

  Atlanta

  2

  Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee

  Boston

  2

  Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island Vermont

  Chicago

  5

  Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Wisconsin

  Houston

  2

  Arkansas, Colorado, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas

  Los Angeles

  4

  Arizona, Califomia (part), Hawaii, Nevada (Clark County), Utah

  San Francisco

  2

  Alaska, Califomia (part), Idaho, Montana, Nevada (South), Oregan, Washington, Wyoming

  531

  Invest in Britain Bureau: Location of inward investment offices in overseas posts

  Country

  City

  Number of staff

  Country/region covered

  USA (cont.)

  New York

  10

  Connecticut, Delaware, Kentucky, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington DC, West Virginia

  Total

  31

  Europe

  France

  Paris

  1

  Germany

  Dusseldorf

  2

  Northern Germany

  Munich

  2

  Southern Germany

  Total

  5

  Asia-Pacific

  Australia

  Sydney

  1

  Hong Kong (post)

  1

  Hong Kong

  Hong Kong (Regional Office)

  3

  Asia Pacific region excluding Japan

  Japan

  Tokyo

  4

  Eastern Japan

  Osaka (including Nagoya)

  4

  Western Japan

  Taiwan

  Taipei

  4

  Korea

  Seoul

  4

  Total

  21

  1A further 34 staff in overseas posts give some of their time to inward investment work.

  Energy Policy
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will make a statement on her energy policy. [19709]

  Mrs. Beckett
  The Government's broad energy policy is to ensure secure, diverse and sustainable energy. We are reviewing a number of specific policy areas, such as the regulation of utilities' support for renewables and clean coal technology, and how the issues of security of supply and fuel diversity should be addressed in considering applications for power station developments.

  Gas-fired Power Stations
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) how many section 36 applications for permission to build and use gas-fired power stations are awaiting decision; [16535]

  (2) what factors led her Department to approve BP's application to build a gas-fired power station at Baglan Bay; how long it took her Department to determine the application; and what has been the average time applications have taken to be determined since 1 May. [16524]

  (3) if she will estimate the coal production the new Baglan Bay gas station will displace. [16575]
  532
  Mrs. Beckett
  No decision has yet been made on the proposed power station at Baglan Bay. Following the announcement by my hon. Friend the Minister for Science, Energy and Industry on Wednesday 3 December, this is one of the 28 applications on which we propose to defer a decision until the work on the review has been completed.

  Incorporated Financial Accountant Qualification
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will review the list of qualifications under the European Communities Professional Qualification Regulation 1991 to assess the advantages of adding the incorporated financial accountant qualification. [14267]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  The Regulation lists professions which are regulated by statute, law, administrative provision or, under a special paragraph applying to the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland, by virtue of membership of a chartered professional body. The list is reviewed regularly and updated when necessary. The Institute of Financial Accountants does not fall within the above categories.

  Trade Unions
  Mr. Keith Simpson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will make a statement on trade union recognition in the workplace. [18777]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  The Government believes that employees should be free to belong, or not to belong, to trade unions and, where a majority of a relevant workforce vote for it in a ballot, unions should be recognised for collective bargaining purposes. My Department will be publishing a White Paper on fairness at work, and principally on union recognition, in the first part of next year.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Stakeholder Pensions
  Mr. Flight
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will make a statement on participation in stakeholder pensions. [16732]

  Mr. Denham
  Stakeholder Pensions will be a new type of pension scheme which will provide simple, secure, flexible and value-for-money pension arrangements for many of those who do not have the opportunity to build a secure retirement income under the current system; they include many women, part-time workers, those on temporary contracts and many of the self-employed.

  In developing and promoting Stakeholder Pensions, the Government sees a key role for new partnerships involving financial services organisations, employers, employees, trades unions and other affinity groups. The Stakeholder Pension consultation document seeks views on how a detailed framework may best be established which allows these partnerships to develop.

  Benefits Legislation
  Mr. McGrady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what consultation will be undertaken with the
  533
  local communities, members of the public, voluntary organisations and charitable groups in respect of forthcoming legislation on social security benefits. [17889]

  Mr. Field
  Our manifesto set out our commitment to review and reform welfare in consultation and partnership with the people. We aim to modernise the structure and delivery of Social Security to encourage financial independence, while simultaneously promoting social cohesion and well-being; to develop an active welfare system which supports work, savings and honesty; and to help tackle effectively unjustifiable social and economic inequalities.

  We want to encourage widespread debate throughout the country. For example, we have already completed the first part of the consultation exercise on the Pensions Review. Further consultation will follow in due course. We will also be publishing a Green Paper on Welfare Reform at the turn of the year which will set out the principles underlying the new directions for welfare in the 21st Century.

  Invalidity Benefit
  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what has been the annual savings to date arising from the termination of invalidity benefit and the introduction of incapacity benefit; and what proportion of those savings have been achieved by the removal of or reduction in benefit from those in receipt of invalidity benefit. [18654]

  Mr. Denham
  The information is set out in the table.

  £million

  1995–96

  280

  1996–97

  790

  1. Figures are in 1996–97 prices.

  2. It is not possible to identify separately savings attributable to removal or reduction in benefit from claimants previously in receipt of invalidity benefit.

  Benefit Fraud
  Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what was the total number of persons prosecuted in England and Wales for making a false declaration in respect of benefit claims for 1996. [19374]

  Mr. Denham
  The total number of persons prosecuted in England and Wales for making a false declaration in the calendar year 1996 amounted to 12,408. This figure includes all benefits administered by the Benefits Agency and excludes Housing Benefit which is administered by Local Authorities.

  Equal Opportunities Commission
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what representations the Minister for Women has made to the Department for Education and Employment about the grant in aid for the Equal Opportunities Commission. [19985]

  Ms.Ruddock
  As Ministers for Women, both I and my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Social Security and Minister for Women, are routinely in contact 534
  with Department for Education and Employment Ministerial colleagues on a range of matters of mutual interest, including the Equal Opportunities Commission.

  Women's Issues (Cabinet Sub-Committee)
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will list the membership of the Cabinet sub-committee on women's issues. [19988]

  Ms Ruddock
  The information is as follows:

  Secretary of State for Social Security and Minister for Women—right hon. Harriet Harman MP (Chair);

  Secretary of State for Northern Ireland—right hon. Dr. Marjorie Mowlam MP;

  Secretary of State for International Development—right hon. Clare Short MP;

  Financial Secretary, Treasury—Dawn Primarolo MP;

  Minister of State, Home Office—Joyce Quin MP;

  Minister of State, Scottish Office—Henry McLeish MP;

  Minister of State, Department of Health—Tessa Jowell MP;

  Minister of State, Department for Education and Employment—right hon. Andrew Smith MP;

  Parliamentary Under-Secretaries of State, Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions—Glenda Jackson MP and Angela Eagle MP;

  Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Trade and Industry—Barbara Roche MP;

  Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Welsh Office—Win Griffiths MP;

  Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Office of Public Service—Peter Kilfoyle MP.

  Lone Parents
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what measures are being taken to ensure that the insecurity of employment does not act as a disincentive to work to those lone parents eligible for income support before 5 April 1998. [19847]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  Independent research suggests that the average additional income for lone parents already in work and on Family Credit is over £50 a week above the estimate of their out-of-work income. Research also shows that lone parents want to work but face a number of barriers that prevent them from doing so. In particular, they need practical help with job-search, training and with finding and paying for childcare. The Government has provided all of this with the New Deal for Lone Parents and the National Childcare Strategy. This will help make the transition to work seem much more attractive to those lone parents who currently feel trapped in benefit dependency.

  The Government has taken steps to preserve work incentives for lone parents who are already receiving Income Support or Jobseeker's Allowance. Those who are receiving either of these benefits with the lone parent rate of family premium at 5 April 1998 will be able to claim the lone parent rate of Child Benefit after 31 May 1998 if they move off benefit into work.

  Attendance and Disability Allowances
  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) how many people in Warrington, North constituency are currently in receipt of attendance allowance; [19592]
  535
  (2) how many people in (a) the North West Region and (b) Warrington, North constituency are currently in receipt of disability living allowance; [19591]

  (3) what estimate she has made of the number of new claims for disability living allowance which are likely to be made over the next five years in (a) the North West Region and (b) Warrington, North constituency. [19590]

  Mr. Denham
  The administration of Social Security benefits is a matter for Peter Mathison, the chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to my hon. Friend.

  Letter from Peter Mathison to Helen Jones, dated 8 December 1997:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to respond to your recent Parliamentary Questions asking for details of the number of people in Warrington North constituency and North West region who are currently in receipt of Attendance Allowance (AA) and Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
  The number of customers in receipt of AA in the Warrington North constituency is approximately 1,900, as at 31 August 1997.
  The number of customers in receipt of DLA in the Warrington North constituency is approximately 4,100 and in the North West region is approximately 229,600, as at 31 August 1997. The North West Region consists of Cumbria, Cheshire, Greater Manchester and Lancashire counties.
  These figures have been extrapolated from a 5% sample in conjunction with postcode data.
  The forecast for New Claims for DLA is not available.
  I hope you find this helpful.

HEALTH

  Emergency Hospital Admissions
  Mr. Ainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to cater for an increase in emergency hospital admissions this winter. [18242]

  Mr. Boateng
  We have provided an additional £269 million for the NHS in England in the current financial year. This is being used to ease pressures on the health and social care system during the winter, as well as to start rebuilding the NHS for the future.

  Buckinghamshire Health Authority
  Dr. Starkey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions he has had with Buckinghamshire health authority on its plans for achieving equity of funding across their area. [18247]

  Mr. Milburn
  Officials from Anglia and Oxford Regional Office of the National Health Service Executive have held discussions with Buckinghamshire Health Authority. The Health Authority recognise the need to target resources at the area of greatest need in the county. An exercise comprehensively to map current expenditure is near completion and any proposed redistribution of resources will begin in 1998/99.

  Waiting Lists
  Mr. Flight
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the numbers of patients who will have been waiting for more than 12 months for treatment in May 1998. [18248]
  536
  Mr. Milburn
  The substantial extra resources we have made available for the NHS for this year and next should enable us to make a start on restraining the growth in waiting lists and times we inherited from the previous administration. The programme of action announced by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State on 18 November will ensure we have shorter waiting lists and times by the end of the present Parliament. For the short term our priority is to eliminate 18 month waits for admission to hospital by 31 March 1988.

  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on his plans to reduce hospital waiting lists. [18241]

  Mr. Milburn
  On 18 November my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced a wide-ranging programme of action for reducing waiting lists.

  We are determined that waiting lists will be shorter by the end of this Parliament.

  Haemophilia
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is his policy towards the provision of recombinant factor VIII for the treatment of haemophilia sufferers. [18249]

  Mr. Boateng
  We take the same sound and fair approach to all treatments, namely that they should be clinically effective and based on sound evidence.

  Concerns have been raised about access to this particular treatment. We are actively addressing them.

  Private Health Insurance
  Mr. Fraser
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to address the additional burden placed on the National Health Service arising from elderly persons cancelling their private health insurance. [18250]

  Mr. Boateng
  In allocating resources to the National Health Service there is no account taken of the incidence of private medical insurance. Health authorities are charged with assessing the total health needs of their local population and do so based on clinical need and not ability to pay.

  Nutrition Standards
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans his Department has for improving nutrition standards in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement on health initiatives in this area. [18251]

  Ms Jowell
  Our new health strategy for England will be set out in a Green Paper and issued for consultation later this winter. The underlying principle is to improve the health of all the population and, especially, to improve the health of those who are worst off. We know that a healthy and balanced diet has an important part to play.

  Improving nutritional standards in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and any associated health initiatives, are matters for my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Wales, for Scotland and for Northern Ireland.

  Improving nutritional standards of school meals is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Employment.

  Expensive Drug Treatments
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to review the basis on which patients in different parts of the country are given access to expensive drug treatments. [18252]

  Mr. Milburn
  The White Paper gives details of our plans to ensure that patients have access to the treatment they need, wherever they live.

  Elderly People (Treatment Costs)
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimates his Department has made of the cost of treating people over 60 years of age. [18253]

  Mr. Boateng
  Information is not collected centrally that would enable an estimate to be made of the costs of treating people aged 60–64. Treatment for people aged 65 and over, who make up about 16 per cent. of the population, accounts for about 40 per cent. of expenditure on hospital and community health services. Elderly people use a proportionately greater volume of services than those used by the rest of the adult population, primarily because their incidence of disease is higher, but also because their pace of recovery after illness may be somewhat slower. People aged 75 and over in particular show more complex patterns of health problems. They often have a combination of several conditions and these may be complicated by general frailty and social problems such as the recent death of a spouse or relatives living some distance away.

  Telemedicine
  Ms Stuart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proposals he has to increase the use of telemedicine in the National Health Service. [18254]

  Ms Jowell
  We are encouraging developments in telemedicine in the National Health Service. Telemedicine is a research priority within the Health Technology Assessment programme and several projects to assess its effects on the NHS will be announced shortly.

  NHS (Co-operation)
  Mrs. Butler
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action he plans to take to increase co-operation between purchasers and providers in the National Health Service. [18255]

  Mr. Frank Cook
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action he is taking to overcome fragmentation between trusts and health authorities in the NHS. [18260]

  Mr. Milburn
  The White Paper on the National Health Service sets out our plans to replace the fragmentation and competition of the internal market which we inherited with co-operation and a single National Health Service.

  Annual Contracts
  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what changes he plans to make to the system of annual contracts in the national health service. [18256]

  Ms Dari Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what changes he plans to make to the system of annual contracts in the NHS. [18259]

  Mr. Milburn
  The short-termism of the market which was characterised by annual contracting will be replaced by longer-term agreements.

  NHS Trusts (Non-executive Directors)
  Mrs. Ann Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the role and experience of non-executive directors of national health service trusts. [18257]

  Mr. Milburn
  Non-executive Directors come from a variety of different backgrounds and experience. What they are expected to share is a commitment to the aims of the National Health Service and to meeting the healthcare needs of their local community.

  NHS Management and Finances
  Ms Ward
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the management and finances of(a) Mount Vernon and Watford Hospitals Trust and (b) West Hertfordshire health authority. [18258]

  Mr. Milburn
  The health authority and trusts in West Hertfordshire face an underlying recurrent deficit of £12.5 million. A discussion document has been issued for local comment, prior to formal consultation in the spring, on options to restore financial balance within the next 2–3 years. The authority has been awarded an additional £9 million in 1998–99 of which £3 million is growth money.

  The Mount Vernon and Watford Hospitals National Health Service Trust is currently facing financial constraints but a financial recovery plan has been agreed with the NHS Executive, North Thames Regional Office to restore financial balance over the next 2–3 years.

  NHS Best Practice
  Mr. Sutcliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proposals he has to promote best practice throughout the NHS. [18261]

  Mr. Milburn
  "The New NHS" White Paper sets out a fresh approach to promoting best practice in the National Health Service.

  Health at Work
  Mr. Bill Michie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what priorities for promoting health at work he intends to set NHS trusts. [18262]

  Mr. Milburn
  The Government attach very high priority to the occupational health and safety of National Health Service staff. Our priorities include stopping avoidable accidents, developing proper strategies for avoiding violence, and recognising the effect of occupational stress, addressing its causes and supporting staff accordingly. The Government have, through the
  539
  Health at Work in the NHS project, piloted work on organisational stress, developed networks for the exchange of best practice and produced guidance on risk assessment, and sickness absence management, and are working with the Health and Safety Executive to produce guidance on avoiding violence to staff.

  Barnet Health Services
  Sir Sydney Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the delivery of National Health Service services in the Borough of Barnet, with particular reference to the future of the Edgware Hospital site. [18263]

  Mr. Milburn
  Barnet Health Authority's review of local health services, which included services to he provided from the Edgware Hospital site, has just been concluded. The health authority will now consider the findings of the review.

  Managers
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to reduce the number of managers in the National Health Service. [18264]

  Mr. Milburn
  The Government are committed to maximising the proportion of National Health Service resources that are dedicated to patient care. We have no doubt that good management is essential to the effective running of the National Health Service. But we want to target unnecessary bureaucracy so that management effort is focused on improving health and health services. Our action to reduce management costs, including the changes announced in today's White Paper, will release £1 billion over the lifetime of this Parliament which will be ploughed back into direct patient care.

  Private Finance Initiative
  Ms Moran
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on progress with the PFI hospital building programme. [18265]

  Mr. Milburn
  The prioritisation of major acute hospital Private Finance Initiative (PFI) schemes and the passing of the National Health Service (Private Finance) Act 1997 in July have resulted in financial close and start on site for the first two whole-hospital PFI schemes, at Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust (£115 million) and Carlisle Hospitals NHS Trust (£87 million). The other 13 major acute PF1 schemes that have been prioritised are scheduled to reach financial close by the end of 1998. We are also considering how PFI can usefully be extended into the non-acute and primary care fields.

  Commissioning
  Ms Blears
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps are being taken to involve patients in the new GP commissioning pilot projects. [18266]

  Mr. Milburn
  One of the selection criteria for the General Practitioner Commissioning Group pilots was that they should have plans to work closely with carers and patients in planning and commissioning services. Each GP Commissioning Group will need to explore locally how best to achieve this. The pilots are to be 540
  evaluated so that best practice can be identified and shared. Arrangements for involving patients will form part of the evaluation.

  Long-term Care
  Mr. Caplin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on his plan to establish a Royal Commission on the funding of long-term care, indicating its start date. [17942]

  Mr. Boateng
  Details of the Royal Commission on long-term care were announced by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State in the House on 4 December 1997,Official Report, columns 489–99.

  Chitosan
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what is the Government's guidance ont he sale of the amino polysaccharide Chitosan as a slimming product; [18590]

  (2) what clinical trials his Department has evaluated in respect of the (a) safety and (b) effectiveness of the amino polysaccharide sold as Chitosan for slimming purposes. [18588]

  Ms Jowell
  The sale of Chitosan is not controlled by the Foods Intended for Use of Energy Restricted Diets for Weight Reduction Regulations 1997. Chitosan is classed as a food product and as such it is covered by the general provisions of the Food Safety Act 1990, which provides that all foods shall be safe, of the quality intended and not misleadingly labelled.

  The Department is not aware of any clinical trials of this product.

  Aricept and Beta-interferon
  Mr. Allan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to introduce national prescribing policies for(a) Aricept and (b) beta-interferon. [18599]

  Mr. Milburn
  We have no plans to introduce national prescribing policies specific to Aricept or beta-interferon. EL(94)72, issued in 1994, asked health authorities to set up Area Prescribing Committees to ensure the appropriateness of hospital-led prescribing and to develop authority-wide policies for the managed entry of new drugs such as Aircept and beta-interferon into the NHS. Copies of EL(94)72 are available in the Library.

  The White Paper, published today, sets out plans for a National Institute for Clinical Excellence which advises the NHS on the clinical and cost effectiveness of treatments. Individual health authorities will then be able to make more informed judgments on the relative benefits of treatments.

  Tuberculosis
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research his Department has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated into the resistance of tuberculosis to drugs; and if he will make a statement. [18399]
  541
  Mr. Boateng
  The Department has not directly commissioned any research into the resistance of tuberculosis to drugs. The main agency through which the Government support medical and clinical research is the Medical Research Council (MRC). The MRC is an independent body which receives its grant-in-aid from the Office of Science and Technology, which is part of the Department of Trade and Industry. The MRC supports a number of studies into tuberculosis and these take the form of both grants to Universities and research funded in its own Units and Institutes. In 1995–96, the MRC's spend on tuberculosis research was £1.5 million. However, little of this research addresses the issue of drug resistance directly; it is largely basic research which will underpin and inform future work in the area.

  The Department and its expert advisers do keep under review the results of studies in this field.

  The Public Health Laboratory Service, together with similar organisations throughout the United Kingdom, has heightened its surveillance of drug resistance in tuberculosis. An Expert Working Group has been set up under the Interdepartmental Working Group on Tuberculosis to make recommendations for the prevention and control of tuberculosis in immunocompromised patients and of drug resistant tuberculosis. Consultation on its draft guidance has been completed and the final report is expected to be issued shortly.

  Internal Market
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the savings across the NHS from ending the internal market; how this money will be redistributed; and over what time scale. [19685]

  Mr. Milburn
  The action the Government are taking to abolish the internal market and reduce bureaucracy, including the changes announced in the White Paper "The New NHS" (Cm 3807), which has been published today, will reduce the amount spent on management costs by £1 billion over the lifetime of the Parliament. Savings will be re-invested in direct patient care.

  Locality Commissioning
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what are the terms of reference of(a) the Audit Commission and (b) other bodies involved in the process of replacing the internal market system in the National Health Service with a system of locality commissioning. [19684]
  542
  Mr. Milburn
  The White Paper "The New NHS" (Cm 3807) published earlier today sets out the new roles and responsibilities of health authorities, National Health Service trusts, Primary Care Groups and other bodies in securing quicker, better treatment and care for patients.

  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what incentives the Government intends to give general practitioners to participate in locality commissioning projects. [19683]

  Mr. Milburn
  The White Paper "The New NHS" (Cm 3807), which my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced to the House today, sets out the Government's plans for Primary Care Groups which will bring together general practitioners and community nurses to commission services.

  The new arrangements will offer them the opportunity to shape services for their patients. They will have available their population's share of the local resources for hospital and community services, prescribing and the general practice infrastructure, and will have the opportunity to deploy resources and savings to strengthen local services and ensure that patterns of care best reflect their patients' needs. Further details are contained in the White Paper.

  Local Health Care
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what changes he intends to make to the role of NHS trusts in respect of the delivery of local health care. [18239]

  Mr. Milburn
  As set out in the White Paper "The New NHS" (Cm 3807), there will be a new focus on quality in National Health Service trusts.

  They will no longer compete, but work in partnership with other local bodies to provide the best health care possible for local needs.

  Ayaz Sheikh
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the case of Ayaz Sheikh of Thorpewell, Leicester; and what representations he has received from hon. Members on this case. [19947]

  Mr. Boateng
  We are aware of this case which is a matter for Leicestershire Health Authority. My hon. Friend wrote to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State about this case on 28 October 1997 and my noble Friend the Minister of State replied on 25 November 1997.

  We have asked the Chairman of Leicestershire Health Authority, Mr. Neil Townsend, to write to my hon. Friend setting out the latest position as soon as possible.

  Smoking: Prevention Measures
  Smoking: Prevention Measures
  School of Oriental and African Studies, Library
  School of Oriental and African Studies, Library
  Multilateral Agreement on Investment
  Multilateral Agreement on Investment
  Social Workers
  Social Workers
  NHS Capital Projects Prioritisation
  NHS Capital Projects Prioritisation
  Public Processions (Northern Ireland) Bill: Code of Conduct
  Public Processions (Northern Ireland) Bill: Code of Conduct
  NI Capitation Formula Review Group
  NI Capitation Formula Review Group
  Palace of Westminster: Accommodation
  Palace of Westminster: Accommodation
  Electricity from Gas
  Electricity from Gas
  Biotechnological Inventions
  Biotechnological Inventions
  Single Currency: Deficit Penalties
  Single Currency: Deficit Penalties
  Scotland and Wales: Block Budgets
  Scotland and Wales: Block Budgets
  Legal Education and Conduct: Lord Chancellor's Advisory Committee Report
  Legal Education and Conduct: Lord Chancellor's Advisory Committee Report
  Medical Treatment: Advance Directives
  Medical Treatment: Advance Directives
  Disability Living Allowance: Life Awards
  Disability Living Allowance: Life Awards
  Prisoners' Pay
  Prisoners' Pay
  Firearms Incidents
  Firearms Incidents
  Firearms Legislation: Consolidation
  Firearms Legislation: Consolidation
  Alcohol and Young People
  Alcohol and Young People
  Strasbourg "Victim" Test
  Strasbourg "Victim" Test
  Hunting: Manifesto Commitment
  Hunting: Manifesto Commitment
  Service Personnel: Compensation Review
  Service Personnel: Compensation Review
  Laser Weapons
  Laser Weapons
  Hungary: NATO Membership
  Hungary: NATO Membership
  NATO Command Structure
  NATO Command Structure
  Argentina: Non-NATO Ally Status
  Argentina: Non-NATO Ally Status
  NATO Role in Central Asia
  NATO Role in Central Asia
  Palestinians in West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza
  Palestinians in West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza
  Mr. Ismail Besikci
  Mr. Ismail Besikci
  Turkey: Human Rights
  Turkey: Human Rights
  Social Exclusion Unit
  Social Exclusion Unit
  Zimbabwe: Land Acquisition Programme
  Zimbabwe: Land Acquisition Programme
  Water Abstraction
  Water Abstraction
  Regional Development Agencies
  Regional Development Agencies
  Railway System
  Railway System
  New Housing
  New Housing
  Alconbury Airfield
  Alconbury Airfield
  Railtrack: Maintenance and Renewal Contracts
  Railtrack: Maintenance and Renewal Contracts
  Household Projections and New Housing
  Household Projections and New Housing