Written Answers of 12 December 1997

PRIME MINISTER

  Expos
  Mr. Wyatt
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement about departmental responsibility for co-ordinating and promoting bids to host expos within the United Kingdom. [19155]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 8 December 1997]: A town or city wishing to bid for an Expo would need to obtain the support of the relevant sponsoring Department, and, depending on the nature of the Expo proposed, that of other Whitehall Departments, in order to obtain Government endorsement for the project. Once obtained, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office would be responsible for lodging the formal application with the International Bureau of Expositions, the governing body for Expos. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office would provide tactical advice and assistance with lobbying.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  Royal Naval College
  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when he plans to meet the Chairman and trustees of the Greenwich Foundation for the Royal Naval College; and if he will make a statement. [19024]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  I met the Chairman and the Director of the Greenwich Foundation for the Royal Naval College when I visited the College on Friday 28 November. The Greenwich Foundation is working closely with Government and Greenwich Hospital to conclude arrangements that will allow it to take responsibility for the site as Defence use ceases.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Young Offenders
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many offenders aged 10 to 19 years to whom one caution has already been administered have received(a) a second and (b) more than two cautions in respect of further offences in each year since 1994. [19815]

  Mr. Michael
  Data routinely available centrally do not include details of repeat cautions.

  For a sample of offenders cautioned for standard list offences in ten police forces during one week in November 1991, a record was submitted centrally on their first subsequent caution over the next two years.
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  From this sample, it is estimated that 20,800 offenders aged 10 to 19, who were administered a first caution for an indictable offence in 1991, received a subsequent caution for a standard list offence in the next two years. An estimate relating to those cautioned for summary offences is not available.

  It should be noted that concern about repeat cautioning led to revised guidance being issued in March 1994 (Home Office Circular 18/1994) to discourage the use of repeat cautions. In a sample of offenders cautioned for standard list offences in all but two police forces in November 1994, the proportion of those aged 10 to 19 who had one previous caution was 11 per cent. The proportion with more than one caution was 6 per cent. In a similar sample collected in 1991, the respective proportions were 16 per cent. and 10 per cent.

  Offences included in the "standard list" are given in appendices 4 and 5 of "Criminal Statistics, England and Wales, 1996" (Cm. 3764). These include all indictable and some of the more serious summary offences.

  Donhead St. Andrew Rectory
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the media representatives who were invited by Sussex Police to be present at the raid on the rectory at Donhead St. Andrew on 21 November; and if he will make a statement. [20538]

  Mr. Michael
  I am told by the forces concerned that neither the Wiltshire Constabulary, which carried out the search at Donhead St. Andrews, nor the Sussex Police, invited any media representatives to attend.

  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when Sussex Police requested Wiltshire Constabulary to raid the rectory at Donhead St. Andrew on 21 November; and if he will make a statement. [20537]

  Mr. Michael
  I am told by the forces concerned that this operation was part of an inquiry involving a number of forces in which the Wiltshire Constabulary was requested to participate by the Sussex Police, but the decision to conduct the search at the rectory rested with the Wiltshire Constabulary.

  Firearms (Amendment) Act
  Mr. Hammond
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many outstanding unpaid claims there were for compensation under the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997 on 30 November. [20480]

  Mr. Michael
  At the end of November, there were 23,243 claims under options A and B awaiting processing, and an additional 6,479 claims awaiting payment under option C, consisting of option C only claims and mixed claims on which an option A or B payment had been made.

  Prisons (Health Care)
  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects the joint Prison Service/Department of Health working group set up in response to the 1996 Report "Patient or Prisoner" to complete its work; and if he will publish its conclusions. [20387]
  697
  Ms Quin
  The joint Prison Service/Department of Health Working Group is expected to put forward options and recommendations by May 1998 for consideration by Ministers. The Working Group's conclusions will be published in due course.

  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the names of those serving on the joint Prison Service/Department of Health working group set up in response to the 1996 Report by Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons, Patient or Prisoner. [20386]

  Ms Quin
  The membership of the joint Prison Service/Department of Health working group is as follows:

  Prison Service Department of Health

  Dr. Graham Winyard, Medical Director, NHS—joint Group Chairman

  Mr. Martin Brown, Ms Andrea Humphrey, mental health policy

  Mr. Mike Farrar, medical services policy

  Dr. Alison Evans, Director of Public Health, Wakefield Health Authority

  Professor John Ashton, Regional Director of Public Health, Northwest Regional Office of the NHS

  Dr. Neil Squires (as for Professor Ashton)

  Dr. Gillian Fairfield, Health Services Directorate, NHS Executive

  Mr. Malcolm Rae, Nursing Officer, Department of Health.

  Her Majesty's Prison Service

  Dr. Mike Longfield, Director of Health Care, Her Majesty's Prison Service—joint Group Chairman

  Dr. Mary Piper, Acting Head, Health Policy, Standards and Audit Group, Directorate of Health Care (DHC)

  Mr. Savas Hadjipavlou, Business Manager, DHC Mrs. Anna Howard, Contracts Manager, DHC

  Mrs. Fenella Tayler, policy on delivery of health care, DHC—Group Secretary

  Mrs. Yvonne Willmott, Nursing Advise, DHC

  Mr. Colin Edwards, Area Nursing Adviser, Directorate of Operations South, Prison Service

  Dr. Vicy Foot, Health Care Adviser, Directorate of Operations North, Prison Service

  Dr. Jim Mullen, Governor of Her Majesty's Prison Long Lartin, Evesham

  Mr. Peter Earnshaw, Governor of Her Majesty's Prison Manchester

  Dr. Roger Ralli, Principal Medical Officer, Her Majesty's Young Offender Institution, Glen Parva, Leicester

  Mr Kieron Taylor, Head of Health Care, Her Majesty's Prison Elmley, Sheerness

  Dr. John Reed, Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Prisons (as observer)

  Dr. Liz Ryman, Home Office, Comprehensive Spending Review, (as observer)

  Manslaughter and Reckless Driving
  Mr Wills
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what percentage of prosecutions on the charge of manslaughter have resulted in a conviction in each of the last three years; [19248]
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  (2) what percentage of prosecutions on the charge of causing death by reckless driving have resulted in a conviction in each of the last three years. [19328]

  Mr. Michael
  Data are not available on the basis of prosecutions. However, the numbers of defendants convicted of these offences as a percentage of defendants tried at the Crown Court for those offences plus those proceeded against in magistrates' courts for these offences whose cases were discontinued, withdrawn or otherwise abandoned in each of the last three years are as follows:

  Per cent.

  Offence

  1994

  1995

  1996

  Causing death by reckless driving

  87

  85

  89

  Manslaughter1

  91

  85

  85

  1 Includes offences under sections 5, 9 and 10 of the Common Law and Offences against the Person Act 1861 and section 2 of the Homicide Act 1957.

  The difference between numbers of defendants prosecuted and those tried or proceeded against by type of offence is that defendants may be prosecuted for a more serious offence but convicted of a lesser offence, and the data on court proceedings collected by the Home Office record the offence for which (a) cases against defendants are discontinued or (b) defendants are either acquitted or found guilty.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Teacher Training
  Mr. Randall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what provision has been made in the current year to train serving teachers in information and communication technology. [19106]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  Under the Grants for Education Support and Training programme, £296.8 million has been made available in 1997–98 to support training for serving teachers in all National Curriculum subjects. A subject by subject breakdown is not yet available for this year, but information collected for 1996–97 suggests that approximately 5 per cent. of the funding is spent on IT courses.

  In addition, £1.2 million has been provided to fund this year's Multimedia Portable Computers for Teachers pilot, which is aimed at improving serving teachers' competence and confidence in the use of Information and Communications Technology in the classroom.

  From early 1999 the first tranche of funds from the People's Lottery will become available to train the UK teaching force in the use of information and communication technologies. This initiative will meet one of the key recommendations of the Stevenson Committee report "Information and Communications Technology in UK Schools" and will be the first attempt to train all teachers in the use of IT.

  Special Advisers
  Mr. Hawkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many(a) special advisers, (b) task force members and (c) review body

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  members his Department employs; what is the total salary and benefits of (a) to (c); and what was the equivalent cost prior to 1 May. [19319]

  Dr. Howells
  On the question of Special Advisers, I refer the hon. Member to the answers given on 13 November 1997,Official Report, columns 615–17, and on 25 November 1997, Official Report, columns 472–73.

  The Department has six Task Forces which currently have a total of 93 members; no appointments have yet been made to the Skills Task Force. No salary or benefits are paid to members of these bodies. The Department is not responsible for any review bodies.

  After-school Clubs
  Mr. Duncan Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many after-school clubs there were on(a) 1 May and (b) 27 November. [20051]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  The Department makes funds available for after-school clubs in England under the Out of School Childcare Initiative (OSCI). The initiative is

  Name

  Position

  Remuneration

  Centre for Information on Language Teaching

  Derek Winslow1

  Governor

  None

  Andrew Yeomans

  Governor

  None

  Richard Bunker

  Governor

  None

  Jeremy Arliss

  Governor

  None

  Anthony Lunch

  Governor

  None

  Construction Industry Training Board

  Michael Fitchett

  Board member

  None

  Herbert Baggaley

  Board member

  None

  Stewart Tilley

  Board member

  None

  Oliver Robbins

  Board member

  None

  Engineering Construction Industry Training Board

  Norman Dunlop

  Chairman

  None

  Equal Opportunities Commission

  Ms Anne Gibson1

  Commissioner

  £123 per day

  Richard Grayson1

  Commissioner

  £123 per day

  Funding Agency for Schools

  Sir Anthony Tippet

  Chairman

  £30,000 p. a.

  Robert Lloyd

  Board member

  £155 per meeting

  Professor David Johns

  Board member

  £155 per meeting

  Miss Louise Anne Kidd

  Board member

  £155 per meeting

  Roy Jobson

  Board member

  £155 per meeting

  The Revd Dr. Alan Billings

  Board member

  £155 per meeting

  Robin Wendt

  Board member

  £155 per meeting

  Further Education Funding Council

  Lord Davies of Oldham

  Chairman

  £37,000 p.a.

  Further Education Funding Council—Yorkshire and Humberside Regional Committee

  David Wille

  Board member

  None

  Yvonne Rose

  Board member

  None

  Professor Robert Fryer

  Board member

  None

  Higher Education Funding Council for England

  Dorma Urwin

  Board member

  £4,000 p.a.

  Professor Ron Cooke

  Board member

  £4,000 p.a.

  Dr. Keith Taylor

  Board member

  £4,000 p.a.

  Mrs. Joan Bingley1

  Board member

  £4,000 p.a.

  Caroline Neville

  Board member

  £4,000 p.a.

  Professor Sir Gareth Roberts

  Board member

  £4,000 p.a.

  Dr. David Potter CBE

  Board member

  £4,000 p.a.

  Professor Marilyn Butler

  Board member

  £4,000 p.a.

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  delivered locally by Training and Enterprise Councils (TECs). The Department records the number of places provided through OSCI in out of school clubs but not the number of clubs available throughout the country. The initiative has already created some 78,000 places and offers parents, especially women, the opportunity to participate more fully in the labour market by increasing the supply of good quality, affordable out of school childcare.

  Public Appointments
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will publish the names of all those people who he has appointed to public bodies since 1 May, indicating the positions to which they have been appointed, and whether they receive remuneration. [19976]

  Dr. Howells
  The information requested is given in the table. My hon. Friend will wish to note that this information will be in the Department's Annual Report when it is published next year, and is also accessible through the Public Appointment Unit's Internet Website.
  701

  Name

  Position

  Remuneration

  Dr. John Strickson1

  Board member

  £4,000 p.a.

  Miss Janet Trotter1

  Board member

  £4,000 p.a.

  Professor Sir Colin Campbell1

  Board member

  £4,000 p.a.

  Dr. Robert Telfer1

  Board member

  £4,000 p.a.

  Professor Kay-Tee Khaw1

  Board member

  £4,000 p.a.

  Mrs. Joan Bingley1

  Board member

  £4,000 p. a.

  Sir Michael Checkland

  Chairman

  £37,822 p.a.

  Investors in People UK

  Dr. Louise Wallace

  Board member

  None

  Qualifications and Curriculum Authority

  Sir William Stubbs

  Chairman

  £47,000 p.a.

  Sir Dominic Cadbury

  Deputy Chairman

  None

  Professor Robin Alexander

  Board member

  None

  Geoffrey Ashton

  Board member

  None

  Mrs. Anne Duke

  Board member

  None

  Dr. Philip Evans

  Board member

  None

  Dr. Philip Hunter

  Board member

  None

  Mrs. Patricia Lee

  Board member

  None

  Ian McAllister

  Board member

  None

  Mrs. Patricia Morgan-Webb

  Board member

  None

  Sir George Quigley

  Board member

  None

  Heather Rabbatts

  Board member

  None

  Professor Ted Wragg

  Board member

  None

  Remploy

  Mrs. Sarah Brown

  Non-Executive Director

  None

  David Winterbottom1

  Non-Executive Director

  None

  National Advisory Council on Employment of People with Disabilities

  Alan Smith1

  Chairman

  None

  Paul Newman1

  Council member

  None

  Guinette Davies1

  Council member

  None

  Rita Donaghy1

  Council member

  None

  Richard Exell1

  Council member

  None

  Professor Ian Bruce1

  Council member

  None

  Stephen Duckworth OBE1

  Council member

  None

  Dr. Ann Fingret1

  Council member

  None

  Sir Peter Large CBE1

  Council member

  None

  Bert Massie MBE1

  Council member

  None

  Timothy Pape OBE1

  Council member

  None

  Susan Scott-Parker1

  Council member

  None

  Richard Sermon1

  Council member

  None

  Ian Sneddon1

  Council member

  None

  John Spencer1

  Council member

  None

  Dianah Worman1

  Council member

  None

  National Disability Council

  Alan Smith

  Council member

  £119 per day

  Teacher Training Agency

  Professor Clive Booth

  Chairman

  £15,759 p.a.

  Dr. Peter Knight OBE1

  Board member

  None

  Miss J. Trotter1

  Board member

  None

  Lady Marie Stubbs

  Board member

  None

  John Steele

  Board member

  None

  Professor John Gray

  Board member

  None

  Waheed Alli

  Board member

  None

  Paul Ennals

  Board member

  None

  Keith Anderson

  Board member

  None

  Mrs. Patricia Pritchard

  Board member

  None

  Note:

  1 These are reappointments.

SCOTLAND

  Voluntary Organisations
  Mr. Gorrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what sums each Scottish local authority (i) has budgeted to spend in 1997–98 and (ii) has spent in each of the five previous years in(a) grants to voluntary organisations and
  702
  (b) purchasing services from voluntary organisations in respect of (1) youth work, sport, adult education and community education, (2) social work, (3) Citizens Advice Bureaux and other advice giving services and (4) others. [19761]

  Mr. Galbraith
  Information is not held centrally in the form requested at present, although the collection of
  703
  statistics on local authority expenditure on the voluntary sector is being reviewed.

  The funding of local voluntary organisations is a matter for local authorities. The Scottish Office has, however, issued guidance to local authorities requesting them to produce policy statements on working with and supporting the voluntary sector in their area. Scottish Office funding of £240,000 over three years has been granted to the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations to provide information and support to voluntary bodies building partnerships at local level. As a result, 22 new partnerships agreements are in place between local authorities and their local voluntary sector.

  The Scottish Office has joined COSLA's Task Group on the voluntary sector to take forward good practice guidance on positive partnerships and funding.

WALES

  Child Abuse
  Mr. Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is his estimate of the cost of the North Wales child abuse inquiry. [20253]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  The cost to the Welsh Office of running the Tribunal is not expected to exceed £10 million.

  Millennium Compliance
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if his Department has current dealings with(a) non-governmental organisations and (b) suppliers which are not millennium compliant; and on what date his Department will cease to deal with (i) non-governmental organisations and (ii) suppliers which are not millennium compliant. [20532]

  Mr. Ron Davies
  The degree of the year 2000 date change problem for my Department depends on a number of factors including the nature and relative importance of non-governmental organisations and suppliers to the business of the Welsh Office. My Department is following the guidance issued by the central Computer and Telecommunications Agency (CCTA) on the action to be taken to deal with the problem. The Welsh Office will assess the nature of its contractual relationships with non-governmental organisations and suppliers to establish the impact of non-compliance.

  All non-governmental organisations and suppliers will need to show that their relevant systems are millennium compliant wherever these would have a significant impact on the business of the Department. If they cannot do so by 31 March 1998 we will review the contractual arrangements.

  Local Government Finance
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is the forecast level of spending by local authorities for 1998–99; and what is the percentage change in real terms compared to 1997–98. [20549]
  704
  Mr. Ron Davies
  The provisional capping plans that I announced on 10 December will increase Welsh local authorities spending power by over 4.5 per cent. My capping plans are not spending targets, however, and I cannot predict local authorities spending decisions for 1998–99. They have until March 1998 to set budgets.

  Rail Links
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with Rail Franchise holders on rail links with(a) Cardiff and (b) Swansea; and if he will make a statement. [20407]

  Mr. Ron Davies
  The train operating companies are represented on the Welsh Transport Advisory Group which my hon. Friend the Member for Neath (Mr. Hain) has recently established. In addition, he has already met the Franchising Director to discuss the scope for improved rail services between North and South Wales, and plans to have separate discussions with the main operators shortly.

  Road Links
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to improve road communications between Deeside and(a) Cardiff and (b) Swansea; and if he will make a statement. [20406]

  Mr. Ron Davies
  The extent to which improvements are needed to the road network between north and south Wales was one of the main issues raised for consideration in the recent consultation exercise on the review of the Welsh trunk road programme. The review process is still at an early stage and it is not possible to say when we will be able to give any indications as to the size and composition of the future trunk road programme.

  A number of organisations and individuals submitted representations in support of improved links between north and south Wales during the review consultation period; and we will consider these very carefully before making any final decisions on the strategy to be adopted for the trunk road network.

HOUSE OF COMMONS

  Monday 22 December
  Sir Patrick Cormack
  To ask the President of the Council what estimate she has made of the costs which will be incurred as a result of the decision that the House should sit on a single day in the week beginning Monday 22 December. [20519]

  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.

  Stationery
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Chairman of the Administration Committee what representations she has received in respect of the changes to the supply of stationery. [20888]

  Mrs. Roe
  One, from the hon. Member for Nuneaton (Mr. Olner), which has been drawn to the attention of the Serjeant at Arms.

PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL

  Departmental Staff
  Mr. Hawkins
  To ask the President of the Council how many(a) special advisers, (b) task force members and (c) review body members her Department employs; what is the total salary and benefits of (a) to (c); and what was the equivalent cost prior to 1 May.

  Mrs. Ann Taylor
  The Privy Council Office employs no task force members or review body members. I have one Special Adviser, Mr. Ian McKenzie. Additionally, I have appointed Mr. Keith Hellawell as the UK Anti-Drugs Co-ordinator (from 5 Janaury 1998) and Mr. Michael Trace as Deputy UK Anti-Drugs Co-ordinator on special adviser terms. As regards costs, I refer the hon. Member to the Answers given by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster to the hon. Members for Kingston and Surbiton (Mr. Davey) and for Gordon (Mr. Bruce) on 25 November 1997,Official Report, columns 472–73.

DEFENCE

  Strategic Defence Review
  Mr. Blunt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he now expects to publish the strategic defence review. [20483]

  Mr. George Robertson
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave my hon. Friend, the Member for Walsall, South (Mr. George) on 25 November 1997,Official Report, columns 499–500.

  Western European Union
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to meet the Greek Defence Minister to discuss the forthcoming Greek presidency of the Western European Union. [20080]

  Mr. George Robertson
  I held a meeting with the Greek Defence Minister during the Western European Union Ministerial meeting at Erfurt on 18 November. We discussed a number of issues of common interest, including the forthcoming Greek Presidency of the Western European Union.

  Royal Navy Vessels
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what in the life expectancy of Type 23 frigates and Type 42 destroyers; and when the(a) first and (b) last of each class entered service with the Royal Navy. [20073]

  Dr. Reid
  The life expectancy of the Type 23 Frigates and Type 42 Destroyers is expected to be in the order of 25 years, although this will be kept under review. The first Type 23 Frigate, HMS Norfolk, entered service in 1989. HMS Portland, the final ship of the last batch, which is currently under construction at Yarrow Shipbuilders, is due to enter service in 2001. The first type 42 Destroyer to enter service was HMS Birmingham in 1976 and the last HMS Edinburgh in 1985.
  706
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if the LPH HMS Ocean and the LPDs HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark have the capability to operate(a) Sea Harriers and (b) RAF Harrier GR7s. [20086]

  Dr. Reid
  Neither the Helicopter Carrier, HMS Ocean, nor the Amphibious Assault ships, HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark, will have the capability to operate Sea Harriers or RAF Harrier GR7S. HMS Ocean will be able to transport up to 20 of these aircraft but not to act as their operational base.

  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the advantages of replacing the use of frigates as West Indies guard ships or anti-drugs patrols with a smaller class of vessel. [20074]

  Dr. Reid
  The Strategic Defence Review is examining the whole range of Defence capabilities and activities, including the role of the West Indies' Guard Ship. Once all the work on the Review has been considered by Ministers, we will publish a White Paper setting out our overall conclusions.

  Sea Harrier Aircraft
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the Sea Harriers were delivered to the Royal Navy; and what is the life expectancy of a single aircraft of the class. [20077]

  Dr. Reid
  The Sea Harrier entered service in 1979. Since its entry to service the Sea Harrier has undergone a mid-life update to give it an increased capability. The currently planned out of service date for the Sea Harrier is 2012 although the aircraft will be phased out over a 3-year period, ending in 2015, during which time the aircraft will retain an operational role.

  Uncommanded Flying Manoeuvres
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many incidents of uncommanded flying manoeuvres have been reported by RAF pilots in(a) fixed wing aircraft and (b) helicopters in each of the past five years. [19840]

  Mr. Spellar
  [holding answer 9 December 1997]: The table gives the number of uncommanded movements on flying controls for RAF fixed wing aircraft and helicopters in the past five years.

  1992

  1993

  1994

  1995

  1996

  Fixed Wing

  95

  83

  42

  39

  61

  Helicopters

  51

  43

  40

  35

  30

  Uncommanded movements cover movements of flying controls including primary surfaces, trimmers, flaps, airbrakes and spoilers, and any induced by malfunctions of autopilots. They also include any found on pre-flight checks.

TREASURY

  Scottish Parliament
  Dr. Fox
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the cost of the proposed Scottish Parliament will be met exclusively from the Scottish block grant; and if he will make a statement on the availability of extra funds for this purpose from the Treasury. [18222]

  Mr. Darling
  The costs of the proposed Scottish Parliament will be met exclusively from the Scottish block grant.

  Orion Trust
  Mr. Lilley
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if the Paymaster General's wife or children have any interest in any offshore trusts apart from the Orion Trust; [20661]

  (2) When he was informed about the transfer of 2.95 million TransTec shares into the Orion Trust; [20664]

  (3) if he will publish the trust deed of the Orion Trust; [20665]

  (4) who informed the Orion Trust that 2.95 million TransTec shares should have been legally settled in the trust; [20663]

  (5) who the non-resident settlor was who transferred 2.95 million TransTec shares into the Orion Trust in 1997; [20662]

  (6) if he will publish the letter of wishes from the settlor to the trustees of the Orion Trust (a) on the setting up of the trust and (b) relating to the Deed of Addition. [20660]

  Mr. Gordon Brown
  I refer the right hon. Member to the reply I gave on 10 December 1997,Official Report, columns 575–76.

  Child Care Facilities
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what measures his Department is taking to ensure that organisations wishing to contribute to employee childcare facilities are given clear instructions on how to implement section 155A of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988. [19926]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 9 December 1997]: Guidance on when Section 155A applies to childcare facilities is given in the Inland Revenue information leaflet IR115, Tax and Childcare, which is available from Tax Inquiry Centres or Tax Offices. Organisations may also consult their Tax Office.

  Economic and Monetary Union
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what measures his Department is taking to ensure that the public are accurately informed of the issues relating to EMU. [19928]

  Mrs. Liddell
  [holding answer 9 December 1997]: In July, the Treasury published two booklets, "EMU—Practical Information for Business", and "The Pros and Cons of EMU", of which about 60,000 and 21,000 copies have been distributed respectively. In October, the
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  Treasury published "UK Membership of the Single Currency: An Assessment of the Five Economic Tests", about 6,000 copies of which have been distributed.

  Separately, my right hon. Friend the Chancellor has set up a Business Advisory Group on the strategic and practical implications of EMU, and a Standing Committee on preparations for EMU. A summary of the findings of the Business Advisory Group will be published in early 1998 and will include recommendations on the information required by business about EMU. The Government have also announced plans for a series of regional conferences to be held early in the New Year to ensure that all regions and sectors of the economy are aware of the need to prepare.

  Copies of a folder titled "Business Preparations for the Euro", containing all the information published, including a note on Government activities, have been placed in the Library of the House.

  Long-term Investment
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will ensure that reforms of capital gains tax encourage long-term investment. [19927]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 9 December 1997]: In his Pre-Budget Report of 25 November, my right hon. Friend the Chancellor made it clear that he remains attracted to a system of capital gains tax that encourages long-term investment. Work to examine the scope for such a system is continuing.

  Special Advisers
  Mr. Tyrie
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is responsible for ensuring that the contracts under which his special advisers work are complied with. [18862]

  Mr. Gordon Brown
  [holding answer 2 December 1997]: The lines of responsibility are set down in their contracts, a model copy of which is in the House of Commons Library.

  Mr. Tyrie
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what steps his special advisers are required to take to obtain authorisation before talking to members of the Press; [18864]

  (2) with whom his special advisers' contracts of employment have been made. [18854]

  Mr. Gordon Brown
  [holding answer 2 December 1997]: The terms under which special advisers work are set out in the schedule to their contract, a model copy of which is available in the House of Commons Library. These build upon rules in force under previous Administrations.

  Market Sensitive Information
  Mr. Tyrie
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he has taken to establish the source of disclosure of market sensitive information in the last week of September. [18863]

  Mr. Gordon Brown
  [holding answer 2 December 1997]: Market sensitive information was not disclosed.

  Cyclically Adjusted Budget Deficits
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will update table B8, of the "Pre-Budget Report November 1997", to allow for the revenues which would accrue to the Exchequer if the measures included in the Treasury's Report "A Modern System for Corporation Tax Payments" are implemented. [19958]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 10 December 1997]: The net revenue effects of the measures proposed in "A modern system for corporation tax payments" would have negligible impact on the estimates in Table B9 which gives government expenditure and receipts up to 1998–99.

  Tax Avoidance Schemes
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what action the Government intend to take against tax avoidance schemes; and if he will make a statement. [19955]

  Mr. Gordon Brown
  [holding answer 10 December 1997]: The Government are determined to stem tax leakage by detecting, deterring and defeating tax avoidance. The last Budget included a package of anti-avoidance measures, and more are likely to be announced in the next Budget. Since the summer, the Inland Revenue have been carrying out a wide-ranging review of avoidance. Both the Inland Revenue and Customs and Excise are also looking at the possibility of introducing a General Anti-Avoidance Rule.

  Credit Unions
  Mr. Barnes
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will introduce legislation to allow those without a residential qualification to join credit unions. [19858]

  Mrs. Liddell
  [holding answer 11 December 1997]: The existing legislation already allows a number of ways for those without a residential qualification to join credit unions.

  Fiscal Stability
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the role of the Treasury Committee in respect of monitoring the Government's adherence to a Code of Fiscal Stability; and if he will make a statement. [19964]

  Mr. Darling
  [holding answer 11 December 1997]: The Chancellor's proposal for a Code for Fiscal Stability will commit the Government to a set of principles of fiscal policy management, transparent fiscal reporting and best-practice accounting methods. This open approach will allow the Treasury Committee to play an important role in the external scrutiny of the Government's fiscal policy.

  Lord Sainsbury
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he last met Lord Sainsbury in an official capacity; and what subjects were discussed. [19535]
  710
  Mr. Gordon Brown
  [holding answer 8 December 1997]: I have met Lord Sainsbury on occasions such as seminars at 11 Downing Street which I have attended in my capacity as Chancellor.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Greece and Turkey
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had and with whom on the recommendation made in the Madrid Summit in July 1997, in respect of relationships between Greece and Turkey; and what initiatives have been taken under this agreement. [20081]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has on a number of occasions discussed this subject with ministerial colleagues, including the Greek and Turkish Foreign Ministers. Diplomatic contacts to build on the agreement made in Madrid in July 1997 will continue during our EU Presidency.

  Cyprus
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the British High Commissioner for Cyprus or his officials last visited the Greek Cypriot community living in the Karpas area of Cyprus; what reports he has received in respect of the living conditions; and if he will make a statement. [20082]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  A number of the British High Commission last visited the Greek Cypriot community in the Karpas on 4 November as part of a regular series of visits to that area. The High Commission reports no significant changes in living conditions since the previous visit in May.

  European Parliament
  Sir Richard Body
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations his Department has received relating to the misdirection of funds for the construction of the European Parliament buildings in the Espace Leopold; and if he will request an investigation by the Court of Auditors. [20258]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  We are aware that allegations have been made of impropriety relating to the construction of the new European Parliament building in Brussels. We understand that the Belgium judicial authorities are conducting an inquiry. Decisions on appropriate follow-up action will be taken when the facts of the case are clear.

  European Union
  Mr. Howard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to the statement of the Minister of State of 4 December 1997,Official Report, column 567, where, when and between whom the exchanges in private relating to the agreement between Spain and the Dutch presidency took place. [20580]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  This is not a matter on which we can give precise answers, since by definition, no representative of the Government was present.
  711
  Mr. Howard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to the statement of the Minister of State of 4 December 1997,Official Report, column 567, when the attempt to clarify the mix-up over the Spanish amendment to the Treaty of Amsterdam was made. [20579]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  We first contacted the Presidency about this matter on 20 June.

  Mr. Howard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to the statement of the Minister of State of 4 December 1997,Official Report, column 567, when the bilateral understanding between the Dutch presidency and the Spanish government was reached. [20581]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  I refer the right hon. and learned Member to the reply I gave him on 2 December 1997,Official Report, columns 122–23.

  Millennium Compliance
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if his Department has current dealings with(a) non-governmental organisations and (b) suppliers which are not millennium compliant; and on what date his Department will cease to deal with (i) non-governmental organisations and (ii) suppliers which are not millennium compliant. [20527]

  Mr. Fatchett
  This Department deals with many non-governmental organisations and suppliers. Where we identify that such organisations have a millennium problem, which could have a negative impact on this Department, we take appropriate action. Depending on the scale of the problem, and the nature of the organisation, this may result in this Department ceasing to deal with the organisation at an appropriate time, which we anticipate would be no later than 31 December 1999.

  Middle East Peace Process
  Mr. Soames
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress he expects to achieve during the United Kingdom Presidency of the EU on the implementation of Security Council Resolution 425 of 19 March 1978. [20546]

  Mr. Fatchett
  During our Presidency we will be working to re-inject momentum into the Middle East peace process on all its tracks. We will continue to stress to parties in the region our support for the full implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 425 and withdrawal of Israeli troops from Lebanon.

  Zambia
  Mr. David Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the consequences of the recent attempted coup in Zambia. [20594]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  We welcome the prompt restoration of civilian government. We hope the State of Emergency will soon be lifted. We have expressed concern to the Zambian authorities at the numbers in detention and at reports of torture, most recently when I met the Zambian High Commissioner on 10 November. We welcome the 712
  Zambian Permanent Human Rights Commission's statement condemning torture and calling for the officers concerned to be arrested, as well as President Chiluba's support for their stance. We are monitoring developments closely and I will visit Zambia from 7 to 9 January.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Housing Executive
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many clerical officers and clerk/typists are employed in each of the offices of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive; and what is the breakdown by gender in each case and in total. [19574]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, who has advised me that the information is not held in the form requested, and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many persons applied for posts of clerk/typist and clerical officer with the Northern Ireland Housing Executive in each of the last three years and the current year to the latest available date; and in each year how many(a) applicants and (b) appointees were (i) male, (ii) female, (iii) Protestant, (iv) Roman Catholic and (v) others. [19576]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive who has advised me that the Housing Executive has not recruited staff to the Clerical officer or Clerk/typist posts over the past three years, other than through temporary contracts arranged through Job Centres. The Executive is currently in the process of recruiting staff to these posts and hopes to have completed the exercise by January 1998. The impact of the recruitment exercise on the composition of the Executive's work force as a whole, will be reflected in the annual monitoring return to the Fair Employment Commission (FEC).

  District Cancer Centres
  Rev. Martin Smyth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland pursuant to her answer of 2 December,Official Report, column 128, what estimate has been made of the number of staff required to support the new consultancy in non-surgical oncology; and what plans are in place to recruit and train them. [19751]

  Mr. Worthington
  [holding answer 9 December 1997]: Assessment of the need for suitably trained staff, to support additional consultants in clinical oncology, will be carried out by the relevant HSS Trusts as this service develops. Recruitment and training will be taken forward in the light of purchasers' requirements and the resources available.

  Local Government Finance
  Mr. Colman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress has been made towards introducing a best value regime for district councils in Northern Ireland; and if she will make a statement. [20738]
  713
  Marjorie Mowlam
  Following our announcement on 20 June of the decision to extend the existing Compulsory Competitive Tendering timetable until 1 November 1998, good progress has been made in developing a suitable Best Value regime for District Councils in Northern Ireland. In developing our plans we have been able to draw on the experience of other parts of the country but it has also been necessary to tailor our proposals to local circumstances.

  The Government wish actively to involve local government and to draw on their experience in developing a suitable Best Value regime for District Councils in Northern Ireland. In order to facilitate this process, we are today publishing a Consultation Paper, setting out our proposals and inviting comments form interested parties. A copy of the Consultation Paper has been placed in the Library.

  Archives
  Ms Osborne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how expenditure by the Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland on the purchase of archives of historical/research importance will be funded. [20739]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  The Department of the Environment has recently concluded that the Public Records Act (NI) 1923 does not empower the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland to purchase archives. Parliamentary approval for such purchases in the current financial year will be sought in a Supplementary Estimate for the Environmental and Other Services Vote (Department of the Environment Vote 4) Pending that approval, expenditure up to an estimated £120,000 will be met by repayable advances from the Civil Contingencies Fund to ensure that Northern Ireland's archival heritage will be saved for posterity.

  I am also examining the possibility of seeking Parliament's approval for new legislation which will specifically authorise such expenditure.

  Electoral Officer's Report
  Mr. Gareth R. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will publish the report of the Chief Electoral Officer in Northern Ireland for 1996–97. [20740]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  The Chief Electoral Officer's annual report was laid before parliament on Tuesday 9 December, and copies are available in the Library.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Animal Feed
  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the extent to which meat and bonemeal is fed to livestock in other European Union countries; and if he will make a statement. [20249]

  Mr. Rooker
  We are not in a position to make such an assessment.
  714
  Under EU Directive 94/381, farmers in other Member States are permitted to feed meat and bone meal (MBM), including mammalian MBM, to non-ruminant livestock. The UK has had far more cases of BSE than other Member States, and we therefore have measures which go considerably further than those taken elsewhere.

  IACS and BSPS Payments
  Mrs. Ballard
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects the IACS and BSPS payments to be made to farmers. [20535]

  Mr. Rooker
  All main payments under the Arable Area Payments Scheme in England, except those subject to query, are expected to be made by the EU deadline of 31 December 1997. BSPS advance payments are under way with some £46.5 million distributed to date. BSPS balance payments will be made by the statutory deadline of 30 June 1998.

  Millennium Compliance
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his Department has current dealings with(a) non-governmental organisations and (b) suppliers which are not millennium compliant; and on what date his Department will cease to deal with (i) non-governmental organisations and (ii) suppliers which are not millennium compliant. [20529]

  Mr. Morley
  The position in the Department is that all dependencies on non-governmental organisations and/or suppliers who may not be millennium compliant are being examined, and associated risks and contingency requirements identified (these will be different from case to case). Assurances regarding millennium compliance are being sought and appropriate contingency action (which could, for example, entail switching to another supplier and product) will be initiated as necessary.

  Mink
  Angela Smith
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) how many inspectors' visits to check that the conditions of the Mink Keeping Order 1992 and the Mink Keeping Regulations 1975 (as amended) were being adhered to were carried out in(a) 1993, (b) 1994, (c) 1995, (d) 1996 and (e) 1997; [20638]

  (2) how many inspectors were employed to ensure the implementation of the Mink Keeping Order in (a) 1993, (b) 1994, (c) 1995, (d) 1996 and (e) 1997. [20637]

  Mr. Morley
  Inspections of mink farms are carried out by advisers from the Farming and Rural Conservation Agency (FRCA), an Executive Agency of MAFF, as part of their statutory duties as the Department's wildlife advisers. FRCA are resourced to carry out all necessary visits to mink farms to ensure that the security arrangements in place meet the requirements laid down in the Mink Keeping Regulations 1975. Until recently, only one site visit was normally made each year at the time of the issue of the licence. However, to ensure that the necessary security standards are maintained throughout the year, an additional unannounced inspection will now be made to each farm during the year. As before, inspections will also be carried out following any reports of escaped mink.
  715
  Angela Smith
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) when the Mink Keeping Order licences next come up for renewal for each of the farms currently licensed; and for what period of time licences are issued; [20642]

  (2) how many mink farms were issued licences under the Mink Keeping Order in (a) 1993, (b) 1994, (c) 1995, (d) 1996 and (e) 1997; [20636]

  (3) if he will list the names and addresses of the farms currently licensed under the Mink Keeping Order; [20643]

  (4) how many licences were granted for the transportation of mink in (a) 1993, (b) 1994, (c) 1995, (d) 1996 and (e) 1997. [20645]

  Mr. Morley
  The number of mink farms issued licences over the last five years are as follows:

  Period/Year ending issued licences

  Number of mink farms

  31 March 1993

  19

  31 March 1994

  13

  31 March 1995

  13

  31 March 1996

  14

  31 March 1997

  13

  Where a mink farmer holds a licence to keep mink, a separate licence is not required for the specific action of transporting live mink.

  The mink farms currently licensed are located in the following counties:

  County

  Number of licensed mink farms

  Cornwall

  1

  Dorset

  1

  Hampshire

  1

  Isle of Wight

  1

  Lancashire

  6

  Northumberland

  1

  South Yorkshire

  1

  Staffordshire

  1

  West Yorkshire

  3

  Total

  16

  The Department's policy is not to disclose the exact location of fur farms but to give only the county in which a licence is applicable. This is to protect mink fur farmers from the attentions of individuals or organisations who might seek to disrupt by unlawful means the activity of licensed fur farming.

  Licences are valid for twelve months and the number expiring in each month is as follows:

  Month

  Number of licences expiring

  December 1997

  6

  Janaury 1998

  —

  February 1998

  1

  March 1998

  1

  April 1998

  3

  May 1998

  1

  June 1998

  1

  July 1998

  —

  August 1998

  —

  716

  Month

  Number of licences expiring

  September 1998

  1

  October 1998

  —

  November 1998

  1

  December 1998

  1

  Angela Smith
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what estimate his Department has made of the numbers of mink that have escaped into the wild from mink farms in(a) 1993, (b) 1994, (c) 1995, (d) 1996 and (e) 1997; [20641]

  (2) how many mink farms had a licence revoked or suspended in (a) 1993, (b) 1994, (c) 1995, (d) 1996 and (e) 1997; [20640]

  (3) how many prosecutions his Department has initiated for keeping mink without a licence under the Mink Keeping Order since 1993; [20646]

  (4) how many mink farms have been allowed to operate without a licence under the Mink Keeping Order; [20644]

  (5) what penalties exist for mink farms found to have breached a condition or conditions of the Mink Keeping Order or the Mink Keeping Regulations. [20639]

  Mr. Morley
  I am not aware of any unlicensed mink farms being allowed to operate. All mink farm licensees are sent reminder letters before their licence expires and the Department will chase licensees who do not respond. Where an existing licence holder ceases to keep mink, the Department asks for information on the arrangements for the disposal of the mink. Where mink have been sold to other farms, the Department will check that the new owner is licensed to keep mink. Any reports of unlicensed farms are referred to the Investigation Branch of the

  Department's Legal Division for consideration. Since 1993, one prosecution has been undertaken for keeping mink on unlicenced premises. No licences have been revoked or suspended during that period.

  Licensed mink fur farmers are required to report any escapes to the Department; the numbers of mink reported to the Department as having escaped from fur farms are detailed. All were the result of reported vandalism to licensed mink farms:

  Period

  Number of mink reported to have escaped

  Year ending 31 March 1994

  nil

  Year ending 31 March 1995

  nil

  Year ending 31 March 1996

  3,005

  Year ending 31 March 1997

  nil

  Eight months to end November 1997

  300

  Under the Destructive Imported Animals Act 1932, anyone failing to comply with the conditions of a licence may be subject to a fine not exceeding level 1 on the standard scale, currently £200 and to a further penalty of £2 for every day on which the offence continues after conviction. In addition, licences can be revoked.

  Beef Labelling
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he will introduce his proposed changes to beef labelling; and what factors underlie the delay in their introduction. [20489]

  Mr. Rooker
  The Beef Labelling Scheme, which implements EC Regulation 820/97, was introduced in the United Kingdom on 9 October with applications invited from 1 November. The Regulation was due to come into full force from 1 January 1998, but the European Commission has recently decided to postpone entry into force until 31 March 1998. The reason for this postponement was delay in implementing the Regulation in other member states.

  Bees (Varroa)
  Mr. Paice
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the impact on public health from the importation of honey from countries where bees are treated with anti-varroa products not approved in the United Kingdom. [20576]

  Mr. Rooker
  The Veterinary Medicines Directorate tested samples of honey for flumethrin as part of its non-statutory residues surveillance programme in 1996. Approximately 70 per cent. of the samples collected at random from retail outlets were imported. None of the samples was positive. Results for this year are not yet available.

  Mr. Paice
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Facers and Food what representations he has received from beekeepers with regard to the control of varroa mite by products approved in other EU countries but not approved in the United Kingdom; what response he has given; what is his assessment of the impact on United Kingdom beekeepers of the resistance of bees to the only United Kingdom approved product; and if he will take steps to approve the use of those other products in the United Kingdom. [20577]

  Mr. Rooker
  I have received a number of letters from hon. Members and Secretaries of beekeeping associations on this subject, and they will all receive full responses to the points they have made about the import and administration of unauthorised products.

  We are not aware of any incidence of varroa mite resistance in the UK.

  The question of any applications for authorisation of new veterinary medicines to control varroa mites is one for the pharmaceutical industry. No veterinary medicines is authorised unless it satisfies the statutory criteria of safety, quality and efficacy.

  Button Plastic Tags
  Mr. Soames
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he intends to permit button plastic tags as a secondary tag as from 1 January 1998. [20547]

  Mr. Rooker
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the right hon. Member for Wealden (Sir Geoffrey Johnson Smith) on 11 December 1997,Official Report, column 682.

  Beef Imports
  Mr. Paice
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will prevent the importation of all meat from countries where BSE is present and where mammalian meat and bone meal is included in animal feed. [20574]

  Mr. Rooker
  No. There is no reasonable basis on which I could take such action.

  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he has taken to ensure(a) that all beef entering the United Kingdom for human consumption is less than 30 months old and (b) that over 30 month old beef imported into the United Kingdom to be processed for pet food does not enter the human food chain. [20490]

  Mr. Rooker
  The Fresh Meat (Beef Controls) (No. 2) Regulations 1996 prohibit the sale for human consumption of bovine meat from animals over 30 months old. Responsibility for enforcement falls to Local Authorities.

  It is not an offence to import meat from animals more than 30 months old.

  Mr. Paice
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will ban the import of beef from cattle aged over 30 months from countries where BSE is present. [20573]

  Mr. Rooker
  Action to prohibit the sale of human consumption of meat derived from bovine animals born, reared and slaughtered in any country was taken by the previous Government on 28 March 1996 in the Beef (Emergency Control) Order 1996. This prohibited the sale for human consumption of meat derived from bovine animals slaughtered on or after 29 March 1996 which "showed signs of more than one pair of permanent incisors". (This test is used to identify animals aged over 30 months). The prohibition was subsequently modified to exclude beef from certain countries where BSE is not known to occur, and is now contained in the Fresh Meat (Beef Controls) (No. 2) Regulations.

  Poultrymeat
  Mr. Paice
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food for what reasons poultrymeat is permitted to be imported from countries where BSE has been reported and where mammalian meat and bone meal is permitted in poultry feed. [20575]

  Mr. Rooker
  Because it is perfectly safe. The prohibitions on the use of meat and bone meal in poultry feed are to avoid cross-contamination with feed for ruminants and not because of concerns in relation to the safety of the poultrymeat.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Arms Sales
  Sir Richard Body
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what percentage of the value of claims made on Export Credits Guarantee Department funds related to
  719
  arms sales in each of the last three years; and what was the total value of claims relating to arms sales in each of those years. [12725]

  Mrs. Roche
  ECGD does not use the term "arms" to identify business. Records are maintained on a buyer basis and any business with a Defence Ministry is described as "defence related". This can cover a wide range of equipment and services.

  From the information currently available the claims figures on defence related business are as follows:

  Total value/Percentage

  Financial year 1994–95

  Total value of claims paid on Defence related business:

  £133.2 million

  Value of claims paid on Defence related business as a percentage of total claims paid:

  32 per cent.

  Financial year 1995–96

  Total value of claims paid on Defence related business:

  £107.3 million

  Value of claims paid on Defence related business as a percentage of total claims paid:

  36 per cent.

  Financial year 1996–971

  Total value of claims paid on Defence related business:

  £49.7 million

  Value of claims paid on Defence related business as a percentage of total claims paid:

  21 per cent.

  1 Figures for 1996–97 are currently being audited.

  Yemen
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will make a statement on the current level of British investment in Yemen. [14974]

  Mrs. Roche
  At the end of 1995, the latest year for which figures are available, the net book value of direct investment by UK firms in Yemen was £15 million. This represents the cumulative value of investment after allowing for depreciation. During 1995, the flow of direct investment by UK firms in Yemen was less than their disinvestment, resulting in net direct investment of minus £36 million.

  Biotechnology
  Dr. Gibson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what steps the Government will take to ensure that the public acceptance of biotechnology features in the discussions of the European Commission relating to its ethical implications. [15339]

  Mr. Battle
  The debate which has surrounded the European Commission's proposal for a Directive on the legal protection of biotechnological inventions has highlighted a number of ethical issues which surrounded this technology. Therefore, I announced on 24 November that my Department would be sponsoring a consultation initiative to seek public views on biological research.

  My ultimate goal is to engage members of the public in debate to enable us to assess the issues that are of concern to a lay audience. However, I feel that an important pre-cursor to this is to involve interested parties active in the debate to add to the credibility that an inclusive approach will offer.
  720
  I shall be hosting an event in the New Year to discuss with groups active in the biosciences and science communication how we can best develop the public activity, which is planned for next summer.

  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment she has made of the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council's progress in addressing the shortage of biochemical engineers. [19238]

  Mr. Battle
  Last year, the Office of Science and Technology, the Research Councils and The Royal Society commissioned a survey of postgraduate career paths to contribute to the forward planning of training needs. This will be published in the near future, and the sponsors will be considering its results. The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) is also undertaking its own research programme on the needs of particular industrial sectors. In all subject areas, the supply of first degree graduates is a factor.

  The BBSRC supports postgraduate and postdoctoral training to meet the needs of its research, industrial and educational user communities for highly trained scientists and engineers. The Council has fixed the current level of its overall postgraduate provision at 2,000 studentships which it considers to be in line with those communities' needs. The BBSRC's scientific committees, which comprise experts from both industry and academia, advise on the needs for trained personnel in specific sectors of science and engineering, and allocate research studentships accordingly on an annual basis. The BBSRC also makes awards under the CASE and Industrial CASE schemes which link industry and academia in training and ensure that training is directly relevant to the needs of user industry. Further opportunities for training in biochemical engineering are available through the Council's participation in, and promotion of, the Teaching Company Scheme, Integrated Graduate Development Scheme and joint Industrial Fellowships scheme with EPSRC and the Royal Society, all of which are market driven by the needs of the user community.

  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will list the members of the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council who are members of the Council's(a) Engineering and Biological Systems Committee and (b) Strategy Board, giving their engineering or biological science background. [19239]

  Mr. Battle
  No members of the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) are also members of the Engineering and Biological Systems Committee. There are no Council members on any of the BBSRC's science Committees and Directorates.

  Three members of the Council are members of the Strategy Board. Professor Sir Brian Follett, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Warwick, has led research teams and taught at the Universities of Bristol, Leeds, Wales and Washington State and published over 250 papers on biological clocks and reproductive physiology. Mr. Guy Walker has been employed in the food industry since 1961, most recently as National Manager for Unilever in the UK. He is also President of the Food and Drink Federation. The BBSRC's Chief Executive, Professor Ray Baker, is a Council member and chairman of the Strategy Board. He is an organic and medicinal chemist with careers in both academia and

  721
  industry. Prior to joining BBSRC he was Executive Director of Medicinal Chemistry at the Neurosciences Centre of Merck Sharp and Dohme at Harlow, Essex.

  Indonesia (Military Equipment)
  Sir Richard Body
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many applications for licences for the export of military equipment to Indonesia have been(a) granted, (b) refused and (c) revoked since 1 May. [19206]

  Mrs. Roche
  With regard to the numbers of applications refused or licences granted for the export to Indonesia of goods controlled under Part III of Schedule 1 to the Export of Goods (Control) Order 1994, I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade to the hon. Member for West Dorset (Mr. Letwin) on 2 December 1997,Official Report, columns 124–26.

  Between 2 May and 13 November no such licences were revoked.

  However, this information should be considered in light of my answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Don Valley (Caroline Flint) on 30 October 1997, Official Report, columns 256–58.

  Departmental Staff
  Mr. Hawkins
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many(a) special advisers, (b) task force members and (c) review body members her Department employs; what is the total salary and benefits of (a) to (c); and what was the equivalent cost prior to 1 May. [19313]

  Mrs. Beckett
  My Department employs three special advisers. Two are paid and one is unpaid. The level of salary is a private matter for the individuals concerned but I refer the hon. Member to the answer provided by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on 25 November 1997,Official Report, columns 472–73. The previous Administration employed one special adviser in this Department before the election.

  Since the election, the following bodies have been established to advise Ministers: The President of the Board of Trade's Advisory Group on Competitiveness, the Export Forum, the External Group on Competitiveness in Europe and the Interdepartmental Task Force on Competitiveness in Europe. A total of forty-one representatives from outside of Government have been appointed to these bodies none of whom receive payment other than expenses in some cases. I shall be announcing the membership of five Competitiveness Working Parties shortly. Again the members will be unpaid other than expenses in some cases.

  The Government have established the independent Low Pay Commission with nine members from outside Government. None is employed or receives payment other than expenses. I have also appointed the Chairman of Action 2000, my Department's new initiative to tackle the century date change problem. Mr. Cruickshank's appointment will involve one day per week from March 1998 at a rate comparable with his current position as Director General OFTEL.
  722
  In addition, the Department is continually looking for ways to improve the effectiveness of its activities. This process is informed through an on-going dialogue with business and others on a wide range of issues. From time to time the Department will initiate a formal review of policy or consult interested parties on a specific policy proposal. These are undertaken by Ministers and officials: where others outside Government are involved none are employed by the Department or receive payment other than expenses.

  Export Licences
  Mr. Faber
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade, pursuant to her letter of 3 September, how many applications for export licences her Department has(a) granted and (b) refused under Part III of Schedule 1 to the Export of Goods (Control) Order in each month of 1997. [19283]

  Mrs. Roche
  In due course, statistics of such export licences issued and refused from 1 January up to and including 1 May will be placed in the Library of the House. In addition, the Government will report annually on the state of strategic export controls and their application since 2 May.

  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will provide details of how many United Kingdom exporters have been visited by her Department's inspectors in relation to the use of Open General Export Licences; and if she will place details of these inspections in the Library. [20032]

  Mrs. Roche
  Two hundred and eighty one UK exporters have been visited by Export Control Organisation Compliance Offers in relation to the use of Open General Export Licences in the period between 1 April 1995 and 12 November 1997. These statistics were only consistently recorded separately after 1 April 1995.

  Disclosure by the Government of the outcome of these visits could reasonably be expected to harm the competitive position of the companies concerned. Therefore this information comes within the category of information "third party's commercial confidences" which is exempt from the commitments to provide information in the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

  Indonesia Air Show
  Mr. Todd
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what support the United Kingdom Government are giving to United Kingdom companies planning to attend the Indonesia Air Show being held in Jakarta in June 1998. [19946]

  Mrs. Beckett
  My Department has offered support under the Trade Fair Support Scheme for the Society of British Aerospace Companies to organise a group of UK companies to exhibit at the show. Eligible companies will receive a grant towards the cost of space rental, stand construction and travel, if the Society is able to recruit a group of at least 10 firms.

  Employment Pacts
  Mr. Flight
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade, pursuant to the answer of 1 December 1997,Official Report, column 15, to what extent section 2.1 of the Information Report of the Economic and Social Committee on territorial employment pacts (Reg/121, CES 656/97) will apply to the United Kingdom-nominated schemes; and if she will make a statement. [20536]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  The Government proposed the ten UK pilot projects for Territorial Employment Pacts on the basis of their likely local and regional impact on economic development and job creation. The Economic and Social Committee's report provides interesting background on the potential of Pacts throughout the EU, which local partnerships may wish to take into account as they develop their activities.

  Multilateral Agreement on Investment
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she plans to adopt the proposed Multilateral Agreement on Investment in its current form; and if she will make a statement. [15180]

  Mrs. Roche
  [holding answer 10 November 1997]: The Government support the general aims of the proposed MAI. Many issues remain to be resolved. We are working hard to achieve a successful outcome to the negotiations by April 1998.

  Late Payments
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how her proposals for dealing with problems arising from late payment will protect small firms from immediate cash flow problems. [19864]

  Mrs. Roche
  [holding answer 11 December 1997]: The Government are determined to ensure that small firms benefit from the increased competitiveness that a healthy cash flow can bring. That is why we are committed to changing the payment culture in the UK by bringing forward a comprehensive range of new proposals to tackle the late payment of commercial debt including legislation to give business a right to claim interest. The legislation, introduced on 10 December, will provide suppliers with a statutory right to claim interst on commercial debt.

  The Government also recognise the importance of effective credit management in reducing the incidence of late payment and are working with all the main small firms organisations and representatives from the credit management, factoring and trade credit banking and insurance sectors to encourage business support organisations and others to assist small firms with their credit management procedures and to promote a better payment culture.

  Overseas Travel
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what is her estimate of the expenditure by(a) her Department, (b) it agencies and (c) its non-departmental public bodies on overseas travel for (i) 1980–81, (ii) 1987–88, (iii) 1990–91, (iv) 1991–92, (v) 1992–93, (vi) 1993–94, (vii) 1994–95, (viii) 1995–96,
  724
  (ix) 1996–97 and (x) 1 May to 30 September 1997; and if she will provide a breakdown to show (1) air fares and (2) other expenditure relating to overseas travel. [15211]

  Mrs. Beckett
  [holding answer 11 November 1997]: Disaggregated information in the form requested is not available for the Department and the non-departmental public bodies and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  I have asked Agency Chief Executives to reply to the hon. Member as they have their own budgetary responsibility for travel and subsistence costs.

  Letter from John Holden to Mr. Malcolm Bruce, dated 12 December 1997:
  I have been asked to respond to your question to the President of the Board of Trade regarding estimates of expenditure on overseas travel for Companies House. The information you seek is as follows:

  Year

  £

  1991–92

  26,195

  1992–93

  17,640

  1993–94

  20,949

  1994–95

  12,049

  1995–96

  11,984

  1996–97

  11,217

  May to September 1997

  4,024

  Information on earlier years and a more detailed analysis can only be provided at a disproportionate cost.

  Letter from Paul Hartnack to Mr. Malcolm Bruce, dated 12 December 1997:
  I am replying for the Patent Office to your Question to the President of the Board of Trade about overseas travel.
  The total expenditure on overseas travel, including air fares and other associated expenditure is:

  1992–93: £164,087

  1993–94: £172,921

  1994–95: £184,754

  1995–96: £225,682

  1996–97: £233,887

  1 May to 30 September 1997: £107,966

  Further disaggregation of the above and expenditure for 1980/81, 1987/88, 1990/91 and 1991/92 are not available and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

  Letter from Seton Bennett to Mr. Malcolm Bruce, dated 12 December 1997:
  The President of the Board of Trade has asked me to reply on behalf of the National Weights and Measures Laboratory to your question about expenditure on overseas travel. I regret that the disaggregated information on the basis you request is not available and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

  Letter from Peter Joyce to Mr. Malcolm Bruce, dated 12 December 1997:
  The President of the Board of Trade has asked me to reply to your question about The Insolvency Service's air fares and other overseas travel expenditure since 1980–81.
  Disaggregated information in the form requested is not available, and could only be provided at disproportionate cost. Aggregated expenditure for 1996–97 was £23,000 and for 1997–98 (to 30 September 1997) was £6,000.
  725
  Letter from Roger Louth to Mr. Malcolm Bruce, dated 12 December 1997:
  The President of the Board of Trade has asked me to reply to your Question about overseas travel and provide a breakdown to show 1) air fares and 2) other expenditure relating to overseas travel. I am replying on behalf of the Chief Executive, who is currently away from the office. The information for the Radiocommunications Agency, which is only available in an aggregated form, for the periods quoted is as follows:

  1990–91: £243,100

  1991–92: £399,185

  1992–93: £425,000 (Note 1)

  1993–94: £434,503

  1994–95: £538,202

  1995–96: £659,974

  1996–97: £715,215

  1997–98: (May to September): £287,121

  Note 1 This figure is an estimate only as the information for that year is not readily available.
  The Radiocommunications Agency was set up with effect from 2 April 1990. Expenditure on overseas travel and subsistence before that date was the responsibility of the DTI and is not available.

  Entertainment expenditure

  1987–88

  1990–91

  1991–92

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–95

  1995–96

  1996–97

  1997–98 (May to September)

  DTI (excluding NRC agencies and trading funds)

  —

  268,416

  399,720

  407,965

  519,037

  516,357

  3462,509

  3542,266

  3135,410

  Accounts Services Agency

  —

  300

  300

  300

  300

  300

  4n/a

  —

  —

  Companies House

  —

  2n/a

  5,600

  11,187

  11,542

  18,289

  17,664

  20,702

  7,110

  Laboratory of the Government Chemist

  —

  10,625

  17,685

  19,519

  27,122

  29,000

  4n/a

  —

  —

  National Engineering Laboratory

  —

  49,000

  36,000

  20,000

  10,000

  13,500

  4n/a

  —

  —

  National Physical Laboratory

  —

  35,300

  45,881

  48,408

  70,221

  83,799

  4n/a

  —

  —

  Patent Office

  —

  4,000

  8,000

  13,000

  18,000

  15,143

  17,878

  20,381

  8,127

  Radiocommunications Agency

  —

  23,900

  21,993

  27,592

  33,575

  35,921

  87,291

  98,401

  36,201

  National Weights and Measures Laboratory

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  53,175

  2,596

  Total

  1300,000

  391,541

  535,971

  547,971

  689,797

  712,309

  585,342

  684,925

  189,444

  1 Information is approximate expenditure for the Department as a whole.

  2 Information not readily available for the six month period prior to attaining trading fund status in October 1991.

  3 Information excludes expenditure in Government Offices which could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

  4 Work previously carried out by the Accounts Services Agency and National Physical Laboratory was contracted out on 1 April and 1 October 1995 respectively. The National Engineering Laboratory was privatised on 31 October 1995 and the Laboratory of the Govnerment Chemist on 31 March 1996.

  5 National Weights and Measures Laboratory became a Net Running Cost Agency on 1 April 1996.

  Social Chapter
  Mr. Wilkinson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will make a statement on the impact of the European social chapter on employment in the United Kingdom. [14335]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  [holding answer 13 November 1997): The Social Chapter is a good opportunity to implement decent minimum standards of fair treatment at work to which all employees should be entitled. Employees with good conditions are more committed to their companies and more productive. The Government therefore expect the Social Chapter to have a positive
  726
  Letter from Ian Jones to Mr. Malcolm Bruce dated 12 December 1997:
  I have been asked by the President of the Board of Trade to reply, in respect of the Employment Tribunals Service (ETS), to your question about expenditure on overseas travel.
  The ETS was established as an executive agency on 1 April 1997. Prior to that date its expenditure was met by the Department of Trade and Industry and, before July 1995, by the Employment Department. No expenditure on overseas travel was incurred between 1 May 1997 and 30 September 1997.

  Official Hospitality
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what is her estimate of the expenditure by(a) her Department, (b) its agencies and (c) its non-departmental public bodies on official hospitality for (i) 1980–81, (ii) 1987–88, (iii) 1990–91, (iv) 1991–92, (v) 1992–93, (vi) 1993–94, (vii) 1994–95, (viii) 1995–96, (ix) 1996–97 and (x) 1 May to 30 September 1997. [15210]

  Mrs. Beckett
  [holding answer 11 November 1997]: Disaggregated information is the form requested in respect of non-departmental public bodies, and for the financial year 1980–81 in respect of the Department and it agencies, could be provided only at disproportionate cost. The other information is as follows (please note the figures are not directly comparable because of Machinery of Government changes over the period):

  impact on employment in the United Kingdom. We will use our influence to ensure that any new legislation promotes flexibility and employability and contributes to competitiveness, without placing excessive burdens on businesses.

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  Rough Sleepers Initiative
  Mr. Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment
  727
  he has made of the effectiveness of the rough sleepers initiative in the Victoria area. [19503]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The most recent head counts by voluntary sector organisations show that the number of people sleeping rough in central London on any one night is around 280. In the Victoria area, the number of people sleeping rough in the May 1997 street count was 58.

  Independent research into earlier phases of the RSI (1990–93 and 1993–96) has shown that the Initiative has been successful in helping many thousands of people to start a new life away from the streets. Victoria is one of five central London areas which attract large numbers of rough sleepers. It is not possible to disaggregate research data on the effectiveness of the Initiative in the Victoria area from that for central London as a whole. We expect to let a research contract to evaluate the effectiveness of the third phase of the Initiative (1996–99) early next year.

  The Social Exclusion Unit, announced by the Prime Minister on 8 December will have tackling issues surrounding street living including rough sleeping and the causes of rough sleeping as one of its priorities.

  Local Government Finance
  Mr. Watts
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will publish the total non-domestic rates collected by each local authority in the current financial year. [20128]

  Ms Armstrong
  Information on the amounts of non-domestic rates collected by local authorities in the financial year 1997–98 is not yet available. I have today placed in the Library of the House a table showing the amounts which local authorities calculated as their provisional contribution to the non-domestic rates pool for 1997–98.

  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is his forecast of the level of spending by English local authorities in 1998–99; and what the percentage change in real terms is compared to 1997–98. [20550]

  Mr. Raynsford
  My Department has not made any forecast of the level of spending by English local authorities in 1998–99. The level will depend on the spending decisions of individual local authorities.

  Local Authority Transport
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he will announce the capital settlement for local authority transport. [20552]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  We aim to announce the settlement before Parliament rises for the Christmas Recess.

  Gilbert's Animal By-Products
  Charlotte Atkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) for how long the Environment Agency has been investigating waste disposal activities by Gilbert's Animal By-Products, Cheddleton, Staffordshire; and what plans they have to initiate prosecutions; [19792]
  728
  (2) what steps the Environment Agency has taken to establish whether the condensate produced by Gilbert's Animal By-Products as a by-product of its recycling activities is classified as a waste. [19793]

  Angela Eagle
  [holding answer 10 December 1997]: Whether or not a substance is waste must be determined on the facts of the case and ultimately the interpretation of the law is a matter for the Courts. However, the Environment Agency's responsibilities for the management and enforcement of the waste management licensing system under Part II of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 may require it to take a view on whether a particular substance is waste.

  I understand that when the Environment Agency was formed on 1 April 1996 it took over an investigation initiated by the former waste regulation authority, Staffordshire County Council, into the spreading on agricultural land of condensate from the rendering plant operated by John Pointon and Sons, formerly Gilbert's Animal By-products Ltd.

  The Environment Agency has continued this investigation with the aim of establishing the facts of the case and reaching a view on whether or not the condensate is waste. In so doing, I understand that the Environment Agency has investigated instances in which the condensate has been spread on agricultural land, has obtained analyses of the condensate, has investigated the methods by which the condensate is produced and following internal legal advice has sought an opinion from Counsel.

  A decision on whether to initiate a prosecution will be taken by the Environment Agency on conclusion of its investigations. I understand the Agency hopes to be able to take its decision shortly.

  Members' Offices
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will estimate the amount of national non-domestic rates not collected as a result of local authorities providing offices to hon. Members free of charge. [20263]

  Ms Amstrong
  [holding answer 11 December 1997]: No. Local authority property is liable for rates. The use of that property by hon. Members does not affect that liability. Each billing authority has a statutory duty to collect the rates due on properties in its area—including those on its own properties. It is for the auditors to check whether an authority has fulfilled its statutory responsibilities in this regard.

  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will estimate the revenues lost by local authorities as a result of concessions made to hon. Members whose constituency offices are provided rent free by local authorities. [20266]

  Ms Amstrong
  [holding answer 11 December 1997]: No.

  Sir Norman Fowler
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what rules apply to councils making available local offices free of business rates to Members of Parliament; and if he will make a statement; [20384]
  729
  (2) what data his Department collates on councils making available local offices free of business rates to Members of Parliament; if he will estimate the cost of such arrangements; and if he will make a statement. [20385]

  Ms Armstrong
  The terms on which local authorities make local offices available to hon. Members is a matter for them. Local authority property is liable for rates. The use of that property by hon. Members does not affect that liability. Each billing authority has a statutory duty to collect the rates due on properties in its area—including those on its own properties. It is for the auditors to check whether an authority has fulfilled its statutory responsibilities in this regard.

  Regional Development Agencies
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will place in the Library the response to the consultation on regional development agencies. [20545]

  Mr. Caborn
  I refer to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for North Devon (Mr. Harvey) on 2 December 1997,Official Report, column 106.

  Business Rates
  Mr. Paice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to change the exemption from business rates under the Local Government Act 1988 enjoyed by bed-and-breakfast accommodation providers with up to six beds. [20578]

  Mr. Raynsford
  There are no plans to change the exemption from business rates for anyone who offers bed-and-breakfast accommodation in their home to six or fewer people. These small scale providers offer welcome extra bed spaces in the peak summer months and much needed accommodation in the more remote areas which would not support larger guest houses or hotels.

  Council Tax
  Sir Norman Fowler
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will place in the Library a table showing the Band D council tax increase for each billing local authority in England,(a) in cash terms and (b) in percentage terms, based on the assumption that all councils spend at the provisional capping limit. [20539]

  Ms Armstrong
  I have today placed in the Library of the House a table showing the information requested.

  Millennium Compliance
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if his Department has current dealings with(a) non-governmental organisations and (b) suppliers which are not millennium compliant; and on what date his Department will cease to deal with (i) non-governmental organisations and (ii) suppliers which are not millennium compliant. [20525]
  730
  Angela Eagle
  The Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions has current dealings with many non-governmental organisations and suppliers which are not known to be millennium compliant. However, contractual arrangements stipulate Millennium compliance where this is deemed essential to the continuity of the business function or operation. The Department and its Executive Agencies are actively seeking Millennium compliance statements from suppliers where business continuity is an issue.

  There are no central plans at the present time to cease dealings with organisations or suppliers that are not millennium compliant—each case is treated on its own merits. For example the Planning Inspectorate no longer purchase goods where assurances on Millennium compliance are not given.

  Carbon Emissions
  Mr. Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the amount of extra energy which pensioners will be able to purchase(a) this winter and (b) next winter on receipt of the extra (i) £20 and (ii) £50 allocated in the pre-budget statement; and what estimate he has made of the impact on carbon emissions. [18545]

  Mr. Battle
  I have been asked to reply.

  It is not practicable to provide an estimate as it is unclear that all money will be spent on additional heating; in practice many pensioners will use this money to reduce existing fuel bills.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  State Pensions
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what would be the net cost to the Exchequer of raising the state pension in line with earnings in the current year over the pension payable in 1996–97; and what would be the net additional cost if the link between pensions and earnings had not been ended in 1980. [17364]

  Mr. Denham
  [holding answer 25 November 1997]: The additional net cost to the Exchequer of raising State Pensions in line with earnings from April 1997 is estimated to be £530 million 1997–98.1

  If the link between pensions and earnings had continued since 1979 to date the additional net cost to the Department in 1997–98 is estimated to be £11.4 billion2.

  Notes:

  1 Figure is rounded to £10 million.

  2 Figure is rounded to nearest £100 million.

  1. These estimates are in respect of contributory Retirement Pension and linked benefits. The gross costs were estimated by the Government Actuary's Department. Net costs were calculated by using income related benefit offset ratios.

  2. The income related benefit offsets were calculated using specific offset ratios of 27 per cent. and 22 per cent. respectively. The offset ratios were calculated using two models: the 1997–98 Policy Simulation Model based on the 1995–96 Family Resources Survey, and the 1997–98 Income Support Simulation Model based on the

  731
  May 1996 Quarterly Statistical Enquiry; both uprated to 1997–98 prices, benefits and earnings levels, and calibrated to the forecasts underlying the 1997 Departmental Report.

  Pensions Act 19995 (Consultation)
  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what were the(a) title, (b) date, (c) consultation period and (d) number of responses of each consultation regarding subordinate legislation under the Pensions Act 1995; and if she will make a statement. [14268]

  Mr. Denham
  [holding answer 4 November 1997]: The information has been placed in the Library.

  There has been wide consultation on all of the secondary legislation made under powers in the Pensions Act 1995. All of the proposals have been discussed extensively with the pensions interests and others at every stage of their development. This consultation produced a large number of responses, both in writing and during discussions. Information on the precise number of responses is not available.

  In addition, as part of the Pensions Review, we are seeking ways in which we can further support and strengthen the existing framework of occupational pensions and ways to improve the regulation of pensions.

  National Insurance
  Mr. Hammond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will alter the method of calculation of National Insurance contributions to ensure that differences in the pay-period of two identically paid individuals do not lead to different levels of contribution being payable. [20391]

  Mr. Denham
  The arrangements for the assessment of National Insurance contributions help people who work for only part of the year or who have irregular earnings to build up entitlement to contributory pensions and benefits. As far as is possible they prevent significant differences arising between the contributions paid by people depending on the period over which their employer chooses to pay them.

  As my right hon. Friend, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, said in his pre-Budget speech on 25 November, the Government are looking at the scope for bringing the National Insurance structure for the low paid more closely into line with income tax. This work will include consideration of a number of aspects of the National Insurance contribution system.

  Sensory Impairments
  Mr. Berry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what research her Department(a) has undertaken and (b) plans to undertake to examine the degree to which sensory impairments are a contributing factor in the low take-up of income-related benefit amongst pensioners. [20602]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  The Department commissioned a review of research on the take-up of benefits which covered aspects of sensory impairment amongst many others (Cordon, A., 1995, Changing Perspectives on Benefit Take-up, London: HMSO).
  732
  We have now commissioned research to identify the most important barriers to pensioners not claiming the Income Support to which they are entitled.

  We are determined to get help to the million pensioners who are not taking up their entitlement to Income Support, and will be running a number of pilot schemes from April next year to find the best way to help them to claim their entitlement.

  Mortgage Interest Support
  Mr. Hammond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to alter the sample base used to calculate the rate of mortgage interest support payable by her Department to ensure that it is properly representative of the different types of lending institutions active in the UK mortgage market. [20390]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave the hon. Member for Eltham (Mr. Efford) on 30 October 1997,Official Report, column 856.

  Lone Parents
  Mr. Berry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to her answer of 2 December 1997,Official Report, columns 186–201, what she estimates to be the total saving in 1998–99 from expenditure on lone parent benefits by not increasing in line with the annual rise in prices (a) child benefit for the eldest and only child of a lone parent, (b) council tax benefit family premium, lone parent rate, (c) housing benefit family premium, lone parent rate and (d) income support family premium, lone parent rate. [20635]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  The information is set out in the table.

  Benefit

  Savings £ million

  Child benefit

  20

  Council tax benefit

  1

  Housing benefit

  3

  Income support

  20

  Total

  40

  1. Savings below £10 million rounded to the nearest £1 million.

  2. Savings above £10 million rounded to the nearest £5 million.

  3. Sums may not add due to rounding.

  Millennium Compliance
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if her Department has current dealings with(a) non-governmental organisations and (b) suppliers which are not millennium compliant; and on what date her Department will cease to deal with (i) non-governmental organisations and (ii) suppliers which are not millennium compliant. [20522]

  Mr. Field
  Yes. Examples are banks, building societies and many other suppliers of goods and services which are not yet fully millennium compliant. We have identified the organisations who provide data for the Department and recipients of data from the Department and we are working with these organisations to eliminate any risks to our systems.
  733
  The Department also makes use of a range of standard software packages for internal use. We are in discussion with our suppliers to ensure that these are, or will become, Year 2000 compliant where necessary.

  The Department's Year 2000 Project is working closely with all its external organisations and suppliers. However, if we become aware that an organisation or supplier will not become Year 2000 compliant to our timetable, in accordance with Central Computer and Telecommunications Agency (CCTA) guidance, we will review our contractual relationship with them, and consider alternative sources of supply.

HEALTH

  Renal Dialysis
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people receiving renal dialysis on the NHS were aged over(a) 60, (b) 70, (c) 80 and (d) 90 years in the last year for which figures are available; and what were the equivalent figures in 1992. [15971]

  Mr. Boateng
  Figures in the form requested for 1992 are not available. In 1993 a survey of all providers of renal treatment was carried out by the Wessex Institute of Public Health. The results of this National Renal Review were published in 1996. A follow up survey was conducted last year which has collected data for services in 1995. The results of this survey are due to be published shortly. The following figures for the numbers of people receiving renal dialysis aged over 60 in 1993 and 1995 in England have been taken from these surveys. The 1995 figures are provisional:

  Aged 60 and over

  70 and over

  80 and over

  90 and over

  1993

  4,189

  1,968

  231

  12

  1995

  5,074

  2,534

  388

  8

  Tobacco Sponsorship
  Mr. Maples
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will publish the memorandum he sent to the Prime Minister on 14 October setting out his assessment of the proposed EU directive on tobacco sponsorship. [16748]

  Ms Jowell
  No. The memorandum of 14 October is exempt from publication under Exemption 2 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

  Pathology Services (Kent)
  Dr. Ladyman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what factors led to the commissioning of the 1995 report Review of Pathology Services at Kent and Canterbury Hospitals NHS Trust; [17796]

  (2) what steps were taken to bring the findings of the 1995 report Review of Pathology Services at Kent and Canterbury Hospitals NHS Trust to (a) public notice and (b) the notice of clinicians who procured the services referred to in the report. [17797]
  734
  Mr. Boateng
  We understand from the Kent and Canterbury Hospitals National Health Service Trust that the report was commissioned by the Chief Executive to enable the trust to develop a formal strategy in relation to Pathology services. The overall aim and objectives of the report was to ensure that any future development achieved the following standards:

  A service which is clinically effective, producing work of a high quality that is subject to regular, rigorous and transparent audit.

  A service that is efficient and cost effective.

  A service that is progressive, and focused on future requirements rather than past attainments.

  A service that is properly trained and fully equipped.

  A service that is responsive to the needs of its customers, notably referring consultants and other hospital doctors, general practitioners and patients.

  A service that has a flexible outlook in work practice and is multi-skilled.

  A service which is staffed at appropriate levels.

  A service that is integrated, both internally and with other departments throughout the trust, with all aspects of teaching, training, research and development.

  It was an internal document and was circulated to all Clinical Directors for dissemination in each Clinical Directorate and was also circulated to all Consultant and Senior Scientific staff within the Pathology Directorate. However, the October 1997 report of the Review of Cervical Screening Services at Kent and Canterbury Hospitals NHS Trust noted that
  "the 1995 MPA Consultants Report, as part of the three East Kent Trusts' Pathology Review, raised a number of concerns about the cytology department and recommended its integration with the William Harvey Hospital site and relocation there. This report does not seem to have been widely discussed within the trust and in any case was not supported by the chief executives group."

  The 1997 report recommended that
  "the trust board should review the current arrangements for the overall management of pathology services still under its control and ensure there are clear roles, responsibilities and reporting lines for all staff involved in the running of the laboratories."

  The South Thames Regional Office is asking the trust and health authority to follow through on this recommendation in light of the wider recommendations made in that report.

  Breast Cancer Treatment
  Mr. Stinchcombe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on shortfalls within the NHS of specialists involved in breast cancer treatment; and what measures he proposes to address such shortfalls. [18509]

  Mr. Boateng
  The Specialty Workforce Advisory Group (SWAG) advises the National Health Service Executive and the Welsh Office on the number of higher specialist trainees needed, to ensure an adequate supply of properly trained doctors in each specialty. It carries out annual reviews of each specialty's need for consultants. SWAG has identified the cancer specialties, including those which are involved with the treatment of breast cancer, as having significant shortages.
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  For 1996–97 and 1997–98, SWAG recommended increases in the number of higher specialist trainees, in the cancer specialties. It has recommended that these be treated as a priority.

  School Nurses
  Mr. Cotter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many school nurses have been employed by each health authority in England in each of the last five years. [18712]

  Mr. Milburn
  The information requested is not available for 1995 and 1996. Information for 1992 to 1994 will be placed in the Library.

  The information placed in the Library is taken from the Department of Health's annual non-medical work force census. School nurses are not separately identifiable from other community nursing staff after the 1994 non-medical work force census because of the introduction of a new, simpler set of occupation codes used to classify non-medical staff.

  Nursing and Midwifery
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what criteria were used in the selection of the preferred tenderers for the pre-registration nursing and midwifery education in Dorset, Hampshire, Wiltshire and the Isle of Wight by the NHS Executive South and West. [19338]

  Mr. Milburn
  The criteria used for the pre-registration nursing and midwifery education contract in Dorset, Hampshire, Wiltshire and the Isle of Wight were drawn up by a Steering Group composed of representatives from the three education consortia (health authorities and National Health Service trusts) in the area. The broad criteria categories against which bids were judged were:

  overall educational institution

  facilities and service delivery resources

  quality of the staff and faculty

  arrangements for clinical placements

  quality of course provision

  development of students

  overall quality management arrangements

  financial factors.

  In assessing the bids the first seven categories were given equal weighting scores totalling 63 per cent., while financial factors were given a weighting of 37 per cent.

  NHS Contracts
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will amend the tendering rules for NHS contracts to allow alternative contract arrangement to be considered. [19334]

  Mr. Milburn
  National Health Service bodies currently have a range of options for the tendering of contracts but any arrangements must comply with their own Standing Financial Instructions and the relevant domestic and European procurement legislation.

  Phantom Limb Pain
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research he has commissioned into phantom limb pain. [19692]

  Ms Jowell
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland ha funded two studies into phantom limb pain. Both were undertaken at Glasgow Caledonian University and are entitled "Improving care provision for amputees with phantom limb pain" and "Chronic phantom limb pain: relationship to psychological adjustment, patient characteristics and care provision".

  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 my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade. The Council is not currently undertaking any research specifically investigating phantom limb pain; however it provides support for areas which may be indirectly relevant to phantom limb pain including general pain research and basis neurobiology which will underpin and inform future work in this area.

  The Department of Health's Policy Research Programme and the National Health Service Research and Development Programme are not currently funding any work into phantom limb pain.

  Patient Pack Initiative
  Mr. Austin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will implement the Patient Pack Initiative; and if he will make a statement. [19804]

  Ms Jowell
  Implementing the patient pack initiative, as presently structured, would be complex and has significant financial implications for the National Health Service. We have set out these concerns to the professional and industry groups concerned and are considering whether it will be necessary to implement the European Council Labelling and Leaflet Directive by other means.

  Mr. Austin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the financial implications of implementing the Patient Pack Initiative. [19806]

  Ms Jowell
  The Department has produced illustrative estimates of the net costs for the Family Health Services and the Prescription Pricing Authority that would have arisen between 1997–98 and 2001–02 if the proposals inherited from the previous administration for introducing patient pack dispensing had been implemented from November 1997. These estimates indicated net costs, at 1997–98 prices, of £4 million in 1997–98, £16–19 million in 1998–99, £24–26 million in 1999–00, £17–18 million in 2000–01 and £13–14 million in 2001–02.

  Medicines Labelling and Leaflet Directive
  Mr. Austin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to implement the EU medicines labelling and leaflet directive. [19805]

  Ms. Jowell
  The European Union Directive 92/27/EEC on the labelling of medicines for human use and on
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  package inserts was implemented into United Kingdom legislation by means of:

  The Medicines (Labelling) Amendment Regulation SI 1992 No. 3273.

  The Medicines (Leaflets) Amendment Regulations SI 1992 No. 3274.

  The Medicines for Human Use (Marketing Authorisations Etc.) Regulations SI 1994 No. 3274.

  By 31 December 1998 all medicines on the UK market will have labelling and patient information leaflets approved meeting the requirements of the European Directive. The Medicines for Human Use (Marketing Authorisations Etc.) Regulation 1994 require any person who supplies a medicinal product to ensure that it is accompanied by the relevant statutory information.

  Smoking
  Sir Patrick Cormack
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people died from smoking-related illnesses during(a) 1995 and (b) 1996. [20389]

  Mr. Boateng
  The Health Education Authority estimate that in the United Kingdom in 1995 at least 120,000 people died as a result of their smoking. No estimates are available for 1996.

  Dianette
  Dr. Gibson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the safety of the acne/contraceptive drug Dianette. [20341]

  Mr. Boateng
  Dianette is a medicine authorised for use in the treatment of severe acne and moderately severe hirsutism in women only. It is considered to have an acceptable level of safety in relation to its benefits. A rigorous evaluation of quality, safety and efficacy of Dianette by the Licensing Authority and its expert advisory body, the Committee on Safety of Medicines (CSM) was carried out before a marketing authorisation was granted in 1987.

  As for all medicines, Dianette has side-effects, and the Medicines Control Agency (MCA) and CSM continue to monitor its safety. If new relevant evidence comes to light this is reviewed in order to ensure the risk of possible side-effects is outweighed by the benefits. Information on how to use Dianette, including its side effects and precautions in use, is available to health care professionals and to patients through the manufacturer's product information authorised by the MCA and in the British National Formulary, copies of which are available in the Library.