Written Answers of 15 December 1997

TREASURY

  Public Sector Borrowing Requirement
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the estimate of the effect on the PSBR in(a) 1997–98, (b) 1998–99, and (c) 1999–2000 of the new estimates of GDP growth for such years contained in the "Pre-Budget Report, November 1997". [19957]

  Mr. Darling
  [holding answer 10 December 1997]: The new forecast of the PSBR, incorporating the new projections of GDP growth, are set out in Table B6 of the "Pre-Budget Report, November 1997".

  Mr. Malcom Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the reduction in the public sector borrowing requirement in(a) 1998–99 and (b) 1999–2000 which would result from an upward revision to the projected growth of gross domestic product for each of these years from the figure of 1.75 per cent. contained in Table B2, page 98, of the "Pre-Budget Report, November 1997", to a rate of 2.25 per cent. per annum. [19756]

  Mr. Darling
  [holding answer 10 December 1997]: Ready reckoner estimates of the effect on the PSBR of changes to GDP growth are published in Treasury Occasional Paper, No. 4, "Public Finances and The Cycle".

  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish in all future financial statement and budget reports and pre-budget reports, cash estimates of the cyclically-adjusted public sector borrowing requirement on a current balance basis; and if he will make a statement. [19933]

  Mr. Darling
  [holding answer 10 December 1997]: The July 1997 Financial Statement and Budget Report, and the Pre-Budget Report, both included charts of the cyclically-adjusted current balance as a percentage of GDP. The Pre-Budget Report discussion paper, "A Code for Fiscal Stability", suggested that the Code should require the Government to publish a wider range of reports and information on the economic and fiscal outlook, including estimates of the cyclically-adjusted fiscal position. The Government are inviting comments on the proposals in that paper.

  Money Laundering
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he intends to make the Financial Services Authority responsible for giving advice to and monitoring the performance of financial institutions in relation to money laundering; and what resources he will make available for this purpose. [20122]
  2
  Mrs. Liddell
  We intend that the FSA's statutory objectives should include monitoring, detecting and preventing financial crime. The FSA is funded by charges on the industry.

  Local Government Finance
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his forecast of the total community charge and council tax receipts in(a) 1997–98 and (b) 1998–99. [20551]

  Mr. Darling
  [holding answer 12 December 1997]: The Government's estimates of these receipts were included in Table S2.4 in "The Economy and Public Finances: Supplementary Material" to the Pre-Budget Report which was published on 25 November. A copy of this was placed in the Library of the House.

  Orion Trust
  Mr. Lilley
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) when the transfer of legal interest in the 2.95 million TransTec shares to the Orion Trust took place; and if they were stamped by the Stamp Office of the Inland Revenue; [20914]

  (2) if the Paymaster General guaranteed the payment of loans to (a) Stenbell Ltd. and (b) Orion Trust. [20964]

  (3) if he will publish the advice given to the Paymaster General by Titmuss Samien Declient and Wilden Coe about the transaction between Orion Trust and Stenbel Ltd; [20919]

  (4) when Stenbell (a) purchased the rights to 9,805,550 shares in TransTec plc, (b) exercised those rights and (c) sold the shares in TransTec to the Orion Trust; [20924]

  (5) how Stenbell Ltd. financed the purchase and exercise of the rights to 9,805,550 shares in TransTec plc from the Paymaster General; [20925]

  (6) who was the beneficial owner of the 2.95 million TransTec shares prior to their transfer into the Orion Trust; [20922]

  (7) what factors led the Paymaster General not to transfer into his blind trust, the legal title to the whole of the amount owing to him beneficially by Stenbell Ltd.; [20921]

  (8) if he will publish the Deed of Addition settling 2.95 million TransTec shares into the Orion Trust; [20918]

  (9) if the shares in TransTec plc. owned by Stenbell Ltd. were offered to potential buyers other than the Orion Trust; [20923]

  (10) if the Orion Trust holds assets through a controlled body corporate; [20920]

  (11) if he will publish the transfer documents relating to the 2.95 million TransTec shares settled into the Orion Trust. [20913]

  Mr. Gordon Brown
  I refer the right hon. Member to the answers I gave on 10 December 1997,Official Report, column 575–76.
  3

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  EU Enlargement
  Mr. Flight
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received from the Russian Federation on the security implications for the Kaliningrad enclave of the proposed enlargement of the EU; and if he will make a statement. [20466]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  None.

  Land Mines
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information her Department has collated regarding casualties being caused in Egypt by land mines laid during World War II. [20632]

  Mr. Fatchett
  None. The only figures available are those quoted by the Egyptian authorities.

  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations have been made to his Department by the Egyptian Government concerning land mines laid by the United Kingdom. [20633]

  Mr. Fatchett
  The British Embassy in Cairo have a continuing dialogue with the Egyptian authorities about land mines laid during the second world war. In 1996, we donated £500,000 of mine clearance equipment to the Egyptians from the aid budget. A further £100,000 is earmarked during the current financial year for additional mine clearing equipment.

DEFENCE

  Chinook ZD576
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the current location of the wreckage of Chinook ZD576; what plans he has to dispose of it; and if he will make a statement. [20818]

  Mr. Spellar
  The wreckage of Chinook ZD576 is currently stored at the Naval Aircraft Repair Organisation at Fleetlands and will be retained for as long as necessary, taking into account the views of the next of kin, and any outstanding claims for compensation.

  Public Appointments
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will publish the names of all those people whom he has appointed to public bodies since 1 May, indicating the positions to which they have been appointed, and whether they receive remuneration. [19968]

  Mr. Spellar
  I regret that in putting together the answer to this question it has become apparent that there was an error in the answer I gave to my hon. Friend's previous question on 24 November 1997,Official Report, column 391. The figure did not include the reappointments which had been made to the Register of Members of the Defence Scientific Advisory Council, one of MOD's advisory Non Departmental Public Bodies, and it included a paid
  4
  employee at the Fleet Air Arm Museum. The correct figure should therefore have been 68, of which 58, or 85 per cent. receive remuneration.

  The names, positions and remuneration of the 68 appointees are as follows:

  Public body

  Position

  Name

  Remuneration

  RAF Museum

  Trustee

  Lord Frederick Waterpark

  Unpaid

  Trustee

  Baroness Emily Blatch CBE

  Unpaid

  Trustee

  Mr. L. A. Edwards BSc MBA Ceng FRAeS

  Unpaid

  Trustee

  Lord Hector Monro AE, JP, DL

  Unpaid

  Royal Marines Museum

  Chairman of Trustees

  Lt. General Sir Henry Beverley KCB

  Unpaid

  Trustee

  Mr. J. R. Kenroy

  Unpaid

  Royal Navy Submarine Museum

  Trustee

  Mr. Robert M. Webb

  Unpaid

  National Army Museum

  Deputy Chairman of NAM Council

  Sir John Waters

  Unpaid

  Advisory Committee on Conscientious Objectors

  Chairman

  His Honour Judge Rogers

  Paid per meeting

  Review Board for Government Contracts

  CBI Nominated Member

  John Arbuthnot

  Paid

  Defence Scientific Advisory Council

  Chairman of one of DSAC's Boards

  Professor Peter Blain

  Paid per meeting

  Independent registered member

  Mr. Kenneth Blair

  Paid per meeting

  Independent registered member

  Mr. SimonCambridge

  Paid per meeting

  Independent registered member

  Professor John Carruthers

  Paid per meeting

  Independent registered member

  Professor James Castle

  Paid per meeting

  Independent registered member

  Dr. C. Coleman

  Paid per meeting

  Independent registered member

  Dr. Brian Collins

  Paid per meeting

  Independent registered member

  Dr. Richard Dolby

  Paid per meeting

  Independent registered member

  Professor Robin East

  Paid per meeting

  Independent registered member

  Professor Peter Fentem

  Paid per meeting

  Independent registered member

  Professor James Fleck

  Paid per meeting

  Independent registered member

  Professor George French

  Paid per meeting

  Independent registered member

  Dr. Brian Gladman

  Paid per meeting

  Independent registered member

  Dr. David Graham

  Paid per meeting

  Independent registered member

  Professor Hugh Griffiths

  Paid per meeting

  Deputy Chairman of one of DSAC's Boards

  Professor Kenneth Hambleton

  Paid per meeting

  Independent registered member

  Professor David Harper

  Paid per meeting

  Chairman of one of DSAC's Boards

  Professor Christopher Harris

  Paid per meeting

  Independent registered member

  Professor John Hetherington

  Paid per meeting

  Deputy Chairman of one of DSAC's Boards

  Professor Cyril Hilsum

  Paid per meeting

  Independent registered member

  Professor Derek Hitchins

  Paid per meeting

  Independent registered member

  Mr. J. Hollington

  Paid per meeting

  Independent registered member

  Professor Charles Howarth

  Paid per meeting

  5

  Public body

  Position

  Name

  Remuneration

  Independent registered member

  Mr. Brian Hughes

  Paid per meeting

  Independent registered member

  Mr. J. Hultgren

  Paid per meeting

  Independent registered member

  Dr. Reginald Humphryes

  Paid per meeting

  Independent registered member

  Professor John Inkson

  Paid per meeting

  Independent registered member

  Dr. Nicholas

  Paid per meeting

  Independent registered member

  Jennings B.Sc. Ph.D.

  Paid per meeting

  Independent registered member

  Professor Dylan Jones

  Paid per meeting

  Independent registered member

  Dr. David Joynson

  Paid per meeting

  Independent registered member

  Professor Andrew Keane

  Paid per meeting

  Independent registered member

  Dr Andrew Kearsley

  Paid per meeting

  Independent registered member

  Professor Laurence King

  Paid per meeting

  Independent registered member

  Professor Anthony Kinloch

  Paid per meeting

  Independent registered member

  Dr. J. Knezevic

  Paid per meeting

  Independent registered member

  Dr. B. Laverty

  Paid per meeting

  Independent registered member

  Dr. Ian Levack

  Paid per meeting

  Independent registered member

  Dr. Nigel Lightfoot M.Sc. M.B B.S FRCPath

  Paid per meeting

  Independent registered member

  Dr. Roderick Logan

  Paid per meeting

  Independent registered member

  Mr. Derek Long

  Paid per meeting

  Independent registered member

  Mr. John McCulloch

  Paid per meeting

  Independent registered member

  Mr. Ian McFarlane

  Paid per meeting

  Independent registered member

  Mr. R. Mulligan

  Paid per meeting

  Independent registered member

  Dr. T. de V. Naylor

  Paid per meeting

  Independent registered member

  Mr. Christopher Neale

  Paid per meeting

  Independent registered member

  Professor Roger Needham Feng F.Rs

  Paid per meeting

  Independent registered member

  Dr. P. Oakley

  Paid per meeting

  Independent registered member

  Professor William Price

  Paid per meeting

  Independent registered member

  Dr. Brian Richards

  Paid per meeting

  Independent registered member

  Dr. Geoffrey Robinson Feng

  Paid per meeting

  Independent registered member

  Dr. Robert Shannon

  Paid per meeting

  Independent registered member

  Mr. Michaed Sharland

  Paid per meeting

  Independent registered member

  Professor Michael Sleep

  Paid per meeting

  Independent registered member

  Mr. P. Tittler

  Paid per meeting

  Independent registered member

  Ms Jane Tozer

  Paid per meeting

  Independent registered member

  Mr. William Uttley-Moore

  Paid per meeting

  Chairman of one of DSAC's Boards

  Professor Roger Voles

  Paid per meeting

  Independent registered member

  Dr. Simon Watts M.A, M.Sc, Ph.D., Ceng, F.I.E.E

  Paid per meeting

  Plastic Baton Rounds
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what efforts have been made(a) by his Department and (b) in conjunction with other departments to identify how many faulty plastic baton rounds were exported; and whether these plastic baton rounds have been recalled or the appropriate authorities notified. [20049]
  6
  Mr. Spellar
  No plastic baton rounds, of the type withdrawn from operational use by the Army this year, have been exported; this has been confirmed by the manufacturer.

  Aircraft Carriers
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when each of the three aircraft carriers are expected to reach the end of their service lives. [20076]

  Dr. Reid
  HM Ships Invincible, Illustrious and Ark Royal were commissioned in July 1980, June 1982 and November 1985 respectively. The life expectancy of the Invincible Class aircraft carriers is expected to be in the order of 30 years, although this will be kept under review.

  RAF Watton
  Mrs. Shephard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the cost of maintaining the premises at the former RAF Watton in the last year for which figures are available. [20819]

  Mr. Spellar
  The cost of maintaining RAF Watton pending disposal during the last 12 months was approximately £110,000. This provided for ensuring that the buildings are maintained in a weathertight and vandal-proof condition, basic maintenance such as grass cutting, meeting Health and Safety requirements and employing a 24 hour Security Guard Service.

  Gulf War
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 17 November 1997,Official Report, column 71, if he will now publish the results of his inquiries into dead animals found and analysed during the Gulf War; and if he will make a statement. [20900]

  Dr. Reid
  My Department is still awaiting information in respect of one important aspect of this matter from outside MOD. If we are not able to obtain that further information shortly, I will publish what we have found so far, although this may leave this aspect unresolved.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Departmental Wages
  Mr. Chidgey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many full-time employees in his Department are paid at an hourly rate of(a) £3.59, (b) between £3.60 and £3.75 and (c) between £3.76 and £4. [20609]

  Dr. Ho wells
  The number of full-time employees in the Department for Education and Employment paid at an hourly rate of:

  (a) £3.59 is 25;

  (b) between £3.60 and £3.75 is 1;

  (c) between £3.76 and £4.00 is 5.

  7

  Self-financing Students
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assessment he has made of the effect of currency turbulence in south-east Asia on the numbers of assisted and self-financed students coming to Britain from those countries. [20321]

  Dr. Ho wells
  The effects of currency turbulence in south-east Asia will vary in different countries and for different individuals. This is a complex and unpredictable issue and it is unlikely that an overall assessment of any effect on numbers can be made in the short to medium term.

  Disability Rights Task Force
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will appoint a person with a learning disability to the Disability Rights Task Force. [20560]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  The question of whether a person with learning disabilities should be appointed to the Disability Rights Task Force has already been raised with me. I have invited the Chair and Chief Executive of Mencap to discuss this with me.

  Superhighways Initiative
  Dr. Whitehead
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if the Education Department's superhighways initiative evaluation is now complete; and when the synoptic report of that evaluation will be published. [21331]

  Dr. Howells
  Project evaluation was completed over the summer. The report is to be released today and we have placed a copy in the Library.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Youth Justice System
  Angela Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many responses he has received to each of the three consultation papers on reform of the youth justice system; and if he will publish a summary of those responses. [21311]

  Mr. Straw
  By 8 December 1997, a total of 297 responses had been received to the consultation paper "Tackling Youth Crime" (published 25 September); 250 responses to the consultation paper "New National and Local Focus on Youth Crime" (published 9 October); and 177 responses to the consultation paper "Tackling Delays in the Youth Justice System" (published 15 October). Summaries of the responses to each of the three papers have been placed in the Library.

  Intelligence Service and Crime Squad
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what key objectives and performance indicators he proposes to set for the National Criminal Intelligence Service and the National Crime Squad for 1998–99. [21309]
  8
  Mr. Straw
  We intend that the provisions of the Police Act 1997 relating to the National Criminal Intelligence Service (NCIS) and the National Crime Squad should be fully implemented on 1 April 1998. I have determined, following the consultation process required under the Police Act 1997, that the key objectives and performance indicators for the National Criminal Intelligence Service and National Crime Squad for 1998–99 will be:

  National Criminal Intelligence Service Objectives:
  1. To improve the quality of criminal intelligence available from overseas about criminals engaged in serious and organised transnational crime which impacts on the United Kingdom.
  Performance indicator: Five per cent. increase in the number of intelligence reports disseminated which include material obtained from overseas and which fall within the highest two levels of the NCIS quality matrix.
  2. To improve the quality of criminal intelligence available to combat serious and organised crime within the United Kingdom.
  Performance indicator: Five per cent. increase in the number of intelligence reports disseminated which fall within the highest two levels of the NCIS quality matrix.

  National Crime Squad Objectives:
  1. To secure, in co-operation with the Scottish Crime Squad and other law enforcement agencies as necessary, consistent improvement in the quality of operations leading to the arrest and prosecution of individuals or the disruption of criminal enterprises engaged in serious and organised transnational crime which impacts on the United Kingdom.
  Performance indicator: Five per cent. increase in individuals charged and criminal enterprises disrupted who were engaged in serious and organised crime which impacts on the United Kingdom.
  2. To secure, in co-operation with the Scottish Crime Squad and other law enforcement agencies as necessary, consistent improvement in the quality of operations leading to the arrest and prosecution of individuals or disruption of criminal enterprises engaged in serious and organised crime within the United Kingdom.
  Performance indicator: Five per cent. increase in individuals charged and criminal enterprises disrupted who were engaged in serious and organised crime within the United Kingdom.

  Racial Violence
  Mr. Heppell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many responses to "Racial Violence and Harassment: A Consultation Document" were received; and if he will make a statement. [21310]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  One hundred and eighteen responses were received. A list of respondents and a summary of the main points raised can be found in the Library, in a document entitled: "Responses to the Home Office Consultation Document on Racial Violence and Harassment".

  Remand
  Angela Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many responses to the consultation document, "Reducing Remand Delays", were received during the consultation period; and if he will publish a summary of those responses. [21330]

  Mr. Straw
  Twenty one responses were received. A summary of the main points has been placed in the Library.
  9

  Plastic Baton Rounds
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the training of police baton gunners in testing weapons, with particular reference to faulty bullets and plastic batons. [20028]

  Mr. Michael
  Training baton round gunners is the responsibility of individual chief police officers. I would expect forces to train only using equipment which is suitable for the purpose. Baton round gunners do not use bullets. They may sometimes test equipment to check that it is satisfactory or to help in the development of new equipment.

  Exports Initiative
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what role the Association of Chief Police Officers played in the(a) establishment and (b) management of the Home Office Export Initiative. [20022]

  Mr. Michael
  The then President of the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) was asked in October 1995 if the Association wished to nominate a representative of the police service to help establish and manage the Home Office Exports Initiative. ACPO was duly represented on the ISG by a member of the Surrey Police.

  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which trade associations were involved in the(a) establishment and (b) management of the Home Office Exports Initiative. [20040]

  Mr. Michael
  Three trade associations were represented on the Home Office Exports Initiative Steering Group: the Association of Police and Public Security Suppliers (APPSS); the British Security Industry Association (BSIA); and the Police Information Technology and Communications Suppliers Association (PIT ACS A). All three were instrumental in establishing the Initiative, having met senior officials in the Home Office in September 1995 to determine its future strategy.

  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department for what reasons he decided to end the Home Office Exports Initiative. [20041]

  Mr. Michael
  The decision to end the Home Office Exports Initiative was taken in the context of the Government's Comprehensive Spending Review. My right hon. Friend considered that the Initiative did not sit happily with the core functions of the Department, particularly when viewed against the substantial support for exporting given by the Department of Trade and Industry and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if goods and services supplied under the Home Office Exports Initiative were subject to normal Export Control procedures. [20021]

  Mr. Michael
  Yes. Where the supply of the goods or services concerned were subject to control, a licence would have been required.
  10
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the United Kingdom police forces which participated in the Home Office Exports Initiative. [20031]

  Mr. Michael
  Police forces in England and Wales were represented on the Home Office Exports Initiative Steering Group by Surrey Police. In addition, officers from the Cambridgeshire Constabulary, Metropolitan Police, Surrey Police and Wiltshire Constabulary participated in overseas trade exhibitions sponsored by the Initiative.

  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which(a) police, (b) security and (c) paramilitary forces of foreign governments, were supplied with goods and services under the Home Office Exports Initiative; and what consideration was given to the human rights record of governments concerned. [20030]

  Mr. Michael
  Information abut the goods and services exported by companies assisted by the Home Office Exports Initiative is not available. I am informed that where a licence was required for the supply of goods or services under the Initiative, it would have been issued only if that was consistent with the Government's policy at the time.

  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department on what basis companies were chosen to participate in the Home Office Exports Initiative; and if he will publish the criteria which were used to evaluate the suitability of companies to participate in the Initiative. [20020]

  Mr. Michael
  I am informed that the services of the Home Office Export Promoter and activities sponsored by the Initiative were open to all companies in the policing and security sector.

  Public Order Act
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many convictions have been recorded under(a) section 4a and (b) section 5 of the Public Order Act 1986 in the last year for which figures are available; [20300]

  Mr. Michael
  In 1996, the number of convictions under sections 4a and 5 of the Public Order Act 1986 were 295 and 14,944 respectively.

  Community Service and Combination Orders
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many community service orders were imposed in respect of offenders(a) aged 15 to 17 years and (b) aged 17 to 21 years old in the last year for which figures are available. [20291]

  (2) how many combination orders were imposed in respect of offenders (a) aged 15 to 17 years and (b) aged 17 to 21 years in the last year for which figures are available. [20292]

  Mr. Michael
  Community Service Orders and Combination Orders are available only for offenders aged 16 or over.

  Information for 1996 is given in the table.

  11

  Number of persons sentenced to Community Service Orders and Combination Orders by age-group, 1996

  England and Wales

  Age-group

  16–17

  18–21

  Community Service Order

  3,719

  1,312

  Combination Order

  11,569

  4,796

  Compensation Orders
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many compensation orders have been made in respect of(a) under 17-year-old, (b) 17 to 21 year old and (c) over 21-year-old offenders in the last year for which figures are available; [20297]

  (2) what assessment he has made of the use of compensation orders by the courts. [20298]

  Mr. Michael
  Ninety-four thousand eight hundred offenders were ordered to pay compensation orders in 1996, two per cent. more than in 1995 but fewer than the 1991 total of 112,800.

  In 1996, of the 94,800 offenders ordered to pay compensation orders, 17,400 were aged 10 to 17, 17,900 were aged 18 to 20 and 59,500 were aged 21 and over.

  Crime Concern
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the youth action groups promoted by Crime Concern. [20294]

  Mr. Michael
  This Government consider the Youth Action Initiative to be an excellent model of how to involve young people in dealing with issues of disorder and anti-social behaviour which this Government are determined to tackle. We strongly support the wider expansion of the initiatives.

  Youth Action Group is encouraged to tackle problems of relevance to young people, such as graffiti, vandalism, bullying in schools, personal safety and substance abuse. The best of such Groups have an impact, not only on their schools, but on the wider community. Youth Action Groups provide young people with an opportunity to be part of the solution to crime and not just part of the problem. The remarkable achievements demonstrated by winners of the Prudential Youth Action Awards in recent years demonstrate the potential of young people when given that opportunity. I am very keen to ensure that the work of the Youth Action Groups is linked closely to that of the new statutory partnerships for preventing crime and disorder which will be established once the Crime and Disorder Bill takes effect. I am currently looking at ways in which this objective can be achieved.

  Animal Experiments
  Mr. Flight
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to reduce the number of experiments on animals. [20137]

  Mr. George Howarth
  We announced on 6 November that we had secured an end to the testing of finished cosmetic products; that we will be exploring a ban on the 12
  use of animals for testing ingredients intended for "vanity" products; and that we will be phasing out the use of ascitic animals in monoclonal antibody production.

  The Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 requires that the suffering of animals and the number of animals used in individual programmes of work be minimised. It does not provide a mechanism for guaranteeing a year-on-year reduction in the number of animals used. Reductions are best achieved by the development, validation and implementation of alternatives.

  To this end, we are exploring ways to promote the development and greater use of alternatives. We are seeking advice from the Animal Procedures Committee, the European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods (ECVAM) and others about the establishment of a database on alternative methods. We have also increased the budget, which we make available to the Animal Procedures Committee to sponsor research on alternatives, from £182,000 in 1997–98 to £259,000 in 1998–99.

  We are encouraging regulators both in the United Kingdom and through Europe to review the need to use animals in regulatory safety testing.

  Rural Crime
  Mr. Flight
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what initiatives he proposes to reduce crime in villages and small towns. [20136]

  Mr. Michael
  The Government recognise that rural communities have very different needs to urban communities. Whilst they suffer from most of the same types of crime as urban areas, there are also those crimes which are particular to the countryside, such as theft of livestock and farm equipment.

  Due to the geographical nature of the countryside, police responses to incidents of crime cannot always be as quick as they and the public would like. Because of this, there is an onus on people to take precautions against becoming victims of crime. There are now many excellent partnership schemes which have developed between the police and the local communities and the creation of many, and diverse, "Watch" schemes is testimony to their success.

  The provision for new statutory duties for local authorities and the police jointly to analyse and identify local problems of crime and disorder in the Crime and Disorder Bill will enhance those schemes already in existence. With input from local communities, a strategy will be drawn up and implemented to tackle those problems. This will provide an opportunity to take stock of the crime problems of both rural and urban areas.

  Ministerial Group on the Family
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how often the Ministerial Group on the family will meet. [20318]

  Mr. Michael
  The group has met four times to date. It will meet again as necessary to take forward its work, which consists of looking at a wide range of issues concerned with family policy as part of the Government's manifesto commitment to strengthening family life.
  13

  Burglary and Theft
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many recorded theft and burglary offences there were in England and Wales in(a) 1994, (b) 1995, (c) 1996 and (d) 1997 to date; and if he will make a statement. [20316]

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

  Offences of theft and burglary recorded by the police

  England and Wales

  Year

  Theft

  Burglary

  1994

  2,564,608

  1,256,682

  1995

  2,452,109

  1,239,484

  1996

  2,383,946

  1,164,583

  January-June 1997

  1,107,949

  537,189

  Harmondsworth Immigration Detention Centre
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what outside authority visits the Harmondsworth Immigration Detention Centre to observe the conditions in that establishment; when the last visit took place; what reports and recommendations were sent to the appropriate Home Office department; and if he will make a statement. [20622]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  While there is no statutory provision for the inspection of immigration detention centres by the Chief Inspector of Prisons, Judge Tumim inspected Harmondsworth Detention Centre in November 1988 at the invitation of the then Home Secretary. Judge Tumim's subsequent report was published in March 1989 and made a number of recommendations which, with only one exception, have all been implemented. The provision of a multi-gym has not been possible because of a lack of suitable accommodation.

  The Chief Inspector of Prisons, Sir David Ramsbotham, has inspected both Campsfield House and Tinsley House Detention Centres in the past year, and intends to conduct a full inspection of Harmondsworth Detention Centre in his 1998–99 programme.

  An independent body, the Harmondsworth Visiting Committee, also provides reports for the Home Secretary on the detention centre. Established in 1990, the Harmondsworth Visiting Committee's members are appointed by the Home Secretary and are drawn from a variety of different ethnic, cultural and occupational backgrounds. The Committee's function is to satisfy itself about the administration of the centre, the upkeep of the premises, and the centre's facilities for the care and treatment of detainees. The last such visit made by the Committee was on 10 December 1997. Matters arising from these visits are discussed the same day with members of Group 4 Total Security Limited and the Detention Management Unit of the Immigration Service.

  Visiting Committee members have access to the Detention Centre and detainees at all times and can raise any matters of concern, either with the Immigration Service or direct with the Home Secretary. The Committee meets formally once a month and submits an annual report to the Home Secretary on the state of the
  14
  Centre and its administration. This report may include the provision of any advice or suggestions considered appropriate.

  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the daily schedule of activities that people held at the Harmondsworth Immigration Detention Centre are allowed to follow each day; and if he will list the activities. [20620]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  A full time amenities officer is employed at Harmondsworth Detention Centre and she prepares and publishes a schedule of activities available in the centre. Detainees may attend or participate in as many of the activities as they wish. Organised activities to date have included:

  Art Classes

  Badminton

  Battleships

  Bingo

  Boules

  Card Games

  Chess

  Chess Competitions

  Craft Afternoons

  Cricket

  Dice Games

  Dominoes

  Draughts

  Football

  Football Competitions

  Games Evenings

  Jenga

  Logic Games

  Mindtrap

  Music Evenings

  Needlecraft

  Scrabble Competition

  Table tennis

  Table Tennis Competitions

  Table football

  Table Football Competitions

  Treasure Hunt

  Video Game Competitions

  Volleyball

  Volleyball Competitions.

  Detainees are also encouraged to organise their own activities and, in addition to the amenities listed, have access to jigsaw puzzles, playing cards and board games. They also have access to television sets, with both terrestrial and satellite channels, and a video recording machine is available for detainees to watch their own approved foreign language material. A selection of newspapers and books in various languages is provided.

  English lessons are given at the Centre twice a week. A room has been set aside for multi-denominational private prayer, and larger prayer meetings are held regularly and attended by visiting clergy.
  15
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are the present clothes washing facilities that exist at the Harmondsworth Immigration Detention Centre; and when these facilities were last inspected. [20621]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  A washing machine and tumble dryer are provided in each of the two buildings at Harmondsworth Detention Centre for the use of detainees. Hand washing facilities are also available. Washing powder is provided free of charge.

  The machines are tested annually for electrical safety and were last inspected in April 1997. Should any fault be reported on any of the machines, an engineer is called to carry out the necessary repairs.

  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which organisation is responsible for the running of the Harmondsworth Immigration Detention Centre; and to whom it reports within his Department. [20592]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  Group Four Total Security Limited are employed under contract by the Home Office to undertake the day-to-day supervision and care of immigration detainees held at the Harmondsworth Immigration Detention Centre. Overall management of the centre is undertaken on site by staff of the Detention Management Unit, which is part of the Immigration Service Enforcement Directorate.

  Firearms
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the Lambeth firearms amnesty conducted by the Metropolitan Police. [20618]

  Mr. Michael
  The local amnesty held in Lambeth during the month of November was a great success with 24 firearms in total being surrendered. This consisted of 16 handguns, four shot guns, two rifles and two air weapons. In addition, four imitation firearms and a canister of pepper spray were also surrendered. A large amount of ammunition was also handed in. The streets of South London are a little safer as a result of this initiative.

  This was the first local, as opposed to national, amnesty to have been held and had the strong support of the local community and the Metropolitan Police. The number of items handed in during the local amnesty compares with only two guns handed in in Lambeth during the last national amnesty. We will continue to endorse similar initiatives in the future which have the same level of community and police support.

  Citizenship Applications
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the average length of time taken between receipt of an application for British citizenship and a decision being made. [20481]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  [holding answer 12 December 1997]: We do not record the time taken between receipt of an application and a decision being made, but do record the time taken from receipt to a certificate being issued. As at 30 November 1997, the average length of time was 14.9 months.
  16

  Public Appointments
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish the names of all those people whom he has appointed to public bodies since 1 May, indicating the positions to which they have been appointed, and whether they receive remuneration. [19975]

  Mr. Straw
  I will write to my hon. Friend with the information as soon as possible. A copy will be placed in the Library.

  Millennium Compliance
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 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. [20526]

  Mr. Straw
  [holding answer 12 December 1997]: The Home Office is currently in the process of assessing whether its suppliers are millennium compliant. The Home Office's policy is to ensure that contractual obligations are met by the contracted supplier. If they were unable to do so due to their millennium non-compliance, we would assess whether to terminate their contract.

  Contracts with suppliers will be judged on their own merits taking into consideration the nature and scope of the contract, and the effect non-compliance has on delivery of the goods or services required by the Department (especially when they are of a strategic nature).

  Departmental Staff
  Mr. Hawkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many(a) special advisers, (b) task force members and (c) review body 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. [19317]

  Mr. Sraw
  My Department employs two special advisers and one expert special adviser working part-time on the Task Force on youth justice. We have not employed any review body members. In order to protect the privacy of the individuals concerned, details of salaries cannot be provided. Information on the total paybill for special advisers was, however, provided in the answers which the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster gave to the hon. Members for Gordon (Mr. Bruce) and for Kingston and Surbiton (Mr. Davey) on 25 November 1997,Official Report, columns 472–73.

  Policing (Party Conference)
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much special grant will be paid to the Dorset Police Authority towards the cost of the policing of the Conservative Party Conference in Bournemouth in October 1998. [20566]

  Mr. Michael
  My right hon. Friend has authorised an additional payment of police grant to Dorset Police Authority of up to £750,000 in 1998–99 as a contribution to the costs of safeguarding national security at the
  17
  Conservative Party conference. A similar sum is being made available to Lancashire Police Authority in respect of next year's Labour Party Conference in Blackpool

  Prisons (Drugs)
  Mr. Malins
  ' To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many(a) successful and (b) unsuccessful attempts to smuggle class A or B drugs into prisons were discovered in the most recent year for which figures are available; how many criminal prosecutions followed; and what penalties were imposed. [20963]

  Mr. George Howarth
  Information is not collected centrally in this detail. But in the 12 months ending 30 November 1997, a total of 1,211 people visiting prisons were arrested by the police in connection with possible drug-related offences. The Prison Service does not record what action was subsequently taken by the police.

  Prisons (Young People)
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his policy in respect of the detention of youths aged 15 to 17 years within adult prisons. [20679]

  Ms Quin
  The Government's policy is to accommodate offenders under 18 sentenced to Detention in young offender institutions. Exceptionally, they may be accommodated in prison on an individual and temporary basis. Most unsentenced young offenders aged under 18 are held in specialised remand facilities alongside young offender institutions but some are accommodated separately from adults in adult prisons. The Prison Service is currently considering the setting up of establishments for male juveniles only.

  The Government are reviewing the juvenile secure estate as part of the comprehensive spending review.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what he expects to reply to the letters of 31 July, 18 September and 12 November from the hon. Member for Sutton and Cheam concerning Cherny Ntamntambo. [20707]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  I have written to the hon. Member today

  Stephen Lawrence
  Mr. Watts
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish the report by the Police Complaints Authority on their investigation of the complaints against the Metropolitan Police concerning the murder of Stephen Lawrence. [21031]

  Mr. Straw
  I am today laying before Parliament the report submitted to me by the Police Complaints Authority. This has been made under section 97(2) of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, which allows the Authority to make a report to the Secretary of State on any matters coming to its notice to which it considers that his attention should be drawn by reason of their gravity or other exceptional circumstances.
  18
  The report sets out the main findings resulting from an investigation carried out by officers from Kent Constabulary, under the supervision of the Police Complaints Authority, into the way in which the Metropolitan Police Service handled the murder of Stephen Lawrence.

  The report concludes that the Metropolitan Police Service has committed substantial resources over several years to the investigation of this appalling crime, and that there is no doubt that a considerable amount of hard work has been undertaken. The report also concludes that the police operation undertaken immediately after the assault was well organised and effective and that there was no evidence of racist conduct by police officers. The report concludes, however, that there were significant weaknesses, omissions and lost opportunities during the murder investigation. Those errors were not identified by the internal review carried out by the Metropolitan Police. As a result, subsequent attempts to solve the crime have been hampered.

  The Metropolitan Police Commissioner has told me that he broadly accepts the findings of this initial report and now awaits the full report from the Kent investigation. He has told me that the Metropolitan Police have moved forward significantly in the investigation of major crime since 1993 but will address all of the shortcomings identified in the supervision and management of this investigation. They will also consider carefully the lessons to be learned.

  This report and its conclusion will now be considered by the Inquiry which I have established under the Chairmanship of Sir William Macpherson of Cluny to inquire into the matters arising from the death of Stephen Lawrence in order particularly to identify the lessons to be learned for the investigation and prosecution of racially motivated crimes. The inquiry intends to begin public hearings in February.

  The Police Complaints Authority Report also identifies several issues which are relevant to the handling of serious crimes by the police generally. Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and the Crime Committee of the Association of Chief Police Officers are examining national standards in the investigation of major crime with a view to producing a model for the handling of major inquiries. During 1998, the Inspectorate will also be conducting a thematic inspection of major crime investigation across the Police Service.

  The Police Complaints Authority Report also draws attention to the shortcomings in first aid skills possessed by the officers who were first to arrive at the scene of the murder. All chief constables have already been recommended to deal with this issue within their forces, by a report of a thematic inspection on officer safety by Her Majesty's Inspectorate which was published in October.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  Millennium Commission
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what representations he has received
  19
  in respect of regional and cultural imbalances in the projects given funding by the Millennium Commission to date; [19169]

  (2) if he will make a sttaement on the progress of Millennium Commission bids from the east midlands; [19167]

  (3) what steps he proposes to take to ensure equity between regions in the projects given funding by the Millennium Commission; [19168]

  (4) What steps have been taken by the Millennium Commission to work with the Asian community on the ethnic minority bids which have been submitted; [20951]

  (5) if he will review the decision to exclude the Akshardham project from further examination for millennium funding; [20956]

  6) which millennium commissioners were present at a meeting on Wednesday 10 December; and what time was allocated to discuss ethnic minority projects; [20953]

  (7) in what ways the Millennium Commission publicised the change of criteria to encourage more ethnic minority applications for funding; [20954]

  (8) if he will list the individuals and organisations supporting bids by the (a) Belgrave Baheno, (b) Akshardham and (c) the Asha projects for millennium funding; [20948]

  (9) when the proposals for the Asha project were (a) received and (b) evaluated by the Millennium Commission; [20960]

  (10) how many projects considered for funding millennium commissioners have visited to date; [20956]

  (11) if groups on the Millennium Commission reserve list will be able to proceed to detailed assessment if they so wish; [20955]

  (12) in how many languages the Millennium Commission issued their application forms for funding; [20886]

  (13) how many meetings officials of the Millennium Commission have had with representatives of the projects considered by the Millennium Commission on 10 December; with which projects they were associated; and on what dates; [20961]

  (14) what discussions took place between the Millennium Commission and ethnic minority groups prior to the change of criteria to encourage more ethnic minority groups to put forward applications; [20884]

  (15)if he will publish the number of people of Asian origin who are employed at the Millennium Commission and the grade at which they are employed; [20950]

  (16) if the Swaminarayan Hindu Mission's project Akshardham can proceed to detailed appraisal; [20885]

  (17) how much funding was allocated to ethnic minority projects by the Millennium Commission at its meeting on 10 December. [20949]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  This is a matter for the Millennium Commission. I shall write to my hon. Friend in my capacity as Chairman of the Commission and place copies of my reply in the Libraries of the House.
  20

  Public Appointments
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will publish the names of all those people whom he has appointed to public bodies since 1 May, indicating the positions to which they have been appointed, and whether they receive remuneration. [19974]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  The information requested is listed in the table. All of these appointments have been confirmed but some are to take effect from a future date:

  Sponsored body

  Role

  Name

  Remuneration

  Advisory Committee on the Government Art Collection

  Member

  Ms Mary Beaumont

  No

  Advisory Council on Libraries

  Member

  Mrs. Grace Kempster

  No

  Architectural Heritage Fund

  Council Member

  Mr. William Cadell

  No

  Architectural Heritage Fund

  Council Member

  Ms Jane Sharman

  No

  Arts Council of England

  Member

  Mr. Rod Natkiel

  No

  Arts Council of England

  Member

  Mr. Christopher Price

  No

  Arts Council of England

  Member

  Mr. David Brierley

  No

  Arts Council of England

  Member

  Mr. Trevor Phillips

  No

  British Film Institute

  Chairman

  Mr. Alan Parker

  No

  British Film Institute

  Governor

  Mrs. Joan Bakewell

  No

  British Film Institute

  Governor

  Mr. Alan Howden

  No

  British Film Institute

  Governor

  Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas

  No

  British Film Institute

  Governor

  Mr. Tony Elliott

  No

  National Film and Television School

  Governor

  Mr. John McVay

  No

  National Film and Television School

  Governor

  Mr. Tim Bevan

  No

  National Lottery Charities Board

  Chairman

  The Hon. David Sieff

  Yes

  National Lottery Charities Board

  Member

  Sir Adam Ridley

  Yes

  National Lottery Charities Board

  Member

  Mrs. Stella Clarke

  Yes

  National Lottery Charities Board

  Member

  Mrs. Amanda Jordan

  No

  National Museums and Galleries on Merseyside

  Chairman

  Mr. David McDonnell

  No

  21

  Sponsored body

  Role

  Name

  Remuneration

  National Museums and Galleries on Merseyside

  Trustee

  Professor Preston King

  No

  National Museums and Galleries on Merseyside

  Trustee

  Mrs. Vorrey Branthwaite

  No

  National Museums and Galleries on Merseyside

  Trustee

  Mr. Barrie Marsh

  No

  National Museums and Galleries on Merseyside

  Trustee

  Ms Janet Kear

  No

  National Museums and Galleries on Merseyside

  Trustee

  Councillor Frank Prendergast

  No

  Public Lending Right Advisory Committee

  Chairman

  Mr. Michael Holroyd

  No

  Public Lending Right Advisory Committee

  Member

  Ms Hilary Mantel

  No

  Public Lending Right Advisory Committee

  Member

  Mrs. Claire Tomalin

  No

  Radio Authority Deputy

  Chairman

  Mr. Michael Moriarty

  Yes

  Reviewing Committee on the Exports of Works of Art

  Member

  Mr. Ian Gow

  No

  Royal National Theatre

  Member

  Ms Joan Bakewell

  No

  Royal National Theatre

  Member

  Ms Sue McGregor

  No

  Royal National Theatre

  Member

  Sir Ian McKellen

  No

  Royal National Theatre

  Member

  Mr. James Oliver

  No

  S4C

  Chairman

  Mr. Ifan Prys-Edwards

  Yes

  Treasure Valuation Committee

  Member

  Mr. David Jordan

  No

  Treasure Valuation Committee

  Member

  Lord Stewartby

  No

  Treasure Valuation Committee

  Member

  Professor Norman Palmer

  No

  Treasure Valuation Committee

  Member

  Mr. Patrick Finn

  No

  Treasure Valuation Committee

  Member

  Mr. Jack Ogden

  No

  Treasure Valuation Committee

  Member

  Mr. John Casey

  No

  22

  Terrestrial Television
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when he will announce the outcome of his review into the listing of sports events for broadcast on domestic terrestrial television. [20380]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  I expect the advisory group to make its recommendations to me on the content of the list before Easter 1998, and I hope to announce the outcome of the review shortly thereafter.

  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what representations he has received in respect of the listing and de-listing of sports events for terrestrial television. [20378]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  I have received 776 representations on this subject since the review of the content of the list was announced in May, including 28 representations from hon. Members. The majority of these representations concerned the television coverage of particular sports events.

  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when he last met Lord MacLaurin to discuss the listing of cricket for broadcast on terrestrial television. [20379]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  When I met Lord MacLaurin on 18 August, he raised the question of the inclusion of Test cricket among the events listed under Part IV of the Broadcasting Act 1996. I shall be meeting him again on 18 December. The England and Wales Cricket Board has also been consulted as part of my review, and its response will be made available to the advisory group assisting me in that review.

  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on the Government's policy in respect of the listing of sports events for terrestrial television. [20381]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  I announced the criteria to be used to guide the review on 25 November. An advisory group is considering the events currently listed, and the additional major sports events announced on that day, against these criteria. As part of the review, I have consulted the rights holders for all the events under consideration; broadcast regulators and other interested parties on the content of the list, and their responses will be made available to the advisory group.

  Car Parking
  Mr. Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many car park spaces are provided for his Department's(a) Ministers, (b) employees and (c) visitors in (i) London and (ii) the United Kingdom. [19368]

  Mr. Tom Clarke
  [holding answer 8 December 1997]: The Department has a total of 13 car park spaces; four for Ministerial use and one for use by the Permanent Secretary. The remaining eight spaces are set aside for staff and visitors with medical problems or welfare requirements and contractors working on the premises. All the Department's car park spaces are located in London.
  23

  British Library
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list(a) the cost to date and (b) estimated completion cost of the new British Library building at St. Pancras. [19056]

  Mr. Fisher
  [holding answer 8 December 1997]: The total construction project budget for the British Library St. Pancras building is £511.1 million. The expenditure committed to date stands at approximately £505.7 million. However, negotiations continue with some contractors on their final accounts and it is not possible, therefore, to estimate the final outturn for the project until all these accounts have been settled.

  Departmental Staff
  Mr. Hawkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many(a) special advisers, (b) task force members and (c) review body 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. [19308]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  My Department employs one full-time and one part-time Special Adviser. Prior to 1 May the Department of National Heritage employed one full-time Special Adviser. In order to protect the privacy of the individuals concerned it would be inappropriate to reveal their salary details. However the total paybill for Special Advisers was given by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster in response to the hon. Members for Gordon (Mr. Bruce) and for Kingston and Surbiton (Mr. Davey) on 25 November 1997, Official Report, columns 472–73.

  From time to time my Department sets up task forces, review groups or other informal mechanisms. Normal practice is that non-civil servants on these groups are not employed on a salary basis although occasionally travel expenses may by paid the costs of which are not held centrally. A similar arrangement applied prior to 1 May.

  National Sports Council
  Mr. Gorrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what proposals(a) he and (b) the Sports Council have evaluated for the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre; and at what costs. [19763]

  Mr. Banks
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has not evaluated any investment proposals regarding Crystal Palace National Sports Centre.
  The English Sports Council is currently in discussions with the London Borough of Bromley, who own the site, representatives of sports organisations and others regarding future sporting provision at Crystal Palace National Sports Centre. A number of proposals are being considered. Any decisions will need to take account of the Centre's Grade II∗ listing, which I announced last week.

  My right hon. Friend and I are kept informed of developments on a regular basis.
  Information regarding costs of these considerations is not available.
  24

  Sport and Schools
  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps he is taking to co-operate with Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Schools in respect of his Department's duties in relation to sport in schools; and if he will list the action taken in response to HMCI's findings on sport in schools. [19485]

  Mr. Banks
  My Department has no official duties in relation to sport in schools but we take a keen interest in this area. We have regular contact with the Department for Education and Employment to discuss matters of mutual concern and HMCI's findings form a valuable basis for our discussions.

  Athletics Facilities (Wembley)
  Mr. Gorrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what proposals have been put to him for athletics facilities at the planned new Wembley Stadium; and at what costs. [19762]

  Mr. Banks
  These are matters for the English Sports Council. I understand the athletics facilities at the new English National Stadium will meet the criteria of the International Amateur Athletics Federation for a world class facility capable of staging major world athletic events. The English Sports Council has agreed a provisional Lottery award of £120 million to the English National Stadium Trust, towards total estimated project costs of £240 million.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Coal Gasification
  Mr. Blizzard
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment she has made of the feasibility of underground coal gasification as a source of energy. [20666]

  Mr. Battle
  My Department is participating in a European field trial of underground coal gasification (UCG) as part of our coal R and D programme. This is a joint project involving Spain, Belgium and the UK with substantial financial support from the European Commission's THERMIE Demonstration programme. The total cost of the project which started in 1991 is £14 million and the UK contribution is £1.7 million. The project is due to end next year once the current gasification trials have been completed. Results to date have shown the feasibility of gasifying Western European coals at depths in excess of 500 metres. The gas produced from the present trials had a calorific value of approaching a third that of natural gas. This is better than the gas produced by some clean coal gasification power generation processes and indicates UGC technology may offer a potential energy source for power generation in the future.

  The economics of UGC will be evaluated in more detail on completion of the current gasification trials. Underground coal gasification may be an attractive primary energy source in the longer term. It is currently many times more expensive than current gas prices, and likely to remain so for many years even when the technical problems have been overcome. The technology could be used to access coal reserves too deep for

  25
  conventional mining (both opencast and deep mine). In the longer term it could be used to access the vast reserves of high volatile coal located beneath the North Sea. At least 10 years of R and D work is likely to be needed before underground coal gasification can even be considered to be a commercial option.

  Enemy Property
  Mr. Jim Murphy
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade which other Governments her Department is consulting in preparation of the report on British policy on enemy property during and after the Second World War. [19579]

  Mr. Nigel Griffiths
  While I and my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary have not consulted with any other Governments in the preparation of this report, we shall wish to give this further consideration.

  Working Time Directive
  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will make a statement on the Government's policy towards the proposed extension of the Working Time Directive to include the fishing industry and other currently exempt professions. [20651]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  The European Commission have issued a White Paper but have not yet made detailed proposals. Each of the sectors excluded from the scope of the Working Time Directive has its own specific characteristics and we will need to look carefully at how subsequent proposals take these into account. Any proposals for legislation must respect our particular concerns, for example, about junior doctors, the offshore oil and gas industry and sea fishing.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Land Mines
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much aid has been given to Egypt in each year since 1967 to assist in the clearance of land mines laid in World War II. [20634]

  Clare Short
  Mine detection equipment to the value of £500,000 was provided from the overseas aid budget in 1996. A further £100,000 for such equipment has been committed in Financial year 1997–98.

  In addition, the Ministry of Defence has, from the early 1980s, provided the Egyptian authorities with copies of all surviving maps of known minefields and supporting information on the types of mines laid and the techniques used by the Commonwealth forces during the war. There have been three visits to Egypt by Royal Engineer Ordnance Disposal officers (in 1981, 1984 and 1994); reconnaissance flights over the area were also conducted by the RAF in 1984. The Ministry of Defence is currently preparing a new version of the map and data package which makes use of advances in technology where possible.
  26

  South Africa (Investment)
  Mrs. Ballard
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what was the budget for the British Investment in South Africa (LETS) Scheme in(a) 1985–86, (b) 1986–87 and (c) 1987–88. [20478]

  Clare Short
  The total budget for the British Investment in Africa Promotion Scheme to cover both Pre-Investment Feasibility Studies (PIFS) and LETS components is £2 million. Expenditure for the three years was as follows:

  1995–96: £203,505

  1996–97: £356,276

  1997–98: £275,191 (April-December)

  All expenditure has been on the (PIFS) facility.

  Mrs. Ballard
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans her Department has to simplify the criteria for small firms who make applications to the British Investment in South Africa (LETS) Scheme; and if she will make a statement. [20476]

  Clare Short
  The British Investment in South Africa Promotion Scheme was reviewed earlier this year and a number of improvements have recently been made to enhance its effectiveness. The Local Employee Training Scheme (LETS) has been made more accessible to smaller firms by reducing the minimum intended investment from £200,000 to £100,000. Firms employing between 10 and 500 employees are eligible to apply for LETS grants to cover 50 per cent. of training costs up to a maximum of £50,000. UK firms which have already received a Pre-Investment Feasibility Study (PIFS) grant and have subsequently invested in South Africa are also now eligible to apply for a LETS grant. A brochure giving details of the improvements made to the Scheme has been issued recently by the British Council, the Scheme managers.

  Mrs. Ballard
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many grants have been awarded to British businesses for the British Investment in South Africa (LETS) Scheme since its inception. [20477]

  Clare Short
  The British Investment in South Africa Promotion Scheme, known as BIS, has two components. Twenty-five grants have been awarded for Pre-Investment Feasibility Studies. Only four applications have been received for the Local Employees Training Scheme (LETS). One was rejected, one lapsed and the other two are currently under consideration.

  AIDS
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what action she(a) is taking (b) proposes to take to control the spread of AIDS in Africa; and what funding her Department provides for such measures; [20382]

  Clare Short
  The Department is contributing to the international effort through annual grants to UNAIDS which is responsible for co-ordinating the UN response to
  27
  HIV/AIDS. DFID also works through its bilateral partnerships in many African countries and is funding research which is contributing to the development of new methods of protection against infection such as mircrobicides. For future work, we attach particular importance to making renewed efforts to meet the needs of adolescents.

  Bilateral expenditure on HIV/AIDS related activities (including prevention, treatment and care) in Africa in calendar year 1996 was £9.2 million. In addition, DFID's contribution to UNAIDS was £3.5 million. It is not possible to disaggregate the proportion of this spent in Africa. Elements of DFID contributions to the UK Medical Research Council and to multilateral agencies (EU, World Bank, United Nations Population Fund and the International Planned Parenthood Federation) will also be expended on HIV/AIDS related activities in Africa but similarly cannot be disaggregated.

  Millennium Compliance
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development 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. [20520]

  Mr. Foulkes
  When relevant, the Department will remind non-governmental organisations and suppliers it deals with that they must have systems in place which enable them fully to meet the terms of those agreements and contracts which continue into the new millennium.

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  Civil Servants (Integration)
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what progress has been made in integrating civil servants from the formerly separate departments of Transport and the Environment; and if he will make a statement on the policy of integrating formerly separated departmental specialists. [19668]

  Mr. Prescott
  Good progress has been made.

  Single integrated teams covering Personnel, Finance, Communications and Private Office support have been established. Action is being taken to establish single integrated Personnel, Finance and IT systems. The Land-use Planning Directorate has been brought together with the Roads and Local Transport Group, to build on the many linkages between these policy areas. Policies have been put in place to encourage staff to move to areas of work formerly covered by the other Department and two staff at Director General level, one from each former Department, have already exchanged posts.
  28
  Single Heads of Profession have been identified and specialists working in central groups, such as lawyers and scientists, have been integrated.

  To encourage integrating further and give strategic focus to the new Department, I have agreed the following new aim and objectives:
  The aim of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions is to improve the quality of life by promoting sustainable development at home and abroad, fostering economic prosperity and supporting local democracy.
  Its main objectives are:

  1. To protect and improve the environment, and to integrate the environment with other policies across government and international fora.

  2. To offer everyone the opportunity of a decent home and so promote social cohesion, well-being and self-dependence.

  3. To promote efficient and integrated transport services across different modes and reduce road traffic growth, in order better to meet the mobility needs of the travelling public and industry.

  4. To deliver regulatory and other transport services to the public and industry and to collect taxes efficiently and fairly.

  5. To enhance opportunity in rural areas, improve enjoyment of the countryside and conserve and manage wildlife resources.

  6. To create a fair and efficient land use planning system that respects regional differences and promotes development which is of high quality and sustainable.

  7. To promote a system of elected government in England which responds to the needs of local communities.

  8. To enhance economic development and social cohesion throughout England through effective regional action and integrated local regeneration programmes.

  9. To secure an efficient market in the construction industry, with innovative and successful UK firms that meet the needs of clients and society and are competitive at home and abroad.

  10. To improve health and safety by reducing risks from work activity, travel and the environment.

  These objectives may be subject to further review in the light of the outcome of the Comprehensive Spending Review.

  Eco-labelling
  Mr. Bill O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) when Her Majesty's Government introduced the European Union eco-labelling scheme; how it is financed; and what is the total cost of the scheme to date; [19740]

  (2) how many (a) product categories and (b) products have been awarded the Eco-label since March 1992; [19908]

  (3) if he will make a statement on the publicity given in promoting the Eco-labelling Scheme detailing (a) the form in which publicity has been provided and (b) its cost; [19910]

  (4) how many people are employed by the Eco-labelling Board. [19907]
  29
  Angela Eagle
  The United Kingdom Ecolabelling Board was established in November 1992 to administer the European Union eco-labelling scheme within the United Kingdom. It is financed partly by grant-in-aid from the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions and the Department of Trade and Industry, and partly by income from application and licence fees. The Board has received a total of £3.5 million in grant-in-aid to date.

  Since the launch of the scheme, a total of 12 products in four categories (washing machines, toilet paper, kitchen towels and household paints and varnishes) have been awarded the ecolabel within the United Kingdom.

  The Board promotes the scheme through leaflets, newsletters, exhibitions, conferences and press advertising, and has spent a total of £500,000 on promotion to date. The scheme also featured in a number of broader-based advertising campaigns run by the then Department of the Environment in 1996 and early 1997.

  The United Kingdom Ecolabelling Board comprises a Chairman and 14 members, all of whom serve part time. They are supported by an executive of seven full-time officers and one part-time officer.

  Motor Cycles (Deaf Riders)
  Mrs. Ballard
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions pursuant to his Answer of 26 November,Official Report, column 553, on motor cycles and deaf riders, if he will state his Department's definition of hearing impaired. [19764]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  We are consulting with the Royal National Institute for Deaf Persons and the British Deaf Association about how best to implement the concession we have announced, but it is our broad intention that "hearing impaired" will refer to any person whose hearing capacity is not sufficient to allow them to receive instructions by radio whilst undergoing training on a motor cycle. The application of the concession will be dependent on the needs of individual learner riders.

  Public Appointments
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will publish the names of all those people whom he has appointed to public bodies since 1 May, indicating the positions to which they have been appointed, and whether they receive remuneration. [19969]

  Angela Eagle
  The information requested has been placed in the Library of the House.

  EU Presidency (Environmental Audit)
  Mr. Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will take steps to arrange for an environmental audit to be conducted of each six-monthly EU presidency. [20002]
  30
  Angela Eagle
  The environment is an important theme in the Government's objectives for the UK Presidency of the European Union. The Government are currently considering ways of taking this forward and will make an announcement in due course.

  Integrated Transport White Paper
  Mr. Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when the integrated transport white paper will be published. [20006]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  We are proposing to publish the White Paper on integrated transport policy in spring 1998.

  Castle Cement (Bellman Quarry Application)
  Mr. Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many representations he received from local residents regarding the Bellman Quarry application by Castle Cement at Clitheroe. [20133]

  Mr. Raynsford
  Prior to officially notifying the Local Planning Authority on 22 October that he did not wish to call in this planning application, the Secretary of State received 14 representations from 5 local residents and from the Bellman Quarry Action Group.

  He subsequently received some 60 representations from Clitheroe residents and some 40 representations from people outside the town.

  Four-wheel Drive Vehicles (Off-road Use)
  Mr. Levitt
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will assess the advantages of introducing legislation further to control the off-road use of four-wheel drive vehicles in publicly accessible countryside for leisure purposes. [20138]

  Angela Eagle
  We have been considering the responses to last year's consultation exercise on managing vehicles on rights of way. We intend to make an announcement shortly. Local highway authorities already have powers under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 to prevent or restrict traffic on rights of way where they cause damage.

  Genetically Engineered Oilseed Rape
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the environmental impact of using genetically engineered oilseed rape to produce plastic polymers in leaves and seeds; and if he will make a statement. [20254]

  Angela Eagle
  Under the current legislation no releases of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) may be carried out without the prior consent of the Secretary of State. To date, no applications for consent to release oilseed rape genetically modified for the production of plastics into the environment have been made. The possibility that development work may continue to field trials in the future has been anticipated by the Department. The release of these genetically modified plants may pose unique risks to human health and the environment which could include toxicity and allergenicity to humans, gene transfer to other oilseed rape crops and effects on other species.
  31
  A research contract has been let to the University of Aberystwyth with three aims: to evaluate the current status of development of these novel types of GMOs; to identify particular risks that they pose to human health and the environment; and to recommend risk management procedures. The results of this research, which will be completed in April 1999, will be used by the Department to consider whether consents may be granted for releases of these GMOs into the environment, and what level of management would be necessary to ensure that the risk to human health and the environment is minimised.

  Planning Applications
  Mr. Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) how many representations he received from local residents in relation to the last planning application he refused as a result of such representations; [20131]

  (2) on how many occasions he has used the local representation rule to deny planning permission; and to which schemes he has applied this rule. [20127]

  Mr. Raynsford
  There is no such thing as "the local representation rule". The views of local residents are among the matters my right hon. Friend takes into account in deciding called-in planning applications or planning

  Year

  Preventive inspections1

  Total inspections1

  Improvement notices1

  Prohibition notices1

  Total notices1

  Informations laid2

  Convictions2

  1993–94

  15,000

  28,000

  780

  170

  950

  23

  15

  1994–95

  16,000

  30,000

  680

  180

  860

  42

  33

  1995–96

  15,000

  29,000

  370

  140

  510

  22

  12

  1 All figures are grossed up to 460 local authorities and rounded.

  2 Based on actual figures.

  Eurotunnel (Passenger Lists)
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to require Eurotunnel shuttle trains to list individual passengers travelling on their trains. [20401]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  We have no such plans. Neither, so far as we are aware, do the French Government.

  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what consultations he has held with Eurotunnel authorities and ferry companies on the implications of the draft directive requiring the listing of each passenger travelling across the English Channel. [20400]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The Transport Council in June reached political agreement on a draft Directive requiring the listing of passengers on sea services of more than 20 miles within the European Union. We have since consulted the shipping and ports industries informally on which services might justifiably be exempted from such a requirement and on how the requirement might most conveniently be implemented. Formal consultation will be undertaken on the draft regulations which would transpose the draft Directive into UK law.
  32
  appeals. Any decision to grant or refuse planning permission is based on a number of considerations, not simply the local representations received.

  Casinos (Health and Safety)
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many(a) improvement notices, (b) prohibition notices and (c) prosecutions have been initiated against casinos for breaches or alleged breaches of health and safety legislation in each of the last three years; and how many inspections of casinos for health and safety purposes have been conducted in each of the last three years. [20123]

  Angela Eagle
  Information in the form requested is not readily available. However the following information is available.

  The Health and Safety Executive publishes annual statistical information on local authority enforcement of health and safety. This is organised in seven broad categories, one of these is for Consumer, Leisure and Cultural Services which includes details for enforcement activities in casinos.

  The following table provides details of the enforcement action and inspections carried out by local authorities in all Leisure and Cultural Services, including casinos, in each of the last three years.

  Stena Invicta
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) if he will place in the Library a copy of the report of the evacuation trial of the Stena Invicta in January 1996; [20595]

  (2) what recommendations were put forward following the evacuation trial of the Stena Invicta in January 1996. [20596]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  [holding answer 12 December 1997]: A copy of the report, published by the Marine Safety Agency on 20 May 1996, will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses. The report contains four recommendations which appear on pages 29 and 30. These cover development of additional guidance on emergency procedures; investigation of why some liferafts inflated very slowly during the test evacuation; examination of launching procedures to ensure an uninterrupted supply of liferafts; and further investigation of ferry evacuation times, using formal safety assessment techniques where appropriate.

  Ferries
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if ferries operating from United Kingdom ports are required to have self-righting inflatable life rafts. [20601]
  33
  Ms Glenda Jackson
  [holding answer 12 December 1997]: In accordance with the 1995 amendments to the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention, either self righting liferafts or canopied reversible liferafts must be fitted to all new ro-ro passenger ferries after 1 July 1998 and to existing ships at their first periodical survey after 1 July 2000.

  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list those ferries operating to and from United Kingdom ports which meet the SOLAS 90 and SOLAS 95 standards and the dates that they are expected to comply with these standards. [20598]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  [holding answer 12 December 1997]: The SOLAS '90 stability requirements were overtaken by the requirements of the Stockholm Agreement which came into force on 1 April 1997. The Agreement, allowed under a resolution adopted by the 1995 Conference to amend the SOLAS Convention, specifies a stability standard for ferries operating to and from ports in North West Europe and the Baltic Sea, higher than that specified in the revised Convention for application worldwide. The Marine Safety Agency (MSA) published a list showing compliance dates on 1 April 1997. Other 1995 amendments to the SOLAS Convention, not related to stability, are currently being implemented in the United Kingdom.

  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list all accidents involving United Kingdom-registered ferries during the last three years. [20597]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  [holding answer 12 December 1997]: The Marine Accident Investigation Branch, which was established in 1989, investigates accidents to United Kingdom ships or other vessels in United Kingdom territorial waters. If appropriate, a report of the investigation is published. Two reports have been published of investigations of accidents involving UK registered ferries in the last three years, as follows:

  Nature of accident

  Ferry company

  Date of accident

  Stranding

  Stena Sealink

  19 September 1995

  Heavy weather damage

  P and O Euro Ferries (Portsmouth)

  14 December 1995

  Other accidents to ferries which have been subject to inspectors' investigation in the same period are:

  Nature of accident

  Ferry company

  Date of accident

  Heavy weather damage

  P and O Euro Ferries (Felix) Ltd.

  21 February 1996

  Collision and contacts

  Red Funnel Group

  9 March 1997

  Other more minor accidents have also been reported to MAIB during the period.

  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list those ferries operating to and from United Kingdom ports which meet the safety standards set down in the Stockholm Agreement; and, for those that do not meet the standards, what the date is for compliance. [20599]
  34
  Ms Glenda Jackson
  [holding answer 12 December 1997]: The list was published on 1 April 1997. A revised list will be published, following the current ferry refit season, on 1 April 1998.

  Estonia
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what action he proposes to take following the publication of the report into the 'Estonia' disaster. [20600]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  [holding answer 12 December 1997]: We have just received a copy of the report. Our initial assessment is that all of its recommendations have already been addressed by the 1995 amendments to the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention. When we have completed consideration, we will discuss with European colleagues whether any further action is necessary for suggestion to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

  The report also acknowledges that the problem of water on the car deck has already been addressed by the Stockholm Agreement of which the UK is a signatory.

  Marine Safety
  Mr. Alasdair Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will take steps to implement the recommendation contained in the Donaldson Report relating to guidance given by masters on safety margins relating to bad weather. [20482]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Recommendation 51(c) of the Report of Lord Donaldson's Inquiry states that the UK Government should seek to ensure that safety margins are respected by seeking, through international bodies, to persuade all shipowners both to issue guidance on safety margins and to monitor regularly Masters' compliance with it. This has been implemented. The International Safety Management (ISM) Code will require shipping companies to develop, implement and maintain a safety management system. Following consultation with industry, the Marine Safety Agency issued a Merchant Shipping Notice in May 1995, detailing voluntary certification under the ISM Code to apply in advance of its mandatory application from 1 July 1998.

  Railtrack
  Mr. Soley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will call for a report on the Railtrack TOWS system in respect of(a) its safety and (b) noise pollution; and if he will make a statement. [20154]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  TOWS (Track Operating Warning System) is an essential piece of equipment to protect staff working on or near railway tracks by providing an audible warning. It is generally installed in settings where other methods such as posting a look-out would be dangerous. It is switched on as necessary by staff who are going to work on the track protected by the system and turned off when leaving the site. When it is not reasonably practicable to stop trains running before carrying out routine inspection or maintenance work, TOWS is the preferred system used for ensuring staff safety.
  35
  I am advised by the Health and Safety Executive's Railway Inspectorate that TOWS emits sound at a level necessary for its function and HSE is not aware of any widespread concern over any ancillary noise nuisance, which would be a matter of the Local Authority to purse. I see no need to call for a report on TOWS.

  Parish Councils
  Mr. Paice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will increase the threshold above which parish councils must have their accounts audited by the nominees of the district council. [20896]

  Mr. Raynsford
  We have no plans to change the arrangements for the audit of parish councils' accounts.

  Mr. Paice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received from parish councils regarding the choice of auditors for their accounts; and if he will make it his policy to allow parish councils to choose their own auditors from a nominated list held by the Audit Commission. [20897]

  Mr. Raynsford
  We have received some representations from small parish councils about the cost of audit following the changes introduced by the Accounts and Audit Regulations in 1996. We have no plans to amend the current parish audit arrangements which conform to good audit practice, including that of the auditor's appointment being made independently of the body subject to audit.

  Airports
  Mr. Stringer
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what criteria are used by his Department in determining whether to grant transatlantic fifth freedom rights from regional airports. [20813]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  When considering the strategy for air services negotiations, in which the granting of transatlantic fifth freedom rights from regional airports might be an issue, the Department takes into account the needs of consumers, airports, the UK carriers and the overall UK economy.

  Transport Expenditure
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) if he will place in the Library copies of all the bids by eligible local authorities in England for transport supplementary grant in 1998–99; [20563]

  (2) what is the total sum of bids made in this year's bidding round for expenditure on local authority capital transport schemes for each of the next three years. [20564]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The information requested by the hon. Member has been placed in the Library. Total bids for 1998–99 amount to £1.69 billion. Under the TPP system bids are invited for one year's expenditure at a time. In this year's round local authorities have therefore not been asked to bid further ahead than 1998–99. They 36
  may quote forecasts of expenditure on major projects for later years, but these figures are generally no more than a guide.

  Road Accidents (A38)
  Mr. Jenkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many accidents have been reported on the A38 between Lichfield and Sutton Coldfield in each of the last 15 years; and how many fatalities have resulted. [20553]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The information requested is in the table.

  Accidents and fatalities on the A38 between Lichfield and Sutton Coldfield: 1982–96

  Accidents/casualties

  Year

  Accidents

  Fatalities

  1982

  19

  0

  1983

  14

  1

  1984

  28

  0

  1985

  28

  2

  1986

  40

  2

  1987

  25

  1

  1988

  31

  2

  1989

  36

  1

  1990

  32

  2

  1991

  19

  2

  1992

  22

  1

  1993

  29

  0

  1994

  36

  0

  1995

  42

  0

  1996

  43

  1

  Mr. Jenkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many accidents have been reported on the A38 on or near the junction with the A5 at Weeford in each of the last 15 years; and how many fatalities have resulted. [20554]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The information requested is on the following table.

  Accidents and fatalities on A38 near or on junction with AS at Weeford: 1982–96

  Accidents casualties

  Year

  Accidents

  Fatalities

  1982

  13

  0

  1983

  5

  0

  1984

  4

  0

  1985

  7

  0

  1986

  6

  0

  1987

  6

  0

  1988

  7

  0

  1989

  17

  0

  1990

  4

  0

  1991

  15

  1

  1992

  7

  0

  1993

  12

  0

  1994

  10

  0

  1995

  9

  0

  1996

  11

  0

  Car Use (Inner London)
  Mr. Jenkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans the
  37
  Government have to introduce charges for the use of cars within inner London. [20557]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Both our national transport consultation document "Developing an Integrated Transport Policy" and the London governance Green Paper "New Leadership for London", raised the issue of using the price mechanism to influence travel choice, including the possibility of charging for road use.

  We are looking with an open mind at the advantages and disadvantages of the full range of options for influencing travel choice, and considering the potential economic and social impact of new policies. However, no decisions have yet been taken about what either the London Governance White Paper (due to be published in March) or the Integrated Transport White Paper (which will follow later in the Spring) will say on this issue. Any new compulsory charging regimes would require primary legislation before they could be implemented.

  Energy Saving Trust
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the budget for the Energy Saving Trust in(a) 1996–97 and (b) 1997–98. [20648]

  Angela Eagle
  In 1996–97, my Department provided £25,000,000 in grant funding for the Energy Saving Trust. Funding of up to £19,000,000 has been made available for 1997–98.

  Air Services
  Mr. Stringer
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will instruct his officials to open negotiations with the Malaysian Government in order to secure direct air services between Manchester and Kuala Lumpur before the 1998 Commonwealth Games. [20816]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The operation of direct air services between Manchester and Kuala Lumpur is a matter for the commercial judgment of the designated carriers of the two countries. We would consider any request for talks to review the present air services arrangements.

  Miss Mcintosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the advantages and disadvantages of a mandate being given to the Commissioner of the European Union to negotiate bilateral air service agreements with other countries. [20733]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The UK supported the mandates granted by the Transport Council to the European Commission to negotiate aviation agreements with Norway and Sweden in 1990, with Switzerland in 1995 and with ten central and eastern European (CEE) countries in 1996 (Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia). The Commission's negotiations with Switzerland and with the CEE countries are continuing. We would welcome the extension of the aviation single market to these countries, provided there is no distortion of competition or dilution of safety standards. This should 38
  increase opportunities for UK travellers, UK airlines and UK airports, leading to greater choice and lower fares.

  In 1996 the UK was isolated in opposing the granting of a limited mandate to the Commission to enter into preliminary discussions with the US on a possible regulatory framework for EC/US air services. The Commission's subsequent request for a mandate for comprehensive negotiations with the US including market access is currently under discussion in Brussels, but several Member States, including the UK, have expressed doubts about the practicability of the Commission's proposal. Our priority objective is to bring our current bilateral negotiations with the US to a successful conclusion, which would bring benefits for travellers in the UK and throughout the Community.

  We would consider any future proposal for authorising the Commission to negotiate air services agreements with third countries on their merits.

  Mr. Stringer
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what specific(a) quantified and (b) unquantified factors are used by the CAA to assess regional economic benefits in its economic analysis prepared before air service negotiations. [20815]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The quantified and unquantified factors used by the CAA to assess regional benefits in its economic analyses are set out in a paper CAP638 "The Economic Impact of New Air Services", published in November 1994. I am arranging for copies of this document to be placed in the House Library.

  Mr. Stringer
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions for what reasons his Department has not agreed to allow Air Jamaica rights to operate passenger flights to Manchester Airport. [20814]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Air Jamaica has not applied for flights to Manchester this season.

  Vehicle Approval Test
  Mr. Edward Davey
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the percentage of American cars currently being driven legally in the United Kingdom which would fail the proposed single vehicle approval test; and if he will make a statement. [20710]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Such an assessment is not necessary. When SVA is introduced, it will apply only to vehicles first registered in Great Britain after the appointed date. Vehicles already licensed and registered will not be affected.

  Mr. Edward Davey
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the compatibility of the proposed single vehicle approval test with EU rules on the free movement of goods; what representations he has received from the Commissioner for Transport on the matter; and if he will make a statement. [20708]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Single Vehicle Approval is not harmonised at European level. Nevertheless, our proposals took full account of our obligations under the
  39
  Treaty of Rome, and the proposed arrangements are similar to schemes operating in some other member states. The European Commission has instructed us to defer implementing the proposals set out in our recent consultation. This instruction is part of a legal procedure that governs the making of technical regulations which have trade implications within the EU. We remain confident that the British SVA scheme does not have any adverse effect on the internal market, whilst removing barriers to trade with other parts of the world. A further announcement will be made when discussions with the Commission have been concluded.

  London Government
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what academic studies have been commissioned by the Government Office for London into alternative electoral systems for the election of a London Mayor and a London Assembly. [20392]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The Government Office for London has commissioned a report about election of the London Mayor and the London Assembly—the Greater London Authority—from Professor Patrick Dunleavy (LSE) and Dr. Helen Margetts (Birkbeck College). When we receive the final version of their report a copy will be placed in the Library.

WALES

  Public Appointments
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales 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. [19972]

  Mr. Ron Davies
  The information requested is contained in the publication "Appointments by the Secretary of State for Wales" which is available in the House of Commons Library. The information is updated quarterly.

  Church Accountability
  Mr. Gareth Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will take steps to increase the parliamentary accountability of the Church of Wales. [20130]

  Mr. Ron Davies
  The Church of Wales is accountable to its Governing Body. I have no intention of seeking to alter this position.

  Departmental Wages
  Mr. Chidgey
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what are the hourly rates of pay for full-time employees in his Department in the range of £4.39 an hour to £3.17 an hour; and how many people receive each such hourly rate of pay in each region defined by the boundaries of the regional government offices. [20603]

  Angela Eagle
  A total of 1,351 full-time employees can earn between £4.39 an hour and £3.17 an hour.
  40
  Mr. Chidgey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many full-time employees in his Department are paid at an hourly rate of between(a) £3.30 and £3.50, (b) £3.51 and £3.75 and (c) £3.76 and £4. [20611]

  Mr. Ron Davies
  The number of full-time employees, including casual staff, on 30 November 1997, based on gross hours of 42 hours per week is as follows:

  (a)203

  (b)39

  (c)79

  Figures exclude staff in CADW.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Electricity Deregulation
  Mr. Donaldson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will provide a breakdown of how the rebate of £45 million resulting from the deregulation of the electricity industry in Northern Ireland has been spent. [19513]

  Mr. Ingram
  The Government announced on 25 November 1997 that £5 million of the remaining £45 million Government support for electricity consumers was to be allocated to an expansion of the Domestic Energy Efficiency Scheme. The annual target number of homes of the elderly and low income families to be insulated and/or draughtproofed under the Scheme is to be increased from 14,000 to 20,000, creating an estimated 40 new jobs in the process. Consideration is being given as to how best the remaining £40 million might be spent on measures to help electricity consumers in Northern Ireland. I hope to make an announcement in the near future.

  Public Appointments
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will publish the names of all those people she has appointed to public bodies since 1 May, indicating the positions to which they have been appointed and whether they receive remuneration. [19981]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  I have placed in the Library a list of those individuals who have been appointed to public bodies in Northern Ireland in the period 1 May to 5 December 1997, with details of their position and whether they receive remuneration.

  Violence against Women
  Mr. Beggs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what EU initiatives she proposes relating to violence against women. [19911]

  Mr. Worthington
  I am aware that the European Women's Lobby is proposing to hold a conference for non-governmental organisations on domestic violence during the UK Presidency of the European Union. I welcome this and will try to support it in whatever way I can. In my view, Northern Ireland would be an ideal location for such an event. The Northern Ireland Regional Forum on Domestic Violence and the more recent local networks provide a good model for effective inter-agency
  41
  working in this field. We are bringing forward new legislation to strengthen and extend the law in Northern Ireland to protect women from domestic violence.

  Royal Ulster Constabulary
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will publish details of the goods and services provided by the RUC under the Home Office Exports Initiative. [20010]

  Mr. Michael
  I have been asked to reply.

  The Royal Ulster Constabulary played no part in the Home Office Exports Initiative.

DUCHY OF LANCASTER

  Deparmental Staff
  Mr. Hawkins:
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many (a) special advisers, (b) task force members and (c) review body 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. [19316]

  Dr. David Clark:
  The Cabinet Office (Office of Public Service), employs two special advisers, and I refer the hon. Member to my earlier replies to the hon. Members for Gordon (Mr. Bruce) and for Kingston and Surbiton (Mr. Davey) on 25 November 1997, Official Report, columns 472–73, for details of the total paybill for all special advisers.

  The Better Regulation Task Force reports to the Cabinet Office (Office of Public Service), and has fifteen external members. All members are unpaid apart from their travel expenses, as was the case before 1 May 19971
  1 It is not possible to distinguish the cost of officials' time spent on Task Force and Review related work.

  Public Appointments
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will publish the names of all those people whom he has appointed to public bodies since 1 May, indicating the positions to which they have been appointed, and whether they receive remuneration. [19973]

  Dr. David Clark
  The public bodies for which I am responsible are: The Civil Service Appeal Board; the Better Regulation Task Force; The Advisory Committee on Advertising and The Advisory Committees on Justices of the Peace in Lancashire, Greater Manchester and Merseyside. I have made the following appointments since 1 May 1997:

  CIVIL SERVICE APPEAL BOARD:

  M. E. G. Fogden (Official Side Panel Member)

  THE BETTER REGULATION TASK FORCE:

  Chairperson

  Chrisopher Haskins

  Deputy Chairperson

  Teresa Graham

  Members

  Stephen Alambritis

  Sarah Anderson

  42

  Alan Charlesworth

  Hugh Field

  Ram Gidoomal

  Sir Simon Gourlay

  Pamela Meadows

  Robert Purry

  Chai Patel

  Peter Salsbury

  Helena Shovelton

  Sue Slipman

  Ed Sweeney

  THE ADVISORY COMMITTEES ON JUSTICES OF THE PEACE IN LANCASHIRE, GREATER MANCHESTER AND MERSEYSIDE

  Members

  Mr. R. Matthews, JP

  Mrs. B. G. Jones

  Mr. C. J. Starkey

  Mr. J. Alexander, JP

  Mr. D. Bentham, JP

  Mrs. M. S. Dutton, JP

  Mrs. J. Brittain, JP

  Mrs. B. Kilfoyle, JP

  Mr. H. M. Winik, JP

  Mrs. M. A. Bishop, JP

  Mrs. C. Nancollas, JP

  Mrs. J. Hurlston

  Mrs. A. Saltsman, JP

  Mrs. S. Marston, JP

  Mrs. L. Worsley, JP

  Ms A. H. Martin

  Mr. W. A. Fletcher, JP.

  No member of any Cabinet Office (OPS) Public Body receives a salary. Members of the Civil Service Appeal Board receive a daily attendance rate.

  Open Government
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement on the Government's policy in respect of Open Government. [20403]

  Dr. David Clark
  Our proposals for opening up government with a radical Freedom of Information Act are set out in the White Paper "Your Right to Know"(Cm 3818) which I presented to the House on 11 December 1997.

  Special Advisers
  Mr. Ruffley
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if a special adviser in his Department has made unauthorised disclosures of information regarding the Government White Paper on Freedom of Information. [20880]

  Dr. David Clark
  Neither of my special advisers has made any unauthorised disclosure of information regarding the White Paper on Freedom of Information "Your Right to Know".
  43
  I gave clear instructions to my Department that contracts with the media in the run-up to the publication of the White Paper should not go beyond matters already in the public domain, and my special advisers acted fully in conformity with those instructions.

  Millennium Compliance
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster 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. [20524]

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  [holding answer 12 December 1997]: In accordance with the guidelines produced by the CCTA in September 1996, all new contracts between my Department and non-governmental organisations and suppliers for systems, goods or services that might be adversely affected by non-compliance now include a clause on millennium compliance. For contracts for such products which were already in existence, plans are in place and remedial work is in hand to ensure that any systems, goods or services provided by these non-governmental organisations or suppliers will be millennium compliant in good time.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Civil Justice Reform
  Mr. Garnier
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list those insurers who have to date agreed to support the Lord Chancellor's reforms of the civil justice system; and if he will provide insurance for litigants acting under conditional fees arrangements [20681]

  Mr. Hoon
  While the Lord Chancellor, myself and officials have had discussions with insurers about insurance for conditional fee agreements, we have not thought it necessary to seek the support of these, or any other, insurers for the proposed reforms to the civil justice system.

  The provisions of insurance must be a matter for insurers. As I have told the hon. and learned Gentleman before, the insurance industry has reacted positively to the proposal to extend the conditional fees scheme and we have been encouraged by the creative approach being taken to developing affordable products.

  Legal Aid
  Mr. Garnier
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list those insurance companies and brokers with whom he has held discussions since 18 October about his proposals to reform the legal aid system. [20682]

  Mr. Hoon
  The precise details of meetings arranged since 18 October are as follows: on 29 October officials met representatives of the Association of British Insurers; on 14 November the Lord Chancellor met the Chairman of Abbey Legal Protection Ltd.; on 19 November officials met representatives of Litigation Protection Ltd.; on 2 December the Lord Chancellor met representatives of 44
  the ABI, DAS, Abbey Legal Protection, Legal Protection Group, Litigation Protection Ltd., Greystoke Legal Services Ltd., R. E. Brown and others and Lloyd's and Law Club Legal Protection (Cornhill Group); on 3 December officials attended a seminar organised by Abbey Legal Protection; and, on 4 December officials met representatives of Peak Insurance Services. Arrangements are also being made for the first meeting of the working group of insurance industry representatives and officials to be held in the new year.

  Public Appointments
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will publish the names of all those people whom he has appointed to public bodies since 1 May, indicating the positions to which they have been appointed, and whether they receive remuneration. [19967]

  Mr. Hoon
  The names of those appointed are listed in the table. There were also two appointments to the Lord Chancellor's Advisory Committee on Appointment of Juvenile Court Lay Panel Members (an NDPB in Northern Ireland): one chairman and one member. These names are not included.

  Those not receiving remuneration

  Name

  Name

  Advisory Committees on Justices of the Peace

  G. W. Tyson Esq.

  Mrs J. A. Greenough JP

  Mrs. J. Earl JP

  Mrs. D. Goff JP

  R. B. Edwards Esq.

  G. D. Harcourt Esq JP

  Mrs. A. E. Chapman

  W. A. B. Hobbs Esq.

  Mrs. R. C. Foster

  Mrs. J. Jackson

  Mrs. S. Hinton JP

  Mrs. S. M. Kay JP

  Mrs. L. M. Lamont JP

  A. J. Lester Esq JP

  P. Dass Esq. JP

  G. Y. Messenger Esq. JP

  Mrs. R. A. Scot JP

  Mrs. L. D. Shaw JP

  C. E. Whitmore-Jones JP

  B. M. Smith Esq. JP

  A. G. Yeatman DL. JP

  J. H. Smith Esq. JP

  A. Downton Esq. JP

  I. Smith Esq.

  Mrs. J. Robertson JP

  Mrs. M. Thorne JP

  Mrs. A. R. Grange JP

  P. Wroe Esq. JP

  Mrs. M. Sitaram JP

  J. S. Robertson Esq. JP

  Mrs. J. C. Wilson-Ward JP

  R. K. P. Windass Esq.

  Mrs. K. A. Dover JP

  Mrs. J. Cook

  Mrs. H. R. Tulloch JP

  R. Spence Esq.

  K. M. Ridewood Esq. JP

  Mrs. J. M. Atkinson JP

  K. E. Sharp Esq. JP

  R. Bates Esq. JP

  P. G. Jarvis OBE JP

  D. G. Blakeley Esq. JP

  Mrs. T. J. F. Okubadejo

  Mrs. P. Woodley JP

  Mrs. D. M. Heller JP

  D. Mills Esq. JP

  Mrs. J. Litton JP

  K. Gorton Esq. JP

  C. S. Walling JP

  Sir Paul Nicholson

  His Honour Judge D. Griffiths

  Mrs. I. A. Grant JP

  R. J. G. Farmers JP

  A. J. Coltman Esq.

  Mrs. K. Peterson-Hann JP

  Mrs. R. M. Monckton-Miles JP

  The Right Reverend G. R. James

  Mrs. C. A. Duff

  P. W. Davies Esq.

  Mrs. A. Alcott JP

  Mrs. A. Pitcher

  A. D. Marshall Esq. JP

  Mrs. H. Penberthy

  Mrs. J. Woods-Scawen JP

  M. D. Beazor Esq

  Mrs. J. M. Handbury

  P. J. Zisimos Esq. JP

  Mrs. S. E. A. H. Wassell JP

  Air Chief Marshall Sir Jock

  G. S. I. Lloyd Esq. JP

  Kennedy GCB, AFC

  Mrs. S. E. Thompson JP

  R. D. K. Harris Esq.

  J. L. Jones Esq. JP

  W. Shacklady Esq

  Mrs. M. A. Campbell JP

  Dr. J. M. Jackson

  M. G. Downs Esq. JP

  A. D. Unwin Esq. JP

  D. H. Bradnock Esq. JP

  Mrs. E. V. Baglin-Jones JP

  M. H. Gee Esq

  Mrs. D. Bagnall JP

  Mrs. V. D. Phillips

  Mrs. P. D. Bowes JP

  H. J. Tombs JP

  D. R. Cherry Esq. JP

  Dr. L. H. Williams

  45

  Those not receiving remuneration

  Name

  Name

  Mrs. R. K. Duckett

  Lady Beryl Davies

  Mrs. S. J. Jarman JP

  Ms L. Kretchmer JP

  Mrs. C. E. Harvard1

  1G. R. Price Esq. JP

  Mrs. G. M. Riley JP1

  1B. D. Parson Esq.

  Mrs. J. Child JP1

  1Mrs. H. E. Murray JP

  Mrs. J. Anthony JP1

  1Mrs. S. Telling

  Mrs. S. F. Cullen JP1

  1R. C. Dykes Esq.

  G. B. Wright JP1

  1Rev. C. 0. Weaver Esq. JP

  Mrs. J. Spencer JP1

  1J. Muncey Esq.

  Advisory Committees on General Commissioners of Income Tax

  C. M. Young. Esq

  C. W. M. Cornelius

  Mrs. A. M. Jeater

  Captain B. C. M. Lewis

  T. G. Brinklow Esq

  Mrs. P. J. Gee

  R. J. Hall Esq

  Mrs. A. D. Pendle

  C. E. N. Howard Esq.

  P. L. Taylor Esq.

  C. W. L. Cary Esq.

  D. Lowsley-Williams

  T. Flynn Esq.

  Rev. P. M. Thomas

  Colonel C. Herbert Esq.

  Mrs. A. R. Williams

  Miss J. Hogg

  A. S. Marilyn Esq.

  G. R. Simpson Esq.

  1W. J. Watson Esq.

  H. G. Platt Esq.

  1M. J. Kenrick Esq.

  J. Bruce Jones Esq.

  1R. C. Bettinson Esq.

  Mrs. S. M. Bosanquet JP

  1M. Farooq Esq.

  W. H. Phillips Esq. JP

  1Miss A. M. White

  Civil Procedure Rule Committee

  Mr. Justice May

  His Honour Judge Holman

  Master Leslie

  Peter Watson

  Olivia Morrison-Lyons

  Henrietta Manners

  Peter Haworth

  Harriet Kimbell

  District Judge Gypps

  David Foskett QC

  Nicholas Chambers QC

  David Greene

  Those receiving remuneration

  Name

  Name

  Advisory Committee on Legal Education and Conduct Lord Saville of Newdigate (draws John Nutting QC his judicial salary)

  Judicial Studies Board: to its Magisterial Committee

  Mrs. Judith Pitchers JP

  Mr. Don Manley JP

  Council on Tribunals

  Mrs. A. Galbraith

  D. G. Readings Esq.

  P. A. A. Waring Esq.

  1Recent appointments, and therefore not included in the answer to your previous question

  Departmental Wages
  Mr. Chidgey
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many full-time employees in his Department are paid at an hourly rate of between(a) £3.30 and £3.50, (b) £3.51 and £3.75 and (c) £3.76 and £4. [20610]

  Mr. Hoon
  This answer covers the Headquarters of the Lord Chancellor's Department (with Associated Offices), the Court Service, Public Trust Office, Land Registry, Public Record Office and Northern Ireland Court Service.

  In LCD HQ (with Associated Offices), the minimum hourly rate payable is £3.44 but there are no full-time staff currently in receipt of hourly rates in any of the ranges specified. There are similarly no full-time staff in the
  46
  Public Trust Office, the Public Record Office or the Northern Ireland Court Service in receipt of hourly rates within any of the ranges. In the Court Service, there are 202 full-time staff (49 permanent, 153 casual) in receipt of hourly rates in the range £3.30–£3.50, none in the range £3.51–£3.75 and one in the range £3.76–£4.00. These figures do not include a negotiated uplift due to take effect for permanent staff in April 1998. In the Land Registry, there is one full-time member of staff in the range of £3.76–£4.00, but no staff in the other ranges.

SCOTLAND

  Education (Higher Still)
  Mr. Gorrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many practising secondary school English teachers are members of the Higher Still English Development Group. [19807]

  Mr. Wilson
  The current Higher Still reference group for English and Communication comprises 8 members, 2 of whom are practising English teachers, with the other members drawn from secondary, further and higher education, Her Majesty's Inspectorate and the Higher Still Development Unit.

  Mr. Gorrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the administrative arrangements for Higher Still in English and Communications. [19803]

  Mr. Wilson
  The Arrangements documents for Higher Still English and Communication, as for other subjects, were issued earlier this year, following an extensive consultation process with the teaching profession. Partnership with the profession has been a key factor throughout the development of the Higher Still Programme and this is continuing as we work towards successful implementation.

  Sixth Year Students
  Mr. Welsh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to improve the quality of the Scottish sixth year, both for advanced higher and non-advanced higher students. [20543]

  Mr. Wilson
  [holding answer 12 December 1997]: The Higher Still Programme is designed to provide a progressive educational experience leading to meaningful nationally recognised qualifications for all students in Scottish fifth and sixth years. From August 1999 new qualifications will be available to students in schools and colleges at five levels, offering progression from whatever level of prior attainment a student has achieved.

  Athletics Coaching
  Mr. Gorrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to ensure the continuation of professional athletics coaching in Scotland. [19774]

  Mr. Galbraith
  The Scottish Sports Council is continuing to provide support to the Scottish Athletics Federation and has recently entered discussions with the Federation about its plans to introduce a new structure for
  47
  Scottish athletics from April 1998. These discussions will address a range of issues, including the provision of coaching.

  Education Authority Spending
  Mr. Gorrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was average per capita spending in each education authority in primary schools and secondary schools on(a) books and (b) other educational materials and equipment (i) in the current session, (ii) 1994, (iii) 1992, (iv) 1987 and (v) 1977 in constant prices. [19776]

  Expenditure per primary pupil on text and library books and on educational tools, equipment and materials, adjusted to 1997–98 prices using the GDP deflator

  Primary

  £

  1977–78

  1987–88

  1992–93

  1994–95

  Region

  Books

  Equipment

  Books

  Equipment

  Books

  Equipment

  Books

  Equipment

  Borders

  11.47

  n/a

  18.58

  0.38

  14.57

  45.84

  0.00

  3.94

  Central

  7.51

  n/a

  1.38

  34.17

  1.21

  42.58

  0.70

  37.56

  Dumfries and Galloway

  13.09

  n/a

  13.70

  21.63

  14.36

  56.22

  17.68

  70.97

  Fife

  6.77

  n/a

  12.26

  11.04

  9.02

  17.97

  23.26

  6.41

  Grampian

  11.88

  n/a

  18.13

  15.79

  0.00

  58.18

  0.00

  61.06

  Highland

  0.00

  n/a

  65.68

  0.00

  80.30

  0.00

  35.33

  35.96

  Lothian

  10.94

  n/a

  9.85

  11.82

  16.92

  25.14

  21.31

  34.44

  Strathclyde

  13.56

  n/a

  12.08

  20.19

  17.19

  27.13

  3.29

  42.32

  Tayside

  8.10

  n/a

  9.50

  28.16

  12.80

  22.27

  13.77

  36.58

  Orkney

  30.29

  n/a

  13.86

  22.52

  15.46

  21.64

  0.00

  63.03

  Shetland

  35.6

  n/a

  22.86

  13.72

  24.84

  42.44

  0.00

  97.22

  Western Isles

  10.15

  n/a

  17.98

  22.21

  39.15

  62.81

  32.07

  74.96

  Expenditure per secondary pupil on text and library books on educational tools, equipment and materials, adjusted to 1997–98 prices using the GDP deflator

  Secondary

  £

  1977–78

  1987–88

  1992–93

  1994–95

  Region

  Books

  Equipment

  Books

  Equipment

  Books

  Equipment

  Books

  Equipment

  Borders

  13.40

  n/a

  59.18

  0.49

  18.28

  144.57

  0.00

  166.74

  Central

  14.90

  n/a

  5.14

  101.80

  4.99

  116.16

  2.82

  99.63

  Dumfries and Galloway

  24.23

  n/a

  19.26

  106.71

  11.45

  140.09

  11.91

  147.32

  Fife

  15.51

  n/a

  16.88

  114.92

  14.23

  78.64

  63.73

  21.12

  Grampian

  24.60

  n/a

  18.97

  72.15

  0.00

  135.34

  0.00

  143.21

  Highland

  0.00

  n/a

  112.40

  0.00

  131.73

  0.00

  59.03

  51.47

  Lothian

  21.04

  n/a

  13.64

  51.75

  13.26

  77.09

  11.58

  83.23

  Strathclyde

  22.85

  n/a

  14.06

  62.83

  19.46

  80.96

  4.15

  86.10

  Tayside

  11.83

  n/a

  11.16

  110.03

  11.83

  109.82

  11.71

  91.10

  Orkney

  43.66

  n/a

  40.49

  40.49

  20.06

  58.57

  0.00

  120.58

  Shetland

  93.23

  n/a125.67

  53.99

  52.22

  151.51

  0.00

  204.72

  Western Isles

  18.43

  n/a

  16.26

  61.27

  0.00

  149.09

  59.98

  92.39

  1. Not all education authorities distinguish on a consistent basis between the two headings

  2. Where expenditure under one of the headings is shown as £0.00 it should be assumed that the expenditure has been allocated to the other heading.

  Students
  Mr. Gorrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will place in the Library a copy of the Regulations currently used to determine student's eligibility for grants or loans. [19801]

  Mr. Wilson
  The Regulations used to determine Scottish domiciled students' eligibility for a student grant are The Student's Allowances (Scotland) Regulations, 1996 S.I No. 1754 (S.145), as amended by The Education Authority Bursaries and Students' Allowances (Scotland) (Amendment) Regulations 1997, S.I 1997 No. 1049 (S.94). These are supplemented by the booklet "Student
  48
  Mr. Wilson
  Details of expenditure on schools for the current financial year are not yet available. The information available for the other financial years concerned is given in the following tables which have been compiled from local authority financial returns. Expenditure on other educational materials and equipment was not separately identified before 1982–83. There have been some variations from year to year in the recording of expenditure under these two headings. It is, therefore, possible that some expenditure on books may be included under expenditure on equipment or vice versa.

  Grants in Scotland—A Guide to Undergraduate Students' Allowances". The Regulations governing eligibility for a student loan are The Education (Student Loans) Regulations 1997, S.I 1997 No. 1675, which apply throughout Great Britain.

  Copies of the Regulations and the booklet are available in the Library.

  Mr. Gorrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the availability of supplementary allowances for students to cover(a) disability, (b) travel, (c) a second home and (d) other costs. [19760]
  49
  Mr. Wilson
  From academic year 1998–99, the Disabled Students' Allowance will cease to be means-tested and will continue to be available in the form of a grant to all students.

  In academic year 1998–99, students who are already in higher education will continue to be able to apply for assistance in the form of supplementary allowances for travel, a second home and other costs until they complete or abandon their present programme of study. Students who enter higher education for the first time in academic year 1998–99 will be eligible for these allowances on the same basis for that year.

  The move to 100 per cent. loans for maintenance in academic year 1999–2000 will require some modification of the arrangements for supplementary allowances. We are still considering the details of these arrangements, but we hope to announce our plans shortly.

  Mr. Gorrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make the transitional rules for grants or loans apply for all three or four years of the university or college course of entrants in 1998. [19943]

  Mr. Wilson
  No. The transitional arrangements for new students entering in academic year 1998–99 will apply for that year only. The loan will comprise about 75 per cent. of the maintenance support package and the means-tested grant will account for the balance of about 25 per cent.

  From academic year 1999–2000, standard maintenance grants will be replaced by loans. Graduates will be asked to repay the loans only once they are earning more than £10,000 per annum and the level of repayments will be linked to their income.

  Teachers
  Mr. Gorrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many secondary and primary school teachers were newly employed by each Scottish education authority on(a) permanent contracts and (b) short term temporary contracts in (i) 1997–98 and (ii) each of the previous three years. [19778]

  Mr. Wilson
  No figures are yet available for 1997–98 or 1996–97. Information available for the previous three years is given in the tables, in which the figures relate only to contracts of three months or over.

  First appointments to teaching in Scotland, 1993–94 by Education Authority and sector

  Primary

  Secondary

  Total

  Total

  441

  510

  951

  Highland

  30

  20

  50

  Grampian

  76

  64

  140

  Tayside

  72

  37

  109

  Fife

  27

  59

  86

  Lothian

  69

  9

  78

  Scottish Borders

  17

  13

  30

  Central

  20

  47

  67

  Dumfries and Galloway

  22

  36

  58

  Orkney Islands

  2

  2

  4

  Shetland Islands

  5

  7

  12

  50

  First appointments to teaching in Scotland, 1993–94 by Education Authority and sector

  Primary

  Secondary

  Total

  Western Isles

  2

  9

  11

  Argyll and Bute

  11

  11

  22

  Ayr

  2

  15

  17

  Dunbarton

  35

  35

  70

  Glasgow, City of

  28

  33

  61

  Lanarkshire

  14

  87

  101

  Renfrew

  9

  26

  35

  First appointments to teaching in Scotland, 1994–95 by Education Authority and sector

  Primary

  Secondary

  Total

  Total

  544

  470

  1,014

  Highland

  34

  27

  61

  Grampian

  85

  52

  137

  Tayside

  57

  48

  105

  Fife

  47

  24

  71

  Lothian

  42

  25

  67

  Scottish Borders

  18

  23

  41

  Central

  15

  44

  59

  Dumfries and Galloway

  28

  18

  46

  Orkney Islands

  4

  2

  6

  Shetland Islands

  8

  7

  15

  Western Isles

  10

  10

  20

  Argyll and Bute

  10

  11

  21

  Ayr

  36

  58

  94

  Dunbarton

  41

  29

  70

  Glasgow, City of

  77

  38

  115

  Lanarkshire

  31

  26

  57

  Renfrew

  1

  28

  29

  First appointments to teaching in Scotland, 1995–96 by Education Authority and sector

  Primary

  Secondary

  Total

  Total

  577

  490

  1,067

  Highland

  19

  15

  34

  Grampian

  66

  59

  125

  Tayside

  72

  69

  141

  Fife

  34

  18

  52

  Lothian

  53

  36

  89

  Scottish Borders

  13

  9

  22

  Central

  26

  35

  61

  Dumfries and Galloway

  10

  19

  29

  Orkney Islands

  3

  4

  7

  Shetland Islands

  7

  4

  11

  Western Isles

  6

  4

  10

  Argyll and Bute

  18

  13

  31

  Ayr

  3

  4

  7

  Dunbarton

  76

  87

  163

  Glasgow, City of

  85

  58

  143

  Lanarkshire

  43

  16

  59

  Renfrew

  43

  40

  83

  Mr. Gorrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many FTE specialist teachers in primary schools(a) there are in the current session and (b) there were in each of the previous five years in each specialty. [19775]
  51
  Mr. Wilson
  Information is available only for 1992 and 1994 as in the following table:

  Education authority primary schools Number (FTE) of specialist teachers in primary schools(1)

  Number of teachers (FTE)

  Subject specialism

  1992

  1994

  Learning difficulties

  914.4

  994.9

  Art

  159.2

  142.2

  Music

  222.8

  214.6

  Home Economics

  103.5

  83.0

  Physical Education

  227.0

  223.1

  Drama

  33.8

  31.8

  English as a second language

  n/a

  44.5

  Modern Language

  16.2

  21.1

  1Excludes foreign teachers. Data will next be collected in September 1998.

  Mr. Welsh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what new recommendations for the revision of guidelines for the appraisal of teachers have been produced by the National Co-ordinating Committee for the Staff Development of Teachers; and how these will be implemented. [20540]

  Mr. Wilson
  [holding answer 12 December 1997]: I expect to receive the National Co-ordinating Committee's recommendations shortly and to issue new guidelines early next year for incorporation in local authority schemes.

  Education authority primary schools

  Number of pupils, teachers (FTE) and pupil teacher ratio by authority1

  1996

  1995

  1994

  Total primary pupils

  Teachers total FTE

  Pupil/teacher ratio

  Total primary pupils

  Teachers total FTE

  Pupil/teacher ratio

  Total primary pupils

  Teachers total FTE

  Pupil/teacher ratio

  Scotland

  441,225

  22,459.8

  19.6

  440,174

  22,541.7

  19.5

  438,235

  22,648.2

  19.3

  Aberdeen City

  16,069

  808.9

  19.9

  15,904

  810.4

  19.6

  15,722

  787.1

  20.0

  Aberdeenshire

  21,500

  1,157.8

  18.6

  21,450

  1,146.3

  18.7

  21,406

  1,150.7

  18.6

  Angus

  9,433

  495.4

  19.0

  9,446

  511.1

  18.5

  9,468

  505.4

  18.7

  Argyll and Bute

  7,809

  452.2

  17.3

  7,780

  448.9

  17.3

  7,750

  447.1

  17.3

  Clackmannanshire

  4,498

  212.3

  21.2

  4,402

  209.5

  21.0

  4,377

  212.2

  20.6

  Dumfries and Galloway

  12,890

  680.6

  18.9

  12,997

  695.8

  18.7

  12,626

  709.5

  17.8

  Dundee City

  12,573

  696.9

  18.0

  12,697

  674.8

  18.8

  12,824

  669.1

  19.2

  East Ayrshire

  11,487

  545.8

  21.0

  11,428

  549.5

  20.8

  11,437

  557.3

  20.5

  East Dunbartonshire

  10,505

  472.8

  22.2

  10,374

  468.0

  22.2

  20,271

  465.7

  22.1

  East Lothian

  7,765

  376.9

  20.6

  7,494

  374.6

  20.0

  7,248

  366.7

  19.8

  East Renfrewshire

  8,560

  383.3

  22.3

  8,475

  378.1

  22.4

  8,424

  364.5

  23.1

  Edinburgh, City of

  30,642

  1,480.5

  20.7

  30,288

  1,487.5

  20.4

  29,501

  1,494.7

  19.7

  Falkirk

  12,287

  578.2

  21.3

  12,219

  561.1

  21.8

  12,078

  570.5

  21.2

  Fife

  31,070

  1,622.9

  19.1

  31,163

  1,644.0

  19.0

  31,056

  1,633.9

  19.0

  Glasgow City

  49,993

  2,599.1

  19.2

  50,398

  2,654.7

  19.0

  51,019

  2,707.7

  18.8

  Highland

  19,194

  1,110.4

  17.3

  19,111

  1,106.7

  17.3

  18,927

  1,130.5

  16.7

  Inverclyde

  7,945

  370.6

  21.4

  8,004

  384.7

  20.8

  8,071

  385.4

  20.9

  Midlothian

  7,393

  372.3

  19.9

  7,287

  368.1

  19.8

  7,170

  363.8

  19.7

  Moray

  8,036

  424.5

  18.9

  7,970

  426.5

  18.7

  7,939

  431.7

  18.4

  North Ayrshire

  12,627

  597.2

  21.1

  12,631

  601.1

  21.0

  12,644

  607.1

  20.8

  North Lanarkshire

  29,990

  1,484.5

  20.2

  29,942

  1,482.5

  20.2

  30,043

  1,497.0

  20.1

  Orkney Islands

  1,848

  122.3

  15.1

  1,879

  124.4

  15.1

  1,841

  125.3

  14.7

  Perth and Kinross

  10,668

  571.5

  18.7

  10,554

  579.9

  18.2

  10,554

  573.5

  18.4

  Renfrewshire

  15,693

  712.2

  22.0

  15,784

  726.4

  21.7

  15,604

  716.1

  21.8

  Scottish Borders

  8,963

  485.1

  18.5

  8,838

  476.8

  18.5

  8,670

  483.3

  17.9

  Shetland Islands

  2,304

  182.3

  12.6

  2,286

  178.0

  12.8

  2,247

  180.3

  12.5

  South Ayrshire

  9,530

  453.3

  21.0

  9,611

  469.5

  20.5

  9,607

  468.3

  20.5

  South Lanarkshire

  26,922

  1,300.3

  20.7

  27,026

  1,305.0

  20.7

  27,091

  1,322.7

  20.5

  Stirling

  6,697

  342.5

  19.6

  6,613

  332.4

  19.9

  6,599

  336.1

  19.6

  West Dunbartonshire

  9,016

  445.0

  20.3

  9,065

  442.2

  20.5

  9,159

  455.9

  20.1

  West Lothian

  14,730

  723.7

  20.4

  14,439

  726.0

  19.9

  14,244

  731.8

  19.5

  Western Isles

  2,588

  198.5

  13.0

  2,619

  197.2

  13.3

  2,618

  197.3

  13.3

  1Due to rounding the Scotland totals may not be the sum of constituent parts.

  52
  Mr. Welsh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what action he has taken to ensure that each primary school in Scotland has at least one teacher trained in modern languages. [20541]

  Mr. Wilson
  [holding answer 12 December 1997]: I am continuing the Modern Languages in the Primary School (MLPS) training programme for primary teachers into a fifth phase which will involve 830 teachers. Although in strictly numerical terms sufficient teachers have already been trained to ensure that each Scottish primary school could have at least one trained teacher there are still gaps in provision resulting from staff movement. By the end of school session 1997–98 the total number of teachers trained to teach a modern foreign language to primary school pupils will be around 3,800. Almost £16 million will have been spent on MLPS since the programme began in 1993.

  Mr. Gorrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many (i) pupils and (ii) FTE teachers in each education authority there were in(a) primary schools and (b) secondary schools and in each case what was the pupil-teacher ratio in (1) the current session and (2) each of the last five years. [19777]

  Mr. Wilson
  Information for the current session is not yet available. Information for the previous five years is given in the table.
  53

  Number of pupils, teachers (FTE) and pupil teacher ratio by authority1

  1993

  1992

  Total primary pupils

  Teachers total FTE

  Pupil/teacher ratio

  Total primary pupils

  Teachers total FTE

  Pupil/teacher ratio

  Scotland

  438,734

  22,662.2

  19.4

  439,299

  22,931.1

  19.2

  Aberdeen City

  15,785

  795.7

  19.8

  15,625

  786.5

  19.9

  Aberdeenshire

  21,268

  1,152.7

  18.5

  21,198

  1,157.8

  18.3

  Angus

  9,515

  491.5

  19.4

  9,436

  480.6

  19.6

  Argyll and Bute

  7,766

  447.4

  17.4

  7,768

  467.4

  16.6

  Clackmannanshire

  4,437

  220.2

  20.1

  4,406

  218.0

  20.2

  Dumfries and Galloway

  12,672

  711.8

  17.8

  12,751

  721.8

  17.7

  Dundee City

  12,868

  664.7

  19.4

  13,029

  655.9

  19.9

  East Ayrshire

  11,409

  556.9

  20.5

  11,382

  570.5

  20.0

  East Dunbartonshire

  10,168

  470.5

  21.6

  19,184

  472.1

  21.6

  East Lothian

  7,095

  350.4

  20.2

  6,890

  352.8

  19.5

  East Renfrewshire

  8,271

  370.3

  22.3

  8.072

  359.7

  22.4

  Edinburgh, City of

  29,170

  1,445.9

  20.2

  28,528

  1,413.6

  20.2

  Falkirk

  12.219

  583.1

  21.0

  12,306

  593.8

  20.7

  Fife

  31,170

  1,636.9

  19.0

  31,222

  1,641.7

  19.0

  Glasgow City

  51,433

  2,747.4

  18.7

  51,811

  2,791.9

  18.6

  Highland

  19,094

  1,121.8

  17.0

  19,329

  1,162.1

  16.6

  Inverclyde

  8,038

  391.2

  20.5

  8,130

  401.8

  20.2

  Midlothian

  7,220

  372.1

  19.4

  7,116

  367.7

  19.4

  Moray

  7,848

  427.0

  18.4

  7,784

  428.2

  18.2

  North Ayrshire

  12,809

  621.3

  20.6

  12,931

  645.4

  20.0

  North Lanarkshire

  30,215

  1,491.0

  20.3

  39,793

  1,549.6

  19.9

  Orkney Islands

  1,821

  123.2

  14.8

  1,832

  126.5

  14.5

  Perth and Kinross

  10,430

  557.2

  18.7

  10,324

  557.2

  18.5

  Renfrewshire

  15,542

  721.1

  21.6

  15,540

  729.8

  21.3

  Scottish Borders

  8,668

  482.0

  18.0

  8,604

  489.4

  17.6

  Shetland Islands

  2,222

  182.6

  12.2

  2,207

  182.3

  12.1

  South Ayrshire

  9,562

  469.4

  20.4

  9,711

  486.5

  20.0

  South Lanarkshire

  27,264

  1,324.4

  20.6

  27,505

  1,354.1

  20.3

  Stirling

  6,537

  342.6

  19.1

  6,617

  359.1

  18.4

  West Dunbartonshire

  9,373

  465.7

  20.1

  9,431

  466.8

  20.2

  West Lothian

  14,191

  735.5

  19.3

  14,189

  747.7

  19.0

  Western Isles

  2,654

  188.9

  14.0

  2,648

  193.1

  13.7

  1 Due to rounding the Scotland totals may not be the sum of constituent parts.

  Education authority secondary schools

  Number of pupils, teachers (FTE) and pupil teacher ratio by authority1

  1996

  1995

  1994

  Total secondary pupils

  Teachers total FTE

  Pupil/teacher ratio

  Total secondary pupils

  Teachers total FTE

  Pupil/teacher ratio

  Total secondary pupils

  Teachers total FTE

  Pupil/teacher ratio

  Scotland

  315,912

  24,205.9

  13.1

  316,352

  24,556.9

  12.9

  315,622

  24,711.4

  12.8

  Aberdeen City

  11,074

  861.3

  12.9

  11,071

  854.9

  13.0

  11,038

  879.0

  12.6

  Aberdeenshire

  15,231

  1,101.7

  13.8

  15,369

  1,104.6

  13.9

  15,231

  1,141.1

  13.3

  Angus

  7,287

  562.4

  13.0

  7,208

  564.8

  12.8

  7,127

  565.0

  12.6

  Argyll and Bute

  5,639

  455.5

  12.4

  5,730

  455.7

  12.6

  5,709

  466.3

  12.2

  Clackmannanshire

  2,927

  218.9

  13.4

  2,944

  220.9

  13.3

  2,934

  221.8

  13.2

  Dumfries and Galloway

  9,584

  755.3

  12.7

  9,522

  798.7

  11.9

  9,506

  798.9

  11.9

  Dundee City

  8,978

  732.8

  12.3

  8,842

  750.2

  11.8

  8,821

  751.6

  11.7

  East Ayrshire

  7,963

  590.6

  13.5

  7,938

  612.7

  13.0

  7,868

  595.6

  13.2

  East Dunbartonshire

  8,754

  628.4

  13.9

  8,794

  628.3

  14.0

  8,756

  630.1

  13.9

  East Lothian

  4,751

  354.0

  13.4

  4,645

  355.8

  13.1

  4,623

  354.0

  13.1

  East Renfrewshire

  6,758

  480.6

  14.1

  6,687

  481.4

  13.9

  6,652

  476.0

  14.0

  Edinburgh, City of

  18,706

  1,398.7

  13.4

  18,350

  1,430.1

  12.8

  18,218

  1,411.5

  12.9

  Falkirk

  8,667

  637.3

  13.6

  8,701

  640.8

  13.6

  8,751

  641.5

  13.6

  Fife

  23,095

  1,727.8

  13.4

  23,215

  1,745.0

  13.3

  22,909

  1,739.2

  13.2

  Glasgow City

  29,222

  2,352.6

  12.4

  29,357

  2,383.4

  12.3

  29,487

  2,436.9

  12.1

  Highland

  14,960

  1,266.7

  11.8

  15,253

  1,270.3

  12.0

  15,250

  1,267.4

  12.0

  Inverclyde

  5,948

  437.3

  13.6

  6,018

  458.3

  13.1

  6,032

  466.6

  12.9

  Midlothian

  5,403

  398.2

  13.6

  5,361

  404.2

  13.3

  5,357

  401.4

  13.3

  Moray

  5,664

  462.5

  12.2

  5,664

  482.3

  11.7

  5,648

  470.8

  12.0

  North Ayrshire

  9,183

  686.3

  13.4

  9,283

  691.2

  13.4

  9,331

  704.8

  13.2

  North Lanarkshire

  23,407

  1,745.1

  13.4

  23,757

  1,781.4

  13.3

  23,948

  1,807.7

  13.2

  Orkney Islands

  1,440

  132.2

  10.9

  1,459

  133.6

  10.9

  1,439

  134.7

  10.7

  Perth and Kinross

  7,627

  608.9

  12.5

  7,497

  612.8

  12.2

  7,405

  611.8

  12.1

  Renfrewshire

  11,824

  865.9

  13.7

  11,764

  886.4

  13.3

  11,767

  889.3

  13.2

  Scottish Borders

  6,454

  535.2

  12.1

  6,436

  528.0

  12.2

  6,413

  538.0

  11.9

  Shettland Islands

  1,626

  200.8

  8.1

  1,681

  197.6

  8.5

  1,764

  204.1

  8.6

  54

  55

  Education authority secondary schools

  Number of pupils, teachers (FTE) and pupil teacher ratio by authority1

  1996

  1995

  1994

  Total secondary pupils

  Teachers total FTE

  Pupil/teacher set ratio

  Total secondary pupils

  Teachers total FTE

  Pupil/teacher ratio

  Total secondary pupils

  Teachers total FTE

  Pupil/teacher ratio

  South Ayrshire

  7,994

  587.6

  13.6

  7,983

  594.3

  13.4

  7,829

  586.6

  13.3

  South Lanarkshire

  21,200

  1,546.1

  13.7

  21,310

  1,558.2

  13.7

  21,198

  1,569.9

  13.5

  Stirling

  5,623

  424.2

  13.3

  5,688

  434.4

  13.1

  5,633

  442.0

  12.7

  West Dunbartonshire

  6,813

  488.4

  13.9

  6,760

  510.1

  13.3

  6,766

  520.7

  13.0

  West Lothian

  9,997

  739.8

  13.5

  9,920

  760.5

  13.0

  9,963

  758.3

  13.1

  Western Isles

  2,113

  222.8

  9.5

  2,145

  226.0

  9.5

  2,249

  228.8

  9.8

  1 Due to rounding Scotland totals may not be the sum of constituent parts.

  Number of pupils, teachers (FTE) and pupil teacher ratio by authority1

  1993

  1992

  Total secondary pupils

  Teachers total FTE

  Pupil/teacher ratio

  Total secondary pupils

  Teachers total FTE

  Pupil/teacher ratio

  Scotland

  312,001

  24,481.4

  12.7

  303,689

  24,227.4

  12.5

  Aberdeen City

  10,844

  864.4

  12.5

  10,578

  886.8

  11.9

  Aberdeenshire

  15,089

  1,105.4

  13.7

  14,698

  1,108.0

  13.3

  Angus

  7,122

  562.2

  12.7

  6,971

  547.5

  12.7

  Argyll and Bute

  5,623

  459.9

  12.2

  5,515

  458.3

  12.0

  Clackmannanshire

  2,904

  223.8

  13.0

  2,979

  238.8

  12.5

  Dumfries and Galloway

  9,430

  782.6

  12.0

  9,156

  783.2

  11.7

  Dundee City

  8,716

  736.3

  11.8

  8,499

  723.3

  11.8

  East Ayrshire

  7,665

  588.1

  13.0

  7,840

  626.4

  12.5

  East Dunbartonshire

  8,585

  628.8

  13.7

  8,439

  614.7

  13.7

  East Lothian

  4,606

  359.2

  12.8

  4,507

  350.5

  12.9

  East Renfrewshire

  6,498

  470.9

  13.8

  6,261

  457.1

  13.7

  Edinburgh, City of

  18,040

  1,422.0

  12.7

  17,520

  1,387.0

  12.6

  Falkirk

  8,663

  636.9

  13.6

  8,419

  618.5

  13.6

  Fife

  22,619

  1,712.0

  13.2

  21,878

  1,677.0

  13.0

  Glasgow City

  29,274

  2,449.1

  12.0

  28,790

  2,458.8

  11.7

  Highland

  15,028

  1,248.5

  12.0

  14,550

  1,242.6

  11.7

  Inverclyde

  6,045

  463.9

  13.0

  5,951

  466.0

  12.8

  Midlothian

  5,256

  399.1

  13.2

  5,163

  407.3

  12.7

  Moray

  5,526

  460.5

  12.0

  5,388

  473.2

  11.4

  North Ayrshire

  9,156

  689.9

  13.3

  8,492

  651.5

  13.0

  North Lanarkshire

  23,731

  1,799.5

  13.2

  23,024

  1,734.9

  13.3

  Orkney Islands

  1,448

  134.5

  10.8

  1,412

  134.8

  10.5

  Perth and Kinross

  7,248

  593.9

  12.2

  6,998

  587.1

  11.9

  Renfrewshire

  11,673

  873.7

  13.4

  11,148

  860.8

  13.0

  Scottish Borders

  6,276

  523.9

  12.0

  6,104

  529.2

  11.5

  Shetland Islands

  1,761

  195.3

  9.0

  1,757

  190.4

  9.2

  South Ayrshire

  7,801

  582.0

  13.4

  7,510

  567.6

  13.2

  South Lanarkshire

  20,965

  1,551.6

  13.5

  20,213

  1,500.9

  13.5

  Stirling

  5,685

  439.2

  12.9

  5,639

  438.0

  12.9

  West Dunbartonshire

  6,642

  517.7

  12.8

  6,519

  506.4

  12.9

  West Lothian

  9,850

  773.0

  12.7

  9,519

  772.2

  12.3

  Western Isles

  2,232

  233.4

  9.6

  2,252

  228.6

  9.9

  1 Due to rounding Scotland totals may not be the sum of constituent parts.

  Mr. Welsh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to encourage the best school teachers to continue as classroom teachers. [20542]

  Mr. Wilson
  [holding answer 12 December 1997]: Successful classroom teachers who lead and inspire our young people should receive recognition and
  56
  encouragement to continue in their role. Before bringing forward detailed plans, however, I wish to seek the views of interested parties on how that can best be achieved. I have therefore asked the Commission on Scottish Education jointly established by the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities and the teacher unions to consider the issue. I expect a report in due course.
  57

  Millennium Compliance
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland 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. [20530]

  Mr. Dewar
  [holding answer 12 December 1997]: My Department has dealings with a very large number of non-governmental organisations and suppliers of products and services. The Department is keeping the issue of the year 2000 compliance of its suppliers under review as part of its overall year 2000 work programme, in line with guidance provided by the Central Computer and Telecommunications Agency (CCTA).

  Undergraduate Courses
  Mr. Welsh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if it is his policy to encourage Scottish universities to give applicants with advanced highers direct entry into the second year of undergraduate courses. [20544]

  Mr. Wilson
  [holding answer 12 December 1997]: It is for the higher education institutions themselves to decide whether to admit a student direct to the second year of a degree course on the basis of Advanced Higher passes. The Government are determined to ensure that the potential of the Advanced Higher in improving standards and the quality of the educational experience in the Scottish sixth year is realised and welcome the positive response of the higher education sector to the Higher Still Programme and to the Advanced Higher. The Committee of Scottish Higher Education Principals have indicated that recognition for the Advanced Higher is likely to take a variety of forms.

  Departmental Wages
  Mr. Chidgey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many full-time employees in his Department are paid at an hourly rate of between(a) £3.25 and £3.50, (b) £3.51 and £3.75 and (c) £3.76 and £4. [20614]

  Mr. Dewar
  Based on a net working week of 37 hours the information is(a) 1, (b) 226 and (c) 19. A pay offer is currently under consideration by staff in the Scottish Prison Service and if it is accepted the information will be (a) 0, (b) 226 and (c)

  Fishing Vessels
  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he has made of the number of United Kingdom fishing vessels which currently regularly work in fisheries(a) one day or less, (b) two days and (c) three days or more sailing time from ports (i) in the north east of Scotland and (ii) on the west coast of Scotland; and if he will make a statement. [20650]

  Mr. Dewar
  Any reliable estimate would involve disproportionate costs.
  58
  Information is collected on the length of fishing trips and the location of fishing activity, but it would require detailed analysis to identify the patterns of such activity for the fleet for a representative period. Vessels may fish in a number of sea areas during a single fishing trip.

  Mixed-sex Wards
  Mr. Moore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many mixed-sex NHS wards there were in Scotland on(a) 1 November, (b) 1 May, (c) 1 November 1996 and (d) 1 November 1995. [20061]

  Mr. Galbraith
  As the information requested is not available centrally, I shall write to the hon. Member.

HEALTH

  Hearing Aids
  Sir Nicholas Lyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how much has been spent by the NHS Supplies Authority in the purchase of hearing aids in each of the last five years; [18362]

  (2) how much was spent by the National Health Service in purchasing hearing aids from the NHS Supplies Authority in the last five years for which figures are available. [18363]

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

  Total buying-in and sales figures for hearing aids and accessories: last five years

  Period

  Buying-in cost (£)

  Sales(£)

  Differences (per cent.)

  1992–93

  18,053,000

  18,701,000

  3.46

  1993–94

  19,232,000

  20,872,000

  7.85

  1994–95

  18,385,000

  21,010,000

  12.49

  1995–96

  18,589,000

  20,294,000

  8.40

  1996–97

  18,799,000

  21,513,000

  12.61

  Alzheimer's Disease
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people in East Lancashire aged under 60 years have Alzheimer's disease; and what percentage of this number is cared for at home. [19693]

  Mr. Boateng
  Unfortunately, it is not possible to give my hon. Friend precise information as this is not available. However, a best estimate based on a recent national epidemiological study indicates that the number of sufferers under the age of 60 in East Lancashire would be approximately 80. It is not known what percentage of this number is cared for at home. My hon. Friend may wish to contact the Chairman of East Lancashire Health Authority for further information.

  Private Finance Initiative
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many PFI schemes are currently under consideration; and what the total revenue commitment of the NHS is to these schemes; [19469]
  59
  (2) what his estimates are for (a) 1977–98, (b) 1998–99, (c) 1999–2000, (d) and (e) 2000–2001 onwards of total annual revenue commitments of the NHS at a consequence of all PFI schemes entered into to date. [19470]

  Mr. Milburn
  [holding answer 9 December 1997]: The Government have prioritised 15 major Private Finance Initiative schemes. The schemes at Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust and Carlisle Hospitals NHS Trust have already reached financial close and started construction. Information on the revenue consequences of PFI schemes with a capital value under £10 million is not collected centrally.

  Details of the unitary charge payable to the private sector in the remaining 13 schemes are being negotiated and therefore commercially confidential until financial close is achieved. We estimate, however, the total revenue commitments on major PFI schemes at 2001–02 will represent less than 0.5 per cent. of revenue spend in the Hospital and Community Health Services.

  The estimated unitary payments for the two schemes which have reached financial close are set out in the table.

  Estimated annual unitary payment

  £ million

  Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust

  Carlisle Hospitals NHS Trust

  2000–01

  12.5

  9.1

  2001–02

  16.6

  10.9

  2002–03

  16.6

  10.9

  2003–04

  16.6

  10.9

  2004–05

  16.6

  10.9

  2005–06

  16.6

  10.9

  2006–07

  16.6

  10.9

  2007–08

  16.6

  10.9

  2008–09

  16.6

  10.9

  2009–10

  16.6

  10.9

  2010–11

  16.6

  10.9

  2011–12

  16.6

  10.9

  2012–13

  16.6

  10.9

  2013–14

  16.6

  10.9

  2014–15

  16.6

  10.9

  2015–16

  16.6

  10.9

  2016–17

  16.6

  10.9

  2017–18

  16.6

  10.9

  2018–19

  16.6

  10.9

  2019–20

  16.6

  10.9

  2020–21

  16.6

  10.9

  2021–22

  16.6

  10.9

  2022–23

  16.6

  10.9

  2023–24

  16.6

  10.9

  2024–25

  16.6

  10.9

  2025–26

  4.1

  10.9

  2026–27

  —

  10.9

  2027–28

  —

  10.9

  2028–29

  —

  10.9

  2029–30

  —

  10.9

  2030–31

  —

  1.8

  2031–32

  —

  Total unitary payments

  415

  327

  1. Figures in 1996 prices and are subject to indexation.

  2. Payment for a PFI contract does not commence until the hospital is operational. Figures assume that both schemes become operational during 2000–01.

  3. The figures assume full availability and performance standards are met throughout.

  60
  Dr. Brand
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of revenue and capital charges will be required to service the current PFI projects with a capital value over £10 million. [19862]

  Mr. Milburn
  [holding answer 11 December 1997]: A Private Finance Initiative contract is for the provision of a fully serviced hospital facility. A National Health Service trust pays for the service by means of a single unitary payment. The unitary payment includes elements of cost for the provision and maintenance of assets, the supporting facilities management and financing. It is therefore, not appropriate to attempt to disaggregate the price charged for these services.

  The annual unitary payments for the two major PFI schemes that have reached financial close are expected to be:
  Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust: £16.6 million
  Carlisle Hospitals NHS Trust: £10.9 million.

  Steak and Cigarettes (Health Risk)
  Mr. Luff
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the health risk of(a) eating one T-bone steak per week and (b) smoking 20 cigarettes a day; and if he will make a statement. [20119]

  Ms Jowell
  The information is not available in the form requested.

  Autism
  Sir Richard Body
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many adults diagnosed as autistic when children are in institutions funded by his Department. [20257]

  Mr. Boateng
  No places are directly funded by the Department of Health and no information is held centrally on the number of adults with autism in institutions. Health and local authorities are responsible for the provision and development of appropriate services in their areas in the light of Departmental guidance. The Department has also funded a number of projects to raise awareness of the needs of people with autism and to help develop good practice.

  Hospitals (Meat Supplies)
  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will ensure that all meat bought for hospitals originates in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement. [20245]

  Ms Jowell
  It is for individual National Health Service trusts to decide how they source their meat. About 80 per cent. of trusts in England use NHS Supplies Authority contracts. These do not specify country of origin. NHS Supplies' responsibility is to obtain best value for money for the NHS, while ensuring compliance with European public procurement directives.

  Smoking
  Mr. MacGregor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the risk of dying from cancer as a result of smoking 10 cigarettes a day. [20473]
  61
  Ms Jowell
  The assessment requested has not been made specifically for smoking related cancer deaths but the risk of an individual dying in any one year from smoking 10 cigarettes per day (all smoking related diseases) has been estimated as 1:200.

  Incontinence
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if incontinence care will be included in the first tranche of services to be covered by the national service frameworks announced in the White Paper, "The New NHS". [20561]

  Mr. Boateng
  The development of a range of recuperation and rehabilitation services for older people is likely to be included in the first tranche of services to be covered by the national service frameworks as announced in the White Paper, "The New NHS".

  Incontinence services play a key role in that range of service provision.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Wilshire
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he plans to reply to the letter of the hon. Member for Spelthorne dated 28 October concerning Mrs. M. Stanford of Sunbury on Thames. [20680]

  Mr. Milburn
  I have written to the hon. Member today.

  Death Statistics
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the death rate from injuries or illnesses relating to(a) motor car accidents, (b) smoking, (c) alcohol and (d) eating BSE infected beef. [20393]

  Ms Jowell
  Information on death rates is not available in the form requested.

  NHS Trusts
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if, following the changes set out in his White Paper, "The New NHS", NHS trusts will still be able to retain funds generated by the sale of assets for the sole use of the trust concerned. [20734]

  Mr. Milburn
  Under the existing arrangements National Health Service trusts retain the proceeds they generate from the sale of their assets. Whether the trust can spend the cash it has generated is subject to the discretion of the appropriate NHS executive regional office. If, in the view of the regional office, a trust which has generated cash does not have an appropriate use for the money it is allowed to keep the cash but cannot spend it until an appropriate requirement can be identified.

  The trust financial regime will be reconsidered in the light of comments on the White Paper. Any changes made as a result will be to ensure that resources are deployed in the most equitable way to maximise benefit to the NHS.

  Departmental Wages
  Mr. Chidgey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will(a) list the national paybands for full-time staff in his Department which would represent an hourly rate of
  62
  £4 or less and (b) list by region as defined by the regional government offices the numbers of staff paid at these rates. [20607]

  Ms Jowell
  The lowest national payband in the Department of Health ranges from £8,000 to £15,750 a year. Because of differences in hours of work, a rate of £4 per hour for London staff equates to an annual salary of £8,561; outside London the figure is £8,770.

  Number of staff

  London

  9

  North East

  0

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  42

  East Midlands

  12

  Eastern

  0

  South East

  3

  South West

  0

  West Midlands

  0

  Merseyside

  2

  North West

  76

  Mr. Chidgey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many full-time staff in his Department are paid at an hourly rate of(a) £3.65, (b) between £3.66 and £3.75 and (c) between £3.76 and £4. [20608]

  Ms Jowell
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave him on 2 December at column 182.

  At present, the Department of Health employs 106 full-time members of staff who are being paid an hourly rate of £3.65. There are 15 members of staff who are paid between £3.66 and £3.75 an hour and 23 are paid between £3.76 and £4 an hour.

  Carers
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how carers and care users will be able to ensure that they obtain the consistency and quality in the availability of services covered by national service frameworks announced in the White Paper, "The New NHS". [20562]

  Mr. Boateng
  Representatives of users and carers will be involved in the development of national service frameworks, which will be published documents. Health authorities, National Health Service trusts and Primary Care Groups will agree local health improvement programmes which will set out, among other things, how national service frameworks will be implemented locally. These will also be published documents.

  In addition, the White Paper introduces two new national bodies. The National Institute for Clinical Excellence will promote clinical and cost-effectiveness and produce and disseminate clinical guidelines. The Commission for Health Improvement will support and oversee the quality of clinical governance and clinical services.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Departmental Staff
  Mr. Hawkins
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many(a) special advisers, (b) task force members and (c) review body members his

  63
  Department employs; what is the total salary and benefits of (a) to (c); and what was the equivalent cost prior to 1 May. [19304]

  Mr. Morley
  The Department employs two special advisers. Details were set out in the answer given to the hon. Member by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 13 November 1997,Official Report, columns 615–17.

  For information on the total paybill for special advisers, I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Members for Gordon (Mr. Bruce) and for Kingston and Surbiton (Mr. Davey) by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on 25 November 1997, Official Report, columns 472–73.

  No task force members are employed by the Department.

  There are currently two Reviews involving external members, none of whom are paid a salary by the Department. However, the Department does pay an attendance allowance for meetings attended and reimburses reasonable travel and subsistence costs.

  It is not possible to distinguish the cost of officials' time spent on Task Force and Review related work.

  Public Appointments
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will publish the names of all those people whom he has appointed to public bodies since 1 May, indicating the positions to which they have been appointed; and whether they receive remuneration. [19980]

  Mr. Morley
  Details of all Public Appointments made by my right hon. Friend during 1997 will be published in the 1998 Departmental Annual Report.

  Beef
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the quality of the meat imported into the United Kingdom from(a) the Republic of Ireland, (b) the Netherlands, (c) France, (d) Botswana, (e) Namibia and (f) Australia; how the regulations applying to meat from these countries differ from those applying to British beef; and if he will make a statement. [20394]

  Mr. Rooker
  All fresh meat produced in the UK and imported into the UK from other EU Member States must be produced in accordance with harmonised Community rules laid down in Council Directive 64/433/EEC. Fresh meat imported from third countries must come only from approved establishments in countries which are authorised by the European Commission to export to the Community, which include Botswana, Namibia and Australia. These controls are designed to ensure that the meat satisfies health requirements equivalent to those applying within the Community.

  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what assessment he has made of the risk of BSE being contained in meat imported into the United Kingdom from(a) the Republic of Ireland, (b) the Netherlands, (c) France, (d) Botswana, (e) Namibia and (f) Australia; and if he will make a statement; [20396]
  64
  (2) what assessment he has made of the risk of contracting CJD from BSE contained in meat produced in (a) the Republic of Ireland, (b) the Netherlands, (c) France, (d) Botswana, (e) Namibia, (f) Australia and (g) the United Kingdom. [20395]

  Mr. Rooker
  BSE has never been detected in meat (muscle) even in clinically affected cattle.

  It is not therefore possible to assess accurately the risk of contracting CJD from meat from any source.

  SEAC have advised that the most likely source of nvCJD is exposure to BSE before 1989, when the measures to exclude BSE infected tissues from the human food chain were put in place. However, there is, as yet, no conclusive evidence of the route of infection or the infective dose. Nor is it possible to determine whether a single challenge can cause the disease or whether exposure over a period would be necessary to establish the disease.

  Given that the incidence of BSE is higher in the UK than elsewhere, it is to be expected that the risk of exposure from offals has historically been greater than in other countries.

  BSE has not been reported in Botswana, Namibia and Australia. We therefore consider that the risk of beef imported from those countries carrying BSE infectivity is very small indeed.

  BSE has been reported in the Republic of Ireland, the Netherlands and France, but these countries, like the UK, have measures in place which exclude the most ineffective tissues (specified risk material) from the human food chain.

  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the impact on British farmers of(a) the export ban on British beef and (b) the ban on the sale of meat on the bone. [20397]

  Mr. Rooker
  It is impossible to establish the direct impact on farmers of the export ban in isolation. The maintenance of the ban is only one of the factors currently contributing to the weakness of the domestic market. However, its impact will in part have been offset by the removal from the market of over 30 months cattle, calves under 20 days of age and beef bought into intervention.

  Since only 5 per cent. of beef is currently sold on the bone, the effect on producer returns on the ban on the sale of bone-in beef should be negligible.

  Mr. Swinney
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will estimate the risk to consumers of CJD infection from eating(a) 1kg of beef on the bone products and (b) 1kg of beef on the bone sourced from a Scottish beef herd. [20503]

  Mr. Rooker
  Much would depend on the product and which particular bone. If the hon. Member is referring to vertebral column and the risk from dorsal root ganglion, the risk is likely to be greater for products in which the dorsal root ganglion could remain in the food. That would be the case for bone-in beef or for products such as mechanically recovered meat. The use of vertebral column to produce mechanically recovered meat was prohibited in 1995. Another factor which needs to be taken into account is the particular product concerned.
  65
  Some products, such as gelatin, involve processes which are known to reduce the level of BSE infectivity and would therefore present a lower risk than other products.

  Mr. Swinney
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the representations he has received since he announced the ban on the sale of beef on the bone products; and how many of these representations were in favour of(a) the issuing of a warning on the possible risk from beef on the bone products and (b) a ban on sales of such products. [20504]

  Mr. Rooker
  All replies received by 4pm on Friday 12 December, in response to the consultation exercise carried out with industry, consumers and interested parties on the bone-in beef proposals, have been carefully considered and assessed. The results of the consultation exercise have been reflected in the legislation which my right hon. Friend is intending to lay before the House today. As is our usual practice, copies of the responses will be deposited in the Library of the House.

  Organophosphates
  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many licences for the manufacture and sale of organophosphate-based products have been withdrawn; and for what reasons. [20584]

  Mr. Rooker
  Since 1986, when statutory controls on pesticides were introduced, the approvals of 80 MAFF-approved organophosphate-based pesticide products have been withdrawn for commercial reasons at the request of the company concerned; 11 organophosphate product approvals have been revoked for the failure of the approval-holding company to meet a "data submission deadline" set by Ministers for the company to provide information on the effectiveness (efficacy) of its product; five organophosphate product approvals have been revoked for the failure of an approval-holding company to meet a "data submission deadline" set by Ministers for a company to provide information on some aspect of the safety of its product, in order fully to support the product's new or continuing approval; nine organophosphate product approvals have been revoked for the failure of an approval-holding company to provide information required by Ministers (and supplied by other companies), following a UK review of the data package supporting the active ingredients; two organophosphate product approvals have been revoked following the lapsing of a provisional approval for a particular batch of a product which had been imported by a company into the UK.

  No licences or marketing authorisations for organophosphate-based veterinary medicinal products have been withdrawn by the Licensing Authority'. Products have been voluntarily withdrawn from the market by licence holders from time to time since the Medicines Act came into force in 1968. Details of the numbers are not readily available and the reasons for withdrawal were matters for the licence holders.

  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the permitted uses of the organophosphate product Chlorpyriphos; and what 66
  assessment of the results of the US Government's research into its carcinogenic properties was taken into account when authorising these uses. [20583]

  Mr. Rooker
  All pesticides are subject to strict regulatory control and must be approved by Ministers before they may be marketed or used in the United Kingdom. Chlorpyriphos, either by itself or in combination with other pesticide active ingredients, is approved for use in the UK as an insecticide on apples, barley, beetroot, currants, brassicas, carrots, celery, cereal grain, fennel, forestry, garlic, gooseberries, grassland, ornamental nursery stock, lettuce, leeks, maize, oats, oilseed rape, onions, parsnips, peas, pears, plums, potatoes, radishes, rhubarb, wheat, strawberries, sugar beet, sweetcorn and triticale. It is also approved for use as a fabric and machinery treatment in grain stores and as a public hygiene insecticide.

  The Advisory Committee on Pesticides recently considered two US Government studies—a review of chlorpyriphos-associated cases of delayed neuropathy and a review of chlorpyriphos poisoning data—and recommended that although no action need be taken on present UK approvals for chlorpyriphos as a result of these they should be drawn to the attention of the Commission and Spain which is currently reviewing chlorpyriphos as part of the EC review programme. This has been done.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Income Support
  Mr. Edwards
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what assessment she has made of the reasons why pensioners do not claim income support. [19060]

  Mr. Denham
  The previous Administration took the view that the only explanation for non take up of benefit was choice by poor pensioners. This has meant that up to 1 million pensioners who are entitled to Income Support do not claim it. We are determined to get help to those pensioners. We have commissioned research to find out why they do not take up their benefit entitlement and from next April will run pilot exercises to establish how best to get help to them.

  Mr. Heppell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate she has made of the number of pensioners who are entitled to receive income support but do not claim it. [19085]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  Around a million pensioners are not taking up their entitlement to Income Support, and we are determined to get help to them. We have commissioned research to find out why they do not make a claim, and from next April we will run a number of pilot exercises to find out how best to get help to them.

  Pensions
  Mr. Ennis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will make a statement on the availability of value for money pensions to those on low incomes. [19066]
  67
  Mr. Denham
  Occupational schemes provide good quality second pensions for half of all employees, but personal pensions can be unsuitable for those on low incomes. As part of our pensions review we are consulting widely on how best to take forward our proposals for Stakeholder Pensioners to ensure that those without good quality occupational pension schemes have access to secure, flexible, value for money second pensions.

  The consultation period for Stakeholder Pensions ends in January and we expect to publish our detailed proposals, alongside our proposals for the long-term framework for pensions, in the first half of next year.

  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what steps she is taking to publicise the level of rebates available for those opting out of the state earnings-related pensions scheme under recent pension tax changes. [19078]

  Mr. Denham
  The National Insurance Rebates available to those who contract-out of the State Earnings Related Pension Scheme are contained in three rebate Orders which were laid before this House in April last year. These Orders are available to the public from HMSO.

  The Contributions Agency issues to employers and insurance companies publications which give details of the contracting-out rebates.

  Means-tested Benefits
  Mr. Rowe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what representations she has received on the impact of the current rate of inflation on the recipients of means-tested benefits. [19070]

  Mr. Field
  None.

  Mr. Gerald Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what assessment she has made of the impact on the social security budgets for means-tested benefits of the current rate of inflation. [19081]

  Mr. Field
  The uprating of benefits for 1998–99 was announced on 2 December and will ensure that the main rates of benefits are protected from inflation. The cost of protecting benefits from inflation for 1998–99 will be £2.45 billion.

  Council Tax Benefits
  Mr. Day
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will make a statement on the impact of the proposed reduction in council tax benefit. [19079]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  The proposal to limit Council Tax Benefit for properties in bands F, G and H to the maximum available for band E properties is one of a number of measures we inherited from the previous Administration. We have had to make a number of hard choices in order to honour our commitment to keep spending within the planned ceiling for Social Security expenditure. We have decided, therefore, to proceed with the measure.

  Sixty-five thousand people will be affected. But we are continuing to fully subsidise more than 98 per cent. of Council Tax Benefit recipients who do not live in the most expensive properties.
  68
  Mr. Gorrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how much money will be saved by the proposed restriction of council tax benefit for those living in properties of higher values in(a) England and Wales and (b) Scotland. [19065]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  The estimated savings from the restriction of Council Tax Benefit for properties in council tax bands F, G and H to band E are £131/2 million in England and Wales and £11/2 million in Scotland for 1998–99.

  Mortgage Interest Rates
  Mr. Bradshaw
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what representations she has received on the application of standard interest rates on those with mortgages and claiming benefits. [19080]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  We have received 755 representations from hon. Members, members of the public and national organisations.

  Benefits System
  Mr. Timms
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans she has to modernise the distribution mechanisms within the benefits system. [19082]

  Mr. Field
  Better service is central to our approach to Welfare Reform. Our vision for Active Modern Service is based around people. That means providing an integrated service that is focused on what customers need.

  We have therefore asked the Benefits Agency to improve its distribution of publicity material about benefits to the public.

  The Benefits Agency will simplify its programme of leaflets and other media, in order to provide better information and allow the customer easier access to the benefits system.

  New leaflets will be designed with the customer as the main focus, not the system. The Benefits Agency will then put mechanisms in place to ensure consistent messages across all customer information.

  These improvements will cover existing formats and all relevant aspects of electronic media.

  The Benefits Agency has recently launched an expanded Website, providing information on benefits, new customer complaints procedure and local office details. The site receives over 12,000 visits a week.

  State Pensions
  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what recent representations she has received on the level of the basic state pension. [19083]

  Mr. Denham
  On 17 July, my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State announced a review of the central areas of insecurity for elderly people, including all aspects of the basic pension and its value. Many of the more than 2,000 responses to the initial consultation exercise included representations on the level of the basic state pension. We will examine all the responses in the weeks and months to come. We will then publish our initial framework for change in the first half of 1998.
  69
  We recently announced that from next April the basic pension will rise to £103.40 a week for a couple and £64.70 for a single pensioner. This is in keeping with our manifesto commitment to uprate the basic pension at least in line with prices. It is in line with the 3.6 per cent. increase in prices in September which was higher than expected, and the cost will be greater than was included in the previous Government's spending plans.

  Women's Issues
  Ann Keen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans she has to open up a new dialogue with women. [19086]

  Ms Ruddock
  We are creating a new bond of trust between women and Government by opening up a new dialogue with women by improving and extending the way in which Government communicates with women's organisations and by looking at ways to conduct a dialogue with women who do not join organisations.

  As part of this process, we are reviewing the role and status of the Women's National Commission. The terms of reference of this review is set out in the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Luton, South (Ms Moran) on 10 December 1997, Official Report, column 602.

  Lorna Fitzsimons
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what contact she has had with women's organisations in Northern Ireland. [19087]

  Ms Ruddock
  The Ministers for Women represent the interests of all women, throughout the United Kingdom. On 2 December, I visited Northern Ireland to open the Northern Ireland Women's Coalition offices. I also visited the Northern Ireland Equal Opportunities Commission and met with women from the Northern Ireland Women's Forum, and other women's organisations. We have also had correspondence with the Northern Ireland Women's Aid Federation.

  Dr. Starkey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans she has to use women's juries to consult on policy priority. [19095]

  Ms Ruddock
  We seek to create a new bond of trust between women and Government which will enable us to keep in touch with what women want by opening up a new dialogue with women.

  We are doing this by improving and extending the way in which Government communicates with women's organisations; and by looking at ways to conduct a dialogue with women who do not join organisations.

  We are considering a range of options—including setting up women's juries—to ensure that our new dialogue will be a new, innovative and effective way of communicating with women everywhere.

  Ms Keeble
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how she plans to ensure that Government Departments take full account of women's interests. [19069]

  Ms Ruddock
  We are taking steps to ensure that women's interests are placed at the very heart of government. This means integrating women's concerns 70
  and interests into the policy-making process of all Government Departments—a process often called "mainstreaming".

  However, we believe that the guidance on "mainstreaming" drawn up by the previous Government should be strengthened. We are therefore working on revised guidance, which will be more accessible and user-friendly.

  Once this guidance has been issued, we will be evaluating its effect on a regular basis to ensure that it is properly used. We aim to publish an annual report which will cover how each Department has taken this work forward.

  Housing Benefit
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what policy proposals she has for reducing housing benefit payments in the case of inflated rent levels. [19088]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  There are already measures in place which restrict the amount of rent which can be used to calculate housing benefit entitlement. Generally, housing benefit will only meet average rents for tenants living in the private rented sector. However, we are looking at the interaction of housing and housing benefit as part of the Comprehensive Spending Review.

  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many claimants in the benefits area relating to the Hendon constituency are in receipt of housing benefit; how many of these are in(a) private houses, (b) local authority housing and (c) housing association housing; and if he will indicate in respect of each category (i) the highest amount paid, (ii) the average figure, (iii) the median figure and (iv) the upper and lower quartile figures. [20817]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  The information is not available in the format requested as housing benefit information is not collected on a constituency basis. Such information as is available relates to the London Borough of Barnet and is set out in the table.

  Caseloads and weekly average amounts of housing benefit for the London Borough of Barnet at the end of May 1997

  Local authority tenants

  Private tenants(excluding housing association tenants)

  Housing association tenants

  Recipients

  9,340

  8,010

  2,610

  Average housing benefit

  £47.78

  £87.25

  £77.46

  Note:

  Recipients may be a single person or a couple.

  Source:

  Housing Benefit Management Information System.

  Disability Benefits
  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what proportion of people of working age currently receiving disability benefits she plans to assist to move from welfare to work. [19089]
  71
  Mr. Denham
  The Government believe that work is the best form of welfare for people of working age. Up to £195 million, set aside from the Windfall Tax, will be used to finance a range of options aimed at helping people on disability benefits, in the most effective way possible, to move into or stay in work. As a first stage we are this week initiating the bidding process under which we will fund a number of innovative schemes. We also plan to introduce personal advisers to help people with a disability or long-term illness to overcome barriers to work, initially on a modest scale. These initiatives will inform decisions about how best to offer help to all those who need it.

  Mr. Eric Clarke
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on the Government's policy on welfare reform for disability benefits. [19093]

  Mr. Clifton-Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will make a statement on the provision of state benefits for disabled people. [19094]

  Mr. Denham
  I refer the hon. Members to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Alyn and Deeside (Mr. Jones) on 8 December 1997,Official Report, columns 451–52.

  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans she has to investigate the extent of and reasons for the underclaiming of disability benefits amongst disabled people(a) in general and (b) by each main type of disability. [20705]

  Mr. Denham
  The information is not yet available. We are using the disability follow-up to the 1996–97 Family Resources Survey to measure the take up of disability benefits. The analysis will include investigation of the characteristics of recipients and entitled non-recipients as far as sample sizes allow. Results will be published towards the end of 1998.

  Mrs. Ballard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is her policy on disability benefits. [19084]

  Mr. Denham
  We are committed to modernising the Social Security system so that it helps people to work as far as they are able; provides appropriate support to those who cannot work; and makes the most effective use of the resources available.

  Child Care
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what representations she has received from women's groups on the child care provisions announced in the pre-Budget statement. [19090]

  Ms Ruddock
  In his pre-Budget statement, my right hon. Friend, the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced a £300 million package of investment in child care provision over the next five years. This announcement was widely welcomed by women's groups and voluntary organisations.

  Key players in child care provision—including women's groups—will be invited to a conference on the National Child care Strategy, hosted jointly by the Secretaries of State for Social Security and for Education and Employment, in January.
  72

  Pensions Rights (Divorced People)
  Mr. Hanson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what proposals she has to enable men and women to share pension rights on divorce. [19091]

  Mr. Denham
  Pension sharing recognises the contribution that both women and men make to a marriage. The Government are committed to introducing pension sharing for divorcing couples and we aim to do so from April 2000. We are working through the detailed issues and implementation arrangements with a panel of representatives of the pensions industry, family lawyers and others, and plan to publish a draft Bill for consultation. This is an important first step in our programme of modernising the pension system to improve the income of women in retirement.

  Lone Parents
  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what representations she has received on her proposals in respect of lone parent benefits. [19092]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  Representations about the proposed changes to lone parent benefits were made by a wide variety of organisations to the Social Security Advisory Committee. These representations were reflected in the Social Security Advisory Committee's report, which was published on 30 July together with the Government's response as Command Paper 3713. Similar points have been raised in correspondence from hon. Members and members of the public. There were parliamentary debates on the family premium regulations on 4 November and 12 November and the change to Child Benefit was debated during the Committee Stages of the Social Security Bill on 18 November and at Report and Third Reading on 10 December. A record of these debates has been published in the Official Report.

  Mr. Hawkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will make a statement on her proposals to help lone parents. [19073]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  The Government's New Deal for Lone Parents is already operating in eight areas of the country, providing a personalised back-to-work service for lone parents.

  My right hon. Friend The Chancellor announced on 26 November that from next April the New Deal for Lone Parents will be made available to all lone parents who make a new claim for Income Support. The New Deal will be available to all lone parents from October next year, at a cost of £175 million over the course of this Parliament. This included an additional £25 million, also announced by the Chancellor, to enable the service to be offered to those lone parents with a child under five who want to work.

  In addition, we announced a £300 million initiative to extend out-of-school child care provision to every community.

  Family Credit
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will make a statement on the relationship between family credit and the proposed working family tax credit. [19075]
  73
  Mr. Field
  The Government are proposing a new working families' tax credit with cash paid directly through the wage packet to families on low income. The tax credit will build on the success of family credit and will help ensure that work pays for families with children.

  The precise form of the working family tax credit has yet to be decided.

  Mr. Rooney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many claimants in receipt of family credit have total earnings below the lower earnings limit for national insurance contributions; and how many of these are(a) women and (b) lone parents. [20806]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  At 31 May 1997 there were 175,000 recipients of Family Credit with earnings below the lower earnings limit. Of these 112,000 were female (main earners), and 88,000 were lone parents.

  Notes:
  1. Information on the gender of Family Credit claimants is not available, the figure quoted is based on the gender of the main earner.
  2. Sample size 5 per cent. of all awards.
  3.Figures have been rounded to the nearest thousand.

  Source:
  Family Credit Statistics Quarterly Enquiry, May 1997.

  Incapacity Benefit
  Mr. Rooney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will estimate the percentage of claimants of(a) SSP and (b) the lower rate of short-term incapacity benefit who go on to receive (i) the higher rate of short-term incapacity benefit and (ii) long-term incapacity benefit. [20811]

  Mr. Denham
  Information is not available on the proportion of total SSP recipients who subsequently move onto the short-term higher rate of incapacity benefit and then long-term incapacity benefit. Around 35 per cent. of short-term lower rate cases move onto the short-term higher rate and around 15 per cent. subsequently move onto the long-term rate1.

  Source:
  DSS 1 per cent. sample of recipients in Great Britain.

  Disability Living Allowance
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) if the seminars recently organised at Baroness Hollis's request covering the possibility of taxing or means-testing disability benefits or substituting services are part of her Department's formal consultation on changes to benefit entitlement for disabled people; [17034]

  (2) if she will publish a Green Paper setting out the Government's proposals and options for reform of disability benefits before making any significant changes to them. [17036]

  Mr. Denham
  I understand that my noble Friend, Baroness Hollis of Heigham, has recently attended seminars, covering a wide range of disability issues at the invitation of, and arranged by MENCAP, on behalf of various groups representing disabled people and their carers. These seminars were proposed by disability organisations so that they could present their views on disability benefits. My noble Friend found them helpful and informative.
  74
  We are currently undertaking a comprehensive review of the Department's expenditure as a first stage in our plan to modernise the Social Security system. The review is wide-ranging and includes the complex range of benefits paid to people who have health problems or who are disabled. No decisions on any options for change have been reached and no changes will be made before we have consulted people with disabilities and their organisations. We have regularly met organisations representing people with disabilities or health problems. These meetings have helped inform debate on what they see as the problems inherent in the current system, on how resources could be used more effectively, and on the development of our proposals for Welfare to Work for sick and disabled people. We continue to welcome the views of sick and disabled people, their representative organisations and others with an interest.

  Low Pay
  Mr. Chidgey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to her answer of 2 December,Official Report, column 204, how many full-time employees are paid at the lowest hourly rates listed, in each of the regions defined by the regional government offices. [20654]

  Mr. Field
  The information is not readily available in the format requested. Such information as is available is set out in the table.

  Economic planning region

  Number of full-time employees on the lowest hourly rate

  Scotland

  132

  Northern

  24

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  45

  North West

  252

  East Midlands

  36

  West Midlands

  47

  Wales

  24

  East Anglia

  18

  South East

  49

  South West

  50

  Northern Ireland

  1

  Overseas

  1

  1. Figures include all staff on payroll as at 30 September 1997 in their current substantive grade.

  Widows' Benefit
  Mr. Rooney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many and what percentage of applications for widows' benefits are refused on the grounds of an insufficient contribution record. [20810]

  Mr. Denham
  The information is not available. However, it is estimated that 40,000 widows aged under 60 do not receive any Widows' Benefits, 15 per cent. of the total.

  Source:
  Family Resources Survey 1995–96.

  Note:
  Figures are rounded to the nearest 10,000 and 1 per cent.

  Reduced Earnings Allowance
  Mr. Denis Murphy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people are in receipt of reduced
  75
  earnings allowance in (a) the United Kingdom, (b) the benefit office area serving the Wansbeck constituency and (c) average benefit office areas of equivalent size. [19246]

  Mr. Denham
  The administration of Reduced Earnings Allowance is a matter for Peter Mathison, the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Denis Murphy, dated 12 December 1997:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking how many people are in receipt of Reduced Earnings Allowance (REA) in (a) the United Kingdom, (b) the benefit office area serving the Wansbeck constituency and (c) average benefit office areas of equivalent size.
  The information is not available in the format requested. REA statistics are available for the Benefits Agency Northumbria District, which includes the offices at Ashington, Berwick, Blyth, Hexham, North Shields and Wallsend, and for Great Britain.

  Men

  Women

  Full time

  .75 rate

  .50 rate

  Full rate

  .75 rate

  .50 rate

  Total recipients

  Unemployment benefit1 recipients at 31 May 1986

  548,000

  21,000

  11,000

  320,000

  16,000

  11,000

  927,000

  Percentage of recipients

  59

  2

  1

  35

  2

  1

  —

  Sickness benefit recipients at 31 March 1986

  122,000

  3,000

  2,000

  43,000

  2,000

  1,000

  173,000

  Percentage of recipients

  70

  2

  1

  25

  2

  1

  —

  Maternity allowance2

  —

  —

  —

  319,000

  17,000

  14,000

  349,000

  Percentage of awards

  —

  —

  —

  91

  5

  4

  —

  Notes:
  1. Full rate unemployment benefit recipient figures included 5,000 cases where the rate of benefit is not known.
  2. Relates to the number of awards of maternity allowance in the 12 months ending 31 March 1986.

  Source:
  DSS sample of recipients in Great Britain; Unemployment Benefit 5 per cent sample, Sickness Benefit 1 per cent sample, Maternity Allowance 2 per cent. sample.
  76
  As at 31 March 1996, the number of customers in receipt of REA in the Northumbria District is estimated at 1,078. In Great Britain it is estimated at 150,590. The figures are based on a ten per cent sample of all REA assessments.

  Figures on average benefit office areas of equivalent size to the Wansbeck constituency are not available.

  I hope you find this reply helpful.

  Benefit Statistics
  Mr. Rooney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many and what proportion of claimants of(a) unemployment benefit, (b) sickness benefit and (c) maternity allowance received the standard rate, three quarter rate and the half rate of benefit, broken down by gender, in the last full year for which statistics are available. [20807]

  Mr. Denham
  The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is set out in the table

  Health and Population Projects: Funding
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  Angola: Human Rights Monitoring
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  General Affairs Council, 8 December
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  BSE: US Export of Specified Risk Material
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