Written Answers of 17 December 1997

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Marriage
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what research his Department is undertaking into marriage.[20141]

  Mr. Hoon
  The Department has commissioned two research projects on marriage which began in April 1997. The first, which looks at individuals' views of marriage over two generations, is being undertaken by Professor Jane Lewis of All Souls College, Oxford and will be completed in March 1999. The second, by One plus One, is the preparation of a series of review papers on the causes, and ways of preventing, marital breakdown. This is due to be completed in March 1998.

  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what criteria will be applied in(a) assessing the success and value for money of the 13 projects being financed in 1997–98 in support of marriage and (b) determining whether to renew funding for 1998–99 and beyond for each project.[20142]

  Mr. Hoon
  The aims of the programme are (i) to identify the types of service which support marriage most effectively; (ii) to increase public awareness of marriage support services; and (iii) to improve access to existing services. The Department will assess the effectiveness of each project in terms of the achievement of its specific aims and objectives and its cost effectiveness.

  Whether or not the Department decides to continue funding any of the projects will depend on the results of evaluation and the availability of further resources.

  Justices of the Peace
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many justices of the peace there are in(a) England and (b) Wales.[20303]

  Mr. Hoon
  As at 1 January 1997, the number of Justices of the Peace in England and Wales was as follows:

  (a) England: 28,324

  (b) Wales: 2,050.

  Legal Aid
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will publish his analysis of means testing to determine eligibility for legal aid in the Youth Court when the analysis is completed.[20293]

  Mr. Hoon
  I will place a summary of the findings of the analysis and of the conclusions in the Library.

PRIME MINISTER

  Committee on Standards in Public Life
  Mr. Bruce George
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement about the appointments to the Committee on Standards in Public Life.[21802]

  The Prime Minister
  I am pleased to announce four new appointments to the Committee on Standards in Public Life: Sir Anthony Cleaver, Lord Goodhart, Mrs. Frances Heaton and the right hon. John MacGregor. I have consulted the Leader of the Opposition and the right hon. Member for Yeovil (Mr. Ashdown) before making those appointments.

  The following existing members of the Committee have been reappointed for a second term: Sir Clifford Boulton, Professor Anthony King, the right hon. The Lord Shore of Stepney, Sir William Utting and Ms Diana Warwick.

  I should like to take this opportunity to thank Lord Nolan and those members of the Committee who are leaving after serving their three-year term: Sir Martin Jacomb; the right hon. Member for Bridgwater (Mr. King); the right hon. The Lord Thomson of Monifieth and Dame Anne Warburton. I am grateful for the valuable work they and other members of the Committee have undertaken over the last three years. The Government intend to build on the excellent work they started, with the help of Lord Neill and the new Committee.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  "Getting to Grips with Crime"
  Mr. Todd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many responses to "Getting to Grips with Crime: A New Framework for Local Action" were received during the consultation period; and if he will make a statement.[21557]

  Mr. Straw
  Some 545 responses were received, most of them warmly supportive of the Government's proposals. A summary of the main points raised can be found in the Library.

  Community Safety Orders
  Mr. Borrow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many responses to the consultation paper "Community Safety Orders" were received during the consultation period; and if he will make a statement.[21488]

  Mr. Straw
  Some 185 responses were received. A list of the 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 Community Safety Orders".

  Departmental Recruitment
  Mr. Watts
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what information on recruitment his Department is required to publish; and if he will make this information available for the Home Office for 1996.[21619]
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  Mr. Straw
  The Civil Service Order in Council 1995 authorises the Civil Service Commissioners to require Departments and agencies to publish summary information about their recruitment and the use of permitted exceptions to the principles of fair and open competition and selection on merit.

  The number of staff recruited to the central Home Office, including outstations, during 1996 is shown in the following tables. There were two permitted exceptions to fair and open competition and selection on merit in 1996 and this information was published in the Home Office Annual Report 1997.

  Central Home Office (including the Immigration and Nationality Department)

  Number of appointments

  Number of women appointed

  Number appointed from ethnic minorities

  Number of disabled staff appointed

  Senior Civil Service1

  3

  0

  0

  0

  Non-industrial grades

  388

  211

  68

  14

  Industrial grades

  3

  1

  2—

  0

  1All recruitment to the Senior Civil Service throughout the Home Office is carried out by the Central Personnel Management Unit.

  2Below five.

  Prison Service1

  Number of appointments

  Number of women appointed

  Number appointed from ethnic minorities

  Number of disabled staff appointed

  Non-industrial grades

  2,246

  915

  94

  7

  Industrial grades

  191

  38

  2—

  1

  2 As the Prison Service is in the process of transferring over to a new computerised personnel system, there may be inacccuracies in the information provided.

  2 Below 5.

  Passport Agency

  Number of appointments

  Number of women appointed

  Number appointed from ethnic minorities

  Number of disabled staff appointed

  Non-industrial grades

  297

  209

  15

  0

  Industrial grades

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Fire Service College

  Number of appointments

  Number of women appointed

  Number appointed from ethnic minorities

  Number of disabled staff appointed

  Non-industrial grades

  32

  22

  0

  1

  Industrial grades

  1

  0

  0

  0

  170

  Forensic Science Service recruitment

  Number of appointments

  Number of women appointed

  Number appointed from ethnic minorities

  Number of disabled staff appointed

  Non-industrial grades

  186

  103

  29

  3

  Industrial grades

  0

  0

  0

  0

  "In Excelsis"
  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what factors underlie his Department's retention of the manuscript of "In Excelsis" containing writings by Lord Alfred Douglas.[21334]

  Mr. Straw
  The manuscript of the poem "In Excelsis" is contained in a notebook which was issued by the Governor of Wormwood Scrubs prison to Lord Alfred Douglas while he was in custody there in 1924. The notebook was then, and is now, owned by the Crown. It has not been retained by my Department, but is held at the Public Record Office at Kew, where it is open for public inspection.

  EU Convention (Criminal Matters)
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to ensure there is parliamentary scrutiny of proposals in respect of the EU Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters.[21335]

  Mr. Michael
  My hon. Friend the Minister of State, the Member for Gateshead, East and Washington, West (Ms Quin), deposited the draft convention for scrutiny on 24 July and made a revised text available on 1 December. She will today give oral evidence about the draft convention to the House of Lords Select Committee on the European Communities (Sub-Committee E).

  Harmondsworth Immigration Detention Centre
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will list the nationalities of the people at present being held in the Harmondsworth Immigration Detention Centre;[20590]

  (2) if he will list the periods of time that the people at present detained at the Harmondsworth Immigration Detention Centre have been held in detention either at this establishment or at other establishments while their cases are being considered;[20591]

  (3) how many people were detained at the Harmondsworth Immigration Detention Centre on 1 December.[20589]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  A total of 91 persons were detained at Harmondsworth immigration detention centre as at 1 December 1997.

  Information on the duration of current continuous detention, solely under Immigration Act powers, of those persons detained at Harmondsworth immigration detention centre as at 10 December 1997, the latest available date, is given in table 1. Reliable information

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  about previous periods of detention, if any, of those persons can be obtained only through examination of individual case records at disproportionate cost.

  The nationalities of those persons detained at Harmondsworth immigration detention centre as at 10 December 1997, the latest available date, are given in table 2.

  Table 1: Length of continuous detention, solely under Immigration Act powers, of persons detained at Harmondsworth Immigration Detention Centre as at 10 December 19971

  Length of current detention

  Number of detainees

  0–1 month

  44

  1–2 months

  17

  2–6 months

  20

  6–12 months

  10

  Total

  91

  1 Figures represent continuous detention, solely under Immigration Act powers, and may include detention at other locations prior to 10 December 1997.

  Table 2: Nationalities of persons detained solely under Immigration Act powers at Harmondsworth Immigration Detention Centre as at 10 December 1997

  Nationalities

  Number of detainees

  Algeria

  5

  Angola

  2

  Bangladesh

  2

  Bulgaria

  2

  Cyprus

  3

  Czech Republic1

  3

  Democratic Republic of Congo2

  2

  Gambia

  2

  Ghana

  3

  India

  10

  Ivory Coast

  2

  Jamaica

  2

  Lebanon

  2

  Lithuania

  2

  Morocco

  2

  Nigeria

  18

  Pakistan

  7

  Romania

  4

  Turkey

  2

  Nationality doubtful

  3

  Other

  13

  Total

  91

  1 May include persons holding documents issued by the former Czechoslovakia.

  2 Formerly Zaire.

  Rape
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the conviction rate and clear up rate for rape cases expressed as a percentage and in total in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement.[205931

  Mr. Michael
  The Government are very concerned about the low proportion of reported rapes that result in a conviction. The Research and Statistics Directorate in the Home Office is undertaking a study to discover what factors influence whether or not a recorded rape leads to a conviction for rape and whether such factors have changed since a similar study of 1985 cases. I am today placing in the Library copies of an interim report on the processing of rape cases in the criminal justice system.172
  The interim report provides some useful information on where reported rape cases drop out before they reach court. We now need to know precisely why so many cases fail to result in a conviction. This will be covered in the final report, which should be available in the second half of next year.

  My right hon. Friend has already announced a number of wide-ranging reforms to make the criminal justice system more swift and effective. In July, he also set up an inter-departmental working group to look at further ways of assisting vulnerable witnesses, including rape victims, which is due to report shortly.

  Citizenship Applications
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to reduce the length of time taken to process applications for British citizenship. [20460]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  Working practices and organisation in the Immigration and Nationality Directorate are currently being looked at internally in order to improve the service to applicants. Next year, the introduction of the Caseworking Programme in the Immigration and Nationality Directorate will produce efficiency savings which will speed up the processing of these applications.

  Misuse of Drugs Act
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what conditions would have to be satisfied for a drug classified as Schedule 1 in the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 to be reclassified as Schedule 2. [20627]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The Misuse of Drugs Regulations 1985 allow and govern activities in relation to controlled drugs which would otherwise be unlawful under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. They divide those drugs into five schedules, with those in Schedule 1 being subject to the most stringent controls.

  The drugs in Schedule 1 are generally acknowledged to have no therapeutic applications and their use is accordingly confined by international convention and domestic law to research and other special purposes.

  Reclassification from Schedule 1 to Schedule 2 would depend upon the therapeutic benefits of a medicinal form of the drug being satisfactorily demonstrated in the United Kingdom, or the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs reducing the international controls on the drug.

  Children
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many children have been found not guilty as a result of the operation of the presumption of doli incapax in each year for the last 10 years. [19814]

  Mr. Michael
  This information is not collected centrally. However a not guilty outcome as a result of the presumption of doli incapax is neither in the interests of the child or children concerned nor in the interests of the public. It is clearly important that the court is not prevented from dealing with the youngster when there is no doubt about the facts of the case.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Concessionary Fuel
  Yvette Cooper
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what arrangements she has made to ensure the continued supply of concessionary fuel to ex-employees of British Coal. [21817]

  Mr. Battle
  My Department took over liability to supply concessionary fuel to ex-employees of British Coal in March 1995. Contracts were placed then with two companies to supply and deliver concessionary fuel over the period from March 1995 up to March 1998.

  Following a competitive tender, two-year contracts have recently been awarded to T. H. Fergusson Ltd. in Scotland and Coal Products Distribution Ltd. in England and Wales, to take effect from 30 March 1998. Both companies already supply and deliver solid fuel to other domestic customers.

  All fuel supplied will continue to be of high quality and approved for use by HETAS, the solid fuel industry's Heating and Testing Approvals Scheme.

  My Department's agents, the National Concessionary Fuel Office (NCFO), will continue to administer the concessionary fuel service, handling all inquiries and claims about entitlements from the beneficiaries.

  Because European law on public procurement requires one manufacturer not to be favoured over another, and because fuel prices have changed in relation to each other and the mix of fuels bid into the tender is different from the last tender, it will be necessary to revise the entitlement levels for some brands of manufactured smokeless fuels to ensure that cost of supplying fuel to each beneficiary is equivalent. Higher prices for some brands means this rebalancing will reduce annual entitlements from present levels for those beneficiaries who receive those brands. However, all beneficiaries will have the opportunity either to remain with those brands or to switch to broadly equivalent fuels which will generally provide the same or higher entitlements. Anyone switching to a cheaper brand will receive more than they receive at present.

  No-one need change from the fuel they receive now. No-one will be made to change, everyone will be able to make their own decision. Fuller details are being provided to the mining unions this month and to the recipients of concessionary fuel early in the New Year so that they can make their wishes known and stocks can be ordered.

  Laser Pens
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what steps she will take to ensure that class 1 and 2 laser pens are not sold to children under the age of 18 years. [20487]

  Mr. Nigel Griffiths
  [holding answer 12 December 1997]: The Consumer Protection Act 1987 contains a power to make regulations prohibiting the supply of goods to particular classes of people; for example to children under the age of 18 if the goods would be unsafe in the hands of those people. However, to do this we would require clear evidence that there was a safety problem arising from the sale of Class 1 or Class 2 laser pointers
  174
  to children under 18 years. To date there is no such evidence since all incidents appear to involve Class 3 lasers and above.

  On 28 October I acted swiftly in urging Trading Standards Departments to remove from general sale all Class 3 and Class 4 laser pointers as specified under BS EN 60825-Part 1: 1994 (Safety of laser products), because these pointers present an unacceptable risk to consumers. I have been advised by the National Radiological Protection Board that there is no evidence that laser pointers in Class 1 or Class 2 of the BS EN standard can cause a direct risk to health.

  Space Programme
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will examine the case for supporting the heat exchanger recently invented by Bristol University within the Government's space programme. [21128]

  Mr. Battle
  [holding answer 16 December 1997]: Innovative research into heat exchangers has been underway at the University of Bristol in recent years and is known to my officials at the British National Space Centre. I am advised that there is a possible application of this research in the field of space transportation.

  I can confirm that BNSC will consider the merits of this research as part of an ongoing reappraisal of the prospects for our satellite industry to retain cost effective access to space.

  Minimum Wage
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment she has made of the advantages and disadvantages of exempting disabled people from her minimum wage legislation. [20901]

  Mrs. Beckett
  [holding answer 15 December 1997]: The National Minimum Wage Bill does not treat disabled people differently from the able bodied.

  Corporation Tax
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what impact the proposed changes to corporation tax will have on forecast net returns on capital in each of the next four years. [20879]

  Mrs. Beckett
  [holding answer 15 December 1997]: Overall, the changes will have little impact on companies' post tax profits, which are of course computed on an accruals basis rather than by reference to cash flow. No company will pay more corporation tax in total as a result of the changes, and from 1999 companies will be free to take a whole range of business decisions without having to worry about ACT and, more particularly, surplus ACT.

  Research Expenses (Blind Trust)
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade who are the trustees of her blind trust for research expenses; and if she will publish its trust deed. [20892]

  Mrs. Beckett
  [holding answer 15 December 1997]: The structure of the blind trust which is used to pay the salary of a member of staff in my parliamentary office was discussed in advance with the relevant House of Commons authorities, who confirmed that it was in full

  175
  conformity with the rules. I have declared in the register of member's interests the information required about the trust and I have nothing further to add.

  Low Pay Commission
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if it is government policy to accept the conclusions of the Low Pay Commission in full when it reports. [20902]

  Mrs. Beckett
  [holding answer 15 December 1997]: The Government will give due weight and consideration to any recommendations which the Low Pay Commission makes on those matters referred to it. If, on making the first regulations, the Government decide to act in a different manner from the recommendations of the Commission a report shall be laid before both Houses containing a statement of the reasons for the decision.

  Gas-powered Electricity Plants
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what guidance the Government have issued to companies wishing to build new gas-powered electricity plants. [20899]

  Mrs. Beckett
  [holding answer 15 December 1997]: Applicants are referred to Planning Circular 14/90 which provides advice to local planning authorities on the section 36 procedure.

  Industrial Tribunal Decisions
  Mr. Welsh
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what estimate she has made of the number of industrial tribunal decisions which are fully complied with within a period of two months from the tribunal decision. [21174]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  My Department does not generally collect data on the payment of awards. However, the most recent survey of Industrial Tribunal Applications (the 1992 Survey of Industrial Tribunal Applications, Employment Department Research Series No. 22) reported that the median time for payment of awards as a lump sum was 7 to 14 days after the hearing. Once an award is made, the payment is a matter for the parties and it can be enforced through the civil courts in the normal manner. To help ensure prompt payment, awards which are paid late attract interest.

  Mr. Welsh
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what mechanisms are available to ensure the enforcement of industrial tribunal decisions. [21175]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  Industrial tribunal awards of money are enforced through the normal mechanisms of the civil courts. In Scotland they are enforced in the same manner as extract decrees arbitral. This means that if payment is not made the creditor may proceed to diligence without requiring to refer to the civil courts for a decree. Diligence is effected in the normal manner for civil debts. To help ensure prompt payment, awards which are paid late will attract interest.

  Mr. Welsh
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans she has to introduce procedures to allow for easier enforcement of industrial tribunal decisions; and if she will make a statement. [21176]
  176
  Mr. Ian McCartney
  I have no plans to change the procedures for the enforcement of industrial tribunal decisions. Monetary awards are enforced in a similar way to other awards made by the civil courts.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  St. Margaret's School, Carlton
  Sir Nicholas Lyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when he will decide whether St. Margaret's School, Carlton, Bedfordshire should be closed. [20571]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State will announce his decision shortly.

  University Admissions
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) if he will take steps to encourage universities to publish data on the percentage of state school applications and admissions; [20516]

  (2) how many, and which, universities currently publish data relating to the percentage of state school applications and admissions; [20517]

  (3) how many, and which, universities currently publish data relating to the percentage of (a) applications and (b) admissions of candidates from ethnic minority backgrounds. [20518]

  Dr. Howells
  My right hon. Friend welcomes the various Dearing Report recommendations on widening participation and has asked the Higher Education Funding Council for England to give priority in funding additional places to those institutions which can demonstrate a commitment to widening participation. We shall be monitoring the composition of applicants and new entrants to higher education as a whole. It is, however, for individual universities and colleges to determine whether or not to publish data on the characteristics of applicants and new entrants to their own institution. The Department does not keep a record of which universities do or do not publish such information, but we know that the universities of Oxford and Cambridge publish annually an analysis of applications and accepted applicants which includes details of the candidates' previous schooling. The Universities and College Admissions Service (UCAS) routinely provide each higher education establishment with detailed analyses of their applicants and accepted applicants through the bi-annual Management Statistics and the institutional datasets. Ethnicity data are available by institution within the Higher Education Management Statistics, available from the Higher Education Statistics Agency. With the authorisation of the institutions involved, UCAS can provide demographic details of applicants and accepted applicants to each institution.

  Key Stage 3
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what percentage of scripts have been remarked in each local education authority for
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  all key stage 3 tests undertaken in (a) English, (b) maths and (c) science; and in what percentage of scripts the (i) scores and (ii) final levels changed. [20671]

  Mr. Byers
  This information is collected on a national basis only in terms of the number of pupils in the review process and the number of those receiving changes to their test levels. The data are as follows:

  Percentage of pupils reviewed

  Percentage of levels changed

  English

  7

  2

  Mathematics

  0.02

  0.001

  Science

  0.07

  0.005

  Young Workers (EU)
  Mr. Cash
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what representations he has received on the incidence of young people from other EU countries taking up paid work for which there are British young people available. [20701]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  I have received no such representations. The EU Single Market enables movement of workers of all ages in both directions.

  University Grants
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what is the current level of grant to(a) Brunel university, (b) City university, (c) Birmingham university and (d) Coventry university.[20889]

  Dr. Howells
  The information is set out in the following table.

  Institution

  Funding Council Grant academic year 1997–98 £ million

  Brunel university

  28

  City university

  18

  Birmingham university

  65

  Coventry university

  32

  Disability Rights Task Force
  Mrs. Browning
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will appoint a representative of groups with learning disabilities to the Disability Rights Task Force. [21100]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer provided to the hon. Member for Sutton and Cheam (Mr. Burstow) on 15 December 1997,Official Report, column 7.

  Workplace Discrimination (HIV and AIDS)
  Caroline Flint
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to assist companies to prevent discrimination against persons with HIV or AIDS in the workplace. [20716]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  We announced on 1 October a three part strategy to secure comprehensive, enforceable civil rights for disabled people. This involves the 178
  establishment of a Disability Rights Commission (DRC), a Disability Rights Task Force to undertake a wide review on how to implement such civil rights and the implementation of the remaining rights of access to goods, facilities and services under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA).

  The Task Force met for the first time on 16 December. One of its first jobs in the New Year will be to consider the role and functions of the DRC. We intend to establish a Commission which serves the needs of disabled people and in so doing will work supportively with business.

  The Task Force will also consider a wide range of issues concerning comprehensive civil rights and is likely to wish to consider the position of people with HIV or AIDS in the workplace.

  At the moment, the DDA protects disabled people—including people with AIDS or HIV infection which affects normal day to day activities—against discrimination by employers with 20 or more employees. We are currently reviewing the position of small employers excluded from the DDA. A booklet "What employers need to know" is available to assist employers in relation to their duties under the DDA and there is also a Code of Practice containing practical guidance for employers. We are considering what other information might usefully be made available to employers.

  The Department of Health set up the National Aids Trust (NAT) in 1987, as a fully independent charity. The employers' initiative run by the NAT provides a statement of employment principles for HIV and AIDS and is aimed at assisting employers in the effective management of HIV and AIDS in the workplace, including preventing discrimination against people with HIV and AIDS.

  Social Affairs Council
  Mr. Wicks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on the outcome of the European Union Social Affairs Council on 15 December. [21669]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  The Minister of State, Department of Trade and Industry, my hon. Friend the Member for Makerfield (Mr. McCartney), and I represented the UK at the Social Affairs Council on 15 December.

  The Council passed a Resolution adopting the 1998 Employment Guidelines, and committing Member States to produce National Employment Action Plans in time for examination at the Cardiff European Council in June 1998.

  The Council adopted two Directives which apply to the United Kingdom the European Works Council and Parental Leave Directives. It also adopted the Part-time Work Directive, under the procedures set out in the Agreement on Social Policy. A Commission proposal to extend this measure to the UK is expected shortly. There was broad agreement on the extension of working-time controls to sectors excluded from the Working-time Directive. The Council had further discussion on the follow-up to the Davignon report on worker participation under the proposed European Company Statute; and my hon. Friend the Minister of State confirmed that the UK Presidency would aim to make further progress on this dossier under its Presidency.
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  The proposal for a programme of analysis and research of Member States' employment policies was agreed, with a budget of 30 mecu over three years.

  There was discussion on the obligations of Member States to bring civil servants in special schemes within the co-ordination mechanism of regulation 1408/71. I confirmed that the UK intended to make progress with this dossier.

  The Council adopted the Directive on the Burden of Proof in Sex Discrimination Cases on the basis of the common position agreed in June of this year. A Commission proposal to extend the directive to the UK will be produced shortly.

  The Council had a wide-ranging discussion about the follow-up to the Peking conference on women, and explored what Member States were doing by way of mainstreaming, positive actions, and combating violence against women.

  The Commission made presentations on the recent ruling by the European Court of Justice in the Marschall case, and on its Action Plan for the Free Movement of Workers.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Bosnia and Herzegovina
  Mr. Sarwar
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what is the total level of aid planned to be paid to Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1998–99(a) directly and (b) via other agencies; and if she will make a statement. [20745]

  Mr. Foulkes
  Our provisional plans are to spend £5 million from bilateral aid funds in Bosnia in 1998–99.

  My Department's contributions to multilateral aid agencies for the coming year are not yet confirmed. Allocations are reported after expenditure.

  The expenditure for 1997–98 is expected to be £18.75 million which includes £17 million of emergency aid.

  Treasury Committee Report
  Mr. Timms
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what representations she has made to the IMF in respect of the recommendations of the Treasury Committee in its Fourth Report of Session 1996–97 (HC68) that it should establish an independent evaluation unit reporting directly to the Board and publishing its findings. [18352]

  Mrs. Liddell
  I have been asked to reply to this question on behalf of the Chancellor of the Exchequer who is the Governor of the IMF.

  We strongly support an enhanced evaluation function in the IMF and have consistently pressed for an independent evaluation unit. We will continue to do so, but further progress on this is unlikely before the end of next year when the two year trial period for the current limited
  180
  external evaluations will be completed. We are therefore working to ensure that the existing external evaluation system works as effectively as possible, and take an active role in the Executive Directors committee which co-ordinates the process.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  Tourism (East Midlands)
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps he is taking to promote tourism in the East Midlands. [20929]

  Mr. Tom Clarke
  On 26 November my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced that the Government will work with the Tourism Forum to develop a new strategy to maximise the economic and job creation potential of the industry. The strategy will benefit all regions including the East Midlands.

  In addition, the Government assists the industry directly by providing grant-in-aid to support the marketing and development activities of the British Tourist Authority and the English Tourist Board.

  Millennium Compliance
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if his Department has current dealings with(a) non-governmental organisations and (b) suppliers which are not millennium complaint; and on what date his Department will cease to deal with (i) non-governmental organisations and (ii) suppliers which are not millennium compliant. [20534]

  Mr. Tom Clarke
  [holding answer 12 December 1997]The Department for Culture, Media and Sport is following the guidance set out in the CCTA's Tackling the Year 2000 guides and is in the process of alerting all non-governmental organisations and suppliers with which it does business of the importance of Year 2000 compliance and of the need for all organisations and suppliers of strategic goods and services to be compliant by 31 December 1999.

  Royal Parks
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list the annual number of visitors to each of London's royal parks. [20932]

  Mr. Tom Clarke
  Responsibility for the subject of this question has been delegated to the Royal Parks Agency under its Chief Executive, David Welch. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from David Welch to Mr. Keith Vaz, dated 17 December 1997:
  I have been asked by the Secretary of State for Culture Media and Sport to reply to your Parliamentary Question about the annual number of visitors to London's Royal Parks.

  181
  The most recent figures relate to 1995. They are based on counts carried out during annual visitor surveys in the parks and are therefore approximate.

  Park

  Visitors (millions)

  Regent's Park (including Primrose Hill)

  5

  St. James's Park

  5.5

  Green Park

  3.4

  Hyde Park

  4.7

  Kensington Gardens

  2.5

  Greenwich Park

  3.4

  Bushy Park

  1.6

  Richmond Park

  2.6

ATTORNEY-GENERAL

  Jonathan Aitken
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Attorney-General on what date the DPP received a letter from the editor of The Guardian about the alleged perjury of Jonathan Aitken following the collapse of the libel action; on what date she replied; and if he will make a statement. [20383]

  The Attorney-General
  On 20 June 1997, the Director of Public Prosecutions received a letter from the editor of the Guardian. She replied on 23 June 1997, explaining that the Crown Prosecution Service is not an investigative authority. A complaint against Mr. Aitken was later made to the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, who has appointed a team of officers to investigate the allegations made against Mr. Aitken. That investigation continues. The police, at the conclusion of their inquiries, will forward a report to the Crown Projection Service. This will then be reviewed in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Immigration
  Fiona Mactaggart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) how long on average a person applying for entry clearance for settlement, who was interviewed in November 1997, waited for an interview, at each British post in the Indian subcontinent; and how long those applying for settlement in November 1997 may expect to wait before interview, at each British post in the Indian subcontinent; [20689]

  (2) what was the staff complement of the people dealing (a) full time and (b) part time with migration and visa matters at each British post in the Indian subcontinent in (i) December 1995, (ii) June 1996, (iii) December 1996, (iv) June 1997 and (v) December 1997; and how many of these positions were vacant at each date; [20686]

  (3) what has been the average period for which a position in the migration and visa staff at each British post in the Indian subcontinent, has remained vacant after a postholder has left over the last three years. [20687]

  Mr. Fatchett
  In view of the amount of detail needed to answer these questions, my noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Baroness Symons, will write to my hon. Friend shortly.

  Middle East
  Mr. Faber
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on his proposals for the Middle East peach process during the UK presidency of the EU. [21239]

  Mr. Fatchett
  Seeking to re-inject momentum into the Middle East peace process will be a high priority during our Presidency. We are anxious to see existing agreements implemented in full and progress made on other outstanding issues. We will be pursuing EU proposals which complement and support US efforts. These include a code of conduct to guide future negotiations; a mechanism to institutionalise security co-operation and handle crises; facilitating agreement on implementation of commitments under the Interim Agreement, in particular on Gaza air and sea ports and transit arrangements between the West Bank and Gaza; and engaging Israel in a dialogue on ways of removing obstacles to Palestinian economic development.

  Dependent Territories (Caribbean)
  Dr. Marek
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what contingency plans he has in place for dependent territories in the Caribbean in the eventuality of other volcanic eruptions. [21041]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  [holding answer 16 December 1997]All the Caribbean Dependent Territories have an office of disaster preparedness and disaster contingency plans which are regularly reviewed. These plans take account of the hazards posed by flooding and their principal causes: hurricanes or tsunamis set up by submarine volcanic activity, such a san eruption by the volcano Kick 'Em Jenny, located off Grenada.

  Dependent Territories (Internet Services)
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions the Commissioner for Pitcairn has had with businesses seeking to create employment on Pitcairn concerning the provision of Internet services to the island; and for what reasons the Commissioner has been seeking to acquire the domain name for Pitcairn from the designated manager. [21045]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  [holding answer 16 December 1997]The Commissioner is currently investigating ways of improving communications with the Pitcairn Islands to permit Internet access. The Commissioner is seeking to acquire the domain name for Pitcairn in response to a request to this effect form the Pitcairn Island Council.

  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the Government's policy on Internet services for Pitcairn Island and other dependent territories; and if he will make a statement. [21038]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  [holding answer 16 December 1997]Existing data communications with the Pitcairn Islands do not permit access to the Intenet. There are therefore no Internet services operating from or within Pitcairn. The Commissioner is currently investigating ways of improving communications so that the Internet can be
  183
  accessed from Pitcairn. Our policy on issues of this sort is to seek to fulfil the wishes of the individual dependent territory governments.

  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if it is the Government's policy to seek to regulate or control domain names on the Internet in respect of United Kingdom dependent territories; and if he will make a statement. [21039]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  [holding answer 16 December 1997]Our policy is to seek to fulfil the wishes expressed by the individual dependent territory governments. This Department does not generally authorise third parties to administer top level Internet domain names on behalf of dependent territories unless there is some obvious direct benefit to the dependent territories.

  Human Rights
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 18 November 1997,Official Report, column 103, what steps his Department has taken to inform other bodies of its support for the broad intentions relating to each United Nations text; and to what extent he has monitored the implementation of the principles contained in the texts. [20329]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  [holding answer 16 December 1997]Our support for the five United Nations texts, and for the principles which they contain, is recorded in the reports of the UN meetings where the texts were adopted. For the convenience of the House, I have arranged for copies of these reports to be placed in the Libraries of the House today. The texts are recommendatory in nature, and are not legally binding on member States. It is for the relevant home Departments to consider the recommendations contained in the texts, and to monitor their implementation as appropriate.

  Gibraltar
  Dr. Marek
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if constitutional change, other than as provided in the Treaty of Utrecht, in the status of Gibraltar is a matter solely for the decision of Her Majesty's Government and the Government of Gibraltar. [21044]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  [holding answer 16 December 1997]Constitutional change is a matter for the decision of Her Majesty's Government and the Government of Gibraltar provided that it is compatible with the Treaty of Utrecht. We also stand by the commitment in the preamble to the 1969 constitution that there can be no change in sovereignty over Gibraltar without the freely and democratically expressed consent of its people.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  RUC Weapons (Losses)
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what(a) number and (b) type of RUC issue weapons and of what description have been lost, stolen or otherwise unaccounted for in each of the past 10 years; how many of these weapons are believed to have
  184
  fallen into the hands of (a) Republican and (b) Loyalist paramilitaries; and how many have been recovered subsequently. [19497]

  Mr. Ingram
  [holding answer 10 December 1997]The information requested for the period 1 January 1988 to 4 December 1997 is set out in the tables. All of the weapons referred to are handguns with the exception of one rifle stolen in 1988 but which was subsequently recovered.

  Year

  Stolen

  Recovered

  Not recovered

  1988

  9

  8

  1

  1989

  13

  11

  2

  1990

  13

  12

  1

  1991

  14

  13

  1

  1992

  3

  3

  0

  1993

  5

  3

  2

  1994

  14

  9

  5

  1995

  6

  2

  4

  1996

  6

  2

  4

  1997

  2

  1

  1

  Total

  85

  64

  21

  Year

  Stolen

  Loyalist

  Republican

  Other1

  1988

  9

  3

  3

  3

  1989

  13

  1

  4

  8

  1990

  13

  3

  1

  9

  1991

  14

  3

  2

  9

  1992

  3

  1

  0

  2

  1993

  5

  2

  0

  3

  1994

  14

  2

  0

  12

  1995

  6

  0

  0

  6

  1996

  6

  0

  0

  6

  1997

  2

  0

  0

  2

  Total

  85

  15

  10

  60

  1 Other—Non-Terrorist/Criminal/Not Known.

  Royal Ulster Constabulary
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to her answer of 21 November 1997,Official Report, column 321, on how many occasions and at what cost RUC officers travelled to Germany in November and December 1996 for training purposes and how many of them were (i) training German officers, (ii) being trained by German officers and (iii) participating in events involving more than the two forces. [19498]

  Mr. Ingram
  [holding answer 10 December 1997]During November and December 1996 RUC officers travelled to Germany on 9 occasions for training purposes with the Army. Military transport was used at no cost to the RUC.

  No training took place with German officers.

  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to the answer of 21 November 1997,Official Report, column 321, what was the total cost in November and December 1996 of foreign travel for RUC officers on operational duties. [19499]

  Mr. Ingram
  [holding answer 10 December 1997]The total cost of foreign travel for RUC officers on operational duties in November and December 1996 was £35,604.20.

  Millennium Compliance
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland 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. [20521]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  [holding answer 12 December 1997]My Departments are very aware of the importance of being Millennium compliant. They have taken steps to ensure compliance for the year 2000 by including an appropriate clause in contract documentation for the supply of goods and services. It is difficult to assess at this point in time how many suppliers are not Millennium compliant. However every effort is being made by my officials to encourage companies to become compliant through awareness seminars and liaising with organisations such as industry lead bodies and the CBI.

  I have not specified a date when my Departments will cease to deal with non-governmental organisations and suppliers which are not Millennium compliant as the legalities of doing so are as yet unclear.

  Euro
  Mr. Colman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment she has made of the impact on Northern Ireland of the adoption of the euro by the Republic of Ireland. [20772]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  [holding answer 15 December 1997]Northern Ireland's interests, as part of the United Kingdom, are best served by this Government's policy that the United Kingdom will enter EMU only if the economic benefits are clear and unambiguous and if the people agree in a referendum. Great Britain continues to be Northern Ireland's main export market. The impact on Northern Ireland of the Republic of Ireland entering EMU earlier than the United Kingdom would depend, among other things, on the stability of the sterling/euro exchange rate and the flexibility of local labour markets.

  Museums and Galleries
  Mr. MacKay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if the Northern Ireland Museums Council was consulted on the preparation of the draft Museums and Galleries (NI) Order 1997. [21133]

  Mr. Worthington
  Yes.

  Mr. MacKay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what costs have been incurred in advertising for personnel for the Museums Institution for Northern Ireland prior to its being given parliamentary approval. [21131]

  Mr. Worthington
  No costs have been incurred in respect of personnel solely relating to the new institution. A director has been sought to fill the current vacancies at the Ulster Museum and Ulster Folk and Transport Museum with the intention that this person would in due course become the director of the new institution. Advertisements relating to this appointment have been run on two occasions and cost £26,410 in total.
  186
  Advertisements to seek trustees for the Northern Ireland Museums Council and the new body have cost £3,760.

  Mr. MacKay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will list the individuals and organisations that commented on the draft Museums and Galleries (NI) Order 1997. [21136]

  Mr. Worthington
  The organisations and individuals who commented were as follows:

  Museums

  Ulster Museum (Board of Trustees)

  Ulster Folk and Transport Museum (Board of Trustees) plus two
  individual members of staff

  Ulster-American Folk Park (Board of Trustees)

  Museums related

  Northern Ireland Museums' Council

  Museums' Association

  Irish Museums' Association

  Museums and Galleries Commission

  Irish Professional Conservators' and Restorers' Association

  Down County Museum

  District Councils

  Ards Borough Council

  Armagh City and District Council.

  Ballymoney City Council

  Belfast City Council

  Craigavon Borough Council

  Derry City Council

  Down District Council

  Magherafelt District Council

  Newtownabbey Borough Council

  Strabane District Council

  Government

  Virginia Bottomley MP

  Department of Economic Development

  Department of the Environment

  Northern Ireland Audit Office

  Michael D. Higgins TD

  Other bodies>

  SDLP

  Arts Council of Northern Ireland

  Sports Council for Northern Ireland

  Equal Opportunities Commission for Northern Ireland

  Ministry of Defence

  Royal Ulster Constabulary

  Association of Local Authorities of Northern Ireland

  Northern Ireland Community Relations Council

  Ulster Historical Foundation

  NIPSA (Northern Ireland Public Service Alliance)

  William Thompson MP

  Individuals

  D. R. M. Weatherup

  Sir Phillip Foreman

  Clive Priestly

  Mr. Mackay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if the advice of the Museums and Galleries Commission was sought(a) before preparation of the draft Museums and Galleries (NI) Order 1997,

  187
  (b) during the consultation stage on the draft Order and (c) following the representations received on the draft Order. [21130]

  Mr. Worthington
  The advice of the Museums and Galleries Commission (MGC) was sought before the preparation of the draft Museums and Galleries (NI) Order 1997 and during the consultation stage. After this, further consideration was restricted to the Museums Merger Steering Group which includes representatives of the three museums involved in the merger together with independent representatives one of whom is the NI Commissioner for MGC.

  Water Fluoridation
  Mr. Mallon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what fluoride compounds are added to public water supplies in Tandragee and Bangor; in what concentration; and by whom they are supplied. [20063]

  Mr. Worthington
  The fluoride content of the water supply is increased only in water supplied to Tandragee and Holywood. The water supplied to Bangor is not subject to fluoridation. The compound of fluorine used to increase the fluoride content of the water supply is hexafluorosilicic acid.

  The fluoridation of water is subject to the provisions of the Water (Fluoridation) (Northern Ireland) Order 1987. Under the provisions of that Order the concentration of fluoride is, so far as is reasonably practicable, required to be maintained at one milligram per litre.

  Hexafluorosilicic acid is purchased from a supplier selected by annual tender.

  Mr. Mallon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment she has made of the risks to health arising from fluoridation of water supplies. [20065]

  Mr. Worthington
  The overwhelming scientific evidence has concluded that fluoridation of water supplies at one part per million parts of water is entirely safe. The water service monitors the supply to ensure that the concentration is maintained at this level.

  Mr. Mallon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans there are to(a) extend and (b) cease the fluoridation of water supplies in Northern Ireland. [20067]

  Mr. Worthington
  There are presently no plans to extend or cease the fluoridation of water supplies in Northern Ireland.

  Mr. Mallon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many(a) households and (b) residents receive fluoridated public water supplies in (i) Tandragee and (ii) Bangor.[20069]

  Mr. Worthington
  The estimated number of households and residents in Tandragee and Holywood normally receiving water supplies with an increased fluoride levels is as follows:

  Number

  Tandragee

  Households receiving water supplies with an increased fluoride content

  1,000

  Residents receiving water supplies with increased fluoride content

  3,000

  188

  Number

  Holywood

  Household receiving water supplies with an increased fluoride content

  1,400

  Residents receiving water supplies with increased fluoride content

  3,100

  The water supplied to Bangor is not subject to fluoridation.

  Mr. Mallon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what representation she has received in relation to fluoridation at Tandaragee and Bangor. [20064]

  Mr. Worthington
  I have received 15 representations in relation to fluoridation. Five of the representations related to the fluoridation of Tandragee's water supply.

  Mr. Mallon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment has been made of the impact of fluoridation on the(a) dental and (b) general medical health of the population of Tandragee and Bangor. [20066]

  Mr. Worthington
  No assessment of the effects of fluoridation have been carried out in Tandaragee or Holywood because the population supplied with fluoridated water is too small for a valid statistical assessment to be made. However observation by general dental practitioners and community dentists indicate the patients in Tandragee and Holywood supplied with fluoridated water enjoy better dental health than those who do not receive fluoridated water.

  Mr. Mallon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on what basis Tandragee and Bangor were selected as the location for the fluoridation of public water supplies.[20068]

  Mr. Worthington
  Following encouragement from Government in 1968 Councils responsible for Tandragee and Holywood agreed to introduce fluoridation schemes in these areas.

  The water supplied to Bangor is not subject to fluoridation.

  Mr. Mallon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when the Water Service commenced adding flouride compounds to public water supplies at Tandragee and Bangor; and what public consultation preceded such action. [20070]

  Mr. Worthington
  Fluoridation takes place at the water treatment works serving Tandragee and Holywood. These schemes were both introduced by their respective Councils. The Holywood plant became operational in 1970 followed in 1974 with the opening of the Tandragee plant.

  The water supplied to Bangor is not subject to fluoridation.

  Housing Executive
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will list the religious and community background of (i) male and (ii) female clerical officers and clerkypists in each office of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.[19575]
  189
  Mr. Paul Murphy
  This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, who has advised me that information about the religious and community background of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive's workforce is not published at a level below that of the organisation as a whole. This is published annually in the Fair Employment Commission's Report "A Profile of the Northern Ireland Workforce Summary of the Monitoring Returns". The most recent report for 1996 is available in the Library.

TREASURY

  VAT (NHS Trusts)
  Mrs. Laing
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the total performance-related pay received by staff in HM Customs and Excise offices responsible for recovering VAT from NHS trusts in each year since 1990. [20000]

  Public body

  Names

  Position

  Whether remunerated

  Private Finance Task Force

  Mr. Adrian Montague

  Chief Executive

  Remunerated

  Financial Services Authority

  Ms Dierdre Hutton

  Directors

  All remunerated

  Mr. Christopher Rodrigues

  Mr. Robert Smith

  Mr. Stephen Thieke

  Mr. Brian Williamson CBE1

  Financial Services Tribunal

  Ms M. E. Black

  Members of Tribunal

  All unremunerated (but fee paid per sitting)

  Mr. R. G. Burnett

  Ms J. Castiau

  Mr. K. W. Emery

  Mr. W. R. Gemmell

  Mr. R. C. H. Jeens

  Miss M. S. Lai

  Mr. R. Leighton

  Mr. I N. Mokhtar

  Mr. N. M. Moore

  Mr. J. Parsloe

  Mr. P. Purewal

  Mr. J. C. Ritchie

  Mr. I. L. Rushton

  Mrs. L. M. Salisbury

  Mr. M. E. Tuke

  Mr. W. D. Walker OBE

  Ms V. Ward

  Mr. P. D. Williams

  Mr. B. R. Wordsworth

  Board of Banking Supervision

  Sir Alan Hardcastle1,2

  Independent Member

  Remunerated

  VAT and Duties Tribunal

  Mr. John Davidson

  Part time lay Members

  All unremunerated (but fee paid per sitting)

  Mr. Alex McLoughlin

  Mrs. Joanna Neill

  National Savings

  Mr. Roy Heape

  Non-executive directors

  Remunerated

  Ms Judy Lowe

  Mr. James Turner

  1Re-appointment.

  2 Joint appointment by the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Governor of the Bank of England.

  190
  Dawn Primarolo
  All pay awards made to all Customs and Excise staff are performance related. No central record is kept of the staff who carry out VAT assurance work on NHS trusts.

  National Asset Register
  Mr. Colman
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 24 November 1997,Official Report, columns 359–60, to the hon. Member for East Ham (Mr. Timms), if Departments and agencies will be able to use receipts generated from asset sales to support investment under PFI schemes. [21656]

  Mr. Darling
  Yes.

  Public Appointments
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 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. [19970]

  Mrs. Liddell
  The information requested is as follows:

  Economic and Monetary Union
  Mr. Ian Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer by what date the Inland Revenue systems will be capable of handling the Euro; and when the Treasury will instruct the Inland Revenue to prepare for sterling joining economic and monetary union. [20317]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The Inland Revenue already accept payments in foreign currency and this facility will be extended to the euro. The Inland Revenue, along with other departments, has already started to consider what should be done to prepare for the option of the UK joining the single currency in the next Parliament.

  Mr. Ian Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment the Inland Revenue has made of the impact on its activities of sterling joining economic and monetary union. [20319]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The Inland Revenue is reviewing the implications which would arise if the UK were to adopt the single currency.

  Declarations of Origin (Israel)
  Dr. Starkey
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if Customs and Excise's inquiries into the true origin of products imported from Israel includes(a) dairy products, (b) other agricultural products and (c) manufactured products; and what other products are included; [20348]

  (2) when EC officials will meet Israeli representatives to seek a solution to the problem of false origin declarations. [20350]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Customs and Excise are currently awaiting replies from Israel in relation to inquiries concerning textile waste and telecommunications equipment. Israel has undertaken to verify the originating status of orange juice exported to the Community since June 1995 and to complete these inquiries by 10 March 1998. Further inquiries relating to a range of manufactured goods have been suspended following undertakings given by Israel at a meeting with EC officials on 28 November to resolve the doubts concerning the validity of preferential certificates.

  Dr. Starkey
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when Customs and Excise experts from the Member States of the European Communities will meet to co-ordinate further measures on verifying Israeli; origin declarations. [20349]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Meetings took place on 28 November and 10 December 1997. A further meeting to agree a common policy is scheduled for 12 January 1998.

  Dr. Starkey
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when Customs and Excise will report the results of their inquiries into the true origin of products imported from Israel. [20347]

  Dawn Primarolo
  It is normal procedure for Customs to inform importers when inquiries are sent to Israel. As soon as a response is received the importer is advised.

  Green Minister
  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the current priorities of the Green Minister within his Department. [20512]
  192
  Dawn Primarolo
  As the Treasury's Green Minister I am committed to 'greening' the Department's operations, to integrating environmental considerations into other policy areas, and to improving the economic analysis underpinning the Government's environmental initiatives.

  The statement of intent on Environmental Taxation, issued with the July Budget, committed the Government to the delivery of sustainable growth. In line with that statement, we are exploring the scope for using the tax system, where appropriate, to deliver environmental objectives. Key current priorities were indicated in the Pre-Budget Report.

  Student Suicides
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many students have committed suicide in the current academic year. [20890]

  Mrs. Liddell
  The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Chief Executive of the Office for National Statistics. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from Tim Holt to Mr. Keith Vaz, dated 17 December 1997:
  The Chancellor of the Exchequer has asked me to reply, as the Director of the Office for National Statistics (ONS), to your recent questions on suicides by students.
  In the period 1 September 1996 to 31 July 1997, there were a total of 114 suicides recorded to persons aged 16 and over in England and Wales who were described as 'students' at the time their deaths were registered. These are the latest figures available which approximate to a completed academic year and include deaths where the underlying cause of death was coded as suicide or undetermined injury.

  EU Banks and Credit Institutions (Supervision)
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what competence the Governing Council or Executive Board of the European central bank will have for requiring its component national central banks to apply common criteria or rules for licensing and supervision of their respective national banks and credit institutions; [21225]

  (2) pursuant to his answer of 2 December 1997, Official Report, column 168, if he will make a statement on the treaty responsibilities of the European Central Bank in respect of the licensing and supervision of national banks and credit institutions in the event of UK entry into EMU and its consequent duties in respect of actions of national banks. [21004]

  Mrs. Liddell
  None. Article 105(6) of the Treaty would allow the ECB to carry out specific tasks concerning policies relating to the prudential supervision of credit institutions but only after legislation by the Council, acting unanimously, had conferred these functions on the ECB. No such legislation has been proposed by the Commission. Under Article 105(5) the European System of Central Banks, including ECB itself, will have an obligation to contribute to the smooth conduct of policies pursued by Member States' competent authorities, relating to the prudential supervision of credit institutions.

  Export Transactions
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of British export business was conducted in(a) US dollars, (b) German marks, (c) French francs, (d) other EU currencies and (e) other world currencies in each of the last five years.[21200]

  Mrs. Liddell
  [holding answer 16 December 1997]I refer the hon. Member to the answers I gave the hon. Member for Woodspring (Dr. Fox) on 4 November 1997,Official Report, columns 101–02, on 13 November 1997, Official Report, columns 625–26, and on 24 November 1997, Official Report, columns 358–59.

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  Packaging Waste
  Mr. Bill O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) if he will make a statement on his review of the Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations 1997; and when the review will commence; and what procedures it will follow; [19739]

  (2) if he will make it his policy to issue reprocessing certificates under the packaging waste regulations only to those companies which achieve the tonnage of waste in each material for which they have an obligation; and if he will make a statement; [20106]

  (3) what representations he has received from the packaging industry concerning the compatibility of the practice of shared responsibility with free market principles; and if he will make a statement;[20105]

  (4) what representations he has received from those businesses which are involved with the packaging waste regulations which have insufficient packaging waste arising from their businesses to meet their targets; and if he will make a statement. [20104]

  Mr. Meacher
  Increasing the recycling and recovery of waste packaging is an important element of achieving a more sustainable waste strategy. The Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations 1997 are intended broadly to double UK recycling and recovery rates by the year 2001, so that around 50 per cent. of all waste packaging is recovered. These regulations, enacted by the previous Government, are based on an industry agreement reached on 15 December 1995 and, as I have indicated previously, I am keen to ensure that we review their effectiveness and ensure that they fairly reflect that agreement. I accept the importance of an early Review as recommended by the Advisory Committee on Packaging, chaired by Sir Peter Parker, to the then Secretary of State for the Environment, the right hon. Member for Suffolk, Coastal (Mr. Gummer), in his letter of 9 July 1996, a copy of which is in the Library.

  I have set four broad objectives for the Review:

  (i) To determine whether the measures in the Regulations are sufficient to ensure that the UK is on course to meet the targets set by the EC Directive on Packaging and Packaging Waste;

  194

  (ii) To identify the scope for increased recycling and recovery of packaging waste so as to make a greater contribution to the UK's sustainable waste management strategy;

  (iii) To simplify the Regulations wherever possible, while fulfilling the requirements of the EC Directive on Packaging and Packaging Waste (94/62EC) and maintaining the "shared approach" legal obligation as the basis of the regulations;

  (iv) To achieve fairness in terms of the 15 December 1995 agreement on the sharing of the legal obligation between sectors and to encourage co-operation along the packaging chain.

  I am asking the Advisory Committee to let me have their recommendations on the best means of achieving these objectives and in addition to look at the following specific issues:

  (i) The case for separate targets for household and commercial and industrial recycling, and the scope for strengthening the local authority role;

  (ii) The case for additional regulatory measures to encourage minimisation, and reuse of packaging and greater consumer awareness of opportunities to minimise and recycle;

  (iii) The effectiveness of current requirements on evidence of compliance and in particular the system of proformas issued by accredited reprocessors (known as Producer Responsibility Notes) and whether this system should be retained in its present form or could be improved;

  (iv) How small businesses can best be encouraged to play a part in increasing recycling and recovery levels.

  I have asked the Advisory Committee to let me have their recommendations by the end of May and I will consider representations from all other interested parties before determining what proposals to bring forward for public consultation later in 1998.

  I have today also received the Advisory Committee's recommendations on the issues on which I asked for their views earlier this year. A copy of their advice is in the Library. With regard to readjustment of the shareout figures in the regulations, I agree with the Committee that the data provided so far this year are not sufficiently robust on which to base a new shareout allocation, and I have asked for further work to be carried out to validate these data, as far as is practicable. I will give further consideration to this and the other issues looked at by the Committee in bringing forward proposals for public consultation next year.

  Leasehold Valuation Tribunal (West Midlands)
  Jacqui Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will investigate what arrangements the West Midlands Leasehold Valuation Tribunal will make to administer the valuation cases to be submitted on behalf of the Redditch Leasehold Action Committee; and what targets he has set for the maximum time that the leaseholders concerned should expect to wait after submission for decisions. [20462]

  Mr. Raynsford
  Leasehold Valuation Tribunals are statutorily independent bodies. I understand that the West Midland Leasehold Valuation Tribunal proposes to deal with these cases in batches of about 10 to 25, as submitted by the Agent for the Leaseholders. Applications on this scale have never had to be dealt with before, and the Tribunal has been in touch with the Agents for all the parties concerned throughout. Despite having no
  195
  powers to issue directions, it is proactively seeking to encourage the parties to identify and narrow the relevant issues prior to the hearings.

  The first batch is to be dealt with on 5 February 1998 and the intention is to hear subsequent batches at the rate of one per week.

  The West Midland Tribunal, of course, also has to deal concurrently with cases from other parts of their area.

  On this basis, the earliest cases will have taken approximately 12 months from receipt of the applications at the Tribunal offices to issue of the decisions, but these cases have been held back at the request of the parties awaiting the decisions on three earlier applications submitted by freeholders.

  It is anticipated that, as hearings progress, later cases should be decided in about half that time.

  Channel Tunnel
  Mr. Gorrie
  To ask the Secretary of State fore the Environment, Transport and the Regions what public support has been provided to enable a train service from Edinburgh to run direct through the Channel Tunnel or to connect with the channel tunnel service at Waterloo. [20697]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The provision of rail services through the Channel Tunnel is the commercial responsibility of Eurostar (UK) Ltd. (EUKL), which was transferred to the private sector in May 1996. When EUKL (then called European Passenger Services Ltd.) was in Government ownership—9 May 1994 to 31 May 1996—direct grants totalling £423.7 million were made towards running costs and investment. No specific sums were, however, earmarked for the provision of services to or from Edinburgh.

  Mr. Gorrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to assist the development of a high-speed rail link from Edinburgh to the continent via the Channel Tunnel. [20698]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  A new high speed rail link between the Channel Tunnel and London St. Pancras is planned to be completed in 2003. This new line, along with the East Coast Main Line, should provide for high speed trains between Edinburgh and the Continent.

  Heathrow Rail Link
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) when he expects work on the Heathrow rail link to(a) start and (b) be completed.[20938]

  (2) if he will make a statement on the Heathrow rail link.[20937]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The Heathrow Express project is progressing well with services due to start in mid 1998.

  Railtrack and BAA have taken forward a feasibility study looking at the potential for development of Heathrow-St. Pancras services. Investigations are at an early stage and it is not possible to say whether the scheme will be taken forward.

  Kyoto Conference
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list each of the delegations with whom he held meetings at the climate change conference in Kyoto; and if he will place in the Library copies of(a) all papers submitted by the United Kingdom to the conference and (b) all papers made available to the United Kingdom delegation by other parties to the conference in the period up to and including 10 December. [20770]

  Mr. Meacher
  During the recent climate change conference in Kyoto, my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister and I held meetings with representatives from the following delegations:

  The European Commission and the member states of the European Union

  The Group of 77 (represented by Tanzania, India, China,
  Malaysia, Uganda, The Philippines, Colombia and Iran)

  The United States of America

  Japan Australia

  New Zealand

  India

  The United Nations Climate Change Secretariat

  In addition, the UK delegation had meetings at official level with a wide range of other countries including Canada, Turkey, Zimbabwe, Russia, Pakistan and St. Kitts-Nevis.

  I will shortly place in the Library copies of the Deputy Prime Minister's statement to the Conference and copies of those statements made by other parties which were made available to the United Kingdom delegation.

  Heathrow Airport
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he is proposing to take to bring to a conclusion the inquiry into terminal 5 at Heathrow. [20941]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  None. The conduct and timing of the inquiry is a matter for the Inspector who has been appointed to advise the Secretary of State on the proposed Terminal 5 and associated applications. The inquiry is currently expected to close in the second half of 1998.

  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what has been the cost to public funds of the Heathrow Terminal 5 inquiry to date. [20942]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The estimated cost to date of the Terminal 5 inquiry to the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, including its agencies, is about £8 million. It is estimated that the local authorities involved in the inquiry have spent around £6.5 million so far.

  Opencast Coal Mining
  Mr. Peter Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what conclusions he has reached from the recent consultation on the future of planning policy for opencast coal mining. [21011]
  197
  Mr. Caborn
  We have not yet reached any conclusion because we are still considering the large number of responses in the consultation exercise.

  Housing Repair
  Ms Oona King
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what percentage of local government housing repairs take longer than four weeks to complete; and what steps the Government are taking to encourage local authorities to reduce that period. [20976]

  Mr Raynsford
  The information requested is not collected centrally.

  The Government remain committed to the Right to Repair scheme, introduced for council tenants on 1 April 1994 as part of the Citizen's Charter initiative. This ensures that certain small, urgent repairs which might affect tenants' health, safety or security are done quickly, within 1 to 7 working days, according to the nature of the problem. The repairs covered by the scheme, and the prescribed periods in which the work must be carried out, are set out in the Schedule to the Secure Tenants of Local Housing Authorities (Right to Repair) Regulations 1994. If such repairs are not carried out by the council within the statutory period, tenants may be eligible for compensation under the scheme.

  The Government are keen to encourage all local authorities to perform to the standards of the best in managing their properties, and are discussing with the Local Government Association and others how the new Best Value regime can be developed to achieve this.

  Road Safety
  Mr. Jenkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what criteria the Highways Agency uses to evaluate the siting of safety fencing on trunk roads. [20555]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  [holding answer 15 December 1997]The criteria used by the Highways Agency to Evaluate the siting of safety fences on trunk roads is set down in departmental standard TD 19/85 "Safety Fences and Barriers" which is contained in Volume 2, Section 2 of the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges. A copy of TD 19/85 is lodged in the House of Commons Library. This was amended by the statement made by the then Minister for Roads and Traffic to Parliament on17 December 1986,Official Report, column 535, which extended the provision of safety fencing to all dual carriageway trunk roads where it could be shown that this was justified by the traffic using the road. The Highways Agency together with the Transport Research Laboratory are examining accident data to evaluate the case for extending the provision of protection to roadside equipment and obstructions. If the results of this work indicate that a wider provision is necessary, revisions will be made to the Highways Agency standards in due course.

  Capital Receipts (Bolton)
  Ms Kelly
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is his estimate of the total capital receipts to be released to the borough of Bolton and over what period; and what proportion will be spent on housing. [20990]
  198
  Mr. Raynsford
  Under our Capital Receipts Initiative, the borough of Bolton will receive a total of £1.033 million in 1997–98 and £3.305 million in 1998–99. Decisions about levels of funding under the Initiative over the longer term, will be taken in our Comprehensive Spending Review. Information supplied by the borough suggests that in 1998–99 they intend to spend 85 per cent. of these additional resources on housing schemes with the remaining 15 per cent. being used to support housing related regeneration projects.

  Airport Signs
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to the answer of 10 December 1997,Official Report, column 547, concerning signs at airports, if she will require those words which do require to be used to appear additionally in other languages. [21141]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  [holding answer 16 December 1997]: No. Airports already provide supporting information in foreign languages where there is a specific need in a particular part of the airport. But to require the inclusion of foreign languages on signs would risk making them more difficult for passengers to absorb quickly, and would risk offending those whose languages were not used. If the hon. Member has a specific need at a particular airport in mind, he may like to discuss it with the airport management concerned.

  I am also taking this opportunity to clarify the answer which I gave to the hon. Member on 10 December 1997, Official Report, column 547. The UK follows the Recommended Practice on international signs contained in the Chicago Convention, Annex 9, provision 6.9, which is that the international signs published jointly by the International Civil Aviation Organisation and the International Maritime Organisation should be used at airports and ports. Among the general principles set out in the joint publication (Document 9636) are that as far as possible symbols should be used without words on signs at airports and ports.

  Local Transport Infrastructure
  Ms Kingham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will announce the allocation of capital resources for expenditure on local transport infrastructure in 1998–99. [21611]

  Dr. Strang
  This year a total of £623 million is to be allocated to local highway authorities and passenger transport authorities in England for capital expenditure on their transport infrastructure in 1998–99. This consists of £155 million in transport supplementary grant (TSG), £40 million for Croydon Tramlink and around £427 million in annual capital guideline (ACG), supplementary credit approval (SCA), grant under section 56 of the Transport Act 1968 and grant under section 13 of the Industrial Development Act 1982.

  In this year's settlement I am allocating resources to 10 new packages, of transport measures in addition to the 61 packages which are already being funded. A further six authorities will receive allocations to pursue specific measures in packages that are not yet ready for full acceptance. The total allocated to packages is increased by £6 million to £85 million. The West Midlands

  199
  metropolitan package will enjoy a rise of £1.175 million to allow accelerated progress on its bus-based strategy. The Avon package sees an increase of £1 million to deliver integrated transport measures in the Bristol, Bath and Weston-super-Mare areas.

  In addition to increased funding for multi-modal packages in 1998–99 we are raising the allocations for cross boundary projects in London which we judge to be the way to promote alternatives to the car in the capital. Support for the London Bus Priority Network rises by £2 million to £11 million, and the London Cycle Network gains a further £1 million to reach £5 million, £40 million goes to Croydon's Tramlink project now in progress.

  In Manchester £7.2 million is allocated to help with rebuilding the city centre following the IRA bombing.

  In a year of tight budgetary pressures these initiatives confirm the Government's resolve to pursue integrated transport policies which will reduce traffic by promoting sustainable alternatives to the private car.

  Safety is of primary importance. The £50 million allocated for improvements in locations with a poor accident record will keep up the momentum in the drive to meet current casualty reduction targets. The extra resources for transport packages will enhance safety even further by reducing traffic, calming that which remains, and furnishing better facilities for cycling, walking and public transport.

  A sum of £180 million is being allocated for the structural maintenance of principal roads, and the assessment, strengthening and structural maintenance of bridges.

  The allocation for major schemes already being supported is £280 million in 1998–99.

  Table 1 sets out the national totals for different types of expenditure. Table 2 shows the total amounts of grant, credit approvals and gross approved expenditure for each of the 149 local highway authorities, and the 6 passenger transport authorities. The Government Offices for the Regions are notifying them today of their allocations. Table 3 lists the allocations to transport packages. Copies of the tables have been placed in the Library.

  Local Government Reorganisation
  Mr. Watts
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what resources he will make available to authorities that have been or are to be reorganised on 1 April 1996, 1997 or 1998 for reorganisation costs incurred by them in 1998–99; and if he will make a statement. [21612]

  Ms Armstrong
  On 10 October I invited all authorities which are eligible to participate in the Local Government Reorganisation Costs Scheme for 1998–99, and which have been or are to be reorganised on or before 1 April 1998, to submit estimates of the amount of expenditure they expect to incur on transitional costs of reorganisation in 1998–99. On the basis, inter alia, of the information provided by the authorities, I have decided the maximum amounts that it would be appropriate to allocate towards such costs.
  200
  The amounts are as follows:

  Maximum amounts: £000s rounded

  Authority

  1998–99

  1996 reorganisations

  Hartlepool Borough Council

  720

  Middlesbrough Borough Council

  2,284

  Stockton on Tees Borough Council

  1,646

  Bristol City Council

  1,268

  Bath and North East Somerset Council

  1,280

  North Somerset Council

  652

  South Gloucestershire Council

  1,000

  Kingston upon Hull Council

  1,823

  East Riding Yorkshire Council

  4,259

  North Lincolnshire Council

  3,289

  North East Lincolnshire Council

  1,853

  Total

  20,074

  1997 reorganisations

  Luton Borough Council

  1,973

  Milton Keynes Borough Council

  2,250

  Derby City Council

  1,602

  Bournemouth Borough Council

  500

  Poole Borough Council

  1,100

  Darlington Borough Council

  993

  Brighton and Hove Council

  1,207

  Portsmouth City Council

  1,695

  Southampton City Council

  2,185

  Rutland Council

  1,065

  Stoke on Trent City Council

  1,348

  Swindon Borough Council

  902

  Total

  16,820

  1998 reorganisations

  Reading Borough Council

  2,081

  Slough Borough Council

  1,781

  Wokingham District Council

  2,262

  County of Herefordshire District Council

  5,155

  Worcestershire County Council

  1,150

  Malvern Hills District Council

  360

  Devon County Council

  715

  Plymouth City Council

  10,109

  Torbay Borough Council

  6,396

  Essex County Council

  2,683

  Southend on Sea Borough Council

  1,690

  Thurrock Borough Council

  3,067

  Nottinghamshire County Council

  3,334

  Nottingham City Council

  3,920

  Cheshire County Council

  2,275

  Halton Borough Council

  2,832

  Warrington Borough Council

  3,013

  Shropshire County Council

  994

  The Wrekin District Council

  4,301

  Kent County Council

  752

  Medway Towns Council

  5,674

  Cambridgeshire County Council

  320

  Peterborough City Council

  2,204

  Lancashire County Council

  1,465

  Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council

  3,349

  Blackpool Borough Council

  3,188

  Total

  75,070

  Combined total allocations

  111,964

  Redcar and Cleveland, York City and Leicester City Councils did not submit bids. Newbury District Council, The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, and Bracknell Forest Borough Council have not bid for SCA.

  Thameslink 2000
  Mr. Cummings
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if the application
  201
  by Railtrack for an order under the Transport and Works Act 1992 in respect of the Thameslink 2000 project is to be referred to Parliament as a scheme involving proposals of national significance. [21618]

  Dr. Strang
  Whilst my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State agrees that the proposals in the draft Railtrack (Thameslink 2000) Order are important for London, he does not consider them to be of sufficient significance in national terms to fall within section 9 of the 1992 Act. The application will not therefore be referred to Parliament under the provisions of that section of the Act.

  Planning Blight
  Mr. Quinn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will publish the report of the interdepartmental working group on blight; and if he will make a statement. [21664]

  Mr. Caborn
  I have today placed copies of the final report of the Interdepartmental Working Group on Blight in the Library. The report is accompanied by a draft Code of Practice on the dissemination of information during the various stages of major infrastructure developments. I have also deposited copies of the report of the research conducted by the City University Business School into the operation of compulsory purchase orders which is published today by the Stationery Office.

  The Interdepartmental Working Group on Blight was set up to review the scope, cause and effects of blight arising during the various stages of major infrastructure projects and to consider whether any practical changes can be made to the existing arrangements for property purchase and compensation throughout Great Britain.

  The Group has identified a number of options. One relates to the desirability of improving information flows at all stages of major infrastructure developments, and this provided the impetus for the Code of Practice. A further tranche of recommendations relates to relatively small-scale amendments to existing legislation. However, one recommendation (that a new property purchase guarantee and compensation scheme should be devised) would, if it were accepted, involve major changes to legislation. I should emphasise that this recommendation, which is born of a desire to reduce or eliminate generalised blight, does not undermine the fundamentals of the existing blight and compensation arrangements.

  The Group points out that although the focus of the review was generalised blight consequent upon proposals for major infrastructure projects, responses to the discussion paper issued in June last year suggested that the most effective remedy might lie in changes to the arrangements for addressing statutory blight. However, the Group, in seeking to ameliorate the worst effects of generalised blight in this way, has not sought to reassess compulsory purchase and compensation law in its entirety, nor has it considered it consistent with its terms of reference to recommend changes to the law which are not germane to the issue of generalised blight.

  The Group has delivered a detailed report on a subject of some complexity. None of the issues is clear-cut, nor are any of the options it has identified free from wider consequences. For this reason I am anxious that the report should be made widely available for discussion and comment before together with my ministerial colleagues
  202
  in Scotland and elsewhere, give further consideration to its findings. I am therefore publishing the report of the Interdepartmental Working Group on Blight, the draft Code of Practice and the draft Property Purchase Guarantee and Compensation Scheme. Comments from all those with an interest are invited by 31 March.

  Ministry of Defence Properties
  Mr. Ennis
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he will publish guidance to those concerned with the disposal and subsequent development of surplus Ministry of Defence properties. [21665]

  Mr. Caborn
  Together with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence, I have today published guidelines on the joint working of Ministry of Defence and Regional Government Offices on the disposal of surplus MOD property. Copies have been placed in the Library.

  The guidelines, which have been prepared with the close cooperation of the Government Offices in the Regions, MOD and my Department, are designed to help mitigate any adverse impact on a local community which may follow the closure of a defence establishment. We hope that, by putting in place arrangements for joint working between MOD and the Government Offices, and by bringing into discussions at an early stage local authorities and other agencies which may be involved in planning the future use of redundant sites, the full potential of these sits will be realised, consistent with the principles of sustainable development. It is hoped that these arrangements will also help speed up the disposal process. It should be noted, however, that these guidelines may, in due course, need to be revised to take account of research currently underway into the development of the redundant defence estate, and to reflect the establishment of the Regional Development Agencies. For this reason, they should be seen as interim.

  The guidelines, which I am sending to local authorities, bodies responsible for urban and rural regeneration, Government Offices and other interested bodies, will be freely available to other with an interest.

  Merchant Shipping (Donaldson Report)
  Dr. Starkey
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what progress the Government has made implementing the recommendations of Lord Donaldson's inquiry into the prevention of pollution from merchant shipping. [21668]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  I have today placed copies of a progress note in the Library. This shows that the bulk of the Inquiry's recommendations have now been implemented, that the implementation of the majority of the remainder is ongoing, that some have been overtaken, and that only five are still under consideration.

  Fire Safety
  Ms Kingham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what changes he proposes to make to the building regulations in England and Wales to improve fire safety in buildings. [21092]
  203
  Mr. Raynsford
  I am issuing today a consultation paper which sets out proposed changes to the Approved Document which is published in support of Part B of Schedule 1 to the Building Regulations 1991, covering fire safety matters.

  The changes reflect experience of significant fires in buildings since the document was last revised as well as changes in construction practice. The text also reflects changes made to improve the clarity of the guidance in the light of queries received upon it.

  Amongst the changes proposed are a requirement for sprinklers to be installed in large single storey retail premises, and restrictions on the use of certain thermoplastic cored products with good insulation properties used in food processing factories and elsewhere. Both of these proposals have been brought forward with the safety of firefighters in mind as well as building users.

  Other changes include restrictions on the use of certain materials in lighting diffusers, and in respect of dwellings, additional guidance on the siting and installation of smoke alarms, including in loft conversions, and on the provision of suitable escape windows in habitable rooms.

  I am placing a copy of the consultation paper in the Library, comments on these proposals have been invited by 31 March 1998.

WALES

  GP Fundholders
  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what have been the payments made to general practitioner fundholders in Wales in each year since 1990–91 in respect of(a) management allowances and (b) computer costs. [19940]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  Reimbursement to general practitioner fundholders in respect of expenses covered by management allowances and associated computer costs since the inception of the scheme is as follows:

  £ million

  Management costs

  Computer costs

  1990–91

  0.112

  —

  1991–92

  0.518

  0.588

  1992–93

  1.677

  0.997

  1993–94

  3.055

  1.283

  1994–95

  3.795

  1.04

  1995–96

  6.707

  1.268

  Expenditure figures for 1996–97 are not available but provisional accounts suggest that the total sum amounts to £8.8 million for management allowance and £0.765 million for computers.

  Nursery Education
  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many four-year-olds were in(a) maintained reception classes, (b) maintained nursery classes or schools and (c) voluntary and private settings (i) on 23 September 1997 and (ii) in January 1996. [19939]
  204
  Mr. Hain
  The information is not available in the form requested. The January 1997 School census showed 35,313 pupils aged 4 were receiving at least part-time education in maintained nursery, primary and special schools, of whom 1,017 were in nursery schools, 7,746 in nursery classes in primary schools and 136 in special schools. This compares with 35,251 at January 1996, of whom 1,044 were in nursery schools, 7,828 in nursery classes in primary schools and 131 in special schools. Nursery voucher redemption statistics indicate that 2,407 four-year-olds were receiving at least part-time nursery education in private and voluntary settings in the Summer term 1997.

  Primary School Class Sizes
  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what percentage and how many primary school pupils were in classes of over(a) 30, (b) 36 and (c) 40 in January (i) in each local education authority in Wales and (ii) in total; and what was the actual and percentage change in numbers relative to January 1996 in each case. [19942]

  Mr. Hain
  The annual January Schools Census has collected information about the number of classes by size of class but not the total number of pupils in each class. The following table shows for each local education authority area the percentages of ordinary classes in maintained primary schools in January 1996 and 1997 which had more than 30, 35 or 40 pupils.

  Percentage of ordinary classes in maintained primary schools, by class size and local education authority area, January 1996 and 1997

  (A) With over 30 pupils

  (B) With over 35 pupils

  (C) With over 40 pupils

  Local education authority area1

  1996

  1997

  1996

  1997

  1996

  1997

  Isle of Anglesey

  6.1

  8.7

  0.4

  1.1

  0.4

  0.4

  Gwynedd

  12.6

  15.0

  1.4

  2.7

  0.2

  0.2

  Conwy

  25.4

  20.3

  2.7

  2.0

  0.0

  0.0

  Denbighshire

  27.7

  30.3

  4.0

  7.5

  0.0

  0.3

  Flintshire

  36.1

  34.1

  5.0

  4.0

  0.6

  0.4

  Wrexham

  30.8

  32.6

  3.5

  2.0

  0.3

  0.2

  Powys

  6.4

  10.3

  0.4

  1.9

  0.4

  0.2

  Ceredigion

  5.8

  5.3

  2.3

  1.5

  0.4

  0.4

  Pembrokeshire

  7.7

  8.0

  0.0

  0.0

  0.0

  0.0

  Carmarthenshire

  7.1

  6.4

  0.6

  0.6

  0.0

  0.0

  Swansea

  17.7

  19.7

  0.1

  0.9

  0.0

  0.0

  Neath Port Talbot

  14.0

  18.9

  0.4

  1.5

  0.2

  0.6

  Bridgend

  33.7

  40.2

  0.9

  4.0

  0.0

  0.0

  The Vale of Glamorgan

  15.2

  20.1

  1.0

  0.5

  0.0

  0.0

  Cardiff

  24.8

  29.7

  0.7

  1.5

  0.0

  0.1

  Rhondda Cynon Taff

  28.4

  30.0

  2.1

  2.8

  0.1

  0.0

  Merthyr Tydfil

  27.3

  24.1

  1.4

  2.8

  0.0

  0.0

  Caerphilly

  28.5

  33.7

  2.6

  3.3

  0.0

  0.2

  Blaenau Gwent

  31.8

  26.7

  3.7

  3.6

  0.4

  0.0

  Torfaen

  39.5

  34

  4.2

  5.1

  0.0

  0.0

  Monmouthshire

  32.4

  39.6

  2.0

  4.5

  0.0

  0.4

  Newport

  37.7

  39.8

  4.5

  5.9

  0.0

  0.0

  Wales

  22.3

  24.3

  1.8

  2.5

  0.1

  0.1

  Source:

  Schools Census.

  Notes

  1Includes grant maintained schools.

  (A) Percentages in these columns include the percentages for the relevant year shown year (B).

  (B) Percentages in these columns include the percentages for the relevant year shown under (C)
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  From January 1998 the Schools Census will collect pupil numbers by class size.

  Capital Expenditure (Swansea)
  Mr. Donald Anderson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Clwyd, West (Mr. Thomas) of 1 December 1997,Official Report, columns 85–86, if he will make a statement on the level of publicly funded capital expenditure in the Swansea Council area in each of the past three years. [20007]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  Not all this information is held centrally but the principal sums made available or committed over the past three years totalling £75.8 million were:

  £million

  European Regional Development Fund

  5.0

  Welsh Development Agency

  11.7

  Transport Grant/Supplementary Credit Approval

  36.4

  SportsLot

  1.3

  Welsh Arts Lottery Fund

  1.4

  Strategic Development Scheme

  12.6

  Wales Tourist Board

  0.3

  CADW

  0.1

  Heritage Lottery

  0.6

  Top Slice Housing Supplementary Credit Approval

  6.4

  These figures exclude sums made available through basic credit approvals, expenditure on further and higher education and more general housing provision.

  Public Transport
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on liaison between the unitary authorities and the Welsh office on the preparation of plans for public transport. [20311]

  Mr. Hain
  Following my decision earlier this year to expand the scope of the Transport Grant Scheme to cover integrated transport packages, I expect local authorities' plans for public transport to feature increasingly in the regular discussions of Transport Grant issues which take place between authorities and the Welsh Office.

  Teachers
  Mr. Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many full time teachers there were in(a) the primary and (b) the secondary sector in 1997; and what estimate he has made of the numbers in each case in 2000. [20099]

  Mr. Hain
  At January 1997 there were 11,859 qualified full time teachers in the maintained primary sector and 11,925 in the maintained secondary sector. By the school year 2000–01 the number of pupils in the primary sector is forecast to fall while numbers in the secondary sector are expected to rise. The extent to which teacher numbers reflect these changes will be determined by decisions made by local education authorities.

  Students
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many students there were in further education in 1987; and what is the number for the last year for which figures are available. [20308]
  206
  Mr. Hain
  The number of students on further education courses at further and higher education institutions for 1987–88 and 1996–97 are given in the following table:

  Number of students on further education courses at further and higher education institutions in Wales

  1987–881

  1996–972

  Number of students

  69,837

  144,015

  Sources:

  Welsh Office (Further Education Student Record) and Further Education Funding Council for Wales (Individualised Student Record).

  Notes:

  1 At 1 November. Excludes the number of students at the Workers Educational Association and Young Mens Christian Association.

  2 Provisional. At 1 December. Includes the number of students at the Workers Educational Association and Young Mens Christian Association.

  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many (i) access and (ii) foundation course students are currently enrolled on courses in Wales which(a) are and (b) are not an integral part of a course of higher education. [20091]

  Mr. Hain
  For access courses, figures collected by the Welsh Funding Councils show that there were 1,804 full-time students and 1,123 part-time students (including some on very short courses) on access to higher education courses in further education sector colleges and external institutions in Wales in 1996–97. Access courses are classed as further education courses, although some are designed for entry to specific higher education courses.

  Figures for foundation courses which are not parts of higher education courses are not available.

  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what proportion of students went on to higher education (i) within one year and (ii) within three years of having completed a foundation or access course in Wales in the last year for which figures are available; [20093]

  (2) how many students currently enrolled on access and foundation courses in Wales applied for the course before 23 July; and if he will make a statement. [20092]

  Mr. Hain
  The information is not available centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what means-tested NHS bursaries he proposes to make available for medical and dental students in their fifth and subsequent years. [20096]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  This matter is still under consideration.

  Assisted Places Scheme
  Mr. Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what is his estimate of the year on year revenue released from abolishing the assisted places scheme in(a) September 1998, (b) September 1999, (c) September 2000, (d) September 2001 and (e) September 2002; [20135]

  (2) what is his estimate of the year on year cost of additional teachers as a consequence of abolishing the assisted places scheme in (a) 1998–99, (b) 1999–2000, (c) 2000–01, (d) 2001–02 and (e) 2002–03. [20134]
  207
  Mr. Hain
  Estimated annual revenue savings in Wales accruing from the phasing-out of the Assisted Places Scheme, for the period 1998–2002, is shown in the following table.

  Year

  Revenue released(£)

  1998–99

  1,350,000

  1999–00

  2,150,000

  2000–01

  2,700,000

  2001–02

  3,200,000

  2002–03

  3,750,000

  Total

  13,150,000

  The number of APS pupils in Wales returning to or needing to be accommodated in maintained schools will be small and we do not foresee the need for additional teachers. The likely numbers and associated cost of additional teachers in relation to the planned reduction of infant class sizes is not yet known. The Welsh Office will commence consultation with Directors of Education in January on delivering our class sizes pledge.

  Farmers
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many full-time farmers there were in Wales in(a) 1985, (b) 1986, (c) 1987, (d) 1988, and (e) the latest year for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement. [20309]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  The information requested is shown as follows:

  Number of full-time farmers, partners and directors in Wales1

  Thousands

  1985

  24.5

  1986

  24.4

  1987

  23.5

  1988

  23.8

  1996

  21.2

  Source

  June Agricultural and Horticultural Censues.

  Note

  1 Figures are for those persons working on main and minor farm holdings on 1 June and exclude spouses of farmers, partners and directors, even though the wives/husbands themselves may be partners or directors.

  Wind Farms
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many sites have been granted planning permission for wind farms; and if he will make a statement. [20330]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  The information is not held centrally. Local planning authorities are primarily responsible for determining planning applications.208
  However, I understand that under the Non Fossil Fuel Obligation orders there are 13 operational wind farm sites in Wales and that a further 4 have planning permission.

  Forest Enterprise
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many full-time employees the Forestry Commission had in 1987; what is the current complement of staff working for Forest Enterprise; and if he will make a statement. [20307]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  In 1987 the Forestry Commission employed 867 staff in Wales. The Commission currently employs 425 staff in Wales, of whom 383 work for Forest Enterprise. These figures include part-time staff so that, for example, two staff who each work half a week have been counted as one.

  Further Education
  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what additional funds he plans to make available for further education in Wales in 1997–98; and if he will make a statement. [20094]

  Mr. Hain
  My right hon. Friend will shortly be considering additional funding for the further education sector in Wales in 1997–98.

  Welsh Language (Patagonia)
  Mr. Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when his Department introduced a scheme to fund the teaching of Welsh in Patagonia. [20126]

  Mr. Hain
  It was announced in August 1996 that the Welsh Office would contribute towards a joint project with the British Council to help strengthen the language and cultural links between Wales and Patagonia. The project, which was intended to be of three years' duration, subject to satisfactory progress in the first year, commenced in April 1997. My right hon. Friend has recently agreed to the continuation of the project into its second year.

  Blue Flag Beaches
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many Blue Flag beaches there were in(a) 1995, (b) 1996 and (c) at the latest available date. [20313]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  The information is as follows:

  1995: 2

  1996: 4

  1997: 9.

  Agricultural Employment
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many people were employed in agriculture in Wales in(a) 1986, (b) 1987 and (c) the most recent year for which figures are available. [20320]
  209
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  The information requested is shown as follows:

  Number of persons employed in agriculture1

  Thousands

  1986

  56.1

  1987

  53.8

  1996

  52.8

  Source:

  June Agricultural and Horticultural Census.

  Note:

  1 Figures are for those persons working on main and minor farm holdings on 1 June and excludes spouses of farmers, partners and directors, even though the wives/husbands themselves may be partners or directors.

  Acid Rain
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what steps he is taking to deal with the effects of acid rain; and if he will make a statement. [20310]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  The UK was one of the first countries to ratify the Second Sulphur Protocol under the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Convention on Long Range Transboundary Air Pollution. This commits the UK to reducing emissions of sulphur dioxide by 80 per cent. by 2010 compared with 1980 levels. The Government are currently taking an active part in negotiations in the EU on a Strategy to further combat acid deposition. This was discussed on 16 December at a meeting of EU Environment Ministers.

  Acid rain is an on-going transboundary issue and only by concerted action across Europe shall we deal effectively with the problem. The final report of the Welsh Acid Water Survey carried out in 1995–96 and commissioned by the Welsh Office and the Environment Agency was published on 26 November. The Survey indicates that although there are signs that the benefits of emission controls are being felt in the environment the recovery of sensitive ecosystems has been slow.

  NHS Bureaucracy
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is his estimate of the sums saved in the NHS in Wales from reducing bureaucracy to date. [20728]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  The suspension of the 8th wave of GP Fundholding released £1.9 million immediately.

  Trusts and authorities are working towards recurrent savings of £1.8 million and £2.3 million respectively. Information on the realisation of these savings is not collected in year. Figures for the whole year will be available from the 1997–98 audited accounts, which will be available in August 1998.

  NHS Contracts
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to change the system of annual contracts in the NHS; and if he will make a statement. [20732]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  Guidance has already been issued to NHS Wales encouraging health authorities, trusts and GPs to enter into agreements which go beyond one year's duration.
  210
  A White Paper will be issued shortly which will provide more detailed proposals on the abolition of the internal market and on the mechanisms that will be introduced to replace it.

  Nutrition
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has for improving nutritional standards. [20730]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  Included in the targets my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales has set NHS Wales is to work with others to increase by 2002 the proportion of people who eat green vegetables, salads and fresh fruit most days.

  The Health Promotion Authority for Wales whose role is to promote good health and prevent ill-health is also working towards improving nutrition in Wales. Activities include the provision of information to assist people to attain a healthy weight for their height; an examination of nutritional policies and standards in NHS hospitals; the monitoring of dietary interventions projects in schools, such as healthy tuck shops; and surveys every two years of adults' and childrens' dietary intake to identify trends and to highlight needs for intervention.

  In addition the Government intend that the Food Standards Agency, when constituted, will have an important role across the UK in providing advice on certain aspects of nutrition.

  Hospital Waiting Times
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many patients have been waiting for treatment for more than 12 months; and if he will make a statement. [20729]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  Latest published figures for Health Authorities show that at the end of September 1997, 90 per cent. of Welsh residents had waited less than 12 months for inpatient or day-case hospital treatment; 6,810 people (10 per cent. of those on the waiting list) had waited more than 12 months.

  Telemedicine
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to encourage the use of telemedicine. [20731]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  Wales has been at the forefront of developing telemedicine; an experimental project in North Powys showed the benefits to patients and practitioners from having electronic access to distant specialists. To take this work further, the Welsh Office is supporting the Ceredigion and Mid Wales NHS Trust in its "Keeping Care Local" project. This project will review the full range of trust services to find ways of using telemedicine technology to benefit much larger numbers of patients. The results will be published at a conference and exhibition on telemedicine in Cardiff on 27 and 28 April 1998. I expect health authorities and trusts to learn from such work and to exploit opportunities in their own areas.

SCOTLAND

  Water and Sewerage Authorities
  Mr. Ernie Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will announce the external finance limits which will apply to the Scottish water and sewerage authorities in 1998–99 and in the following two years. [20741]

  Mr. Macdonald
  The External Finance Limit (EFL) for the three water authorities has been set at £185.956 million for 1998–99. Indicative EFLs for 1999–2000 and 2000–01 will be determined in the light of the Comprehensive Spending Review.

  The allocation of EFLs to each authority in 1998–99 will be: East Authority £58.985 million, North Authority £55.582 million, and West Authority £71.389 million.

  Council Tax
  Mr. Gorrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will amend the law to remove students from joint and several liability for council tax payments. [20351]

  Mr. Macdonald
  We intend to amend the council tax liability rules to remove students from joint and several liability from council tax as soon as a suitable legislative opportunity arises.

  Housing Association Rents
  Mr. Sarwar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the total gross revenue from housing association rents in the last year; and what proportion of this was met by housing benefit. [20747]

  Mr. Macdonald
  The available information is as follows. In 1995–96, gross revenue from housing association rents in respect of housing associations registered in Scotland is estimated by Scottish Homes to have been £180 million. The Department of Social Security, which has responsibility for housing benefit, estimates that in the same year tenants of housing associations in Scotland—whether registered or not—received in total around £78 million of housing benefit.

  Starter Pistols
  Mr. Gorrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his Department's policy on the use of starter pistols; and what representations he has received from(a) the police and (b) representatives of athletic associations on this subject. [20800]

  Mr. McLeish
  The Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997 contains an exemption which allows the possession of starting pistols by certain officials for use in the starting of athletics races. These pistols must be held on a firearm certificate which will be issued only where the police are satisfied that the individual requires the pistol because of the status of the athletics meetings at which he officiates. Most starting pistols can fire only blank rounds.

  No representations have been received from the police on this issue. The British Athletic Federation sought the retention of the exemption when the Government announced their intention to ban small-calibre pistols. The Federation is currently funding research into an effective alternative to the starting pistol.

  Marine Minerals
  Mr. Ernie Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the review of licensing arrangements for the dredging of marine minerals. [21620]

  Mr. Macdonald
  Currently the Crown Estate, as owners of the seabed, issue licences for minerals dredging. A prerequisite to the issue of a licence is a favourable "Government View" (GV) issued by the Scottish Office which co-ordinates and considers the views of Government Departments and responses to public consultation on the proposals before issuing a GV.

  After consideration of all the responses to earlier consultation on the review of the GV procedure, we have concluded that the way forward is to introduce statutory procedures for the better regulation of marine minerals dredging in Scotland to replace the non-statutory GV procedure. The new arrangements would be based on the Secretary of State for Scotland being responsible for administering, monitoring and enforcing the new dredging consents; those consents being subject to regular review; the costs of administering the new statutory procedures being recovered from operators; and a statutory right of appeal against refusal. Although to date there has only been limited dredging activity in Scotland, pending legislation an interim scheme will be introduced and administered by the Scottish Office in place of the Crown Estate's current role in the GV process.

  Environmental Protection Agency
  Mr. Ernie Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when the first annual report of the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency will be published. [21621]

  Mr. Dewar
  I laid a copy of SEPA's First Annual Report and Accounts before both Houses on 16 December. It contains details of the progress made by SEPA in its first year of operation, and a copy of its accounts, which cover the first 18 months of its existence. I am pleased to see that SEPA has made a good start and has done very well to pull together the very diverse bodies from which it was formed. I am also satisfied that SEPA is now on a firm financial footing and can move forward confidently to bring about the continuing improvement of Scotland's environment which we all wish to see.

  Water Authorities
  Mr. Russell Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will announce the new appointments to the three Scottish water authorities. [21666]

  Mr. Dewar
  I have made the following appointments to the three Scottish Water Authorities:North of Scotland Water Authority
  CouncillorColinRennie,CouncillorJoanEasten (re-appointment), NigelHawkins,AndrewLewis (re-appointment), Nicolas McAndrew (re-appointment).
  East of Scotland Water Authority
  Councillor Robert Cairns, Robin Bell (re-appointment), David Bleiman, John Broadfoot, Councillor Jeanette Burness, Councillor Thomas Dair, Councillor Ann Dickson (re-appointment).

  213
  West of Scotland Water Authority
  Norman Berry (re-appointment), Councillor Gerald Carroll, David Gray (re-appointment), Jane McKay, Councillor David Munn.

  Industrial Tribunal Decisions
  Mr. Welsh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what estimate he has made of the number of industrial tribunal decisions which are fully complied with within a period of two months from the tribunal decision; [21171]

  (2) what plans he has to introduce procedures to allow for easier enforcement of industrial tribunal decisions; and if he will make a statement;[21173]

  (3) what mechanisms are available to ensure the enforcement of industrial tribunal decisions. [21172]

  Mr. Wilson
  I refer the hon. Member to the answers given today by my hon. Friend the Minister of State, Department of Trade and Industry, the Member for Makerfield (Mr. McCartney).

CABINET OFFICE

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Minister without Portfolio if he will provide a list of the areas on which he is prepared to answer questions in respect of the Millennium Experience and a list of the areas on which he is not prepared to answer questions. [21327]

  Mr. Mandelson
  I aim to answer all questions on my responsibilities to the best of my ability.

  Millennium Experience
  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Minister without Portfolio, pursuant to his answer of 24 November 1997,Official Report, column 388, concerning his meeting with the French Minister for European Affairs on 16 September, if any civil servants were present at the meeting; and if he will list the subjects discussed. [21351]

  Mr. Mandelson
  We discussed the Jobs Summit and French ideas for "Euro-X". Civil Servants were present.

DEFENCE

  Joint Fighter Project
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what contribution the Government are making to the United States joint fighter project; and when the aircraft is expected to enter service. [13860]

  Mr. Spellar
  The United Kingdom Government is contributing $200 million as a collaborative partner in the concept demonstration phase of the United States Joint Strike Fighter project. The aircraft is scheduled to enter service with the United States service in 2008. Procurement plans will, however, be considered as part of 'the Strategic Defence Review.

  Defence Procurement Industry
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many defence procurement jobs there are in(a) England and (b) Wales; and if he will make a statement. [20331]

  Mr. Spellar
  I assume the hon. Member's question refers to jobs in the Procurement Executive (PE) of the Ministry of Defence. At 1 April 1997 there were 6,199 PE posts in England and one PE post in Wales. The single post in Wales was transferred to England at the end of August 1997.

  Challenger 2 Tanks
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the(a) first and (b) last of the Challenger 2 tanks are expected to enter service; what is the current yearly delivery schedule; and what is the life expectancy of a single tank of the class. [20075]

  Mr. Spellar
  The first delivery of a production Challenger 2 main battle tank took place in August 1994. After reliability problems were confirmed in October 1995, no further tanks were accepted beyond the 36 already delivered. The successful completion of the Production Reliability Growth Trials in November 1997 means that deliveries of tanks are due to resume in January 1998 with the aim of completing deliveries to the first regiment in June 1998. Deliveries are planned to continue until February 2002. The current schedule of contract deliveries for the 386 tanks is as follows:

  1994–95:9

  1995–96:27

  1996–97:0

  1997–98:23

  1998–99:106

  1999–00:76

  2000–01:76

  2001–02:69.

  The current planned in-service life of a Challenger 2 tank is 30 years.

  Trawlers
  Mr. Alan Johnson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 2 December 1997,Official Report, column 171, concerning intelligence gathered by trawlers (a) how many trawlers were used and from which ports (b) when this practice eased and (c) what financial arrangements were made to recompense the officers and crew used in such activities. [20355]

  Dr. Reid
  Three trawlers were used for specific intelligence gathering operations against the former Soviet Navy in the mid 1960s and early 1970s. These operations ceased in 1973. All of the vessels were owned by a Hull based company and almost certainly operated from that port. For those operations conducted in the 1960s, the owner was guaranteed compensation for loss of catch resulting from any diversion from the trawler's usual fishing grounds. Available records do not indicate whether similar arrangement existed for those carried out in the 1970s.

  Radiation Dose Records
  Mr Shaw
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made to date on entering the pre-1979 personal radiation dose records onto an electronic database for ex-employees, at the Chatham Dockyard; when this is expected to be completed; and when and in what format the data are to be published. [20465]

  Mr. Spellar
  My Department has completed the process of scanning onto the Dosimetry Information Database all the available dosimetry documents from the former Dockyard at Chatham that are not part of an Approved Dosimetry Service. This includes all such records from before 1979. The database complements the approved Dosimetry Service records and will allow searches for all of the information relating to an individual to be carried out much more speedily than in the past.

  The database contains personal data and it will not therefore be published.

  Mr. Shaw
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many of the people who have registered for the national counselling scheme in respect of exposure to radiation were informed that their adaption dose records could not be found; and, of these, how many were designated as(a) classified persons and (b) approved scheme workers under the approved dosimetry scheme that operated at their respective places of employment at the time of their employment. [20463]

  Mr. Spellar
  To date we have been unable to find radiation dose records for thirty four applicants to the national counselling scheme. Of these applicants none has been identified as a classified person and at least three were approved scheme workers.

  Mr. Shaw
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many of the individuals who have registered for the counselling scheme announced on 4 June, for whom no dose records could be found, were designated(a) classified persons and (b) approved scheme workers under the approved dosimetry scheme which operated at the Chatham Dockyard at the time of their employment. [20464]

  Mr. Spellar
  None of the individuals who have registered for the counselling scheme announced on 4 June and for whom no dose records can be found has been identified as a designated classified person. At least three were approved scheme workers.

  Navy Officers
  Mr. Alan Johnson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 2 December 1997,Official Report, column 171, if he will make a statement on the scheme whereby Royal Navy officers gained sea-going experience in deep sea trawlers. [20354]

  Dr. Reid
  It has been long standing practice to send junior RN officers to sea on Merchant ships. In the 1950s this was extended to include deep sea trawlers. The aim was to provide sea going experience and to foster good relationships between the fleets. While the Royal Navy/Merchant Navy Voyage Scheme continues to this day, available records indicate that the use of trawlers ceased in the mid-1970s.

  Fleet Maintenance
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what are the current allocated work loads from his Department for(a) Devonport, (b) Rosyth and (c) the Royal Navy's Fleet Maintenance and Repair Organisation. [20684]

  Mr. Spellar
  The MOD allocated workloads for each of Devonport, Rosyth and the Fleet Maintenance and Repair Organisation (FMRO), for the current year, 1997–98, are shown below. These figures are rounded to the nearest thousand and are based on MOD planning assumptions only. The actual workloads will depend on the outcome of contract negotiations.

  Manweeks

  Devonport

  76,000

  Rosyth

  77,000

  FMRO

  26,000

  Service Personnel (Compensation)
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when his comprehensive review of the arrangements for compensating service personnel or their dependants and for the payment of death and invalidity pension benefits will(a) commence and (b) report to Ministers; when he expects to publish the results and the consultation document; if the review will consider the arrangements applicable to (i) civilian Ministry of Defence employees and (ii) private sector contractors' staff where death or injury was attributable to service supporting the uniformed military in training or on operations; and if he will make a statement. [21122]

  Dr. Reid
  The review of the arrangements for compensating Service personnel who suffer death or injury as a result of their military service which was announced on 8 December will commence in January. The aim will be to complete the review in time for the publication of a consultative document next Summer. The review will be limited to consideration of the compensation arrangements for Service personnel and their dependants.

  Nuclear Fuel
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the average annual cost of storing spent nuclear submarine nuclear fuel rods at the British Nuclear Fuels plant at Sellafield. [21216]

  Dr. Reid
  The average annual running cost of storing spent fuel from nuclear submarines at BNFL Sellafield is £1.4 million.

  Nuclear Submarines
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what are the average annual costs of storing decommissioned nuclear powered submarines at Rosyth and Devonport. [21218]

  Mr. Spellar
  The average cost of storing the Royal Navy's fully decommissioned nuclear powered submarines at Rosyth and Devonport is £93,000 per vessel.

  Naval Establishments
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what are the primary roles and functions of the Royal Navy establishment at Northwood. [21211]

  Dr. Reid
  The primary role and function of HMS Warrior, the Royal Navy establishment at Northwood, is to provide the support and infrastructure to the other units resident at the Northwood HQ. These other units are: The Commander in Chief Fleet, The Flag Officer Submarines; Headquarters 11/18 Group RAF; The UK Permanent Joint Headquarters and a major NATO headquarters.

  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what are the annual running costs of the Royal Navy establishment at Northwood. [21212]

  Dr. Reid
  The estimated running cost for HMS Warrior, the Royal Navy establishment at Northwood for 1997–98, including Service Pay, is some £17.5 million.

  Royal Irish Regiment
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for what reason figures are not available for the perceived religious and community origin of serving members of the Royal Irish Regiment General Service Batallion. [20323]

  Dr. Reid
  [holding answer 16 December 1997]Under the terms of the Fair Employment (Northern Ireland) Acts 1976 and 1989, my Department is required to monitor the religious/community background of employees wholly or mainly employed in Northern Ireland. The General Service soldiers of the Royal Irish Regiment are not wholly or mainly employed in Northern Ireland and are not subject to the Act. There is therefore no requirement to monitor the religious/community background of this or any other General Service Battalion and the information requested is not monitored centrally in Northern Ireland. However, my Department estimate that the perceived religious/community origin of the General Service Battalion is broadly 70–75 per cent. Protestant and just over 20 per cent. Roman Catholic.

  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will approximate to district council constituencies the field of operations of each battalion of the Royal Irish Regiment Home Service. [20325]

  Dr. Reid
  [holding answer 16 December 1997]In broad terms, the information requested is set out below:

  3rd Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment: Craigavon, Lisburn, Banbridge

  4th Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment: Fermanagh

  5th Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment: Magherafelt, Limavady, Coleraine, Moyle, Ballymoney

  7th Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment: Belfast, North Down, Castlereagh

  8th Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment: Armagh

  9th Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment: Lisburn, Antrim.

  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence in the last month for which figures are available how many Royal Irish Regiment patrols were(a) accompanied by the RUC and (b) unaccompanied. [20287]
  218
  Dr. Reid
  [holding answer 16 December 1997]The information requested for the period of 10 November to 8 December 1997 (inclusive) is set out as follows:

  Battalion

  Number of patrols accompanied by RUC

  Number of patrols unaccompanied by RUC

  3rd Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment

  58

  38

  4th Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment

  230

  0

  5th Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment

  11

  13

  7th Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment

  0

  0

  8th Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment

  175

  58

  9th Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment

  50

  0

  A patrol is defined as any foot or mobile patrol in support of the RUC, regardless of size or duration. Patrols conducted by the Army for local security around bases are not included.

  West Indies Guardship
  Mr. Faber
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 5 December 1997,Official Report, column 383, concerning the West Indies Guardship, where and when discussions took place with the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for International Development; and if minutes were taken at the meeting. [21292]

  Dr. Reid
  [holding answer 16 December 1997]The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for International Development had informal discussions with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State about this matter in the precincts of the House. The date of these discussions has not been recorded and no minutes were taken.

HEALTH

  Drugs (Licensing)
  Ms Drown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what criteria are applied to new drugs to assess their effectiveness before they receive a licence for general use. [17032]

  Ms Jowell
  The marketing authorisation (the licensing) of all medicines throughout the European Union is governed by the Rules Governing Medicinal Products in the European Union, in particular, Council Directive 65/65/EEC. Under these rules a licence application is refused if the medicinal product is harmful in the normal conditions of use, or if its therapeutic efficacy is lacking or is insufficiently substantiated, or if there are concerns about its qualitative and quantitative composition. In this context "therapeutic efficacy" and "clinical effectiveness" are judged to be synonymous.

  Bone Marrow Donors
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he will take to encourage people from ethnic minorities to volunteer as bone marrow donors. [19170]

  Mr. Boateng
  Bone marrow donors are recruited through two organisations. The British Bone Marrow Register is funded through the national health service and recruits from blood donors at blood donation sessions. The Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust is a charity funded by voluntary giving and recruits donors from the general public through local and national publicity campaigns. Both of these organisations, as well as some local campaigns, are working to encourage donation from ethnic minority groups.

  The Anthony Nolan Trust has been particularly active in this field, both nationally and locally. It has produced leaflets and posters to encourage donations from the African-Caribbean community and has also worked to encourage people from the Greek and Turkish communities to come forward as donors. This year the Department funded through the Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust a commercial to be included in Asian video films to appeal to the Asian community to donate blood and bone marrow.

  There have also been local campaigns. In Birmingham, for example, transplant co-ordinators have produced a multi-ethnic poster to encourage donation generally (the poster features the organ donation card) by people from ethnic minority groups.

  More generally, there are continuing campaigns to encourage positive attitudes towards tissue donation. During this year, the Department is promoting a wide range of measures designed to increase the number of regular blood donors through raising awareness of the need to maintain supplies of blood to hospitals. This includes the launch this year of a new 3 to 5 year publicity strategy, designed to increase the current donor base. As the British Bone Marrow Register recruits solely from those who are blood donors any success in increasing blood donation should also lead to increased numbers registering as potential bone marrow donors.

  NHS Trust Hospitals
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the current total of NHS trust hospitals. [19557]

  Mr. Milburn
  Prior to 1991 information was available centrally on the number of hospitals with residential facilities. Data ceased to be collected at unit level in 1991.

  The number of national health service hospital trusts in England is 399, although a trust may consist of more than one hospital.

  Dental Treatment (Deaths)
  Mr. Etherington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list, by NHS Executive region, the total number of children who have died under general anaesthetic for dental treatment for each year since 1979. [20371]
  220
  Mr. Milburn
  The data held centrally are not broken down by region. The table covers children under 15 to 1982 and under 16 thereafter.

  Deaths of children associated with general anaesthesia for dental treatment

  Number

  1979

  0

  1980

  2

  1981

  1

  1982

  1

  1983

  1

  1984

  1

  1985

  4

  1986

  2

  1987

  2

  1988

  0

  1989

  3

  1990

  0

  1991

  0

  1992

  4

  1993

  1

  1994

  0

  1995

  0

  1996

  1

  1997

  1

  Ectopic Pregnancies
  Jane Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many women have(a) been admitted to hospital with and (b) died as a result of ectopic pregnancies in each of the last 20 years. [20677]

  Ms Jowell
  The information available is in the table.

  England

  Deaths from ectopic pregnancies1

  Admissions to hospital2

  1977

  9

  40,503

  1978

  6

  39,503

  1979

  3

  3,940

  1980

  10

  3,570

  1981

  5

  3,930

  1982

  2

  4,270

  1983

  6

  4,700

  1984

  3

  4,830

  1985

  3

  4,640

  1986

  2

  2n/a

  1987

  4

  n/a

  1988

  4

  n/a

  1989

  6

  n/a

  1990

  6

  89,885

  1991

  4

  9,231

  1992

  4

  9,978

  1993

  1

  10,074

  1994

  5

  9,694

  1995

  6

  9,722

  1996

  4

  9,525

  1Source: Office for National Statistics (ONS).

  2Source: Department of Health, Statistics Division SD2B.

  3England and Wales figures only available.

  4Information from 1979 to 1985 is obtained from the Hospital In-Patient Enquiry (HIPE). The Hospital Episodes Statistics (HES) system replaced HIPE and 1989–90 is the earliest year for which HES data were published.

  5Hospital statistics from 1990 are for financial year ending 31 March.

  n/a = not available.
  221
  Figures for 1977–78 use the International Classification of Diseases code Eighth Revision, (ICD 8) category 631; 1979–96 uses the International Classification of Disease code Ninth Revision (ICD 9) category 633; and 1995–96 uses the International Classification of Disease code Tenth Revision (ICD 10) category 000.

  Dental Services
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations his Department has received in response to the de-registering of patients who have not visited their dentist within the last 15 months; and if he will make a statement. [21322]

  Mr. Milburn
  From 1 September 1996, the registration period for both adult continuing care and child capitation was harmonised to provide patients with a period of continuing dental care for 15 months following each course of treatment. The aim of the changes was to improve value for money by focusing payments to dentists on those patients receiving active care from them.

  Patients lapse from dentists' lists only if they have not seen their dentists since they registered. This is so, irrespective of the length of the registration period. Patients who attend their dentist at least every 15 months, have their registration period rolled forward automatically for another 15 months when they attend. They will notice no difference from the changes. Less regular attenders are still fully entitled to NHS dental treatment.

  The changes to the registration periods were agreed with the British Dental Association (BDA) before they were implemented in September 1996. The BDA has recently changed its position, and has asked the Department to look again at the length of the registration periods.

  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he intends to take to encourage patients to register with their dentists before the Government regulations relating to patients who have not visited their dentist within the last 15 months are enforced. [21324]

  Mr. Milburn
  Patients who attend their dentist regularly will not be affected by the change in registration period. Less regular attenders are still fully entitled to National Health Service dental treatment, and are free to register at any time with a dentist willing to accept them.

  Cannabis
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to publish his response to the conclusions of the BMA on the value of medicinal cannabis. [21047]

  Ms Jowell
  We have no plans to publish the reply sent to the British Medical Association (BMA). Department of Health officials will meet representatives of the BMA in the new year to discuss their report "The therapeutic uses of cannabis".

  Tobacco
  Dr. Brand
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will prevent the sale of tobacco products by anyone younger than the minimum age at which those products may legally be purchased. [20410]
  222
  Ms Jowell
  The Government currently have no plans to do so.

  Mentally Handicapped People
  Dr. Brand
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the terms of reference are for the evaluation being conducted for his Department of residential and village community provision for people with a mental handicap; who is conducting the study; how much it will cost if the work was put out to tender; and when the main findings are expected. [20411]

  Mr. Boateng
  The evaluation consists of two phases. The first phase was in two parts. First, a review of literature on residential provision for people with learning disabilities. The terms of reference were"to assess the state of knowledge about effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of different forms of residential accommodation for people with learning disabilities".
  Secondly, an analysis of available information on the costs of village communities. The terms of reference were
  "to analyse and compare any information which is readily available on the financial costs of village communities and other forms of residential provision for people with learning disabilities".

  Professor Eric Emerson of Hester Adrian Research Centre, University of Manchester, successfully competed for the contract for the first phase of the research which cost £26,471. The results of the first phase were published in July 1996 and distributed to social services departments and chief executives of health authorities.

  The second phase consists of two related parts. The first will look at a sample of 300 people with learning disabilities living in residential or village communities, and 300 people with learning disabilities living in small scale community-based residential services. In the second part, more detailed information will be collected on two smaller matched sub-samples of people with profound multiple learning disabilities living in residential or village communities, and small scale community-based residential services.

  Analyses of the data will focus upon: (1) describing and comparing the characteristics of the people served, the types of services received, the costs of services received and the outcomes associated with the two approaches to residential provision; and (2) examining the inter-relationships between the characteristics of the people served, the types of services received, the costs of services received and the resulting outcomes within and across the two types of provision.

  To avoid any undue delay in the start of the second phase of the research, and because he successfully completed the first phase, Professor Eric Emerson of the Hester Adrian Research Centre, University of Manchester, was approached on a single tender basis to take the second phase forward. Professor Martin Knapp of the Personal Social Services Research Unit at the London School of Economics is undertaking the economic aspects of the research.

  The study was commissioned in December 1996 at a cost to the Department of £274,464. Main findings from the study are expected in December 1998.

  HIV/AIDS
  Caroline Flint
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what are his plans to increase the efficacy of HIV/AIDS educational initiatives to young people. [20717]

  Ms Jowell
  The Department of Health has a contract with the Health Education Authority to undertake HIV/AIDS health promotion work for the general population. Most of these initiatives are currently aimed at 16 to 24–year-olds and provide information about HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases and how to avoid them. The Government are committed to ensuring that such work is effective, evidence-based and properly evaluated through the use of research and pre-testing.

  Ministers have recently announced the establishment of a Task Group which will look at Sex and Relationships Education. It will support the continued development of sex and relationships education in schools and youth settings. The Department for Education and Employment will be fully involved.

  NHS Trusts (East Sussex)
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the(a) advantages and (b) disadvantages of merging NHS trusts serving East Sussex; and if he will make a statement. [21354]

  Mr. Milburn
  No proposals for the merger of National Health Service trusts within East Sussex have been received. Mergers arising from local decisions will be considered on their merits, on the basis of demonstrable benefits in health and healthcare, and savings in administration.

  Long-stay Facilities
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 15 July 1997,Official Report, columns 162–63, on long-stay facilities, if he will provide the same information for each year since 1989. [13056]

  Mr. Boateng
  [holding answer 5 November 1997]The average daily number of available beds in the three main service areas where long stay provision is concentrated are set out in the tables.

  I regret that the information provided in my reply of 15 July 1997 at columns 162–63 was incorrect. The figure in the table for 1993–94 under the heading Learning Disability reads 17,000. The correct figure is 16,000 as shown in the table. The figure for 1994–95 reads 14,000. This too is incorrect and should read 13,000.

  Table 1: Average daily number of available beds in NHS hospitals in England since 1988–89

  Sector

  Geriatric

  Mental health

  Learning disability

  1988–89

  51,000

  63,000

  30,000

  1989–90

  49,000

  59,000

  26,000

  1990–91

  46,000

  55,000

  23,000

  1991–92

  42,000

  50,000

  21,000

  1992–93

  40,000

  47,000

  19,000

  1993–94

  37,000

  44,000

  16,000

  224

  Table 1: Average daily number of available beds in NHS hospitals in England since 1988–89

  Sector

  Geriatric

  Mental health

  Learning disability

  1994–95

  37,000

  42,000

  13,000

  1995–96

  34,000

  39,000

  13,000

  1996–97

  32,000

  38,000

  10,000

  Source

  DH form KHO3 1988–89 onwards.

  For 1996–97, beds in Residential care wards, managed by the National Health Service, were counted separately for the first time. These figures are not included in table 1.

  Table 2: Average daily number of available beds in Residential care wards managed by the NHS in England 1996–97

  Sector

  Mental illness>

  Learning disability

  Other

  1996–97

  1,000

  3,000

  0

  Source:

  DH from KH03 1996–97.

  Note:

  "O" denotes "500" or less.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD?

  Surplus Food Scheme
  Ms Stuart
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if it is the Government's intention to participate in the EU Surplus Food Scheme in 1998; and if he will make a statement. [21658]

  Mr. Rooker
  Yes. The European Commission has allocated the United Kingdom some £20.3 million to operate the Scheme during 1998. Approximately 10 million cans of stewed steak will be made available to local authorities and to charitable and other non-profit making organisations to distribute to those on Income Support, Family Credit, Jobseekers Allowance (income based only) or Disability Working Allowance, the homeless and destitute and those living in welfare hostels.

  The Scheme will involve only UK intervention beef which contains no offal and will be from animals killed when they were under thirty months of age and is no different from the meat currently available in the shops.

  I am pleased that this surplus beef is to be put to good use.

  Animal Feed
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what advice he has received from the Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee on the practice of feeding animal products to animals of the same species; and if he will make a statement. [21657]

  Dr. John Cunningham
  At my request, at its meeting on 2 December the Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee considered the practice of feeding animal
  225
  by-products to animals of the same species. The committee's advice is being published in full, and a copy has been placed in the Library of the House.

  The committee did not consider that there was an immediate risk from intraspecies feeding. However, they thought it possible that TSEs might arise spontaneously in any species with a prion protein gene, and that if this were the case the practice of recycling waste as feed within a species could spread any resultant disease. The committee describes the risk here as small, but considered that it could not be discounted completely.

  The committee has recommended that the Government develop a strategy to remove this risk, taking account of practical enforcement considerations and alternative disposal option, and discuss it with EC partners. Although the risk is small, I intend to accept this recommendation on a precautionary basis.

  Essentially this means that the current practices of processing certain types of waste containing porcine material and feeding it as swill to pigs, and using poultry and feather meal as high protein ration for poultry, will have to end. Before legislating, however, I shall, as advised, consider the alternative routes for disposing of such waste. I am currently conducting a review of national animal waste legislation and intend to issue proposed legislation for consultation early in the New Year. That will set out our proposals in respect of pig swill subject to any further discussions in the European Community. I shall use that opportunity to ask for comments on the other issue raised by SEAC's advice. Subject to those comments, I also envisage bringing forward legislation to ban the recycling of poultry meals as poultry feed, but want to sound out Community partners first.

  This action to avoid any possibility that a risk which the committee described as "small" and "potential" means that consumers will continue to enjoy the highest possible protection against the risks from TSEs, and give the assurance that pig and poultry products remain TSE free.

  Mussel Seed Licences
  Mr. David Stewart
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will continue to make available licences to take mussel seed stock for the purpose of ongrowing; and if he will make a statement. [21663]

  Mr. Morley
  This year licences have been made available on request to registered shellfish farmers in England and Wales to enable them to collect wild mussel seed for cultivation on registered shellfish farms. We shall continue to make such licences available and will be discussing the detailed arrangements with the shellfish industry and with other interests. Vessels licensed in this way will not count against the United Kingdom's objectives under the EU's Multi-Annual Guidance Programme.

  British Cattle Movement Service
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a further statement on progress on setting up the British Cattle Movement Service at Workington. [21661]
  226
  Mr. Rooker
  I am glad to report that refurbishment work has been completed at three out of the four buildings at the British Cattle Movement Service site at Workington. One building was handed over to MAFF in November, and a further two are being completed and handed over today. Work is now underway to equip these buildings ready for occupation. The fourth building will be handed over next year.

  I am also pleased to announce that we have appointed a Director of the British Cattle Movement Service following an open competition. He is David Evans, currently Assistant Regional Director at the MAFF Regional Service Centre at Carlisle.

  These developments are milestones in the important task of setting up the British Cattle Movement Service, which will run the new computerised cattle tracing system for Great Britain.

  Fisheries (Quota Hopping)
  Sir Richard Body
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what measures his Department is taking in respect of the purchase of quota-hopping fishing vessels or their licences. [20261]

  Mr. Morley
  Under EC law, Ministers cannot discriminate against nationals from other Member States who are entitled to purchase British registered fishing vessels and to acquire the licence entitlements arising from such vessels.

  Any qualifying UK registered vessel can apply to decommissioning schemes.

  Animal Welfare and Specified Risk Materials
  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the(a) welfare and (b) specified risk materials regulations in other EU countries relative to those obtaining in the United Kingdom. [20248]

  Mr. Morley
  (a) On animal welfare, the Member States of the European Union are obliged to give effect to the various requirements of EU law in relation to animal welfare on farm, in transit, at market and at slaughter, as well as to the provisions of the related Council of Europe Conventions.

  (b) Controls on specified material from cattle, similar to those which exist in the UK, are carried out in France, Ireland, the Netherlands and Portugal. France, the Netherlands and Spain have controls on specified material from sheep and goats.

  Fishing Vessels
  Mr. Blizzard
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he proposes to make changes to the arrangements for the licensing of United Kingdom registered fishing vessels when implementing the United Kingdom's latest multi-annual guidance programme (MAGP IV); and if he will make a statement. [21659]
  227
  Mr. Morley
  The existing arrangements for the licensing of fishing vessels will continue to operate subject to certain changes which are set out below.

  Segmentation of the Fleet
  The UK's multi annual guidance programme will set for each segment of our fishing fleet objectives to be met by 31 December 2001. There will be eight segments as follows:

  pelagic trawls and purse seines

  beam trawls

  demersal and nephrop trawls and seines lines and nets

  shell-fish mobile gear

  shell-fish fixed gear

  distant waters subdivided according to whether the vessels are exclusively or predominately active in non EU waters.

  small scale coastal vessels under 10 metres.

  The means by which these objectives are achieved will vary from segment to segment. They may involve restrictions and/or reductions in fishing effort or capacity or a combination of both.
  From 1 January 1998, each fishing vessel will be assigned to a single segment, based on the principal activity recorded as being undertaken in 1996. Vessels which are new to the fleet or those which recorded no fishing activity in 1996 have been assigned to segments on the basis of earlier recorded activity or on the basis of other information available to Departments. The allocation of vessels to segments will be reviewed during 1998 to take account of fishing activity up to and including 1997. Departments will take into account information provided by owners where:

  (i) the segmentation has been based on no recorded fishing activity;

  (ii) a vessel is new to the fleet;

  (iii) a vessel has engaged in a licence transaction as a result of which its fishing opportunities have materially changed.

  Such information must be provided by 31 March 1998.
  Once a fishing vessel has been assigned to a particular segment its capacity and fishing activity will continue to be recorded against that segment until further notice. Vessel owners will however be free to change the pattern of their fishing effort within any segment subject to any limitations posed by their fishing vessel licences.
  Restrictions on Fishing for Pelagic Species
  From 1 April 1998 UK registered fishing vessels eligible to fish for more than 500 tonnes of pelagic species—herring, mackerel, horse mackerel, pilchards, sprats and blue whiting—will be restricted to existing vessels in the fleet which on 17 December 1997: (a) held an existing category A pelagic (purse seine or freezer trawler) licence; or (b) held an existing category A licence and caught at least 500 tonnes of pelagic species in any of the four years 1994, 1995, 1996 and 1997.
  Eligible vessels other than purse seiners and freezer trawlers will have their existing licences replaced by a new category A pelagic (trawler) licence. Any vessel which already holds a beam trawler licence will be permitted to continue to fish by that method.
  Vessels holding category A pelagic (purse seine or freezer trawler) licences or category A pelagic (trawler) licences will also be able to fish for demersal species and pelagic species other than herring, mackerel, horse mackerel, pilchards, sprats and blue whiting, subject to complying with any licence or other restrictions in force or that may be imposed.
  Any person who would not qualify for a category A pelagic (trawler) licence under the criteria outlined above but who considers that they should be issued with such a licence must advise the Fisheries Departments by 31 January 1998. Such applicants must: (a) have introduced a registered and licensed vessel into the UK fleet during 1997 with the intention of catching more than 500 tonnes of herring, mackerel, horse
  228
  mackerel, sprats, pilchards or blue whiting; or (b) have entered into an enforceable financial commitment on or before 17 December 1997 to introduce a fishing vessel intended to catch more than 500 tonnes of herring, mackerel, horse mackerel, sprats, pilchards or blue whiting.
  Documentary evidence of such an intention or enforceable financial commitment must also be presented to the Fisheries Departments by 31 January 1998.
  Ring Fencing of Pelagic Licences
  From 1 April 1998 vessels holding a category A pelagic (purse seine or freezer trawler) licence or a category A pelagic (trawler) licence will be ring fenced. Anyone wishing to introduce a new vessel into the pelagic fleet or to modify an existing pelagic vessel may only do so by acquiring an entitlement to a pelagic (purse seine or freezer trawler) licence or to a pelagic (trawler) licence. Within the ring fence it will not be possible to undertake a single licence transfer which involves the placement of a pelagic (trawler) licence on a pelagic freezer trawler or purse seiner.
  Existing capacity penalties—10 per cent. for licence transfers and 20 per cent. for licence aggregations—will continue to apply to all licence transactions within the pelagic ring fence, as will existing restrictions on engine power and tonnage. However from 1 April 1998 the replacement or modification of purse seiners or pelagic freezer trawlers will be subject to a zero capacity penalty where single licence transfers occur or to a 10 per cent. capacity penalty where the aggregation of licences occurs. Any freezer trawler must be capable of processing at least 30 tonnes of pelagic species per day.
  As from today it will no longer be possible to aggregate white fish licences with pelagic (purse seine or freezer trawler) licences to undertake minor engine modifications. The provision to park licences on purse seiners or freezer trawlers for up to two years pending their replacement or modification will also be terminated from this date.
  As at present there will be no restrictions on category A pelagic licences being downgraded to ordinary category A white fish licences.
  The Recording of Engine Power on Fishing Vessel Licences
  For all licence transactions which will take place from 1 January 1999 the Fisheries Departments propose that the engine power to be recorded on the fishing vessel licence shall be the maximum continuous engine power that is capable of being generated by the vessel's engine. It is further proposed that this provision be extended on 1 January 2000 to all vessels licensed before 31 December 1998. Where fishing vessels engines have been permanently derated, the derated engine power will be treated as the maximum continuous engine power.
  In parallel with the arrangements set out in the previous paragraph the Fisheries Departments will be undertaking random checks to ensure that the maximum continuous engine power of fishing vessels is not greater than that which is stated on the fishing vessel licence.
  Review of the Licensing Arrangements
  The present system of licensing has evolved over a long period following the agreement of the Common Fisheries Policy in 1982. It is the mechanism through which the Fisheries Departments seek to regulate both fishing activity and the size and structure of the UK fleet. Over the years the system has become highly complex in terms of the number of different licences that are issued, the conditions which are attached to the licences, the arrangements for transferring and aggregating licences, and the operation of capacity penalties and tonnage and engine power constraints which together exert downward pressure on the size of the UK fleet. Although a number of changes to the licensing arrangements have been announced today, I believe that it would be beneficial to undertake a more detailed review of the operation of the arrangements to establish whether they are necessary and if so how they may be improved. In undertaking such a review it is important to take account of the knowledge and expertise that lies within the fishing industry. To this end I propose that a series of

  229
  meetings should be held with representatives of the principal fishermen's organisations and that a report on the conclusions reached be presented to Ministers. This forum will also be invited to consider what arrangements might be made to accommodate the recording of maximum continuous engine power on fishing vessel licences.

  SEAC (Membership)
  Mr. Levitt
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the scientists who sit on SEAC indicating other organisations for which they work. [20362]

  Mr. Rooker
  The table lists the current members of SEAC and the organisations for which they work.

  I also refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to our hon. Friend the Member for Cardiff, North (Ms Morgan) on 24 July 1997, Official Report, column 710, which declared SEAC members' commercial and non-commercial interests.

  The Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee
  Chairman:
  Professor J. R. Pattison—Professor of Medical Microbiology and Dean of the University College, London Medical School.

  Deputy Chairman:
  Dr. R. G. Will—Consultant Neurologist at Western General Hospital (Edinburgh) and Head of the National CJD Surveillance Unit.

  Members:
  Professor J. W. Almond—Virologist and Professor of Microbiology at the University of Reading.
  Mr. R. Bradley CBE—Veterinary Pathologist and Chairman of the BSE sub-group of the EC Scientific Veterinary Committee.
  Professor F. Brown FRS—Virologist and Chemist employed by United States Department of Agriculture. Formerly Deputy Director (Scientific) of the Animal Virus Research Institute (now known as the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, Institute for Animal Health, Pirbright).
  Professor J. Collinge—Professor of Molecular Neurogenetics, Neurogenetics Unit, incorporating the Prion Disease Group, at Imperial College School of Medicine; Honorary Consultant Neurologist at St. Mary's Hospital and the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London.
  Professor W. D. Hueston—Veterinary Epidemiologist and Professor of Veterinary Medicine at University of Maryland, USA.
  Dr. R. H. Kimberlin—Independent Consultant on scrapie and related diseases.
  Dr. M. Painter—Consultant in Communicable Disease Control, City of Manchester Infection and Control Surveillance Unit.
  Mr. D. B. Pepper—Private Veterinary Surgeon (retired).
  Professor P. G. Smith—Epidemiologist, Head of Department of Communicable and Tropical Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
  Dr. W. A. Watson—Former Director of the Central Veterinary Laboratory.

  Farming (New Entrants)
  Mr. Levitt
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what measures his Department is taking to encourage young people to enter the farming profession with particular reference to hill farming. [20370]
  230
  Mr. Morley
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to our hon. Friend the Member for Clwyd, South (Mr. Jones) on 19 November 1997,Official Report, column 230.

  In addition, Regulations laid on 3 December 1997 will help new entrants to sheep and suckler cow farming to obtain quota from the national reserve.

  Belgian Cattle (BSE)
  Mr. Levitt
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if BSE has been detected in Belgian cattle destined for the United Kingdom pet food market. [20363]

  Mr. Rooker
  One case of BSE has been reported in Belgium. The carcase of the affected animal was rendered, and we understand that the resulting meat and bone was exported to the Netherlands and Poland. We have no reason to believe that any part of the affected animal was imported into the UK for use in pet food.

  >Over Thirty Months Scheme
  Mr. Levitt
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what compensation is available to the owner of a three-year-old heifer which is barren but cannot be sold into the food chain under the Over Thirty Months Scheme. [20369]

  Mr. Rooker
  The compensation available for animals entering the Over Thirty Months Scheme is determined by weight up to a maximum weight limit of 560 kg (liveweight). The maximum compensation available for steers and heifers at current exchange rates is £350.67.

  Meat (Growth Hormones)
  Mr. Levitt
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the testing procedure used to ensure that no meat containing artificially added growth hormone is imported into the United Kingdom. [20368]

  Mr. Rooker
  The import from third countries of meat and meat products derived from animals treated with hormonal growth promoters has been banned since 1988, as has the use of these substances within the European community. Member states are responsible for implementing and policing the Community ban in respect of their own national production. Veterinary experts from the Commission may make on-the-spot checks to ensure the relevant Directives are being uniformly applied in all Member States.

  Any third country wishing to export fresh meat to the European Union must submit residue sample plans to the Commission. These describe the residue sampling programme to be undertaken in respect of their meat production and must provide guarantees which are at least equivalent to the requirements of the Community on EC producers in respect of the banned substances.

  Any third country which permits the use of growth promoting hormones is required to guarantee that no animal and no meat coming from animals to which they have been administered will be exported to the Community. Imports must be certified accordingly and Commission inspectors verify compliance with all the

  231
  requirements when they carry out periodic checks on third country slaughterhouses authorised to produce meat for export to the Community.

  Port Health Authorities (or local authorities in their absence) are responsible under Directive 90/675/EEC for checking 1 per cent. of all imported meat and meat products for residues of veterinary medicines and for banned substances.

  Beef Heifers
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food for what reasons there are no proposals in the CAP Agenda 2000 to pay premium on heifers bred for beef. [21199]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 16 December 1997]The Commission's proposals for the reform of the CAP regime for beef build on existing measures for that sector. These have traditionally focused on male animals (through intervention and the Beef Special Premium) and on suckler cows. The Commission believes that, in providing additional support for suckler cows and with the introduction of a premium on dairy cows, it is proposing some support for heifer calves reared for beef.

  Quarantine
  Mr. Gale
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will state the procedures and criteria applied by his officials when dealing with the release of puppies and kittens born in quarantine; and if he will make a statement. [21166]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 16 December 1997]Puppies and kittens born to the quarantined mother are subject to 15 days' quarantine after separation from the mother providing she is still healthy at the time the puppies or kittens are released. The risk to puppies or kittens born to a quarantined mother is believed to be restricted to transmission of infected saliva after birth. Transmission of the rabies virus in utero is unknown, according to the scientific literature. As the rabies virus is present in the saliva for less than two weeks before clinical signs appear there is no risk to offspring if the mother is clinically healthy a fortnight after separation from the litter.

  Agrimonetary Compensation Scheme
  Mr. Gale
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he intends to submit an application to the European Union on behalf of the United Kingdom for assistance under the agrimonetary compensation scheme. [21163]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 16 December 1997]We are considering what further action might be necessary to alleviate the position of farmers affected by currency movements and other developments affecting income.

  Offering new funds to farmers, even with reimbursement from the EU budget, carries very significant implications for UK public expenditure.

  Beef on the Bone
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what organisations he has consulted in connection with the proposed ban on the sale of bone-in beef. [21197]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 16 December 1997]The Department consulted over 330 organisations representing consumer, industry and farming interests. The names of the organisations concerned are included in the consultation package on the proposed legislation prohibiting the sale of bone-in beef, copies of which are available in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Swinney
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what criteria he will use to judge when the ban on the sale of beef on the bone products should be lifted in the United Kingdom. [20502]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 15 December 1997]Our priority remains consumer safety. The ban will be kept under review and any decision to lift it will be taken in the light of scientific developments and progress with the eradication of BSE.

  Bovine Bones
  Mrs. Browning
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food which enforcement agencies will have responsibility for bovine bones in(a) butchers' shops, (b) cutting plants and (c) abattoirs. [21097]

  Mr. Rooker
  Enforcement of the new controls on bovine bones in Great Britain will be carried out as part of normal supervision and inspection of food premises, by either the Meat Hygiene Service in licensed cutting premises and abattoirs or local authorities in all other food premises.

  Live Cattle (Export)
  Sir Richard Body
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will stop the payment of export refunds on the export of live cattle to third countries; and if he will make a statement. [20891]

  Mr. Rooker
  The United Kingdom does not pay export refunds on live cattle, because it is not currently allowed to export them. Any agreement to abolish export refunds on live cattle would have to be reached at Community level. Such agreement is unlikely. Nevertheless, thanks in large measure to UK pressure, the Agriculture Council has this week adopted a Commission proposal which will make the granting of refunds on live cattle subject to compliance with Community legislation on animal welfare and, in particular, the protection of animals during transport.

  Rural Advisory Committee
  Mr. Keith Simpson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food for what reasons he appointed each of the non-farming members of the Rural Advisory Committee; and if he will make a statement. [20103]

  Mr. Rooker
  All members of the Agricultural Advisory Group were chosen for the personal expertise and experience they could bring to bear on the subjects the Group would be asked to consider.

DUCHY OF LANCASTER

  Non-departmental Public Bodies
  Mr. Steinberg
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what measures he is taking to broaden the social background from which appointments to non-departmental public bodies are made. [19611]

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  The Government are committed to attracting a broad range of applicants for public appointments—by the use of advertising and by encouraging members of under-represented groups to nominate themselves for the central and departmental lists of candidates.

  Dr. Whitehead
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what representations he has received about his proposals to make quangos more open and accountable. [19613]

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  Following the publication of the Government's consultation paper "Opening up Quangos" we have received a number of comments from a wide range of organisations and from individuals. Most of these welcome the proposals in the consultation paper and offer additional suggestions to make quangos more open and accountable.

  Mr. Pickthall
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement on progress in reducing the number of quangos. [19618]

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  Ministers are taking a careful look to see which quangos are really necessary, with a view to keeping the numbers to a minimum. Ministers are also undertaking a zero-based analysis of the functions of the NDPBs they sponsor as part of the Comprehensive Spending Review.

  Mr. Bill O'Brien
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what plans he has to make non-departmental bodies more accountable to Parliament; and if he will make a statement. [19628]

  Dr. David Clark
  In our consultation paper "Opening up Quangos", published on 11 November, we set out ways of improving the accountability of quangos. I am inviting Select Committees to have greater oversight of quangos, by looking at annual reports and by being involved in the regular five-yearly reviews of quangos.

  Freedom of Information
  Ms Julie Morgan
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will list the principal objectives of the Government's proposals on freedom of information. [19614]

  Dr. David Clark
  The objective of our proposals on freedom of information are to encourage more open and accountable government by establishing a general statutory right of access to official records and information.

  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Defence on his proposed freedom of information legislation. [19624]
  234
  Dr. David Clark
  My right hon. Friend is a member of the Cabinet Committee which discussed extensively the proposals for freedom of information legislation now set out in our White Paper "Your Right to Know".

  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement regarding the release of Government papers. [19629]

  Dr. David Clark
  The White Paper on Freedom of Information, "Your Right to Know", contains proposals for a Freedom of Information Act which would incorporate access rights to both current and historic records. For the present, Government records will continue to be released in accordance with the Public Records Acts 1958 and 1967.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what plans he has to promote the Government's policy on freedom of information. [19615]

  Dr. David Clark
  I look forwared to a wide-ranging public debate on the proposals set out last week in the White Paper "Your Right to Know". As well as publishing the White Paper in print and on the internet, 40,000 copies of a leaflet explaining the main proposals are being distributed. The leaflet will also be available in seven minority languages, in large print, in Braille and on audio cassette.

  Food Standards Agency
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when he expects to publish his proposals for a food safety standards agency; and if he will make a statement. [19617]

  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when he plans to publish his White Paper on food safety; and if he will make a statement. [19623]

  Mr. David Clark
  The Government will be announcing their proposals when Parliament returns in the new year.

  Mrs. Gorman
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what representations he has received on his proposals for the establishment of a food safety standards agency. [19619]

  Mr. Barnes
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what representations he has received recently concerning food safety; and if he will make a statement. [19625]

  Dr. David Clark
  I refer the hon. Lady and my hon. Friend to the oral answer I gave to the hon. Member for Lichfield (Mr. Fabricant).

  Special Advisers
  Mr. Ruffley
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will review the operation of the new model contract for special advisers. [19620]

  Dr. David Clark
  The new model contract for special advisers was promulgated by the Prime Minister on 19 May 1997. It is kept under review, and will be amended as and when a need is identified.
  235
  Mr. Robathan
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what representations he has received on the role of special advisers with responsibilities for Government information. [19627]

  Dr. David Clark
  As I have made clear in response to questions from hon. Members, this Government have set out clearly in the model contract for special advisers the terms and conditions under which special advisers are employed. We have also published the report of the Review of the Government Information Service which clarifies the role of those special advisers with responsibility for media-related matters. Copies of both documents are in the Library.

  Public Information (Broadcasting)
  Mr. David Heath
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what instructions are issued to the Central Office of Information on the broadcasting of public information announcements on television. [19621]

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  There are no instructions issued to the Central Office of Information on the broadcasting of public information announcements on television.

  Better Government Programme
  Mr. Ivan Lewis
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what plans he has to involve local government in the better government programme. [19622]

  Mr. David Clark
  Local government are key partners in the Better Government programme.

  As part of the Deputy Prime Minister's initiative to develop the partnership between Central and Local Government, I have set up a Working Group on Public Service Delivery, which includes representatives from the Local Government Association. The aim of the Group is to develop a framework for innovative pilots to improve services at the local level through different organisations working together.

  Service Delivery (Technology)
  Mrs. Ann Campbell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement on his plans to promote public services via electronic networks. [19626]

  Dr. David Clark
  The Government intend to publish next year a White Paper on "Better Government", which will set out the way in which access to government services will be transformed using modern technology.

  On 9 December I formally launched direct.link, an electronic forum which aims to bring together public sector organisations and voluntary agencies which are actively engaged in projects to provide electronic services to the citizen.

  Direct.link is managed by the Central IT Unit (CITU) and it will conduct most of its business electronically, using discussion groups and e-mail. Direct.link will enable members to exchange ideas, share experiences and investigate topics of common interest.

  Computers (Century Date Change)
  Mr. John Smith
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what steps he is taking to ensure that Government Departments resolve the millennium computer compliance problem. [19605]

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  I refer my hon. Friend to the statement my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster made to the House on 27 November 1997,Official Report, columns 1104–05.

  Citizens Charter
  Ms Ward
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what plans he has to reform the programme of charters. [19616]

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  We announced to the House on 2 July 1997,Official Report, columns 284–87, the Government's intention to relaunch the citizens charter. A consultation exercise to find out what people want from the programme ended on 21 November. We have received responses from a wide variety of sources, including consumer representative organisations; professional institutions; hospitals; local authorities; academics; and individual members of the public.

  These responses will help shape the new programme, details of which will be published early next year as part of the Better Government initiative.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  E-mail
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to the answer from the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on 10 November 1997,Official Report, column 441, if he will list the e-mail addresses of (a) Ministers, (b) senior officials and (c) chief executives of agencies for which he is responsible. [15868]

  Mr. Field
  [holding answer 13 November 1997]: Preparatory work is required to confirm that all security concerns have been addressed and that listed Ministers, Senior Officials and Agency Chief executives have systems/procedures in place to handle external E-Mail traffic.

  Lone Parents
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to her answer of 27 November 1997,Official Report, column 664, for how many of the 433 lone parents referred to in Table 1 of her Department's publication "A New Deal for Lone Parents: Moving Forward-Progress Report on the First Three Months" reported as having obtained work she has information in the form set out in Table 2 of that report; and if she will publish such information as she has in that form. [18886]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  [holding answer 3 December 1997]Information on the age, number of children, wage, previous duration on benefit, type of work and area is available for 409 of the 864 lone parents who have moved into work under the New Deal for Lone Parents up to the end of November. This information has been placed in the Library.
  237
  The Government do not routinely collect data on in-work costs for lone parents moving into work under the New Deal. This information will instead be assessed during the separate research commissioned for the New Deal. The research data will be released when the research is complete.

  The eight estimates of financial gain from moving into work provided in the report "Moving Forward" were provided to illustrate the effects on individuals before in-work costs. These data are not, though, sufficiently robust for analysis of the impact of the New Deal.

  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what assessment she has made, and on the basis of what sources of information, of the difference in incomes between lone parents on income support and those in work(a) before and (b) after child care costs are taken into account. [19703]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  Estimates by the independent Policy Studies Institute indicate that the weekly income for lone parents already in work and receiving Family Credit is likely to be, on average, over £50 more than their estimated income on Income Support.

  This estimate is based on a 1994 sample of lone parents in work, adjusted by the Policy Studies Institute to take account of two subsequent policy changes (the introduction of the childcare disregard in all in-work benefits in October 1994 and the introduction of a 30 hour credit in Family Credit in July 1995) and the annual uprating of benefit levels. It does not take account of changes announced in June 1997 to extend the child care disregard further.

  The £50 per week estimate is before in-work costs which, excluding child care costs, averaged £5 per week; 79 per cent. were not paying for child care.

  Some 21 per cent. of the sample were paying for child care. After allowing for in-work costs, including the costs of child care, this group is on average over £18 per week better off in work than on Income Support. These figures are, however, based on a small sample and should be treated with caution.

  Direct comparisons between out of work income and in-work income for those lone parents currently receiving Income Support are difficult. It is not straightforward to predict the earnings of those lone parents who move into work since this would depend on the type of job they might get, and for how many hours. In addition, it is not possible to predict what child care costs they might have.

  In order to ensure that more lone parents are better off financially in work, the Government will implement a National Minimum Wage and National Child Care Strategy, reforming the tax and benefit systems, and provide extra help with the cost of child care and access to lifetime learning.

  It is important to recognise, though, that the financial return from working is not the only consideration which lone parents make in deciding to work. Qualitative research indicates that some lone parents choose to work in part to provide a role model for their children, and to take them away from dependency on benefit.
  238
  The New Deal for Lone Parents will provide practical help and advice for the lone parents on Income Support who want to move into work. As part of the New Deal service, lone parents who have been offered work, and have been advised of their earnings, can ask their Personal Adviser for an estimate of their likely entitlement to Family Credit and other in-work benefits. The evaluation of the programme includes a quantitative survey of a sample of participants in all eight areas of the scheme which will collect systematic information from lone parents on how much actually better off they are in work.

  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the average income of a lone parent on
  (i) family credit and (ii) income support(a) in rented accommodation and (b) with a mortgage. [20548]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  [holding answer 12 December 1997]The information is set out in the table.

  £ per week

  Before housing costs

  After housing costs

  Mean

  Median

  Mean

  Median

  Families on family credit in rented accommodation

  197

  198

  155

  155

  Families on family credit with a mortgage

  202

  204

  171

  167

  Families on income support in rented accommodation

  184

  166

  135

  116

  Families on income support with a mortgage

  177

  166

  127

  112

  Source

  Households Below Average Income (HBAI).

  Notes

  1. Figures are for 1995–96.

  2. The data come from the Department's Households Below Average Income (HBAI) series, based on the Family Resources Survey (FRS) and covering Great Britain. The FRS data were used to achieve a large enough sample size to provide more robust information. All results are subject to sampling error.

  3. Both mean and median figures are given. This is because mean results may be affected by atypical households skewing the results.

  4. The income measure used is weekly net (disposable) equivalised household income. The definition of income used follows that in the published HBAI series for FRS based results and therefore takes no account of child care costs; figures are given both before and after housing costs in line with usual HBAI practice. Families are counted as "with a mortgage" if the household they live in has a mortgage.

  Child Support Agency
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if the Child Support Agency is permitted to make inquiries of the Inland Revenue in respect of the financial income in cases involving absent parents. [20079]

  Mr. Field
  The Child Support Agency can obtain the address of the absent parent and details of his employer from the Inland Revenue for tracing purposes. However, under current legislation, financial details cannot be obtained. We are determined to ensure that the Child Support Agency provides an efficient and effective service and are looking at all aspects of its work to see where improvements can be made. We aim to bring forward proposals in the first half of next year.
  239
  Mr. Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many absent parents are currently paying the minimum amount of child maintenance, as stipulated by the CSA, whilst they are receiving statutory(a) sick pay and (b) incapacity benefit. [20120]

  Mr. Field
  Absent parents receiving Statutory Sick Pay or Incapacity Benefit who are assessed to pay the minimum amount or less are exempt from payment.

  Data from August 1997 show a small number of these cases with an assessment for the minimum amount. These will be cases where the absent parent has only recently started to receive statutory sick pay or incapacity benefit but the assessment has not yet been revised, and cases where payment of those benefits has ceased but the records have not yet been fully updated.

  Myalgic Encephalomyelitis
  Mr. Levitt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will make a statement on the guidance given to the Benefits Agency in assessing the capacity for work for persons suffering from ME and similar diseases. [20140]

  Mr. Field
  Detailed guidance on the approach to assessing people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (commonly referred to as ME) and similar conditions where variability of severity of symptoms is a feature, is provided in the Incapacity Benefit Handbook issued to all Benefits Agency Medical Services doctors. The doctors are trained to take an overall view of someone's capacity for work taking into account the degree to which their conditions vary and the effects of pain and fatigue.

  We are looking at all aspects of provision for sick and disabled people as a part of our comprehensive spending review. During the review we shall take care to think about the particular needs of different groups and to assess whether the benefit system is addressing these in the right way.

  Disabled People
  Mr. Cotter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans she has to improve incentives to work for disabled people. [21005]

  Mr. Denham
  The Government believe that work is the best form of welfare for people of working age, and are committed to improving opportunities and incentives for disabled people who want to work. Under our New Deal for people with a disability or long-term illness, up to £195 million, set aside from the Windfall Tax, will be used to finance a range of options aimed at helping participants, in the most effective way possible, to move into or stay in work. One key element of the New Deal will involve funding a number of innovative schemes to test ways of helping people who want to work, and the bidding process for this part of the programme was 240
  launched on 9 December. In parallel with these initiatives we are also considering what changes might be made to the benefit system to improve incentives and reduce disincentives to work.

  Invalid Care Allowance
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) how many people have(a) applied for and (b) been awarded invalid care allowance in each of the last three years;[20672]

  (2) how many people currently claim invalid care allowance. [20676]

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

  Number of claims to invalid care allowance and awards made' thousands Claims receivedAwards made1

  thousands

  Claims received

  Awards made

  1994

  123

  94

  1995

  152

  104

  1996

  165

  116

  Notes

  1. The figures are derived from separate counts. The number of awards made in any year is not necessarily the result of claims received in that year. There will be some awards made on claims made in the preceding year, and some claims received that are not awarded until the following year.

  2. As at 1 October 1997, there were 371,000 Invalid Care Allowances currently in payment.

  Source

  Figures based on a 100 per cent. count of Invalid Care Allowance claims, awards and allowances in Great Britain.

  Women Claimants
  Mr. Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what proportion of couples were in receipt of income support or income related jobseeker's allowance in which the woman is the claimant, for each year since 1990. [20678]

  Mr. Field
  The information is set out in the table:

  Claimants of income support/income based jobseeker's allowance where the women heads the unit 1990–97

  All couples

  Couples headed by a woman

  Number

  As a percentage of all couples

  May 1990

  691,000

  35,000

  5

  May 1991

  763,000

  37,000

  5

  May 1992

  891,000

  48,000

  5

  May 1993

  1,016,000

  63,000

  6

  May 1994

  992,000

  75,000

  8

  May 1995

  946,000

  85,000

  9

  May 1996

  915,000

  91,000

  10

  February 1997

  855,000

  91,000

  11

  Notes

  1. All figures have been rounded to the nearest thousand.

  2. Income based jobseeker's allowance replaced income support for the unemployed from October 1996.

  3. Sample size 1 per cent. up to 1992, 5 per cent. thereafter.

  Sources

  1. Income Support Statistics Annual Enquiries, 1990–93.

  2. Income Support Statistics Quarterly Enquiries, May 1994—February 1997.

  3. Jobseeker's Allowance Statistics Quarterly Enquiry, February 1997.

  Carer Benefits
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what benefits are available to those who care for others. [20675]

  Mr. Denham
  Carers have access to the full range of Social Security benefits depending on their individual circumstances. Invalid Care Allowance is the benefit intended specifically for carers. Carers may also qualify for the carer premium within the income related benefits.

  Family Credit
  Mr. Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will list the number of(a) male and (b) female (i) earners and (ii) benefit recipients in couples in receipt of family credit at the latest date for which information is available. [20670]

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

  Couples receiving family credit, by gender of main or subsequent earner, May 1997

  Gender of main earner

  Main earner

  With Partner earnings

  Without earnings

  Male

  308,000

  20,000

  288,000

  Female

  98,000

  11,000

  87,000

  All cases

  406,000

  31,000

  375,000

  Source

  Family credit 5 per cent. sample of all awards.

  Notes

  1. All figures have been rounded to the nearest thousand.

  2. Figures are based on the gender of the main earner and their partner.

  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many persons in Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale were in receipt of family credit in each year since 1992. [19694]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  The administration of Family Credit is a matter for Peter Mathison, Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to my hon. Friend.

  Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Gordon Prentice, dated 16 December 1997:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking how many people in Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale were in receipt of Family Credit (FC) during each year since 1992.
  The information is not available in the format requested. FC is administered centrally by the Family Credit Unit. Statistics are produced on a national basis and provide the number of families in receipt of FC within a particular Benefits Agency (BA) local office area at a given date. This only serves as a "snap-shot" of the position at that date and does not indicate the number of families in receipt of FC annually.
  242
  Information on FC claims is normally destroyed after 18 months. However, the information requested is currently available from 1993 onwards and the figures for the two BA local offices within this area are as follows:

  April

  Burnley

  Rossendale

  1993

  2,933

  782

  1994

  3,393

  864

  1995

  3,936

  910

  1996

  4,171

  800

  1997

  4,575

  665

  Figures are provisional and subject to change.

  I hope you find this reply helpful.

  Welfare to Work
  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will make a statement on the entitlement to benefits of those who agree to participate in Welfare to Work for long term sick and disabled schemes. [17724]

  Mr. Denham
  [holding answer 25 November 1997]The Government strongly believe that work is the best form of welfare for people of working age, and have set aside £195 million to fund a programme improving opportunities for sick and disabled people who want to work. We are currently consulting representatives from a number of disability organisations and employers on our initial proposals. These include funding a number of innovative schemes to explore how best to help people move into work or stay in work; introducing personal advisers to help sick and disabled people to overcome barriers to work; an information campaign to improve knowledge of the existing help available to help people into work and to change attitudes of benefit recipients, employers and the public; and a programme of research and evaluation to develop our understanding of the client group and to determine the effect of our initiatives. Participation in the welfare to work programme will be voluntary.

  In addition we are examining the effect of benefit rules on incentives for sick and disabled people who want to work as part of our comprehensive spending review, and are considering the need for any changes. We are particularly keen that benefit rules should not discourage participation in the Welfare to Work programme.

  We are committed to looking at ways of ending the exclusion of disabled people, and empowering them to play a full role in society. We want to develop an approach which focuses on people's abilities, instead of their disabilities.

  Independent Tribunal Service
  Mr. Sarwar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what action is being taken to reduce the waiting times for appeals heard by the Independent Tribunal Service. [20746]

  Mr. Field
  The operation of the appeals system is a matter for the Independent Tribunal Service.

  However, we are determined to reduce the current delays and complexity in the appeals system. The Social Security Bill, which paves the way for modernising the delivery of social security, including the handling of appeals, had its third reading in the House on

  243
  10 December and is now continuing its passage through the House of Lords. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State will assume responsibility for the administration of the appeals system. She will set and publish demanding targets for the administration of appeals and report on the results.

  Disability Living Allowance
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if recipients of disability living allowance who receive a questionnaire under the Benefits Integrity Programme are entitled to see a copy of their initial claim form; and what publicity his Department provides in respect of these arrangements. [20822]

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

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

  Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Paul Burstow, dated 16 December 1997:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking whether recipients of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) who receive a questionnaire under the Benefits Integrity Programme are entitled to see a copy of their initial claim form; and what publicity his Department provides in respect of these arrangements.
  The Benefit Integrity Project (BIP) was set up in response to the recent Benefit Review of DLA. Over the next two years, specially trained staff will make enquiries by postal questionnaire or home visit in over 400,000 cases to establish whether DLA is being paid correctly.
  244
  A copy of the original form will be sent to DLA recipients on request. We have had several useful meetings with organisations representing disabled people at which this provision was emphasised, as it was on the Does He Take Sugar? radio broadcast made by the Baroness Hollis of Heigham.
  I hope that this is helpful.

  Housing Benefit
  Ms Buck
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the total number of housing benefit claimants for the benefit areas covering (1) Regent's Park and (2) Kensington North; how many of the claimants are(a) local authority, (b) housing association and (c) private tenants; and if he will list the (i) highest, (ii) average, (iii) median and (iv) upper and lower quartile payment figures for (a) to (c). [20975]

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

  The information relates to the London Boroughs of Westminster and Kensington and Chelsea.

  Caseloads and weekly average amounts of housing benefit at the end of May 1997

  Local authority tenants

  Private tenants (excluding Housing association tenants tenants)

  Housing Authority association

  Westminster

  Recipients

  9,960

  7,440

  5,980

  Average housing benefit

  £59.09

  £106.85

  £61.62

  Kensington and Chelsea

  Recipients

  5,720

  4,620

  6,670

  Average housing benefit

  £64.86

  £106.53

  £58.56

  Source

  Housing Benefit Management Information System.

  Notes

  1. Recipients may be a single person or a couple.

  2. Westminster's figures are estimated based on actuals for November 1996.

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