Written Answers of 18 December 1997

TREASURY

  Insurance Premium Tax
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received on the use of insurance premium tax as a marketing promotion by insurance retailers competing with travel agents. [20713]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 16 December 1997]: I have received a number of such representations.

  Economic and Monetary Union
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the system for allowing United Kingdom transactions to be made in euros will also allow payments in other European currencies. [15917]

  Mrs. Liddell
  The banking sector has decided to put in place the necessary parallel infrastructure to handle euro transactions from 1 January 1999, for the financial markets, businesses and individuals. The infrastructure will not have the capability to allow transactions in other European foreign currencies.

  Minimum Wage
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received on the impact of the national minimum wage on job levels. [21046]

  Mr. Geoffrey Robinson
  [holding answer 17 December 1997]: My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer and his Ministerial colleagues have received a number of representations on this issue. The Government has asked the Low Pay Commission to take into account the wider effects on the economy in making its recommendations on the level and coverage of the minimum wage.

  Pension Fund Contributions
  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to change the current scales of tax relief available for pension fund contributions. [21343]

  Mr. Geoffrey Robinson
  [holding answer 17 December 1997]: We intend to maintain a framework for the tax treatment of pension arrangements that will encourage people to save for their retirement.

  Savings
  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the Government's target for the savings ratio by private investors; and by what date. [21341]

  Mr. Geoffrey Robinson
  [holding answer 17 December 1997]: Although there is no explicit target for the saving ratio, the Government want to encourage long-term
  246
  savings and investment. The pursuit of economic stability is central to this goal. Moreover, the introduction of the new Individual Savings Accounts in 1999 will spread the savings culture by bringing the benefits of existing tax-favoured provision to a much wider population of savers.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Blunt
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of the letters to hon. Members from the Financial Secretary to the Treasury have been signed by Ola Solaja on her behalf since 2 May. [21420]

  Dawn Primarolo
  I have received some 2,250 letters from hon. Members since 2 May. A breakdown of replies signed by my Private Secretaries on my behalf is not available. I approve the text of all letters to Members before they are sent.

  Financial Services (Complaints and Compensation)
  Ms Lawrence
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the Government's plans for reform of complaints handling and compensation schemes for financial services. [22011]

  Mrs. Liddell
  The Financial Services Authority has today published consultation documents on proposed arrangements for complaints-handling and compensation. Copies have been placed in the Libraries of the House.

  We intend that there should be a single independent Financial Services Ombudsman. The Ombudsman will deal with unresolved complaints against all firms authorised by the Financial Services Authority.

  The legislative framework for the Financial Services Ombudsman and for a single financial services compensation scheme will be included in the draft legislation to reform the regulatory system that the Government plan to publish for consultation next summer.

  Consultation (Code of Practice)
  Mr. Timms
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the Code of Practice on consultation, mentioned in paragraph 5.1 of his Pre-Budget Report, will be published. [21875]

  Dawn Primarolo
  I am pleased to report that the Code of Practice on consultation, which will apply to consultations on tax policy in connection with the Budget and Finance Bill by the Inland Revenue, Customs and Excise and the Treasury, has today been made available on each of the departments' Internet sites. Printed versions will be available on request and copies have been placed in the Libraries of the House.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  National Lottery
  Mr. Sarwar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many applications have been made to the national lottery distributing bodies to date from organisations in the Glasgow, Govan constituency; how
  247
  many organisations from the Govan constituency have been (a) successful and (b) unsuccessful in their applications; and if he will make a statement. [20750]

  Mr. Banks
  From the information available, organisations in the Glasgow, Govan constituency have made 164 formal applications to the Lottery distributing bodies of which 59 have been successful, 85 unsuccessful and 20 are awaiting a final decision. The table shows the breakdown of applications by distributing body. The 59 successful awards have a total value of £4,763.715.

  Decisions on applications are a matter for the distributing bodies. Information on unsuccessful applications is not kept by the Department. Information on successful Lottery applicants can be found on the Department's website www.lottery,culture.gov.uk

  Distributing body

  Total applications

  Successful (i.e. award given)

  Unsuccessful

  Awaiting final decision

  Scottish Arts Council

  33

  21

  10

  2

  Scottish Sports Council

  4

  3(1 of which was subsequently not taken up by applicant)

  0

  1

  Heritage Lottery Fund

  7

  5

  1

  1

  National Lottery Charities Board

  120

  30

  74

  16

  Millennium Commission

  1—

  0

  1—

  1—

  Total

  164

  59

  85

  20

  1 It has not been possible for the Millennium Commission to provide the information on unsuccessful application, due to the way in which its records have been compiled. The Commission has awarded grant totalling £62,924,410 to four capital projects based in Glasgow. The Commission has also made a further award of £564,000 under the Millennium Awards to Individuals scheme.

  Tourist Attractions
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list the top 20 tourist attractions in the United Kingdom. [20910]

  Mr. Tom Clarke
  The information requested is as follows:

  Top 20 tourist attractions in the UK

  Attractions

  Number

  1. Blackpool Pleasure Beach

  7,500,000

  2. British Museum, London

  6,228,275

  3. National Gallery, London

  5,000,000

  4. Palace Pier, Brighton

  4,250,000

  5. Alton Towers, Staffordshire

  2,749,000

  6. Madame Tussaud's, London

  2,715,000

  7. Tower of London

  2,539,272

  8. Westminster Abbey

  2,500,000

  9. Eastbourne Pier

  2,300,000

  10. York Minster

  2,200,000

  11. Tate Gallery, London

  2,002,000

  12. St. Paul's Cathedral

  2,000,000

  12. Pleasureland, Southport

  2,000,000

  14. Chessington World of Adventures

  1,700,000

  14. Canterbury Cathedral

  1,700,000

  16. Natural History Museum, London

  1,607,255

  17. Science Museum, London

  1,548,286

  18. Legoland, Windsor

  1,420,511

  248

  Top 20 tourist attractions in the UK

  Attractions

  Number

  19. Pleasure Beach, Great Yarmouth

  1,400,000

  20. Frontierland, Morecambe

  1,300,000

  20. Victoria and Albert Museum, London

  1,300,000

  Note:

  Inevitably some of the above figures are estimates.

  The above table does not include sporting, artistic and exhibition venues.

  Source:

  Sightseeing in the UK 1996 published by the English Tourist Board, Northern Ireland Tourist Board, Scottish Tourist Board and Wales Tourist Board.

  British Museum
  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assistance he has made available to the British Museum in 1997–98 and 1998–99 to enable it to avoid introducing admission charges in terms of(a) grant and (b) tax treatment; and if such arrangements are to be extended to other museums. [21114]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  I am holding in reserve within my Department's budget for 1998–99 £1 million for the British Museum. The purpose of this provision is to help the Trustees of the British Museum to avoid irrevocable decisions on the introduction of admission charges pending the outcome of the Government's Comprehensive Spending Review. Before this reserve can be accessed the British Museum will have to demonstrate their need for special provision, having looked at other sources of income. Payment of any advance grant would be subject to the following conditions:(i) that the Museum prepares an action plan, subject to approval by my Department, for generating more income to supplement its grant-in-aid; for achieving significant efficiency savings; and for improvements to the management of the Museum's finances;
  (ii) that the Museum succeeds in eliminating the balance of its projected deficit for the financial year 1998–99; and
  (iii) that the Trustees of the British Museum maintain free entry throughout 1998.

  I am also holding in reserve £300,000 for 1998–99 for the Tate Gallery to help them to maintain free entry pending the outcome of the Comprehensive Spending Review. Before this reserve can be accessed the Tate Gallery will have to demonstrate the need for this extra grant, having explored other sources of income.

  No special tax measures or tax treatment are being offered to either the British Museum or the Tate Gallery.

  In addition, I was able to announce to the House on 8 December the establishment by the Heritage Lottery Fund of an Access Fund, initially of £5 million per year, to enable all museums and galleries to bid for resources to help improve access to their collections in a variety of different ways.

  Sportsmark Scheme
  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans he has to extend the Sportsmark scheme to primary schools. [21018]
  249
  Mr. Chris Smith
  We have no plans to extend the Sportsmark scheme to primary schools. However, the English Sports Council are currently working on plans to introduce an Activity award for primary schools.

  Tourism
  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what is the scope and purpose of his Department's plan for tourism; and when it will be published. [21017]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  I aim to publish a comprehensive and detailed tourism strategy next summer, spelling out how the Government intend to create and sustain an improved framework within which tourism, hospitality and leisure can flourish.

  Lottery White Paper
  Mr. Stringer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many responses he has received to the White Paper, "The People's Lottery"; and if he will make a statement. [22125]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  I have received responses from nearly 500 organisations and over 90 individuals. The vast majority of these welcomed the Government's proposals for reforming the National Lottery. I have today placed a report summarising the main themes emerging from these responses in the Libraries of both Houses.

  The White Paper announced the creation of a new Lottery good cause for health, education and the environment and of the National Endowment for Science Technology and the Arts. The National Lottery Bill, which was published on 4 December, gives effect to these proposals. The White Paper also committed £1 billion from the Lottery to the new good cause and NESTA by 2001. These funds will be split as follows:
  £300 million for training teachers and librarians in the use of new technology, including £50 million for digitising educational and learning materials held in schools and libraries;
  £300 million for out of school hours activities, with a further £100 million after 2001. £200 million will help local communities set up out of school childcare clubs across the UK, to meet the needs of working parents. £180 million will provide out of school hours learning activities in half of all secondary schools and a quarter of all primary schools. A further £20 million will fund integrated schemes offering childcare and learning;
  £200 million for healthy living centres, with a further £100 million after 2001, to establish a network designed to serve around 20 per cent. of the population; and
  £200 million as an endowment for NESTA, sufficient to provide an income which will move NESTA into the top ten grant giving endowment funds in the UK.

  Public Expenditure
  Caroline Flint
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what decisions he has taken on public expenditure allocations for 1998–99. [22126]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  My Department's spending plans for next year are listed in the table. I am today writing to the Chairmen of funded bodies informing them of the grant they can expect next year.
  250
  I have generally chosen to maintain settlements at the level planned last year. Some adjustments have however had to be made to reflect the costs to the UK of increases in related European Community budget programmes and to reflect transfers of responsibility to and from my Department. My objective throughout has been to ensure that the bodies I fund can continue to deliver their existing services within the total provision for expenditure that was announced last year.

  These allocations do not necessarily reflect my longer term priorities. These will be set in the Departmental Spending Review and will provide the foundation for a different approach to resource allocation in the future. I look forward to working with our funded bodies to make this a reality.

  Culture, Media and Sport: 1998–99 allocations

  £000

  Museums and Galleries

  207,599

  British Museum

  32,921

  Natural History Museum

  26,960

  Imperial War Museum

  10,573

  National Gallery

  17,889

  National Maritime Museum

  10,184

  National Museums and Galleries on Merseyside

  12,696

  National Portrait Gallery

  4,697

  National Museum of Science and Industry

  20,281

  Tate Gallery

  18,218

  Victoria and Albert Museum

  29,127

  Wallace Collection

  1,816

  Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester

  2,178

  Museum of London

  4,210

  Sir John Soane's Museum

  567

  Horniman Museum

  3,144

  Geffrye Museum

  1,047

  Museums and Galleries Commission

  8,941

  Government Indemnity Scheme

  150

  Assets accepted in lieu of tax

  2,000

  Libraries

  89,720

  British Library grant in aid

  80,450

  British Library St. Pancras Project

  349

  Wolfson Public Libraries Improvement Scheme

  2,000

  Royal Commission on Historical Manuscripts

  1,039

  Public Lending Right

  4,903

  Public Library Development Incentive Scheme

  225

  Library and Information Commission

  430

  Royal National Institute for the Blind

  200

  National Manuscripts Conservation Trust

  70

  Royal Geographic Society

  54

  Arts

  193,365

  Arts Council of England

  184,600

  Crafts Council

  3,200

  National Heritage Arts Sponsorship Scheme

  5,050

  Government Art Collection

  351

  Other arts programmes

  164

  Sports

  49,434

  English Sports Council

  33,289

  United Kingdom Sports Council

  11,600

  Business Sponsorship Incentive Scheme

  3,200

  Children's play

  400

  Football Licensing Authority

  896

  British Chess Federation

  49

  Historic Buildings, Monuments and Sites

  141,817

  Occupied Royal Palaces and other Historic Buildings

  18,714

  English Heritage

  102,150

  National Heritage Memorial Fund

  2,000

  251

  Culture, Media and Sport: 1998–99 allocations

  £000

  Royal Commission for Historical Monuments in England

  10,710

  Royal Armouries

  3,723

  Churches Conservation Trust

  2,479

  Royal Fine Art Commission

  705

  Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust

  300

  Other heritage institutions and support

  1,036

  Historic Royal Palaces

  4,020

  Royal Parks Agency

  20,950

  Tourism

  44,749

  British Tourist Authority

  35,000

  English Tourist Board

  9,732

  Other support

  17

  Broadcasting and Media

  98,670

  Welsh Fourth Channel Authority (S4C)

  75,127

  British Film Institute

  15,100

  National Film and Television School

  2,100

  British Screen Finance Ltd.

  2,000

  European Film Co-production

  2,000

  British Film Commission

  850

  Eureka and Audiovisual Observatory

  393

  Broadcasting Standards Commission

  1,971

  Other

  -871

  Administration (including OFLOT), Research and Contingencies

  25,383

  ERDF

  36,000

  Culture, Media and Sport Total

  911,707

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Judicial Appointments Commission
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what factors underlay his decision not to proceed with the establishment of a judicial appointments commission. [20377]

  Mr. Hoon
  In the light of the other substantial priorities facing the Department, including the very heavy workload connected with legal aid and civil justice reforms, my right hon. and learned Friend the Lord Chancellor has decided not to proceed with further work on a possible Commission but to concentrate on making those changes he regards as most urgent in the existing system. He has decided to act directly to improve the openness. flexibility and effectiveness of the judicial appointments process. New measures include the presentation of an annual report to Parliament on the operation of the judicial appointments system (the first report will cover the period 1998–99).

  Magistrates Courts
  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many magistrates serve on the active list of(a) the Harwich and (b) the Tendring petty sessional divisions. [20586]
  252
  Mr. Hoon
  16 magistrates serve on the active list of the Harwich Petty Sessional Division and 30 magistrates serve on the Tendring Petty Sessional Division.

  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many magistrates serve on the active list of the Colchester Petty Sessional Division; how many live within the Division; and how many live in the Colchester constituency. [20588]

  Mr. Hoon
  There are 84 magistrates on the active list of the Colchester Petty Sessional Division. 78 live within the Division; 34 live within the area of the Colchester constituency and a further 25 live within the area of the adjacent constituency of North Essex.

  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what consultations his Department has had on the amalgamation of the Colchester, Harwich and Tendring magistrates benches; and if he will make a statement. [20587]

  Mr. Hoon
  My Department has not undertaken, or taken part in, any consultations on the proposed amalgamation.

  Section 33 of the Justices of the Peace Act 1997 provides that a magistrates' courts committee may submit to the Lord Chancellor a draft order proposing changes to the petty sessional divisions, or PSDs, in its area. Section 34 of the Act requires a magistrates' courts committee to consult all the magistrates of the affected benches and relevant paying authority, before the Lord Chancellor may consider any application for change under section 33.

  I can confirm that an application to reorganise a number of PSDs in Essex, including Colchester, Harwich and Tendring, was received from Essex MCC on 17 November 1997.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Equal Opportunities Commission
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what are his Department's proposals in respect of the Equal Opportunities Commission's grant-in-aid budget for 1998. [20998]

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

  New Deal
  Mr. Gordon Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assessment he has made of the advantages of extending the New Deal programme to those economically inactive individuals who are not officially registered as unemployed. [21317]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  Both the New Deal for Lone Parents and the New Deal for Disabled People offer support to people who have been economically inactive. We will evaluate the impact of our welfare to work programmes and keep their coverage under review.
  253

  International Labour Conference
  Mr. MacShane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has for publishing the White Paper on the instruments adopted at the 83rd Session of the International Labour Conference and the instrument for the amendment of the ILO Constitution adopted at the 85th Session of the International Labour Conference. [22018]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  I have today published a White Paper entitled "International Labour Conference", copies of which have been placed in Library.

  Computers (Century Date Change)
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if his Department's estimates of the total costs of resolving the millennium compliance problem include costs relating to the embedded chip problem; and if he will make a statement. [21562]

  Dr. Howells
  Yes. Departmental costings relating to the embedded chip issue were itemised in the reply on 4 November 1997,Official Report, column 163, given to the hon. Member on our estimates of the total cost of addressing the millennium compliance problem.

  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what millennium compliance problems have occurred to date in his(a) Department, (b) agencies and (c) other public bodies; and if he will make a statement. [21561]

  Dr. Howells
  The Department has anticipated the potential for problems where its systems hold data that include dates beyond Year 2000 and/or where such systems manipulate these dates. All such systems have been identified and timely corrective action is being taken. No other specific problems have been identified either within the Department, its agency or the Non Departmental Public Bodies responsible to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Employment.

  Unemployment Forecasts
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will publish his Department's internal forecasts of the level of UK unemployment over the next two years; and if he will make a statement. [21355]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  The DfEE does not forecast unemployment. The current planning assumption, set out in "Securing Britain's long-term economic future"Pre-Budget Report November 1997, is for unemployment to remain flat at its October 1997 level.

  Beef (Schools)
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what advice he has issued to local education authorities about the inclusion of beef on the school menu. [21605]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  In March 1996, the Department issued to all schools and local education authorities in England a statement made by the then Secretary of State for Health, together with a statement by the Spongiform 254
  Encephalopathy Advisory Committee (SEAC), about the implications of the evidence on BSE for children and for school meal provision.

  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what statistics his Department collates as to which countries supply beef to British schools. [21602]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The Department does not collect this information.

  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what estimate he has made of the number of schools which have removed beef from the menu. [21604]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The content of school meals is a matter for individual local education authorities and grant-maintained schools, and the Department has not collected information on or made estimates of the number of schools not serving beef.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Women's Prisons (Overcrowding)
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent assessment he has made of the level of overcrowding in women's prisons. [19285]

  Ms Quin
  There are two measures of overcrowding: prisoners held two to a cell designed for one and prisoners held above the designated uncrowned capacity.

  158 female prisoners were held two to a cell designed for one at four prisons at the end of October 1997: 60 at Cookham Wood; 56 at Low Newton; 10 at Risley; and 32 at Winchester.

  The Prison Service also uses the concept of Certified Normal Accommodation (CNA) to define the uncrowded capacity of an establishment. Expressing the actual population as a percentage of the CNA can be used as a measure of occupancy. This measure takes into account all types of accommodation including single and double cells, rooms and dormitories.

  The table shows the CNA of female establishments and the population on 28 November 1997.

  Prison

  CNA

  Prisoners

  Percentage

  Askham Grange

  130

  130

  100

  Brockhill

  159

  116

  73

  Bullwood Hall

  126

  138

  110

  Cookham Wood

  120

  150

  125

  Drake Hall

  281

  275

  98

  Durham (Female Unit)

  47

  45

  96

  East Sutton Park

  94

  99

  105

  Eastwood Park

  135

  122

  90

  Foston Hall

  150

  132

  88

  High Point (Female Unit)

  207

  201

  97

  Holloway

  517

  517

  100

  Low Newton (Female Unit)

  49

  71

  145

  New Hall

  327

  362

  90

  Risley (Female Unit)

  155

  158

  101

  Styal

  284

  285

  100

  Winchester (Female Unit)

  82

  80

  97

  Total

  2,863

  2,881

  101

  255

  Young Offenders
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many 15 to 17 year old offenders received a sentence of(a) 15 months and (b) 21 months detention in a young offender institution in the most recent year for which figures are available. [20295]

  Mr. Michael
  In 1996, a total of 1,760 offenders aged 15, 16 or 17 were sentenced to detention in a young offender institution. Of these, 131 (7 per cent.) received a sentence of 15 months and 103 (6 per cent.) received a sentence of 21 months.

  Cannabis
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many applications have been made for a licence to research and trial the medical use of cannabis or cannabis derivatives; and on what date each licence was granted; [20629]

  (2) if he will list the individuals and organisations which have current licences from his Department permitting the research and trial of cannabis or cannabis derivatives for medical use. [20628]

  Mr. George Howarth
  According to existing records, a total of twenty two applications have been made for cannabis related research. All were granted and nineteen are currently valid. Of these, six are directly concerned with medical research. The licensee and date of grant of those six are as follows:

  Dr. G. M. Stern, Middlesex Hospital—11 August 1988

  Dr. P. Taylor, Bethlehem Hospital—27 February 1989

  Dr. A. Holdcroft, Hammersmith Hospital—1 December 1994

  Dr. R. Pertwee, University of Aberdeen—7 April 1974

  Professor A. Smith, University of Oxford—1 August 1993

  Mr. D. Todd, James Paget Hospital—1 May 1995.

  The first three of these licences have now lapsed; the others remain in force.

  Immigration Detainees
  Mr. Malins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 13 November 1997,Official Report, column 645, for what reasons immigration detainees are held in prison establishments other than Haslar and Rochester; what arrangements are made to separate immigration detainees from convicted prisoners; what extra (a) facilities and (b) provision is made for immigration detainees above that for convicted prisoners; and what language interpretation is provided for immigration detainees who have limited command of the English language. [20957]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  Under an agreement with the Prison Service, a number of places are made available for immigration detainees in Prison Service establishments other than Haslar and Rochester.
  256
  Detainees are normally held either together in a separate block of living accommodation or with unconvicted prisoners. They are treated in the same way as unconvicted prisoners for purposes of prison management, and as such have the special rights and privileges under Prison rules and instructions which flow from unconvicted status.

  Translation services are available under a contract administered by the Immigration and Nationality Directorate; every establishment has access to Language Line, a 24-hour telephone interpreting service, which is subsidised centrally; a list of accredited interpreters is available from the National Register of Public Service Interpreters, which is administered by the Institute of Linguists; establishments have been advised to maintain a list of members of staff and prisoners who can speak foreign languages and of any community services available locally. A number of foreign language documents, issued centrally by the Prison Service, are made available to non-English speaking prisoners and detainees explaining prison rules and procedures.

  Deportation Orders
  Mr. Malins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many(a) deportation orders have been signed by Ministers and (b) removals have taken place since 1 May. [20887]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The number of deportation orders signed by Ministers between 1 May 1997 and 30 September 1997 was 468. Information on removals during the same period is given in table 1.

  Table 1: Persons removed from the United Kingdom, 1 May 1997 to 30 September 1997

  Number of persons removed1

  Removal as a result of deportation action2,3

  648

  Removal as a result of illegal entry action2,4

  2,015

  Removal under port procedures2

  10,574

  Total removals

  13,237

  1 These figures are provisional.

  2 Action may have been initiated in an earlier period.

  3 Includes persons who departed voluntarily after deportation action had been initiated.

  4 Includes persons who departed voluntarily after illegal entry action had been initiated.

  Young People in Care
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many young people in each of the last three years have been remanded in the care of the local authority by courts. [20691]

  Mr. Boateng
  I have been asked to reply.

  During the year ending 31 March 1996, the latest for which figures are available, 1,600 young people were remanded, or committed for trial or sentence, into the care of local authorities in England. The equivalent figures for the years ending 31 March 1995 and 1994 were 1,530 and 1,440 respectively.
  257
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many young people presently remanded in the care of the local authority are(a) excluded from school and (b) not excluded from school; [20690]

  (2) what is the average number of hours per week of education undertaken by young people who are remanded in the care of the local authority who are (a) excluded from school and (b) not excluded from school. [20688]

  Mr. Michael
  Information on the education of those remanded in the care of the local authority is not collected centrally but I have obtained some related information from the Department for Education and Employment and the Office for Standards in Education (OFSTED).

  Surveys indicate that children in local authority care are more likely to be excluded from school than other groups, but there is no information on how many exclusions involve those remanded into care.

  School attendance at each Key Stage

  Per cent.

  Key Stage 1 (4–7 years)

  Key Stage 2 (7–11 years)

  Key Stage 3 (11–14 years)

  Key Stage 4 (14–16 years)

  Total

  Permanently excluded1

  —

  0.6

  2.1

  3.9

  1.9

  Fixed term exclusion1,2

  —

  0.3

  3.0

  2.8

  1.7

  attendance

  2.1

  1.6

  7.3

  18.9

  8.4

  problem indicated

  87.1

  92.5

  82.4

  66.9

  81.2

  information given

  10.8

  5.0

  5.2

  7.5

  6.7

  Total numbers

  194

  322

  329

  360

  1,205

  1 Numbers relate to children excluded at the time of the census. Information was not collected about previous experience of exclusion.

  2 When this study was undertaken, fixed term exclusion applied for a maximum of 15 days in any one term. Since legislative changes introduced in 1997 fixed term exclusion can now extend to 45 days in any one year.

  Horse Racing
  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will estimate the number of British-based stallions commanding a fee of £10,000 or more. [21180]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The estimated number of British-based stallions commanding a fee of £10,000 or more is 19.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will estimate the ratio of overall income to overall costs of race horse owners in the United Kingdom, Germany and Japan; [21187]

  (2) if he will publish the percentage of keep and training fees recoverable through prize money in the principle horse racing countries. [21190]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The percentage of keep and training fees recoverable through prize money in the principal horse racing nations is estimated as follows:

  Per cent.

  Hong Kong

  149

  Japan

  83

  South Africa

  64

  Canada

  59

  Italy

  57

  France

  49

  United States of America

  47

  Germany

  41

  Australia

  38

  New Zealand

  34

  258
  Most young people remanded will go into residential care with on-site schools and will not be excluded from school. Children not excluded from school will be subject to a standard school week (24 hours for those aged 14 to 16, Key stage 4).

  Where a child is permanently excluded from school the Local Education Authority (LEA) is under a duty to provide suitable education. LEAS generally meet this duty through education in a pupil referral unit, which may be full or part-time, or by arranging home tuition for an average of around five hours a week.

  A 1995 report "The Education of Children who are looked after by the Local Authority" produced jointly by the Department of Health Social Services Inspectorate and OFSTED examined the school attendance records of a broad group of 1,205 children, looked after in local authority foster and residential care. Information from that report appears in the following table.

  Per cent.

  Britain

  24

  Ireland

  19

  Source:

  International Federation of Horseracing Authorities, October 1997.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will estimate the overall costs and overall income of racing horse owners in the Untied Kingdom. [21186]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The British Horseracing Board estimate the overall costs and overall income of racing horse owners in the United Kingdom as follows:

  (a) overall costs = £202 million (including entry fees)

  (b) overall income = £49 million (total prize money less owners' entry fees and before any deductions to trainers, jockeys etc).

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will estimate the costs and returns to the owner of the a horse winning three Class E races. [21181]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The British Horseracing Board estimate the costs and returns to the owner of a horse winning three Class E races as:

  (a) Costs = £15,200

  (b) Returns = £12,600.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will estimate the effects of replacing betting duty on turnover with charging duty on gross profits. [21184]
  259
  Mr. George Howarth
  This matter is properly for my Treasury colleagues. However, they tell me that general betting duty on stakes yielded £453 million in 1996–97; the yield of a duty on gross profit would depend on the rate charged and gross profit levels.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will estimate Britain's place in the world rankings of returns to race horse owners. [21191]

  Mr. George Howarth
  Britain's place in the world rankings of percentage returns to racehorse owners is 36th of 41.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will meet the A1 Maktoum family to discuss the future of racing and the bloodstock industry. [21307]

  Mr. George Howarth
  We understand that there are plans for the British Horseracing Board to meet Sheikh Mohammed in the near future.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will estimate the economic effects of(a) doubling the returns and (b) halving the losses of race horse owners. [21188]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The British Horseracing Board estimate the economic effects of doubling the returns of racehorse owners to be:

  New owners: 1,945

  New horses: 2,867

  Income: £132.3 million

  Employment opportunities: 7,050.

  No research has been carried out on the effect of halving the losses of racehorse owners.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will estimate the number of jobs in(a) motor racing and (b) the racing and bloodstock industries, excluding betting. [21179]

  Mr. George Howarth
  It is estimated that there are some 50,000 jobs in the United Kingdom motorsports industry, including support services, and 59,300 jobs (31,600 direct and 27,700 indirect) in the racing and bloodstock industries, excluding betting.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the percentages and amounts of betting duty levy put to prize money during each of the past 20 years. [21183]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The following table provided by the Horserace Betting Levy Board, sets out the annual contributions to prize money from the statutory levy on off-course betting.

  General Betting Duty, currently 6.7 per cent. on off-course stakes, is paid to the Exchequer.

  Year

  Levy yield (Bookmakers) £ million

  Prize money £ million

  Yield Percentage

  1977–78

  9.4

  6.0

  63.8

  1978–79

  12.3

  7.7

  62.6

  1979–80

  14.7

  9.2

  62.6

  1980–81

  16.4

  9.7

  59.1

  1981–82

  17.0

  9.5

  55.9

  260

  Year

  Levy yield (Bookmakers) £ million

  Prize money £ million

  Yield Percentage

  1982–83

  19.1

  10.1

  52.9

  1983–84

  18.4

  10.0

  54.3

  1984–85

  20.0

  10.2

  51.0

  1985–86

  21.1

  9.8

  46.4

  1986–87

  24.7

  11.1

  44.9

  1987–88

  27.9

  11.6

  41.6

  1988–89

  33.7

  13.8

  40.9

  1989–90

  35.4

  18.6

  52.5

  1990–91

  37.5

  21.9

  58.4

  1991–92

  36.0

  22.1

  61.4

  1992–93

  46.9

  20.6

  43.9

  1993–94

  50.9

  25.5

  50.1

  1994–95

  50.7

  27.9

  55.0

  1995–96

  48.0

  30.9

  64.4

  1996–97

  54.0

  30.1

  55.7

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will estimate the increase in prize money required to(a) double the returns and (b) halve the losses of race horse owners. [21189]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The British Horseracing Board estimate the increase in prize money required to:

  double the returns to racehorse owners would be £60 million;

  halve the losses of racehorse owners would be £97 million.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will estimate the returns to race horse owners in(a) Britain, (b) Poland, (c) Mauritius and (d) Greece. [21192]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The estimated returns to race horse owners are as follows:

  (a) Britain = 24 per cent.

  (b) Poland = 73 per cent.

  (c) Mauritius = 80 per cent.

  (d) Greece = 109 per cent.

  Source: International Federation of Horseracing Authorities, October 1997.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will estimate the number of horses in training for racing. [21182]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The number of horses in training for racing is estimated at 12,279 (average figure for 1996).

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will review gambling legislation and taxation. [21185]

  Mr. George Howarth
  We have no immediate plans to review the gambling legislation.

  My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer reviews gaming and betting duties each year in the run up to the Budget.

  Computers (Century Date Change)
  Mr. David Atkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the potential public order consequences of the year 2000 problem. [20973]
  261
  Mr. Michael
  It is for individual chief police officers to ensure that their computer controlled systems are Year 2000 compliant. They are currently assessing the scale of the problem and taking action where appropriate, with help from the Police Information Technology Organisation. Police forces are also pursuing Year 2000 compliance with other bodies responsible for systems whose failure might have policing implications. Failure to comply could seriously affect police forces' functioning and could lead to additional calls on their services in a range of areas.

  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what millennium compliance have occurred to date in his(a) Department, (b) agencies and (c) other public bodies; and if he will make a statement. [21563]

  Mr. Straw
  A small number of millennium compliance problems have occurred in my Department affecting management information, statistical and payroll data. These problems have been quickly resolved. No problems have occurred in either agencies or other public bodies.

  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his Department's estimates of the total costs of resolving the millennium compliance problem include costs relating to the embedded chip problem; and if he will make a statement. [21564]

  Mr. Straw
  My Department's estimates of the total costs of resolving the millennium compliance problem do include costs relating to the embedded chip problem.

  Racial Violence
  Fiona Mactaggart
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received from(a) Thames Valley Police and (b) others about the attack on a Sikh boy in Slough on 24 November; what steps he is taking to combat racist attacks; and if he will make a statement. [21193]

  Mr. Michael
  I was extremely concerned to hear about this incident and I hope that the child and his family are recovering from what must have been an extremely frightening and distressing experience. I understand that an investigation by Thames Valley Police is under way and the family can be assured that the police are treating this matter very seriously.

  I have so far received three letters from the Sikh community in the Slough area concerning this attack.

  The Government condemn all acts of racial violence and harassment. This is why we announced in the Crime and Disorder Bill new measures to tackle racially motivated crime. The offences will correspond to the existing main offences which deal with violence against the person and offences of harassment. The Government believe that the introduction of specific racial offences will send out a strong message that racial violence and harassment are unacceptable, and will act as a forceful deterrent. Specific offences will also encourage the victims of crimes to report them to the police, and ensure that a higher priority is given to the identification of the racial element, both in the gathering of evidence and in the prosecution of the case.
  262
  The Racial Incidents Standing Committee (RISC) has been created to take forward work between various agencies concerned with racial incidents. The group comprises the Home Office and other Government Departments, agencies from the criminal justice system, the Commission for Racial Equality and the National Association for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders. RISC will tackle issues such as the effectiveness of multi-agency panels in dealing with racial incidents; the implications of the new offences in the Crime and Disorder Bill; and how racial incidents are policed.

  On 31 July, my right hon. Friend also announced an inquiry into the matters arising from the death of Stephen Lawrence in order to identify the lessons to be learnt for the investigation and prosecution of racially motivated crimes.

  Animal Experiments
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if the Certificate of Designation for Huntingdon Life Sciences was amended on 23 May to allow the breeding and supply to other licensed establishments. [21253]

  Mr. George Howarth
  I confirmed in my reply to the hon. Member on 24 November 1997,Official Report, column 439, that the Certificate of Designation was amended on 23 May to allow the breeding of dogs.

  Under the terms of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, subsection 10(3)(a), dogs used in scientific procedures must normally be obtained from designated breeding establishments. There are no restrictions under the Act which prevent a designated breeding establishment from providing dogs to other establishments.

  Ms Kingham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if the temporary accommodation in which breeding beagles are housed at Huntingdon Life Sciences at Occold meets the recommendations of the code of practice for the housing and care of animals in designated breeding and supplying establishments when the licence was granted; [21037]

  (2) for what reasons the Certificate of Designation for Huntingdon Life Sciences was amended to allow the breeding of dogs before planning approval to build kennels had been granted. [21036]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The company first discussed the idea of breeding dogs with the Home Office in late 1996. The proposed accommodation had not been built, equipped or staffed specifically for the breeding of laboratory dogs. In some minor ways it did not, at that stage, meet all the requirements of the code of practice for the housing and care of animals in designated breeding and supplying establishments. The Inspectorate asked that some changes be made to the facilities in which the dogs were to be housed to meet the requirements of the code of practice. These changes were completed before the formal application for an amendment to the Certificate of Designation to allow breeding was submitted.

  The Certificate holder submitted the formal application in May. By this time, the conditions met the requirements of the code of practice. The inspector for this establishment and another inspector with a specialist interest in breeding establishments had thoroughly

  263
  inspected the accommodation and assessed the proposed staffing arrangements. There was no legitimate reasons to refuse the application.

  Should it receive planning permission, the new dog breeding facility planned by the company will exceed the minimum requirements of the code of practice and will also allow the company to expand its breeding colony. This is currently being limited by the Home Office to a size which is appropriate for the current accommodation and facilities.

  Perverting the Course of Justice
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people have been convicted for perverting the course of justice and given a custodial sentence in each year since 1987; and what was the average length of sentence. [21104]

  Mr. Michael
  The information is given in the table.

  Number of offenders convicted of offences of perverting the course of justice1 by result, 1987 to 1996

  England and Wales

  Year

  Total convictions

  Total given a custodial sentence

  Average sentence length (months)

  1987

  337

  164

  10.2

  1988

  494

  236

  10.3

  1989

  555

  221

  10.0

  1990

  678

  256

  8.0

  1991

  704

  280

  7.8

  1992

  816

  306

  9.1

  1993

  842

  372

  8.0

  1994

  1,132

  511

  7.7

  1995

  1,464

  744

  6.5

  1996

  1,775

  835

  7.0

  1 The common law offence of perverting, or attempting to pervert the course of justice and, as from 1995, Section 51(1)—"Intimidating a juror or witness or person assisting in investigation of offence", and Section 51 (2)—"Harming or threatening to harm a witness, juror or person assisting in investigation" of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994.

  Video Recordings
  Mr. Coaker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to make changes to the authority responsible for making arrangements for the classification of video works under the Video Recordings Act 1984. [21667]

  Mr. Straw
  I have today laid before both Houses details of my proposal to designate Mr. Andreas Whittam Smith under section 4(4) of the Video Recordings Act 1984. The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) earlier today announced that Mr. Whittam Smith will be appointed as their President from 1 January 1998, and I propose to designate him, in that capacity, to replace the Earl of Harewood and Lord Birkett of Ulverston. The designation itself will come into force in accordance with the procedures laid down in section 5 of the Act. This requires that the particulars of the proposal should lie before both Houses of Parliament for 40 days before the designation can be made, provided that neither House resolves during that period that the designation should not be made.
  264
  I have placed in the Library a copy of my designation proposal and the text of a letter I intend to send at the time of designation to Mr. Whittam Smith.

  Mr. Whittam Smith has impressed me with his understanding of the issues relating to the responsibility of a designated authority and I expect him to provide strong leadership for the BBFC into the next millennium.

  Immigration Policy
  Mr. Rooney
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the review of immigration policy on carer cases will be completed. [21533]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  This review is nearing completion.

  Commission for Racial Equality
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many applications were made for the vacant CRE Commission posts; and how many persons were shortlisted. [21871]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  A total of 1,029 applications were received for six posts. Twenty-one candidates were shortlisted for interview. I expect to make a decision on appointments shortly.

  Boundary Commission
  Dr. Palmer
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans the Boundary Commission has to conduct an interim review of parliamentary constituencies in England. [22015]

  Mr. Straw
  The Commission has informed me that it intends to consider making a report on parliamentary constituencies in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Surrey, in Greater London and Surrey, and also in Greater London. The Commission intends to commence forthwith an interim review of parliamentary constituencies in each of those areas.

PRIME MINISTER

  Hospitality Costs
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the official functions he has hosted at 10 Downing Street since taking office indicating the number of guests who attended each event, the cost of each event and the total expenditure on such events over the period; and how many(a) functions and (b) guests attending each there were in the previous year and at what cost. [18178]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 28 November 1997]: I have hosted 26 official functions, details of which are as follows:

  Date

  Number of persons

  7 May

  25

  13 May

  120

  8 June

  5

  11 June

  3

  12 June

  5

  14 June

  25

  26 June

  4

  15 July

  13

  265

  Date

  Number of persons

  17 July

  7

  22 July

  104

  24 July

  3

  30 July

  186

  2 September

  4

  4 September

  50

  17 September

  4

  18 September

  2

  24 September

  24

  7 October

  10

  15 October

  200

  20 October

  210

  21 October

  5

  4 November

  12

  13 November

  2

  10 December

  210

  11 December

  14

  15 December

  18

  The figures include General Receptions, working lunches and dinners as well as other functions.

  Total costs are not available in the form requested; nor are details of functions and numbers of guests in the year leading up to 2 May. However, for expenditure on official hospitality within my Department I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my hon. Friend, the Parliamentary Secretary, Office of Public Service on 5 December 1997, Official Report, columns 376–77.

  Duty Free Shopping
  Mr. Gale
  To ask the Prime Minister what plans the Government has during the United Kingdom presidency of the European Union to secure the survey promised by the Commission of the potential number of job losses that will arise from the ending of the trade in duty free goods. [21165]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 16 December 1997]: The Government have no plans to use the UK presidency to press for a Commission survey. However, the UK will not stand in the way of any proposal for a Commission study particularly if this were to also examine the nature of any successor regime to duty free.

  Structural Funds
  Mr. Bruce George
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on what was agreed at the Luxembourg European Council on the application of the Structural Funds to sparsely populated areas. [21801]

  The Prime Minister
  Although an earlier draft of the Council Conclusions contained a reference to sparsely populated areas, the text finally agreed did not. Several Member States argued for a less extensive passage on the Structural and Cohesion Funds on the grounds that decisions are not needed before the Commission produce detailed proposals. I regret any confusion about this resulting from my answer to the hon. Member for Moray (Mrs. Ewing), on 15 December 1997,Official Report, column 29.

  Government Receptions
  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Prime Minister what criteria determine who is included on guest lists for Government receptions at 10 Downing Street. [21339]
  266
  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 17 December 1997]: If the Reception has a particular theme, such as health, then the draft guest list is submitted by the Government Department concerned. For a "General" Reception, suggestions for draft guest lists are submitted from Government Departments, Ministers and members of the public.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Helms-Burton Legislation
  Mr. Gordon Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps the Government intends to take to persuade the United States of America to repeal the Helms-Burton legislation. [21316]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  We, along with our EU partners, take every opportunity to make it clear to the United States of America our opposition to the Helms-Burton Act.

  Turkey
  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the earliest date on which Turkey may be admitted as a full member of the EU; and if he will make a statement. [21312]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  Turkey's application to join the EU will be judged on its merits and according to objective criteria, as will those of all other applicants. Turkey's progress towards EU membership will depend on the pace of political and economic reform in Turkey, and on Turkey's commitment to the EU's objectives and values.

  Immigration
  Mr. Sutcliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the case of Mr. Mohammid Fazal who has applied for a visa to become a teacher at the Jarim Islamia Rizwia Mosque, Bradford; and what factors underlie the delays in processing his application. [21500]

  Mr. Fatchett
  My noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Baroness Symons, sent a letter to my hon. Friend about this case on 17 December.

  Mr. Rooney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when a decision will be made on the application for entry clearance by Arshad Khan at Islamabad High Commission, ref. D8342. [21532]

  Mr. Fatchett
  The Entry Clearance Officer at Islamabad authorised the issue of a settlement visa to Mr. Khan on 9 December. The Migration and Visa Correspondence Unit wrote to my hon. Friend on 16 December to inform him of this decision.

  Mr. Sutcliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the case of Nasim Akhtar who has applied for a permit to join her husband Mr. Mohammed Iqbal of Mountbatten Court, Bradford; and what factors underlie the delay in processing this application. [21501]
  267
  Mr. Fatchett
  Inquiries made in response to earlier representations from my hon. Friend show that there is no trace of an application from Mrs. Akhtar at the British High Commission at Islamabad.

  Mr. Rooney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the application for entry clearance by Mohammed Aurangyeb, Islamabad ref. IMM/D7004, was referred to the Home Office for further inquiries; what is the nature of those inquiries; and when he expects them to be completed and a decision made. [21531]

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

  Arms Exports
  Mr. David Heath
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Government of France towards establishing common principles for the licensing of arms exports as part of a European code of conduct. [19869]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  We have had a number of contacts at Ministerial and Official level with the French and other European Union Governments about a Code of Conduct on arms exports in the lead-up to formal consideration of a Code during the UK's Presidency of the Union in the-first half of 1998.

  Mr. Ennis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the approval of an export licence for the supply to the Netherlands of shotgun ammunition intended for use in Bosnia. [21681]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  We recently approved the export to The Netherlands of 2,500 rounds of CS gas and target-practice shotgun ammunitions for use in riot-control by Dutch UN armed forces in Bosnia. Given that the ammunition is needed to support peace-keeping activities in Bosnia and that it is important that UN forces in Bosnia, which include British troops, are able to protect themselves, we were glad to be able to approve this export as an exception to our interpretation of the EU arms embargo on the former Yugoslavia. This decision does not affect our continued support of the EU common position on arms exports to the former Yugoslavia.

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  Motorcycling
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will set up a national motorcycle strategy group to discuss the role of motorcycling in an integrated transport policy. [20626]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  My noble Friend the Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Baroness Hayman, invited representatives of a wide range of groups including motorcyclists, pedestrians, cyclists and environmentalists, to a special seminar on 25 November to discuss the role of motorcycling in integrated transport. This discussion 268
  provided valuable information for us to consider policies on motorcycling in the integrated transport White Paper to be published next year.

  Car Registrations
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what plans he has to change the month in which new car registration letters are introduced; [20936]

  (2) if he will make a statement on the Government's policy in respect of car registration plates. [20935]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The Government is proposing that, from March 1999, the age identification letter on vehicle registration plates should change every six months, in March and September. The current R prefix would therefore run until the end of July 1998, and S would run from August 1998 to the end of February 1999.

  The current sequence of age identification letters should therefore expire in September 2001. Following the consultation exercise this year, we are currently discussing with the motor industry and other interested parties, including the police, a new vehicle registration format to run from that date. We intend to make a full announcement concerning the changes in the new year.

  The Government is concerned at the use of non-standard fonts, which cause difficulties for the police. We intend to tighten the existing regulations, and to introduce a standard mandatory number-plate font. My Department is working with the British Standards Institution and representatives of the motor industry towards finalizing an appropriate standard.

  Planning Inspectors
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many planning inspectors are currently in post. [20943]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The Chief Planning Inspector, Chris Shepley, is responsible for providing information about the Planning Inspectorate's operational affairs. I have asked him to reply.

  Letter from David Hanchet to Mr. Keith Vaz, dated 18 December 1997:
  The Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions has asked Chris Shepley to reply to your Question about the number of Planning Inspectors. As he is on leave I am replying on his behalf.
  As at 1 December 1997 there were 377 Planning Inspectors: 236 employed on a salaried basis and 141 who were fee-paid.

  A449 (Safety)
  Mr. Luff
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what new proposals have been made by the Highways Agency to improve safety on the A449 between Kidderminster and Worcester; and if he will make a statement. [20759]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  I have asked the Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, Mr. Lawrie Haynes, to write to the hon. Member.
  269
  Letter from Peter Nutt to Mr. Peter Luff, dated 18 December 1997:
  Glenda Jackson has asked the Chief Executive of the Highways Agency to reply to your question about what new proposals the Agency has to improve safety on the A449 between Kidderminster and Worcester. Lawrie Haynes, the Chief Executive has asked me to reply as he is away from the Office at present.
  As you know, the Highways Agency shares your concern about the continuing accident problem on this section of the A449. The report we mentioned in our letter to you of 12 November was received earlier this month. It recommends a number of measures aimed at improving safety and reducing excessive traffic speed both in the short and longer term.
  Now that we have had an opportunity to consider the report we propose to accept its recommendations for improved turning facilities at selected junctions (similar to those already in place at Hadley Turn), closing some of the gaps in the central reserve and introducing a 50 mph speed limit to be enforced by the introduction of speed cameras. We intend to implement the short term measures quickly for the immediate benefits they will bring.
  As a first step we will discuss these proposals with the Parish Councils concerned early in the new year. We will also ensure that these measures are now worked up in greater detail to enable them to be displayed locally and implemented at the earliest possible opportunity next year.
  Consultants have also been instructed to prepare proposals for the introduction of central reserve safety fencing along those parts of the route where it is not already in place.
  The longer term solution will take more time to develop and statutory procedures will need to be completed. We will write to you again when we have more information to report on this matter.
  In the meantime, I am sure that Tom Barry, Area Manager for the A449, would be happy to explain the proposals in more detail. Tom can be contacted on 0121–678–8366.

  Drivers
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the Government's policy on the age of eligibility for drivers. [20934]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The prescribed minimum ages for driving different types of vehicle are set out below. However, the law allows lower minimum ages in special circumstances.

  Age

  Vehicle

  16

  Mopeds

  17

  Cars and other small vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes and with up to 8 passenger seats; motorbikes;

  18

  Goods vehicles between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes;

  21

  Goods vehicles over 7.5 tonnes and passenger vehicles with more than 8 seats.

  The EC Driving Licence Directive, with which these accord, includes a derogation allowing cars to be driven at 17, rather than 18. There are no plans to change that or any other minimum age.

  Christmas Island
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will evaluate the potential environmental hazards posed by the climatic changes arising from the E1 Niño phenomenon in the Pacific Ocean in respect of the rainfall and hurricane patterns affecting Christmas Island. [20785]
  270
  Mr. Meacher
  During an E1 Nino event, there is a substantial increase in rainfall throughout the year in the central equatorial Pacific region which includes Christmas Island. Since the onset of the current major E1 Niño, rainfall has been well above average in this region since March 1997, and this pattern is expected to continue until E1 Nino declines, probably by the middle of next year.

  As Christmas Island is close to the equator, it is extremely unlikely to experience hurricanes.

  Royal Train
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many miles the Royal Train has travelled in the period January 1996 to date when carrying(a) the Queen, (b) the Prince of Wales and (c) other members of the Royal Family; and how many journeys were undertaken by persons in these categories. [21109]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  From 1 January 1996 until 31 March 1997 the Royal Train travelled some 9,500 miles while carrying members of the Royal Family. During this period, nine journeys were undertaken by HM the Queen, 15 journeys by HRH the Prince of Wales, and 12 journeys by other members of the Royal Family.

  From 1 April 1997, the costs of official Royal travel by rail and air have been met by the Royal Household. The arrangements under which grant-in-aid is paid to the Household to support these costs require the Household to prepare an annual report on the use that has been made of the grant-in-aid. Particulars of the journeys made by the Royal Train from 1 April 1997 to 31 March 1998 will be included in the first such annual report which is to be published and placed in the Library of the House within three months of the end of the financial year.

  Millennium Experience
  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans have been made to cope with the likely increase in the number of cars entering the Greenwich area to visit the Millennium Experience in 2000. [21260]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The vast majority of visitors to the Millennium Experience will travel by public transport using one of a variety of modes that will be available. There will be no car parking at the site, other than for orange badge holders, and a controlled parking zone stretching up to three kilometres from the site. Visitors will be encouraged to leave their cars and join public transport as close to home as possible. Park and ride or park and sail sites will also be available linked to the Experience by rail, bus or boat.

  Leasehold Law
  Mr. Lepper
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement about consultation on the reform of residential leasehold law. [20968]

  Mr. Raynsford
  We are committed to simplifying the current rules restricting the purchase of freeholds by leaseholders and are considering what other aspects of residential leasehold law might be reformed. We hope to issue a consultation paper next spring.
  271

  Road Traffic Act Appeals (Scotland)
  Mr. Browne
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to increase the 21 day time limit in Scotland for an appeal under section 100 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. [21236]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  [holding answer 16 December 1997]: Appeals under section 100 are among those to which the Act of Sederunt (Sheriff Court Summary Application Rules) 1993 applies. We have no plans to change these arrangements.

  Road Tax Licences
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many motor vehicle owners have been charged and convicted of not holding a current road tax licence since 1 January. [21380]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The number of people successfully prosecuted for Vehicle Excise Duty evasion since 1 January is 208,950.

  In addition a further 246,188 evaders paid an out of court settlement.

  £ million

  Latest estimate of total cost (£)

  Expenditure incurred to date (£)

  Expenditure planned for

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  DETR (C)

  2.2

  0.2

  0.5

  1.5

  0.2

  Executive Agencies1

  15.7

  0.095

  2.2

  13.5

  Other Public Bodies2

  n.a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  1 The figure includes £10.7 million estimated by the Highways Agency (HA) to upgrade traffic control systems and the like. This amount was not included in the statement made by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster to the House of Commons on 27 November 1997 concerning how Government Departments and their Agencies are tackling the Year 2000 Date Change Problem. This covered only the cost of achieving compliance in HA's IT systems (estimated at £4.3 million). HA has not been able to break down expenditure planned between 1998–99 and 1999–2000.

  2 Information on Y2000 costs for other public bodies is not maintained centrally.

  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what additional financial support will be made available to local authorities to allow them to achieve millennium computer compliance; and if he will make a statement. [21577]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The LGA's views on the pressures faced by authorities, including the costs of millennium compliance, were taken into account in our proposals for local government revenue expenditure in 1998–99.

  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is his estimate of the total cost to local authorities of achieving millennium computer compliance by 31 December 1999; and if he will make a statement. [21545]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The Local Government Association (LGA) highlighted the possible level of pressures local authorities might face in the coming financial year in preparing for millennium computer compliance. Their
  272

  West Sussex Structure Plan
  Mr. Tom King
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on his recent decision regarding the West Sussex Structure Plan; and for what reasons he rejected the proposals made by the Examination in Public. [21777]

  Mr. Raynsford
  No. It would not be appropriate for my right hon. Friend to make a statement in view of the stated intention of West Sussex County Council to seek a judicial review of his decision. The reasons for the decision are set out in the letter accompanying my right hon. Friend's direction to the County Council and I am sending the hon. Member a copy.

  Computers (Century Date Change)
  Mr. Etherington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is his latest estimate of the total cost of resolving the computer millennium problem in(a) his Department, (b) its agencies and (c) other public bodies for which he is responsible; what is in each case (i) expenditure incurred to date, (ii) expenditure planned for 1997–98, (iii) expenditure planned for 1998–99 and (iv) expenditure planned for 1999–2000. [21530]

  Angela Eagle
  The figures are provided in the following table:

  estimate was that spending of at least £.100 million will be required in 1998–99, although they recognised that firm estimates are difficult to obtain. The LGA's views on the pressures faced by authorities were taken into account in our proposals for local government revenue expenditure in 1998–99.

  Air Jamaica
  Mr. Stringer
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions for what reasons his Department did not allow Air Jamaica rights to operate passenger flights to Manchester Airport in 1996. [21538]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Air services negotiations between the UK and Jamaica were held in Kingston on 24–26 January 1996. The question of allowing Air Jamaica to operate services to Manchester was discussed at the negotiations, but no agreement was reached. The UK negotiators considered that the conditions which the Jamaican authorities were seeking to attach to the service
  273
  would have damaged wider UK aviation interests. No representations have been made to the UK Government by Air Jamaica since those negotiations.

  Asylum Seekers (Housing)
  Mr. Hill
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans the Government have to allow local authorities to use their own housing stock for asylum seekers where the authority is under a statutory duty to provide accommodation. [22012]

  Ms Armstrong
  The Government is currently undertaking a comprehensive spending review of asylum policy, including a review of the policy for providing support to asylum seekers. We recognise that some local authorities, particularly in London, are experiencing difficulties in accommodating asylum seekers to whom various statutory duties are owed.

  Consequently, in response to a request from the Association of London Government, the Government proposes to make an Order under section 9 of the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996 which will allow local housing authorities in England and Wales to grant non-secure tenancies and licences in their own housing stock to asylum seekers to whom they owe a statutory duty to provide accommodation.

  Authorities will also be able to let their housing stock to other landlords who intend to sub-let the accommodation, on a temporary basis, to asylum seekers who are owed a duty.

  Additionally, I intend to invite the Housing Corporation to consider relaxing its guidance, in respect of the use of registered social landlords' long-term stock, to allow them some flexibility in supporting local authorities which owe a statutory duty to accommodate asylum seekers.

  These proposals will form temporary arrangements only, and are without prejudice to the outcome of the comprehensive spending review.

  Local Government Finance
  Mr. Coaker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what changes he proposes to make to regulations governing council tax enforcement, the levy of distress and houses in multiple occupation as a result of the consultation papers issued in September. [22013]

  Ms Armstrong
  I have today put a copy of a paper setting out our conclusions in response to the consultation exercise, and a list of all those that replied, in the House Library. Regulations will be laid before the House early in the New Year.

  Construction Contracts
  Mr. David Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he intends to bring into effect the provisions on construction contracts which are contained in Part II of the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996. [22014]
  274
  Mr. Raynsford
  I gave an assurance when we came into Government that I would implement the previous administration's legislation on fair construction contracts which had been introduced with cross-Party agreement. I am delighted now to be fulfilling that promise.

  I have today laid an order which sets out the arrangements which need to be followed where construction contracts fail to contain adjudication and payment provisions which comply with the 1996 Act. I have also laid an order excluding certain types of contracts, and especially contracts under the Private Finance Initiative, from the terms of the Act.

  These proposals are the result of detailed and comprehensive consultation with all sections of the construction industry. The adjudication provisions will help resolve construction disputes quickly and simply. I am looking to forward to the legislation coming into effect in the Spring.

  Driving Licences
  Mr. Etherington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement about progress on including a photograph of the holder on driving licences. [22016]

  Dr. Strang
  The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency will introduce photocard style driving licences from next summer.

  Sustainable Development
  Mr. Eric Clarke
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when the Government's response to the Government Panel on Sustainable Development's Third Annual Report will be published. [22017]

  Mr. Prescott
  The Government's response to the Third Annual Report of the Government Panel on Sustainable Development has been published today. I am pleased that we have been able to respond positively to many of the Panel's recommendations. The Panel is a valuable source of advice for Government in the achievement of sustainable development, an issue which this Government has pledged will be at the heart of all policy-making. I wish to express my gratitude to the Convenor of the Panel, Sir Crispin Tickell, and his colleagues for their continued commitment to helping to identify new sustainable ways of enhancing the quality of life and prosperity for everyone.

  Examples where the Government has been able to respond positively to the Panel's recommendations are:

  on Subsidies: action is being taken to see whether the objectives of subsidies are compatible with sustainable development

  on Aviation Fuel: the Prime Minister pressed for action at the UN Special Session in June

  on Climate change: the Government has set the pace internationally on targets for reducing carbon dioxide emissions

  on Environmental Education: the Government has announced a new Environmental Education Panel, under the chairmanship of Sir Geoffrey Holland; commissioned the Council for Environmental Education to draft a code of good practice; and provided additional resources for the Environmental Action Fund

  275

  on Housing and Land Use Planning: the Government is looking at ways of using fiscal incentives to meet environmental objectives.

  I am placing copies of the response in the Library.

  Environment Council
  Mr. Leslie
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the outcome of the Environment Council on 16 December. [22084]

  Mr. Meacher
  I and the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, my hon. Friend the Member for Wallasey (Ms Eagle), represented the United Kingdom at the Environment Council on 16 December 1997.

  The Council reached a common position on a regulation establishing common rules and procedures for the export of certain types of Community waste to certain non-OECD countries which will complete the regulatory regime controlling the export of non-hazardous waste to non-OECD countries.

  The Council agreed conclusions on the Community's proposed strategy to combat acid rain. Ministers supported the Strategy in principle, but noted that the costs of the Commission's proposals were excessive and called for further work to be done to establish a sounder methodology. Conclusions were also agreed on the Community's Biodiversity Strategy, calling upon the Commission to produce the Strategy, which is required under the Biodiversity Strategy, by the end of January 1998.

  In the discussion on the proposed directive to reduce emissions from light commercial vehicles, the Council reached a general understanding on the way forward, but the European Parliament's opinion is needed before Common Position can be reached. The Council also reached a broad measure of common understanding on the proposed Landfill Directive but again, a decision on a Common Position must await the European Parliament's opinion.

  The Commission reported on progress on the Water Framework Directive and on environmental indicators and green national accounting. The Commission also made presentations on proposals for a directive to reduce emissions for heavy goods vehicles, a revised directive on the deliberate release of genetically modified organisms, and a communication on Environment and Employment.

  Over lunch, Ministers discussed the EU' s approach to climate change in light of the outcome of the recent Kyoto conference. There was broad agreement that more work needed to be done urgently in a number of areas, including sinks, the clean development mechanism and emissions trading in the run up to the next negotiating session. This will be a priority during the UK Presidency, as will work to finalise the burden sharing among Member States on the EU target and to take forward common and co-ordinated policies and measures. Brief discussions were also held on the Community mechanism for monitoring greenhouse gas emissions and on Community action needed to control CO2 emissions from cars.
  276
  After the conclusion of business, as is customary for the incoming Chair of the Council. I thanked the Luxembourg minister and his team for their hard work during their Presidency. I announced that the environment would be one of the key themes of the UK's Presidency overall and that in the Environment Council, we would take forward work on climate change, including the proposals on a CO2 monitoring mechanism and CO2 from cars; continue the work on landfill, emissions from light vans, sulphur content of liquid fuels, the Solvents Directive, revision of Directives on Biotechnology and the Water Framework Directive; and start discussion of new proposals on the Air Quality Daughter Directive, a directive on emissions from heavy goods vehicles, the European Environment Agency regulation, the Zoos Recommendation and the EU Biodiversity Strategy. We would prepare the EU position on a number of international events, including the Commission on Sustainable Development, the fourth Conference of Parties to the Biodiversity Convention and the Environment for Europe Conference. Finally, I also announced that there would be a joint session of the Environment and Transport Councils on 17 June and an Informal Council on 24–26 April, again with a joint session of environment and transport ministers.

  Lead Shot
  Mr. Leslie
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he plans to restrict the use of lead shot over wetlands. [22085]

  Mr. Meacher
  My Department is considering the best legislative options to prohibit the use of lead shot over wetlands in the United Kingdom. Legislation will be introduced as soon as Parliamentary time permits. This will enable the United Kingdom to meet its commitment under the African-Eurasian Waterbird Agreement to endeavour to phase out lead shot over wetlands by the year 2000. In the meantime the voluntary phase out of the use of lead shot over wetlands will continue.

  Telecommunications Masts
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what research his Department has commissioned into the possible health effects of telecommunication masts transmitting microwaves. [21250]

  Ms Jowell
  I have been asked to reply.

  The Department has commissioned two studies on biological effects of microwaves as part of its Radiation Protection Research Programme. The first is investigating the influence of radiation on learning ability and behaviour. The other is a laboratory study looking for biological responses of human cells in an electromagnetic radiation field.

  The Department is also contributing to the World Health Organisation International Electromagnetic Field Project which includes health effects of microwaves.

  In addition, the Small Area Health Statistics Unit, on behalf of this and five other Government Departments, has investigated the incidence of leukaemia near 20 high power Television/FM transmitters in Great Britain. The study found that living close to a transmitter was not associated with an increased risk of leukaemia.
  277

HOUSE OF COMMONS

  Smoking
  Dr. Tony Wright
  To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission when the Commission expects the House to become a non-smoking building. [21693]

  Mr. Kirkwood
  There are no current plans to designate any part of the Parliamentary Estate as a non-smoking building.

DEFENCE

  Land Mines
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many land mines and anti-personnel mines have been destroyed through United Kingdom supported programmes since 1 May. [18959]

  Dr. Reid
  The Government provide financial and/or personnel support to a number of mine clearance programmes. Because some of these programmes are carried out by international organisations, the information requested is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Furthermore, the key measure used in such programmes is not the number of mines destroyed but the size of area cleared.

  Aircraft
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the(a) first and (b) last deliveries were made of the (i) Jaguar, (ii) Tornado F3, (iii) Tornado GR1 and (iv) RAF Harrier; and what is the life expectancy of each aircraft type. [20078]

  Dr. Reid
  The information requested is shown in the table:

  Aircraft

  First delivery

  Last delivery

  Current planned out of service date

  Jaguar

  1973

  1982

  2008

  Tornado F3

  1986

  1993

  2010

  Tornado GR1

  1980

  1992

  12006

  Harrier

  1969

  21995

  2015

  Note:

  1 Those Tornado GR1 s which are being upgraded to GR4 will have an out of service date of 2018.

  2 The first Harrier delivered was a GR1, the last Harrier delivered was a T-10. The out of service date relates to GR7 aircraft.

  The Out of Service dates of each aircraft type are kept under review and are subject to change.

  Gibraltar
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence in what circumstances NATO's Joint Sub-Regional Command (Madrid) will be responsible for the operational command of Gibraltar; and if he will make a statement. [20475]

  Dr. Reid
  NATO's Joint Sub-Regional Commands, once implemented, will have no permanently established boundaries or areas of responsibility. Regional 278
  Commanders will be able to propose the establishment of areas of responsibility for particular Joint Sub-Regional Commands in specific contingencies or missions. Such proposals will require the approval of all NATO nations. The defence and security of Gibraltar are, and will remain, the direct responsibility of the United Kingdom.

  Animal Experiments
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence with which countries the DERA has been involved in collaborative research involving animals in the last 10 years. [20511]

  Mr. Spellar
  This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA). I have asked the Chief Executive to write to my hon. Friend.

  Letter from J. Chisholm to Mr. Paul Flynn, dated 18 December 1999:
  As Chief Executive of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) I have been asked to reply to your question about which countries DERA has been involved with in collaborative research involving the use of animals over the past ten years.
  DERA has been, and continues to be, involved in a large number of collaborative research programmes, a small number of which involve the use of animals by one or more of the partners. Information as to whether specific programmes include animal use is not collected centrally, and to look at agreements individually in order to identify those which involve animals would incur unreasonable costs.
  However, in general terms, collaboration involving the exchange of data likely to have been generated from experiments involving animals occurs, or has occurred with the following countries-United States, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, France, Norway, Netherlands, Sweden and Germany.
  I am sorry that I cannot be more helpful on this occasion.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list(a) the procedures which have been carried out on horses and (b) the number of horses involved in these procedures which have died as a result at (i) Porton Down and (ii) other establishments for which he is responsible in each of the last 10 years. [20468]

  Mr. Spellar
  This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to my hon. Friend.

  Letter from J. Chisholm to Mr. Paul Flynn, dated 18 December 1997:
  As Chief Executive of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA), I have been asked to reply to your questions about procedures carried out on horses at Porton Down and elsewhere.
  The numbers of procedures carried out on horses at the Chemical and Biological Defence (CBD) Sector at Porton Down in each of the last 10 years are reported as follows:

  Year

  Number of procedures

  1987

  7

  1988

  1

  1989

  0

  1990

  50

  1991

  46

  1992

  44

  1993

  16

  279

  Year

  Number of procedures

  1994

  0

  1995

  0

  1996

  0

  Between 1987 and 1993, a total of eight horses were used as blood donors for the supply of normal blood used in the preparation of media for microbiology. The horses were bled in rotation and only small volumes, relative to the size of the animals, were taken. The removal of a small volume of blood every few weeks caused no ill effects in the animals and no animals died as a result of these procedures.
  As you can see from the figures above, the relationship between the numbers of procedures, animals used and deaths is not necessarily a simple extrapolation. Further, there have been changes in the reporting requirements of the Home Office. For example, when the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 was first introduced, it was agreed with the Home Office Inspectorate that multiple blood samples taken from a single horse would constitute one procedure. This changed in 1990, when a procedure was recorded each time a blood sample was taken.
  There has been a continuing interest in the use of animals in defence research and the retrieval of information to answer this question has highlighted potential anomalies in the presentation and interpretation of statistics regarding animal experimentation. I refer to my replies to questions from Mr. Norman Baker MP and from yourself (Official Report Cols 174 and 172 dated 2 December 1997).
  Specifically, in each case we presented the figures on animal experimentation as returned annually to the Home Office. However, there are differences in reporting requirements between the two Acts which have governed animal experimentation (the Cruelty to Animals Act 1876 and Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986), and a subsequent revision in 1990 to the 1986 Act has required that the figures recorded are the numbers of procedures conducted rather than the numbers of animals involved.
  As a result, there are some inconsistencies in the statistics over the period of time in which these changes took place. In the majority of cases, the number of procedures conducted equates to the number of animals used. During the investigations into this matter we have discovered that the over reporting also relates to sheep and dog usage but unfortunately the available data has not been recorded in a suitable manner to allow a reliable breakdown of information to be produced. Nevertheless, the gross statistics which have been provided are substantially correct and represent the maximum experimentation figures.
  Finally, as far as the Defence Animal Centre is concerned, I can confirm that no procedures have been carried out on horses (and hence there have been no deaths) over the past 10 years.
  I hope this answers your questions and clarifies the position.

  HMS Invincible
  Mr. Bruce George
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how long HMS Invincible will remain in the Mediterranean. [21010]

  Mr. George Robertson
  The issue of UNSCOM access to Iraqi facilities is not yet resolved and we need to maintain vigilance. HMS Invincible and her detachment of RAF Harriers, together with the RFA Fort Victoria, will remain in the Mediterranean until further notice.

  Smart Procurement
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the actions taken by the Procurement Executive to implement smart procurement measures. [21124]
  280
  Mr. Spellar
  MOD is undertaking a fundamental and rigorous review of its procurement policies, procedures and practices. I have instituted wide consultation within MOD, well beyond the boundaries of the Procurement Executive, and also with Industry. Much work has already been done and I expect that formal recommendations will emerge early in the New Year. It will then be possible to outline the measures to be implemented.

  Service Accommodation (Evictions)
  Mr. Gorrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what provision is made for households evicted from armed forces' housing estates; and what liaison takes place with local authorities to ensure that families are properly re-housed locally with particular reference to those households whose head is(a) unemployed and (b) on income support. [21325]

  Mr. Spellar
  The responsibility for finding alternative accommodation and contacting Local Authorities rests with the individual concerned. However, MOD are sensitive to the needs of the individuals and, where necessary, provide advice and assistance in liaison with Local Authorities and completion of the necessary paperwork. In addition, the Joint Service Housing Advice Office (JSHAO), a tri-Service organisation, provides housing advice on all aspects of housing needs including renting through the council to personnel from any of the three services and their dependants, and also separated partners who are occupying Service families accommodation.

  Land Rovers
  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Series 3 Land Rovers have now been withdrawn from service with the Army; and if they have been disposed of. [21143]

  Mr. Spellar
  [holding answer 16 December 1997]: To date, 3,226 Series 3 Land Rovers have been withdrawn from service. Approximately 60 have so far been sold.

  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if the 110 Series Land Rover has an exhaust emission which meets current EU regulations. [21148]

  Mr. Spellar
  [holding answer 16 December 1997]: The Trucks Utility Medium (High Specification) (TUM(HS)) 110 Series vehicles currently on order from Land Rover fully comply with current EU regulations.

  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received about exhaust emissions of Army Land Rovers. [21147]

  Mr. Spellar
  [holding answer 16 December 1997]: I am not aware of any representations concerning exhaust emissions of Army Land Rovers being received.

  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to extend the life of Series 3 Land Rovers. [21144]

  Mr. Spellar
  [holding answer 16 December 1997]: There are no plans to extend the in-service life of the Series 3 Land Rover.
  281
  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many(a) Series 3 and (b) 110 Land Rovers are currently mothballed. [21146]

  Mr. Spellar
  [holding answer 16 December 1997]: There are no Series 3 or 110 Land Rovers currently mothballed.

  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many 110 Series Land Rovers have been ordered by the Army; and how many have been delivered. [21145]

  Mr. Spellar
  [holding answer 16 December 1997]: A total of 6,029 Series 110 vehicles designated as Trucks Utility Medium (High Specifications), TUM(HS) have been ordered from Land Rover. To date 2,565 have been delivered.

SCOTLAND

  Atholl and Breadalbane Fox Control Society
  Mr. Swinney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what financial support his Department has given to the Atholl and Breadalbane Fox Control Society in each year since 1990. [19522]

  Mr. Macdonald
  [holding answer 8 December 1997]: The information is in the table:

  Financial year

  Grant paid (£)

  1990–91

  4,375.99

  1991–92

  4,275.05

  1992–93

  5,635.26

  1993–94

  6,159.34

  1994–95

  7,334.17

  1995–96

  8,152.60

  1996–97

  6,843.15

  1997–98

  7,612.93

  Date

  Place

  Reason

  Minister

  Cost (£)

  19–20 May

  Brussels

  Agriculture Council

  Lord Sewel

  1,482.08

  25–27 June

  Luxembourg

  Education Council

  Brian Wilson

  1,632.80

  16 October

  Luxembourg

  Environment Council

  Lord Sewel

  3,147.20

  20–21 October

  Luxembourg

  Agriculture Council

  Lord Sewel

  1,342.88

  29–31 October

  Luxembourg

  Fisheries Council

  Lord Sewel

  3,160.32

  In addition Ministers also undertook the following visits to promote or represent Scotland's interests abroad:

  12–14 May

  Cannes

  Launch Scottish Film Day

  Sam Galbraith

  4,156.99

  1–2 June

  Brussels

  Meet EU Commissioners

  Lord Sewel

  1,979.26

  20–21 August

  Santiago

  Attend Celtic Watersports Festival and tourism promotion

  Brian Wilson

  1,686.20

  2–4 September

  Copenhagen

  Study tour of Danish sport participation and school sports

  Sam Galbraith

  2,305.08

  20–28 September

  USA

  Inward investment and trade promotion

  Secretary of State

  13,059.50

  8–9 October

  Brussels

  Meet EU Commissioners

  Secretary of State

  3,981.37

  4–10 October

  Hong-Kong, Taiwan and Japan

  Inward investment and trade promotion

  Brian Wilson

  25,069.23

  5–6 October

  Munich

  Fact finding mission for Scottish Parliament

  Henry McLeish

  4,907.32

  7–9 October

  Oslo and Tampere

  Meet Norwegian and Finnish Ministers to discuss Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry and the EnvironmentLord Sewel

  5,934.54

  20–22 October

  Ireland

  Gaelic related issues

  Brian Wilson

  498.00

  282
  Mr. Swinney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to alter the financial support his Department gives to the Atholl and Breadalbane Fox Control Society. [19521]

  Mr. Macdonald
  [holding answer 8 December 1997]: The Fox Destruction Scheme under which Atholl and Breadalbane Fox Control Society and the other fox destruction clubs receive financial support is currently under review. A final decision on the future of the Scheme has not yet been made.

  Mr. Swinney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received regarding financial support from his Department for the Atholl and Breadalbane Fox Control Society. [19523]

  Mr. Macdonald
  None.

  New Deal
  Mr. Ernie Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has for the private sector to lead a partnership for the organisation and delivery of the New Deal for 18 to 24 year olds; and if he will make a statement. [22128]

  Mr. Dewar
  I have selected Forth Valley as the area in Scotland for which competitive tenders will be sought from the private sector to lead partnerships for the organisation and delivery of the New Deal.

  Overseas Travel
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list each of the overseas trips made by himself and other members of his ministerial team since 2 May, specifying in each case(a) the participating Minister or Ministers, (b) the destination of the trip, (c) the purpose of the trip and (d) the cost of the trip; and if he will make a statement. [15248]

  Mr. Dewar
  [holding answer 11 November 1997]: Details of European Council meetings attended by Ministers from 2 May to 31 October 1997 are shown in the table:
  283

  Meningitis
  Mr. Sarwar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps the Government have taken to raise public awareness of meningitis, with particular reference to the university student population in Scotland. [20748]

  Mr. Galbraith
  It is vital that public awareness of meningococcal meningitis is maintained. Although relatively uncommon in Scotland, the infection can have potentially serious consequences. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment can be lifesaving. Young children are the group most likely to be affected, but recently there has been an increase in the number of cases in young adults. The Health Education Board for Scotland publication "Birth to Five", which is issued to all new mothers in Scotland, includes information and advice about meningitis. Relevant information, produced by the Meningitis Research Foundation and the National Meningitis Trust, is issued routinely to students. The Scottish Office Department of Health is keeping the situation under review, in consultation with Health Board Consultants in Public Health Medicine.

WALES

  Unoccupied Homes
  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what estimate he has made of the total number of unoccupied homes in Wales (i) on 1 April 1990 and (ii) at the latest date for which figures are available; and what proportion was owned by(a) local authorities, (b) central Government Departments, (c) the private sector, (d) housing associations and (e) others. [19941]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  Complete information on the number of vacant dwellings is collected for local authority stock only. However, the available information on housing association stock and on homes owned by the Welsh Office is given below. Figures for homes owned by the Home Office and the Ministry of Defence in England and Wales were given in the reply by my hon. Friend the Minister for London and Construction to a question from the hon. Member for Pontefract and Castleford (Yvette Cooper) on 20 November 1997,Official Report, column 304. These data are not readily available separately for Wales.

  Available information on vacant dwellings

  April 1990

  March 1997

  Local authority dwellings

  3,023

  4,722

  Housing association1

  21,154

  3538

  Welsh Office stock

  n/a

  433

  n/a = not available.

  1 These data are for all housing associations registered with Tai Cymru except Almshouse charities, Abbeyfield Societies and Co-ownership societies: they relate to units which may be either dwellings or bedspaces in special needs hostels or dwellings.

  2 At 31 March 1990.

  3 Excludes, in addition, special needs units.

  4 At 1 April 1997. Excludes NHS properties.

  284

  Primary Health Care
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what proposals he has to increase the role of primary health care in Wales. [20726]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  On 17 July I announced a comprehensive package of measures designed to promote primary and community health care in Wales. Some £2.5 million has been set aside for these proposals, which include:an Equity Fund of £500,000 to address inequalities in Primary Care an additional £500,000 investment in training and education in general practice
  £300,000 to implement pilot schemes under the Primary Care Act
  a Primary Care Development Fund of £250,000 to fund innovative projects
  £200,000 to promote the wider use of pharmacists
  a further £250,000 made available to attract more dentists into Wales
  £150,000 to train nurses and health visitors to prescribe certain drugs
  establishing a fraud unit to address the problem of prescription fraud.

  The NHS (Primary Care) Act 1997 allows those who wish to have additional flexibility, the opportunity to pilot different models for providing primary care services. These pilots offer scope to test new ideas with a view to improving the services presently available.

  I shall shortly be publishing a White Paper on replacing the NHS internal market in Wales and this will include further proposals for developing primary care. The draft health authority allocations [to be] published on 15 December shows that health authorities in Wales will receive a 5 per cent. real terms increase in their cash limited allocations for General Medical Services for next year.

  Beef
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement concerning the market for beef produced in Wales. [21244]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  The Government is considering farmers' concerns, and we hope to make a statement on the way forward shortly.

  Minimum Wage
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to meet TUC Wales to discuss the minimum wage; and if he will make a statement. [21243]

  Mr. Ron Davies
  No such meeting has been requested by the TUC Wales.

  Road Building Schemes
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he proposes to publish his plans for further road building schemes; and if he will make a statement. [21241]
  285
  Mr. Hain
  The review of the forward trunk road programme announced in July is still at an early stage. It is not possible to say when we will be able to give any indications as to the size and composition of the future trunk road programme.

  Modern Apprenticeships
  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment he has made of the number of starts which will be allocated to each TEC in Wales for modern apprenticeships in 1998–99. [21025]

  Mr. Hain
  Programme provision allows for a total of 4,500 modern apprenticeship starts in Wales in 1998–99. Details of the allocation of these starts to individual TECs will not be available until contract negotiations between both the Welsh Office and the TECs and between the TECs and their training providers have been concluded.

  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what estimate his Department has made of the number of starts allocated in 1996–97 to each TEC in Wales for modern apprenticeships; and what proportion of these starts had been used at the last available date. [21026]

  Mr. Hain
  The information requested is shown in the following table:

  Modern apprenticeship starts 1996–97

  TEC

  (i) Total modern apprenticeship starts planned at 1 April 1996

  (ii) Total modern apprenticeship starts achieved at 30 March 1997

  (ii) as a percentage of (i)

  Gwent

  894

  996

  111

  Mid Glamorgan

  653

  644

  99

  North East Wales

  500

  520

  104

  North West Wales

  400

  441

  96

  Powys

  129

  115

  89

  South Glamorgan

  560

  602

  108

  West Wales

  1,100

  1,350

  123

  Wales total

  4,296

  4,668

  109

  Source:

  TEC Management Information.

  Training and Enterprise Councils
  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what will be the change in each TEC budget for 1998–99. [20985]

  Mr. Hain
  The budgets of individual TECs for 1998–99 will not be known until finalisation of their business plans following negotiation next year. However, total funding for Government programmes delivered through TECs (including the TEC Management Fee, Training for Work allowances and other central costs) will decrease from £118.1 million to £110.1 million (6.8 per cent.) between 1997–98 and 1998–99.

  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the programmes for TECs in Wales which will receive a reduced allocation in 1998–99. [20984]
  286
  Mr. Hain
  The information requested is as follows:

  Programmes delivered through TECs

  £ million

  1997–98 plans

  1998–99 plans

  Youth Training and Youth Credits

  63.4

  61.4

  Education-Business Links

  3.0

  3.0

  Training for Work

  22.7

  15.5

  Business and Enterprise Support

  10.4

  7.5

  Contribution to TEC Management Costs

  7.5

  7.1

  The figures include Training for Work allowances and other central costs. The reduction in the Education-Business Links budget (£50,000) does not show in the roundings to the nearest £0.1 million.

  River Dee Bridge
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he expects the new River Dee bridge to be open to traffic; and if he will make a statement. [21242]

  Mr. Hain
  Flintshire County Council are responsible for this scheme. They now estimate the opening to take place in February-March.

  Welfare to Work
  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what expenditure under the welfare to work New Deal will be allocated to Wales in 1998–99. [20983]

  Mr. Hain
  The financial estimates relating to the New Deal for 1998–99 will not be finalised until the end of January so I am not able at this time to say exactly what the planned expenditure for Wales will be. I will write to my hon. Friend once the figure is known, and place a copy of my reply in the Library of the House.

  Student Statistics
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many students are applying to university colleges in Wales for 1998 admission, broken down by constituencies in Wales. [21240]

  Mr. Hain
  Information on university applications is held centrally by the University and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS). Entry data for 1998 is unavailable at present but would not be available on a constituency basis. UCAS intend issuing a statement on 19 December 1997.

  Hospital Beds
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will estimate the number of staffed acute beds in use for each of the last 10 years. [21404]

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

  Average daily available acute beds in NHS hospitals in Wales1

  Number

  1987–88

  9,463

  1988–89

  9,376

  1989–90

  9,139

  1990–91

  9,056

  1991–92

  8,835

  1992–93

  8,659

  1993–94

  8,441

  287

  Average daily available acute beds in NHS hospitals in Wales1

  Number

  1994–95

  8,479

  1995–96

  8,439

  1996–97

  8,619

  1 Excluding beds in psychiatric, maternity and geriatric specialties.

  NHS Staff
  Dr. Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many vacant positions there were in each of the last five years for(a) hospital doctors, (b) general practitioners and (c) nurses. [21356]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  Information on vacant positions is only collected for hospital doctors. The number of vacant posts in each of the last five years was as follows:

  Posts vacant as at 30 September

  Number

  1992

  58

  1993

  61

  1994

  78

  1995

  75

  1996

  47

  Dr. Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is the projected shortfall for(a) 1997–98 and (b) 1998–99 for (i) hospital doctors, (ii) general practitioners and (iii) nurses. [21357]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  The information requested is not collected centrally but estimates of any projected shortfall may be obtainable from trusts, health authorities, and in the case of GPs, from the Medical Practices Committee.

  Medical and Dental Students
  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what will be the source of the funding for the special support covering tuition fees beyond year four for Welsh medical and dental students studying at a Scottish medical school. [20097]

  Mr. Galbraith
  I am replying on behalf of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales. It is the Government's intention that all eligible UK medical and dental students should benefit from the special provisions announced by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health on 23 September. The arrangements will be the subject of further discussions between the departments concerned.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Irian Jaya
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will raise the situation of the population of Irian Jaya with the Indonesian authorities with particular reference to problems relating to food distribution on the Island. [21422]

  Mr. Foulkes
  The Indonesian authorities are aware of the international concern regarding the situation in Irian Jaya. Indonesian NGOs such as Indonesian Red Cross and Caritas Indonesia are actively participating in the relief 288
  process. The international donor community is also committed to alleviating the desperate plight of those affected, including improvements to the food distribution process.

  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development which non-governmental aid organisations have notified her Department that they are working in Irian Jaya. [21423]

  Mr. Foulkes
  We have been notified by World Vision, International Committee of the Red Cross and the United Nations Department for Humanitarian Affairs (UNDHA) of their activities in Irian Jaya. From the regular reports that we receive from UNDHA we are aware that Care International, Caritas Indonesia, Indonesian Red Cross, UNICEF and UNDP are also active in the area.

  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps she is taking to assist the population of Irian Jaya. [21421]

  Mr. Foulkes
  We have been monitoring the situation closely through out Embassy in Jakarta and the United Nations Department for Humanitarian Affairs (UNDHA) in Geneva. We have provided UNHDA with US$90,000 towards the immediate relief needs of those affected. We have also contributed £75,000 to International Red Cross Committee's appeal for support to (i) assess the nutritional status of the Irianese and assisting with relief aid, (ii) evaluate hygiene conditions and improving access to safe drinking water through water and sanitation programmes and (iii) provide medical assistance. We are also expecting a proposal from World Vision, a well respected non-government organisation, which we are prepared to consider favourably.

  North Korea
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what humanitarian aid the United Kingdom gives to North Korea. [21684]

  Mr. Foulkes
  The UK share of the EC programme of humanitarian aid for North Korea over the past year exceeds £6 million.

  In addition, since 1995 we have committed over £1 million in emergency humanitarian aid to North Korea. This includes assistance this year through the International Federation of the Red Cross of £495,000 for food distribution and £80,000 to assist people affected by typhoon floods in west coast provinces.

  Land Mines (Egypt)
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what estimate her Department has made of the number of land mines which remain in Egypt which were laid(a) by British forces, (b) by other allied forces and (c) in total. [20631]

  Dr. Reid
  I will write to my hon. Friend and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.
  289

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Accounting Officers
  Mr. Rhodri Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on how many occasions written directions have been sought by permanent secretaries and other accounting officers in the past five years; in what circumstances; and on what dates. [19212]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  [holding answer 4 December 1997]: In the last five years no written directions have been sought by permanent secretaries or other accounting officers from the six Northern Ireland departments or the NIO.

  Royal Ulster Constabulary
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland which foreign military, security and police personnel have received training by the Royal Ulster Constabulary; and at which locations such training was provided in each of the last five years. [20012]

  Mr. Ingram
  Since 1992 the RUC have provided training on three occasions to overseas police personnel. Two superintendents from Botswana (1992), seven senior ranking Indian police officers (1993) and one American officer (1997) received training from the RUC. This training took place within Northern Ireland.

  Cattle Slaughter
  Mr. Home Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many bulls were slaughtered in Northern Ireland(a) during the most recent 12 month period for which figures are available and (b) in the previous 12 month period; and if she will make a statement on the reasons for the differences between those figures. [20346]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  The most recent 12 month period for which Northern Ireland bull slaughter figures are available is for the 12 months ended 31 October 1997. During that period 14,375 bulls were slaughtered compared to 29,201 in the previous 12 month period.

  There has been a decline in the number of bulls slaughtered in Northern Ireland due to the loss of export markets, following the introduction in March 1996 of the European Union's ban on the export of United Kingdom beef.

  Police
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will seek to amend the Police (Northern Ireland) Bill to redefine the role and responsibilities of the Police Association for Northern Ireland to ensure that it complies with current best practice in the conduct of elections. [20909]

  Mr. Ingram
  I have no immediate plans to revise the terms of the Police (Northern Ireland) Bill to redefine the role and responsibilities of the Police Association for Northern Ireland.

  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when and for what reasons a senior official of the Police Authority for Northern Ireland was suspended in 1996; how many other officials were 290
  suspended or put under investigation; when the investigation was concluded; and what its outcome was. [20794]

  Mr. Ingram
  A senior official of the Police Authority was suspended on 7 October 1996 in accordance with the provisions of the Civil Service Code, to enable an investigation to take place. Two other officials were suspended and investigations were conducted into the actions of these three and one other official.

  The investigations into suspected irregularities in procedures have been completed. One official has been dismissed and criminal proceedings against him remain under consideration by the police. A senior official has had his appeal against disciplinary action upheld and no disciplinary action was directed against two other officials.

  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will(a) publish the rules which will apply to the forthcoming elections for office in the Police Association for Northern Ireland, (b) encourage the Chief Constable to appoint independent scrutineers and (c) appoint a committee to review the conduct of such elections. [20905]

  Mr. Ingram
  Members of the Police Federation for Northern Ireland will be taking part in elections in the New Year held in accordance with rules made under the terms of Regulation 23 of the Police Association for Northern Ireland Regulations 1991. I shall arrange for a copy of those Rules to be placed in the Library. I have no plans to amend those Rules in relation to the appointment of scrutineers or to appoint a committee to review the conduct of such elections.

  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment she has made of recent public statements by the Chairman of the Police Association for Northern Ireland; what representations she has made to the Chief Constable about them; and if the statements constitute breaches of the statutory role of the Association or of RUC discipline. [20904]

  Mr. Ingram
  I have not given express consideration to any recent public statements made by the Chairman of the Police Association for Northern Ireland neither have I made representations to the Chief Constable about them constituting breaches of the statutory role of the Association or of RUC discipline.

  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what was the number and purpose of official journeys outside Northern Ireland undertaken by the Secretary and Chief Executive of the Police Authority for Northern Ireland in (i) 1995, (ii) 1996 and (iii) 1997 to date. [20751]

  Mr. Ingram
  The official journeys outside Northern Ireland undertaken by the Secretary and Chief Executive of the Police authority in each of the past three years are as follows:

  Journeys

  1995

  8

  1996

  14

  1997 (to date)

  9

  291
  All these journeys were undertaken for the purpose of, either, the official business of the Police Authority for Northern Ireland or the National Training Awards Scheme.

  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans she has to review the definitions of the words welfare and efficiency in the context of the legislation governing the role and activities of the Police Association for Northern Ireland. [20903]

  Mr. Ingram
  I have no immediate plans to review the definition of the words welfare and efficiency where they are used in the legislation relating to the representation of members of the RUC by the Police Association for Northern Ireland.

  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what monies or benefits in kind are provided from public funds to the Police Association for Northern Ireland. [20789]

  Mr. Ingram
  The Police Association for Northern Ireland comprises three sections. Grants made to each section by the Police Authority are set out below:

  Police Federation for Northern Ireland

  95 per cent. of salary costs of full time officials;

  the cost of travel of full time officials; and

  80 per cent. of the Police Federation's expenditure on the running costs of the Federation's Headquarters office accommodation.

  The total grants in the current year will be in the order of £200,000.

  Superintendents' Association for Northern Ireland

  In the current year a grant of £6,500 has been made in respect of travel.

  Association of Chief Police Officers

  This year's payment to the association's National Secretariat has not yet been negotiated. Last year's was £23,000.

  (a) Regular monthly authority meetings

  (b) Special authority meetings

  (c) Committee meetings1

  (d) Visits2

  Mr. P. J. Armstrong

  5

  4

  4

  —

  Lt. Col. R. H. Bicker

  4

  4

  8

  —

  Mr. H. B. Casey

  5

  3

  14

  —

  Mr. R. Coulter

  4

  4

  12

  4

  Mr. R. L. Cree

  4

  2

  7

  4

  Mr. R. Empey

  2

  2

  6

  1

  Mrs. K Hargan

  4

  1

  6

  —

  Mr. A. R. A. Huston

  4

  4

  9

  4

  Mr. J. McDonald

  5

  4

  14

  —

  Mr. N. O'Loan

  5

  3

  15

  —

  Mrs. R. Peters-Gallagher

  4

  3

  11

  —

  Mrs. E. Rea

  3

  4

  9

  —

  Mrs. F. Reid

  5

  4

  13

  5

  Mrs. G. A. Rice

  4

  3

  12

  3

  Mr. F. Rocks

  5

  3

  13

  —

  Nr. R. Spence

  2

  2

  9

  1

  Prof. H. Wallace

  3

  4

  4

  1

  Mr. T. Wilson

  4

  2

  11

  4

  Member3

  5

  4

  9

  3

  1 Committee meetings are meetings of the Authority's Policy Co-ordinating Committee, General Purposes Committee, Support Services Committee, Community Relations Committee, Finance and Personnel Committee and Audit Committee.

  2 These visits were undertaken by the Authority's Support Services Committee.

  3 Authority Member whose name is not in the public domain.

  292
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what representations the Police Authority for Northern Ireland has made to her about ensuring a neutral working environment in all RUC and Police Authority establishments in line with established fair employment legislation. [20906]

  Mr. Ingram
  The issue of a neutral working environment has been the subject of separate and composite representations from the Police Authority on several occasions in recent years. These have included presentation in March 1996 of a Consultation report "Everyone's Police—A Partnership for Change", correspondence and discussions with the last Secretary of State and Minister of State during 1996 and coverage within the Annual Report of the Police Authority which was presented to the Secretary of State in June 1997.

  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what discussions she has had with the Chairman of the Police Federation for Northern Ireland concerning the importance of retaining public confidence in the RUC in its dealings with the entire community in Northern Ireland. [20792]

  Mr. Ingram
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State met the Chairman and Secretary of the Police Federation for Northern Ireland on Wednesday 10 December, to discuss a number of matters connected with policing arrangements in Northern Ireland. My hon. Friend also attended the Federation Conference in June.

  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the attendance record of each member of the Police Authority for Northern Ireland from July 1997 to date at(a) regular monthly authority meetings, (b) special authority meetings, (c) meetings of each sub-committee and (d) visits to authority and RUC establishments. [20762]

  Mr. Ingram
  The attendance record for the period July-November 1997 is as follows:
  293
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many times the Police Authority for Northern Ireland's working group on public accountability and communication with the public has met since its appointment in April 1996, when its work will be complete; and if its findings will be published. [20756]

  Mr. Ingram
  The Authority's Working Group on Openness and Accountability me on six occasions between 24 April 1996 and its final meeting on 28 November 1996. The Working Group's recommendations were considered by the Authority during its meeting in December 1996 and, on 8 April 1997, two codes of practice were published and a press conference was held.

  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what matters have been investigated in the operations of the Police Authority for Northern Ireland following the suspension of a senior official in 1996, and what steps have been taken(a) in respect of that official and (b) in other respects arising from the investigation. [20765]

  Mr. Ingram
  Procedures relating to the letting of contracts, the proper maintenance of appropriate documentation and adherence to proper procedures were investigated. The senior official concerned was suspended on full pay pending investigation and the matter dealt with through the Disciplinary Code. A subsequent appeal, by the senior official, against disciplinary action was upheld. Purchasing and approval procedures have been thoroughly revised and are now being applied.

  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the interests declared and registered by members of the Police Authority for Northern Ireland. [20755]

  Mr. Ingram
  The information requested is set out below:

  Police authority for Northern Ireland Register of Interests

  Name

  Interest registered

  Mr. P. J. Armstrong (Chairman)

  Catholic Family Care Society Childcare (NI)

  Management Committee Member Executive Committee Member

  British Association of Social Workers

  Member

  Northern Association of Justices of the Peace

  Member

  Professor H. Wallace (Vice-Chairman)

  None

  Lt. Col. R. H. Bicker

  Litton Group Ltd.

  Director

  Down District Council

  Local Councillor (Ulster Unionist Party)

  Mr. H. B. Casey

  None

  Mr. R. J. Coulter

  Ballymena Borough Council

  Alderman (Ulster Unionist Party)

  Northern Ireland Forum

  Chief Whip (Ulster Unionist Party)

  Congress of Local and Regional Authorities in Europe

  Member

  CLRAE Working Group on Crime and Insecurity in the Urban Situation

  Member

  294

  Police authority for Northern Ireland Register of Interests

  Name

  Interest registered

  Citizens' Advice Bureau, Ballymena

  Trustee

  Galgorm and Gracehill Preservation Trust

  Member

  Orange and Royal Black Institutions

  Nominal Member

  Mr. R. L. Cree

  North Down Borough Council

  Local Councillor (Ulster Unionist Party)

  Member of the Orange, Black and Masonic Institutions

  Mr. R. Empey

  Belfast City Council

  Local Councillor (Ulster Unionist Party)

  Orange Order

  Member

  Royal Black Institution

  Member

  Walkway Community Association

  Member

  Mr. K. F. Hargan

  Lumen Christi College, Derry

  Member of Board of Governors

  Mr. A. R. A. Huston

  Federation of Small Businesses (NI) Region

  Vice-Chairman

  Lord Chancellor's Legal and Advisory Committee

  Member

  HM Young Offenders' Centre, Hydebank Wood

  Member of Visiting Committee

  Mr. J. O. McDonald

  Justice of the Peace Independent Assessor of Military Complaints

  RUC Museum

  Trustee

  RUC Historical Society

  Member

  An Garda Siochana Historical Society

  Member

  Knights of St. Columbanus

  Member

  Association of Papal Knights in Ireland

  Secretary

  Mrs. N. P. O'Loan

  NI Consumer Committee for Electricity

  Chairperson

  ACCORD

  Chairperson

  Ballymena Swimming Club

  Chairperson

  Victim Support

  Person

  Women Together for Peace

  Member

  Mrs. R. I. Peters-Gallagher

  Witt Thornton, Chartered Accountants Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland

  Partner

  Lerwill House Ltd.

  Member of Management Committee

  Mrs. E. Rea

  Elsbeth Rea Associates

  Principal

  North Down and Ards Home Start

  Non Executive Director and Company Secretary

  Mrs. F. Reid

  None

  Mrs. G. A. Rice

  Castlereagh Borough Council

  Council Member (Alliance Party)

  Mr. F. P. Rocks

  Ancient Order of Hibernians Cookstown and Magherafelt Lions Club Drugs Awareness Officer of the Lions Club

  Member

  Trade Union—Unison

  Member

  295

  Police authority for Northern Ireland Register of Interests

  Name

  Interest registered

  Mr. R. A. J. Spence

  Honorary Lecturer, Department of Surgery. Queen's University, Belfast Institute of Directors

  Member

  Board of Trustees and Governor, Wallace High School

  Crimestoppers (Northern Ireland)

  Board Member

  Cancer Services, Belfast City Hospital

  Chairman

  Mr. T. J. Wilson

  Cookstown District

  District Councillor

  Council

  (Ulster Unionist Party)

  Orange Order

  Member

  Royal Black Institution

  Member

  Apprentice Boys of Derry

  Member

  Royal Arch Purple Institution

  Member

  Masonic Lodge

  Member

  GMB Trade Union

  Member

  One Member of the Authority, whose name is not in the public domain, has been given an exemption under Paragraph 14 of the Authority's Code of Conduct from listing his/her interests.

  Union Flag (Police Stations)
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will request the Police Authority and Chief Constable to review the list of days and occasions when the Union flag is flown over police stations. [20763]

  Mr. Ingram
  The flying of the Union Flag over police stations in Northern Ireland is a matter to be dealt with by the Chief Constable.

  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what representations the Police Authority for Northern Ireland has made to her about the list of days and occasions when the Union Flag is flown over police stations. [20908]

  Mr. Ingram
  The Police Authority for Northern Ireland presented its annual report to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State in June 1997; this included details of the Authority's views on the flying of the Union Flag over police stations. The matter was also discussed with the Authority at a meeting on 15 October 1997.

  Students (Second Degrees)
  Rev. Martin Smyth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will make a statement on the support her Department will make available to students who chose medicine or dentistry as a second degree. [20777]

  Mr. Worthington
  A student who has already been on a course for which he has received support from public funds is precluded under the provisions of the Students' Regulations (Northern Ireland) from receiving an award to undertake a second first degree course in medicine, dentistry or any other subject. Such a student is eligible, however, to apply for a student loan towards his living costs. These rules will continue to apply to new students in 1998–99.
  296

  Schools
  Mr. Trimble
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what proposals DENI has for further research on aspects of the Coopers and Lybrand report. [21231]

  Mr. Worthington
  The question of any further research on the issues raised in the Coopers and Lybrand Report on LMS formula funding will be considered further now that the interim proposals for 1998–99 have been finalised.

  Mr. Trimble
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is DENI' s timetable for the implementation of full commonality in the LMS formula. [21228]

  Mr. Worthington
  The timetable for the implementation of full commonality in LMS funding formulae will be determined following further consultation and discussion with interested parties.

  Mr. Trimble
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many full-time, non-teaching employees of the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools(a) there are currently and (b) there were in 1993–94. [21267]

  Mr. Worthington
  The information is as follows:

  Number

  Currently employed

  48

  Employed in 1993–94

  34

  Mr. Trimble
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment she has made of the(a) Coopers and Lybrand report proposal that the social deprivation factor in the LMS formula should quantify objectively the extra costs likely to be incurred by schools in educating pupils from socially deprived backgrounds and (b) the cost per pupil of that proposal. [21230]

  Mr. Worthington
  No detailed assessment has yet been made of the Coopers and Lybrand proposals relating to social deprivation. Part of that assessment will be the availability of working criteria for the inter-related factor of educational need.

  Mr. Trimble
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what proposals she has to introduce arrangements by which the views of controlled schools can be represented to her and to the DENI analogous to the arrangements available to the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools. [21308]

  Mr. Worthington
  Adequate arrangements are already in place to ensure that the views of schools of all types can be represented to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and to the Department of Education in Northern Ireland.

  Mr. Trimble
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many principals and vice-principals of maintained schools who took early retirement from teaching, are currently employed, full-time or part-time by the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools. [21269]

  Mr. Worthington
  Two former principals who took early retirement are currently employed on a full-time basis by the Council.
  297
  Mr. Trimble
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when the perceived religious affiliations of non-teaching employees of the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools were last monitored by the FEC. [21266]

  Mr. Ingram
  In common with all other specified Public Authorities the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS) is required to monitor the religious composition of its workforce on an annual basis. The CCMS last monitored the perceived community background of its non-teaching employees on 1 January 1997. This information will be publishing in March 1998.

  Mr. Trimble
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what are the perceived religious affiliations of present, non-teaching employees, of the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools. [21268]

  Mr. Ingram
  The latest published monitoring information is contained in the FEC's Seventh Annual Monitoring Report (March 1997). That document shows that at 1 January 1996, the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools had 40 employees of whom less than 10 were determined as being from the Protestant community.

  Museums and Galleries
  Mr. MacKay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what account her Department took of the Museums Association Code of Practice for Museum Governing Bodies in the preparation of the draft Museums and Galleries (NI) Order 1997. [21134]

  Mr. Worthington
  [holding answer 16 December 1997]: The Department took into account the comments received from the Museums Association on the proposal for a draft Order. Its comments would obviously reflect its code of practice.

  Mr. MacKay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in relation to the draft Museums and Galleries (NI) Order 1997, what representations were received from the Museums and Galleries Commission on the subject of powers to override trusts or conditions which prohibit or restrict the disposal of objects donated to museums and galleries. [21132]

  Mr. Worthington
  [holding answer 16 December 1997]: The Museums and Galleries Commission (MGC) expressed concern that the powers of disposal contained within the first draft Order which was published in March 1997 were too wide-ranging and suggested wording similar to that used in Scottish legislation.

  These views were taken into account in framing the revised draft which was laid on 25 November 1997 and which restricted the circumstances in which disposal could be considered.

  On the day the draft Order was considered by Parliament, the Government received a letter from MGC expressing the view that although the revised draft represented overall a considerable improvement, they considered that the revised wording allowed scope for disposal beyond what they considered appropriate.

  Mr. MacKay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what account her Department took of the 298
  guidance in the Department of National Heritage Review of Museum Policy in the preparation of the draft Museums and Galleries (NI) Order 1997. [21135]

  Mr. Worthington
  [holding answer 16 December 1997]: As the policy document "Treasures in Trust" was essentially an English document relating to English museums, it was not taken into account in detail by the previous Government when it proposed the draft Order. However, account was taken of many of the general principles expressed, where appropriate.

  Public Order Offences
  Mr. Mallon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many people have been charged in relation to public order offences arising from incidents at(a) Portadown Town Centre, (b) Drumcree Church, (c) Brownstown Road, Portadown and (d) Garvaghy Road, Portadown, in each of the last five years. [20071]

  Mr. Ingram
  [holding answer 16 December 1997]: The information is not available in the format requested and would incur disproportionate costs to provide.

  NHS Staff
  Dr. Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many vacant positions there were in each of the last five years for(a) hospital doctors, (b) general practitioners and (c) nurses. [21360]

  Mr. Worthington
  The information is not held centrally in respect of hospital doctors and nurses. The following table shows the number of general medical practitioner vacancies in each of the last five years, all of which were filled.

  Vacancies

  1993

  59

  1994

  52

  1995

  59

  1996

  40

  1997

  49

  Dr. Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the projected shortfall for(a) 1997–98 and (b) 1998–99 for (i) hospital doctors, (ii) general practitioners and (iii) nurses. [21361]

  Mr. Worthington
  Sufficient numbers of suitably qualified staff are available or in training to meet the projected needs of HSS Trusts and General Practice. There is therefore no expected shortfall.

  Hospital Beds
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will estimate the number of staffed acute beds in use for each of the last 10 years. [21405]

  Mr. Worthington
  The following table details the average number of beds which were available in wards
  299
  open overnight in the Acute Services Programme of Care in Northern Ireland.

  Average number

  1987

  6,409

  1988–89

  6,107

  1989–90

  5,849

  1990–91

  5,634

  1991–92

  5,438

  1992–93

  5,281

  1993–94

  5,040

  1994–95

  4,813

  1995–96

  4,692

  1996–97

  4,454

  UK beef imports from September 1996 to August 1997

  Carcass Meat

  Offal

  Prepared or preserved

  All beef

  Country of despatch1

  Tonnes

  £000

  Tonnes

  £000

  Tonnes

  £000

  Tonnes

  £000

  EC

  Irish Republic

  51,979

  110,269

  4,460

  2,344

  14,225

  28,900

  70,664

  141,513

  Netherlands

  15,567

  34,050

  1,822

  1,491

  197

  690

  17,585

  36,231

  Germany

  7,457

  12,498

  799

  331

  75

  66

  8,331

  12,895

  France

  4,471

  7,692

  1,472

  708

  —

  —

  5,942

  8,400

  Belgium-Luxembourg

  1,495

  2,666

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1,495

  2,666

  Spain

  1,003

  2,331

  129

  38

  —

  —

  1,133

  2,369

  Denmark

  502

  1,227

  —

  —

  —

  —

  502

  1,227

  Italy

  248

  381

  68

  21

  —

  —

  316

  401

  Other

  585

  1,459

  668

  403

  757

  3,229

  2,010

  5,091

  Non-EC

  Country of origin

  Brazil

  3,875

  12,851

  —

  —

  34,292

  54,324

  38,167

  67,175

  Argentina

  9,007

  17,518

  —

  —

  15,176

  23,086

  24,182

  40,604

  Uruguay

  11,584

  22,476

  —

  —

  4,542

  6,122

  16,126

  28,598

  Australia

  7,860

  25,279

  421

  429

  —

  —

  8,281

  25,708

  Zimbabwe

  5,060

  17,138

  —

  —

  2,316

  4,286

  7,376

  21,424

  Botswana

  5,669

  16,329

  —

  —

  320

  672

  5,989

  17,001

  Namibia

  4,792

  15,722

  —

  —

  —

  —

  4,792

  15,722

  New Zealand

  4,588

  7,893

  254

  299

  —

  —

  4,842

  8,192

  Mauritius

  —

  —

  —

  —

  3,262

  5,584

  3,262

  5,584

  U.S.A.

  1,382

  3,701

  57

  30

  —

  —

  1,439

  3,731

  Other

  528

  1,815

  768

  749

  429

  761

  1,586

  2,986

  Total imports from EC countries

  83,307

  172,572

  9,417

  5,336

  15,253

  32,886

  107,978

  210,793

  Total imports from non-EC countries

  54,344

  140,721

  1,500

  1,507

  60,335

  94,836

  116,180

  237,064

  Total UK imports

  137,866

  313,515

  10,966

  6,904

  75,628

  127,780

  224,459

  448,199

  1 Some trade may originate from outside the European Community. All data is provisional and subject to amendment.

  Mr. Russell Brown
  To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he will take to ensure that beef which is being imported from Europe is(a) free of BSE and (b) from a herd with no history of BSE. [21583]

  Mr. Rooker
  Animals showing clinical signs of BSE would not be slaughtered for human consumption in the European Union. Animals which might be incubating the disease at a stage too early to show clinical signs could be slaughtered for human consumption which is why the Government have extended their controls to ensure that the specified risk material is removed from imported beef from 1 January 1998.

  The United Kingdom Government do not have a policy of banning beef from the domestic market from herds which have a case of BSE in the United Kingdom and
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AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Beef
  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will give a breakdown of the country of origin of beef imports in the last 12 months for which figures are available. [20256]

  Mr. Rooker
  UK beef imports for the period September 1996 to August 1997 as recorded in the Overseas Trade Statistics are shown in the table. For trade within the European Community, it is not possible to give a breakdown by country of origin. Instead data are shown by the country from which the goods were despatched.

  there is therefore no basis on which we could apply standards to imports which we did not regard as necessary for our domestic production.

  Vitamin and Mineral Supplements
  Dr. Iddon
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to review the safety of vitamin and mineral supplements; and if he will make a statement. [21660]

  Mr. Rooker
  The Government are concerned about the potential adverse effects of high-dose vitamin and mineral supplements. In view of these concerns, the Minister for Public Health and I have agreed that an ad hoc Expert Group should be established to consider the general principles on which maximum levels of vitamins and minerals in supplements sold under food law could be set.
  301
  The Expert Group will review the available science, and recommend maximum levels for a range of nutrients if appropriate. The Expert Group may also wish to provide advice on the addition of vitamins and minerals to foods. It will report to the Food Advisory Committee (FAC) which will consider the Group's findings and make recommendations to Ministers. The Committee on Safety in Medicines (CSM) will also wish to consider the Report as it may have implications for the way that medicinal products containing vitamins and minerals are licensed. The conclusions of the review will also be used to inform any discussions in Brussels on the possible harmonisation of controls on food supplements and on fortified foods.

  The Expert Group will comprise of a number of experts from the Committee on Medical Aspects of Food and Nutrition Policy (COMA); the Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment (COT); CSM and FAC.

  In order to ensure transparency in the process, an observer from each of the main interest groups—the health food industry, the food industry, complementary medicine interests and consumer organisations—will be invited to meetings of the Expert Group. Interested parties will also be given the opportunity to make written submissions to the Expert Group. It is expected that the expert Group will take 18 months to two years to complete its task.

  The establishment of this Expert Group will not affect the decision to introduce legislation to control the maximum level of vitamin B6 allowed in dietary supplements.

  Agriculture Council
  Mr. Russell Brown
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the outcome of the Agriculture Council held in Brussels on 15 to 16 December; and if he will make a statement. [21662]

  Dr. John Cunningham
  I represented the United Kingdom at the meeting of the European Union Council of Agriculture Ministers in Brussels on 15 and 16 December. I was accompanied by my noble friend, the Lord Donoughue, Parliamentary Secretary responsible for farming and the food industry.

  I informed my Ministerial colleagues of developments in relation to BSE, in particular my decision to ban from 1 January 1998 the import into the United Kingdom of meat from which the specified risk material had not been removed. This decision had been taken in the light of the postponement for three months of an EU-wide ban on such material. I also informed the Council of the prohibition which I had announced on 3 December in relation to the marketing of bone-in beef in the light of the scientific evidence which I had received from SEAC.

  The Council considered and reached agreement on two animal welfare measures: one attaching welfare conditions to the payment of export refunds, which was adopted unanimously, the other laying down standards for vehicles used for the transport of animals. The latter was agreed in principle by qualified majority, with my Swedish and Danish colleagues and I unable to support the measure on the grounds that the standards of animal
  302
  protection would be insufficiently high, and difficult to police. Detailed texts implementing this agreement will be considered early in the United Kingdom Presidency.

  The Council discussed at some length a Commission report on the impact of third country trade agreements on the EU's Mediterranean producers. I insisted that, in drawing conclusions on this matter, the Council should have available to it an assessment of the trade benefits of such agreements to the EU as well as the impact on EU producers. The Council also considered a report from the Commission on progress in the negotiations on a veterinary equivalence agreement with the US. It noted that, although the conditions were not yet right for concluding that agreement, the Commission should continue its negotiations with a view to reaching a satisfactory conclusion as soon as possible in the new year.

  Amongst other matters discussed and agreed at the Council were measures on the granting of national aid to sugar beet producers in Portugal (Italy voting against); and extension of the temporary derogations for imports of wine from the US (Portugal voting against); rules governing veterinary checks on products entering the EU from third countries (by unanimity); and a proposal consolidating the drinking milk regulation (Greece and Denmark voting against).

  The Irish Minister raised in the Council his Government's concerns over the recent interruptions to trade between the UK and the Republic of Ireland as a result of UK farmers' protests at ports; but he emphasised the close co-operation which exists between the two Governments in seeking to resolve this matter. I stressed the absolute commitment of the Government to maintaining the rule of law, and our intention to do everything necessary to allow the unimpeded movement of goods within the EU single market.

  CJD
  Mr. Swinney
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has made of the percentage risk of contracting CJD from consuming 1 kg of beef on-the-bone sourced from cattle born after 1 August 1996; and if he will make a statement. [21597]

  Mr. Rooker
  I refer the hon. Member to the advice given to the right hon. Member for South Norfolk (Mr. MacGregor) on 16 December 1997,Official Report, column 134.

  The risk assessments undertaken by SEAC relate to consumption in 1998 which would primarily be from beef born before 1 August 1996. The risk in later years would decline with the expectation that the incidence of disease in British cattle would continue to decline.

  Computers (Century Date Change)
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his Department's estimates of the total costs of resolving the millennium compliance problem include costs relating to the embedded chip problem; and if he will make a statement. [21565]
  303
  Mr. Morley
  I can confirm that the Department's latest estimate of the total cost of resolving the millennium compliance problem amounts to £11.1 million, of which £4.1 million relates to the embedded chip problem.

  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what millennium compliance problems have occurred to date in his(a) Department, (b) agencies and (c) other public bodies; and if he will make a statement. [21560]

  Mr. Morley
  Problems encountered when preparing for the millennium include those of a general nature, such as clearly defining the scope of the Department's (including Agency) millennium programme/project(s), as well as resourcing and prioritisation issues. Lower-level problems have been encountered in obtaining required assurances from suppliers of systems/products, identifying risks and required contingency actions (including identifying replacement suppliers/products where necessary). With regard to IT application systems, though the millennium is still two years away, some problems have already appeared—for example problems have been identified (and addressed) on a computer system which is concerned with processing five-year forward-looking agreements, where the termination date falls in the new millennium. Non-Departmental Public Bodies sponsored by the Department do not fall directly within the scope of the Department's millennium programme, but all relevant bodies have been asked to progress essential preparations.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Locate in Scotland
  Mr. Canavan
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what recent communications her Department has had with Locate in Scotland on inward investment issues. [19885]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  My officials and those at Locate in Scotland are in regular contact on inward investment issues and they continue to work in partnership under the Committee on Overseas Promotion arrangements.

  Regional Development Agencies
  Mrs. Ellman
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what steps she is taking to ensure that her Department's responsibilities are co-ordinated with the proposed regional development agencies. [19886]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  As set out in the White Paper "Building Partnerships for Prosperity"—which has received a warm welcome since it was published at the beginning of the month—regional development agencies will work very closely with my Department on a wide range of activities. Last week, the Government presented to the House a Bill for establishing these agencies. My Department is now working on detailed arrangements for ensuring that these agencies are up and running on 1 April 1999, supporting and enhancing DTI work in ways which meet regional needs.
  304

  Late Payment
  Mr. Quinn
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will make a statement on establishing a statutory right to interest on the late payment of debt. [19887]

  Mrs. Roche
  I am delighted to say that the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Bill was introduced in the other place on 10 December and published the next day. We expect the second Reading to take place on Monday 12 January.

  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will place in the Library copies of all the responses to the Green Paper on "Improving the Payment Culture". [21129]

  Mrs. Roche
  [holding answer 16 December 1997]: A schedule of all responses received, except those where the author specifically requested that their response not be published, was placed in the Library of the House upon publication of the Bill, on Thursday 11 December 1997. The full responses were, in accordance with current guidelines from the Library of the House, placed in the DTI library.

  The House Library will be able to obtain copies of these responses from the DTI's library on request.

  RJB Mining plc
  Mr. Baldry
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade when she last met the chairman of RJB Mining plc. [19888]

  Mr. Battle
  As the Minister responsible for energy matters, I have met with the Chairman and Executives of RJB Mining plc on a number of occasions and will continue to do so as I see necessary. I last formally met Mr. Budge on Thursday 11 December. My officials maintain close contact with the company also.

  High Technology Companies
  Dr. Starkey
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans she has to assist high technology companies to expand their businesses. [19890]

  Mrs. Roche
  The Government are determined to create an environment in which high technology companies can develop and grow. This includes improving the climate for investment, helping firms to access and adapt new technologies, and encouraging partnerships between the science and engineering base and industry. The DTI has already announced a number of new activities in these areas, including, for example:

  support for the UK Business Incubator Centre;

  setting up a Steering Group on Tech-Stars; and

  establishing the enterprise Zone Internet site.

  Barclays Bank
  Mr. Khabra
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what representations she has received on the current dispute between Barclays bank and its staff; and if she will make a statement. [19891]

  Mr. Moran
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what representations she has received on the current dispute between Barclays bank and its staff. [19898]
  305
  Mr. Ian McCartney
  My Department has received a number of representations about this dispute. These have included representations from the Banking Insurance and Finance Union, UN/FI, a member of Barclays bank staff and Members of this House. ACAS stands ready to assist but can only become involved if both sides agrees.

  Mr. Coleman
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will invite the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service to use its conciliation services in the Barclays bank dispute. [19897]

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

  Mr. Khabra
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will request ACAS to invite Barclays Bank and the unions representing Barclays staff to use its conciliation services to help resolve the current dispute; and if she will make a statement. [19799]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Chorley (Mr. Hoyle) on 9 December 1997,Official Report, column 529.

  Low Pay Commission
  Mr. Hanson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will make a statement about the work of the Low Pay Commission. [19892]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  The Low Pay Commission is well advanced on its programme of consultation to obtain views of employers, employees and other interested organisations and individuals on the National Minimum Wage. The Commission is also undertaking a series of visits throughout the UK to obtain local views. I understand they will visit Wales on 9 January 1998.

  Inward Investment
  Mr. Evans
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what measures she is taking to ensure the spread of inward investment benefits throughout England. [19893]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  Location decisions for inward investment are a matter for the commercial judgment of each inward investor, but all the agencies in England, as elsewhere in the UK, are active in promoting the particular attractions of their regions. New supply chain opportunities generated by inward investment projects often cut across regional boundaries thus widening the benefits beyond any single region.

  Research Organisations
  Mr. Ian Stewart
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what measures her Department is taking to improve communication between business and research base organisations. [19894]

  Mr. Battle
  One of the key aims of the Government is to maximise the benefits from our research base, whose excellence is widely recognised.
  306
  We have already made a number of announcements since the election demonstrating our commitment in this area, for example the establishment of four new Faraday Partnerships, the extension of TCS (the Teaching Company Scheme) and the Foresight LINK Awards.

  The President of the Board of Trade has also instituted the President's Partnership Prize as an accolade to those universities who have achieved high levels of success in applying the results of their research to commercial problems.

  I am considering, as part of the Department's Comprehensive Spending Review, what more can be done to improve interaction between business and the science, engineering and technology base.

  Industrial Enterprises
  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what was the total sum spent on the production and development of industrial enterprises in the most recent year for which figures are available. [19896]

  Mrs. Roche
  A breakdown of RSA grant offered to foreign and domestic enterprises by region is published each year in the Industrial Development Act 1982 Annual Report, a copy of which is available in the library of the House.

  Competitiveness
  Mrs. Dean
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what measures she has taken to improve the competitiveness of British companies. [19899]

  Mrs. Beckett
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Erewash (Liz Blackman).

  Liz Blackman
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what steps she is taking to improve the competitiveness of British industry. [19876]

  Mr. Nigel Griffiths
  My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade is pushing forward her Competitiveness UK initiative. On 11 November, she published "A Benchmark for Business", an examination of our competitiveness at both national and sectoral level.

  My right hon. Friend has announced the creation of six industry-based Working Parties to advise her on how business and Government can improve UK performance. The work of these groups and of my right hon. Friend's Advisory Group on Competitiveness will lead to a Competitiveness White Paper next year.

  Mr. Tony Clarke
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what measures she has taken to improve the competitiveness of small and medium businesses. [19902]

  Mrs. Roche
  Small firms form the bedrock of a successful enterprise culture. The sector is crucial to the UK's competitiveness and lies at the heart of the Government's economic strategy.

  We have already taken a number of steps to stimulate and sustain the competitiveness of small businesses. Measures include raising the quality of business support provided by Business Links to the standard of the best;

  307
  launch of the Enterprise Zone as the definitive Internet site for guiding small businesses to the most appropriate authoritative business-related information; and the bringing forward of a package of measures to promote a better payment culture.

  We also want future policies and priorities to be informed by business. SMEs are therefore an important element of the process of consultation and dialogue under the Department's "Competitiveness" initiative.

  Minimum Wage
  Mr. Clifton-Brown
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what recent representations she has received on minimum wage proposals. [19901]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  The Government have received a number of representations on our plans to introduce a national minimum wage.

  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will make a statement on exemptions to the national minimum wage. [19906]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  We plan to introduce a national minimum wage which does not differentiate by area, sector of employment, size of undertaking or by occupation. The Low Pay Commission has been asked to make recommendations about the possibility of exempting or applying a different rate to those aged under 26.

  Carbon Emissions
  Mr. Stunell
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment she has made of the impact of freezing approvals for gas-powered electricity generation plant on achieving the Government's target of 20 per cent. reductions in carbon emissions by 2010. [19903]

  Mr. Battle
  Any such assessment has to await the outcome of the Kyoto Conference, and detailed proposals for implementation of targets agreed internationally and, of the Review itself.

  Trade Contracts
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what account she takes of environmental aspects when pursuing trade contracts. [19904]

  Mrs. Roche
  The Department ensures that environmental considerations are take into account in assessing applications from companies for support in pursuing overseas contracts.

  Energy (Single Market)
  Mr. Alan W. Williams
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will make a statement on progress in developing a single market in energy in the European Community. [19905]

  Mr. Battle
  Directive 96/92 concerning common rules for the internal market in electricity entered into force in February this year and must be implemented by the majority of Member States by February 1999. This Directive requires Member States to introduce competition in electricity generation and allow at least 308
  25 per cent. of their market to seek alternative suppliers of electricity as a first stage, rising to around one third of the market by 2003.

  Political agreement was reached at the Energy Council on 8 December on the Gas Liberalisation Directive.

  GEC-Alsthom
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will make a statement on her Department's role on the flotation of GEC Alsthom. [19884]

  Mr. Nigel Griffiths
  While the flotation of GEC-Alsthom is a matter for the two shareholding companies, we want to see it continue as a successful world player in power generation, power transmission, and rail transportation with a substantial presence in the UK.

  Biotechnology
  Ms Whalley
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans she has for public consultation in respect of the proposed European Biotechnology Patent Directive. [17804]

  Mr. Battle
  Information concerning the Commission's proposal was circulated widely, including by use of the Internet. As a result, over 150 organisations made their views known to me or my Department and took part in a consultation exercise. Organisations included those representing environmental interests, health and patient groups, animal welfare, the professions, industry, trade unions and religious groups.

  The debate which surrounded the European Commission's proposal for a Directive on the legal protection of biotechnological inventions highlighted a number of ethical issues which surrounded this technology. Therefore, I announced on 24 November 1997, Official Report, column 412, that my Department would be sponsoring a consultation initiative to seek public views on biological research.

  My ultimate goal is to engage members of the public in debate to enable us to assess the issues that are of wider concern. However, I feel that an important pre-cursor to this is to involve interested parties active in the debate to add to the credibility that an inclusive approach will offer.

  I shall be hosting an event in the New Year to discuss with groups active in the biosciences and science communication how we can best develop the public activity, which is planned for next summer.

  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade when the Government plans to respond to the 5th Report of the Science and Technology Committee of Session 1996–97 (HC 373), on the Cloning of Animals from Adult Cells; and if she will make a statement. [22105]

  Mrs. Beckett
  I welcome the careful consideration which the committee gave the issues raised following the announcement of the successful cloning of "Dolly" from adult sheep cells. The Government's response emphasises that the Government will strive to ensure that the debate on the ethical issues surrounding biosciences keeps pace with advances in these technologies, both at national and
  309
  international level. The Government's response has been published today and copies are available in the Libraries of both Houses.

  Gas-fired Power Stations
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will make a statement on the Government's policy in respect of consents for further gas-fired power stations. [17952]

  Mrs. Beckett
  It was announced on 3 December that I propose to defer decisions on outstanding applications until the work of the Review announced on that day has been completed.

  Defective Products
  Sir Richard Body
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what cost analysis has been undertaken on European Council document COM (97) 478 on the approximation of laws for defective products; and what domestic legislation this document will entail. [18477]

  Mr. Nigel Griffiths
  An initial consultation of farming interests by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF) suggests that the main costs to agriculture producers will be those associated with insuring against potential product liability claims, and may be fairly low. MAFF will shortly be carrying out a full consultation on the likely costs to the industry.

  If adopted, the proposed amendment to the 1985 Product Liability Directive would most likely be implemented in the United Kingdom by regulations under the European Communities Act 1972 amending Part I of the Consumer Protection Act 1987 (which implements the 1985 Directive). The 1985 Directive was implemented in Northern Ireland by the Consumer Protection (Northern Ireland) Order 1987.

  Export Credits
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what percentage of the(a) claims and (b) recoveries on ECGD business were attributable to exports and defence related equipment for the financial years (i) 1992–93, (ii) 1993–94, (iii) 1994–95, (iv) 1995–96 and (v) 1996–97. [19746]

  Mrs. Roche
  From readily available information, the following figures have been extracted:

  Per cent.

  Claims

  Recoveries

  1992–93

  10.97

  6.86

  1993–94

  13.78

  2.36

  1994–95

  31.62

  2.68

  1995–96

  36.41

  4.34

  1996–97

  20.98

  1.89

  Computers (Century Date Change)
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what steps she has taken to establish the (i) status and (ii) costs of millennium compliance for(a) the European Commission and (b) the European Parliament. [19195]
  310
  Mrs. Roche
  [holding answer 4 December 1997]: The UK Government take the issue of millennium compliance extremely seriously, which is why at the Telecommunications Council meeting on 1 December I drew attention to the need for analysis and preparation both within the public and private sectors. However, the particular matter raised here is one for the European Commission and the European Parliament.

  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what estimate she has made of the number of computer professionals needed to solve the year 2000 computer compliance problem for the SME sector; how many she estimates are currently available; and if she will make a statement. [19262]

  Mrs. Roche
  [holding answer 8 December 1997]: The Government have made no estimate. Some industry specialists estimate that between 30,000 to 50,000 additional skilled IT staff will be required. Action 2000, the Government's new initiative to help businesses tackle the century date problem, will be supporting programmes to address this issue.

  Enterprise Zones
  Mr. Cotter
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what the cost has been of the enterprise zone system which provides information on the Internet for small firms. [19581]

  Mrs. Roche
  The cost of developing and launching the first phase of the Enterprise Zone, which went live on 4 November, was £46,000. A maximum budget of £200,000 has been allocated from existing resources for the present financial year to cover the costs of further development, and of maintaining and publicising the site.

  Export Licences
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade when her Department will publish the results of its consultation on export licences. [20036]

  Mrs. Roche
  As my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade stated on 5 June 1997,Official Report, column 236, copies of the responses to the consultation document on strategic export controls (with the exception of two for which confidentiality was requested), were placed in the libraries of both Houses in February of this year as well as the library of the DTI, where members of the public could arrange to see them. In the same statement, the President of the Board of Trade announced that copies of these responses would henceforth also be available on request from the Department's Export Control Organisation.

  We have since been considering the responses carefully as part of the DTI-led review of strategic export controls and expect to set out our proposals during the current parliamentary session.
  311
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will provide details of the export licences(a) granted since 1988 and (b) pending for the export of tear gas and plastic baton rounds to Kenya. [20054]

  Mrs. Roche
  These goods, and others, are controlled under different entries in Part 1 of Schedule III to the Export of Goods (Control) Order which are known as the ratings for these goods: tear gas under entry ML7; and plastic baton rounds under entries ML3 or PL5018.

  The Export Control Organisation's computer databases have been interrogated, and the following results were obtained.

  As of 9 December 1997, 61 standard individual export licences are recorded as having been issued since 1 January 1991 for the export to Kenya of goods with these ratings. Since 1 January 1994, no Open Individual Export Licences (OIELs) have been issued for the export to Kenya of such goods.

  Number of standard individual export licences covering the export to Kenya of goods with this rating

  Rating

  Number

  ML7

  0

  ML3

  49

  PL5018

  12

  However, this information should be considered in light of the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Don Valley (Caroline Flint), on 30 October 1997, Official Report, columns 870–71.

  It would entail disproportionate cost to determine which, if any, of the licences on which data are set out in the table covered the specified goods. Similarly, information on any standard individual export licences and/or OIELs for the export to Kenya of the specified goods that may have been issued before these dates could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  In addition, goods with the relevant ratings may have been exported to Kenya under the following Open General Export licences: OGEL (export after repair: military goods) and OGEL (export after exhibition: military goods), both of which were first issued on 1 March 1994.

  As of 21 November 1997, two applications for standard individual export licences for the export of Kenya of goods with one or more of the relevant ratings were awaiting a decision and none for Open Individual Export Licences with this coverage.

  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will provide details of export licences granted to Sound Day Corporation for the export of anti-riot equipment, tear gas canisters and plastic baton rounds to Kenya since 1988. [20055]
  312
  Mrs. Roche
  The Export Control Organisation's computer databases have been interrogated, and the following results were obtained.

  As of 12 December 1997, no standard individual export licences are recorded as having been issued to Sound Day Corporation since 1 January 1991; and no Open Individual Export Licences (OIELs) have been issued to this company since 1 January 1994.

  However, this information should be considered in light of the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Don Valley (Caroline Flint), 30 October 1997, Official Report, columns 870–71.

  Information on any standard individual export licences and/or OIELs that may have been issued to this company before these dates could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  India Desk
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many staff there are on her Department's India Desk. [20946]

  Mrs. Roche
  Currently 13 people are allocated to the India Desk.

  Investment
  Mr. Swinney
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will make a statement on the Government's policy on the multilateral agreement on investment. [20704]

  Mrs. Roche
  [holding answer 15 December I997]: The Government support the general aims of the proposed MAI and are working to achieve a successful outcome to the negotiations by next April. We are aiming for a comprehensive, multilateral and legally binding agreement providing high standards of investment protection and liberalisation of investment regimes, based on the principle of non-discrimination against foreign investors, and with effective dispute settlement procedures. This Government have pressed for the MAI to take account of environmental and labour concerns.

  Steel Industry
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what is the Government's forecast of changes in employment levels in the British steel industry over the next year. [20893]

  Mrs. Beckett
  [holding answer 15 December 1997]: This is a diverse industry with many companies, the great majority of which do not themselves publish predictions about future employment. In these circumstances, the Government make no such forecast. Indeed, no Government have ever produced forecasts of levels of employment in the private sector.

  Post Office
  Mr. Laxton
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what were the number of crown post offices, the types and numbers of other main offices, the number of sub post offices, the number of crown offices closed and the number of closed offices converted into each type of
  313
  other main office or sub post office in each year since 1989. [21270]

  Year to end March

  Crown offices

  Company franchise post offices

  Independent franchise post offices

  Modified sub post offices

  Other sub post offices

  1989

  1,493

  0

  0

  0

  19,537

  1990

  1,339

  0

  0

  153

  19,379

  1991

  1,167

  3

  0

  315

  19,153

  1992

  1,019

  28

  0

  438

  18,675

  1993

  917

  78

  0

  498

  18,465

  1994

  800

  120

  0

  576

  18,286

  1995

  699

  164

  0

  646

  18,098

  1996

  653

  190

  0

  677

  17,894

  1997

  606

  209

  25

  686

  17,725

  Toys
  Kate Hoey
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade by what procedures her Department ensures that the grants which they award to small toy producers to exhibit at trade fairs are spent completely in the interests of the recipient by the British Toy and Hobby Association. [21264]

  Mrs. Roche
  Grants are paid to the British Toy and Hobby Association, and to other intermediaries, on receipt of a signed claim listing the names of the eligible firms in their group and the amounts owing. We seek confirmation from intermediaries' auditors once a year that all their claims are in order and that moneys have been passed on to eligible firms. We also audit a random sample of events to check that intermediaries like the BTHA have discharged all their obligations to the Department.

  Telephone Fraud
  Mr. Oaten
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many complaints concerning telephone fraud her Department has received in each of the last three years. [20965]

  Mrs. Roche
  [holding answer 16 December 1997]: From readily available records, I can state that my Department received one complaint concerning telephone fraud in 1995, five complaints in 1996 and two complaints in 1997.

  Mr. Oaten
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will establish a public inquiry into domestic telephone fraud. [20966]

  Mrs. Roche
  [holding answer 16 December 1997]: Oftel has over the past year carried out detailed investigations with BT into complaints of organised network fraud on telephone services. Oftel is continuing its investigations but has no evidence of organised network fraud. I am confident that Oftel take network security issues very seriously. My Department therefore has no plans at present to establish a public inquiry into domestic telephone fraud.

  Working Time Directive
  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade by which date she expects to enact the European Working Time Directive. [21387]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  We shall implement the Directive without any avoidable delay.
  314
  Mr. Ian McCartney
  I understand from the Post Office that the numbers are as follows:

  Businesses (Assisted Areas)
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many businesses have moved from unassisted to assisted areas in the last three years; and what figures she has collated in respect of the Chorley constituency. [21496]

  Mrs. Roche
  There are no data available on the number of businesses moving form unassisted to assisted areas.

  The Government does, however, publish a wide range of data on financial assistance to companies in assisted areas in the Industrial Development Act 1982 Annual Report. This information is presented to Parliament pursuant to sections 11 and 15 of the Industrial Development Act 1982. Copies of the reports for the last three years are available in the Library of the House.

  Opencast Mines
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many open castmines currently operate in the United Kingdom. [21389]

  Mr. Battle
  At the end of November 1997, there were 84 producing opencast coal sites in the United Kingdom.

  Gulf States (Visits)
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans she has to visit(a) Abu Dhabi, (b) Dubai and (c) Oman. [21859]

  Mrs. Roche
  None at present, but the DTI Ministerial overseas visits programme is constantly under review.

  Launch Aid
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will make a statement on Launch Aid. [19889]

  Mr. Battle
  The Government will continue to assess any application for launch aid on its individual merits. As I said when I announced the Government's investment in Rolls-Royce's Trent engine programme, consideration of future applications for this kind of support for the civil aviation industry will be informed by our commitment to public/private sector partnerships.

  The Government currently receive receipts from the aerospace industry from past launch aid of more than £100 million a year. The investment in Rolls-Royce Trent engine programme should, if successful as I fully expect, yield a commercial rate of return to the country.
  315

  Plutonium
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade, pursuant to the Answer to the hon. Member for Gedling (Mr. Coaker) of 2 December 1997,Official Report, columns 163–64, if she will arrange for the Report on the Guidelines for the Management of Civil Plutonium to be placed on the Department's internet site. [21674]

  Mr. Battle
  I have arranged for the Guidelines for the Management of Civil Plutonium, as applicable to the UK, to be placed on the Department of Trade and Industry's Internet site at http://www.dti.gov.uk.

  Energy Council
  Mr. Caplin
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will make a statement on the outcome of the Energy Council meeting on 8 December [22083]

  Mr. Battle
  The Council considered several issues and received reports on matters of interest. I represented the UK.

  Council reached political agreement on a draft common position on the gas liberalisation directive. The main elements of the agreement include a requirement for a minimum initial market opening of 20 per cent., increasing to 28 per cent., after five years from entry into force and 33 per cent. after ten years. All gas-fired power generators will, from the beginning, be able to obtain competitive supplies. Initial thresholds for eligible industrial customers were set at 25 million cubic metres (mcm), dropping to 15 mcm after five years and 5 mcm by year ten. Member States were given the option to introduce separate arrangements for the inclusion of industrial combined heat and power producers.

  The agreement also includes provision for eligible customers and third party suppliers to have access to gas transportation networks and requires Member States to put in place an independent authority to settle disputes about access. Network companies will be required not to abuse information received from third parties and to publish the main commercial conditions for use of their network. The agreement also contains provisions to provide access to upstream pipelines in a manner which takes account satisfactorily of the particular nature of upstream activity.

  The draft common position recognises that market opening could lead to transitional problems for major gas companies and allows Member States, subject to clearance by the Commission, to agree to the possibility of their companies refusing network access where competition leads to serious financial difficulties in respect of long term take or pay contracts. Transitional arrangements will also be available to countries or areas of countries without a developed gas supply infrastructure (the latter subject to Commission authorisation) where the immediate implementation of the directive would create difficulties concerning the promotion of investment in gas networks.

  The Government welcome the agreement reached as a first step in opening the EU market for natural gas. Liberalisation will boost EU competitiveness and bring the UK new opportunities for trade, investment and employment. The draft common position is compatible
  316
  with the existing competitive arrangements in the UK market. The proposal will be submitted to the European Parliament for consideration during the UK Presidency once a formal common position has been adopted.

  The Council received a presentation from the Commission on a White Paper and Action Plan on a strategy for the future of renewable sources of energy and a reached common position on a Council decision concerning a multinational programme for the promotion of renewable energy sources in the Community—ALTENER II. A two year programme with a budget of 22 mecu was agreed. I gave my full support to the ALTENER II programme which I regard as an important element in the Commission's proposals to increase the use of renewable energy sources.

  Council approved a resolution on combined heat and power. The resolution welcomed the publication of a Community strategy to promote CHP recognising its positive contribution to environmental policies particularly towards the target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and invited the Commission to continue its work.

  Council approved a proposal to extend the SYNERGY programme aimed at the promotion of international cooperation in the energy field. A one year extension with a budget of 5 mecu was agreed subject to formal receipt of the European Parliaments opinion.

  In addition, the Council received presentations from the Commission on its proposal for a Council decision for a multiannual energy framework programme for actions in the energy sector, and a progress report on the Energy Charter Treaty.

CABINET OFFICE

  Millennium Exhibition
  Mr. Corbett
  To ask the Minister without Portfolio (1) if he will list those companies invited to tender for licensing rights for the Millennium Exhibition indicating which companies submitted tenders; and which companies submitted tenders uninvited; [20695]

  (2) when he expects to announce the appointment of a company to market the licensing rights of the Millennium Exhibition; [20694]

  (3) if he will place in the Library a copy of the invitation to tender for licensing rights for the Millennium Exhibition; [20667]

  (4) how many companies were invited to tender for licensing rights for the Millennium Exhibition; by what date tenders had to be submitted; and how many companies tendered; [20693]

  (5) in which publications in the EU the invitation to tender for licensing rights for the Millennium Exhibition was advertised. [20668]

  Mr. Mandelson
  On 17 July 1997 the New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC) advertised in the Official Journal of European Communities (OJEC) for expressions of interest from companies to manage the licensing of merchandise for the Millennium Experience. The NMEC contacted ten companies drawing their attention to the
  317
  OJEC advertisement. Those wishing to be considered for invitations to tender were required to submit standard corporate documentation by 29 July. Four expressions of interest were received—two from companies whom NMEC had contacted and two from companies not contacted directly by NMEC. In 12 August NMEC invited all four to tender, seeking written submissions by 26 August. Two companies submitted full bids.

  Subsequently the NMEC has reviewed the option of conducting licensing through in house resources. The NMEC expects to take a final decision shortly on the preferred approach. In the meantime, I have placed in the libraries of the House copies of the OJEC advertisement and copies of the NMEC's Invitation to Tender.

  It is not normal business practice to reveal the names of companies who bid for, but who are not awarded, contracts. To do so runs the risk of damaging their competitive position in their particular markets. It is also the case that European Union regulations stipulate only that the name of the winner of contracts be announced. Nevertheless, for the future, I can confirm that at the initial stages of competitive tendering exercises, the NMEC will ask companies to indicate whether or not they are content for their names to be revealed.

  Overseas Visits
  Jacqui Smith
  To ask the Minister without Portfolio if he will list the overseas visits he has made, indicating the date and purpose of the visit in each case. [21580]

  Mr. Mandelson
  I have visited:Paris from 17–18 July, for discussions with ministerial counterparts and others, and to speak at a seminar arranged by the British Council;
  Germany from 11–13 September, for discussions with ministerial counterparts and others in Bonn, and to attend the Club of Three meeting in Munich;
  Rome from 9–10 October, for discussions with ministerial counterparts and others, and to deliver a lecture at the Institute of International affairs; and
  France from 27–28 November, for discussions with ministerial counterparts and others in Paris, and to visit Futuroscope in Poitiers in my capacity as minister responsible for the Millennium Experience at Greenwich.

  My discussions have concentrated largely on EU-related issues of mutual interest.

DUCHY OF LANCASTER

  Access to Information
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, pursuant to his oral answer of 11 December 1997, Official Report, column 1193, on access to information concerning grants to farmers and landowners, if access to the nature and the amounts of grant or subsidy will be included. [21249]

  Dr. David Clark
  All such information held by the public authorities concerned would be within the scope of the proposed Freedom of Information Act set out in the White Paper "Your Right to Know". Whether the information could be disclosed in particular cases would depend on whether it passes the substantial harm and public interest tests integral to the Act's access provisions.
  318

  Computers (Century Date Change)
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will list those departments, agencies and non-departmental public bodies who had not provided him with a completed, fully costed and prioritised plan for dealing with their millennium computer compliance problems by(a) 1 November and (b) 1 December. [21553]

  Dr. David Clark
  Plans were sought from central Government Departments and agencies, and all had responded by the time I made my statement on 27 November 1997,Official Report, column 1104–05.

  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what problems to date have been encountered across government as a consequence of the millennium computer compliance problem; and if he will make a statement. [21551]

  Dr. David Clark
  I refer the hon. Member to the assessment in the statement I made to the House on 27 November. I have also written to departments asking for further information on three particularly important issues: the need to ensure that plans are not impeded by the possibility of skill shortages; the need to look at embedded chips in timing and other control devices; and, ensuring contingency plans are in place.

  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will list the areas of the public sector for which he has responsibility for assessing and guiding the progress towards computer millennium compliance; and if he will make a statement. [21547]

  Dr. David Clark
  I am responsible for co-ordinating activity by central government departments and agencies. These are the 137 organisations listed in the Year 2000 plans which I placed in the Libraries of the House and published on the Internet following my statement to the House on 27 November.

  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if millennium computer compliance problems in the public sector will be triggered on the date 9 September 1999; and if he will make a statement. [21552]

  Dr. David Clark
  The comprehensive guidance by the Central Computer and Telecommunications Agency to departments and agencies explained that dates other than 1 January 2000 might affect systems. Departments and agencies are thus aware that their systems audits must take this into account.

  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, pursuant to his oral statement on Computers and the Century Date Change of 27 November,Official Report, column 1104, what margin of error is attached to the £370 million total cost estimated; and if this figure includes expenditure on resolving the embedded chip problem in all Government Departments. [21548]

  Dr. David Clark
  I refer the hon. Member to the statement I made to the House on 27 November. I indicated that I would be monitoring progress being made by departments and agencies. That will include any amendments to their cost estimates.

  I also wrote on that day to colleagues about a number of follow-up issues, including the need to ensure that all plans properly addressed the embedded chip issue.
  319
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will list the dates in 1998 on which he intends to make his quarterly statement updating progress in dealing with the millennium computer compliance problem in the public sector; and if he will make a statement. [21550]

  Dr. David Clark
  I intend to report progress in dealing with the millennium computer compliance problem in Government Departments and agencies to the House on a quarterly basis, starting in spring 1998.

  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what is his policy on the final date by which millennium computer compliance across the public sector should be completed; and if he will make a statement. [21546]

  Dr. David Clark
  I would refer the hon. Member of the statement I made to the House on 27 November. The guidance to departments and agencies makes clear that account should be taken of dates other than 1 January 2000 which might affect systems.

  Information Technology
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what is his estimate of the total annual expenditure on information technology systems across(a) central Government and (b) the rest of the public sector; and if he will make a statement. [21549]

  Dr. David Clark
  The latest estimate I have of IT spend for central Government is approximately £2.5 billion per annum. The figure for the rest of the public sector is not held centrally and can only be provided at disproportionate cost.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  War Pensions
  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans her Department has to ensure that all local authorities introduce full disregard of war pensions in respect of council tax; and if she will make a statement. [13148]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  The disregard of War Pensions by local authorities applies to Housing Benefit as well as Council Tax Benefit. We are reviewing Housing Policy, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit with the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions as part of the modernisation of social security. All aspects of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit are open to review, including disregards.

  Carers
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate she has made of the number of people who act as carers for others; and what is her estimate of the numbers in each of the next three years. [20673]

  Mr. Denham
  The 1990 General Household Survey indicates that around 6.8 million people in Great Britain provide some care informally for elderly or disabled relatives or friends. No assessment has been made of future numbers.
  320

  Local Government Finance
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many households in each local authority area register will be receiving council tax benefit if each local authority raises its expenditure to the provisional capping limit announced in the local government settlement on 2 December. [20565]

  Mr. Field
  [holding answer 15 December 1997]: The average number of Council Tax Benefit claimants would be approximately 35,000 higher in England, if each English local authority raised its expenditure to the provisional capping limit announced in the local government settlement on 2 December.

  Notes:

  1. The figure is rounded to the nearest 5,000.

  2. Modelled using 1995–96 Family Resources Survey data uprated to 1997–98 prices, benefit and earnings levels, and provisional 1998–99 Council tax levels.

  Retirement (Women)
  Mr. Rooney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will estimate the percentage of women retiring in(a) 1998, (b) 2015, (c) 2035 and (d) 2045 who will be entitled to a full category A retirement pension. [20808]

  Mr. Denham
  [holding answer 15 December 1997]: The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is set out in the table.

  The pensions review is one of the Government's key priorities. As part of the review we will be looking at ways to narrow the pensions gap between men and women so as to give women more security in retirement. We are also seeking to raise awareness of pensions issues.

  As at September 1997, of women who are aged 60 within the previous year and are in receipt of any Retirement Pension, 15 per cent. are in receipt of a full Category A Retirement Pension. Projections in the same form for future years are not available.

  Assumed percentage of women at minimum pension age who have own entitlement to retirement pensions and the average rate of entitlement as a percentage of the standard rate

  Per cent.

  Financial year of reaching pension age

  Assumed percentage with own entitlement

  Average rate of benefit

  2000–01

  80

  75

  2005–06

  90

  78

  2000–11

  100

  83

  2015–16

  100

  88

  2020–21

  100

  91

  Note

  Figures in table are from the report of the National Insurance Fund Long Term Financial Estimates by GAD on the 3rd Quinquennial Review under Section 137 of the Social Security Act 1995.

  Source:

  Government Actuary's Department.
  321

  Invalidity Benefit
  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer of 9 December 1997,Official Report, column 533, on invalidity benefit, what estimate she has made of the amounts and the proportion of the savings in (a) 1995–96 and (b) 1996–97 on invalidity benefit which have been made in each Welsh benefit district. [21095]

  Mr. Denham
  The information is not available in the format requested as it is not possible to estimate accurately the proportion of the savings accruing from the introduction of Incapacity Benefit in each Welsh benefit district.

  Disability Benefits
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the estimated saving in(a) 1997–98, (b) 1998–99 and (c) 1999–2000 from the introduction of incapacity benefit. [21576]

  Mr. Denham
  The estimated savings from the introduction of Incapacity Benefit are in the table.

  Year

  Savings1 (£ million)

  1997–98

  1,350

  1998–99

  1,830

  1999–2000

  2,190

  1 Cash terms.

  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what proportion of the growth in expenditure on disability benefits since 1979 is attributable to recipients who are(a) above pension age, (b) within five years of pension age and (c) children. [21522]

  Mr. Denham
  The information is not available in the format requested. Such information that is available on caseloads for Attendance Allowance and Mobility Allowance in 1979 and Disability Living Allowance for 1997 is given in the tables below. These benefits provide help to disabled people with the extra costs incurred because of the effects of their disabilities. Expenditure on these benefits has increased in real terms by 926 per cent. from 1978–79 to 1996–97.

  People in receipt of attendance allowance at 31 December 1979

  000

  Higher

  Lower

  All

  Men

  All ages

  49

  69

  118

  Under 16

  11

  16

  27

  60–64

  4

  5

  9

  65 and over

  20

  25

  45

  Women

  All ages

  74

  94

  168

  Under 16

  8

  16

  24

  60–64

  5

  6

  11

  65 and over

  49

  59

  108

  All persons

  All ages

  123

  163

  286

  Under 16

  19

  32

  51

  322

  People in receipt of attendance allowance at 31 December 1979

  000

  Higher

  Lower

  All

  60–64

  —

  —

  —

  65 and over

  —

  —

  —

  Source:

  Estimated from a 100 per cent. count of statistical records, adjusted to reflect the extent to which they overstate the number of live cases.

  Note:

  1. Attendance allowance extended to children under two years of age in 1990.

  People in receipt of mobility allowance at 31 December 1979

  000

  Men

  Women

  All

  Mobility allowance

  56

  57

  113

  All ages

  —

  —

  16

  Under 15

  —

  —

  9

  60 and over

  —

  —

  —

  Vehicle scheme

  —

  —

  24

  All ages

  —

  —

  —

  Under 15

  —

  —

  —

  60 and over

  —

  —

  —

  Source:

  100 per cent. data.

  People in receipt of attendance allowance at 31 August 1997 age 65 and over

  000

  Higher

  Lower

  All

  Men

  158

  179

  337

  Women

  347

  515

  862

  All persons

  505

  694

  1,199

  Source:

  5 per cent. data.

  People in receipt of disability living allowance at 31 August 1997

  000

  Care component

  Mobility component

  Higher

  Middle

  Lower

  Higher

  Lower

  All awards

  Men

  All ages

  180

  282

  190

  651

  206

  980

  Under 16

  43

  59

  10

  27

  39

  118

  55–59

  17

  25

  28

  91

  13

  112

  60–64

  21

  31

  35

  124

  13

  146

  65 and over

  26

  38

  26

  176

  10

  194

  Women

  All ages

  183

  263

  216

  657

  173

  944

  Under 16

  27

  38

  7

  18

  21

  75

  55–59

  21

  27

  35

  95

  15

  121

  60–64

  24

  32

  36

  116

  13

  139

  65 and over

  30

  43

  31

  176

  11

  197

  All persons

  All ages

  363

  545

  407

  1,307

  379

  1,924

  Under 16

  71

  98

  17

  45

  59

  192

  55–59

  38

  52

  63

  185

  28

  233

  60–64

  45

  62

  71

  239

  26

  285

  65 and over

  56

  81

  57

  353

  21

  391

  Source:

  5 per cent. data.

  Note:

  1. Disability living allowance introduced in 1992 which replaced and extended help available through mobility allowance and attendance allowance for those under 65.
  323

  Computers (Century Date Change)
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what millennium compliance problems have occurred to date in her(a) Department, (b) agencies and (c) other public bodies; and if she will make a statement. [21558]

  Mr. Field
  The Department has been aware of the potential impact of the Year 2000 for some considerable time and an analysis of our major systems was carried out in 1996. This analysis confirmed that DSS' major systems, for example the Income Support and Retirement Pension computer systems, would only require minor attention. This is because these systems store dates in a way that is unaffected by the year 2000. Prior to completion of the analysis, some systems using forward dates experienced minor problems which were rectified at the time.

  The Department is also working with all our third party suppliers to identify products and interfaces that may need remedial action.

  The DSS Year 2000 Project was established in July 1996. This project is co-ordinating extensive activity across DSS, and it is working within the Central Communications and Telecommunications Agency (CCTA) approved guidelines for managing IT Projects. We are members of the CCTA Year 2000 Public Sector Group and use this forum to identify common issues and their solutions.

  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if her Department's estimates of the total costs of resolving the millennium compliance problem include costs relating to the embedded chip problem; and if she will make a statement. [21559]

  Mr. Field
  Yes.

  Hardship Payments
  Mr. Rooney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many claimants who have had benefits sanctions imposed for failure to attend or complete work placements under project work have applied for hardship payments; and how many of those have been successful. [21518]

  Mr. Field
  The information is not available in the format requested.

  The number of jobseekers who applied for hardship payments in the period October 1996 to November 1997 was 77,000. The number of hardship awards made for the same period was 70,000. A breakdown of hardship awards made by reasons for sanction is not available.

HEALTH

  GP Fundholding (North Essex)
  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much of the North Essex Health Authority finance allocated to GP fundholders was spent in other health authority areas; and how much of that was spent in the private sector and on which specialties in the last year for which figures are available. [18611]
  324
  Mr. Milburn
  Information is not held centrally on how much of their budget general practitioner fundholders in North Essex Health Authority spent in other health authority areas.

  Neither do health authority accounts identify GP fundholder expenditure in private providers of healthcare, except in aggregate with that in voluntary providers such as hospices and in general practices approved to provide secondary care.

  Dental Services
  Mr. Oaten
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people in each health authority area were removed from NHS dentists' registers because they missed a registration period in each year since 1990. [19655]

  Mr. Milburn
  The information requested for 1992–93, 1993–94, 1994–95, 1995–96 and 1996–97 has been placed in the Library. The two year registration period for adults was first introduced in October 1990 and so no registrations could have lapsed until 1992–93.

  Mr. Oaten
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the number of people in each health authority area who have not made a dental appointment in the last 15 months. [19656]

  Mr. Milburn
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for North Southwark and Bermondsey (Mr. Hughes) on 24 November 1997,Official Report, column 423.

  Community Health Councils
  Mr. Truswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the role of community health councils within the framework set out in his NHS White Paper. [20699]

  Mr. Milburn
  Community Health Councils have an important role in representing their local population's views in the health service and in providing information and advice to the public.

  Carbon Monoxide
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many hours training on(a) toxicology and (b) the effects of carbon monoxide is given to medical students; and if he will request the GMC to review its requirements. [20724]

  Mr. Milburn
  The information requested is not held centrally. Individual university medical schools determine their own undergraduate medical curricula in the light of recommendations from the Education Committee of the General Medical Council, which has a statutory responsibility to determine the extent of the knowledge and skill required for the granting of primary medical qualifications in the United Kingdom. We will ensure that the GMC is made aware of your concern about this matter.

  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what medical research he has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated into the health effects of long-term exposure to carbon monoxide. [20725]
  325
  Ms Jowell
  We have recently announced the funding of a £1 million joint research programme over 3 years with the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions into the effects on health of exposure to air pollutants and damp in the home. The successful research proposals will be announced shortly and include 3 projects on carbon monoxide. We will write to my hon. Friend the Member for Cynon Valley (Ann Clwyd) towards the end of January with more details.

  In addition we are funding a major research initiative on outdoor air pollution with the Medical Research Council and the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions. This programme of research began in 1994–95 and is due for completion in 1998–99. Three of the projects funded under this initiative are looking at carbon monoxide alongside other pollutants. However, none are primarily focused on the long term health effects of exposure to carbon monoxide. When the research programme is completed an evaluation of the effectiveness of the research will be made in order to assess where further research is needed.

  Young People in Care
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the average length of time that young people are remanded in the care of the local authority by courts. [20692]

  Mr. Boateng
  I have been asked to reply.

  During the year ending 31 March 1996, the latest for which figures are available, young people spent an average of approximately 10 weeks on remand, or committed for trial or sentence, in the care of local authorities in England.

  Eye Examinations
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many individuals underwent a routine bi-annual eye examination in(a) each of the three years before 1989 and (b) each of the three years after 1989; and if he will make a statement. [21223]

  Mr. Milburn
  This information requested is not available since statistics collected on National Health Service sight tests do not show the name of the individual tested and no information was collected on private sight tests until 1993–94.

  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what proportion of young people(a) under the age of 16 years and (b) aged between 16 and 19 years who are in full-time education take advantage of the bi-annual eye test to which they are entitled; and if he will make a statement; [21222]

  (2) what proportion of those people whose income is just above social security benefit levels as defined by a means test take advantage of the bi-annual eye test to which they are entitled; and if he will make a statement; [21220]

  (4) what proportion of recipients of jobseeker's allowance take advantage of the recommended and free bi-annual eye test to which they are entitled; and if he will make a statement; [21224]
  326
  (5) what proportion of those people in receipt of disability working allowance take advantage of the bi-annual eye test to which they are entitled; and if he will make a statement; [21219]

  (5) what proportion of people on income support or family credit take advantage of the bi-annual eye test to which they are entitled; and if he will make a statement. [21221]

  Mr. Milburn
  Information is not held centrally in the form requested because statistics collected on sight tests do not show the name of the individual tested. The table shows the aggregate number of National Health Service sight tests received by each eligible group with an estimate of the total population of this group. Information is not yet available on income based job seekers allowance as this benefit was only introduced from 26 October 1996.

  Eligible group

  Number of NHS sight tests 1996–97

  Estimated population of eligible group

  Disability Working Allowance

  131,920

  9,400

  People entitled to help through NHS low income scheme and partners

  331,130

  550,000

  Income Support/Family Credit

  2,231,650

  6,330,000

  Children under 16

  2,353,700

  10,060,000

  Students 16–18

  515,320

  1,030,000

  1 Subject to verification.

  Midwives
  Mr. Letwin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what comparative studies his Department has made of the cost effectiveness of recruiting midwives from overseas compared with employing midwives currently on the register in the United Kingdom but not practising. [21035]

  Mr. Milburn
  We are not aware that the Department has carried out studies of this kind.

  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many NHS trusts and health authorities have implemented the NHS Executive recommendation for a minimum F Grade for midwives; and if he will list them. [21034]

  Mr. Milburn
  Information on midwives' grading is not available centrally, but examples of developments following EL(95)77 are quoted in the Written Evidence from the Health Departments for Great Britain to the Review Body for Nursing Staff, Midwives, Health Visitors and Professions Allied to Medicine, Review for 1998. Copies have been placed in the Library.

  Ms Drown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if the setting up of health action zones includes provision for developing woman-centred midwifery care as set out in the guidelines of "Changing Childbirth". [21245]

  Mr. Milburn
  One of the key objectives for health action zones is developing improved, responsive services that are sensitive to local needs. The Government expect health action zones to do this within the framework of national policy, and where proposals include maternity services they should be developed within the principles of responsive woman-centred care.
  327
  Ms Drown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if the measures announced by the Government to tackle violence, discrimination and stress in the NHS will address the particular problems and risks encountered by midwives in the community. [21247]

  Mr. Milburn
  The measures we are taking to tackle violence, discrimination and stress in the National Health Service apply equally to all staff including those who work in the community. We have also recently authorised work by the Royal College of Nursing and the NHS Executive with a view to issuing, by the middle of next year, good practice guidance specifically on violence to staff working in the community.

  Ms Drown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to review the arrangements for the funding and allocation of study leave for the continuing professional development of midwives. [21246]

  Mr. Milburn
  The arrangements for the funding and allocation of study leave for the continuing professional development of midwives are matters for local National Health Service employers in collaboration with education consortia.

  Cannabis
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will take steps to encourage pharmaceutical companies to apply for a Home Office licence to research and trial cannabis and cannabis derivatives for medical use. [21108]

  Mr. Boateng
  It is Government policy to support well founded medical research. It is for the pharmaceutical industry to make such applications for research in this area as it sees fit. The issuing of licences is a matter for the Home Office and officials have indicated that they are willing to meet pharmaceutical companies to sort out any problems in this regard.

  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will meet representatives of the BMA to discuss its reports on the therapeutic uses of cannabis. [21107]

  Mr. Boateng
  We have no plans to meet the British Medical Association. However, Department of Health officials will meet representatives of the BMA in the new year to discuss its report on the therapeutic uses of cannabis.

  Health Service Staff (Incomes)
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action he is taking in conjunction with the Revenue authorities to monitor the amount of income NHS employees receive from non-NHS sources. [21020]

  Mr. Milburn
  The Department has in the past commissioned the Inland Revenue to carry out surveys into the earnings of hospital doctors in Great Britain. Surveys were carried out in 1984–85, 1986–87, 1988–89 and 1991–92. The latest of these surveys covers the financial year 1993–94. Consideration is currently being given to future requirements.
  328

  Consultants (Private Work)
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what methods his Department uses to monitor the level of private work undertaken by NHS consultants; [21019]

  (2) what action he is taking to encourage consultants who draw a full NHS salary to limit the amount of private work which they undertake. [21248]

  Mr. Milburn
  National Health Service consultants are required to devote substantially the whole of their professional time to their NHS duties. Whole-time NHS consultants are permitted to have private practice earnings of up to a maximum of 10 per cent. of their gross NHS salary. Employers where necessary, may ask a consultant to produce fully-audited accounts as a means of certification of the level of private practice work.

  EU Working Time Directive
  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the articles of the European working time directive from which the National Health Service will be exempted. [21386]

  Mr. Milburn
  The National Health Service as a whole is not exempt from the scope of the Working Time Directive, but doctors in training are exempt by virtue of Article 1.

  Care Homes
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many(a) local authority and (b) private sector care homes there are in each of the London borough council areas. [21383]

  Mr. Boateng
  Information on the number of local authority and independent sector (private or voluntary) residential care homes and independent nursing care homes in each local authority area is contained in table L1 of Statistical Bulletin "Community Care Statistics 1997 Residential personal social services for adults, England" (Ref. 1997/26 ISBN 1 85839 812 6) which was published earlier this month. Copies are available in the Library.

  Infertility Services
  Ms Drown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures his Department is taking to redress inequalities in access to infertility services. [21594]

  Ms Jowell
  The White Paper "The New NHS" outlines a number of steps which the Government will be taking to improve the consistency of service provision throughout the National Health Service. We will challenge and address variations not based on the health needs and wishes of local people. We will aim for maximum consistency while still allowing appropriate local and individual responsiveness.

  NHS Trust Boards
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many NHS trust boards in the north-west hold their meetings in private. [21683]
  329
  Mr. Milburn
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State wrote on 30 July to the chairmen of all National Health Service trusts asking them to ensure that board meetings are open to the public. With the agreement of Parliament, regulations will be confirmed early in the new year making open trust board meetings a statutory requirement. The use of closed sessions will be limited to areas where real harm to individuals or to the operation of the trust would result from an open meeting. Information is not held centrally on the extent to which trusts currently hold meetings in private.

  Health Service Staff
  Dr. Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the projected shortfall for(a) 1997/–98 and (b) 1998–99 for (i) hospital doctors, (ii) general practitioners and (iii) nurses. [21359]

  Mr. Milburn
  The information requested is not collected centrally.

  Private Finance Initiative
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list for each of the major acute PFI schemes prioritised by his Department since May, how much each relevant health trust paid for each of the last three years in annual capital charges to the Treasury. [21402]

  Mr. Milburn
  National Health Service trusts do not pay capital charges to Her Majesty's Treasury. However, they do repay the interest on their interest bearing debt and may be required to pay a dividend on their Public Dividend Capital. The amounts of interest and dividends repaid for the last three years for each trust is shown in the table.

  Major acute NHS private finance initiative scheme prioritisation Schemes selected to proceed

  £000

  NHS Trust

  1994–95 total interest and dividends

  1995–96 total interest and dividends

  1996–97 total interest and dividends

  Bishop Auckland Hospitals

  1,062

  691

  668

  Bromley Hospitals

  3,329

  3,372

  3,874

  Calderdale Healthcare

  1,984

  1,925

  1,906

  Carlisle Hospitals

  1,559

  1,072

  1,145

  Dartford and Gravesham

  3,310

  3,012

  3,347

  Greenwich Healthcare

  3,199

  3,536

  3,506

  Hereford Hospitals

  1,275

  1,232

  1,324

  Norfolk and Norwich Health Care

  3,471

  729

  792

  North Durham Acute Hospitals

  1,711

  1,064

  1,808

  South Buckinghamshire

  3,544

  3,599

  3,970

  South Manchester University Hospitals

  4,341

  3,449

  3,982

  South Tees Acute Hospitals

  4,166

  4,189

  4,931

  Swindon and Marlborough

  1,505

  1,578

  2,067

  Wellhouse

  4,462

  5,228

  6,350

  Worcester Royal Infirmary

  1,551

  1,837

  2,099

  330
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was, for each of the 15 major acute PFI schemes prioritised by his Department since May, the actual and percentage charge in purchasers' annual revenue commitment to the schemes between outline and full business case. [21414]

  Mr. Milburn
  Commissioners do not make an annual revenue commitment to schemes at either the outline or full business case stage.

  As part of the business planning process for both publicly and privately funded schemes health authorities are required to confirm that the proposals are affordable within the wider context of their plans for healthcare provision. It is the responsibility of the National Health Service trust to ensure that the revenue commitments implied by a scheme can be met from the resources available.

  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the number of staffed acute beds at NHS trusts with PFI developments prioritised by his Department since May(a) in 1996 and (b) projected upon completion of the scheme; and what is the percentage charge between the two in each case. [21415]

  Mr. Milburn
  Figures are provided in the table for the 15 prioritised schemes:the current number of staffed beds;
  the number of staffed beds required following the strategic investment appraisal conducted for the Outline Business Case (OBC); these are the number of beds which would have to be provided in a new hospital using public sector funding;
  the number of staffed beds projected to be provided in a new hospital under the PFI solution.

  Trust

  Total number of NHS beds at present

  Total number of NHS beds proposed under public sector route in OBC)

  Total number of NHS beds provided by PFI solution

  Norfolk and Norwich

  964

  701

  809

  South Buckinghamshire

  577

  537

  535

  Calderdale

  784

  594

  573

  South Manchester

  1,248

  881

  881

  Wellhouse

  1406

  406

  2406

  Dartford and Gravesham

  451

  400

  400

  Worcester

  563

  390

  390

  Bromley

  619

  525

  507

  Swindon and Marlborough

  622

  516

  516

  North Durham

  3588

  565

  454

  Carlisle

  508

  474

  474

  Hereford

  414

  340

  340

  Bishop Auckland

  375

  4223

  341

  Greenwich

  575

  621

  565

  South Tees

  1,051

  5955

  980

  Total

  9,745

  8,128

  8,171

  1 520 beds before the (publicly funded) Phase 1a of the redevelopment was completed.

  2 Including phase 1a.

  3 Until 1 August 1997 when closure of Shotley Bridge Hospital will mean 527.

  4 Excludes beds that are to be retained at Bishop Auckland under the PFI option.

  5 978 in OBC but adjusted down to 955 following further review of service activity.

  331
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list for each of the major acute PFI schemes prioritised by his Department since May(a) the cost of renovating the existing facilities and (b) the current estimated cost of the PFI scheme. [21399]

  Mr. Milburn
  Reliable estimates of the cost for renovating existing facilities are not available.

  When the trusts which have had their Private Finance Initiative (PFI) schemes prioritised since May initially identified a case for change, as part of the outline business case supporting this, they produced a list of options. Following procedures set out in the National Health Service Capital Investment Manual for all NHS capital projects, these will have ranged from do minimum to extensive rebuilding. Renovation would have been the basis of one or more of the options considered but may have been combined with other actions such as improved maintenance, replacement of temporary buildings or partial new builds.

  Reliable estimated capital values of the PFI schemes are only available where the full business case has been given approval. A list of the capital values for these schemes is given in the table.

  Capital value of the PFI option

  £ million

  Norfolk and Norwich NHS Trust

  194

  Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust

  115

  South Buckinghamshire NHS Trust

  38

  Carlisle Hospitals NHS Trust

  87

  Calderdale Healthcare NHS Trust

  77

  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much each lead consortium in each of the major acute PFI schemes prioritised by his Department since May will receive for the use of the new hospitals per year upon completion. [21401]

  Mr. Milburn
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave him on 15 December 1997,Official Report, columns 59–60 for details of the unitary payments at the schemes at Dartford and Gravesham National Health Service Trust and Carlisle Hospitals NHS Trust.

  Since making that reply we are also pleased to announce that the scheme at South Buckinghamshire NHS Trust reached financial close on 16 December.

  The estimated unitary payments for South Buckinghamshire NHS Trust are set out in the table.

  Estimated annual unitary payment

  South Buckinghamshire NHS Trust £ million

  1998–99

  3.7

  1999–2000

  5.0

  2000–01

  8.2

  2001–02

  8.2

  2002–03

  8.2

  2003–04

  8.2

  2004–05

  8.2

  2005–06

  8.5

  2006–07

  8.5

  2007–08

  8.5

  2008–09

  8.5

  332

  Estimated annual unitary payment

  South Buckinghamshire NHS Trust £ million

  2009–10

  8.5

  2010–11

  8.5

  2011–12

  8.5

  2012–13

  8.5

  2013–14

  8.5

  2014–15

  8.5

  2015–16

  8.9

  2016–17

  8.4

  2017–18

  8.4

  2018–19

  8.4

  2019–20

  8.4

  2020–21

  8.4

  2021–22

  8.2

  2022–23

  8.2

  2023–24

  8.2

  2024–25

  8.2

  2025–26

  8.2

  2026–27

  6.0

  2027–28

  6.0

  2028–29

  6.0

  Total unitary payments

  244.6

  1. Figures in 1997 prices and are subject to indexation.

  2. Figures assume that the schemes become operational during 1999–2000, with the delivery of facilities management services beginning in 1998.

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

  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will estimate by scheme the subsidies paid by his Department under the smoothing mechanism to the 15 major acute PFI schemes prioritised by his Department since May. [21413]

  Mr. Milburn
  No money has been paid under the smoothing mechanism to the 15 prioritised major acute Private Finance Initiative schemes. National Health Service trusts will not receive money from the smoothing mechanism until the PFI hospital becomes operational.

  Computers (Century Date Change)
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the recent report by Professor Mike Smith of St. Bartholomew's Hospital, London, on the issue of the millennium problem in the NHS; and if he will make a statement. [21528]

  Mr. Milburn
  There is no justification for the assumptions on which the statement that up to 1,500 deaths will be caused directly by the Millennium problem was made. In many cases the basis of the figures used is unclear, and in others the figures are out of date.

  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what monies will be made available to the NHS from the contingency reserve to ensure millennium computer compliance; and if he will make a statement. [21523]

  Mr. Milburn
  None is planned.

  At the present time it is assumed that Year 2000 activities throughout the National Health Service will be financed from existing budgets.
  333
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what millennium computer compliance problems have arisen to date within(a) his Department and (b) the NHS, and if he will make a statement. [21529]

  Mr. Milburn
  In the Department of Health the only problem in operational systems has arisen in electronic diary systems.

  The only problems so far identified in the National Health Service have been in Patient Administration Systems, appointment booking and recall modules, where appointments are being made for dates after 31 December 1999. This problem has been addressed by making such appointments manually.

  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what estimate he has made of the cost of resolving the embedded chip problem in the NHS; what proportion of the NHS information technology systems budget he estimates this will represent; and if he will make a statement; [21524]

  (2) what estimate he has made of the cost to the NHS of ensuring millennium computer compliance; and if he will make a statement. [21525]

  Mr. Milburn
  No estimates have yet been made.

  Information should become available after 31 March 1998 when each separate National Health Service Organisation will have completed detailed project plans, detailed inventory and budget estimates.

  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what risks to NHS patients will arise from(a) the millennium computer compliance problem and(b) the embedded chip problem; what steps he will take to ensure the safety of patients; and if he will make a statement. [21526]

  Mr. Milburn
  Because of the nature of its work, many failures of computer-based equipment in the National Health Service are potentially life threatening and contingency plans are in place to cope with such 334
  problems. The NHS Executive's Year 2000 Programme is working to eliminate risk through the identification and management of potential risks.

  The millennium problem is an example of such a potential failure with the advantage that the problem is well known, clearly defined and with a long lead time. It is a priority for NHS Organisations to develop contingency plans. As such, the risk to patient safety is likely to be minimal.

  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will introduce a model working plan for NHS trusts for dealing with the millennium problem and embedded chip problem; and if he will make a statement. [21527]

  Mr. Milburn
  Good practice guidance was issued to the National Health Service in October 1997 which identified the management actions needed to address the problem. More detailed guidance will be released to all NHS Year 2000 project managers by the end of December 1997.

  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if his Department has current dealings with(a) non-governmental organisations and (b) suppliers which are not millennium compliant; and on what date his Department will cease to deal with (i) non-governmental organisations and (ii) suppliers which are not millennium compliant. [20533]

  Mr. Milburn
  [holding answer 12 December 1997]: All new contracts for the supply of goods and services to the Department and its Agencies will include a clause requiring the supplier to be millennium compliant or to provide goods that are millennium compliant. The Department will not enter into new contracts without this assurance.

  Where millennium compliance is necessary, the relevant existing suppliers have been asked to insert a new clause into their contracts with the Department, or to provide an assurance, that they, or the goods they supply, are millennium compliant. The Department will cease to deal at the appropriate time with existing suppliers who cannot provide this assurance.

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