Written Answers of 3 July 1997

WALES

  Economic Regeneration
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he expects his review of economic regeneration in Wales to be completed; and if, and in what form, he intends to publish the results. [5161]

  Mr. Hain
  My right hon. Friend and I intend to publish our proposals for an economic powerhouse for Wales in the White Paper which will issue before the summer recess and certainly well before the referendum. I will also be setting out my strategy for the Welsh economy in the coming months on which I will be consulting widely.

  Welsh Assembly
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if there will be a requirement in job advertisements for the Welsh Assembly that fluency in Welsh would be essential or desirable. [5299]

  Mr. Ron Davies
  That will be a matter for the Assembly to decide.

  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the date of the Welsh Assembly referendum. [6103]

  Mr. Davies
  The Welsh referendum will follow shortly after the Scottish. Announcements will be made in due course about the precise dates of each referendum.

  School Polling Stations
  Mr. Denzil Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to avoid the need to close schools for use as polling stations in the forthcoming referendum on devolution. [6073]

  Mr. Ron Davies
  The organisation of the poll in each local authority area is a matter for the relevant returning officer. Polling places to be used in the referendum are to be the same as those used in council elections, but the returning officer has discretion, if he considers special circumstances exist, to designate some other place for taking the poll. In areas where schools are used for polling, it is therefore open to returning officers, if they consider special circumstances to exist, to designate other places as polling places for the referendum.

  Transport Policy
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to integrate transport in Wales; and if he will make a statement. [6099]

  Mr. Ron Davies
  I welcome my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister's announcement on 5 June honouring our election manifesto commitment to 218
  developing an integrated transport policy. This will, of course, embrace Wales and Welsh Office Ministers and officials will participate fully in drawing-up proposals for implementing the new policy, taking into account the views of a wide range of interested organisations.

  We will, in any case, be looking closely at all transport issues in Wales during the course of the next few months, including priorities for the roads programme as part of the strategic review promised in the Welsh election manifesto. I intend to set the strategic review of the roads programme in the broader context of the development of a balanced, integrated transport policy for the Principality. The review will, therefore, consider not only the relative priority of particular routes and schemes within the programme, and the scope for altering those priorities, but wider issues including the need to manage the network more effectively and the scope to promote alternative transport modes where appropriate.

  The review will consider afresh all schemes currently in the Welsh roads programme with the exception of the A55 dualling across Anglesey. In that case, I have decided that the strategic importance of the improvement is so great that it must proceed without delay subject, of course, to the successful completion of the legal and statutory procedures.

  I will be initiating a process of wide public consultation on the review, and will publish a consultation document shortly. This consultation document will set out the present position, summarise the issues for consideration and suggest possible options for change, and will invite views from the widest possible range of organisations. I hope to announce the conclusions of the review next spring.

  Referendum
  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if postal votes will be available in the proposed referendum on devolution in Wales; and if he will make a statement. [6347]

  Mr. Ron Davies
  Postal votes will be available in the usual way for those voters who need them for the referendum.

  Public Bodies
  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what has been his Department's expenditure in each of the last five years on the boards of non-departmental public bodies; and if he will make a statement. [6323]

  Mr. Ron Davies
  Details of expenditure are published annually in the Cabinet Office publication, "Public Bodies", copies of which are available in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the non-departmental bodies which will be abolished in the event of a Welsh Assembly; what will be the savings to public funds of this process; and if he will make a statement. [6325]

  Mr. Davies
  Details of our proposals will be included in the White Paper on a Welsh Assembly which we shall be publishing shortly.

  NHS Trusts
  Mr. Alan Williams
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the contracts of chairmen and chief executives of Welsh NHS trusts which terminate in(a) 1997–98, (b) 1998–99 and (c) 1999–2000. [6498]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  The appointments of the following chairmen terminate as listed. Details of Chief Executives' contracts are not held centrally but in the NHS generally they have permanent or three year contracts which are rolled forward annually.

  Appointments of NHS trust chairmen

  Trust

  (a) 1997–98

  Mr. B. Thompson

  Carmarthen and District

  Mrs. L. George

  Pembrokeshire and Derwen

  Mr. I. Kelsall

  East Glamorgan

  Mr. R. H. Davies

  Gwynedd Community Health

  Mr. G. Drake

  Gwynedd Hospitals

  Sir Donald Walters

  Llandough Hospital

  Mr. R. Jenkins

  Llanelli/Dinefwr

  Mr. E. Rea

  Mid Glamorgan Ambulance

  Dr. G. Jones

  Nevill Hall and District

  Dr. B. Wolfenden

  North Wales Ambulance

  Mr. W. B. Davies

  Rhondda Health Care

  Mr. A. E. Robarts

  Wrexham Maelor Hospital

  (b) 1998–99

  Mr. F. P. Crawley

  Bridgend and District

  Mr. D. L. Crobsy

  Cardiff Community Healthcare

  Mr. R. Hopkins

  Glan-y-Môr

  Dr. T. Williams

  South and East Wales Ambulance

  Mr. A. S. Gould

  University Dental Hospital

  Mr. D. W. C. Morgan

  UHW Healthcare

  Mr. J. P. R. Hayes

  West Wales Ambulance

  (c) 1999–2000

  Ms E. Ebenezer

  Ceredigion and Mid Wales

  Mr. E. L. Fitzhugh

  Clwydian Community Care

  Mr. E. M. W. Griffith

  Glan Clwyd

  Mr. D. F. Jessopp

  Glan Hafren

  Mrs. F. N. Peel

  Gwent Community Health

  Professor Michael Vickers

  North Glamorgan

  Hon. L. A. T. Lewis

  Powys Health Care

  Mr. J. H. Button

  Swansea

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Indonesian Military and Police Personnel
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list by name and rank the Indonesian military, police, security and paramilitary police officers in respect of whom visa applications have been made to attend the International Police and Security Expo 97; and if he will identify those which were granted. [5692]

  Mr. Fatchett
  [holding answer 27 June 1997]: We have not been asked to issue visas specifically for Indonesians attending the International Police and Security Expo 97.

  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many visas have been granted to Indonesian(a) military, (b) security, (c) police, (d) paramilitary and (e) special forces personnel visiting Britain in the last 12 months for which figures are
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  available; for what purpose; and what is the policy of the Government on granting visas to the above categories of personnel. [5693]

  Mr. Fatchett
  [holding answer 27 June 1997]: The British Embassy in Jakarta issued 29,931 visit visas for the United Kingdom last year. Statistics are not kept for the different categories of applicant and the information requested could therefore only be produced at disproportionate cost. All visa applications are processed in accordance with the criteria contained in the Immigration Rules.

  UN (Budget Contributions)
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs from what budget the United Kingdom will fund its additional contribution to the UN. [6353]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  Negotiations on the level of assessed contributions to be paid by Member States to UN budgets for 1998 and beyond will resume at the UN General Assembly in October. It is therefore too early to predict what change, if any, there might be in the level of the United Kingdom's assessed contribution.

  The United Kingdom's assessed contribution to the UN Regular Budget will continue to be met from Vote 2 of this Department's budget.

  Security Policy
  Sir Geoffrey Johnson Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the relationship between United Kingdom membership of(a) the WEU and (b) NATO in respect of United Kingdom security policy. [5723]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  NATO is the foundation of our defence and security. The Western European Union (WEU) is developing its capacity to contribute to European security and plays a key role in building the European Security and Defence Identity (ESDI) within the Alliance. It is pursuing its operational development as a means for Europeans to run crisis management operations, including operations using NATO assets and capabilities. The requirement that full members of the WEU are also NATO members, and the role of WEU in the arrangements for ESDI in the Alliance, mean that action taken by the WEU must be consistent with obligations in NATO.

  Mr. Peter Lowes
  Mr. Gerald Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he expects to answer the letter from the hon. Member for Aldershot, dated 13 May, concerning Mr. Peter Lowes. [6562]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  The subject matter of the hon. Member's letter of 13 May was complicated and required wide consultation. A substantive reply has been sent by my noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, and a copy will be placed in the Libraries of the House.

  Human Rights
  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to accede to those international human rights instruments to which the United Kingdom is not yet party. [6915]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  We will review over the next year the United Kingdom's position under various international human rights instruments. This will include the question of accession to Protocols to the European Convention on Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and acceptance of the rights of individual petition under other UN human rights treaties. We shall also examine whether any of the United Kingdom's reservations to human rights treaties can be withdrawn.

  UN Register of Conventional Arms
  Ms Southworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the United Kingdom submitted its 1996 return to the UN register of Conventional Arms; and if he will place a copy of the submission in the Library. [6916]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  The UK's return to the UN Register covering calendar year 1996 was submitted to the UN Secretary General on 29 April 1997. A copy of the return has been placed in the Libraries of the House and is available to members of the public on request.

  As part of our commitment to increasing transparency in the field of defence exports, we shall work to strengthen the UN Register of Conventional Arms, encouraging greater disclosure of information on arms exports and arms transfers by all countries. We hope that the work of the UN Panel of Experts currently reviewing the operation and development of the Register will contribute to achieving this objective.

DUCHY OF LANCASTER

  Better Regulation
  Mrs. Betty Williams
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement about better regulation. [7045]

  Dr. David Clark
  The Government is committed to making government work better. My Department's White Paper on 'New Government', to be published later this year, will set out a unified programme for the renewal of government. Better regulation is an integral part of this renewal. Our aim is to ensure that regulations are simple, helpful and fair for business and the citizen.

  It is essential that we involve those who are affected by regulation. We are committed to giving small business and ordinary citizens a greater voice on the Better Regulation Task Force. I have today appointed Christopher Haskins, Chairman of Northern Foods plc, to chair the Task Force. Their terms of reference are to advise the Government on action which improves the effectiveness and credibility of government regulation by ensuring that it is necessary, fair and affordable, and simple to understand and administer, taking account of the needs of small business and ordinary people.
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  We will find practical measures that will respond to people's needs. For example, I have set up a cross-departmental initiative called 'Access Business' to assist small business. This will draw together regulatory advice and forms into a simpler, more unified service, in particular using modern technology. For the citizen we will look at key groups like the elderly, the young and the voluntary sector and identify how we can make improvements.

  I will take the opportunity presented by the EU Presidency next year to promote better quality regulation at the European level. I am planning a centrepiece Better Regulation Presidency event in March looking at improving access to Government for citizens and business, keeping legislation simple and improving consultation. And we are working with the Austrian government to provide a sustained push to improve the quality of EU legislation throughout our consecutive Presidencies.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Legal Aid (Personal Injury Litigation)
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellors Department what was(a) the annual cost of legal aid for personal injury litigation before cost recovery and retention of contributions, (b) the amount of costs recovered, (c) the amount of contributions retained and (d) the net cost after deduction of costs recovered and contributions retained, for (i) all personal injury litigation, (ii) medical negligence cases only and (iii) personal injury cases only, excluding medical negligence, in each of the last four financial years. [5808]

  Mr. Hoon
  A breakdown of legal aid expenditure and receipts in respect of personal injury litigation in each of the last four years for which information is available, in respect of cases that were closed in each year, was as follows:

  £ million

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–95

  1995–96

  Gross payments

  All personal injury litigation

  143.5

  195.6

  238.2

  284.7

  Medical Negligence

  20.6

  34.1

  38.6

  50.2

  All personal injury (excluding medical negligence)

  122.9

  161.5

  199.6

  234.5

  Costs recovered

  All personal injury litigation

  104.3

  138.7

  166.4

  205.2

  Medical Negligence

  9.4

  11.2

  13.3

  22.0

  All personal injury (excluding medical negligence)

  94.9

  127.5

  153.1

  183.2

  Contributions retained

  All personal injury litigation

  1.1

  1.6

  1.8

  2.1

  Medical Negligence

  0.3

  0.6

  0.6

  0.7

  All personal injury (excluding medical negligence)

  0.8

  1.0

  1.2

  1.4

  223

  £ million

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–95

  1995–96

  Net of costs recovered and contributions retained

  All personal injury litigation

  38.1

  55.2

  70.0

  77.3

  Medical Negligence

  11.0

  22.3

  24.5

  27.5

  All personal injury (excluding medical negligence)

  27.1

  32.9

  45.5

  49.8

  Net of costs recovered, contributions retained and damages retained

  All personal injury litigation

  35.2

  52.0

  66.6

  72.8

  Medical Negligence

  10.8

  22.0

  24.0

  26.8

  All personal injury (excluding medical negligence)

  24.4

  30.0

  42.6

  46.0

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Further Education Colleges
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many(a) management, (b) teaching and (c) support staff (i) were employed in 1992–93 and (ii) are employed in the current financial year by further education colleges in England and Wales. [5326]

  Dr. Howells
  Comprehensive information on the number of full and part-time further education staff for academic year 1992–93 is not available. The total "full-time equivalents" of further education lecturers in FE and sixth form colleges, as well as HE institutions, in England for 1992–93 are shown below.

  Full-time equivalent lecturers providing FE in FE or HE institutions (including sixth form colleges)

  Academic

  Number

  1992–93

  67,700

  The figures available for 1994–95 and 1995–96 academic years for full-time equivalent staff in further education (including sixth form) colleges in England are shown below. Management staff are included in "other support" but cannot be identified separately. These figures are based on incomplete data sets: the number of colleges included for each year are noted.

  1994–95

  Full-time equivalents (FTEs)

  Teaching and learning

  56,000

  Supporting teaching and learning

  12,000

  Other support

  34,000

  Total

  102,000

  Based on data from 374 out of 446 colleges.

  1995–96

  Full-time equivalents (FTEs)

  Teaching and learning

  56,000

  Supporting teaching and learning

  13.000

  Other support

  37,000

  Total

  106.000

  Based on data from 342 out of 452 colleges.

  Youth Service
  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what are his proposals for the youth service; and if he will make a statement. [6078]

  Dr. Howells
  The Government is committed to raising the profile of the youth service which it values as an important provider of personal and social education for young people. Details about our proposed legislation to place the youth service on a clearer and more specific statutory basis will be included in the White Paper on Lifelong Learning.

  We are taking forward proposals for an audit of youth service provision in local authorities and are also considering how the youth service can contribute to educational policies more generally.

NATIONAL HERITAGE

  Millennium Commission and Lottery Awards
  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if he will list the awards made to date by(a) the Millennium Commission and (b) the Heritage Lottery Fund in the constituency of Middlesbrough, South and East Cleveland. [5559]

  Mr. Banks
  The Heritage Lottery Fund has made one award of £77,000 to Cleveland county council for the Margrove Heritage Centre. The Millennium Commission has made no awards in the Middlesbrough, South and East Cleveland constituency.

  McDonald's (Advertising)
  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if he will meet representatives of the Independent Television Commission to discuss the implications of the recent High Court ruling on the impact of advertising by McDonald's on children. [5852]

  Mr. Fisher
  The Commission maintains and enforces a code of advertising standards and practice for broadcasters, which includes detailed guidance on advertising and children, and which is from time to time reviewed to ensure it reflects current best practice. I understand that the Commission has no plans to revise the code in light of the judgment referred to, though it would naturally consider carefully any complaints made to it concerning particular advertisements and their potential impact on children. The Government recognise their special responsibility to protect children from exploitation, but the existing Code allows the ITC scope to act in their defence.

  County Record Offices
  Mr. Gordon Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what assessment he has made of the impact of unitary authorities on the future funding and operation of county record offices and the Victoria County History. [5953]
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  Mr. Fisher
  My Department has issued guidance on the care and maintenance of local authority archives to every local authority affected by local government reorganisation, and monitored closely the effect of reorganisation on archives services, to help ensure that standards are maintained.

  I am aware that the Victoria County History project has experienced difficulties due to the reduction or withdrawal of local authority funding in some cases. The National Heritage Act has widened the scope of the Heritage Lottery Fund to include support for the compilation and maintenance of archives. I understand that Victoria County History intends to bid for Lottery funds next year to support its important work.

  Digital Broadcasting
  Mr. Woolas
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what assessment he has made of the availability of suitably qualified candidates from colleges and universities for the new jobs in broadcasting that may be expected from the advent of digital broadcasting. [6147]

  Mr. Fisher
  The Government are committed to the objective that all new entrants into the industry should have a suitable qualification by 2000. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Employment and I will be working closely with broadcasters and training providers to ensure that this target is met.

  Mr. Woolas
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what estimate he has made of the number of jobs which will be created as a result of the successful bid by British Digital Broadcasting in(a) the United Kingdom and (b) Greater Manchester. [6146]

  Mr. Fisher
  It is not possible at this stage to identify the number or location of new jobs which will be created. Undoubtedly, however, the successful launch of digital television in the UK offers the prospect of a large number of jobs across the country, in broadcasting, production, equipment manufacturing and associated services.

  Sport Sponsorship
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what estimate his Department has made of the extent of sponsorship by drink manufacturers of(a) sporting events in the United Kingdom, (b) United Kingdom sportsmen and women competing abroad and (c) arts events and institutions in the United Kingdom in each of the last three years. [6302]

  Mr. Banks
  [holding answer 1 July 1997]: Total reported sponsorship of sport in the UK by alcoholic drink manufacturers was an estimated £23½ million in 1994, £27½ million in 1995, and £22 million in 1996. My Department has made no estimate of the extent of sponsorship by alcoholic drink manufacturers of United Kingdom sportsmen and sportswomen competing abroad or sponsorship by other sorts of drinks manufacturers.

  Figures for sponsorship by drink manufacturers of arts events and institutions are unavailable. However, the amount of sponsorship matched by all drinks companies under the National Heritage Arts Sponsorship Scheme was £1,182,277 in 1996–97; £774,375 in 1995–96; and £516,500 in 1994–95.

  Museums
  Mr. Garnier
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what is his Department's policy with regard to the funding of university museums; and if he will make a statement. [6317]

  Mr. Fisher
  [holding answer 1 July 1997]: My Department is keen to support and enhance the vitality of the cultural sector in this country and museums, including university museums, form a valuable part of that sector. Several university museums were included among those museums recently given designation status. Responsibility for the funding of university museums lies with their parent universities, together with the Higher Education Funding Councils and the appropriate Government Departments.

  Mr. Garnier
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what proposals he has to co-ordinate policy with the Department for Education and Employment and the Scottish Office with regard to the funding of university museums; and if he will make a statement. [6305]

  Mr. Fisher
  [holding answer 1 July 1997]: The Department for Education and Employment, the other education departments and the Department of National Heritage work together closely on policy for funding university museums. Funding for university museums in Scotland and Wales is the responsibility of my right, hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Scotland and for Wales.

  Mr. Garnier
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if he will list the museums in England and Wales registered under the Museums and Galleries Commission's registration scheme. [6313]

  Mr. Fisher
  [holding answer 1 July 1997]: There are about 1,000 museums in England and Wales which are currently registered under the Museums and Galleries Commission's registration scheme. Copies of the list have been placed in the Libraries of the House.

  Mr. Garnier
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if he will list the museums in England and Wales(a) owned and (b) managed by universities. [6315]

  Mr. Fisher
  [holding answer 1 July 1997]: A list of university museums in England and Wales owned or managed by universities, and registered with the Museums and Galleries Commission, has been placed in the Libraries of the House. The list contains nearly 60 such museums. The Commission are in the process of completing a survey of all university collections in this country.

  Digital Terrestrial Television
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage who will be responsible for supplying digital terrestrial television signals to those segments of the United Kingdom population what are most expensive to reach. [6356]

  Mr. Fisher
  The BBC and Independent Television Commission are responsible for television transmission arrangements in the UK. The invitation to apply for the
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  digital multiplex service licences issued by the Independent Television Commission set out the predicted coverage for each of the six digital multiplexes as a percentage of the total UK population. The multiplex service licensees must ensure that the ITC coverage requirements are met, and the BBC is committed to achieving similar targets on the multiplex awarded to it.

  The planned transmission coverage of digital terrestrial television does not at this stage extend to 100 per cent. of the UK population because of technical constraints.

  Millennium Commission

  Role

  Name

  Start date of present term

  Expiry date of present term

  Chairman

  Rt. hon. Chris Smith MP

  19 May 1997

  31 December 2000

  Member

  Rt. hon. Michael Heseltine MP

  17 February 1994

  31 December 2000

  Member

  Rt. hon David Clark MP

  19 May 1997

  31 December 2000

  Member

  Dr. Heather Couper

  17 February 1994

  31 December 2000

  Member

  Earl of Dalkeith, DL

  17 February 1994

  31 December 2000

  Member

  Sir John Hall, Bt

  17 February 1994

  31 December 2000

  Member

  Mr. Simon Jenkins

  17 February 1994

  31 December 2000

  Member

  Ms Patricia Scotland

  17 February 1994

  31 December 2000

  Member

  The Lord (Robin) Glentoran, CBE DL

  17 February 1994

  31 December 2000

HEALTH

  Haemophiliacs
  Mr. Syms
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to promote greater use of recombinant Factor 8 clotting products for haemophiliacs. [5124]

  Mr. Boateng
  We have no plans to recommend the greater use of recombinant Factor 8. The Department of Health has advised health authorities that they should weigh the claimed benefits of recombinant Factor 8 against the high costs, bearing in mind the good safety record of the plasma-derived product since the introduction of viral inactivation processes in 1985.

  We have made clear our policy that treatment decisions should focus on high quality research evidence about clinical effectiveness, safety and long-term patient outcomes.

  GPs (Home Visits)
  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many home visits were made by general practitioners during each of the last three years in the United Kingdom. [5478]

  Mr. Milburn
  The information requested is not available on a United Kingdom basis. However, sample information is available within the General Household Survey (conducted by the Office for National Statistics), which gives the proportion of National Health Service general practitioner consultations within Great Britain. In the last three years for which information is available—1993, 1994, and 1995—the proportion of NHS GP consultations at patients' homes as a percentage of total NHS GP consultations was 9 per cent., 10 per cent. and 9 per cent. respectively. Copies of the report on the 1995 General Household Survey—entitled "Living in Britain"—are available in the Library.
  228
  However, the Government are considering how the delivery of digital services to viewers (through whatever technical means) might be expedited and extended.

  Millennium Commission
  Ms Roseanna Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if he will list the names, designations and salaries of the Members of the Board of the Millennium Commission. [6127]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  The names of the Millennium Commissioners, who are unpaid, are as follows:

  Adoption
  Ms Beverley Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has for the reform of adoption law to address(a) the problem of drift for children in care and (b) issues arising from inter-country adoption and the United Kingdom's responsibilities under The Hague convention. [5940]

  Mr. Boateng
  Preparation has already begun to mount a series of national seminars towards the end of the year which will focus on improving the quality of management within the adoption service; the seminars will address important issues such as delay in placing children and preventing children from drifting within the care system. We are currently considering a number of possible options which will enable the Government to ratify the 1993 Hague Convention and address issues arising from intercountry adoption.

  Bed Blocking
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to reduce the incidence of bed blocking in hospitals. [5976]

  Mr. Boateng
  We shall explore proposals to address the difficulties around hospital discharge procedures and the problems which are caused by ensuing delays. We acknowledge that there are concerns about the current level of delayed discharges in some areas. Responsibility for hospital discharge delays rests with one agency but sometimes delays occur through the local authority or the health authority and sometimes in meeting the particular needs of the individual patient and their family.

  III Health Costs
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps his Department is taking to assess the cost to the economy of a period of serious ill health of men and women(a) in full-time employment and (b) not in paid employment. [6079]
  229
  Ms Jowell
  No such assessment has been made by the Department of Health. The Health and Safety Executive estimate that the total cost to the economy of work-related ill health was between £2 billion and £2.5 billion in 1990. The next updating of these costs by the Health and Safety Executive will be in 1998. The updating will cover costs for 1995–96, using the necessary data from the Labour Force Survey.

  Television Programme Sponsorship
  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make representations to the Independent Television Commission urging it to give prominence to public health considerations in its code of programme sponsorship. [5853]

  Ms Jowell
  The Independent Television Commission's code of programme sponsorship already takes account of health considerations and the Commission keep the code under regular review. For instance, companies are prohibited from sponsorship if their name is known to the public chiefly through their tobacco business, even if they also market other non-tobacco goods and services. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for National Heritage, whose Department has policy responsibility for broadcasting, has noted the hon. Member's suggestion on public health considerations for programme sponsorship.

  Workshop on Sexuality
  Sir Richard Body
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the material used in the workshop on sexuality supported by the European Commission, as detained in COM(96)720; and what funds were used to support the project. [6095]

  Ms Jowell
  We understand that the workshop on sexuality was a project submitted in 1993 to the European Commission by a Spanish non-governmental organisation, and that it received funding in 1994 of 61,301 ECU (£43,830 at current exchange rates). From the information available, the purpose of the project was to train instructors in providing sex education for 13 to 21 years olds with the aim of preventing HIV/AIDS and of enabling young people to discover values to assist them in their personal sexual development. The materials used included three videos about love and sexuality and a guidebook for trainers. We are informed that 56 people were trained under the project in Spain, and 10 in the United Kingdom.

  As we have not been able to obtain much information about the project in the time available, I will write to the hon. Member shortly with further details.

  Private Finance Initiative
  Dr. Brand
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what studies his Department has undertaken on the outcome of the contracting out of NHS trust non-clinical services to private sector providers; and what assessment he has made of(a) those studies and (b) the experience of contracting out for the PFI programme. [6162]

  Mr. Milburn
  National Health Service trusts have supplied the NHS Executive with information on the outcome of market tests. In the areas covered by compulsory market testing (cleaning, catering and laundry services) about 30 per cent. of contracts by value have 230
  been awarded to commercial contractors. Overall some 86 services have been market tested and about half by value have been awarded to commercial contractors. A review of the operation of the market testing policy is currently being undertaken by Departmental officials. In drawing up our programme for the review of Private Finance Initiative we have taken into account the experience of market testing in the NHS.

  Mr. Olner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 10 June,Official Report, columns 427–28, if he will make a statement about the PFI in the NHS. [7128]

  Mr. Milburn
  In my answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Slough (Fiona Mactaggant) I announced my intention to review the 43 major acute sector Private Finance Initiative (PFI) schemes in the National Health Service. I have today arranged for copies of the full results of the review to be placed in the Library. I have also written to all Members and stakeholders in health PFI, enclosing copies of the results. Fourteen major acute schemes have been selected, representing almost £1.3 billion of new capital investment in NHS hospitals.

  The review was undertaken by officials and all schemes were graded according to three criteria: (i) their service need; (ii) status—how far and well negotiations have progressed and (iii) "PFI ability"—how well the scheme fits with the PFI process and hence its likelihood of delivering a successful outcome.

  This process was both fair and open. Officials from the Department shared with the trusts the criteria against which the projects were judged and their relative markings. I, and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health as far as the schemes in the Northern and Yorkshire region are concerned, examined the gradings and the reasons why officials recommended schemes either be included or excluded. We also received representations from many Members.

  The 14 schemes which most successfully met the three criteria will be asked to continue with their PFI proposal, with the objective of reaching an early and acceptable financial close over the next 18 months. A complete table listing all the scores, along with a note explaining the criteria, has been placed in the Library. We have instructed officials to prepare programmes and milestones for every successful scheme. The schemes will be subject to the normal rigorous approval processes and any of these 14 schemes that subsequently fail to deliver to time or price will be cancelled.

  Those schemes not selected will be asked to cease any further action on their contract. They should stand down their partners if they have selected one and cancel all tendering procedures.

  Any trust or consortium whose scheme has to met the three criteria and which wishes to make representations to the Secretary of State should do so within the next 10 days. Otherwise such trusts should now take steps to stand down their partners or cancel the tendering procedure.

  Those schemes not selected will be eligible for consideration as part of a national capital prioritisation exercise by the NHS Executive's Capital Prioritisation

  231
  Advisory Group. This group will review major acute schemes for health service need and will recommend those which should go forward either as part of the next tranche of PFI schemes which we plan to announce in spring 1998, or for funding from the public sector capital that is available.

  The exercise did not consider the schemes affected by the London review which is due to report in the Autumn. These schemes are also listed in papers deposited in the Library.

  The longer term review of the PFI product and process will report its recommendations later this year. This will look to consolidate the improvements in the PFI begun with this prioritisation exercise.

  Turner Village Hospital, Colchester
  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will ensure that Turner Village mental hospital, Colchester, is retained and upgraded; and if he will make a statement; [6279]

  (2) what representations he has received concerning the future of Turner Village mental hospital, Colchester. [6280]

  Mr. Boateng
  We are not aware of any such representations. Decisions about services for people with learning disabilities are for local determination. We understand that North Essex Health Authority has consulted on and agreed proposals which will provide the patients of Turner Village with a choice over where they are to live including community homes and an existing village community.

  CS Gas
  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment of the health effects of the CS gas solvent, methyl isobutyl keytone, has been made by the medical officers of his Department since 1990; how many(a) published and (b) unpublished reports have been written by his Department's medical officers since 1990; and how many of these reports are currently unclassified. [6361]

  Ms Jowell
  Medical officers of the Department have not made any assessment of the CS gas solvent, methyl isobutyl ketone.

  General Social Services Council
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) which organisations he will be consulting in developing his proposals for a General Social Services Council; [5883]

  (2) when he expects to publish his proposals for a General Social Services Council; [5884]

  (3) what is his policy in respect of procedures for involving users, carers and the public in a General Social Services Council; [5885]

  (4) if he will consult (a) by way of survey and (b) by other means, the opinions of the work force who will come under the General Social Services Council. [5886]

  Mr. Boateng
  We expect to publish our proposals for a General Social Services Council in a consultation document in autumn 1997. We intend to consult all those 232
  with an interest in such a Council including employers, users and carers, staff and the wider public. Our proposals will outline how the essential interest of those who use social services, their carers and the general public will be secured in the arrangements for a Council.

PRIME MINISTER

  Minister without Portfolio
  Mr. Hawkins
  To ask the Prime Minister what additional responsibilities he has given to the Minister without Portfolio since 2 May. [5424]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 25 June 1997]: I have asked my hon. Friend to take responsibility within Government for the Millennium Experience at Greenwich. My hon. Friend is also now the shareholder for the operating company, Millennium Central Limited, thus ensuring the position of the shareholder is clearly separated from that of my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for National Heritage as Chairman of the Millennium Commission. My right hon. Friend retains overall responsibility for matters relating to the Millennium Celebrations.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list those projects for which the Minister without Portfolio has specific responsibility; and if he will make a statement. [6167]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 1 July 1997]: My right hon. Friend has specific responsibilities in relation to the implementation and presentation of Government policy, and the Millennium Experience at Greenwich.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Prime Minister what factors underlie the allocation of new responsibilities for specific projects to the Minister without Portfolio. [6141]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding reply 1 July 1997]: I invite my hon. Friend, the Minister without Portfolio, to take responsibility for specific projects if I consider him to be the most appropriate person within Government to do so.

  Intelligence and Security Committee
  Mr. Nigel Jones
  To ask the Prime Minister when he expects to appoint the member of the Intelligence and Security Committee. [6292]

  The Prime Minister
  I will be consulting the Leader of the Opposition shortly under the terms of the Intelligence Services Act 1994 and will appoint members to the Committee after that.

  Ministers (Transport Costs)
  Mr. Flight
  To ask the Prime Minister what is Her Majesty's Government's policy with regard to securing value for money in respect of transport costs for Ministers attending overseas engagements. [6285]

  The Prime Minister
  Ministers attending overseas engagements are under a responsibility to ensure that their travel arrangements represent best value for money consistent with propriety.

  Policy Reviews
  Mr. Luff
  To ask the Prime Minister, if he will list(a) the departmental policy reviews established by the Government and (b) the names of those individuals other than civil servants and Ministers assisting those reviews (i) as chairman and (ii) in other capacities. [4002]

  The Prime Minister
  {pursuant to his answer, 26 June 1997, c. 605–607}: The following reviews, which were also initiated before 20 June, should have been included:
  A fundamental review of transport policy in Scotland leading to the publication of a White Paper on our long-term strategy for an integrated transport policy.
  A review of the Scottish roads programme.
  A review of the Crown Prosecution Service.
  Chairman: The right hon. Sir Ian Glidewell, retired Lord Justice of Appeal, Sir Geoffrey Dear, retired HM Inspector of Constabulary Mr. Robert McFarland, former senior executive, British Oxygen.
  A review of the tax and benefits system.
  Chairman: Martin Taylor, Chief Executive Barclays Bank.

  Sustainable Development
  Mr. Corbett
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the outcome of the United Nations General Assembly Special Session on Sustainable Development. [6460]

  The Prime Minister
  The Special Session reviewed the progress made on sustainable development since the Rio Earth Summit in 1992. One of the most important problems discussed was the need to take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and thus limit the problems caused by climate change. In my address to the General Assembly, I urged other developed countries to recognise their responsibilities in this area, by pointing to the example that the United Kingdom and other European Union countries have already set. Later in the week, President Clinton acknowledged the role of the European Union in focusing the debate on this issue, and gave his personal commitment of significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. I expect this to be translated into action at Kyoto. Unfortunately, the agreement at Special Session on climate change did not have the specific commitment to reductions that we had sought. Much hard negotiating work remains to be done, but the UK will continue to make every effort to get developed countries to agree legally binding targets for significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions at Kyoto in December.

  I also emphasised the UK Government's commitment to reversing the decline in Britain's development assistance and improving its quality by refocusing our efforts in eradicating poverty. Although some other developed countries could not go as far as the UK, the meeting stressed the need to increase aid towards the UN target of 0.7 per cent. and pledged to negotiate a satisfactory replenishment of the Global Environment Facility. We cannot expect the poorest countries to take action themselves, if the developed world is not more constructive about its aid programmes.

  The continuing threat to the world's forests was a key issue for the Special Session. Although the European Union pressed hard for a Convention on forests, we were unable to secure agreement from other major countries.
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  Nonetheless the establishment of an Intergovernmental Forum on Forests is a good step forward. The Forum will report in 1999 on the possible elements of a Forest Convention, and will also consider finance and trade issues. In addition it will monitor implementation of the Intergovernmental Panel on Forests 1997 report, which contained over a hundred action points. As the United Kingdom's contribution to this effort, I announced that the United Kingdom intended to adopt a new Forest Standard to provide a benchmark for the regeneration of our forests. I also promised an increase in our development assistance for forestry management.

  Together with our partners from the European Union, we have secured agreement for a plan of action to provide universal access to clean water and sanitation. One fifth of the world has no access to clean water and one half has no proper sanitation, so a new initiative is urgently needed. A series of meetings will take place to prepare for the 1998 meeting of the Commission on Sustainable Development when there will be negotiations on the plan. A successful outcome of these negotiations will be a key objective for our presidency.

  The European Union pressed for international action on sustainable energy management, and was successful in securing commitment to preparatory discussions in advance of the debate on energy in the 2001 session of the Commission on Sustainable Development. There was also agreement on the importance of energy management for both developed and developing countries, and on the need for energy prices to reflect their true environmental costs, as well as a gradual elimination of subsidies that inhibit sustainable development. The Special Session confirmed the importance of promoting integrated transport policies, since transport is the largest end user of energy in developed countries and the fastest growing one in most developing countries.

  Under strong pressure from the European Union the Special Session agreed that the possibility of an aviation fuel tax should remain on the international agenda. Studies will continue in international fora, especially the International Civil Aviation Organisation, on the use of economic instruments for the mitigation of the negative impacts of aviation.

  Lastly, the European Union ensured that there would be further work at a global level to address the problems facing the world's oceans, especially the depletion of fish stocks.

  There were also discussions on the financial implications of the Convention on Desertification. We supported the conclusion that the Convention should help channel existing resources more effectively, but should not create a new and dedicated fund.

  In conclusion a number of modest but positive steps were made at the Special Session. Nevertheless much remains to be done, and the UK will continue to use its best endeavours to pursue these issues in the months to come.

  The United Kingdom delegation included people representing the broad range of sustainable development interests in the UK, and dependent territories. As a result of our strong commitment and constructive approach, the

  235
  UK has now established itself as one of the leading players in international negotiations on sustainable development.

  I will place a copy of the final text of the document in the Library as soon as it is available.

  Single Market
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his oral statement of 18 June,Official Report, column 314, concerning the outcome of the European Council Meeting in Amsterdam, what further Community legislation is required to complete the single market. [6484]

  The Prime Minister
  I refer the hon. Member to the Single Market Action Plan agreed at Amsterdam, setting out a programme for improving and completing the single market. A copy of the Plan has been deposited in the Library of the House.

  NATO Summit
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the agenda of his visit to Madrid between 8 and 9 July for the NATO summit. [6918]

  The Prime Minister
  I plan to join the other NATO Heads of Government in Madrid on 8 July. We will discuss the enlargement of NATO and expect to announce that a small number of countries should be invited to begin accession negotiations. I would be content for the number of countries to be set at three. We will also review progress on the development of the European Security and Defence Identity in NATO, following the decision taken by NATO Foreign Ministers at Berlin in 1996; and on the development of a new NATO Command Structure.

  On 9 July we will sign with President Kuchma of Ukraine the NATO/Ukraine Charter which will symbolise Ukraine's importance to European security and provide for increased NATO/Ukraine co-operation.

  Heads of Government will also discuss greater co-operation with NATO's partner countries in the EURO-Atlantic Partnership Council, including military co-operation through NATO's programme of Partnership for Peace.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Crime Victims
  Ms Ward
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the position of victims within the criminal justice system. [5566]

  Mr. Straw
  The Government are committed to improving the position of victims and those who give evidence to the police and in court. Our election manifesto said: "Victims of crime are too often neglected by the criminal justice system".
  236
  Therefore, I am pleased to announce today the following measures which will give victims a greater priority within the criminal justice system:

  an extra £1 million to Victim Support to provide further court-based and local scheme support for victims of crime and for witnesses, and to provide a national telephone helpline for victims:

  an inter-departmental review to look at further ways of assisting vulnerable witnesses—such as victims of rape or of domestic violence—and providing witnesses with greater protection from intimidation;

  an examination of measures to ensure that the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is more responsive to the needs of victims as part of the independent review of the CPS under the chairmanship of Lord Justice Glidewell.

  Victim Support

  Victim Support receives the Government's full support for the dedicated work it does helping victims of crime. Its 365 local schemes and branches support more than a million victims a year, and there is now a witness support service at all the 77 Crown court centres in England and Wales. Despite this, the previous Government froze the £11.7 million grant to Victim Support and made it clear that no more money would be forthcoming. However, support for victims of crime is a top priority for this Government. I have therefore decided to make an additional £1 million available to Victim Support to re-inforce both its court-based and local scheme support for victims and witnesses. It will also establish a new national telephone helpline to provide an easy source of help and information to victims of crime.

  Vulnerable witnesses and witness protection

  Many victims and witnesses find the criminal justice process daunting and stressful, particularly those who are vulnerable because of personal circumstances or the nature of certain serious crimes, such as rape. Some witnesses are not always regarded as capable of giving evidence while others are in fear of intimidation. Our manifesto stated that "greater protection will be provided for victims in rape and serious sexual offence trials and for those subject to intimidation, including witnesses". The Government have therefore established an inter-departmental group to undertake a wide-ranging review. It will have the following terms of reference:

  to identify measures at all stages or the criminal justice process to improve the treatment of vulnerable witnesses, including those subject to intimidation;

  to encourage such witnesses to give evidence of crime and enable them to give best evidence in court;

  to consider which witnesses should be classified as vulnerable;

  to identify effective procedures for applying appropriate measures in individual cases; and

  to make costed recommendations.

  The group will have regard to the interests of justice, the importance of preventing and detecting crime, the needs of witnesses and cost effectiveness; and take into account the National Standards for Witness Care in England and Wales.

  Crown Prosecution Service

  Our manifesto also said:
  "We will ensure that victims are kept fully informed of the progress of their case, and why charges may have been downgraded or dropped".

  237
  My right hon. Friend the Attorney-General has already announced the creation of local Chief Crown Prosecutors for each police force area as part of his reforms to the CPS. The Government believe this will ensure that prosecutors are more sensitive to the needs of victims, particularly on decisions to discontinue or downgrade cases. My right hon. and learned Friend the Attorney-General has also established an independent review under the chairmanship of Lord Justice Glidewell which will examine how the CPS can be made more aware of the needs of victims and witnesses.

  Sex Offenders
  Dr. Starkey
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to prevent people with convictions for serious sexual offences involving children and teenagers from being accepted as volunteers to work with young people. [5876]

  Mr. Michael
  The Sex Offenders Act 1997 requires people convicted of serious sexual offences to register their address and any change of address with the police and we are working on plans to ensure that this information is used effectively, principally for the protection of children and vulnerable adults. In addition, part V of the Police Act 1997 provides a statutory basis for criminal record checks to be carried out on any person applying for a position, paid or as a volunteer, which will involve regular contact with children and young people under the age of 18. We are currently considering how best to implement the provisions of this part of the Act. In addition, a consultation paper was issued in January 1997 setting out options for making it an offence for a convicted sex offender to seek work with or offer services to children. The responses are currently being analysed. It is intended that new vetting arrangements should complement good practice in respect of the recruitment, supervision and management of volunteers set out in the Home Office guidance "Safe from Harm".

  Identity Cards
  Mr. Blizzard
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take steps to introduce ID cards. [6161]

  Mr. George Howarth
  We have yet to decide whether national identity cards should be introduced in the United Kingdom.

  Fire Stations, Wales
  Mr. Touhig
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the number of call-outs that(a) Cefn Forest fire station, (b) Abercarn fire station and (c) Risca fire station in Islwyn received in each year since 1990. [6250]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The information requested is not available centrally.

  Cookham Wood Secure Training Centre
  Mr. Stephen Twigg
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has for Cookham Wood secure training centre. [6736]
  238
  Mr. Straw
  The Government are committed to ensuring, as a priority, that courts have appropriate powers to deal with the small group of persistent young offenders who wreak havoc in their communities. Our aim is to provide the courts with a more coherent and flexible set of powers to deal with persistent juvenile offenders than those left by the previous Government.

  In the meantime, the Government have inherited a contract signed by the previous Government in March 1997 for a secure training centre at Cookham Wood, Kent, for persistent offenders aged 12 to 14. The contract involves significant monthly payments to the contractor from April 1998 whether the facility is used or not.

  To avoid the waste of public money which would be involved in withdrawing form the previous Government's commitment, and to enable the courts to deal with those persistent young offenders who fail to respond to community sentences, I intend to continue with the contract to develop Cookham Wood. This will involve introducing the secure training order provided in the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 and taking forward plans to procure four other centres to provide facilities across England and Wales. However, I am determined to ensure that Cookham Wood provides a high standard of education and training and that it helps young offenders to face up to their crimes and address their offending behaviour.

  I am commissioning a review of the whole range of secure accommodation for young offenders, and I will be receiving advice on this issue, and on the nature of the custodial penalties available to the courts, from the new Youth Justice task Force. I shall ensure that plans for the four other secure facilities, and the use of Cookham Wood, are sufficiently flexible to be consistent with the outcome of this review.

  The Government remain committed to ending prison remands for 15 and 16-year-old boys as quickly as possible and hope that their review of secure accommodation will help in this regard. The original commitment was made in February 1991. Although a building programme of 170 new secure local authority places is nearing completion, the number of 15 and 16-year-old boys held in prison has increased substantially since 1991. This makes implementation of the provisions in the Criminal Justice Act 1991 for court-ordered secure remands, which would end the need for prison remands for juveniles, much more difficult.

  Alcohol (Minors)
  Mr. Coaker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps the Government are taking to(a) reduce the consumption of alcopops, particularly by those under the age of 18, (b) persuade more retailers to stop stocking alcopops and (c) encourage voluntary changes of behaviour by the advertising and brewing industries in respect of alcopops. [6581]

  Mr. George Howarth
  As chairman of the Ministerial Group on Alcopops, I have had urgent talks with the drinks industry and other interests about under-age drinking. I expect to make an announcement later this month.

  Electoral Register
  Mr. Barnes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will commission a comparative study of the forms of electoral registration used(a) in the United Kingdom and (b) overseas. [6023]

  Mr. George Howarth
  [holding answer 1 July 1997]: We have no immediate plans to do so but we will keep the matter under consideration.

  Mr. Barnes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the factors underlying non-registration on the electoral roll; and if he will make a statement. [6018]

  Mr. Howarth
  [holding answer 1 July 1997]: Research commissioned by the Home Office after the 1991 Census indicated that a number of groups were less likely to register than others. These included people aged under 30, those living in private rented accommodation and inner city areas, people who changed addresses frequently, and members of ethnic minority communities. We are considering how best to publicise this autumn's canvass for electoral registration to encourage members of such groups to register.

  Mr. Barnes
  To ask the secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate his Department has made of numbers and percentage of people missing from electoral registers who are entitled to be registered(a) in total and (b) in the categories (i) those living in private rented accommodation, (ii) residents of inner London, (iii) 21 to 24-year-olds, (iv) attainers, (v) ethnic minorities, (vi) new commonwealth citizens, (vii) those who moved in the year before a general election, (viii) homeless people and (ix) disabled people. [6011]

  Mr. Howarth
  [holding answer 1 July 1997]: On (a), I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to the hon. Member for Leicester, East (Mr. Vaz) on 2 June, Official Report, columns 90–92. On (b), the most recent material on which to base estimates for most of the categories listed is the study carried out after the last census by the Office of Population Censuses and Surveys on behalf of the Home Office and the Scottish Home and Health Department, entitled "Electoral registration in 1991". No information is available on homeless or disabled people.

  General Election
  Mr. Barnes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will estimate the turnout at the last general election as a percentage of those able to vote. [6009]

  Mr. George Howarth
  [holding answer 1 July 1997]: The turnout at the last general election has been reported in the media as around 71 per cent. Official figures provided by acting returning officers will be published in due course, together with information on election expenses.

  Mr. Barnes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate his Department has made of the electoral participation rates of(a) those living in private rented accommodation, (b) residents of inner London, (c) 21 to 24-year-olds, (d) attainers, (e) ethnic
  240
  minorities, (f) new commonwealth citizens, (g) those who moved in the year before a general election, (h) homeless people and (i) disabled people. [6012]

  Mr. Howarth
  [holding answer 1 July 1997]: No estimates have been made of the extent to which members of any of these groups take part in the electoral process. 521,083 attainers were included in the 1997 Electoral Register but information on the other categories listed in the question is not required by the electoral registration officers.

  Deportation
  Mr. Andrew George
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he will take to ensure that(a) illegal immigrants and (b) overstayers in the United Kingdom who have children born and raised in the United Kingdom are not separated from their families by being deported. [5464]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The existence of children is always taken into account when considering whether a person should be deported or removed as an illegal entrant. Where, in the light of all the circumstances of the case, it is decided to proceed with deportation or removal, it is our practice to offer to meet the costs of departure for any dependants who wish to accompany the person abroad.

  Abdul Onibiyo
  Mr. Andrew George
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to allow Abdul Onibiyo to re-enter the United Kingdom. [5465]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  It is open to any person to apply for an entry clearance for the purpose of seeking entry to the United Kingdom and a decision to refuse such a request, other than as a visitor, attracts a right of appeal to the independent Immigration Appeals Authority. The details of applications from individuals are normally treated in confidence unless the applicant initiates or consents to their disclosure.

  Asylum Seekers
  Mr. Andrew George
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the time scale for the present review of detention of asylum seekers and immigration detainees. [5467]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The review is being conducted internally in the Home Office. We expect the results to be available by the autumn.

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  Railings (World War II)
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will reimburse local authorities in England and Wales for the loss of railings removed form council land during world war II. [5461]

  Mr. Raynsford
  We have no plans to make such reimbursements.

  Regional Development Agencies
  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions through what mechanism regional development agencies will take into account environmental considerations. [5836]

  Angela Eagle
  On 11 June the Government launched a wide ranging consultation on our proposals for regional development agencies in England. As we take forward these proposals in the light of the consultation, we will want to ensure that regional development agencies take proper account of environmental considerations.

  European Regional Development Fund
  Mr. Blizzard
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will introduce measures to assist councils to obtain the matched funding necessary to access ERDF grants. [6160]

  Angela Eagle
  European Structural Funds, including the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), make an important contribution to economic development in the regions. The issues behind matched funding requirements for ERDF and the need for synergy between European and domestic regeneration programmes are being considered in the comprehensive review of regeneration expenditure in England now underway. However, as a net contributor to the EU budget, the UK also has an interest in ensuring that the best value for money is obtained from Structural Funds' expenditure. Requiring applicants to provide some level of matching funding gives them a strong incentive to produce projects which do represent good value for money and to make a real choice between competing priorities.

  Recycling
  Mr. Bill O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment. Transport and the Regions what research his Department has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated into the impact of (i) recycling and (ii) burning secondary fuels; and if he will make a statement. [6245]

  Angela Eagle
  My Department has not commissioned any research on these subjects. However, both the recovery of solvent waste to make fuel and the burning of secondary liquid fuels (SLF) are regulated by the Environment Agency under the Integrated Pollution Control (IPC) regime. Each application for authorisation to burn SLF requires assessment of the likely environmental impacts. Details of these assessments must be placed in public registers in the relevant locality.

  In addition, on 14 June, the Agency published the results of an extensive air monitoring study in the Clitheroe area of Lancashire. This study comprised emissions monitoring from industrial sites including Castle Cement's Ribblesdale cement works—which burns blended waste solvents together with traditional fuels—together with ambient air quality testing. The full results of the study have been forwarded to the Department of Health for evaluation.

  The Environment Agency's response of 16 June to the House Environment Committee's report on the Environmental Impacts of Cement Manufacture also
  242
  commits it to carry out further research and to publish guidance in respect of appropriate disposal routes for waste solvents.

  Affordable Housing
  Mr. Sanders
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to ensure that affordable housing continues to be available following transfers of council housing stock. [6163]

  Mr. Raynsford
  Local authority housing will be transferred to registered social landlords only on the basis that it will remain in the social rented sector with affordable rents. Following transfer the Housing Corporation proposes to monitor the rents charged by the new landlord to ensure they remain affordable.

  Area Cost Adjustment
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to set up a commission to review the area cost adjustment; what time scale he proposes; and if he will make a statement. [6154]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The work of the review of the area cost adjustment during 1996 provided an examination of the issues, though not one which the local authority associations wanted implemented for 1997–98 SSAs. The Department has recently commissioned research to examine some of the concerns of local government about the review's proposals. It will report this month and we shall discuss with local government both the findings and the way forward on the area cost adjustment.

  English Partnerships
  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how much grant has been given to English Partnerships in each year since 1993; and if he will make a statement. [5720]

  Angela Eagle
  [holding answer 2 July 1997]: The grant given to English Partnerships in each year since 1993 is as follows:

  £ million

  Year

  Grant-in-aid

  Derelict Land Grant1

  1993–94

  21.728

  Nil

  1994–95

  118.306

  72.079

  1995–96

  155.721

  54.391

  1996–07

  2190.965

  13.002

  1 English Partnerships acts as the Department for the Environment, Transport and the Regions' agent for making Local Authority Derelict Land Grant payments on projects approved before 1 April 1994. The number of projects remaining to be completed is declining quickly.

  2 Excludes funding for the Greenwich project.

  Mobile Homes
  Mrs. Ballard
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to amend the Mobile Homes Act 1983 in respect of the entitlement of the owners of the land on which mobile homes are sited to deduct 10 per cent. of the sale price of a home. [6227]
  243
  Mr. Raynsford
  This is one of a number of issues relating to mobile homes which my Department is currently reviewing at the instigation of the all party working group on mobile homes. At this stage, it is too early to say what will be the outcome of that review.

  Public Buildings (Access)
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions by what means a disabled person will be able to challenge an approving body's assessment of a public building designated as providing reasonable access. [5845]

  Mr. Raynsford
  [holding answer 2 July 1997]: Part M of schedule 1 to the Building Regulations 1991, which is applicable to most new building work other than dwellings, requires that reasonable provision shall be made for access and facilities for disabled people. Building work to which the regulations apply will be subject to building control by either the local authority or an approved inspector. With regard to these approving bodies, the Building Act 1984 provides for action to be taken against an approved inspector who recklessly gives a final certificate. Section 113 of the Act allows proceedings in respect of an offence under the Act to be taken by a party aggrieved. Whilst there is no parallel provision to challenge local authorities within the Building Act, they are subject to action for judicial review.

  There is no requirement for public buildings to be assessed by an approving body under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.

  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the relationship between Part M of the Building Regulations 1991 and proposals contained in the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. [5846]

  Mr. Raynsford
  [holding answer 2 July 1997]: Part M of the Building Regulations applies only to the control of new building work. The DDA places duties on employers and service providers to make adjustments to existing premises which are reasonable in all the circumstances of the case. There is no requirement for such adjustments to comply with Part M.

  Under the Disability Discrimination (Employment) Regulations 1996 employers cannot be required to alter any physical characteristic which satisfied the requirements of Part M of the Building Regulations at the time building works were carried out, and which continues to meet those requirements. This protects employers against being required to meet differing requirements in respect of the same physical feature under different regulations. Similar protection for service providers will be considered when regulations for implementing that part of the Act are prepared.

  Building Regulations
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will place in the Library a copy of the completed study carried out by his Department and the Housebuilders Federation into the costings of extending Part M of the Building Regulations to include new residential dwellings. [5848]
  244
  Mr. Raynsford
  [holding answer 2 July 1997]: This study had not yet started. Before deciding whether or not to let this I want to see the results of some work done jointly by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and the House Builders Federation. If the study does go ahead, it should provide additional information for the compliance cost assessment which will be prepared to accompany our proposals to amend Part M of the Building Regulations. The finalised compliance cost assessment will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses of Parliament at the time any amending regulations are laid.

  Watercraft
  Mr. Ottaway
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to restrict the use of personal watercraft(a) along Britain's beaches and (b) on inland waters. [6321]

  Angela Eagle
  [holding answer 2 July 1997]: Section 76 of the Public Health Act 1961 provides for local authorities to make byelaws to regulate seaside pleasure boats for the prevention of danger, obstruction or annoyance to persons bathing in the sea or using the seashore. It is likely that personal watercraft can be regulated as pleasure boats under this Act, although a definitive interpretation is a matter for the courts.

  My Department is leading an inter-departmental working party which is undertaking a review of byelaw powers for the coast. A discussion document issued in December 1996 identified coastal recreation management as a major issue and the many responses to this document are being analysed. The working party will meet again before the end of the year to consider this analysis and agree an appropriate way forward.

  Local authorities, water companies and some navigation authorities have powers to regulate the use of inland waters to ensure their safe use and enjoyment. There are no plans to amend the powers.

  Planning Appeals (Fast Food Restaurants)
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the planning appeal decisions by his Department in the last three years where his inspectors have upheld a planning authority's decision to refuse permission for drive-through, fast food restaurants; and what planning reasons were upheld in each case. [6052]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The provision of information on planning appeals is the responsibility of the Planning Inspectorate. I have asked the Inspectorate's Chief Executive, Mr. Chris Shepley, to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from C. J. Shepley to Mr. Paul Burstow, dated 3 July 1997:
  The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your Question about appeal decisions for drive-through, fast-food restaurants.
  I enclose details of 9 planning appeals for such developments which have been dismissed, i.e. the decision of the local authority upheld (except in one case which the local authority failed to determine), since 1 April 1994. I believe this list to be exhaustive but I cannot be certain, especially when such uses may have been combined with others. The details include the issues considered to be relevant to the inspector's decision.

  245
  I am arranging for copies of the inspector's decision letters to be sent to you. From these you will be able to see whether the inspector agreed or disagreed with any reasons for refusal by the local authority.

  Case record no. 1

  Details

  Floor space

  Case key

  R3705/A/94/233558

  Local authority

  North Warwickshire

  County

  Warwickshire

  Site address

  Dordon filling station, Watling Street, Dordon, Warwickshire

  Description

  Erection of drive-through fast food facility

  Land use 1

  S12 hot food; take away food; fish and chip shops

  Floor space:

  Land use 2

  —No code recorded—

  Floor space:

  Land use 3

  —No code recorded—

  Floor space:

  Final decision

  Dismissed

  Decision date

  27 May 1994

  Decision issue 1

  Effect on neighbouring building, surroundings

  Decision issue 2

  Traffic: highway safety, congestion, access

  Case record no. 2

  Details

  Floor space

  Case key

  U4610/A/95/258157

  Local authority

  Coventry

  County

  West Midlands

  Site address

  6 Station Avenue, Coventry, West Midlands

  Description

  Change of use from residential to A3 hot food takeaway (Dial-A-Pizza), removal of side garage to create a hardstanding and service driveway, rear single storey extension to create a kitchen

  Land use 1

  S12 hot food; take away food; fish and chip shops

  Floor space:

  Land use 2

  —No code recorded—

  Floor space:

  Land use 3

  —No code recorded—

  Floor space:

  Final decision

  Dismissed

  Decision date

  4 November 1996

  Decision issue 1

  Noise, disturbance (including vibration)

  Decision issue 2

  Traffic: highway safety, congestion, access

  Case record no. 3

  Details

  Floor space

  Case key

  E5330/A/93/230046

  Local authority

  Greenwich

  County

  G.L.C.

  246

  Case record no. 3

  Details

  Floor space

  Site address

  583–585 Woolwich Road, Charlton, London SE7, L.B. Greenwich

  Description

  Restaurant with ancillary staff, storage and office accommodation, together with drive thru facility and associated car parking. Non-determination

  Land use 1

  S41 restaurants, canteens, cafes

  Floor space:

  Land use 2

  —No code recorded—

  Floor space:

  Land use 3

  —No code recorded—

  Floor space:

  Final decision

  Dismissed

  Decision date

  14 April 1994

  Decision issue 1

  Growth of employment, provision of jobs

  Case record no. 4

  Details

  Floor space

  Case key

  F5540/A/93/230413

  Local authority

  Hounslow

  County

  G.L.C.

  Site address

  Hope and Anchor Public House, Twickenham Road, Hounslow L.B.

  Description

  Restaurant with ancillary staff, storage and office accommodation together with drive-through facility and associated car parking. Non-determination

  Land use 1

  S41 restaurants, canteens, cafes

  Floor space:

  Land use 2

  W00 miscellaneous storage etc. development

  Floor space:

  Land use 3

  F00 miscellaneous office uses

  Floor space:

  Final decision

  Dismissed

  Decision date

  29 April 1994

  Decision issue 1

  Traffic: highway safety, congestion, access

  Case record no. 5

  Details

  Floor space

  Case key

  Q2310/A/95/258143

  Local authority

  Blackpool

  County

  Lancashire

  Site address

  Ashworth Road, Marton, Blackpool, Lancashire

  Description

  Single storey drive-thru restaurant and gift shop

  Land use 1

  S41 restaurants, canteens, cafes

  Floor space:

  247

  Case record no. 5

  Details

  Floor space

  Land use 2

  S10 small retail store/warehouse (LT 5,000 sq m or I ha)

  Floor space:

  Land use 3

  —No code recorded—

  Floor space:

  Final decision

  Dismissed

  Decision date

  11 January 1996

  Decision issue 1

  Growth of employment, provision of jobs

  Decision issue 2

  Traffic: highway safety. congestion, access

  Case record no. 6

  Details

  Floor space

  Case key

  U2425/A/94/234244

  Local authority

  Leicester

  County

  Leicestershire

  Site address

  197–201 Narborough Road, Leicester

  Description

  Redevelopment of former service station to provide freestanding restaurant with drive thru facility and ancillary accommodation. High court challenge

  Land use 1

  S41 restaurants, canteens, cafes

  Floor space:

  Land use 2

  —No code recorded—

  Floor space:

  Land use 3

  —No code recorded—

  Floor space:

  Final decision

  Dismissed—High court challenge

  Decision date

  7 October 1994

  Decision issue 1

  Effect on neighbouring building, surroundings

  Decision issue 2

  Dirt, dust, smoke, smell, fumes

  Decision issue 3

  Noise, disturbance (including vibration)

  Decision issue 4

  Traffic: highway safety, congestion, access

  Decision issue 5

  High court determinations

  Case record no. 7

  Details

  Floor space

  Case key

  Y0815/A/94/244710

  Local authority

  Kerrier

  County

  Cornwall

  Site address

  Lower Crahan Farm, Trevenen, Wendron, Helston, Cornwall

  Description

  Change of use of dwelling to form restaurant on ground floor with residential accommodation over, formation of new access drive with car parking area

  Land use 1

  S41 restaurants, canteens, cafes

  Floor space:

  248

  Case record no. 7

  Details

  Floor space

  Land use 2

  H00 miscellaneous residential uses

  Floor space:

  Land use 3

  T21 car park

  Floor space:

  Final decision

  Dismissed

  Decision date

  8 February 1995

  Decision issue 1

  Effect on landscape

  Decision issue 2

  Sewerage: sewage treatment

  Decision issue 3

  Effect on the listed building itself

  Case record no. 8

  Details

  Floor space

  Case key

  F2360/A/96/264043

  Local authority

  South Ribble

  County

  Lancashire

  Site address

  Adjacent Tickled Trout Hotel and Mobil petrol station, A59/M6, Preston

  Description

  Erection of restaurant (class A3) with associated drive-thru facility and parking and with ancillary staff, storage and office accommodation

  Land use 1

  S41 restaurants, canteens, cafes

  Floor space:

  Land use 2

  S12 hot food: take away food; fish and chip shops

  Floor space:

  Land use 3

  —No code recorded—

  Floor space:

  Final decision

  Dismissed

  Decision date

  5 February 1997

  Decision issue 1

  Approved green belt—as an issue

  Case record no. 9

  Details

  Floor space

  Case key

  G3110/A/96/275489

  Local authority

  Oxford

  County

  Oxfordshire

  Site address

  McDonalds, London Road, Oxford, Oxfordshire

  Description

  Provision of drive- through facility; new service road utilising access to car parking area for entrance/exit; extension of existing parking area; new rear exit road onto the roundway. Erection of three 6 m high flood-lights. Minor alterations to restaurant

  Land use 1

  S41 restaurants, canteens, cafes

  Floor space:

  Land use 2

  S12 hot food; take away food; fish and chip shops

  Floor space:

  Land use 3

  T00 transport utilities and miscellaneous uses

  Floor space:

  249

  Case record no. 9

  Details

  Floor space

  Final decision

  Dismissed

  Decision date

  15 April 1997

  Decision issue 1

  Traffic: highway safety, congestion, access

  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what research his Department has evaluated on the effect on the environment of pressurised gases in training shoes. [6346]

  Mr. Meacher
  Sulphur hexaflouride, a powerful greenhouse gas, is used as a cushioning agent in some training shoes.

  My Department recently published information showing that the major man-made sources of sulphur hexafluoride in the United Kingdom contribute just 0.1 per cent. to the current global warming from all national greenhouse gas emissions. Any additional contribution due to emissions of sulphur hexafluoride from the disposal of training shoes is likely to be very small, but this source will be evaluated in more detail in the near future.

  Pressurised Drink Containers
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what evaluation has been undertaken by his Department of the effects of HFC coolants in pressurised drink containers. [6343]

  Mr. Meacher
  Last month's meeting of the EU Environment Council noted with concern reports about the development of self-chilling drinks cans using certain substances which have a high global warming potential, including HFC—134a which has a global warming potential 1,300 times greater than carbon dioxide. The Council invited the European Commission to investigate this situation and its possible implications for global warming and to bring forward proposals for appropriate action.

  My Department has estimated that if self-chilling drink cans using HFC—134a captured 10 per cent. of the UK market by 2000, they would produce emissions equivalent to around 43.6 million tonnes of carbon dioxide: equivalent to over half the projected reduction in UK greenhouse gas emissions by 2000.

  Arctic Warming
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what research his Department has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on the global effects of Arctic warming on world temperature. [6344]

  Mr. Meacher
  Global surface temperature records are maintained by the Hadley Centre, on behalf of the Government. They take account of the effects of Arctic warming when calculating world temperatures by including long-term observations from nearly 60 land-based monitoring stations in the Arctic in their records. Additional ship-borne measurements from the Arctic are also incorporated.
  250
  Observed temperature trends vary significantly between different regions of the world, but the general trend in Arctic surface temperatures over the past century is similar to that for the global average. In particular, there has been a period of rapid warming in recent decades.

  Local Government Pension Scheme
  Mr. Tony Colman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he intends to issue new regulations to govern the local government pension scheme in England and Wales; and if he will make a statement. [6495]

  Ms Armstrong
  I have placed in the Library of the House today new regulations for the local government pension scheme (the LGPS) to apply in both England and Wales with effect from 1 April 1998. They provide less central control of pension arrangements, increase the scope of local decision-taking and offer improved flexibility in pension provision.

  The Local Government Pension Scheme Regulations 1997 are the product of careful preparation, consultation and discussion with many interested parties. They provide a modernised legal framework and give local government employers greater scope to manage pension scheme benefits. They offer new pension flexibility to both employers and employees while continuing to provide secure, statutory-based pensions for all scheme members and pensioners. Employers will be able to offer members a shared-cost additional voluntary contributions arrangement to improve their pensions. Improved death benefits and spouses pensions have been added to the scheme's benefit package and new options have been added to allow employers and employees greater scope in the provision of retirement benefits, including new criteria to decide when pension benefits may be paid early. New standardised employees' contribution rates, to apply from 1 April 1998, are also included in the package.

  The improved regulations ensure that the scheme provides the right qualities and benefits to meet the pension needs of local government employees and pensioners into the next century. The new regulations create a more accountable administrative and benefit framework for local authority employers who are responsible for the scheme's day to day management. They also provide a basis for considering with all the interested parties further scheme developments.

  To allow scheme managers and other interested parties sufficient time to adapt their existing policy and administrative procedures to the new arrangements, the regulations come into force on 1 April 1998. My Department's Local Government Pensions Unit will continue to work closely with the interested parties to explain the purpose and operation of the regulations and to monitor their effectiveness. The unit is producing guidance material for scheme members to explain the new provisions and assisting the United Kingdom Steering Committee on Local Government Pensions in the production of explanatory material for local authority employers and other LGPS users.

  New regulations governing transitional arrangements to protect the benefit rights for existing scheme members and draft proposals for the management and investment of local authority pension funds will be issued shortly.

  Home Insulation Grants
  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proposals he has to review the(a) administration of and (b) expenditure on home insulation grants; how much his Department has given in home insulation grants in each of the last four years; and if he will make a statement. [6324]

  Angela Eagle
  We have no plans to review the administration of the home energy efficiency scheme (HEES), which is carried out by Eaga Ltd. of Newcastle upon Tyne, and which is monitored by my Department. Expenditure on HEES is considered, along with that for all the Department's programmes, as part of discussions on public expenditure.

  Expenditure on HEES grants over the last four years is as shown, for Great Britain as a whole and for Wales. The figures for the current year are estimates.

  £ million

  Year

  Great Britain

  Wales

  1993–94

  38.3

  1.8

  1994–95

  77.0

  3.7

  1995–96

  99.7

  5.2

  1996–97

  68.2

  3.4

  1997–98(estimated)

  69.0

  3.8

  Major changes to HEES, which were made by the previous administration, came into force on 1 July. I shall take an early opportunity to review the operation of the scheme in order to check that it is meeting the needs of customers.

  European Funds
  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if the Government are to implement the revised arrangements for administering the European Regional Development Fund and the European Social Fund in England announced by the previous Administration. [6917]

  Mr. Caborn
  I have reviewed the proposed new arrangements, which are based on action plans, in the light of representations made to me. I recently met Commissioner Wulf-Mathies to hear the Commission's views.

  The Government's view is that the action plan approach provides a real opportunity to improve the administration of the structural funds in England. Action plans will allow partnerships to bring together individual projects in a way which reflects regional priorities, tackles issues in a coordinated way and streamlines bureaucracy. However, we recognise that circumstances vary across the country and between regions and we do not wish to impose a uniform system. We have decided, therefore, that it will be for each programme monitoring committee to decide to what extent it wishes to adopt the new action plan approach.

  A concern of local partners is that resources should be available to assist with management and administration costs. The Commission has agreed that technical assistance funds could, in principle, be available for
  252
  partnerships where it was clear that they were taking on an additional role which added to the quality and effectiveness of implementation.

  I am today writing to the chairmen of the programme monitoring committees to let them know of the Government's decision and to encourage them to take advantage of the potential offered by the new action plan arrangements.

  Channel Tunnel
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what was the length of time before(a) the loss of a door and (b) the collision between another train and the door, referred to in paragraph 75 of the Channel Tunnel Safety Authority Report 1995–96, were reported; and what factors underlay the length of time taken. [5873]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The Channel Tunnel Safety Authority Report for 1995–96, paragraph 66, says that arrangements for formal reporting by Eurotunnel of incidents and accidents were concluded during the year covered by the report. These arrangements cover the detailed circumstances where Eurotunnel is required to make immediate reports, reports within 72 hours or regular daily, monthly, half yearly and annual reports.

  The incident involving the loss of the emergency door from a tourist shuttle on 28 April 1995 occurred before the formal reporting arrangements were in place. The incident was reported in Eurotunnel's daily report received on the day following the incident and a detailed report was received from Eurotunnel on 2 May 1995.

  Mobile Telephones
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proposals he has to limit the use of mobile phones in cars. [6226]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Failure to have proper control of a vehicle is already an offence and the police can and do successfully prosecute driving offences that arise from the use of mobile phones while driving. My noble Friend Baroness Hayman will be meeting representatives of the police this month to consider whether additional measures are required. These are likely to include strengthening the advice in the Highway Code and good practice guidelines for drivers and for employers. Discussions are also being held with the mobile phone industry on how best to publicise the potential dangers of this practice.

  Mixed Oxide Fuel
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions in what forms mixed oxide fuel is transported by(a) road, (b) air and (c) sea. [5460]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Mixed oxide fuel (MOX) is normally transported by all modes in the form of fuel rods, consisting of ceramic pellets encased in metallic sheaths, or as finished fuel elements, consisting of a bundle of such rods in a supporting structure. MOX fuel is carried in packages approved by this Department.

  Roads Programme Review
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans the Government have to provide funding for alternative measures to address the environmental and transport problems which originally gave rise to road schemes dropped following the roads programme review; what the priorities will be for transport expenditure in that respect; and if he will make a statement. [5962]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  We are currently taking forward our review of the roads programme. No decisions have yet been taken on specific schemes. The review will be very closely co-ordinated with the work on an integrated transport policy and the comprehensive spending review. Future funding of transport will be a major consideration of this work.

  Traffic Accidents (Alcohol)
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many people(a) who died in road traffic accidents were found to have been driving with excess blood alcohol levels and (b) tested positive for driving with excess alcohol in respect of fatal road traffic accidents in England and Wales in each of the last three years. [5966]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  (a) Rounded estimates of drivers or riders of motor vehicles killed in road accidents in Great Britain with illegal blood alcohol levels are shown in the following table. Estimates for England and Wales are not available separately.

  1994 340

  1995 300

  1996 320 (provisional).

  (b) Reported numbers of drivers or riders of motor vehicles who tested positive following a fatal road accident are shown in the following table. These numbers will exclude a small proportion of fatal drink drive accidents where it was not possible to administer a breath test.

  Great Britain

  England and Wales

  1994

  123

  115

  1995

  128

  119

  1996

  117

  111

  Traffic Enforcement Officers (Powers)
  Liz Blackman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will remove the limitations on the powers of traffic enforcement officers to seize driver and vehicle records. [6243]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The Government accept that there is scope for clarifying the powers of enforcement officers to inspect and remove tachograph charts as well as to search for other evidence and will promote amending legislation when a suitable opportunity arises.

  Driving Hours
  Liz Blackman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will ensure that United Kingdom drivers are immediately prohibited from driving when they are found to have exceeded permitted driving hours. [6242]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Where the driver of a UK registered vehicle is found to have exceeded permitted driving hours, or taken inadequate rest, he or she would normally be advised to take the rest or face the prospect that any refusal to do so would be reported to the court in any subsequent prosecution, or cause possible further charges to be brought. Although there is no evidence that this procedure is inadequate, the Government accept that there is a case for a power to prohibit the drivers of UK registered vehicles and will promote amending legislation when a suitable opportunity arises.

  Liz Blackman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will ensure that United Kingdom domestic drivers' hours regulations are as stringent as those obtaining in the European Union. [6251]

  Ms Jackson
  The United Kingdom legislation on drivers' hours pre-dated the European Union rules and now applies only to certain types of vehicle operation which are exempt from European Union rules. We shall be considering the practical and legal implications of bringing some or all of those types of operation within the European Union rules. Such a change would require primary legislation and we would consult operators and their employees before making it.

  Liz Blackman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the(a) United Kingdom and (b) EU regulations governing HGV drivers' hours; and if he will make a statement on areas of disparity between (a) and (b). [6249]

  Ms Jackson
  The United Kingdom regulations on drivers hours are contained in part VI of the Transport Act 1968 as amended. The European Union regulations are contained in Council Regulation (EEC) 3820/85. The main differences between the UK and EU rules for goods vehicle drivers are:

  UK rules

  EU rules

  Continuous driving (max)

  No limit

  4½ hours (after which a break of 45 minutes must be taken)

  Daily driving (max)

  10 hours

  9 hours (10 hours twice a week)

  Fortnightly driving

  No limit

  90 hours

  Daily rest (min)

  None but there is a daily duty limit of 11

  11 hours (reducible to 9 hours 3 times a week)

  Weekly rest (min)

  None

  45 hours (after 6 days)

  Dartford Crossing (Toll)
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will meet the Dartford Crossing operators to discuss the advantages of avoiding an increase in the toll being triggered under the Dartford-Thurrock Crossing Act 1988. [6288]
  255
  Ms Glenda Jackson
  I have no immediate plans to discuss with the operators of the Dartford Crossing changes to their current entitlement to toll increases in line with the RPI.

  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects tolling to end on the Dartford Crossing. [6282]

  Ms Jackson
  The current legislation requires tolling to end when the concessionaire has achieved its financial objectives and a fund for future maintenance has been accumulated. On current projections that point would be reached in 2001.

  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what was(a) the total received in tolls on the Dartford Crossing and (b) the number of vehicles using the crossing in each year since 1988. [6284]

  Ms Jackson
  The information is as follows:

  Year to

  Vehicles (000)

  Revenue (£000)

  2 months to 30 September 1988

  5,252

  4,330

  30 September 1989

  28,735

  26,642

  30 September 1990

  30,386

  28,230

  30 September 1991

  29,361

  29,952

  30 September 1992

  34,798

  35,966

  30 September 1993

  37,385

  40,952

  30 September 1994

  39,947

  44,849

  30 September 1995

  42,557

  48,320

  30 September 1996

  44,364

  51,749

  M25 Widening
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when the Regional Director for the Government Office for the South East will reply to the letter of 21 April from Mr. Chris Fisher on behalf of FLAME relating to air quality within the vicinity of the proposed widening of the M25 in Surrey. [6341]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  [holding answer 1 July 1997]: The Government Office for the South East acknowledged Mr. Fisher's letter on 23 April, explaining that the letter had been forwarded to the Highways Agency as the agency responsible for this scheme, but that it would not be possible to respond before the general election.

  The scheme in question now falls within the roads review announced by my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Transport, on 19 June 1997 and is one of those that are subject to the accelerated review procedure. The outcome of the accelerated review will be known by the end of July and the Highways Agency will respond once this is announced.

  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will refer the representations he has received from FLAME to those bodies charged with assessing the proposed widening of the M25 under the accelerated highways review. [6338]

  Ms Jackson
  [holding answer 1 July 1997]: The proposed widening of the M25 between junctions 12 to 15 has been included in the accelerated review of urgent
  256
  schemes which is currently taking place. In the course of that review, account will be taken of views that have been expressed about the schemes under consideration.

  Aircraft Noise, Heathrow
  Mr. Tony Coleman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on aircraft noise monitoring on the Heathrow flight paths, [6420]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Noise from aircraft taking off from Heathrow has been monitored successively by Government Departments, the British Airports Authority, and by Heathrow Airport Ltd. (HAL) on behalf of the Government.

  The Government also undertake annual surveys of aircraft noise around Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted airports, which are published in the form of noise contours for the 16-hour day. The most recent available are for 1994.

  Special noise monitoring exercises are also carried out from time to time to collect data on particular aspects of airport operations.

DEFENCE

  Strategic Defence Review
  Mr. Blunt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the policy baseline for the Strategic Defence Review will be completed; and if it will be published. [5568]

  Dr. Reid
  The Strategic Defence Review is foreign policy led. Its first stage will reassess Britain's essential security interests and defence needs in the changing international environment. This work is expected to be completed during the Summer and will provide the policy baseline for the Review. We shall consider then whether anything should be published in advance of the completion of the Review.

  Trident
  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans his Department has to order Trident missiles before the Strategic Defence Review is concluded. [5608]

  Mr. Spellar
  As my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence told the House on 16 June,(Official Report, Columns 9 and 10), procurement business will proceed as normally as possible during the Strategic Defence Review. Where procurement decisions on major equipment programmes are required before the Review is concluded, and this will include the seven Trident missiles planned to be ordered in US Fiscal Year 1998, they will be considered on their individual merits and in relation to progress with the Review.

  Gulf War Veterans
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he last met representatives from the Gulf War Veterans Association to discuss Gulf War Syndrome. [2054]
  257
  Dr. Reid
  [pursuant to his answer, 16 June 1997, c. 76]: I regret that there was an erroneous reference to chemical warfare which should have been to biological warfare. For convenience the full corrected answer should have been as follows: As part of our commitment to listening to their concerns, the Secretary of State for Defence and I met veterans' representatives, including members of the Gulf Veterans Association, on 29 May. I was encouraged by the welcome extended by veterans to the new measures I announced last month, including new research on the effects of vaccines, additional resources for the medical assessment programme and a full and open explanation of the scientific basis in which our troops were protected against biological warfare in the Gulf.

  Logistic Information Systems Agency
  Mr. Alan Keen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what are the key targets for the Logistic Information Systems Agency for 1997–98. [7060]

  Dr. Reid
  The Chief Executive of the Logistic Information Systems Agency has been set the following key targets for 1997–98.

  To deliver the agreed levels of service whilst achieving a 2.5 per cent. cut in unit costs for LISA output in FY 1997–98.

  To achieve a 10 per cent. improvement in delivery performance to customers' requirements.

  To secure the benefits of the Partnership at 10 per cent. above contractual commitment.

  To achieve Investors in People accreditation by April 1998.

  To improve LISA recruitment levels such that 95 per cent. of funded posts are filled with appropriately qualified personnel.

  Gordon Foxley
  Mr. Jim Murphy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about negotiations with the companies involved in the payment of commissions to Gordon Foxley relating to defence companies. [7090]

  Mr. Spellar
  Following the settlement reached with my Department in June 1996, under which Raufoss AS of Norway paid an agreed sum in redress, the company became eligible from that time to be considered for Ministry of Defence orders, but normal commercial relations were not to be resumed for some months while the operation of the agreement was monitored. I am pleased to report that the company has continued to co-operate fully with my Department since that date, including provision of full access to their relevant accounting records, and has satisfied my Department in respect of its management arrangements and approach to future contracts. We have therefore decided to resume normal commercial relations with the company.

  Discussions are continuing with the other companies involved in the Foxley case, against whom proceedings are still in train.

  Defence Postal and Courier Services Agency
  Mr. Alan W. Williams
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what are the key targets for the Defence Postal and Courier Services Agency for 1997–98. [7091]
  258
  Dr. Reid
  The Chief Executive of the Defence Postal and Courier Services Agency has been set the following key targets for 1997–98.

  1. Under Competing for Quality, to expose £2 million of Agency business to competition.

  2. Under the Private Finance Initiative, to pursue the automation of Forces Post Office counters world-wide with Post Office Counters Ltd., the Benefits Agency and Industry by March 2001.

  3. To complete the implementation of the Triennial Review by 31 March 1998.

  4. To identify the ratio of overheads to outputs (1996–97) and establish savings targets (1997–98) and achieve targets by 31 March 1999.

  5. To rationalise the technical funding and responsibility for Postal and Courier Service Units across MOD Top Level Budgets following the Triennial Review.

  6. To benchmark the unit costs of output over a 3 year period ending 31 March 1999.

TREASURY

  Domestic Fuel (VAT)
  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will estimate the impact on the index by which the state retirement pension is uprated of a reduction in VAT on domestic fuel to 5 per cent.; [5999]

  (2) if he will estimate what the effects on the retirement pension would have been at the last uprating if VAT on domestic fuel and power had been reduced to 5 per cent. in September 1996. [6000]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 30 June 1997]: The state retirement pension is uprated in April of each year by the annual Retail Prices Index (RPI) inflation rate for the preceding September. The effect of reducing VAT on domestic fuel from 8 per cent. to 5 per cent. would be to reduce RPI inflation.

  Building Society Conversions
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will introduce a moratorium on further building society conversions. [6225]

  Mrs. Liddell
  No.

  Bank of Credit and Commerce International
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer which of the recommendations contained in chapter 10 of the report by Senators Kerry and Brown on the closure of BCCI, he has(a) implemented and (b) rejected. [6476]

  Mrs. Liddell
  The recommendations to the Government and the Bank of England in the report of the Bingham Inquiry into the supervision of BCCI have all been implemented.

  Banking Ombudsman
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to regulate the Banking Ombudsman by statute. [6633]

  Mrs. Liddell
  There are no plans at present.
  259
  Mr. Marsden
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many cases were dealt with by the Banking Ombudsman each year, over the past five years; and what percentage each year were found in favour of the claimant. [6632]

  Mrs. Liddell
  This information is provided in the Annual Reports of the Banking Ombudsman Scheme, copies of which are in the Library.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Sheep Scab Order 1997
  Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects the Sheep Scab Order 1997 to come into force; and if he will make a statement. [3804]

  Mr. Rooker
  The Sheep Scab Order 1997 was made on 19 March 1997 under the previous Government and came into force on 1 July 1997. The order is designed to support the majority within the sheep industry who take their welfare responsibilities seriously and treat their animals against sheep scab.

  It is intended to enable local authorities to order the treatment of sheep which are visibly affected with sheep scab. Local authorities will also be able to assist farmers deal with confirmed sheep scab on common land by ordering the clearance of the commons and requiring that sheep are treated for sheep scab before they are permitted to return. We shall be monitoring the operation of the order against its objectives.

  Departmental Advisers
  Mr. Alan Simpson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list each person advising or assisting his Department who has(a) membership of and (b) involvement in (i) the European Round Table of industrialists, (ii) the European Centre for Infrastructure Studies, (iii) the Competitiveness Advisory Group, (iv) Transatlantic Business Dialogue, (v) the Association for the Monetary Union of Europe, (vi) Union of Industrial and Employers Confederations of Europe, (vii) Europe Bio and (viii) the World Business Council for Sustainable Development. [5307]

  Mr. Morley
  Membership of the European Round Table of industrialists, the Competitiveness Advisory Group and the Transatlantic Business Dialogue is on a personal basis. We have no central record of whether each person advising or assisting the Minister is a member of, or involved in, these groups.

  Membership of the European Centre for Infrastructure Studies, the Association for the Monetary Union of Europe, the Union of Industrial and Employers Confederations of Europe, Europa Bio and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development is on a corporate basis. Representatives from companies and organisations involved with these groups may advise this Ministry from time to time.
  260
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the special advisers in his Department, the Minister to whom each is responsible, the subjects on which they advise and the number of advisers in his Department in the year up to 1 May. [5346]

  Mr. Morley
  This Department has two special advisers who are employed under the terms and conditions based on the model contract for special advisers, a copy of which has been placed in the Library of the House. Ms Cathy McGlynn and Mr. Tim Walker advise my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in accordance with Schedule 1 (Part 1) of the model contract. Their subjects are:

  Cathy McGlynn

  Tim Walker

  Fisheries

  Food safety and standards

  Countryside matters

  Meat hygiene

  Forestry

  Animal health (including BSE)

  Agricultural policy and the CAP

  Pesticide safety

  Production and trade in agricultural commodities

  Veterinary medicines

  External trade

  Plant health

  Food and Drinks Industry

  Research

  Competition issues

  Animal welfare

  Export promotion

  Flood defence

  During the year up to 1 May 1997, this department employed one special adviser. His employment ended on 31 March 1997.

  Sewage Outfall, Falmouth
  Ms Atherton
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the likely impact of South West Water's plans for a sewage outfall in Carrick Roads, Falmouth, on the quality of(a) oysters and (b) other shellfish. [5476]

  Mr. Morley
  The Department has made a partial assessment of the impact of the plans for a sewage outfall and has asked for further information to allow this assessment to be completed.

  Animal Slaughter
  Sir Richard Body
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many(a) pigs, (b) cattle, (c) sheep, (d) broiler chickens and (e) turkeys were slaughtered in (i) the last available 12 months period and (ii) the previous 12 months period; and if he will make a statement. [6064]

  Mr. Rooker
  The information requested is available from the United Kingdom Slaughter Statistics notice and the Poultry and Poultrymeat Statistics notice, copies of which are available in the Library of the House.

  Minestone Tipping (Northumberland)
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement about the licensing of minestone tipping in the sea of Lynemouth, Northumberland. [6333]
  261
  Mr. Morley
  The deposit of material anywhere below the mean high water mark requires a licence under the Food and Environment Protection Act 1985. Licences for the disposal of minestone as waste on to beaches and into the sea have not been issued since 1995.

  The deposit of minestone has been authorised since 1995 for the purpose of coast protection at Lynemouth, Northumberland. The licensee, R. J. B. Mining, has recently submitted a report on the agreed programme of monitoring on the environmental effects of the use of this material which is at present under consideration by the Department.

  Green Pound
  Mr. Green
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to compensate farmers for the recent revaluations of the green pound. [6158]

  Mr. Rooker
  Payment of the aid available, as agreed by the March Agriculture Council, would have significant implications for UK public expenditure. We are considering carefully the case made by interested parties for payment.

  Beef Assurance Scheme
  Mr. Green
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will simplify the requirements of the Beef Assurance Scheme. [6152]

  Mr. Rooker
  The Reef Assurance Scheme rules are strict in order to command the confidence of consumers. They were written in consultation with the Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee (SEAC) and minimise any risk of BSE occurring in a scheme herd. The scheme rules are kept under review, but the Government have no present plans to amend them.

  Cohesion Cod
  Sir Richard Body
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the definition of the term cohesion cod in EU documentation. [6150]

  Mr. Morley
  This term is not defined in EU legislation. However it is commonly understood to refer to a quota to fish cod in Norwegian waters north of 62°N, granted to the EU by Norway as part of the European Economic Area Agreement, which is allocated among those Member States eligible for cohesion funds: Greece, Ireland, Portugal and Spain.

  Sand Eels
  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what plans he has to control industrial fishing for sand eels off the British East Coast; and if he will make a statement; [6264]

  (2) what representations he has made to his European colleagues concerning measures to control industrial fishing for sand eels in the North Sea; and if he will make a statement; [6265]

  (3) if he will ban the industrial fishing for sand eels in the Wee Bankie area; [6266]
  262
  (4) if he will make a statement on the measures being taken to implement section 9.2 of the Statement of Conclusions of the March 1997 Intermediate Ministerial Meeting of the North Sea Conference. [6267]

  Mr. Morley
  The Government believe that all industrial fisheries should be subject to the same requirement as other fisheries to operate on a sustainable basis. We remain concerned that the present restrictions on industrial fisheries may not adequately protect some particularly sensitive areas. As there have been no meetings of the Council of Fisheries Ministers since 1 May I have not had the opportunity to raise this issue there. However, discussions at official level with the Danish Ministry led to their facilitating scientific observation by the Scottish Office Marine Laboratory of this year's sand eel fishery by the Danish fleet off the British East Coast, where the observed catch was more than 99.6 per cent. sand eels.

  The Sea Mammal Research Unit, along with the Danish Institute of Fisheries Research, the Natural Environment Research Council, the Scottish Office and others, is undertaking a collaborative three-year project (ELIFONTS), ending in 1999, to examine the impact of industrial fishing on sand eel abundance and the effects of variations in that abundance on predators in the Wee Bankie and neighbouring fisheries. The contractors have undertaken to give early warning of any interim results which show that the fishery is having adverse effects on the various species. We are also funding Newcastle University's research vessel to carry out sampling of sand eel populations within the study area as part of the project.

  Section 9.2 of the Statement of Conclusions of the Intermediate Ministerial Meeting on the Integration of Fisheries and Environmental Issues, invites the competent authorities to consider (inter alia) restrictions on fishing in any areas where it is judged the ecosystem requires protection. The European Commission will decide in the light of the ELIFONTS project and other research, what action is appropriate to propose to the Council of Ministers. We would expect them to consider options for introducing quantitative restrictions or complete bans in particularly sensitive areas, always bearing in mind the need to avoid displacing fishing effort in a way that has a net adverse effect.

  The Wee Bankie lies outside UK territorial waters and the Government are unable to take unilateral action to restrict fishing there.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  European Assistance (Cornwall)
  Ms Atherton
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans she has to secure objective 1 status for Cornwall. [5230]

  Mrs. Roche
  Eligible areas for the European structural funds will not change before the end of 1999. Once the Commission has put forward proposals for reform of the structural funds and these have been negotiated and agreed, the Government will then consider proposing particular areas within the United Kingdom.
  263
  My hon. Friend was part of the delegation of Cornish members of the House who came to the Department of Trade and Industry on 18 June while I was in Brazil, and I can assure her that the Government will pay close attention to the needs of Cornwall along with other areas of the United Kingdom.

  Competitiveness
  Mr. Touhig
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what steps her Department is taking to improve the competitiveness of British companies. [5231]

  Mrs. Heal
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what steps her Department is taking to improve the competitiveness of British companies. [5241]

  Mrs. Beckett
  I refer my hon. Friends to the answer I gave in response to my hon. Friends the Members for Dundee, West (Mr. Ross) and for Lincoln (Gillian Merton) earlier today.

  Mr. Fabricant
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what steps she is taking to promote the competitiveness of small British companies in export markets; and if she will make a statement. [5235]

  Mrs. Beckett
  My noble Friend the Minister for Trade announced on 22 May that the Government would be setting up an Export Forum, with representation from business as well as from Whitehall. The Forum's remit will be to review the effectiveness of current official export promotion programmes and report to Ministers by the autumn with recommendations for a new export initiative.

  Child Labour
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what proposals she has to prevent the import of goods produced by child labour; and if she will make a statement. [5234]

  Mrs. Roche
  The Government are firmly committed to using our best endeavours to eliminate the exploitation of child labour around the world. We intend to increase our financial support for the International Labour Organisation's International Programme on the Elimination of Child Labour and we welcome the proposal for a new ILO Convention on this issue. We will also explore how the processes of the World Trade Organisation can contribute to achieving our objective.

  Clean Coal Technology
  Mr. Tipping
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what new steps she intends to take to promote clean coal technology. [5236]

  Mr. Battle
  Over the next few months we will be conducting a detailed review of the UK's future clean coal technology requirements. As a key part of this review we have recently agreed to contribute some £50,000 to an industry led study as part of the Foresight exercise. The current plans will be included in the Comprehensive Spending Review announced by the Chief Secretary to the Treasury on 1 June 1997.

  We are working closely with industry to promote UK expertise in clean coal technology for the substantial world export market that exists for these technologies.
  264
  Already the Department has led one clean coal technology trade mission to India and an inward mission from China will take place in the autumn. Further outward and inward missions are planned for 1998. We are also working closely with the International Energy Agency to promote the development of clean coal technologies in developing countries which are expected to be the main market for these technologies over the next decade and beyond.

  Partnership in Industry
  Mrs. Osborne
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what is her policy on social dialogue and partnership in industry; and if she will make a statement. [5237]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  The Government support social dialogue and partnership in Europe, at the national level and in individual undertakings. Social partnership is the best means of identifying and pursuing common objectives. It can make a real contribution to improving economic performance and social equity. The Government are looking for ways to develop social partnership at all levels.

  Manufacturing Investment
  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans she has to encourage manufacturing investment in the United Kingdom. [5238]

  Mrs. Beckett
  Increased investment will come only with economic stability, an appropriate tax regime and the pursuit of competitiveness through partnership. My right hon. Friend the Chancellor has laid the foundations for economic stability and introduced tax changes to encourage business investment in the Budget. I have established an agenda for pursuing competitiveness through partnership starting with a Competitiveness summit on 23 July.

  Greenpeace
  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade when she next intends to meet Greenpeace to discuss oil exploration licences. [5239]

  Mr. Battle
  I have no immediate plans to meet Greenpeace.

  Late Payment of Bills
  Mr. Page
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what research she has evaluated into comparisons carried out between the countries that make up the European Union over the effect of a statutory right of interest on late payment. [5240]

  Mrs. Roche
  My Department has closely analysed the findings of research into late payment problems across Europe and the effect of a statutory right to interest, including recent surveys carried out by NOP and Grant Thornton.

  Research undertaken by Grant Thornton identified that those Member States where businesses use legislation for statutory interest most frequently had much quicker payment periods. Additionally the research undertaken by NOP showed that 80 per cent. of British businesses wanted a statutory right to interest.
  265
  We are determined to end the culture of late payment in the UK and will introduce the Fair Payment of Commercial Debts Bill to give businesses a statutory right to claim interest on the late payment of commercial debts. We will consult on the most appropriate way of introducing legislation and will issue a Green Paper soon.

  Aerospace Industry
  Mr. Jack
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what is her Department's assessment of the key factors which will affect the prospects for the aerospace industry in the next decade. [5242]

  Mr. Battle
  The key factors that will influence the aerospace industry over the next decade are likely to be competitiveness on a global scale and a commitment to excellence. The Department will be actively supporting the UK aerospace sector in these areas.

  Gas and Electricity Industries
  Mr. Watts
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what steps she has taken to encourage greater competition in the gas and electricity industries. [5344]

  Mr. Battle
  I refer my right hon. Friend to the answer I gave earlier today to the hon. Member for Buckingham (Mr. Bercow).

  Sustainable Energy
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will make a statement on her plans for encouraging research and development in sustainable energy technology. [5207]

  Mr. Battle
  The Government are undertaking a new and strong drive to develop renewable energy options as a means of ensuring diverse secure and sustainable energy sources.

  I shall also examine the role of research and development to maximise the benefit to the economy of the emerging new environmentally friendly energy industries.

  Post Office
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what is Her Majesty's Government's policy on the future of the Post Office. [5218]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  Our policy on the future of the Post Office, in accordance with our election manifesto commitment, is to grant it greater commercial freedom, to take advantage of new challenges and opportunities. A consideration of options for implementing this commitment is now under way.

  Inward Investment
  Rev. Martin Smyth
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans she has to match inward investment to the United Kingdom to(a) the available skills and (b) regional needs. [5219]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  It is the needs of individual inward investors and projects including skill requirements that will influence which regions are most attractive from case to case. The Government's role is to ensure that 266
  across all regions we have a skills base and other features which help maintain the UK's competitive position as an inward investment location.

  Small Businesses
  Ms Beverley Hughes
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans she has to improve support for small businesses. [5225]

  Mr. Cotter
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans she has to make business support and advice more accessible to small businesses. [5227]

  Mrs. Roche
  Business Links are central to our strategy for delivering business services to small businesses. Improving the Business Link service to small and medium sized businesses is one of my key priorities. I am committed to ensuring that all Business Links deliver a service which is of the highest quality. Many are already doing so, and I am discussing with the national Business Link partners and others how we can ensure that all Business Links are brought up to the standard of the best.

  Defence Industry
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what was the annual cost of export credit guarantee certificates to the arms export industries in each of the past 10 years. [4752]

  Mrs. Roche
  [holding answer 23 June 1997]: The Export Credits Guarantee Department has paid to date the following claims on guarantees related to business with Defence Ministries underwritten in the last 10 years.

  Year of underwriting

  £ million

  1987–88

  48.3

  1988–89

  76.7

  1989–90

  31.7

  1990–91

  —

  1991–92

  0.7

  1992–93

  —

  1993–94

  —

  1994–95

  1.1

  1995–96

  —

  1996–97

  —

  Edgware Sorting Office
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will investigate the adequacy of the postal service given by Edgware Sorting Office; and if she will make a statement. [5661]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  Operational responsibility for postal services rests with the Post Office. I understand that Royal Mail has experienced problems at Edgware because of staff shortages but a revision of staff duties planned for the autumn is expected to resolve the problems. In the meantime, Royal Mail has introduced interim measures to improve the quality of service which customers in Edgware receive.

  Electrical Goods
  Mr. Bill O'Brien
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will discuss with representatives of the electrical goods industry the public response to their recommended retail price regime. [4605]
  267
  Mr. Nigel Griffiths
  As the MMC report is currently being considered by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade it would not be appropriate to comment.

  Mr. O'Brien
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what representations she has received from the electrical goods industry concerning profitability, profit margins and manufacturing costs of goods supplied by the industry; and if she will make a statement. [4603]

  Mr. Griffiths
  My Department has received representations on these issues from the electrical goods sector. However since the MMC report is currently being considered by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade it would not be appropriate to comment.

  Company

  Inspectors

  Accountant inspector's costs (including support staff and VAT) £(000)

  Legal inspector's costs (including support staff and VAT) £(000)

  Total costs of inspection to date (including disbursements) £(000)

  Guinness plc

  Mr. D. Donaldson QC

  2,469

  660

  3,137

  Mr. I. Watt FCA

  Wace UK Holdings Limited

  Mr. A. Robertshaw

  —

  —

  15

  Tinsley Robor plc

  Mr. C. Mayhew

  European Colour plc

  (both departmental officers1)

  Mirror Group Newspapers plc

  Sir R. J. L. Thomas

  6,718

  1,650

  8,368

  Mr. R. Turner FCA

  Chancery plc

  Mr. R. Chandler ACA

  622

  —

  622

  Mr. A. Fausett (departmental officer1)

  Queens Moat Houses plc

  Mr. P. Phillips QC

  2,487

  907

  3,396

  Mr. A. Burn FCA

  1 Excludes departmental staff costs. A decision on publication cannot be made before inspectors submit their report.

  Office of Science and Technology
  Dr. Starkey
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many full-time equivalent staff were employed at the Office of Science and Technology on(a) permanent and (b) temporary contracts, in each year from 1994 to 1997 broken down by grades. [6156]

  Science and engineering base group

  Grade

  Permanent

  Contract

  Total

  1994

  1995

  1996

  1997

  1994

  1995

  1996

  1997

  1994

  1995

  1996

  1997

  DGRC

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  1

  1

  1

  1

  1

  1

  1

  SCS

  2

  2

  3

  3

  1

  1

  —

  —

  3

  3

  3

  3

  G6

  2

  2

  3

  3

  —

  —

  —

  —

  2

  2

  3

  3

  G7

  9

  8

  8

  8

  —

  —

  1

  1

  9

  8

  9

  9

  SEO

  3

  2

  1

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  3

  2

  1

  1

  AT/HEOD

  1

  1

  1

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  1

  1

  1

  HEO/HSO

  8

  7

  7

  8

  —

  —

  —

  —

  8

  7

  7

  8

  EO

  5

  5

  4

  4

  —

  —

  —

  —

  5

  5

  4

  4

  AO

  5

  5

  6

  5

  —

  —

  —

  —

  5

  5

  6

  5

  AA

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  0

  0

  0

  0

  SPS

  1

  1

  2

  2

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  1

  2

  2

  PS

  4

  4

  3

  3

  —

  —

  —

  —

  4

  4

  3

  3

  Typist

  2

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  2

  1

  0

  0

  42

  38

  38

  38

  2

  2

  2

  2

  44

  40

  40

  40

  Accountancy Firms
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will list those investigations currently being carried out by her Department under the Companies Act, Financial Services Act and Insurance Companies Act legislation, indicating the cost of each investigation, the manner in which the costs are being apportioned between inspectors and the likely date of publication. [4821]

  Mr. Nigel Griffiths
  [holding answer 25 June 1997]: The Department carries out a number of enquiries under the Companies, Financial Services and Insurance Companies Acts, most of which are confidential. There are currently five Companies Act inspectors which were publicly announced. The information requested by the hon. Member in respect of these is as follows:

  Mr. Battle
  The average number of full-time equivalent staff employed in the two groups within OST in the years requested was as follows:
  269

  Transdepartmental group

  Grade

  Permanent

  Contract

  Total

  1994

  1995

  1996

  1997

  1994

  1995

  1996

  1997

  1994

  1995

  1996

  1997

  CSA

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  1

  1

  1

  1

  1

  1

  1

  SCS

  4

  4

  4

  4

  —

  —

  —

  —

  4

  4

  4

  4

  G6

  4

  5

  2

  2

  —

  —

  —

  —

  4

  5

  2

  2

  G7

  15

  21

  24

  21

  —

  —

  —

  —

  15

  21

  24

  21

  SSO/SEO/SIO

  1

  2

  2

  3

  1

  1

  1

  1

  2

  3

  3

  4

  AT/HEOD

  1

  —

  2

  4

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  0

  2

  4

  HEO/HSO

  6

  9

  8

  10

  —

  —

  —

  —

  6

  9

  8

  10

  EO

  5

  5

  8

  10

  —

  —

  —

  1

  5

  5

  8

  11

  AO

  6

  5

  8

  8

  —

  —

  —

  —

  6

  5

  8

  8

  AA

  3

  2

  2

  4

  —

  —

  1

  —

  3

  2

  3

  4

  SPS

  1

  1

  1

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  1

  1

  1

  PS

  5

  4

  4

  4

  —

  —

  —

  —

  5

  4

  4

  4

  Typist

  3

  2

  3

  2

  —

  —

  —

  —

  3

  2

  3

  2

  54

  60

  68

  73

  2

  2

  3

  3

  56

  62

  71

  76

  The Transdepartmental Group numbers include the secretariat of the Chief Scientific Adviser (CSA) and the Management Support Unit for all of OST, and reflect the initiation and development of the Foresight Programme, the transfer of a section from elsewhere in DTI into the Group's International Directorate, the establishment of the secretariat for the Human Genetics Advisory Commission and, in 1997, a temporary increase in staff for the 1988 UK presidency of the EU and Framework V negotiations. The Science and Engineering Base Group includes the Director General of Research Councils (DGRC) and is responsible for the Science Budget and the Research Councils. Its numbers take into account the transfer in January 1996 of the Development Unit for Women in Science, Engineering and Technology from the Transdepartmental Group, and an increase in the number of Research Councils from six to seven.

  The permanent staff figures in each year include about 20 staff on secondment from other Departments and Non Departmental Public Bodies including the Research Councils, and four secondees from private companies.

  Trade and Aid
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment she has made of the loss of business and jobs in the United Kingdom as a result of ending the link between trade and overseas aid. [5717]

  Mrs. Roche
  [holding answer 1 July 1997]: I expect there to be no significant effect on business or jobs in the UK following the Prime Minister's announcement that the UK would untie all of its pledge to the fourth phase of the Special Programme of Assistance to Sub-Saharan Africa.

  There is no change to the tying status of the rest of the aid programme and thus there would be no effect on business or jobs.

  Social Chapter
  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment she has made of the Benefits for industry from the United Kingdom's adoption of the social chapter. [5233]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  Decent minimum standards for workers in Europe will promote good working relations. That can only be good for business. By ending the last Government's futile opt-out, we will play a full part in 270
  negotiations and ensure that the Social Chapter promotes flexibility and employability, but not unnecessary social costs.

  Machine Tool Industry
  Mr. Purchase
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will make a statement about her plans to support the machine tool industry. [5208]

  Mr. Battle
  I met the Machine Tool Technologies Association on 20 May and am aware of its concerns. The machine tool industry will continue to be eligible for the range of Government support services to industry.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Mineral Exploitation
  Mr. Healey
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what is Her Majesty's Government's policy towards the protection of(a) the environment and (b) indigenous tribes in areas of the world vulnerable to mineral exploitation; and if she will make a statement. [6244]

  Clare Short
  The Department for International Development (DFID) is committed to the sustainable eradication of poverty. Protection of the environment is an essential requirement for this. All bilateral DFID projects are appraised to ensure they take full account of environmental issues and many directly contribute to environmental protection. In 1995–96, expenditure on projects which contributed to conserving the environment as an objective totalled £196 million.

  DFID seeks to ensure that, through their enhanced participation, indigenous people and ethnic minorities benefit from those projects and programmes, including mineral projects, which affect them and that any adverse effects upon them are minimised.

  DFID also seeks to ensure that multilateral organisations such as the EC and the World Bank pursue development policies consistent with our own objectives.

  Philippines
  Mr. Healey
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what representations she has received from organisations expressing concern at the mining activities of RTZ in the Philippines. [6277]

  Clare Short
  We have received no such representations and have no involvement with the mining sector in the Philippines.

  Financing Institutions (Development Criteria)
  Mr. Goodlad
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what social and human development criteria she intends to ask the International Monetary Fund to use when assessing countries requesting funding. [6367]

  Clare Short
  I regard it is as important for all multilateral financing and development institutions to be guided in their operations in developing countries by the need to create economic conditions and local capacity which will enable each developing country to meet the social and human development objectives launched by the Development Assistance Committee of the OECD, with the key objective of reducing and eventually eliminating poverty.

  Aid Projects
  Mr. Goodlad
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what new criteria she will use to assess projects seeking development aid. [6369]

  Clare Short
  We will ensure that all projects are not just developmentally sound, but contribute directly or indirectly to our core policy objective of eliminating poverty.

  Poverty
  Mr. Goodlad
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what are her Department's targets for the number of people living in absolute poverty by 2015. [6371]

  Clare Short
  The Government is committed to the internationally accepted development target of reducing the proportion of people living in extreme poverty by half by 2015.

  Debt Burden
  Mr. Goodlad
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what measures the Government took to reduce the debt burden on the poorest countries between 9 April 1992 and 1 May 1997. [6392]

  Clare Short
  I have already acknowledged the good record the previous government had on introducing measures to reduce the unpayable debts of the poorest countries, pushing for the introduction both of Naples Terms for the rescheduling of government to government debts, and the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries debt initiative which will tackle the problem of unpayable debt owed to all creditors, including the multilateral institutions. The previous government also continued the policy of forgiving the development loans of the poorest countries, a policy introduced under the last Labour government in 1978.
  272
  We welcome the progress made so far, but believe that much remains to be done, and are pressing the international community collectively to provide further debt relief. We need to make sure debt relief is implemented flexibly to reflect individual country needs, that it is accompanied by policies in debtor countries which are targeted on poverty elimination and that countries which are burdened with debt but have demonstrated their commitment to such policies get the relief they need as soon as possible.

  Small and Medium Businesses
  Mr. Goodlad
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps Her Majesty's Government are taking to encourage small and medium businesses in developing countries. [6372]

  Clare Short
  The Department for International Development is actively promoting micro, small and medium enterprise development to create jobs, especially to improve poor people's access to income earning opportunities. The Department is seeking to develop local capacity to deliver cost effective business development and financial services. We place a particular emphasis on micro-finance. Approved commitments to 190 current projects exceed £95 million.

  Developing Countries (Investment)
  Mr. Goodlad
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps she is taking to encourage British investment in developing countries. [6374]

  Clare Short
  The Government wishes to work more closely with the private sector to promote economic growth in developing countries. Improving the investment climate is a key target. We are seeking to improve our partnership with the private sector and consulting all interested groups. I will be setting out some thoughts on this in a speech at the Institute of Directors next week.

  Functions Transfer
  Mr. Goodlad
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what was the cost to public funds of transferring functions formerly carried out by the Overseas Development Administration to the Department for International Development. [6370]

  Clare Short
  There was no cost to public funds associated with the transfer of functions formerly carried out by the Overseas Development Administration to the Department for International Development.

  United Nations Industrial Development Organisation
  Mr. Leslie
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she has reached a decision on United Kingdom membership of UNIDO. [6640]

  Clare Short
  I have today informed the UN Secretary-General of our decision to remain a member of United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO). We will work within the organisation in order to demonstrate the Government's strong commitment to support the United Nations and its agencies and reforms which increase their effectiveness. This decision
  273
  recognises both the chances made so far in UNIDO and the UN Secretary-General's efforts to bring about a more effective UN.

SCOTLAND

  EU Afforestation Budget
  Sir Richard Body
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the European Union afforestation budget for 1993 to 1997. [6092]

  Mr. Chisholm
  The European Union's afforestation budget for the period 1993 to 1997 was 1,340 million ecu.

  GP Fundholding
  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to abolish general practitioner fundholding in Scotland. [5861]

  Mr. Galbraith
  The Government intend to publish a White Paper on the Scottish Health Service in the Autumn which will set out the options for new models of involving GPs in the design and delivery of patient care services. In the meantime, steps have already been taken to change the financial regime for GP fundholders to ensure the patients of non-fundholding GPs are not disadvantaged.

  Ferry Services (Orkney and Shetland)
  Mr.Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, pursuant to his answer of 16 June,Official Report, column 55, how many tenders are currently being evaluated in respect of (a) the passenger ferry service to Orkney, (b) the passenger ferry service to Shetland and (c) a passenger ferry service for both Orkney and Shetland; and if he will make a statement. [6002]

  Mr. Dewar
  [holding answer 30 June 1997]: Tenders for a block grant subsidy for the operation of passenger ferry services to Orkney and Shetland are currently being considered by Ministers. A number of options have been proposed for the operation of these services. Three proposals were made in respect of the services to Orkney, two of which also made proposals in respect of the services to Shetland. An announcement on the outcome of the tendering exercise will be made shortly.

  Pyrethroid Sheep Dips
  Mrs. Golding
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the effect of pyrethroid sheep dips on aquatic life in rivers and streams in Scotland. [6157]

  Mr. Chisholm
  I understand from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency that much of the impact in watercourses affected by the disposal of spent pyrethroid sheep dip has been on aquatic invertebrates such as river insects, although there have been a number of reported cases of significant fish kills.

  There are serious practical difficulties in disposing of spent pyrethroid sheep dip particularly in the more remote areas of the Highlands and Islands. However, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency considers environmental risks can be greatly reduced by the adoption of good farming practice. Comprehensive advice can be found in
  274
  The Scottish Office Code of Good Practice for the Prevention of Environmental Pollution from Agricultural Activity, a revised edition of which will be available at the end of this month. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency actively promotes such good practice through the publication of educational material and undertaking farm visits.

  Legal Services (Orkney and Shetland)
  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland in how many cases in(a) Orkney and (b) Shetland the Procurator Fiscal proceeded by way of a fiscal fine in each year since 1992. [6049]

  Mr. McLeish
  [holding answer 2 July 1997]: The numbers of criminal reports concluded by way of a fiscal fine by the Procurator Fiscal at Kirkwall (Orkney) and Lerwick (Shetland) are as follows:

  Year

  Kirkwall

  Lerwick

  1992–93

  41

  145

  1993–94

  27

  50

  1994–95

  32

  43

  1995–96

  28

  42

  1996–97

  76

  67

  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland in how many cases reports were submitted to the Procurator Fiscal in(a) Orkney and (b) Shetland marked for no proceedings in each year since 1992. [6048]

  Mr. McLeish
  [holding answer 2 July 1997]: The information is as follows:

  Year

  Kirkwall

  Lerwick

  Total reports received

  No proceedings

  Total reports received

  No proceedings

  1992–93

  742

  89

  870

  86

  1993–94

  708

  81

  794

  143

  1994–95

  715

  94

  758

  167

  1995–96

  704

  38

  768

  60

  1996–97

  786

  46

  854

  80

  RAF Edzell
  Mr. Swinney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland by what means he will support the economic development initiatives proposed by the RAF Edzell Task Force, in their bid for Challenge Funding in early 1997; and if he will make a statement. [6378]

  Mr. Chisholm
  Four million pounds is being made available through the Central Challenge Fund over the next three years for a package of measures put forward by Angus and Aberdeenshire Councils, with the support of the Edzell Task Force, to strengthen the local economy following the withdrawal of the US Navy from RAF Edzell.

  Skye Bridge
  Mr. Charles Kennedy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he expects the Lord Advocate to reply to the requests from the hon. Member for Ross, Skye and
  275
  Inverness, West for a meeting to discuss the Skye Bridge tolls non-payment campaign; and if he will make a statement. [6496]

  Mr. McLeish
  My noble and learned Friend the Lord Advocate has asked the Procurator Fiscal at Dingwell to undertake a review of pending cases. The Lord Advocate will write to the hon. Member once the review has been completed.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Gallaher (Subsidy Payments)
  Ms Jane Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will make a statement on her plans for future subsidy payments to Gallaher's tobacco company in Northern Ireland. [2440]

  Mr. Ingram
  Any future application for financial assistance by Gallaher under programmes of support for industry in Northern Ireland will be considered against the normal criteria of eligibility for such support.

  Ice Making Plant (Portavogie)
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what proposals there are to provide a new ice making plant at Portavogie; and if she will make a statement. [5593]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  Approval has been given for grant aid to the Northern Ireland Fishery Harbour Authority towards the cost of constructing a replacement ice-making plant at the fish auction hall in Portavogie. Consideration of the possible replacement of the other, larger ice plant at Portavogie Harbour is being given in the context of the Authority's Development Plan, which is currently under preparation.

  Water Meters
  Mr. Robert McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many and what percentage of properties in(a) North Down and (b) Northern Ireland have water meters; how many were charged for excess use and how much was collected in each of the last three years; and when she expects metering to become universal. [5638]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  Responsibility for the subject in question has been delegated to the Water Service under its Chief Executive, Mr. H. R. F. Plester. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from H. R. F. Plester to Mr. Robert McCartney, dated 30 June 1997:
  The Secretary of State has asked me to reply your recent Parliamentary Question asking what percentage of properties in Northern Ireland and North Down have water meters, how many were charged for excess use and how much was collected in each of the last three years, and when water metering is expected to become universal.
  In Northern Ireland domestic properties are unmetered. Domestic customers pay for water and sewerage services through their contribution to the regional rate. Water supplies to non-domestic properties, mainly in the commercial, industrial and agricultural sectors, are metered where it is assessed that consumption may exceed the domestic property allowance of 100 cubic metres in any six month period. A farm with a metered supply, which also includes
  276
  a domestic household, is given the domestic usage allowance for that proportion of the property comprised by the household. All supplies serving properties on which full rates are not payable are also metered.
  There are currently 68,787 metered water supplies in Northern Ireland of which 51,562 are chargeable. There are a number of reasons why a property may be metered but not charged including usage recorded below the domestic allowance level, test metering for leakage control purposes, etc. Income received in the last three financial years was £26.5 million in 1994–95, £27.7 million in 1995–96 and £29.4 million in 1996–97.
  There are no charges levied for excess use. Metered water customers are responsible for paying for all water recorded by their meters as passing from the public water supply network to their private pipework. If a metered water customer encounters very high demand because of a burst, or fittings failure, or their private pipework, they may apply for a reduction on their bill. Such an allowance is, however, granted on a strictly 'once only' basis. The experience of one such episode of exceptional use or wastage is considered to have put a customer on guard that they are in future responsible for all water their meter records as being used on their property. They should, thereafter, put in place appropriate monitoring to identity at an early stage any unexplained rise in consumption on their premises.
  Records maintained by the Water Service relate to the numbers of metered supplies rather than properties supplied. A metered supply may service more than the property to which it was initially provided and, therefore, it is not possible to determine the number of individual properties which are provided for by metered supplies. The North Down constituency boundaries do not equate to Water Service metering areas and information on the number of water meters in this area, or on the income received from them, is not available.
  The Water Service has no plans to introduce universal water metering in Northern Ireland.

  Trade Union Subscriptions
  Mr. Robert McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will make it her policy to have Northern Ireland included in the proposed amendment of legislation to permit trade union subscription to be paid by check-off without regular reballoting of members. [5640]

  Mr. Ingram
  Any amendment of legislation in Great Britain to permit trade union subscriptions to be paid by check-off without regular reballoting of members will be replicated in Northern Ireland.

  Traffic (Bangor)
  Mr. Robert McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what steps she is taking to provide adequate car-parking spaces near Bangor station; and what plans she has to charge for car-parking at Bangor market; [5642]

  (2) what is her policy with respect to road traffic reduction on the Rathgael and Balloo roads in Bangor and promotion of the use of the existing Bangor dual-carriageway ring road. [5643]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  Responsibility for the subject in question has been delegated to the Roads Service under its chief executive, Mr. W. J. McCoubrey. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.
  277
  Letter from G. P. Fraser to Mr. Robert McCartney, dated 30 June 1997:
  The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has asked the Chief Executive to respond to your recently tabled PQs about traffic reduction on the Rathgael and Balloo Roads and car parking in Bangor. In the Chief Executive's absence, I will reply on his behalf.
  Rathgael Road/Balloo Road acts as a distributor road serving the housing developments on the eastern side of Bangor. It is complementary to, rather than an alternative for, the Bangor Ring Road and there are no plans to reduce traffic on it.
  Roads Service has 393 car park spaces in close proximity to Bangor Station (232 free) and is working closely with Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company to encourage the use of bus and train.
  Finally, charging is being introducing at the Castle Square car park (Bangor Market) before the end of July. Charging will be implemented in approximately 50% of the car park with the remainder being free.

  Departmental Mergers
  Mr. Robert McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans she has to integrate the

  (i) Employer expenditure

  (ii) Investment proceeds expenditure

  (a) Percentage

  (b) Amount £ million

  (a) Percentage

  (b) Amount £ million

  Principal Civil Service Pension Scheme (NI)

  72.5

  81.2

  Nil

  Nil

  Health and Personal Social Services Superannuation Scheme (NI)

  23.9

  21.9

  Nil

  Nil

  Northern Ireland Local Government Officers Superannuation Scheme

  23.5

  12.0

  38

  19.5

  Teachers Superannuation Scheme

  40

  41.5

  Nil

  Nil

  RUC Pension Scheme

  100

  41.8

  Nil

  Nil

  Figures for financial year ended 31 March 1997.

  Scrabo High School
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many pupils applied for places in Scrabo High School, Newtownards for the academic year 1997–98; how many of these were new applicants; how many were accepted; and if she will make a statement.[5683]

  Mr. Worthington
  A total of six pupils applied as new entrants for places in Scrabo High School in the 1997–98 academic year. All the applicants would have been accepted if the school had remained in operation.

  I have recently approved a proposal by the South Eastern Education and Library Board to close Scrabo High School. This decision was taken after very careful consideration of all relevant information, including the school's existing and projected enrolments, the enrolment capacities of neighbouring schools, and financial, community and educational factors. Account was taken also of the various representations which were made to the Department of Education during the statutory objection period. I concluded that the school was financially and educationally unviable and that closure was in the long-term interest of the children concerned.

  Teachers and Lecturers
  Mr. Roy Beggs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many(a) teachers in schools and (b) college and university lecturers in Northern Ireland are employed on one year contracts of employment. [6294]
  278
  functions of the various Northern Ireland departments and to merge some into her own Department; what advice she has received on this issue; and if she will make a statement. [5637]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced on 6 May that my hon. Friend the Member for Clydebank and Milngavie (Mr. Worthington) would take Ministerial responsibility for both the Training and Employment Agency and the Department of Education, but without integrating their functions. She has no other plans to integrate any functions of the Northern Ireland departments or to merge some into the Northern Ireland Office. She has neither sought nor received any advice on these issues.

  Pension Schemes
  Mr. Robert McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what(a) percentage of the expenditure of the five largest public sector pension schemes and (b) amount was received from (i) the employer and (ii) investment proceeds last year. [5641]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  The information requested is listed:

  Mr. Worthington
  The information requested is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  However, 614 teachers in schools and 35 lecturers in colleges and universities were employed in a full-time temporary capacity for the 1996–97 school year.

  Social Security Agency
  Ms Moran
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what performance targets have been set for the Social Security Agency for the current financial year. [6913]

  Mr. Worthington
  The targets are in line with the objective of improving the service provided to customers and fully support the standards established in the Northern Ireland Citizen's Charter. I am satisfied that the targets represent a demanding challenge for the Agency. The targets will be included in the Agency's 1997–98 Strategic and Business Plan, which is due for publication in July. A copy of the Plan will be placed in the Library.

  The targets are as follows:

  Benefit clearance times1

  Jobseeker's Allowance claims:

  71 per cent. in 10 days

  93 per cent. in 21 days.

  Faster Family Credit:

  93 per cent. in 5 days.

  279
  Benefit accuracy

  Income Support:

  to pay the correct amount in at least 87 per cent. of cases.

  Incapacity Benefit:

  to pay the correct amount in at least 98 per cent. of cases.

  Family Credit:

  to pay the correct amount in at least 93 per cent. of cases.

  Disability Living Allowance:

  to pay the correct amount in at least 99 per cent. of cases.

  Jobseeker's Allowance:

  to pay the correct amount in at least 87 per cent. of cases.

  Customer satisfaction2

  90 per cent. of customers to regard the Agency's service as satisfactory or better.

  Financial recovery

  recovery of Social Fund loans—£27.17 million

  recovery of overpayments—£4.6 million3

  benefit savings from detection and prevention of fraud—£15.00 million sign-offs as a result of anti-fraud activity—5,500

  sign-offs as a result of anti-fraud activity—5,500

  Class I contributions identified as underpaid to the National Insurance Fund—£1.65 million

  Collection of Contributions owing to the National Insurance Fund4—£1.4 million

  Contributions identified as underpaid to the National Insurance Fund—to provide a return on Challenge Fund investment of 9:15.

  Resource Management

  to live within a gross allocation of £40.34 million for Social Fund loans and Community Care grants

  to live within the Agency's gross running cost budget allocation

  to achieve cash efficiency savings of the order of £5.50 million.

  1 Clearance time is measured from the date of receipt of a claim or application in the office to the date on which the claim or application is decided. The measure, therefore, excludes the time taken to issue notification of the decision and any payment.

  2 The customer satisfaction target is presently measured by independent survey and usually covers a two year period, in this case 1997–98.

  3 It has been decided to combine the previous figures for Income Support Centralised Benefits and Unemployment Benefit with the new figure for Jobseeker's Allowance into one overall Overpayment Recovery Target. This target is based on a percentage of the overall outstanding debt, which will be much more challenging than the existing system. The yield in 1996–97 was £2.56 million.

  4 This was an internal target in 1996–97, but has been raised to Ministerial status in line with the Contributions Agency in GB.

  5 This is a new target for the Agency.

  Public Record Office
  Ms Moran
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what performance targets have been set for the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland in 1997–98. [6914]

  Dr. Mowlam
  For 1997–98 the following performance targets have been set for PRONI:

  Financial Performance

  To meet the challenge of managing the Agency's workload by:

  (a) absorbing a 13.3 per cent. reduction in staff numbers;

  (b) providing for an estimated 4 per cent. increase in readers:

  280

  (c) maintaining extended opening hours;

  (d) ensuring that expenditure is within the financial limits approved.

  Output

  1. To appraise at least 4,000 linear metres of records, including the reappraisal of records so as to eliminate low-grade material.

  2. To list and index at least 500 linear metres of records, including ensuring that 100 per cent. of all new "open" material is thus processed within one year of receipt.

  Quality of service

  1. To survey the conditions in which 10 per cent. of 33,360 metres of records are stored; and, in a related exercise, to take remedial action on upgrading c.1,800 linear metres of records as presently stored on mobile shelving at Balmoral Avenue so as to bring them up to defined standards of archival protection.

  2. With the help of the computerised document request system, to improve the speed of on-site production to the public by reducing waiting time from 40 minutes to 37 minutes or less in 90 per cent. of cases.

  3. To process customer queries within 10 working days of receipt in 90 per cent. of cases and within 14 working days in 96 per cent. of cases, thus improving PRONI's Citizen's Charter commitment.

  4. To ensure the smooth completion of the annual release for 1998—c.680 files, but with the possible addition of court records—as well as the ongoing release of identified blocks of records at earlier than 30 years.

  Efficiency

  1. To reduce PRONI's composite Unit Cost in the areas of selecting and accessioning, records listing, records storage. document production and reader service by 3 per cent., from £99.95 to £96.95.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Late Claims
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) if she will make a statement on the legislation relating to late claims for benefit; [2236]

  (2) what plans she has to review the three-months limit on the backdating of benefits; and if she will make a statement. [2235]

  Mr. Bradley
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State on 2 July,Official Report, columns 207–209.

  Benefit Claimants (Motherwell and Wishaw)
  Mr. Roy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what was the number of claimants for each benefit in the Motherwell and Wishaw Benefits Agency district in the most recent year for which figures are available. [5014]

  Mr. Field
  One of our key aims is to improve the service provided to claimants and other customers. Particular queries on Benefits Agency operational matters are the responsibility of Peter Mathison, its Chief Executive. I have asked him to write directly and for his reply to be published with the answer.
  281
  Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Frank Roy, dated 2 July 1997:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking about the number of claimants for each benefit in the Motherwell and Wishaw Benefits Agency District in the most recent year for which figures are available.
  Motherwell and Wishaw benefit offices are part of the Benefits Agency Clyde Valley District which also includes offices at Hamilton, Lanark and Shotts. The information requested is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is shown in the attached Annex.
  Information for Child Benefit, Child Benefit (Lone Parent), Guardians Allowance and Invalid Care Allowance is not available and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.
  I hope you find this reply helpful.

  Annex: Number of benefit customers for Clyde Valley district April 1996—March 1997

  Benefit

  Number of customers

  Incapacity Benefit

  9,878

  Maternity Benefit

  273

  Severe Disablement Benefit

  697

  Retirement Pension

  4,317

  Widow's Payment

  317

  Widow's Benefit

  232

  Income Support

  13,364

  Job Seekers Allowance1

  7,441

  Disability Living Allowance2

  5,200

  Attendance Allowance2

  2,400

  Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit

  503

  Disability Working Allowance3

  32

  Family Credit4

  1,562

  Figures are provisional and subject to change.

  1 Figures are from the introduction of the benefit—October 1996 to March 1997.

  2 Figures are estimates based on 5 per cent. data sample of successful claims and are rounded to the nearest hundred. The figures relate to a "snap shot" of customers receiving benefit at 28 February 1997. Details of unsuccessful claims are not available.

  3 Figures are only available as cumulative for successful claims for the period 1992 to date. The figures are for Motherwell and Wishaw benefit offices.

  4 Figures are for Motherwell and Wishaw benefit offices. The figures show the number of families in receipt of Family Credit at 27 March 1997.

  Child Support Agency
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what guidance is issued to the Child Support Agency in cases where parentage is contested and the courts have not ruled on such a dispute. [5058]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  We believe that children are entitled to the support of both parents wherever they live. It is important that the Child Support Agency effectively and efficiently establishes paternity where this is in dispute.

  The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the Chief Executive, Mrs. Faith Boardman. She will write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Mrs. Faith Boardman to Mr. David Hinchliffe, dated 2 July 1997:
  I am replying to your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security about Child Support Agency procedures concerning disputed paternity.
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  The guidance followed by Child Support Officers in cases where paternity is disputed is contained in the Child Support Agency Paternity Guide (which will shortly be available in the Library of the House). Officers are first advised to interview the parent with care; this is necessary to establish certain facts and whether the parent with care is willing to undergo DNA testing to resolve the dispute. Depending on the outcome, an interview with the alleged absent parent is arranged.
  If the alleged absent parent continues to dispute paternity, it is then considered whether the ease is suitable for court proceedings and whether the alleged absent parent should be offered a DNA test to be arranged through the Agency.
  Once the issue of paternity has been satisfactorily resolved, then a maintenance assessment is completed as soon as possible.
  I hope this is helpful.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what efficiency targets she has set for the Child Support Agency to respond to inquiries from parents (i) with and (ii) without care and their representatives. [5059]

  Mr. Bradley
  We expect the Child Support Agency to provide an efficient and effective service to all its clients throughout the child support assessment process. We are looking for substantial and sustained operational improvements from the Agency, in particular on getting more maintenance paid, reducing the backlog and improving customer service.

  The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the Chief Executive, Mrs. Faith Boardman. She will write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Mrs. Faith Boardman to Mr. David Hinchliffe, dated 2 July 1997:
  I am replying to your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State fur Social Security about targets for answering enquiries to the Child Support Agency.
  The Agency Charter sets out the standards the Agency aims to achieve for answering the telephone, written enquiries and visits to local offices by customers and their representatives. I have listed below the targets and the Agency performance against each standard during 1996/97.
  We aim to answer general telephone enquiries (through the Agency's National Enquiry line) within 20 seconds during normal working hours. Performance against this standard was 64%. Case specific enquiries are handled through the Agency's Client Helplines. The Agency has no target which covers this area, but it is clear that this is an area where the service offered by the Agency has not fully met its customers needs.
  I am committed to improving this and plans are in place to improve the service. The Agency plans to employ staff to work a wider more flexible range of working patterns over six days a week. This will provide more opportunities for customers to contact the Agency and vice versa, and will enable the Agency to deliver a better standard of customer service through greater use of the telephone. The Agency has also recently initiated an Early Positive Customer Contact project which will increase the use of the telephone by Agency staff at an early stage in our dealings with customers. The aim is that much more of our business will be conducted over the telephone rather than by correspondence, giving customers more opportunity to raise any issues or concerns earlier than at present.
  We aim to reply to letters within 10 working days of receiving them. If we cannot send a full reply within 10 days, we aim to send an initial reply within 10 days and confirmation of when we can send the full reply. Performance against this standard was 52 per cent.
  We aim to see customers within 10 minutes of their appointment time. Performance against this standard was 100 per cent.

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  We aim to acknowledge complaints within two working days and aim to send a full reply within ten working days. Performance against this standard was 92 per cent. for acknowledgements and 62 per cent. for full replies.
  Whilst some of the results against our Charter Standards are encouraging, I am very conscious that there are still far too many justified complaints about the standards of basic customer contact and the service we provide. Over the next few years, I am committed to bringing high quality levels of performance to every part of our operation as a matter of routine, thereby reducing the number of complaints received and enhancing the public perception of the Agency.
  I hope this is helpful.

  Citizens Advice Bureau
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security in what circumstances Benefits Agency staff are required to ask for faxed authority from a citizens advice bureau adviser before discussing a specific client's case; and what plans her Department has to review the procedures to reduce the time required of citizens advice bureau advisers. [5722]

  Mr. Field
  One of our key aims is to improve the service provided to claimants and other customers as well as to protect the confidentiality of customers. Questions on Benefits Agency operational matters are the responsibility of Peter Mathison, its Chief Executive. I have asked him to write directly to the hon. Member and for his reply to be published with the answer.

  Letter, from Peter Mathison to Mr. Paul Burstow, dated 2 July 1997:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question in what circumstances Benefits Agency staff are required to ask for faxed authority from a Citizens' Advice Bureau adviser before discussing a specific client's case; and what plans her Department has to review the procedures to reduce the time required of Citizens' Advice Bureau advisers.
  There are no national instructions in place within the Benefits Agency which require staff to request a faxed authority from Citizens' Advice Bureaux advisers before a customer's case can be discussed.
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  However, the Benefits Agency has a duty to ensure that confidential customer information is not disclosed improperly. In dealing with any enquiry from a customer's representative, Agency staff should confirm that both the enquiry and the person making it are genuine, and that the enquiry is being made on behalf of the customer. However, the method by which this is achieved is subject to local procedures, forming part of local liaison arrangements between the Benefits Agency and other welfare organisations.
  I meet the Chief Executive of the National Association of Citizens' Advice Bureaux on a six monthly basis. Local managers are also encouraged to maintain regular liaison with local Citizens Advice Bureaux and the Agency has produced guidance for field staff entitled 'Building Effective Relationships with Citizens Advice Bureaux'. Using their established liaison channels, the Benefits Agency will keep under review the operation of the arrangements for the disclosure of information to Citizens Advice Bureaux.
  I hope you find this reply helpful.

  Asylum Seekers
  Mr. Andrew George
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans she has to restore social security benefits to destitute asylum seekers; and if she will make a statement. [5466]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  We are committed to a wide ranging review of Social Security. With the Home Office, the Department of Health and other Departments we will consider all arrangements for asylum seekers to ensure they are dealt with fairly and promptly.

  Under current rules, asylum seekers who make their asylum application immediately on arrival are eligible to claim benefit. In addition following the Home Secretary's declaration on 1 July 1997 of Sierra Leone as a country of upheaval, a Sierra Leonean national who entered the country previously and applies for asylum within three months of the declaration being made is eligible to claim income support, income based jobseeker's allowance, housing benefit and council tax benefit while their asylum application is considered by the Home Office. Zaire was also declared a country of upheaval on 16 May 1996 and Zairean nationals have three months from the date of the declaration to apply for asylum and thereby become eligible to claim benefit.

  UNIDO
  UNIDO
  European Commission for Democracy through Law
  European Commission for Democracy through Law
  Klaus Barbie: Papers
  Klaus Barbie: Papers
  Turkish Forces in Northern Iraq
  Turkish Forces in Northern Iraq
  General Affairs Council, 2–3 June
  General Affairs Council, 2–3 June
  EU Enlargement: Tobacco Regime
  EU Enlargement: Tobacco Regime
  Common Fisheries Policy
  Common Fisheries Policy
  Sustainable Development: UN Special Session
  Sustainable Development: UN Special Session
  NATO Summit, 8–9 July: Programme
  NATO Summit, 8–9 July: Programme
  NHS and the Private Finance Initiative
  NHS and the Private Finance Initiative
  Cookham Wood Secure Training Centre
  Cookham Wood Secure Training Centre
  Local Government Duties
  Local Government Duties
  Sixth Form Colleges
  Sixth Form Colleges
  Environmental Education: the Spiritual Dimension
  Environmental Education: the Spiritual Dimension