Written Answers of 8 July 1997

PRIME MINISTER

  Committee on Standards in Public Life
  Mr. Pickthall
  To ask the Prime Minister when he expects to receive the Third Report of the Committee on Standards in Public Life; and if he will make a statement. [7541]

  The Prime Minister
  The Third Report of the Committee on Standards in Public Life, under the Chairmanship of Lord Nolan, is being published today as Command Paper 3702. I am arranging for copies to be placed in the Vote Office and the Library of the House.

  We are committed to ensuring the highest standards in public life in this country. I am grateful to Lord Nolan and his colleagues for the significant contribution that they continue to make towards improving the standards of conduct throughout the public sector. Their Third Report covers local government in England, Scotland and Wales.

  The Committee received wide-ranging written submissions and heard extensive oral evidence in open proceedings. It has concluded that there are:
  "an enormous number of dedicated and hard working people"
  in local government. It has, however, identified that there is a lack of clarity about rules or expectation of proper behaviour, which it believes is because the responsibility for the maintenance of standards has moved away from local government.

  The Committee is, therefore, proposing that in the new climate of improved relations between central and local government, a new start should now be made on building an ethical framework for local government. This would take the best of what already exists, but place responsibility with local government itself. In this context the Committee has unanimously made some forty detailed recommendations. These, if implemented, would result in a radical restructuring of the ethical framework in which local authorities—their members and officers—operate.

  I welcome the Committee's careful examination and analysis of conduct—both of councillors and of officers—in local authorities. Their confirmation of the strengths of local government in Great Britain is reassuring, and demonstrates that there is a firm foundation on which we can build. We entirely accept the Committee's conclusion that now is the time to make a new start on the ethical framework for local government.

  Accordingly, we shall now be consulting widely on the Committee's specific recommendations, including with the Local Government Association, the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities, the Welsh Local Government Association, the Audit Commission of England and Wales, and the Scottish Accounts Commission. In parallel with this consultation the Nolan Committee will be consulting on a proposal for a new statutory offence of
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  misuse of public office, which would apply across the public sector, including local government. Copies of the Committee's consultation paper are available with the Report.

  Our intention is to work in partnership with local government to establish a framework for local authorities guaranteeing the highest standards of conduct. Such a framework will be central to achieving our manifesto aim of more independent but accountable local government.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Electoral System (European Parliament)
  Mrs. Ballard
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to work towards a uniform electoral system for the 1999 elections to the European Parliament. [5735]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The Government remain committed to the introduction of a proportional voting system for elections to the European Parliament but no decision has yet been taken on the timing of a change.

  Police Widows Pension Regulations
  Sir Robert Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to review the police widows pension regulations. [5777]

  Mr. Michael
  We will be giving early consideration to taking forward the recent review by the Home Department and the Treasury of the police pension scheme in general, including the question of a consultation exercise, but we have no present plans to extend the scope of the police widows pension.

  Metropolitan Police
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police officers in the Metropolitan Police are currently awaiting a placement with a police station and assigned no other specific duties; and what is the estimated cost of these police officers in salary or costs. [6450]

  Mr. Michael
  The Commissioner informs me that there are no officers within the Metropolitan Police District currently awaiting a placement with a police station and assigned no other specific duties.

  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimates the Metropolitan Police Commissioner has made of the cost of providing the necessary retraining arising from his Career Management policy. [6451]

  Mr. Michael
  The Commissioner informs me that there will be no increase in the Metropolitan Police's training budget as a result of the introduction of the new tenure policy. Any additional demands for training will not be significant and will be met from within existing budgets.

  Policing (British Field Sports Rally)
  Mr. Pickthall
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his estimate of the cost of policing the British Field Sports Rally in Hyde Park on 10 July. [7125]
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  Mr. Michael
  The Commissioner informs me that the estimated staffing cost to the Metropolitan Police for policing the British Sports Rally in Hyde Park on 10 July is £119,374, on the basis of a complete eight hour tour of duty for all staff. The figure covers the cost of the normal duties the officers would have otherwise undertaken. No figure is available for the costs of support services, such as catering and transport. The extent to which officers are deployed to police a public order event is an operational decision for the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis.

  Old Documents
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the date and title of the oldest document or archival unit retained by his Department which has not been passed on to the Public Record Office for release for public inspection. [7203]

  Mr. Straw
  The oldest documents retained in the Home Office under section 3(4) of the Public Records Act 1958 date from 1876. They are concerned with matters relating to national security. It had earlier been decided that it would not be in the public interest to disclose their nature. Now that the matter has been drawn to my attention by the hon. Member's question, I have asked that this decision be reviewed, given the antiquity of the files in question.

  Computers (Century Date Change)
  Mr. David Atkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on his Department's timetable for dealing with the Year 2000 Computer Problem; who is in charge of the project; how many staff are working on it; what is the projected cost of resolving the problem; and whether the project is on schedule. [7142]

  Mr. Straw
  The Year 2000 computer problem will impact directly on the business of the Department. For this reason, the Director of each business area in the Home Office has appointed a Year 2000 manager who is responsible for ensuring that computer systems within their area are Year 2000-compliant. Initial inventory and audits were completed by December 1996 and costed plans for resolving the problem are to be produced by each business area by October 1997. The aim is for all system changes to have been implemented and tested by December 1998, and for the cost of preventive and remedial action to be met from within existing provision. At present, the project is on schedule to meet these dates.

  The Corporate Resources Director is chairing a Year 2000 Steering Committee, the terms of reference for which include the monitoring of action taken across the Department to ensure that the timetable is met and the sharing of information to ensure that business areas benefit from experience elsewhere and that they co-operate where appropriate. My Department is represented on the Central Computer and Telecommunications Agency's (CCTA) Year 2000 Public Sector Group and is using the guidance issued by CCTA "Tackling the Year 2000".

WALES

  Surgery
  Mr. Alan Williams
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what monitoring takes place of the quality of surgery carried out in general practitioners" surgeries in Wales; how this compares with the monitoring of similar surgical work in hospitals; and if he will make a statement. [5321]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  Since 1 April 1996, GPs providing secondary care services in a primary care setting are required to obtain Health Authority approval to ensure the safe and effective provision of such services. Health Authorities must also satisfy themselves of a GPs competence to undertake and continue to undertake minor surgical procedures, as part of their normal general medical services commitments. Authorities must ensure the strict criteria for admission to their minor surgery list is met prior to agreeing to pay for these services, as with any other provider for whom it has a contract to purchase services.

  NHS Internal Market
  Mr. Denzil Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will set out the steps which are being taken by his Department to end in Wales the internal market of the national health service. [5874]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  I have deferred approval of the eighth wave of GP fundholding until July 1998 to allow breathing space to develop alternative commissioning models. I recently announced that I would be inviting proposals to pilot new arrangements for locality commissioning, supported by some of the savings generated by the postponement.

  Officials have notified health authorities and GP fundholders that revised budgetary arrangements will be developed to remove some of the disadvantages experienced by patients of non-fundholding practices. Detailed guidance will issue shortly.

  I have also asked the Welsh Association of Fundholding Practices (WAFP) and the General Medical Services Council (GMSC) for Wales to work with me to determine the direction of health care in the principality, building on current best practice.

  On 25 June the Government announced a White Paper on the National Health Service's internal market. It will be the subject of extensive consultation throughout Wales in the autumn.

  Hill Livestock Compensatory Allowance
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will ensure that, in reviews of the common agricultural policy(a) the future of hill livestock compensatory allowances is safeguarded and (b) such allowances are at adequate levels to sustain the agricultural activity of the less favoured areas. [6388]
  393
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  The Government will take account of the interests of sheep and suckler cow producers in less favoured areas during its negotiations on common agricultural policy reform in the EU Council of Agriculture Ministers: and in setting the annual rates of hill livestock compensatory allowances.

  Beef
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what was the average market price of beef in Wales in the months of April and May; what were the corresponding figures for April and May in(a) 1995 and (b) 1996; and if he will make a statement on the impact of these facts on Government policy in relation to the beef sector in Wales. [6389]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  The average market prices were as follows (in pence per kg liveweight for steers, heifers and young bulls):

  April

  May

  1995

  121.03

  119.44

  1996

  103.80

  102.43

  1997

  95.01

  89.75

  The Government will take account of all relevant facts in developing its policy towards the beef industry, and will negotiate positively with the European Commission and other member states in order to secure removal of the export ban.

  Velindre Hospital
  Ms Julie Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his statement to the Welsh Grand Committee of 30 June,Official Report, column 25, in relation to the replacement of radiotherapy machines at Velindre hospital, if he will list (a) the date on which the business case for replacement was sent to his Department by the Trust, (b) the date on which the PFI proposal is to be advertised in the Official Journal of the European Communities, (c) the approximate capital cost of the scheme, (d) the indicated length of contract for the PFI proposal and (e) the date on which he expects work to commence. [7211]

  Mr. Win Griffiths

  (a) 21 April 1996

  (b) 12 October 1996

  (c) £4 million

  (d) Not less than 10 years

  (e) Date unknown as yet. A business case IN being prepared for submission to the Welsh Office in the Autumn.

  Old Documents
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is the date and title of the oldest document or archival unit retained by his Department which has not been passed on to the Public Record Office for release for public inspection. [7198]

  Mr. Ron Davies
  Safeguarding of Airfield Site plan 1945.

  Educational Standards
  Ms Lawrence
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has for raising educational standards in Wales; and if he will make a statement. [7644]

  Mr. Ron Davies
  I have today laid before the House a White Paper, the first in modern times to focus exclusively on education in Wales. Called "Building Excellent Schools Together", it sets out our vision of improving standards through co-operation to create an education system designed to benefit the many, not the few.

  Central to the White Paper are our key principles. We have promised to make education and training the cardinal priority of government in Wales. We shall work with teachers, recognising their efforts and encouraging them to succeed in lifting achievement and attainment across the board. We shall focus on standards, rather than a damaging concentration on structures'and we will not tolerate underperformance. We shall also ensure that government policy is applied in a way that reflects the distinctive needs and circumstances of Wales.

  Raising standards of literacy and numeracy will be at the heart of our programme of reform. Following my right hon. Friend's Budget Statement to the House on 2 July, substantial extra funding will be allocated to education in Wales and we shall use this where we can achieve the best results. We shall also provide leadership and support to all those who have a contribution to make in the drive to raise standards overall. This will draw in the help of everyone with a stake in excellent education for all pupils at school in Wales; teachers, parents, governors, education authorities and business people alike.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Old Documents
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what is the date and title of the oldest document or archival unit retained by her Department which has not been passed on to the Public Record Office for release for public inspection. [7205]

  Clare Short
  The oldest archival unit held in DFID, which will be eligible for eventual release to the Public Record Office, dates from June 1961, and is titled "Security Arrangements". The papers have been retained because of their Security significance.

  WaterAid
  Mr. Luff
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will visit the offices of WaterAid to discuss the funding and activities of the charity: and if she will make a statement. [6771]

  Clare Short
  We welcome an active dialogue with WaterAid. We are currently co-funding 12 WaterAid projects with a total cost of £950,000 this financial year. My hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for International Development met WaterAid's Director on 3 July. My officials are in regular contact. I have made it clear that access to safe water and sanitation is a priority
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  in combating poverty. I certainly intend to meet WaterAid, and the other NGOs active in developing countries as soon as possible.

  Computers (Century Date Change)
  Mr. David Atkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on her Department's timetable for dealing with the Year 2000 Computer Problem; who is in charge of the project; how many staff are working on it; what is the projected cost of resolving the problem; and whether the project is on schedule. [7138]

  Clare Short
  We expect to have resolved problems relating to the year 2000 on information systems critical to the business of the Department by the end of 1998. We are working in parallel on smaller systems established by various sections within the DFID, and expect to resolve them by mid-1999. The identifiable cost of dealing with Year 2000 issues is around £200,000 although this figure is an underestimate of the total since other Year 2000 costs have been subsumed within the costs of rewriting critical systems for a new operating environment. The official in overall charge of dealing with the Year 2000 is the head of the Information Systems Department. The number of staff working on the project is around five, supplemented by resources brought in from consultants.

  Aid and Trade
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what was the total value of exports receiving aid and trade provision assistance over the past three years by country. [6883]

  Clare Short
  The following table lists by country the ATP projects with their total export value agreed during the last three years:

  Export value for Financial Year's 1994–95 to 1997–98

  Country

  £ million

  Chile

  2.37

  China

  104.57

  Ghana

  23.80

  Indonesia

  125.75

  Lesotho

  6.55

  Pakistan

  7.23

  Philippines

  41.48

  Sri Lanka

  0.09

  Thailand

  15.02

  Zimbabwe

  3.96

  Total

  330.82

NATIONAL HERITAGE

  National Lottery Grants
  Mr. Gordon Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage how many national lottery grants have been awarded to organisations and groups in Blackpool, South; and what are the values of those grants. [6577]
  396
  Mr. Banks
  To date 13 grants totalling £1,681,676 have been made to organisations and groups in Blackpool, South. The details are as follows:

  Distributing body

  Award date

  Recipient

  Award amount (£)

  Arts Council of England

  21 February 1996

  North Fylde Music Cycle

  41,108

  Arts Council of England

  19 March 1997

  Blackpool Town Centre Forum Ltd.

  5,000

  Heritage Lottery Fund

  18 September 1996

  Furness Railway Trust

  97,500

  National Lottery Charities Board

  17 December 1996

  The Blackpool Fylde and Wyre Society for the Blind

  175,515

  National Lottery Charities Board

  23 October 1995

  Blackpool Wyre Fylde Community Voluntary Services

  110,000

  National Lottery Charities Board

  17 December 1996

  Disability Information Services, Blackpool, Wyre and Flyde

  97,300

  Notional Lottery Charities Board

  11 August 1996

  Home Start Grange Park

  69,140

  National Lottery Charities Board

  17 December 1996

  Age Concern Blackpool and District

  50,980

  National Lottery Charities Board

  11 August 1996

  Blackpool Single Homeless Project

  28,767

  National Lottery Charities Board

  19 December 1995

  Kensington House Trust

  6,000

  Sports Council

  5 June 1997

  Blackpool Borough Council

  884,200

  Sports Council

  10 October 1996

  Blackpool Borough Council

  68,000

  Sports Council

  19 June 1996

  Blackpool and Fylde No. 4 Sub Aqua Club

  48,166

  Total 13 awards

  1,681,676

  Mr. Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what plans he has to discuss with the national arts councils ways in which greater regional input can be obtained in respect of their grant-making procedures, with particular reference to the Government's proposals for regional development agencies. [6574]

  Mr. Fisher
  The Government is committed to encouraging more decision making at local level. It is consulting on the potential role and functions of the regional development agencies and how they can work with other regional development agencies and how they can work with other regional and national bodies. Furthermore, we will be publishing a White Paper on Lottery distribution later this month which will set out the Government's thinking about ways to achieve a more strategic and co-ordinated system of Lottery distribution.

  Ryder Cup (Television)
  Mr. Grogan
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if he will ensure that highlights of the Ryder Cup will be available on terrestrial television. [6875]

  Mr. Fisher
  The Ryder Cup is not one of the events listed under Part 4 of the Broadcasting Act 1996. The arrangements for broadcasting the event are a matter for the rights holders and the broadcasters to determine. However, I understand that the owners of the rights to the European tournament are committed to the voluntary agreement on "unbundling" the various broadcast rights. The review of listed events will need to assess the
  397
  effectiveness of the present arrangements for "unbundling" as a substitute form of access to some events.

  Concessionary Television Licences
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage (1) what plans he has to review the entitlement to reduced television licence fees for retirement pensions; [6635]

  (2) what representations he has received concerning the position of retirement pensioners in sheltered housing paying a reduced television licence fee whose resident warden is replaced by a community alarm system. [6638]

  Mr. Fisher
  The Government will be reviewing the arrangements for funding the BBC from 2002 before that date and this review will include consideration of the concessionary arrangements. We have received approximately 160 letters on various aspects of the concessionary television licence scheme.

  Mr. Barnes
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what reduction in television licence fees a registered blind person is entitled to; for how long this entitlement has been in operation at its current level; and if he will make a statement. [6611]

  Mr. Fisher
  [holding answer 7 July 1997]: The reduction in the television licence fee for registered blind people is £1.25. The reduction has remained at its present level since 1965. The Government will be reviewing the arrangements for funding the BBC from 2002 before that date and this review will include consideration of the concessionary arrangements.

  Sport Commentaries
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if he will place particular priority on local radio for live commentary in his review of the protected list of sports events; and if he will make a statement. [6869]

  Mr. Fisher
  The arrangements for listing under the Broadcasting Act 1996 refer only to live television broadcasts of major events. However, the review of listed events will need to assess the effectiveness of the voluntary arrangements for unbundling the various types of broadcasting rights as a substitute form of access to some events. In doing so, we may also consider whether more needs to be done to secure live radio commentary on major events.

  Office of the National Lottery
  Mr. Maclennan
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage (1) how many copies of the OFLOT annual report 1996–97 OFLOT purchased from The Stationery Office; and what was the cost incurred; [6776]

  (2) how many copies of the OFLOT annual report 1996–97 OFLOT distributed free of charge; and what was the cost incurred: [6777]

  (3) what percentage of OFLOT's annual budget has been devoted to the purchase and distribution of the annual report in each year since its establishment. [6779]
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  Mr. Banks
  [holding answer 4 July 1997]: This is a matter for OFLOT. I have asked the Director-General, to write to the hon. Member, and copies of his response will be placed in the Libraries of the House.

  Mr. Maclennan
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what guidance he gave to OFLOT regarding the production of the annual report. [6778]

  Mr. Banks
  [holding answer 4 July 1997]: The Director-General of the National Lottery is required by section 14 of the National Lottery ect. Act 1993 to provide an annual report about the exercise of his functions during the year.

  The report is presented to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State who lays it before Parliament. The content of the annual report is a matter for the Director-General.

TREASURY

  Advance Corporation Tax
  Mr. Bernard Jenkin
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he spoke to journalists from the Financial Times concerning his budget proposals for ACT prior to the Budget statement. [7194]

  Mr. Gordon Brown
  No.

  Budget (Leaks)
  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer on how many occasions in the last 14 years accurate disclosures of budget information appeared in the Press prior to the Budget; which media outlets they appeared in; and if he will make a statement. [7263]

  Mr. Gordon Brown
  More than once. Speculation, of varying degrees of accuracy, is a traditional feature of the Budget process.

  The specific information sought could be assembled only at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Cash
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the(a) Crown servants and (b) other advisers to Ministers who (i) gave interviews to, (ii) made statements to and (iii) answered questions from journalists or representatives of the Financial Times in the period of 48 hours before the Budget Statement. [7266]

  Mr. Brown
  No pre-Budget briefings were given to the press on Budget measures. Details of the Budget were not given to journalists in advance.

  Sir Patrick Cormack
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer who in his Department was responsible for giving pre-Budget briefings to the press; how recently such briefings were given to the Financial Times; what specific subjects they covered; and if details of the Budget statement were given to any journalists before he presented them to the House. [7077]

  Mr. Brown
  [holding answer 7 July 1997]: No pre-Budget briefings were given to the press on Budget measures. Details of the Budget statement were not given to journalists in advance. However, I and my Ministerial

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  colleagues made clear that we would use the Budget to meet the promises before taking office. We delivered on those promises.

  Windfall Tax
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the port of Tilbury will be subject to the windfall tax. [7067]

  Mr. Geoffrey Robinson
  [holding answer 7 July 1997]: No. Details of those companies falling within the scope of the windfall tax were set out in the Inland Revenue press notice on the windfall tax issued after the Chancellor's Budget statement on 2 July.

  Mr. Ian Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will investigate the disclosure of information relating to the windfall tax contained in the Budget to managers of the privatised industries prior to the Budget statement. [7092]

  Mr. Robinson
  [holding answer 7 July 1997]: No. I see no reason for such an investigation as there was no such disclosure. In designing the windfall tax the Government deliberately sought representations from organisations on the technical aspects of the tax: over 50 responded. This process, and the extensive consultations with the regulators, helped the overall design of the tax. All this is public knowledge.

  Job Creation
  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to Treasury press release 60/97 of 4 June 1997, which European institutions will have direct responsibilities for creating jobs for all those living in Europe. [3358]

  Mrs. Liddell
  It is for the Governments of the member states to have the policies in place which create the economic conditions which enable employment to flourish, rather than for European institutions to create jobs. But the European institutions do have important roles to play in extending and policing the internal market in the EU and in facilitating dialogue between the member States on how to tackle unemployment.

  Channel 4
  Mr. Green
  To ask the Chancellor of Exchequer if he will estimate the revenue which would be raised by the privatisation of Channel 4. [3324]

  Mr. Geoffrey Robinson
  The proceeds from any hypothetical privatisation depend on the method of sale.

  Euro
  Sir Richard Body
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what study his Department has undertaken of the likely effect on prices of the rounding up of the sterling-euro fractional differential if the United Kingdom adopts the euro. [6097]

  Mrs. Liddell
  My department has not undertaken any studies of the possible effects on prices, if any, of rounding the results of converting between sterling and the euro if the United Kingdom were to adopt the single currency.
  400
  Sir Richard Body
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much Nordic gold would be required if the United Kingdom were to join the euro: what the total requirement for the euro zone would be; and what the current stocks are. [6852]

  Mrs. Liddell
  The proposed Council Regulation (EC) on denominations and specifications of euro coins intended for circulation in countries which adopt the single currency has not been formally adopted. It proposes that three of the eight denominations of euro coins should be made of an alloy called Nordic gold. It is estimated that if this proposal were adopted, and if the United Kingdom were to participate in the single currency, approximately 20,000 tonnes of Nordic gold would be required to manufacture the necessary coins for circulation in the United Kingdom. The total required within the European Community if the proposal were to be adopted would depend on which countries participate in the single currency. Materials for coin production would be produced to order as required in such circumstances.

  Household Income
  Mr. Paice
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of gross earned income for a married couple with average household income was taken by(a) income tax, (b) national insurance, (c) VAT and (d) excise duties, during the year 1996–97. [3349]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The information requested can be obtained from Table 13.7b of the Tax Benefit Reference Manual 1997–98 Edition, a copy of which has been placed in the House of Commons Library.

  EU Funds (Bank Deposits)
  Sir Richard Body
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what European Union funds have been deposited in banks that have subsequently collapsed; and what sums have been lost. [6770]

  Mrs. Liddell
  None in the United Kingdom or, so far as we are aware, elsewhere, but only the European Commission would be able to provide a definitive answer.

  Unemployment
  Ms Oona King
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) how many people aged under 25 years in(a) Newham, (b) Tower Hamlets, (c) Hackney, (d) Redbridge, (e) Waltham Forest, (f) Barking and Dagenham and (g) the United Kingdom have been unemployed for more than six months; and, in each case, what percentage this figure is of all economically active people aged under 25 years; [6811]

  (2) how many people aged over 25 years in (a) Newham, (b) Tower Hamlets, (c) Hackney, (d) Redbridge, (e) Waltham Forest, (f) Barking and Degenham and (g) the United Kingdom have been unemployed for more than two years; and in each case, what percentage this figure is of all economically active people aged over 25 years. [6812]

  Mrs. Liddell
  [holding answer 7 July 1997]: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Chief Executive of the Office for National Statistics. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to given.
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  Letter from Tim Holt to Ms Oona King, dated 8 July 1997:
  The Chancellor of the Exchequer has asked use to reply as Director of the Office for National Statistics to your recent questions on the duration of unemployment of under and over 25 year olds.
  The measure of unemployment, derived from the quarterly Labour Force Survey (LFS), is defined on a consistent and internationally recognised basis set out by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and counts as unemployed people who are: a) without a paid job; b) available to start work within the next two weeks and c) have either looked for work in the last four weeks or are waiting to start a job already obtained. However, largely because it is a sample survey, information is not available from the LFS in as much geographical detail as from the claimant count measure described below.
  ONS also publishes the monthly claimant count, which is based on the administrative system and includes all people claiming unemployment-related benefits (i.e. Jobseekers Allowance. Income Support or National Insurance credits) at Employment Service offices on the day of the monthly count, who on that day had signed on as unemployed and available to do any suitable work. Essentially, all people who attend an Employment Service office to sign are counted, irrespective of whether they are actually receiving benefit.
  The data you have requested for London local authority districts can only be derived from the claimant count, as the Labour Force Survey does not provide sufficient detail at this level. As the concept of "economically active" is an ILO one, it is not compatible with claimant count data, and therefore percentages are not given for claimant figures.
  The latest available data. April 1997, for under 25 year olds and over 25 year olds claiming unemployment-related benefits for over 6 months and 2 years respectively are shown in the attached table.
  The winter 1996/7 LFS shows there were 262,000 (5.7 per cent of economically active in the same age group) people aged 16–24 and 467,000 (1.9 per cent. of economically active in the same age group) people aged 25 and over who have been ILO unemployed for 6 months or more and 2 years or more respectively.

  Claimant count, April 1997

  Under 25 year old claimants

  Over 25 year old claimants

  Newham

  1,844

  2,839

  Tower Hamlets

  1,490

  2,540

  Hackney

  2,046

  4,516

  Redbridge

  728

  1,523

  Waltham Forest

  1,195

  2,363

  Barking and Dagenham

  615

  1,085

  United Kingdom

  179,569

  326,670

  Ms Walley
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many(a) males and (b) females in the constituency of Stoke-on-Trent. North have been unemployed for (i) under six months, (ii) over six months. (iii) over 12 months and (iv) over 18 months. [6864]

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

  Letter from Tim Holt to Ms. Joan Walley, dated 8 July 1997:
  The Chancellor of the Exchequer has asked me to reply as the Director of the Office for National Statistics to your recent question (6864) on the duration of unemployment of males and females in the Stoke-on-Trent North parliamentary constituency.
  402
  The data you have requested can only be derived from the monthly count of people claiming unemployment-related benefits (i.e. Jobseekers Allowance or National Insurance credits). Essentially, all people who attend an Employment Service office to sign on the designated day are counted.
  The figures in the table below are for April 1997, the latest date for which figures are available.

  Stoke on Trent, North: Persons claiming unemployment-related benefits

  Males

  Females

  Claiming for under 6 months

  770

  226

  Claiming for over 6 months

  710

  174

  of which claiming for over 12 months

  452

  94

  of which claiming for over 18 months

  300

  59

  Ms Walley
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people aged 18 to 24 years have come off unemployment benefit in each of the last live years in the constituency of Stoke on Trent, North and into what activity they moved. [6865]

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

  Letter from Tim Holt to Ms Joan Walley, dated 8 July 1997:
  The Chancellor of the Exchequer has asked me to reply as Director of the Office for National Statistics to your recent question on how many people aged 18 to 24 years left the claimant count in each of the last five years in the parliamentary constituency of Stoke-on-Trent North, and the reasons why they left.
  The information requested is not available for the exact areas of parliamentary constituencies. The estimates provided refer to claimants who are registered at the two Employment Service jobcentres situated within the Stoke-on-Trent North parliamentary constituency area.
  Total numbers leaving the claimant count from 1992 to 1996 are shown in Tables 1 to 3, but information on the destination of leavers from the claimant count is not available for 1992 to 1994.
  For 1995 and 1996, numbers of leavers from the claimant count are shown in Tables 2 and 3 according to the claim end reason categories identified in those years. The percentages shown in these tables are expressed in terms of leavers with a known destination.

  Table 1: Total number of leavers from the claimant count, aged 18–24 years, Burslem and Kidsgrove employment service Jobcentres, 1992 to 1994

  Total leavers

  1992

  2,298

  1993

  2,330

  1994

  2,172

  Source:

  NOMIS.

  Table 2: Reason for claim termination for claimants aged 18–24 years, Burslem and Kidsgrove employment service jobcentres, 1995

  Reason for leaving

  Leavers

  As a percentage of those with a known destination

  Ceased claiming

  45

  3.0

  Found work

  1,157

  76.4

  Gone abroad

  17

  1.1

  403

  Table 2: Reason for claim termination for claimants aged 18–24 years, Burslem and Kidsgrove employment service jobcentres, 1995

  Reason for leaving

  Leavers

  As a percentage of those with a known destination

  Claimed another benefit

  32

  2.1

  Full-time education

  43

  2.8

  Approved training

  1—

  0.1

  Claimed sickness benefit

  127

  8.4

  Transferred to government-supported training

  92

  6.1

  Total known destination2

  1,510

  100.0

  Not known

  1—

  —

  Failed to attend

  470

  —

  Total leavers

  1,990

  Source:

  JUVOS Leaving Marker File.

  1 Less than 5 claimants.

  2Totals are rounded.

  Table 3: Reason for claim termination for claimants aged 18–24 years, Burslem and Kidsgrove employment service jobcentres, 1996

  Reason for leaving

  Leavers

  As a percentage of those with a known destination

  Ceased claiming

  52

  4.0

  Found work

  1,010

  77.3

  Gone abroad

  27

  2.1

  Claimed another benefit

  28

  2.1

  Full-time education

  26

  2.0

  Claimant deceased

  1—

  0.1

  Claimed sickness benefit

  95

  7.3

  Transferred to government-supported training

  60

  4.6

  Working on average 16+ hours

  1—

  0.2

  Claimed Incapacity Support

  1—

  0.1

  Defective claim

  1—

  0.2

  Total known destination2

  1,310

  100.0

  Not known

  16

  —

  Failed to attend

  471

  —

  Total leavers

  1,790

  Source:

  JUVOS Leaving Marker File.

  1 Less than 5 claimants.

  2 Totals are rounded.

  Low Pay
  Mr. Timms
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the number of people in(a) Newham, (b) Tower Hamlets, (c) Hackney, (d) Redbridge, (e) Waltham Forest, (f) Barking and Dagenham and (g) the United Kingdom who earn less than (i) £2.50, (ii) £3, (iii) £3.50 and (d) £4 per hour: and what this figure is as a proportion of all employees. [6814]

  Mrs. Liddell
  [holding answer 7 July 1997]: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the
  404
  Chief Executive of the Office for National Statistics. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from Tim Holt to Mr. Stephen Holt, dated 8 July 1997:
  The Chancellor of the Exchequer has asked me to reply as the Director of the Office for National Statistics to your recent question on earnings.
  The latest information, from the New Earnings Survey (NES) April 1996, is given in the attached tables. Data are provided for the Great Britain as information for the United Kingdom is not available.
  It is ONS practice for NES answers to be given as proportions earning below specified thresholds, rather than numbers, because of problems with obtaining appropriate grossing factors for the NES sample at a very detailed level of disaggregation (e.g. by industry and electoral ward).

  Employees on adult rates whose pay for the survey pay-period was not affected by absence, NES April 1996

  Percentage of employees with hourly earnings (excluding overtime) less than:

  £2.50

  £3.00

  £3.50

  £4.00

  Newham

  Full-time

  0.3

  1.0

  2.1

  3.4

  Part-time

  2.2

  2.2

  8.9

  15.6

  All

  0.6

  1.2

  3.0

  5.1

  Tower Hamlets

  Full-time

  0.0

  0.1

  0.6

  2.7

  Part-time

  1.4

  1.4

  4.1

  9.5

  All

  0.1

  0.3

  0.9

  3.3

  Hackney

  Full-time

  0.0

  0.0

  1.4

  3.3

  Part-time

  3.9

  6.6

  15.8

  17.1

  All

  0.7

  1.1

  3.9

  5.7

  Redbridge

  Full-time

  0.4

  1.1

  3.8

  6.1

  Part-time

  10.3

  11.5

  18.4

  29.9

  All

  2.9

  3.7

  7.4

  12.0

  Waltham Forest

  Full-time

  0.5

  1.9

  2.9

  5.8

  Part-time

  5.6

  9.9

  22.5

  28.2

  All

  1.8

  4.0

  7.9

  11.6

  Barking and Dagenham

  Full-time

  0.4

  0.4

  0.8

  1.6

  Part-time

  4.3

  4.3

  15.2

  26.1

  All

  1.0

  1.0

  3.0

  5.3

  Great Britain

  Full-time

  0.7

  1.6

  4.1

  8.4

  Part-time

  4.4

  7.5

  20.6

  36.9

  All

  1.5

  2.8

  7.6

  14.4

  Ms Walley
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people in the constituency of Stoke-on-Trent, North earn(a) less than £4 per hour, (b) £3.50 per hour and (c) £3 per hour.
  [6866]

  Mrs. Liddell
  The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Chief Executive of the Office for National Statistics. I have asked him lo arrange for a reply to be given.
  405
  Letter from Tim Holt to Ms Joan Walley, dated 8 July 1997:
  The Chancellor of the Exchequer has asked me to reply as Director of the Office for National Statistics to your recent question on earnings in Stoke-on-Trent parliamentary constituency.
  The latest available information, from the New Earnings Survey (NES) April 1996, is given in the table below for the parliamentary constituency of Stoke-on-Trent North.

  Employees on adult rates whose pay for the survey pay-period was not affected by absence, NES April 1996

  Percentage of employees with hourly earnings (excluding overtime) less than:

  £3.00

  £3.50

  £4.00

  Stoke on Trent North

  Full-time

  0.5

  1.5

  11.1

  Part-time

  9.5

  28.6

  52.4

  All

  1.4

  4.1

  15.0

  Employment
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what percentage of households(a) in Stoke-on-Trent, North, (b) by region and (c) nationally have no-one in full-time employment. [6868]

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

  Letter from Tim Holt to Ms Joan Walley, dated 8 July 1997:
  The Chancellor of the Exchequer has asked me to reply as the Director of the Office for National Statistics to your recent question (6868) on what percentage of households have no one in full-time employment.
  Estimates available from the Labour Force Survey for non-pensioner households are shown in the attached table using the new Government Office Region (GOR) geography. This information is not available below county level.
  It is widely accepted that analyses of households with no one in employment or, in this case, no one in full-time employment, should exclude pensioner households. This area of analysis is relatively new for the LFS and the definition of non-pensioner or working age households is not yet firmly established. The table provided is based on the same definition of non-pensioner household as previous responses to parliamentary questions to this topic. The ONS has been assessing the various alternative definitions and expects to publish its recommendations in the September issue of Labour Market Trends.

  Non-pensioner households with no one in full-time employment, not seasonally adjusted, winter 1996–97

  Region

  Per cent.

  United Kingdom

  24.8

  Great Britain

  24.8

  England

  24.3

  North-east

  31.2

  North-west and Merseyside

  27.8

  North-west

  26.5

  Merseyside

  33.3

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  26.2

  East Midlands

  21.7

  West Midlands

  23.9

  Eastern

  20.3

  London

  29.2

  South-east

  18.0

  South-west

  22.3

  406

  Non-pensioner households with no one in full-time employment, not seasonally adjusted, winter 1996–97

  Region

  Per cent.

  Wales

  29.1

  Scotland

  27.1

  Northern Ireland

  27.3

  Source:

  Labour Force Survey, Office for National Statistics.

  Labour Market Statistics
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he plans to(a) publish and (b) introduce the outcome of the consultation exercise on the future presentation and dissemination of labour market statistics by the Office for National Statistics. [6867]

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

  Letter from Tim Holt to Ms Joan Walley, dated 8 July 1997:
  The Chancellor of the Exchequer has asked me to reply as Director of the Office for National Statistics to your recent question (6867) on when he plans to publish and introduce the outcome of the consultation exercise on the labour market statistics.
  Users were asked for comments on the consultation article to be provided by 14 June 1997. This information is in the process of being assessed by the ONS and an announcement of the outcome will be made by late summer.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Domestic Violence
  Mr. Hill
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department on how many occasions an application for emergency legal aid to seek an injunction in a domestic violence case has been(a) granted or (b) refused in each of the last five years. [6375]

  Mr. Hoon
  The information requested is not available. The data gathered by the Legal Aid Board do not identify separately applications for emergency civil legal aid.

  Legal Aid
  Mr. Hill
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department on how many occasions the decision to exceed the Green Form financial limit by a solicitors practice with developed powers under a legal aid franchise has subsequently been overruled by a legal aid area office in each of the last three years. [6377]

  Mr. Hoon
  This information prior to June 1995 has been archived and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. As a result, figures can be provided for each of the last two years only. It is set out in the following tables.

  Number

  1 July 1995 to 30 June 1996

  Total number of devolved powers to extend the financial limit on a Green Form exercised by solicitors

  23,020

  Number of occasions on which solicitor's decision was overruled by a legal aid area office

  276

  407

  Number

  1 July 1996 to 30 June 1997

  Total number of devolved powers to extend the financial limit on a Green Form exercised by solicitors

  28,481

  Number of occasions on which solicitor's decision was overruled by a legal aid area office

  273

  Mr. Hill
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many solicitors" firms have been granted a legal aid franchise and in what areas of law: and how many franchised firms have devolved powers in relation to(a) emergency aid, ( b) the Green Form scheme and (c) assistance by representation. [6376]

  Mr. Hoon
  As at 30 June 1997 there were 1,852 franchised solicitors" offices. The following table provides a breakdown of the franchise categories and the number of franchised offices with devolved power in emergency aid, the Green Form and assistance by representation.

  Franchise category

  1Number of solicitors offices

  Devolved Powers

  Emergency aid

  Green form

  2ABWOR

  Consumer and general contract

  816

  35

  225

  —

  Crime

  1,089

  19

  741

  36

  Debt

  568

  27

  266

  —

  Employment

  557

  33

  162

  —

  Housing

  634

  84

  333

  —

  Immigration

  93

  26

  49

  —

  Matrimonial and family

  1,671

  941

  1,379

  226

  Personal injury

  1,504

  79

  661

  —

  Welfare benefits

  277

  29

  74

  —

  1 Solicitors firms may have franchises in more than one category of law.

  2 Assistance by way of representation. Devolved powers apply only to the crime and matrimonial and family franchise categories.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Beef Ban
  Mr. Russell Brown
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has for a new initiative to secure the lifting of the beef export ban. [7711]

  Dr. John Cunningham
  The Government has decided to adopt a twin-track approach of pursuing a revised Export Certified Herds Scheme, and developing a new proposal for a date-based export scheme. We have put our ideas to the Commission about both schemes, and will press both with equal vigour.

  The Export Certified Herds Scheme is being revised taking account of criticisms made earlier by the EU Scientific Veterinary Committee. Eligibility for the scheme would be more restricted than initially proposed, but it would still be open in principle to producers in all parts of the United Kingdom.
  408
  Details of the date-based scheme will be announced when exploratory talks with the Commission have progressed and the Government is ready to put forward a formal proposal.

  Specified Bovine Material
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what guidance SEAC gives to hauliers concerning the cleaning of vehicles carrying specified bovine material: and if he will make a statement. [6749]

  (2) how many inspectors are available to carry out examination of the cleaning of vehicles carrying specified bovine material: and if he will make a statement: [6686]

  (3) how many inspections have been carried out of the cleaning of vehicles used to transport specified bovine material since 1 August 1996; how many vehicles have failed such an inspection; and if he will make a statement. [6664]

  Mr. Rooker
  The cleansing requirements for vehicles transporting waste material form the slaughter of cattle, including Specified Bovine Material (SBM), were considered by the Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee (SEAC) in May last year. It concluded that decontamination and proper cleaning of vehicles was important but that given the extreme nature of the chemicals which had to be used if chemical disinfection were to be relied upon it was more important to use dilution and washing with large quantities of water and detergent to ensure that vehicles were returned to a suitable state for further use.

  The Specified Bovine Material Order 1997 requires any person transporting SBM to ensure that the vehicle, or part of the vehicle, in which it is conveyed is impervious and contains nothing but SBM. It must be kept covered at all times except for loading or unloading or inspection by an authorised officer of an enforcement authority. It also requires that any person transporting SBM shall ensure that the part of the vehicle in which SBM is carried is thoroughly washed and disinfected before any food, feeding stuff or other animal material or any cosmetic, pharmaceutical or medical product is subsequently placed in that part of the vehicle.

  Enforcement of the vehicle cleansing requirements set out in the Specified Bovine Material Order 1997 is the responsibility of local authorities. No central record is kept of the number of local authority inspectors that examine vehicles transporting SBM or how many inspections they have made since 1 August 1996 or how many vehicles failed local authority inspections and this information could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Rabies
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will ensure that veterinary surgeons have unrestricted access to the inactivated rabies vaccines approved by his Department; and if he will make a statement. [6827]
  409
  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 7 July 1997]: The British Isles is an internationally recognised rabies free zone for terrestrial animals. We do not allow unrestricted access to rabies vaccine because its use, except for animals going for export or those going into quarantine, is unnecessary.

  Mr. Key
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress has been made in concluding the revised protocol on the rabies antibody test referred to in the Official Report, 19 February, column 513; and if the mutual recognition of the test results referred to in the Official Report, 3 March, column 444, has been agreed. [6440]

  Mr. Rooker
  The International Office for Epizootics (OIE) has considered the revised protocol and published it as the OIE standard recently. Whilst this is a small step in overcoming the problems of test result variability, we understand that only two laboratories are using the new protocol. The OIE is also making arrangements for a new canine standard serum to be calibrated and validated for use with this test to ensure that different laboratories produce comparable results. As far as we are aware these arrangements are still being made and no timescale for completion of the work is known.

  BSE-contaminated Feed
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many farmers have been found to have been in possession of BSE-contaminated feed since August 1996. [4863]

  Mr. Rooker
  Remnant work on the Feed Recall Scheme brought to our attention one farmer who has, since 1 August 1996, been in possession of feed containing mammalian meat and bone meal (MBM). The feed in question was not fed to livestock and has now been safely disposed of. It is impossible to say whether this feed was contaminated with the BSE agent but the controls on Specified Bovine Materials, which require the destruction of all tissues known to harbour BSE infectivity, mean that the likelihood of infectivity being present is very low.

  In another incident, a farmer was found to have been storing mammalian MBM in a farm store together with ingredients used in the production of livestock feed. The MBM was disposed of in landfill. Thorough sampling showed no evidence that cross-contamination had occurred, and the premises were not part of a livestock enterprise.

  The State Veterinary Service carries out a survey of feed mills and on farm feed mixers for evidence of breaches of feed controls. Since 1 August 1996, when the latest controls came into effect, no evidence of a breach of the legislation has been found.

  Biotechnological Inventions
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what research his Department has undertaken into the possible(a) agricultural and (b) animal welfare implications of the draft European Parliament and Council directive on the legal protection of biotechnological inventions; and if he will make a statement. [7353]
  410
  Mr. Rooker
  This draft Directive—which is still under discussion—would not in general either limit or increase the availability of patent protection as compared to that already provided in UK law. The Ministry has not commissioned research into the implications for agriculture or animal welfare. We do not consider that the patent system is the right approach for dealing with ethical and related issues arising from biotechnology. The purpose of patenting is to prevent others claiming to own or trying to use inventions. However, patent holders must also comply with all other relevant legislation and regulations which, for example, give protection to the welfare of animals.

  Delivery Targets
  Dr. George Turner
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture Fisheries and Food what progress his Department has made in meeting the service delivery targets set out in "Commitment to Service". [7544]

  Dr. John Cunningham
  The following table sets out the performance achieved by Regional Service Centres against the targets set in "Commitment to Service", second edition.

  RCS performance data percentage for financial year 1996–97 (unless otherwise specified)

  Total

  Arable Area Payments Scheme

  Main payments

  99

  Oilseeds

  Advanced payments

  99

  Final payments

  99

  Beef Special Premium Scheme

  Advance payments (1996)

  98

  Balance payments (1995)

  99

  CID applications issued (1996)

  99

  Premium paid CIDs issued (1996)

  99

  Suckler Cow Premium Scheme

  Balance payments 1995

  99

  Advance payments 1996

  99

  Hill Livestock Compensatory Allowances

  Claims 1996

  97

  Sheep Annual Premium Scheme

  Claims marketing year 19961

  97

  Agricultural Improvement Scheme

  Plan claims

  100

  Environmentally Sensitive Areas

  Applications

  97

  Claims

  99

  Environmentally Sensitive Areas Conservation Plan

  Applications

  97

  Claims

  98

  Farm and Conservation Grant Scheme 1989

  Plan claims

  99

  Non plan claims2

  58

  Farm and Conservation Grant Scheme 1991

  Plan claims

  97

  411

  RCS performance data
  percentage for financial year 1996–97 (unless otherwise specified)

  Total

  Farm Woodland Premium Scheme

  Applications

  94

  Claims (1996)

  99

  Injurious Weeds

  Complaints

  99

  Pilot Nitrate Sensitive Areas Scheme

  Claims (1996)

  100

  New Nitrate Sensitive Areas Scheme

  Applications (1996)

  93

  Claims

  98

  Protection of Badgers Act 1992

  Licence applications

  99

  Five Year Set Aside Scheme

  Claims

  100

  Strychnine Permits

  Applications

  97

  Agricultural Wage Inspections

  Complaints

  91

  Wildlife and Countryside Act

  Licence applications

  98

  Correspondence

  Answered within 10 working days

  97

  Complaints

  Numbers receiving response within 10 working days

  88

  Notes:

  1 Final payments made by 30 April 1097.

  2 The relatively high failure rate for F and CGS 1989 non-plan claims is due to a large number of claims being received in the month before the scheme closed, making it impossible to meet the Charter target in many cases.

  1. The total percentage has been calculated by setting the entire number of applications or claims cleared within the target time, against the total number received. Applications and claims not cleared due to reasons beyond our control (incorrect information supplied by applicant, etc.) are not included as failures to meet target.

  2. The Farm and Conservation Grant Scheme (1991) Plan applications, the Farm Diversification Grant Scheme (Capital Items) Claims, and the Farm Diversification Grant Scheme (Feasibility and Marketing) Claims have all been omitted from the table, as the numbers involved are de-minimis.

  3. Three complaints were referred to the MAFF Adjudicator during the year. Two of these complaints were resolved, the other was referred to the Minister. One complaint from a previous year has been referred to the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration and is currently under investigation.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Computers (Century Date Change)
  Mr. David Atkinson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will make a statement on her Department's timetable for dealing with the Year 2000 Computer Problem; who is in charge of the project; how many staff are working on it; what is the projected cost of resolving the problem; and whether the project is on schedule. [7141]
  412
  Mrs. Roche
  Following an impact assessment study in 1996, a programme of remedial projects and related activities was initiated earlier this year. The total cost is expected to be of the order of £2.7 million over the period to Spring 1999. The programme covers the core Department's IT systems and separate programmes are in place to deal with the issue in Next Steps agencies.

  The core Department's Year 2000 programme is being overseen by a steering goup chaired by the Department's Director of information Management and Technology. The resources involved vary according to the requirements of individual projects and will peak at 16 personnel in September/October 1997. Those resources are being provided by private sector contractors and the programme is being supervised by the Department's own Project Manager. All required parts of the core programme are currently on schedule.

  Business Links
  Mr. MacShane
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many Business Links have been set up. [6982]

  Mrs. Roche
  There are 89 Business Link partnerships and 241 separate Business Link outlets.

  Telecommunications Advisory Committees
  Mr. Reed
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans she has for the future of local telecommunications advisory committees: and if she will make a statement. [6164]

  Mr. Nigel Griffiths
  On 30 June the President announced an inter-departmental review of utility regulation which will include an examination of the various models of consumer representation currently operating in the utilities, including in the telecommunications industry. If the review concludes that changes are necessary we will publish a consultation document setting out the options and reasons underlying the case for change.

  In addition OFTEL is currently considering the responses received to its consultation document on the role of organisations who represent consumers on telecommunications matters, including the telecommunications advisory committees, and will publish a statement of its recommendations shortly. We will consider any recommendations on the telecommunications advisory committees as part of the inter-departmental review.

  Multi-level Marketing
  Jane Griffiths
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what is her Department's policy towards multi-level marketing. [6252]

  Mr. Nigel Griffiths
  Legitimate multi-level marketing schemes give people the opportunity to run their own small businesses and are therefore to be welcomed.

  We do, however, need to guard against those pyramid selling schemes whose structures and reward mechanisms are such that individuals can be exploited. My Department has taken action successfully to wind up companies which are running illegal schemes.

  Instruments of Torture
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what representations she has made to the Government's legal officers concerning the prosecution of United Kingdom companies involved in the export of instruments of torture. [6629]

  Mrs. Roche
  The investigation and prosecution of any breaches of UK export controls is a matter for HM Customs and Excise and we would urge anyone in possession of information which might suggest that offences have been committed to make it available to them.

  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what representations she has received concerning the export by United Kingdom companies of electric shock devices. [6636]

  Mrs. Roche
  My Department regularly receives representations from individuals and organisations proposing that the Government should ban the export of such devices. We are committed to preventing British companies from manufacturing, selling or procuring equipment designed primarily for torture and to press for a global ban. Work is in hand on how best to take forward this commitment.

  Trade Union Subscriptions
  Ms Beverley Hughes
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will make a statement on the Government's policy towards the requirement for employers to obtain re-authorisations from their employees every three years for the deduction of trade union subscriptions direct from pay. [7645]

  Mrs. Beckett
  The Government believes this requirement is unnecessary and burdensome for employers and unions. We propose to repeal it by a deregulation order under the Deregulation and Contracting Out Act 1994. After we have consulted with interested parties this summer on the scope and content of a deregulation order, we intend to start the Parliamentary stages in the autumn, and complete the repeal next year.

  Post Office
  Mrs. May
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what are the terms of reference given to those undertaking the review of the Post Office and the timetable set for the review; and what interim requirements have been set for the review. [7271]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  The terms of reference for the review of the Post Office are to identify practical options for introducing greater commercial freedom in accordance with our election manifesto commitment. A scoping exercise is currently in progress to establish what changes can be introduced quickly and to set a timetable for addressing more complex issues. I hope to announce the results of the initial exercise in the Autumn.

  Mrs. May
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade when she expects the review of the Post Office to be completed. [7270]
  414
  Mr. McCartney
  We are aiming to make good progress but it is too early yet to say when the review will be completed.

  Supervision
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what sanctions his Department is able to impose on individuals criticised in DTI inspectors" reports. [6470]

  Mr. Nigel Griffiths
  A criminal investigation and/or disqualification proceedings may be commenced against individuals criticised in inspectors" reports. The reports may also be disclosed to recognised professional and regulatory bodies.

  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many individuals from accountancy firms criticised by the DTI inspectors are currently seconded to her Department; and at what cost to public funds. [6469]

  Mr. Griffiths
  There are currently 3 individuals seconded to the Department from accountancy firms which have in the past been criticised in Inspectors" reports. The annual cost is approximately £120,000 plus VAT. None of the individuals have been personally criticised by Inspectors. The criticism of their firms was in reports published prior to 1993.

  Resort Hotels
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will establish an inquiry into the auditing of Resort Hotels plc. [6059]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  Resort Hotels plc collapsed in 1994 with substantial debts. The managing director of Resort Hotels, Mr. Robert Philip Feld, was found guilty on 1 April 1997 of fraud and forgery and was jailed for eight years; the audit of the accounts was referred to during his trial. Under Part II of the Companies Act 1989 the Recognised Supervisory Bodies (RSBs), are responsible for dealing with complaints against registered auditors. In the case of Resort Hotels the responsible RSB is the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales who are inquiring into the auditing of Resort Hotels in the light of Mr. Feld's trial. I shall write to my right hon. Friend when I hear the outcome of their inquiries.

  Inward Investment
  Mr. Rapson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will set out her assessment of the prospects for future inward investment in the United Kingdom. [5736]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  The UK faces increasing competition to attract inward investment to and within Europe and I expect that to continue. Our record as Europe's number one location for investment from the US, Japan and Korea remains intact but we shall maintain it only by consolidating and building on the UK's attractions as an international investment location. The Invest in Britain Bureau's 1996–97 report will be published on 16 July and will contain further details of the UK's current performance.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  European Union
  Mr. Jim Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he next intends to meet his EU and WEU counterparts to discuss closer links between the two organisations. [5746]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  I expect to meet my EU and WEU counterparts, to discuss strengthened links between the two bodies, when we are ready to finalise a WEU Declaration which will complement the Amsterdam Treaty.

  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make it his policy to consult the electorate before ceding further powers to the European Union. [5756]

  Mr. Henderson
  On 1 May the electorate gave its overwhelming support to the present Government and its manifesto which included a commitment to a fresh start in Europe.

  Sri Lanka
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment the Government have made of civil rights in Sri Lanka; and if he will make a statement. [5747]

  Mr. Fatchett
  Basic civil rights are enshrined in the Sri Lankan constitution. We hope that the Sri Lankan Government will continue to respect them.

  India and Pakistan
  Jane Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on United Kingdom relations with India. [5748]

  Mr. Fatchett
  We enjoy good relations with India as I discovered during my visit there last month. We look forward to strengthening this relationship still further.

  Mr. Corbett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proposals he has to encourage improved relations between India and Pakistan. [5753]

  Mr. Fatchett
  We welcome the talks between India and Pakistan and support them in their desire to achieve progress. We are willing to provide our good offices if both sides want us to.

  Mrs. Mahon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on United Kingdom relations with Pakistan. [5761]

  Mr. Fatchett
  We have good relations with Pakistan and look forward to strengthening them further.

  Burma (Human Rights)
  Mr. Clapham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the steps being taken by his Department to improve human rights in Burma. [5749]
  416
  Mr. Fatchett
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Peterborough (Mrs. Brinton) earlier in the House today.

  Middle East Peace Process
  Mr. Galloway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he had whilst in the United States of America on the prospects for peace in the middle east; and if he will make a statement. [5750]

  Mr. Fatchett
  My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary discussed the Middle East peace process with his colleagues at the Denver Summit. The G8 expressed concern at the crisis faced by the Middle East peace process and determination to inject new momentum into the search for a just and lasting settlement.

  Hong Kong
  Mr. Alan Keen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the United Kingdom's role in the future of Hong Kong. [5751]

  Mr. Rooney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the United Kingdom's role in the future of Hong Kong. [5755]

  Mr. Fatchett
  As a co-signatory of the Joint Declaration, Britain has an enduring moral and political responsibility towards Hong Kong. We will continue to watch developments closely, in particular through the Sino-British Joint Liaison Group, which continues until 1 January 2000. We will report to Parliament at six-monthly intervals on the implementation of the Joint Declaration, with special reference to the protection of human rights in Hong Kong. We will also continue to remind the international community of its stake in Hong Kong's continuing success.

  Mr. Day
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) if he will list the departmental special advisers and parliamentary private secretaries who attended the hand over ceremonies in Hong Kong; [6965]

  (2) if he will list the publicly funded travel and accommodation costs incurred by individual departmental special advisers and parliamentary private secretaries who attended the handover ceremonies in Hong Kong; [6959]

  (3) if he will list the overall cost to the Exchequer of travel and accommodation expenses incurred by departmental special advisers and parliamentary private secretaries who attended the hand over ceremonies in Hong Kong: [6956]

  (4) how many departmental special advisers and parliamentary private secretaries attended the handover ceremonies in Hong Kong. [6961]

  Mr. Fatchett
  [holding answer 7 July 1997]: The only Departmental Special Advisers or Parliamentary Private Secretaries to attend the handover ceremonies in Hong Kong were Mr. Alastair Campbell, Chief Press Secretary to the Prime Minister, and Mr. Andrew Wood, Special Adviser to the Foreign Secretary.
  417
  The Chief Press Secretary accompanied the Prime Minister at no additional cost to the taxpayer.

  Mr. Hood accompanied my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth affairs on the chartered plane which took the official British delegation to Hong Kong, at no additional cost to the taxpayer, his accommodation cost £2,581, which was met from public funds.

  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement regarding his discussions in Hong Kong with his Chinese counterpart Qian Qichen. [7178]

  Mr. Fatchett
  The meeting in Hong Kong between my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs and his Chinese counterpart which I also attended was the first since taking office. This was an historic occasion and provided a unique opportunity to set the tone for future relations. Discussions focused mostly on Hong Kong issues but also covered a range of bilateral matters including human rights.

  Exports
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the assistance his Department provides for exporting to north America. [5752]

  Mr. Fatchett
  A wide range of services is available to British exporters through our network of twelve Diplomatic Posts in the US and four in Canada. The assistance available includes market research, customised contact lists, help with finding agents and distributors and help with publicity for new products and services. Support is also available for companies participating in trade missions and trade fairs in the region.

  Dr. Naysmith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he proposes to take to promote Britain's export trade. [5760]

  Mr. Fatchett
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave, earlier in the House today, to the hon. Member for Kilmarnock and Loudoun (Mr. Browne).

  Nuclear Deterrent
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the implications of the treaty of Amsterdam on the future control of the British strategic nuclear deterrent. [5754]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  We believe that the Treaty of Amsterdam has no implications for the British nuclear deterrent.

  Qualified Majority Voting
  Mr. Blunt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the policy areas in the Amsterdam inter-governmental treaty in which he proposed the introduction of qualified majority voting, but failed to achieve agreement. [5757]
  418
  Mr. Doug Henderson
  Discussion of QMV in the IGC was based on Presidency proposals. These included introducing QMV in areas such as industry and the environment, where the UK supported some extension of QMV, but on which there was ultimately no agreement.

  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer to the hon. member for Daventry (Mr. Boswell) on 23 June,Official Report, column 346, if he will make a statement on the impact of the extension of qualified majority voting under the Amsterdam Treaty. [5763]

  Mr. Henderson
  We fully support the modest extension of qualified majority voting agreed at Amsterdam which will help effective decision making in areas like fraud and research and development.

  Carbon Dioxide Emissions
  Ms Southworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what further discussions he will be holding with United States of America authorities about the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions. [5758]

  Mr. Fatchett
  I and my colleagues will take every opportunity between now and the Conference in Kyoto in December to press the US to make significant reductions in carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions in the post-2000 period.

  Immigration Rules
  Fiona Mactaggart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what arrangements are being made to inform applicants for settlement in the Asian sub-continent of changes in the rules affecting their cases; and how long they may have to wait. [5759]

  Mr. Fatchett
  The abolition of the Primary Purpose criterion of the Immigration Rules has been widely publicised in South Asia. All visa applicants are provided with detailed guidance notes on how to make an application; these naturally include details of the current regulations. Posts in South Asia are now also offering specific advice to those whose applications are affected by the abolition of the Primary Purpose criterion.

  Maximum interview waiting times for first time settlement applicants range from three months for spouses of those settled in the UK to six months for other categories. The equivalent period for those who have been refused and re-apply is nine months.

  Prisoners of War
  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the representations made by him over compensation for former British prisoners of war held by the Japanese. [5762]

  Mr. Fatchett
  I refer the hon. member to the answer my hon. Friend the Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, the Member for Newcastle upon Tyne, North (Mr. Henderson) gave to the hon. member for Burnley (Mr. Pike) on 24 June,Official Report, column 462.

  BBC World Service
  Mr. Mullin
  To ask the Secretary of State of Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what financial reduction has been imposed on the BBC World Service over and above those required by the reduction in Foreign Office funding: and if he will make a statement. [5833]

  Mr. Fatchett
  There have been no additional financial cuts. The restructuring is the responsibility of the BBC. This Department is monitoring its implementation particularly with regard to the special character, style, ethos and quality of the World Service.

  Entry Requirements (Children)
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proof is required of a parent, resident in the United Kingdom and a United Kingdom national, that children, living abroad, whom they wish to bring into the country, are their natural children in the absence of a marriage certificate or birth certificate from the country of residence. [5053]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  [holding answer 1 July 1997]: In cases where documentary evidence satisfactorily establishing the identity of children seeking to join parents who are British citizens or UK residents is not available. Entry Clearance Officers have the option to interview the sponsor and applicants to try and establish their relationship. If such an interview proves inconclusive, the Entry Clearance Officer can invite the applicants and the sponsor to take a free DNA test under the government-funded scheme. The DNA test will satisfactorily establish the relationship between applicant and sponsor.

  Strategic Defence Review
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the dates and attendees by Department and grade of meetings of officials which have taken place in his Department on the Strategic Defence Review. [6762]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  This Department's officials have attended a number of meetings in the FCO on the Strategic Defence Review. On 3 July my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs held a seminar in the FCO on the Strategic Defence Review with academics and other commentators. We do not keep records of dates and the participants of all meetings attended by officials within this Department.

  Sir Richard Body
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how the responsibility for the Defence Review will be divided between his Department and the Ministry of Defence; and what the arrangements will be far his Department's involvement. [7062]

  Mr. Lloyd
  The first phase of the Strategic Defence Review to establish the policy baseline, is being conducted jointly by the MOD and this Department.

  The MOD will lead the subsequent work, with continued involvement from this Department to assess roles, missions and capabilities required and the implications for equipment and support.

  Computers (Century Date Change)
  Mr. David Atkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on his Department's timetable for dealing with the Year 2000 Computer Problem; who is in charge of the project; how many staff are working on it; what is the projected cost of resolving the problem; and whether the project is on schedule. [7144]

  Mr. Fatchett
  In accordance with central directives, this Department will submit costed Year 2000 plans to the Central Computer and Telecommunications Agency (CCTA) by October 1997. This Department is replacing Office Automation (OA) systems, thus avoiding some Year 2000 problems, and addressing other systems through its millennium programme. All major systems will be compliant by March 1999. This Department's Director of General Services is overseeing the work. Fourteen staff are currently working on the programme. This will increase. Our current cost estimate is £3 million (excluding OA replacements). We are on schedule.

  China
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement regarding the efforts being made by the Government to encourage improvement in China's human rights record. [7249]

  Mr. Fatchett
  The human rights situation in China is a matter of deep concern. We take every opportunity to raise the issue with the Chinese authorities. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs did so most recently when he met the Chinese Foreign Minister in Hong Kong on 30 June. We are looking for a constructive way forward, both bilaterally and with our EU partners, that will bring about real progress.

  Indonesia
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to meet the Commander in Chief of the Indonesian armed forces. [6053]

  Mr. Fatchett
  None.

  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he intends to report to the House the findings of the internal Foreign Office investigation into the use of British-supplied water cannons in Indonesia on 12 February 1997. [6054]

  Mr. Fatchett
  We are not aware of any such incident on 12 February.

  Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting
  Mr. Gapes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on preparations for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. [5725]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  Arrangements for the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Edinburgh in October are progressing well. We are working closely with the Commonwealth Secretariat, the
  421
  Scottish Office and local police authorities in Scotland to ensure a successful meeting, which will serve the Government's aim of strengthening the Commonwealth.

  Gibraltar
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the consequences for Gibraltar of the Amsterdam summit. [5726]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  I believe that the agreement reached at Amsterdam fully protects UK and Gibraltar's interests.

  Old Documents
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the date and title of the oldest document or archival unit retained by his Department which has not been passed on to the Public Record Office for release for public inspection. [7204]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  The oldest papers withheld by this Department from release at the Public Record Office are some papers from Dublin Castle records in a register concerning judicial proceedings dated 1911–15 (File reference CO 904/36). These papers are being reviewed for release. My Noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs will write to my hon. Friend when the outcome of this review is complete and place a copy of the letter in the libraries of the House.

  Law of the Sea Convention
  Mr. Dawson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action he proposes to take in respect of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. [7264]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  Ministers are currently considering the issue of UK accession to UNCLOS. The House will be informed as soon as a decision has been made.

DEFENCE

  Eurofighter
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Eurofighter aircraft will be purchased in the United Kingdom. [6765]

  Mr. Spellar
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the right hon. Member for Fylde (Mr. Jack) on 26 June,Official Report, column 627.

  Defence Budget
  Mr. Collins
  To ask the Secretary of State for defence what representations he has received concerning the size of the defence budget. [6424]

  Dr. Reid
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence has received a number of enquiries about the defence budget both from Members of this House and from others. Many of these enquiries have been framed in the context of the Strategic Defence Review.

  Strategic Defence Review
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will include submissions from the Labour Party Working Group on Defence in the Strategic Defence Review. [6843]

  Dr. Reid
  All outside inputs to the Strategic Defence Review will be taken into consideration as part of the Review process.

  Defence Sales
  Sir George Young
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the status of United Kingdom defence sales contracts. [6648]

  Mr. Spellar
  Contracts for the export of defence equipment are a commercial matter between the exporting company and the customer. The exporter has to apply for an export licence where the goods covered by the contract are licensable under the Export of Goods Control Order 1994 or regulations concerning the export of dual use goods.

  Indonesia
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the role of the UK military officers attached to the armed forces of Indonesia. [6747]

  Dr. Reid
  It has been the practice in the past not to release details of military assistance provided to other countries on the grounds that this information is confidential between governments and disclosure would risk damaging our international relations. This practice is now being reviewed against the background of the government's commitment to openness. I will write to the hon. Member once the review is complete.

  Roll-on/roll-off Ferries
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if contracts have been signed for the purchase of two roll-on/roll-off ferries by his Department. [6758]

  Mr. Spellar
  No contracts have been signed for the purchase of roll-on/roll-off ferries in support of the Joint Rapid Deployment Force (JRDF). Discussions with industry are underway and an announcement will be made as soon as possible once a decision is reached.

  Regimental Complement
  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list, for each regiment, the number by which it was below complement on 30 April; and what plans he has to bring each up to its complement. [6817]

  Dr. Reid
  The manning level against the complement in each of the Regiments within the Household Cavalry, Royal Armoured Corps (RAC) and Infantry at 1 May 1997 is provided at Table 1. Corresponding information for the rest of the Army is not available by regiment but is provided by Arm or Service at Table 2. The Government fully recognises the seriousness of the situation we have inherited. To improve levels of manning the Army has introduced a number of initiatives; Recruitment, Retention and Re-enlistment bounties, the
  423
  introduction of NVQs, and the formation of an Army Foundation College from September 1998. In the short term, Gurkha Re-inforcement Companies have been deployed to minimise undermining in areas of particular concern.

  Table 1: Household Cavalry, Royal Armoured Corps and Infantry

  Deficit/surplus

  Household Division

  1st Battalion, Grenadier Guards

  -120

  N Company, Grenadier Guards

  -4

  1st Battalion, Coldstream Guards

  -54

  7 Company, Coldstream Guards

  +6

  1st Battalion, Scots Guards

  -78

  F Company, Scots Guards

  -22

  1st Battalion, Irish Guards

  -83

  1st Battalion, Welsh Guards

  -29

  Total

  -384

  Scottish Division

  1st Battalion, Royal Scots Guards

  -170

  1st Battalion Royal Highland Fusiliers

  -79

  1st Battalion, King's Own Scottish Borderers

  -70

  1st Battalion, Black Watch

  -66

  1st Battalion, Highlanders

  -74

  1st Battalion, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders

  -87

  Total

  -546

  Queens Division

  1st Battalion, The Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment

  -128

  2nd Battalion, The Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment

  -38

  1st Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers

  -56

  2nd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers

  -17

  1st Battalion, The Royal Anglian

  +16

  2nd Battalion, The Royal Anglian

  +3

  Total

  -220

  Kings Division

  1st Battalion, The King's Own Royal Border Regiment

  -89

  1st Battalion, The King's Regiment

  -3

  1st Battalion, The Prince of Wales's Own Regiment

  -7

  1st Battalion, The Green Howards

  -22

  1st Battalion, The Queen's Lancashire Regiment

  -90

  1st Battalion, The Duke of Wellington's Regiment

  +54

  Total

  -157

  Prince of Wales's Division

  1st Battalion, The Devonshire and Dorset Regiment

  -51

  1st Battalion, The Cheshire Regiment

  -80

  1st Battalion, The Royal Welch Fusiliers

  -4

  1st Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Wales

  -41

  1st Battalion, The Royal Gloucester Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiment

  -93

  1st Battalion, The Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment

  +13

  1st Battalion Staffordshire Regiment

  +3

  Total

  -253

  Light Division

  1st Battalion, The Light Infantry

  -63

  424

  Table 1: Household Cavalry, Royal Armoured Corps and Infantry

  Deficit/surplus

  2nd Battalion, The Light Infantry

  -33

  1st Battalion, The Royal Green Jackets

  -87

  2nd Battalion, The Royal Green Jackets

  -59

  Total

  -242

  The Parachute Regiment

  1st Battalion, The Parachute Regiment

  -32

  2nd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment

  -77

  3rd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment

  -78

  Total

  -187

  Royal Irish Regiment

  1st Battalion, The Royal Irish Regiment

  -145

  Total

  -145

  The Brigade of Gurkhas

  1st Battalion, The Royal Gurkha Rifles

  -14

  2nd Battalion, The Royal Gurkha Rifles

  +13

  Total

  -1

  The figures shown at Table 1 exclude the re-inforcement by the Gurkha Re-inforcement Companies (GRC) which number some 400 men.

  Table 2: Soldier (trained) manning state by Arm Service as at 1 May 1997

  Army Service

  Number surplus deficit

  Household Cavalry/Royal Armoured Corps

  -80

  Royal Artillery

  -644

  Royal Engineers

  +183

  Royal Signals

  -782

  Infantry

  -2,156

  Army Air Corps

  -41

  Royal Logistics Corps

  -1,137

  Royal Army Medical Corps

  -175

  Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineers

  -323

  Adjutant General's Corps

  -57

  Intelligence Corps

  -79

  Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing

  Corps

  -107

  Corps of Army Musicians

  -91

  Others1

  +21

  Total

  -5,468

  1 Includes Royal Army Veterinary Corps, Small Arms School Corps, Royal Army Dental Service, Army Physical Training Corps, Long Service List.

  Figures at Table 2 represent total soldier numbers serving in the listed capbadges.

  Figures at Table 1 only show soldiers serving with their parent units.

  Export Credit Guarantees
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions his Department has had with(a) the Department of Trade and Industry, (b) the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and (c) the Department of International Development about the level of export credit guarantees. [6666]

  Mr. Spellar
  As a member of the Export Guarantee Committee chaired by H.M. Treasury, the Ministry of Defence has regular discussions about export credit guarantees with the Department of Trade and Industry, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the International Development Department together with the Export
  425
  Credits Guarantee Department. This committee reviews whether countries should be on or off cover and discusses the level of export credit guarantees that should be made available.

  Long-term Costings
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place in the Library his Department's 10-year long-term castings. [6754]

  Dr. Reid
  The Ministry of Defence's long-term costing is the process by which the Department re-costs its internal plans and adjusts them. The product of this process is not contained in any single document. It has been the policy of successive governments not to publish detailed information on the outcome of the lone term costing. The Department's internal plans represent projections and assumptions which inform advice to Ministers on the affordability of particular elements of the Defence programme. Accordingly, I am withholding the information requested, which constitutes internal discussion and advice, under exemption 2 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information. In addition, disclosure of some elements of this information could harm national security and international relations, prejudice the competitive position of the Department in future negotiations with contractors and reveal commercially confidential data. Accordingly, exemptions 1, 7 and 13 of the Code also apply.

  Old Documents
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the date and title of the oldest document or archival unit retained by his Department which has not been passed on to the Public Records Office for release for public inspection. [7206]

  Dr. Reid
  Service personnel records are routinely retained for about seventy five years so that my Department can respond to any administrative matters that may arise such as, for example, pension entitlement. The oldest such documents are Royal Naval ratings ledgers covering the period 1892–1923. These records will be assigned to Public Record Office class ADM 188 with transfer taking place during 1998.

  Freedom of Information
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will publish his Department's submissions relating to freedom of information legislation. [6031]

  Dr. Reid
  [holding answer 2 July 1997]: I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to him by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on Friday 4 July, Official Report, column 294.

  Shoeburyness Ranges
  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State fur Defence if he has received a report from DERA about the future of the testing ranges at Shoeburyness; and if he will make a statement. [6446]

  Mr. Spellar
  [holding answer 3 July 1997]: I can confirm that my right hon. Friend the Minister for Defence Procurement has recently received a proposal from the Chief Executive of the Defence Evaluation and
  426
  Research Agency about the test and evaluation ranges at Shoeburyness and Eskmeals. MPs and staff will be informed of the outcome shortly.

SCOTLAND

  Ayrshire and Arran Health Board
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how much Ayrshire and Arran Health Board has spent on pursuing its legal appeals against the refusal of planning permission by Cunninghame district council and the Scottish Office for Ravenspark Hospital: what legal advisers acted for the health board in these actions; what monitoring his Department has undertaken of these actions; and if he will make a statement. [5433]

  Mr. Galbraith
  This is a matter for Ayrshire and Arran Health Board. I have asked the Chairman to write to my hon. Friend. The Scottish Office monitors the full range of health boards" activities and expenditure, and is aware of this ongoing issue.

  Local Government Finance
  Mr. Welsh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the time scale and terms of his review of the requirement on local authorities in Scotland to set aside 75 per cent. of their housing capital receipts for debt repayment. [6275]

  Mr. Chisholm
  We hope to conclude this review, which is looking at the public expenditure implications of the set aside requirement, later in the year.

  Mr. Welsh
  To ask the Secretary for Scotland if he will list for each local authority in Scotland the annual targets estimated at the start of the financial year 1997–98 for capital receipts, indicating for each authority receipts from(a) right to buy. (b) stock transfer and (c) land sales. [6276]

  Mr. Chisholm
  No housing receipts targets were set for Scottish local authorities for 1997–98. The estimates made by local authorities of the amounts they expect to raise as capital receipts are set out in the table.

  £ million

  Authority

  Estimated right to buy receipts

  Estimated stock transfer receipts

  Other HRA estimated receipts1

  Aberdeen City Council

  11.718

  0.000

  0.900

  Aberdeenshire Council

  7.880

  0.000

  0.455

  Angus Council

  4.084

  0.000

  0.231

  Argyll and Bute Council

  3.230

  0.000

  0.015

  Clackmannanshire Council

  2.188

  0.000

  0.050

  Dumfries and Galloway Council

  6.414

  0.000

  0.505

  Dundee City Council

  2.600

  0.000

  0.720

  East Ayrshire Council

  5.400

  0.000

  0.050

  East Dumbartonshire Council

  2.477

  0.000

  0.020

  East Lothian Council

  3.235

  0.050

  0.192

  East Renfrewshire Council

  1.023

  0.000

  0.040

  City of Edinburgh Council

  6.627

  0.000

  1.107

  Falkirk Council

  4.776

  0.000

  1.040

  Fife Council

  11.188

  0.000

  0.703

  City of Glasgow Council

  17.943

  0.000

  2.190

  Highland Council

  9.042

  0.000

  0.252

  427

  £ million

  Authority

  Estimated right to buy receipts

  Estimated stock transfer receipts

  Other HRA estimated receipts1

  Inverclyde Council

  3.540

  0.000

  0.003

  Midlothian Council

  2.851

  0.000

  0.112

  Moray Council

  2.646

  0.000

  0.084

  North Ayrshire Council

  5.258

  0.000

  0.150

  North Lanarkshire Council

  18.915

  0.000

  0.915

  Orkney Islands Council

  0.810

  0.000

  0.005

  Perth and Kinross Council

  4.536

  0.000

  0.320

  Renfrewshire Council

  4.145

  0.180

  0.320

  Scottish Borders Council

  3.165

  0.000

  0.057

  Shetland Council

  0.945

  0.000

  0.025

  South Ayrshire Council

  3.113

  0.000

  0.000

  South Lanarkshire Council

  12.151

  0.000

  0.090

  Stirling Council

  3.711

  0.000

  0.060

  West Dumbartonshire Council

  1.725

  0.000

  0.045

  West Lothian Council

  7.141

  0.000

  0.320

  Western Isles Council

  0.426

  0.000

  0.038

  Scotland

  174.903

  0.230

  11.044

  1 Other HRA estimated receipts include: rent to mortgage receipts, loan repayments, and sale or disposal of land and other assets.

  Beaufort's Dyke
  Mr. Alasdair Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he will institute an independent inquiry into the extent of radioactive dumping in Beaufort's Dyke and the current condition of radioactive waste material; [6616]

  (2) what conditions and restrictions were set on the dumping of radioactive waste in Beaufort's Dyke; [6615]

  (3) what assessment his Department has made of the condition of metal drums containing radioactive waste dumped in Beaufort's Dyke. [6613]

  (4)which organisations have been given approval to dump radioactive waste in Beaufort's Dyke. [6614]

  (5) if he will investigate the accuracy of statements made by Scottish Office ministers since 1984 relating to the dumping of radioactive waste in Beaufort's Dyke. [6612]

  Mr. Dewar
  As indicated by my hon. Friend, the Minister of State for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food—1 July,Official Report, columns 158–160—the discovery that radioactive waste had been dumped within the Beaufort's Dyke explosives disposal site followed a discovery of old papers in the Public Records Office. The lack of awareness of these papers and their contents led to previous Governments inadvertently giving inaccurate assurances.

  The papers located thus far reveal that radioactive waste was disposed of at Beaufort's Dyke during the 1950s on behalf of Edinburgh and Glasgow Universities. Babcock and Wilcox Ltd., Ferranti Ltd. and Luminisers Ltd. The accepted practice for dealing with the waste, which was regarded at the time as being non-hazardous, was to encase it in concrete in mild steel drums. If necessary the drums were also weighted with scrap metal to ensure rapid sinking at the disposal location. We cannot be sure of the current condition of the steel drums since it would be extremely difficult to locate them given the large quantities of debris that are present on the seabed.
  428
  However, the amounts of radioactivity that they contain are so small that release of the contents would be of no significance in terms of either public health or the marine environment. I therefore see no merit in initiating an independent enquiry.

  Of importance is the fact that regular monitoring of the area has been carried out since the early 1960s: the most recent report entitled "Radioactivity in Food and the Environment 1995" is available in the Library of the House of Commons. This monitoring has not detected any measurable effect on radioactivity levels in the Beaufort's Dyke area, which remain well within internationally agreed safety levels.

  My Department and others that were involved in the consultation and consenting procedures that were followed some 40 or so years ago, are currently carrying out an exhaustive check of records and archive material. Any relevant information which emerges will be made available to the House and the public at the earliest opportunity.

  Old Documents
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the date and title of the oldest document or archival unit retained by his Department which has not been passed on to the Public Record Office for release for public inspection. [7197]

  Mr. Dewar
  The records of my Department are specifically exempted from the Public Records Act 1958, and therefore are not passed to the Public Record Office. However, broadly similar procedures apply to the transfer of records to the Scottish Record Office (SRO). In 1994 a review was conducted within the Scottish Office to establish the number of files retained beyond the 30 year point, and this list has since been updated annually. All such files are reported to the Scottish Records Advisory Council (SRAC), with an explanation as to why they have been retained. The oldest recorded file in this category was opened in 1949 and is titled "Agriculture (Scotland) Act 1948—Cottars". It has been held for administrative reasons as it contains papers relevant to the eligibility of a rare class of landholder for assistance under the Crofters Building Grants and Loans Scheme.

  Wildlife Protection
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many(a) arrests, (b) prosecutions and (c) convictions have been recorded under the Wild Mammals (Protection) Act 1996 in Scotland since its introduction, broken down by local authority: and if he will make a statement. [5705]

  Mr. McLeish
  [holding answer 1 July 1997]: Information on the number of arrests is not collected centrally. The information requested on prosecutions and convictions is not separately identifiable within The Scottish Office Home Department's classification of crimes and offences.

  BSE
  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many cases of BSE were confirmed in each local authority area in Scotland in each of the first six months of 1997. [6829]
  429
  Mr. Chisholm
  [holding answer 7 July 1997]: Information is set out in the table. This shows animals confirmed as having BSE between 1 January and 27 June

  Farmer Scottish regional councils, and Islands councils areas

  January

  February

  March

  April

  May

  1June

  1997 total to date

  Borders

  0

  0

  1

  1

  0

  1

  3

  Central

  1

  0

  0

  0

  2

  0

  3

  Dumfries

  5

  4

  4

  8

  4

  3

  28

  Fife

  0

  0

  0

  2

  1

  0

  3

  Grampian

  6

  3

  4

  4

  4

  3

  24

  Highland

  2

  1

  2

  1

  0

  0

  6

  Lothian

  1

  0

  1

  0

  1

  0

  3

  Orkney

  0

  0

  0

  1

  0

  1

  2

  Shetland

  1

  0

  0

  2

  0

  0

  3

  Strathclyde

  9

  3

  1

  4

  1

  2

  20

  Tayside

  3

  3

  1

  2

  5

  1

  15

  Western Isles

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Scotland

  Total

  28

  14

  14

  25

  18

  11

  110

  1 As at 27 June 1997. The statistics are not collected by the State Veterinary Service on the basis of the new local authority areas.

HEALTH

  Private Finance Initiative
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what restrictions will be placed on consortiums involved in NHS PFI schemes in respect of selling or permitting the takeover of their PFI contracts with NHS bodies. [6553]

  Mr. Milburn
  We are currently considering the future shape of Private Finance Initiative in the National Health Service. Current guidance published jointly by the Private Finance Panel and Her Majesty's Treasury ("Transferability of Equity" (1996)) advises that the public sector should not seek to restrict the private sector's freedom to transfer its investments unless there are exceptional reasons arising from the special nature of a project.

  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list those hospital projects currently under consideration as PFI projects and what stage in the PFI process each had reached at 1 May. [6792]

  Mr. Milburn
  Information on the stages reached in Private Finance Initiative projects is held centrally only for new hospital schemes which have reached preferred bidder stage, and for all PFI schemes with a capital value of £1 million or over which have had their Full Business Case approved. Information on the status of these schemes as of 1 May 1997 have been placed in the Library.

  Top Quality Care
  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what are his definitions of(a) top quality primary care. (b) top quality continuing care, (c) top quality mental health and (d) an excellent information system; and if he will list examples of (a), (b) and (c). [6742]

  (2) pursuant to his oral statement of 20 June, Official Report, column 544–45, if he will define in (a) quantitative and (b) qualitative terms (i) top quality primary care. (ii) top quality continuing care and (iii) top quality mental health services. [6806]

  Mr. Milburn
  The Government believe that top quality health care is characterised by: fairness—with access to services based on need rather than ability to pay,
  430
  1997. Fifty-three of these animals were first identified as BSE suspects in 1996 but not confirmed by laboratory analysis until 1997.

  geographical location or registration with a particular general practitioner; efficiency—health care that makes the best use of tax payers money; effectiveness—health care that focuses on quality of treatment rather than quantity alone; and responsiveness—health care that is sensitive and understanding of patients needs and concerns.

  Information systems should provide the information that the health service needs to plan and deliver appropriate services and that patients and the public need to be assured that they are receiving good quality cost effective care.

  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his oral statement of 20 June.Official Report, Columns 544–45, what methods of measurement his inquiry panel will use to determine if a medical service is top quality. [6807]

  Mr. Milburn
  The independent Advisory Panel will decide the method it will use to assess services, within the terms of reference it has been given.

  London Implementation Group
  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what factors underlie the reduction in spending by the London Implementation Group between 1996–97 and 1997–98. [6801]

  Mr. Milburn
  The London Implementation Group (LIG) was disbanded on 1 April 1996.

  The additional central resources for London previously allocated by LIG are now distributed by the NHS Executive. Comparative figures for additional resources for London in 1996–97 and 1997–98, and factors underlying changes between the two years, are as follows:

  1996–97 £ million

  1997–98 £ million

  Reasons for change

  Transition funding

  54

  47

  Reduction in central budget provision

  431

  1996–97 £ million

  1997–98 £ million

  Reasons for change

  Acute capital

  46

  41

  To match planned capital phasing of schemes

  London Initiative Zone (LIZ) funds (revenue and capital)1

  70

  46

  In line with original planned phasing of expenditure to match profile of schemes over life time of LIZ (1993–94 to 1998–99)

  Additional allocations for London health authorities related to mental health and from the special assistance fund

  22

  33

  Increase in additional resources for mentally disordered offenders and mental health Challenge Fund

  1 The above figures relate to centrally provided LIZ funds only. Total LIZ spending also includes Regional capital allocations and local funds.

  The above are all funds made available to London from central budgets and are in addition to London health authorities" integrated allocations which increased in real terms by £72 million in 1997–98.

  Financial Deficit (Northern Region)
  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 30 June to the hon. Member for Middlesborough, South and Cleveland East (Dr. Kumar),Official Report, column 29, on what date he plans to publish the information on trusts in deficit for 1997–98. [6805]

  Mr. Milburn
  The information requested from the revised plans of trusts will be placed in the Library in due course.

  Back Pain (School Children)
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what research he has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated into back pain in school children; [6818]

  (2) what (a) discussion and (b) joint actions his Department has initiated with the Department for Education and Employment in respect of (a) research and (b) solutions for back problems in school children. [6834]

  Mr. Boateng
  The main agency through which the Government support biomedical and clinical research is the Medical Research Council. The Council is not currently funding any research into back pain in school children. Nevertheless, it always welcomes high-quality applications and these are judged in open competition with other demands for funding, and awarded according to their scientific quality.

  Both the Department of Health and the Department for Education and Employment are aware of the research which the National Back Pain Association is currently conducting into factors which might cause back pain in school children. Once the results of that research are available, we will be better able to judge what joint initiatives might be appropriate.

  Waiting Lists
  Mr. .Jack
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the time required to reduce 432
  waiting lists to meet patients charter targets (a) nationally and (b) in each (i) health authority region and (ii) NHS trust. [6832]

  Mr. Milburn
  There are no Patient's Charter targets for reducing the number of patients on waiting lists, The Charter does, however, guarantee that all patients will be treated within 18 months of being placed on a waiting list and sets a target of a 12 month maximum wait for heart bypass surgery and some associated procedures.

  NHS Priorities
  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the medical conditions which are his current priorities for treatment in the NHS. [6744]

  Mr. Milburn
  The Priorities and Planning Guidance for the National Health Service, published annually by the NHS Executive, indicates the Department's priority areas for the development of services nationally. The needs of populations are assessed locally and services and treatments are matched to those needs. Individual clinicians decide the most clinically appropriate treatment and clinical priority for each patient based on their assessment of that patient's need.

  Compulsory Competitive Tendering
  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will make a statement on the reasons for ending compulsory competitive tendering in the NHS; [6740]

  (2) if he will make a statement on the timetables for ending compulsory competitive tendering to the NHS. [6739]

  Mr. Milburn
  Apart from the requirement periodically to market test cleaning, catering and laundry services, all market testing in the National Health Service is and has always been conducted on a voluntary basis. A review of the operation of the present policy is currently being undertaken by officials and the requirement to market test the three named services is being considered as part of this review. No decisions have yet been taken.

  Nurses and Midwives
  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what factors underlay the reduction in numbers of nurses and midwives between 1985 and 1995. [6799]

  Mr. Milburn
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to my hon. Friend the member for Gedling (Mr. Coaker) on 19 June 1997 at columns 290–91.

  Service Improvements
  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the extra resources which he estimates will be required by 2002 to achieve the service improvements listed in his speech in Brighton on 25 June. [6743]

  Mr. Milburn
  The speech made by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health to the National Health Service Confederation on 25 June set out the Government's long-term vision for the National Health
  433
  Service. My right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary to the Treasury has made it clear that spending plans for 1999–00 and beyond would be informed by the results of the Comprehensive Spending Review currently under way and would take account of all the Government's priorities and objectives.

  Research Projects
  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the research projects currently paid for by his Department being carried out by (i) private agencies, companies or organisations and (ii) the NHS Executive or other public body reporting directly to his Department and, in each case, the date when this work will be completed. [6789]

  Ms Jowell
  The Department, through its Policy Research Programme (PRP), funds a range of research. Listed are the titles and end date of the projects being carried out by private agencies, companies and organisations within the PRP, chiefly as part of the MedLINK and LINK Medical Implants programmes. Most are carried out in partnership with universities:

  Project

  End date

  Vaccination, juvenile onset diabetes and autoimmunity

  31 December 1997

  Temperature rise from pulse doppler ultrasound equipment

  31 December 1997

  Use of Embroidery Techniques in the Manufacture of Textile Surgical Implants

  30 April 1999

  Computer Assisted Orthopaedic Surgical System

  31 August 1999

  Suspended Image Systems for Endoscopic Surgery

  31 August 1999

  3D Vision for Endoscopic Procedures

  30 September 1999

  An Integrated Multi-disciplinary Approach to the Development of a New Type of Heart Valve

  31 January 2000

  Development of a Rear Support Walking Frame

  31 December 1999

  Development of MRI Compatible Endoscopes

  30 April 1999

  Electronically Guided Knee Surgery

  28 February 1999

  Development of DLC Coated Prostheses

  31 October 1998

  Hydraulically Controlled Implantable Devices for Incontinence

  30 April 1998

  Tissue Regeneration by TOPOGEN

  30 June 1998

  Advanced Glaucoma Filtration Implant Development

  31 August 1999

  Medical Implants Exploitation Contract

  28 February 2002

  A full list of PRP projects is being prepared for publication. This will include all projects funded in the public and private sector and copies will be placed in the Library.

  The NHS Executive funds over 39,000 research projects throughout the service. It is estimated that over 3,500 of these projects are carried out in partnership with industry.

  The Department also oversees the research programmes of sponsored Non-Departmental Public Bodies (NDPBs). This research supports the NDPBs in performing their statutory functions.

  Intensive Care
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many emergency admissions to hospital requiring the use of intensive care facilities there were in each month from January 1995 to date; and if he will make a statement. [6750]

  Mr. Boateng
  This information has not been available centrally until now. However, trusts have been asked to collect data on intensive and high dependency care activity from 1 October this year as part of the National Health Service Contract Minimum Data Set.

  Review Bodies
  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the remit which he plans to give to the review bodies which will consider the future pay of doctors, dentists, nurses and other health professionals. [6741]

  Mr. Milburn
  The remits of the Review Bodies remain unchanged.

  Inflation
  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is his department's estimate of health service inflation for 1997–98: and what was the level of the GDP deflator notified to his Department for 1997–98. [6800]

  Mr. Milburn
  The Department of Health does not forecast health service inflation. Her Majesty's Treasury has notified the Department that the Gross Domestic Product deflator is forecast to be 2.75 per cent. in 1997–98.

  Carers
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of carers have been assessed under the provisions for assessment in the Carers (Recognition and Services) Act 1995; and what action is being taken to increase that figure. [6821]

  Mr. Boateng
  It is not possible to assess the proportion of carers receiving an assessment under the Act, as the total pool of carers who would qualify for assessment, if they requested it, is not known. A recent survey by the Carers National Association concluded that, to date, a relatively small proportion of carers had been assessed. We intend to monitor the Act closely, both through commissioned research and as part of the Social Services Inspectorate inspection programme, and will need to consider what action to take if this reveals that the Act is not being effectively implemented.

  Funding (North Essex)
  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was, in(a) cash terms and (b) percentage terms, the change in NHS funding for the North Essex health authority area in each of the last four financial years and the current financial year. [7078]
  435
  Mr. Milburn
  The cash and percentage increases in general allocations for North Essex health Authority and the former North Essex District Health Authority are shown as:

  Cash £ million

  Percentage

  1993–94

  6.7

  2.7

  1994–95

  13.2

  5.2

  1995–96

  18.0

  5.7

  1996–97

  20.0

  6.4

  1997–98

  15.2

  4.5

  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if the formula used for allocating funds for the NHS in the North Essex health authority area in 1998–99 will be the same as that used for 1997–98; [7079]

  (2) what plans he has to change the formula used for allocating funds for the NHS in the North Essex health authority area; and if he will make a statement. [7080]
  436
  Mr. Milburn
  We will look at how resources are distributed across both secondary and primary care to ensure that these fully reflect local population needs and operate as fairly as possible.

  We are investigating the possibility of introducing further refinements to the weighted capitation formula in time for 1998–99 allocations but a longer programme of work will also be required.

  Old Documents
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the date and title of the oldest document or archival unit retained by his Department which has not been passed on to the Public Records Office for release for public inspection. [7195]

  Ms Jowell
  The oldest document retained by the Department of Health which has not been released for public inspection is thought to date from 1948 and is contained in a file entitled: "Civil Defence—Casualty and Other Ministry of Health Services: Working party on Medical Aspects". The file has been retained in the Department under Section 3 (4) of the Public Record Act 1958.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Payable Tax Credits
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assessment his Department has made of the cost to the Teachers" Pensions Agency of the abolition of payable tax credits. [7340]

  Mr. Byers
  Capita Business Services Ltd. (Teachers" Pensions) were awarded a contract to administer the Teachers Superannuation Scheme with effect from 1 October 1996. The scheme had previously been administered by the Teachers" Pensions Agency. There is no cost to Capita Business Services Ltd. (Teachers" Pensions) in relation to the Teachers Superannuation Scheme arising from the abolition of the advance Corporation Tax credit.

  Teachers (Select Committee Report)
  Fiona Mactaggart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what is the Government's response to the Sixth report of the Education and Employment Committee, Session 1996–97, on the Professional Status, Recruitment and Training of Teachers, which was published in March. [7646]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  We welcome the report. The White Paper published yesterday sets out the Government's plans to tackle the issues raised by the report. Our plans to establish a General Teaching Council, raise standards in teacher training, and develop a framework of professional standards should raise the status of the profession and assist with the recruitment of good candidates for the teaching profession. We announced last month that we are introducing new standards for initial teacher training courses, and started consultation last week on proposals for employment-based routes into teaching that will also help to boost the supply of well-trained teachers.

  Special Educational Needs
  Mr. McNulty
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will review provision for special educational needs; and if he will make a statement. [6876]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  We shall publish in September a Green Paper setting out for consultation proposals to take forward our policies to raise standards for children with special educational needs. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has set up a new National Advisory Group on SEN to help in the preparation of the Green Paper, and to oversee the subsequent process of consultation, and the resulting action programme for this Parliament. The Group will meet for the first time on 17 July.

  Careers Education
  Mr. McNulty
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to extend the legislation on careers education and guidance in 438
  schools to the independent sector; and if he will make a statement. [6933]

  Dr. Howells
  There are no plans at this stage to extend the legislation on careers education and guidance.

  Many independent schools have good careers education programmes and work closely with careers services. We will take active steps to support this voluntary agreement and promotion of good practice.

  Employment Chapter
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on the consequences for British industry of the employment chapter negotiated at Amsterdam. [5745]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  The new employment chapter has the potential to provide significant benefits to firms and individuals in the UK. It makes clear the importance of promoting a skilled and adaptable workforce and flexible labour markets responsive to economic change. The chapter will allow co-ordination of Member States" employment policies where appropriate, while restating that primary responsibility for employment matters will continue to lie with Member States.

  School Inspections
  Mr. McNulty
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) what was the total amount of funds set aside by OFSTED for the inspection of settings where nursery vouchers were to be redeemed; [6932]

  (2) if OFSTED has met its expected outturn figure for 1996–97 in respect of schools inspected in 1996–97; [6929]

  (3) how many inspections were carried out by OFSTED in respect of (a) secondary schools, (b) primary schools, (c) special schools and (d) pupil referral units in 1996–97. [6931]

  Mr. Byers
  The funding of OFSTED, and the numbers of schools and nursery settings inspected, are matters for HMCI. I have asked him to write to the hon. Member, placing a copy of his letter in the Library.

  Primary Class Sizes
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what are(a) the average and (b) the maximum numbers of children in primary school classes in Stoke on Trent, North; and how many are educated in class sizes of over 30 pupils. [7328]

  Mr. Byers
  The available information is shown in the following tables.

  The information in Table 2 puts into context the information on maximum class sizes in Table 1.
  439

  Table 1: Average and maximum class size and number of pupils in classes of 31 or more pupils for classes taught by one teacher in maintained primary schools in the Stoke on Trent, North Parliamentary Contstituency in January 19971

  Average class size

  Maximum size class

  Pupils in classes of 31 or more

  Stoke on Trent, North

  28.3

  37

  2,496

  1 Provisional estimates.

  Table 2: Numbers of classes and pupils by class size for classes taught by one teacher in maintained primary schools in the Stoke on Trent North Parliamentary Constituency in January 1997 (Provisional Estimates)

  Size of class

  Number of classes

  Number of pupils

  1–20

  10

  167

  21–30

  161

  4,300

  31–35

  65

  2,135

  36–40

  10

  361

  41 or more

  0

  0

  Total

  246

  6,963

  Assisted Places (Taunton)
  Mrs. Ballard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the schools in the constituency of Taunton with pupils on the assisted places scheme, indicating in each case the number of pupils and the income which the school receives under the scheme. [7050]

  Mr. Byers
  The number of assisted places taken-up and the cost of those places for each participating school in Taunton in the 1996–97 academic year are given in the following table:

  Assisted places scheme: Taunton

  School name

  Academic year 1996–97

  King's College, Taunton

  Number of assisted pupils

  20

  Cost of places £000s

  108

  Queen's College, Taunton

  Number of assisted pupils

  86

  Cost of places £000s

  387

  Taunton School

  Number of assisted pupils

  77

  Cost of places £000s

  427

  Company

  0–1 year

  1–2 years

  2–3 years

  3–4 years

  4–5 years

  5–6 years

  6–7 years

  7–8 years

  8–9 years

  Total

  Central

  1

  4

  5

  7

  1

  8

  7

  1

  0

  34

  North

  4

  1

  9

  4

  2

  8

  8

  7

  1

  44

  North-east

  8

  1

  13

  2

  3

  8

  12

  4

  0

  51

  South

  1

  1

  8

  9

  4

  5

  5

  1

  0

  34

  South-east

  6

  1

  10

  1

  3

  6

  8

  3

  0

  38

  West

  4

  1

  6

  0

  11

  4

  7

  4

  6

  43

  Total

  24

  9

  51

  23

  24

  39

  47

  20

  7

  244

  National Curriculum (Engineering)
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment for what reasons the study of engineering is not included in the national curriculum. [7056]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The National Curriculum aims to ensure that all pupils aged 5–16 at maintained schools benefit from a broad and balanced curriculum. It was not designed to train pupils for specialised careers such as engineering. There is, however, scope within the programmes of study for a number of National Curriculum subjects, including design and technology, maths, science and art, for schools to ensure that pupils have the opportunity to gain the knowledge, skills and understanding which they will need to study engineering.

  Parenthood Lessons
  Mrs. Ballard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to promote parenthood lessons in schools as part of his programme to meet the "The Health of the Nation" target for teenage pregnancies. [6825]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  As stated in the White Paper "Excellence in Schools" published yesterday, the Government intends that all secondary schools should have a role in teaching young people the skills of good parenting, both formally and through contact with good adult role models. Schools need to impress upon young people at an early stage the emotional, financial, social and practical responsibilities which parenthood entails and the lifelong nature of the commitment it brings. The Department will be considering with teachers and others how this might best be achieved and what parenting education programmes should contain.

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  Dial-a-ride Companies
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretarty of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many vehicales each dial-a-ride company operates; and what is the age of each vehical. [6907]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The answer is as follows:
  441
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what contribution London Transport made to the cost of replacing dial-a-ride vehicles in each of the last three financial years; and how many vehicles were replaced. [6908]

  Ms Jackson
  Dial-a-ride vehicles are purchased by London Transport on behalf of the dial-a-ride companies. The cost and numbers of additional vehicles are included as well as vehicles which were purchased as replacements.

  1994–95

  1995–96

  1996–97

  Total cost of additional replacement vehicles

  £2.03 million

  £0.11 million

  £0.81 million

  Number of additional vehicles that entered services

  26

  0

  9

  Number of replacement vehicles that entered service

  20

  17

  14

  The basic vehicles may be paid for in one year but the cost of conversion (including equipment such as a tail lift) and delivery may fall in the following financial year. In some cases all the costs may be incurred in the year before the vehicle enters service.

  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how much each dial-a-ride company has paid to London Transport in depreciation costs in each of the last three years. [6909]

  Ms Jackson
  The answer is as follows.

  London dial-a-ride companies—depreciation charges

  Central

  North

  North-east

  South

  South-east

  West

  1994–95

  158

  177

  212

  167

  183

  197

  1995–96

  121

  148

  166

  128

  131

  127

  1996–97

  139

  151

  176

  133

  148

  136

  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the staffing establishment in London Transport responsible for administering dial-a-ride companies. [6911]

  Ms Jackson
  I understand that there are three full time equivalent posts and one part time post (three days per week).

  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimates he has made of the financial implications of his Department funding dial-a-ride companies directly. [6912]

  Ms Jackson
  None.

  Rail Freight
  Mr. Coaker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the recent decision by a major retailer to transport more of its goods by rail rather than road; and if he will take steps to encourage other retailers to do the same. [6558]
  442
  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The Government wants to see more freight go by rail, and we welcome new initiatives which support that aim.

  Our White Paper on integrated transport policy, to be published next spring, will consider ways of increasing the proportion of freight carried by rail.

  Mr. Chidgey
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will consider including within future guidelines for transport policies and programmes submitted by local authorities a requirement to promote greater use of railways for freight, with special reference to the provision of inter-modal terminals. [7065]

  Ms Jackson
  Measures to promote the use of railways for freight transport are not funded through the Transport Policies and Programme (TPP) system and have therefore not been the subject of Departmental TPP Guidance to local authorities.

  Our White Paper on integrated transport policy, to be published next spring, will consider ways of increasing the proportion of freight carried by rail, including the role of the planning system.

  Roads Programme
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what method of appraisal of traffic generation has been used in respect of(a) each road scheme approved since May 1997 and (b) those road schemes currently under review; and if he will a statement. [6870]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  No major trunk road schemes have passed an approval stage since May 1997. Local authority schemes subject to the Secretary of State's approval and the trunk road schemes currently under review are subject to appraisal for traffic generation in accordance with the "Guidance on Induced Traffic", published in December 1994, where appropriate or, where there are complex traffic interactions, using the updated Guidance incorporated in the "Design Manual for Roads and Bridges" in February 1997 (Volume 12 section 2 part 2).

  Mr. Norman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he will take to ensure that the current review of the roads programme will not result in delays to those schemes chosen to proceed. [6950]

  Ms Jackson
  We are undertaking an accelerated review of 12 trunk road schemes. For others, work is proceeding to the end of the current stage. This will minimise the delay to schemes should they be chosen to proceed and ensure that work done to date is not lost.

  Mr. Norman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if the DBFO road schemes for which tenders have been received will be able to proceed as planned. [6940]

  Ms Jackson
  These DBFO projects are being considered within the accelerated review of trunk road schemes which is currently underway. We are aiming to announce decisions on these schemes later this month.

  Private Hire Vehicles
  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has following the case in the Queen's Bench Division between L. Benson and Copeland Borough Council to seek to restore the previous position whereby the spouse of a licence holder could use a private hire vehicle for any purpose other than for hire. [6766]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  I am aware of the concerns of the private hire trade following the decision in the case of Benson v. Boyce and I am considering what should be dune in the light of this judgment.

  Railtrack
  Mr. Chidgey
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if the present regulatory arrangements provide a mechanism for Railtrack to be rewarded for improvements to railway infrastructure through the price review mechanism rather than having to recover all the costs from a train operating company during its franchise period. [7063]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The costs of enhancement investment do not have to be recovered from a train operating company over one franchise period. The treatment of access charges in respect of network enhancements at future periodic reviews should generally take account of any agreement between the funding body or bodies and Railtrack on the future basis of charging, while having regard to specific public interest concerns.

  Traffic Wardens
  Mr. Chidgey
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will review with the Home Secretary the duties and powers of traffic wardens, with special reference to offences involving moving traffic. [7064]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The duties and powers of traffic wardens are matters for the Home Secretary and Chief Officers of Police. Traffic enforcement is one of the matters I expect to be regularly discussed between my Department and the Home Office.

  Motorway Lighting
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what assessment he has made of the accuracy of the map of motorway lighting produced by the Highways Agency in June: [7106]

  (2) pursuant to his answer of 24 June, Official Report, columns 521–22, for what reasons (a) the map supplied by the Highways Agency shows the M65 as unlit and (b) the list of motorways excludes the M65. [7107]

  Ms Glenda .Jackson
  I have asked the Chief Executive of the Highways Agency to reply to my hon. Friend.

  Letter from Peter Nutt to Mr. Peter L. Pike, dated 8 July 1997:
  The Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the. Regions has asked Lawrie Haynes to reply to your recent questions about the accuracy of the map of motorway lighting prepared by the Highways Agency. Lawrie is away from the office at present, and has asked me to deal with correspondence in his absence.
  444
  The map of motorway lighting provided by the Highways Agency was produced to indicate the approximate distribution of lighting on motorways across England. Regional information was gathered and centrally collated onto a base map. Whilst every endeavour has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, unfortunately an error occurred in the categorisation of the section of the M65 operated by the Highways Agency.
  I apologise for this error and confirm that the Agency's section of the M65 is completely lit. An updated list and map is enclosed for your information and updated copies of the map will be sent to the library.

  List of whole or part sections of lit motorway

  Junction to Junction

  Motorway

  Number

  Number

  M1

  1

  20

  M1

  21

  27

  M1

  46

  47

  M2

  6

  End

  M3

  Start

  1

  M3

  2

  3

  M3

  12

  End

  M4

  Start

  8/9

  M4

  10

  13

  M4

  20

  21

  M4

  22

  Wales

  M5

  Start

  9

  M5

  14

  19

  M5

  30

  31

  M6

  Start

  1

  M6

  2

  3

  M6

  3

  11

  M6

  15

  16

  M6

  19

  21A

  M6

  26

  33

  M10

  1

  2

  M11

  Start

  3

  M11

  5

  7

  M11

  12

  End

  M20

  4

  8

  M20

  11

  13

  M23

  7

  9

  M23

  9

  9A

  M23

  10

  End

  M25

  1A

  3

  M25

  6

  9

  M25

  10

  17

  M25

  18

  22

  M25

  23

  31

  M27

  3

  4

  M27

  5

  9

  M27

  11

  12

  M32

  Start

  1

  M32

  1

  3

  M40

  1

  2

  M40

  4

  5

  M42

  Start

  1

  M42

  3

  4

  M42

  5

  9

  M45

  Start

  1

  M50

  Start

  1

  M53

  Start

  3

  M54

  Start

  3

  M55

  Start

  3

  M55

  3

  End

  M56

  Start

  7

  M57

  6

  End

  M58

  Start

  1

  M58

  3

  4

  M61

  Start

  4

  M61

  9

  End

  M62

  9

  11

  M62

  11

  27

  M62

  37

  End

  445

  List of whole or part sections of lit motorway

  Junction to Junction

  Motorway

  Number

  Number

  M63

  Start

  End

  M65

  6

  10

  M66

  1

  End

  M67

  Start

  End

  M69

  Start

  1

  M69

  2

  End

  M180

  Start

  2

  M180

  4

  End

  M606

  Start

  End

  M621

  Start

  End

  Details are approximate and based on fully commissioned lighting installations.

  Belmont Stables, Barnet
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations his Department has received concerning the planning applications submitted by Belmont Stables for the Totteridge valley, Barnet area: and if he will make a statement. [6486]

  Mr. Caborn
  The application affecting the Totteridge valley submitted by the Belmont Riding Centre have been taken to appeal. The Planning Inspectorate are arranging a local inquiry into the proposals. Over 150 individual representations have been received by the Inspectorate all raising concerns about the proposals. A 450-signature petition in support of the proposals was received by the local planning authority. As the appeals are still to be heard it would not be appropriate to comment on the merits of the proposed developments.

  Mink and Arctic Fox
  Mr. Donald Anderson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he plans to list mink and arctic fox under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976. [6548]

  Angela Eagle
  I have no plans to add mink and arctic fox to the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976. The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food have lead responsibility for legislation concerning animals farmed for fur.

  Housing
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what structures exist at ministerial level to allow inter-departmental co-operation on housing matters. [6637]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The Ministerial Committee on Home and Social Affairs (HS) considers housing matters. Other committees may also consider particular housing issues from time to time as necessary.

  Travellers
  Dr. Iddon
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will consider reintroducing the provisions of the Caravan Sites Act 1968, with special reference to the requirement on local authorities to provide sites for travellers. [6639]
  446
  Mr. Raynsford
  We have no plans to reintroduce a statutory duty on local authorities to provide gypsy caravan sites. Local authorities already have a discretionary power (in section 24 of the Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960) to provide sites for gypsies if necessary. My Department's Circular number 18/94, "Gypsy Sites Policy and Unauthorised Camping" also advises local authorities to keep their existing gypsy sites open and well maintained, and to consider the provision of emergency stopping places for gypsies visiting their area.

  Humane Trapping
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has made to(a) his European counterparts and (b) other bodies in respect of the proposed international agreement on humane trapping standards discussed at the European Environment Ministers" meeting on 19 June. [6681]

  Angela Eagle
  My hon. Friend the Minister of State has met his opposite numbers from a number of Member States to discuss the Commission's proposals for a "Framework Agreement on humane trapping standards". We have made it clear that we do not support the Commission's proposal since we believe that it does not go far enough in banning the use of leghold traps.

  Ground Rents
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions in which parts of the country the system of ground rents still exists; what representations he has received concerning abuses of the ground rent system; and what plans he has to review the legislation concerning ground rents. [7108]

  Mr. Raynsford
  I assume that my hon. Friend is referring to rent charges levied by landowners who have released their land for development, which are otherwise known as ground rents or chief rents, rather than to ground rents for leasehold property.

  The vast majority of rent charges are on properties in the Bristol, Manchester and Wearside areas. The Rentcharges Act 1977 enables some householders who are liable to pay rent charges to redeem them cheaply and easily. However, certain rent charges are excluded from the Act and we are actively studying suggestions that there may as a result be scope for abuse by owners of such rent charges.

  Biotechnological Inventions
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what research his Department has undertaken into the possible environment implications of the draft European Parliament and Council directive on the legal protection of biotechnological inventions; and if he will make a statement. [7354]

  Angela Eagle
  The Department has a research programme to consider the environmental implications arising from the release of biotechnological products, in particular to identify the potential hazards and assess the risks to the environment from the proposed release of
  447
  genetically modified organisms. The Department has no responsibility for the legal protection of biotechnological inventions.

  Abstraction Licences
  Mr. Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when the Government will be conducting its review of abstraction licences; if he will make a statement on the review; and if it will include a review of pricing mechanisms. [7331]

  Angela Eagle
  We shall be launching the review shortly. A key aim will be to ensure that the environment is properly protected, while providing fair and flexible arrangements for access to water resources to meet properly managed demands in a sustainable way. Economic instmments including pricing mechanisms will be amongst the measures to be studied.

  Water Companies
  Mr. Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when the Government plan to take steps to establish duties on water companies to(a) conserve water when carrying out their functions and (b) prepare and implement drought contingency plans. [7335]

  Angela Eagle
  We shall bring forward legislation on these matters when Parliamentary time allows. Following the Water Summit in May, my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister asked water companies what steps they were taking to prepare and agree drought contingency plans voluntarily and he will be making an announcement on their responses shortly.

  Mr. Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if the replies he has received from the water companies in response to the Government's water summit will be available to interested parties. [7330]

  Angela Eagle
  The replies will be placed in the Library.

  Mr. Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the timetable for the Government's review of water company charging systems. [7334]

  Angela Eagle
  My right hon. Friend the Minister for the Environment launched the Government's review of the system of charging for water in a written answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Burnley (Mr. Pike) on 25 June 1997 Official Report, column 514. My Department has written to interested bodies seeking their representations on the full range of issues which will be considered in the review. A copy of the letter has been placed in the Library. The closing date for comments on the review is 31 July 1997. The Government intends to set out its proposals in the autumn. There will then be a period of formal consultation, with a view to reaching decisions fairly early in 1998.

  Mr. Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list those water companies that have agreed voluntarily to(a) offer domestic customers free simple devices to reduce toilet flushes, (b) offer free water efficiency audits to
  448
  domestic customers, (c) increase efforts to encourage water efficient gardening and (d) publish more performance and financial information [7333]

  Angela Eagle
  My right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister will be making an announcement on these matters shortly.

  Tax Credits
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what assessment his Department has made of the reduction in the income of occupational pension funds administered on behalf of local authority employees from the abolition of payable tax credits; [7338]

  (2) what assessment his Department has made of the cost of local authorities of the increase in pension contributions following the abolition of payable tax credits. [7339]

  Ms Armstrong
  An assessment of the abolition of tax credits on the income flow of local authority pension funds will in the first instance be a matter for each of the funds to consider, in discussion with their actuaries, investment managers and other advisers. The findings can then be built into the 1998 valuation of the funds and used to inform decisions on employers" future contribution rates with effect from the financial year 1999–2000.

  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what was the value of the tax credits available on occupational pension schemes for local authority employees during the last financial year. [7337]

  Ms Armstrong
  The information requested is not collected in such a way that is readily identifiable to individual pension schemes.

  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what consultations he has had with the Local Government Association about the effect on occupational pension schemes of the abolition of payable tax credits.

  Ms Armstrong
  Liaison between my Department, the Local Government Association and the United Kingdom Steering Committee on local authority pensions continues on a regular basis on these matters.

  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment his Department has made of the impact on council tax bands of the abolition of payable tax credits. [7336]

  Ms Armstrong
  None. The council tax is based on a system of banded valuations according to the open market value of properties on 1 April 1991 and these valuations will be unaffected by the abolition of payable tax credits.

  Office of Water Services
  Mr. Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what Ofwat's environmental responsibilities are; and to what extent these will be included in the forthcoming price review. [7332]
  449
  Angela Eagle
  The statutory duties of the Director General of Water Services are set out in the Water Industry Act 1991. Subject to his primary duties, the Director General has a general environmental duty, set out in Section 3. The Director General will take all his statutory duties into account during the forthcoming review.

  Local Government Officers (Political Activity)
  Ms Julie Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proposals he has to relax the rules in relation to local government officers and political activity. [7157]

  Mr. Raynsford
  These rules are currently the subject of a case before the European Commission of Human Rights, whose findings we will wish to consider carefully before deciding what action, if any, would be appropriate.

  Old Documents
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the date and title of the oldest document or archival unit retained by his Department which has not been passed on to the Public Record Office for release for public inspection. [7208]

  Ms Angela Eagle
  Under The Lord Chancellor's Instrument (LCI) number 28 dated 13 July 1995 the Department of Transport renewed its requirement to retain "Maps and plans (MNA series) relating to consents and proposals for work on foreshores and in tidal waters (1840–I990)". The dates were the best estimate before reviewing the collection.

  These records are in the process of being reviewed and the oldest record discovered in the collection to date is circa 1771 a survey map of the River Dee, Cheshire. The Public Record Office has the full catalogue of the material and advise that it is inappropriate to apply for another LCI showing (1771–1990) as the work should be completed and transfer effected by March 1998 latest.

  Ordnance Survey
  Mr. Rammell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to change the 1997–98 cash limit for Ordnance Survey. [7542]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The cash limit for Ordnance Survey, Class VI Vote 8 has been reduced by £23,000 from £6,759,000 to £6,736,000 as a result of a transfer of provision from Ordnance Survey to the Department of National Heritage, Royal Commission on the Historical Monuments, Class X, Vote 1 for a rent on a jointly occupied property.

  CITES
  Mr. Ennis
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the outcome of the conference of the parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species which took place in Harare from 9 to 20 June. [7710]
  450
  Mr. Meacher
  A record number of 125 member countries attended the conference, the majority of whom favoured greater liberalisation of controls in favour of sustainable use in line with the agreements reached at the Earth summit in 1992 and since confirmed at the UN General Assembly Special Session last week.

  Three southern African countries, Botswana, Namibia, and Zimbabwe, secured approval to transfer their elephant populations from Appendix I to Appendix II with the intention of allowing a limited resumption of trade in ivory stockpiles, live animals, and hunting trophies. During the Conference it became clear that a majority of countries supported an immediate resumption of trade in ivory. The United Kingdom and other EU Member States, working with African countries, were instrumental in deferring a final decision until stronger controls, verified by an independent panel of experts, are confirmed to be in place. In consequence, there will be no trade in ivory for at least 21 months. If trade in raw ivory does resume, the stockpiles will be exported to a single country, Japan, in a one-off experiment, subject to review. The UK abstained on the final vote in line with the European Union's Common Position.

  After active interventions by the UK and other EU Member States, the Conference voted to maintain controls on a number of key species. Proposals from Japan and Norway to block the International Whaling Commission's primacy in matters concerning commercial whaling, whilst allowing trade to resume in several whale species, were rejected, as were South Africa's proposal for a limited trade in rhinoceros horn from their white rhino population, and a proposal from Cuba to resume trade in their stockpiles of hawksbill turtle shells.

  With support from the EU the Conference adopted Germany's proposal to include all species of sturgeon on Appendix II, thereby ensuring that future trade in these species will be monitored and controlled. Agreement was reached on increased collaboration between CITES and the Food and Agriculture Organisation to gather data on shark landings, but the Conference rejected proposals from the USA, strongly supported by the UK, to establish a marine fish working group.

  The Conference endorsed a major UK initiative to tackle the impact of traditional medicines on wild animals and plants. It agreed a resolution sponsored by the UK, Japan and Korea detailing actions to reduce over-exploitation of wild species for medicinal use though better communication with traditional medicine communities, the introduction of comprehensive legislation in consumer countries and range states, effective enforcement, and more research into substitutes for endangered species. The proposals were agreed by consensus following constructive discussions between the sponsor countries and China.

  Proposals from Argentina, Bolivia, and Peru for a limited and controlled trade in sheared wool, cloth, and handicraft products from wild vicuna were adopted, but with a zero quota for the Bolivian population and other safeguards. The EU supported the proposals on the basis of the scientific evidence and after detailed discussions with the range states on their internal controls.
  451
  Finland withdrew from a proposal, which they had submitted jointly with Bulgaria and Jordan, to transfer all populations of the European Brown Bear from Appendix II to Appendix I. Most range states, including Russia, strongly opposed the proposal. In a series of votes, the Conference rejected the original proposal and subsequent amendments which would have confined its application to specific populations. In the absence of a common position, the UK and other EU Member States abstained on the first vote. Member States opposed the amended proposals which would have been impossible to enforce.

  The UK and other EU Member States strongly supported a proposal from the USA and Bolivia to include Big Leaf Mahogany on Appendix II of the Convention. However, as in 1994, this was rejected by the Conference. Instead, a working group will examine ways of protecting this species from unsustainable logging.

  In total, conference decisions will result in stricter controls on 17 species; one of these will transfer from Appendix III of the Convention to Appendix II, three from Appendix II to Appendix I, and thirteen will be added to the Convention for the first time. Less strict controls will apply to six species which will move from Appendix I to Appendix II. A further eleven species, which are presently on Appendix II but not in international trade, will be removed from the Convention altogether. Controls will also be removed from over a thousand artificially propagated hybrid plants widely sold through retail outlets.

  With UK support, the Conference adopted an important initiative by tiger range states for stronger action to protect this critically endangered species. As the new Chair of the Convention's Standing Committee, we will ensure there are opportunities to discuss progress before the next Conference.

  A proposal by the USA to establish a permanent Enforcement Working Group was rejected despite strong UK support, but Customs and Police members of the UK delegation organised an enforcement workshop during the Conference to discuss training, information exchange and co-operation between agencies. Several other countries took part, including the USA, Canada, South Africa, Mexico and a number of EU Member States.

  The UK delegation also played an active role in discussions on other key issues, chairing a working group which produced an action plan to implement the findings of a report on the effectiveness of CITES, and a resolution calling for increased co-operation between CITES and other conventions, in particular, the Biodiversity Convention. The UK also brokered a compromise agreement on the Convention's budget over the next three years which will allow extra work to be done whilst limiting the overall increase in contributions to 5 per cent. An offer by the UK, strongly supported by the EU to host the next conference, was narrowly rejected in favour of Indonesia.

  The United Kingdom was elected to Chair the Convention's Standing Committee which will be taking major decisions on behalf of all the Parties in the period before the next Conference in two and a half years.

  Local Government Act 1988
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is his policy in respect of Section 28 of the Local Government Act 1988. [6895]

  Mr. Raynsford
  [holding answer 1 July 1997]: The Government has long made it clear that we are opposed to Section 28 of the Local Government Act 1988. We are therefore intending to repeal it; however, there is no legislative opportunity available at present.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Child Support Agency
  Mr. Healey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans she has for a review of the structure and operation of the Child Support Agency; over what time scale and with what terms of reference; and if she will make a statement. [4889]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  Over the coming months we will be looking closely at all areas of the Child Support Agency's operations, in particular to ensure that cases are processed faster, backlogs are tackled and fathers do not avoid paying maintenance.

  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will list the proportion of the new work intake of the Child Support Agency during 1996–97 and the number of live assessed cases on 31 March 1997 relating to persons with care(a) claiming (i) income support, (ii) income-based jobseekers allowance, (iii) family credit and (iv) disability working allowance and (b) not in receipt of means-tested benefits; if she will list the figures for the three previous years; and if she will estimate the proportion of maintenance collected which is not offset against means-tested benefits. [5265]

  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 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. Archy Kirkwood, dated 7 July 1997:
  I am replying to your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security about new work intake by the Child Support Agency.
  The Agency intake of new work in 1996–97 was 368,026. The intake for the 3 previous years was 356,317 in 1995–96; 398,584 in 1994–95; and 858,011 in 1993–94.
  Information is not available to break down each years new intake of work into the categories that you have requested. However, data relating to the Agency's live and assessed caseload is produced by

  453
  the Analytical Services Division of the Department of Social Security. Figures are not available, as at the month of March for each of the years you have requested; the nearest figures available are those at 30 June 1994, 31 March 1995 and 28 February for both 1996 and 1997. The table attached shows the total live and assessed caseload, and the number of cases with full maintenance assessments at the dates mentioned.
  The table also outlines the proportion of parents/persons with care claiming means tested benefits and those who are not. Data is only available for full maintenance assessments. The number of cases

  Child Support Agency live and assessed cases; full maintenance assessments (FMAs) and parent/person with care benefit status

  June 1994

  March 1995

  February 1996

  February 1997

  Number of live and assessed cases

  203,600

  345,400

  460,800

  579,200

  Number of FMAs

  152,100

  257,900

  369,100

  498,500

  Proportion of parents with care

  In receipt of income support

  86.2 per cent.

  83.5 per cent.

  77.0 per cent.

  73.1 per cent.

  In receipt of family credit and disabled working allowance

  8.9 per cent.

  10.5 per cent.

  13.2 per cent.

  15.2 per cent.

  Not in receipt of means tested benefit

  4.9 per cent.

  6.0 per cent.

  9.8 per cent.

  11.7 per cent.

  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many persons with care have received payments of interest on delay from the Child Support Agency. [5271]

  Mr. Bradley
  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. Archy Kirkwood, dated 7 July 1997:
  I am replying to your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security about the number of persons with care who have received payments of interest on delay from the Child Support Agency.
  The measure whereby persons with care are compensated for delays caused by the Agency in passing on maintenance payments was introduced in March 1996, and was applicable to payments made from 1 April 1995. At the 30 April 1997, the total number of persons with care who have received payments under this measure from the Agency was 835, from a live and assessed caseload of approximately half a million.
  I hope this is helpful.

  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will give a breakdown of the level of Child Support Agency full assessment against absent parents" income in bands of £50 a week; and what

  Absent parents full maintenance assessments by net income for assessable purposes

  28 February 1997

  Absent parents net income

  Maintenance (£ per week)

  Total

  £0.00

  £0.01–£49.99

  £50.00–£99.99

  £100.00–£149.99

  £150.00–£199.99

  Total

  498,500

  203,500

  19,100

  28,900

  57,500

  80,100

  £0.00

  192,800

  155,700

  5,400

  14,800

  8,800

  6,400

  £0.01–£4.80

  77,200

  38,500

  13,800

  11,900

  10,100

  2,900

  £4.81–£9.99

  10,000

  300

  —

  1,400

  4,900

  2,600

  £10.00–£19.99

  25,000

  700

  —

  800

  12,900

  7,900

  £20.00–£29.99

  30,200

  1,500

  —

  100

  11,500

  11,200

  £30.00–£39.99

  34,000

  2,000

  —

  —

  7,100

  14,500

  £40.00–£49.99

  37,000

  1,400

  —

  —

  2,100

  18,300

  454
  where the parent with care is in receipt of Disabled Working Allowance is small, and these are included with Family Credit cases. Income-based Job Seekers Allowance cases are not counted separately, and they are included with Income Support cases.

  Of the £399.9m collected or arranged for payment by the Agency in 1996–97, £267.7m (67%) has been calculated as offset benefit spending. This leaves an estimated £132.2m (33%) which did not offset benefit spending.

  I hope this is helpful.

  proportion of absent parents have an assessment which is higher than the maintenance requirement for the relevant children. [5293]

  Mr. Bradley
  The formula provisions are designed to ensure that absent parents pay a reasonable amount towards the costs of their children, and contain a number of safeguards to ensure they retain a fair proportion of their income to meet other commitments. The additional maintenance payable when absent parents have sufficient income to meet the basic maintenance requirement helps to ensure that children share their higher standard of living.

  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. Archy Kirkwood, dated 7 July 1997:
  I am replying to your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security regarding the level of Child Support Agency full maintenance assessments against absent parents net income and the proportion of absent parents that have a maintenance assessment that is higher than the maintenance requirement.
  The tables below outline full maintenance assessments of absent parents by net income as requested.
  The proportion of absent parents with a final maintenance higher than the maintenance requirement is approximately 12%.
  I hope this is helpful.
  455

  Absent parents full maintenance assessments by net income for assessable purposes

  28 February 1997

  Absent parents net income

  Maintenance (£ per week)

  Total

  £0.00

  £0.01–£49.99

  £50.00–£99.99

  £100.00–£149.99

  £150.00–£199.99

  £50.00–£59.99

  33,500

  800

  —

  —

  100

  15,400

  £60.00–£69.99

  23,900

  1,000

  —

  —

  —

  800

  £70.00–£79.99

  16,400

  800

  —

  —

  —

  100

  £80.00–£89.99

  9,400

  200

  —

  —

  —

  —

  £90.00–£99.99

  4,500

  300

  —

  —

  —

  —

  £100.00–£ 109.99

  2,100

  100

  —

  —

  —

  —

  £110.00–£119.99

  1,200

  100

  —

  —

  —

  —

  £120.00 and over

  1,200

  100

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Absent parents net income

  Maintenance (£ per week)

  £200.00–£249.99

  £250.00–£299.99

  £300.00–£349.99

  £350.00–£399.99

  £400.00–£449.99

  £450.00–or more

  Total

  53,800

  29,700

  12,400

  6,800

  3,300

  3,300

  £0.00

  1,400

  200

  —

  —

  —

  —

  £0.01–£4.80

  100

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  £4.81–£9.99

  800

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  £10.00–£19.99

  2,300

  400

  —

  100

  —

  —

  £20.00–£29.99

  4,700

  1,000

  300

  —

  —

  —

  £30.00–£39.99

  7,400

  2,300

  400

  200

  —

  —

  £40.00–£49.99

  9,600

  3,900

  100

  400

  100

  —

  £50.00–£59.99

  9,600

  5,300

  1,500

  700

  200

  —

  £60.00–£69.99

  13,600

  5,100

  1,900

  1,100

  300

  100

  £70.00–£79.99

  4,200

  7,200

  2,400

  1,000

  500

  100

  £80.00–£89.99

  100

  4,100

  2,700

  1,200

  600

  200

  £90.00–£99.99

  —

  100

  1,800

  1,100

  600

  200

  £100.00–£109.99

  —

  —

  300

  700

  500

  200

  £110.00–£119.99

  —

  —

  —

  300

  200

  300

  £120.00 and over

  —

  —

  —

  —

  200

  700

  Absent parents with a net income of £0.00 includes all cases where the absent parent is on income support JSA(IB). This includes a small number of cases where the maintenance assessment is greater than £4.80. These are normally suspended eases where the CSA is investigating the current status of the absent parent.

  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will list for each quarter for which information is available since April 1993(a) the total debt in Child Support Agency accounts, (b) the debt attributable to interim maintenance assessments and (c) for both IMA-only cases and fully assessed cases, the number and percentage of accounts (i) fully paid up, (ii) partly paid up and (iii) without any payments made: and if he will add these data to the CSA performance statistical information placed in the Library. [5261]

  Mr. Bradley
  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. Archy Kirkwood, dated 7 July 1997:
  I am replying to your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security about the amount of debt in Child Support Agency accounts.

  Child Support Agency payment compliance via regular payment accounts

  Full Maintenance Assessments (including all categories—excluding suspended and deferred cases)

  Total

  Not applicable

  Sub total

  Full

  Per cent.

  Partial

  Per cent.

  Nil

  Per cent.

  November 1995

  341,500

  221,700

  119,900

  22,800

  19

  41,700

  35

  55,400

  46

  February 1996

  369,100

  238,100

  130,900

  30,200

  23

  43,500

  33

  57,200

  44

  May 1996

  395,500

  254,200

  141,200

  35,900

  25

  48,200

  34

  57,200

  41

  456
  The amount of debt, which includes final maintenance assessments and all interim maintenance assessments (except Category A maintenance assessments) remaining to be collected by the Agency at the end of March 1997 was £513,124,641.

  The amount of maintenance outstanding attributable to Category A assessments remaining to be collected by the Agency at the end of March 1997 was £613,765,094.

  Compliance rates are only available from November 1995. Prior to that date information available was of insufficient reliability to produce accurate results. The tables attached reflect the position from November 1995.

  We will not be including these statistics in the CSA Statistical Information report which is placed in the House of Commons Library, as these statistics are available to the public in the DSS Analytical Services Division CSA Quarterly Summary of Statistics.

  I hope this is helpful.
  457

  Child Support Agency payment compliance via regular payment accounts

  Full Maintenance Assessments (including all categories—excluding suspended and deferred cases)

  Total

  Not applicable

  Sub total

  Full

  Per cent.

  Partial

  Per cent.

  Nil

  Per cent.

  August 1996

  426,300

  277,500

  148,800

  31,100

  21

  56,400

  38

  61,200

  41

  November 1996

  462,800

  306,300

  156,500

  43,100

  28

  52,400

  33

  61,000

  39

  February 1997

  498,500

  333,100

  165,400

  52,200

  32

  52,100

  31

  61,000

  37

  Not applicable category includes those cases with nothing due or where payment is not via the collection service, as well as the majority of absent parents in receipt of income support.

  Due to rounding figures may not sum to exact totals.

  Nil compliance indicates that no payment has been made during the last three months.

  Interim maintenance assessments

  Total

  Not applicable

  Sub total

  Full

  Per cent.

  Partial

  Per cent.

  Nil

  Per cent.

  November 1995

  94,000

  20,400

  73,600

  400

  1

  4,100

  5

  69,100

  94

  February 1996

  91,800

  21,300

  70,500

  500

  1

  4,700

  7

  65,200

  92

  May 1996

  89,200

  21,000

  68,100

  500

  1

  4,600

  7

  63,000

  92

  August 1996

  86,200

  21,800

  64,300

  500

  1

  4,300

  7

  59,500

  92

  November 1996

  83,200

  22,600

  60,600

  700

  1

  4,500

  8

  55,400

  91

  February 1997

  80,700

  24,400

  56,300

  600

  1

  4,000

  7

  51,700

  92

  Not applicable category includes those cases with nothing due or where payment is not via the collection service, as well as the majority of absent parents in receipt of income support.

  Due to rounding figures may not sum to exact totals.

  Nil compliance indicates that no payment has been made during the last three months.

  Mr. Pond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what proportion of child maintenance assessments were processed by the Child Support Agency (i) within six months, (ii) within a year and (iii) after more than a year in 1996–97. [5446]

  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. Chris Pond, dated 7 July 1997:
  I am replying to your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security about the processing of maintenance assessments. I am afraid that I am unable to provide precise information in the format requested, as we do not have a breakdown of the proportion of clearances within a year and greater than a year.
  The clearance of maintenance assessments is the subject of a Secretary of State target, which in 1996/97 required that 60% of new applications be cleared within 26 weeks. We therefore monitored the progress of applications with this target in mind.
  In 1996197, we reported that 54% of new applications were cleared within 26 weeks. This was the figure for the full year. Performance was improving as the year-end approached in February and March, the in-month achievement was 60% and 63% respectively.
  Performance this year shows a continuing upward trend in the clearance of cases.
  I hope this is helpful.

  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what has been the caseload of the Child Support Agency, in respect of(a) cases awaiting
  458
  assessment and (b) live assessed cases at the end of each financial year of its operation; and what estimates she has made of these figures over the next five years. [5280]

  Mr. Bradley
  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. Archy Kirkwood, dated 7 July 1997:
  I am replying to your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security about the caseload of the Child Support Agency.
  Details of the number of cases awaiting assessment at the end of each year of operation are as follows:

  1993–94: 550,000

  1994–95: 425,561

  1995–96: 409,659

  1996–97: 406,649

  Details of the Agency's live and assessed cases are provided by the Department of Social Security Analytical Services Division, and are measured for the Agency's Quarterly Summary of Statistics (QSS). The quarterly measurement has not always coincided with the end of the financial year: the following figures are therefore from the QSS nearest to the year-end:

  1993–94: 203,600 (June 1994 QSS)

  1994–95: 345,400 (March 1995 QSS)

  1995–96: 460,800 (February 1996 QSS)

  1996–97: 579,200 (February 1997 QSS).

  We would expect to have reduced work on hand to around 200,000 by the end of 1998–99. The Agency is constantly seeking to improve clearance times and taking this into account would expect to have around 150,000–200,000 cases on hand during the following three years.
  The number of live and assessed cases at the end of each of the next five years is expected to be as follows:

  1997–98: 730,000

  1998–99: 855,000

  1999–2000: 950,000

  459

  2000–01: 1,035,000

  2001–02; 1,115,000

  I hope this is helpful.

  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of Sate for Social Security how many complaints concerning the Child Support Agency were sent in the last six quarters to(a) its customer services manager, (b) its chief executive and (c) Ministers; and when complainants were informed of the establishment of the office of independent case examiner. [5316]

  Mr. Bradley
  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 front Mrs. Faith Boardman to Mr. Archy Kirkwood, dated 7 July 1997:
  I am replying to your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security about complaints concerning the Child Support Agency. I am afraid that I am unable to provide precise information in the format requested.
  Most letters of complaint to the Agency are not dealt with centrally, but are handled by the Child Support Agency Centres (or, in a small number of instances, field offices) responsible for the complainants case. The number of complains received by the Centres (or the field) over the last six quarters is as follows:

  Quarter

  Number of complaints

  October to December 1995

  7,609

  January to March 1996

  6,257

  April to June 1996

  6,275

  July to September 1996

  6,259

  October to December 1996

  5,808

  January to March 1997

  5,870

  Whilst figures are collated on correspondence received by Ministers and Chief Executive offices, this is not broken down into different categories, and it is not possible to say what proportion of that correspondence relates to complaints. Details of the number of letters received by the Chief Executive and by Ministers over the last six quarters is as follows:

  Quarter

  Chief Executive

  Ministers

  October to December 1995

  2,322

  455

  January to March 1996

  2,412

  370

  April to June 1996

  2,338

  402

  July to September 1996

  2,102

  319

  October to December 1996

  2,333

  346

  January to March 1997

  2,266

  347

  It is important to consider the amount of correspondence, whether complaints or other matters, in the context of the Agency's overall business. From launch in April 1993 to the end a 1996/97, the Agency has taken on just under two million cases. A relatively small proportion of the Agency's workload. Therefore, results in complains or other correspondence.

  In response to a written Parliamentary Question, the then Parliamentary Under Secretary of State announced on 25 March 1996, that an Independent Complaints Examiner would be recruited for the Agency. This was followed by a press release, on the same day, stating his intentions to recruit an Independent Complaints Examiner, following a pilot to inform the guidelines within which the Examiner would operate. The appointment of Anne Parker as Independent Case Examiner was announced in a press release on 31st December 1996 and a leaflet explaining the service was published at the end of March 1997. Additionally, moves to
  460
  publicise the service have included meetings between the Examiner and stakeholder organisations, and correspondence from the Ombudsman to MPs.

  The Office of the Independent Case Examiner opened for business on 7th April 1997, but there were some restrictions on publicity during the General Election period.

  I hope this is helpful.

  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many Child Support Agency cases have had initial period arrears of over six months deferred in each quarter since April 1995; and in how many of these cases the person with care has been compensated. [5254]

  Mr. Bradley
  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. Archy Kirkwood, dated 7 July 1997:
  I am replying to your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security about the Child Support Agency initial period arrears cases.
  This measure was introduced to encourage absent parents to start paying maintenance where significant levels of arrears had accrued, as a direct result of Agency delays in processing initial maintenance assessments in the early period of the Agency. Under this arrangement, if absent parents continue to comply for 52 weeks, they would only be liable for the latest 6 months of arrears. Where this results in a balance of arrears being due to the person with care, this is paid by the Agency in the form of a special payment.
  The table attached shows the number of cases where initial period arrears have been deferred and the number of cases where the person with care has been compensated.
  Because of the 52 week qualifying period no payments were made during 1995/96. It follows that any agreements made for 1996/97 would not be actioned until the beginning of the following financial year, namely 1997/98.
  I hope this is helpful.

  Child Support Agency initial period arrears cases

  Period

  Initial period arrears deferred — number of cases

  Number of cases where person with care has been compensated

  April to June 1995

  14

  Not applicable

  July to September 1995

  76

  Not applicable

  October to December 1995

  304

  Not applicable

  January to March 1996

  382

  Not applicable

  April to June 1996

  303

  Nil

  July to September 1996

  200

  16

  October to December 1996

  191

  20

  January to March 1997

  266

  52

  Totals

  1.736

  88

  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when the Child Support Agency performance statistics for the final quarter of 1996–97 will be placed in the Library; and if the CSA met its performance targets and its charter targets for that year. [5288]

  Mr. Bradley
  The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the Chief Executive, Mrs. Faith Boardman. She will write to the hon. Member.
  461
  Letter from Mrs. Faith Boardman to Mr. Archy Kirkwood, dated 7 July 1997:
  I am replying to your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security about the performance of the Child Support Agency in 1996/97.
  Performance statistics for the final quarter of the year were placed in the Library on 4th June 1997.
  The Agency was given a demanding set of targets for 1996/97 by the Secretary of State, and performance indicated the good progress made in its main activities, with four out of five targets achieved in full. Full details of performance against the targets are shown in the attached table 1.
  The original Agency Charter was published in April 1993 to coincide with the launch of the Agency. It has now been revised, following consultation with Agency staff, client representative groups, DSS Headquarters, and the Citizen's Charter Unit. The new Charter was published in November 1996, and was the first Agency leaflet to be awarded the Plain English Campaign "Crystal Mark". Performance in 1996/97 against the revised standards is shown in the attached table 2.
  I hope this is helpful.

  Table 1

  Secretary of State Target 1996–97

  Performance

  £380m in £400m to be collected by the Agency or arranged for direct payment.

  £399.89 million

  To achieve continuing improvement in accuracy so that in at least 85 per cent. of cases checked during March 1997 the assessment value will be for the correct amount.

  87 per cent.

  95 per cent. of payments to parents with care to be made within 10 working days of receipt from the absent parent.

  98 per cent.

  Maintenance assessments:

  60 per cent. to be cleared within 26 weeks.

  54 per cent.

  At 31 March 1997, no more than 10 per cent. of all applications to be over 52 weeks old.

  12 per cent.

  Second tier reviews:

  55 per cent. to be cleared within 13 weeks.

  66 per cent.

  80 per cent. to be cleared within 26 weeks.

  88 per cent.

  At 31 March 1997, no more than 15 per cent. to be over 26 weeks old.

  10 per cent.

  Table 2

  Charter standards

  Performance Per cent.

  We aim to complete new assessments within 26 weeks.

  54

  We aim to pay parents with care their maintenance within 10 working days of receipt from the absent parent.

  98

  We aim to review assessments within 26 weeks.

  88

  We aim to send all the necessary information to the appeal tribunal within 13 weeks.

  82

  We aim to answer your telephone call with 20 seconds if you phone with a general enquiry during normal working hours.

  64

  We aim to reply to letters within 10 working days of receiving them.

  52

  We aim to see you within 10 minutes of your arrival if you have booked an appointment.

  100

  We aim to acknowledge your complaint within 2 working days.

  92

  We aim to send a full reply within 10 working days.

  62

  462
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security in how many Child Support Agency cases(a) liability orders have been registered in the county court, (b) inspectors have been appointed and (c) category C IMAs have been made. [5258]

  Mr. Bradley
  The Government believes all children are entitled to the support of both parents, irrespective of where they live. We cannot tolerate absent parents not paying the maintenance that they owe. It is therefore right that the Child Support Agency should chase up fathers who avoid paying.

  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. Archy Kirkwood dated 7 July 1997:
  I am replying to your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security about the enforcement of maintenance assessments.
  Legal action against an absent parent is a serious step, and is not taken lightly by the Agency. Nevertheless, if all other voluntary methods have failed, and if a deduction from earnings order is not a possibility, then a liability order is applied for. The Agency's intention in such cases is to secure maintenance—it is hoped that the threat of such action will be enough to ensure compliance.
  During 1996/7 the Agency initiated liability order action in 2101 cases. The number of cases where a liability order was granted during 1996/7 was 1136.
  Additionally, since May 1996 the Agency has been able to enter liability orders in the County Court Register of Judgments in England and Wales. In 1996/97, 110 liability orders were entered in the County Court Register. In the first two months of 1997/98, 78 liability orders have been entered in the Register.
  Under Section 15 of the Child Support Agency 1991, the Secretary of State may appoint a designated officer to act as an inspector, to visit an employer or self-employed absent parent in order to obtain relevant information on a specific case. The Agency does not employ staff specifically to undertake the role of an inspector. Where it is appropriate to utilise inspectorate powers, a suitably qualified and experienced officer is designated. We do not collate information on the number of cases where it has been necessary to invoke the powers of an inspector.
  Category C interim maintenance assessments are only used where a self-employed person is genuinely attempting to cooperate, but is having difficulty providing all the necessary information. Where a self-employed person is being deliberately uncooperative a punitive Category A interim maintenance assessment is imposed. Very few Category C interim maintenance assessments have been made since their introduction in April 1995; the numbers are as follows:

  1995/96: 10

  1996/97: 3

  1997/98: 1 (to 31.5.97)

  I hope this is helpful.

  Child Care Disregard
  Ms Julie Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people in Wales have been in receipt of child care disregard since April 1996; and how many are lone parents. [7155]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  Our objective is to reduce poverty and welfare dependency and to promote work incentives. Work is the best form of welfare for people of working age.
  463
  There were around 1,600 family credit awards that included help with childcare made to people in Wales between 1 April 1996 and 30 November 1996, the latest date for which figures are available, Of these 1,400 were lone parents.

  Information on families receiving the help through disability working allowance is not available, and housing benefit information will not be available until later in the year.

  Source:

  Family Credit 5 per cent. sample of awards.

  Old Documents
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the date and title of the oldest document or archival unit retained by her Department which has not been passed on to the Public Record Office for release for public inspection. [7202]

  Mr. Field
  The oldest file in the Department of Social Security awaiting transfer to the Public Record Office is:Ministry of Pensions Hospital, Leopardstown Park, Dublin. Surrender by Mr. Bernard Dunning of his reversionary interests in the property to the Crown. The file was raised on 7 February 1932 and closed on 25 April 1933.

  Benefit Integrity Project
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate he has made of the savings that will accrue from the benefit integrity project for(a) the current year and (b) subsequent years. [6326]

  Mr. Field
  One of our key aims is to restore confidence in the benefits system by tackling fraud and ensuring value for taxpayers" money. Questions on Benefits Agency operational matters are the responsibility of the Chief Executive, Peter Mathison. I have asked him to write directly and for his reply to be published with this answer.

  Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Paul Burstow dated 7 July 1997:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question regarding the estimate that has been made of the savings that will accrue from the Benefit Integrity Project for (a) the current year and (b) subsequent years.
  The estimated programme expenditure savings attributed to the Benefit Integrity Project for the current year are £27m. Savings for the years 1998/99 and 1999/2000 are estimated to be £40m and £35m respectively.
  I hope you find this reply helpful.

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