Written Answers of 25 July 1997

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Ethnic Minorities
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many and what percentage of employees, in each pay band, in the quangos for which her Department is responsible, are of(a) Asian origin and (b) Afro-Caribbean origin. [9575]

  Clare Short
  The information available includes staff of Afro-Caribbean origin with those of African origin. With that qualification, the information is as follows:

  Pay band minimum

  Asian

  Percentage

  African and Afro-Caribbean

  Percentage

  £50,000

  0

  0.0

  0

  0.0

  £42,500

  0

  0.0

  1

  3.4

  £30,000

  3

  6.0

  2

  4.0

  £23,000

  2

  6.9

  2

  6.9

  £19,250

  2

  11.8

  0

  0.0

  £16,500

  4

  16.0

  4

  16.0

  £12,500

  1

  2.4

  5

  11.9

  £10,000

  0

  0.0

  6

  25.0

  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many and what percentage of civil servants in each of grades 1 to 5 in her Department are of(a) Asian origin and (b) Afro-Caribbean origin. [9568]

  Clare Short
  Staff of Asian and Afro-Caribbean origin are not currently represented in posts formerly classified as grades 1 to 4. In posts formerly classified as grade 5, the Department employs one member of staff of Asian origin, representing 2.3 per cent. of such posts, and one member of staff of Afro-Caribbean origin, 2.3 per cent. We aim to do better.

  World Poverty
  Mr. Colvin
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the Government Departments with which she is co-operating directly with respect to the provision of overseas aid and the eradication of world poverty; and if she will make a statement. [10135]

  Clare Short
  Consistency in Government policy on issues affecting poorer countries is a key element in the remit of the new Department for International Development in the elimination of global poverty and promotion of sustainable development. My Department therefore co-operates as appropriate with other Departments, in particular with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office; HM Treasury; the Department of Trade and Industry; the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions; the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food; the Department of Health; the Department for Education and Employment; and the Ministry of Defence.

  Aid (Economic Reform)
  Mr. Colvin
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what criteria her Department uses to determine whether a satisfactory degree of economic reform has been implemented for the purposes of receiving overseas aid; and if she will make a statement. [10137]

  Clare Short
  We look to work in countries that wish to implement sound macro-economic policies aimed at laying or preserving the foundations for sustainable economic growth based on prudent budgeting, effective and transparent fiscal disciplines and efficient markets. At the same time, we look for a demonstrable commitment to eliminate poverty by expanding opportunities for sustainable livelihoods and human development through increased access to basic education, basic health and clean water for all.

  Aid and Trade (Review)
  Mr. Colvin
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development when the review of aid-and-trade provision will be completed; and if she will make a statement. [10138]

  Clare Short
  The review of the aid-and-trade provision will be done in the autumn. It would be inappropriate to pre-empt any findings of the review by making a statement at this stage.

  Know-how Fund
  Mr. Colvin
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the future of the know-how fund. [10139]

  Clare Short
  The know-how fund provides flexible technical assistance to central and eastern Europe and central Asia adjusting to the transition to democracy on an efficient economy. I am reviewing its activities as part of the process leading up to the publication in the autumn of a White Paper on international development to adjust to progress achieved and the need to address growing inequality and poverty in transition countries.

  Civil Servants
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many civil servants there are in total on each pay band in her Department. [9576]

  Clare Short
  The Department has yet to adopt a system of pay bands and, for the time being, designations applied hitherto remain in use. On this basis, the numbers are:

  Number

  Senior civil service posts

  43.5

  Grade 6

  51.0

  Grade 7

  93.5

  Senior executive officer and equivalents

  49.5

  Higher executive officer and equivalents

  145.0

  Administration trainee/HEO(D)

  12.0

  Assistant economist

  10.0

  Assistant statistician

  3.0

  Executive officer and equivalents

  174.5

  Administrative officer and equivalents

  322.0

  Administrative assistant and equivalents

  124.0

  Aid Target Date
  Mr. Luff
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development for what reasons it is not her policy to set a target date for reaching the UN target of 0.7 per cent. of gross domestic product for official development assistance; and if she will make a statement. [9195]

  Clare Short
  As I have repeatedly made clear, we are committed to reversing the decline in the proportion of our GNP spent on development assistance, which was 0.52 per cent. and rising in 1979, is now 0.27 per cent. and almost halved under the previous Administration. My policy is to reverse the decline in our spend rather than make false promises and continuing cuts, as did the previous Government.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Data Protection
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proposals he has to introduce measures relating to data protection. [10430]

  Mr. George Howarth
  Later this Session, we shall be bringing forward a data protection Bill to give effect to the European Community data protection directive. We hope shortly to publish a paper setting out the Government's proposals.

  Prison Service
  Mr. Hope
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the Prison Service audit report. [11171]

  Mr. Straw
  Our manifesto said that the Prison Service faced serious financial problems and that we would audit the resources available.

  Therefore, shortly after taking office, I asked the Director General of the Prison Service to carry out an audit of the resources available to the Prison Service, and current and projected demands on it.

  The audit has now been completed and I am today placing a report of its findings in the Library.

  The main findings are:
  the prison population rose by 17,000 or nearly 40 per cent. in the four years up to this June to reach 60,580. It is expected to rise to at least 68,900 by March 2000. In the three months since the election, it has risen by 2,440, far exceeding any projection published before 1 May. This three-month rise is equivalent to the total capacity of four average-sized prisons:
  resources have not kept pace with this rise in numbers. The building programme approved by the previous Government is already being outstripped by the rise in population, which on latest assumptions will exceed maximum capacity later this year, and will do so again by a larger margin by early 1999:
  the number of prisoners "doubled"—held two to a cell designed for one—has already increased from 7,251 in 1992 to 10,926 at the end of June and, on current plans, would have to increase to around 16,000 by early 1999;
  meanwhile, the level of purposeful activity for prisoners has dropped over the last two years, so limiting scope for reducing the risk of prisoners re-offending on release;
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  there is growing risk of prisons having to close because heating, electrical and water systems, roofs and other infrastructure have not been adequately maintained.

  I pay tribute to the dedication and professionalism of the Prison Service in coping with these intense pressures.

  I announced yesterday in an answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Luton, North (Mr. Hopkins), Official Report, column 682, that the Prison Service will be able to spend up to an extra £43 million during this year and next to accommodate the projected numbers safely.

  Full Sutton Prison
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will instigate an inquiry into damage that occurred to the personal property of prisoners in the aftermath of the disturbances on 20 January at Full Sutton prison with particular reference to damage to(a) personal stereos, (b) clothing and (c) books. [9981]

  Ms Quin
  No. Claims for compensation for prisoners' property damaged during the January disturbance at Full Sutton prison are being dealt with through the normal Prison Service request and complaint procedures. Although the Prison Service does not accept liability for loss of personal property held by prisoners in their cells, it has been agreed in this instance to make ex-gratia payments to prisoners who were innocent victims of the disturbance. Those prisoners who are judged to have been involved in the disturbance will not be liable for compensation.

  Prisoners who are not satisfied with the outcome of these procedures may appeal to Prison Service headquarters and, if still not satisfied, to the independent prison ombudsman. In addition, all prisoners retain the normal right of any citizen to seek to recover legitimate losses through the courts.

  Prisoners
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what has been the prison population of(a) males and (b) females, in each of the past five years; and what is the forecast population for both groups for each of the next three years. [10174]

  Ms Quin
  Information on the average population for 1992–96 is contained in table A. Long-term projections of the prison population in England and Wales are produced annually and were last published in the Home Office statistical bulletin 7/97 on 3 April 1997. The projected average population figures for 1997 to 2000, including a higher and lower variant, are as set out in the attached table B. On 18 July 1997, the prison population stood at 62,300 which is 1,700 higher than the central projection for mid-July.

  Table A: Average population in prison in England and Wales 1992–1996

  Year

  Males

  Females

  Total

  1992

  44,240

  1,577

  45,817

  1993

  43,005

  1,561

  44,566

  1994

  46,983

  1,811

  48,794

  1995

  49,068

  1,979

  51,047

  1996

  53,019

  2,262

  55,281

  761

  Table B: Projected average populations for 1997–2000

  England and Wales average population—central projection

  Percentage increase on previous year

  Total population projection

  Year

  Males

  Females

  Total1

  Lower variant

  Upper variant

  1997

  57,800

  2,600

  60,500

  5.5

  58,800

  62,200

  1998

  61,000

  2,800

  63,800

  5.5

  61,900

  65,700

  1999

  62,500

  2,900

  65,500

  2.7

  63,500

  67,500

  2000

  63,800

  3,000

  66,800

  2.0

  64,600

  69,000

  1 Figures may not add up due to rounding.

  Mandatory Minimum Sentences
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his oral answer of 9 June,Official Report, columns 775–76, what assumptions he made in respect of (a) the deterrent effects of the mandatory sentences and (b) the likely effect on the length of other sentences when forming his estimates as to the likely increase in the prison population as a result of the implementation of each of the mandatory minimum sentencing provisions of the Crime (Sentences) Act 1997. [10258]

  Mr. Michael
  The estimates assume that the deterrent effect on those who are liable to mandatory minimum sentences—that is, offenders who have one qualifying conviction for serious violent or sex offences, or two qualifying convictions for trafficking in class A drugs or domestic burglary—will reduce the requirement for prison places by 20 per cent. The estimates also include an allowance of 1,000 prison places for indirect effects of the provisions on sentence levels, if all are implemented.

  Release of Information (Criminal Prosecutions)
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of the number of criminal prosecutions undertaken in 1996 in respect of the unauthorised release of information, citing the Acts of Parliament involved. [10616]

  Mr. Michael
  In 1995, there were no prosecutions under the Official Secrets Act 1989. Information for 1996 will be available in the autumn.

  Information on the numerous other statutory provisions covering the disclosure of specific kinds of information is not available centrally.

  Metropolitan Police Files
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what percentage of files held by the Metropolitan police are kept(a) on computer files exclusively, (b) on paper files exclusively and (c) in both forms. [10614]

  Mr. Michael
  I am informed that the information requested is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. However, the commissioner has provided me with the following information. All centrally registered files which deal with administrative and operational matters, and case papers, are exclusively in paper form. Certain branches including the aliens registration office and the lost property office have their own central registry and all their files are in paper form. Major inquiries, crime reporting and criminal records are all held electronically.

  Road Crimes
  Liz Blackman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to include measures in the Crime and Disorder Bill to address(a) dangerous driving, (b) speeding, (c) careless driving and (d) other crimes which take place on the roads. [10564]

  Mr. Michael
  We have no plans to include specific measures relating to dangerous driving, speeding or careless driving. The Bill will give effect to manifesto commitments relating to young and adult crime and disorder, many of which may relate to crimes which are committed on the roads.

  Animal Experiments
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Portsmouth South (Mr. Hancock) of 18 July,Official Report, column 344, if he will list the matters which are considered in the assessment as to whether a particular procedure should be approved under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986; [10695]

  (2) in the case of procedures carried out for commercial gain, what criteria need to be satisfied before approval is given under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986; and if he will make a statement. [10683]

  Mr. George Howarth
  Applications for all project licences must satisfy the criteria set out in the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. Section 5(3) sets out the permissible purposes of the work; section 5(4) requires that the likely adverse effects to the animals concerned be weighed against the benefits likely to accrue; section 5(5) requires applicants to give adequate consideration to alternatives; and section 5(6) prohibits the use of cats, dogs, primates and equidae unless no other species is suitable or it is not practicable to obtain animals of another suitable species.

  When the cost-benefit assessment required by section 5(4) is carried out, the importance of the objectives; the probability that these objectives will be achieved; the potential adverse effects to the animals involved; and the measures for reducing these adverse effects must all be taken into account. This assessment of benefit and severity is described in more detail in appendix II of the 1993 report of the Animal Procedures Committee.

  I understand that, as part of its review of the operation of the Act, the Animal Procedures Committee is preparing an extended statement on the principles and operation of cost-benefit assessment.

  When the benefits are assessed, the potential financial gain which may accrue from the sale of any product is not considered. Broader economic and social benefits, such as

  763
  cheaper or more accessible medicines or other products, or reduction in costs to the taxpayer may be taken into consideration. Animal use is often required not by the commercial organisation, but by national and international regulations which protect human safety.

  Quangos
  Mr. David Heath
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the quangos within his Department's responsibility which he has to date announced his intention(a) to abolish and (b) to make subject to a significant element of democratic accountability. [9680]

  Mr. Straw
  (a) In the period from 1 May 1997, no announcement has been made to abolish any Home Office quangos. The opportunity to review these bodies will be taken in line with my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister's reply to my hon. Friend the Member for West Lancashire (Mr. Pickthall), on 18 June, Official Report, column 174.

  (b) I refer the hon. Member to the reply my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster gave to my hon. Friend the Member for The Wrekin (Mr. Bradley), on 24 July, Official Report, column 693.

SCOTLAND

  Scottish Record Office
  Mr. Ernie Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement about the targets he expects the Scottish Record Office to achieve in 1997–98. [11094]

  Mr. McLeish
  I have set the Scottish Record Office the following key targets for 1997–98:to reduce the unit cost of preserving and making available the Records of Scotland by 4.5 per cent. in real terms;
  to increase the number of catalogue entries available for public scrutiny on the electronic system by 50,000;
  to produce material for readers in 92.5 per cent. of cases in 30 minutes or less for material from the same building and in two days or less for material from elsewhere;
  to issue replies to 85 per cent. of correspondence within 10 days, absorbing up to a 2 per cent. increase in demand; and
  to obtain the necessary additional funding to set up the Scottish archive network project as a business and to begin to put finding aids onto the Internet.

  Children's Centres
  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) how many children's centres there are in Scotland; and if he will list them by area health boards; [10155]

  (2) what plans he has to extend provision of children's centres; and what steps he has taken in this respect to date. [10156]

  Mr. Dewar
  There are centres providing paediatric care in all major centres of population in Scotland, including at the three specialist children's hospitals in Edinburgh—Lothian health board—Aberdeen—Grampian health board—and the Royal hospital for sick children, Yorkhill,764
  Glasgow—Greater Glasgow health board. Each health board is responsible for planning to meet the health care needs for its resident population, including children.

  David Elder Infirmary, Govan
  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has for the Greater Glasgow health board site of the former David Elder infirmary in Govan, Glasgow. [10154]

  Mr. Dewar
  Greater Glasgow health board has concluded that the former David Elder infirmary is no longer required for use by the national health service in Glasgow. Its disposal is a matter for the health board.

PRIME MINISTER

  Data Protection
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Prime Minister what public access there is under the Data Protection Act 1984 to computer files previously held by the police but now lodged with M15. [10685]

  The Prime Minister
  Any request under the Data Protection Act 1984 for access to data held by the Security Service would be considered on its merits.

  However, the Data Protection Act provides for personal data to be exempt from the subject access provisions of the act if the exemption is required for the purpose of safeguarding national security.

  The Act also provides for exemption from the subject access provisions of the Act of personal data held for the purpose of discharging statutory functions where the data consist of information obtained for that purpose from a person who possessed it for the prevention or detection of crime or the apprehension or prosecution of offenders and where access would be likely to prejudice those purposes.

  Policy Unit
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Prime Minister how many people are employed in his policy unit. [10607]

  The Prime Minister
  As at 23 July, there were 12 officials and six support staff.

  Ethnic Minorities
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Prime Minister how many and what percentage of special advisers to the Government are(a) of Asian origin and (b) of Afro-Caribbean origin. [8970]

  The Prime Minister
  Information on ethnic origin is collected from civil servants on a voluntary basis. Figures for special advisers are not held centrally.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Public Defender Service
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will initiate a pilot English Public Defender Service in youth courts to parallel the experiment scheduled in Scotland. [9928]
  765
  Mr. Hoon
  We have not ruled out the possibility of using employed solicitors, or solicitors under specially-designed contracts, for particular sorts of work if those would be the most suitable arrangements. We are open to the idea of using specialist employed lawyers to represent defendants in disputed cases in the youth courts. We will be watching the progress of the Scottish pilot with interest.

  Bar (Code of Conduct)
  Sir Nicholas Lyell
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department when he expects matters relating to the amendments to the Code of Conduct of the Bar of England and Wales relating to bankruptcy and attendance at police stations will be submitted to(a) him and (b) the designated judges. [9625]

  Mr. Hoon
  The amendments are being considered under section 31 of the Courts and Legal Services Act 1990, at the request of the Bar Council. The amendments are to be submitted to the Lord Chancellor by the end of July and will be sent to the designated judges thereafter.

  Barristers and Solicitors
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department (1) if he will list the 10(a) barristers and (b) solicitors who received the highest total payments from public funds in the last available year; [9865]

  (2) if he will list those barristers paid over £100,000 out of public funds in the latest available year. [9864]

  Mr. Hoon
  The information requested is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Personal Injury
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many personal injury actions have been automatically struck out under County Court Order 17 rule 11 in each of the last three years. [9780]

  Mr. Hoon
  The question concerns a matter which has been assigned to the Court Service under the terms of its framework document. I have therefore asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from M. D. Huebner to Mr. Andrew Dismore, dated 25 July 1997:
  The Parliamentary Secretary of the Lord Chancellor's Department has asked me to reply to your question about the number of personal injury cases struck out in the last three years.
  The information requested is not held centrally and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what plans he has to amend County Court Order 17 rule 11; and if he will make a statement. [9783]

  Mr. Hoon
  The Lord Chancellor is considering the revised judgment of the Court of Appeal in Bannister v SGB plc. and Others issued on 4 July 1997 with a view to deciding whether action should be taken to amend order 17, rule 11 of the county court rules.
  766
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many personal injury cases struck out automatically under County Court Order 17 rule 11 have been appealed(a) to circuit judges and (b) to the Court of Appeal in each of the last three years; and how many appeals were successful in each category. [9782]

  Mr. Hoon
  The question concerns a matter which has been assigned to the Court Service under the terms of its framework document. I have therefore asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from M. D. Huebner to Mr. Andrew Dismore, dated 25 July 1997:
  The Parliamentary Secretary of the Lord Chancellor's Department has asked me to reply to your question about the number of personal injury cases appealed in the last three years.
  The information requested is not held centrally and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

  Legal Database
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department in how many locations a common database has been introduced between courts, the Crown Prosecution Service and barristers' chambers; what evaluation he has made of the success of these schemes; and what proposals he has to extend these schemes. [9868]

  Mr. Hoon
  The question concerns a matter which has been assigned to the Court Service under the terms of its framework document. I have therefore asked the chief executive to write to my hon. Friend.

  Letter from M. D. Huebner to Mr. Austin Mitchell, dated 25 July 1997:
  The Parliamentary Secretary of the Lord Chancellor's Department has asked me to reply to your question about the number of locations at which a common database has been introduced.
  A common database has not yet been introduced. However, the CCCJS (a Home Office body responsible for the 'Co-ordination for Computerisation of the Criminal Justice System') is currently deciding whether to proceed with a project that will consider the introduction of a common standard for information across the criminal justice system. This project may also consider establishing a standard database. More immediately, the CCCJS has piloted and evaluated an initiative to link criminal justice agencies in Suffolk and Southampton by e-mail. The scheme has been recommended for replication and the Court Service, in conjunction with the CCCJS and local agencies, has identified other potential sites for this facility. Work is in hand to expand this initiative. Details of court lists are also sent electronically to list distributors, who in turn forward these to subscribers. Subscribers include barristers' chambers, solicitors and the Prison Service.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Training and Enterprise Councils
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, pursuant to his answer of 10 July,Official Report, column 561, what are the targets for each TEC for special needs training. [10303]

  Dr. Howells
  The number of contracted starts for which TECs will receive payment,(a) for those endorsed as having special training needs on entering youth training,

  767
  (b) for those with disabilities on entering training for work, for each TEC are:

  TEC

  (a)

  (b)

  Hampshire

  590

  481

  Heart of England

  300

  155

  Isle of Wight

  119

  55

  Kent

  900

  656

  Milton Keynes

  400

  131

  Surrey

  150

  187

  Sussex

  302

  507

  Thames Valley

  905

  428

  Aztec

  150

  159

  Focus Central London

  986

  1,748

  London East

  327

  582

  North London

  385

  251

  North West London

  190

  296

  Solotec

  823

  832

  West London

  100

  228

  Bedfordshire

  365

  151

  Cambs

  78

  129

  Essex

  553

  513

  Greater Peterborough

  209

  206

  Hertfordshire

  157

  291

  Norfolk and Waveney

  275

  683

  Suffolk

  250

  200

  Devon and Cornwall

  784

  889

  Dorset

  310

  255

  Gloucestershire

  297

  191

  Somerset

  283

  196

  Westec

  545

  539

  Wiltshire

  213

  172

  Birmingham

  336

  1,372

  Central England

  240

  147

  Coventry

  194

  390

  Dudley

  200

  170

  Hereford and Worcester

  93

  270

  Sandwell

  271

  262

  Shropshire

  255

  128

  Staffordshire

  203

  452

  Walsall

  100

  93

  Wovlerhampton

  88

  111

  Greater Notts

  200

  295

  Leicester

  350

  555

  Lincolnshire

  500

  430

  North Derbyshire

  247

  195

  North Notts

  350

  465

  Northants

  300

  175

  South Derbyshire

  310

  363

  Barnsley/Doncaster

  720

  479

  Bradford

  565

  270

  Calderdale/Kirklees

  850

  352

  Humberside

  1,263

  600

  Leeds

  554

  401

  North Yorkshire

  900

  250

  Rotherham CCTE

  356

  347

  Sheffield

  602

  443

  Wakefield

  245

  200

  Cewtec

  416

  496

  Merseyside

  1,585

  1,347

  St. Helens CCTE

  255

  183

  Bolton Bury

  135

  259

  Cumbria

  510

  255

  Eltec

  300

  290

  Lawtec

  585

  465

  Manchester

  1,000

  710

  Metrotec

  175

  190

  North and Mid Cheshire

  508

  250

  Oldham

  400

  185

  Rochdale

  250

  169

  South and East Cheshire

  250

  142

  Stockport and High Peak

  158

  150

  Co. Durham and Darlington

  1,158

  539

  Northumberland

  340

  310

  Sunderland City

  325

  351

  Teesside

  1,030

  720

  Tyneside

  880

  828

  Quangos
  Mr. David Heath
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the quangos within his Department's responsibility which he has to date announced his intention(a) to abolish and (b) to make subject to a significant element of democratic accountability. [9679]

  Dr. Howells
  The Department has not so far announced plans to abolish any of its quangos, or non- departmental public bodies. However, it is currently examining the role and responsibilities of each of our NDPBs as part of the Department's current spending review. In addition, my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster announced last month a review of NDPBs with the aim of reducing overall numbers across Whitehall.

  The issue of democratic accountability will also be addressed on an across-Whitehall basis with the launch in the autumn of a discussion paper considering how democratic oversight of NDPBs might best be enhanced. In the light of consultation, it is proposed to bring forward proposals in a forthcoming White Paper on better government.

  Workskill
  Mr. Blizzard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has made to extend workskill pilots for the unemployed; and if he will make a statement. [11172]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  Regulations have been approved by Parliament to allow four more workskill pilots to be introduced on 1 September 1997 to run for one year. These pilots will allow people who have been receiving jobseeker's allowance for six months or more to undertake employment-related education and training for up to one year:full-time, in Scotland in the Glasgow and Dumbarton districts and in the north-west region in Lancashire and Cumbria districts; and
  part-time, in London and south-east region in south and south-east London districts and in the south-west region in Wiltshire, Avon and Somerset districts.

  About 12,000 unemployed people will be able to benefit from the flexible arrangements to take up education or training: provision for 8,000 in these new pilots in addition to 4,000 in the pilots introduced in four areas last April.

  The extension of workskill pilots supports our plans in the new deal where we are acting urgently to improve the employability and labour market prospects of the unemployed. The workskill pilots will help us to assess whether and how flexible arrangements in jobseeker's allowance help unemployed people to get and retain work, both in the short and long term.

  We will further review the jobseeker's allowance rules on education and training in the light of the workskill pilots and early experience in the new deal.

DUCHY OF LANCASTER

  Ministerial Chauffeurs
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (1) what is the average weekly pay of chauffeurs employed for driving ministerial cars; [10532]

  (2) what are the average numbers of hours per week, including overtime, worked by secure chauffeurs for Government Ministers; [10531]

  (3) what proportion of chauffeurs or drivers of ministerial cars (a) died in employment and (b) retired prematurely on health grounds in each of the last five years. [10533]

  Dr. David Clark
  Responsibility for the subject of these questions has been delegated to the Government Car and Despatch Agency under its chief executive, Mr. Nick Matheson. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from Nick Matheson to Mr. Paul Flynn, dated 24 July 1997:
  I have been asked by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster to reply to your three Parliamentary Questions about chauffeurs and drivers of ministerial cars. I am the Chief Executive of the Government Car and Despatch Agency (GCDA) which is responsible for the Government Car Services (GCS).
  I will answer the questions in the same order, but I would like to prefix my reply by saying that information on drivers of ministerial cars cannot readily be separated from the rest of the GCS allocated drivers within the time available for this reply.

  1. Information on GCS drivers' rates of pay is commercially sensitive.

  2. For 1996–97 GCS drivers worked on average 70.23 hours per week. The basic week is 49 hours, and the average overtime worked was 21.23 hours.

  3. For the whole of GCS the information is as follows:

  Year

  Total number of drivers

  Died in service

  Medically retired

  1997 to date

  139

  2

  1

  1996–97

  149

  nil

  2

  1995–96

  151

  1

  2

  1994–95

  154

  nil

  nil

  1993–94

  154

  nil

  1

  "Government Direct" Green Paper
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what is the Government's policy on "Government Direct"; and if he will make a statement. [10391]

  Dr. David Clark
  The "Government.Direct" Green Paper contained many good ideas on making the best use of new technology and the new White Paper, "Better Government" will harness these with an agenda which will bring Government closer to the people and provide better services for everybody. We are continuing to consult interested parties who responded to the Green Paper.

  Freedom of Information
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what discussions he has had with the Minister without Portfolio regarding(a) the content and (b) the timing of publication of the White Paper on freedom of information. [10610]

  Dr. David Clark
  I have discussed the Government's proposals for a White Paper on freedom of information with many ministerial colleagues including the Minister without Portfolio.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will release the papers available to Ministers at the meeting on Thursday, 10 July where it was decided not to publish the White Paper on freedom of information before the summer Adjournment. [10573]

  Dr. Clark
  I will ensure that factual and analytical material relevant in forming the White Paper's proposals is made publicly available and I will bear this in mind as we approach the publication of the White Paper.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will list the Acts of Parliament which(a) contain provisions restricting the release of information and (b) apply criminal sanctions in respect of the unauthorised disclosure of information. [10574]

  Dr. Clark
  The previous Government's 1993 White Paper, "Open Government"—Cm 2290—listed those statutory provisions which restrict the release of information. Many of these Acts also make provision for criminal sanctions in the case of unauthorised disclosure.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if proposals to amend the 1977 Croham directive in respect of the release of background detail and information behind ministerial decisions will be included in the forthcoming White Paper on freedom of information. [10611]

  Dr. Clark
  The Government remain committed to the principles contained in the Croham directive but, 20 years on, they propose to build on them in their forthcoming White Paper on freedom of information.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will list in respect of freedom of information regimes in other countries those countries which operate an appeal mechanism based on(a) the courts, (b) an independent ombudsman or commissioner and (c) a select committee or other parliamentary mechanism. [10609]

  Dr. Clark
  The table summarises the basic appeals mechanisms used in a number of leading freedom of information regimes.

  Country

  Courts

  Ombudsman/Information Commissioner1

  Select Committee or other parliamentary mechanism2

  USA

  Yes

  No

  No

  Canada

  Yes

  Yes

  No

  Australia

  Yes

  Ombudsman or the Administrative Appeals Tribunal

  No

  New Zealand

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  771

  Country

  Courts

  Ombudsman/Information Commissioner1

  Select Committee or other parliamentary mechanism2

  France

  Yes

  Yes

  No

  Sweden

  Yes

  No

  No

  Ireland

  Yes

  Yes

  No

  1 Where the appeals mechanism incorporates both an Ombudsman and the courts and/or parliamentary review mechanism the appeal is usually directed to the Ombudsman in the first instance.

  2 Although Parliament may not play a formal role, the Ombudsman may still be an Officer of Parliament.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will list the statutory reforms recommended in the "Open Government" White Paper 1993, Cm 2290, which have been implemented. [10615]

  Dr. Clark
  The 1993 "Open Government" White Paper—Cm 2290—proposed two new statutory rights: (i) a statutory right for people to see their personal records held by Government and by other public sector authorities, and (ii) a statutory right of access to health and safety information. Neither was implemented.

  The White Paper also proposed the selective insertion of "harm tests" into criminal provisions covering unauthorised disclosure of information as legislative opportunities arose. No such amendments were made.

  These proposals of the previous Government will be superseded by comprehensive proposals for a Freedom of Information Act in our forthcoming White Paper.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Republic of Ireland
  Mr. Robert McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps her Department is taking to persuade the Irish Government to withdraw their territorial claim to Northern Ireland. [7721]

  Majorie Mowlam
  The Government have consistently made clear their view that a lasting political settlement in Northern Ireland will require a consensus on constitutional issues, reflecting the widespread support which exists for the principle that there can be no change in the constitutional status of Northern Ireland as part of the United Kingdom without the consent of a majority of the people of Northern Ireland.

  In a speech in Northern Ireland on 16 May, my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister said that changes to the Irish constitution to reflect the consent principle would be a helpful confidence-building step in advance of any settlement.

  Driver and Vehicle Testing Agency
  Ms Moran
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when the annual report and accounts of the Driver and Vehicle Testing Agency will be made available to the House. [11222]
  772
  Majorie Mowlam
  Copies of the annual reports and accounts of the Driver and Vehicle Testing Agency have been placed in the Library of the House.

  Training and Employment Agency
  Ms Moran
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what performance targets have been set for the Training and Employment Agency for the financial year 1997–98. [11223]

  Mr. Worthington
  The following key targets have been set for the agency for 1997–98:

  1. to have 75 per cent. of company development programme client companies using NVQ-based training to raise the competence of their work force;

  2. to encourage the commitment of Northern Ireland industry and commerce to the investors in people standard through the achievement of 50 new recognitions by March 1998, at least 25 of these to be achieved by companies in manufacturing or tradable services, or hotels registered with the NI Tourist Board;

  3. to ensure that of the trainees who commenced mainstream jobskills in 1995–96, at least 45 per cent. achieve NVQ Level 2 or above;

  (This target reflects the fact that a number of trainees will leave the programme, before completing their NVQ, in order to take up employment and other opportunities.)

  4. to place 40,000 people into jobs and

  5. to achieve efficiency savings of at least 6 per cent.

  Copies of the agency's "Operational Plan 1997–98" will be placed in the parliamentary Libraries.

  Policy Reviews
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will list for each departmental policy review presently in progress or scheduled,(a) a description of the purpose of the review and (b) its expected date of completion. [10183]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  [holding answer 22 July 1997]: Departments carry out policy reviews on a continuous basis.

  Major reviews currently in progress are as follows:
  The Training and Employment Agency is reviewing its objectives and measures aimed at assisting the long-term unemployed back to work. Results are expected by the autumn.
  The Department of Education (NI) is conducting a policy review of the Youth Service which will make recommendations for its future development. The report is expected by end-December 1998.
  The Department of Education (NI) is conducting a review of school discipline to produce a strategy for the promotion and maintenance of good behaviour in schools. This will be published by Christmas 1997.
  The Northern Ireland Office is carrying out a review of the Firearms (Northern Ireland) Order 1981 to assess whether it remains relevant, effective and proportionate to the level of public safety demanded by society today and the reasonable expectations of the shooting community and firearms trade. Completion is expected in October 1997.

WALES

  Assisted Areas
  Mr. Alan Williams
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer of 17 July,Official Report, column 251, what is the population of the designated assisted areas of Wales; and how much of that population is in (a) the M4 corridor and (b) the A55 corridor. [10147]

  Mr. Hain
  [holding answer 22 July 1997]: The total population of the designated assisted areas in Wales is estimated to be 2.1 million, of which 550,000 are estimated to be in the eastern M4 corridor and 180,000 in the eastern A55 corridor.

  School Closures
  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many infant, junior, primary and secondary schools were closed between 1979 and May 1997 in each county of Wales indicating how many closed(a) for financial reasons, (b) as a result of demographic change and (c) for other reasons; and if he will make a statement. [10245]

  Mr. Hain
  [holding answer 24 July 1977]: The information requested is not held centrally. Details of the number of primary and secondary schools in each of the former counties of Wales in 1979 and 1996—the latest available data collected in this form—are shown in the following table:

  January 1979

  January 19961

  Maintained primary schools2

  Clwyd

  266

  241

  Dyfed

  354

  310

  Gwent

  285

  211

  Gwynedd

  200

  191

  Mid Glamorgan

  319

  301

  Powys

  131

  105

  South Glamorgan

  174

  157

  West Glamorgan

  201

  165

  Wales

  1,930

  1,681

  Maintained secondary schools

  Clwyd

  33

  32

  Dyfed

  25

  31

  Gwent

  32

  33

  Gwynedd

  23

  23

  Mid Glamorgan

  41

  43

  Powys

  12

  13

  South Glamorgan

  30

  26

  West Glamorgan

  28

  27

  Wales

  224

  228

  1Includes grant maintained schools.

  2Primary schools comprise 3 types of school: infants' for children aged 5 to 7, junior for those aged 7 to 11 and combined junior and infants for both age groups. Many primary schools also provide nursery classes for children aged under 5.

  Welsh Assembly
  Mr. Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what would be the cost of sending the White Paper to every home in Wales prior to the referendum on a Welsh Assembly. [8463]

  Mr. Ron Davies
  We do not intend to send the White Paper to every home in Wales, and I have therefore made no such assessment.
  774
  Mr. Alan Williams
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list his meetings with Plaid Cymru and the Liberal Democrats relating to his proposals for a Welsh Assembly. [9883]

  Mr. Davies
  I have had no meetings with Plaid Cymru or the Liberal Democrat party.

  Further Education
  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many people aged 16 to 19 years were attending(a) colleges of further education and (b) sixth-form colleges at each of the colleges in Wales in the last academic year; what percentage left these colleges (i) with one, two or three A levels grade 'C' and above, (ii) with A-levels A to E and (iii) with NVQ levels 2 and 3; and what percentage left the colleges without a recognised qualification. [8917]

  Mr. Hain
  The data collected centrally relate to students at college entered for examinations and do not permit analyses of students' qualifications as they leave college. Information on the number of people aged 16 to 18 attending further education colleges, including those described as sixth-form colleges, in Wales in December 1995 is given in the following table:

  People aged 16 to 18 years at Further Education colleges in Wales at December 1995

  College

  Full-time

  Part-time

  Aberdare college

  135

  136

  Afan college

  488

  34

  Barry college

  638

  222

  Bridgend college

  611

  391

  Carmarthenshire college of Technology and Art

  886

  401

  Coleg Ceredigion

  290

  146

  Coleg Glan Hafren

  1,464

  276

  Coleg Llandrillo

  1,112

  249

  Coleg Llysfasi

  124

  120

  Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor

  815

  44

  Coleg Menai

  2,057

  2,026

  Coleg Powys

  673

  255

  Deeside college

  647

  305

  Gorseinon college

  1,223

  20

  Gwent Tertiary college

  3,484

  631

  Merthyr Tydfil college

  302

  115

  Neath college

  1,298

  158

  Pembrokeshire college

  686

  139

  Pencoed college

  162

  26

  Pontypridd college

  1,105

  241

  St. David's VI Form college

  708

  0

  Swansea college

  1,261

  249

  Welsh college of Horticulture

  84

  53

  Yale college

  1,654

  264

  Ystrad Mynach college

  487

  108

  Source: The college performance information booklet: 1996. Further Education institutions in Wales.

  Quangos
  Mr. David Heath
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the quangos within his Department's responsibility which he has to date announced his intention(a) to abolish and (b) to make subject to a significant element of democratic accountability. [9682]

  Mr. Ron Davies
  I have set out my proposals in the White Paper, "A Voice for Wales" published on 22 July, a copy of which is in the Library of the House.

  Junior Doctors
  Ms Julie Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what estimate he has made of the percentage of junior doctors who have working conditions which do not meet the standards laid down in the new deal for junior doctors. [10576]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  No estimate is available of the percentage of junior doctors effected, but the most recent survey carried out by the postgraduate school of the accommodation and facilities provided for junior doctors by district general hospitals in Wales showed that four out of 19 hospitals surveyed were not meeting the standards laid down.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  War Pensioners
  Mr. Goggins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate she has made of the number of war pensioners likely to be living in England in the years(a) 2000, (b) 2005, (c) 2010 and (d) 2015. [9139]

  Mr. Denham
  The information is in the table.

  Year

  Number of war pensioners

  2000

  230,000

  2005

  190,000

  2010

  150,000

  2015

  120,000

  1. Figures include both war disablement pensioners and war widows.

  2. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10,000.

  Mr. Goggins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many war pensioners currently live in(a) England, (b) the city of Manchester and (c) the borough of Trafford. [9143]

  Mr. Denham
  The information is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. Estimated figures are set out in the table:

  Area

  Number of war pensioners

  England

  250,000

  Manchester

  4,500

  Borough of Trafford

  under 1,000

  Quangos
  Mr. David Heath
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will list the quangos within her Department's responsibility which she has to date announced her intention(a) to abolish and (b) to make subject to a significant element of democratic accountability. [9672]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend, the Prime Minister, to my hon. Friend the Member for West Lancashire (Mr. Pickthall) on 18 June,Official Report, column 174.

  I also refer the hon. Member to the reply given to him today by my right hon. Friend, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.

  Housing Benefit
  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many successful claims there were for housing benefit in the Chelmsford local authority area by(a) council house/housing association tenants, (b) private sector tenants and (c) home owners in June for each year since 1990. [10307]

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

  Housing benefit recipients in Chelmsford, by tenure, May 1990 to May 1996

  Local authority tenants

  Housing association tenants

  Private landlord tenants (excluding housing associations except for 1990 and 1991)

  May 1990

  4,510

  n/a

  1,490

  May 1991

  4,730

  n/a

  1,170

  May 1992

  4,960

  280

  1,010

  May 1993

  5,090

  160

  1,450

  May 1994

  5,240

  650

  1,360

  May 1995

  5,110

  810

  1,350

  May 1996

  4,910

  920

  1,350

  Notes:

  1. The information refers to benefit units which may be a single person or a couple.

  2. The figures are rounded to the nearest 10.

  3. Information relating to housing association tenants was not collected separately prior to May 1992.

  4. No information is available for home owners as generally they are not eligible for housing benefit.

  Source:

  Department of Social Security Housing Benefit Management Information System, quarterly 100 per cent. caseload count with and without income support taken at the end of May in each year given.

  Child Benefit
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will make it her policy that the combined real value of child dependency addition and child benefit for the child of a widowed mother is at least maintained at its present real level in future upratings. [10567]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  We are committee to retaining universal child benefit from birth to age 16, and to uprate it in line with prices. The rates of all benefits are reviewed annually.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what was the combined value of child dependency addition and child benefit for the child of a widowed mother(a) in cash terms, (b) in real terms and (c) as a percentage of average earnings, in November 1979 and at each subsequent uprating date. [10566]

  Mr. Denham
  The information is in the tables:

  Child benefit and widowed mothers allowance child dependency increase for first child

  Uprating date

  Cash paid (£ per week)

  Cash as a percentage of average earnings at each uprating date

  Real value at April 1997 prices (£ per week)

  Real value as a percentage of average earnings at April 1997

  November 1979

  11.10

  11.0

  28.79

  7.8

  November 1980

  12.25

  10.2

  27.56

  7.5

  November 1981

  12.95

  9.8

  26.02

  7.1

  777

  Child benefit and widowed mothers allowance child dependency increase for first child

  Uprating date

  Cash paid (£ per week)

  Cash as a percentage of average earnings at each uprating date

  Real value at April 1997 prices (£ per week)

  Real value as a percentage of average earnings at April 1997

  November 1982

  13.80

  9.7

  26.09

  7.1

  November 1983

  14.10

  9.0

  25.43

  6.9

  November 1984

  14.50

  8.7

  24.92

  6.8

  November 1985

  15.05

  8.4

  24.52

  6.7

  July 1986

  15.15

  8.0

  24.28

  6.6

  April 1987

  15.30

  7.7

  23.49

  6.4

  April 1988

  15.65

  7.2

  23.12

  6.3

  April 1989

  16.20

  6.8

  22.15

  6.0

  April 1990

  16.90

  6.4

  21.11

  5.8

  April 1991

  17.95

  6.3

  21.08

  5.7

  October 1991

  18.95

  6.5

  21.92

  6.0

  April 1992

  19.40

  6.4

  21.85

  6.0

  April 1993

  19.80

  6.2

  22.01

  6.0

  April 1994

  20.00

  6.1

  21.68

  5.9

  April 1995

  20.25

  6.0

  21.24

  5.8

  April 1996

  20.70

  5.9

  21.20

  5.8

  April 1997

  20.95

  5.7

  20.95

  5.7

  Child benefit and widowed mothers allowance child dependency increase for subsequent children

  Uprating date

  Amount paid (£ per week)

  Cash as a percentage of average earnings at each uprating date

  Real value at April 1997 prices (£ per week)

  Real value as percentage of average earnings at April 1997

  April 1991

  17.95

  6.3

  21.08

  5.7

  October 1991

  18.20

  6.2

  21.06

  5.7

  April 1992

  18.65

  6.1

  21.00

  5.7

  April 1993

  19.05

  6.0

  21.18

  5.8

  April 1994

  19.25

  5.9

  20.87

  5.7

  April 1995

  19.50

  5.8

  20.46

  5.6

  April 1996

  19.95

  5.7

  20.43

  5.6

  April 1997

  20.20

  5.5

  20.20

  5.5

  1. The average earnings of full time adult employees was calculated using the "New Earnings Survey" and "Average Earnings Index", both produced by the Office of National Statistics.

  2. The retail prices index (all items) was used to put Child Benefit and WMA child dependency addition into real terms as at April 1997. This was then compared with the provisional average earnings for April 1997 to give the percentage quoted.

  National Insurance Contributions
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what would be the lower and upper national insurance contributions limits if they had been increased in line with average earnings since 1980; and what would be the current effect on the annual yield from contributions if(a) the lower limit, (b) the upper limit and (c) both limits were increased to those levels. [10571]

  Mr. Denham
  The lower and upper earnings limits for class 1 national insurance contributions and the lower and upper profits limits for class 4 national insurance contributions are linked to the level of the basic retirement pension. If the basic retirement pension had been uprated since 1980 in line with the higher of earnings or prices the weekly lower and upper earnings limits for 1997–98 would be £86 and £645 respectively and the annual lower 778
  and upper profits limits would be £9,653 and £33,540 respectively. The estimated full year effects of limits set at these levels for 1997–98 are shown in the tables.

  Estimated full year effects of weekly lower and upper earnings limits for class 1 national insurance contributions set at £86 and £645 respectively in 1997–98

  Change in annual yield, £ million

  Weekly lower earnings limit—£86

  Weekly upper earnings limit—£45

  Weekly lower earnings limit and weekly upper earnings limit—£645

  Class 1 employees

  Gross

  -1,880

  +1,970

  +90

  Rebate

  -235

  +190

  -50

  Net

  -1,645

  +1,785

  +140

  Class 1 employers

  Gross

  -140

  0

  -135

  Rebate

  -480

  +350

  -130

  Net

  +340

  -350

  -5

  Class 1 total

  Gross

  -2,015

  +1,970

  -45

  Rebate

  -715

  +535

  -180

  Net

  -1,300

  +1,435

  +135

  Figures are rounded to the nearest £5 million; totals may not sum due to rounding.

  Estimated full year effects of annual lower and upper profits limits for class 4 national insurance contributions set at £9,653 and £33,540 respectively in 1997–98

  Change in annual yield, £ million

  Annual lower profits limit—£9,653

  Annual upper profits limit—£33,540

  Annual lower profits limit and annual upper profits limit— £33,540

  Class 4

  -250

  +165

  -80

  Notes

  1. Figures are rounded to the nearest £5 million; totals may not sum due to rounding.

  Source:

  Government Actuary's Department.

  State Pensions
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will ensure that individuals deciding to contract out of SERPS are sent before making that decision, a simple explanation of the scheme and the respects in which it differs from occupational and personal pension schemes. [10572]

  Mr. Denham
  We publish a booklet NP46 "A Guide to Retirement Pensions" which contains a comprehensive guide to SERPS and information on contracting-out of SERPS. This is available from DSS offices.

  On 17 July, we announced a wide-ranging review of pensions which will address nine fundamental challenges. One of these is to raise awareness of pensions and improve the level of financial education so that people understand the importance of saving for retirement and make the right choice about which pension product is best for them.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate she has made of the weekly state basic earnings-related and total pensions payable to men and women on average earnings and half average earnings
  779
  reaching pension age in (a) 1997, (b) 2007, (c) 2017, (d) 2027, (e) 2037 and (f) 2047, (i) in cash terms and (ii) as a percentage of their pre-retirement earnings, assuming that the basic pension and the earnings limits for contributions are uprated in line with (1) prices and (2) average earnings. [10570]

  Mr. Denham
  The information is in the tables:

  Table 1: Amount of standard rate basic RP from April 1997, rounded to the nearest 5p in cash prices

  £

  1997

  2007

  2017

  2027

  2037

  2047

  Uprated by prices

  62.45

  76.05

  92.70

  113.00

  137.70

  167.90

  Uprated by earnings

  63.30

  89.55

  126.70

  179.25

  253.60

  358.75

  Table 2: standard rate basic RP as a percentage of male and female average earnings as at April in the year preceding retirement; assuming basic RP is uprated in line with prices

  Per cent.

  1997

  2007

  2017

  2027

  2037

  2047

  Male

  16

  14

  12

  10

  9

  7

  Female

  22

  19

  16

  14

  12

  10

  Table 3: standard rate basic RP as a percentage of half male and female average earnings as at April in the year preceding retirement; assuming basic RP is uprated in line with prices

  Per cent.

  1997

  2007

  2017

  2027

  2037

  2047

  Male

  37

  27

  23

  20

  17

  15

  Female

  43

  37

  32

  27

  24

  20

  Table 4: standard rate basic RP as a percentage of male and female average earnings as at April in the year preceding retirement; assuming basic RP is uprated in line with earnings from April 1997

  Per cent.

  1997

  2007

  2017

  2027

  2037

  2047

  Male

  16

  16

  16

  16

  16

  16

  Female

  22

  22

  22

  22

  22

  22

  Table 5: standard rate basic RP as a percentage of half male and female average earnings as at April in the year preceding retirement; assuming basic RP is uprated in line with earnings from April 1997

  Per cent.

  1997

  2007

  2017

  2027

  2037

  2047

  Male

  31

  31

  31

  31

  31

  31

  Female

  43

  43

  43

  43

  43

  43

  780

  Table 6: Additional Pension based on a person with average earnings throughout their working life expressed in cash prices and as a percentage of male and female average earnings as at April in the year preceding retirement; assuming basic RP and earnings limit increase in line with prices

  1997

  2007

  2017

  2027

  2037

  2047

  Male (cash prices)

  £80.80

  £111.20

  £144.90

  £195.20

  £224.10

  £313.30

  Male (as percentage of average earnings)

  20

  20

  18

  17

  15

  14

  Female (cash prices)

  £52.00

  £72.40

  £97.10

  £137.50

  £189.30

  £264.40

  Female (as percentage of average earnings)

  18

  18

  17

  17

  17

  16

  Table 7: Additional Pension based on a person with half average earnings throughout their working life expressed in cash prices and as a percentage of half male and female average earnings as at April in each year; assuming basic RP and earnings limit increase in line with prices

  1997

  2007

  2017

  2027

  2037

  2047

  Male (cash prices)

  £31.40

  £44.10

  £59.60

  £85.20

  £120.60

  £180.00

  Male (as percentage of half average earnings)

  16

  16

  15

  15

  15

  16

  Female (cash prices)

  £16.20

  £23.90

  £33.50

  £49.40

  £75.30

  £115.70

  Female (as percentage of half average earnings)

  11

  12

  12

  12

  13

  14

  Table 8: Additional Pension based on a person with average earnings throughout their working life expressed in cash prices and as a percentage of male and female average earnings as at April in each year; assuming basic RP and earnings limit increase in line with earnings from April 1997

  1997

  2007

  2017

  2027

  2037

  2047

  Male (cash prices)

  £80.80

  £110.80

  £146.00

  £203.20

  £271.40

  £386.50

  Male (as percentage of half average earnings)

  20

  20

  18

  18

  17

  17

  Female (cash prices)

  £52.00

  £72.00

  £95.40

  £133.30

  £181.20

  £258.10

  Female (as percentage of half average earnings)

  18

  18

  17

  16

  16

  16

  Table 9: Additional Pension based on a person with half average earnings throughout their working life expressed in cash prices and as a percentage of half male and female average earnings as at April in each year; assuming basic RP and earnings limit increase in line with earnings from April 1997

  1997

  2007

  2017

  2027

  2037

  2047

  Male (cash prices)

  £31.40

  £43.00

  £58.00

  £81.00

  £110.60

  £157.60

  Male (as percentage of half average earnings)

  16

  15

  15

  14

  14

  14

  Female (cash prices)

  £16.20

  £23.50

  £31.80

  £45.20

  £65.30

  £93.40

  781

  Table 9: Additional Pension based on a person with half average earnings throughout their working life expressed in cash prices and as a percentage of half male and female average earnings as at April in each year; assuming basic RP and earnings limit increase in line with earnings from April 1997

  1997

  2007

  2017

  2027

  2037

  2047

  Female (as percentage of half average earnings)

  11

  12

  11

  11

  11

  12

  Table 10: Total RP expressed in cash terms and as a percentage of male and female average pre-retirement earnings as at April in each year; where basic RP is uprated by prices

  1997

  2007

  2017

  2027

  2037

  2047

  Male (cash prices)

  £143.20

  £187.20

  £237.60

  £308.20

  £381.00

  £481.20

  Male (as percentage of half average earnings)

  36

  33

  30

  27

  24

  21

  Female (cash prices)

  £114.50

  £148.50

  £189.80

  £250.50

  £327.00

  £432.30

  Female (as percentage of half average earnings)

  40

  37

  33

  31

  29

  27

  Table 11: Total RP expressed in cash terms and as a percentage of half male and female average earnings as at April in each year; where basic RP is uprated by prices

  1997

  2007

  2017

  2027

  2037

  2047

  Male (cash prices)

  £93.80

  £120.10

  £152.30

  £198.20

  £258.40

  £347.80

  Male (as percentage of half average earnings)

  47

  43

  38

  35

  32

  31

  Female (cash prices)

  £78.60

  £100.00

  £126.20

  £162.40

  £213.10

  £283.60

  Female (as percentage of half average earnings)

  55

  49

  44

  40

  37

  35

  Table 12: Total RP expressed in cash terms and as a percentage of male and female average earnings as at April in each year; where basic RP is uprated by earnings

  1997

  2007

  2017

  2027

  2037

  2047

  Male (cash prices)

  £144.10

  £200.30

  £272.70

  £382.50

  £525.00

  £745.30

  Male (as percentage of half average earnings)

  36

  36

  34

  34

  33

  33

  Female (cash prices)

  £115.30

  £161.60

  £222.20

  £312.60

  £434.80

  £616.80

  Female (as percentage of half average earnings)

  40

  40

  39

  38

  38

  38

  782

  Table 13: Total RP expressed in cash terms and as a percentage of half male and female average earnings as at April in each year; where basic RP is uprated by earnings

  1997

  2007

  2017

  2027

  2037

  2047

  Male (cash prices)

  £94.70

  £132.50

  £184.60

  £260.30

  £364.10

  £516.40

  Male (as percentage of half average earnings)

  48

  47

  46

  46

  46

  46

  Female (cash prices)

  £79.50

  £113.00

  £158.50

  £224.40

  £318.80

  £452.20

  Female (as percentage of half average earnings)

  56

  56

  55

  55

  56

  56

  Notes:

  1. Assumed real earnings growth of 1.5 per cent. a year and prices increase by 2 per cent. per annum. Retirement date is assumed to be the 1 April of each year in question.

  2. All amounts are in cash prices. Amounts of AP are rounded to the nearest 10p, amounts of RP are rounded to the nearest 5p.

  3. Percentages are rounded to the nearest 1 per cent.

  Source:

  Average earnings are taken from the New Earnings Survey 1996.

DEFENCE

  Nuclear Weapons Safety Committee
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the Nuclear Weapons Safety Committee was set up; what is the remit of the committee; if he will list the chairmen of the committee since 1967 indicating the years in which they served; what reports the committee produces; and what is the current security classification of each of the reports. [10404]

  Dr. Reid
  The Nuclear Weapons Safety Committee was established in 1959. Its current terms of reference are to advise my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence, the services and other interested MoD authorities on all safety matters pertaining to nuclear weapons systems, including issues of design, manufacture, transport, storage, handling and operational training.

  The present chairman of the committee is Professor Sir John Cadogan CBE FRSE HON FEng FRS; he was appointed in 1992. The previous chairmen, both of whom are deceased, were appointed on the understanding that their names would remain confidential. The production of reports is dependent upon the business of the committee at any given time. The classifications of reports range from restricted to top secret.

  Aircraft Crashes
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what categories his Department used to define the damage caused to its aircraft which have crashed; and when his Department instituted these categories. [10405]

  Mr. Spellar
  For administrative purposes, aircraft are assigned one of five damage categories. These are defined as follows:

  Category 1—damage repairable on site by established first-line maintenance personnel.

  Category 2—damage repairable on site by established second-line maintenance personnel.

  783

  Category 3—damage repairable on site but beyond unit technical resources. Assistance from a repair and salvage unit or civilian contractor is required.

  Category 4—damage is not repairable on site and the aircraft must be removed to a established repair depot or civilian repair organisation.

  Category 5—aircraft is damaged beyond economic repair or is missing.

  Records show that the first use of the numeric system appeared in 1956.

  Nuclear Weapons (US Aircraft)
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his policy in respect of the use of United Kingdom airspace by United States aircraft carrying nuclear weapons. [10691]

  Dr. Reid
  United States aircraft transporting nuclear weapons for logistical purposes are permitted to use United Kingdom airspace. As I told the hon. Member in my answer of 14 July,Official Report, column 61, all movements of nuclear materials, including weapons, by US personnel within the UK and its airspace take place in full consultation with my Department. This enables appropriate safety cover to be provided by MoD personnel.

  Land Mines
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his oral answers of 16 June,Official Report, column 5, and 14 July, Official Report, columns 14 15 on anti-personnel landmines, when he was informed that it was not the case that all British anti-personnel land mines had been taken up following conflicts in the Falkland Islands and the Gulf. [9666]

  Dr. Reid
  [holding answer 21 July 1997]: On 13 July 1997.

  Mission Statement
  Mr. Keith Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if his Department's mission statement will include expenditure objectives; [10118]

  (2) if he will list the benchmarks by which Parliament will be able to measure his Department's progress on its mission statement; [10119]

  (3) if his Department's mission statement will include an ethical objective; [10120]

  (4) if he plans to publish his Department's mission statement before the summer Adjournment. [10121]

  Dr. Reid
  The precise coverage of the Ministry of Defence's mission statement remains under consideration. We do not now expect to issue the mission statement before the summer Adjournment.

  RAF Strike Command
  Mr. Keith Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what sum is allocated to maintaining RAF strike command in the current financial year; and what that is as percentage of the defence budget. [10117]
  784
  Dr. Reid
  Cm 3602 "The Government's Expenditure, Plans 1997–1998 to 1999–2000", a copy of which is in the Library of the House, identifies a total planned allocation for RAF strike command in the current financial year of £1,722 million, representing 7.89 per cent. of the total planned defence budget.

  Biological and Chemical Weapons
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what stockpiles exist in the United Kingdom of(a) biological weapons and (b) chemical weapons; in how many locations these are kept; and what total volume of each existed within the United Kingdom in (i) 1996 and (ii) 1986, [10693]

  Dr. Reid
  The United Kingdom has not possessed an offensive biological weapons capability since shortly after the second world war. The UK gave up its offensive chemical weapons capability in the 1950s and had disposed of its stocks of such weapons by 1960. Indeed, we are party to the 1972 biological and toxin weapons convention and the 1993 chemical weapons convention, which explicitly ban the stockpiling of biological and chemical weapons.

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  Local Government (Sanctions)
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what approach he will adopt when considering applications for sanction by local authorities under sections 19 and 20 of the Local Government Act 1982; and if he will make a statement. [11144]

  Ms Armstrong
  As required by the statute, we shall decide each application on its merits having regard both to our policy on sanction applications and to the circumstances of the individual case concerned. Our policy is to continue the approach previously followed, namely, that the power to sanction should not be exercised too widely. Sanction may be appropriate in those cases where the expenditure is incurred in good faith, but in ignorance of the strict letter of the law, or inadvertently without observance of requisite formalities, or under such circumstances as make it fair and equitable that the expenditure should not be disallowed by the auditor.

  In accordance with our commitment to open government, we are today sending to the Local Government Association, the Audit Commission, the Commission for Local Administration and to all local authorities in England a departmental note setting out the basis on which applications for sanction under sections 19 and 20 of the Local Government Financial Act 1982 are to be made and considered. I am arranging for copies of the note to be placed in the Library of the House.

  Mesothelioma
  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what research his Department has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated into the concentration of mesothelioma in the last 10 years. [10536]
  785
  Angela Eagle
  A detailed analysis of the geographical concentrations of mesothelioma in the period 1976 to 1991 was published in "Health and Safety Statistics 1995–96"—pages 7–75 and table 2.18—a copy of which has been placed in the House of Commons Library.

  Sellafield
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what factors are being taken into account by the Environment Agency in deciding whether to authorise the establishment of a mixed oxide plant at Sellafield. [10694]

  Angela Eagle
  The Environment Agency is considering British Nuclear Fuels' application for commissioning and operation of the Sellafield mixed oxide plant. It will take into account issues relevant to justification, risks to the public and environment, national policy on radioactive waste management and the UK's international obligations.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the number of extra(a) flights, (b) movements by sea and (c) movements by road of radioactive material which would result from the opening of a mixed oxide plant at Sellafield. [10689]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The production and transportation of mixed oxide—MOX—fuel at Sellafield are matters for the site's operators, BNFL.

  (a) I refer the hon. Member to my answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Lancaster and Wyre (Mr. Dawson), Official Report, 21 July, column 420.

  (b) and (c) I understand from the company that MOX fuel has been produced and shipped from the Sellafield site since the 1960s. The new Sellafield MOX plant—SMP—is expected to produce its first fuel towards the end of 1998. In common with previous shipments, transport of finished MOX assemblies from the SMP will be by road and/or rail for onward shipment by air or sea as appropriate. However, delivery direct to the customer by road and/or rail is not precluded.

  The number of movements associated with the dispatch of finished fuel assemblies will result in only a marginal increase in the existing number of commercial movements from Sellafield.

  The packages used for these movements, by road, rail, sea or air, are approved and certificated for use within the United Kingdom by this Department, and must be transported in accordance with UK statutory safety requirements.

  Quangos
  Mr. David Heath
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the quangos within his Department's responsibility which he has to date announced his intention(a) to abolish and (b) to make subject to a significant element of democratic accountability. [9681]

  Angela Eagle
  The Assessment Panel for Construction Research—an advisory non-departmental public body—was wound up on 14 July 1997.
  786
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer which my right hon. Friend, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, gave to my hon. Friend the hon. Member for The Wrekin (Mr. Bradley) on 24 July 1997, Official Report, column 693, on the extension of democratic accountability to quangos.

  Crime Prevention
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what guidance his Department has issued on the consideration of issues of crime prevention in the planning process. [10257]

  Mr. Raynsford
  Circular 5/94, entitled, "Planning Out Crime", was published in February 1994 and gives advice to local authorities, developers and designers about planning considerations relating to crime prevention.

  Painshill Copse Gipsy Site
  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the inspectors's report and decision on the public inquiry into the Painshill Copse gipsy site. [9967]

  Mr. Caborn
  My right hon. Friend issued his decision on this case on 23 July. He accepted the inspector's recommendation that permission be granted for the continued use of land at Lydia park, Painshill Copse as a residential gipsy caravan site, subject to conditions. I have sent the right hon. Member a copy of the decision letter and the inspector's report.

  New Homes
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the number of new homes that will be built in 1999; and if he will make a statement. [9785]

  Mr. Raynsford
  In recent years, my Department has not made national forecasts of the number of dwellings that will be built in future years. We are currently reviewing estimates of the requirement for housing up to 2016, and this will help to inform any future forecasts of house building levels.

  Ethnic Minorities
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many and what percentage of employees, in each payband, in the quangos for which his Department is responsible, are of(a) Asian origin and (b) Afro-Caribbean origin. [8959]

  Angela Eagle
  The recruitment and employment of staff is the responsibility of each individual body which seeks to attract applicants from diverse backgrounds. The Department, for its part, is keen, wherever possible, to encourage equality of opportunity within non-departmental public bodies. The information requested is not held by my Department.

  Lorry Weights
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects the decision on the 44-tonne weight limit for lorries will be announced. [10529]
  787
  Ms Glenda Jackson
  It is too soon to say. We are still considering the responses to the previous Government's consultative document and the wider policy implications.

  Driving Hours
  Liz Blackman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, (1) pursuant to his answer of 3 July,Official Report, column 254, on permitted driving hours, when he expects an opportunity will arise to amend legislation to give officers powers to prohibit the drivers of UK registered vehicles; [10579]

  (2) pursuant to his answer of 3 July, Official Report, column 253, on the powers of traffic enforcement officers, in what ways the powers of enforcement officers to inspect and remove tachograph charts and to search for other evidence will be clarified; and when he expects an opportunity for amending legislation will arise. [10578]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  We wish to remove any possible doubt that authorised examiners can enter and inspect vehicles in order to check tachographs and records and that they can require records to be sent to their offices for inspection and copying. These changes and those relating to the power to prohibit will require primary legislation and I can only reiterate that we will promote amending legislation when a suitable opportunity arises.

  Roads (A303 Improvements)
  Mr. David Heath
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if the improvements to the A303 Sparkford-Ilchester section approved at the public inquiry in August 1994 can proceed independently of the Salisbury bypass section of the A303. [9836]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  This scheme is included in the accelerated review announced by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport on 19 June. We hope to announce the results of that review later this month.

  Vehicle Year Identifier
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when his Department will announce the results of its consultation paper on the vehicle year identifier. [10617]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  We intend to make an announcement shortly.

  Rail Freight
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the impact of track access charges on rail freight operators. [10684]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  All Railtrack track access agreements are subject to the approval of the Rail Regulator. Railtrack is expected to allow onto the network freight flows which can cover at least the marginal costs they impose. For traffic which cannot even meet these costs, track access grant is available in recognition of the environmental and wider social benefits of sending freight by rail rather than by road.

  Unleaded Petrol
  Mr. Chidgey
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many cars have been modified for use of unleaded petrol in each of the last five years. [10251]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The information required is not held centrally. Most modifications to vehicles to enable them to run on unleaded petrol are likely to have taken place in the years immediately following the introduction of unleaded petrol in April 1987, encouraged by the duty differential in favour of that product. This is reflected in the rapid increase in unleaded petrol sales to 40 per cent. of total petrol sales by April 1991. From that date, subsequent increases in the sales of unleaded petrol are likely to be attributable primarily to the statutory requirement for new petrol-engined vehicles, with some time-limited exemptions, to be designed and constructed so as to be able to run on unleaded petrol, and from 1993, to the need for catalyst-equipped vehicles to use only unleaded petrol.

  Mr. Chidgey
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the number of(a) cars, (b) motor cycles and (c) light goods vehicles, which are able to use (i) four-star petrol only, (ii) unleaded petrol only and (iii) either four-star petrol or unleaded petrol. [10249]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Vehicles which are able to use only unleaded petrol are generally those fitted with catalytic convertors. An estimated 7 million petrol-engined cars and light good vehicles are so fitted. An estimated 1.3 million cars and light goods vehicles not fitted with catalytic convertors must be able to use unleaded petrol. In addition some 604,000 motor cycles are estimated to be able to use unleaded petrol. The remaining 12.4 million cars and light goods vehicles and 130,000 motor cycles were originally designed to use leaded petrol. However, the experience of countries such as the United States and Sweden indicates that most of these can safely use premium or super-unleaded petrol as an alternative, with the addition of a lead-replacement additive if it is felt necessary to afford a greater degree of protection against the possibility of increased seat wear.

  Seat Belts
  Mr. Edwards
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will impose standards on the advertising of seat belts installation services. [10234]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The Department has produced advice notes, setting out what we consider to be best technical practice, for those involved in the installation of seat belts. The issue of trading standards is the responsibility of the Department of Trade and Industry which has confirmed that legislation already exists to prevent traders from making false claims about their goods and services. Enforcement of these regulations is a matter for local trading standards officers.

  UK-Taipei Flights
  Mr. Colvin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions he has had, and with whom, about the bilateral civil aviation agreement between the United Kingdom and the Republic of China on Taiwan in respect of the number of flights between the United Kingdom and Taipei. [10515]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  None. Flights between the United Kingdom and Taiwan are operated under an agreement between airlines.

  Air Services
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what destinations in the United Kingdom have ceased to be served by direct air services from London's Heathrow and Gatwick airports since 1979. [10079]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Domestic destinations that had direct air services from Heathrow and Gatwick airports in 1979, which have since ceased operating, are as follows:

  Heathrow

  Gatwick

  Prestwick

  Bournemouth

  Norwich

  Exeter

  Liverpool

  Inverness1

  Humberside

  Teesside1

  Cardiff

  Prestwick

  Birmingham

  East Midlands

  East Midlands

  Blackpool

  1Inverness and Teesside continue to have direct services from Heathrow.

  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what action he is taking to ensure that during negotiations with the European Union sufficient slots are made available at major continental airports for the maintenance and development of air services from key regional centres of the United Kingdom. [10080]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  We are awaiting proposals from the European Commission for revisions to the Council regulation governing airport slot allocation in the Community. On receipt of those proposals, we will take account of the needs of access to the continent from key regional centres in the UK in preparing our position for negotiations in the Transport Council.

  Portsmouth Port
  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the(a) tonnage of goods and (b) passenger numbers which passed through the port of Portsmouth in the last year for which figures are available; and in each case where Portsmouth ranked relative to other United Kingdom ports. [10334]
  790
  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The latest figures available are taken from "Port Statistics 1995" published by HMSO.

  (a) In 1995, some 4.4 million tonnes of freight passed through Portsmouth. Portsmouth was the 20th largest port in the United Kingdom.

  (b) Passenger numbers are published only for international sea passenger traffic. In 1995, Portsmouth was the second busiest international passenger port in the United Kingdom with 3.3 million international sea passenger movements through the port. Portsmouth also has significant domestic traffic, however information supplied to the Department on UK domestic passenger routes is commercially confidential.

  A3
  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many(a) accidents and (b) fatalities occurred on the A3 in each of the last three years; and what percentage of each occurred in the Waverley local authority area. [10332]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  (a) Personal injury road accidents on the A3 were recorded as follows:

  1994

  1995

  1996

  Injury accidents on the A3

  1,223

  1,105

  1,093

  Injury accidents on the A3 in Waverley

  107

  79

  88

  Percentage

  9

  7

  8

  (b) Road accident fatalities on the A3 were recorded as follows:

  1994

  1995

  1996

  Fatalities on the A3

  9

  8

  11

  Fatalities on the A3 in Waverley

  2

  1

  0

  Percentage

  22

  13

  0

  Mrs. Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many miles of the A3 between London and Portsmouth are single carriageway; and if he will list their locations. [10333]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  I have asked the chief executive of the Highways Agency to write to the right hon. Member.

  Letter from Lawrie Haynes to Mrs. Virginia Bottomley, dated 25 July 1997:
  The Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions has asked me to reply to your recent question about how many miles of the A3 between London and Portsmouth are single carriageway and where they are located.
  The A3 around Hindhead in south west Surrey is the last remaining section of single carriageway between Wandsworth in south west London and Portsmouth. It is approximately 4.1 miles in length.

  Street Works (Householders' Liability)
  Mr. Peter Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will review the provisions of the Highways Act 1980 relating to the liabilities of householders whose properties are located on road junctions to apportionments for street work arising from both frontages. [10390]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  I have no plans to review these provisions. As the law stands, it is open to a highway authority to adopt an unadopted street, but the frontagers are legally liable for the cost of any works necessary to bring it up to the required standard first; the charge is normally based on the respective lengths of the frontages of the properties which adjoin the street, though the highway authority may modify such an apportionment by taking into account the degree of likely benefit to individual householders when calculating their apportionments. It also has discretion to contribute towards the costs of the works as a whole or those borne by flank or rear frontages. Properties on private streets may be expected to cost less than they otherwise would, because of the liability for private street works expenses.

  Marine Environment
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he intends to publish a consultation document on marine environmental high-risk areas; and if he will make a statement. [10403]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  We are completing the development of criteria to identify areas which are both of high environmental interest and at risk from shipping. Once these criteria have been developed, a decision will be taken on how the concept of marine environmental high-risk areas should be taken forward and appropriate consultations will be carried out.

CABINET OFFICE

  Millennium Exhibition
  Mr. Nicholls
  To ask the Minister without Portfolio what plans he has to emphasise the Christian character of the Millennium celebrations at Greenwich. [8046]

  Mr. Mandelson
  [holding answer 14 July 1997]: We recognise that the millennium is both a Christian anniversary and an important landmark for everyone who measures time by the Gregorian calendar. Physical and spiritual renewal will be one of the key themes of the new millennium experience at Greenwich. We shall be working closely with the Christian Churches, and with those of other faiths and none, to achieve this.

  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Minister without Portfolio what was the cost to public funds of the launch of the millennium experience on 26 June. [7986]

  Mr. Mandelson
  The cost to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport was £5,074.20.
  792
  Mr. Nicholls
  To ask the Minister without Portfolio how many tourists he expects to visit the millennium exhibition at Greenwich. [8047]

  Mr. Mandelson
  [holding answer 14 July 1997]: I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Hertsmere (Mr. Clappison) Official Report, 21 July 1997, column 392.

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Minister without Portfolio, pursuant to his answer of 7 July,Official Report, column 324, what arrangements he made to ensure that he would be present in the Chamber on 21 July to answer the question about the millennium dome if it were reached. [10682]

  Mr. Mandelson
  I have nothing to add to the points made by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport in answer to the hon. Member's point of order on 21 July,Official Report, columns 700–01.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Broiler Chickens
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has made of the percentage of broiler chickens infected with salmonella; and what was the percentage in each of the last 10 years. [8659]

  Mr. Rooker
  The levels of salmonella in broiler chickens are surveyed periodically at the retail stage. The Advisory Committee on the Microbiological Safety of Food produced a report on poultry meat in 1996 which contains details of Government-funded retail surveys on the prevalence of salmonella in UK-produced raw chicken. This information is set out in the table.

  Prevalence of Salmonella spp. in raw chicken, 1979–1994

  Survey

  Source and type

  Number of chickens

  Number (percentage) with salmonella spp.

  1979–80

  UK, frozen

  100

  79 (79)

  1987

  UK, frozen

  101

  65 (64)

  1990

  UK, frozen

  143

  77 (54)

  1994

  UK, frozen

  281

  114 (41)

  1987

  UK, chilled

  103

  56 (54)

  1990

  UK, chilled

  143

  58 (41)

  1994

  UK, chilled

  281

  93 (33)

  As can be seen from the table, the prevalence of salmonella in chickens on retail sale has declined markedly over the years. However, it remains essential to observe the normal rules of food hygiene when handling and cooking chickens in order to minimise the risk of food poisoning.

  Beaufort's Dyke
  Mr. Bennett
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what discussions he has had with Ferranti Ltd. concerning where it was dumping radioactive waste prior to its agreement in July 1957 to dump it in Beaufort's Dyke. [9966]

  Mr. Rooker
  None.

  Responsibility for dumping at sea and for the disposal of radioactive waste in Scotland rests with the Secretary of State for Scotland. His officials are currently in discussion with the company concerned, and, as undertaken in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Kirkcaldy (Dr. Moonie) on 1 July Official Report, columns 158–60, any new information found will be reported to the House.

  Live Animal Exports
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what estimate he has made of the time local veterinary inspectors spend inspecting animals destined for export to ensure they are fit to travel as required by the Welfare of Animals (Transport) Order 1997; and if he will make a statement; [10279]

  (2) if he will end the practice under which exporters of live farm animals can select which local veterinary inspector is to inspect the animals for export health certification purposes; and if he will make a statement; [10301]

  (3) if he will end the practice under which exporters of live farm animals make a direct payment to the local veterinary inspector to undertake the export health certification. [10300]

  Mr. Morley
  These issues are being considered as part of a departmental review of pre-export procedures for live animals. The conclusions of this review will be announced as soon as practicable.

  Meat Hygiene Service
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many firms are paying(a) more and (b) less for supervising operations since the Meat Hygiene Service took over the supervision of meat hygiene. [10337]

  Mr. Rooker
  The Meat Hygiene Service took over responsibility from local authorities for meat hygiene and inspection in licensed fresh meat premises on 1 April 1995.

  Information on the actual costs for meat inspection under local authorities is not available. Overall, the total cost of meat inspection has been substantially reduced, from an estimated cost of the service provided by local authorities of £45 million per annum to the total cost of the service provided by the Meat Hygiene Service in 1995–96 of £35 million. There is clear evidence that some local authorities were subsidising their costs in some way. This has inevitably meant that some individual operators are paying more than they did previously. On the other hand-meat inspection charges to other operators have fallen.

  Melatonin
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his Department's policy towards foods containing melatonin. [10363]

  Mr. Rooker
  Foods containing the hormone melatonin, like all other foods in the UK, have to comply with the provisions of the Food Safety Act 1990, for example they should be of the nature, substance and quality demanded by the consumer and not be injurious to health.

  Cattle Carcases
  Mr. Green
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many cattle carcases are currently held in cold storage in Kent. [10354]

  Mr. Rooker
  No carcases from cattle slaughtered under the over-30-months scheme are currently being held in cold storage in Kent, although some 160 tonnes of intervention beef is being stored in the county. Information on commercial stocks of beef in cold storage in Kent is not available centrally.

  Mr. Green
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the cold store facilities currently available to take over-30-months scheme cattle in Kent. [10356]

  Mr. Rooker
  Four cold stores in Kent have been used for the storage of over-30-months scheme material. These are at Paddock Wood, Gillingham, Swanley and Thamesport. All of these stores have now been emptied of OTMS material and contracts are in the process of being terminated. We do not envisage the need to store OTMS material in cold stores in the future.

  Quangos
  Mr. David Heath
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the quangos within his Department's responsibility which he has to date announced his intention(a) to abolish and (b) to make subject to a significant element of democratic accountability. [9677]

  Mr. Morley
  (a) In a news release on 28 May 1997, my right hon. Friend announced the disbanding of the Ministry's nine advisory regional panels.

  Additionally, action is being taken on the other MAFF quangos in line with the Prime Minister's written statement to my hon. Friend the Member for West Lancashire (Mr. Pickthall) on 18 June, Official Report, column 174.

  (b) Following the written statement by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on extending the democratic accountability of quangos to my hon. Friend the Member for The Wrekin (Mr. Bradley) on 24 July, Official Report, column 693, the Ministry's position will be reviewed.

  Silage Wrap
  Mr. David Heath
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what guidance he gives farmers concerning the safe disposal of black silage bag plastic. [9989]
  795
  Mr. Morley
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Lewes (Mr. Baker) on 20 June 1997,Official Report, column 314.

  Avoparcin
  Mr. David Heath
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will estimate the proportion of poultry flocks which are administered the food additive avoparcin. [9992]

  Mr. Rooker
  In December 1996, the European Commission presented a proposal to the Standing Committee banning the use of avoparcin as an additive in animal feed. The proposal was agreed by qualified majority and the UK implemented the ban on the use of avoparcin as a feed additive by the 1 April 1997 deadline. Product licences containing avoparcin were revoked with effect from 31 March. Avoparcin is therefore no longer authorised as a feed additive for use in poultry flocks.

  Mr. Heath
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what research he has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated into links between avoparcin feed additive for poultry and vancomycin-resistant enterococcal infections in humans. [9993]

  Mr. Rooker
  The Government take very seriously the possibility of the development of antibiotic resistance in humans and animals as a result of the use of antibiotics in animal feed. This is carefully examined as part of the safety assessment of applications for authorisations for antimicrobial products, and is kept under review by the independent scientific Veterinary Products Committee which advises the Government on the safety, quality and efficacy of veterinary medicines. In considering the use of antibiotics, the committee has consistently followed the principles established in the report of the Joint Committee on the Use of Antibiotics in Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine—the Swann report—of 1969. The VPC evaluated the report on Avoparcin produced by the European Commission's Scientific Committee on Animal Nutrition and endorsed its conclusion that, on the basis of science the evidence presented did not establish a risk to human health, animal health or the environment.

  Apart from regular reviews by the VPC, a number of other recent initiatives into the issue of antibiotic resistance have been undertaken. The Advisory Committee on Microbiological Safety of Food has set up a working group to assess the risks to humans from antibiotic resistant micro-organisms entering the food chain. The working group is expected to report by the end of the year. Secondly, following the ban on avoparcin, a Commission working group has prepared a programme for the monitoring of resistance to a number of antibiotics in pigs and poultry. Samples are to be taken in slaughterhouses in a number of member states including the UK. The EU Committee for Veterinary Medicinal Products has also set up an ad hoc working party to investigate the prevalence and effects of anitmicrobial resistance in animals and potential for transfer to man. Finally, the House of Lords Select Committee on Science and Technology has established a sub-committee on resistance to anti-microbial agents. It aims to report in early 1998.

  Minimum Wage
  Mr. Ian Bruce
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food which industries are currently covered by minimum wage legislation; and what the minimum wage is in each for a 16-year-old casual worker. [10577]

  Mr. Morley
  Agriculture is currently the only industry covered by minimum wage legislation. Rates are reviewed annually in England and Wales. The minimum hourly rate of pay from 1 June 1997 for a 16-year-old casual worker undertaking agricultural work is £1.84. The rate for casual workers for anyone aged 19 and over is £3.06 per hour.

  Cattle Cull
  Mr. Pickthall
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what measures he is taking to ensure the saleability of cattle born after 1 August 1996. [9543]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 21 July 1997]: We are discussing with the European Commission a proposal to allow the export of meat from cattle born after a specified date. The first of August 1996 is a key date as, from that date, it became an offence to use or possess mammalian meat and bone meal on a farm and remaining stocks on farms had to be surrendered by that date. This, together with the introduction of cattle passports in July 1996, means that we are able to offer additional safeguards in respect of animals born after that date to our trading partners.

HEALTH

  Ministerial Responsibilities
  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list his top three priority issues in respect of each of the sub-headings to each area of responsibility listed in respect of the list of ministerial responsibilities of each of his Department's Ministers. [9816]

  Ms Jowell
  The list of ministerial responsibilities referred to is not a template for the priorities of the Department of Health. The broad scope of the Department means that each Minister has responsibility for particular areas of work, but priorities are set across the whole Department, and every Minister's areas of responsibility feed into them. For this reason, a list of issues categorised by the sub-headings in that list would not encapsulate our priorities.

  Public Health Initiatives
  Mrs. Brinton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to introduce joint funding for health authorities and local authorities in respect of joint initiatives on public health. [10176]

  Ms Jowell
  Joint working between health and local authorities and other statutory and voluntary bodies will be an important element in delivering our manifesto commitments on public health. We shall be looking at ways to encourage co-operative working across such boundaries.

  Psychiatric Care
  Mr. Singh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is his policy in respect of mixed wards in psychiatric
  797
  hospitals with particular reference to the specific religions and cultural concerns of members of ethnic minority communities. [9968]

  Mr. Boateng
  We recognise that there are some problems for particular ethnic minorities. Our policy is set out in "The Patient's Charter and Mental Health Services" which says that"if you would prefer to be cared for in single sex accommodation your wishes will be respected wherever possible"
  In January this year, the NHS chief executive wrote to all health authorities and trusts to ask them to set targets in relation to upholding patient privacy and dignity including safe facilities for patients who are mentally ill.

  Solvent Abuse
  Mr. Hanson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the figures for deaths from solvent and volatile substances abuse by(a) region, (b) product abused and (c) age in the last year for which figures are available. [10223]

  Ms Jowell
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Heywood and Middleton (Mr. Dobbin) on 30 June Official Report, columns 30–31. The report is also available on the Internet on http:/www.sghms.ac.uk/phs/index.htm.

  Quangos
  Mr. David Heath
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the quangos within his Department's responsibility which he has to date announced his intention(a) to abolish and (b) to make subject to a significant element of democratic accountability. [9674]

  Ms Jowell
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health has not yet announced the abolition of any of the Department's quangos. However, the Department is to take part in a Government-wide review of quangos, as announced by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 18 June,Offical Report, column 174, to identify any suitable for merger or abolition. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State recently announced his intention that future national health service trust board meetings will be held in public. In addition, those appointed to serve on NHS trusts and health authorities will be more representative of the community they serve, including more users of NHS services, more carers and more people involved in representing the community's interests. These measures will improve the accountability of local NHS boards to local people.

  Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcal Infection
  Mr. David Heath
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many reported cases of vancomycin-resistant enterococcal infection there were in(a) 1996 and (b) 1997 to date. [9994]

  Ms Jowell
  No central data on the number of cases of infection with vancomycin-resistant enterococci are collected. However, national epidemiological data are compiled by the Public Health Laboratory Service, from isolates—specimens of bacteria isolated from patients—submitted voluntarily by hospitals in England and Wales for specialist microbiological tests. The total number of isolates submitted in 1996 was 1,800 and for 1997 the 798
  figure is 203 to the end of May 1997. These data do not record the number of affected patients or the proportion of cases of infection rather than colonisation—non-infected carrier state—with VRE. However, the PHLS estimates that about 10 per cent. of these totals represent cases of true infection due to the organism.

  Mesothelioma
  Mr. Wills
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will include mesothelioma as a topic for inclusion in the work carried out by(a) the UK Cochrane Centre and (b) the NHS centre for reviews and dissemination. [10534]

  Mr. Boateng
  The United Kingdom Cochrane centre and the national health service centre for reviews and dissemination plan to address mesothelioma in the context of their wider work on lung cancer.

  Cancer
  Mr. Wills
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps the Government are taking to ensure the implementation of the recommendations of the 1995 expert advisory group on cancer; which recommendations have yet to be implemented; and what factors underlie the non-implementation of those recommendations not yet implemented. [10537]

  Mr. Boateng
  The Government have given their full support to the implementation of the recommendations of the 1995 expert advisory group on cancer and £10 million has been made available recurrently to improve the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. The aim is to ensure that all women have speedy access to high quality diagnosis and treatment, based on Calman/Hine networks of cancer care. Guidance has been published on improving outcomes in breast cancer and on the provision of palliative care services.

  A great deal of work has already been undertaken within the national health service to implement the recommendations with much being achieved locally. A key element has been the identification of cancer units and centres and the local agreement of where and what cancers should be treated at each individual hospital. In many regions, this has involved site visits by multi-disciplinary teams to assess cancer provision against agreed cancer standards, to identify strengths and weaknesses and to agree a time scale for change.

  Although full implementation is planned to take some five to 10 years, we will continue to ensure that the programme is given a high priority. We are currently considering what further action should be taken both nationally and locally to ensure these improvements to cancer services are taken forward as quickly as possible.

  Vitamin B6
  Mr. Tredinnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when the report of the Government's Committee on Toxicity recommending restrictions on the use of vitamin B6 was published; and what further research has been conducted by the committee on toxicity since that date. [10667]
  799
  Ms Jowell
  A statement on the toxicity of vitamin B6 by the Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment—COT—was made available to the general public on 4 July 1997. Availability was announced in a Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food news release on Government action following COT and Food Advisory Committee advice on vitamin B6.

  It is not part of the COT's remit to conduct research. However, it does review the available data on the toxicity of chemicals; this is both papers published in scientific journals and submissions from industry. In this case, the COT considered more than 100 papers before coming to its conclusion.

  Mr. Tredinnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many representations he has received recently concerning the sale of vitamin B6. [10666]

  Ms Jowell
  Both the Department of Health and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food have jointly received approximately 1,000 letters making representations about vitamin B6. A significant proportion of these are in a standard format. However, on 23 July my hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham, Perry Barr (Mr. Rooker) and I met representatives of industry groups and nutritional therapy/alternative medicine interests, to listen to their views on the intended changes to the legislation controlling of vitamin B6 containing dietary supplements.

  Mr. Tredinnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research has been(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated by his Department concerning the effectiveness of vitamin B6. [10668]

  Ms Jowell
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health has not commissioned any research into the effectiveness of vitamin B6. Data from pharmaceutical companies, on the efficacy of medicinal products containing vitamin B6 have been evaluated by the licensing authority and its expert advisory bodies in relation to applications for marketing authorisation submitted to the Medicines Control Agency. Following grant of a marketing authorisation, the MCA continues to monitor efficacy in relation to safety for all authorised medicinal products, including those containing vitamin B6.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Visitor Visas (Iraqi Citizens)
  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the Government's policy on the issue of visitor visas to Iraqi citizens who are relatives of United Kingdom citizens where such visas are sponsored by the United Kingdom citizen; what humanitarian considerations are taken into account in the processing of such applications; and if he will make a statement. [10270]

  Mr. Fatchett
  Iraqi citizens seeking to visit relatives in the UK are considered under the terms of the UK immigration rules in the same way as any other visa national. However, all applications from Iraqi nationals between the ages of 18 and 65 and employees of certain Iraqi organisations are referred to London for clearance.
  800
  When considering any visa application, the entry clearance officer, no matter what the nationality of the applicant, will take into any relevant compassionate circumstances into consideration.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the papers in the case of the constituent of the hon. Member for Walsall, North, No. IMM/ECR/0410/95/5 and Q4/40/97 were sent by the British high commission in New Delhi, to the correspondence unit of the migration and visa department in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office; and what is the current position on this case. [10451]

  Mr. Fatchett
  We have asked our high commission in New Delhi for a detailed account of the application and my noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs will write to my hon. Friend within one week of receiving that account.

  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he plans to reply to the letter from the hon. Member for Walsall, North of 1 July regarding a constituent. [10452]

  Mr. Fatchett
  My hon. Friend's letter was passed to the migration and visa division of this Department on 17 July for response. It aims to reply within 15 working days of this date, that is, 7 August.

  British Aerospace
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on his meeting with representatives of British Aerospace on 16 July. [10453]

  Mr. Fatchett
  British Aerospace representatives asked to call to brief me on their overseas business interests in the Asia-Pacific region, including Indonesia. I took the opportunity to explain the background to the current review of criteria to be used in considering licence applications for the export of conventional arms.

  Sudan
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will urge the United Nations to establish a slave tracing programme to identify the location of slaves in Sudan and to bring about a reunion with their families. [10669]

  Mr. Fatchett
  The United Nations, through UNICEF, already has a programme to reunite families in Sudan. We fully support that programme and others with the same objective.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent dialogue he has had with representatives of Sudan's National Democratic Alliance; and how he intends to support their efforts. [10670]

  Mr. Fatchett
  I met the former Prime Minister, Sadiq al Mahdi, and an accompanying delegation on 19 May. Officials are in regular touch with representatives of the National Democratic Alliance in line with our policy of keeping open links to all sides in Sudan. We sympathise with many of the NDA's concerns about the present
  801
  Government in Khartoum. But we have no plans to support their efforts, which focus on overthrowing that Government.

  General Affairs Council
  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the outcome of the General Affairs Council on 22 July. [11066]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  The 36 A points in document 9959/97, the text of which will be placed in the House Library as soon as it is available, were approved.

  The Council noted the resolutions adopted by the European Parliament, listed in document 8776/97. A copy of that document will also be placed in the House Library as soon as it is available.

  The Council began with a debate on the Luxembourg presidency programme. The Luxembourg Foreign Minister outlined their priorities: the Special European Council on employment in October; preparation for enlargement; relations with Africa; and the fight against drugs. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs made it clear that we want to take forward the Agenda 2000 package presented by the Commission, with a view to the early launching of the next stage in the enlargement process. We also need to ensure that the EU focuses on issues of concern to its citizens: above all on jobs.

  The Commission presented its Agenda 2000 communication—covering enlargement, policy reform and future financing. Member states held an initial exchange of views. Three—Italy, Sweden and Denmark—opposed the Commission's recommendation that the EU should negotiate only with those central European applicants which it judged sufficiently prepared. There was a general recognition of the need for policy reform, but some of the principal CAP and structural and cohesion fund beneficiaries made clear their concerns. Detailed discussion will begin in the autumn, with a view to the Luxembourg European Council taking the necessary decisions so that accession negotiations can begin in early 1998, during the UK's presidency of the EU.

  On Iran, the Council agreed the continuing need for EU solidarity, including on the return of EU ambassadors to Tehran.

  The EU special envoy on the middle east peace process briefed the Council on developments in the region. The council discussed ways in which the European Union could contribute ending the current deadlock and to a resumption of negotiations on the basis of the agreements signed between the two sides. The Council had meetings with the Israeli Foreign Minister, David Levy, and the presidency of the Palestinian Authority, Yasser Arafat.

  The Council discussed a report from the European Commission on exports to the European Union from the occupied territories in the context of the European Community interim association agreements with Israel and the PLO.

  The Council briefly discussed the draft 1998 EC budget and in particular the level of structural funds payments.
  802
  The presidency and the Netherlands put forward new proposals on the trade aspects of the overseas countries and territories mid-term review, including quotas for rice—160,000 tonnes—and sugar—3,000 tonnes. There was no discussion and the item was remitted for further discussion in the working group, with a view to a decision being taken at the 15 September General Affairs Council.

  The Council agreed, by a qualified majority, the framework agreement on humane trapping standards and a list of countries from which the import of furs into the European Union will be permitted. It also agreed a declaration that the Commission would do everything possible to accelerate the implementation of the agreement. We argued that the Community should not put its name to an agreement which continued to allow the use of leghold traps, which we consider inhumane. The United Kingdom therefore voted against the framework agreement, with the support of Austria and Belgium. We also tabled a minutes statement explaining why we had voted against the proposal and pointing out that we consider the agreement to be an interim measure only and expect work to continue to ensure that the use of leghold traps is brought to an end as quickly as possible.

  The Council discussed the proposed EU/Jordan association agreement. We hope that this can be concluded as soon as possible.

  The Council reiterated EU support for OAU/UN efforts to resolve the crisis in Congo—Brazzaville. An EU contribution to any inter-African force is under consideration.

  The Council welcomed the holding of acceptable parliamentary elections on 29 June and 6 July in Albania. It urged Albanians to respect the results and to pursue the process of national reconciliation. The EU is committed to continuing its assistance to Albania, on condition that the Albanian authorities work towards stabilisation, democratisation and economic recovery. Law and order must be restored, while respecting human rights.

  The EU will co-operate closely with other international organisations under the co-ordinating framework of the OSCE. They encourage a "common international agenda" on Albania, in co-operation with the Albanian authorities.

  The high representative, Carlos Westendorp, reported to the Council on the situation in Bosnia. The Council condemned terrorist acts against SFOR and other international organisations and reiterated the international community's determination to penalise those responsible for failures to comply with the commitments agreed at the meeting of the steering board of the Peace Implementation Council at Sintra on 30 May.

TREASURY

  Accounting Systems
  Mr. Gorrie
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer which countries in the EU use(a) the public sector borrowing requirement and (b) similar cash-based accounting systems as their main guide in public finance; and which countries use an accruals-based accounting system. [8194]
  803
  Mrs. Liddell
  The information requested falls within the responsibility of the chief executive of the Office for National Statistics. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from Tim Holt to Mr. Donald Gorrie, dated 25 July 1997:
  The Chancellor of the Exchequer has asked me to reply, as Director of the Office for National Statistics (ONS), to your recent question on public finance.
  The ONS does not hold detailed information on how public finances are measured in other member states.
  However, all member states are required to calculate their General Government Financial Deficit (GGFD) in accordance with the European System of Accounts (ESA) second edition. This system applies a mixture of cash and accruals recording, depending on the type of transaction. The system accepts that, for public finances, cash measurement is acceptable for most transactions. GGFD statistics produced by member states are checked by the Statistical Office of the European Communities (Eurostat) to ensure compliance with the ESA.
  Most countries use cash measurement for expenditure and taxes in the GGFD. This is the statistic used to monitor performance for Economic and Monetary Union.
  For domestic purposes, member states use a variety of different statistics to monitor and control public finances. The ONS does not keep information on this.

  District Valuation Offices
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what plans he has to review the proposed programme of closure and merger of district valuation offices; [9178]

  (2) what representations he has received regarding the closure and merger of district valuation offices; and if he will make a statement. [9179]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The information requested is the responsibility of the Valuation Office. I have asked the acting chief executive to reply.

  Letter from Peter Upton to Mr. Peter L. Pike, dated 25 July 1997:
  I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Questions to the Chancellor (refs 9178 and 9179 of 15 July) in which you ask for information concerning the Agency's reorganisation proposals.
  The proposals for streamlining the Agency network of local valuation offices were detailed to constituency MPs in a letter of 19 July 1995 from the then Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Mrs Angela Knight. And on 10 May 1996 the VOA's former Chief Executive, John Langford, wrote to you in response to your concerns about the proposed closure of Burnley Valuation Office.
  Since this time, the Agency has been piloting its proposed new structure in the Leeds, York and Halifax offices and the results are due to be evaluated shortly.
  Dawn Primarolo, the Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Minister with responsibility for the VOA, has already been supplied with a good deal of background material on the restructuring initiative which she will be considering carefully and discussing the proposals with me very shortly. The plans are subject to ongoing discussions with national Trade Union representatives and she will be seeing them too.
  At the commencement of the restructuring programme the Agency advised all interested parties, including Members of Parliament and Local Authorities of the proposals.
  No final decision on implementing will be made before the views of all concerned have been carefully considered.
  I hope you will find the above helpful but if I can assist further then please let me know.

  Interest Rates
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish the forecasts for the level of United Kingdom interest rates used in the assumptions underlying his recent Budget statement. [9488]

  Mrs. Liddell
  [holding answer 21 July 1997]: In line with the convention followed by previous Governments, I do not intend to publish the interest rate path underlying the Budget economic forecast.

  Carbon Dioxide Emissions
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the effects of his recent Budget proposals on the level of future United Kingdom carbon dioxide emissions; and if he will make a statement. [9482]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 21 July 1997]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Truro and St. Austell, (Mr. Taylor), on 18 July, Official Report, column 376.

  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate his Department has made of the impact a 1 per cent. annual increase in road fuel duties above the existing 5 per cent. real rate of increase would have on carbon dioxide emissions in the UK; and if he will make a statement. [8912]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Previously published projections of carbon emissions in the year 2010 incorporate the effects of the 5 per cent. escalator to the year 2000. Real increases of 6 per cent. rather than 5 per cent. in the years to 2000 will reduce projected annual carbon emissions by around 0.2 million tonnes in the year 2010. Application of the 6 per cent. escalator for the life of this Parliament will provide savings of 2.5 million tonnes.

  Referendums
  Sir Richard Body
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if public money will be provided to campaigners in a referendum on the single currency; what the upper limit will be on permitted spending during such a campaign; and if he will make a statement. [10198]

  Mrs. Liddell
  [holding answer 22 July 1997]: The Government have not considered the detailed arrangements for any referendum on the European single currency. The Government are committed to holding a referendum if the Government and Parliament decide that the United Kingdom should join the single currency.

  Insulation Programme
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much money will be allocated per annum for insulation materials under the welfare-to-work environmental task force initiative to enable young people to insulate the homes of pensioners. [8986]

  Mrs. Liddell
  Some £3,150 million of the proceeds of the windfall tax has been allocated for the new deal for those under 25 who have been unemployed over six months. The environmental task force is one of four options for young people. The division of expenditure between these options will depend on the choices made by young people in consultation with designated case
  805
  workers and in the light of the opportunities available in each of the four options in that area. No overall expenditure has been specifically earmarked for insulation materials under the environmental task force.

  Private Schools (Tax Relief)
  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the estimated cost to the Exchequer of tax relief for the charitable status of private schools(a) in the United Kingdom and (b) in Wales in the last year for which figures are available. [10659]

  Dawn Primarolo
  I regret that this information is not available.

  Pensioners (Fuel Costs)
  Mr. Colvin
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the impact on state pensioners' fuel bills of the reduction in VAT on domestic fuel; and if he will make a statement. [7663]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The average household would save £18 per year from a reduction in VAT on domestic fuel and power from 8 to 5 per cent. Pensioners will benefit most in proportion to income.

  Fuel
  Mr. Chidgey
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the impact of changes in the rate of excise on unleaded petrol on the use of unleaded petrol by those drivers whose cars are able to use either four-star or unleaded petrol. [10252]

  Dawn Primarolo
  It is not possible to calculate from the information available the impact of the changes in the rate of excise duty on unleaded petrol on those drivers who may choose whether to use four-star or unleaded petrol.

  Mr. Chidgey
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would be the financial impact to the Exchequer of reducing the differential between the rate of excise on unleaded fuel and four-star fuel by 1p per litre and the rate of excise on city diesel by 1p per litre. [10255]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Using the hon. Member's assumption, the impact of increasing the duty rates on unleaded petrol and diesel by 1p per litre would yield approximately £185 million and £165 million in 1998 and 1999 respectively. Costings take account of the effects on behaviour where they are likely to have a significant effect on the yield and any consequential changes in receipts from related taxes including VAT and are measured against a non-indexed base. City diesel, is currently taxed at the same rate as ordinary diesel but is awaiting Royal Assent to the Finance Bill.

  Central Gilts Settlement System
  Mr. Timms
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he expects to make the provision of services to sponsored members in the updated central gilts settlement system an authorisable activity under the Financial Services Act 1986. [11143]

  Mrs. Liddell
  When the House resumes in October, Her Majesty's Treasury will lay a statutory instrument extending the activities requiring authorisation under the 806
  Financial Services Act 1986 so as to cover the sending of dematerialised instructions on behalf of third parties and certain related activities to the central gilts office service.

  Local Government Finance
  Mr. Gorrie
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what assessment he has made of the implications of the removal of local authority self-financed expenditure from the control total for meeting(a) the Maastricht criteria, (b) the golden rule and (c) the control of public finance; [8021]

  (2) if he will remove local authority self-financed expenditure from the control total. [7927]

  Mr. Darling
  The Government have already announced their plans for 1997–98 and 1998– 99, in which local authority self-financed expenditure remains in the control total.

  Special Advisers
  Mr. Colvin
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on his policy on the appointment of special advisers to Her Majesty's Treasury. [1598]

  Mrs. Liddell
  [pursuant to her reply, 12 June 1997, c. 1276]: A model contract of employment and an outline of the pay system for special advisers, which were attached to the Prime Minister's minute of 19 May to Cabinet colleagues, have been placed in the Library of the House. The Prime Minister's minute was an internal Government document and it would not be appropriate to disclose its contents.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Low Pay Commission
  Mr. Alan Johnson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will make a statement concerning the appointment of members to serve on the Low Pay Commission. [11225]

  Mrs. Beckett
  My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has appointed the following individuals to serve on the Low Pay Commission which will advise the Government on the rate at which the national minimum wage might be set:David Metcalf: Professor of Economics at the London School of Economics
  Stephanie Monk: Director of Human resources for the Granada Group
  Paul Gates: General Secretary of the Knitwear, Footwear and Apparel Trades Union (KFAT)
  John Cridland: Director of Human Resources Policy for the CBI
  Rita Donaghy: Member of the National Executive Council of UNISON
  Lawrence Dewar: Chief Executive of the Scottish Grocers' Federation
  Bill Callaghan: Head of the TUC Economic and Social Affairs Department
  William Brown: Professor of Industrial Relations, Cambridge University
  Professor George Bain will chair the commission.
  807
  The national minimum wage is one of the Government's top priorities and for that reason we have moved quickly to put the commission in place. We advertised nationally for applications to the commission and were gratified by the large response and the high quality of the candidates. I am confident that, with such a high-quality membership, the commission will be able to go about its work effectively and successfully.

  Hawk Aircraft
  Mr. Key
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade when she was first notified that licences had already been issued for the continued sale of Hawk jets to Indonesia. [10393]

  Mrs. Roche
  Ministers were informed on 7 July 1997 that the licences granted in November 1996 for the export of 16 Hawk aircraft and equipment to Indonesia represented the second phase of Hawk sales to Indonesia agreed in principle in 1993.

  Minister for Trade and Competitiveness in Europe
  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) if she will require the Minister for Trade and Competitiveness in Europe to publish a regular report on changes in his shareholdings; [10071]

  (2) what shareholdings the Minister for Trade and Competitiveness Europe holds. [10070]

  Mrs. Beckett
  Apart from his holding in BP, which the Minister has undertaken not to trade before 1 January 1998, he can no longer give a report of his shareholdings, or changes in them, since they have been placed in a blind trust. It would breach the protection against conflicts of interest the trust provides to ask the manager of the trust to publish the composition of the portfolio.

  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) what assessment she has made of the effect of gas liberalisation on the competitive position of gas companies relative to other energy companies; [10322]

  (2) what assessment she has made of the effect of gas liberalisation on the share price of BP. [10323]

  Mrs. Beckett
  [holding answers 24 July 1997]: The Government's policy is to press for the completion of the single market in energy, which will offer opportunities for all energy companies, and bring benefits for all of Europe's energy consumers.

  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if those matters relating to(a) gas liberalisation, (b) state aids policy and (c) biotechnological inventions currently subject to proposals in the European Community under evaluation by Her Majesty's Government have a bearing on BP. [9653]

  Mrs. Beckett
  [holding answer 21 July 1997]: Some aspects of these matters or cases—for example, concerning state aids to BP's direct competitors—can have a direct or particular bearing on BP. Arrangements are in place to ensure that no conflicts of interest arise for the Ministers dealing with these matters as all others.

  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if a private secretary from the DTI was present at the three meetings the Minister for Trade and 808
  Competitiveness has held with BP directors since becoming a Minister; what minutes were taken; and if she will publish them. [10492]

  Mrs. Beckett
  No. These meetings were related to the handover of Lord Simon's responsibilities at BP or to allow him to say farewell to his colleagues. It would have been wholly inappropriate for the DTI to be represented at such occasions, although the right hon. Member might have enjoyed the minutes of his farewell party.

  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade in what circumstances the Minister for Trade and Competitiveness in Europe is able to handle matters relating to tax in Brussels. [10427]

  Mrs. Beckett
  [holding answer 24 July 1997]: The Minister is not normally involved in EU Council negotiations on tax. Like other Ministers, he could present Her Majesty's Government's position if necessary, unless there were a conflict of interest.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if the Minister for Trade and Competitiveness in Europe will be handling indirect tax and corporate tax proposals under the action plan for the single market in Europe. [10016]

  Mrs. Beckett
  [holding answer 23 July 1997]: The Minister is not normally involved in EU Council negotiations on tax. Like other Ministers, he could present Her Majesty's Government's position if necessary, unless there were a conflict of interest.

  Mr. Hammond
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if the Minister for Trade and Competitiveness in Europe will be handling negotiations on pension funds in Europe under the action plan for the single market. [9788]

  Mrs. Beckett
  [holding answer 21 July 1997]: The Minister for Trade and Competitiveness in Europe attends the Internal Market Council. Pension funds will be dealt with in ECOFIN, which he does not attend. However, he will continue to play a role in all aspects of the single market, subject to the arrangements which are in place to ensure that no conflicts of interest can arise.

  Mr. David Heath
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will list the official engagements of the Minister for Trade and Competitiveness in Europe for the month of July. [9990]

  Mrs. Beckett
  The Minister has a wide range of engagements both at the DTI and the Treasury in fulfilment of his role as Minister for Trade and Competitiveness in Europe.

  Minister for Competition and Consumer Affairs
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade when the Minister for Competition and Consumer Affairs stopped writing a column for the travel trade press; and on whose instructions. [10461]

  Mrs. Beckett
  My hon. Friend the Minister for Competition and Consumer Affairs wrote a fortnightly column for a leading travel newspaper,Travel Weekly from 15 September 1993 until 31 April 1997. The paper is read primarily by Britain's leading travel agents and tour operators.
  809
  Since 5 May, any contributions to Travel Weekly, or any other travel trade press have been on an occasional and entirely unpaid basis, in accordance with the guidance in paragraphs 94–95 of "Questions of Procedure for Ministers".

  Engineering Industry
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will list the figures for(a) export orders and (b) numbers of firms operating at a satisfactory rate in the engineering sector in each of the last 15 months. [10325]

  Mrs. Beckett
  [holding answer 24 July 1997]: Figures for export orders on hand at the end of each of the last 15 months are as shown in the table:

  Not seasonally adjusted £ million

  March 1996

  10,373

  April 1996

  10,412

  May 1996

  10,101

  June 1996

  9,695

  July 1996

  9,539

  August 1996

  9.908

  September 1996

  9,909

  October 1996

  9,711

  November 1996

  9,809

  December 1996

  9,358

  January 1997

  9,346

  February 1997

  9,443

  March 1997

  9,172

  April 1997

  9,441

  May 1997

  9,308

  Figures on the numbers of firms operating at a satisfactory rate in the engineering sector are not available from official statistics.

  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what action she plans to take to increase the levels of planned investment in the engineering industry. [10321]

  Mrs. Beckett
  [holding answer 24 July 1997]: My agenda for pursuing competitiveness through partnership, starting with the competitiveness summit on 23 July, includes encouraging investment in industry, including the engineering industry. Engineering investment will also be encouraged by my policies for promoting technology transfer in the sector and encouraging good supply chain links. I welcome the actions of my right hon. Friend the Chancellor in laying the foundations for economic stability and introducing appropriate tax changes in the Budget, which will also improve the climate for investment.

  Wind Energy
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will make a statement on the Government's policy towards the use of wind energy. [9596]

  Mr. Battle
  Wind Energy is a vital element of sustainable development and has the potential to make an important contribution to our new and strong drive to develop renewable sources of energy. I expect development of wind energy to lead to the creation of new jobs and access to a worldwide market for renewable energy equipment estimated by the World Energy Council to grow to £50 billion per annum by 2005.

  Astronomy
  Charlotte Atkins
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what representations the Minister for Science, Energy and Industry received before 14 July from the hon. Member for Chesham and Amersham (Mrs. Gillan) concerning astronomy in the United Kingdom and the royal observatories. [10266]

  Mr. Battle
  It is for hon. Members to publicise their approaches to me, should they wish to do so.

  Trade Missions
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what trade missions are planned for the next 12 months by(a) the Minister for Trade, (b) members of the royal family, (c) the chairman of the British Overseas Trade Board and (d) other departmental Ministers. [9454]

  Mrs. Beckett
  [holding answer 18 July 1997]: The following trade missions are planned at present. Details of visit programmes and accompanying business delegations have yet to be finalised.

  (a) Lord Clinton-Davis—Minister for Trade

  September 1997: Chile/Argentina

  September 1997: Korea/Japan

  October 1997: Qatar and possibly Saudi Arabia/Yemen

  December 1997: Poland/Czech Republic/Hungary

  (b) Members of the Royal Family

  The royal family's extensive programme of overseas visits plays an important part in the promotion of British commercial as well as other interests. The following visits specifically for trade promotions are planned during the next 12 months.

  HRH The Duke of Kent—Vice Chairman of the British Overseas Trade Board

  October 1997: Korea

  April 1998: India

  September 1998: Colombia/Peru/Bolivia

  HRH The Duke of Gloucester

  September 1997: Yemen (with British Consultants Bureau)

  (c) Sir Martin Laing—Chairman of the British Overseas Trade Board

  September 1997: Philippines

  October 1997: Peru

  November 1997: Egypt

  (d) Other Departmental Ministers

  Margaret Beckett—President of the Board of Trade

  November: 1997: Australia/India

  January 1998: China/Pakistan

  John Battle—Minister for Science, Energy and Industry

  November 1997: Angola/Botswana (provisional)

  Barbara Roche—Under-Secretary of State for Small Firms, Trade and Industry

  April 1998: Mauritius

  Space School
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if the Science Minister will visit the 17th session of the Space school currently being held at Brunel university; and if he will make a statement. [10527]

  Mrs. Roche
  Regrettably, I am unable to visit this year's Space school. However, I welcome efforts to explain the importance of space science to young people, and compliment the Space school on developing innovative ways to further their interest in science.

  Travel Industry
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what is his Department's policy towards vertical integration in the travel industry; and if he will make a statement. [10530]

  Mrs. Beckett
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the right hon. Member for Wokingham (Mr. Redwood) on 14 July,Official Report, column 68.

  Northern Ireland Peace Policies
  Northern Ireland Peace Policies
  Conservation Areas: Demolition Consent
  Conservation Areas: Demolition Consent
  >"Family": Definition
  >"Family": Definition
  Freedom of Information Legislation
  Freedom of Information Legislation
  Cabinet Responsibility and Policy Announcements
  Cabinet Responsibility and Policy Announcements
  Prescription Charge Comparisons
  Prescription Charge Comparisons
  Electronic Smog
  Electronic Smog
  Anti-Smoking Summit
  Anti-Smoking Summit
  Cattle Tracing: Computerised System Development
  Cattle Tracing: Computerised System Development
  BSE: Report
  BSE: Report
  Agriculture Council, 22–23 July
  Agriculture Council, 22–23 July
  Veterinary Medicines Directorate: Annual Report and Accounts
  Veterinary Medicines Directorate: Annual Report and Accounts
  Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee: Members' Interests
  Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee: Members' Interests
  Hong Kong Government: Expatriate Officials
  Hong Kong Government: Expatriate Officials
  Hong Kong Police: Expatriate Officers
  Hong Kong Police: Expatriate Officers
  EU Structural and Cohesion Funds Allocations
  EU Structural and Cohesion Funds Allocations