Written Answers of 6 June 1997

DEFENCE

  Political and Special Advisers
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list(a) the name, (b) the salary, (c) the previous occupation and salary and (d) the terms and conditions of each political and special adviser in his Department; and what was the selection process used to appoint these persons. [2424]

  Mr. George Robertson
  I have appointed Mr. Alasdair McGowan, who was my research assistant, as a Special Adviser.

  The terms and conditions of each appointment are set out in the draft model contract, a copy of which has been placed in the Library of the House.

  Special Advisers are paid within a range of £24,349 to £73,484. Their salaries are negotiated individually and are confidential within this range. Details of this and of previous salary are not provided to protect the privacy of the individuals concerned.

  This is a personal appointment which I made following consultation with the Permanent Head of the Department and the Prime Minister.

  Harrier Carrier Purchase (India)
  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what negotiations(a) have been held and (b) are proposed with the Indian Government about the purchase of a Harrier carrier; and what related sales would ensue from such a sale. [1886]

  Mr. Spellar
  No negotiations have taken place between Her Majesty's Government and the Government of India about the purchase of a Harrier carrier, and none is planned. Currently, no Royal Navy ships of this type are available for disposal, nor will any be in the foreseeable future.

PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL

  Orders in Council
  Mr. Fallon
  To ask the President of the Council if she will ensure that the Library receives a copy of each Order in Council. [1923]

  Mrs. Ann Taylor
  I see no case for additional dissemination of Orders in Council. Over 600 Orders in Council, including those recording the admission of new Privy Counsellors and Ministerial appointments, are made each year. Statutory Instruments are published, in many cases following Parliamentary consideration and are thereafter available in the Library. A number of Orders, which include all those relating to the Civil Service,256
  together with Royal Proclamations, are published in the London Gazette of which the Library holds copies. Proposed revisions to the Statutes of the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge and their colleges are laid before the House of Commons before approval by Her Majesty. Other categories of Order, including those confirming some 200 Schemes made each year by the Church Commissioners, those approving Channel Islands legislation, those approving the reports of the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council and those approving the grant of Royal Charters and allowing amendments to the Charters of Chartered bodies, are already in the public domain and copies can always be made available on request.

  Political and Special Advisers
  Mr. Forth
  To ask the President of the Council if she will list(a) the name, (b) the salary, (c) the previous occupation and salary and (d) the terms and conditions of each political and special adviser in her Department; and what was the selection process used to appoint these persons. [2416]

  Mrs. Ann Taylor
  As indicated in my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister's Answer of 2 June to the hon. Member for Chichester, three Special Advisers are being appointed in the Privy Council Office, subject to agreement on their salaries. Mr. Ian McKenzie, who was previously my Research Assistant, will act as my Special Adviser. Mr. Damian Welfare, who is currently Head of Government relations and pubic affairs with the Local Government Association and Miss Marianne Morris, who is an administrator in the Labour Party, have been offered appointment as Special Advisers to my Noble Friend, the Lord Privy Seal, in his capacity as Leader of the House of Lords. All are personal appointments by the Minister concerned following consultations with the Permanent Head of the Department and the Prime Minister.

  Special Advisers are paid within a range of £24,349 and £73,484. Their salaries are negotiated individually and are confidential within the range. Details of previous salaries are similarly confidential between departments and the individuals concerned.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Yellow Fever
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans she has to meet WHO representatives to discuss the possible spread of yellow fever to Asia; and if she will make a statement. [2099]

  Clare Short
  DFID representatives will be meeting with WHO to discuss yellow fever issues in June. We are a significant contributor to the work of WHO to improve disease surveillance and to ensure effective control during outbreaks. Through our support we aim to improve national infrastructures and the capacity for detection. We are also funding the revision of the International Health Regulations, which cover yellow fever.
  257
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the risk of yellow fever spreading to Asia; and if she will make a statement. [2098]

  Clare Short
  Professional advice is that the risk of importation of yellow fever through an infected individual is real and could result in a focused outbreak. However, such an occurrence is unlikely to lead to the disease becoming endemic. The risk is reduced by the application of international travel regulations regarding yellow fever and the increasing use of vaccine in countries where yellow fever is endemic.

  Drug Donation Guidelines
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans she has to meet WHO representatives to discuss worldwide implementation of the UN Guidelines for Drug Donation; and if she will make a statement. [2100]

  Clare Short
  We support the implementation of the UN guidelines for drug donations formulated by WHO's Drugs Action Programme (DAP). In addition to financial support, DFID holds the chair of the DAP Management Advisory committee which regularly reviews progress on implementation of the guidelines.

  Political and Special Advisers
  Mr. Forth
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list(a) the names, (b) the salary, (c) the previous occupation and salary and (d) the terms and conditions of each political and special adviser in her Department; and what was the selection process used to appoint these persons. [2411]

  Clare Short
  DFID has two special advisers, Daniel Harris and Jessica Crow. Both DFID special advisers were previously my personal advisers.

  The terms and conditions of each appointment are set out in the draft model contract, a copy of which has been placed in the Library of the House.

  Special advisers are paid within a range of £24,349 to £73,484. Their salaries are negotiated individually and are confidential within this range. Details of this and of previous salary are not provided in order to protect the privacy of the individuals concerned.

  These are personal appointments by me following consultation with the Permanent Head of the Department and the Prime Minister.

  Myanmar
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development (1) if she will make a statement on the current provision of aid to Myanmar; [2134]

  (2) if she will make a statement on her policy in respect of Myanmar. [2133]

  Clare Short
  In common with its European Partners, Britain suspended non-humanitarian aid to Burma in 1988. There are no present plans to change this position.
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  In 1995–96 (the latest year for which figures are available), British bilateral aid came to £324,000 of which £294,000 was for the support of refugees on the Thai-Burma border and for disaster relief. The remainder includes colonial pension payments (which are charged to the Aid Programme) and expenditure under Head of Mission discretionary schemes.

  Britain's estimated share of net multilateral aid to Burma, all of which was for humanitarian purposes, came to £900,000 in 1995 (the latest available figure).

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Political and Personal Appointments
  Mrs. Gillian Shephard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many political and personal appointments he has made; and at what cost to public funds. [1582]

  Mr. Blunkett
  [holding answer 5 June 1997]: With the Prime Minister's approval I have appointed the following special advisers: Conor Ryan, and Sophie Linden (part-time).

  Their salaries will be paid from public funds.

  I have also announced the following appointments of recognised experts to advise me and the Department:

  STANDARDS AND EFFECTIVENESS UNIT

  Michael Barber—(Professor of Education at the Institute of Education, London University)

  STANDARDS TASK FORCE

  Tim Brighouse—(Director of Education, Birmingham)

  Chris Woodhead—(Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Schools)

  NATIONAL ADVISORY GROUP ON ADULT LEARNING

  Robert Fryer—(Principal of the Northern College for residential Adult Education, Barnsley)

  Alan Tuckett—(Director of NIACE)

  NUMERACY TASK FORCE

  David Reynolds—(Professor of Education, Newcastle University)

  Martin Armstrong—(Deputy Headteacher, Marlwood School, Gloucestershire)

  Margaret Brown—(Professor of Mathematics, King's College, London)

  David Burghes—(Professor of Education, University of Exeter) Margaret Dawes—(KPMG)

  Patricia Petch—(Chair, National Governors Council)

  Carol Robinson—(Headteacher, William Ford Primary School, Barking and Dagenham)

  Anita Straker—(Director, National Numeracy Project)

  Anne Waterhouse—(Headteacher, Ormskirk Asmall County Primary School, Ormskirk, Lancashire)

  The salary of Professor Barber will be reimbursed from public funds. I will provide the information on the total costs to the Department when agreement has been reached with the special advisers on their precise employment terms.
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  Teachers' Pension Fund
  Mr. Pickthall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement about the future management of the Teachers' Pension Fund. [1446]

  Mr. Byers
  The consultation period on further changes designed to enhance the flexibility of teachers' pension arrangements and on proposals for a longer term review of the scheme ends on 9 June. My right hon. Friend will make an announcement about these matters in due course.

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS
  ENVIRONMENT AND THE REGIONS

    London Docklands Development Corporation
    Mr. Vaz
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what further proposals he has relating to the transfer of powers from the London Docklands development corporation to the London boroughs of Tower Hamlets, Southwark and Newham. [2164]

    Ms Angela Eagle
    The only statutory powers which the London Docklands Development Corporation (LDDC) have and which it is necessary to return to the local authorities are those concerned with LDDC's responsibilities as planning authority. Local authorities already have a range of powers enabling them to pursue the kind of general regeneration remit which LDDC has undertaken.

    Since 1994 the LDDC have been pursuing a phased programme of withdrawal from the Docklands Urban Development Area (UDA) leading to complete withdrawal and dissolution of the organisation in March 1998. Those phases of the withdrawal programme successfully completed to date are:—
    Bermondsay Riverside (LB Southwark)—Area removed from the UDA and planning powers returned to Southwark council on 31 October 1994.
    Beckton (LB Newham)—Area removed from the UDA and planning powers returned to Newham Council on 31 December 1995
    Surrey Docks (LB Southwark)—Area removed from the UDA and planning powers returned to Southwark Council on 20 December 1996.
    Wapping and Limehouse (LB Tower Hamlets)-Area removed from the UDA and planning powers returned to Tower Hamlets council on 31 January 1997.

    Apart from transitional powers, enabling completion of certain projects and activities underway at the time of the removal of these areas from the UDA, the LDDC ceased to have any powers to operate in the dedesignated areas after the dates set out.

    It is intended that the Isle of Dogs, Leamouth and South Poplar (LB Tower Hamlets) will be removed from the UDA and planning powers returned to LB Tower Hamlets byu the end of this year. LDDC's remaining planning powers thereafter (covering only the Royal Docks area) will return to Newham council when LDDC is dissolved in March 1998.
    260

    Planning Permission
    Mr. Letwin
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to introduce time limits upon the validity of planning permission. [2296]

    Mr. Raynsford
    Paragraphs 53 to 60 of DoE Circular 11/95 (Welsh Office Circular 35/95) give comprehensive guidance on this issue. I have no plans to change legislation in this area.

    Political and Special Advisers
    Mr. Forth
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list(a) the name, (b) the salary, (c) the previous occupation and salary and (d) the terms and conditions of each political and special adviser in the Department; and what was the selection process used to appoint these persons. [2426]

    Mr. Prescott
    Joe Irvin, my Special Adviser, was previously my chief of staff when Deputy Leader of the Labour party; Kate Davies, special adviser to the Minister for Transport, was previously his researcher; and David Taylor, my unpaid special adviser, is on temporary leave of absence from his position as Chief Executive of Lancashire Enterprises plc.

    The terms and conditions of each appointment are set out in the draft model contract, a copy of which has been placed in the Library of the House.

    Special Advisers are paid within a range of £24,349 to £73,484. Their salaries are negotiated individually and are confidential within this range. Details of this and of previous salary are not provided in order to protect the privacy of the individual concerned.

    These are my personal appointments following consultation with the Permanent Secretaries of my Departments, and are approved by the Prime Minister.

    Council Tax
    Mr. Baker
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he plans to instigate a comprehensive revaluation of household dwellings for council tax banding purposes; and if he will make a statement. [2403]

    Mr. Raynsford
    The question of when there should be a revaluation of domestic properties for council tax purposes is one that I shall wish to discuss with the local Government Association and others, before reaching a view.

    Drinking Water
    Mrs. Golding
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will commission a study on levels of pyrethroids entering drinking water; and if he will make a statement. [2239]

    Angela Eagle
    Water companies are required to monitor drinking water supplies for those pesticides whose properties and usage make it likely that they will be present. Pyrethroids are unlikely to be present in water supplies. Nevertheless, some water companies have monitored their supplies for key pyrethroids. Since 1991
    261
    over 20,000 tests have been carried out for pyrethroids and on no occasion has a pyrethroid been found above the drinking water standard for individual pesticides of 0.1 microgram per litre.

  TRANSPORT

    Fuel Duty (Buses)
    Mr. Baker
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to restore fuel duty rebate to public buses. [2404]

    Ms Glenda Jackson
    I shall be considering all aspects of support for the bus industry with Treasury colleagues as part of my examination of the best way to introduce an integrated transport policy.

    Salisbury Bypass
    Mr. Dafis
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what decision he has reached concerning the proposed Salisbury bypass. [2238]

    Ms Glenda Jackson
    No decision has yet been made on the Salisbury bypass. We are currently taking forward a strategic review of the road programme and an announcement of the terms of that review will be made in due course.

    Women Travellers
    Mr. Waterson
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what measures he is proposing to enhance the personal safety of women travellers on the railways; and if he will make a statement. [2705]

    Ms Glenda Jackson
    The Department of Transport is working with train operators to develop good practice on implementing personal security measures both at stations and on-board vehicles. We are currently developing a secure stations scheme which will establish national best practice on security standards and accredit those stations that have implemented a package of security measures. We will also shortly be publishing the results of our research into people's perceptions of their personal security and measures that would make people feel more confident when using public transport.

    Motor Vehicle Licences
    Mr. Pike
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations his Department has received on the subject of the issuing of motor vehicles licences; if he will increase the number of post offices able to issue licences; and if he will make a statement. [2280]

    Ms Glenda Jackson
    Some 521 representations have been made over the past three years. The current network of 4,000 vehicle licence issuing post offices is unlikely to be extended unless it can be shown to be cost effective and does not add to the cost of collecting vehicle excise duty.
    262

    Bus Services
    Mr. Vaz
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will issue guidelines for the improvement of bus services on Sundays. [2457]

    Ms Glenda Jackson
    I am examining how buses should play their part in an integrated transport policy. The best way of encouraging an adequate provision of bus services throughout the week will be part of this work.

    Sustainable Transport Packages
    Mrs. Brinton
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to give local authorities further powers and funding to develop sustainable transport packages. [2179]

    Ms Glenda Jackson
    We have no evidence that local authorities need additional powers to implement transport packages. The Government will continue to fund viable transport packages as far as resources permit.

    Sound-reducing Barriers (A20)
    Mrs. May
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what were the criteria used to determine that sound-reducing barriers should be erected alongside the A20, Swanley bypass in Kent. [1655]

    Ms Glenda Jackson
    [holding answer 2 June 1997]: I have asked the Chief Executive of the Highways Agency to write to the hon. Member.

    Letter from Lawrie Haynes to Mrs. Theresa May, dated 6 June 1997:
    The Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions has asked me to reply to your recent question about the criteria used to determine that sound-reducing barriers should be erected alongside the A20 Swanley Bypass.
    Those barriers were erected under discretionary powers in the Highways Act, in accordance with a policy announced in March 1979 to provide noise barriers alongside trunk roads, subject to the availability of funds and if appropriate, where properties exposed to high noise levels had not benefited from the Noise Insulation Regulations 1975. The barriers at Swanley were provided because they offered an effective shield to a sufficient number of properties exposed to traffic noise at or above the level at which they would have qualified for insulation under the Noise Insulation Regulations and the cost did not exceed the notional cost of providing insulation.
    I hope this is helpful.

  DUCHY OF LANCASTER

    Political and Special Advisers
    Mr. Forth
    To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will list(a) the name, (b) the salary, (c) the previous occupation and salary and (d) the terms and conditions of each political and special adviser in his Department; and what was the selection process used to appoint these persons. [2410]

    Dr. David Clark
    There is only one special adviser in my office, Andrew Lappin, his previous occupation was parliamentary researcher.
    263
    The terms and conditions of his appointment are set out in the draft model contract, a copy of which has been placed in the Library of the House.

    Special advisers are paid within a range of £24,349 to £73,484. Their salaries are negotiated individually and are confidential within this range. Details of this and previous salaries are not provided in order to protect the privacy of individuals concerned.

    This was a personal appointment by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster following consultation with the Permanent Head of the Department and the Prime Minister.

  LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

    Political and Special Advisers
    Mrs. Gillan
    To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list(a) the name, (b) the salary, (c) the previous occupation and salary and (d) the terms and conditions of each political and special adviser in his Department; and what was the selection process used to appoint these persons. [2418]

    Mr. Hoon
    There are currently no political or special advisers in this Department.

  WALES

    Mixed Sex Wards
    Mr. Öpik
    To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will place in the Library the statistics held by his Department on the extent of(a) mixed sex wards, (b) mixed sex bays and (c) mixed sex bathing and toilet facilities in hospitals. [781]

    Mr. Win Griffiths
    The information requested is not held centrally.

    Disability
    Mr. Burstow
    To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make it his policy to adopt a social model of disability in framing all future and amending previous relevant legislation and guidance; and if he will make a statement. [1662]

    Mr. Win Griffiths
    I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to him on 4 June by my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education and Employment,Official Report, column 190

    Political and Special Advisers
    Mr. Forth
    To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list(a) the name, (b) the salary, (c) the previous occupation and salary and (d) the terms and conditions of each political and special adviser in his Department; and what was the selection process used to appoint these persons. [2412]

    Mr. Ron Davies
    My special advisers are John Adams and Huw Roberts. Their previous occupations were policy adviser and political consultant respectively.
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    The terms and conditions of each appointment are set out in the draft model contract, a copy of which has been placed in the Library of the House.

    Special advisers are paid within a range of £24,349 to £73,484. Their salaries are negotiated individually and are confidential within this range. Details of this and of previous salary are not provided in order to protect the privacy of the individuals concerned.

    These are personal appointments by the Secretary of State following consultation with the Permanent Head of the Department and the Prime Minister.

    Cardiff Royal Infirmary
    Mr. Rhodri Morgan
    To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what consultations he has had with the chairman of the Llandough NHS Trust, the UHW NHS Trust and the Bro Taf health authority concerning the implementation of the conditions imposed by his predecessor concerning the closure of the Cardiff Royal Infirmary(a) generally and (b) specifically in relation to elective orthopaedic surgery. [2406]

    Mr. Ron Davies
    None, though my officials keep in close touch with the health authority and local trusts, who are actively working together on the action plan for the transfer of services from CRI to UHW. The business case for the transfer of services from CRI to UHW has been approved and Llandough NHS Trust is preparing a business case for the transfer of elective orthopaedics.

    St. David's Hospital Site
    Mr. Rhodri Morgan
    To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what consultations he has had with the chairman of the Bro Taf health authority and the Cardiff Community Healthcare Trust concerning a start date for the replacement neighbourhood hospital on the St. David's Hospital site. [2409]

    Mr. Ron Davies
    None, but my officials have been in contact with the trust, who will be submitting an outline business case to the Welsh Office in the near future.

  ATTORNEY-GENERAL

    Mr. Asil Nadir
    Mr. Winnick
    To ask the Attorney-General what representations his Department is making to the Turkish authorities over the case of Mr. Nadir. [2210]

    The Attorney-General
    The Turkish authorities were notified, through Interpol, of the existence of a warrant for the arrest of Asil Nadir. They were asked to arrest him on his arrival in Turkey with a view to extradition. They have declined to do this because the Turkish constitution forbids extradition of Turkish citizens to other countries.
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  SOCIAL SECURITY

    Vibration White Finger
    Mr. Clapham
    To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many claimants have applied for an award for vibration white finger in each coalfield area; and how many awards have been made since 1992. [1703]

    Mr. Denham
    The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is set out in the tables.

    New claims to industrial injuries disablement benefit for vibration white finger in the years ending March 1996 and 1997 by standard statistical region

    Region

    April to March 1995–96

    April to March 1996–97

    Northern

    6,440

    3,950

    Yorkshire and Humberside

    2,040

    1,640

    East Midlands

    250

    600

    East Anglia

    10

    30

    South East

    50

    120

    South West

    20

    60

    West Midlands

    370

    470

    North West

    660

    800

    Scotland

    1,880

    2,730

    Wales

    1,240

    1,970

    Total Great Britain

    12,960

    12,370

    Initial awards of industrial injuries disablement benefit for vibration white finger since April 1992

    Region

    1992–93

    1993–94

    1994–95

    1995–96

    Northern

    6

    11

    6

    13

    Yorkshire and Humber

    3

    2

    8

    5

    East Midlands

    3

    6

    3

    3

    East Anglia

    1

    2

    —

    1

    South East

    4

    5

    15

    5

    South West

    2

    3

    5

    3

    West Midlands

    3

    5

    5

    11

    North West

    6

    7

    23

    8

    Scotland

    12

    23

    74

    200

    Wales

    —

    1

    7

    1

    Total Great Britain

    40

    65

    146

    250

    Note:

    Figures are based on a 10 per cent. sample of claims and a 100 per cent. count of assessments.

    Source:

    Analytical Services Division data.

    Hearing Loss (War Pensioners)
    Mr. Levitt
    To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans she has for a full medical and scientific review of the qualification for war pensions in respect of noise-induced hearing loss; when the review will begin; and how long the review is expected to take. [1632]

    Mr. Denham
    On 23 May the Minister with special responsibility for war pensions, my noble Friend the Baroness Hollis of Heigham, wrote to Mr. Graham Downing, national president of the Royal British Legion. She informed him that she would be arranging a meeting of experts in the field of hearing loss to review the scientific basis of the approach to the assessment of noise induced sensorineural hearing loss in war pensions. My 266
    noble friend will invite Professors Lutman and Davis to take part along with other independent experts who have not been involved in the matter so far.

    The timing of the meeting will depend on the availability of the participants. My noble Friend will shortly be writing to the experts to invite their participation and to establish when they are free to meet.

    We are aware of the controversy surrounding this issue and are determined to be satisfied that the medical evidence is clear and unambiguous and that decisions are made in accordance with war pensions legislation. I would hope that the review will be able to come to a speedy conclusion.

    Bronchitis and Emphysema
    Mr. Clapham
    To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many claimants in each coalfield area had made an application for chronic bronchitis and emphysema awards; and how many awards were made between 13 September 1993 and 9 April 1997. [1701]

    Mr. Denham
    The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is set out in the tables.

    New claims to, and awards for industrial injuries disablement benefit for chronic bronchitis and emphysema between 13 September 1993 and 31 March by BA area directorates

    Benefits agency area directorate

    Claims received

    Awards made

    Anglia

    27

    3

    Chilterns

    24

    4

    South London and West

    Sussex

    —

    —

    West Country

    163

    6

    East London and Essex

    43

    —

    South East

    507

    34

    Wessex

    1

    —

    East Midlands

    6,266

    736

    Midlands and South West

    680

    56

    West Mercia

    3,870

    409

    Wales

    10,354

    1,530

    Merseyside

    539

    50

    Greater Manchester

    355

    32

    Lancashire and Cumbria

    2,377

    157

    Tyne Tees

    7,540

    640

    South Yorkshire and Humberside

    7,202

    878

    North and West Yorkshire

    3,103

    447

    Glasgow and Paisley

    252

    8

    North, Central and West Scotland

    1,954

    64

    East Scotland

    2,484

    103

    Total Great Britain

    47,741

    5,157

    New claims to, and awards for industrial injuries disablement benefit for chronic bronchitis and emphysema between 1 April 1996 and 8 April 1997 by BA area directorates

    Benefits agency area directorate

    Claims received

    Awards made

    East of Scotland

    140

    6

    West of Scotland

    41

    —

    Tyne Tees

    442

    15

    Yorkshire

    720

    81

    Greater Manchester

    102

    17

    North West Coast

    74

    5

    267

    New claims to, and awards for industrial injuries disablement benefit for chronic bronchitis and emphysema between 1 April 1996 and 8 April 1997 by BA area directorates

    Benefits agency area directorate

    Claims received

    Awards made

    Wales

    863

    55

    West Midlands

    87

    2

    Mercia

    546

    82

    West Country

    14

    2

    London South

    42

    —

    Chiltems

    3

    —

    East London and Anglia

    7

    —

    Total Great Britain

    3,081

    265

    Notes:

    1. All figures taken from a 100 per cent. count of claims received and awards made. Figures for awards do not include assessments of less than 14 per cent. disablement, which may have resulted in an aggregated pension.

    2. Benefits Agency Area Directorates were changed from 1 April 1996.

    Source:

    Benefits Agency BREM system data and Central Data Unit.

    Political and Special Advisers
    Mr. Forth
    To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will list(a) the names, (b) the salary (c) the previous occupation and salary and (d) the terms and conditions of each political and special adviser in her Department; and what was the selection process used to appoint these persons. [2414]

    Ms Harman
    I have appointed John McTernan and Liz Kendall as special advisers. Both were formerly employed as advisers to me in opposition. The terms and conditions of their appointments are set out in the draft model contract, a copy of which has been placed in the Library. Special advisers are paid within a range of £23,349 to £73,484. Their salaries are negotiated individually within this range. Details of present and previous salaries are not provided, in order to protect the privacy of the individuals concerned.

    These are personal appointments made by me following consultation with the permanent secretary and the Prime Minister.

    Wages (Vouchers)
    Dr. Tony Wright
    To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what action she intends to take to stop the practice of employers paying part of employees' wages in vouchers. [2260]

    Dr. Gibson
    To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what assessment she has made of the economic impact on households of employers issuing shopping vouchers in lieu of wages. [2297]

    Mr. Denham
    The Government are aware of employers' use of vouchers as (part) payment of wages. In 1994–95, about £40 million was paid through such practices to approximately 160,000 employees whose earnings, including benefits in kind, were £8,500 per annum or more, and to directors. The available information does not distinguish between shopping vouchers and other forms of voucher.
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    We are committed to the principle of National Insurance (NI) and take very seriously any form of abuse which undermines the integrity of the scheme. We shall look carefully at any pay practices adopted by employers to avoid payment of NI contributions and will take appropriate action against abuse. We will keep the position, including the economic impact on employees' households, under review.

    Source: Inland Revenue Statistics 1996.

  HOME DEPARTMENT

    Primary Purpose Rule
    Mr. Edward Davey
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the timetable for conducting the review of the primary purpose rule; and what advice immigration officials are being given in the meantime on assessing such cases. [2401]

    Mr. Mike O'Brien
    I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Leicester, East (Mr. Vaz) on 5 June,Official Report, column 218.

    General Elections (Deposits)
    Mr. Winnick
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to introduce proposals to increase the deposit in general elections. [2471]

    Mr. George Howarth
    At this stage, we have no plans to increase the deposit for candidates at a parliamentary election.

    Mr. Winnick
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what percentage of the present sum the original £150 deposit for general elections introduced in 1918 would be if it had been increased in line with prices since that date; and what would be the equivalent percentage if the £500 deposit had been increased in line with prices since it was introduced. [2463]

    Mr. Howarth
    We estimate that the £150 deposit introduced in 1918 would now be equivalent to £4,093, if it had been increased in line with the inflation, which represents an 818.6 per cent. increase on the present deposit. The £500 deposit introduced in 1985 would be equivalent today to £825, an increase of 165 per cent. and £4,093 would represent an increase of 496 per cent. on that revalued deposit.

    Entry Clearance Refusals (Appeals)
    Mr. Winnick
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he intends to reintroduce the right of appeal to those refused entry clearances to visit the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement. [2262]

    Mr. Mike O'Brien
    I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Pendle (Mr. Prentice) on 19 May,Official Report, column 7.

    Political and Special Advisers
    Mrs. Gillan
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list(a) the name, (b) the salary, (c) the previous occupation and salary and (d) the

    269
    terms and conditions of each political and special adviser in his Department; and what was the selection process used to appoint these persons. [2419]

    Mr. Straw
    My Department employs one political adviser, Ed Owen, previously employed as a journalist, and one special adviser, Norman Warner, who was previously employed as a consultant on social policy and public sector management. The terms and conditions of each appointment are set out in the draft model contract, a copy of which has been placed in the Library.

    Special advisers are paid within a range of £24,349 to £73,484. Their salaries are negotiated individually and are confidential within this range. Details of this and previous salary are not provided in order to protect the privacy of the individuals concerned. These are personal appointments made by me, following consultation with the Prime Minister and with the permanent head of the Department.

    Asylum Seekers
    Mrs. Ballard
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what instructions he has given to the immigration authorities regarding the treatment of Albanian nationals already in the United Kingdom who have applied for asylum. [1526]

    Mr. Mike O'Brien
    Since March, consideration of asylum applications by Albanian nationals and enforcement action in refused cases have been suspended. We are now satisfied that, while the situation remains tense and volatile in some parts of the country, the situation in other parts, including the capital Tirana, is sufficiently calm to make it safe to resume returns in appropriate cases. Consideration of outstanding asylum applications is also being resumed.

    Criminal Cases Review Commission
    Mr. McNamara
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will list the cases transferred to the Criminal Cases Review Commission by his Department, indicating the date when these cases were first referred to his Department; [1032]

    (2) if he will list the cases transferred to the Criminal Cases Review Commission in order of priority; to what extent the order of priority reflects the date when the case was first submitted; and what is the anticipated date for a decision on these cases. [1033]

    Mr. Michael
    [holding answer 3 June 1997]: A total of 261 individual cases were initially transferred to the Commission from the Home Office. It is not normal practice to make publicly available the names of petitioners. By virtue of paragraph 6 of schedule 1 to the Criminal Appeal Act 1995 it is a matter for the Commission to decide on its procedures, but I understand that 165 of the cases initially transferred to the Commission are already being worked on, and that work on the remaining cases will have begun by about the end of June.

    "Civil Protection"
    Mr. Baker
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what is the cost per edition of his 270
    Department's publication, "Civil Protection"; and what is the total cost of the editions produced to date, in 1997 prices; [1943]

    (2) how many copies of each edition of his Department's publication, "Civil Protection", are produced; and of these how many are distributed in response to requests and how many are sent unsolicited. [1945]

    Mr. George Howarth
    [holding answer 5 June 1997]: The latest edition, which was issued in May, cost £17,000 including distribution costs. The marginal cost of Home Office staff time spent on editorial functions is absorbed under other budgets. The total cost of the editions produced between 1991 and 1997 is £558,260 in 1997 prices. Figures for earlier years are not available. Around 40,000 copies of each edition are produced. To date, 34,700 copies of the latest edition have been issued in response to requests, including regular subscribers. No copies are sent unsolicited.

  CABINET OFFICE

    Political and Special Advisers
    Mr. Forth
    To ask the Minister without Portfolio if he will list(a) the income, (b) the salary, (c) the previous occupation and salary and (d) the terms and conditions of each political and special adviser in his office; and what was the selection process used to appoint these persons. [2407]

    Mr. Mandelson
    The Minister without Portfolio does not have a political or special adviser paid out of public funds.

  AGRICULTURE FISHERIES AND FOOD

    Quarantine
    Mr. Letwin
    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will review the case for inoculation as a substitute for the quarantine of animals. [2363]

    Mr. Rooker
    Yes.

    Political and Special Advisers
    Mrs. Gillan
    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list(a) the name, (b) the salary, (c) the previous occupation and salary and (d) the terms and conditions of each political and special adviser in his Department; and what was the selection process used to appoint these persons. [2422]

    Mr. Morley
    There are currently two political and special advisers to the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. They are Ms Cathy McGlynn and Mr. T. Walker.

    Both were previously policy advisers to the right hon. Member for Copeland (Dr. Cunningham).

    The terms and conditions of each appointment are set out in the draft model contract, a copy of which has been placed in the Library of the House.
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    Special advisers are paid within a range of £24,349 to £73,484. Their salaries are negotiated individually and are confidential within this range. Details of this and of previous salary are not provided in order to protect the privacy of the individuals concerned.

    These are personal appointments by the Minister following consultation with the permanent head of the Department and the Prime Minister.

    Beef Imports
    Mr. Campbell-Savours
    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if SEAC terms of reference include the power to recommend a ban on beef imports into the United Kingdom. [2202]

    Mr. Rooker
    SEAC's terms of reference permit it to advise the Government on all matters concerned with spongiform encephalopathies. As such it is able to make whatever recommendations it regards as appropriate to safeguard public or animal health.

    Mr. Campbell-Savours
    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, in the absence of any variation in the beef ban, he will consider banning all imports of beef into the United Kingdom. [2203]

    Mr. Rooker
    No. I would however refer my hon. Friend to the statement made by my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on 5 June,Official Report, columns 227–28.

    BSE
    Mr. Campbell-Savours
    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what checking mechanisms have been put in place by departmental officials to ensure that there is no BSE-contaminated feed either in store or trade circulation; [2204]

    (2) what estimate he has made of the amount of BSE contaminated feed (a) in store and (b) in circulation in the United Kingdom. [2205]

    Mr. Rooker
    The State Veterinary Service (SVS) introduced a feed sampling programme in February 1996. Samples of feed and feed ingredients are taken from feed mills, farms using on-farm feed mixers and any site where feed, or ingredients for feed, are produced or stored. Feed samples are tested for the presence of ruminant and porcine protein using the compound feed ELISA test. Results of this surveillance activity are published in the monthly BSE Enforcement Bulletin and copies are available in the Library of the House.

    In June last year, the feed recall scheme was launched to ensure that residual stocks of mammalian meat and bonemeal (MBM) were removed from farms, feed mills and feed merchants before the ban on possession came into effect last August. In all, over 11,000 tonnes of material was collected in the UK. This material is now in secure storage awaiting destruction. This material is not known to be contaminated with BSE—the controls on Specified Bovine Materials, requiring all tissues known to harbour BSE infectivity to be destroyed, were in place before the feed recall scheme was undertaken, considerably reduce the possibility of infectivity being present in the recalled feed.
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    Completed investigations into the results of the feed sampling programme which were positive and inconclusive (accounting for less than 2 per cent. of over 9,000 samples of the feed currently in circulation) have so far revealed no mammalian protein in ruminant rations or mammalian MBM in feed for farmed livestock.

    Sheep Dips
    Mrs. Golding
    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the effect of pyrethroid sheep dips on aquatic life in rivers and streams. [2240]

    Mr. Rooker
    No veterinary medicine is authorised for use unless it meets stringent statutory criteria of safety, quality and efficacy. Safety includes risk to the environment. The independent Scientific Veterinary Products Committee is currently undertaking a review of non-organophosphorus (OP) sheep dips to consider whether existing controls on OP dips should be extended to these products. The labels of authorised synthetic pyrethroid dips already carry clear warnings about the dangers to fish and other aquatic life. The labels also warn that it is an offence to pollute any stream or watercourse and advise farmer to contact the Environment Agency or the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency as appropriate, where there may be any doubt.

    Poultry (USA)
    Mr. Ivan Lewis
    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will press the United States Department of Agriculture to end immediately its ban on the export of poultry to Europe. [2261]

    Mr. Rooker
    There is no ban by the United States Department of Agriculture on the export of poultry or poultry meat to Europe. Exports of poultry meat to the European Community must, however, be accompanied by an export health certificate authorised by an official veterinarian to the effect that the consignment meets Community import health requirements. US veterinarians will not authorise export health certificates for poultry meat and exports cannot therefore take place. Discussions between the European Commission, who have competence in this area, and the US authorities are continuing.

  TRADE AND INDUSTRY

    Political and Special Advisers
    Mr. Denzil Davies
    To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will publish the names of the political and special advisers appointed to her Department since the general election. [1627]

    Mrs. Beckett
    I have appointed Dan Corry and Sheila Watson to my Department as special advisers who will be paid from public funds.

    In addition I have appointed Lord Hollick as an unpaid special adviser.
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    Alternative Energy Sources
    Mr. Evans
    To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) what plans the Government have to review the current policy towards alternative energy sources; [1351]

    (2) what plans the Government have to support efforts to refine existing forms of alternative energy to produce more electricity from the same resources; [1350]

    (3) what plans the Government have to encourage off-shore windfarms. [1352]

    Mr. Battle
    The Government propose to undertake a new and strong drive to develop renewable energy sources in line with our manifesto commitment. To this end I anticipate reviewing policy including considerations of what would be necessary and practicable to achieve 10 per cent. of UK's electricity needs from renewables by the year 2010 and how renewables can make an effective contribution to meeting requirements for future greenhouse gas reduction commitments. I will make a further announcement in due course. In the meantime the Government's new and renewable energy programme, currently underway will continue. I have already announced that I will initiate shortly a consultation exercise with the relevant trade bodies of the renewable energy industry, OFFER and the regional electricity companies on a fifth non-fossil fuel obligation (NFFO) order for renewable energy in England and Wales, leading to an announcement later in the year.

    Windfarms
    Mr. Evans
    To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) what is the capacity in MW of the current number of windfarms; [1353]

    (2) how many windfarms are currently installed; and how many acres they cover in total. [1347]

    Mr. Battle
    At 31 March 1997, there were 42 windfarms in the United Kingdom with a total installed capacity of 283 Megawatts. Precise information about the area they cover is not available. However, estimates suggest that the area occupied by individual wind turbine towers can range between five and 20 square metres. For a wind farm consisting of twenty 500kW turbines, each covering an area of approximately 10 square metres, the total footprint would be about 200 square metres. Access tracks where required would occupy further land. The turbines might be placed within an area of about 1–2Km2 but the bulk of the site would be unaffected and could continue in its original use.

    Aerospace Industry
    Mr. Gordon Prentice
    To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many people have been employed in the aerospace industry in each year since 1992. [1638]
    274
    Mr. Battle
    The number of people employed in the UK aerospace industry in each year from 1992 to 1995 are as follows:

    Year

    Number

    1992

    149,000

    1993

    126,000

    1994

    114,000

    1995

    108,000

    Source:

    Office for National Statistics (Annual Census of Production).

    Research
    Mr. Vaz
    To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will make a statement on the Government's policy in respect of scientific and medical research. [1482]

    Mr. Battle
    The Government are committed to a strong science and engineering base and to the maintenance of its international position of excellence, as an essential underpinning resource both to our national economic future and to the quality of life. Research and development and the exploitation of its results will provide the answer to many of the problems faced by society: in health; in social issues; and in the environment. Medical research has a key role in that. Government have a crucial role to play as prime funder of curiosity-driven science, with its proven record of stimulating new innovations and enhancing our quality of life: and as facilitator and co-ordinator to ensure that the efforts of those engaged in scientific research are properly encouraged and developed in the nation's best interests Business has a responsibility for driving the research and development of new and improved products and services. We shall be seeking to:

    use science and technology to improve our quality of life;

    encourage new ideas and innovation to the market;

    strengthen the voice of science in Government; and

    end the bias against science in our culture.

    We are committed to re-invigorating the science and engineering base and will be developing policy in the light of the report of the Dearing inquiry into higher education. I shall also be working with business and with colleagues across Government to sustain the health of science, engineering and technology in the UK, to maximise its contribution to economic competitiveness and the quality of life and to improve the way that science is used across Government to inform policy.

    Mr. Vaz
    To ask the President of the Board of Trade what proposals she has to promote further co-operation with the European Union in the field of scientific and medical research. [1484]

    Mr. Battle
    The Government attach great importance to co-operation with other members of the European Union in the field of scientific research. UK participants play an active role in the EU's Fourth Framework Programme (FP4) for Research and Technological Development which covers a wide range of scientific, technological and medical research. Negotiations concerning the content and organisation of the EU's Fifth Framework Programme, due to start in 1999, have recently begun. The UK has already played, and will continue to play, an active role in the shaping of this
    275
    future programme, to ensure that UK researchers and technologists have every opportunity to build upon their current, successful levels of participation.

    Medical research is well provided for in the Commission proposals for FP5, particularly in the programme "Unlocking the Resources of the Living World", which is specifically aimed at improving the quality of life and for example, includes research: on the control of viral and other infectious diseases; the development of new antibiotics and anti-cancer agents; and the health effects of pollution.

    Magnox Nuclear Liabilities
    Ms Walley
    To ask the President of the Board of Trade what estimate she has made of the cost of(a) current Magnox nuclear liabilities and (b) future Magnox nuclear liabilities; and if she will set out the basis on which these estimates are made. [2228]

    Mr. Battle
    The estimated cost of meeting Magnox Electric's liabilities are given in the company's report and accounts for the year ended 31 March 1996 as £8.9 billion discounted at 3 per cent. real and £18.2 billion undiscounted. I understand that updated figures will be published in the company's report and accounts for the year ended 31 March 1997, which should be published in the next few months.

    Hydrocarbon Reserves
    Ms Walley
    To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will commission an assessment of the environmental impact of continuing to explore and develop new hydrocarbon reserves; and if she will make a statement. [2126]

    Mr. Battle
    The Joint Nature Conservation Committee provides an assessment of the potential impact of hydrocarbons exploration and development on the environmental resources of areas before they are offered for licensing. On the basis of its advice, some areas may not be offered while others may have conditions applied to any licence to ensure that possible adverse impacts are minimised. These conditions may also require the provision of an environmental assessment by the licensee when preliminary work has identified the preferred location of a well or development and the probable characteristics of the project.

    Nuclear Waste
    Ms Walley
    To ask the President of the Board of Trade what was the number of escorts of nuclear waste by the UK Atomic Energy Authority Constabulary in 1996; if she will provide a breakdown of the cost of these escorts; and if she will make a statement. [2227]

    Mr. Battle
    Nuclear waste is not a category of nuclear material which requires to be escorted under the international recommendations, therefore no escorts were provided (or costs incurred) by the UK Atomic Energy Authority Constabulary in 1996 in this respect.

    Nuclear Safety
    Ms Walley
    To ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans the Government have to meet its new international obligations under the international nuclear safety convention; and if she will make a statement. [2231]
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    Mr. Battle
    The Convention on Nuclear Safety was ratified by the United Kingdom on 17 January 1996 and entered into force on 24 October 1996. As a contracting party under the Convention, the United Kingdom will be required to produce a national report on how nuclear safety obligations are met in this country. These obligations include establishing a legislative and regulatory framework and ensuring that sufficient numbers of qualified staff are available throughout each nuclear installation's life. Steps must also be taken to ensure that design, construction and operation of civil nuclear power plant are safe, that safety assessments are carried out throughout the life of a nuclear installation and that emergency plans are routinely tested. In view of the stringent safety regime that the Government requires of the industry, we anticipate that the United Kingdom will have no difficulty in meeting these obligations.

    National reports will be reviewed and discussed in detail by contracting parties at periodic review meetings, to be held at intervals of not more than three years. The first review meeting will be held at the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna in April 1999.

    Coal
    Mr. Matthew Taylor
    To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will list her Department's current programmes for research into clean coal technology; and if she will make a statement. [1008]

    Mr. Battle
    My Department's research on clean coal technology is being undertaken in seven programme areas:

    Coal Exploration and Extraction

    Coal Preparation

    Coal Handling and Supply

    Coal Combustion in Conventional Utility Power Generation

    Advanced Power Generation

    Other Coal Conversion and Utilisation Processes

    Technology Transfer and Commercialisation

    Projects covering the seven programme areas are undertaken in collaboration with industry, universities and a number of overseas organisations. The results are disseminated via published project summaries and technical reports, including seminars, workshops and conferences. An annual report and newsletter is also published on developments in all the programme areas. The present phase of the programme is due to be completed in 1998.

    A mid-term evaluation of the programme by an international panel of experts was undertaken in 1996 and a report of the evaluation published in July 1996. Industry provided evidence to the international panel which indicated that the programme benefits are a mixture of gross and net effects ranging from firm export orders and potential future sales of components, innovative mechanisms to reduce NO, emissions, techniques to use more UK coals in steel making, etc., they do show the programme has been of significant value to UK industry. We are examining what other options there may be to support clean coal technology.
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    British Coal
    Mr. Clapham
    To ask the President of the Board of Trade what functions are still administered by British Coal; what functions previously performed by British Coal are now performed by (i) her Department and (ii) the Coal Authority; and when she expects British Coal to be finally wound up. [1695]

    Mr. Battle
    [holding answer 2 June 1997]: British Coal remains responsible for the disposal of its remaining assets (principally property) and for the management of such liabilities as still remain with the Corporation (principally various personal injury claims).

    British Coal's liability for the provision of concessionary fuel to ex-employees of British Coal and liability to make certain contributions to the former British Coal, pension schemes, was transferred to the Department in March 1995. The Department has also taken on responsibility for health and injury liabilities of former British Coal employees who transferred to private sector companies and the Coal Authority in respect of their past service with the Corporation.

    The Coal Authority was established in September 1994 and has four main functions:
    licensing coal-mining operations and granting rights to exploit coal;
    handling coal-mining subsidence damage claims which are not the responsibility of licensees;
    managing property interests and historic liabilities; and
    holding and giving access to information on past, present and future coal mining and coal reserves.

    It is anticipated that the DTI will take over the remaining management functions of the Corporation by the end of 1997. No decision has been taken on the date thereafter when the Corporation will be dissolved.

    Plutonium Waste
    Mr. MacShane
    To ask the President of the Board of Trade what discussions she has had with British Nuclear Fuels Ltd. about the transfer by air of plutonium waste from Britain to Germany. [2180]

    Mr. Battle
    None. Arrangements for the transport of nuclear material from British Nuclear Fuels-owned sites is an operational matter for the company and its customers, subject to meeting regulatory requirements.

  TREASURY

    Tax Receipts
    Mr. Jack
    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will publish on a monthly basis for this financial year the actual receipts achieved for each of the taxes collected by the Inland Revenue. [1856]

    (2) what estimate he has made of the receipts in each month of the present financial year from each of the taxes collected by the Inland Revenue. [1857]

    Dawn Primarolo
    [holding answer 3 June 1997]: Monthly receipts of taxes collected by the Inland revenue are first published in the monthly PSBR release and
    278
    further detail is supplied in table 2.1c of Financial Statistics. Estimates of receipts are not published on a monthly basis.

    Bank of England (Correspondence)
    Mr. Fallon
    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the dates on which he has written to the Governor of the Bank of England; and if he will place a copy of each letter in the library. [2302]

    Mrs. Liddell
    The Chancellor wrote to the Governor on 6 May, setting out the new monetary policy arrangements, and on 20 May dealing with the future of banking supervision. Copies of both of these letters have been placed in the Library.

    The Chancellor writes to the Governor from time to time on a range of matters, some of which are commercially confidential or market sensitive. It would not be appropriate to place such letters in the Library.

    Full Employment
    Mr. Mitchell
    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate, based on the Treasury model of the economy, the level of interest rates and the weighted average exchange rate required to enable the economy to return to full employment at a high and sustainable rate of growth. [2283]

    Mrs. Liddell
    It has not, since 1978, been the practice to provide results from the Treasury model in response to Parliamentary Questions. The model is available for Members' use through the Library of the House.

    Landowners (Tax Exemptions)
    Mr. Gordon Prentice
    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will make publicly available the names and addresses of landowners who claim conditional exemption from inheritance tax or capital transfer tax because they allow public access to their land; [1106]

    (2) what steps he takes to ensure that landowners conditionally exempt from inheritance tax publicise adequately the agreed public access requirement. [1105]

    Dawn Primarolo
    In return for conditional exemption for land or buildings, owners must undertake not only to allow reasonable public access to the property but also to maintain and preserve its character. A number of agencies advise the Inland Revenue on matters concerning eligibility for exemption. The relevant agency also negotiates and agrees with each owner the arrangements covering the maintenance, preservation and public access aspects, including the appropriate level and nature of publicity about access.

    Owners' compliance with their agreed undertakings is regularly monitored by the Inland Revenue and the heritage agencies. Any breach of the undertakings may result in the loss of the exemption and the payment of the deferred tax charge.

    Information about the names and addresses of owners of land conditionally exempted from inheritance tax or capital transfer tax is, like other information about taxpayers, covered by the confidentiality provisions of section 182 of the Finance Act 1989.
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    Integrated Services Digital Network
    Mr. Flight
    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to propose the inclusion in the draft directive on integrated services digital network a statement that the directive will not apply to communications relating to financial services. [1220]

    Mrs. Liddell
    It is intended that the directive will apply to financial services. My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade is aware of the concerns raised by the financial services industry and its regulators. The Government are seeking to balance the interaction between investor protection and industry practice with the need for adequate data protection.

    Insider Trading
    Mr. Mitchell
    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps the Government propose to take to stop insider trading; and if he will introduce legislation(a) requiring public companies to provide notification to their shareholders of significant changes in their circumstances to reach them not later than the information is released to the Stock Exchange and (b) prohibiting meetings with representatives of such companies by investment analysts enabling the analysts to acquire information about a company earlier than the company's private shareholders. [2128]

    Mrs. Liddell
    The Criminal Justice Act 1993 makes it a criminal offence to engage in insider dealing in the UK. The Government will keep the scope and effectiveness of this legislation under review. But we have no plans to introduce the additional legislation suggested. The Stock Exchange Listing Rules already place a duty on listed companies to make price sensitive information available to their shareholders and other members of the public on the same basis.

    Manufactures
    Mr. Mitchell
    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the Treasury's forecast of the change in the volume of production, imports and exports of manufactures in each of the next five years as a result of the rise in interest rates and the exchange rate since 1994. [2290]

    Mrs. Liddell
    It is not possible to isolate with confidence the effects of changes in interest rates and the exchange rate from the various other factors affecting changes in manufacturing output, exports and imports. The next Treasury forecast will be published on 2 July 1997.

    November Budget
    Mr. Kenneth Clarke
    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what remit he has given to the National Audit Office when asking them to report on the economic assumptions underlying last November's Budget. [2165]

    Mrs. Liddell
    In order to assist the Government in preparing their forecast of the public finances, the National Audit Office has been invited to review the assumptions adopted for economic growth, unemployment and interest rates and the conventions used for projecting proceeds from privatisation and from "spend to save" expenditure measures. A report will be published before the Budget.
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    Insurance Industry
    Mr. Ben Chapman
    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what are the implications of his oral statement of 20 May,Official Report, columns 508–11, as regards departmental responsibilities for the insurance industry. [1123]

    Mrs. Liddell
    The statement did not cover this matter.

    Bank of England
    Mr. Mitchell
    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the total of ways and means advances from the Bank of England to Her Majesty's Government at the end of each financial year since 1990–91. [1448]

    Mrs. Liddell
    Outstanding ways and means advances from Issue Department at the Bank of England to the National Loans Fund at the end of each financial year since 1990–91 are set out in the table.

    Date (end of financial year)

    Outstanding ways and means advances from Issue Department (£ millions)

    1990–91

    6,918

    1991–92

    7,187

    1992–93

    3,062

    1993–94

    6,750

    1994–95

    15,904

    1995–96

    15,654

    1996–97

    14,322

    Public Sector Deficit
    Mr. Mitchell
    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer to what extent he is currently over or under funding the public sector deficit. [1530]

    Mrs. Liddell
    From 1996–97 the funding rule was replaced by a target to finance the Central Government Borrowing Requirement (CGBR) plus maturing gilts and any net increase in the foreign exchange reserves through debt sales. The latest estimate of the 1996–97 financing requirement is £39.4 billion, of which £25.1 billion is to finance the CGBR, £12.4 billion is to finance gilt redemptions, and the remaining £1.9 billion is to finance the net change in foreign reserves and financing carry-over from 1995–96. Gilts sales in 1996–97 amounted to some £38.8 billion, sales of National Savings products £4.8 billion, and there was negative financing of £0.4 billion from sales of other public debt. Overall there was therefore a £3.9 billion excess of gilt sales relative to the final gilt sales requirement.

    Mortgage tax Relief
    Mr. Mitchell
    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will investigate the German system of mortgage tax relief for first-time buyers of homes as an alternative to MIRAS. [2089]

    Mrs. Liddell
    Whilst I am aware of the general German system of tax relief on home purchase I do not know of any special arrangements for first-time buyers. My officials will therefore seek to obtain details of these.
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  SCOTLAND

    Departmental Publications
    Mr. Burstow
    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland by what means his Department makes available it publications in(a) Braille, (b) audio tape and (c) large print; and how this is publicised. [1675]

    Mr. Dewar
    Publications in Braille and audio tape are made available and publicised through the Scottish Braille Press who distribute them to individuals and organisations for the visually impaired throughout Scotland. My Department does not currently produce publications in large print. We are, however, presently considering how we might increase the range of information in alternative formats for people who are visually impaired.

    Speeding
    Mrs. Ray Michie
    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the total amount raised through the payment of fixed penalties for speeding in each of the last five financial years, for each police force in Scotland; and if there has been any change of policy by the police forces regarding the collection of speeding fines during the past five years. [1284]

    Mr. McLeish
    Police fixed penalties for speeding were only introduced in April 1993 and have been set at £40 since then. The following table gives the information held centrally on the number of police conditional offers of fixed penalties for speeding issued in each of the last three financial years, for each police force in Scotland. The fixed penalties are collected by the Clerk of the District Court with jurisdiction over locus of the offence. It is not possible from information held centrally to give the total amounts raised from fixed penalties for speeding in each police force area for the period covered in the table.

    Number of police conditional offers issued under section 75(3) of the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 in relation to speeding offences, 1993–94 to 1995–96

    Police Force

    Offers issued

    1993–94

    1994–95

    1995–96

    Central

    3,248

    3,913

    3,716

    Dumfries and Galloway

    3,032

    2,931

    4,478

    Fife

    3,576

    3,686

    3,111

    Grampian

    5,528

    7,275

    6,892

    Lothian and Borders

    8,628

    11,298

    10,873

    Northern

    2,266

    2,749

    3,479

    Strathclyde

    36,675

    30,247

    27,651

    Tayside

    6,071

    5,730

    5,210

    Scotland

    69,024

    67,829

    65,410

  HEALTH

    Dental Services
    Mr. Cann
    To ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures the Government are currently taking to ensure the retention of qualified dentists in the general dental service; and if he will make a statement. [1890]

    Mr. Milburn
    This area is under review.
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    Mr. Cann
    To ask the Secretary of State for Health what are the total amounts claimed for dental treatments from the Dental Practice Board in each of the last five years in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the relationship between these figures and the numbers of general dental practitioners in the same periods. [1894]

    Mr. Milburn
    Information on payments scheduled by the Dental Practice Board for England and Wales is given in the table. Questions relating to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are matters for my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Scotland, for Wales and for Northern Ireland respectively. The table includes figures for the number of general dental practitioners on health authority lists.

    General dental service: Scheduled gross payments to dentists for item of service and number of dentists—1992–93 to 1996–97

    England and Wales

    England

    Wales

    Item of service payments £ million1

    Number of dentists2

    Item of service payments £ million1

    Number of dentists2

    1992–93

    966.6

    15,618

    53.4

    831

    1993–94

    884.3

    16,020

    48.7

    858

    1994–95

    925.3

    15,745

    49.8

    850

    1995–96

    931.5

    15,998

    49.5

    855

    1996–97

    951.3

    16,387

    51.1

    913

    1 Most child treatments were paid for through capitation payments until September 1996. Therefore the item of service figures do not give a true reflection of the amount of child treatment carried out. The figures include entry payments.

    2These figures are a headcount of the number of different dentists on Health Authority lists. They exclude community salaried and hospital dentists.

    Capital Investment
    Mr. Cann
    To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the total amount of money currently spent to assist in capital investment in general medical practices; what were the figures in each of the last five financial years; and what are the figures for capital investment in dental practices. [1892]

    Mr. Milburn
    It is not possible to identify separately the total amounts paid to general medical practitioners and general dental practitioners to support capital investment.

    Sunderland Hospitals (Name Change)
    Mr. Cummings
    To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the total cost to the Sunderland Hospital Trust of changing the name of Sunderland District General hospital to the Sunderland Royal hospital. [2461]

    Mr. Milburn
    Sunderland District General hospital was recently renamed Sunderland Royal hospital to reflect its royal designation. The change reflects the hospital's links with Sunderland Royal Infirmary, which closed in 1995 when services were transferred to more modern buildings at the District General Hospital. We understand from City Hospitals Sunderland National Health Service Trust that the costs of the title transfer were at around £1,000 and were paid from non-exchequer funds.
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    Political and Special Advisers
    Mrs. Gillan
    To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list(a) the name, (b) the salary, (c) the previous occupation and salary and (d) the terms and conditions of each political and special adviser in his Department; and what was the selection process used to appoint these persons. [2425]

    Mr. Dobson
    I have appointed Mr. Joe McCrea as my special adviser. He was previously my research assistant. The terms and conditions of his appointment are set out in the draft model contract, copies of which have been placed in the Library.

    Special advisers are paid within a range of £24,349 to £73,484. Their salaries are negotiated individually and are confidential within this range. Details of this and of previous salary are not provided in order to protect the privacy of the individuals concerned.

    This is a personal appointment made by me following consultation with the permanent head of the Department and the Prime Minister.

    Silicone Breast Implants
    Mrs. Clwyd
    To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects the review of the use of silicone breast implants to be completed; and if he will make a statement. [2299]

    Mr. Boateng
    The Independent Review Group aims to report to the Chief Medical Officer in late 1997. The completion date for the review will, however, depend on the amount of work that the Group considers necessary to fulfil the remit.

  FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

    Schengen Agreement
    Sir Richard Body
    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will deposit a copy of the full Schengen agreement text in the Library prior to the signature of the treaty of Amsterdam. [2009]

    Mr. Doug Henderson
    The Schengen Agreement is not a Treaty to which this country is a party, nor is it an EC or EU document. We will consider whether to deposit the Schengen Agreement in the Libraries of the House in the light of developments in the IGC negotiations.

    Human Rights
    Sir Richard Body
    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the compatibility of the current British interpretation of human rights with the draft Amsterdam treaty, with particular reference to the use of the term "fundamental freedoms" in article F of the draft treaty. [1995]

    Mr. Doug Henderson
    We consider the use of the term human rights and fundamental freedoms in the draft Treaty to be fully compatible with the UK's understanding of that term.
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    Algeria
    Mr. Gunnell
    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to send a British team to monitor the Algerian elections. [1583]

    Mr. Fatchett
    The UK contributed two observers to the United Nations co-ordinated team which monitored the Legislative Elections in Algeria which took place on 5 June 1997.

    NATO (Sintra Meeting)
    Mr. Hope
    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the outcome of(a) the meeting in Paris on 27 May between NATO Heads of State and Government and the Russian President and (b) the North Atlantic Council meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers at Sintra on 29 and 30 May. [2847]

    Mr. Tony Lloyd
    In Paris my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister signed, with his NATO colleagues, the President of Russia, and the NATO Secretary-General, the Founding Act on Mutual Relations, Co-operation and Security between NATO and the Russian Federation. This is an historic document designed to encourage greater trust and co-operation between Russia and NATO.

    The main provisions of the Act are:
    a list of shared principles, including the right of States to choose the means to ensure their own security;
    arrangements for a Permanent Joint Council which will meet monthly at the level of Ambassadors, twice yearly at Ministerial level, and on demand in a crisis;
    consultation and co-operation over security crises, crisis management and conflict resolution, joint operations, defence policy and military doctrine and arms control;
    an agreed approach to the adaption of the Treaty on Conventional Forces in Europe and provisions for more co-operation between military establishments.

    The NATO Foreign Ministers in Sintra had a preliminary discussion on decisions to be taken at the NATO Summit meeting in Madrid on 8 July. In particular they discussed NATO enlargement but did not reach conclusions on which of the applicants for membership will be invited to join the Alliance at Madrid. That decision will be taken by Allied Governments in time for the Summit.

    Foreign Ministers also initialled a draft NATO/Ukraine Charter which will provide a basis for enhanced co-operation symbolising NATO's recognition of the importance of Ukraine's sovereignty and independence.

    On 30 May NATO Foreign Ministers and the 27 Partner countries launched the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council and an expansion of NATO's programme with Partners, Partnership for Peace. The enhanced Partnership for Peace encourages Partners to plan, train for and mount the full range of peacekeeping operations including the most demanding. The Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council will also provide a political forum for discussing Partnership activities, and wider issues of European security.

    Copies of the NATO Russian Founding Act have been placed in the Libraries of the House.
    285

    European Union
    Mr. Eric Clarke
    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the forthcoming business in the Council of the European Union for June; and if he will list major EU events for the next six months. [2848]

    Mr. Doug Henderson
    The following is the information:

    Monthly forecast of business for June 1997

    The following Councils are scheduled:

    2–3 June: General Affairs Council

    5 June: Health Council

    5 June: Development Council

    9 June: Ecofin Council

    10 June: General Affairs Council (tbc)

    12 June: Social Affairs Council

    16–17 June: European Council

    17–18 June: Transport Council

    19–20: Environment Council

    23–25: Agriculture Council

    26 June: Education Council

    26 June: General Affairs Council

    27 June: Energy Council

    27 June: Telecommunications Council

    30 June: Culture Council

    The following subjects are likely to be discussed:

    June 2–3: General affairs council

    Approval of list of A points.

    EP Resolutions of 23–24 April and 12–16 May.

    Preparation of European Council in Amsterdam (Procedural Point).

    Trade issues:

    Council Declaration on market access for least developed countries.

    Leghold Traps.

    Racism and Xenophobia Monitoring Centre.

    Transatlantic Relations: Report on EU/US Summit.

    EU/Japan Summit (Information Point).

    EU/Hong Kong: After 1997: Council Conclusions.

    OCT Mid-Term Review.

    Former Yugoslavia.

    Albania.

    Middle East Peace Process (possible item).

    Any other business.

    June 5: Health council

    Adoption of the provisional agenda.

    Adoption of the list of A points.

    Communicable diseases network: common position.

    EU/US Task Force on communicable diseases.

    Draft Resolution on human organs and tissues.

    Draft Resolution on migrant doctors within the European Union.

    Draft Conclusions on health aspects of the drug problem.

    TSEs: orientation debate.

    Blood and blood products: follow-up to the Council Resolution of 12 November 1996.

    Commission Communication on combatting tobacco consumption: orientation debate.

    Commission proposals for programmes on rare diseases, pollution related diseases and accidents and injuries:

    286

    presentation by the Commission.

    presentation by the Commission.

    Future framework for action public health: orientation debate.

    Any other business:

    Promotion of mental health (request by the Finnish Delegation).

    Health safety of medical equipment (request by the French delegation).

    June 5: Development Council

    EU/ACP relations:

    Future EU relations with the developing countries of Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific;

    Democratisation, rule of law and human rights in the ACP countries;

    Commission communication on support for structural adjustment and debt relief in heavily indebted ACP countries.

    Conclusions on indigenous peoples (false B point).

    Follow-up to 1992 Horizon 2000 declaration:

    Resolution on coherence (false B point);

    Conclusions on operational coherence (false B point).

    Resolution on research and technological development in relation with the EU's development co-operation policy (false B point).

    Resolution on the Joint Evaluation of Programme Food Aid (A point).

    Conclusions on the Court of Auditors' report concerning the Humanitarian Aid of the European Union (A point).

    Proposal for a Council regulation on NGO co-financing: adoption of common position.

    Follow-up to Social Summit: Commission presentation.

    Any other business:

    Report on co-operation with Asia and Latin America (ALA) developing countries from 1991–95;

    Reform of the UN organisations in the economic and social spheres.

    Follow-up to Development Assistance Committee (DAC) on EC aid.

    June 9: ECOFIN Council

    Approval of the agenda.

    Approval of the list of A items.

    Preparation of stage III of EMU: Stability Pact, legal framework for the euro, resolution on ERM II.

    Implementation of Broad Economic Guidelines 1996.

    Draft Broad Economic Guidelines 1997.

    Euro Coins: technical characteristics and design.

    Interim report on Employment.

    Progress report on SEM 2000.

    Fraud: Commission work programme 1997–98, Fight against Fraud report 1996.

    Derogations on mineral oils excise duties.

    Preparation of Luxembourg Presidency.

    Preparation of Structured Dialogue with CEEC and Baltic Ministers.

    Any Other Business:

    Settlement Finality Directive.

    June 10: General Affairs Council

    Council not yet confirmed.

    June 12: Social Affairs Council

    Adoption of the agenda.

    Approval of the list of A points (possible item).

    Proposal for a Council Directive on the burden of proof in cases of discrimination based on sex.

    287

    Proposal for a Council Directive on the protection of the health and safety of workers from the risks related to chemical agents at work.

    Interim 1997 joint report on employment for the Amsterdam European Council.

    Follow-up to the French memorandum on a European Social model.

    Commission communication on modernising and improving social protection in the European Union.

    Final report by the working party of experts on European systems of worker involvement (with regard to the European Company Statute and other pending proposals).

    Industrial restructuring and informing and consulting workers at community level.

    Social Dialogue.

    Any Other Business:

    Commission report on access to continuing training in the Union;

    Implementation of the European Social Fund Budget.

    June 16/17: European Council

    Agenda not yet available.

    June 17/18: Transport Council

    Directive on safety assessment of third country aircraft: political agreement.

    Air Traffic Management: debate and Council conclusions.

    European Aviation Safety Authority: debate and Council conclusions.

    Directive on Heavy Goods Vehicle taxation, charging and tolls: political agreement.

    Amending Regulation on tachographs: common position.

    Road telematics: Council conclusions.

    Trans-European Rail Freight Freeways: possible conclusions.

    Road safety: debate and conclusions.

    Amending Directive on Seafarer Training: common position.

    Directive on registration of ferry passengers: common position.

    Maritime external relations, including proposed mandates for negotiations with India and China: debate based on questionnaire.

    Short Sea Shipping: Council conclusions.

    Any other business:

    Duty Free Sales: statement by Finland;

    Week-end lorry bans: statement by Netherlands;

    EU/US Aviation negotiations: Commission Report;

    Aviation negotiations with Central and Eastern European Countries: Commission Report;

    TENs and public, private partnerships: Commission Report.

    June 19/20: Environment Council

    Agenda not yet available.

    June 23–25: Agriculture Council}

    Agricultural price fixing.

    Arable penalties.

    EU/Czech veterinary equivalence agreement (possible item).

    EU/US veterinary equivalence agreement (possible item).

    Quality feet promotion (possible item).

    Apple, pear, peach and nectarine tree grubbing up scheme (possible item).

    Hops (possible item).

    Farm Accountancy Data Network (possible item).

    Italian state aid for co-operatives (possible item).

    Export refund/animal welfare linkage (possible item).

    Pesticide maximum residue levels (possible item).

    Hormones—WTO panel (possible item).

    288

    Potato brown rot (possible item).

    June 26: Education Council}

    Adoption of a common position on a Commission proposal to increase the budget of the SOCRATES education programme.

    Adoption of Council Conclusions on safety at school.

    Adoption of Council Conclusions on information and communications technology (ICT) and teacher training.

    Adoption of Council Conclusions on the Commission White Paper "Teaching and Learning: Towards the Learning Society".

    Commission presentation on a forthcoming draft Recommendation on quality assurance in higher education.

    Open Ministerial debate on the Commission Green Paper on Barriers to Student, Trainee and Researcher Mobility.

    Discussion of a Dutch paper on regional languages.

    Discussion of socio-economic research under the new 5th Research and Development Framework Programme.

    June 26: General Affairs Council

    First draft agenda—likely to change.

    Follow-up to the European Council at Amsterdam.

    Former Yugoslavia.

    Middle East Peace Process.

    Relations with Andorra.

    Mediterranean Policy.

    Relations with Albania.

    Relations with Yemen.

    Relations with Turkmenistan.

    Relations with Switzerland.

    June 26: Energy Council

    Agenda not yet known.

    June 27: Telecommunications Council

    Commission communication on a European Union Action Plan for satellite communications in the Information Society: Council conclusions.

    Commission communication regarding the consultation on the Green Paper on a Numbering Policy for Telecommunications Services in Europe: Council resolution.

    Proposal for a Council and European Parliament Directive on communications terminal equipment: orientation debate.

    Commission communication on progress in implementing the telecommunications regulatory framework by I January 1998: Commission report and exchange of views.

    Commission communication on further developments in mobile and cordless communications in Europe: Commission presentation.

    June 30: Culture Council

    Agenda not yet known.

    This calendar is primarily concerned with European Union matters, but certain other relevant events are also included. Events and dates quoted are based on the information available on the date of issue.

    European calendar: June to November 1997

    Date

    Venue

    Event

    June 97

    2–3

    Luxembourg

    General Affairs Council (and IGC Ministerial)

    5

    Luxembourg

    Health Council

    5

    Luxembourg

    Development Council

    9

    Luxembourg

    Ecofin Council

    9–13

    Strasbourg

    European Parliament Plenary

    10

    Luxembourg

    General Affairs Council (tbc)

    12

    Luxembourg

    Social Affairs Council

    16–17

    Amsterdam

    European Council

    289

    European calendar: June to November 1997

    Date

    Venue

    Event

    17–18

    Luxembourg

    Transport Council

    19–20

    Luxembourg

    Environment Council

    20–22

    Denver

    G7 Summit

    23–25

    Luxembourg

    Agriculture Council

    24

    Brussels

    Political Committee

    25–26

    Brussels

    European Parliament Plenary

    26

    Luxembourg

    Education Council

    26

    Luxembourg

    General Affairs Council

    27

    Luxembourg

    Energy Council

    27

    Luxembourg

    Telecommunications Council

    30

    Luxembourg

    Culture Council

    July 1997

    1

    Luxembourg Presidency begins

    3

    Luxembourg

    Visit by Commission

    4–5

    Echternach

    Labour and Social Affairs Council (Informal) (tbc)

    7

    Brussels

    Ecofin Council

    10–11

    Luxembourg

    Political Committee

    14–18

    Strasbourg

    European Parliament Plenary

    22

    Brussels

    Agriculture Council

    22–23

    Brussels

    General Affairs Council

    24

    Brussels

    Budget Council

    26

    ?

    Possible European Council

    August 1997

    There are no events scheduled for August

    September 1997

    4

    Brussels

    Political Committee

    7–9

    Echternach

    Agriculture Council (Informal)

    12–14

    Mondorf

    Ecofin Council (Informal)

    15–16

    Brussels

    General Affairs Council

    15–19

    Strasbourg

    European Parliament Plenary

    22

    New York

    Political Committee

    22–23

    Brussels

    Agriculture Council

    29

    Brussels

    Political Committee (reserve date—tbc)

    October 1997

    1–2

    Brussels

    European Parliament Plenary

    2

    Luxembourg

    Telecommunications Council

    3–4

    Echternach

    Internal Market Council (Informal)

    6–7

    Luxembourg

    General Affairs Council

    7

    Luxembourg

    Social Affairs Council

    9

    Luxembourg

    Transport Council

    9–10

    Echternach

    Justice and Home Affairs Council (Informal)

    290

    European calendar: June to November 1997

    Date

    Venue

    Event

    10–11

    Strasbourg

    Council of Europe Summit

    13

    Luxembourg

    Ecofin Council

    16

    Brussels

    Political Committee

    16–17

    Luxembourg

    Possible European Council

    16 or 26

    Luxembourg

    Environment Council (tbc)

    20–21

    Luxembourg

    Political Committee

    20–21

    Luxembourg

    Agriculture Council

    20–24

    Strasbourg

    European Parliament Plenary

    23

    Luxembourg

    Environment Council

    24–27

    Edinburgh

    CHOGM

    25–26

    Mondorf

    Foreign Ministers (Informal)

    30

    Luxembourg

    Fisheries Council

    November 1997

    3

    Brussels

    Consumer Council

    3

    Brussels

    Political Committee

    5–6

    Brussels

    European Parliament Plenary

    10

    Brussels

    Research Council

    13

    Brussels

    Industry Council

    17

    Brussels

    Ecofin Council

    17

    Brussels

    Political Committee

    17–18

    Brussels

    Agriculture Council

    17–21

    Strasbourg

    European Parliament Plenary

    19

    Brussels

    Fisheries Council (tbc)

    20

    Brussels

    Education Council

    21

    Brussels

    Budget Council

    24

    Brussels

    Culture Council

    24–25

    Brussels

    General Affairs Council

    27

    Brussels

    Internal Market and Development Council

    Asylum Seekers
    Mr. Hancock
    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received concerning the situation of ethnic Albanians who have fled Kosovo and Montenegro and sought asylum in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement. [1213]

    Mr. Mike O'Brien
    I have been asked to reply.

    Various representations have been made, primarily in the context of individual asylum applications. Each asylum application is considered individually on its merits, in the light of the current situation in Kosovo and Montenegro, and asylum is granted where appropriate.