Written Answers of 12 June 1997

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Firearms
  Mr. Frank Cook
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his estimate of the number of persons resident in the United Kingdom who are authorised to possess a firearm for their personal protection(a) under a certificate, permit or other form of authority issued in accordance with the Firearms Act 1968, (b) by virtue of being servants of the Crown and (c) by any other exemption or method of authorisation. [3295]

  Mr. Michael
  I have made no such estimate. Home Office guidance to the police in England, Wales and Scotland is that they should refuse applications for the grant of a firearm certificate for the applicant's protection or that of his premises. In Northern Ireland, there are approximately 11,000 people who hold certificates for firearms needed for personal protection. Information on the number of military personnel or other Crown servants currently authorised to retain service weapons for purposes of self-protection is not readily available.

  Mr. Cook
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many lives he estimates will be saved each year by the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997; and on what basis this estimate is made. [3297]

  Mr. Michael
  No such estimate can be prepared. The intention of the Act is to reduce the risk to public safety of another outrage such as that committed at Dunblane primary school by someone using a lawfully held handgun.

  Mr. Cook
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make it his policy to place in the Library at monthly intervals a memorandum setting out the type and number of firearms which have been surrendered in accordance with the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997 but which have not been destroyed, the reasons for not destroying them, the person or body to whom they have or are to be transferred and the price which has or is to be paid for them. [3299]

  Mr. Michael
  No. Police forces will retain handguns surrendered to them until compensation has been paid. We will report the overall outcome of the surrender exercise to the House but obtaining monthly reports on the lines suggested would be a time-consuming and expensive exercise which would not be justified. There will be no sales of surrendered handguns.

  Mr. Cook
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his estimate of the total cost of introducing and implementing the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997 and the present Firearms (Amendment) Bill. [3296]
  510
  Mr. Michael
  The estimated total cost of implementing both the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997 and the Firearms (Amendment) Bill is £169 million. Of this figure, £138 million is the estimated cost of implementing the prohibition on higher-calibre handguns contained in the Act which includes the cost of compensation payments for these, for their accessories and the police and central administration costs. The remaining £31 million is the estimated cost of implementing the prohibition of small-calibre handguns envisaged by the Bill, including the cost of compensation payments for them and their accessories.

  Mr. Cook
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what arrangements have been made for the destruction of firearms surrendered to the police in accordance with the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997. [3298]

  Mr. Michael
  Those firearms surrendered under the terms of the 1997 Act will be destroyed in accordance with local police arrangements. These will vary from force to force. A few firearms may be retained for police training purposes, and some may be taken by museums for public display.

  Deportations
  Mr. Gerrard
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people have been deported from the United Kingdom in each of the last five years. [2977]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The answer to the question is given in the following list.

  Persons removed 1 from the United Kingdom under the deportation process, 1992–1996

  1992: 2,583

  1993: 2,285

  1994: 1,870

  1995: 1,893

  19962 1,889.

  1 Includes voluntary departures after deportation action had been initiated.
  2 Provisional

  Mr. Gerrard
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many deportation orders have been signed by Ministers in each of the last five years. [2990]

  Mr. O'Brien
  The information requested is given in the table:

  Deportation Orders signed by Ministers, 1992–96.

  1992: 887

  1993: 1,245

  1994: 1,514

  1995: 1,648

  19961: 1,864.

  1 Provisional.

  Freemasonry
  Mr. McDonnell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he is going to implement the Home Affairs Select Committee's recommendations on freemasonry in the police and the judiciary, with special reference to a public register of freemasons. [3000]
  511
  Mr. Michael
  The Government are currently considering the Home Affairs Committee report on freemasonry in the police and the judiciary, and have written to the Clerk of the Committee to say that a substantive response to the Committee's recommendation will be made by the end of August this year.

  Electoral Registration
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 2 June,Official Report, columns 90–91, if he will make a statement on the statistics published on 2 June, Official Report, column 91, in respect of the decline in the percentage of eligible adults who are registered to vote over the last 20 years. [3072]

  Mr. George Howarth
  It is not possible to make a direct comparison between electoral registration figures and estimates of the resident population, because they are not compiled on the same basis. The 1997 electoral register for Great Britain published in February showed the highest ever number of parliamentary electors registered to vote and saw the largest annual increase since 1987. We will seek to encourage this continuing improvement in electoral registration.

  Juvenile Offenders
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many juveniles aged 10 to 16 years were convicted in each offence group in each year since 1994. [2991]

  Mr. Michael
  Information from 1994 and 1995 is given in the table. 1996 data will not be available until the autumn.

  Number of persons aged 10 to under 17 convicted at all courts by type of offence 1994 and 1995

  England and Wales

  Offence

  1994

  1995

  Indictable offences

  Violence against the person

  3,951

  3,231

  Sexual offences

  322

  301

  Burglary

  5,758

  6,049

  Robbery

  1,204

  1,466

  Theft and handling stolen goods

  11,043

  12,267

  Fraud and forgery

  266

  306

  Criminal damage

  1,461

  1,583

  Drug offences

  471

  600

  Other (excluding motoring offences)

  1,491

  1,814

  Motoring offences

  158

  175

  Total Indictable offences

  26,125

  27,792

  Summary non-motoring offences

  8,046

  10,393

  Summary motoring offences

  2,646

  2,936

  All offences

  36,817

  41,121

  Tote
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the current salary of the chairman of the Tote; when his appointment is due to end; and if he will make a statement. [2993]
  512
  Mr. George Howarth
  The current salary of the chairman of the Tote is £103,108. Lord Wyatt's appointment is due to end on 30 June. We are taking steps to select a successor.

  Police Forces (Chemical Agents)
  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) which police forces in England and Wales use the MIBK chemical agent; [2769]

  (2) if he will forbid the use of the chemical agent MIBK by police forces in England and Wales; [2770]

  (3) what assessment he has made of representations from the Hertfordshire and Surrey Police regarding the MIBK chemical agent and its effect on foetuses. [2768]

  Mr. Michael
  My right hon. Friend does not plan to forbid the use of Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK) by police forces. MIBK is the solvent used as a carrying medium in CS canisters carried by officers in 17 forces in England and Wales. It has a wide range of uses, for example as a food additive and as a solvent in certain paints and varnishes. It is also found naturally in oranges, grapes and vinegar. A great deal is known about MIBK. The Department of Health has advised that it is an appropriate solvent to use in CS canisters, and it has been used by the Gendarmerie National in France for 17 years without any serious medical concerns.

  There have been isolated reports published which suggest that at very high levels MIBK may affect unborn foetuses in lower mammals. These reports and the other available scientific evidence have been assessed by the Home Office Police Scientific Development Branch, the Department of Health and the Ministry of Defence. Their advice is that the scientific evidence does not indicate that MIBK is a human teratogen (that is to say, produces foetal abnormalities).

  Police Training
  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if it is standard procedure for United Kingdom police forces to provide firearms training systems that include training sequences designed to train police or other security personnel to fire on unarmed demonstrators; and if he will make a statement. [2775]

  Mr. Michael
  It would be entirely wrong for police forces not to train officers, or anyone else, to fire on unarmed demonstrators. The only circumstances in which police officers are trained to use a firearm against an unarmed person are training in the use of plastic baton rounds against people engaging in serious public disorder. Plastic baton rounds may be used as a last resort, where conventional methods of policing have been tried and failed or are unlikely to succeed if tried, and where the chief officer decides such action to be necessary because of the risk of loss of life or serious injury or widespread destruction of property where the damage may lead to serious risk of loss of life or serious personal injury. The police in the United Kingdom are trained to respond with the minimum force required to counter effectively any threat which they or members of the public come under. The use of force is governed by section 3 of the Criminal Law Act 1967 which provides that a person may use such force as is reasonable in the circumstances in the prevention of crime. If my hon. Friend has any evidence
  513
  of any police force in the United Kingdom using such training sequences, I shall be grateful if she will let me have her evidence straightaway.

  Alcoholic Drinks (Children)
  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to prevent the sale of mislabelled alcoholic drinks to children; and if he will make a statement. [2974]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The Government are very concerned about the promotion and sale of certain alcoholic drinks to children. My right hon. Friend has set up a Ministerial Group to look at the issue. As its chairman, I am holding urgent talks with the drinks industry to demand swift action. If we are not satisfied with the response we are prepared to take action ourselves.

  A range of children's icepop drinks was recently found to have been contaminated with alcohol. The producer says that this was accidental and has withdrawn the product from the market.

  Police Officers
  Mr. Todd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the overall increase in the numbers of(a) police officers of all ranks and (b) police constables in England and Wales over the period 1 April 1996 to 31 March 1997. [2965]

  Mr. Michael
  Provisional figures from police forces show that total police numbers increased by 257 to 127,158 in the 12 months ending March 1997. Within that total, police constable numbers increased by 460 to 98,132. These increases are well below the 1,000 additional officers planned by the previous Government last year.

  Justice and Home Affairs Council
  Mr. Cawsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the outcome of the Justice and Home Affairs Council held in Brussels on 26 and 27 May. [3978]

  Mr. Straw
  The Minister of State and I represented the United Kingdom at the Council. The main matters dealt with were as follows:

  The Council agreed as "A" points, among other things, the Europol Drugs Unit budget for 1998, a joint action on co-operation on law and order and security, and a resolution on unaccompanied third-country national minors. Two actions covering Europol were also agreed, one covering how data will be stored and analysed and the other with the conditions of employment for Europol staff.

  The Commission presented proposals for a future joint action on temporary protection for displaced persons. The proposals concern possible arrangements for European Union member states to respond in a co-ordinated way to situations where large numbers of refugees seek to enter the European Union from countries where events may have placed them in danger. In the light of preliminary discussion, the proposals will now be considered in detail in the appropriate working group.
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  There was discussion of a draft joint action aimed at providing an appropriately speedy mechanism for identifying and controlling new synthetic drugs throughout the Union. Establishment of such a mechanism was agreed in principle, although some work is still needed on the finer points of the text.

  There was agreement in principle to a Protocol to the Europol Convention, which would lay down the extent to which Europol staff will benefit from certain privileges and immunities when carrying out their official functions. Minor amendments to the text are needed before the Protocol can be signed. This should be achieved fairly quickly.

  Agreement was also reached on the second Protocol to the Convention on the Protection of the Communities' Financial Interests. This Protocol lays down steps to be taken by member states to criminalise certain acts of fraud and corruption against the Community budget and laundering of the proceeds of such fraud and corruption. The Protocol should be ready for signature in the near future.

  The Presidency reported progress on the draft Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters. Although some progress has been made, a number of issues remain to be finalised by the working group.

  The Presidency reported the outcome of their meeting with representatives of the United States Government on 14 April, under the terms of the Transatlantic Dialogue. It was agreed that broad themes for ongoing co-operation should concentrate on the fight against terrorism; implementing of the Caribbean drugs initiative; and prevention of drug smuggling.

  The Commission gave a summary of work under way to combat trafficking in women and children. This included projects under a number of European Union Justice and Home Affairs programmes, as well as on the role of voluntary organisations working in the field.

  The Council also took note of reports on the work of the task force on organised crime in the Baltic region. The task force, which involves Sweden, Germany, Denmark, Finland, the Presidency and the Commission, has taken a number of concrete measures, including the establishment of 24-hour national contact points, joint communications systems and actions against stolen motor vehicles and drugs. It will report to heads of Government in January/February 1998.

  Two new European Union Conventions were signed by Ministers. One covered arrangements for the Service in Member States of Judicial and Extra Judicial Documents in Civil and Commercial Matters, including a Protocol covering the role in these matters of the European Court of Justice. The other was the Convention on the Fight Against Corruption involving Officials of the European Communities or Officials of the Member States of the European Union.

  Meetings were held with Ministers of the associated Central and Eastern European countries and, separately, with Cyprus. These concentrated on asylum, and covered in particular the application of the safe Third Country concept, public attitudes to asylum, and the possibility of a parallel convention to the Dublin Convention. The Dublin Convention lays down the procedure for

  515
  determining the state responsible for examining applications for asylum lodged in one of the member states of the European Communities. A parallel Convention would create a similar procedure for European Union member states and other contracting parties outside the Union.

  Boards of Visitors Annual Report
  Ms Keeble
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has received a copy of the National Advisory Council for the Boards of Visitors Annual Report for 1996. [3987]

  Ms Joyce Quin
  We received an advance copy of the first annual report by the National Advisory Council on 29 May. It covers the period from 1 February 1996 to 31 January 1997. The report describes the varied and extensive programme of work carried out by the National Advisory Council on behalf of the Boards of Visitors. A copy of the report has been placed in the Library.

  Animal Experimentation
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proposals he has to introduce legislation to simplify and tighten the laws relating to animal testing wording on cosmetics labels in order to circumscribe ambiguous marketing. [2880]

  Mr. Nigel Griffiths
  I have been asked to reply.

  Requirements related to claims regarding animal testing of cosmetics will be tightened by regulation 4(4) of the Cosmetics Products (Safety) Regulations 1996, which will be enforced from 1 January 1998.

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS
  ENVIRONMENT AND THE REGIONS

    BSE Incinerators
    Mr. Blizzard
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will issue guidance to planning inspectors to ensure that applications for BSE incinerators are not granted approval on appeal where they will destroy business confidence in a locality. [2477]

    Mr. Raynsford
    A number of recent planning applications have related to the construction of incineration facilities for the destruction of cattle slaughtered as part of the over 30 months scheme, rather than to those which show clinical signs of BSE for which provision exists already. Planning inspectors reach decisions on the basis of submitted evidence and published Government Planning Guidance. It is not appropriate to aim guidance solely at Planning Inspectors and on a single issue. Consideration is being given currently to whether there is a need to issue planning advice, to a wider audience, on facilities required to deal with wastes arising from the over 30 months scheme.

    Elderly Care
    Mr. Fearn
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will review 516
    the funding allocated to Sefton Metropolitan borough council in the 1997–98 revenue support grant in respect of care of the elderly. [2480]

    Mr. Raynsford
    I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Colchester (Mr. Russell) on 10 June 1997,Official Report, column 405

    Water Companies
    Mr. Martyn Jones
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will include in his review of the abstraction licensing system new measures to ensure that water companies manage their aquifer resources sustainably; and if he will make a statement. [2789]

    Angela Eagle
    A key aim will be to ensure that the environment is properly protected, while providing fair and flexible arrangements for access to water resources by water companies to meet properly managed demands in a sustainable way. Amongst the possible measures which will be studied are economic instruments in relation to abstraction.

    Carbon Dioxide Emissions
    Mr. Gummer
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and Regions what specific measures he plans to achieve the Government's target of a reduction in CO2 emissions by 20 per cent. from 1990 levels by 2010. [2678]

    Mr. Prescott
    We are reviewing the United Kingdom's Climate Change Programme looking at policies and measures across all sectors which could contribute to a 20 per cent. reduction in carbon dioxide emissions from 1990 levels by 2010. These include improvements in areas such as domestic and industrial energy efficiency, measures to tackle emissions from the transport sector as part of the integrated transport strategy, and a large increase in the amount of electricity generated from renewable sources and combined heat and power schemes. We shall produce a revised programme after Kyoto.

    Domestic Waste
    Mr. Stunell
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment Transport and the Regions (1) if he will bring forward a comprehensive policy for domestic waste reduction, with special reference to control of packaging, reuse of materials and recycling, developed within local authorities and voluntary groups in partnership; and if he will make a statement; [3001]

    (2) if he will review all current proposals for waste incineration plants to establish (a) the health and environmental risks of emissions and (b) the extent to which the implementation of policies to improve recycling of domestic waste might reduce the need for incineration. [3002]

    Angela Eagle
    The Government will be looking carefully at existing practice and policy in the field of waste management, to see how the contribution from recycling and other means of recovering value from waste can be maximised. At present, only 6.5 per cent. of household waste is recycled, and only 12 per cent. of municipal waste has some value recovered from it. Local
    517
    authorities, voluntary groups, households and businesses all have a vital contribution to make in improving the sustainability of our waste management practices. Reduction of waste at source has an important part to play, and we hope to see the development of imaginative and effective initiatives to encourage it.

    Current proposals for incineration plants will be considered, in the normal way, under the existing planning framework. We will keep under review the evidence on emissions from incinerators. It is essential that both new and existing incinerators meet stringent emissions standards to protect public health and the environment.

    Non-domestic Rates
    Mrs. Ballard
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make it his policy to ensure that rateable businesses which temporarily cease to pay non-domestic rates due to the inability to trade for reasons of natural disasters are not treated as new accounts, which do not receive transitional relief, once they restart trading. [2824]

    Mr. Raynsford
    Properties removed from the rating list because they have been rendered incapable of occupation, for whatever reason, will necessarily require refurbishment or reconstruction, possibly to a higher standard than was the case before. We have no proposals to change the rule that such properties on re-entering the list should be denied transitional relief.

    Council Tax
    Mr. Pike
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many and what percentage of properties in Burnley are in (i) council tax band A and (ii) council tax band B. [2887]

    Mr. Raynsford
    The information requested is as follows:

    Burnley: Dwellings on the Valuation List as at 16 October 1996

    Band A

    Per cent. of total

    Band B

    Per cent. of total

    26,358

    65.7

    4,084

    10.2

    Mr. Pike
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions which 50 local authorities in England have the highest percentage of properties in (i) council tax band A and (ii) council tax band B; and which 50 local authorities have the lowest percentage in those bands. [2888]

    Mr. Raynsford
    I have today placed the information in the Library of the House.

    Development (Stevenage)
    Mr. Vaz
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is his Department's policy regarding development west of Stevenage. [3058]

    Mr. Raynsford
    Planning Policy Guidance Note 2 states that releases of land from the Green Belt—like the proposals in Hertfordshire County Council's Structure Plan Review for development west of Stevenage—should 518
    take place only in exceptional circumstances. It will be for the County Council to respond to the recommendations of the independent Panel who conducted an examination in public of the Structure Plan Review proposals in March. My right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minster will consider that response before taking a view on whether the case for any Green Belt releases has been made.

    Housing Corporation
    Mr. Vaz
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he plans to meet the chief executive and chairman of the Housing Corporation; and if he will make a statement. [3059]

    Mr. Raynsford
    My hon. Friend the Minister of State for Local Government and Housing and I met the Chief Executive and Chairman of the Housing Corporation on 2 June. We had a fruitful and informative discussion about the work and role of the Corporation and we look forward to working together in the coming months.

    Capital Receipts
    Mr. Mackinlay
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the current level of set-aside capital receipts derived from the sale of council houses for each local authority in Essex. [3010]

    Mr. Raynsford
    The amounts of housing capital receipts which were set aside by each local authority in Essex between 1990–91 and 1995–96 are set out in the table. However, individual authorities may have used these set-aside receipts to repay debt or in lieu of further borrowing, and so may no longer retain them in the form of cash and investments.

    Receipts setaside from sales of Housing Revenue Account assets 1990–91 to 1995–96 £000s

    Basildon

    10,465

    Braintree

    13,072

    Brentwood

    5,404

    Castle Point

    2,588

    Chelmsford

    13,172

    Colchester

    11,629

    Epping Forest

    14,694

    Harlow

    27,644

    Maldon

    15,346

    Rochford

    2,295

    Southend-on-Sea

    7,330

    Tendring

    4,588

    Thurrock

    17,017

    Uttlesford

    6,931

    Note:

    Source of data: HRA subsidy claim forms.

    We will be consulting the Local Government Association and local authorities on the Government's Capital Receipts Initiative in due course. No decision about the basis on which resources are to be distributed to individual authorities will be made until that consultation process is complete.
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    Contaminated Land
    Ms Ellman
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what financial support he is giving in the current year to English local authorities and to the Environment Agency to meet capital costs of site investigation and remediation of contaminated land. [3183]

    Angela Eagle
    The Department of the Environment's Contaminated Land Supplementary Credit Approval programme, which has a budget of £14 million in the current financial year, provides support for capital costs incurred by English local authorities where they are responsible for the investigation or remediation of contaminated land. The programme also is able to provide support, in the form of additional grant-in-aid, to the Environment Agency where it is carrying out works to deal with water pollution from contaminated land.

    The programme is aimed at tackling problems on sites owned by local authorities or those where authorities or the Environment Agency have responsibility to take action and cannot recover their costs from third parties. The Department operates an assessment and prioritisation procedure to ensure that the available funding goes to projects representing the greatest threat to health or the environment.

    Some authorities have already been notified of support, where this is to meet on-going contractual commitments for projects funded in previous years. The Department of the Environment has today written to local authorities with successful bids for new projects and to the Environment Agency, notifying them of the financial allocations which are being made.

    The following table sets out the allocations which have been made for the current financial year.

    Local Authority

    Number of sites

    Total allocation (£)

    Bassetlaw DC

    1

    120,000

    Birmingham City

    2

    35,000

    Blackburn and Darwen BC

    2

    20,000

    Blackpool BC

    1

    1,000

    Bradford MBC

    1

    30,000

    Brighton and Hove C

    1

    30,000

    Bury MBC

    1

    492,000

    Cambridgeshire CC

    2

    89,000

    Cheltenham BC

    1

    293,000

    Cheshire CC

    2

    170,000

    Chorley BC

    3

    22,000

    Cornwall CC

    2

    42,000

    Croydon LB

    2

    157,000

    Cumbria CC

    2

    75,000

    Darlington BC

    1

    279,000

    Devon CC

    2

    445,000

    Dudley MBC

    4

    193,000

    Essex CC

    2

    410,000

    Gateshead MBC

    4

    765,000

    Greater Manchester WDA

    1

    99,000

    Guildford BC

    2

    147,000

    Hampshire CC

    2

    408,000

    Hartlepool BC

    1

    9,000

    Hereford and Worcester CC

    2

    91,000

    Hounslow LB

    5

    313,000

    Knowsley MBC

    1

    171,000

    Leicester City

    5

    582,000

    Leicestershire CC

    1

    880,000

    Merseyside WDA

    3

    510,000

    Middlesbrough BC

    1

    250,000

    520

    Local Authority

    Number of sites

    Total allocation (£)

    Newcastle City

    1

    56,000

    Norfolk CC

    2

    188,000

    Northamptonshire CC

    2

    675,000

    North East Lincolnshire C

    1

    136,000

    North Lincolnshire C

    1

    770,000

    Northumberland CC

    2

    12,000

    Norwich City

    1

    1,789,000

    Nuneaton and Bedworth

    3

    90,000

    Oldham MBC

    1

    10,000

    Oxford City

    1

    1,271,000

    Oxfordshire CC

    1

    5,000

    Portsmouth City

    4

    163,000

    Redbridge LB

    1

    22,000

    Rotherham MBC

    3

    348,000

    St. Helens MBC

    1

    23,000

    Sandwell MBC

    20

    277,000

    Sheffield City

    1

    559,000

    Solihull MBC

    1

    535,000

    Stafford BC

    1

    25,000

    Stockton-on-Tees BC

    1

    12,000

    Surrey CC

    6

    1,278,000

    Tameside MBC

    1

    67,000

    Three Rivers DC

    1

    4,000

    Trafford MBC

    3

    77,000

    Walsall MBC

    3

    205,000

    Warwickshire CC

    1

    450,000

    West Yorkshire WDA

    6

    651,000

    Weymouth and Portland BC

    1

    750,000

    Worcester City

    1

    26,000

    Environment Agency

    6

    500,000

    Note:

    Total allocations include an over-programming margin against the total budget to allow for slippage in expenditure on individual projects.

    Gazumping
    Mr. Blizzard
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will consider changes to the law to prevent gazumping and the late withdrawal from house purchase agreements. [2478]

    Mr. Hoon
    I have been asked to reply as responsibility for this topic lies with the LCD.

    Work will shortly be under way across a number of Government Departments co-operating together which will look closely at the problem of gazumping and will lead to detailed proposals which will be in the interests of everyone involved in the sale and purchase of homes.

    HSE Prosecutions
    Mr. Chope
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the number of prosecutions which the Health and Safety Executive has brought against each local authority in England in the last three years; and how many have resulted in convictions. [3252]

    Angela Eagle
    In the three years from 1993–94 to 1995–96, the Health and Safety Executive prosecuted local authorities in England 44 times for 51 alleged breaches of health and safety law and secured 50 convictions. Details from HSE records are shown in the table. Figures for the year April 1996-March 1997 are not yet available.
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    Local authority

    Occasions prosecuted

    Breaches alleged

    Convictions

    Wealden District Council

    1

    1

    1

    East Sussex County Council

    1

    1

    1

    London Borough of Islington

    1

    1

    1

    St. Edmundsbury Borough Council

    1

    1

    1

    Norwich City Council

    1

    1

    1

    Stevenage Borough Council

    1

    1

    1

    Salford Borough Council

    1

    1

    1

    Lancaster City Council

    1

    1

    1

    Sunderland City Council

    1

    1

    1

    Avon County Council

    1

    1

    1

    Somerset County Council

    1

    1

    0

    London Borough of Southwark

    1

    1

    1

    City of Birmingham

    1

    1

    1

    Bromsgrove District Council

    1

    2

    2

    Doncaster Borough Council

    1

    1

    1

    Harrogate District Council

    1

    1

    1

    Manchester City Council

    2

    2

    2

    Elmbridge Borough Council

    1

    1

    1

    Durham County Council

    1

    1

    1

    South Tyneside Borough Council

    1

    1

    1

    Gateshead Borough Council

    1

    1

    1

    Lancashire County Council

    1

    1

    1

    Cleveland County Council

    1

    1

    1

    Surrey County Council

    1

    1

    1

    London Borough of Harrow

    2

    4

    4

    Colchester Borough Council

    1

    1

    1

    London Borough of Tower Hamlets

    1

    1

    1

    St. Helens Borough Council

    1

    1

    1

    Berkshire County Council

    1

    1

    1

    London Borough of Greenwich

    2

    2

    2

    Cornwall County Council

    1

    1

    1

    London Borough of Haringey

    1

    2

    2

    London Borough of Barking and Dagenham

    1

    1

    1

    London Borough of Redbridge

    1

    1

    1

    Corporation of London

    1

    3

    3

    Bedford Borough Council

    1

    1

    1

    Wrekin Council

    1

    1

    1

    Newark and Sherwood District Council

    1

    1

    1

    Humberside County Council

    1

    2

    2

    Rochdale Borough Council

    1

    1

    1

    Liverpool City Council

    1

    1

    1

    These figures have not been validated.

    There have, of course, been successive cuts to the HSE's grant-in-aid over recent years. Despite considerable difficulty, HSE has sought to meet these budget reductions with least harm to its key areas of work such as inspection and other field activity. Nevertheless, this can lead to heavy workloads associated with
    522
    prosecution, discouraging it—especially when pitifully low fines from magistrates are taken into account. We are looking closely at this.

  TRANSPORT

    Rail Regulations
    Mr. Kidney
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will review the arrangements in place currently for claims handling in respect of claims against operators of rail services, with particular reference to the experiences of those persons submitting claims arising out of the Rickerscote rail crash at Stafford on 8 March 1996. [2862]

    Ms Glenda Jackson
    The arrangements for claims handling are governed by the Claims Allocation and Handling Agreement (CAHA), which is currently being reviewed by the Rail Industry Disputes Resolution Committee—a committee of industry representatives with an independent Chairman. Their proposals for changes to the Agreement will be submitted to the Rail Regulator for approval.

    The Rail Regulator has initiated a separate review of third party liability insurance in relation to "privately owned rail vehicles" (defined as ones which are both owned by a company outside the licensing regime of the Railways Act 1993 and which are operated without the benefit of a lease or other agreement which transfers liability for the vehicle to a licensed train operator). He believes that it is in the interests of both the rail industry and third parties that a practical solution is found to the third party liability issues surrounding such vehicles. I understand the Rail Regulator intends to publish a consultation document later this year.

    Mr. Kidney
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what public liability insurance is required of(a) Railtrack plc, (b) licensed operators of rail services and (c) other operators of rail services. [2861]

    Ms Jackson
    Licensed operators, including Railtrack, are required by the Rail Regulator to carry third party liability cover of at least £155 million, unless the Regulator agrees a lower figure in specific circumstances. In the case of companies providing services to the rail network who fall outside the Regulator's licensing powers, the level of third party liability insurance is a matter of commercial judgment. However, in the case of unlicensed contractors and sub-contractors, the Regulator has required licensed operators to provide, in their own insurance, cover for the difference between the contractor's insurance and £155 million.

    Mr. Kidney
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what regulatory framework governs claims procedures in respect of the franchised railway companies; and what role the Rail Regulator has in respect of them. [2863]

    Ms Jackson
    All licensed railway operators, including Railtrack, are required by their licences to be a party to claims handling arrangements approved by the Rail Regulator. The railway industry established the Claims Allocation and Handling Agreement (CAHA) in early
    523
    1994. This continues to be the means by which all operators fulfil this licence obligation. The Rail Regulator is responsible for enforcing licence conditions.

    Cycling
    Mr. Colvin
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what policies are being pursued by the Government to encourage cycling; and if he will make a statement. [3049]

    Ms Glenda Jackson
    I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on 3 June,Official Report, column 165: to the hon. Member for Rotherham (Mr. MacShane).

    Mr. Colvin
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will meet the Rail Regulator to discuss whether adequate provision for the transport of cycles should be added to the obligations of train operators; and if he will make a statement. [3048]

    Ms Jackson
    The provision of capacity for the carriage of bicycles is a matter for the Franchising Director. Franchise operators are required by their Franchise Agreements to ensure that facilities are made available for the carriage of cycles on trains, so far as is reasonably practicable and subject to the availability of appropriate space on their rolling stock.

    The Government are keen to see proper facilities for cyclists who wish to use the railway. We are currently reviewing the Franchising Director's Objectives, Instructions and Guidance. As part of our review, we will be considering what action the Franchising Director should take to encourage increased carriage of cycles on trains.

  TRADE AND INDUSTRY

    Credit Card Fraud
    Mr. Richard Allan
    To ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans she has to help businesses protect themselves against the losses caused by fraudulent credit card usage, with particular reference to telephone transactions. [2816]

    Mr. Nigel Griffiths
    I understand that the banks are actively working with retail organisations to investigate methods of preventing all types of credit card fraud, including telephone transactions, and I strongly welcome this initiative.

    Departmental Documents
    Mr. Baker
    To ask the President of the Board of Trade what percentage and how many documents in 1996 she estimates were(a) passed on to the Public Record Office intact, (b) passed on to the Public Record Office in censored form, (c) retained by her Department in full, (d) retained by her Department in part, (e) destroyed, (f) otherwise disposed of, and (g) otherwise unaccounted for. [2506]

    Mr. Nigel Griffiths
    [holding answer 11 June 1997]: No document falls due for transfer to the Public Record Office until it is 30 years old. The suitability of a
    524
    document for selection for permanent preservation under the terms of the Public Records Act 1958 will be reviewed during that period.

    The Act does not require statistics to be kept in the form requested. To do so would incur disproportionate cost. However, in order to comply with their duties under the Act, departments are obliged to make arrangements for the safekeeping of their records, with a view to their possible selection and transfer to the Public Record Office and eventual release to the public. The general arrangements for extended closure or retention of public records are set out in Chapter 9 of the White Paper Open Government of July 1993 (CM.2290).

    Lloyd's
    Mr. Cousins
    To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will review the decision of the last Government not to hold an independent judicial inquiry into the financial affairs of Lloyd's of London. [2962]

    Mrs. Roche
    [holding answer 11 June 1997]: I have given careful consideration to the question of an enquiry into the past problems of Lloyd's of London ("Lloyd's").

    I recognise the hardship suffered by many underwriting members of Lloyd's ("Names") as a result of the losses at Lloyd's in the late 1980s and early 1990s, despite suggestions that for the most part, the losses can be attributed to a series of natural and man-made disasters. Moreover, a number of adverse rulings in the courts in the United States extended the scope of policies underwritten at Lloyd's to cover certain asbestosis and pollution risks which were never envisaged when the policies were written. The position was worsened by the so-called "LMX" spiral, where syndicates and reinsurance companies in the London Market repeatedly reinsured one another at a time of poor market conditions. The various losses have been thoroughly investigated in some 27 independent reviews. Under the circumstances, it seems unlikely that further investigations will identify any information beyond that which is already known.

    Some Names have suggested that they were the victims of fraud. None of the independent loss reviews, or the investigations carried out by my Department and the Serious Fraud Office, has uncovered any evidence sufficient to justify the institution of proceedings. Although people have claimed to have such evidence, they have consistently refused to make it available to my Department for examination. Of course, if anyone provides any new evidence to me, I shall consider it very carefully and act accordingly.

    There are a number of other practical considerations which I have taken into account.

    As the Companies Acts are not relevant to the Society of Lloyd's, the only powers available to instigate an investigation are powers under the Tribunals of Enquiry (Evidence) Act 1921. This is an extremely costly procedure which cannot be justified on the basis of the hearsay evidence available to me and when previous investigations, conducted much nearer the time, failed to produce any proper evidence. I also note that, given the complexity of the Lloyd's market, it could take many years to complete the process. The alternative would be an administrative enquiry which would have no powers to

    525
    require the production of evidence and would therefore have to rely on the goodwill of the people against whom the allegations have been made.

    With regard to improved regulatory standards for the future, I note there have been substantial changes to the regulatory arrangements since the events in question. The Government will be considering further the future regulatory arrangements for Lloyd's but I am afraid I do not believe that a further enquiry into past events will materially help that consideration.

    Under the circumstances, I do not, therefore, propose to establish a public enquiry.

    VAT (Fuel)
    Mr. Gummer
    To ask the President of the Board of Trade how she plans to counteract the effect on fuel consumption and emissions of the promised reduction in VAT on fuel. [2677]

    Mr. Battle
    We have already announced a review of policy to see what would be necessary and practicable to achieve 10 per cent. of UK's electricity needs from renewables by the year 2010. We have also announced a fundamental transport policy review and the need to promote energy conservation. We are reviewing the United Kingdom's Climate Change Programme, looking at policies and measures across all sectors which could contribute to a 20 per cent. reduction in carbon dioxide emissions from 1990 levels by 2010.

    Unfair Dismissal
    Mr. McDonnell
    To ask the President of the Board of Trade for what reasons Her Majesty's Government are not bringing forward legislation to vary the qualifying period for unfair dismissal in the current session of Parliament. [2997]

    Mr. Ian McCartney
    The Government has no plans at present to change the qualifying period for unfair dismissal. The House of Lords has referred to the European Court of Justice questions relating to whether the qualifying period for unfair dismissal is indirectly discriminatory against women.

    One Day Sales
    Mr. Pike
    To ask the President of the Board of Trade what representations her Department has received about one day sales; what plans she has to introduce regulations to control such sales; and if she will make a statement. [2279]

    Mr. Nigel Griffiths
    My Department has received representations about one day sales from trading standards departments, chambers of commerce, the Association of Metropolitan Authorities and LACOTS (the Local Authorities Co-ordinating Body on Food and Trading Standards). I know they cause considerable concern and have instituted an urgent review. My officials will shortly be meeting representatives of LACOTS to discuss proposals they have made for tackling the problem.
    526

    Anglia Television
    Mr. Gordon Prentice
    To ask the President of the Board of Trade what powers she has to order a fresh investigation into the dealings in Anglia Television shares by Lord Archer. [2994]

    Mr. Nigel Griffiths
    The Secretary of State may appoint inspectors if there are circumstances suggesting that an insider dealing offence may have been committed. As inspectors have already been appointed and reported in this case a fresh investigation would be appropriate only if new information came to light.

    Parental Leave
    Mr. Alan Simpson
    To ask the President of the Board of Trade what estimates she has made of the numbers of people in one year who would be eligible for parental leave from their employer and of the average duration of such leave taken at any one time. [2968]

    Mr. Ian McCartney
    Research shows that many companies offer some form of parental leave to their employees, but we do not know how many people are covered by such arrangements in any one year or the average length of leave taken.

    The Government intends to accept the Social Chapter including the Parental Leave Directive, which entitles employees to a minimum of three months' unpaid parental leave. The precise effects of the directive will depend on how it is implemented and we are not yet able to give estimates of the kind requested.

    Beer Measures
    Mr. Whitehead
    To ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans he has to introduce a standard pint measure mark as a requirement for glasses in which beer is served in public houses; and if he will make a statement. [3293]

    Mr. Nigel Griffiths
    My Department is discussing this matter with interested parties and I hope to make a statement shortly.

  INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

    Human Rights
    Mrs. Clwyd
    To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement about the extent to which her Department will carry out human rights appraisal, monitoring and evaluation in respect of all aid projects; and what account her Department will take of human rights reports in carrying out such appraisal, monitoring and evaluation. [2277]

    Clare Short
    My Department's goal is the achievement of human rights for all and we will adopt a human rights based approach to development which may include, political, social and economic rights.

    DFID's distinct contribution will be to focus on those rights which are important for the eradication of poverty and the dignity of the disadvantaged and will be related to the circumstances of the country and its people.
    527

    Palestine and Sierra Leone
    Mr. Vaz
    To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the current level of United Kingdom aid to(a) the Palestine National Authority and (b) Sierra Leone. [3057]

    Clare Short
    UK bilateral assistance to the Palestinian National Authority is expected to total nearly £10 million in the current financial year, in addition to our one-sixth share of the European Union's 50 million ecu (£35 million) programme. Spending on aid to Sierra Leone in the UK financial year 1996–97 was an estimated £10.3 million and £1.4 million to UN organisations. Spending in the current financial year will depend on developments following the military coup on 25 May.

  HEALTH

    Rural Community Hospitals
    Mr. Burnett
    To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what plans he has to review the role of rural community hospitals; and if he will make a statement; [2489]

    (2) if he will make a statement on the policy of Her Majesty's Government with regard to rural community hospitals; and if he will make a statement. [2488]

    Mr. Boateng
    I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave the right hon. Member for Devizes (Mr. Ancram) on 2 June,Official Report, column 41

    Mr. Burnett
    To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will list the bed-types on which the efficiency of hospitals is assessed, with particular reference to community hospitals; and what plans he has to increase the variety of bed-types used in that assessment; [2486]

    (2) if he will list the criteria used by his Department in assessing the efficiency of hospitals, with particular reference to rural community hospitals. [2487]

    Mr. Boateng
    We measure the efficiency of health authorities, not hospitals, centrally. Activity is at present measured by the number of episodes of care, not the number or type of bed used. Where a health authority commissions inpatient care from a community hospital then this activity will at present be measured in the efficiency index for that authority.

    Wythenshawe Hospital
    Mr. Goggins
    To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many patients resident at Wythenshawe Hospital on 1 June had been forced to remain in hospital for longer than their treatment required because suitable residential or day care support was not available; how many such patients had been resident at the hospital for up to(a) one week, (b) two weeks, (c) one month, (d) two months and (e) three months or more; and what estimate he has made of the additional financial costs to the NHS of these extended periods of care; [2554]

    (2) how many patients admitted to Wythenshawe Hospital in (a) 1995–96 and (b) 1996–97 had been forced to remain in hospital for longer than their treatment required because suitable residential or day care was not available for up to (i) one week, (ii) two weeks, (iii) one
    528
    month, (iv) two months and (v) three months or longer; and what estimate he has made of the additional costs to the NHS of these extended periods of care. [2553]

    Mr. Boateng
    Health and social services are working hard across the country to resolve the difficulties caused by delayed discharges. In Manchester, the National Health Service trusts, health authority and social services are currently working together to understand the reason for delayed discharges and what they can do to resolve the problems this causes in terms of patient care and cost to the NHS. Officials have already been asked urgently to address this issue in terms of revised guidance on hospital discharge.

    Patients in the South Manchester area are admitted to both Withington and Wythenshawe Hospitals and many from the Wythenshawe area are transferred to Withington as this is where the trust's rehabilitation and care of the elderly wards are located. The information given relates to both hospitals.

    Length of wait (months)

    Wythenshawe

    Withington

    6–8

    —

    6

    5

    5

    7

    4

    3

    3

    3

    4

    10

    2

    4

    4

    1

    3

    4

    Total number of patients accepted for placement

    19

    34

    Total number of patients waiting for assessment

    14

    231

    1 total wait = 242 days

    2 total wait = 1,437 days.

    There are also 17 patients in the elderly mental health unit at Withington whose discharges are delayed. These people have been in-patients for between one and four months.

    Neonatal Injury
    Mr. Bill Michie
    To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what steps his Department is taking to eliminate the damage caused by (i) Erb's palsy and (ii) brachial plexus injuries during the birth process; [2885]

    (2) if he will list the incidence of (a) Erb's palsy and (b) brachial plexus injuries over the past 20 years. [2886]

    Mr. Green
    To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he plans to take to raise national awareness of Erb's palsy. [2878]

    Mr. Goggins
    To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will introduce a programme(a) for the recording of every incidence of (i) Erb's palsy and (ii) brachial plexus injuries and (b) to raise the general awareness about Erb's palsy. [2930]

    Ms Jowell
    We are of course concerned about the damage to babies caused by Erb's palsy and brachial plexus injuries during birth. The safety of the mother and her unborn child are of paramount importance and childbirth is safer now than at any other time. Most cases of Erb's palsy and brachial plexus injuries arise spontaneously but are also considered to be influenced by misplacement of the shoulders in the birth canal. In
    529
    recognition of this problem, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologist has issued guidelines stating that every maternity unit should have agreed protocols for the management of shoulder malpresentations to minimise the risk of these conditions. We are not aware of any evidence to suggest that obstetric intervention contributes to the incidence.

    Information on the number of finished consultant episodes of those patients admitted to hospital with primary diagnosis "Erb's Palsy" and "brachial plexus" injuries in NHS hospitals in England up to 1994–95 is available through HES (Hospital Episode Statistics) data and is shown in the attached table. The definition of a consultant episode is the period that a patient spends under the continuous care of a specific consultant in a specific health care provider. A hospital provider spell can comprise one or more consultant episodes. Hospital Episode Statistics will therefore pick up cases where the diagnosis was not made at birth and the baby was subsequently re-admitted. Information prior to 1989–90 recorded discharges and deaths and is therefore not directly comparable to Hospital Episode Statistics Data.

    Primary diagnosis—of Erb's palsy (ICD9 code 767.6) and brachial plexus injuries (ICD9 code 953.4)

    Ordinary admissions and day cases combined NHS hospitals, England

    Estimated number of Finished Consultant Episodes (FCEs)

    1989–90

    1990–91

    1991–92

    1992–93

    1993–94

    1994–95

    Erb's palsy/Klumpke's palsy

    142

    158

    202

    240

    370

    330

    Injury to brachial plexus

    337

    191

    181

    149

    135

    148

    Notes:

    ICD9 code 767.6: Injury to brachial plexus (birth trauma)—Erb's palsy and Klumpke's palsy combined.

    ICD9 code 953.4: Injury to brachial plexus.

    Data in this table is grossed for both coverage and unknown/invalid clinical data.

    Source:

    Department of Health, Hospital Episode Statistics (HES).

    Carers
    Mr. Burstow
    To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research his Department(a) has commissioned and (b) plans to commission on the health problems facing carers. [2963]

    Mr. Boateng
    In recent years the Department of Health has funded a substantial body of research on carers and caring which has looked, inter alia, at the health of carers. The completed research has been published and widely disseminated.

    Research currently in progress includes a major evaluative research study on community care for very dependent older people, which will investigate outcomes for both users and carers. A developmentally focused programme of research to develop and test new approaches to assessing community care outcomes for users and carers is currently being taken forward in collaboration with two local authorities.
    530
    Plans are well in hand to commission a major new research initiative on outcomes of social care for adults, to include outcomes for carers. It is expected that the research will include a study of outcomes of assessments of carers' needs, a study of carer outcomes over time, and a study to evaluate the impact on older people with dementia and their carers of early primary care intervention. A study of carer burdens and associated costs in dementia care over time is also planned.

    Breast Implant Registry
    Mrs. Clwyd
    To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make the existing National Breast Implant Registry compulsory; and if he will make a statement. [3170]

    Mr. Boateng
    We have no plans at present to make the National Breast Implant Registry compulsory. Any changes to the policy on breast implants must await the report of the Independent Review Group set up recently by the Chief Medical Officer.

    Insulin Pen
    Mr. Sanders
    To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make pen system needles for insulin dependent diabetics available on prescription; and if he will make a statement. [3171]

    Mr. Milburn
    We are currently considering whether general practitioners should be allowed to prescribe insulin injection pen needles on the National Health Service.

  PRIME MINISTER

    Interception of Communications Act 1985
    Mr. Ashton
    To ask the Prime Minister when the Annual report of the Commissioner appointed under section 8(1) of the Interception of Communications Act 1985 will be laid before the House; and if he will make a statement. [3812]

    The Prime Minister
    A copy of Lord Nolan's annual report for 1996 has been laid before the House today in accordance with section 8(7) of the Interception of Communications Act 1985. The confidential annex to the report has been excluded from that copy in accordance with section 8(8) of the 1995 Act. I am grateful to the Commissioner for his work in reviewing the issue of warrants and in providing assistance to the Tribunal as provided for in the Act. I note in particular the Commissioner's view that interception of both postal and telecommunications remains both an effective and an essential operation in the interests of national security and the economic well-being of the United Kingdom, and the prevention and detection of serious crime.

    Intelligence Services Act 1994
    Mr. Barry Jones
    To ask the Prime Minister when the Annual report of the Commissioner appointed under the Intelligence Services Act 1994 will be laid before the House; and if he will make a statement. [3905]

    The Prime Minister
    A copy of Lord Justice Stuart-Smith's annual report, for 1996, has been laid before the House today in accordance with section 8(6) of
    531
    the Intelligence Services Act 1994. The confidential annex to the report has been excluded from that copy in accordance with section 8(7) of the 1994 Act. I am grateful to the Commissioner for his work in reviewing the issue of warrants and authorisations, and in providing assistance to the Tribunal as provided for in the Act. I note that he was satisfied that the former Secretary of State had properly exercised his powers under the two sections of the 1994 Act.

  DEFENCE

    Service Personnel (Electoral Registration)
    Mr. Fallon
    To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will estimate the proportion and number of Service personnel on the electoral register who do not exercise their vote. [3201]

    Mr. Spellar
    My Department does not keep records of those Service personnel who exercise their rights to vote. This is a private matter for the individual. However, it is possible to ascertain the percentage of Service personnel who are registered to vote. As at 1 April 1997, 72.5 per cent. of Service personnel were so registered. Comprehensive measures are taken by the Services to ensure that all personnel are given the necessary information to enable them to register as Service voters.

    NATO Enlargement
    Mrs. Clwyd
    To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his Department's policy on the conclusions of the US Department of State report on the Enlargement of NATO, with particular reference to the responsibility for bearing the costs associated with improving NATO's regional reinforcement capabilities. [3180]

    Dr. John Reid
    The report to Congress by the US Administration on the enlargement of NATO provides a useful assessment of the relevant issues. In the current and foreseeable security environment, the Alliance will carry out the collective defence of both existing and new members and other missions by ensuring the necessary interoperability, integration and capability for reinforcement. On that basis, we do not expect NATO enlargement of itself to require significant changes to the capabilities already determined collectively by the Alliance as necessary to fulfil this strategy.

    Mrs. Clwyd
    To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his estimate of the financial cost to Britain of NATO expansion up to the year 2001. [3181]

    Dr. Reid
    No decisions have been taken on which countries will accede to NATO membership, when, or on what terms. The costs of enlargement, which will fall both on the countries which join and on the existing members of the Alliance and which will be incurred over a long period, will depend on those decisions. Subject to that caveat, we expect the costs of enlargement to be manageable.

    Mrs. Clwyd
    To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proposals he has to revise NATO's Strategic Concept agreed in 1991. [3182]
    532
    Dr. Reid
    The Alliance's Strategic Concept, adopted by NATO's Heads of State and Government at their meeting in Rome in 1991, sets out the principal aims and objectives of the Alliance. Recognising the changes in the strategic environment since 1991, the Alliance has decided to examine the Strategic Concept to ensure that it is fully consistent with Europe's new security situation and challenges. NATO Foreign Ministers decided, at their meeting in Sintra on 29 May, to recommend to NATO's Heads of State and Government that they should decide the way ahead at their Summit in Madrid on 8 and 9 July.

    Asbestos-related Diseases
    Mr. Hancock
    To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many compensation claims from former service men who suffer from asbestos-related illnesses have been turned down by his Department; [1896]

    (2) what estimate he has made of the number of former service men suffering from asbestos-related diseases who are not covered by the change in the law in 1987 which gave service personnel the same rights as civilian employees to obtain compensation; [1897]

    (3) how many cases of asbestos-related disease in former service personnel have been reported to his Department. [1898]

    Dr. John Reid
    Unfortunately, we have no means of knowing how many cases of asbestos-related disease in former service personnel have ever been reported to my Department. Nor does my Department hold data which could be used to estimate how many former service personnel may be suffering from such diseases. However, my Department's computer records on claims for compensation show that since 23 October 1986 we have been notified of 100 claims from former service personnel suffering from an asbestos-related illness due to their time in the Armed Forces. All of these claims for compensation had to be repudiated on the basis of Section 10 of the Crown Proceedings Act 1947 because they related to exposure before May 1987. The repeal of Section 10 in 1987, which first gave members of the Armed Forces the right to claim common law damages from their employer, was not retrospective.

    Mr. Hancock
    To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will introduce a scheme to provide compensation for former service personnel and workers at defence installations who are suffering asbestos-related diseases as a result of exposure to asbestos during their employment. [3036]

    Dr. Reid
    I have asked for advice on the issue of compensation for former service personnel and civilian workers who are suffering from an asbestos-related disease as a result of exposure to asbestos during their employment with my Department; and I will consider what options to provide assistance may be available.
    533

  ATTORNEY-GENERAL

    Crown Prosecution Service (Welsh Language)
    Mrs. Clwyd
    To ask the Attorney-General if the Crown Prosecution Service is subject to the requirements of the Welsh Language Act 1993 in the preparation of official reports and other publications. [3167]

    The Attorney-General
    The provisions of the Welsh Language Act 1993 do not apply to servants or agents of the Crown. They do not, therefore, apply to the Crown Prosecution Service. If a Crown servant or agent chooses voluntarily to adopt a Welsh language scheme, certain provisions of the Act concerning the preparation of a scheme and the investigation of alleged failure to comply with it do apply. The CPS is currently considering the preparation of a detailed formal scheme in accordance with the Welsh Language Board's guidance.

    Mrs. Clwyd
    To ask the Attorney-General what was the cost of producing the bilingual 1996 annual report of the Mid-Glamorgan CPS. [3169]

    The Attorney-General
    The production cost of the bilingual Branch annual report for the Crown Prosecution Service Mid-Glamorgan was approximately £1,145.

    Mrs. Clwyd
    To ask the Attorney-General if CPS branches in Wales have(a) sought and (b) been given professional advice by the Welsh Language Board about the grammatical accuracy of their official reports and other publications. [3168]

    The Attorney-General
    The hon. Member may be referring to the report of the Mid-Glamorgan branch of the Crown Prosecution Service. For this report a professional translator was used. Unfortunately on return of final proofs from the printers grammatical errors in the Welsh language version went uncorrected. However steps will be taken in future to seek to avoid any such re-occurrence.

    Prosecution Arrangements
    Ms Merron
    To ask the Attorney-General what progress has been made in establishing the proposed review of the Crown Prosecution Service to which he referred in his written answer to the hon. Member for Salford (Ms Blears) on 21 May,Official Report, columns 73–74. [3979]

    The Attorney-General
    I am extremely pleased that Sir Iain Glidewell, a retired Lord Justice of Appeal, has agreed to chair the independent Review of the Crown Prosecution Service. He will be assisted by Sir Geoffrey Dear who retires at the end of this week as HM Inspector of Constabulary and (a person with management and organisational experience). Sir Iain proposes to commence work on Monday 16 June 1997. The Review will examine closely the internal structures of the Crown Prosecution Service, together with its policies and procedures. It will also consider ways to enable the Crown Prosecution Service to inform victims of crime about prosecutions decisions. The Review will have the following terms of reference:

    Against the background of the decision that the CPS should in future be divided so that there are Chief Crown
    534
    Prosecutors in all police force areas but within a national framework, to:
    examine the organisation and structure of the CPS, including the role of Headquarters, together with CPS policies and procedures and to consider whether and, if so, what changes are necessary in order to provide for the more effective and efficient prosecution of crime through local public prosecutors;

    Without prejudice to the generalities of the above for that purpose, to:
    assess whether the CPS has contributed to the falling number of convictions for recorded crime;
    consider the manner in which the CPS influences its relationship with the police;
    consider the validity of criticisms that the CPS has led to unjustified "downgradings" of charges; and
    make and cost recommendations taking account of the need to operate within existing provision.

    Sir Iain will aim to submit his report to me by the end of 1997. He will be seeking views and contributions from a wide range of sources including the Crown Prosecution Service and its staff as well as other criminal justice agencies and legal practitioners. The Report will be published.

  AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

    Beef
    Mr. Campbell-Savours
    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received from the NFU on the decline in the price of beef in the UK market. [3038]

    Mr. Rooker
    The matter of beef prices was most recently discussed when our right hon. Friend, the Minister, met the NFU on 3 June.

    Mr. Campbell-Savours
    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what are his Department's forecasts of the amount of beef that it is expected will be held in intervention in each of the next four years. [3039]

    Mr. Rooker
    The extent to which UK beef will be purchased into intervention over the next four years will depend upon the state of the EU and UK beef markets and the rules governing access to intervention. The Department has not attempted to make forecasts over such a long timescale in this difficult area.

    Organophosphates
    Dr. Gibson
    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what research he has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on the environmental hazards associated with organophosphates. [2827]

    Mr. Rooker
    (a) The Ministry has commissioned no research into the environmental hazards associated with organophosphates (OPs).

    (b) No veterinary medicine is authorised for use unless it meets stringent statutory criteria of safety, quality and efficacy. Safety includes safety to the environment. Applications for marketing authorisations must be supported by data which are assessed against the statutory criteria, including details of research.
    535
    Organophosphates are also used as agricultural pesticides. The marketing or use of a pesticide is approved only after thorough evaluation. No approval is given to pesticides that pose any unacceptable risk to human beings, non-target species or the wider environment.

    Farmers (Forms)
    Mrs. Ballard
    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to simplify and rationalise the forms that farmers are obliged to complete. [3074]

    Mr. Rooker
    An Efficiency Scrutiny on Simplifying Farmers' Paperwork was conducted last year by my and the Welsh Office Agriculture Departments, with the assistance of working farmers. These recommendations are being implemented subject to compatibility with legislation and further views of the industry.

    Abattoirs
    Mr. Baker
    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the number of approved abattoirs operating within England for each year from 1975 to date. [1572]

    Mr. Rooker
    At 1 June 1997 there were 381 licensed red meat slaughterhouses in England. The table below gives figures for each year from 1975 to 1996. Prior to 1993 red meat slaughterhouses in England were licensed not by MAFF but by local authorities. The figures for 1975 to 1992 have therefore been derived from records of State Veterinary Service visits during each year and are approximate.

    Year

    Numbers

    1975

    1,385

    1976

    1,320

    1977

    1,280

    1978

    1,145

    1979

    975

    1980

    960

    1981

    910

    1982

    840

    1983

    875

    1984

    860

    1985

    850

    1986

    815

    1987

    795

    1988

    780

    1989

    690

    1990

    645

    1991

    595

    1992

    1540

    19932

    434

    19942

    424

    19952

    402

    19962

    384

    1 At the end of 1992, 455 applications had been made to MAFF for licences under the Fresh Meat (Hygiene and Inspection) Regulations 1992.

    2 As at 31 December.

    536

    Live Animal Transport
    Mr. Baker
    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to minimise journey times for animals between point of production and place of slaughter; and if he will make a statement. [1573]

    Mr. Morley
    The rules on journey times for live farm animals are laid down by EU Directive 91/628, as amended in 1995. We shall be seeking improvements, especially in relation to slaughter animals, when these rules come up for review in 1999. In the meantime we have made the new Welfare of Animals (Transport) Order 1997 to bring about overdue implementation of the 1995 EU rules and to enable controls on the welfare of animals in transit to be tightened. We will not compromise on these rules.

    Meat Hygiene Service
    Mr. Baker
    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to return the functions currently exercised by the Meat Hygiene Service to local authority control; and if he will make a statement. [1574]

    Mr. Rooker
    The Government has published for consultation Professor James's report into the establishment of an independent Food Standards Agency and will look carefully at the options for the future of the Meat Hygiene Service (MHS) following the consultation exercise. Professor James himself states in his report that the arguments for dismantling the MHS and redistributing its responsibilities to Local Authorities are unconvincing, and that the new Agency should take over responsibility for the MHS.

    Animal Health (Prosecutions)
    Mr. Martyn Jones
    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what reports his Department obtains regarding prosecutions by local authorities for offences under the Bovine Animals (Records, Identification and Movement) Order 1995; and if he will make a statement. [2805]

    Mr. Rooker
    The Department obtains quarterly reports from local authorities regarding prosecutions under the Animal Health Act 1981 for offences under the Bovine Animals (Records, Identification and Movement) Order 1995.

    Mr. Jones
    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what reports his Department obtains regarding prosecutions by local authorities for offences under the Heads of Sheep and Goats Order 1996; and if he will make a statement. [2806]

    Mr. Rooker
    The Heads of Sheep and Goats Order is made under the Animal Health Act 1981. Local authorities are required to inform the Ministry of any prosecutions taken in 1996, including by local authorities, are contained in the "Return of Expenditure Incurred and
    537
    Prosecutions taken under the Animal Health Act 1981, and Incidence of Disease in Imported Animals for the Year 1996" made to Parliament under Section 80 of the Act. That shows no prosecutions taken in 1996 under this Order and we are aware of none so far this year.

    Mr. Jones
    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what reports his Department obtains regarding prosecutions by local authorities for offences under the SBM Order; and if he will make a statement. [2810]

    Mr. Rooker
    The SBM Order is made under the Animal Health Act 1981. Local authorities are required to inform the Ministry of any prosecutions taken under Orders made under the Act. Details of prosecutions taken in 1996, including by local authorities, are contained in the "Return of Expenditure Incurred and Prosecutions taken under the Animal Health Act 1981, and Incidences of Disease in Imported Animals for the Year 1996" made to Parliament under Section 80 of the Act. They are also reported in the monthly BSE Enforcement Bulletin, copies of which are available in the Library of the House, and the latest of which was sent by me to every Right hon. and hon. Member last week.

    Mr. Jones
    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what reports his Department obtains regarding prosecutions by local authorities for offences under the Fresh Meat (Hygiene and Inspection) Regulations 1995; and if he will make a statement. [2811]

    Mr. Rooker
    Local authorities have no enforcement responsibilities under the Fresh Meat (Hygiene and Inspection) Regulations 1995. These Regulations are enforced by the Meat Hygiene Service, an Executive Agency of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, created in 1995. Details of any prosecutions under these Regulations will be reported in the monthly Meat Hygiene Enforcement Report which was first published at the end of May 1997, copies of which are available in the Library of the House. A copy was also sent by me to all hon. Members last week.

    Mr. Jones
    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what reports his Department obtains regarding prosecutions by local authorities for offences under the Fresh Meat (Beef Control) Regulations 1996; and if he will make a statement. [2812]

    Mr. Rooker
    There is no statutory requirement for local authorities to notify my Department of prosecutions they make under the Fresh Meat (Beef Controls) Regulations 1996. However, the Ministry obtains as much information as possible on such prosecutions by other means, including the BSE Regulatory Forum which is attended by local authority representatives to co-ordinate enforcement activity, and from day to day contacts between local authorities and Ministry staff around the country. Details are reported in the monthly BSE Enforcement Bulletin, copies of which are available in the Library of the House, the latest of which was sent to all hon. Members last week.
    538

    Over 30 Months Scheme
    Mr. Martyn Jones
    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what reports his Department obtains regarding prosecutions by local authorities for offences under the Over 30 Months Slaughter Scheme; and if he will make a statement. [2807]

    Mr. Rooker
    The Over 30 Months Scheme (OTMS) provides for compensation payments to producers for animals which can no longer be taken into the food or feed chain. There are no specific offences under the scheme for which local authorities have prosecuting responsibility although the movement of animals and the handling and processing of material arising from the scheme is governed by a range of more widely applicable legislation in which local authorities may have an enforcement role. No prosecutions have been brought by this Department for offences specific to the scheme and no central records are maintained from which local authority prosecutions under other legislation but relating to OTMS material could be extracted.

    Beef Stocks Transfer Scheme
    Mr. Martyn Jones
    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what reports his Department obtains regarding prosecutions by local authorities for offences under the Beef Stocks Transfer Scheme; and if he will make a statement. [2808]

    Mr. Rooker
    The Beef Stocks Transfer Scheme is a non-statutory scheme administered by the Intervention Board and enforceable on claimants by contract. The Scheme contains no offence provisions. Activities of companies engaged by the Board in connection with its administration responsibilities are covered by normal criminal law. To date we have had no reports of any prosecutions.

    Calf Processing Aid Scheme
    Mr. Martyn Jones
    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what reports his Department obtains regarding prosecutions by local authorities for offences under the Calf Processing Aid Scheme; and if he will make a statement. [2809]

    Mr. Rooker
    The Calf Processing Aid Scheme provides for payments to be made to slaughterers of eligible calves. There are no specific offences under the scheme for which local authorities have prosecuting responsibility although the movement of animals and the handling and processing of material arising from the scheme is governed by a range of more widely applicable legislation in which local authorities may have an enforcement role. No prosecutions have been brought by this Department for offences specific to the scheme and no central records are maintained from which local authority prosecutions under other legislation but relating to the scheme animals or material could be extracted.
    539

    BSE
    Mrs. Helen Jackson
    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the locations and number per location of BSE diagnosed cattle landfill in Britain. [612]

    Mr. Rooker
    [holding answer 21 May 1997]: The Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee (SEAC), which advises Ministers on BSE, considered the issue of BSE and the environment in May last year, including the past disposal of the carcases of cattle affected, or suspected of being affected, with BSE to landfill sites. It considered that although the spongiform encephalopathy agent was not yet fully characterised, there was good evidence to believe that individual molecules were not infectious and that infectivity was associated with macro molecular agglomerations indeed possibly with tissue fragments, albeit small ones. On this basis it concluded
    "it was unlikely that leachate from landfill sites would present a significant risk and there was certainly no justification for taking heroic measures to excavate sites, even those which had previously been used for material such as BSE-confirmed cattle".

    The Environment Agencies took over responsibility for the safe regulation of landfill sites in April 1996, and under Part II of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 they monitor ground and surface water quality in the vicinity of licensed landfill sites to check for leachate contamination. The Agencies have carried out a qualitative assessment of all the sites concerned taking into account the number of carcases buried, the degree of containment and the proximity of water sources. They have also carried out a further more detailed quantitative assessment of a selection of sites which were judged from the qualitative assessment to be typical of those sites that appeared to be most vulnerable. The results show that potential risks to be very low, less than one in a million years.

    The conclusions of the assessment are in line with the advice previously given to Ministers by SEAC. The Committee has been given the opportunity to comment on the quantitative assessment and has given it its endorsement. The Environment Agencies are now considering how best to publish the report, and related work, and aim to do so shortly.

    A list of the locations of the sites concerned and numbers per location is below. No BSE suspects have been disposed of by landfilling since 1991, when sufficient carcase incineration capacity came on stream to process the number of cases that were coming forward:

    Number of BSE suspects carcases disposed of

    Site

    County

    Comment

    1001–1200

    Everleigh Tip, Everleigh, Pewsey

    Wiltshire

    Closed

    501–1000

    Stoney Hill Landfill, Horsehay, Telford

    Shropshire

    Closed

    401–500

    Hill and Moor Landfill Site, Pershore

    Hereford and Worcester

    540

    Number of BSE suspects carcases disposed of

    Site

    County

    Comment

    201–400

    Wardle Landfill Site, Wardle, Nr. Nantwich

    Cheshire

    Closed

    Arpley Landfill Site, Arpley, Warrington

    Cheshire

    Whites Pit, Arrowsmith Rd, Poole Attlebridge

    Dorset

    Closed

    Landfill Site, Attlebridge Welford Quarry Landfill

    Norfolk

    Site, Welford Himley Wood Landfill Site, Lwr

    Northants

    Gornal

    Staffs

    101–200

    Jameson Rd Landfill Site, Fleetwood

    Lancs

    Salt Ayre Landfill Site, Lancaster

    Lancs

    Winterton Landfill Site, West Haulton, Scunthorpe

    Lincs

    Rock Cottage Landfill, Ripon

    North Yorkshire

    Closed

    Gamblethorpe Landfill Site, Newsam Green Rd, Leeds

    South Yorkshire

    Closed

    51–100

    Taddington Landfill Site, Kalton Hill Quarry, Taddington Crich Landfill Site, Crich, Nr Matlock Gainsborough, Lea Rd, Gainsborough Packington Landfill, Little Packington, Meriden

    21–50

    Butchersfield Landfill Site, Rixton, Warrington

    Cheshire

    Blooming Heather, Broughton Moor

    Cumbria

    Closed

    Clifton Marsh, Freckleton

    Lancashire

    Rowley Landfill Site, Queen Park Road, Burnley

    Lancashire

    Bramford Landfill Site, Ipswich

    Suffolk

    Closed

    Lackford Hall Heath, Lackford, Bury St, Edmunds

    Suffolk

    Ryton Landfill, Ryton-on-Dunsmore

    Warwickshire Closed

    Darrington Quarry, Darrington Leys, Knottingly

    North Yorkshire

    Mickleby Landfill, Near Whitby

    North Yorkshire

    11–20

    Stretton Sugwas, Worcester

    Hereford and Worcester

    Closed

    Whinney Hill, Accrington

    Lancashire

    South Thoresby, Near Alford

    Lincolnshire

    Closed

    Kirby-on-Bain, Tattershall Road, Kirkby-on-Bain

    Lincolnshire

    Leadenham Quarry, Portergate Road, Leadenham

    Lincolnshire

    Ingham, Thetford Road, Ingham, Bury St.Edmunds

    Suffolk

    Closed

    541

    Number of BSE suspects carcases disposed of

    Site

    County

    Comment

    11–20 cont.

    Seamer Carr Landfill Site, Seamer

    North Yorkshire

    6–10

    Pluckley Landfill Site, Pluckley, Ashford

    Kent

    Closed

    Kenwick Landfill Site, Kennick Quarry, Louth

    Lincolnshire

    Seghill, Northumberland

    Northumbria

    Barnstone Landfill Site,

    Nottinghamshire

    Works Lane, Lanham

    Jeniva Landfill Site Hawton, Newark

    Nottingham-shire

    Closed

    Dimmer Landfill Site, Castle Cary

    Somerset

    Closed

    Wetherden Landfill Site, Stowmarket

    Suffolk

    Beddingham Landfill Site, Lewes

    East Sussex

    1–5

    Nantycaws Refuse Tip

    Carmarthenshire

    Stoneyfield, Invergordon

    Highland

    Closed

    Middleton, Forss, Thurso

    Highland

    Closed

    Castletown Tip, Castletown, Thurso

    Highland

    Closed

    Holiday Moss, Rainford, Merseyside

    Lancashire

    Morley Greaseworks Site, Dewsbury Road

    Leeds

    Closed

    Nettleton, Woods Hill, Nettleton

    Lincolnshire

    Closed

    Stainby, Crabtree Road, Stainby, Grantham

    Lincolnshire

    Boston, Slippery Gowt, Wyberton, Boston

    Lincolnshire

    North Forr, Crieff

    Perthshire

    Closed

    Bryn Posteg Landfill Site, Llannidloes

    Powys

    Acton Landfill Site, Bears Pit, Sudbury

    Suffolk

    Closed

    Burton Farm Landfill

    Warwickshire Closed

    Site, Bishopton, Stratford-on-Avon

    Lower Spen Valley, Dewsbury

    West Yorkshire

    Sugden End Landfill, Crossroads, Keighley

    West Yorkshire

    Shroggs Landfill Site, Wheatley, Halifax

    West Yorkshire

    Closed

    Wilson Road Landfill Site, Lowmoor, Bradford

    West Yorkshire

    Closed

    Bio-aerosol Production
    Dr. Gibson
    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what research his Department has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated into the hazards of bio-aerosol production in and around commercial compost-making facilities. [2826]

    Angela Eagle
    I have been asked to reply.

    My Department has commissioned and evaluated two research projects on composting of which, amongst other things, considered bio-aerosol production: Composting of Waste Derived Fines Rejects at Castle Bromwich (CWM/081/93) and Municipal Waste Composting (CWM/074/93). The bio-aerosol results within the latter report were published separately as Airborne Micro-organisms Associated with Domestic Waste Composting (WSL-LR 808(MR)). These reports are
    542
    available from the Waste Management Information Bureau, AEA Technology plc, F6 Culham, Oxfordshire OX14 3DB, telephone number 01235 463162.

    Research funded by the Health and Safety Executive, which is sponsored by my Department, has also addressed bio-aerosol product from composting plants. The results were incorporated in two publications: "Domestic waste composting plants as sources of airborne micro-organisms", by B. Crook, R. P. Bardos and J. Lacey in Aerosols, their Generation, Behaviour and Applications, Proceedings Second Aerosol Society Conference, London: The Aerosol Society, 1988; and "Microbial emissions from composts made for mushroom production and from domestic waste" by J. Lacey, P. A. M. Williamson and B. Crook in Composting and Compost Quality Assurance Criteria, Luxembourg, Office for Official Publications of the European Community, EUR14254, 1992.

    In addition, research being carried out for the Environment Agency, which is funded by my Department, has been monitoring bio-aerosol production at three commercial composting sites, although the results have not yet been published.

  SOCIAL SECURITY

    Housing Benefit
    Ms Walley
    To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will make a statement on the Government's policy regarding restrictions on housing benefit for single claimants aged between 25 and 60 years. [2234]

    Mr. Bradley
    Measures to restrict housing benefit for single people under the age of 60 were inherited from the previous administration and the reduction in expenditure this entails form part of Departmental expenditure plans. We are reviewing those plans and will announce our decision shortly.

    Minimum Wage
    Mr. Tom King
    To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what research has been commissioned, what estimates have been made by her Department and what information presented to her, regarding the costs per annum to the social security budget of the introduction of a minimum wage at(a) £3.50 an hour, (b) £4 an hour and (c) £4.40 an hour; and if she will make a statement. [2106]

    Mr. Field
    I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend, the President of the Board of Trade on 9 June,Official Report, column 310.

    Pension Scheme Surpluses
    Mr. Mitchell
    To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans she has for legislation to prevent banks appropriating pension scheme surpluses in their annual accounts. [2090]
    543
    Mr. Denham
    Any payment to employers of surplus pension fund assets can be made only where the following requirements are:the Inland Revenue approve the payment, which must satisfy paragraph 6(1) of Schedule 22 to the Taxes Act 1988.
    the trustees must be satisfied that the payment is in the interests of the members.
    where it is necessary for the employer's consent to be given, that consent shall be obtained.
    all current and future pensions in payment, including those accrued in the past must be increased annually in line with the Retail Prices Index or 5 per cent. whichever is the less.
    members have been properly notified of the proposal.

    Members have the right to make written representations to the Occupational Pensions Regulatory Authority (OPRA) against the trustees' proposal if they believe the statutory criteria have not been followed. OPRA will then decide whether the scheme has met the statutory conditions.

    Failure to comply with the legislation lays the trustees open to sanction by OPRA, which can also order the employer to make restitution.

    We have no plans to change these rules at present. We are currently evaluating the Pensions Act to see how it is working in practice.

    Fuel (Direct Deductions Scheme)
    Mr. Gorrie
    To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans she has for the direct deductions scheme for fuel. [2287]

    Mr. Bradley
    The Government is committed to creating a modern and efficient Social Security system. To this end and we are currently considering the direct payments scheme, including the report published in February following the review carried out under the previous administration. We will be making announcement in due course.

    Compensation Recovery Scheme
    Dr. Godman
    To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will make a statement on the applicability of the Social Security (Recovery of Benefits) Act 1997 to settlements on and after 1 October 1997. [2846]

    Mr. Bradley
    It is intended that the provisions of the Social Security (Recovery of Benefits) Act 1997 will apply to all compensation payments made on or after Monday 6 October 1997 unless they are made in pursuance of a court order or agreement made before that day.

  FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

    Somalia
    Mr. Gerrard
    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many DNA tests have been carried out by the British Embassy in Somalia on Somali nationals applying for family reunion in the past five years; and how many of those tests have shown that relatives were not related as claimed. [2978]
    544
    Mr. Fatchett
    The UK does not have any diplomatic representation in Somalia. Somalia applicants for family reunion apply at the British Embassy at Addis Ababa. We have figures only for Somalia family reunion applicants who have been DNA tested at Addis Ababa from 1994 onwards. They are as follows:

    Year

    Number tested

    Not related as claimed

    1994

    44

    14

    1995

    37

    13

    1996

    64

    17

    19971

    42

    1

    1 So far.

    Immigration
    Dr. Fox
    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the average cost of processing a settlement application. [2866]

    Mr. Fatchett
    The average cost of processing a settlement application is £240.

    Dr. Fox
    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many applications for entry clearance have been refused under the primary purpose rule in each of the past five years. [2869]

    Mr. Fatchett
    The number of applications for entry clearance wholly or partly refused under the primary purpose rule at Posts in the Indian sub-continent is as follows:

    1992: 2,580

    1993: 2,390

    1994: 2,370

    1995: 2,440

    Definite figures for 1996 are not yet available. Figures for other posts are not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

    Sudan
    Mr. Vaz
    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on relations with Sudan. [3071]

    Mr. Tony Lloyd
    We have close historic links with Sudan. But we are concerned about the Government of Sudan's record in a number of areas, notably human rights and its prosecution of the civil war in the country. We look to the Government of Sudan to respond positively to the human rights concern most recently expressed by the international community at the UN Commission on Human Rights in April of this year. We continue to stress the need for a comprehensive negotiated settlement to the civil war.

    Libya
    Mr. Vaz
    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received from President Nelson Mandela regarding(a) sanctions against Libya and (b) Lockerbie. [3066]
    545
    Mr. Tony Lloyd
    We have received no such representations.

    Mr. Vaz
    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to review sanctions policy regarding Libya; and what assessment he has made of the resolution passed at the Organisation of African Unity summit relating to sanctions against Libya. [3067]

    Mr. Lloyd
    I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Linlithgow (Mr. Dalyell) on 10 June,Official Report, column 400.

    Sierra Leone
    Mr. Vaz
    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement concerning events in Sierra Leone. [3068]

    Mr. Tony Lloyd
    The military coup of 25 May which overthrew Sierra Leone's democratically elected government has not yet been overturned. The coup leaders have been joined by the Revolutionary United Front guerillas who have waged a long war against the Sierra Leone government. It is unclear who, if anyone, is now governing Sierra Leone. There have been no reports of fighting in Freetown since 3 June though sporadic looting continues. Food and fuel are in short supply. We have deplored the coup. We are in touch with regional powers involved in efforts to find a peaceful negotiated settlement in Sierra Leone. We shall continue to work for the return of constitutional order to Sierra Leone without further bloodshed.

    Mr. Vaz
    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has held with his counterparts in Commonwealth countries regarding Sierra Leonean participation in Commonwealth meetings and bodies. [3069]

    Mr. Lloyd
    I look forward to discussing Sierra Leone with others in the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) when it meets in London on 10–11 July 1997. CMAG was created at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Auckland in 1995 and has since its inception considered events in Sierra Leone. It will report to this year's CHOGM in Edinburgh in October. Officials are in close contract with the Commonwealth Secretariat on events in Sierra Leone.

    Burma
    Mr. Vaz
    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received from ASEAN member states regarding Burmese participation in the Asia-Europe summit meeting. [3070]

    Mr. Tony Lloyd
    We have had no approaches from ASEAN members making representations over Burmese participation in the Asia-Europe summit meeting.

    EU (Freedom, Security and Justice)
    Sir John Stanley
    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the subject areas where the Dutch presidency have proposed replacing unanimity with qualified majority voting in 546
    Freedom, Security and Justice (SN 539/97 c 40); and the numbers of the articles and paragraphs in which these proposals are made. [1973]

    Mr. Doug Henderson
    The Treaty draft on an "area of freedom, security and justice" proposes a period of 3 years following the entry into force of the Treaty, during which unanimity should continue to apply to all subject areas currently covered by unanimity. On the expiry of this period, qualified majority voting would be extended to the following areas currently covered by unanimity:

    Subject

    Article

    Paragraph

    Internal borders

    B

    1

    External borders

    B

    2a

    Issuing of short term visas

    B

    2b (ii) and (iv)

    Freedom of travel within the EU for third country nationals

    B

    3

    Asylum policy and procedures

    C

    1

    Temporary protection for displaced persons

    C

    2a

    Illegal immigration and illegal residence

    C

    3b

    Judicial co-operation in civil matters having cross-border implications

    E

    —

    Administrative co-operation in areas covered by new Title

    F

    —

    Sir John Stanley
    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the subject areas to which the Dutch presidency have proposed extending the co-decision procedure in Freedom, Security and Justice (SN 539/97 c 40); and the numbers of the articles and paragraphs in which these proposals are made. [1974]

    Mr. Henderson
    The draft Treaty text on an "area of freedom, security and justice" proposes a period of 3 years following the entry into force of the Treaty, during which consultation with the European Parliament, rather than co-decision, should continue to apply. The presidency continues to leave open the question of whether, on the expiry of this period, co-decision should apply to certain provisions of the Title.

  NATIONAL HERITAGE

    Contact Sports
    Mr. Flynn
    To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what plans he has to ban those identified as bearing the ε4 gene from participating professionally in contact sports; and if he will make a statement. [2119]

    Mr. Banks
    None. I am aware of the concern about the APO ε4 allele, which is sometimes associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease. I am not aware of evidence which could justify banning those who have the APO ε4 allele from participating professionally in contact sports, even were there powers to do so.

    Mr. Flynn
    To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what plans he has to introduce mandatory genetic screening for those involved in contact sports to identify fighters genetically predisposed to suffer brain damage; and if he will make a statement. [2118]
    547
    Mr. Banks
    None, although this is a very interesting question. However, I believe that the utmost attention must be paid to all sports where risk is a factor, and my Department encourages all governing bodies of sport to have the appropriate medical and safety regulations in place.

    National Lottery
    Mr. Cummings
    To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what proportion of income to the national lottery is generated in the Northern region. [2146]

    Mr. Banks
    Figures on the proportion of income to the national lottery by region are not held by my Department and are an operational matter for Camelot Group plc. I have therefore asked the Director-General of the national lottery, who is responsible for regulating the operation of the lottery, to write to my hon. Friend, placing copies of his response in the Libraries of the House.

    Football (Racism)
    Mr. Mitchell
    To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage when he next plans to meet representatives of the Football Association to discuss racism in amateur football; and if he will make a statement. [2091]

    Mr. Banks
    I intend to meet the Football Association again in the near future to discuss many issues of importance to the game, including racism in football. This Government are determined to stamp out racism at all levels of the game.

    Departmental Documents
    Mr. Baker
    To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what percentage and how many documents in 1996 he estimates were(a) passed on to the Public Record Office intact, (b) passed on to the Public Record Office in censored form, (c) retained by his Department in full, (d) retained by his Department in part, (e) destroyed, (f) otherwise disposed of, and (g) otherwise unaccounted for. [2512]

    Mr. Tom Clarke
    [holding answer 11 June 1997]: I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department on 11 June 1997, Official Report, columns 450–51.

  LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

    Parental Responsibility Orders
    Mr. Kidney
    To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many parental responsibility orders have been made; and how many parental responsibility agreements have been registered each year in England and Wales since the implementation
    of the Children Act 1989. [2155]

    Mr. Hoon
    The question concerns a matter which has been assigned to the Court Service under the terms of its framework document. I have therefore asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member.
    548
    Letter from Michael Huebner to Mr. David Kidney, dated 12 June 1997:
    The Parliamentary Secretary of the Lord Chancellor's Department has asked me to reply to your Question about the number of parental responsibility orders made and parental responsibility agreements registered each year in England and Wales since the implementation of the Children Act 1989.
    The Children Act 1989 came into force in October 1991. The information you requested has therefore been collected since then and is as follows:

    Parental responsibility orders made

    Parental responsibility agreements registered

    1991 (October to December)

    175

    263

    1992

    2,492

    2,951

    1993

    3,377

    4,422

    1994

    3,893

    5,506

    1995

    4,483

    3,594

    1996

    5,687

    3,586

    (These figures are for county court, High Court and Family proceeding court private law Children Act cases).

    Monmouth and Chepstow Magistrates Courts
    Mr. Edwards
    To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will make a statement about the proposed closure of(a) Monmouth and (b) Chepstow Magistrates courts. [2380]

    Mr. Hoon
    Magistrates courts are provided by the local paying authority for the use of the magistrates courts committee (MCC). Decisions concerning the future of any magistrates court are for the relevant MCC to determine.

    The Lord Chancellor is involved in a dispute over a magistrates court only when there is an appeal by a contributing local authority against a proposed closure. The procedure for such appeals to set out in section 56 of the Justices of the Peace Act 1979. In the absence of an appeal the Lord Chancellor has no locus in the matter.

    Decisions relating to (a) Monmouth and (b) Chepstow Magistrates Courts remain an issue for local management.

    Court Injunctions
    Mrs. Clwyd
    To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what assessment he has made of the increase in the use by United Kingdom companies of court injunctions as a means of preventing criticism; what guidance he has given the courts on the use of injunctions in such a way; and if he will place a copy of such guidance in the Library. [2790]

    Mr. Hoon
    It is for the court in each case to determine whether an injunction would be the appropriate remedy.

    Personal Injury Claims
    Mr. Dismore
    To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what plans he has to use his powers under section 1 of the Damages Act 1996 to set a rate of return for use in personal injury claims. [2556]

    Mr. Hoon
    It is important that this power is used in a way which supports the interests of all parties. The Lord Chancellor will take note of the outcome of
    549
    Wells v. Wells, Thomas v. Brighton Health Authority and Page v. Sheerness Steel, which have been granted leave of appeal in the House of Lords. He will consult interested parties before exercising the power.

    Mr. Dismore
    To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what plans he has to bring into force section 10 of the Civil Evidence Act 1995. [2555]

    Mr. Hoon
    The Lord Chancellor will bring into force section 10 of the Civil Evidence Act following the outcome of Wells v. Wells, Thomas v. Brighton Health Authority and Page v. Sheerness Steel, which have been granted leave of appeal in the House of Lords, and consultation with interested parties on the use of particular discount rates for calculating awards in personal injury claims.

    Civil Justice Review (Press Conference)
    Mr. Chope
    To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department for what reasons the Lord Chancellor briefed selected journalists on 6 June about the terms of his review of civil justice and legal aid reforms. [3294]

    Mr. Hoon
    As the review of civil justice and legal aid was the first major announcement made by the Lord Chancellor since his appointment, the Lord Chancellor decided that it was an appropriate opportunity for him to explain the terms of the review to the legal correspondents in person, and to answer their questions.

    Mr. Chope
    To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department who selected the journalists who were invited to the press conference which the Lord Chancellor held on 6 June about the terms of his review of civil justice and legal aid reforms. [3292]

    Mr. Hoon
    The Lord Chancellor.

    Mr. Chope
    To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list the journalists who were invited to the press conference which the Lord Chancellor held on 6 June about the terms of his review. [3290]

    Mr. Hoon
    The following journalists were invited to the Lord Chancellor's briefing on 6 June: Frances Gibb The Times, Clare Dyer of the Guardian, Terry Shaw of the Daily Telegraph, Patricia Wynn-Davies of the Independent, Robert Rice of the Financial Times, Joshua Rozenberg of BBC Television News, Jane Peel of BBC Radio News and Marcel Berlins of BBC Radio 4's "Law in Action" programme.

    Mr. Chope
    To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, LordChancellor's Department if he will list the journalists who attended the press conference which the Lord Chancellor held on 6 June about the terms of his review of civil justice and legal aid reforms. [3291]

    Mr. Hoon
    The journalists who attended the Lord Chancellor's press briefing were Frances Gibb of The Times, Clare Dyer of the Guardian, Terry Shaw of the Daily Telegraph, Patricia Wynn-Davies of the Independent, Robert Rice of the Financial Times, Joshua Rozenberg of BBC Television News, Jane Peel of BBC Radio News, and Marcel Berlins of BBC Radio 4's "Law in Action" programme
    550

    Radioactive Waste Disposal (Document)
    Mr. Llew Smith
    To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, pursuant to his answer of 2 June,Official Report column 11, if he will place in the Library (a) a list of the titles of the 42 files on disposal of radioactive waste at the Hurd Deep and (b) a copy of the untitled document to which he makes exceptional reference. [2643]

    Mr. Hoon
    I am placing in the Library a list of the titles and dates of the 42 files referred to.

    In drawing up the list it has become clear that there are three further files, beyond the one referred to in my Answer of 2 June (WA 11) that are not open to inspection because they are not yet 30 years old, and I apologise to the hon. Member for inadvertently misleading him on this point. The United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority has already applied to the Lord Chancellor for all four items to be opened immediately, and they will be available in the Public Record Office after an Instrument under section 5(1) of the Public Records Act 1958 has been signed.

    The Public Record Office has no power under that Act to make closed records, or copies of them, generally available before an Instrument opening the records has been signed.

    List of records transferred to the public record office by the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority relating to the disposal of radioactive waste at the Hurd Deep

    AB 6: United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority and predecessors: Atomic Energy Research Establishment, Harwell, Correspondence and papers

    Piece number

    Date

    Title

    153

    1946–1952

    Radioactive Waste Disposal: General Policy

    164

    1946–1947

    Effluent

    237

    1946–1948

    Effluent Working Party: General Correspondence

    381

    1947–1954

    Radioactive Waste Disposal at Sea

    437

    1948–1953

    Disposal of Radioactivity at Sea

    604

    1949–1955

    Arrangements for Radioactive Waste Disposal at Sea

    607

    1949–1950

    Effluent Disposal

    741

    1950–1953

    Disposal of Radioactive Waste other than at Sea

    1045

    1952–1958

    Disposal of Radioactivity at Sea

    1499

    1954–1959

    Disposal of Radioactive Effluent

    1732

    1955–1959

    Radioactive Waste Effluent:General

    1733

    1955–1959

    Radioactive Waste Disposal:General

    1734

    1955–1957

    Radioactive Waste Disposal:Disposal at Sea

    2087

    1958–1962

    Disposal of Radioactive Waste at Sea

    2247

    1960–1961

    Annual Sea Disposal: 1960–1961

    2248

    1959

    Annual Sea Dumping: 1959

    2249

    1958

    Annual Sea Dumping: 1958

    2250

    1959

    Annual Sea Dumping: 1959

    2251

    1961

    Annual Sea Dumping: 1961

    2452

    1960–1968

    Radioactive Effluent: Correspondence

    2575

    1961–1962

    Annual Sea Disposal Operation

    551

    AB 12: United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority and Predecessors: Atomic Energy Research Establishment, Harwell: Committees, correspondence and papers

    Piece number

    Date

    Title

    43

    1947–1948

    Effluent Disposal Working Party: Agenda and Minutes

    207

    1954–1956

    Project Health Committee: Agenda, Minutes and Papers

    227

    1955

    Effluent Sub-committee: Minutes

    354

    1957

    High Temperature Gas Cooled Reactor: Clean-up committee: Minutes and Papers

    507

    1961–1966

    Health Committee: Agenda, Minutes and Papers Volume 2

    AB 15: United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority and Predecessors: Atomic Energy Research Establishment, Harwell: Reports and memoranda

    Piece number

    Date

    Title

    6565

    1963

    Prediction and Measurement of Doses during Sea Disposal Operations in 1961

    6723

    1964

    Report of the Working Party on Containers for the Disposal of Radioactive Waste at Sea

    AB 16: Ministry of Supply and United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority: Atomic Energy Division and London office: Files

    Piece number

    Date

    Title

    1653

    1955–1958

    Disposal of Radioactive Waste by Sea Dumping

    1654

    1959–1963

    Disposal of Radioactive Waste by Sea Dumping

    3532

    1960–1966

    Sea Dumping: Indemnity to and Charges by Admiralty

    AB 45:London office: Health and safety: Correspondence and papers

    Piece number

    Date

    Title

    39

    1963–1964

    Disposal of Radioactive Waste by Sea Dumping

    AB 54: United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority: Energy Research Establishment Harwell: Health and safety, correspondence and papers

    Piece number

    Date

    Title

    2

    1962–1963

    Annual Sea Disposal Operation

    3

    1962–1964

    Annual Sea Disposal Operation

    15

    1962–1964

    Waste Disposal at Sea

    16

    1960–1962

    Liaison with France: Waste Disposal at Sea

    17

    1962–1969

    Liaison with France: Waste Disposal at Sea

    26

    1964–1969

    European Nuclear Energy Agency: Collaboration on Sea Dumping of Radioactive Waste

    552

    AB 54: United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority: Energy Research Establishment Harwell: Health and safety, correspondence and papers

    Piece number

    Date

    Title

    27

    1962–1965

    Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food: Conditions for Authorisation of Disposal of Radioactive Waste at Sea, and Contracts with Commercial Firms

    28

    1963–1964

    Annual Sea Disposal Operation

    29

    1964–1973

    Sea Dumping: Background Papers

    31

    1963–1964

    Sea Dumping of Radioactive Wastes

  EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

    Education Expenditure
    Mr. Don Foster
    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what percentage of GDP was spent on education in(a) 1979–80, (b) 1983–84, (c) 1987–88 and (d) 1992–93; what is planned to be spent in 1997–98; and if he will make a statement. [3035]

    Mr. Byers
    The information requested is as follows:

    Percentage of GDP spent on education (UK)

    1979–80

    5.1

    1983–84

    5.2

    1987–88

    4.8

    1992–93

    5.2

    Projected expenditure on education in 1997–98 will amount to some £38 billion but accurate figures cannot be calculated until outturn information is available. In 1996–97 the proportion spent on education is estimated to be 4.9 per cent.

    Mr. Foster
    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assessment he has made of the impact of his improvement targets on the percentage of GDP to be spent on education over the planning period; and if he will make a statement. [3032]

    Mr. Byers
    The Government are committed over the course of the Parliament to raising the proportion of national income spent on education as it decreases the proportion spent on the costs of economic and social failure.

    Unemployment
    Mr. Vaz
    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for South-East Cambridgeshire (Mr. Paice) on 3 June,Official Report column 151, if he will make a statement on the number of 18 to 24-year-olds registered as unemployed, and the estimate of the number of 18 to 24-year-olds by the ILO Labour Force Survey; and what action he proposes in respect of these statistics. [3076]

    Mr. Andrew Smith
    The latest LFS figures are for Winter 1996–97 and show the number of ILO unemployed 18 to 24-year-olds in the UK to be 498,500. The most comparable claimant count figures are for January 1997, and stood at 479,000. The Government's
    553
    commitment, in its New Deal programme, is to give opportunities for work, education or training to 250,000 18 to 24-year-olds who have been unemployed for more than six months. The New Deal is also part of a wider programme aimed at helping people on welfare—including those on other benefits as well as the claimant unemployed—back into work.

  HOUSE OF COMMONS

    European Legislation
    Mr. Lidington
    To ask the President of the Council if she will list the items of EC legislation and other relevant documents which(a) were scrutinised by the Select Committee on European Legislation in the last Parliament and recommended for further debate but have not yet been considered either by European Standing Committee A or B or on the Floor of the House and (b) have not yet been scrutinised by the Select Committee on European Legislation; and if she will make a statement. [3179]

    Mrs. Ann Taylor
    Listed are the five items recommended for debate by the Select Committee on European Legislation in the last Parliament for which the debate is still outstanding.

    Committee/floor

    Document reference

    Subject

    European Standing Committee A (with a Floor debate recommendation)

    6177/94

    Proposal for a Council Directive concerning the quality of bathing water

    European Standing Committee A

    5947/94

    Proposal for a Council Directive amending Directive 79/489/EEC on the conservation of wild birds

    European Standing Committee B

    6748/91 and 6294/92

    Proposal for a Council Directive on the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the member states on advertising of tobacco products

    European Standing Committee B

    9098/94

    Proposal for a Council Directive on harmonisation of the main provisions concerning export credit insurance for transactions with medium and long-term cover

    European Standing Committee B

    9141/94

    Proposal for a Council Directive on the safeguarding of employees' rights in the event of a transfer

    A total of 180 items of business, including some outstanding since the last Parliament, remain to be considered by the Select Committee on European Legislation. I have asked the Clerk of the Committee to send the hon. Member details of remaining business before the Committee and place a copy in the Library of the House. I hope that both the Select Committee on European Legislation and the European Standing Committees will be re-nominated soon.

    Defibrillators
    Dr. Harris
    To ask the President of the Council how many defibrillators are available in the Palace of 554
    Westminster; and if she will list their locations, indicating which are (a) automatic, (b) advisory and (c) semi-advisory. [3220]

    Mrs. Ann Taylor
    This is not a matter for me but I have asked the Serjeant-at-Arms to write to the hon. Member.

  WALES

    BSE
    Mr. Edwards
    To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment he has made of the BSE situation in Monmouthshire. [2528]

    Mr. Win Griffiths
    The BSE epidemic is in decline in Monmouthshire and throughout Wales. The number of new cases has fallen sharply: separate figures are not available for Monmouthshire, but the number of reported cases in 1996 for Wales was about 50 per cent. below that for 1995.

    Mr. Edwards
    To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement about the Government's plans to compensate beef farmers in Monmouthshire as a result of the BSE crisis. [2527]

    Mr. Griffiths
    Producers in Monmouthshire and elsewhere have received direct financial aid—amounting to some £250 million for the UK as a whole—since the start of the beef crisis. In addition to this, significant sums are being spent on expanded intervention arrangements, on the calf processing scheme and on the over 30-months scheme.

    Health Service
    Mrs. Clwyd
    To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment he has made of the role of financial targets in assisting NHS trusts to provide a professional health care service. [2823]

    Mr. Win Griffiths
    Financial targets are an important element in ensuring that a professional healthcare service is provided most efficiently within the resources available.

    Mrs. Clwyd
    To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment he has made of the financial position of Welsh(a) health authorities and (b) trusts at the end of the financial year 1996–97. [2818]

    Mr. Griffiths
    Until the annual accounts of both health authorities and NHS trusts are received it is not possible to make an accurate assessment of their financial positions.

    Mrs. Clwyd
    To ask the Secretary of State for Wales which of the (i) Welsh health authorities and (ii) Welsh NHS trusts have been reported to him as being likely to be in deficit in(a) 1996–97 and (b) 1997–98; and what are the arrangements for carrying over of deficits. [2819]
    555
    Mr. Griffiths
    Subject to the final accounts position, health authorities have indicated a financial out-turn as follows:

    Health Authority

    Forecast Surplus/(Deficit) 1996–97

    Morgannwg

    (1.370)

    Dyfed Powys

    (7.394)

    Gwent

    (1.440)

    Bro Taf

    (8.029)

    North Wales

    (6.541)

    The table summarises the latest returns from health authorities of forecast out-turn based on an income and expenditure basis, which attempts to calculate the total resource costs incurred in any one financial year. The figures are provisional. All authorities succeeded in meeting the requirement to remain within their notified cash limits for the financial year 1996–97. Cash limits reflect the actual liquidity requirements of authorities to meet liabilities as they arise.

    The following trusts are reporting a deficit position for 1996–97:
    Morriston—this trusts' financial performance was debated by the Welsh Affairs Committee report and a copy of its findings is available in the Library of the House.
    Carmarthen—this was a planned deficit and the trust achieved a year on year break-even position.
    North Glamorgan—this was due to a technical adjustment in
    relation to an accounting treatment for early retirements.
    Pembrokeshire—this was due to a technical adjustment in
    relation to an accounting treatment for early retirements.

    Morriston NHS Trust is in the process of drawing up a recovery plan to be agreed by commissioners and will be expected to return to a balanced position within agreed timescales. It is too early in the financial year to forecast the likely out-turn for 1997–98.

    As health authorities deal with cash figures the carrying over of deficits is not applicable. However, the present arrangement for the carrying over of deficits for trusts is that they are required to devise a recovery plan, in conjunction with their respective commissioners, and would be expected to return to a balanced position within an agreed timescale.

    Mrs. Clwyd
    To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment he has made of the long-term financial position of Welsh(a) health authorities and (b) NHS health trusts. [2820]

    Mr. Griffiths
    The Government is currently reviewing the financial position of the NHS in Wales and we will be in a better position to do so when the audited accounts have been received. We have announced a review of the number and configuration of NHS trusts to identify a more effective way of delivering services and this will realise considerable savings. We are also reviewing the formula for distributing resources to health authorities.

    Mrs. Clwyd
    To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will institute an annual investigation into the effectiveness of financial targets in the NHS as a means of highlighting relevant trends in financial performance. [2821]
    556
    Mr. Griffiths
    The effectiveness of financial targets and trends in financial performance in the NHS are subject to continuous review.

    Mrs. Clwyd
    To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if the requirement for NHS health trusts in Wales to break even, year on year, allows a trust with a surplus in one year to budget for a deficit in the following year. [2822]

    Mr. Griffiths
    Yes. However, should a trust forecast a year end deficit, for which they did not have sufficient reserves, it would be necessary to prepare a recovery plan which would be formulated in conjunction with commissioners. The trust would be expected to return to a balanced position within an agreed timescale.

    Council Houses
    Mr. Barry Jones
    To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he expects to release the controls on the use of receipts from council house sales; what estimates he has made of the number of extra jobs that will be created as a result; and if he will make a statement. [3148]

    Mr. Win Griffiths
    We have introduced the Local Government Finance (Supplementary Credit Approvals) Bill. When enacted, this will allow us to release resources in the form of Supplementary credit Approvals. We will consult local authorities in Wales on the timing and phasing of the release, and the targeting of resources before taking final decisions on these issues. Until that stage is reached, I cannot estimate the effect of this new investment on job creation.

    Casualty Units
    Mr. Barry Jones
    To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what action he plans to take to increase staffing of trust hospital casualty units on Saturday evenings and early Sunday mornings; and if he will make a statement. [3150]

    Mr. Win Griffiths
    Trusts have been made aware of our requirements to provide high quality services including the need for patients to be assessed within 10 minutes of their arrival at accident and emergency or casualty departments. It is for respective trusts to consider how best to deploy their staffing resources to meet requirement.

    Assisted Places Scheme
    Mr. Öpik
    To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list(a) the total numbers of (i) pupils and (ii) schools and (b) the total amount of public expenditure involved in the assisted places scheme for each of the last five years for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement on the total expected savings from the abolition of the assisted places scheme in Wales. [3172]
    557
    Mr. Hain
    The position over the last five years is as follows:

    Financial year

    Number of pupils

    Number of schools

    Total cost £

    1992–93

    700

    8

    2,457,230

    1993–94

    691

    8

    2,621,261

    1994–95

    720

    8

    2,771,504

    1995–96

    726

    8

    2,904,845

    1996–97

    887

    14

    3,462,320

    Projected expenditure for 1997–98 is £4.5 million, for 1998–99 £5.1 million1 and 1999–2000 £5.7 million1. Subject to Parliamentary approval of the Education (Schools) Bill, total estimated savings once the scheme is phased out will amount to some £5.7 million per annum.

    1 Planned provision for 1998–99 and 1999–2000 will be subject to review in the forthcoming public expenditure survey.

    Nursery Education
    Mr. Öpik
    To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many(a) three-year-olds and (b) four-year-olds, received state-funded nursery provision in each of the last five years for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement on the amount of extra expenditure which would be needed to meet total demand for state funded nursery provision for (i) all three-year-olds and (ii) four-year-olds. [3173]

    Mr. Hain
    The information requested is as follows:

    At January

    3-year-olds1

    4-year-olds2

    1995–96

    18,600

    35,251

    1994–95

    19,375

    34,638

    1993–94

    18,779

    34,165

    1992–93

    18,258

    34,822

    1991–92

    17,942

    33,866

    1 Includes full and part time pupils in maintained nursery, primary and special schools.

    Specific funding of £42.5 million is being provided in 1997–98 to enable all four-year-olds to receive education of at least five half day sessions per week. We will consult on targets for education for three-year-olds in the context of the forthcoming White Paper on education.

    Class Sizes
    Mr. Öpik
    To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what estimate he has made of the total new expenditure needed to(a) reduce all class sizes for five, six and seven-year-olds to 30 or under and (b) reduce all class sizes for all school children to under 30; and if he will make a statement. [3174]

    Mr. Hain
    We will consult the Welsh Local Government Association and Local Education Authorities in Wales in the context of the forthcoming White Paper on Education on implementation of our policy of reducing infant class sizes to 30 pupils or less. That consultation will include an assessment of costs which will vary from area to area. Reduction of all classes to under 30 is not under consideration.
    558

  SCOTLAND

    Carers
    Mrs. Ewing
    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment he has made of the recommendations in the Carers National Association's report, "Still Battling? The Carers Act One Year On"; and what action he will take to ensure that carers are fully informed of their rights. [2986]

    Mr. Galbraith
    The report was launched on Monday 9 June as part of the 1997 National Carers Week. We will study the report carefully and consider what action is necessary.

    Registers (Access Charges)
    Mr. Swinney
    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland for what reasons the Registers of Scotland have increased the cost of access to(a) the sasine search sheets and (b) the on-line database for the register of inhibitions. [2571]

    Mr. McLeish
    The fee contained in the Fees in the Registers of Scotland Order 1995 (SI 1995 No. 1945) for the searching of any Register of Sasines search sheet affecting one property is £7. There has been no increase in this fee. Private searchers enjoy special arrangements whereby a "badge" fee enables each searcher to have access to the search sheet between 08.30 and 16.30 each day. This preferential arrangement permits a "badgeholder" to make multiple searches during this time. A daily "badge" fee of £30 was set in 1993 and was based on the £5 fee for a search of any one search sheet contained in the 1991 Fees Order. The 1995 Fees Order increased this £5 fee to £7 and the daily "badge" fee, as part of a catch-up exercise, has been increased, pro rata and with effect from 1 May 1997 from £30 to £42.

    The fee contained in the Fees in the Registers of Scotland Order 1995 (S.I. 1995 No. 1945) for searching each group of six names or less in the Register of Inhibitions and Adjudications is £7. Historically, the fee for on-line searching of this computerised Register has borne no relation to the search fee as set up in successive Fees Orders. Over the years there has been a gradual catching-up exercise underway. Prior to 1 May 1997 the fee for searching each group of six names or less was £0.94, an 86 per cent. discount on the fee as set out in the 1995 Fees Order. With effect from 1 May 1997 the discount has been reduced to 50 per cent. The new fee of £3.50 for searching each group of six names or less in now related to the 1995 Fees Order.

    Minimum Wage
    Mr. Tom King
    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what research has been commissioned and what estimates have been made by his Department and what information presented to him, regarding the costs per annum to the total Scottish Office budget of the introduction of a minimum wage at(a) £3.50 an hour, (b) £4 an hour and (c) £4.40 an hour; and if he will make a statement. [2111]

    Mr. Wilson
    I refer the right hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade on Monday 9 June 1997,Official Report, column 310.
    559

    Urban Aid Programme
    Mr. Gorrie
    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to increase the funds available for the urban aid programme. [2284]

    Mr. Chisholm
    The Government are committed to remaining within the existing Public Expenditure totals for 1997–98 and 1998–99, and any increase in funds for one programme could therefore be funded only from reductions in another. Over the coming months, Ministerial colleagues and I shall be reviewing all the financial priorities within the Secretary of State's expenditure programmes. Decisions on any transfers of resources will be taken following the review of priorities.

    Federation Councils on Alcohol
    Mrs. Ray Michie
    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received concerning the future of Argyll and Bute Federation Councils on Alcohol; and if he will make a statement. [2853]

    Mr. Galbraith
    Representations have been received from the Director of the Federation about the organisation's financial difficulties. However, this is a service issue which requires to be resolved at local level by the statutory and non-statutory agencies in the Argyll and Bute area.

    Number ofMRSA isolates submitted by Scottish hospitals to the Scottish Centre for Infection and Environmental Health, by health board areas, by four-week periods, May 1996 to May 1997

    Weeks

    1996

    1997

    Health board

    21–24

    25–28

    29–32

    33–36

    37–40

    41–44

    45–48

    49–52/3

    1–4

    5–8

    9–12

    13–16

    17–20

    Total

    Ayrshire and Arran

    5

    6

    6

    11

    7

    8

    10

    10

    12

    16

    19

    15

    24

    149

    Argyll and Clyde

    15

    21

    47

    6

    29

    12

    19

    24

    27

    41

    28

    30

    33

    332

    Borders

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    2

    0

    0

    0

    0

    2

    Dumfries and Galloway

    1

    0

    2

    6

    1

    4

    4

    8

    9

    26

    11

    18

    13

    103

    Fife

    5

    3

    1

    2

    3

    2

    4

    2

    1

    4

    3

    2

    1

    33

    Forth Valley

    1

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    24

    55

    52

    43

    43

    218

    Greater Glasgow

    24

    29

    3

    34

    23

    7

    49

    27

    60

    74

    64

    30

    74

    498

    Grampian

    0

    0

    0

    1

    0

    0

    1

    0

    0

    1

    2

    8

    3

    16

    Highland

    0

    2

    2

    2

    0

    0

    2

    1

    0

    0

    0

    3

    1

    13

    Lanarkshire

    16

    38

    25

    21

    34

    26

    43

    30

    28

    52

    32

    56

    62

    463

    Lothian

    9

    14

    6

    11

    22

    21

    17

    17

    18

    54

    25

    47

    57

    318

    Tayside

    9

    2

    5

    15

    9

    7

    12

    22

    19

    23

    16

    28

    19

    186

    Total

    85

    115

    97

    109

    128

    87

    161

    141

    200

    346

    252

    280

    330

    2,331

    Deportation
    Dr. Godman
    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many persons awaiting deportation have been detained at(a) HM Prison Greenock and (b) other prisons in each of the past seven years; what was the average time spent in such detention; and if he will make a statement. [2765]

    Mr. McLeish
    Detailed statistics concerning persons detained before 1995 are not available within the Scottish Prison Service. The number of persons detained in(a) Greenock and (b) other prisons in Scotland under the Immigration Act since 1995 are detailed in the table. The average period of time spent in detention by persons awaiting deportation is 54 days.
    560

    Environment Protection Agency (VAT)
    Dr. Godman
    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to enable the Scottish Environment Protection Agency to reclaim VAT; and if he will make a statement. [2689]

    Mr. Chisholm
    VAT refunds are a matter for my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

    Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus
    Mr. Flynn
    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many cases of MRSA have been recorded in each health authority district in Scotland in each of the last 12 months. [2980]

    Mr. Galbraith
    [holding answer 11 June 1997]: Information on the total number of cases of infection or colonisation with methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is not collected centrally in Scotland.

    The Scottish Centre for Infection and Environmental Health receives isolates submitted voluntarily by hospitals in Scotland. The following table shows the numbers of isolates received for the 12 months to May 1997 for each Scottish health board area. Several isolates may be taken from a single patient on one occasion or at different times.

    1995

    1996

    1997

    Aberdeen

    13

    18

    6

    Barlinnie

    —

    1

    1

    Cornton Vale

    —

    1

    3

    Edinburgh

    10

    11

    11

    Greenock

    67

    65

    54

    Inverness

    1

    —

    —

    Longriggend

    —

    —

    3

    Perth

    —

    1

    —

  NORTHERN IRELAND

    Health Board Headquarters (Armagh)
    Mr. John D. Taylor
    To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what was the cost of the gardens at the headquarters of the Southern Area Health Board at Tower Hill, Armagh City. [2143]
    561
    Mr. Worthington
    The total cost of landscaping, including the courtyard gardens, within the Tower Hill site was £28,347.

    Acute Hospitals
    Rev. Martin Smyth
    To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when the acute hospital rationalisation proposals will be implemented. [1522]

    Mr. Worthington
    [holding answer 11 June 1997): Teams have been set up in the Royal Group of Hospitals Trust and the Belfast City Hospital (BCH) Trust to take forward the decisions arising out of the Acute Hospitals Reorganisation Project. The process of implementation has already begun but in view of the inter-relationship of many of the specialties involved and the complexities arising from this, implementation will be on a gradual basis and is likely to take a couple of years. As promised by the Secretary of State earlier, I am presently looking again at the decision to centralise maternity and associated services in the BCH Tower Block. This is also the subject of a judicial review.

    Departmental Running Costs
    Mr. Todd
    To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will make a statement about the 1997–98 running cost limit for the Northern Ireland Office and Northern Ireland Departments. [3771]

    Mr. Murphy
    The gross running cost limit for 1997–98 for the Northern Ireland Office and the Northern Ireland Departments is £783,171,000. There is also a net running cost limit of zero for the Land Registers of Northern Ireland. Details of the provision for individual Northern Ireland Departments are set out in the Northern Ireland Estimates published today and are available in the Library.

    Police Authority
    Mr. Pond
    To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what arrangements have been made for the appointment of a new Police Authority for Northern Ireland. [3813]

    Marjorie Mowlam
    The Police Authority has a vital task to perform in securing the maintenance of an adequate and efficient police force. It also has a very important role to play in enhancing the relationship between the police and the public it serves.

    I have therefore appointed 17 members of the Police Authority for Northern Ireland for a term of three years which will begin on 29 June 1997. In making the appointments I have, as required by the Police Act (NI) 1970, consulted organisations and persons representative of the community in Northern Ireland. In addition, and in accordance with the Guidelines issued by Sir Leonard Peach, the Commissioner for Public Appointments for Northern Ireland, applications for appointment were invited by advertisements in the Northern Ireland press. As a result, the Authority widely represents the community and continuity is provided by the continuing service of several individuals for a second term.
    562

  TREASURY

    Monetary Policy
    Mr. Sutcliffe
    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he is taking to ensure that the Government's monetary policy objectives are met. [1589]

    Mr. Gordon Brown
    Last month I announced reforms which gave the Bank of England operational responsibility for setting interest rates. Today, I have written to the Governor setting out the Bank's remit and how it will be held accountable for meeting its target.

    To meet the Government's objectives of high levels of growth and employment, we need consistently low inflation. That is why I am today announcing a precise and rigorous framework to achieve the Government's inflation target of 2½ per cent.

    Our new long term framework will ensure that if inflation is 1 per cent. higher or lower than this target, an open letter will be sent by the Governor to the Chancellor so that the public is fully informed of why the divergence has occurred and what steps will be taken in response.

    I have arranged for the letter which I have sent the Governor today to be placed in the House of Commons Library.

    Cyclical Social Security
    Mr. Mackinlay
    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what are the causes of the predicted rise up to 2001–2 in cyclical social security as set out in table 4.6 in the most recent Red Book; what assessment he has made of the implications; and if he will make a statement. [1604]

    Mr. Darling
    The spending plans inherited by the Government for the period up to 1999–00 assume increases in Cyclical Social Security expenditure from future inflation upratings and future growth in the number of Income Support claimants and the average amounts of benefit paid to them. They are partly offset by an assumption of falling unemployment. Beyond 1999–00 the projections allow for additional growth in expenditure above what would be expected from inflation upratings, in line with that observed in the past. The Government are currently reviewing these plans and will announce the outcome in the Budget.

    Unemployment Figures
    Mr. Bayley
    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement about the methodology used by the Government for calculating the level of unemployment. [1606]

    Mrs. Liddell
    My hon. Friend's interest in methodology is well placed and shared by the Government and the Government have begun a process of consultation which reflects the Employment Select Committee's recommendations for more prominence to estimates for the labour force survey.

    On 8 May the Office for National Statistics launched a process of consultation with users about the dissemination and presentation of labour market statistics. The Director of the Office for National Statistics is responsible for

    563
    deciding the form, the coverage and timing of release of statistics by his office, which is committed to a wide-ranging consultation.

    The consultation reflects the Employment Select Committee recommendation to give more prominence to estimates from the labour force survey.

    The Government are committed to ensuring the widest possible acceptance of these statistics, and the ONS will make public the conclusions of the consultation.

    Manufacturing Investment
    Mr. Sheerman
    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he will next meet representatives of manufacturing industry to discuss ways in which investments in new manufacturing enterprises can be encouraged. [1607]

    Mr. Geoffrey Robinson
    Treasury Ministers regularly meet representatives from British industry. We are keen to discuss ways of improving investment in new companies, and industry more generally.

    Local Tax Offices
    Mr. Key
    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement about the reorganisation of local tax offices by the Board of Inland Revenue. [1608]

    Dawn Primarolo
    Since 1993 the Inland Revenue has been carrying out a 10 year Programme to reorganise its whole network of local offices. Firm plans exist for the period up to mid 1998 and proposals for the remaining period are currently being considered by the Board of Inland Revenue.

    Economic and Monetary Union
    Mr. Cash
    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will place the issue of the single currency and the protocol on the third stage of economic and monetary union on the agenda for renegotiation at the intergovernmental conference at Amsterdam. [1609]

    Mr. Darling
    Economic and monetary union (EMU) is not on the IGC agenda. I have no intention of reopening the protocol which protects our right to choose whether to join the third stage of EMU.

    Bank of England
    Mr. Fraser
    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer with what frequency he plans to meet or communicate with his nominated members of the Bank of England's new monetary policy committee. [1610]

    Mr. Gordon Brown
    I have no plans to meet or communicate with the four new members of the monetary policy committee in their official capacity. The Treasury will be represented at the committee's meetings in a non-voting capacity.

    Unemployment
    Mr. Paul Clark
    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he is taking to reduce youth and long-term unemployment. [1611]
    564
    Mr. Darling
    We will give 250,000 under 25s opportunities for work education and training, and encourage employers to take on those unemployed over two years. Further details will be announced in my right hon. Friend the Chancellor's Budget.

    Mrs. Clwyd
    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement about his proposals to reduce youth and long-term unemployment. [1624]

    Mr. Darling
    We will give young people aged under 25 opportunities to work, using a £60 per week rebate to employers, to enter full-time education and training, and to do work in the voluntary sector or in a new Environmental Task Force. We aim to help 250,000 young people move from welfare to work. We will also help employers to take on those unemployed over two years with a £75 a week subsidy. An advisory task force, chaired by Sir Peter Davis, will advise on key issues of programme design and implementation, and mobilise the support of employers. Further details will be announced in the Chancellor's Budget.

    Inflation
    Mr. Blunt
    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the basis on which he will determine his next inflation target. [1612]

    Mrs. Liddell
    I refer to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor to the hon. Members for Cambridge (Mrs. Campbell) and for Bradford, South (Mr. Sutcliffe) earlier today.

    Windfall Tax
    Mr. Lidington
    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the impact of the proposed windfall tax on prices charged by the utilities to their consumers. [1613]

    Mr. Geoffrey Robinson
    My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer will be considering a wide range of factors in reaching his view on the windfall levy. He will be consulting the regulators and will announce details of the levy in his Budget statement.

    Dr. Fox
    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish the representations he has received from the National Association of Pension Funds regarding the windfall tax. [1619]

    Mr. Robinson
    Treasury Ministers are treating representations from companies and other bodies as confidential.

    Mr. Willetts
    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the operation of the windfall profits tax. [1620]

    Mr. Robinson
    My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer will announce details of the windfall levy in his Budget statement.

    Mr. Maude
    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer on what measure of profits he will base the windfall tax. [1623]
    565
    Mr. Robinson
    My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer will announce details of the windfall levy in his Budget statement.

    Private Finance Initiative
    Mrs. Osborne
    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to promote private finance projects. [1614]

    Mr. Geoffrey Robinson
    I announced an immediate review of the machinery of PFI, by Malcolm Bates, the Chairman of Pearl Group and a former member of the Private Finance Panel. That will streamline and improve the process. I have also scrapped the requirement for universal testing of all projects.

    Capital Receipts
    Mr. Syms
    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the impact of an increased release of local authority capital receipts on the public sector borrowing requirement. [1615]

    Mr. Darling
    The release of capital receipts will be phased to meet the requirements of prudent management of the public finances, including having regard to the effect on the PSBR.

    Exchange Rate
    Mr. Alan W. Williams
    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the change in the value of the pound against the basket of international currencies relative to June 1996. [1616]

    Mrs. Liddell
    Since June 1996 the pound (on its trade weighted index) has risen by around 16 per cent. The Government want a stable and competitive pound over the medium term, consistent with its objective of price stability.

    Public Expenditure
    Mr. Boswell
    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much public expenditure has been increased to date by the policy changes initiated by the present Administration. [1617]

    Mr. Darling
    There have been no increases to date in the planned level of public expenditure.

    VAT (Fuel)
    Mr. Gareth R. Thomas
    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on his plans to reduce VAT on domestic fuel. [1618]

    Dawn Primarolo
    The Government have a manifesto commitment to cut VAT on domestic fuel and power to 5 per cent.

    Youth Unemployment
    Mr. Fabian Hamilton
    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what contribution Her Majesty's Treasury has made since 1 May towards combating youth unemployment. [1621]
    566
    Mr. Darling
    The Treasury has been closely involved with other Government Departments in drawing up proposals to help 250,000 people aged between 18 and 25 move off benefit and into work. Further details will be set out in the Chancellor's Budget.

    Interest Rates
    Dr. Lynne Jones
    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what mechanisms are in place to ensure that the needs of businesses/exporters in particular are taken into account in the setting of interest rates. [1622]

    Mrs. Liddell
    In setting interest rates, the monetary policy committee of the Bank of England will be able to draw on the information gained from business surveys, and the Bank's network of regional agents which cover the whole of the United Kingdom. The Bank's agents have widespread contacts with companies, both large and small, and other organisations covering all sectors of the economy.

    Customs and Excise (Freemasons)
    Mr. Mallon
    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what measures are in place to ensure that officials of HM Customs and Excise declare their membership of secret societies, with special reference to the Freemasons. [1910]

    Dawn Primarolo
    [holding answer 6 June 1997]: Customs and Excise publish internal guidance for all staff on personal conduct. This is based on the Civil Service Management Code, which applies not just to members of Customs but to the whole of the civil service.

    The policy in respect of membership of societies (secret or otherwise) is based on the following:
    Civil servants must not misuse their official position to further their private interests or those of others. Conflicts of interest may arise from official dealings with, or decisions in respect of, individuals who share a civil servants private interests (for example, freemasonry, membership of societies, clubs and other organisations, and family). Where a conflict of interest arises, civil servants must declare their interest to senior management so they can determine how best to proceed.

    Members of Customs who feel they have been subject to unfair treatment related to membership of an organisation are encouraged to make a complaint using the Department's normal procedures.

    Customs and Excise (Northern Ireland)
    Mr. Mallon
    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what (i) equal opportunities and (ii) fair employment policies are implemented by the Customs and Excise Department in Northern Ireland; and which members of staff are exempt from these policies. [1911]

    Dawn Primarolo
    [holding answer 6 June 1997]: Customs and Excise operates an equal opportunities policy for all its staff. The aim of the policy is to provide equality of opportunity for employment and advancement on the Department of the basis of ability, qualifications and aptitude for the work.

    In relation to Northern Ireland in particular, the Department is committed to ensuring that the skills and abilities of staff from both the Protestant and Roman

    567
    Catholic communities are developed and used to the full. This means that no job applicant or member of staff will receive less favourable treatment on the grounds of their religious belief or political opinion.

    No member of staff is exempt from the equal opportunities or fair employment policies.

    Financial Services Industry
    Mr. Flight
    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on his plans for reform of the regulation of the financial services industry. [1584]

    Mrs. Liddell
    I refer the hon. Gentleman to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 20 May,Official Report, columns 507–24.

    Single Currency
    Mr. Wilkinson
    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what research he has commissioned or evaluated on the effect on the world gold price of the sale of excess reserves by states participating in the single currency. [1731]

    Mrs. Liddell
    Developments in the world gold market are kept under continuous review as part of the normal process of managing the official reserves.

    Capital Gains and Inheritance Taxes
    Mr. Nicholas Winterton
    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations the Government have received in recent years from the Centre for Policy Studies, the Institute for Economic Affairs, the Adam Smith Institute, the Bow Group and the Institute of Directors about the relationship between capital gains and inheritance tax rates, investment decisions and Exchequer revenues; and if he will make a statement. [2793]

    Dawn Primarolo
    [holding answer 9 June 1997]: One representation has been received since 1 May. This was sent by the Institute of Directors and concerned the effect of capital gains tax rates on investment decisions. We will consider carefully this representation, and any others which we receive.

    Mr. Winterton
    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on his policies on capital gains tax and the encouragement of business investment in(a) publicly quoted and (b) unquoted companies. [2796]

    Dawn Primarolo
    [holding answer 9 June 1997]: Our manifesto contained a commitment to reviewing the effects of capital gains tax on long-term investment.

    Minimum Wage
    Mr. John M. Taylor
    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received from the CBI regarding the impact on the economy of a national minimum wage. [1592]

    Mrs. Liddell
    My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer has not received any representations from the CBI on this matter. Business leaders will be represented on the Low Pay Commission, which will 568
    make recommendations to Government on the appropriate level of the minimum wage, taking into account the wider effects on the economy.

    Public Borrowing
    Mr. Fallon
    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his definition of the Government's golden rule in respect of public borrowing. [2979]

    Mr. Darling
    [holding answer 10 June 1997]: Over the economic cycle the Government will borrow only to invest and not to fund current expenditure. Further details will be set out in my right hon. Friend the Chancellor's Budget Statement.

    Private Health Insurance
    Mr. Llew Smith
    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to remove the tax relief from private health insurance premiums. [2873]

    Dawn Primarolo
    [holding answer 10 June 1997]: It would not be appropriate to comment on any possible tax changes during the run up to the Budget.

    Pension Funds
    Mr. Jack
    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) how much revenue would be raised by restricting the payable tax credits on dividends paid by United Kingdom resident companies to pension funds and other exempt institutions to(a) 15 per cent., (b) 10 per cent. and (c) 0 per cent.; [1853]

    (2) at current values of United Kingdom pensions fund holdings, what would be the effect on the value of those funds if payable tax credits on dividends paid by United Kingdom resident companies were reduced to (a) 15 per cent., (b) 10 per cent. and (c) 0 per cent.; and if he will make a statement on the ability of such funds under these circumstances to meet their obligations without receiving any additional contributions. [1854]

    Dawn Primarolo
    [holding answer 2 June 1997]: Payments of tax credits issued with dividends of United Kingdom companies to pension funds and other exempt institutions and to individuals were about £5 billion in 1996–97. As the right hon. Member will be aware the consequences of any changes would depend on responses of the companies and institutions involved.

    Banking Supervision
    Mr. Mitchell
    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make it his policy to appoint to the new system of banking supervision only appointees from firms which have not been criticised by Department of Trade and Industry inspectors. [1445]

    Mrs. Liddell
    Appointments will be made on the basis of the skills, experience and integrity of the individuals concerned.

    Mortgage Lenders
    Mr. Mitchell
    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will require mortgage lenders with tied insurance arrangements to display warnings that only one specified company's products are on sale in their branches. [2026]
    569
    Mrs. Liddell
    No, the Government have no powers to require mortgage lenders to display such information, but welcomes the industry's Mortgage Code which comes into effect next month. Unless where insurance concerned is an investment under the Financial Services Act 1986, where the regulators' existing rules about providing information on whether agents are tied or independent already apply.

    Profit-related Pay
    Mr. Drew
    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will review the proposal to end tax relief on profit-related pay, with special reference to the first £1,000 of income. [2865]

    Dawn Primarolo
    I have noted my hon. Friend's suggestion but it would not be appropriate to comment on any possible tax change during the run up to the Budget.

    Mortgage Interest Tax Relief
    Mr. McAllion
    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the total cost of mortgage interest tax relief in Scotland in the years 1995–96 and 1996–97; and what it is estimated to be for 1997–98. [2532]

    Dawn Primarolo
    The cost of mortgage interest relief in Scotland was estimated to be £200 million in 1995–96.

    This estimate has been obtained by applying the regional distribution of the cost of mortgage interest relief from analyses of Family Expenditure Surveys up to 1994, to the total figure for 1995–96. It is not possible to provide reliable estimates for mortgage interest tax relief in Scotland for 1996–97 or 1997–98.

    Duty Free Shopping
    Mrs. Dunwoody
    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment his Department has made of the effect on the cross-channel ferry industry of the abolition of duty free. [2660]

    Dawn Primarolo
    None, but Customs and Excise have received copy reports commissioned by the industry outlining the likely effects of abolition from their perspective.

    Tax Returns
    Mr. Maclean
    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what percentage of tax returns were received by the Inland Revenue(a) prior to 31 October, (b) between 1 November and 31 January, (c) between 1 February and 5 April and (d) more than 12 months after the date of issue following the end of the tax year resulted in fines and penalties for late submission not involving fraud or wilful neglect in each of the above categories. [2130]

    Dawn Primarolo
    Few returns submitted within 12 months following the end of the tax year were likely to attract penalties for late submission. Returns submitted later than this were more likely to be subject to penalties.
    570

    Illegal Imports
    Mrs. Ballard
    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate she has made of(a) the loss of revenue to the Exchequer and (b) the loss of income to retailers in the United Kingdom due to the illegal importation of tobacco, wines and spirits. [2543]

    Dawn Primarolo
    Customs' current estimate of the total revenue evaded (excise duty and VAT) in a year through the smuggling of alcohol and tobacco is set out in the table below. The table also sets out Customs' estimate of the retail value of the smuggled goods at UK off-licence prices, including excise duty and VAT. The amounts actually lost to UK retailers and the Exchequer will be less than the amounts shown below. This is because many smuggled goods, particularly alcoholic products, represent additional consumption rather than substituting for similar goods purchased in the UK.

    £ million

    Product type

    Revenue evaded

    Retail value

    Spirits

    50

    75

    Wine

    50

    100

    Beer and cider

    110

    235

    Tobacco products

    560

    765

    Total

    770

    1,175

    The above estimate does not include any amounts for commercial fraud.

    Jobseeker's Allowance
    Mr. Oaten
    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people under the age of 25 years are currently on the jobseeker's allowance scheme(a) in Winchester and (b) in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement. [1287]

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

    Letter from Tim Holt to Mr. Mark Oaten, dated 12 June 1997:
    The Chancellor of the Exchequer has asked me to reply as the Director of the Office for National Statistics to your recent question on how many people under the age of 25 years are currently on the jobseekers allowance scheme (a) in Winchester and (b) in the United Kingdom.
    ONS figures cover all unemployment-related benefits i.e. they include those receiving National Insurance Credits only, although these only constitute a small proportion of the total (approximately 10 per cent). JSA specific counts can be provided by Department of Social Security but not to the required geographical breakdown—only for Great Britain.
    The ONS produces two measures of unemployment. The first, derived from the quarterly Labour Force Survey, is defined on a consistent and internationally recognised basis set out by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and counts as unemployed, people who are: a) without a paid job; b) available to start work within the next two weeks and c) have either looked for work in the past four weeks or are waiting to start a job already obtained.
    ONS also publishes the monthly claimant count, which is based on the UK administrative system and includes all people claiming unemployment-related benefits at Employment Service offices on the day of the monthly count, who on that day had signed on as

    571
    unemployed and available to do any suitable work. All people who attend an Employment Service office to sign are counted, irrespective of whether they are actually receiving benefit.
    Both measures are described and compared in the ONS booklet How exactly is Unemployment Measured?, a copy of which is enclosed. This booklet is also available in the House of Commons Library.
    572
    ONS information is only available on the total number of people claiming all unemployment-related benefits (Jobseeker's Allowance or National Insurance Credits). In April 1997 on an unadjusted basis, people age under 25 years and claiming unemployment-related benefits numbered 245 in the Winchester parliamentary constituency and 440,028 in the United Kingdom. If specific JSA breakdowns are required these are available from the Department of Social Security.

  Tamil Nadu
  Tamil Nadu
  EU Development Council, 5 June
  EU Development Council, 5 June
  Iraq: Aid Distribution
  Iraq: Aid Distribution
  The European Union: Members' Aspirations
  The European Union: Members' Aspirations
  National Advisory Council for the Boards of Visitors: Annual Report
  National Advisory Council for the Boards of Visitors: Annual Report
  Special Immigration Appeals Commission
  Special Immigration Appeals Commission
  Justice and Home Affairs Council, 26–27 May
  Justice and Home Affairs Council, 26–27 May
  Pregnant Women: Employment Protection
  Pregnant Women: Employment Protection
  Armenia: Double Taxation Convention Negotiations
  Armenia: Double Taxation Convention Negotiations
  Bread and Flour Regulations 1995
  Bread and Flour Regulations 1995
  BSE: Latest Case
  BSE: Latest Case
  Pesticides: Effects on Birds
  Pesticides: Effects on Birds
  Organic Farming: Support Payments
  Organic Farming: Support Payments
  Performance Tables for 11 Year-Olds: Publication
  Performance Tables for 11 Year-Olds: Publication
  Cabinet Committees: Membership
  Cabinet Committees: Membership
  Interception of Communications: Commissioner's Report
  Interception of Communications: Commissioner's Report
  Intelligence Services: Commissioner's Report
  Intelligence Services: Commissioner's Report