Written Answers of 17 June 1997

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Asylum Seekers
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will review procedures related to asylum seekers from Sierra Leone and its neighbouring states. [3060]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  Following the coup in Sierra Leone on 25 May, my Department has suspended the consideration of asylum applications from Sierra Leone nationals. A review of the handling of these cases is being conducted in close cooperation with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, but no decisions will be made on these asylum applications until the situation in Sierra Leone stabilises. The independent appellate authorities have been asked to suspend all appeal hearings relating to Sierra Leone nationals, and compulsory returns of refused asylum seekers have also been suspended. No one will be returned to Sierra Leone until we are satisfied it is safe to do so

  Criminal Injuries
  Mr. Mullin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what is the total amount of legal and other costs so far spent by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board regarding the claim of Mr. Norman Cobb of Sunderland. [3236]

  (2) how long has elapsed since Mr. Norman Cobb of Sunderland (a) was the victim of a criminal assault, (b) successfully applied for a judicial review of the initial decision to refuse his claim and (c) had his renewed application upheld; for what reason compensation has not been paid to him; and if he will make a statement. [3235]

  Mr. Michael
  Although the Secretary of State for the Home Department and the Secretary of State for Scotland have responsibility for general oversight of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme, Ministers have no locus to intervene in, nor do they comment on, the Board's handling of individual applications or their interpretation of the Scheme. Enquiries about individual cases should accordingly be addressed directly to the Board or, in the case of applications lodged on or after 1 April 1996, to its successor body, the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority.

  However, I understand from the Board that:

  aMr. Cobb was assaulted 6 years and 9 months ago;

  b Two years and 11 months have elapsed since the judicial review in question;

  cThe Board's consequent re-hearing was two years and 3 months ago, since when interim payments have been made while further examination of the medical aspects has been pursued; and

  dThe Board's estimated costs so far are £4,900, including £3,200 incurred by the judicial review.

  Performing Animals
  Mr. Caplin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many certificates of registration have been issued in England and Wales under the Performing Animals Act 1925 since 1967. [3554]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The numbers of certificates notified are:

  1977: 30

  1978: 19

  1979: 10

  1980: 18

  1981: 27

  1982: 27

  1983: 15

  1984: 33

  1985: 21

  1986: 22

  1987: 19

  1988: 17

  1989: 23

  1990: 24

  1991: 36

  1992: 38

  1993: 44

  1994: 16

  1995: 18

  1996: 12

  1997 (to 16 June): 20

  The figures prior to 1977 are not available centrally.

  Ivy Batten Murder Case
  Mr. Mullin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department on what date the C3 Department was informed by Devon and Cornwall police that a second witness was claiming to know the identity of the killer of Mrs. Ivy Batten; on what date this man's statement was made available to solicitors acting for Mr. Brian Parsons; and if he will make a statement. [3511]

  Mr. Michael
  A supplementary report on the case was completed by Devon and Cornwall Constabulary on 26 November 1996 and sent to the Home Office, although records do not show the exact date on which the report was received. A summary of the new evidence was contained in a Home Office letter to Mr. Parsons' solicitors dated 26 March 1997.

  CS Mist Sprayer
  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which British(a) police and (b) security forces have been issued with the Manroy L80 Manpack CS Mist Backpack Sprayer. [3587]

  Mr. Michael
  This equipment has not been issued to police or security personnel, neither is this under consideration.

  Corruption
  Mr. Luff
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his plans to amend the law on corruption will extend to bribes offered by hon. Members and parliamentary candidates. [3212]

  Mr. Michael
  [holding answer 12 June 1997]: Yes.

  Wrongful Conviction (Compensation)
  Ms Ward
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will continue to apply the provisions announced in 1985 for ex gratia payment of compensation for wrongful conviction or charge. [4435]

  Mr. Straw
  I can confirm that I shall continue to be bound by the provisions for ex-gratia payment of compensation as set out in the statement of the then Home Secretary, the right hon. Douglas Hurd to the House on 29 November 1985,Official Report, columns 691–92 My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has also agreed to continue to apply these provisions.

  Interception of Communications
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many warrants authorising the interception of telecommunications were issued by the Home Secretary under the Interception of Communications Act 1985 in 1996. [4436]

  Mr. Straw
  A total of 1,073 warrants authorising the interception of communications were issued by the then Home Secretary, the right hon. and learned Member for Folkestone and Hythe, in 1996. This figure is contained in the report of the Interception of Communications Commissioner which was published on 12 June. I regret that the answer given to my hon. Friend on 11 March,Official Report, column 148, gave an incorrect number.

  Task Force on Youth Justice
  Mr. Cawsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the task force on youth justice. [4437]

  Mr. Straw
  The role of the Task Force on Youth Justice is to advise Home Office Ministers on Government proposals for the development of youth justice policies and, in particular, to provide advice on taking forward an action plan as agreed by the interdepartmental Ministerial group on Youth Justice.

  The Task Force may provide advice to the Home Secretary on policy papers prepared by Government officials for consideration by the Ministerial group and may propose to the Home Secretary action on any other youth justice issue.

  The members of the task force are:

  Norman Warner: Senior Policy Adviser, Home Office (Chairman).

  William Atkinson: Headmaster, Phoenix High School, Shepherds Bush.

  Jonathan Black: Magistrates' Clerk, Hampshire.

  Catherine Bowker: Youth Court Prosecutor, Brighton.

  Tony Butler: Chief Constable, Gloucestershire

  Paul Cavadino: Penal Affairs Consortium.

  100

  Anne Fuller: Lay Magistrate, Inner London.

  Cedric Fullwood: Chief Probation Officer, Manchester.

  Ian Johnston: Assistant Commissioner, Metropolitan Police.

  David Norgrove: Marks and Spencer plc.

  Denise Platt: Local Government Association.

  Teresa Reynolds: Victim Support.

  Joan Webster: Chief Superintendent, Gwent.

  Geoffrey Wicks: Stipendiary Magistrate, Inner London.

  Andrew Williamson: Director of Social Services, Devon.

  John Lyon: Home Office.

  Tom Luce: Department of Health.

  Jenny Rowe: Lord Chancellor's Department.

  Wild Boar
  Mr. Letwin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will introduce legislation to permit the shooting of wild boar in self-defence. [3921]

  Ms Angela Eagle
  I have been asked to reply.

  Current legislation does not prohibit anyone that legally owns a firearm from shooting a wild boar.

HEALTH

  Slimming Pills
  Shona McIsaac
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will end the practice of private slimming clinics prescribing slimming pills. [3555]

  Ms Jowell
  The prescribing of slimming pills is the clinical responsibility of physicians, whether in the national health service or in private clinics. A recent report by the Royal College of Physicians provides guidance for practitioners on the use of slimming pills in the treatment of obesity.

  The report identifies those pills which are of no value in the treatment of obesity and others which are. These are licensed for the treatment of obese patients—body mass index (BMI) 30 kg/m2 or greater—who have not responded to an appropriate weight reducing regimen. It also recommends that patients are subjected to regular review by the prescribing physician and where treatment is initiated by another physician that the patient's general practitioner should be notified in writing. Anyone who considers that physicians are prescribing inappropriately, should notify the General Medical Council.

  Tobacco Advertising
  Miss Oona King
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress has been made on the drawing up of a timetable for the phasing out of tobacco advertising. [3761]

  Ms Jowell
  Details of the Government's strategy to reduce smoking, including legislation to ban tobacco advertising, will be set out in a White Paper, which will be published later in the year. The White Paper will be informed by the summit of national and international experts in the field of smoking reduction, arranged for 14 July.

  Hospital Appointments (Non-attendance)
  Mr. Levitt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people failed to keep their appointments at NHS hospitals in 1996 in(a) North Derbyshire health authority and (b) England and Wales; and what was the estimated cost of non-attendance to the NHS. [3341]

  Mr. Milburn
  The figures available for 1995–96 for England and National Health Service trusts in North Derbyshire are set out in the attached table. My hon. Friend may wish to contact my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales about figures for Wales.

  The Department of Health does not collect financial information about patients who fail to keep hospital appointments.

  Figures for non-attendances for out-patient and in-patient hospital appointments in 1995–96 for England and trusts in North Derbyshire

  Area

  Out-patients 'Did not attend'

  In-patients 'Failed to attend'

  England

  5,461,299

  207,515

  Chesterfield and North

  Derbyshire Royal Hospital

  NHS Trust

  18,000

  536

  North Derbyshire

  Community NHS Trust

  3,474

  39

  Source:

  Department of Health form KH091 and KHO62.

  EC Health Council
  Dr. Gibson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement about the outcome of the June EC Health Council meeting. [3420]

  Ms Jowell
  I represented the Government at the meeting of the Health Council on 5 June in Luxembourg.

  Following conciliation with the European Parliament, the Council adopted a joint text for a decision establishing a programme of Community action on Health Monitoring. The Council also adopted a common position on the Commission's proposal for a decision creating a Community network for the epidemiological surveillance and control of communicable diseases. The Council agreed the text of a resolution on migrant doctors and conclusions noting recent developments of interest to Health Ministers in the drugs-related health field. The Council requested the European Commission to study current practice in the Member States concerning cross-border cooperation in the supply of organs and tissues of human origin for medical purposes. There was a short orientation debate on the Commission's communication on measures to combat tobacco consumption and a brief discussion of a Presidency paper on blood safety and self-sufficiency in the Community. The Council took note of developments since its last discussion of Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies and agreed to keep the subject under review. The Council also took note of progress made by the taskforce set up to develop a global early warning system and response network for communicable diseases within the context of the EU—US action plan agreed in December 1994 and of new Commission proposals for programmes of Community action on rare diseases and injury prevention.

  Young People (Psychiatric Treatment)
  Mr. Coaker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many young people between the ages of(a) 11 and 16 and (b) 16 and 25 years (i) are undergoing and (ii) have undergone psychiatric treatment under the NHS; and in each case what were the figures in (1) 1987 and (2) 1992. [3451]

  Mr. Boateng
  The information available centrally relates to inpatients treated in National Health Service hospitals. The table shows the number of finished consultant episodes where the patient was under the care of a consultant with a main specialty of mental illness. Comparable figures are not available for 1987.

  Finished consultant episodes by main specialty of mental illness and age at end of episode

  England

  Age at end of episode

  1989–90

  1991–92

  1994–95

  11–16

  2,830

  2,040

  2,690

  17–25

  24,150

  23,230

  24,890

  Source:

  Hospital Episode Statistics.

  Diabetes
  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to allow pen needles to be made available on prescription for people with diabetes who require insulin; and if he will make a statement. [4138]

  Mr. Milburn
  We are currently considering whether general practitioners should be allowed to prescribe insulin injection pen needles on the national health service.

  Breast Cancer
  Mr. Bradshaw
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress has been made on reviewing breast screening services in Devon; and if he will make a statement. [4434]

  Mr. Dobson
  I have asked Sir Kenneth Calman, the Chief Medical Officer to undertake a review with a remit:

  to visit the Royal and Devon and Exeter Hospital Trust to establish the facts surrounding the provision of breast services;

  to report the findings of the Review team to me;

  in the light of these, to consider the implications for breast services as a whole;

  to report on the conclusions.

  The members of the Review team will be:

  Sir Kenneth Calman

  Dame Deirdre Hine, Chief Medical Officer, Wales

  Dr. Mike Brindle, President of the Royal College of Radiologists

  Mr. Richard Sainsbury, Consultant Surgeon, Huddersfield Royal Infirmary

  Mrs. Gill Oliver, Cancer Nursing Specialist (Liverpool)

  Miss Phyllis Cunningham, Chief Executive, Royal Marsden NHS Trust

  Miss Polly Toynbee

  I will keep the House informed about the progress of the Review.

  East Surrey Hospital
  Mr. Blunt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the waiting times at the East Surrey hospital for first routine out-patient appointments and admission for elective surgery treatment by each specialty area as at April 1997. [2313]

  Ms Jowell
  The latest available information on waiting times for first outpatient appointments is contained in "Waiting Times for First Outpatient Appointments in England: Detailed Statistics, Quarter ended 31 December 1996", copies of which are available in the Library. This shows, by individual trust and specialty, the numbers of patients seen during the quarter following written referral to a consultant by a general practitioner and how long they had waited, by timeband.

  Inpatient and day case waiting time information collected centrally does not identify separately those patients waiting for surgery. The information that is available covers all patients awaiting admission to hospital, whether it be for surgery or some other form of treatment. The latest gives the provisional position on 31 March 1997 and shows that on that date there were 4,508 patients awaiting admission to East Surrey Hospital of whom 4,282 had been waiting less than 12 months. Provisional information is not available by specialty. Final figures due to be published next month in "Hospital Waiting List Statistics: England at 31 March 1997" will be presented on a trust and specialty basis.

  Carers
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what plans he has to respond to the recommendations made in the report by the Carers National Association, "Still Battling—the Carers Act" one year on;. [3080]

  (2) if he will ensure the implementation of all the provisions of the Carers (Recognition and Services) Act 1995. [3186]

  Mr. Boateng
  We strongly support the principles of the Carers (Recognition and Services) Act. We welcome Carers National' Association's report which considers the impact of the Act, in particular carers' take-up of rights under the Act and the approach taken by local authorities to implementing its provisions. The report also notes the value of the Department's guidance on implementation, which was issued to authorities in February 1996.

  We have regular and close contact with the Association through which we wish to explore and to clarify a number of the points raised in the report.

  As part of our programme of research into community care outcomes, we are looking at the impact of the Act. In the more immediate future, a Social Services Inspectorate inspection on care support is in preparation. Taking forward earlier work, this will concentrate on how local authorities are implementing the Act.

  Community Care
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make it his Department's policy to extend the community care direct payment scheme to people aged 65 years and over. [3187]
  104
  Mr. Boateng
  We want to improve the quality and choice of support that is available to disabled people, and so we will certainly examine very carefully the possibility of extending eligibility for direct payments.

  Mixed Sex Wards
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he intends to introduce guidelines for hospitals in respect of mixed wards; and if he will make a statement. [3411]

  Mr. Milburn
  Guidance on single sex accommodation was issued in an Executive Letter to the National Health Service in January. Further action is being considered following recent survey of health authorities' target dates for meeting the key objectives set out in the guidance.

  General Practitioners
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many GPs completed training and commenced practice in each of the last five years; how many he expects to commence practice in each of the next two years; and if he will make a statement. [3410]

  Mr. Milburn
  The available information is shown in the table.

  (i) New Joiners in England 1991–1996

  Stock

  New joiners

  1991

  25,690

  1,250

  1992

  25,970

  1,130

  1993

  26,290

  1,130

  1994

  26,570

  1,190

  1995

  26,700

  1,060

  1996

  26,860

  1,2—

  Source:

  GMS database October 1991–1996.

  Notes:

  cStock refers to number of GPs (unrestricted principals) at I October. An unrestricted principal is a practitioner who provides the full range of general medical services and whose list is not limited to any particular group of persons.

  2The New-Joiners figures are derived from the annual GMS Census and show the number of principals who have started practising as fully qualified GPs in the 12 months between each census.

  (ii) Numbers of new joiners in England in 1997 and 1998

  No estimates are available on the number of GPs expecting to commence practice in the next two years. Although there were 1,305 trainees in England in General Practice on I October 1996, not all of these will take up immediate appointment as a qualified GP, and some may not take up appointment at all.

  Mr. Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many GPs took maternity leave in each of the last three years; what percentage of them have not yet returned to work afterwards; and if he will make a statement. [3409]

  Mr. Milburn
  The information requested is not held centrally.

  Trench Foot
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many incidents of trench foot were reported in the United Kingdom in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement. [3408]
  105
  Ms Jowell
  The table gives, for the most recent five years for which data are available, the estimated number of finished consultant episodes (FCEs: ordinary admissions and day cases combined) in National Health Service hospitals in England with a primary diagnosis of trench foot:

  FCEs

  1990–91

  4

  1991–92

  4

  1992–93

  4

  1993–94

  5

  1994–95

  2

  Source:

  Department of Health, Hospital Episode Statistics (HES).

  Trench foot varies in severity and in many cases there will not have been any hospital in-patient treatment.

  Hospital Closures
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list, by region, the cottage and community hospitals which are currently subject to proposals for closure; and if he will make a statement. [3407]

  Mr. Boateng
  It is difficult to define comprehensively what is meant by "community" or "cottage" hospital. They differ from place to place in the scale, range and volume of services they offer. What characterise nearly all of them is that they provide a local service and admit patients under the care of a general practitioner. The list has been compiled on that basis and shows hospitals that are currently, or have recently been, the subject of local consultation about full closure.Anglia and Oxford

  None.

  North Western

  Ulverston Hospital, Ulverston

  North Thames

  None.

  Northern and Yorkshire

  None.

  South Thames

  Battle Hospital, Battle

  Eversfield Hospital, St. Leonard's-on-Sea

  South West

  Belmont Hospital, Tiverton

  Lynton Community Hospital1

  Odiham Cottage Hospital

  Winsford Community Hospital 1

  Trent

  None.

  West Midlands

  None.

  1Temporary closures.

  Food Poisoning
  Mr. Swinney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how much his Department has spent on research into food poisoning in each of the last five years, broken down to show the funds dedicated to(a) E.coli, (b) campylobacter and (c) salmonella; [3612]
  106
  (2) how much his Department has budgeted for research into food poisoning in 1997–98, broken down to show the funds dedicated to (a) E.coli, (b) campylobacter and (c) salmonella.[3613]

  Ms Jowell
  Funding for food poisoning research comes principally from the Department's Microbiological Food Safety surveillance and research budget (1997–98 allocation £2.3 million), supplemented by further amounts from the Department's general research and development budget and through core funding of the Public Health Laboratory Service and the Centre for Applied Microbiology and Research. The total budget allocation, and expenditure before 1993, could only be derived at disproportionate costs.

  Information on funding since the 1993–94 financial year is given in the table;

  Camplyobacter, E. Coli and Salmonella research and surveillance expenditure funded from DH budgets1

  £1,000

  Financial Year

  Campylobacter

  E. Coli

  Salmonella

  1993–94

  399

  185

  523

  1994–95

  405

  397

  391

  1995–96

  702

  459

  603

  1996–97

  673

  884

  332

  1997–982

  472

  978

  334

  1Excluding PHLS core funding.

  2Amount committed to spend through current contracts.

  The Department of Health is also funding the Intestinal Infectious Diseases study which is currently expected to cost a total of £2.6 million. This study involves Campylobacter, E.coli 0157 and Salmonella as well as other pathogens. Additionally, there are other projects funded by the Department which involves research/surveillance into two or more pathogens. Although these include Campylobacter or E.coli 0157 or Salmonella because other pathogens are involved the cost of these projects is not included in the above table. The Department of Health intends to place more research and surveillance contracts which will receive funding during the current financial year.

  Non-emergency Treatment
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what powers NHS trust hospitals have to refuse non-emergency treatment; and what checks are operated to ensure that such powers are exercised reasonably. [4148]

  Mr. Milburn
  We will continue to give priority to meeting emergency needs. We look to the National Health Service to plan carefully to meet this duty while minimising the need to cancel non-emergency work.

  Under the current arrangements it is for health authorities and general practitioner fundholders, taking into account local needs, to agree what care should be provided and to set and monitor contracts with NHS trusts. Where changes are proposed, for example to respond to changing local circumstances, these should be discussed and agreed between the parties. Decisions on the admission of individual patients are for the clinicians concerned.

DUCHY OF LANCASTER

  Correspondence
  Mr. Miller
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will publish the latest figures showing the volume of correspondence received by Ministers and agency chief executives from hon. Members, the targets set for reply and the percentage of replies sent within target. [4273]

  Correspondence from Members of Parliament to Ministers and Agency Chief Executives

  1995

  1996

  Department or Agency

  Target set for reply(working days)

  Number of letters receive

  Percentage of replies within target

  Target set for reply(working days)

  Number of letters received

  Percentage of replies within target

  Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food

  15

  8,533

  68

  15

  10,645

  62

  Cabinet Office (OPS)

  15

  1,526

  76

  15

  1.067

  63

  Crown Prosecution Service

  15

  118

  81

  15

  92

  91

  Ministry of Defence

  15

  7,109

  75

  15

  5,897

  66

  —Army Technical Support Agency

  —

  —

  —

  15

  11

  100

  —Defence Analytical Services Agency

  —

  —

  —

  10

  14

  93

  —Defence Evaluation and Research Agency

  7

  103

  76

  10

  377

  74

  —Defence Postal and Courier Service

  15

  13

  100

  15

  12

  100

  —Disposal Sales Agency

  15

  15

  100

  15

  10

  100

  —Duke of York's Royal Military School

  3

  17

  100

  3

  11

  100

  —Meteorological Office

  —

  —

  —

  15

  16

  70

  —Naval Recruiting and Training Agency

  —

  —

  —

  15

  10

  100

  —Pay and Personnel Agency

  —

  —

  —

  10

  25

  84

  Department for Education and Employment

  20

  8,111

  87

  20

  116,774

  88

  —Employment Service

  15

  1,306

  97

  15

  1,044

  98

  —Teachers' Pensions' Agency2

  10

  95

  100

  10

  59

  98

  Department of the Environment

  15

  18,138

  52

  15

  14,395

  352

  —Planning Inspectorate Agency

  8

  593

  89

  8

  481

  84

  Foreign and Commonwealth Office

  10

  7,364

  90

  10

  4.9,756

  95

  Department of Health

  20

  16,121

  79

  20

  11,376

  87

  —NHS Pensions Agency

  20

  81

  84

  15

  46

  70

  HM Customs and Excise

  18

  4,914

  68

  18

  4,303

  63

  Home Office

  15

  11,556

  26

  15

  12,072

  32

  25

  12,327

  51

  525

  10,371

  57

  —HM Prison Service

  15

  2,564

  76

  15

  2,911

  89

  —UK Passport Agency

  15

  101

  86

  610

  245

  87

  Inland Revenue

  18

  4,746

  47

  7.18

  3,914

  41

  23

  336

  49

  823

  682

  85

  —Valuation Office

  23

  221

  48

  923

  256

  46

  15

  31

  51

  1015

  53

  73

  Legal Secretariat to the Law Officers

  15

  359

  75

  15

  11515

  76

  Lord Chancellor's Department

  20

  4,641

  81

  20

  2,876

  12268

  —Court Service

  20

  985

  46

  20

  1,217

  93

  —HM Land Registry

  20

  63

  100

  20

  53

  98

  —Public Record Office

  —

  —

  —

  10

  12

  92

  —Public Trust Office

  15

  45

  98

  15

  113

  100

  Department of National Heritage

  18

  3,834

  95

  18

  5,476

  81

  —Historic Royal Palaces Agency

  10

  16

  100

  10

  19

  100

  —Royal Parks Agency

  10

  20

  80

  10

  29

  86

  108
  Mr. Kilfoyle
  It has been customary to publish these figures annually. I attach therefore a table setting out the correspondence figures for the 1996 calendar year. The table also sets out the figures for 1995, first published on 20 June 1996,Official Report, columns 526–30. Members' attention is drawn to the footnotes which accompany the table and which provide general background information on how totals have been calculated.
  109

  Correspondence from Members of Parliament to Ministers and Agency Chief Executives

  1995

  1996

  Department or Agency

  Target set for reply(working days)

  Number of letters receive

  Percentage of replies within target

  Target set for reply(working days)

  Number of letters received

  Percentage of replies within target

  Northern Ireland Office (including

  10

  4,237

  64

  1310

  14,195

  52

  Northern Ireland Departments)

  15

  1,857

  80

  1415

  12,094

  72

  —Child Support Agency

  10

  73

  74

  10

  69

  86

  —Compensation Agency

  10

  94

  99

  10

  77

  100

  —Northern Ireland Prison Service

  10

  54

  83

  10

  127

  99

  —Planning Service

  —

  —

  —

  15

  163

  99

  —Rate Collection Agency

  —

  —

  —

  5

  19

  100

  —Roads Service

  —

  —

  —

  15

  91

  100

  —Social Security Agency

  10

  41

  63

  10

  75

  87

  —Water Service

  —

  —

  —

  15

  52

  92

  Office for National Statistics

  —

  —

  —

  10

  15199

  54

  Overseas Development Administration

  15

  3,941

  96

  15

  3,508

  94

  Scottish Office

  17

  5,874

  49

  17

  5,226

  61

  —Historic Scotland

  17

  39

  95

  17

  59

  93

  —Scottish Office Pensions Agency

  17

  11

  100

  17

  31

  97

  —Scottish Prison Service

  17

  81

  84

  17

  112

  99

  —Student Awards Agency for Scotland

  17

  61

  95

  17

  120

  97

  Department of Social Security

  20

  19,645

  71

  20

  1618,091

  74

  —Benefits Agency

  20

  2,689

  89

  20

  172,175

  98

  —Child Support Agency

  20

  5,554

  63

  20

  9,110

  62

  —Contributions Agency

  20

  304

  48

  20

  18395

  61

  —War Pensions Agency

  20

  1,117

  100

  20

  1,283

  99

  Department of Trade and Industry

  10

  18,505

  72

  10

  115,483

  74

  —Companies House

  10

  44

  85

  10

  48

  100

  —Insolvency Service

  10

  29

  100

  10

  42

  98

  —Patent Office

  10

  17

  100

  10

  26

  100

  —Radiocommunications Agency

  10

  38

  100

  10

  23

  100

  Department of Transport

  15

  19,427

  65

  15

  15,929

  66

  Coastguard Agency

  —

  —

  —

  15

  27

  78

  DVLA

  7

  402

  99

  7

  373

  100

  Driving Standards Agency

  15

  122

  94

  15

  273

  91

  Highways Agency

  15

  665

  84

  15

  662

  98

  Marine Safety Agency

  15

  18

  100

  15

  16

  94

  Vehicle Inspectorate

  15

  42

  98

  15

  37

  97

  HM Treasury

  15

  7,761

  62

  15

  14,331

  57

  Welsh Office

  12

  2,987

  82

  12

  2,989

  80

  CADW (Welsh Historic Monuments)

  12

  46

  93

  10

  35

  97

  Notes on 1996 Figures19

  1. Includes all Ministerial replies, not only those letters to Members of Parliament.

  2.The Teacher's Pensions Agency became part of the Capita Group on 1 October 1996.

  3.71 per cent. of letters were replied to within 20 working days.

  4. In addition, the FCO's Migration and Visa Department received 6,196 letters direct from MPs in 1996. 78 per cent. of these were replied to within the 15 working day target.

  5.The 25 working day target is for replies on Prison Service, UK Passport Agency and Immigration and Nationality Department subjects. The figures include letters sent direct to the Immigration and Nationality Directorate Board. The 15 day working day target is for all there subjects.

  6.Target time reduced from 15 working days to 10 working days with effect from 26 February 1996.

  7.. Head Office figures.

  8.. Local Office and "delegated" figures (where local officials reply direct to MPs).

  9.. Letters from MPs where the Chief Executive has replied on behalf of Treasury Ministers.

  10. Letters from MPs sent direct to the Chief Executive.

  11.This figure excludes letters received by the Legal Secretariat to the Law Officers which were subsequently replied to by the Director of Public Prosecutions.

  12. The apparent decline in performance is accounted for by a change in the method of calculation.

  13.Replies signed by the Minister.

  14.Replies signed by the Private Secretary to the Minister.

  15.Includes 165 letters where the Chief Executive replied on Ministers' behalf.

  16.Excludes letters replied to by the Chief Executive of the Contributions Agency on behalf of Ministers.

  17.. In addition, the Benefits Agency replied to 18,556 letters from MPs sent direct to local offices, 91 per cent. of which were replied to within the 20 working day target.
  110 111
  18.Includes letters from MPs to Ministers where the Chief Executive has replied on Ministers' behalf.

  19.The 1995 figures are taken from the Official Report, 20 June 1996, columns 526–530. Please also refer to notes given with that reply. In addition the following Departments and Agencies received between 1 and 10 letters from Members of Parliament during 1996 but are not shown in the table:

  —ADAS, Central Science Laboratory, Meat Hygiene Service, Veterinary Laboratories Agency (MAFF);

  —Central Office of Information, Property Advisors to the Civil Estate, The Buying Agency (Cabinet Office);

  —Army Base Repair Organisation, Army Base Storage and Distribution Agency, Army Personnel Centre, Defence Bills Agency, Defence Clothing and Textiles Agency, Defence Secondary Care Agency, Defence Transport and Movements Executive, Military Survey, MOD Police Agency, Naval Bases and Supply Agency, Naval Manning Agency, RAF Maintenance Group Defence Agency, Service Children's Education Agency (MOD);

  —Medical Devices Agency, Medicines Control Agency (Health);

  —Government Property Lawyers, Serious Fraud Office, Treasury Solicitors Department (Attorney General);

  —Construction Service, Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, Driver and Vehicle Testing Agency, Environment and Heritage Service, Land Registers of Northern Ireland, Rivers Agency, Training and Employment Agency, Valuation and Lands Agency (NIO and NI Departments);

  —Scottish Court Service, Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency (Scottish Office);

  Information Technology Services Agency (DSS);

  —National Weights and Measures Laboratory (DTI).

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Magistrates Courts
  Mr. Curry
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what is the average cost of training a new magistrate for(a) criminal work, (b) youth court work, (c) family court work and (d) licensing court work. [3720]

  Mr. Hoon
  No figures are collected nationally on the cost of training newly appointed law magistrates or the cost of training magistrates when they are first appointed to serve on the youth, family or licensing panels.

  Mr. Curry
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what are the running costs per hour of the magistrates court(a) at Ripon, (b) at Harrogate, (c) at Skipton, (d) in North Yorkshire as a whole and (e) in England and Wales as a whole. [3717]

  Mr. Hoon
  The average running cost per court sitting hour in North Yorkshire in 1996 was £225.67, and in England and Wales as a whole was £272.84. The information requested is not available at PSD level.

  Mr. Curry
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what is the average length of service of magistrates(a) on the Ripon bench, (b) in North Yorkshire and (c) in England as a whole. [3721]

  Mr. Hoon
  The average length of service of magistrates on(a) the Ripon Bench is 12 years and (b) in North Yorkshire is 10 years; (c) information covering England and Wales as a whole could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Curry
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what estimate he has made of the additional costs to the Probation Service following the proposed closure of Ripon Liberty magistrates court resulting from(a) travel to and from Harrogate court, (b) the possible increase in the number of adjournments and (c) additional time spent travelling. [3725]

  Mr. Hoon
  None. Magistrates' courts are provided by the local paying authority for the use of the magistrates' courts committee (MCC). Closure decisions are for the MCC to determine, although a contributing local authority may appeal to the Lord Chancellor against a proposed closure. The procedure for such appeals is 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
  112
  Whilst a consultation process has been undertaken on possible closures, North Yorkshire MCC has made no determination to close any courts, at this time.

  Ripon Court
  Mr. Curry
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what estimate he has made of(a) the additional costs to defendants following the proposed closure of Ripon Liberty magistrates court resulting from (i) travel to and from Harrogate court and (ii) the possible increase in the number of adjournments and (b) the additional time spent by defendants (1) travelling and (2) waiting; and what assessment he has made of the difficulties defendants and witnesses living in outlying townships would face in reaching Harrogate court by public transport in time for the start of business. [3724]

  Mr. Hoon
  None. Magistrates' courts are provided by the local paying authority for the use of the magistrates' courts committee (MCC). Closure decisions are for the MCC to determine, although a contributing local authority may appeal to the Lord Chancellor against a proposed closure. The procedure for such appeals is 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.

  Whilst a consultation process has been undertaken on possible closures, North Yorkshire MCC has made no determination to close any courts, at this time.

  Mr. Curry
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what was the average number of cases listed for hearing in the criminal court at Ripon on a Wednesday in the past year; and what proportion involved defendants living within the current Ripon Liberty petty sessional division. [3728]

  Mr. Hoon
  The information requested is not available in its entirety and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost. However, in a survey carried out throughout some of North Yorkshire's rural courts in October and November 1996, 62 per cent. of the 99 criminal cases completed at Ripon involved defendants who lived in the Ripon Liberty PSD. There are no statistics available to show the average number of cases which were listed.

  Mr. Curry
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many townships are covered by the Ripon Liberty petty sessional division. [3719]
  113
  Mr. Hoon
  There are only two "townships" in the Ripon Liberty PSD: Ripon (population c. 15,500) and Pately Bridge (population 2,000).

  Mr. Curry
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what estimate he has made of the additional costs to magistrates following the proposed closure of Ripon Liberty magistrates court resulting from(a) travel to and from Harrogate court and (b) adjournments resulting from defendants failing to appear; and what assessment he has made of the additional time magistrates would spend travelling. [3723]

  Mr. Hoon
  None. Magistrates' courts are provided by the local paying authority for the use of the magistrates' courts committee (MCC). Closure decisions are for the MCC to determine, although a contributing local authority may appeal to the Lord Chancellor against a proposed closure. The procedure for such appeals is 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.

  Whilst a consultation process has been undertaken on possible closures, North Yorkshire MCC has made no determination to close any courts, at this time.

  Average sitting hours per courtroom and percentage change in Ripon Magistrates' court and North Yorkshire

  1993

  1994

  1995

  1996

  Hours/courtroom

  Hours/courtroom

  Percentage change over last year

  Hours/courtroom

  Percentage change over last year

  Hours/courtroom

  Percentage change over last year

  Ripon Magistrates Court

  139

  144

  4

  269

  87

  257

  -5

  North Yorkshire MCC

  361

  371

  3

  400

  8

  418

  5

  Mr. Curry
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what percentage of defendants appearing at Ripon court were local in the most recent year for which figures are available; and what was the equivalent figure for courts in North Yorkshire as a whole. [3729]

  Mr. Hoon
  Figures for a full year are not readily available as these are not routinely collected. A substantive answer may only be produced at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Curry
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what estimate he has made of the additional costs to the police following the proposed closure of Ripon Liberty magistrates court resulting from travel to and from Harrogate court(a) as witnesses and (b), pursuant to executing warrants. [3715]

  Mr. Hoon
  None. Magistrates' courts are provided by the local paying authority for the use of the magistrates' courts committee (MCC). Closure decisions are for the MCC to determine, although a contributing local authority may appeal to the Lord Chancellor against a proposed closure. The procedure for such appeals is 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.

  Whilst a consultation process has been undertaken on possible closures, North Yorkshire MCC has made no determination to close any courts, at this time.
  114
  Mr. Curry
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what assessment he has made of the impact of closure of Ripon court on applicants seeking emergency powers in family proceedings. [3727]

  Mr. Hoon
  None. Magistrates' courts are provided by the local paying authority for the use of the magistrates' courts committee (MCC). Closure decisions are for the MCC to determine, although a contributing local authority may appeal to the Lord Chancellor against a proposed closure. The procedure for such appeals is 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.

  Whilst a consultation process has been undertaken on possible closures, North Yorkshire MCC has made no determination to close any courts, at this time.

  Mr. Curry
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what were(a) the average sitting hours per courtroom and (b) the percentage change in those hours at Ripon magistrates court during the period 1993 to 1996; and what were the equivalent figures for magistrates courts in North Yorkshire as a whole. [3731]

  Mr. Hoon
  The information is given in the table.

  Mr. Curry
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many townships within Harrogate district are not in the Ripon Liberty petty sessional division; and what consideration is being given to extending Ripon Liberty petty sessional division to cover nearby townships. [3718]

  Mr. Hoon
  Four townships, from the area covered by Harrogate Borough Council, do not lie within the Ripon Liberty PSD.

  Decisions on proposed PSD boundary changes are made by the Lord Chancellor pursuant to an application from the relevant MCC. Whilst a consultation process has been undertaken with a view to amending some boundaries locally, no final decision has been made and my Department holds no application for change at this time.

  Mr. Curry
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what is the annual cost of paying for clerks to travel from Ripon to Harrogate following the closure of the administration office at Ripon court. [3722]

  Mr. Hoon
  The annual cost of paying home to work mileage allowance to the two members of staff whose posts were transferred to Harrogate, since the Ripon Magistrates' Court Office closed in September 1995, has been in the region of £2,000.00.

  Mr. Curry
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what estimate he has made of the additional costs to the legal aid system following the
  115
  proposed closure of Ripon Liberty magistrates court resulting from (a) travel to and from Harrogate court by Ripon solicitors, (b) the possible increase in the number of adjournments, (c) solicitors having to spend additional time travelling, (d) increased waiting time for solicitors and (e) defendants' costs. [3726]

  Mr. Hoon
  None. Magistrates' courts are provided by the local paying authority for the use of the magistrates' courts committee (MCC). Closure decisions are for the MCC to determine, although a contributing local authority may appeal to the Lord Chancellor against a proposed closure. The procedure for such appeals is 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.

  Whilst a consultation process has been undertaken on possible closures, North Yorkshire MCC has made no determination to close any courts, at this time.

  Mr. Curry
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what was the cost of running Ripon Magistrates Court as a percentage of the North Yorkshire Magistrates Court Committee's total budget for buildings in the last financial year; and what is the estimated figure for the present financial year. [3730]

  Mr. Hoon
  No figures are collected nationally on the running costs of individual magistrates courts buildings. The North Yorkshire Magistrates' Courts Committee estimate that the premises running costs of the Ripon Courthouse for 1996–97 were £6,200 or 1.6 per cent. of total premises running costs.

  Mr. Curry
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how much money he estimates would be saved by the closure of Ripon Liberty Magistrates Court. [3716]

  Mr. Hoon
  I have made no estimate. Magistrates' courts are provided by the local paying authority for the use of the magistrates' courts committee (MCC). Closure decisions are for the MCC to determine, although a contributing local authority may appeal to the Lord Chancellor against a proposed closure. The procedure for such appeals is 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.

  Whilst a consultation process has been undertaken on possible closures, North Yorkshire MCC has made no determination to close any courts, at this time.

  Mr. Curry
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what estimate he has made of the additional costs to the Crown Prosecution Service following the proposed closure of Ripon Liberty Magistrates Courts resulting from(a) travel to and from Harrogate Court, (b) the possible increase in the number of adjournments and (c) additional time spent travelling. [3714]

  Mr. Hoon
  None. Magistrates' courts are provided by the local paying authority for the use of the magistrates' courts committee (MCC). Closure decisions are for the MCC to determine, although a contributing local authority may appeal to the Lord Chancellor against a proposed closure. The procedure for such appeals is set out in 116
  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.

  Whilst a consultation process has been undertaken on possible closures, North Yorkshire MCC has made no determination to close any courts, at this time.

  Mr. Curry
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what are the projected future costs of compensating clerks who have been moved from Ripon to Harrogate for home to work travel expenses following the proposed closure of Ripon Court. [3808]

  Mr. Hoon
  I have made no estimate. Magistrates' courts are provided by the local paying authority for the use of the magistrates' courts committee (MCC). Closure decisions are for the MCC to determine, although a contributing local authority may appeal to the Lord Chancellor against a proposed closure. The procedure for such appeals is 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.

  Whilst a consultation process has been undertaken on possible closures, North Yorkshire MCC has made no determination to close any courts, at this time.

  Croydon County Court
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will ensure that an urgent investigation is carried out into the loss by Croydon County Court of evidence sent by Mr. Gary Osborn to Croydon County Court in March and May 1997 relating to case CR 75 00 67. [4085]

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

  Letter from Michael Huebner to Mr. Paul Burstow, dated 17 June 1997:
  PQ 98/124: LOSS OF EVIDENCE AT CROYDON COUNTY COURT
  The Parliamentary Secretary of the Lord Chancellor's Department has asked me to reply to your Question about the loss by Croydon County Court of evidence sent by Mr. Osborn. The evidence to which you refer is a defence to civil proceedings brought against your consistuent.
  I have asked my officials to look into the concerns you raise and will write to you as soon as the investigation is complete.

TREASURY

  Internet
  Mr. Nigel Jones
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the impact on Government revenues of the increase in use of the Internet; and if he will make a statement. [3193]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The Government are examining the tax implications of increased use of the internet in close consultation with other Governments, at OECD and in other fora, and with the business community.

  Taxation
  Mr. Townend
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his target for the overall burden of taxation as a percentage of Gross Domestic Product. [3356]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The Government's fiscal policy is directed at reducing borrowing. The intention is that, over the economic cycle, the government borrow only to finance public investment and not to fund current expenditure. Public debt as a proportion of national income is held at a stable and prudent level. Forecasts and projections of the tax burden will be published int he Red Book on 2 July.

  Windfall Tax
  Mr. Ruffley
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what calculations the Treasury has made as to the effect on average household bills for(a) gas, (b)telephone services, (c) water and (d) electricity of a windfall tax on the profits of privatised utilities. [3680]

  Mr. Geoffrey Robinson
  The Chancellor of the Exchequer will be considering a wide range of factors in reaching his view on the windfall tax. Household bills are affected both by demand and price: where services are subject to price caps, these are a matter for the regulators.

  Interest Rate
  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 3 June,Official Report, column 147, if he will make a statement defining numerically what constitutes lasting economic stability for the financial years (a) 1997–98, (b) 1998–99, and (c) 1999–2000. [3335]

  Mr. Geoffrey Robinson
  Lasting economic stability is built on prudent economic management and sound finance. The Government regard price stability as an essential pre-condition for high and stable levels of growth and employment. The Chancellor set out his inflation target in the remit to the Monetary Policy Committee on June 12 which can be obtained from the House of Commons Library. Sound public finances are also important for lasting economic stability. The Government's fiscal policy will be spelt out in the Budget on July 2, along with forecasts and projections for Government borrowing.

  Growth Rate
  Mr. Green
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to increase the underlying growth rate of the British economy. [3327]

  Mr. Geoffrey Robinson
  The Government are setting up a framework to deliver lasting economic stability which is an essential pre-condition for high and stable levels of growth and employment. The Government also aim to rebuild British economic strength with a modern industrial base, high levels of investment and a culture of entrepreneurship that will unlock British economic potential.

  Gross Domestic Product
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the impact on tax revenues of a 1 per cent. increase in gross domestic product. [3443]
  118
  Dawn Primarolo
  The estimate reported in Treasury Occasional paper No. 4, "Public Finances and the Cycle", is that a one per cent. increase in output relative to trend increases tax revenues by over 1 per cent. a year later. This estimate is of course subject to a margin of error and the precise effect on tax revenues will depend in part on the composition of the increase in GDP.

  Taxes
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the average level of tax raised from all sources of taxes, per capita in the last year for which statistics are available. [2253]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 16 June 1997]: In 1995–96 the average level of total taxes and National Insurance contributions per capita was £4,370, compared with an average level of £1,526 in 1980–81. The average level in 1980–81 in 1995–96 prices was £3,309.

  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the average delay in the publication of statistics on income and tax after the end of each annual exercise in the collection of statistics; and if he will make a statement . [2254]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 16 June 1997]: The Inland Revenue publishes an annual volume entitled Inland Revenue Statistics which includes a large variety of different statistics on income and tax. Updated figures are usually available on request in advance of publication and each section of Inland Revenue Statistics includes details of when new figures are likely to become available and how they can be obtained.

  Pornographic Material
  Rev. Martin Smyth
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what criteria are used by HM Customs and Excise for seizing pornographic material being imported into the United Kingdom. [3396]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 16 June 1997]:The question of whether an item is indecent or obscene is a matter for the Courts. Customs seek to prohibit material which cannot lawfully be traded in the UK and would be in breach of the Obscene Publications Act 1959 or the Protection of Children Act 1978.

  Customs Officers are issued with guidance which covers the type of activity that is likely to be considered by the Court's to be indecent or obscene.

  Speeding
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the feasibility of allowing local authorities to retain the money that is derived from fining speeding motorists and hypothecating that money to local authorities to further discourage traffic speeding through increased traffic policing. [3007]

  Mr. Michael
  It is for highway and police authorities to decided on the appropriate level of resources to devote to speed enforcement, in accordance with their priorities. Hypothecating the revenue from speeding fines would result in expenditure on traffic enforcement being determined by the income generated, rather than the relative priority of the activity.

  Assisted Places Scheme
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what expenditure savings have been budgeted by the Treasury for(a) 1997–98 and (b) 1998–99 as a result of the proposed abolition of the assisted places scheme. [3642]

  Mr. Byers
  I have been asked to reply. I refer the hon. Member to the answer that I gave to the hon. Member for South East Cambridgeshire (Mr. Paice) on 5 June,Official Report, column 245.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Inward Investment
  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will place in the Library his Department's briefing for inward investors on the improvement in industrial relations and the reduction in days lost in strikes since the winter of 1978–79. [3454]

  Mr. Fatchett
  No current published inward investment material contains reference to the reduction in days lost in strikes since 1978–79.

  This Department's Invest in Britain Bureau has produced a promotional leaflet "Britain—The Preferred Location". A copy of this document has been placed in the Libraries of the House.

  Gibraltar
  Dr. Marek
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if it is his policy that liberalisation of Gibraltar airport is an integral part of the completion of the single market. [3996]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  In the absence of any agreement over the airport, Gibraltar has been suspended, since 1987, from EC air liberalisation measures. We are prepared to consider any practicable proposal for the development of the airport.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Market Testing
  Dr. Marek
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what further market testing she expects to be conducted in her Department. [3997]

  Clare Short
  There are no plans for market tests but future efficiency reviews will consider each of the alternative options for improving value for money including the scope for competition.

  Vanuatu
  Dr. Marek
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what provision she has made for future development aid for Vanuatu; and if she will make a statement. [3998]

  Clare Short
  British aid to Vanuatu is provided under a regional programme for the Pacific. The future level of all our programmes will be considered this year in our Departmental spending review.

NATIONAL HERITAGE

  Tourist Boards
  Shona McIsaac
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if he will review the funding of the British Tourist Board and regional tourist boards. [3162]

  Mr. Tom Clarke
  My Department's direct financial support for the domestic tourism industry is provided through the English Tourist Board, which in turn funds the ten non-statutory Regional Tourist Boards for the delivery of its national programmes. Funding for the promotion of Britain overseas is directed through the British Tourist Authority.

  I shall be considering the funding for the English Tourist Board, and for the British Tourist Authority, alongside that for all the other areas for which I am responsible, in due course.

  Seaside Resorts
  Shona McIsaac
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if he will take steps to promote British seaside resorts(a) in the United Kingdom and (b) abroad. [3164]

  Mr. Tom Clarke
  Breaking New Ground identified the promotion of traditional tourist destinations as a priority for the English Tourist Board, to help them achieve the standards visitors now demand. In promoting Britain abroad, the British Tourist Authority seeks to identify groups of consumers most likely to be persuaded to come to Britain and to build its campaigns, like Waterfront Britain, which promotes holidays in coastal regions, around their interests.

  Rail Privatisation
  Mr. Miller
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage, pursuant to his answer of 9 June,(Official Report column 311, if he will review the effect of the sale of British Rail International on British tourism. [3693]

  Mr. Tom Clarke
  My Department has no plans at the moment to review the effect of the sale of British Rail International Ltd. on British tourism.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Vibration White finger
  Mr. Clapham
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade when her officials last met British Coal to discuss the progress made to date with the introduction of a no faults liability scheme for former miners suffering from vibration white finger. [1697]

  Mr. Battle
  I understand from British Coal that, over recent years, they have received 12,000 or so claims from former staff that they now suffer from vibration white finger, a condition whose symptoms include blanching and tingling in the fingers. A trial of a small number of "lead" cases, to help establish any liability the Corporation might have, began in Autumn 1995, was taken to the Court of Appeal in Autumn 1996, and resumed in Newcastle this Spring. Departmental officials have been kept abreast of developments, as DTI provides
  121
  the necessary finance for British Coal's activities and will be directly responsible for their management when the liability is transferred from the Corporation at the end of the year. I understand that some unlitigated claims are being settled on a normal common law basis, but that no proposals for a "no fault" scheme are under discussion.

  Credit Rating System
  Mr. Cotter
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans she has to review the credit rating system; and what steps she intends to take to ensure that people who have cleared their debts or people who have had unsettled debts of more than six years distant are able to obtain loans on the same terms as others. [2640]

  Mr. Nigel Griffiths
  I am always keeping under review representations made to me about credit reference agencies, as is the Director General of Fair Trading, along with other aspects of the Consumer Credit Act and developments in the consumer credit field.

  Windfall Tax
  Mr. Cotter
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what steps she will take to protect consumers from bill increases which may result from the proposed windfall tax on utility companies. [2639]

  Mr. Nigel Griffiths
  My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer expects to announce the arrangements for the proposed windfall tax in the summer budget on 2 July.

  Small Businesses
  Mr. Cotter
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what steps she will take to promote British exports from small businesses. [3955]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  My noble Friend the Minister for Trade announced on 22 May his intention to establish an Export Forum, with representation from business as well as from Whitehall. The Forum will review existing official export promotion activities and make recommendations for a new export initiative.

  Fossil Fuel Subsidies
  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment she has made of the advantages of decreasing Government subsidies to fossil fuel industries. [3019]

  Mr. Battle
  [holding answer 16 June 1997]: The Government do not pay any direct subsidies to the fossil fuel industries.

  EU and Government Grants
  Mr. Hinchcliffe
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what steps she will take to promote services, provided by Government and local government, to businesses on grant provided by European Union and United Kingdom Government. [3270]
  122
  Mrs. Roche
  Companies have access to impartial advice on grant availability through their local Business Links in England, and through equivalent networks in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Local authorities are partners in Business Links.

  Newsagents
  Ms Walley
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what estimate she has made of the number of professional newsagents in operation(a) currently and (b) in each of the last five years. [4174]

  Mr. Battle
  This information is not available from official sources.

  Defence Industry (Redundancies)
  Mr. Burns
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what assistance her Department will make available to employees of Marconi Communications in Chelmsford who have been made redundant to help them retrain and get back into work; and if she will make a statement. [3783]

  Mr. Roche
  [holding answer 16 June 1997]:Representatives of local partners and Marconi Communications are meeting today to develop an action plan in response to the redundancies.

  The local partners represented at the meeting include: Essex County Council, Chelmsford Borough Council, Essex Training and Enterprise Council, Business Link Essex, The Employment Service, Essex Careers and Business Partnerships Ltd. and the Government Office for Eastern Region.

  The Action Plan will build on national programmes such as the Training for Work Scheme for the long-term unemployed and assistance available from the European Union Structural Funds under the Konver II initiative for diversifying the economic base of areas heavily depending on the defence industry.

  Essex Training and Enterprise Council and the Employment Service have already agreed to allow Marconi employees immediate access to the Government's Training for Work Programme waiving the normal qualifying period of six months unemployment.

  Further measures being considered for the Action Plan include advice and guidance, training course, help with job search and assistance to individuals and groups interested in starting their own businesses.

  Mr. Burns
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what help she will make available to defence-related companies in the Chelmsford area to diversify into non-military activities to offset redundancies in the defence industry. [3785]

  Mrs. Roche
  [holding answer 16 June 1997]: Small and medium sized enterprises in the Chelmsford area are eligible to apply for grants from European Union Structural Funds under the Konver II initiative to assist diversification from defence-related activities.

  Pneumoconiosis Scheme
  Mr. Clapham
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade when her officials last met British Coal to discuss progress with the current review of the Coal Industry pneumoconiosis scheme. [1696]

  Mr. Battle
  [holding answer 2 June 1997]: I understand that British Coal are currently well advanced in negotiations with the mining trades unions about revisions to their pneumoconiosis compensation scheme (PCS). Departmental officials have been kept abreast of the discussions, as DTI provides the necessary finance for British Coal's activities and will be directly responsible for their management when the liability is transferred from the Corporation at the end of the year. This "no-fault" scheme is an alternative to common law litigation for former miners who had ten years in the coal industry and who have been certified by a DSS Medical Board as having pneumoconiosis. It provides a faster and cheaper means of obtaining compensation, with lump sums being awarded according to the severity and starting date of the condition, and weekly payments made in appropriate cases to compensate for loss of earnings.

  Zaire (Exports)
  Mr. Goggins
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will list the export credit guarantees given by the British Government to private companies in order to promote exports to Zaire since 1967. [2572]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  [holding answer 11 June 1997]: Apart from a specific project during the 1980's with an insured value of £29.7 million, cover has not been available from ECGD for exports to Zaire since early 1975.

  However, between 1967–75 and the specific project in the 1980's, the number of different companies involved means that it is not practicable or cost-effective to provide detailed information by company.

DEFENCE

  Jamaica, Trinidad and Belize
  Mr. Mullin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assistance his Department currently provides to the Governments of (i) Jamaica, (ii) Trinidad and (iii) Belize; and what assistance he is proposing to provide in each case over the next three years. [3043]

  Dr. Reid
  Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and Belize all benefit from training in the UK subsidised either by the Foreign and Commonwealth Offices's United Kingdom Military Training Assistance Scheme (UKMTAS) or by my Department's Defence Military Assistance Fund. In addition, an exercise which provides training for the Jamaican Defence Force takes place in Jamaica and the UK each year. Exercises also take place from time to time in Trinidad and Tobago. Loan Service Personnel are currently based in Belize and visits by Short Term Training Teams also take place. No firm decisions have been taken beyond the current year, but we would expect assistance to continue to be provided to all three countries.

  Departmental Sites (Disposal)
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which sites under the ownership of his Department are currently in the process of disposal; and to what extent environmental, social and community factors have been taken into account in respect of each disposal. [3280]

  Mr. Spellar
  This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Estate Organisation. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from B. L. Hirst to Mr. Mike Hancock, dated 17 June 1997:
  I am replying to your Question to the Secretary of State for Defence about Ministry of Defence sites currently in disposal as this matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief Executive of the Defence Estate Organisation.
  There are approximately 400 sites currently in disposal, ranging in size from individual garages to complete RAF stations. Although the circumstances of each disposal are different, we always endeavour to address the environmental, social and community factors associated with the disposals, particularly through the local planning process.
  If your are concerned with a particular site or sites in disposal, I would be happy to provide you with the specific details of the case.

  Scottish Service Personnel
  Mr. Fallon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will estimate the number of Scottish service personnel whose last address was in Scotland and who are currently serving elsewhere in the United Kingdom. [3198]

  Mr. Spellar
  The information held on this subject is limited. For the Army and RAF, it is estimated that there are 961 personnel who were born in Scotland, whose previous Service address was in Scotland and who are currently serving elsewhere in the United Kingdom. Information on Navy personnel is not held in a form which enables an estimate to be made.

  Eurofighter Aircraft
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what military threats the possession of Eurofighter aircraft is designed to combat; and what other options his Department has considered for these purposes. [3631]

  Mr. Spellar
  In an uncertain world where we face a variety of risks to British interests and where highly sophisticated combat aircraft are widely available, we need the flexible multi-role capability that Eurofighter will provide. Eurofighter will be able to contribute both to achieving air superiority and to ground attack operations. The need for both these capabilities has been demonstrated by recent operations in the Gulf and Bosnia.

  The alternative aircraft considered were the F-15, F-16, F-18, F-22, Rafale and Gripen.

  Vacant MOD Homes
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the average rent being paid for empty homes under the leaseback arrangement with Annington Homes in Birmingham and the west midlands. [3646]
  125
  Mr. Spellar
  The average annual rent being paid to Annington Homes for homes in Birmingham is £5,100 and in the west midlands is £4,890.

  Dr. Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the addresses of empty MOD homes in(a) Birmingham and (b) west midlands county, and the length of time each has been empty. [3645]

  Mr. Spellar
  My Department owns eight properties with a postal address of Birmingham, of which four are currently empty. In addition there are 43 other properties with a west midlands address (excluding Birmingham) of which 20 are currently empty. It is our practice not to give the addresses of individual properties for security reasons.

  The longest time any one of these houses has been empty is 17 months, but the average is six to seven months.

  Land Rover Patrol Vehicles
  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the Land Rover patrol vehicles purchased for use by Britain's armed forces; how many were provided with general purpose machine guns and 40 millimetre grenade launchers; and who supplied these weapons. [3591]

  Mr. Spellar
  Thirty-nine Land Rover patrol vehicles were purchased in 1985. All the vehicles are equipped with the mounting to fit either the general purpose machine gun (GPMG) or 40mm Grenade launchers. The GPMG was purchased from Royal Ordnance—then Royal Ordnance Factory—Enfield in the 1960s and 1970s and the 40mm Grenade launcher was purchased from Sidem (UK) Ltd. in 1990.

  Defence Exports
  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what guidelines exist concerning the provision by(a) serving and (b) former armed forces personnel of military, police, security services and equipment to other countries; and what assessment he has made of these guidelines. [3686]

  Mr. Spellar
  All armed forces personnel are subject to Queen's Regulations, lifelong duties under the Official Secrets Act 1989 and, where applicable, individual operating instructions for specific tasks. Additionally, personnel serving under the operational or administrative command of the Director Special Forces are required to sign a confidentiality contract.

  Former armed forces personnel are subject to the Official Secrets Act and under Queen's Regulations all Service officers must obtain the approval of the Ministry of Defence before accepting, within two years of leaving the Service, an offer of employment or a consultancy with a defence contractor or foreign government.

  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will publish the minutes of meetings and other documents relating to meetings between his Department's Defence Export Services Organisation personnel and officials of(a) Procurement Services International and (b) Greys Defence Systems Ltd. [3685]
  126
  Mr. Spellar
  The Defence Export Services Organisation's mission is to provide British defence exporters with the strongest possible Government support within the framework of the defence, security and foreign policies of the Government of the day. As with many other companies, DESO has had regular contact with the Greys Group, which includes both Procurement Services International and Greys Defence Systems Ltd. Details of meetings between DESO and its customers cannot be released due to their commercial confidentiality.

  I am withholding the information requested under exemption 13 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

  Electric Shock Equipment
  Mr. Letwin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if(a) the Royal Ordnance Factories and (b) other United Kingdom defence manufacturers are currently producing equipment designed for, or that could be used for, the application of electric shocks to individuals under interrogation in foreign countries; and if such equipment will receive an export licence. [2294]

  Mr. Michael
  I have been asked to reply.

  The manufacture of weapons which discharge electric shocks is prohibited under section 5 of the Firearms Act 1968 (as amended) except with the authority of the Secretary of State. No company currently holds authority for the manufacture of weapons of this kind. The export of such weapons is also controlled under the terms of the Export of Goods (Control) Order. The Government will not permit the export of arms to regimes which might use them for internal repression or international aggression.

  NATO (Nuclear Plans)
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if NATO's nuclear protection will extend to external threats to the new entrant countries from Eastern Europe. [3914]

  Dr. Reid
  The security safeguards provided by Article 5 of the Washington Treaty, including the supreme guarantee of security provided by the strategic nuclear forces of the Alliance, applies to all members of NATO and will continue to do so.

  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will publish NATO's nuclear plans. [3928]

  Dr. Reid
  NATO's nuclear forces are not targeted at any country. It is the practice of all Allies not to reveal details of the Alliance's contingency nuclear planning. To do so would damage the Alliance's deterrence posture.

  Former POWs
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of(a) the cost of reimbursing former prisoners-of-war whose salary was reduced while detained at prisoners-of-war camps and (b) the number of people entitled to such reimbursement. [3913]

  Mr. Spellar
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Galloway and Upper Nithsdale (Mr. Morgan) on 11 June,Official Report,column 485.

  Friend or Foe Identification System
  Mr. Alan Keen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about his plans to provide the armed forces with a modern identification friend or foe system. [4526]

  Mr. Spellar
  The UK Armed Forces are to be equipped with a new sophisticated electronic question and answer system so that they can distinguish between friendly and potentially hostile forces for the foreseeable future.

  The new system, known as Successor Identification Friend or Foe (SIFF), will replace existing IFF equipments on a wide range of ships and aircraft and on certain air defence installations. It will be compatible with those of our NATO allies. As well as protecting our forces from inadvertent attack by their own side, SIFF will improve their prospects of avoiding detection by hostile units and increase their ability to detect and engage such units, thus ensuring interoperability for the foreseeable future. SIFF will also be compliant with new flight safety rules mandated by the Civil Aviation Authority for all aircraft operating in civilian controlled airspace.

  Because SIFF equipment will be fitted to over 50 types of platform, the programme will require very careful planning. Following extensive studies, we have decided to invite competitive tenders for an initial integration study and planning phase, phase 1 of the programme, following which a prime contractor will be selected. The prime contractor will be responsible for the supply and installation of SIFF equipments during the implementation phase of the programme, phase 2. In parallel with this competition, contracts will be placed with the companies who are the platform design authorities to enable them to evaluate and cost the SIFF integration task. It is planned that the competitive invitation to tender for phase 1 of the programme will be issued in July. The total value of the programme phase 1 and phase 2 is estimated to be in the order of £500 million, providing substantial work for British industry.

  Scottish Personnel
  Mr. Fallon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will estimate the number of service men and service women normally resident in Scotland who are serving with(a) the Royal Navy, (b) the Army and (c) the Royal Air Force. [3200]

  Mr. Spellar
  This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Analytical Services Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Paul Altobell to Mr. Michael Fallon, dated 17 June 1997:
  I am replying to your question to the Secretary of State for Defence requesting an estimate of the number of Scottish servicemen and servicewomen normally resident in Scotland who are serving with (a) the Royal Navy, (b) the Army and (c) the Royal Air Force. This falls within my area of responsibility as Chief Executive of Defence Analytical Services Agency.
  Unfortunately, the information requested is not held centrally and could only be provided at disproportionate cost. I am sorry I could not be more helpful on this occasion.

LORD PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL

  Anti-drugs Policy
  Mr. Rhodri Morgan
  To ask the President of the Council what arrangements she has made to improve the co-ordination of anti-drugs policy. [2328]

  Mrs. Ann Taylor
  The Government will appoint an anti-drugs supremo to co-ordinate action against drugs across all Government Departments and key agencies. She or he will report directly to me as Chairman of the Cabinet's co-ordinating committee on drugs misuse. All relevant Departmental interests across the UK are represented on this Committee.

HOUSE OF COMMONS

  Staff (Telephone Calls for Members)
  Mr. MacShane
  To ask the right hon. Member representing the House of Commons Commission how much time is spent by House staff answering or making external phone calls to or from hon. Members. [2321]

  Mrs. Ann Taylor
  Records are not kept of the time spent by staff of the House answering or making external calls to or from hon. Members.

  Division Procedures (Reform)
  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the President of the Council what estimate she has made of the cost of introducing electronic voting in the House. [2322]

  Mrs. Ann Taylor
  I have made no such estimate although the Modernisation Committee has asked the Clerk and the Serjeant at Arms to look at both short and long term solutions.

  Mr. William O'Brien
  To ask the President of the Council what representations she has received on reform of the Division procedures in the House; and if she will make a statement. [2323]

  Mrs. Ann Taylor
  I have received a number of representations on this subject. Division procedures fall within the terms of reference of the Select Committee on the Modernisation of the House of Commons, which may wish to look at them in due course.

  Lockerbie
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the President of the Council if she will move to set up a Select Committee to examine the issues arising from the destruction of Pan Am 103 over Lockerbie. [2324]

  Mrs. Ann Taylor
  I have no plans to do so.

  Procedures and Administration (Reform)
  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the President of the Council if she will make a statement about the reform of House of Commons procedures and administration. [2325]

  Mrs. Ann Taylor
  The Government have a clear manifesto commitment to parliamentary reform.
  129
  The Select Committee on the Modernisation of the House of Commons, which I chair, has now begun the task of considering how the practices and procedures of the House should be modernised. I hope the Committee will be able to bring forward its initial recommendations on improving the scrutiny of legislative proposals before we rise for the summer.

  The administration of the House is a matter for Madam Speaker, the House of Commons Commission, the various domestic committees, and for the House Departments.

  Select Committees
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the President of the Council what proposals she has to improve the effectiveness of Select Committees. [2326]

  Mr. Nicholas Winterton
  To ask the President of the Council if she will make a statement on the future of the Select Committee system. [2327]

  Mrs. Ann Taylor
  I hope the Select Committee on the Modernisation of the House of Commons will bring forward recommendations relating to Select Committees in due course.

  Security Staff (Incident)
  Mr. Mullin
  To ask the hon. Member representing the House of Commons Commission what action has been taken following the incident in New Palace Yard in November in which a member of the security staff was injured; and if she will make a statement. [2752]

  Mrs. Ann Taylor
  The Security Officer concerned is an employee of the Metropolitan police and the matter was fully reported and investigated at the time.

  I understand that there is a strong possibility of litigation following the incident. It would therefore be inappropriate for me to comment further at this stage.

  Life Support Training
  Dr. Harris
  To ask the hon. Member representing the House of Commons Commission how many of the staff employed in the Palace of Westminster are trained in(a) basic and (b) advanced life support. [3219]

  Mrs. Ann Taylor
  There are 57 members of staff employed in the Palace of Westminster trained in basic first aid. In addition to this there are 79 police officers, 99 security officers and 26 fire officers.

  There are three members of staff employed in the Palace of Westminster trained in advanced life support.

SCOTLAND

  Scottish Constituencies (Voter Numbers)
  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the average electorate in Scottish constituencies. [2343]

  Mr. Henry McLeish
  I refer the hon. Member to the oral answer that I gave to the hon. Member for Macclesfield (Mr. Winterton).

  Government Expenditure
  Mr. Whittingdale
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the Government expenditure per head in Scotland in the current financial year; and if he will make a statement. [2344]

  Mr. Dewar
  Identifiable General Government Expenditure per head in Scotland was £4,614 in 1995–96, the last year for which complete figures are available.

  Tobacco-related Deaths
  Mr. Davidson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he intends to take to reduce tobacco-related deaths in Scotland. [2345]

  Mr. Galbraith
  We will publish later this year a White Paper which will set out our strategy for tackling smoking, together with draft legislation to give effect to our Manifesto commitment to ban tobacco advertising. The development of our strategy will be informed by an anti-smoking summit in London in July, which I shall be attending and which will bring together British and International experts in the field of smoking reduction.

  Unemployment
  Ms McKenna
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received regarding measures to reduce long-term and youth unemployment in Scotland using receipts from the windfall tax. [2346]

  Mr. Wilson
  My right hon. Friend has received representations from a wide range of interests supporting our proposals for Welfare to Work. Many organisations wish to become involved in furthering our initiative.

  Highlands and Islands
  Mr. David Stewart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what action he will take to promote the economy of the highlands and islands in the next year. [2347]

  Mr. Wilson
  My right hon. Friend will pursue a range of policies aimed at diversifying the economy of the Highlands and Islands so that people living in the area can play their part in the economic and social development of the entire country.

  Higher Education
  Miss Anne Begg
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the postponement of Higher Still. [2348]

  Mr. Wilson
  Higher Still will bring important improvements to school and college education in Scotland. The full benefit to our young people can be only be achieved if lecturers and teachers in the classroom are fully prepared. The revised start date of 1999 with the Advanced Higher following on in 2000 will allow time for the necessary preparation. It will also allow planning of the implementation of Higher Still in close consultation and partnership with all those involved.

  Scottish Parliament (Running Costs)
  Mr. Ian Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he has made of the cost of running a separate parliament in Scotland; and if he intends this sum to be raised exclusively from Scottish tax payers. [2349]

  Mr. McLeish
  It is not possible to provide an estimate of the annual running cost of a Scottish Parliament as a number of decisions on the Parliament have yet to be made. The White Paper to be published before the Summer Recess will set out our detailed proposals.

  Under Government accounting arrangements it is not possible to identify separately those services funded by particular groups of tax payers.

  Food Standards
  Mr. Russell Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to improve food standards in Scotland. [2351]

  Mr. Galbraith
  The Government consider food safety to be of paramount importance. That is why we have accepted all the recommendations of the Pennington Report. We are also committed to establishing an independent Food Standards Agency.

  Public Bodies
  Mr. Canavan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to make the membership of public bodies more representative and publicly accountable. [2352]

  Mr. Dewar
  We are committed to fully implementing the Nolan recommendations. I am considering with colleagues how this might best be taken forward.

  Devolution Bill
  Mr. Clifton-Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will include a restriction on the rights of Scottish Members of Parliament to vote on English policy matters in his Devolution Bill for Scotland. [2353]

  Mr. McLeish
  As Scottish Members of Parliament will continue to retain a major interest in proceedings to be decided at Westminster I have no plans to restrict their voting rights.

  Nursery Vouchers
  Mr. Desmond Browne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to phase out the use of nursery vouchers. [2355]

  Mr. Wilson
  We are doing away with vouchers as soon as possible. Our first concern has been to protect parents who are relying on funding at quality centres for the coming school year, and whose arrangements need to be in place by the time schools close for the summer, the week after next. For their sake, having looked carefully at all the options, I issued vouchers on a once-only basis last week, as a basis for grant payments over the 1997–98 school session. No further voucher issues will be made. And I have simplified procedures radically—for example, getting rid of the need for nearly 1,000,000 signatures on vouchers by pre-school staff.
  132
  We are now moving on to put in place by August 1998 a new funding system, characterised by partnership and planning, which will provide a quality pre-school place by the winter after next for every child in the pre-school year in Scotland. I shall launch a major consultation on proposals in the autumn. In the meantime I intend during the summer to announce a number of interim measures to support expansion and quality improvement in the pre-school sector.

  Council House Sales
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will establish an inquiry into the practice of tenants selling council houses which they have purchased from local authorities, applying for another council house, purchasing that house from the local authority, and repeating the self-same actions for profit; and if he will make a statement. [2356]

  Mr. Chisholm
  My right hon. Friend has not received any correspondence on the practice of recurring purchases of council houses under the right-to-buy legislation and subsequent resales on the open market. He will, however, examine carefully any evidence which the hon. Member holds.

  Low Pay
  Mr. Savidge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to meet the Low Pay Commission to discuss low pay in Scotland. [2358]

  Mr. Wilson
  None at present. The independent Low Pay Commission will be consulting on issues relating to the introduction of the minimum wage, including low pay, with employers, employees and other interested parties, and will then make recommendations to Government.

  Scottish Health Trusts
  Mrs. Ray Michie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on his plans to amalgamate Scottish health trusts. [2354]

  Mr. Galbraith
  I announced to Trust Chairmen on 30 May that I intend to take early action to reduce the number of Trusts where the opportunity arises. I also said that I would expect any reconfiguration of the network of Trusts in Scotland to be founded on the development of clinical links between hospitals, and between hospitals and primary care.

  Discussions are taking place amongst some Trusts about the possibilities for merger and I await the outcome of those discussions with interest.

  Fish Quotas
  Mr. Doran
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland on how many occasions inspectors from his Department stopped and checked overland consignments of fish from other ports to the fish market at Aberdeen and Peterhead, in the last year for which figures are available; and on how many occasions charges were brought for breaches of quota legislation. [3654]

  Mr. Chisholm
  The subject of this question relates to matters undertaken by the Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency. I have asked the Agency's Chief Executive, Mr. Paul Du Vivier, to arrange for a reply to be given.
  133
  Letter from P. E. Du Vivier to Mr. Frank Doran, dated 17 June 1997:
  CHECKING OF OVERLAND CONSIGNMENTS OF FISH TO THE FISHMARKETS AT ABERDEEN AND PETERHEAD
  Mr. Malcolm Chisholm has asked me to reply to your question about the checking of overland consignments of fish to the fishmarkets at Aberdeen and Peterhead.
  In the 12 month period to 31 May 1997, the Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency's Sea Fisheries Inspectorate staff stopped vehicles and checked overland consignments of white fish which were being transported to the fishmarkets of Aberdeen and Peterhead on 1670 occasions.
  No reports were made to the Procurator Fiscal as a consequence of these checks.

  Food Poisoning
  Mr. Swinney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when the Government will publish its response to the Pennington report on the recent outbreak of E. coli 0157; and if he will make a statement regarding any outstanding issues from his Department's previous consideration of the report. [3609]

  Mr. Galbraith
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland to the hon. Member for Inverness East, Nairn and Lochaber (Mr. Stewart) on 11 June,Official Report, column 440.

  Service Personnel
  Mr. Fallon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will estimate the number of Scottish service men and service women normally resident in Scotland who are currently serving outside Scotland. [3197]

  Mr. Spellar
  I am replying as this is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Analytical Services Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Paul Altobell to Mr. Michael Fallon, dated 17 June 1997:
  I am replying to your question to the Secretary of State for Defence requesting an estimate of the number of Scottish servicemen and servicewomen normally resident in Scotland who are currently serving outside Scotland since this falls within my area of responsibility as Chief Executive of Defence Analytical Services Agency.
  Unfortunately, the information you require is not held centrally and could only be provided at disproportionate cost. I am sorry I could not be more helpful on this occasion.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Welfare to Work
  Ms Kelly
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many young people he estimates will benefit from his welfare to work proposals in the constituency of Bolton, West. [3082]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  It is not possible to give an accurate estimate of the numbers who will benefit from the New Deal over the period of its implementation. All young people who are eligible, or who become so, will be offered opportunities to participate in a job, training or useful work experience.
  134
  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many young people aged between 18 and 24 years he estimates will benefit from his welfare to work proposals in the parliamentary constituency of Greenock and Inverclyde; and if he will make a statement. [3462]

  Mr. Howarth
  It is not possible to give an accurate estimate of the numbers who will benefit from the New Deal over the period of its implementation. All young people who are eligible, or who become so, will be offered opportunities to participate in a job, training or useful work experience.

  Special Needs
  Mr. Blizzard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to increase employment for people with learning and physical disabilities; and if he will fund work schemes for such people. [3145]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  The Government are committed, in partnership with interested parties, to an equal opportunities policy which will improve employment opportunities for all disadvantaged groups including disabled people, regardless of the nature of their disability. It is our intention to establish comprehensive and enforceable civil rights legislation for disabled people against discrimination in society or at work. People with disabilities will also be afforded opportunities under employment and training initiatives, including our welfare to work proposals.

  Media Advice Notes for Schools
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what was the cost to the Funding Agency for Schools of publishing Media Advice Notes for Schools; and if he will make a statement. [3674]

  Mr. Byers
  This matter is the responsibility for the Funding Agency for Schools. I have asked the Chairman of the Funding Agency to arrange for a reply to be sent to the hon. Member.

  Jobseeker's Allowance
  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what steps he proposes to encourage unemployed people to pursue education and training courses without affecting their entitlement to the jobseeker's allowance; and if he will direct job centres to operate a more flexible approach. [3927]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  We will keep this issue under review as we develop our Welfare to Work reforms.

  In April this year the Workskill Pilots were introduced in four areas to evaluate more flexible arrangements for people to undertake employment-related education and training while receiving the Jobseeker's Allowance. We will wish to evaluate carefully the outcome of the Pilots.

  Single Parents
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, pursuant to his answer of
  135
  10 June, Official Report, column 366, what estimates have been made to date of the costs of providing additional support to single parents at job centres. [3949]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  We are considering a number of alternatives as we develop our Welfare to Work plans. At this early stage it is not possible to give a firm estimate of the likely costs.

  Swimming Lessons
  Shona MeIsaac
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will introduce compulsory swimming lessons and water survival skills in the curriculum. [4130]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  Swimming is part of the National Curriculum for physical education for primary school pupils. It may be taught at either or both of the primary key stages but, by the age of 11, pupils should have been taught to swim unaided, competently and safely, for at least 25 metres, and the principles and skills of water safety and survival. For pupils at secondary schools, swimming is an optional element of the National Curriculum. Where schools do choose it, pupils must be taught additional strokes and a variety of water-based activities, including rescue and resuscitation skills.

  Schools (Police)
  Mr. Coaker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the number of times police have had to be called to schools for each local education authority in each of the last three years. [4039]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  This information is not collected centrally.

  Teachers' Pensions and Early Retirement
  Mr. Coaker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement of his review of teachers' pensions and early retirement. [4038]

  Mr. Byers
  Consultation on further changes designed to enhance the flexibility of teachers' pension arrangements and on proposals for a longer term review of the Teachers' Superannuation Scheme ended on 9 June. My right hon. Friend will make an announcement about these matters in due course.

  Building Society Conversions (Discrimination)
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will investigate whether the policy adopted by building societies converting to banks has contravened the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. [3603]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  Whether the DDA has been contravened by building societies converting to banks is an issue which can be decided only by the courts.

  The Building Societies (Distributions) Act 1997 deals with any society which first announces its intention to convert after 22 January 1997. Its provisions require converting societies to act to protect the interests of beneficiaries of accounts held on behalf of others, including disabled people. The National Disability Council has opened a dialogue with societies who announced their conversion plans before that date to
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  explore the options for a solution that would have the effect that disabled people would not be worse off than other members.

  On 10 March 1997, the Alliance and Leicester announced that, after flotation, its board would be asked to consider making
  "an appropriate charitable donation to disabled persons, or a charity or charities on their behalf, subject of course to the approval of the company's shareholders".
  I hope that other converting societies will be similarly constructive.

  National Vocational Qualifications
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how he will ensure that the National Professional Qualification for Headship accords with the National Vocational Qualification System; and if he will make a statement. [3959]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The Government have asked the Teacher Training Agency to look at the links between the National Professional Qualification for Headship and National Vocational Qualifications, including the Management Charter Initiative's revised management standards.

  Schools (Asbestos)
  Mr. Clapham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assessment his Department has made or commissioned of the risk to school teachers and pupils from the crumbling of materials containing asbestos in schools; and if he will make a statement. [4210]

  Mr. Byers
  Local education authorities and school governors in voluntary aided and grant maintained schools have the statutory responsibility for the fabric of their buildings and the health and safety of pupils and employees while they are on the premises.

  The Department's Architects and Building Branch, the Department of the Environment and the Health and Safety Executive provide them with detailed guidance on asbestos, including advice on how to assess risks, and on other building-related issues.

  Training and Enterprise Councils
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to transfer the functions currently undertaken by training and enterprise councils to democratically accountable bodies. [4147]

  Dr. Howells
  Training and Enterprise Councils (TECs) are accountable through Ministers to Parliament under the terms of their contracts with the Government. They are also required to follow the "Framework for the Local Accountability of Training and Enterprise Councils in England and Wales" published by the TEC National Council following consultations with government and other interested parties. We will work with the TEC movement to review how this Framework is working and to secure improvements in the way TECs account to their local communities.

  Schools (Transfer Ages)
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment on what dates(a) his Department received the formal application from Buckinghamshire LEA for changes to the age of transfer between schools, (b) his Department began and ended its period of consultation about that application and (c) he expects to announce a decision on that application. [4146]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  There are a number of proposals under consideration; from Buckinghamshire LEA in respect of county schools, and from the governors of voluntary aided, voluntary controlled and grant maintained schools. Buckinghamshire published its proposals on 4 October 1996. Some proposals were published by voluntary schools on 6 December 1996. The objection period on the latest set of proposals ended on 6 February 1997. Our consideration of the proposals will take full account of all the education issues involved. My right hon. Friend expects to be in a position to announce a decision very soon.

  Pupil-specific Data
  Mrs. Gillian Shephard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what estimate he has made of the cost to public funds of the collection of pupil-specific data for children resident in local education authorities not covered by interim early years development plans. [4151]

  Mr. Byers
  The collection of pupil specific information for children attending maintained provision, resident in Local Education Authorities not covered by interim Early Years Development Plans, is essential to protect public funds from the risk of double funding. We are confident that the costs will be less than those of administering the nursery education voucher scheme.

  Nursery Provision
  Mrs. Gillan Shephard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what estimate he has made of the cost to local education authorities of informing parents and providers about the nursery arrangements applying in their areas. [4152]

  Mr. Byers
  The responsibility for, and cost of, informing parents and providers about the nursery arrangements for 1997–98 continues to fall to DfEE. The extent to which LEAs enhance this information will be for them to decide in the light of local circumstances.

  School Children (London)
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) if he will list by borough, the number of primary school age children living within London boroughs attending state schools in other boroughs; and if he will identify the borough in which they are educated; [3175]

  (2) if he will list, by borough, the number of primary school age children educated within London boroughs living beyond the Greater London boundary; and if he will identify the borough they are educated in; [3176]
  138
  (3) if he will list, by borough, the number of secondary school age children living within London boroughs attending state schools in other boroughs; and if he will identify the borough in which they are educated; [3177]

  (4) if he will list, by borough, the number of secondary school age children educated within London boroughs living beyond the Greater London boundary; and if he will identify the borough in which they are educated. [3178]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  [holding answer 12 June 1997]: A copy of the Departmental survey as at January 1996 containing this information will be placed in the Library, together with notes of guidance.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Income Support
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will make a statement on delays in dispatching notifications in respect of income support claimants to local authorities for the administration of housing benefit and council tax benefit. [623]

  Mr. Frank Field
  One of our key aims is to improve the service provided to claimants and other customers. The effectiveness of these arrangements will be reviewed shortly. As the administration of Income Support is a matter for the Benefits Agency, I have asked its Chief Executive, Peter Mathison, to write to the hon Member.

  Letter from Peter Mathison to Dr. Lynne Jones, dated 16 June 1997:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking about the delays in despatching notifications in respect of Income Support claimants to local authorities for the administration of housing benefit and council tax benefit.
  The issue of housing benefit notification is an integral part of the existing benefit claim clearance targets. Additionally, Benefits Agency (BA) District Managers and Local Authority (LA) Benefit Managers sign up to an agreed annual level of service which is based on a model national Service Level Agreement. The national model includes agreed quantifiable performance targets. A grievance procedure is included in the document should there be matters that cannot be resolved through normal liaison channels. The SLA provides the framework within which both parties can work together and voice their concerns, should either fail to meet the agreed levels of service.
  A number of BA internal audits within the last year have highlighted a certain lack of support and co-operation by both parties in adhering to local agreements which will have led to delays in some cases.
  The BA is committed to improving working relations with LAs and is aware of representations by the LA Associations about the effectiveness of some of the current local arrangements. These will be reviewed in the coming months.
  You will be interested to know that the BA in Birmingham have a Research and Development Team which examines existing processes with the aim of improving performance. They have recently commenced a Housing Benefit Project to examine the way information is exchanged between the BA and LA with the aim of identifying new processes to reduce any delays.
  I hope you find this reply helpful.

  Bronchitis and Emphysema
  Mr. Clapham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many claimants in each coalfield area to date have applied for an award for chronic bronchitis and emphysema under the provisions which came into force on 9 April. [1702]

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

  We are encouraging the take-up of benefits and have recently launched a major advertising campaign to highlight the changes in Industrial Injuries Benefit which will particularly help ex-coal miners with chronic bronchitis and emphysema who could be between £30 and £80 a week better off.

  New claims to industrial injuries disablement benefit for chronic bronchitis and emphysema in the period 9 April to 30 April 1997 by BA area directorates

  Benefits agency area directorate

  Number of claims received

  East of Scotland

  205

  West of Scotland

  130

  Tyne Tees

  474

  Yorkshire

  1,405

  Greater Manchester

  96

  North West Coast

  42

  Wales

  1,189

  West Midlands

  88

  Mercia

  1,036

  West Country

  5

  London South

  30

  Chilterns

  0

  East London and Anglia

  Total—Great Britain

  4,701

  Notes:

  The figures in the table are taken from a 100 per cent. count of claims received by Benefits Agency Area Directorate.

  Source:

  Benefits Agency BREM data.

  Asbestos (Teachers)
  Mr. Clapham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many awards have been made to school teachers for asbestos-related disease, including posthumous awards, in each region of the United Kingdom since 1990. [4209]

  Mr. Denham
  There are four asbestos-related diseases that are prescribed for benefit purposes. A record of the occupation of successful claimants at the onset of the diseases is only available since 1995. The data indicate that there was one award to a teaching professional in 1995 (for mesothelioma, in South West England) and one in 1996 (for asbestosis, in the North of England). Awards for asbestos-related diseases for all occupations totalled 1,327 in 1995 and 1,317 in 1996. Separate information on posthumous awards is not collected.

  Changes made in April implemented in full the recommendations of the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council concerning industrial injuries benefit for asbestos-related diseases. These involved an extension of the occupational criteria for mesothelioma with the aim of encouraging more people with the disease to claim and
  140
  qualify for benefit if they were exposed in any job to a level of asbestos above that commonly found in the environment at large.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Anglo-Irish Secretariat
  Mr. Robert McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will make it her policy to collate information on briefings requested by the Irish side of the Anglo-Irish Secretariat at Maryfield and make such information available to hon. Members. [1318]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  I intend henceforward to place, on a quarterly basis, in the Library of the House a list of the subjects on which briefings have taken place in the Anglo-Irish Secretariat involving officials of the Northern Ireland Office and those of Northern Ireland Departments. The first report will cover the period from May to July. Details of such exchanges will, however, remain confidential to the two Governments.

  Multi-party Talks
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much money had been received from the Irish Government to cover the costs of the multi-party talks up until the adjournment; and what sums are outstanding. [2019]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  The Irish Government are bearing an equal share of the running costs of the multi-party talks, excluding any in respect of Strand One.

  During the period 10 June 1996 to 28 February 1997, under this agreement, the Irish Government have been invoiced for, and has paid, a total of £740,057.30 sterling. The breakdown is as follows:

  £

  June 1996

  67,519.61

  July 1996

  117,785.19

  August 1996

  53,009.28

  September 1996

  57,966.45

  October 1996

  104,778.07

  November 1996

  60,556.79

  December 1996

  118,886.95

  Janaury 1997

  79,316.29

  February 1997

  80,238.67

  Total

  740,057.30

  The Irish Government's share of costs for March 1997, for which they are currently being invoiced and will include any outstanding amounts not available for inclusion in previous invoices, is £98,088.85.

  Departmental Documents
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland 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 his Department in full, (d) retained by his Department in part, (e) destroyed, (f) otherwise disposed of and (g) otherwise unaccounted for. [2520]
  141
  Mr. Ingram
  [holding answer 11 June 1997]: No Northern Ireland Office records were passed to the Public Record Office in 1996. The earliest Northern Ireland Office documents will be due for transfer to the Public Record Offices when they become 30 years old in the year 2002. The suitability of those documents for permanent preservation will be reviewed under the terms of the Public Records Act 1958 and/or the Public Records Act (NI) 1923. Neither Act requires statistics to be kept in the form requested. The Chief Executive of the Public Records Office for Northern Ireland has written to you with such information as he has as he has available. To comply with their duties under the Acts the Northern Ireland Office and the Northern Ireland Departments make arrangements for the safe keeping of their records, with a view to their eventual release to the public. The general arrangements for extended closure or retention of public records as set out in Chapter 9 of the White Paper Open Government of July 1993 (Cm 2290) apply in Northern Ireland.

  Letter from A.P.W. Malcomson to Mr. Norman Baker, dated 10 June 1997:
  The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your recently tabled Parliamentary Question about the percentage and number of documents which in 1996 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.
  The place of deposit for the records of the Northern Ireland Departments is the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland, where separate transfer arrangements operate, namely under the Public Records Act (NI) 1923.
  In 1996, a total of 200 linear metres of records (equating to about 7,000 files) were transferred to the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland by the Northern Ireland Departments, the Northern Ireland Office and the Northern Ireland Court Service. No records were retained in whole or in part by the Departments.
  There would be prohibitive cost involved in compiling statistics for the percentages and numbers of documents destroyed. There is no mechanism in Northern Ireland for the disposal of records other than by transfer to the Public Record Office in Northern Ireland.
  I hope you find this information helpful.

  Illegal Arms Decommissioning
  Mr. Wareing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what conclusion she has reached as to the willingness of the parties to the peace process to reach an agreement on the decommissioning of illegally held arms; and if she will make a statement. [4149]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  I believe it should now be possible, in the light of extensive discussion in the multi-party talks, to resolve the question of decommissioning on terms which are broadly acceptable to the talks participants. The Independent Chairmen have been working towards a resolution of the issue, and we have ourselves made intensive efforts, in consultation with the parties and the Irish Government. I hope that proposals can be put forward very soon, and that they will be agreed so as to permit a start to substantive negotiations no later than September.

WALES

  Preventive Medicine
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what measures he proposes to advance preventive medicine. [1157]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  There are many initiatives under way to prevent ill health.

  Primary prevention initiatives including the Welsh Child Health Surveillance programmes play a vital role in monitoring the health and development of children. They help to prevent illnesses, particularly, childhood infectious diseases. Indeed, the childhood vaccination and immunisation programme represents one of the most effective public health interventions currently available. At very little cost, life long protection can be provided against infectious diseases—the health burdens of which can be enormous.

  Health education also has a role to play. This is the responsibility of Health Promotion Wales. Health Promotion Wales are responsible for co-ordinating national campaigns dealing with a full range of health promotion issues including smoking, diet, physical activity, substance misuse and healthy sexual behaviour. Their work is complemented by specialist health promotion services commissioned by health authorities; by staff working in the primary and community health services; and by national voluntary agencies.

  Additionally, a range of legislation is in place to control the incidence of food-borne diseases and the Government are committed to protecting the public health through additional measures to ensure the safety of food, including the establishment of a Food Standards Agency.

  Secondary prevention measures including the early detection of breast and cervical cancers, for example, through screening programmes available in Wales have significantly improved chances of survival from these diseases.

  We have set a list of targets to improve the health of the people of Wales. These include reducing deaths from cancer of the lung, breast and cervix. Other target areas include coronary heart disease and stroke. We have also asked health authorities to draw up plans to reduce accident and suicide rates and to work to improve the quality of life of patients with a number of painful conditions.

  All these initiatives, both existing and proposed, will continue to be afforded a high priority to ensure that we provide the greatest possible health benefits for the people of Wales and ensure that health strategies are responsive to the needs of the local population.

  Mature Students
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what estimate he has made of(a) how many and (b) what percentage of those studying for (i) undergraduate degrees and (ii) equivalent vocational qualifications in Wales are mature students; and if he will make a statement. [2734]
  143
  Mr. Hain
  There are no direct equivalencies between undergraduate degrees and vocational qualifications. The following table provides an analysis by qualficiation aim of those studying at undergraduate level in HE institutions in Wales in 1996–97.

  Undergraduate students in higher education establishments1 in Wales 1996–97

  Qualification aim

  Mature student2

  All students

  Per cent. mature

  First degree

  23,039

  51,757

  44.5

  Professional qualifications

  1,194

  1,213

  98.4

  Diploma/Certificate in HE

  2,916

  3,155

  92.4

  HND/HNC

  4,986

  8,466

  58.9

  NVQ/SVQ levels 4 and 5

  52

  52

  100.0

  Institutional credit

  1,077

  1.318

  81.7

  Foundation course

  271

  401

  67.6

  Other undergraduate

  6,337

  6,839

  92.7

  Total

  39,872

  73,201

  54.5

  1Excludes HE in FE establishments.

  2Students aged 21 or over in the current academic year.

  Llanelleu Bridge
  Mr. Edwards
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment he has made of the safety of pedestrians on the A4042 over Llanelleu Bridge, near Abergavenny. [2525]

  Mr. Hain
  The Department regularly reviews all sections of trunk road with regard to road safety. No traffic accidents have ever been recorded at this site.

  Mr. Edwards
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what proposals his Department has to construct a pedestrian bridge alongside the Llanelleu Bridge, near Abergavenny. [2529]

  Mr. Hain
  Given the low level of pedestrian use, the provision of a footbridge is not justifiable in the light of information I have received on other priorities, but the Department has offered to joint fund up to 50 per cent. of the projected cost of such a bridge.

  Workers Education Association
  Mr. Edwards
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement about future financial support for the Workers Education Association. [3274]

  Mr. Hain
  Under the Further and Higher Education Act 1992, the North and South Wales districts of the Workers' Educational Association are further education institutions designated as eligible to receive funding support from the Further Education Funding Council for Wales. It is for the FEFCW to determine the allocation of funding to reach district of the WEA in Wales, though I value its important work.

  Poverty
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what steps he is taking to reduce poverty in Wales; and if he will make a statement. [3149]
  144
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  The Government are determined to tackle the underlying causes of poverty in Wales, working with local government, business and the voluntary sector. In addition to wider measures to reform the benefits system and our policies on welfare to work, which will address both youth and adult unemployment and target areas of high unemployment, developments will include encouragement of regeneration programmes for the communities in greatest need: a Bill to release capital receipts to allow the building of new houses and the rehabilitation of old ones; targeting areas of low educational achievement; new approaches to childcare; approaches to improving health which recognise the impact of poverty; and promoting the involvement of local communities in identifying their needs and developing strategies to address them.

  World Environment Day
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what events were(a) sponsored and (b) publicised by his Department to mark World Environment Day on 5 June. [3821]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  At a ceremony held at the Welsh Office I marked World Environment Day by announcing the establishment of a Coastal Forum for Wales, and by presenting blue flags to be flown at nine beaches on the Welsh coastline to the local authorities which had successfully applied for these prestigious awards.

  Nevill Hall Hospital
  Mr. Edwards
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what companies comprised the private consortium in the private finance initiative for the Red Barn development at Nevill Hall Hospital, Abergavenny. [3931]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  The private consortium comprised of:

  Bovis Crown Gap

  Bovis Building Management

  RCO Support Services Ltd.

  Council House Sales
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what has been the total amount of council house sales receipts in(a) Wales and (b) the former Alyn and Deeside district council; and if he will make a statement. [3599]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  [holding answer 16 June 1997]: The total amount of council house sales receipts for the former Alyn and Deeside district council, and for Wales as a whole, is given in the following table. The period covers the inception of the right-to-buy-scheme in 1981, up to the abolition of the former district and borough councils in 1996. Receipts covered by the new capital finance system, introduced on 1 April 1990, are shown separately.
  145
  We will consult shortly on proposals for the release of set-aside housing capital receipts.

  £ thousand

  Of which:

  1 April 1981to 31 March 1990

  1 April 1990 to 31 March 1996

  Usable

  Reserved1

  Alyn and Deeside

  11,600

  7,618

  3,047

  4,571

  Wales

  662,242

  323,764

  123,220

  200,544

  1Under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989, authorities are required to set aside a proportion of capital receipts as provision to meet credit liabilities ("the reserved part").

  Food Poisoning
  Mr. Swinney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) how much his Department has spent on research into food-poisoning in each of the last five years, broken down to show the funds dedicated to(a) E. coli, (b) campylobacter and (c) salmonella; [3610]

  (2) how much his Department has budgeted for research into food-poisoning in 1997–98, broken down to show the funds dedicated to (a) E. coli, (b) campylobacter and (c) salmonella. [3611]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  The majority of research in this area is funded by the Department of my right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for Health and the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. The Welsh Office is, however, funding three concurrent studies to evaluate the detection and routine investigation of sporadic food poisoning in Wales and to identify possible risk factors for infection. Total funding of £128,000 is available with £53,000 budgeted to be spent in 1997–98.

  Compulsory Competitive Tendering
  Dr. Marek
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what proposals he has for allowing local government not to proceed with current compulsory competitive tendering. [3995]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  My right hon. Friend announced on 2 June,Official Report, column 32–3 his proposals for extending the current moratorium on compulsory competitive tendering in Wales. The Welsh Office is consulting local government, private sector contractors and other interested parties on a proposed revised timetable for implementation.

  It is important that the pressure for greater efficiencies is maintained while the Government's review of compulsory competitive tendering takes place and prior to the broader approach to achieving effectiveness and efficiency based on best value principles being introduced. My right hon. Friend has therefore asked Welsh councils to take a positive view on the benefits of voluntary competitive tendering and to conclude properly those tendering exercises which are nearing completion.

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS
  ENVIRONMENT AND THE REGIONS

    Agricultural Waste
    Mrs. Ballard
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to bring waste which arises on agricultural premises within the definition of controlled waste. [3075]

    Angela Eagle
    The Department of the Environment's Annual Report for 1997 (Cm 3607) set out the previous Government's plans for the next three years. The report stated in paragraph 6.35 that in 1997–98 the Department's plans included:"(v) issue draft regulations on extending waste management controls to certain agricultural and mining/quarrying waste for public consultation."

    The Government plan to fulfil this commitment.

    New Forest
    Mr. Colvin
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what the controlling authority will be of the proposed New Forest Heritage Area; [3143]

    (2) when the New Forest Heritage Area boundaries will be formally approved; [3141]

    (3) if he will make a statement on the statutory status of the New Forest Heritage Area. [3142]

    Mr. Raynsford
    The boundary of the New Heritage Forest has been delineated through the statutory local plan process and therefore has the force of section 54A of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. I understand that the relevant local plans defining the Heritage Area have been adopted by the local planning authorities, but that the boundary in respect of two areas of land, in the Avon Valley and north of Totton, is being reviewed in the context of the emerging New Forest District Local Plan. For the purposes of the town and country planning legislation, the controlling authorities are the local planning authorities within whose administrative areas the Heritage Area lies. These authorities, together with other public bodies with particular responsibilities for the New Forest, are represented on the non-statutory New Forest Committee which has the purpose of assisting the co-ordination of their activities.

    Since July 1994, the New Forest Heritage Area has been subject to the same national planning policies as would have applied had the area been designated a national park. These policies will have been reflected in development control decisions and statutory development plans made by the local planning authorities.

    Construction Work (Engineering Contracts)
    Mr. Baldry
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what undertakings to the construction industry Her Majesty's Government have given as to the use by Her Majesty's Government of the new engineering contract in construction work. [3428]
    147
    Mr. Raynsford
    Best practice guidance to Government departments on construction procurement lists the NEC Engineering and Construction Contract as one of the standard forms of contract which departments may choose.

    Mr. Baldry
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what use his Department is making of the new engineering contract in construction work for which it is responsible. [3430]

    Mr. Raynsford
    The NEC Engineering and Construction Contract has not so far been used for construction contracts by the former Departments of the Environment and Transport. An announcement will be made shortly concerning future use of the NEC by the Highways Agency.

    Environmental Policy
    Ms Walley
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received in respect of women and sustainable development in preparation for Earth Summit II; and if he will make a statement. [3746]

    Angela Eagle
    My Department has received 202 representations on Earth Summit II, many of which covered issues affecting women. The National Federation of Women's Institutes, Soroptimist International and Gender 21 submitted detailed representations on women's issues.

    Nuclear Waste Disposal
    Mr. Campbell-Savours
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if the Government will rule out any investigation of site 6 as a location for the disposal of nuclear waste. [3600]

    Angela Eagle
    [holding answer 16 June 1997]: There are no plans to commence investigations there or elsewhere, nor are there grounds on which to exclude any site from further consideration.

    Mr. Campbell-Savours
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the impact of newspaper reports claiming to identify site 6 for the disposal of nuclear waste on the blighting of property in the area identified. [3647]

    Angela Eagle
    [holding answer 16 June 1997]: Since there are no plans to commence investigations there or elsewhere, I have no wish to comment on the impacts of speculative newspaper reports of this kind.

    Mrs. Gillian Shephard
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what geological conditions his Department requires for the underground storage of nuclear waste material; and if these conditions would be satisfied at the Stanta training area near Thetford. [3456]

    Angela Eagle
    [holding answer 16 June 1997]: It is for the Environment Agencies to decide on a case by case basis whether particular proposals meet the safety requirements for radioactive waste disposal. I have no information about whether these requirements would be met by particular sites.
    148
    Mr. Campbell-Savours
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions whether matters of planning blight have been taken into account in the decision to refuse to reveal the location of site 6. [3601]

    Angela Eagle
    [holding answer 16 June 1997]: I can confirm that such matters have been taken into account.

    English Partnerships
    Mr. Vaz
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the budget of English Partnerships for 1997–98. [4006]

    Angela Eagle
    English Partnership's budget for 1997–98 is £298,779,000 made up of £202,779,000 grant in aid from my Department with the remainder being receipts generated by the Agency. English Partnerships also receive grant-in-aid in respect of work on the Greenwich Peninsula.

    Mr. Vaz
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many people were employed by English Partnerships on 6 May. [4005]

    Angela Eagle
    The number of permanent and contract staff employed by English Partnerships on 6 May was 383 as follows:

    Region

    Number of staff

    Corporate offices

    96

    North-east

    55

    North-west

    71

    Yorkshire and Humberside

    48

    Midlands

    47

    South-east

    35

    South-west

    31

    Total number of staff

    383

    Wild Boar
    Mr. Letwin
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the establishment of a feral population of wild boar in the south-west of England; and what plans he has to tighten the licensing procedures for the farming of wild boar. [3922]

    Angela Eagle
    Whilst there have been anecdotal reports of wild boar in Dorset and Hampshire, I am unaware of any substantiated evidence of a population having become established.

    The keeping of wild boar is covered under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 which requires any person keeping a wild boar to obtain a licence from the local authority. I have no plans to change the licensing procedures under the Act.

    Business Rates
    Mr. Cotter
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to reform business rates, to reduce the burden on small businesses. [3957]
    149
    Mr. Raynsford
    We are aware of the concerns of small businesses regarding non-domestic rates and will take them into account as we develop our policies. We will consult widely before making any changes to the system.

    Housing (Energy Efficiency)
    Mr. Welsh
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the average energy efficiency rating for housing in England; and if he will provide a breakdown by(a) local authority, (b) private sector and (c) housing association dwelling, on the latest available estimates. [3307]

    Mr. Raynsford
    The latest available estimates (from the 1991 English House Condition Survey) show the average energy efficiency rating for occupied housing in England to be 35, measured on the Government's Standard Assessment Procedure. The average SAP ratings of local authority, private sector and housing association dwellings are 34, 36 and 35 respectively. The figure for private sector dwellings reflects an average of 37 for owner occupied and 22 for private rented dwellings.

    District Councils
    Mr. Martlew
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what will be the electoral timetable for those councils which are to be based on changed boundaries following the review of district council bandings. [3650]

    Mr. Raynsford
    Changes to shire district ward boundaries, for those districts with a system of whole council elections, are implemented on the first ordinary day of elections after the making of the Order which gives effect to the changes. For those councils that elect by thirds, our practice is to provide in the Order for the holding of whole council elections on the next convenient ordinary day of elections; the changes are implemented on this day and thereafter transitional arrangements provide for a return to the normal electoral cycle.

    EU Wildlife Trade Regulation
    Mr. Leslie
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to introduce charges for licences issued under the new EU Wildlife Trade Regulation; and if he will make a statement. [4438]

    Mr. Meacher
    I have decided that it would be appropriate for businesses and individuals importing or exporting specimens of wildlife species covered by the new EU Wildlife Trade Regulation to make a contribution to the costs of the licensing service operated by my Department. To provide for this, I have laid before Parliament Statutory Instrument No. 1421. This Instrument, which will come into effect on 1 July 1997, will require applicants for import or export licences to pay a fee.

    In response to concerns expressed by wildlife traders, the scheme has been modified to ensure that businesses and individuals are not adversely affected by the introduction of fees. Applicants will have to pay only a proportion of the actual costs of processing licence applications. The basic fee will be £10.00 per species for animals, and £7.00 per genus for plants and corals, with a
    150
    discount for larger consignments. Tourists bringing home holiday souvenirs made from controlled species will pay a fee of £5.00.

    The new EU Regulation will prohibit the sale and purchase of certain species unless a specific exemption has been granted. I have no plans at present to introduce fees for such exemptions.

    My Department will have discretion to waive fees in non-commercial cases which will have benefits for the conservation of the species concerned.

  TRANSPORT

    Roads (Verge Cutting)
    Mr. Stunell
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will include within his Department's estimates for the next financial year the re-introduction of cutting of verges on trunk roads within built-up areas. [2973]

    Ms Glenda Jackson
    In 1997–98, verge cutting was reduced in cases where safety was not compromised. The Department will be considering carefully detailed expenditure plans for 1998–99 and a decision will be announced in due course.

    M6 (Congestion)
    Ms Walley
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to tackle congestion on the M6; and if he will make a statement. [3752]

    Ms Glenda Jackson
    There are two schemes in the Roads Programme to widen sections of the M6 between junctions 11A and 16 and Junctions 16 to 19. However, we are committed to strategic review of the Roads Programme. The terms of reference are not yet settled so you will appreciate that I cannot say what the effects of the review will be for the M6.

    Road Contracts
    Sir George Young
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 9 June,Official Report, column 318, whether the £350 million worth of contracts planned for 1997–98 will now be proceeded with. [3427]

    Ms Glenda Jackson
    Capital expenditure of £350 million on essential capital maintenance of roads and bridges planned for 1997–98 and we are proceeding with letting the necessary contracts.

    A46 (Dualling)
    Mr. Hogg
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he proposes to reply to the letter from the right hon. Member for Sleaford and North Hykeham of 15 May regarding the dualling of the A46; and if he will make a statement on his proposals for the dualling of the A46. [3432]

    Ms Glenda Jackson
    My right hon. Friend the Minister for Transport wrote to the hon. Member on 12 June 1997. He said that we are committed to a strategic review of the
    151
    Road Programme. The terms of reference are not yet settled so you will appreciate that I cannot say what the effects of the review will be for this scheme.

    Road Programme (Bypasses)
    Mr. Luff
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what implications the public expenditure reviews will have for the current year's bids from local authorities for funds for local bypasses. [4000]

    Ms Glenda Jackson
    The comprehensive spending review now underway will be considering the disposition of resources within the Department's limits for next year announced in last November's budget.

    Railway Stations (Disabled Access)
    Mr. Edwards
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement about Railtrack's proposals to ensure that there is full access to railway stations for people with disabilities in wheelchairs. [3932]

    Ms Glenda Jackson
    The Rail Regulator requires Railtrack, under the terms of their station operator's licence, to establish a Disabled People's Protection Policy. It is Railtrack's stated policy to meet the latest standards required when carrying out major refurbishment to stations or building new ones.

    The Rail Regulator's recent statement on regulatory objectives for passenger train and station operators, which includes Railtrack, urged operators to set targets for significant improvements to accessibility for disabled passengers in the shortest possible timescale.

    Access to railway stations is covered by the provisions of Part III of the Disability Discrimination Act. There are specific provisions which deal with the removal of physical barriers to access where that is deemed reasonable.

    Radioactive Material (Transport by Plane)
    Mrs. May
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will ensure that British Nuclear Fuels do not transport radioactive material by plane to Sellafield until the Government have reassessed the safety standards for such flights. [4207]

    Ms Glenda Jackson
    I understand that BNFL have no current plans to transport radioactive materials to Sellafield by air.

    However radioactive material has been safely transported by air from Sellafield for many years, in packages meeting the recommendations of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Safety Standards as promulgated in the International Civil Aviation Organisation's Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air on which UK law is based.

    The IAEA keeps its standards under continuous review and recently revised and strengthened its recommended standards for the safe transport of radioactive material by air. We thus see no purpose in a further safety review at this time.
    152
    We expect the latest IAEA recommendations to be implemented into UK law when they have been introduced into ICAO's Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air.

  AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

    Aquaculture
    Mr. Martyn Jones
    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if the LINK programme on Aquaculture has examined the competitiveness of ecologically sound systems of aquaculture; and if he will make a statement. [3578]

    Mr. Morley
    While no proposal on this particular subject has come forward under Aquaculture LINK, minimising the environmental impact of aquaculture is one of the key themes of the programme. It already includes a project on the environmental aspects of site assessments for salmon farming, and a proposal to study the impact on freshwater lochs of wastes from aquaculture operations is under consideration. We have recently issued a further call for proposals in this area. As with other LINK programmes, projects funded through Aquaculture LINK must have industry support, be of high scientific quality and be endorsed by the Programme Management Committee (an independent body of aquaculture experts) and the programme sponsors.

    Special Advisers
    Mr. Hogg
    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many special advisers were employed at his Department on(a) 1 April and (b) 1 June and at what cost, indicating separately the cost of secretarial and office support staff. [3431]

    Dr. John Cunningham
    On 1 April my department employed one special adviser. On 1 June two special advisers were employed.

    The rates of pay for a special adviser on 1 April were between £20,631 and £71,517. The pay system for special advisers was revised on 3 May and they are now paid between £24,349 and £73,484 per annum. Their salaries are negotiated individually and are confidential. Details are not provided in order to protect the privacy of the individuals concerned.

    On 1 April one personal secretary worked directly to the special adviser. On 1 June one personal secretary worked directly to the two special advisers. Personal secretaries in London are currently paid between £9,937 and £18,079 per annum (including London Weighting and secretarial allowances). Details are not provided in order to protect the privacy of the individuals concerned. No support staff have worked directly to the special advisers.

    Fibre Flax Production
    Mr. Caplin
    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he proposes to prevent European agricultural subsidies being paid for the growing of fibre flax on land of environmental importance. [3344]
    153
    Mr. Rooker
    The Government consider that fibre flax is a useful, and relatively environment-friendly alternative crop. A number of changes have recently been made to flax regime, which should ensure flax is grown on suitable land, appropriately cultivated and for a definite end use. However, in view of the recent concern, we are looking at a range of options specifically to address the problem of its cultivation on valuable wildlife sites.

    BSE
    Mrs. Gillan
    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to review the briefings on BSE and the selective cull which are given by veterinary officers of his Department; and if he will make a statement. [4055]

    Mr. Rooker
    Veterinary officers do, in the course of their duties, discuss BSE and the selective cull with individual farmers and from time to time at other meetings. I am not aware of any need to review the way in which this is done, but if the hon. Member has something particular in mind, I would be more than happy to discuss any points she wishes to put to me on this.

    Horticulture
    Mr. Martyn Jones
    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if the LINK programme on Horticulture has examined the competitiveness of permaculture-based systems; and if he will make a statement. [3579]

    Mr. Rooker
    The competitiveness of permaculture-based systems has not been examined by the Horticulture LINK. Such matters are more appropriate for funding by industry organisations.

    MAFF Regional Panels
    Mr. Letwin
    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to introduce MAFF regional panels. [3919]

    Mr. Rooker
    None. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food announced the disbandment of the MAFF regional panels on 28 May 1997, as part of a new approach to create a more direct, open and accessible Ministry for all those who use, live and work in the countryside.

    Fish Quotas
    Mr. Doran
    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what income from the statutory levy on first-hand sale of fish was received by the Seafish 154
    Industry Authority in the last full year for which figures are available; what quantities this represented for each species governed by quota regulations; and whether these figures for quantities sold were in line with recorded landings of each of those species. [3652]

    Mr. Morley
    The amount of levy received by the Sea Fish Industry Authority (SFIA) in the financial year 1996–97 is as follows:

    1996–97 levy received by value

    £

    Whitefish

    5,686,499

    Pelagic

    401,848

    Shellfish

    1,258.792

    Cockles etc.

    65,684

    Fishmeal

    336,449

    Total

    7.749.272

    Levy is collected on first-hand sales of fish in the UK according to the method of its presentation on the market. Records of the levy collected by SFIA on such sales are not kept in a format that would enable the income to be broken down by species and compared with recorded landings.

    Mr. Doran
    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on how many occasions inspectors from his Department stopped and checked overland consignments of fish from other ports to the fish market at Grimsby in the last year for which figures are available; and on how many occasions charges were brought for breaches of quota legislation. [3653]

    Mr. Morley
    Over the last 12 months specific checks have been carried out on 14 consignments of fish brought overland to Grimsby pursuant to Article 13 of Council Regulation (EEC) No. 2847/93 of 12 October 1993 establishing a control system applicable to the common fisheries policy. There have been no prosecutions to date.

    Slaughterhouses
    Mr. Flynn
    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans his Department has to introduce mandatory minimum stunning current levels for each species prior to slaughter in slaughterhouses; and if he will make a statement. [3228]

    Mr. Morley
    We welcome the fact that the European Commission is preparing a proposal which would introduce minimum stunning currents. We shall be supporting this, subject to the detailed provisions being satisfactory.

  Aid Spending
  Aid Spending
  Security Council: UK Seat
  Security Council: UK Seat
  Task Force on Youth Justice
  Task Force on Youth Justice
  Wrongful Conviction: Ex-Gratia Compensation
  Wrongful Conviction: Ex-Gratia Compensation
  Lottery Odds
  Lottery Odds
  Common Agricultural Policy
  Common Agricultural Policy
  No. 10 Downing Street: Charitable Events
  No. 10 Downing Street: Charitable Events
  Unemployment
  Unemployment
  A-Levels: Costs per Student
  A-Levels: Costs per Student
  Teacher Training
  Teacher Training
  Literacy Targets
  Literacy Targets
  Assisted Places Scheme
  Assisted Places Scheme
  Small Firms: Investors in People Scheme
  Small Firms: Investors in People Scheme
  Asylum Seekers: Food Voucher Proposal
  Asylum Seekers: Food Voucher Proposal
  Nurse Prescribing
  Nurse Prescribing
  Parental Leave
  Parental Leave
  EU Wildlife Trade Regulation: Licence Charges
  EU Wildlife Trade Regulation: Licence Charges
  Buses: EU Directive Proposal
  Buses: EU Directive Proposal
  Japanese Knotweed
  Japanese Knotweed
  "Marchioness" Sinking: Public Inquiry Proposal
  "Marchioness" Sinking: Public Inquiry Proposal