Written Answers of 25 June 1997

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Crime Prevention
  Mr. Gunnell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to give local authorities a statutory obligation to co-ordinate local initiatives to prevent crime and develop plans to make them more effective. [4811]

  Mr. Michael
  We intend to place a new responsibility on local authorities and the police service jointly to develop statutory local partnerships for crime prevention and community safety and to agree, with the key partners, local community safety targets. Our proposals will be developed on the basis of full consultation with all interested parties. This will be included in the forthcoming Crime and Disorder Bill.

  Prisoners (Conditions)
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what instructions he has given to the Prison Service to ensure that wherever possible convicted prisoners should serve their sentences in prisons within reasonable travelling distance of close relatives. [4610]

  Ms Joyce Quin
  Prison Rule 31 provides that special attention should be paid to the maintenance of such relationships between a prisoner and his family as are desirable in the best interests of both. Circular Instruction 7/1988, a copy of which is available in the Library, sets out the principles governing the allocation of convicted adult male prisoners. Similar instructions exist for women and males under 21 years of age. The needs of the individual prisoner, including the facilitating of visits, is one of four priorities governing allocation.

  Wherever possible, prisoners are located close to their home and family. However, security is the primary consideration in a prisoner's allocation and account must also be taken of the need to maintain good order and control and, particularly because of the current population pressures, the need to make best use of the estate.

  Internet
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his Department's estimate of the percentage of content providers on the Internet who publish material unsuitable for children but are currently taking part in voluntary self-certification. [4902]

  Mr. Michael
  Information is not available in the form requested. However, I understand from figures compiled in April by the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), the independent industry body set up last year, that some 7 per cent. (1,419) if sites which are rated with the Recreational Software Advisory Council (RSAC), the voluntary content ratings system developed by the RSAC 512
  in the United States of America, are in the United Kingdom. There is no United Kingdom rating system available, although the IWF hope to report shortly on their recommendations for the development of a self-rating system suitable for the United Kingdom, to which major Internet Service Providers would subscribe.

  Patrick Nichols
  Mr. Mullin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the tariff recommended by(a) the trial judge, (b) the Lord Chief Justice and (c) the Home Secretary in the case of Patrick Nichols; what length of sentence he has already served; and what are the reasons for his continued detention. [3517]

  Ms Joyce Quin
  The trial judge and the Lord Chief Justice both recommended 13 years, and that was the period set by the then Home Secretary.

  Mr. Nichols has served 22 years in custody. For reasons which have been explained to him, the Parole Board has not considered it appropriate to recommend release. Without such a recommendation, my right hon. Friend has no power to release Mr. Nichols.

  Treason and Piracy (Maximum Penalties)
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many years have elapsed since the maximum penalties in force on the statute book for(a) treason and (b) piracy were applied. [4647]

  Mr. Michael
  [holding answer 20 June 1997]: The last execution for the offence of treason was 41 years ago in 1946. In 1945 there were three persons sentenced to death for treason. One of the sentences was commuted to penal servitude. William Joyce (Lord Haw Haw) was executed in 1946 for treason. The other offender, Thomas Cooper, who had joined the German army at the age of twenty (his mother was of German origin) was reprieved in 1946 and ended up with a life sentence, of which he served seven years.

  Historical records indicate that the last two executions for the offence of piracy took place 167 years ago in 1830.

  Immigration Offences
  Mr. Malins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the number of prosecutions that have been undertaken against foreign nationals for immigration offices, indicating(a) the offence, (b) the outcomes and (c) the maximum sentences passed for the last 12 months for which figures are available. [5340]

  Mr. Michael
  [holding answer 24 June 1997]: Court data for prosecutions of foreign nationals by the type of immigration offence committed are given in the tables:

  Information given is for 1995 (latest available).
  513

  Table A. Number of defendants prosecuted at magistrates' courts and convicted at all courts for offences under the Immigration Act 1971 by type of offence and result, 1995

  England and Wales

  Offence1 description

  Proceeded against

  Found guilty

  Total sentenced

  Absolute or conditional discharge

  Fine

  Community sentence

  Fully suspended sentence

  Immediate custody

  Otherwise dealt with

  Entering UK in breach of a deportation order [Sec 24 (1) (a)]

  3

  2

  2

  —

  2

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Entering UK without leave [Sec 24 (1) (a)]

  24

  10

  10

  —

  8

  —

  —

  2

  —

  Overstaying time limit of leave [Sec 24 (1) (b) (i), 24 (1) (c)]

  11

  6

  6

  1

  —

  1

  —

  4

  —

  Failure to observe conditions of leave [Sec 24 (10) (b) (ii), 24 (1) (d)]

  11

  5

  5

  3

  2

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Failure to observe restrictions under Schedule 2 or 3 as to reporting to police or an Immigration Officer as to residence [Sec 24 (1) (e)]

  9

  3

  3

  1

  1

  —

  —

  1

  —

  Foreign national failing to register with police or to produce documents etc. [Sec 26 (1) (f)]

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Failing to supply necessary information when staying at hotels etc. [Sec 26 (1) (f)]

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1Principal immigration offence.

  Table B. Number of offenders fined at magistrates' courts for offences under the Immigration Act 1971 by type of offence and amount of fine,1995

  England and Wales

  Amount of fine

  Offence1 description

  Total fined

  £50

  £100

  £150

  £200

  £250

  £400

  £500

  Entering UK in breach of a deportation order [Sec 24 (1) (a)]

  2

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  Entering UK without leave [Sec 24 (1) (a)]

  8

  —

  3

  —

  1

  3

  —

  1

  Overstaying time limit of leave [Sec 24 (1) (b) (i), 24 (1) (c)]

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Failure to observe conditions of leave [Sec 24 (10) (b) (ii), 24 (1) (d)]

  2

  —

  1

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Failure to observe restrictions under Schedule 2 or 3 as to reporting to police or an Immigration Officer as to residence [Sec 24 (1) (e)]

  1

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Foreign national failing to register with police or to produce documents etc. [Sec 26 (1) (f)]

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Failing to supply necessary information when staying at hotels etc. [Sec 26 (1) (f)]

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1Principal immigration offence.

  Table C. Number of offenders sentenced to immediate custody at magistrates' courts for offences under the Immigration Act 1971 by type of offence and length of sentence, 1995

  England and Wales

  Length of sentence given

  Offence1 description

  Total immediate custody

  14 days

  One month

  Two months

  Three months

  Entering UK in breach of a deportation order [Sec 24 (1) (a)]

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Entering UK without leave [Sec 24 (1) (a)]

  2

  —

  —

  —

  2

  Overstaying time limit of leave [Sec 24 (1) (b) (i), 24 (1) (c)]

  4

  —

  1

  3

  —

  Failure to observe conditions of leave [Sec 24 (10) (b) (ii), 24 (1) (d)]

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Failure to observe restrictions under Schedule 2 or 3 as to reporting to police or an Immigration Officer as to residence [Sec 24 (1) (e)]

  1

  1

  —

  —

  —

  Foreign national failing to register with police or to produce documents etc. [Sec 26 (1) (f)]

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Failing to supply necessary information when staying at hotels etc. [Sec 26 (1) (f)]

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1Principal immigration offence.

  514

  Entry Clearance
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will initiate a fast track system for those who have been refused admission under the primary purpose rule to apply for entry clearance. [4008]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  I have been asked to reply.

  In cases where an application has been refused solely on primary purpose grounds and an appeal is pending the Home Office will remit the papers to the Entry Clearance Officer for issue of entry clearance, subject to there being no change of circumstances. Cases which were deferred at posts pending an announcement by the Home Secretary will now be reviewed and where primary purpose would have been the only ground for refusal, again subject to no change of circumstances, entry clearance will be issued. Where no application or appeal is pending, applicants may re-apply for entry clearance in the normal way.

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  Departmental Staff
  Mr. Tom King
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many(a) full-time and (b) part-time persons employed by his Department and its agencies are paid (i) less than £4.00 an hour, (ii) less than £3.50 an hour and (iii) less than £3.00 an hour. [4198]

  Mr. Prescott
  The number of staff paid less than the levels shown is as follows:

  Staff

  £4.00 an hour

  1,246

  £3.50 an hour

  717

  £3.00 an hour

  35

  These estimates reflect current salary levels and staff numbers, which will vary considerably over time. Part-time and full-time staff are paid the same hourly rates.

  Environmental Task Force
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he plans to set up the environmental task force. [4479]

  Ms Angela Eagle
  We are proposing to launch the New Deal Programme shortly, including the Environmental Task Force, which will be one of the four options on offer.

  Areas of Outstanding National Beauty
  Mr. Caplin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the process of consulting on the future funding of areas of outstanding natural beauty; and when a consultation document will be made available. [4613]

  Ms Angela Eagle
  Ministers will shortly be considering these matters with the Countryside Commission, including the question of a consultation document.

  Water Charges
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has for further consultation on future policy relating to water charges; and if he will make a statement. [5091]

  Mr. Meacher
  As the Deputy Prime Minister announced at the Water Summit, the Government is to review the system of charging for water in England and Wales. I am launching that review today. The purpose of the review is to ensure that we have a fair and sustainable system of charging for water and sewerage services.

  The review will be conducted jointly by my Department and the Welsh Office, in consultation with the Office of Water Services. My Department will be writing today to interested bodies with details of the main issues which the review will address and inviting their representations. A copy of the letter has been placed in the Libraries of the House.

  There is public concern about the system of charging for water. Water and sewerage services have to be paid for, but customers are entitled to expect that the basis on which their charges are levied is a fair one. The method of charging should have the support of customers as well as water companies.

  The review will look at the various methods of charging for mains water and sewerage services, including both unmeasured and measured systems. Under Section 145 of the Water Industry Act 1991, water companies must not base their charges on rateable values after 31 March 2000. The review will consider the future use of rateable values and other possible bases for unmeasured charges, such as the use of council tax bands. It will also consider debt recovery arrangements.

  We have made clear our opposition to compulsory metering for essential household use of water. We will also want to look very carefully at the issues of disconnection and the use of budget payment meters for household water supplies: no one should be deprived of water because of inability to pay for it. We will consider these issues in the review. But we do want to have views from all the interested parties before we bring forward proposals for changes in the present regime.

  The overall level of water charges and the system of price limits set by the water regulator will not be considered in this review.

  Telecommunications Masts
  Mr. Ottaway
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to review Planning Policy Guidance Note 8 as it affects the siting and erection of telecommunication masts. [4993]

  Mr. Raynsford
  We have no immediate plans to review the basic approach of Planning Policy Guidance note 8 to the siting and erection of telecommunication masts. Work is in hand with representatives of local planning authorities and telecommunications code system operators to review the working of the Code of Best Practice for Telecommunications Prior Approval Procedures as applied to Mast/Tower Development, which was published by my Department last year.

  House Building
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will establish a review into the methods by which developments in environmentally friendly design and the use of sustainable materials can be incorporated into future house building programmes; and if he will make a statement. [4878]

  Mr. Raynsford
  My Department is supporting research on a wide range of projects aimed at increasing understanding and awareness of, and promoting, more sustainable construction. I shall be launching new construction innovation and research business plans on 4 July. Sustainable construction will be a major theme. We are also examining how dissemination and take up of research and best practice can be improved and made more effective.

  Organophosphates
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to review the effects on the environment of the use of organophosphates. [4913]

  Ms Angela Eagle
  The Environment Agency keeps the environmental effects of organophosphates under review through its monitoring programmes. I have arranged for a copy of its recently published report "Pesticides in the Aquatic Environment 1995" to be placed in the Library. The Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme, run by the Agriculture Departments, monitors the impact of agricultural pesticides, including organophosphates, on wildlife. Approvals of organophosphate pesticides and veterinary medicines are reviewed by the Advisory Committee on Pesticides and the Veterinary Products Committee. Agricultural pesticides including organophosphates are also subject to the European Community rolling review programme under Council Directive 91/414. The Veterinary Products Committee reviewed organophosphate sheep-dips earlier this year and its recommendations are currently being put into place. There are also many research projects addressing the effects of organophosphates on the environment including those funded by the Natural Environment Research Council. The Government is considering whether any further action to reduce the effects of organophosphates on the environment is necessary.

  Mine Water
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will review progress made to date in cleaning contaminated mine water; and what plans he has to enhance the current clean-up programme. [4919]

  Ms Angela Eagle
  Last year, the Environment Agency and the Coal Authority identified for further study a priority list of 35 serious mine water discharges from abandoned coal mines in England and Wales which need remedial pollution treatment, and which are being monitored by the Environment Agency during 1997. Following discussions with the Environment Agency and the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency, the Coal Authority has undertaken 14 detailed feasibility studies on the most environmentally damaging discharges and 518
  allocated over £2 million principally to tackle four priority sites during 1997–98. I am reviewing the need for further action to clean-up contaminated mine water sites.

  Local Authority Changes
  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to revise the current list of charges which local authorities can make. [5074]

  Mr. Raynsford
  We are currently consulting local authority and business interests on draft Regulations allowing local authorities to recover costs for certain highway and transport services. I have placed a copy of the consultation version of the Regulations in the Library of the House. We hope to lay the Regulations before the summer recess.

  Council Tax
  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to create new council tax bands below the current band A and above band E. [4885]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The question of whether any changes should be made to the structure of the council tax valuation bands is one that the Government will wish to discuss with the Local Government Association and others before reaching a view.

  Organic Production
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will examine occasions in(a) the United Kingdom and (b) Germany where water companies have (i) encouraged organic agriculture and (ii) promoted the marketing of organic produce from farmers within their watersheds with a view to promoting examples of best practice within the industry; and if he will make a statement. [4887]

  Ms Angela Eagle
  Water suppliers have an interest in any initiatives which prevent pollution of drinking water sources and work closely with the farming community to protect catchments. My right hon. Friend, the Minister of Agriculture has general responsibility for organic farming; it would be interesting to learn of any specific initiatives by water suppliers either here or in Germany to encourage organic farming and the promotion of organic produce.

  Rat Control
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) who has the responsibility for rat control in public sewers; and what steps he has taken to monitor performance in this area; [5156]

  (2) what plans he has to review the duties and responsibilities of the sewerage undertakings with respect to the funding of sewer baiting programmes to control the rat population. [5155]

  Ms Angela Eagle
  No one body has overall responsibility for rodent control because of the diverse factors involved in dealing with both the causes and effects of rodent infestations. Sewerage undertakers have programmes to control and reduce the number of rats
  519
  entering sewers and the funding of these programmes is a matter for each undertaker. All undertakers monitor the level of rat infestation in their sewers and I understand that the water industry will be undertaking some research in this area early next year. Local authorities have the power to take action if the drainage systems in their area pose a threat to public health and this helps to ensure that sewerage undertakers maintain a sufficient programme to control the rat population. I have no plans to review the duties or monitor the performance of sewerage undertakers in this field.

  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when it is proposed to review the approved document to part H of the Building Regulations; and what plans he has to strengthen the advice on the prevention of damage(a) by rates and (b) from high pressure water jetting for cleaning drains. [5158]

  Mr. Raynsford
  We propose to begin a review of the Approved Document to Part H of the Building Regulations next year, when we will consider whether the advice on prevention of damage by rats and from high pressure water jetting needs to be strengthened.

  Water Abstraction
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he is taking to discourage water companies from abstracting water from rivers. [5270]

  Ms Angela Eagle
  Abstraction of water from rivers is subject to licensing requirements, set out in Chapter II of the Water Resources Act 1991 and administered by the Environment Agency. At the Water Summit we held in May, we made it clear to water companies that they must make stringent efforts to improve their management of the demand for water. We also said that we would review the water abstraction licensing system, with a key aim of ensuring that the needs of the environment are given due weight in licensing decisions. That review is currently underway.

  Cash Limits
  Mr. McDonnell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proposals he has to change the cash and running cost limits and external financing limits within his responsibility for 1997–98. [5592]

  Mr. Prescott
  Subject to Parliamentary approval of the necessary Supplementary Estimates, the following changes will be made.

  The cash limit for Class VI, Vote 2—Regeneration and Countryside and Wildlife-will be increased by £27,000,000 from £1,453,168,000 to £1,480,168,000. The increase, which will be met by a call on the Reserve, is required for the Urban Regeneration Agency (English Partnerships) to continue with the clearing and preparation of the Greenwich Peninsula site for the Millennium Exhibition.

  The external financing limit for the Urban Regeneration Agency (English Partnerships) will be increased by £27,000,000 from £177,779,000 to £204,779,000.
  520
  The cash limit for Class VI, Vote 5 (Administration) covering sections A to J of that Vote, will be increased by £1,146,000 from £393,455,000 to £394,601,000. This change reflects: a new Section (G) for payments of £50,000 in respect of the sale of the Housing Corporation Loan Portfolio; a new Section (H) for payments of £61,000 in respect of the privatisation costs of the Building Research Establishment; a new Section (I) to make a payment of £1,085,000 to the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre in respect of client deposits; a new Section (J) with a net provision of £1,000 in order to allow short term loans to be made to the Queen Elizabeth H Conference Centre; a reduction of £51,000 to provision for Section A in order to find the increases sought for Sections G and J.

  A part payment of £500,000 from the £1,085,000 for client deposits to the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, for which provision is being sought in the new Section I, is required urgently. Pending approval of the Supplementary Estimate for Class VI, Vote 5, expenditure on this new service will therefore be met by repayable advances from the Contingencies fund.

  All the increases will be offset by savings, transfers or will be charged to the reserve and will therefore not add to the planned total of public expenditure.

  Bus Regulation
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he is taking to pursue his commitment to the proper regulation of buses. [5632]

  Dr. Strang
  As part of the fundamental review of transport policy announced by my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister on 5 June at column 226. I announced in a speech to the Confederation of Passenger Transport earlier today a wide ranging bus review. Its purpose is to examine how buses can best play their part in an integrated transport policy. Our aim is to see increased use of the bus as a means of reducing congestion and pollution, particularly by attracting motorists from their cars.

  The review will look at all aspects of buses including: the scope for more effective use of bus priority measures, coupled as necessary with traffic restraint; better arrangements for passenger information and ticketing, including inter-modal travel; and regulatory and other measures to improve the quality of bus services, notably through the "quality partnership" approach between operators and local authorities. In addition, it will address financial issues such as costs and support for the industry.

  I intend to consult fully with the industry, local authorities, bus users and other interest groups, building on the joint work that has previously been done in this area. The results of the review will form part of the proposed White Paper next Spring on integrated transport policy.

  EU Transport Council
  Mr. Pound
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what was the result of the Transport Council held in Luxembourg on 17 and 18 June. [5794]
  521
  Dr. Strang
  The Transport Council met in Luxembourg on 17 and 18 June. My right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister and I represented the United Kingdom.

  My right hon. Friend made a statement emphasising the importance the Government attaches to Europe and stressing the constructive approach the United Kingdom would seek to take.

  The Council reached political agreement on a Directive to co-ordinate and improve Member States' arrangements for safety inspection of third country aircraft using EU airports. The United Kingdom, supported by Germany, asked for a statement to be entered in the Council minutes making clear that we would have preferred the Directive to apply also to EU aircraft.

  The Council agreed conclusions on Community involvement in the EUROCONTROL organisation, which co-ordinates air traffic management arrangements within Europe, and on work towards the creation of a new European aviation safety organisation.

  The Council held a further discussion on a draft directive on the levels of heavy goods vehicle taxation and of road user charges for those Member States which levy a specific charge for the use of their motorways. By qualified majority (with Germany opposing) the Council agreed a Regulation which will require new commercial vehicles to be fitted with electronic tachographs when such instruments have been type approved. This was the only item on which the Council took a vote. The United Kingdom secured an amendment intended to ensure that the security of new electronic tachograph products will be properly tested before they are approved for use.

  The Council debated road safety, and agreed conclusions which, in particular, encouraged the Commission to take forward ideas on exchange of best practice. The Council also agreed conclusions endorsing a Commission report by the Commission on road transport telematics and inviting further work in this area.

  The Council agreed conclusions welcoming a Commission communication on trans-European rail freight freeways, whose aim is to encourage the transfer of freight from road to rail by allowing greater freedom of access by train operators to the Community's rail network.

  The Council reached political agreement on a Directive requiring counting of passengers on all sea voyages and the registration of the name, gender and other details of passengers on voyages over 20 miles, subject to certain exemptions and derogations. The Council also reached political agreement on a Directive bringing Community rules on seafarer training into line with the 1995 revision of International Maritime Organisation Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers.

  The Council held a general debate on a Commission communication on maritime external relations, and agreed conclusions welcoming a Commission report on short sea shipping.

  Among other issues raised at the Council were the growth of weekend lorry bans, the Community's aviation negotiations with the US and with central and Eastern European countries, and duty-free sales on travel with in
  522
  the European Union. On this a number of Member States sought an independent study of the effects of abolition: no undertaking was, however, given by the Commission.

  Dial-a-Ride Schemes
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how much in each of the last three financial years his Department has provided in financial support to London Transport for dial-a-ride schemes operating in London, and how much London Transport paid to the dial-a-ride companies in each of the same years. [4424]

  Ms Glenda Jackson: The answer is as follows:

  £million

  1994–95

  1995–96

  1996–97

  Payments to London Transport for Dial-a-Ride

  12.6

  9.3

  10.1

  Payments by London Transport to the Dial-a-Ride companies

  9.3

  8.8

  8.5

  The difference between the two figures is London Transport's own salary and staff costs in support of Dial-a-Ride, and certain costs which London Transport met on behalf of the Dial-a-Ride companies such as vehicles and computer equipment.

  M20
  Sir John Stanley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will use the M20 between junctions 3 and 5 to test the new quieter road surfaces developed by his Department. [5136]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  When the M20 between junctions 3 and 5 needs attention as part of planned maintenance, the possibility of using it to test novel forms of quieter road surface developed by the industry will be considered.

  Sir John Stanley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will provide noise barriers on the M20 between junction 3 and 5. [5135]

  Ms Jackson
  It is not possible to justify the expenditure of public funds on providing noise barriers along this section of the M20. As this would mainly be of benefit to people who either bought property in the vicinity of the M20 in full knowledge of the noise from traffic, or were compensated for the loss of value of their property when the road was first built, in anticipation of the growth of traffic on it.

  Noise Barriers
  Sir John Stanley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will adopt a discretionary policy of providing noise barriers on motorways that were opened to traffic after 17 October 1969. [5134]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The current policy is aimed at reducing the adverse effects that road construction or improvement would have on the surrounding area and
  523
  applying similar principles to those roads which were built before the operative date specified in the Land Compensation Act.

  Diesel Fuel (Pollution)
  Mr. Todd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the impact on pollutant emissions of introducing a tax differential between diesel fuel products based on the level of pollution they generate. [4864]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Provision has been made for a duty differential of 1p per litre between ultra low sulphur diesel and conventional diesel fuel and this will be introduced when we have completed the procedure of obtaining the necessary EU derogation. This is imminent. It is expected that the effect of this differential on pollutant emissions will increase as supplies of ultra low sulphur diesel become more readily available. It is still too early to judge what the final impact of the existing differential might be.

  Radioactive Materials (Transportation)
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will assess the advantages of reconstituting the Advisory Committee on the Safe Transport of Radioactive Materials. [4911]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The Advisory Committee on the Safe Transport of Radioactive Material (ACTRAM) was wound up in January 1989 after the Secretary of State for Transport and the Chairman of the Health and Safety Commission had agreed that its work had been satisfactorily completed. I am satisfied that ACTRAM's conclusions remain valid and that there is no need to reconstitute the Committee.

  Motorway Lighting
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the stretches of motorway which are currently unlit; what his Department's policy is in relation to lighting these parts of the motorway; and if he will make a statement. [5079]

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

  Letter from Lawrie Haynes to Mr. Peter Pike, dated 25 June 1997:
  The Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions has asked me to reply to your recent question about the sections of unlit motorway and the Department's policy for lighting these parts of motorway.
  Road Lighting is provided over 30% of the motorway network in England. A list and a map illustrating the lit sections of motorway is attached for your information. Copies of the attached map will be placed in the Library. All other sections of motorway are currently unlit.
  Lighting is provided in high accident risk areas. The decision on whether to provide lighting is based on an economic assessment of the capital, maintenance and energy costs set against the potential savings as a result of the reduction in night time personal injury accidents. A full environmental assessment is also incorporated.
  New motorway lighting is being provided in conjunction with motorway widening schemes currently under construction. Apart from this, there is no programme to extend road lighting to unlit sections of motorway. The situation is however kept under review in light of historic accident rates and availability of funds.
  524

  List of whole or part sections of lit motorway

  Motorway

  Junction to Junction Number

  Number

  Ml

  1

  20

  Ml

  21

  27

  M1

  46

  47

  M2

  6

  End

  M3

  Start

  1

  M3

  2

  3

  M3

  12

  End

  M4

  Start

  8/9

  M4

  10

  13

  M4

  20

  21

  M4

  22

  Wales

  M5

  Start

  9

  M5

  14

  19

  M5

  30

  31

  M6

  Start

  1

  M6

  2

  3

  M6

  3

  11

  M6

  15

  16

  M6

  19

  21A

  M6

  26

  33

  M10

  1

  2

  M11

  Start

  3

  M11

  5

  7

  M11

  12

  End

  M20

  4

  8

  M20

  11

  13

  M23

  7

  9

  M23

  9

  9A

  M23

  10

  End

  M25

  1A

  3

  M25

  6

  9

  M25

  10

  17

  M25

  18

  22

  M25

  23

  31

  M27

  3

  4

  M27

  5

  9

  M27

  11

  12

  M32

  Start

  1

  M32

  1

  3

  M40

  1

  2

  M40

  4

  5

  M42

  Start

  1

  M42

  3

  4

  M42

  5

  9

  M45

  Start

  1

  M50

  Start

  1

  M53

  Start

  3

  M54

  Start

  3

  M55

  Start

  3

  M55

  3

  End

  M56

  Start

  7

  M57

  6

  End

  M58

  Start

  1

  M58

  3

  4

  M61

  Start

  4

  M61

  9

  End

  M62

  9

  11

  M62

  11

  27

  M62

  37

  End

  M63

  Start

  End

  M66

  1

  End

  M67

  Start

  End

  M69

  Start

  1

  M69

  2

  End

  M180

  Start

  2

  M180

  4

  End

  M606

  Start

  End

  M621

  Start

  End

  Details based on fully commissioned lighting installations.

  Fuel Duty
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received against the abolition of vehicle excise duty and the replacement of the lost revenue by the introduction of an additional fuel duty. [5382]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Representation has been received from a range of individuals and organisations on vehicle and fuel taxation, including the suggestion of abolishing vehicle excise duty and increasing fuel duty.

  Port of Tyne
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received about the privatisation of the Port of Tyne; and if he will make a statement. [5257]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  My right hon. Friend is currently considering a request from the Port of Tyne Authority that the compulsory privatisation of the port should not proceed. Six other letters about the port have also been received.

  River Cruise Licences
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will consider renegotiating river cruise licences with a view to safety. [4022]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  This is not a question which necessarily falls to my Department as the description of "river cruise licences" does not conform to any particular licence or certificate which is currently issued.

  Local authorities issue licences allowing the operation of vessels which carry passengers and these licences would seem to be the most similar to those referred to in the question. There is an administrative charge relating to such licences and limited safety implications are involved.

  The Marine Safety Agency (MSA) is responsible for issuing Passenger Certificates to vessels operating on inland waterways and the Environment Agency (EA) formally the National Rivers Authority (NRA) operates a Boat Safety Scheme with the emphasis for both being safety.

  If you have any questions relating to either of these areas, I am sure that the Chief Executives of the MSA or EA will be able to help.

  War Pensioners
  Mr. Richard Allan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has for a national scheme of disregards for war pensioners in respect of council tax and housing benefit to replace the current local discretionary schemes. [4128]

  Mr. Bradley
  I have been asked to reply.

  The present disregard aims to strike a balance between acknowledging the special reasons for payment of the pension and the proper use of public funds. War pensioners already receive preferential treatment and benefit from many advantages over their Social Security counterparts.
  526
  To increase the disregard of the special treatment already afforded to war pensioners and war widows could be done only at the expense of other deserving groups.

  We therefore have no plans to change the current disregards for war pensioners.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Chartered Accountants
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what visitorial rights he has in respect of disputes between the officials of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and its members.[5391]

  Mr. Hoon
  I have none. Her Majesty The Queen has directed the Lord Chancellor to exercise Her visitorial jurisdiction in connection with one dispute involving the Association.

ATTORNEY-GENERAL

  Crown Prosecution Service
  Mr. Cranston
  To ask the Attorney-General what progress has been made on the appointment of an organisational expert as part of the Crown Prosecution Service review.[5795]

  The Attorney-General
  I have appointed Mr. Robert McFarland, formerly Chief Executive of BOC Gases (South Asia, Middle East and Africa). He is a Chartered Accountant who has recently completed a successful international career in industry and will bring considerable organisational/management expertise to the Review team.

CABINET OFFICE

  Minister without Portfolio
  Mr. Hawkins
  To ask the Minister without Portfolio if he will list the(a) meetings and (b) telephone conversations he has held since 2 May in his official capacity with members of the media, and the subjects discussed.[5417]

  Mr. Mandelson
  No.

DUCHY OF LANCASTER

  Post Office
  Dr. Tony Wright
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will extend the complaint and redress provisions of the citizens charter to the Post Office.[4989]

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  Both Royal Mail and Post Office Counters Ltd. already produce documents under the Charter which set out what customers can expect when they use the Post Office's services and what to do if something goes wrong, including details of available compensation. We are, however, committed to
  527
  re-launching the programme of charters and, in this context, officials will be meeting the Post Office next month.

  Departmental Salaries
  Mr. Hawkins
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will publish a list of those persons who were not established civil servants on 2 May whose salaries are currently being paid by his Departments, identifying the current salaries and position held by each of these persons and giving a summary of their provisions careers. [5420]

  Dr. David Clark
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Bromley and Chislehurst (Mr. Forth) on 6 June 1997,Official Report, columns 262–63

NATIONAL HERITAGE

  Women in Sport
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what proposals he has to increase the involvement of women in traditionally male-dominated sports; and if he will make a statement.[2709]

  Mr. Banks
  The Government is keen to improve opportunities for women at all levels in sport, whether as participants, competitors, coaches or administrators.

  The four Home Country Sports Councils, which are funded by central Government, actively encourage the involvement of women in all sports. Other sporting agencies, such as the Womens Sports Foundation are also doing much to underline the significant achievement of women in sport and help improve levels of participation.

  Organisations are required to include ways of encouraging the participation of women when applying for monies from the National Lottery Sports Fund. This is helping to increase participation levels, particularly in those sports that have traditionally been male-dominated. These sports will be carefully monitored to ensure that the increased access is delivered.

  The Government will explore ways to build on this and further extend opportunities through a national strategy for sport which will embrace all sections of the community regardless of where they live, social background, age or ability.

  Millennium Events
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what plans he has for supporting Millennium events in the regions.[3210]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  It is the Government's intention to support Millennium events throughout the UK through the Millennium Commission. In announcing his support for the Millennium Exhibition on 19 June the Prime Minister said that the Exhibition must be a truly national event, with links across the whole of the UK.

  The addition to the Exhibition in Greenwich the Millennium Commission has to date awarded grants totalling £994 million to 112 capital projects on 2,036 sites across the UK. These range from landmark projects,
  528
  such as the Lowry Centre in Salford, to small local projects. The Commission is also funding a number of nationwide umbrella projects, such as "Woods on your doorstep" and "21st Century Halls".

  Playing Fields
  Mr. Coaker
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage how many acres of school playing fields have been sold off in the last 10 years; and what is the policy of the Government towards the sale of(a) playing fields and (b) school playing fields. [3189]

  Mr. Banks
  [holding answer Monday 23 June 1997]: Local Education Authorities are not required to report their disposals of playing fields to Central Government and consequently no central record of playing field sales exist. Provided their schools continue to comply with the requirements for minimum playing field area in the Education (School Premises) Regulations 1996, Local Education Authorities may dispose of land belonging to them without reference to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Employment.

  The Government intends to make sure that those playing fields which schools and their local communities need are not sold in the future. The Government is considering, urgently, a wide range of options to ensure that all school pupils and communities will have access to proper sports facilities.

  Mr. Pendry
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if he will make a statement on the Government's policy on the selling of playing fields. [5386]

  Mr. Banks
  The Government intends to make sure that those playing fields which schools and their local communities need are not sold in the future. The Government is considering, urgently, a wide range of options to ensure that all school pupils and communities will have access to proper sports facilities.

  Tourist Accommodation (Bed Space)
  Mr. Butterfill
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what action he proposes to take to ensure the registration of all businesses supplying bed spaces for tourists; and if he will make a statement. [5138]

  Mr. Tom Clarke
  The Government is determined to see improvements in accommodation standards. The AA, RAC and ETB announced in February plans for a new harmonised scheme which for the first time would give a single rating for hotels according to both the quality of their service and the facilities they offer. They will be consulting the industry on the details of this and on a scheme covering non-hotel accommodation such as guest-houses, B and Bs, farmhouses and inns. The introduction of these voluntary measures will be an important first step in raising standards.

  Sign Language
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what plans he has to introduce secondary legislation to increase the minimum requirement for sign language on digital terrestrial television.[4777]

  Mr. Fisher
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has no current plans to use the powers in the Broadcasting Act 1996 to amend the minimum requirements for sign language on digital terrestrial television. The Government will, however, monitor this issue closely taking into account, in particular, any technological advances which would make on screen signing easier for the broadcasters to provide. The Independent Television Commission has undertaken that it will regularly review all aspects of its Code on Subtitling, Sign Language and Audio Description on Digital Terrestrial Television. The Government welcomes this and will maintain close liaison with the Commission.

  Kick Boxing
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if he will make a statement about his Department's policy towards kick boxing.[4086]

  Mr. Banks
  [holding answer Monday 23 June 1997]: The Government does not regulate kick boxing— any other sport in this country. This is a matter for the relevant governing body, or bodies, acting within the bounds of the law. However, I believe that those in charge of such sports have a duty to ensure they are conducted safely, particularly where there is a risk of injury, and that governing bodies of sport should have the appropriate medical and safety regulations in place. The tragic death of Sean McBride, following his participation in a kick boxing bout in Northern Ireland, highlights the need for governing bodies to take urgent and appropriate action.

  Tobacco Companies (Sponsorship)
  Mr. Hawkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage, pursuant to his answer of 19 May,Official Report, column 361, if he will list the alternative sponsors he has identified to replace existing funding provided by tobacco companies for each sport in the event of the proposed ban on tobacco sponsorship of sport. [4289]

  Mr. Banks
  I will be looking very carefully at how best to achieve an end to the advertising and promotion of tobacco at sports events in a way that will minimise any damage to the sports concerned. Clearly we will do all we can to help the sports concerned identify alternative sponsors.

  Tourism Industry
  Mr. Butterfill
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what assessment he has made of the effect of VAT and the VAT threshold on the international competitiveness of the British tourism industry. [5137]

  Mr. Tom Clarke
  Issues concerning VAT and the VAT threshold are the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer. I am aware of the tourism industry's concerns about VAT-related issues, as is he.

TREASURY

  National Savings Accommodation Review
  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he expects to receive the results of the National Savings Accommodation Review. [3370]

  Mrs. Liddell
  The review of National Savings, future accommodation needs has now been subsumed into the exploration of a possible Private Finance Initiative(PFI) project. A shortlist of three property firms are being consulted, and the Agency hopes to issue an Invitation to Negotiate next month.

  European Single Currency
  Ms Kelly
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer in what respects the Bank of England would need to be reformed to meet all the requirements for central bank independence in the Maastricht treaty; and when legislation would need to be passed if the United Kingdom wished to join a European single currency at the beginning of 1999. [4243]

  Mrs. Liddell
  The proposed changes to the Bank of England will not make it compatible with the requirements in the EC Treaty which would apply if the United Kingdom were to adopt the single currency. In particular, the Governor would need to be fully independent when carrying out his tasks in the Governing Council of the European Central Bank, and the Bank of England would need to be able to play a full role in the European System of Central Banks and the formulation and implementation of the single monetary policy.

  The Treaty provides for the ECB to take responsibility for the monetary policy of the single currency on 1 January 1999. The legislative framework enabling the Bank of England to play its part would need to be in place by 1 January 1999 at the latest if the United Kingdom were to adopt the single currency. Progress towards making the Bank of England compatible with the Treaty will be assessed by the Commission and the European Monetary Institute as part of their reports made in accordance with the procedure under Article 109j(1) of the Treaty probably in spring 1998.

  Sir Richard Body
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) in whose name the deeds for the gold reserves for the Euro will be held;. [4463]

  (2) what action would be taken against a participant in the single currency which was found to have gold reserves less than its planned contribution to the central reserves;. [4461]

  (3) where the gold reserves for the Euro will be held;. [4464]

  (4) what estimate he has made of the quantity of gold and foreign currency reserves which this country would contribute to the Euro' s central reserves in the event of participation in the single currency. [4462]

  Mrs. Liddell
  The foreign reserve assets to be held and managed by the European Central Bank (ECB) will be provided by the national central banks of countries which adopt the single currency in accordance with Article 30 of the Statute of the European System of Central Banks (ESCB) annexed to the EC Treaty. The amount to be
  531
  provided by each national central bank will depend on the size of its country's population and national income. It is not possible at this stage to say precisely how much the Bank of England would need to provide if the United Kingdom were to join. The amount required in total by the ECB and its precise composition will be decided by its Governing Council, within a ceiling provided by the Treaty.

  Foreign reserve assets held and managed by the ECB will be "pooled", in the sense that the central banks which provide them will have in turn a proportionate claim on the assets of the ECB. The Governing Council will decide the degree of decentralisation of the activities of the ESCB. There are likely to be good reasons for some or all foreign reserve assets to remain in individual national central banks, so that they can be used more effectively in local financial markets for example.

  The Treaty provides no mechanism or sanction specifically for use against a national central bank which fails to provide the required amount of foreign reserve assets.

  Unemployment Benefit (Portsmouth)
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people aged 17 to 25 years were claiming unemployment benefit in Portsmouth in June of(a) 1974, (b) 1979, (c) 1988, (d) 1992, (e) 1993, (f) 1994, (g) 1995 and (h) 1996; and what percentage of the total number of those in this age group these figures represent. [4743]

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

  Letter from Tim Holt to Mr. Michael Hancock, dated 25 June 1997:
  The Chancellor of the Exchequer has asked me to reply as the Director of the Office for National Statistics to your recent question on the numbers of 17 to 25 year olds claiming unemployment benefit in Portsmouth in June of (a) 1974, (b) 1979, (c) 1988, (d) 1992, (e) 1993, (f) 1994, (g) 1995 and (h) 1996; and what percentage of the total number of those in this age group these figures represent.
  The data you have requested can only be derived from the monthly count of people claiming unemployment-related benefits (i.e. Unemployment Benefit and Income Support which were replaced by Jobseeker's Allowance in October 1996, or National Insurance credits). Essentially, all people who attend an Employment Service office to sign on the designated day are counted.
  These figures by broad age group for Local Authority Districts have been available quarterly since 1983. The corresponding figures by age are only available quarterly and not seasonally adjusted, and are based on particular age bands. The data given in the attached table, relating to claimants aged 17 to 24 inclusive in July each year, correspond as closely as possible to your request.
  532

  Portsmouth authority district

  Claimant unemployed aged 17–24

  Resident population aged 17–241

  Claimant unemployed aged 17–24 as a percentage of population

  July 1988

  2,300

  31,400

  7.3

  July 1992

  3,200

  28,300

  11.2

  July 1993

  3,300

  26,400

  12.6

  July 1994

  2,700

  25,600

  10.7

  July 1995

  2,500

  25,600

  9.9

  July 1996

  2,300

  n/a

  28.9

  1Mid-year estimates.

  2Provisional (based on mid-1995 population estimates).

  Unemployment
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people aged 18 to 24 years have come off unemployment benefits in each of the past five years; and what were the alternative activities to which they moved. [4995]

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

  Letter from Tim Holt to Mr. David Willetts, dated 25 June 1997:
  The Chancellor of the Exchequer has asked me to reply as the Director of the Office for National Statistics to your recent question on how many people aged 18 to 24 years have come off unemployment benefits in each of the past five years; and what were the alternative activities to which they moved.
  Total numbers leaving the claimant count from 1992 to 1996 are shown in the attached tables 1 to 3 but information on the destination of leavers from the claimant count is not available for 1992 to 1994.
  For 1995 and 1996, numbers of leavers from the claimant count are shown in tables 2 and 3 according to the claim end reason categories identified in those years. The percentages shown in these tables are expressed in terms of leavers with a known destination.

  Table 1: Total number of leavers from the claimant count, aged 18–24 years, United Kingdom 1992 to 1994

  Year

  Total leavers (000s)

  1992

  1,407.4

  1993

  1,423.2

  1994

  1,390.5

  Source:

  NOMIS.

  Table 2: Reasons for claim termination for claimants aged 18–24 years, United Kingdom 1995

  Reason for leaving

  Leaver (000s)

  As a percentage of those with known destination

  Ceased claiming

  27.1

  3.0

  Found work

  687.5

  75.0

  Gone abroad

  24.1

  2.6

  Claimed another benefit

  24.6

  2.7

  Full-time education

  35.9

  3.9

  Claimant deceased

  0.2

  0.0

  Approved training

  2.8

  0.3

  Claimed sickness benefit

  48.7

  5.3

  533

  Table 2: Reasons for claim termination for claimants aged 18–24 years, United Kingdom 1995

  Reason for leaving

  Leaver (000s)

  As a percentage of those with known destination

  Transferred to government-supported training

  65.4

  7.1

  Total known destination

  916.4

  100.0

  Not known

  9.6

  —

  Failed to attend

  387.4

  —

  Total leavers

  1,313.5

  —

  Source:

  JUVOS Leaving Marker.

  Table 3: Reasons for claim termination for claimants aged 18–24 years, United Kingdom 1996

  Reason for leaving

  Leaver (000s)

  As a percentage of those with known destination

  Ceased claiming

  24.5

  2.9

  Found work

  637.1

  76.0

  Gone abroad

  19.6

  2.3

  Claimed another benefit

  23.5

  2.8

  Full-time education

  28.9

  3.5

  Claimant deceased

  0.2

  0.0

  Approved training

  1.2

  0.1

  Claimed sickness benefit benefit

  42.5

  5.1

  Transferred to government-supported training

  55.5

  6.6

  Working on average 16+ hours

  3.4

  0.4

  Claimed Incapacity Support

  0.8

  0.1

  Claimed Income Support

  0.2

  0.0

  Defective claim

  0.4

  0.1

  Claimant in prison

  0.1

  0.0

  Total known destination

  838.1

  100.0

  Not known

  12.8

  —

  Failed to attend

  359

  —

  Total leavers

  1,209.9

  —

  Source:

  JUVOS Leaving Marker.

  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many persons aged 18 to 24 years in the Colchester parliamentary constituency who are currently registered unemployed have never been employed. [5003]

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

  Letter from Tom Holt to Mr. Bob Russell, dated 25 June 1997:
  The Chancellor of the Exchequer has asked me to reply as the Director of the Office for National Statistics to your recent question asking how many persons aged 18 to 24 years in the Colchester parliamentary constituency who are currently unemployed have been employed.
  534
  The only source which provides information about whether or not a person has ever been employed (other than in casual and holiday jobs) is the Labour Force Survey. Because this is a sample survey no information is available below county level.

  Labour Statistics
  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what percentage of households(a) in each region and (b) in total have no one in full-time employment; and if he will make a statement. [4854]

  Mrs. Liddell
  [holding answer 24 June 1997]: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Chief Executive of the Office for National Statistics. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from Tom Holt to Mr. Lembit Öpik, dated 25 June 1997:
  The Chancellor of the Exchequer has asked me to reply as the Director of the Office for National Statistics to your recent question on what percentage of households have no one in full-time employment.
  Estimates available from the Labour Force Survey for non-pensioner households are shown in the attached table using the new Government Office Region (GOR) geography.
  It is widely accepted that analyses of households with no one in employment or, in this case, no one in full-time employment, should exclude pensioner households. This area of analysis is relatively new for the LFS and the definition of non-pensioner or working age households is not yet firmly established. The table provided is based on the same definition of non-pensioner household as previous responses to parliamentary questions to this topic. The ONS has been assessing the various alternative definitions and expects to publish its recommendations in the September issue of Labour Market Trends.

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

  Region

  Per cent.

  United Kingdom

  24.8

  Great Britain

  24.8

  England

  24.3

  North-east

  31.2

  North-west and Merseyside

  27.8

  North-west

  26.5

  Merseyside

  33.3

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  26.2

  East Midlands

  21.7

  West Midlands

  23.9

  Eastern

  20.3

  London

  29.2

  South-east

  18.0

  South-west

  22.3

  Wales

  29.1

  Scotland

  27.1

  Northern Ireland

  27.3

  Source:

  Labour Force Survey, Office for National Statistics.

  Debt Relief
  Mr. Wareing
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the economic reform programmes agreed between low-income countries and the IMF as a condition for debt relief; what plans he has to press for a review of these requirements; and if will make a statement. [3877]

  Mrs. Liddell
  It is essential that countries which benefit from debt relief should have a track record of economic reform, and a commitment to continue with
  535
  sound economic policies, as part of a wider commitment by debtors to balanced transparent economic reform programmes which encourage economic and social development and thus create the conditions in which poverty can be alleviated. We review the suitability of each country's proposed economic reform programme as a prerequisite for debt relief prior to participating in decisions on each case.

  Windfall Tax
  Ms Lawrence
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the windfall tax will be a one-off levy. [5656]

  Mr. Gordon Brown
  As I explained to the House, the legislation will be for a one-off levy. The intention is that the legislation will enact this financial year, in one Bill and will not form a recurring part of the legislative programme.

  Expenditure Control
  Mr. Timms
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proposals he has for improving co-operation between the European Commission and Government Departments in the United Kingdom in the control of expenditure by United Kingdom Government Departments which is financed by the EC Budget. [5655]

  Mrs. Liddell
  I am very pleased to announce that agreement has been reached between the European Commission and the Government on the signature of Protocols between the Financial Controller of the European Commission and the Accounting Officer and Heads of Internal Audit of UK Departments with responsibilities for Structural Fund expenditure. These Protocols provide for an enhanced level of co-operation between the Commission's Financial Control and the Internal Audit Units of UK Departments in the control and auditing of Structural Fund expenditure. This will lead to a better use of the resources available for this purpose, agreement on common standards, and the exchange of relevant reports, without prejudicing the independence or statutory responsibilities of either party.

  This is an important contribution to the improvement of the Community's financial management systems within the context of the Commission's strategy for improving and modernising financial management, Sound and Efficiency Management (SEM) 2000, which the Government strongly supports. Similar Protocols have already been agreed between the Commission and a number of other Member States, and I understand that discussions are under way between the Commission and further Member States.

  Child Cash Allowance
  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he expects to announce changes in the level of the child cash allowance for under 16s. [3965]

  Mr. Bradley
  I have been asked to reply.

  Modernising the Social Security system to reduce poverty and strengthen family life is one of our key priorities. We are committed to retaining universal Child Benefit from birth to age 16, and to uprate it at least in line with prices. The rates of Child Benefit are reviewed and announced annually.

HEALTH

  St. Bartholomew's Hospital
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will place an immediate moratorium on the downgrading, reduction and loss of services provided by St. Bartholomew's hospital. [3040]

  Mr. Milburn
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced on 20 June 1997 the establishment of a review of London's health services to be conducted by an independent advisory panel chaired by Sir Leslie Turnberg, President of the Royal College of Physicians. During the review there is a moratorium on all hospital closures in London. The review panel will be advising in particular on the future of St. Bartholomew's hospital.

  Hospitals (Capital Charges)
  Mr. Levitt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if the calculation and implementation of capital charges on hospitals will be included in his review of the funding of the NHS. [4899]

  Mr. Milburn
  The comprehensive spending review announced on 11 June will look at all areas of spending. The Government's election manifesto made clear our commitment to a national health service based on need not on ability to pay. Every aspect of the Department of Health's comprehensive spending review will be judged against that commitment.

  Devonshire Royal Hospital, Buxton
  Mr. Levitt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what are the terms of reference of the current review of the Devonshire Royal hospital, Buxton, currently being carried out by NHS Estates, Leeds. [4900]

  Mr. Milburn
  The terms of reference for the review of the Devonshire Royal hospital, Buxton are:to explore, with English Heritage, the possibility that the Devonshire Royal hospital be transferred to a heritage trust, and if so what arrangements would need to be put in place, and if this would enable the building to remain in continued National Health Service use; and
  to explore, with English Heritage and the local planning authority, what alternative uses the Devonshire Royal hospital might be put to if it becomes surplus to NHS requirements, and if early steps can be taken to identify a purchaser.

  Vaccines
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what arrangements exist for the long-term safety monitoring of MMR vaccines. [4920]

  Ms Jowell
  Before measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination was introduced into the United Kingdom immunisation programme in 1988, there was extensive experience of its use in many other industrialised countries. The United States had been using MMR routinely since the early 1970s and around 100 million doses have been administered. By the time a two dose programme was introduced in the UK, in 1996, there was extensive experience of two dose programmes in many other countries. For example, a two dose programme of MMR in place in Finland since 1982 has
  537
  led to the elimination of these diseases from that country. The vaccine was reported to have an excellent safety record.

  In the UK the Medicines Control Agency (MCA) collects information from many different sources to monitor the safety of all medicines, including vaccines, in clinical practice worldwide. Spontaneous reports of suspected adverse drug reactions are submitted to the Committee on Safety of Medicines (CSM) and MCA by doctors, pharmacists, coroners and dentists under the voluntary 'yellow card' scheme in the UK. There is a statutory requirement for pharmaceutical companies to report reactions to their products on a world-wide basis. Companies also provide regular safety updates for their products to the MCA. The number and pattern of suspected adverse reactions reports from all data sources are regularly reviewed, and appropriate action initiated if there is any indication of a safety hazard. The safety of vaccines is carefully monitored both by the CSM and the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation which advise UK Health Ministers.

  Mr. Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on progress made in work, funded by his Department, by the Public Health Laboratory Service in respect of vaccine safety. [4924]

  Ms Jowell
  The Public Health Laboratory Service is investigating adverse events associated with immunisation in children under two years of age, using hospital admissions data and child health immunisation records. Pilot studies in single districts have been published and copies of this paper have been placed in the Library. Their latest work, using regional data, will shortly be submitted for publication. Unfortunately, the results from studies using general practitioners' records do not so far suggest that this will be a useful source of data for identifying adverse reactions to vaccines.

  Mr. Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will set out the criteria used for the testing of vaccines for immunogenicity and reactogenicity; what discussions his Department has had with the National Institute for Biological Standards and Control over the product licensing of vaccines; and when he next plans to meet the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation to discuss the administration of the MMR vaccine. [4921]

  Ms Jowell
  Before a new vaccine is licensed in the United Kingdom all of the information on its safety, quality and efficacy is evaluated by the Government's Medicines Control Agency and by the Committee on Safety of Medicines (CSM), an independent advisory committee. For a vaccine this will include assessment of clinical trials investigating the immunogenicity and reactogenicity of the product. There are no specific criteria laid out for the clinical testing of vaccines and each application for licensing by the MCA is taken on a case by case basis, depending on the type of vaccine.

  The National Institute for Biological Standards and Control (NIBSC), as a European Official Medicines Control Laboratory, carries out the batch release testing for certain biologicals, including vaccines, which is required as a condition of the European or United Kingdom licence granted for the product in question. Such testing is aimed at assessing the purity and potency of each batch of the product against specifications defined in
  538
  the product licence. NIBSC also reviews manufacturing protocols as part of the evaluation of batch release. NIBSC also provides expert advice on vaccines and some of its staff are members of the biologicals sub-committee of the Committee on Safety of Medicines. The Director of the NIBSC is a member of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI); any concerns NIBSC may have would be brought to the attention of that committee.

  We have no plans to meet the JCVI, but, as with all vaccines, the JCVI will keep the benefits and risks of MMR vaccination under review. We have asked to be kept informed of any developments.

  NHS Trusts (Colchester)
  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to meet the chairman of the NHS trusts in the Colchester area to discuss the state of the trust's finances. [5002]

  Mr. Milburn
  We have no plans for a meeting, but Ministers are visiting many national health service organisations and meeting many people involved in the service, and this may well include the chairmen of trusts in the Colchester area. We are aware of the financial position of trusts, which is monitored by the National Health Service Executive.

  Mr. Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to make the membership of NHS trusts in the Colchester area more representative and publicly accountable. [5004]

  Mr. Milburn
  We are introducing a range of measures in the coming weeks to ensure that appointments to the boards of both national health service trusts and health authorities are more democratic and representative of the communities that they serve.

  Medicines (Costs)
  Ms Hodge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the average cost of medicines prescribed per treatment to the NHS in each of the last 10 years. [5075]

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

  The average net ingredient cost per prescription for items dispensed, 1986 to 1996

  England

  Year

  Average net ingredient cost per prescription item (£)

  Actual

  At 1996 prices

  1986

  4.21

  6.66

  1987

  4.55

  6.84

  1988

  4.97

  7.00

  1989

  5.29

  6.97

  1990

  5.68

  6.93

  1991 (a)

  6.08

  6.98

  1991 (b)

  6.20

  7.11

  1992

  6.72

  7.40

  1993

  7.09

  7.58

  1994

  7.47

  7.85

  539

  The average net ingredient cost per prescription for items dispensed, 1986 to 1996

  England

  Year

  Average net ingredient cost per prescription item (£)

  Actual

  At 1996 prices

  1995

  7.78

  7.97

  1996

  8.26

  8.26

  1. 1986 to 1991 (a) data are from the PD1 series of forms and based on fees. They cover prescriptions dispensed by community pharmacists and appliance contractors, dispensing doctors, and personal administration.

  2. 1991 (b) to 1996 data are from the new Prescription Cost Analysis [PCA] system based on items and have the same coverage as Note 1 above.

  3. The net ingredient cost refers to the cost of the drug before discounts and does not include any dispensing costs or fees.

  4. Figures at 1996 prices are calculated using the GDP Deflator.

  Medicines Act (Disclosure of Data)
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to amend section 118 of the Medicines Act 1968 to permit wider disclosure of data submitted by pharmaceutical companies to the licensing authority. [4923]

  Mr. Milburn
  We have no current plans to amend section 118 of the Medicines Act. However, in the light of the forthcoming White Paper on Freedom of Information, we will consider what further steps are necessary to maximise public access to information about their medicines whilst safeguarding genuine commercial confidentiality.

  Alcohol Consumption
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how he intends to achieve the "The Health of the Nation" targets to reduce the percentage of women drinking more than 14 units of alcohol a week. [5322]

  Ms Jowell
  The proportion of women drinking above the previously recommended sensible levels has increased over the last 10 years. It is a trend that is reflected throughout most of Europe which is strongly related to women's changing socioeconomic status.

  We are funding a project at the University of Birmingham on why people drink more than recommended sensible levels. This will inform future policy and health education campaigns. Activities targeting women have been encouraged at local level through the Health Education Authority. In addition, a successful new health promotion booklet was launched last year aimed at women over 35 in the lower socioeconomic groups; the booklet includes advice on sensible drinking.

  We are considering possible ways of revising alcohol targets for women which reflect the advice in the 1995 inter-departmental report "Sensible Drinking".

  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the costs to the national health service of the abuse of alcohol. [5173]

  Ms Jowell
  Estimates of alcohol-related morbidity and mortality vary widely; the most recent academic estimate of which we are aware is reproduced in the table.
  540

  £ million

  Psychiatric hospitals, inpatient costs

  26.51

  Non-psychiatric hospitals, inpatient costs

  10.64

  Other alcohol-related inpatient costs

  109.41

  General practice costs

  2.79

  Total

  149.35

  Source:Health Education Authority: Health Update 3: Alcohol (1993)—after Godfrey, C. (1992).

  Resource Allocations
  Mr. Truswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if the allocation of resources to health authorities will be based on a wholly-weighted formula from 1998–99. [5286]

  Mr. Milburn
  We are committed to an objective, needs-based approach to resource allocation. We are investigating the possibility of introducing further refinements to the weighted capitation formula in time for 1998–99 allocations.

  Eye Tests
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what research he has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on the cost benefit analysis of reintroducing free eye tests with particular reference to people aged 60 years and over; [4425]

  (2) pursuant to his answer of 10 June to the hon. Member for Portsmouth, South (Mr. Hancock), Official Report, column 421, on eye tests, what will be the terms of reference for the review of eye tests charges; what is its expected timetable; and if it will include an examination of the costs to other Departments of the reported increase in intervals between eye tests. [4427]

  Mr. Milburn
  We have yet to decide the terms of reference and timing of the review. No research has yet been commissioned.

  Children in Care
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans his Department has to provide every child in residential care with an independent visitor; and what is the expected timetable for implementation of this policy. [4773]

  Mr. Boateng
  Local authorities have a statutory duty to appoint an independent visitor for any child they are looking after if they believe that it would be in the child's best interest and communication between the child and his parents is infrequent.

  A report is expected this summer from Sir William Utting on safeguards for children living away from home, including those in residential care. Government will consider any recommendations arising from the report on the need to extend the role of the independent visitor to all children in residential care.

  EU Citizens (Residence Test)
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if European Union citizens who have failed the habitual
  541
  residence test and are being denied social security benefits will become the responsibility of social service authorities. [4426]

  Mr. Boateng
  It is for each local authority to determine in any particular case, and taking into account all relevant information, whether a person is in need of community care services and whether such services should be provided.

  Creutzfeldt Jakob Disease
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the legal costs to date incurred by his Department and the Treasury Solicitor acting on behalf of the Medical Research Council, indicating separately disbursements and counsel fees, of the defence from claims brought against his Department and the Medical Research Council in respect of Creutzfeldt Jakob Disease litigation. [5111]

  Ms Jowell
  Identifiable legal costs to the Department of Health to date are approximately £500,000. These figures do not include the legal costs of the plaintiffs who were successful in their legal action in April-May 1996, since claims have not been received. Counsel costs are £320,000 and disbursements are £130,000.

  In addition, numerous staff at various levels and for various periods of time have been involved in matters related to the litigation and their costs cannot be separately identified.

  For the details of the costs incurred by the Treasury Solicitor on behalf of the Medical Research Council, I refer my hon. Friend to my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Fishing Quota
  Mr. MacShane
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the estimated total purchase price at current market value of all fishing vessels in non-United Kingdom ownership eligible to catch fish under the fishing quota allocated to the United Kingdom. [4723]

  Mr. Morley
  The Department does not hold this information.

  Genetically Modified Food
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans his Department has to regulate the supply of genetically modified food. [5087]

  Mr. Rooker
  The EC novel foods and novel food ingredients regulation 258/97, which came into force on 15 May, lays down an EU wide pre-market approval system and labelling requirements for novel foods and novel food ingredients including those containing, or produced from, genetically modified organisms (GMOs). All applications for approval will be considered by the UK's independent Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes.
  542
  Mr. Paice
  To ask the Minster of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what studies he has authorised into the consumer safety aspects of genetically modified maize. [5167]

  Mr. Rooker
  While no specific studies have been commissioned on genetically modified (GM) maize, the Department is currently spending around £1 million a year on work to underpin the safety assessments undertaken by the Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes on GM materials such as this.

  Internet
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what use he plans to make of the Internet to make Government more open. [5105]

  Mr. Morley
  MAFF takes a positive view of the Internet as a medium for making its work more open and accessible. The introduction of a dedicated MAFF World Wide Web service (http://www.maff.gov.uk) in October 1996 has seen an expansion in the range of information available to Internet users. The Department is considering how to further develop electronic services to the public.

  Regional Panels
  Mr. Letwin
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what mechanisms for consultation with farmers he intends to introduce to replace the MAFF regional panels. [4925]

  Mr. Rooker
  We have arrangements for consulting formally with a wide range of interests, including farmers, about a wide range of issues. These will continue. Ministers have begun a new system of regular regional consultations with a wider representation of those involved in the countryside, including farmers, consumers, environmentalists, and from the food industry. Ministers will also be available and accessible to those who use, live and work in the countryside on their regular regional visits.

  Horticulture
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to promote horticulture; and if he will make a statement. [4877]

  Mr. Rooker
  The Government is determined to see a flourishing horticulture industry in the United Kingdom. We will therefore be spending some £12.7 million in 1997–98 under our research programme, directed at improving the competitiveness and market responsiveness of the sector. Priority areas are those showing the greatest potential for growth and added value, especially where there is a clear trade gap opportunity such as extending our own growing seasons.

  The financial assistance available to recognised producer groups under the reformed regime for fresh fruit and vegetables will also enable growers in the sector to improve their competitive edge. We are seeking to ensure that growers in the UK benefit fully from EU funds available under these new arrangements.

  Antibiotics (Livestock Production)
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will establish a comprehensive review of the issues relating to the use of antibiotics in livestock production. [4879]

  Mr. Rooker
  The use of antibiotics in livestock production is kept under review. The independent scientific Veterinary Products Committee (VPC) advises the government on the safety, quality and efficacy of veterinary medicines and medicinal feed additives, including the possible development of antibiotic resistance in humans. The Advisory Committee on Microbiological Safety of Food has set up a Working Group to examine the issues of antibiotic resistance, including the possible effects of the use of veterinary products. The Working Group is due to report its findings by the end of 1997.

  A European Commission expert Working Group is preparing a monitoring programme, and the Committee for Veterinary Medicinal Products, the European body responsible for scientific advice on veterinary medicinal products, has set up an ad hoc group to investigate the current status of antimicrobial resistance in animals and the potential for its transfer to man.

  Forestry Commission Land
  Mr. John Cryer
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to halt the sale of Forestry Commission land in England; and if he will make a statement. [5223]

  Mr. Morley
  Our election manifesto stated that we favoured a moratorium on the large-scale sale of Forestry Commission land. Sales of all Commission land have been halted since the election was called.

  Countryside Stewardship Scheme
  Mr. Paice
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on his plans for the countryside stewardship scheme. [5185]

  Mr. Morley
  Countryside Stewardship is the main environmental land management scheme providing incentives for farmers and land managers in England outside the Environmentally Sensitive Areas. It provides a very important mechanism for helping to fulfil our Biodiversity Strategy commitments as well as offering benefits for landscape, history and public enjoyment of the countryside.

  The scheme will continue to expand with £5 million available for approval of new agreements in 1997–98 and a further £5 million 1998–99 when the total annual expenditure on the scheme will have risen to £21 million.

  In addition we now propose a further expansion of the scheme. We wish to test a series of new options to enhance bio-diversity of arable areas through the introduction of a pilot scheme in 1998 to be called Arable Stewardship. One of the two proposed pilot areas is in the south Cambridgeshire/Suffolk area with the other being in the West Midlands.

  Genetically Modified Organisms
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent research he has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on the potential implications of the release of genetically modified organisms into the environment; and if he will make a statement. [5300]

  Mr. Rooker
  (a) MAFF has commissioned new research on possible risks to the agricultural environment from the release of herbicide tolerant crops. The research, with a total budget of over £500,000, will start this year and the results will be available from about 2000.

  (b) MAFF began a programme of research to look at the possible risks to the agricultural environment from the release of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in 1990. Over £3.5 million has been committed to the programme and to date, results have not indicated any risks to the agricultural environment from the release of GMOs.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans his Department has to increase levels of surveillance for scrapie in sheep; and if he will make a statement. [4492]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 24 June 1997]: SEAC reviewed the options for scrapie surveillance and in their advice to Government on 23 May recommended a three part strategy consisting of (1) a survey of sheeps' brains from abattoirs, (2) a postal survey of farmers, (3) introduction of compulsory slaughter measures together with compensation and powers to conduct veterinary investigation of cases of scrapie.

  The Government intends to implement these recommendations. The first survey has been commissioned with the Veterinary Laboratory Agency, Weybridge and a number of approaches are being examined by MAFF to take forward the second. Work for this survey will be commissioned shortly. The Agriculture Departments are consulting interested parties on the draft measures for the compulsory slaughter and compensation scheme.

  Scrapie
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) how many cases of scrapie have been recorded in each of the last five years; [4493]

  (2) what assessment his Department had made of the reported number of scrapie cases in sheep prior to his commitment to compensate affected farmers; and if he will make a statement. [4495]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 24 June 1997]: Scrapie became a notifiable disease on 1 January 1993. The confirmed cases in Great Britain year by year since the disease became notifiable were:

  Year

  Number

  1993

  328

  1994

  235

  1995

  254

  1996

  453

  19971 (until end May)

  213

  1Until end May.

  The Government's independent advisory committee, SEAC, has concluded that there is a probably a problem

  545
  with under-reporting. Other countries face similar problems with this disease. The French Government has recently introduced compulsory slaughter and compensation measures, similar to our own proposals. It is likely that the increase in notifications in Great Britain over the last 18 months has been due to payments being made to farmers by research workers for material from scrapie affected sheep, as in the early 1990s when a research project in force led to a number of cases brought to the attention of the authorities, though at that time the disease was not notifiable.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on what date his Department plans to introduce compensation for farmers whose sheep are suspected of having scrapie; and if he will make a statement. [4494]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 24 June 1997]: Agriculture Departments are consulting interested parties on draft measures for the Compulsory Slaughter and Compensation Scheme for sheep and goats affected by Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSEs). The consultation period ends on 30 June and we will then carefully consider all the comments received.

  Quarantine
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his answer of 11 June,Official Report, column 508, what representations he has received concerning the benefits of reforming current quarantine legislation; and if he will make a statement. [4808]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 24 June 1997]: Since
  2 May, the Department has received 326 letters on this subject. The great majority are in favour of changing existing rabies control policy.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his answer of 11 June,Official Report, column 508, what plans he has to produce a consultative document on quarantine reform; and if he will make a statement. [4807]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 24 June 1997]: I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by my right hon. Friend, the Minister, to the hon. Member for Salisbury (Mr. Key) on 19 June, Official Report, column 288.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his answer of 11 June,Official Report, column 508, what plans he has to meet organisations campaigning for reforms to quarantine legislation, to discuss alternatives to the current system; and if he will make a statement. [4809]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 24 June 1997]: I will be meeting the RSPCA and Passports for Pets on Thursday 3 July.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Qualified Majority Voting
  Mr. Blunt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs to what extent measures affecting the United Kingdom's energy(a) sources and (b) supply will be subject to the qualified majority vote of all the members of the European Union. [5285]
  546
  Mr. Doug Henderson
  Article 130s (2), which covers energy sources and supply, will remain subject to unanimity.

  Mr. Blunt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs to what extent qualified majority voting over regional policy was extended at the Inter-Governmental Conference at Amsterdam; and which countries(a) supported and (b) approved its extension. [5247]

  Mr. Henderson
  The voting rules for regional policy—articles 130 a—e—were not changed at Amsterdam. We cannot agree to publish the detailed views expressed by Heads of State and Government in a closed meeting.

  Mr. Blunt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs to what extent qualified majority voting was extended in respect of industrial policy at the Inter-Governmental Conference at Amsterdam. [5252]

  Mr. Henderson
  Article 130, the Industry title will remain subject to unanimity. However, it was agreed at Amsterdam that QMV should apply in respect of research and development policy.

  Mr. Blunt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs to what extent measures concerning(a) town and country planning, (b) land use and (c) management of United Kingdom water resources are subject to the qualified majority vote of all the members of the European Union. [5290]

  Mr. Henderson
  Article 130s(2), which covers town and country planning, land use, and management of water resources, will remain subject to unanimity.

  Mr. Blunt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs to what extent qualified majority voting over environmental policy at the Amsterdam Conference was extended. [5289]

  Mr. Henderson
  Qualified majority voting in the Environment Title was not extended at Amsterdam.

  Mr. Blunt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs to what extent qualified majority voting over social policy was extended at the Inter-Governmental Conference at Amsterdam. [5248]

  Mr. Henderson
  Voting arrangements in the current social agreement, now incorporated into the treaty, remain as before. Additions to the draft treaty include articles providing for measures to combat social exclusion (article 118.2), and on equality of opportunity and treatment of men and women (article 119.3). Decisions under these articles are to be taken by QMV.

  Mr. Blunt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which countries(a) opposed and (b) supported the extension of qualified majority voting on environmental policy. [5260]

  Mr. Henderson
  We cannot agree to publish the detailed views expressed by Heads of State and Government in a closed meeting.

  Kenya (Elections)
  Mr. Nigel Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to monitor elections in Kenya; and if he will make a statement. [5373]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  We will seek to contribute to both international and local efforts to monitor the forthcoming elections in Kenya. Our exact plans have yet to be finalised. We are discussing with partners the co-ordination of our joint efforts. Staff from our High Commission in Nairobi are already monitoring voter registration and other preparations for the elections.

  Albania
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proposals he is supporting to strengthen the development of democracy in Albania. [5180]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  We fully support the process of democratisation in Albania. We have seconded senior experts to assist the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe Mission which is advising the Albanians on the organisation of the 29 June elections. Twenty-one monitors from the UK, including 11 hon. Members, will observe the poll. More widely we are supporting the efforts of the European Union, the Council of Europe, who are providing advice on the judicial system and media training to the Albanians, and the Western European Union which is advising and training the Albanian police.

  Nuclear Weapons
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what estimate he has made of the number of nuclear weapons held by parties to international arms control negotiations which are(a) vulnerable to an early strike and (b) currently on alert status; and if he will make a statement. [4738]

  Dr. Reid
  I have been asked to reply as this matter falls within my area of responsibility. We share the view of the United States that heavy and multiple warheaded ICBMs are the most potentially vulnerable and destabilising strategic weapons. There are currently several thousand warheads deployed on such systems. We support, therefore, the efforts being made by the US to achieve the deactivation and subsequent elimination of these systems through the ratification by Russia of the START II Treaty.

DEFENCE

  Strategic Defence Review
  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what are the terms of reference for the strategic defence review announced by the Government; and if he will place copies of these in the Library. [4746]

  Dr. Reid
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence to my hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham, Selly Oak (Dr. Jones) on 19 June 1997,Official Report, column 264. All Members of the House should have received a letter from the Secretary of State setting out the scope of the
  548
  Strategic Defence Review and how we propose it will be undertaken. A copy of this letter has been placed in the Library of the House.

  Departmental Advisers
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the special advisers in his Department, the Minister to whom each is responsible, the subjects on which they advise and the number of advisers in his Department in the year up to 1 May. [5350]

  Mr. George Robertson
  Mr. Alasdair McGowan is already working as my Special Adviser. I have also invited Mr. Bernard Gray to become my Special Adviser and he will take up his appointment next month. Special Advisers are employed under terms and conditions based on the model contract for Special Advisers, a copy of which has been placed in the Library of the House. Mr. McGowan provides me with advice on any matter which I decide to refer to him in accordance with Schedule 1 (Part 1) of the model contract. He is also free to raise matters with me. Mr. Gray's appointment will be on the same basis.

  In the year up to 1 May 1997, my predecessor employed one Special Adviser.

  Nuclear Weapons
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what review has been undertaken by NATO of its nuclear strategy in response to the World Court's advisory judgment on the legality of the threat of use of nuclear weapons; and what were its conclusions; [4300]

  (2) what assessment he has made of the implications of the International Court of Justice's conclusion on the use of nuclear weapons for national defence for their use in defence of a coalition of nations bound by treaty. [4287]

  Dr. Reid
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given on 22 May 1997 to him by my hon. Friend the Member for Manchester, Central (Mr. Lloyd),Official Report, column 136.

  The Alliance has carefully examined the International Court of Justice's Advisory Opinion. The Court concluded by a large majority that there is in international law no comprehensive and universal prohibition of the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons. Allies agree that NATO's strategy of war prevention, including its nuclear component, is fully compatible with the United Nations Charter and international law.

  Chemical Weapons
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what quantities and types of chemical weapon agents imported from the United States are held in store by the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment; and if he will make a statement on the current safety status of the containers holding these agents. [4303]

  Mr. Spellar
  This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to my hon. Friend.
  549
  Letter from John Chisholm to Mr. Llew Smith, dated 25 June 1997:
  I am replying to your question to the Secretary of State for Defence about the quantities and types of chemical weapon agents imported from the United States held in store by the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment as this matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief Executive of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency.
  Two chemicals are recorded as having being imported from the United States and are currently held in store at CBD. They are Methyl phosphonyl (or phosphonic) dichloride and Methyl phosphonous (or phosphinyl) dichloride. The current holding is 215kg and 1.018 tonnes respectively. These chemicals were included in the UK's declaration under the Chemical Weapons Convention. In addition to these transfers there have been a number of others over the years with the US, which fall below the chemical weapons convention threshold and for which it would involve disproportionate costs to identify.
  The declared materials were imported in March 1955 and June 1964 and were transferred to CBD Porton from CBDE Nancekuke, Cornwall when it closed in 1980. They are awaiting disposal and are stored in airtight chemical drums in a controlled storage area. The condition of the containers is checked regularly. We anticipate disposal soon.
  I hope this is helpful.

  Mr. Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what landfill locations are used for the disposal of heavy metals extracted from chemical weapons munitions being incinerated at the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment at Porton Down. [4299]

  Mr. Spellar
  This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to my hon. Friend.

  Letter from John Chisholm to Mr. Llew Smith, dated 25 June 1997.
  I am replying to your question to the Secretary of State for Defence about landfill locations used for the disposal of heavy metals extracted from chemical weapons munitions as this matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief Executive of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency.
  The chemical weapons munitions being disposed of at Porton Down do not contain heavy metals so the question of landfill sites does not arise.
  I hope this is helpful.

  Mr. Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what environmental and safety information has been provided to his Department by those contracted to destroy outstanding British chemical weapon grenades, 9140-M6-CN-DM, held at RAF base Bad Wulfen. [4302]

  Mr. Spellar
  The destruction of outstanding British chemical weapon grenades at BAD Wulfen, is being conducted in accordance with German environmental legislation. Frequent meetings between my Officials, the German Authorities, selected German Army specialists, and the Contractor, have ensured this to be the case. A safety plan was also agreed following detailed discussions between local German government officials, the Contractor, and ammunition specialists from both the British and German Army. The stringent safety regulations already in force within the Ammunition Depot assisted this process. Whilst no specific information has been received by my Department from the Contractor on matters of environment and safety, the Contractor has, as a matter of course, contributed to the procedures which have been put in place.

  Ex-service Affairs Unit
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to create an Ex-service Affairs Unit; and what is the expected timetable for the implementation of such a policy. [4776]

  Dr. Reid
  The Government is aware of proposals made by The Royal British Legion for the creation of an ex-Service Affairs Unit. This is a matter which needs careful consideration, and the Government will be looking into it in some detail.

  NATO
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment has been made of the revenue and capital costs of the current plans for NATO expansion. [5385]

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

  Internet
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what use he plans to make of the Internet to make Government more open. [5107]

  Mr. Spellar
  My Department is committed to providing information on its activities in accordance with the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information. We recognise the potential of the Internet to assist in this process. The MOD Home Page is at:www.mod.uk,
  which provides links to other Defence-related pages, including the three Armed Services, who have Home Pages at:

  www.army.mod.uk,

  www.royal-navy.mod.uk and

  www.open.gov.uk/raf.rathome.htm.

  Information on the MOD web-site includes Departmental policy on Open Government and the Departmental complaints procedure, as well as policy developments, Ministerial statements and speeches, procurement and technological matters, and information on MOD organisation. We are currently reviewing the MOD web-site with a view to improving both the presentation and coverage of the information carried on it.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Public Limited Liability Companies
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will introduce measures to ensure that all public limited liability companies are required to file their annual accounts at Companies House within 90 days of the year end. [4822]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  I have no plans to do so.

  Coal Authority
  Ms Cooper
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what progress has been made in appointing a new chief executive of the Coal Authority to succeed Mr. Neville Washington. [5796]

  Mr. Battle
  The Coal Authority has announced the appointment, with my agreement, of Mr. Kenneth Fergusson as Chief Executive in succession to Mr. Neville Washington.

  Auditors (Regulation)
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will assess the advantages of replacing the recognised supervisory bodies responsible for regulating auditors with a single independent regulator. [4824]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  The Government's business manifesto said that we would ensure there is a framework of independent regulation for the accounting profession. I shall bear in mind my hon. Friend's suggestion in that context.

  Small Company Audits
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will introduce legislation to raise the threshold for small company audits in order to bring it in line with the definition of small company contained in the Companies Acts. [4819]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade has no plans to do so. The threshold for audit exemption was last raised on 15 April 1997, following public consultation.

  Companies Acts
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will assess the advantages of introducing powers equivalent to those contained in section 150 of the Financial Services Act 1986, into the Companies Act legislation. [4817]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  [holding answer 23 June 1997]: I have no plans to do so.

  Genetically Engineered Food
  Mr. Paice
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what studies her Department has carried out on the consumer safety aspect of the importation of genetically engineered corn. [5169]

  Mr. Rooker
  I have been asked to reply.

  I take it that the hon. Member is referring to the genetically modified (GM) maize currently being imported into the European Union from the USA, in which case I refer him to the reply given to him about the safety of GM maize earlier today.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Welfare to work
  Ms Hewitt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what will be the minimum period of 552
  unemployment which will qualify lone parents under the age of 25 years for inclusion in the welfare-to-work programme. [4841]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  We will offer young people aged 18–24 (including lone parents), who have been unemployed for six months or more, a choice of high quality options designed to help them into work. These include a job, the chance to train, or an opportunity to work in the voluntary sector or on the Environmental Task Force.

  We also propose to offer lone parents who are on income support, regardless of age, a package of Employment Service guidance and support in their search for work once their youngest child reaches the second term of full-time education.

  Ms Hewitt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if, as part of the Welfare to Work programme, he will assess the advantages of introducing, on a pilot basis, social enterprise zones to promote new approaches to generating sustainable employment in disadvantaged communities. [5064]

  Mr. Howarth
  We are currently working to implement our manifesto commitment to introduce Employment Zones in areas of high unemployment. By encouraging innovative approaches to bringing together and making more coherent different streams of help and funding currently available, Employment Zones will greatly benefit long-term unemployed people and their communities.

  Assisted Places
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when he will publish his criteria for permitting an assisted place to continue to be offered to a child who has reached the age of 11 years. [4721]

  Mr. Byers
  The Education (Schools) Bill currently before Parliament provides for pupils aged 11 and over at the start of September 1997 to continue to hold their assisted places until the end of their secondary education. The Bill also provides for a discretionary power to allow, in certain circumstances, pupils receiving primary education to continue to hold their assisted places for a further period during which they receive secondary education. Each case will be considered sympathetically and on its own merits, once the Bill has received Royal Assent.

  Mr. Paice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what estimate he has made of the cost to the Government of all children(a) currently at junior or primary school under the assisted places scheme and (b) expected to start this autumn under the scheme remaining in the scheme until the age of 18 years. [5187]

  Mr. Byers
  Supporting all primary age pupils in junior departments of participating senior schools—both those who took up assisted places in the current academic year and those who are expected to take up places in September 1997—through to age 18 would have cost in the region of £80 million at current prices in England from academic year 1997–98 onwards.

  Internet
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what use he plans to make of the Internet to make Government more open. [5106]

  Dr. Howells
  The Department has a large Internet site which has been progressively developed and extended over the past two years and this will continue. From our new home page we offer signposted information for parents, schools, job seekers and employers. Material is also available on education and training generally and on equal opportunities. Our intention is to extend the site, wherever possible, to ensure that details of all aspects of the Department's policies will be available there.

  As the number of people and organisation having access to the Internet increases, the Department plans to make extensive use of it as a medium for consultation on new or planned policy initiatives and to invite and freely exchange views. Later this year, all of the Department's staff will be able to use Internet email to speed communication with outside people and organisations, particularly its "partners" in taking forward improvements in education and training.

  Teachers
  Mr. McNulty
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to introduce qualified teacher status for teaching staff in universities and colleges. [5356]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  We shall be considering very carefully what the National Committee of Inquiry has to say about teaching standards in universities and colleges in its report which is expected next month.

  Grant-maintained Schools
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) how many schools in England and Wales currently have grant-maintained status; and what is the total additional budget allocation granted to these schools since 1990 in addition to that which they would have received through their local management of schools funding allocation; [5231]

  (2) if he will list the public sources of funding made available to grant-maintained schools and not available to local authority schools indicating the total sums dispensed under each heading since 1990. [5332]

  Mr. Byers
  Responsibility for education in Wales is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales. There are currently 1188 grant maintained (GM) schools in England. They receive two types of recurrent grants: annual maintenance grant (AMG) in respect of general school running costs and special purpose grants (SPGs) paid for specific purposes. The AMG that GM schools receive includes elements to cover school meals and the central administration and services provided directly by LEAs to LEA maintained schools. These are additional to the school budget shares which LEA schools receive through their LMS schemes.

  Special Purpose Grants (SPGs) are intended to mirror existing funding arrangements operating in the LEA sector and to reflect specific aspects of GM status.
  554
  The calculation of grants to individual GM schools is a matter for the Funding Agency for Schools (FAS). I have therefore written to Sir Christopher Benson at the Funding Agency to ask him to provide with the figures and detailed background information requested.

  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how much public money has been allocated to(a) the Grant-maintained Schools Foundation, (b) the Grant-maintained Standing Advisory Committee, (c) the Association of Heads of Grant-maintained Schools, (d) the National Association of Grant-maintained Primary Schools and (e) the Association of Grant-maintained and Aided Schools since the inception of these organisations. [5333]

  Mr. Byers
  The total grant paid by the Department to the Grant Maintained Schools Foundation since its inception in April 1994 is £2.6 million. Grant to GMSF ceases from 30 June 1997. The Grant Maintained Schools Advisory Committee (GMSAC) has received £0.3 million since April 1994. Prior to that, the Grant Maintained Standing Advisory Committee (the predecessor of GMSAC) was funded from the total grant paid by the Department to the Grant-Maintained Schools Centre (the predecessor of GMSF).

  The Department has offered a maximum sum of £15,000 to each of the Association of Heads of Grant Maintained Schools, the National Association of Grant Maintained Primary Schools and the Association of Grant Maintained and Aided Schools to support effective consultation and communication with the GM sector.

  Performance League Tables
  Mr. McNulty
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans there are to review the present use of performance league tables so as to address the issues of(a) utilising value added data and (b) the inclusion of absent and statemented pupils; and if he will make a statement. [5354]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  We are committed to the principle of publishing measures of value added alongside information on school performance. It is important that such measures are statistically valid, do not place an undue administrative burden on schools, and can be readily understood by parents. We have asked the School Curriculum and Assessment Authority to undertake feasibility studies into such measures and then to consult widely with schools, with a view to publication in 1998.

  The treatment of absent and statemented pupils in primary performance tables is under review. We expect to announce our final decisions in the autumn on the arrangements for the publication of these tables by local education authorities.

  Partnership Agreements
  Mr. McNulty
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to introduce home-school partnership agreements; what plans he has to promote a wider role for parent governors and parent representatives; what role the local authority will have in these developments; and if he will make a statement. [5355]
  555
  Ms Estelle Morris
  Our Manifesto promised that we would increase the powers and responsibilities of parents. We are committed to having more parent governors and to parent representatives on LEAs. A major objective is to promote a culture of responsibility for learning within the family, through contracts between all schools and parents, defining the responsibilities of each. LEAs will have a major part to play in raising standards. We will announce our proposals in a White Paper very soon and initiate widespread consultation.

  Pre-school Centres
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what arrangements are to be made for the inspection of private nurseries and other pre-school centres in order to control their quality. [5334]

  Mr. Byers
  The Government is committed to improving the quality of pre-school provision. For the time being, the present arrangements for inspection for private and voluntary providers of nursery education will continue.

  We have made clear our intention to examine the regulatory and inspection regimes with a view to making them more uniform. A consultation exercise will begin in the Autumn.

  Cash Limits
  Mr. Sutcliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what changes he has to announce to cash limits and running cost limits on votes within his responsibility for 1997–98. [5793]

  Dr. Howells
  Subject to Parliamentary approval of the necessary Supplementary Estimate, the cash limit for Class IX, Vote 1, Department for Education and Employment programmes and central services, will be increased by £14,693,000 from £9,404,771,000 to £9,419,464,000.

  This is the result of a transfer of £1,500,000 to Class X, Vote 1 (the Department of National Heritage) for Dance and Drama students, a transfer of £13,000,000 from Class XI, Vote 1 (the Department of Health) for the merger of Imperial College with the West London Medical School; a decrease of £621,000 in capital expenditure offset by a corresponding increase in the non-Voted DfEE/LACAP cash limit to fund a school capital project, with no overall change to the DfEE's control total, and a switch of £3,814,000 from section G to Section F of the Vote to enable the British Academy to administer the Post Graduate Awards Scheme.

  As a result of the changes, the DfEE/LACAP cash limit will be increased by £621,000 from £72,505,000 to £73,126,000.

  The running costs provision for Class IX, Vote 1 will be increased by £390,000 from £255,174,000 to £255,564,000. The gross running costs limit for the Department for Education and Employment is increased by £390,000 from £1,056,750,000 to £1,057,140,000.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Aid (Cost-effectiveness)
  Mr. Nicholas Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps she is taking further to improve the cost effectiveness of overseas aid. [3868]

  Clare Short
  The Government will publish a White Paper this autumn which will set out how, through more coherent policies, we will address our prime objective of eliminating poverty and promoting sustainable development.

  Yemen
  Mr. Rhodri Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what proposals she has to improve the targeting of development aid programmes to Yemen. [3871]

  Mr. Foulkes
  The bilateral programme focuses on key priorities agreed with the Yemeni Government. These are support for the World Bank programme to regenerate Aden Port and help to strengthen economic and financial management within Ministries playing a leading role in Yemen's economic recovery. We also contribute to EU assistance to Yemen.

  UNESCO
  Mr. O'Hara
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what consultations she has held on the renewal of United Kingdom membership of UNESCO. [3872]

  Clare Short
  I met Mr. Mayor, UNESCO's Director-General, in London on 2 June. I will follow this up with a visit to UNESCO on 1 July and take the opportunity to meet the UK staff of the organisation. My officials had an initial meeting with the United Nations Association and the Friends of UNESCO on 18 June.

  Mr. Blunt
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development which programmes will not now proceed as a result of the cost to her Department of the UNESCO subscription. [5263]

  Mr. Foulkes
  I refer the hon. Member to the replies my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for International Development gave to the hon. Member for Richmond Park (Dr. Tonge),Hansard 2 June 1997, column 26, and to the right hon. and learned Member for Sleaford and North Hykeham (Mr. Hogg), Hansard 20 May 1997, column 37.

  Aid (Targeting)
  Mr. Andrew George
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans she has to ensure that the overseas aid budget is targeted for the benefit of the poorest people in less developed countries. [3873]

  Clare Short
  The Government are committed to eradicating poverty and promoting sustainable development. We are developing coherent policies which promote real and lasting development for poor people.
  557
  I am reviewing our existing spending programmes to ensure resources are focused on our central objective of eradicating poverty.

  The Government will issue a White Paper in the autumn setting out how we will work with our partners to tackle global poverty and promote sustainable development.

  Sustainable Development
  Mr. Illsley
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps she plans following the Prime Minister's announcements at UN General Assembly special session concerning the promoting of sustainable development. [3874]

  Clare Short
  My Department will follow through the Prime Minister's commitment to sustainable development and combatting poverty in the forthcoming White Paper and play a key role in the initiatives announced on climate change and energy efficiency, forests and fresh water as well as the replenishment of the global environment facility.

  Third World Debt
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what progress she has made in implementing her commitment to take steps to reduce third world debt. [3875]

  Clare Short
  Both my right hon. Friend the Chancellor and I have been working to secure a solution to the debt problems of the poorest countries. Agreement on debt relief for a number of countries is expected from creditors over the next few months.

  Poverty and Hardship
  Mr. Pond
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of a possible link between poverty in the poorest countries of the world and poverty and hardship in the industrialised countries.[3876]

  Clare Short
  The poor face the same hardships across the world: unequal opportunity; homelessness; lack of income, assets and skills. The country made clear in the general election that it wanted an increase in social justice at home and abroad.

  United Nations Industrial Development Organisation
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she intends to continue British membership of UNIDO.[3878]

  Clare Short
  I had a useful meeting with the Director-General of UNIDO, Mr. Maurico de Maria y Campos, on 12 June. UK membership of UNIDO is now under active review.

  Human Rights
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what account she takes of human rights issues in deciding her priorities for overseas aid. [3879]
  558
  Clare Short
  My Department will adopt a human rights based approach to development. Our distinct contribution will be to focus on those rights which are important for the elimination of poverty and the dignity of the disadvantaged. We will seek to establish development partnerships with Governments that share our aim of poverty eradication.

  Multilateral Aid Programmes
  Mr. Clapham
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussion she has had with the heads of multilateral humanitarian agencies about current multilateral aid programmes. [3880]

  Clare Short
  I attended a Humanitarian Forum in Switzerland on 8—10 June hosted by the International Committee of the Red Cross, and had discussions with heads of humanitarian agencies. This included the difficulties of access to populations affected by armed conflicts, deliberate attacks on humanitarian workers and violations of international humanitarian law.

  My Department is reviewing UK policy on humanitarian assistance as part of the overall process of reform in the UN system.

  Bilateral Aid
  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans she has to increase the emphasis in United Kingdom bilateral aid on counteracting poverty. [3881]

  Clare Short
  The elimination of poverty is at the centre of our agenda. I am currently reviewing all of our programmes to ensure that resources are targeted accordingly. A White Paper will issue in the autumn setting out how, through more coherent policies, we will tackle global poverty and promote sustainable development. I am delighted that there is to be a debate on International development policies on 1 July, during which hon. Members will have an opportunity to feed their thoughts and ideas into the paper.

  Kashmir
  Mr. Godsiff
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assistance her Department has made available to the refugees displaced by the conflict in Indian-controlled Kashmir to date; and what plans she has for such assistance in the future. [3882]

  Clare Short
  We have made the following contributions to the Committee of the International Red Cross (ICRC) for its operations in Kashmir and Jammu which include protection, visiting detainees, monitoring and dissemination of International Humanitarian Law.

  1994–95: 150,000

  1995–96: 150,000

  1996–97: 150,000

  Future appeals would be sympathetically considered.

  Land Mines
  Valerie Davey
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what funding her Department is providing for humanitarian mine clearance. [3883]
  559
  Clare Short
  The UK has committed over £31 million, including our share of European Community activities, to humanitarian demining operations since 1991. We remain committed to an active programme of humanitarian mine clearance.

  World Population Growth
  Mr. Ottaway
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what policies she has to address the issue of world population growth. [3884]

  Clare Short
  Our priority is for the elimination of poverty through sustainable development. This goal is impossible to achieve without the early stabilisation of world population. More and more people want to plan their families, have fewer children and give them a better start in life. Many millions are unable to do so. Strategies which improve access to family planning and other reproductive health services will be at the forefront of our international development partnerships.

  Africa
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on aid to Africa. [3857]

  Clare Short
  Forty per cent. of people living in Sub Saharan Africa are living in poverty. This is why Africa is a major focus of our programme. As my hon. Friend will have noticed the Prime Minister announced two initiatives at the Denver summit. First, to increase our commitments in the next three years to basic education, health care and the provision of safe drinking water by 50 per cent. Second, we agreed to untie our contribution to the Special Programme for Africa (SPA).

  Aid Budget
  Mr. Blunt
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what is her Department's target for the proportion of GNP which overseas aid will constitute for each year to 2001; and how this target relates to the UN target.[5269]

  Mr. Foulkes
  For the next two years we will be working within existing departmental ceilings. But our commitment to reverse the decline in spending as a proportion of GNP remains. We are reviewing existing expenditure plans and I am confident that the strategies that are now being put in place to focus our assistance more directly on poverty eradication, will demonstrate the case for additional resources thereafter.

  Mr. Blunt
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if it is her policy to achieve an increase in real terms year on year in the overseas aid budget. [5274]

  Mr. Foulkes
  We will work within existing financial ceilings this year and next while putting in place strategies to deliver progress towards the objective of eradicating poverty. As we demonstrate progress, we expect to justify additional resources being made available in line with our Manifesto commitment.

  Departmental Advisers
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the special advisers in her Department, the minister to whom each is responsible, the subjects on which they advise and the number of advisers in her Department in the year up to 1 May. [5358]

  Clare Short
  The Special Advisers in the Department for International Development are Jessica Crowe and Daniel Harris; both are responsible to me. They are employed under terms and conditions based on the "Model Contract for Special Advisers", a copy of which has been placed in the Library of the House. Ms Crowe and Mr. Harris are advising me on the development of Government policy and its effective presentation in accordance with Schedule I (Part I) of the Model Contract.

  Afghanistan
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what her policy is on the provision of assistance to Afghanistan; and what steps she is taking to ensure the United Kingdom assistance to areas controlled by the Taliban benefit women as well as men. [3810]

  Clare Short
  Our policy in Afghanistan is to create an environment where all Afghans, men and women will realise basic human rights leading to a more secure and stable social and economic life.

  The UK subscribes to the common donor position on gender and human rights issues in Afghanistan that all parties should recognise, protect and promote the equal rights and dignity of men and women, including access to education, employment outside the home, personal security and freedom from intimidation and harassment. The UK works closely with other donors for the adoption of more appropriate humanitarian policies and strategies and it is our policy to deal robustly with human rights concerns and repeated representations are made to all factions in Afghanistan to this effect.

  Earth Summit 2
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the contribution of Earth Summit 2 to the elimination of third world debt. [3811]

  Mr. Foulkes
  I welcome any discussions which draw attention to the need for sustainable development and the need to tackle the debt problems of some developing countries. Debt relief should be part of a wider economic commitment by debtors to balanced economic reforms which encourage sustainable development. Practical solutions need to be implemented in the appropriate fora.

  Bosnia
  Mr. Home Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the United Kingdom's contribution towards reconstruction in Bosnia. [3870]
  561
  Clare Short
  We have provided funding for reconstruction projects to underpin the Dayton agreement of December 1995. DFID has contributed £383 million since 1991 in aid to the former Yugoslavia: £213 million bilaterally and £170 million through the European Union.

  Twinning
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what proposals she has to encourage local authorities to develop twinning links with towns and cities in developing countries. [5171]

  Mr. Foulkes
  We have been supporting local authority technical links schemes in Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia through the Know How Fund since 1991. We are exploring the case for supporting similar institutional linkages in developing countries as part of our current review of the aid programme in preparation for the White Paper.

  Foreign Students
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what proposals she has to increase opportunities for appropriately qualified young people from developing countries to attend British universities. [5170]

  Mr. Foulkes
  In financial year 1995–96, the last year for which we have figures, we spent some £69.8 million on over 9,000 scholars and trainees who studied in the UK. I have no proposals to increase this expenditure at present but we welcome any suggestions from Members and others as part of the White Paper consultation.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Dundonald Training Centre
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if Dundonald Training Centre has permission to recruit new trainees; and if she will make a statement. [4244]

  Mr. Worthington
  Responsibility for this subject has been delegated to the Training and Employment Agency under its chief executive, Mr. Ian Walters. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from Ian Walters to Mr. John D. Taylor, dated 24 June 1997:
  The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has asked me, as Chief Executive of the Training and Employment Agency, to reply to your question on the recruitment of new trainees to Dundonald Training Centre.
  As you know, the Education and Training Minister, Mr Worthington, has announced that Dundonald Training Centre will remain in operation, at a reduced level of activity for a further year. The Centre has been authorised to recruit new trainees for the vocational classes which will be available from September this year. In addition, the Centre will continue to monitor and assess the progress of some 250 trainees who have completed their training at Dundonald and who will continue their NVQ based training and employers.
  I hope you find this information useful.

  Health and Social Services Staff
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many persons(a) are employed now and (b) were employed five years ago by the Department of Health and Social Services. [4267]

  Mr. Worthington
  The information is as follows:

  Staff employed by the Department of Health and Social Services

  1992

  1997

  DHSS (HQ)

  1,631

  1,081

  Social Security Agency

  5,743

  5,617

  Child Support Agency

  —

  1,205

  Health Estates Agency

  —

  117

  Total

  7,374

  8,020

  Mr. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many persons(a) are employed now and (b) were employed five years ago by the Southern area health and social services board, indicating the number of these employed in administration in each case. [4270]

  Mr. Worthington
  The information requested is as follows:

  1992

  1997

  Total staff

  322

  154

  Administrative and clerical

  157

  115

  I am currently considering levels of administration in the Health Service throughout Northern Ireland to ensure that the maximum level of resources goers straight into patient care.

  Mr. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many persons(a) are employed now and (b) were employed five years ago by the Armagh and Dungannon Health and Social Services Trust, indicating the number of these employed in administration in each case. [4271]

  Mr. Worthington
  The information requested is as follows:

  1992

  1997

  Total staff

  2,800

  3,353

  Administrative and clerical

  290

  350

  Fair Employment Commission
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many(a) Roman Catholics and (b) Protestants are employed by the Fair Employment Commission. [4269]

  Mr. Worthington
  The latest available information on numbers and religious composition of staff employed by the Fair Employment Commission for Northern Ireland is contained in the Commission's Seventh Monitoring Report which was published in March 1997. The report shows that at 1 January 1996, the position was as follows:

  Protestant: 38 (42.7 per cent.)

  Roman Catholic: 51 (57.3 per cent.

  Total: 89

  Planning
  Mr. McGrady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what factors led to the exclusion of the area plans for the Down and Newry and Mourne district council areas from the Planning Agency's business case for the financial year 1996–97. [4264]

  (2) what is the time scale for the commencement and execution of the work required in respect of the Down and Newry and Mourne area plans; [4265]

  (3) when the business and corporate plan for the Planning Agency for 1997–98 will be published. [4266]

  Mr. Murphy
  Responsibility for this subject has been delegated to the Planning Service under its Chief Executive, Mr. T. W. Stewart. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from T. W. Stewart to Eddie McGrady, dated 20 June 1997:
  Lord Dubs has asked me to reply to your questions about the Down and Newry and Mourne area plans, and also about the publication of the Planning Service's Corporate and Business Plan 1997–98.
  Only Development Plans which were to be adopted in 1996–97 were included in the Agency's Business Plan for that year. The position is the same for the 1997–98 Business Plan, published ealrier this month, a copy of which is available in the Library. When drawing up plans for 1998–99 and future years, the programming of work on both plans will be taken into account in accordance with competing priorities and available resources. At present, there is no agreed time-scale for the commencement and execution of the work.
  Although the notional end date for the Down Area Plan is late 1997 and for the Newry and Mourne Area Plan late 1999, they will remain material planning considerations in the determination of any planning applications submitted after those dates.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Benefit Fraud
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) how many cases of benefit fraud are currently(a) being investigated and (b) awaiting trial, as a result of people contacting the Benefit Fraud Hotline; and if he will make a statement; [1547]

  (2) how many convictions have resulted from evidence gathered from the Benefit Fraud Hotline; and if he will make a statement; [1548]

  (3) how many people have rung the Benefit Fraud Hotline in each month since it was introduced; and if she will make a statement. [1546]

  Mr. Denham
  Modernising the Social Security system is one of our key priorities. Our objective is to reduce poverty and welfare dependency and to promote work incentives. We will develop a system that supports work, savings and honesty. We will streamline services to provide better, simpler more efficient services to clients. We will be vigilant in tackling fraud, ensuring value for taxpayers' money and rebuilding confidence in the Social Security system.

  The operation of the National Benefit Fraud Hotline is a matter for Peter Mathison, the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to hon. Member.
  564
  Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Archy Kirkwood, dated 24 June 1997:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Questions concerning the Benefit Fraud Hotline.
  There are 20,090 referrals from the National Benefit Fraud Hotline currently under investigation. The number of cases that have been referred for prosecution to date as a result of calls to the Hotline is 185.
  The number of convictions arising from referrals to the Hotline is not collated.
  The number of calls to the Hotline is shown in the attached table. Information is not yet available for May 1997.
  I hope you find this reply helpful.

  Number of calls to the national Benefit Fraud Hotline

  Month

  Duration

  Number of calls

  1996

  August

  4 weeks

  41,826

  September

  5 weeks

  32,633

  October

  4 weeks

  22,360

  November

  4 weeks

  21,805

  December

  4 weeks

  14,139

  1997

  January

  4 weeks

  15,831

  February

  4 weeks

  27,075

  March

  5 weeks

  31,185

  April

  4 weeks

  18,680

  Figures are provisional and subject to change.

  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will list the value of fraudulent claims uncovered by the Benefits Agency in each of the 13 area directorates for each of the last five years for which figures are available(a) in terms of the cash value of benefits saved and (b) as a percentage of total payments made for each of the benefits administered. [3214]

  Mr. Denham
  One of our key aims is to restore confidence in the benefit system by tackling fraud and ensuring value for taxpayers money. Queries on Benefits Agency operational matters are the responsibility of Peter Mathison, the Chief Executive. He will write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Archy Kirkwood, dated 23 June 1997:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question requesting the value of fraudulent claims uncovered by the Benefit Agency (BA) in each of the 13 area directorates for each of the last five years for which figures are available (a) in terms of the cash value of benefits saved and (b) as a percentage of total payments made for each of the benefits administered.
  The information is not available in the format requested. Fraud savings are derived from more than one source including the Benefit Fraud Investigation Service (BFIS), Organised Fraud Investigations (OFI), Central Benefit Directorates and, from 1995/96, the Security and Control Programme. The differing organisational set up within these sections do not match the Area Directorate structure. However figures are available for total fraud savings for the BA and are shown in the attached Annex.
  The savings are shown as Weekly Benefit Savings (WBS) and not in strict cash terms. WBS are calculated by multiplying the actual amount of benefit saved by 32 (32 weeks being the average length of time that benefit would have been paid, if it had not been reduced or withdrawn following the intervention of a fraud officer.)

  565
  While this gives an assessment of the amounts of benefit saved by counter fraud activity, it does not show the public expenditure savings accruing in that year from current and previous activity.
  Changes were introduced in the 1996 budget to try and refine the way savings are accounted for in the public expenditure plans. Savings are no longer attributed wholly to the year in which the fraud is detected, but spread over the period which the fraud would otherwise on average have continued. Due to changes in accounting methods a direct comparison in cash terms with previous years is not possible.
  We do not collate fraud savings separately by benefit type. Therefore fraud savings are expressed as a percentage of the total programme spend on all benefits for the last five years.
  I hope you find this reply helpful.

  Year

  BA fraud (WBS) savings (£ billion

  BA programme expenditure (£ billion approximately)

  Fraud savings (WBS) as a percentage of programme expenditure

  1991–92

  0.447

  56

  0.8

  1992–93

  0.558

  62

  0.9

  1993–94

  0.654

  67

  0.98

  1994–95

  0.717

  70

  1.02

  1995–96

  1.222

  73

  1.67

  1. Figures are provisional and subject to change.

  2. Both BA fraud savings/programme expenditure figures exclude those attributable to local authorities.

  3. Savings figures for 1996–97 are not yet available.

  Pensions Review
  Mr. Letwin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if it is her policy that the reform of social security currently being considered by the Government should benefit individuals currently in receipt of pensions as well as those who are not yet pensioners. [2295]

  Mr. Denham
  The Government believes that all pensioners should share fairly in increasing national prosperity. We will set up a review of the central areas of insecurity for elderly people: all aspects of the basic pension and its value, second pensions including SERPS, and community care.

  Asylum Seekers
  Ms Jane Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans she has to reinstate benefits for asylum seekers. [2439]

  Mr. Bradley
  We are committed to a wide ranging review of Social Security: our aim is to encourage independence and reduce poverty. The position of asylum seekers will be considered as part of this review.

  Following the Home Secretary's declaration on 16 May 1997 of Zaire as a country of upheaval, a Zairean national who entered previously and applies for asylum within three months of the declaration being made, is eligible to claim income support, income based jobseeker's allowance, housing benefit and council tax benefit while his or her asylum application is considered by the Home Office.

  Platform for Action
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will publish an annual Government report on the progress of the 1995 Platform for Action; and if she will make a statement. [3917]
  566
  Ms Ruddock
  We will be publishing an annual Government report on the progress of the Platform for Action. The Platform for Action was the outcome document of the United Nations' 4th World Conference on Women. It covers matters of concern to women and girls in all areas of policy and has set the agenda for governments and non-governmental organisations as they work to promote equality between women and men. We are fully committed to its implementation.

  Pensioners (Benefits)
  Mr. Nigel Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will list for each of the last 10 years for which figures are available how much(a) income support, (b) housing benefit and (c) council tax relief has been claimed by men aged between 60 and 64 years. [3845]

  Mr. Bradley
  Modernising the Social Security system to reduce poverty and welfare dependency and to promote work incentives is one of this Government's key priorities.

  The available information is in the tables.

  Income support

  £ million

  Year

  Income support

  1987–88

  n/a

  1988–89

  n/a

  1989–90

  435.9

  1990–91

  442.7

  1991–92

  504.5

  1992–93

  559.9

  1993–94

  618.3

  1994–95

  646.3

  1995–96

  649.4

  1996–97

  661.6

  Source:

  Income Support Annual Statistical Enquiries May 1989–May 1992. Income Support Quarterly Statistical Enquiries May 1993–May 1996.

  Housing benefit and council tax benefit

  £million

  Year

  Housing Benefit

  Council Tax Benefit

  1994–95

  223

  64

  1995–96

  218

  59

  Source:

  Housing Benefit Management Information System and Departmental Report.

  Notes:

  1. Figures are estimated.

  2. Figures are not available for years prior to 1994 because no data were held which identified recipients by gender.

  Mortgage Interest Payments
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans she has to review the period between claims for payment of mortgage interest by recipients of income support and the first payments; and if she will make a statement. [3841]
  567
  Mr. Bradley
  The Government is committed to reforming and modernising the welfare state to fulfil the objectives of promoting work incentives, reducing poverty and welfare dependency, and strengthening community and family life.

  This will involve considering, with lenders and insurers, a range of measures to give more security to home-owners with a mortgage. We will keep detailed benefit rules under consideration as we develop our plans.

  Young People
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will list the main changes in Social Security law that have affected the entitlement of(a) 16 to 17 year-olds and (b) 17 to 25-year-olds or their parents to benefit in the last five years. [4166]

  Mr. Bradley
  The main changes in the last five years affecting benefit entitlement for 16 to 17-year-olds and 17 to 25-year-olds were as follows:For 16 to 25-year-olds

  In Jobseeker's Allowance, which was introduced in October 1996, there is a common rule which ensures that all unemployed people aged 18 to 24 are treated the same, regardless of their contribution record. A person of this age who is entitled to Jobseeker's Allowance, whether contribution-based or income-based, will be paid at a lower rate than that for a person aged 25 years or over.

  In Housing Benefit, the main change was the restriction of the amount of rent which can be used to calculate benefit entitlement. It limits the rent to the average cost of non-self-contained accommodation in the locality in which the claimant lives. This chance affects most claimants under 25 living in the private rented sector, and was introduced on 6 October 1996.

  For families

  From April 1997 (for Income Support, Jobseeker's Allowance, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit) and October 1997 (Family Credit and Disability Working Allowance), the date from which age-related increases for children aged 11 and 16 are paid has been moved from the birthday itself to the first Monday in September following the birthday. There is no longer an increase in the rate for young dependent people on reaching age 18.

  In Family Credit, from July 1996, Family Credit awards terminate when a child leaves full-time education, but only in families where the child is the last remaining child in the family.

  In April 1995, rules in Severe Disablement Allowance for claiming adult dependency increases and child dependency increases were aligned with Incapacity Benefit.

  Other measures have been introduced in the last five years (for example Incapacity Benefit and Disability Living Allowance) which may have affected young people or their parents, but the measures have not been targeted at these groups particularly.

  This Government's intention is to modernise the Social Security system so that it supports work, savings and honesty. One of our first steps is to focus on helping people off welfare and into work.

  Low Pay
  Mr. Tom King
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many(a) full-time and (b) part-time persons employed by her Department and its agencies are paid (i) less than £4 an hour, (ii) less than £3.50 an hour and (iii) less than £3 an hour. [4199]

  Mr. Field
  The information requested is in the table.

  Full-time

  Part-time

  Less than £3.00 per hour

  None

  None

  Less than £3.50 per hour

  6,472

  1,017

  Less than £4.00 per hour

  110,392

  11,347

  1Figures also include those staff paid at £3.50 per hour.

  1. The information includes staff who are employed on a casual basis.

  2. For the purposes of this table, the hourly rates quoted above are based on a 42 hours conditioned working week which includes payment for a lunch hour each working day (i.e., for 5 hours).

  3. Figures are based on basic salary and exclude allowances.

  4. All staff (excluding those employed on a casual basis) may elect to join the Principal Civil Service Pension Scheme which is not based on employee contributions. Civil service pay rates have traditionally reflected the non-contributory nature of these pension arrangements.

  Child Support Agency
  Mr. Pearson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what assessment she has made of the levels of accuracy currently achieved by the CSA; and if she will make a statement. [4631]

  Mr. Bradley
  We intend to look closely at all aspects of the Child Support Agency to ensure that it provides an efficient and effective service.

  The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the Chief Executive, Mrs. Faith Boardman. She will write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Mrs. Faith Boardman to Mr. Ian Pearson, dated 24 June 1997:
  I am replying to your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security about Child Support Agency accuracy levels.
  The 1997–98 Secretary of State target set for the Agency relating to accuracy is for the cash value of all assessments checked in the year to be correct in at least 85% of cases.
  Performance against this target is determined by examination of a statistically valid sample of maintenance assessments, which are checked to ensure that the cash value of the assessment (or change to the assessment) is correct within one penny. To satisfy the target 85% of all cases checked throughout the year must be correct to the last penny.
  The accuracy of the cash value maintenance has improved over recent years for 79% reported for March 1996 to 87% reported for March 1997. Performance against the target in this financial year has been maintained at this level, with accuracy running at 86% in April and 88% in May.
  I hope this is helpful.

  Mr. Pearson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the average length of time from the issue of a maintenance inquiry form by the CSA to the issuing of the maintenance assessment.[4627]

  Mr. Bradley
  We expect the Child Support Agency to provide an efficient and effective service to all its clients throughout the child support assessment process.
  569
  The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the Chief Executive, Mrs. Faith Boardman. She will write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Mrs. Faith Boardman to Mr. Ian Pearson, dated 24 June 1997:
  I am replying to your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security about the processing of applications for child support. I am afraid I cannot give you precise information in the format you have requested.
  The Agency does not collect general information on average processing times, but measures performance against its Secretary of State target relating to the clearance of applications. In 1996–97, the target was to clear 60 per cent. of new maintenance applications within 26 weeks, with no more than 10 per cent. of outstanding applications to be over 52 weeks old. Over the full year, 54 per cent. of new maintenance applications were cleared within 26 weeks, and 12 per cent. of all applications were over 52 weeks old at 31 March 1997. Performance improved towards the end of the year, so that the in-month figure for clearances within 26 weeks stood at 60 per cent. in February and 63 per cent. in March.
  I hope this is helpful.

  Mr. Pearson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) how many second tier reviews were conducted by the CSA in(a) 1994–95, (b) 1995–96 and (c) 1996–97; and what was the average length of time taken from receipt of request for review to notification of its outcome; [4629]

  (2) what is the current backlog in second tier review work in the CSA. [4630]

  Mr. Bradley
  We expect the CSA to provide an efficient and effective service to all its clients. The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the Chief Executive, Mrs. Faith Boardman. She will write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Mrs. Faith Boardman to Mr. Ian Pearson, dated 24 June 1997:
  I am replying to your Parliamentary Questions to the Secretary of State for Social Security concerning second tier reviews.
  Details of clearances for the last three years are as follows:

  1994–95: 28,272

  1995–96: 26,955

  1996–97: 36,339

  The improved performance in 1996–97 is a direct result of the drive within the Agency to reduce the number of reviews outstanding. At the end of 1995–96, this stood at 11,189, but by 31 March 1997 had been reduced to 6,279. The numbers continue to fall, with 4,903 reviews outstanding at the end of May 1997.
  The Agency does not collect information on average processing times. We do, however, have details of the age of the cases on hand, with cases over 26 weeks old considered to be in arrears. Our drive to reduce the number of reviews outstanding concentrated particularly on the clearance of these older cases, with the result that only 647 applications were over 26 weeks old at the end of the year, compared to 3,056 at the end of 1995–96. At 31 May, this had increased slightly to 699 cases.
  I hope this is helpful.

  Disability Living Allowance (Children)
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what plans she has to review the exclusion of children under five years of age from the mobility component of disability living allowance; [4774]
  570
  (2) what is her Department's estimate of the annual cost of extending the mobility component of disability living allowance to children aged under five years of age. [4775]

  Mr. Denham
  We are planning to review provision for disabled people to reduce poverty and welfare dependency and provide work incentives. We will announce the scope for that review in due course. The estimated annual cost of extending the mobility component of disability living allowance to children under five years of age would be £40 million.

WALES

  Minimum Wage
  Mr. Tom King
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many(a) full-time and (b) part-time employees of his Department and its agencies are paid (i) less than £4 an hour, (ii) less than £3.50 an hour and (iii) less than £3 an hour. [4194]

  Mr. Ron Davies
  Full and part-time staff are paid on the same basis; the number of hours worked does not affect the hourly rate of pay.

  On 31 March 1997, the number of permanent staff in Welsh Office and its Agency (Cadw) earning less than:

  (i) £4 per hour was 128.

  (ii) £3.50 per hour was nil.

  (iii) £3 per hour was nil.

  In addition some 180 casual staff were employed on 31 March 1997 as AA or equivalent. Many of these will be employed towards the bottom of the relevant pay scale which is equivalent to less than £4 per hour. Information about precse numbers can be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Devolution
  Mr. Denzil Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he intends to produce a popular version of the proposed White Paper on devolution for Wales. [4298]

  Mr. Ron Davies
  We shall be producing a factual and informative leaflet in good time before the referendum.

  Belmont Special School
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will visit Belmont special school, Buckley, Flintshire. [4456]

  Mr. Hain
  Neither I nor my right hon. Friend has any plans to visit the school. Subject to other commitments, we are happy to consider invitations to visit schools in Wales, including special schools.

  State Schools
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what estimate he has made of the total value of balances held by state schools in Wales. [5067]

  Mr. Hain
  [holding answer 23 June 1997]: According to section 122 outturn statements for 1995–96, the latest year for which this information is available, LEA maintained schools in Wales held balances of just under £50 million. This equates to an average balance of

  571
  £25,500 per school. Grant-maintained schools in Wales had net current assets of £958,969, allocated across various heads including capital funds. This equates to an average balance—including capital funds—of £59,936.

  The overall average balance for all schools in Wales is £25,780.

  Sarn-y-Bryn Caled Road Junction
  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer of 16 June,Official Report, column 62, if finance is available for the provision of a roundabout at the Sarn-y-Bryn Caled junction, Welshpool, in the current roads programme; and what is the expected completion date for the work on the roundabout. [4870]

  Mr. Hain
  [holding answer 24 June 1997]: I am not able to confirm the finance available for the roads programme for 1998–99 until completion of our roads programme review due later this year. Once started, the anticipated contract duration for the redevelopment is six months.

  Public Bodies
  Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the administrative and other running costs of each public body to which he makes appointments in rank order for the last year for which figures are available.[4536]

  Mr. Ron Davies
  The following tables set out the latest available information for those bodies to which the Secretary of State makes appointments, as listed in the annual publication, "Public Bodies", copies of which are available in the Library of the House.

  Non-departmental public bodies

  Running costs budget 1997–98 £

  Executive NDPRs

  Welsh Development Agency

  20,171,000

  National Museum and Galleries of Wales

  10,452,000

  Countryside Council for Wales

  8,900,000

  National Library of Wales

  4,870,000

  Cardiff Bay Development Corporation

  4,497,000

  Wales Tourist Board

  3,958,000

  Development Board for Rural Wales

  3,580,000

  Tai Cymru

  2,770,000

  Further Education Funding Council for Wales

  2,425,000

  Arts Council of Wales

  2,004,000

  Land Authority for Wales

  1,890,000

  Higher Education Funding Council for Wales

  1,616,000

  Curriculum and Assessment Authority for Wales

  1,573,000

  Welsh Language Board

  1,109,000

  Sports Council of Wales

  995,000

  Welsh National Board for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting

  975,000

  Residuary Body for Wales

  920,700

  Agricultural Wages Committee

  3,286

  Advisory NDPRs

  Local Government Boundary Commission for Wales

  500,000

  Welsh Industrial Development Advisory Board

  53,000

  Welsh Medical Committee

  21,000

  Welsh Pharmaceutical Committee

  18,000

  Welsh Scientific Advisory Committee

  16,000

  572

  Non-departmental public bodies

  Running costs budget 1997–98 £

  Historical Buildings Council for Wales

  15,000

  Staff Commission for Wales

  11,000

  Welsh Committee on Drug and Alcohol Misuse

  10,000

  Library and Information Services Council (Wales)

  9,000

  Welsh Committee for Post Graduate Pharmaceutical Education

  8,940

  Ancient Monuments Board for Wales

  8,000

  Welsh Nursing and Midwifery Committee

  8,000

  Welsh Dental Committee

  7,500

  Welsh Council for Post Graduate Medical and Dental Education

  5,500

  Hill Farming Advisory Sub-Committee for Wales1

  3,000

  Welsh Optical Committee

  1,500

  Environment Agency Advisory Committee for Wales

  1,314

  Agricultural Dwelling House Advisory Committee

  1,000

  Place Names Advisory Committee

  600

  Tribunals

  Rent Assessment Panel for Wales

  163,500

  Registered Inspectors Appeals Tribunal (Wales)

  10,000

  1Appointments made jointly by MAFF Minister and Secretary of State for Wales.

  Running costs expenditure 1995–96 £1

  Health authorities

  Gwent health authority

  Not available on individual basis

  Bro Taf health authority

  Not available on individual basis

  Dyfed Powys health authority

  Not available on individual basis

  North Wales health authority

  Not available on individual basis

  lechyd Morganwg health

  Not available on individual basis

  Total

  28,435,000

  Special health authorities

  Welsh health common services authority

  518,000

  Health promotion Wales

  1,081,000

  1The total running costs figure is that given in the audited accounts for 1995-96 of the 16 authorities (HAs and FHSAs) which merged into 5 Health Authorities on 1 April 1996. In view of the merger this figure cannot be taken as a reliable indicator for subsequent years.

  NHS trusts

  Running costs expenditure 1995–96 £1

  University Hospital of Wales Healthcare NHS Trust

  100,538,000

  Glan Hafren NHS Trust

  61,047,000

  Bridgend and District NHS Trust

  46,476,000

  Gofal Cymuned Clwydian Community Care NHS Trust

  45,870,000

  Pembrokeshire and Derwen NHS Trust2

  45,114,000

  Glan-y-Mor NHS Trust

  44,895,000

  Morriston Hospital NHS Trust

  42,463,000

  Gwent Community Health NHS Trust

  40,730,000

  North Glamorgan NHS Trust

  38,676,000

  Gwynedd Hospitals NHS Trust

  38,383,000

  Cardiff Community Healthcare NHS Trust

  38,075,000

  Glan Clwyd District General Hospital NHS Trust

  37,979,000

  573

  NHS trusts

  Running costs expenditure 1995–96 £1

  Llandough Hospital and Community NHS Trust

  37,846,000

  Wrexham Maelor Hospital NHS Trust

  35,308,000

  Gwynedd Community Health NHS Trust

  34,367,000

  Swansea NHS Trust

  33,367,000

  East Glamorgan NHS Trust

  32,631,000

  Powys Health Care NHS Trust

  29,582,000

  Nevill Hall and District NHS Trust

  28,529,000

  Carmarthen and District NHS Trust

  26,210,000

  Rhondda Health Care NHS Trust

  20,806,000

  Llanelli Dinefwr NHS Trust

  20,270,000

  Ceredigion and Mid Wales NHS Trust

  16,426,000

  574

  NHS trusts

  Running costs expenditure 1995–96 £1

  South and East Wales Ambulance NHS Trust

  11,982,000

  North Wales Ambulance NHS Trust

  8,800,000

  West Wales Ambulance NHS Trust

  7,355,000

  Velindre NHS Trust

  6,938,000

  Mid Glamorgan Ambulance NHS Trust

  5,814,000

  University Dental Hospital

  5,158,000

  1The figures provided are taken from the Trusts audited accounts for 1995–96 except those for the Glan-y-Mor and North Glamorgan NHS Trusts which came into existence on or after 1 April 1996, which are estimates based on the size and type of Trust.

  2Costs for Pembrokeshire and Derwen NHS Trust are totals of the two trusts which existed prior to their merger on I April 1997.

  Diplomats: Serious Offences
  Diplomats: Serious Offences
  Bosnia: US Train and Equip Programme
  Bosnia: US Train and Equip Programme
  EU Committee of the Regions
  EU Committee of the Regions
  Turkey and Indonesia: British Defence Equipment
  Turkey and Indonesia: British Defence Equipment
  British Information Services New York: E-Mail
  British Information Services New York: E-Mail
  Treaty on European Union: Human Rights
  Treaty on European Union: Human Rights
  Social Security Claimants: Effects of Disentitlement
  Social Security Claimants: Effects of Disentitlement
  Suicides: Inquest Verdict
  Suicides: Inquest Verdict
  British Library: Deposit of Publications Lord
  British Library: Deposit of Publications Lord
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  Ministers: Severance Payments
  Ministers: Severance Payments
  Baltic States: Trade Concessions
  Baltic States: Trade Concessions
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  Inflation
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  Long-term Growth Rate Forecast
  Commercial Debt: Late Payment Penalty Scheme
  Commercial Debt: Late Payment Penalty Scheme
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  The Army: Regimental System
  MoD Surplus Property
  MoD Surplus Property
  OP Pesticides: Liver Malfunction
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  Gulf Veterans: Medical Diagnostic Data
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  National Curriculum: Assessment Results
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  Schools: Standards
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  London Transport Fares: Annual Increases
  London Transport Fares: Annual Increases
  Gas Safety in Let Accommodation
  Gas Safety in Let Accommodation
  Water Charges Review
  Water Charges Review
  Transport Council, Luxembourg 17–18 June
  Transport Council, Luxembourg 17–18 June
  Buses: Review
  Buses: Review
  Local Authorities: Intervention Powers
  Local Authorities: Intervention Powers
  National Car Free Day: Travel Awareness
  National Car Free Day: Travel Awareness
  Properties for Disabled People
  Properties for Disabled People
  Health Authorities and Trusts: Board Appointments
  Health Authorities and Trusts: Board Appointments
  Poliomyelitis Cases
  Poliomyelitis Cases
  NHS: Costs and Expenditure
  NHS: Costs and Expenditure