Written Answers of 3 March 1997

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Water Cannon
  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many times water cannons have been used by police forces in Britain since 1967; for what reasons they were used; on what dates they were used; in what places they were used; and if police forces are currently authorised to use water cannons. [17949]

  Mr. Maclean
  Water cannons have never been used by police forces in England, Wales or Scotland. It is for chief police officers to decide what public order equipment to deploy and how to authorise its deployment.

  Sexual Orientation (Police Database)
  Mr. Michael Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department in what circumstances an individual's sexual orientation is recorded on the police national computer. [18222]

  Mr. Maclean
  An individual's sexual orientation should not be recorded on the police national computer.

  Charities (Criminal Records Checks)
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received from(a) Barnardos and (b) the Scouts Association about the proposed charges for criminal records checks on charities; and if he will make a statement. [17968]

  Mr. Maclean
  We have received many representations on this matter from a range of voluntary groups, including Barnardos and the Scouts Association. My right hon. and learned Friend the Home Secretary announced to the House on Second Reading of the Police Bill [Lords] that we shall seek
  "to amend the Bill … to introduce an order making power to enable free checks to be provided for specific groups, such as volunteers, if and when the money became available to cover the costs of doing so."—Official Report,12 February 1997; Vol. 290, column 359.

  Convicted Paedophiles
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what steps he is taking to track convicted child sex abusers who, on release from prison on licence, have immediately disappeared; [18355]

  (2) what steps he is taking to track convicted child sex abusers who change their names. [18343]

  Mr. Maclean
  The Sex Offenders Bill places an obligation on those convicted or cautioned for paedophile and other serious sex offences to notify changes of name 464
  and address to the police. Failure to do so, in the circumstances laid down by the Bill, will be a criminal offence.

  The police have devoted substantial efforts to managing the risks posed by paedophiles, in co-operation with other agencies, and have developed strategies to monitor the movements of paedophiles who try to escape from view. If a prisoner released on licence fails to keep contact with his probation officer in accordance with the terms of his licence, he may, depending on the circumstances, be recalled to prison.

  Youth Justice System
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what proposals he has to publish a Green Paper on the youth justice system; and if he will make a statement. [13199]

  Mr. Maclean
  [pursuant to his answer, 30 January 1997, columns 313–14]: The Government will be publishing a Green Paper tomorrow, setting out proposals for preventing children offending.

ENVIRONMENT

  Water Companies
  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment in which years since 1979 Government assistance was given to capital or revenue expenditure of (i) publicly owned and (ii) private water companies for(a) new reservoirs and (b) prevention of leaks in mains supplies; and in each case what was the nature of the assistance. [17740]

  Mr. Clappison
  In 1983–84 the Government made a specific grant, repayable within five years, to Northumbrian Water towards the financing costs of major investment including the Kielder reservoir. No other financial assistance from Government since 1979 has been specifically for the provision of new reservoirs or the prevention of leaks in mains supplies, which have been matters for the former water authorities and the water companies.

  Sellafield
  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what report he has received from the Environment Agency in respect of Nirex's assessment of the likely destruction of geological information from the construction of a rock characterisation facility at Sellafield. [17729]

  Mr. Gummer
  None.

  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what plans he has for public consultation on(a) the groundwater pressure data and (b) Nirex's revised interpretation of the base line hydrogeology before he makes a decision on the proposed rock characterisation facility at Sellafield; [17734]

  (2) what plans he has for consulting interested parties regarding the impact on base line hydrogeology of the proposed rock characterisation facility, at Sellafield. [17735]
  465
  Mr. Gummer
  I am considering the matter.

  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what information Nirex has provided to him in respect of independent peer review of the base line groundwater pressure dataset relating to the proposed rock characterisation facility at Sellafield; [17736]

  (2) what assessment he has made of the relevance of the hydrogeological base line dataset to the safety case of a nuclear repository at Sellafield. [17733]

  Mr. Gummer
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer that I gave him on 23 January,Official Report,column 678.

  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what advice the Radioactive Waste Management Advisory Committee has given to his Department regarding consultation with interested parties over the base line hydrogeological effects of the proposed rock characterisation facility at Sellafield. [17737]

  Mr. Gummer
  None. However, in the response that the committee published in February 1993 to UK Nirex Limited's "Consultative Document on a Rock Characterisation Facility", RWMAC said that it would be important to ensure that the base hydrogeological regime in the region of the potential repository site and the extent of monitoring was agreed by independent peer review or other means with as many interested parties as possible and that a period of 18 months to two years of monitoring prior to the commencement of shaft sinking would be regarded as normal practice.

  In September 1995, the committee published a report, "Review of aspects of the scientific mission and role of the Nirex Rock Characterisation Facility at Sellafield", made in response to requests by UK Nirex Limited and Cumbria county council. In this, the committee said that its recommendations over timing remained, but were now likely to be met
  "in view of the interpolation of the RCF planning inquiry into the overall repository programme."

  The committee said that the proposed peer review should be published prior to the start of RCF shaft excavation.

  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what arrangements were made for peer review by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Pollution of the Nirex proposal to begin construction work at the proposed nuclear waste repository site during the public inquiry into the proposed RCF at Sellafield. [17981]

  Mr. Gummer
  I am not aware of any such proposal.

  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what cost recovery arrangements have existed between HMIP and Nirex since the public inquiry into the proposed rock characterisation facility at Sellafield. [17980]

  Mr. Gummer
  None. HMIP's previous agreement with UK Nirex Limited ended in September 1994, following notice of termination given by the company. The Environment Agency is currently consulting publicly on the terms of a new agreement that it is minded to enter into with Nirex.

  Caesium-137
  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what research his Department has conducted into the re-suspension of Caesium-137 into the environment via biological pathways following nuclear accidents(a) within and (b) outside the United Kingdom. [18108]

  Mr. Gummer
  A study of re-suspension of radioactive caesium at a number of sites within the United Kingdom and western Europe was undertaken for my Department following the Chernobyl accident. The report of this work, entitled "Environmental Radioactivity from Chernobyl", has been placed in the Library of the House.

  Biodiversity
  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what changes have been made to his Department's commitments to action in 1997 in respect of biodiversity plans set out in section 6 of "This Common Inheritance" 1997, in his most recent departmental Minis report. [17725]

  Mr. Gummer
  My Department is totally committed to achieving the UK biodiversity plan's actions for 1997 and beyond as set out in section 6 of the commitments table of "This Common Inheritance" 1997. The latest departmental Minis report will fully reflect this commitment.

  Homes (Greater London)
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his estimate of the number of(a) council and (b) housing association homes that will be required for the Greater London area in each of the years to 2000. [17982]

  Mr. Clappison
  There are no official projections of council homes or housing association homes required for the Greater London area in future years.

  Social Housing (Lancashire)
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what estimate he has made of the number of new social homes required in each borough in Lancashire in each of the years to 2000. [18436]

  Mr. Clappison
  There are no official projections of social homes required in each borough in Lancashire for future years.

  Countryside Commission
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the name of the national heritage adviser to the Countryside Commission; and what is his professional background. [18010]

  Mr. Clappison
  The National Heritage adviser to the Countryside Commission is Mr. Paul Walshe. His professional background is that of a landscape architect and an architect. He also has a postgraduate degree in environmental conservation.

  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment which consultants were employed by the
  467
  Countryside Commission to advise it on the crossing of the River Avon by the proposed Salisbury bypass; what were the terms of reference given to the consultants; and if he will place in the Library a copy of the consultants' report. [18012]

  Mr. Clappison
  The consultants were Novell Tullett of Bristol, assisted by Christopher Taylor, who is a landscape historian and former head of the archaeological survey for the Royal Commission on historic monuments of England.

  The terms of reference given to the consultants were as follows:
  "The appointed consultants will be required to undertake the following tasks:

  an assessment of the character and importance of the landscape setting of Salisbury Cathedral in the Nadder and Avon Valleys, through which the proposed road runs;

  an assessment of the impact of the proposals on this landscape, in particular in the vicinity of the East Harnham Meadows;

  advise whether or not the measures proposed for landscaping will significantly ameliorate the impact of the proposal on the area and, if not, what, if any, further measures could be adopted."

  The consultants were also asked to advise on the impact of any alternative alignments put forward by the Highways Agency avoiding the East Harnham meadows site of special scientific interest.

  I have made arrangements for a copy of the consultants' report to the commission to be placed in the Library.

OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION

  Aid and Trade Provision
  Mr. Patrick Thompson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on aid and trade provision. [18277]

  Dr. Liam Fox
  Given the success of British companies in winning business with ATP support, the ATP budget in Asia is under severe pressure. This is why companies were advised of a hold on new offers of ATP support in Asia last November.

  I have now finalised the future allocation of aid resources following the Budget. The allocations for ATP in the next two years have been increased by 45 per cent. and 37 per cent. respectively, to £77.7 million in 1997–98 and £70.7 million in 1998–99. The 1999–2000 allocation is £49 million.

  In Asia, these enhanced levels will allow ODA to meet contractual commitments; to support those projects on which offers of assistance have been made; and to proceed, subject to satisfactory appraisal, with identified projects for which appraisals are nearly complete or are close to approval. Further ahead, we shall fulfil our obligations under the concessionary finance arrangements signed with overseas Governments as aid programme resources allow. In practice, with the exception of the small number of projects mentioned above where appraisal is well advanced, no further offers of ATP in Asia are likely to be made for some time. However, ATP
  468
  remains a significant element in the ODA aid effort, and the position will be reviewed again during this year's public expenditure round.

  In Africa where demands are fewer, business can continue as usual within the resources allocated.

  Companies seeking further information on ATP in either Asia or Africa should consult the ODA or Department of Trade and Industry.

  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which five companies were allocated the largest sums from the United Kingdom aid and trade budget between 1978 and 1994; how much cash was allocated during this period; and what percentage of the budget for this period their allocation represented. [18019]

  Dr. Fox
  I refer the hon. member to the reply given by the Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, my right honourable Friend the hon. Member for Richmond and Barnes (Mr. Hanley) to the hon. Member for York (Mr. Bayley) on 15 January 1996,Official Report,column 357.

  Ivory Coast
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations his Department has made to the Government of the Ivory Coast regarding measures taken against the Student Federation, Fédération Estudiantine et Scolaire de Côte d' Ivoire. [17849]

  Dr. Liam Fox
  The British embassy in Abidjan recently met senior Ivorian Government officials to discuss the legal status of FESCI and the measures taken against that organisation.

  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had in respect of the human rights situation in the Ivory Coast. [17850]

  Dr. Fox
  My ministerial colleagues and I receive occasional representations from groups concerned with human rights in Cote d'lvoire. The British embassy in Abidjan closely monitors human rights and recently met senior Ivorian Government officials to discuss the issue. Foreign Office officials have also met visiting Ivorian parliamentary opposition leaders.

WALES

  Bron Dyffryn Special School
  Mr. Richards
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how much direct funding Bron Dyffryn special school has been in receipt of from Her Majesty's Government during each of the last three years. [18288]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  None that I am aware of. Bron Dyffryn is a local education authority maintained special school funded by Denbighshire county council in accordance with the resource allocation formula contained in its local management of schools scheme.
  469

  Targets for the Planning Inspectorate Agency
  Mr. Sweeney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what performance targets he has set for the Planning Inspectorate Agency's work in Wales for the financial year 1997–98. [18600]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  The key objectives for the agency in 1997–98 continue to be to preserve the impartiality and quality of the inspectorate's work while seeing further to improve its efficiency. I have set the following key targets for the agency's work in Wales:

  Timeliness

  (a) Eighty per cent.of all planning appeals decided by written representations to be determined within 17 weeks;

  (b) Eighty per cent. of all planning appeals decided by hearings to be determined within 22 weeks;

  (c) Eighty per cent. of all planning appeals decided by inquiries to be determined within 30 weeks;

  (d) To provide an inspector for local plan inquiries on request within 26 weeks of the end of the objection period and to deliver 90 per cent. of inspector's reports to local authorities by the dates agreed in service agreements.

  Financial

  (a) Unit costs of planning appeals decided by written representations not to exceed the target to be set for the Inspectorate by the Department of the Environment;

  (b) Recover 90 per cent. of receipts due within eight weeks of the invoice date.

  Efficiency
  Contribute to the generation of an efficiency improvement in the Agency's use of running costs compared with 1996–97, in accordance with the target to be set for the inspectorate by the Department of the Environment.

  Quality
  To satisfy the advisory panel on standards and thus the Secretary of State, annually and following rigorous monitoring, that the quality of the Inspectorate's work is being maintained at a high standard with 99 per cent. of its case work, free from error.

  Welsh Language
  To respond in Welsh to all inquiries, written or oral, received in Welsh within the same time scales as allowed for responding to inquiries generally.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Jobcentres (Jobs Advertised)
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) what was the average number of hours per week advertised for jobs in each jobcentre in England in the latest week for which figures are available; [17715]

  (2) what was the average number of jobs advertised in each jobcentre in England in each week from November 1996 to the latest week available; [17724]

  (3) what percentage of jobs advertised in each jobcentre in England were for part-time work; and what percentage of jobs advertised in each job centre in England were for jobs specifying 40 hours or more in the latest week for which figures are available; [17716]

  (4) what percentage of jobs advertised in each jobcentre in England were for permanent employment at the latest date for which figures are available; [17717]
  470
  (5) what was the average pay rate on offer at each jobcentre in England in the latest week for which figures are available; [17722]

  (6) what was the lowest pay rate on offer at each jobcentre in England in the latest week for which figures are available. [17723]

  Mr. Forth
  Responsibility for the subject of the questions has been delegated to the Employment Service Agency under its chief executive. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from Leigh Lewis to Mr. Peter Pike, dated 3 March 1997:
  The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your questions about the details of vacancies held at Employment Service Jobcentres in England. This is something which falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of the Agency.
  The Employment Service (ES) does not collect figures relating to the average weekly hours of vacancies held at Jobcentres, nor details relating to vacancies specifying forty hours or more per week.
  I have arranged for a copy of a table to be placed in the Library, which shows the number of vacancies remaining unfilled at Jobcentres in England for the months of November 1996, December 1996 and January 1997. Vacancy statistics are collected on a monthly basis, rather than weekly, and published by the Office for National Statistics through the National Online Manpower Information System (NOMIS). A Nomis access point is located within the House of Commons Library.
  A simple split of vacancies between those which are part-time or full-time is held on Nomis, but the latest available figures relate to January 1996. I regret that later figures are not currently available as a result of problems arising from the introduction of new computer systems but I expect that the Office for National Statistics will be able to resume quarterly publication later this year when the problems have been overcome.
  Although the Employment Service does not collect regular figures on wage rates of vacancies held at Jobcentres, some national estimates are available from research. The latest available information relates to 1994 and was in the reply to your previous question which appeared in Official Report Column 907 dated 1 February 1996.
  I hope this is helpful.

  Higher Education
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what representations she has received regarding numbers of students in higher education. [17727]

  Mr. Forth
  My right hon. Friend regularly receives representations from a range of bodies and institutions on a number of higher education issues, including student numbers. Nearly one in three young people in Britain now enters full-time higher education, compared with one in eight in 1979. Our spending plans assume that this record participation rate will continue. Longer-term plans for student numbers will be decided in the light of recommendations from the National Committee of Inquiry into Higher Education.

  Jobseeker's Allowance
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if, in the case of people refused incapacity benefit, her Department takes into account the information contained in the incapacity benefit application form regarding illness and incapacity, when applying the availability for work criteria to a claim for jobseeker's allowance. [17880]
  471
  Mr. Forth
  A decision on incapacity benefit that a person is capable of work also applies to jobseeker's allowance. While a person may be capable of work, we recognise that some people's mental or physical condition may restrict the type of work for which they are available. That is why under JSA a person with a mental or physical condition may restrict their availability for work in any way, provided that those restrictions are reasonable in the light of their condition.

  In determining what is reasonable the Employment Service may, in cases of doubt, require more information about a condition which restricts availability. The IB disallowance notice sets out the level at which a person has been assessed and the functional areas in which limitations were identified; the ES may request this information from the jobseeker and this is normally sufficient. In the few cases where additional information is required an independent adjudication officer may approach the Benefits Agency Medical Service for further information about the condition. ES staff do not, however, have access to IB application forms when assessing a person's availability for work.

  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if fluctuating disability is taken into account under the jobseeker's allowance scheme when considering a person's availability for work. [17882]

  Mr. Forth
  Under the provisions of the jobseeker's allowance a person with a mental or physical condition may restrict their availability for work in any way, provided that those restrictions are reasonably in the light of their condition. In determining what is reasonable the employment adviser will consider all the relevant aspects of a person's condition, including whether it is a fluctuating disability.

ATTORNEY-GENERAL

  Departmental Contracts
  Mr. Alan Howarth
  To ask the Attorney-General if he will list the contracts awarded by his Department to(a) EDS, (b) Andersens, (c) BMI, (d) Capita and (e) Sema since 1992 and the broad function to be carried out by the contractor and the value of the contract in each case. [17603]

  The Attorney-General
  The Crown Prosecution Service has entered into the following contracts since 1 April 1993.1

  Contractor

  Number of contracts

  Value £

  Function

  Capita

  Three

  47,674

  Management consultancy (management information systems)

  7,109

  Management consultancy (corporate objectives)

  4,567

  Accounting system consultancy

  472

  Contractor

  Number of contracts

  Value £

  Function

  Sema

  Three

  41,259

  System analysis

  6,412

  IT consultancy (network address study)

  11,750

  IT network consultancy (network feasibility study)

  No other contracts have been awarded by any of my departments or agencies to any of the named contractors during that period. This does not include orders placed with the GCat catalogue operated by EDS.

  1 Detailed information prior to 1 April 1993 is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Public Authority Contracts (VAT)
  Mr. Allason
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment he has made of the extent to which public authorities, with special reference to schools and hospitals, have disproportionately favoured non-VAT registered traders when issuing contracts. [18154]

  Mr. Page
  The information requested is not available as no assessments have been carried out of the extent to which public authorities contract with VAT registered and non-VAT registered traders.

  The Audit Commission tells me that local education authorities—schools—can recover VAT on their non-business activities under section 33 of the Value Added Taxes Act 1994, so have little incentive to favour non-VAT registered traders.

  For the NHS—hospitals—as for similar bodies such as banks which cannot recover their input VAT, there is an incentive to favour non-VAT registered businesses. The Audit Commission has no knowledge of this happening on a wide scale and the registration limit of £47,000 for VAT means that non-VAT registered traders may be involved only in very small scale contracts.

  Anti-dumping Duties
  Mr. Couchman
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what was the amount raised from anti-dumping duties imposed by the EU on photocopiers in 1995. [17749]

  Mr. Nelson
  [holding answer 28 February 1997]: Anti-dumping duty on photocopiers amounting to £906,522 was collected by HM Customs and Excise in the UK in 1995. Information on the amount collected across the EU is being collated and will be placed in the Library of the House when available.

  Mr. Couchman
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many anti-dumping duties have been imposed by the European Union(a) from 1980 to 1985, (b) from 1985 to 1990 and (c) since 1990. [17750]
  473
  Mr. Nelson
  [holding answer 28 February 1997]: Definitive EU anti-dumping duties were applied to the following number of products in the periods in question:

  1980 to 1984: 40

  1985 to 1985: 49

  1990 to date: 99.

  Mr. Couchman
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list the anti-dumping duties imposed for the periods (i) 1984 to 1990 and (ii) 1990 to 1996 in(a) the European Union, (b) the USA, (c) Australia and (d) Mexico. [17751]

  Mr. Nelson
  [holding answer 28 February 1997]: The table lists the definitive anti-dumping duties imposed in the European Union by year from 1984; 55 such duties were imposed between 1984 and 1989, and 98 between 1990 and 1996. Details of each duty were published in the Official Journal of the European Communities,for which references are given. This is available in the Library of the House. The annex does not list anti-dumping cases which were terminated or for which undertakings were obtained.

  Information on anti-dumping duties imposed by the US is available on the world wide web, reference http://www.ita.doc.gov\import_admin\records. Complete details could be reproduced in the form requested only at disproportionate cost. Information on anti-dumping duties imposed by Australia and Mexico is being collated and will be placed in the Library of the House when available.

  Definitive anti-dumping duties imposed in the European Union 1984 to date

  Product

  Exporting country

  Definition duty imposed (Official journey reference)

  Hardboard

  USSR

  1984(OJ 1984 L170/68)

  Exterior panel doors

  Taiwan

  1984(OJ 1984 LI70/70)

  Ball bearings (miniature)

  Japan, Singapore

  1984(OJ 1984 L193/1)

  Acrylic fibres

  USA

  1984 (OJ 1984 L205/1)

  Sodium carbonate (dense)

  USA

  1984 (OJ 1984 L311/26)

  Concrete reinforcing bars

  Spain

  1984 (OJ 1984 L33/15)

  Pentaerythritol

  Canada

  1985 (OJ 1985 L13/1)

  Paraformaldehyde glass mirrors

  Spain, South Africa

  1985 (OJ 1985 L148/1)

  Electronic typewriters

  Japan

  1985(OJ 1985 L163/1)

  Ball bearings (<30mm)

  Japan

  1985 (OJ 1985 L167/3)

  Hydraulic excavators

  Japan

  1985 (OJ 1985 L176/1)

  Polystyrene sheets

  Spain

  1985 (OJ 1985 L198/1)

  Glycine

  Japan

  1985 (OJ 1985 L218/1)

  Oxalic Acid

  Brazil

  1985 (OJ 1985 L26/6)

  Basic chromium sulphate

  Yugoslavia

  1985 (OJ 1985 L321/81)

  Copper sulphate

  Poland

  1985 (OJ 1985L41/11)

  474

  Definitive anti-dumping duties imposed in the European Union 1984 to date

  Product

  Exporting country

  Definition duty imposed (Official journey reference)

  Copper sulphate

  Yugoslavia

  1986(OJ 1986 L113/4)

  Clogs

  Sweden

  1986(OJ 1986 L32/1)

  Potassium permanganate

  China, Czechoslovakia, USSR

  1986(OJ 1986 L339/32)

  Bicycle chains

  China

  1986 (OJ 1986 L40/25)

  Electronic scales

  Japan

  1986 (OJ 1986 L97/1)

  Copper sulphate

  Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Poland, USSR

  1987(OJ 1987 L124/1)

  Outboard motors

  Japan

  1987(OJ 1987L124/1)

  Vinyl acetate monomer

  USA, Canada

  1987 OJ 1987 L213/32)

  Mechanical wrist watches

  USSR

  1987 (OJ 213/5)

  Vinyl acetate monomer

  Canada

  1987 (OJ 1987 L275/1)

  Urea

  Libya, Saudi Arabia

  1987 (OJ 1987 L317/1)

  Ferro-silicon calcium

  Brazil

  1987 (OJ 1987 L322/1)

  Sheets and plates of iron or steel (hot-rolled 3mm+)

  Yugoslavia, Mexico

  1987 (OJ 1987 L330/42)

  Ball bearings (miniature)

  Japan

  1987(OJ 1987 L336/1)

  Ferro-silicon

  Brazil

  1987 (OJ 1987 L343/1)

  Mercurys

  USSR

  1987 (OJ 1987 L346/27)

  Ball bearing housing

  Japan

  1987 (OJ L35/32

  Plain paper photocopiers

  Japan

  1987 (OJ 1987 L54/12)

  Deep freezers

  USSR

  1987 (OJ 1987 L6/1)

  Standard multi-phase electric motors

  Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, GDR, Hungary, Poland, Romania, USSR, Yugoslavia

  1987 (OJ 1987 L83/1)

  Bicycle chains

  China

  1988(OJ 1988 L115/1)

  Potassium permanganate

  China

  1988(OJ 1988 L138/1)

  Oxalic acid

  South Korea, Taiwan

  1988 (OJ 1988 L184/1)

  Iron or steel coils

  Algeria, Mexico, Yugoslavia

  1988 (OJ 1988 LI88/18)

  Iron or steel sections

  Yugoslavia, Turkey

  1988 (OJ 1988 L313/18)

  Serial-impact dot matrix printers

  Japan

  1988 (OJ 1988 L317/33)

  Polyester yarn

  Mexico, South Korea, Taiwan, Turkey

  1988(OJ 1988 L347/10)

  Paracetamol

  China

  1988 (OJ 1988 L348/1)

  Synthetic textile fibres of polyester

  Mexico, Romania, Taiwan, Turkey, USA, Yugoslavia

  1988 (OJ 1988 L348/49)

  475

  Definitive anti-dumping duties imposed in the European Union 1984 to date

  Product

  Exporting country

  Definition duty imposed (Official journey reference)

  Sodium carbonate (light)

  Bulgaria, GDR, Poland

  1989 (OJ 1989L131/4)

  Video cassettes and video tape reels

  Hong Kong, South Korea

  1989 (OJ 1989 L174/1)

  Sheets of iron or non-alloy steel (cold-rolled)

  Yugoslavia

  1989(OJ 1989L193/11)

  Copper sulphate

  Bulgaria, USSR

  1989(OJ 1989 L23/1)

  Calcium metal

  China, USSR

  1989(OJ 1989 L271/1)

  Acrylic fibres

  Mexico

  1989(OJ 1989 L301/1)

  Daisy-wheel printers

  Japan

  1989 (OJ 1989 L5/23)

  Urea

  USA, Venezuela

  1989 (OJ 1989 L52/1)

  Video cassette recorders

  South Korea, Japan

  1989 (OJ 1989 L57/55)

  Paint brushes

  China

  1989 (OJ 1989 L79/4)

  Small screen colour televisions

  South Korea, China, Hong Kong

  1990 (OJ 1990 L107/56)

  Compact disc players

  South Korea, Japan

  1990 (OJ 1990 L13/21)

  Glutamic acid and its salts

  Austria, Indonesia, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand

  1990 (OJ 1990 L167/1)

  Ferroboron

  Japan

  1990(OJ 1990 L187/1)

  Silicon metal

  China

  1990(OJ 1990 L198/57)

  Tungsten ore and concentrates

  China

  1990(OJ 1990 L264/1)

  Tungstic oxide and tungstic acid

  China

  1990(OJ 1990 L264/4)

  Tungsten carbide and fused tungsten carbide

  China

  1990(OJ 1990 L264/7)

  Ball bearings (miniature)

  Thailand

  1990(OJ 1990 L281/1)

  Silk typewriter ribbon fabrics

  China

  1990(OJ 1990 L306/21)

  Polyolefin woven bags

  China

  1990 (OJ 1990 L318/2)

  Video cassettes

  Hong Kong

  1990 (OJ 1990 L343/1)

  Ferro-Silicon

  Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Venezuela, Yugoslavia

  1990 (OJ 1990 L38/1)

  Potassium permanganate

  Czechoslovakia

  1990 (OJ 1990 L42/1)

  Tubes of alloy or non-alloy steel

  Romania, Yugoslavia

  1990 (OJ 1990 L91/8)

  DRAMS

  Japan

  1991 (OJ 1990 L193/1)

  Ferro-silicon

  Brazil

  1991 (OJ 1991 L111/1)

  Audio cassettes

  Japan, South Korea

  1991(OJ 1991 L116/35)

  Aspartame

  Japan, USA

  1991(OJ 1991 L134/1

  Linear tungsten halogen lamps

  Japan

  1991(OJ 1991 L14/1)

  476

  Definitive anti-dumping duties imposed in the European Union 1984 to date

  Product

  Exporting country

  Definition duty imposed (Official journey reference)

  Espadrilles

  China

  1991 (OJ 1991 L166/1)

  Artificial corundum

  China, Ukraine, Russia

  1991 (OJ 1991 L235/1)

  Small screen colour televisions

  South Korea

  1991 (OJ 1991 L275/24)

  Video tapes in cassettes

  China

  1991 (OJ 1991 L293/2)

  Pocket lighters, gas-fuelled

  China, South Korea, Thailand, Japan

  1991 (OJ 1991 L326/1)

  Oxalic acid

  India, China

  1991 (OJ 1991 L326/6)

  Dihydrostreptomycin

  China

  1991 (OJ 1991 L362/1)

  Barium chloride

  China

  1991 (OJ 1991 L60/1)

  EPROMS (semi-conductors)

  Japan

  1991 (OJ 1991 L65/1)

  Urea

  Venezuela

  1991 (OJ 1991 L81/1)

  Welded tubes of iron or non-alloy steel

  Turkey, Venezuela

  1991 (OJ 1991 L91/1)

  Video cassettes

  Hong Kong

  1992 (OJ 1992 L139/1)

  Semi-finished products of alloy steel

  Turkey, Brazil

  1992 (OJ 1992 L182/23)

  Video cassettes

  Hong Kong

  1992 (OJ 1992 L182/6)

  Sheet and plates of iron or steel

  Mexico, Yugoslavia

  1992 (OJ 1992 L221/36)

  Silicon metal

  Brazil

  1992 (OJ 1992 L222/1)

  Car radios

  South Korea

  1992 (OJ 1992 L222/8)

  Ball bearings (> 30mm)

  Japan

  1992 (OJ 1992 L286/2)

  Monosodium glutamate

  Indonesia

  1992 (OJ 1992 L299/40)

  Synthetic fibres of polyesters

  Taiwan, Turkey, Romania, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia

  1992 (OJ 1992 L306/1)

  Potassium chloride

  USSR

  1992 (OJ 1992 L308/41)

  Large aluminium electrolytic capacitors

  Japan

  1992 (OJ 1992 L353/1)

  Ferro-silicon

  Egypt, Poland

  1992 (OJ 1992 L369/1)

  Thermal paper

  Japan

  1992 (OJ 1992 L81/1)

  Cotton yarn (non-retail)

  Brazil, Turkey

  1992 (OJ 1992 L82/1)

  Electronic scales

  Japan

  1993 (OJ 1993 L104/4)

  Seamless pipes and tubes of iron or non-alloy steel

  Hungary, Poland, Croatia

  1993 (OJ 1993 L120/34)

  Magnesium oxide

  China

  1993 (OJ 1993 L145/1)

  Bicycles

  China

  1993 (OJ 1993 L228/1)

  Low carbon ferro-chrome

  Kazakhstan, Russia, Ukraine

  1993 (OJ 1993 L246/1)

  Monosodium glutamate

  Indonesia, Thailand, Taiwan, Korea

  1993 (OJ 1993 L255/1)

  477

  Definitive anti-dumping duties imposed in the European Union 1984 to date

  Product

  Exporting country

  Definition duty imposed (Official journey reference)

  3/" microdisks

  Japan, Taiwan, China

  1993 (OJ 1993 L262/14)

  Electronic weighing scales

  Singapore, South Korea

  1993 (OJ 1993 L263/1)

  Cotton yarn

  Turkey, Brazil

  1993 (OJ 1993 L289/1)

  Ferro-silicon

  USSR, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Venezuela, Yugoslavi, Brazil

  1993 (OJ 1993 L302/1)

  Deadburned magnesia

  China

  1993 (OJ 1993 L306/16)

  Photo albums

  China

  1993 (OJ 1993 L3 33/67)

  DRAMs

  South Korea

  1993 (OJ 1993 L66/1)

  Synthetic fibres of polyesters

  India, South Korea

  1993 (OJ 1993 L9/2)

  Outer rings of tapered roller bearings

  Japan

  1993 (OJ 1993 L9/7)

  Pig iron

  Turkey, USSR, Brazil, Poland

  1994 (OJ 1993 L182/37)

  Ferro silicon

  China and South Africa

  1994 (OJ 1994 L77)

  Potassium permanganate

  China

  1994 (OJ 1994 L298)

  Television camera systems

  Japan

  1994 (OJ 1994 L111/106;

  Large aluminium electrolytic capacitors

  Korea, Taiwan

  1994 (OJ 1994 L152/1)

  Cotton yarn

  Turkey

  1994 (OJ 1994 L191)

  Calcium metal

  China, Russia

  1994 (OJ 1994 L207/27)

  3/" magnetic disks

  Hong Kong, Korea

  1994 (OJ 1994 L236/2)

  Artificial corundum

  China

  1994 (OJ 1994 L270)

  Calcium metal

  China and Russia

  1994 (OJ 1994 L270)

  Ethanolamine

  USA

  1994 (OJ 1994 L28/40)

  Furazolidone

  China

  1994 (OJ 1994 L285/1)

  Fluorspar

  China

  1994 (OJ 1994 L62/1)

  Ferro-silicon

  China, South Africa

  1994 (OJ 1994 L77/48)

  Potassium choloride

  USSR

  1994 (OJ 1994 L80/1)

  Isobutanol

  Russia

  1994 (OJ 1994 L87/3)

  Silicon carbide

  China, Poland, Russian Federation, Ukraine

  1994 (OJ 1994 L94/21)

  Ferro-silicon

  Venezuela, Brazil, Russia, Kazakhstan and Ukraine

  1995 (OJ 1995 L 118)

  Furfuraldehyde

  China

  1995 (OJ 1995 L 15)

  Ammonium nitrate

  Russia

  1995 (OJ 1995 L198)

  478

  Definitive anti-dumping duties imposed in the European Union 1984 to date

  Product

  Exporting country

  Definition duty imposed (Official journey reference)

  Plain paper photocopiers

  Japan

  1995 (OJ 1995 L 244)

  Urea

  Russia

  1995 (OJ 1995 L 49)

  Disposable lighters

  China

  1995 (OJ 1995 L101)

  Sodium carbonate

  USA

  1995 (OJ 1995 L244)

  Ferro-silico-manganese

  Brazil, South Africa, Russia and Ukraine

  1995 (OJ 1995 L248)

  Electronic weighing scales

  South Korea and Sinapore

  1995 (OJ 1995 L307)

  Persulphates

  China

  1995 (OJ 1995 L308)

  Colour televisions

  South Korea, China, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand

  1995 (OJ 1995 L73)

  Pig iron

  Czech Republic

  1996 (OJ 1996 L12)

  Unwrought magnesium

  Russia and Ukraine

  1996 (OJ 1996 L174)

  Activated powdered carbon

  China

  1996 (OJ 1996 L192)

  Refractory chamottes

  China

  1996 (OJ 1996 L21)

  Synthetic fibres of polyester

  Turkey

  1996 (OJ 1996 L272)

  Polyester textured filament yarn

  Indonesia and Thailand

  1996 (OJ 1996 L289)

  Grain oriented electrical sheets

  Russia

  1996 (OJ 1996 L42)

  Polyester staple fibres

  Belarus

  1996 (OJ 1996 L54)

  Butt welding tubes

  China, Croatia and Thailand

  1996 (OJ 1996 L84)

  Bicycles

  Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand

  1996 (OJ 1996 L91)

  Floppy disks

  Malaysia, Mexico and the USA

  1996 (OJ 1996 L92)

  Ring binder mechanisms

  Malaysia and China

  1997 (OJ 1997 L22)

  Nuclear Power Stations (Decommissioning)
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what is the estimated year for decommissioning for each of the nuclear power stations in England and Wales; and if he will make a statement. [17963]

  Mr. Page
  Decommissioning of a nuclear power station is a matter for the operator, taking into account the requirements of the regulatory authorities. This includes details of timing.

  Army Sales
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what was the total value of British arms sales to overseas countries during 1996; and if he will make a statement. [17966]
  479
  Mr. Nelson
  Information on UK trade in defence equipment is not yet available for 1996. Information for pervious years is published in "UK Defence Statistics" which is available in the Library of the House.

  Research Grants
  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list the total amount of Government research grants allocated in each of the past five years to each university in (i) pharmacology, (ii) bio-physics, (iii) food hygiene and (iv) information technology. [17287]

  Mr. Ian Taylor
  [holding answer 26 February 1997]: Information on Government spending is not held centrally, but the available information on grant funding awarded to universities by the research councils is given in tables, which I have placed in the Library of the House.

  Minimum Age Requirements
  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list the minimum age requirements enforced by his Department. [15921]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The Department sets out the following age requirements in primary legislation:

  Under the Explosives Act 1875, sections 31 and 39, it is an offence to sell gunpowder and other explosives, including fireworks to any person apparently under the age of 16.

  Under the Consumer Credit Act 1974, section 50, it is an offence to send, with a view to financial gain, any document inviting a minor—a person under the age of 18—to borrow money, obtain goods on credit or hire, obtain services on credit or apply for information or advice on borrowing money for otherwise obtaining credit for hiring goods.

  Under the Employment Rights Act 1996, section 211, for the purposes of a redundancy payment, no period of employment counts until the employee has attained the age of 18.

  Privatisation Brochure
  Mr. Grocott
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade, pursuant to his answer of 14 February,Official Report,column 329, how many inquiries have been received on the Government's telephone information services on (a) its regulatory policy and (b) its privatisation programme advertised in the document "Privatisation: Setting Enterprise Free." [17480]

  Mr. Lang
  The telephone numbers given in the publication "Privatisation: Setting Enterprise Free" are those of senior Treasury officials with a range of responsibilities which include providing information about the UK's regulatory policy and the UK's experience and expertise in the process of privatisation, particularly in response to inquiries from overseas. These contact points have been advertised for several years. No record has been kept of the number of specific inquiries each of the officials has received over the period.
  480
  Mr. Grocott
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade, pursuant to his answer of 14 February,Official Report,column 329,if he will indicate the categories of (a) individuals and (b) organisations to whom copies of his privatisation document were sent. [17479]

  Mr. Lang
  Copies of the booklet, "Privatisation: Setting Enterprise Free", were sent to Members of Parliament, to delegates to the privatisation conference of 5 December, to the commercial sections of London diplomatic posts which were not represented at the conference, and to the commercial sections of UK diplomatic posts overseas.

  Copies have also been sent to others upon request.

  Mr. Grocott
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade, pursuant to his answer of 14 February,Official Report,column 329,what is the cost of operating the inquiry services on (a) UK regulatory policy and (b) the Government's privatisation policy advertised in "Privatisation: Setting Enterprise Free"; and how many staff are employed, at what cost in salaries, in each case. [17481]

  Mr. Lang
  Explaining regulatory policy forms a small part of the Treasury's work on utility regulation. Up to five people at various levels are involved in this work as necessary—the team also covers energy, competition and deregulation interests. The explanatory work incurs salary costs of no more than £10,000 per annum.

  As set out in the Government's second competitiveness White Paper, the Treasury promotes the export of UK expertise in privatisation through a dedicated unit. It devotes some 2.25 person years to this work at a salary cost of some £65,000 per annum.

  Science, Engineering and Technology
  Mr. Ingram
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment he has made of the work of the women in science, engineering and technology unit; and if he will make a statement on the future of the unit. [18357]

  Mr. Taylor
  My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade and I have considered the report on the first two year's work of the development unit on women in science, engineering and technology, and it is clear that considerable progress has been made on the recommendations in the "Rising Tide" report. Nevertheless, further work is required and we have decided that the unit should continue for a further period. A detailed announcement will be made in due course.

  Mr. Ingram
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment he has made of the growth in short-term appointments within the publicly funded science, engineering and technology base; and what actions he is taking to reduce the number of such appointments. [18358]

  Mr. Ian Taylor
  In principle, fixed-term contracts bring benefits to research and to researchers in terms of increased flexibility and opportunities. In recent years, there has been particularly strong growth in universities in research and in the number of research posts, most on a fixed-term basis. Tensions can arise where contract staff are, for whatever reasons, not as well managed as they might be.
  481
  We acknowledged the concerns in the 1993 White Paper "Realising Our Potential: A Strategy for Science, Engineering and Technology" and set out policies for addressing them. To implement these we have increased funding for the prestigious and longer-term university research fellowships, administered by the Royal Society. The research councils have also restructured and strengthened their fellowship provision.

  A significant achievement has been an agreement, or concordat, brokered by the Office of Science and Technology, between the research councils, the Royal Society and bodies representing the universities and colleges, which aims to improve the career management of contract research staff. This was launched in September last year, and has been widely welcomed. The research councils are committed to applying its principles to research staff in council institutes and units. The OST is discussing with other Government Departments the possible extension of principles in the concordat to the management of research staff in other public sector research establishments.

  Cecchini Report
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the extent to which the United Kingdom has realised the proposals set down in the Cecchini report. [18119]

  Mr. Nelson
  [holding answer 28 February 1997]: The Cecchini report of the 1988 considered the considerable potential benefits which might flow from the European single market. The European Commission completed last autumn a major review of the impact and effectiveness of the single market, which presented an assessment of its operation and the benefits which have accrued from it. The review concluded1 that employment opportunities, income per head, productivity, and competitiveness have all increased because there has been a single market, but that there was more which could still be done to complete it and to improve its working. The Commission is now preparing an action plan and timetable to take this forward. The Government have supported the objectives of the single market, welcomed the review, and support further steps to maximise its benefits.
  1The results of the review are summarised in Commission communication COM(96) 520 of 30 October 1996.

  Genetically Engineered Animals
  Mr. Morley
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list the United Kingdom patents which have been(a) granted and (b) applied for since 1 July 1995 in respect of (i) genetically engineered animals and (ii) the processes for creating such animals. [17828]

  Mr. Ian Taylor
  [holding answer 27 February 1997]: There have been a total of three patent applications filed under the Patents Act 1977 and published since 1 July 1995 relating to genetically engineered animals and processes for preparing them. GB 2295395 relates to an animal model for Alzheimer's disease, GB 2291646 relates to transgenic fish and GB 2288807 relates to transgenic animals expressing an insecticidal protein. One application—GB 2265909—which was made before 1 July 1995, and which relates to a process for producing transgenic animals, has since been granted.
  482

  Research Councils (Employment)
  Dr. Strang
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many scientists were employed by(a) the Agriculture and Food Research Council and (b) the Biotechnology and Biological Science Research Council in each year from 1979 to the present. [17655]

  Mr. Ian Taylor
  [holding answer 27 February 1997]: Science budget money freed up by institute restructuring will have been recycled for research purposes, either in institutes or universities where there has been significant growth in the number of researchers.

  The figures—staff in post—are shown in the table.

  Number of scientists employed in AFRC/BBSRC institutes— 1979 to 1996

  Year

  Number of scientists

  AFRC

  1979

  3,417

  1980

  3,360

  1981

  3,298

  1982

  3,371

  1983

  3,316

  1984

  3,326

  1985

  3,002

  1986

  2,997

  1987

  2,797

  1988

  2,726

  1989

  2,649

  1990

  2,588

  1991

  2,158

  1992

  2,190

  1993

  2,151

  BBSRC

  1994

  2,043

  1995

  1,979

  1996

  2,003

  Institute of Food Research
  Dr. Strang
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many scientists were employed at the Institute of Food Research in each year from 1986 to the latest available date. [17657]

  Mr. Ian Taylor
  [holding answer 27 February 1997]: Science budget money freed up by institute restructuring will have been recycled for research purposes, either in institutes or universities where there has been significant growth in the number of researchers.

  The figures—staff in post—are shown in the table.

  Number of scientists employed at IFR—1986 to 1996

  Year

  Number of scientists

  1985–86

  534

  1986–87

  514

  1987–88

  517

  1988–89

  463

  1989–90

  425

  1990–91

  308

  1991–92

  338

  1992–93

  335

  1993–94

  303

  1994–95

  313

  1995–96

  316

  483

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Disarmament
  Mr. Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on progress being made at the conference on disarmament to start negotiations on a fissile material cut-off treaty. [18220]

  Mr. David Davis
  A work programme for the 1997 session of the conference on disarmament is under discussion in Geneva. We are pressing for negotiations to begin on a fissile material cut-off treaty as a priority.

  Mr. Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 27 November 1996,Official Report,column 321,if he will make a statement on progress in preparing draft legislation in respect of a comprehensive nuclear test ban treaty. [18256]

  Mr. Davis
  Preparatory work on legislation needed for the United Kingdom to ratify the comprehensive test ban treaty continues. We hope to include it in the next parliamentary session.

  Hong Kong
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what was the level of the Hong Kong gold and foreign currency reserves on the date of signing the China-UK agreement on the future of Hong Kong. [18082]

  Mr. Hanley
  The Sino-British joint declaration was signed on 19 December 1984. At the end of December 1984, the value of gold reserves held by the Hong Kong Government was HK$439 million or approximately £49 million at the then exchange rate of £1=HK$9.0344. The value of foreign currency reserves, excluding gold reserves, was HK$50,151 million or £15,550 million.

  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the current level of gold and foreign currency reserves held by the Hong Kong authorities. [18110]

  Mr. Hanley
  At the end of January 1997, the value of gold reserves held by the Hong Kong Government was HK$182 million or approximately £15 million at the then exchange rate of £1=HK$12.4216. The value of foreign currency reserves, excluding the gold reserves, was HK$510,200 million or £41,070 million.

  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on what date he arrived and departed from Hong Kong during his recent visit; what official meetings he had; and with whom. [18353]

  Mr. Rifkind
  I arrived in Hong Kong on Saturday 15 February and departed on Monday 17 February. I held meetings with the Governor of Hong Kong and senior Hong Kong Government officials including the Chief Secretary Mrs. Anson Chan; with the chief executive designate of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Mr. C. H. Tung; with members of staff at the British Trade Commission and of the office of the British senior representative, Sino-British joint liaison group; and with members of the Executive and Legislative Councils.
  484

  European Union Offices (Costs)
  Mr. Lamont
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many representative offices, where some staff have diplomatic immunity, the EU has around the world; what are their running costs; how many staff they employ; and what proposals he has to bring about reductions in the cost of the offices and the number of staff. [18092]

  Mr. David Davis
  The European Commission has 128 representative offices overseas, employing about 2,400 personnel of which some 600 are Brussels-based Commission officials. The granting of diplomatic privileges and immunities for the staff of the representative office is a matter of local custom. For 1996, the budget for the representative offices was £152 million, inclusive of salaries and running costs.

  We take every opportunity to press for the terms of service of Commission officials to take full account of the tight budgetary constraints which affect all EU member Governments.

  Mr. Lamont
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much the EU will be spending(a) in the current year and (b) in each of the next five years, on publicity and information offices; and what plans he has to bring about reductions in these amounts. [18093]

  Mr. Davis
  There is an overall budget of 110,800,000 ecu for all EU information and communication activities in 1997. The budget is set annually and so spending for the next five years has not yet been fixed. The Council agreed to cuts in this budget for 1997, but spending was restored by the European Parliament.

  Iran
  Mr. Fatchett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on his Department's policy towards the encouragement of trade with Iran. [17883]

  Mr. Hanley
  There are restrictions on the sale of military, dual-use and other such goods to Iran as announced by the then Foreign Secretary, my right hon. Friend the Member for Witney (Mr. Hurd), on 1 March 1993,Official Report,column 8.Otherwise, we engage in normal trade.

  Burma (Trade)
  Mr. Fatchett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the Government's policy towards the European Commission's proposal to withdraw preferences for Burma under the generalised system of preferences. [18231]

  Mr. David Davis
  Our priority on Burma is to promote economic and political reform. We are considering the Commission's proposal on GSP against this background. The Council of Ministers has not yet been asked to take a decision.
  485

DEFENCE

  Findlay Court Martial
  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what response the Government are making to the European Court of Human Rights judgment on the Findlay court-martial case; and if he will make a statement. [18699]

  Mr. Soames
  The Government fully support the court-martial system as the appropriate and necessary framework within which to deal with military discipline.

  We have recently made a number of changes to reform aspects of the court-martial system as part of the Armed Forces Act 1996. As I said when announcing our preliminary proposals in the Armed Forces Bill to the House on 7 December 1995—Official Report, columns 346–47—the changes represent a valuable and coherent package of reforms and improvements to take the court-martial system into the next century. The new arrangements will enable it to continue to meet the armed forces' requirement to administer justice firmly but fairly.

  Although the court found the United Kingdom to be in violation of article 6(1) of the European convention on human rights, the court has recognised our action in reforming the court-martial system, and in its judgment describes the changes we have made, noting with satisfaction that we have done so. The court made clear that its judgment applies to the system that existed before the reforms we have made. These are due to be introduced on 1 April 1997.

  RAF Accident Investigation
  Mr. Foulkes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what changes have been made to the procedures and regulations governing Royal Air Force accident investigation and the role of senior officers in relation to board of inquiry findings since June 1994. [17989]

  Mr. Soames
  The following changes have taken place since June 1994:

  (a) The minimum rank of the president of a board of inquiry into an aircraft accident has been raised from Flight Lieutenant to Squadron Leader.

  (b) The role of the relevant Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief in the investigation has been titled "Reviewing Authority" (it was previously untitled).

  (c) Assessment of the degree of negligence has been transferred from the president of the board of inquiry to the convening and reviewing authorities.

  (d) An intermediate degree of negligence has been introduced, such that negligence is now described as "minor", "major" or "gross".

  (e) Differences in the rules on representation at boards of inquiry for service men and service women were removed.

  (f) Persons affected were given the right to make a further statement if the degree of negligence attributed by one authority was increased by another.

  486

  West Indian Guardship
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the cost to public funds of the West Indian guardship for the year 1996. [17961]

  Mr. Soames
  The cost of the West Indies guardship for the year 1996 was £7.22 million. Her associated Royal Fleet Auxiliary tanker was provided at a cost of £2.38 million.

  Civilian Affairs Units
  Mr. Foulkes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many civilian affairs units are established in the field Army; how many personnel are assigned to these units; and what are his plans to expand or establish additional units for this role. [17986]

  Mr. Soames
  A civil affairs group is currently being established. This will comprise of four Regular and 50 Territorial Army specialists. There are currently no plans to establish additional units.

  Scimitars (Parachute Dropping)
  Mr. Foulkes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects approval to be given for parachute dropping of Scimitar CVR(T) vehicles from RAF Hercules aircraft; and if he will list the locations where parachute dropping of Scimitars will be permitted. [17988]

  Mr. Soames
  There has been no capability for the parachute dropping of Scimitar CVR(T)s since the mid-70s. However, approval for the dropping of Scimitars from RAF Hercules aircraft has been granted for the purposes of trials of a re-engineered parachute delivery system for heavy equipment. The trial drop zone locations are all within the Larkhill/Salisbury plain military training area. The trials are due to conclude later this year. Subject to a satisfactory outcome, the equipment will be dropped on routine airborne exercises at locations judged technically and operationally suitable.

  Visual Air-to-air Training
  Mr. Foulkes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what are the current weather minima for visual air-to-air training by Royal Air Force Tornado F3 aircraft at less than 5,000 feet above ground level, in terms of(a) discernibility of the horizon, (b) in-flight visibility, (c) cloud ceiling and (d) vertical and horizontal separation from cloud; and if he will list changes made to these criteria in the last five years. [17992]

  Mr. Soames
  The current weather minima for visual air-to-air training by Royal Air Force Tornado F3 aircraft at less than 5,000 ft above ground level are that(a) there are clear visual meteorological conditions enabling pilots to orientate themselves; (b) there is a minimum in-flight visibility of 5,000 overland and 8,000 over sea; (c) any cloud base is no lower than 1,500 ft; and (d) the pilot is able to maintain 1,500 m horizontal and 1,000 ft vertical separation from cloud. There have been no changes to these criteria in the past five years.
  487

  NATO (Extension)
  Sir Julian Critchley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the(a) political and (b) strategic advantages of the extension of NATO to include the states of Eastern Europe. [17977]

  Mr. Soames
  The study on NATO enlargement, published by the Alliance in September 1995, concluded that political and strategic benefits would result from extending membership of NATO to European states. We continue to support that conclusion.

  Media Units
  Mr. Foulkes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many media units are established in the field Army; how many personnel are assigned to these units; and what are his plans to expand or establish additional units for this role. [17985]

  Mr. Soames
  Although there are no units established for this specific purpose, 87 military and civilian staff are currently providing support to media operations within the Army. This number may increase to reflect the current level of operational commitments.

  Aircraft (Visual Practice Interceptions)
  Mr. Foulkes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what are the minimum vertical and horizontal separation distances between intercepting aircraft and their targets when conducting visual practice interceptions of(a) other fast jet aircraft, (b) military transport aircraft, (c) civil transport aircraft and (d) helicopters. [17991]

  Mr. Soames
  The information is as follows:

  Type

  MSD1 (feet)

  Remarks

  Fast jet target

  1,000

  MSD becomes 500 feet if closing for simulated gun attack astern of target.

  Military transport aircraft

  1,000

  —

  Civil transport target

  See remark

  Standard civil air traffic minimum separation requirements of 1,000 feet vertically and 3 nautical miles (nm) horizontally apply

  Helicopter target

  1,000

  —

  1 Minimum separation distance.

  School Armouries and Firing Ranges
  Ms Armstrong
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much has been spent by the Ministry of Defence since 1984 on school armouries and firing ranges on school grounds; and if he will list the cost and name of each school involved. [17884]

  Mr. Soames
  I regret that the information requested could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Ministerial Meetings (Hong Kong)
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what official meetings he held during his recent visit to Hong Kong; and when he(a) arrived and (b) departed. [18352]
  488
  Mr. Portillo
  During my visit to Hong Kong I met the Governor, the Commander British Forces and a wide range of personnel from the garrison. I arrived at 08.50 on 26 February, and departed at 19.30 the same day.

  Minimum Age Requirements
  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the minimum age requirements enforced by his Department. [15923]

  Mr. Soames
  For service personnel, I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for South Shields (Dr. Clark) on 30 January,Official Report,columns 348–49.The minimum age of recruitment for civilians is the school leaving age of 16.

  Chemical Weapons
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what is his Department's latest assessment of the capability of Russia to destroy safely its stockpile of chemical weapons; [18280]

  (2) what is his Department's latest assessment of the capability of the United States of America to destroy safely its stockpile of chemical weapons. [18279]

  Mr. Soames
  The Russian Federation signed the chemical weapons convention in the full knowledge of the destruction timetable it would be obliged to meet under the terms of the convention. However, Russia has yet to ratify the convention and, until it does so, it is not bound by these provisions. Although Russian fulfilment of these obligations is feasible, some technical difficulties are still to be overcome. The Russians also claim that they would not be able to do so due to financial and environmental problems, and continue to press for outside financial assistance. The UK believes it is for the Russian Government to resolve these difficulties. Early ratification of the CWC and full implementation of its provisions, may, however, help to secure financial assistance from the outside.

  Although the United States has not yet ratified the chemical weapons convention, it is obliged by national legislation to destroy its stockpile of chemical weapons by 2004. This date is earlier than will be required if the US ratifies the CWC before entry into force. We have no reason to believe that the United States does not have the capability or political will to meet this goal.

  BATES
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what was the original estimated cost of the battlefield artillery target engagement system when the project was originally undertaken; and what was the total outturn cost of the BATES 1 facility; [18224]

  (2) what was the original estimated cost of the BATES 2 project; what has been the total expenditure on it to date; and what is the latest total estimated outcome cost of the BATES 2 facility. [18225]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  The release of cost figures for BATES phase 1 would prejudice continuing negotiations with the contractor and I am therefore withholding them under exemption 7 of the "practice on access to Government information". BATES phase 2 is expected to cost about
  489
  £80 million, slightly less than the original estimated cost. Less than £1 million remains to be spent.

TREASURY

  EU Member States (National Accounts)
  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the accounting treatments being adopted by each EU member state in their 1996 and 1997 national accounts which differ from United Kingdom practice; and what assessment he has made of the expected effect of each difference. [15333]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  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 Shaw, dated 3 March 1997:
  The Chancellor of the Exchequer has asked me as the Director of the Office for National Statistics to reply to your recent question on the accounting treatments being adopted by each EU member state in their 1996 and 1997 national accounts which differ from United Kingdom practice; and what assessment he has made of the expected effect of each difference.
  There is a requirement for certain statistics relating to European Monetary Union convergence to be compiled and reported to Eurostat in line with the European System of Accounts, second edition (ESA79). For the purposes of excess deficit criteria, the European System of Accounts (ESA95) Regulation 2223/96 requires that 1 September 1999 reports will be the last to be submitted on an ESA79 basis.
  ESA79 is used as the basis for accounting treatment for the debt and deficit criteria for EMU. There are some differences in treatment between member states. In these cases, in order to ensure better comparability for the debt and deficit procedure, after consultation with statistical experts from member states, The Statistical Office of the European Communities (Eurostat) takes decisions on methodological rules to be applied by member states. Eurostat visits member states to check compliance with these rules. However, no specific assessment has been, or could realistically be, made of the effects of differences in treatment in other countries' own accounts from UK practice. UK accounting treatment is described in United Kingdom National Accounts—The Blue Book,published annually by the Office for National Statistics.
  Council Directive 89/130/EEC, Euratom, of 13 February 1989 (known as "the GNP Directive") requires that member states provide data on Gross National Product at market prices (GNPmp) on an ESA79-basis for own resource purposes annually to the Commission. The Directive also requires member states to provide the Commission (Eurostat) with an inventory of the procedures and basic statistics used to calculate GNPmp and its components. The GNP Committee has the job of examining compliance of GNPmp data with ESA79 definitions, and examining the statistical sources and the procedures used for calculating GNPmp and its components.
  Data for 1996 have not yet been compiled by member states. What treatment has been adopted—and any differences between countries—will not become clear until these accounts are published, or submitted to Eurostat. Therefore any comparison of differences in treatment between the UK and other member states could not yet be done for latest years.
  For the national accounts in general, in advance of the introduction of ESA95, there is no statutory framework which determines treatment to be adopted by each member state in their national accounts as a whole. As I mention above, Eurostat does however maintain copies of inventories describing the procedures and basic statistics in that part of the accounts used to calculate
  490
  data on Gross National Product at market prices (GNPmp) and its components, required under the GNP Directive for own resource purposes.

  Executive Agencies
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much his Department estimates it cost to establish each executive agency set up by his Department since the start of April 1992. [16976]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  The costs involved in the setting up of the executive agencies of the Chancellor's Departments have been included in the published running costs for the years in which the agencies were established.

  Economic and Monetary Union
  Mr. Michael Brown
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if it is his policy that the United Kingdom may enter European currency union without an accompanying fiscal union among participating member states. [17044]

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  Yes. If the United Kingdom were to join EMU we could face sanctions if we were consistently to run up budget deficits of more than three per cent. of GDP and do nothing to correct them. Within that constraint, our budgetary choices would rightly remain a matter for national Governments and Parliaments.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the progress being made by each of the countries of the European Union in meeting the convergence criteria for EMU in 1996. [18123]

  Mr. Clarke
  [holding answer 28 February 19971:Most countries made progress towards meeting the convergence criteria for EMU in 1996. On the information available at present, my judgment is that it is very unlikely, though not impossible, that performance against the criteria will be sufficiently clear and sustainable for EMU to proceed on 1 January 1999.

  Excess Winter Mortality Rates
  Mr. Simpson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what have been the excess winter mortality rates for each of the last 10 years expressed in terms of excess(a) numbers and (b) percentages for (i) people over the age of 65 years, (ii) single parent families, (iii) people in receipt of income support, (iv) people with disabilities and (v) others; [17431]

  (2) what have been the excess winter mortality rates in England for the past 10 years expressed (a) in excess numbers and (b) as percentages. [17423]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  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. Alan Simpson, dated 3 March 1997:
  The Chancellor of the Exchequer has asked me to reply to your recent question asking what have been the excess winter mortality rates in England for the last 10 years expressed in (a) in excess numbers and (b) as percentages.
  491
  The figures you requested are shown in the following table:

  Excess winter deaths, England, all persons, all ages

  Period

  Excess winter deaths

  Excess winter deaths index

  1986–87

  24,654

  14.8

  1987–88

  31,493

  18.7

  1988–89

  20,326

  12.1

  1989–90

  44,370

  26.5

  1990–91

  35,718

  21.6

  1991–92

  33,015

  20.1

  1992–93

  24,194

  14.6

  1993–94

  25,029

  14.7

  1994–95

  25,757

  15.6

  1995–961

  37,990

  23.1

  1 Provisional.

  Excess Winter Deaths are defined as the number of deaths in the four months from December to March, minus the average of the numbers in the preceding autumn (August-November) and the following summer (April-July).

  The Excess Winter Deaths Index is the number of excess winter deaths expressed as a percentage of the average of the number of deaths in the autumn and the summer periods.

  You also asked for the excess winter mortality rates for each of the last 10 years expressed in terms of excess (a) the numbers and (b) percentages for (i) people over the age of 65 years, (ii) single parent families, (iii) people in receipt of income support, (iv) people with disabilities and (v) others.

  Information on parental status, income, or physical impairment is not collected at death registration and we are therefore unable to provide data in terms of these characteristics.

  Mr. Simpson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the weekly number of excess deaths for December 1996 and January 1997; and what were the figures for the same periods in each of the last five years. [17382]

  Mrs. Knight
  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. Alan Simpson, dated 3 March 1997:
  The Chancellor of the Exchequer has asked me to reply, as Director of the Office for National Statistics, to your recent question asking for the weekly number of excess deaths for December 1996 and January 1997, and the figures for the same periods in each of the last five years.
  The data on deaths by week of occurrence for England are shown in the tables below:

  Week beginning

  Deaths

  December 1991 to January 1992

  25 November 1991

  10,475

  2 December 1991

  10,289

  9 December 1991

  11,477

  16 December 1991

  12,126

  23 December 1991

  12,287

  30 December 1991

  13,106

  6 January 1992

  12,696

  13 January 1992

  11,970

  20 January 1992

  11,567

  27 January 1992

  12,002

  December 1992 to January 1993

  30 November 1992

  10,397

  7 December 1992

  10,395

  14 December 1992

  10,664

  21 December 1992

  11,313

  28 December 1992

  12,082

  492

  Week beginning

  Deaths

  4 January 1993

  12,673

  11 January 1993

  11,716

  18 January 1993

  10,978

  25 January 1993

  10,781

  December 1993 to January 1994

  29 November 1993

  13,197

  6 December 1993

  12,603

  13 December 1993

  12,302

  20 December 1993

  12,085

  27 December 1993

  12,554

  3 January 1994

  12,447

  10 January 1994

  11,816

  17 January 1994

  11,493

  24 January 1994

  11,045

  31 January 1994

  10,988

  December to January 1995

  28 November 1994

  9,785

  5 December 1994

  10,528

  12 December 1994

  10,690

  19 December 1994

  11,523

  26 December 1994

  12,292

  2 January 1995

  12,193

  9 January 1995

  11,682

  16 January 1995

  11,543

  23 January 1995

  11,609

  30 January 1995

  11,055

  December 1995-January 19961

  27 November 1995

  11,452

  4 December 1995

  11,676

  11 December 1995

  12,535

  18 December 1995

  13,569

  25 December 1995

  14,191

  1 January 1996

  14,528

  8 January 1996

  13,079

  15 January 1996

  11,525

  22 January 1996

  11,467

  29 January 1996

  11,294

  December 1996-January 19971

  25 November 1996

  10,013

  2 December 1996

  10,276

  9 December 1996

  10,769

  16 December 1996

  12,116

  23 December 1996

  13,544

  30 December 1996

  16,002

  6 January 1997

  16,044

  13 January 1997

  14,242

  20 January 1997

  12,482

  27 January 1997

  11,341

  1 Provisional data.

  Annual weekly average

  Number

  1991

  10,269

  1992

  10,051

  1993

  10,406

  1994

  9,954

  1995

  10,242

  1996

  110,164

  1 Provisional.

  I hope this reply has been helpful.

  Inland Revenue
  Mr. Timms
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the performance of the Inland Revenue
  493
  p>since 31 March 1996 in meeting its targets for (a) personal callers, (b) telephone calls, (c) repayment claims and (d) correspondence. [17891]

  Mr. Jack
  The Inland Revenue does not publish its performance against annual targets until results covering the full period are available and appropriate validation and checking of figures has been carried out.

  On latest provisional information, the Department is broadly on course to meet or exceed its annual targets for personal callers, telephone calls and repayment claims, but it is unlikely to achieve its correspondence target.

  Mortgage Interest Tax Relief
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the annual cost to public funds of mortgage interest tax relief at(a) 20 per cent. and (b) 23 per cent. [17857]

  Mr. Jack
  The estimated total cost of mortgage interest tax relief in 1997–98 is £2.4 billion. The rate of relief is 15 per cent. If the rate of relief were 20 per cent. the extra cost to the Exchequer would be about £800 million. If the rate of relief was 23 per cent. the extra cost would be about £1.3 billion.

  These estimates are based on the assumption, by convention, of no change from the current estimated average building society interest rate of 6.51 per cent.

  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the annual cost to public funds of increasing the amount of a mortgage allowable for tax from £30,000 to £60,000, assuming no other changes to the tax system. [17858]

  Mr. Jack
  The estimated total cost of mortgage interest tax relief in 1997–98 is £2.4 billion. Relief is limited to the interest on loans of £30,000. if the limit was increased to £60,000, and the rate of relief remained at 15 per cent. the extra cost to the Exchequer would be about £900 million.

  The estimate is based on the assumption, by convention, of no change from the current estimated average building society interest rate of 6.51 per cent.

  Inflation and Unemployment
  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 19 February,Official Report,column 577,what assessment he has made of the contribution of (a) indirect taxes and (b) imported raw material prices to recent reductions in inflation and unemployment. [17907]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  Indirect taxes and imported raw material prices are just two of the many factors that affect inflation and unemployment. In particular, the appropriate use of monetary policy and labour market reforms have played an important role in achieving recent reductions in inflation and unemployment. It is difficult to quantify the precise effects of each of these factors.

  Public Sector Borrowing Requirement
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will translate the PSBR figures in table 4A.8 of the Red Book into cash terms. [18127]
  494
  Mr. Waldegrave
  [holding answer 28 February 1997]: The table shows the figures requested.

  Historical series for the PSBR

  £ million

  1965–66

  0.9

  1966–67

  1.1

  1967–68

  2.0

  1968–69

  0.4

  1969–70

  -0.6

  1970–71

  0.8

  1971–72

  1.0

  1972–73

  2.4

  1973–74

  4.3

  1974–75

  8.0

  1975–76

  10.3

  1976–77

  8.3

  1977–78

  5.4

  1978–79

  9.2

  1979–80

  9.9

  1980–81

  12.5

  1981–82

  8.6

  1982–83

  8.9

  1983–84

  9.7

  1984–85

  10.1

  1985–86

  5.6

  1986–87

  3.6

  1987–88

  -3.5

  1988–89

  -14.7

  1989–90

  -8.0

  1990–91

  -0.6

  1991–92

  13.8

  1992–93

  36.3

  1993–94

  45.4

  1994–95

  35.9

  1995–96

  31.7

  1996–97

  26.4

  1997–98

  19.2

  1998–99

  12

  1999–00

  3

  2000–01

  -8

  2001–02

  -18

  Adlids
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what contracts the Inland Revenue has with Adlids; what are the costs, nature and duration of these contracts; what procedures were used to enter into the contracts; and what assessment the Inland Revenue has made of the benefits of the contracts with Adlids. [18003]

  Mr. Jack
  [holding answer 28 February 1997]: The Inland Revenue made a one-off payment of £30,000 for self-assessment information to be printed on 3 million take-away lids.

  The "contract" was negotiated via Ardent, one of a number of promotions agencies working on a range of projects to help target self-assessment information to those affected. A 50 per cent. discount was negotiated on normal rates charged by Adlids.

  According to research, 60 per cent. of self-employed manual trades people, a key audience for self-assessment information, regularly eat Chinese take-aways. At the cost of 1p per lid, this was a cost-effective and highly targeted way of delivering self-assessment information in an unusual and striking way.
  495
  Besides the lids themselves being seen by those likely to be affected by self-assessment, the idea achieved some very positive press coverage.

  Unemployment Leavers
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what percentage of those leaving the unemployment register went into(a) full-time and (b) part-time employment in each year since 1979; [16765]

  (2) how many of those leaving the register of those unemployed and entitled to claim benefit went into (a) full-time employment, (b) part-time employment, (c) permanent employment and (d) temporary employment in (i) England, (ii) Wales, (iii) Scotland (iv) Northern Ireland and (v) each standard English region in the last year for which figures are available. [16895]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  [holding answer 20 February 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 Tim Holt to Mr. Stephen Byers, dated 3 March 1997:
  The Chancellor of the Exchequer has asked me as the Director of the Office for National Statistics to reply to your questions (16765 and 16895) on how many of those leaving claimant unemployment went into full-time, part-time, temporary and permanent employment in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and each standard English region in the last year.
  The figures in the attached tables show the number of claimants who left the claimant count and went into work in 1995 and 1996 for each standard statistical region in Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Information on the destination of claimants from the claimant count is not available prior to January 1995 and no information is available on the type of employment found.
  The 'unknown' destinations category shown in the table includes claimants whose claims were terminated because they stopped signing at their Employment Service jobcentre, together with claimants who did not supply a reason for stopping their claim.

  Destination of leavers from the claimant count by standard statistical region

  Region

  Destination of leavers (thousand)

  Found work

  Other known destinations

  Unknown destinations

  All leavers

  1996

  South East

  489.4

  198.8

  361.5

  1,047.6

  East Anglia

  74.5

  23.1

  25.6

  123.3

  South West

  167.2

  58.4

  71.8

  297.4

  West Midlands

  166.3

  69.6

  85.3

  321.2

  East Midlands

  138.5

  48.9

  56.3

  243.7

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  198.2

  77.2

  82.9

  358.3

  North West

  233.8

  102.3

  108.6

  444.7

  North

  143.7

  56.0

  39.3

  239.0

  England

  1,611.5

  632.5

  831.3

  3,057.3

  Wales

  108.0

  41.5

  39.3

  188.8

  Scotland

  216.5

  82.5

  87.9

  387.0

  Northern Ireland

  54.8

  31.0

  21.7

  107.6

  1995

  South East

  522.1

  217.2

  381.3

  1,120.5

  East Anglia

  79.3

  24.2

  26.8

  130.3

  South West

  175.9

  65.3

  77.5

  318.7

  West Midlands

  176.6

  74.7

  86.4

  337.6

  East Midlands

  142.9

  53.2

  58.3

  254.4

  496

  Destination of leavers from the claimant count by standard statistical region

  Region

  Destination of leavers (thousands)

  Found work

  Other known destinations

  Unknown destinations

  All leavers

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  200.4

  83.6

  83.3

  367.3

  North West

  244.7

  106.8

  110.0

  461.4

  North

  150.7

  60.7

  39.6

  251.0

  England

  1,692.5

  685.7

  863.1

  3,241.2

  Wales

  112,3

  43.7

  39.3

  195.3

  Scotland

  224.9

  85.9

  88.2

  399.0

  Northern Ireland

  55.4

  29.2

  21.4

  106.0

  Source:

  JUVOS.

  Consultants
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what monitoring takes place by his Department of the use of external consultants by non-departmental public bodies. [16746]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  [holding answer 20 February 1997]: This is a matter for the management of the bodies concerned.

  Average Weekly Earnings
  Sir Wyn Roberts
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what are the latest available figures for average weekly earnings in(a) Wales and (b) the United Kingdom for (i) males and (ii) females. [17088]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  [holding answer 24 February 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 Tim Holt to Sir Wyn Roberts, dated 3 March 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 average weekly earnings in Wales and the United Kingdom.
  In April 1996, average gross weekly earnings of full time employees on adult rates, whose pay for the survey period was unaffected by absence were as follows:

  Wales £

  United Kingdom £

  Males

  345.50

  389.90

  Females

  250.50

  282.30

  All

  313.10

  350.30

  This information is taken from the 1996 New Earning Survey conducted separately in Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The results of the Great Britain survey are published in six volumes, copies of which are available in the House of Commons Library. The results of the Northern Ireland survey can be obtained directly from the Department of Economic Development.

  Gross Domestic Product
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the latest estimates for gross domestic product per capita for 1996 at current market prices and purchasing power parities for(a) the United Kingdom and

  497
  (b) those of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries for which information is available to him. [17432]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  [holding answer 24 February 1997]: Provisional estimates of gross domestic product per capita in 1996, measured at purchasing power parity, for the United Kingdom and other OECD countries can be found in the latest edition of the OECD publication, "Main Economic Indicators," which is available in the House of Commons Library.

  Income Tax
  Mr. Richards
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the effect on income tax levels of raising the revenue currently raised through council tax in Wales by an increase in the basic rate of income tax. [17868]

  Mr. Jack
  [holding answer 27 February 1997]: The latest available year for income tax costings for Wales is for 1994–95. Welsh local authorities were budgeted to collect about £340 million of council tax in 1994–95. In order to raise this same level of revenue, the basic rate of tax would need to be increased by nearly 5p in Wales.

DUCHY OF LANCASTER

  Millennium Exhibition
  Sir Michael Neubert
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what is his latest estimate of the numbers of visitors which will be accommodated by the millennium exhibition at Greenwich. [16705]

  Mr. Freeman
  The exhibition's operation company, Millennium Central Limited, has set a target of more than 10 million visitors. The indicative budget produced before Christmas was developed on the basis of this target. It is intended that the site should be accessible to the largest possible number of people from all sections of the community.

NATIONAL HERITAGE

  Sports Grounds
  Mr. Booth
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if she will make a statement about the provision of sports grounds in England. [16696]

  Mr. Sproat
  The policy document, "Sport: Raising the Game," made clear our commitment to ensure that the best possible sporting facilities are in place to enable sportsmen and sportswomen to reach their full potential, and to develop sport at its grassroots level. The national lottery is already making a significant contribution supporting more than 2,500 projects totalling some £440 million to date.

  Museums and Galleries (Funding)
  Mr. French
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage how many current capital projects at museums and galleries are supported by Government resources. [16714]
  498
  Mr. Sproat
  There are currently 27 projects supported by Government resources at the museums and galleries directly funded by my Department. These projects, costing £54 million, are supported by £30 million of Government funding, which is additional to the massive injection of lottery funds into museums and galleries throughout the UK; so far, lottery grants of more than £400 million have been announced.

  Lottery Awards (Worcestershire)
  Mr. Luff
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage how many projects in Worcestershire have won awards from national lottery funding bodies; what is the total value of these awards; and if she will make a statement. [16715]

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  To date, the national lottery distributing bodies have announced 122 awards to projects in Hereford and Worcester for a total of £26.3 million. Eighty-seven of these, worth a total of £18.2 million, fall within the boundaries of Worcestershire as it will be defined from 1 April.

  British Waterways
  Sir. Anthony Durant
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage is she will make a statement on the support from the millennium fund to British Waterways. [16716]

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  The Millennium Commission has supported one project from the British Waterways Board: the millennium link project to reinstate navigation between the Forth and Clyde and Union canals, which has been offered a grant of £32.2 million. The heritage lottery fund made an award of £25 million to the British Waterways Board for the Kennet and Avon canal.

  The commission has supported four other waterways projects: the Ribble link in Lancashire; the Rochdale canel; the Huddersfield narrow canal; and the new lock at Great Conard, Suffolk. In total, canal projects have been offered £61.8 million by the commission.

  Tourism (Midlands)
  Sir David Knox
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if she will make a statement on tourism in the midlands. [16717]

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  Tourism is an industry of vital importance to the midlands, as it is throughout Britain. In 1995 there were almost 20 million domestic and overseas visitor trips to the areas covered by the Heart of England and East Midlands tourist boards, generating revenue of almost £2,130 million.

  The industry in all parts of the country will benefit from the measures contained in the tourism strategy, success through partnership, which I announced on 5 February. The strategy sets out a co-ordinated action plan for Government, the industry and the tourist boards working in partnership to develop tourism to its full potential.

  Lottery Awards (Distribution)
  Mr. Barnes
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if she will review the distribution of national lottery awards. [16718]
  499
  Lady Olga Maitland
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if she will make a statement on the distribution of national lottery awards. [16720]

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  The national lottery has been a great success. More than £3 billion has been raised for the good causes and more than 12,000 awards announced for more than 18,000 projects of all sizes in all parts of the United Kingdom. I am continuously considering how the system for the distribution of lottery funds might be improved and will continue to do so.

  Historic Churches
  Mr. Peter Atkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if she will make a statement on the work that English Heritage has undertaken to preserve historic churches. [16719]

  Mr. Sproat
  Grants from English Heritage towards the preservation of historic churches and other ecclesiastical buildings are available for grade I and grade II* listed properties, and grade II listed properties in conservation areas. Over the five years from 1991 to 1996, English Heritage has provided £47.2 million in such grants, and aims to have spent a further £11.2 million in 1996–97.

  Digital Broadcasting
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what assessment she has made of the BBC's proposals for digital broadcasting. [16722]

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  I welcomed the BBC's overall digital strategy, outlined last May in its publication, "Extending Choice in the Digital Age." I have considered and given approval in principle, under the provisions of the BBC charter and agreement, to the BBC's initial proposals for public service digital television, the details of which are currently subject to public consultation by the BBC.

  Television Programmes (Quality)
  Mr. Grocott
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if she will undertake a review of the quality of television programmes. [16724]

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  The monitoring of the quality of television programmes on independent television and the BBC is the responsibility of the Independent Television Commission and the BBC board of governors respectively. The ITC publishes an annual review of the performance of Channel 3 licensees and Channel 4 and the BBC governors report each year on the corporation's performance in the BBC annual report.

  British Academy of Sport
  Mr. Rooney
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage when she expects to announce the site of the British academy of sport. [16702]

  Mr. Sproat
  We announced on 25 February that the preferred site for the British Academy of Sport will be chosen from three contenders: the Central Consortium, the Heyford Consortium and the Sheffield Consortium. These proposals will now be considered in more detail by the United Kingdom Sports Council and my Department.
  500

  Millennium Celebrations (Wales)
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what consultations she has had with bodies and individuals in Wales with respect to Welsh participation in official millennium celebrations. [16721]

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  My Department is consulting widely over millennium issues. The millennium co-ordination group, which is chaired by my Department, includes representatives from the Welsh Office. The Church Together in Wales is represented on the Lambeth sub-group which considers the spiritual aspects of the millennium.

  In addition, the Millennium Commission has sent its consultation document to all Welsh Members of Parliament, local authorities and local authority associations, the Welsh Office, and Welsh lottery distributors and to arts, sport and heritage bodies. Copies were also sent to the police, churches and voluntary associations in Wales and to companies in the entertainment industry, as well as to any individuals or groups who had inquired about the matter.

  New Wembley Stadium
  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if she will make a statement on the proposed new national football and athletics stadium at Wembley. [17100]

  Mr. Sproat
  I welcome the decision announced by the Sports Council on 17 December 1996 that Wembley is to be the proposed site for the new 80,000 all-seater English national stadium for athletics, football, and rugby league, and will receive a lottery award of £120 million towards the total project costs of around £210 million. This decision is a good example of the Government's commitment to facilitate, through the national lottery, the development of the necessary sporting infrastructure to enable this country to attract to these shore top international events—such as the football World Cup in 2006 and the world athletics championships in either 2001 or 2003.

  Tourism Industry (Training)
  Mr. John Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of state for National Heritage what action she is taking to promote training in the tourism industry. [16706]

  Mr. Sproat
  Tourism has enormous potential for job creation: it creates one in five of all new jobs. As stated in our October publication, "People Working in Tourism and Hospitality," to deliver good service—more of the industry must recruit and retain the right people and equip them with the skills that they need. Our comprehensive new strategy for tourism, success through partnership, which my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State launched on 5 February, carries this work forward. It is clear from the many letters and comments that we have had already, that the industry particularly welcomes the fact that this is a joint initiative with them, with key targets and specific points for action on many aspects of tourism. As announced in the strategy, next month we shall issue a practical guide specifically for small tourism businesses which will include advice on training and developing staff.
  501

  Camelot
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if he will instruct Camelot to issue twice-weekly figures in cash terms for the amount(a) staked, (b) paid out in prizes, (c) paid out for good causes and (d) retained by Camelot. [17834]

  Mr. Sproat
  [holding answer 27 March 1997]: This is an operational matter for Camelot Group plc. I have—therefore—asked the director general of the national lottery, who is responsible for regulating the operation of the lottery, to write to the hon. Member and to place copies of his response in the Libraries of the House.

TRANSPORT

  British Rail (Winding-up Costs)
  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when(a) the British Rail architecture design group and (b) British Rail businesses were wound up; if he will indicate in each case the number of employees (i) in total and (ii) in York one year before the wind-up date; and what sums were spent on (1) redundancy payments and (2) other costs associated with the winding-up of the businesses. [16644]

  Mr. Watts
  Details of the costs incurred by the British Railways Board on those businesses which were wound up as part of the privatisation process are a matter for the board itself.

  London Underground (Tunnel Structures)
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his oral answer to the hon. Member for Linlithgow of 25 February,Official Report,column 165, if he will give a breakdown of the figure of £1.2 billion relating to the structures of tunnels. [18075]

  Sir George Young
  London Underground estimates that £350 million of its investment backlog relates to civil engineering works on the railway's infrastructure, including tunnels. It does not have a more specific figure for tunnels alone. London Underground has recently completed the refurbishment of the Northern line tunnels under the Thames and has re-lined the tunnels around Old Street station. Work on the Bakerloo and East London line tunnels is well under way.

  Road Traffic (New Drivers) Act 1995
  Dr. Michael Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what publicity he intends to initiate regarding the Road Traffic (New Drivers) Act 1995 in advance of its implementation. [17995]

  Mr. Bowis
  We have already publicised the Act and its implementation in the Driving Standards Agency magazine circulated to all approved driving instructors, motorcycle trainers and local road safety officers and have sent a guidance note to justices' clerks and justices' chief executives. Articles will appear in the literature distributed at theory test centres and given to all drivers and riders on passing the practical test. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency's information leaflets, including the one sent to all provisional licence applicants, will also include references to the Act, as will the highway 502
  code when it is next re-issued. Further publicity events are being planned nearer to the date of implementation which is 1 June 1997.

  Bus Drivers (London)
  Mr. Chidgey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many London bus drivers are currently in receipt of social security benefits; and what is the cost of this to public funds. [18442]

  Mr. Bowis
  This information is not available.

  Heavy Goods Vehicles
  Mr. Thurnham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he is taking to reduce the number of accidents arising from lorries shedding their wheels. [18268]

  Mr. Bowis
  Following joint discussions with the Vehicle Inspectorate and the Association of Chief Police Officers, a nationwide survey of the extent of the problem is currently taking place and will continue until the end of April this year. The need for further action will be considered in light of the outcome of this study.

  We are also currently updating the Department's leaflet, first issued in 1991, giving further guidance to operators on measures for preventing wheel loss.

  Railtrack Land
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions his Department has had with Railtrack about(a) the maintenance of fencing, walls and hedges on its land and (b) the removal of litter and debris from such land; and if he will make a statement. [18437]

  Mr. Watts
  Maintenance of boundaries is a matter for Railtrack and enforcement of the relevant statutory duties is the responsibility of the Health and Safety Executive. The Department has consulted Railtrack about proposals to transfer the litter duty which applied to the British Railways Board, to the relevant successor bodies, including Railtrack.

  London Underground (Finance)
  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has made to(a) London Transport and (b) London Underground Ltd. in the last five years concerning ways in which they could increase revenue for London Underground operation by (i) better marketing and (ii) more commercial use of property; and what estimate he has made of the revenue potential of (i) and (ii). [18346]

  Mr. Bowis
  Marketing and the management and development of its property are operational matters for London Transport, which recognises its importance.

  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his oral answer to the hon. Member for Newham, North-West (Mr. Banks) of 25 February,Official Report,column 157, what factors underlay his statement that operating surpluses on London Underground would grow substantially; and what sums he expects to be available for capital investment in the years 2000 to 2005. [18345]
  503
  Mr. Bowis
  My right hon. Friend's comments were based on London Underground's own forecasts of substantial growth in operating surpluses. Following privatisation, investment will be funded not only from these surpluses and continued Government support, but also from the recycling of privatisation proceeds and funds raised by the private sector. It is premature to speculate on the precise sums involved, but our overall aim is to modernise the underground's infrastructure within five years of privatisation.

  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what requests were made by London Transport for capital funding for London Underground Ltd. and what amounts were provided from public funds for(a) 1992–93, (b) 1993–94, (c) 1994–95 and (d) 1995–96. [18351]

  Mr. Bowis
  London Transport submit to Ministers each year their views on their grant requirements for the forthcoming public expenditure round. The distribution of grant by LT between London Underground Ltd. and its other businesses is an operational matter for LT. The cash allocated to London Underground by LT from 1992–93 to 1995–96 is shown in the table. These figures exclude grant for the construction of the Jubilee line extension.

  £ million outturn prices

  Year

  Cash paid to London Underground Ltd.1

  1992–93

  598

  1993–94

  511

  1994–95

  413

  1995–96

  340

  1 Figures supplied by London Transport.

  London Underground (Privatisation)
  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will place statutory limits on the re-sale of shares to those currently employed or contracted to London Underground Ltd. in the event of a management buy-out. [18349]

  Mr. Bowis
  Our proposals for encouraging employees and others to acquire a stake in the privatised London underground will be explained in the White Paper we plan to publish this summer.

  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his oral statement of 25 February,Official Report,columns 149–65, concerning London Underground Ltd., what (a) consultants and (b) advisers he intends to employ for what specific purposes and at what estimated costs; and from which vote such payments would be made. [18348]

  Mr. Bowis
  My right hon. Friend intends shortly to commence the process of inviting bids for the provision of professional advice on the financial implications of privatisation of the London Underground, and of the options outlined in his statement. No estimates have yet been made of the cost of such an appointment; nor have decisions been taken on the vote from which such an appointment would be funded.

  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his oral answer to the hon. Member for Vauxhall (Ms Hoey) of 25 February,Official Report,
  504
  column 161, concerning consultations over the privatisation of London Underground, if he will list those bodies he intends to consult and indicate for each the scope of such consultation. [18344]

  Mr. Bowis
  My right hon. Friend intends to consult a wide range of bodies, including but not limited to London Transport, the Health and Safety Commission, the Rail Regulator, Office for Passenger Rail Franchising, the London Pride Partnership and the London Regional Passengers' Committee. Consultation will cover matters relevant or of concern to each body. We expect that many other bodies will also wish to let him have their views.

  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his oral statement of 25 February,Official Report,columns 149–64, on London Underground from what source he estimates that any privatised section of the activities of London Underground will provide funds for paying interest on capital borrowings (a) prior to and (b) subsequent to the completion of payment of receipts from shares being invested in capital improvements to improve structure or equipment. [18347]

  Mr. Bowis
  This would depend on the structure for privatisation chosen and on the arrangements made by the private sector operator concerned.

  London Underground (Service Levels)
  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his oral answer to the hon. Member for Hammersmith (Mr. Soley) of 25 February,Official Report,column 160, concerning London Underground, if he will make it a duty of the regulator to ensure that existing minimum levels and quality of service are maintained within the fare structure set out in his statement. [18350]

  Mr. Bowis
  The White Paper we plan to publish this summer will set out our detailed proposals, including the regulatory arrangements which will underpin these requirements.

  Jubilee Line Extension
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much of the promised contribution of £300 million towards the cost of the Jubilee line extension has been paid so far by the Canary wharf developers. [18130]

  Mr. Bowis
  The Canary Wharf developers have agreed to contribute £400 million towards the cost of the Jubilee line extension. To date, London Transport has received £100 million. The balance of £300 million will be paid over a 24-year period starting immediately after the first day of operation of the Jubilee line extension.

  Salisbury Bypass
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what were the terms of reference set by him and by the Secretary of State for the Environment when they sought advice last autumn from the Countryside Commission on the proposed crossing of the River Avon by the Salisbury bypass. [18011]
  505
  Mr. Watts
  The terms of reference of the review of certain aspects of the proposed A36 Salisbury bypass are set out in paragraphs 51 to 53 of the letter of 22 October 1996 issued on behalf of my right hon. Friends. Specifically, the Secretaries of State instructed the Highways Agency to consult the Countryside Commission on the aspect of the review that was concerned with possible further measures to reduce the overall landscape impact of the bypass in the region of the newly notified East Harnham meadows site of special scientific interest.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Juvenile Courts (Cullompton)
  Mr. Jamieson
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what assessment he has made of the capacity of Cullompton, Devon, juvenile courts to meet their work load. [16732]

  Mr. Streeter
  I understand that Her Majesty's magistrates courts service inspectorate is today beginning an inspection of the Devon magistrates courts committee area. We have no reason to doubt the capacity of the Cullompton juvenile court to meet its work load.

  Legal Costs (Convicted Criminals)
  Mr. Brazier
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what representations he has received on making convicted criminals contribute to the cost of their court hearing and legal aid bills. [16733]

  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what representations he has received on making convicted criminals contribute to the cost of their court hearing and legal aid bills. [16726]

  Mr. Streeter
  I have received no representations on making convicted criminals contribute to the cost of their court hearing and legal aid bills. However, where their means require it, defendants in criminal cases already make a contribution towards their legal costs.

  Legal Aid Budget
  Sir Sydney Chapman
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what assessment he has made of the factors underlying the growth in the legal aid budget since 1980. [16735]

  Mr. Streeter
  The principal factor underlying the growth in legal aid expenditure since 1980 has been the increase in the number of people helped. During the period, the number of acts of assistance increased by 219 per cent., from 1 million in 1980–81 to 3.5 million in 1995–96. Higher unit costs have also contributed significantly to growth, where average payments have consistently grown at a rate well above that of inflation.

  National Marriage Week
  Sir Michael Neubert
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what results he expects from the institution of National Marriage Week; and what contribution has been made by his Department to its objectives. [16737]
  506
  Mr. Streeter
  National Marriage Week was organised independently by the Christian charity Marriage Resource. My right hon. and noble Friend the Lord Chancellor was pleased to accept an invitation from Marriage Resource to speak at an event during National Marriage Week. He called on all those who believe in the institution of marriage to work to promote a positive and realistic vision of marriage. I and my colleagues in the Government are committed to doing all we can to support marriage.

  Civil Justice (Access)
  Lady Olga Maitland
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what plans he has to improve access to civil justice; and if he will make a statement. [16738]

  Mr. Streeter
  The Government have embarked on a wide-ranging set of reforms of the civil justice system, following Lord Woolf s final report "Access to Justice". October 1998 has been set as the target date for the implementation of the major planks of the reforms, which are designed to make civil litigation quicker, cheaper and simpler.

  Limitation Legislation
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department when he expects a full review of limitation legislation to be completed. [16739]

  Mr. Streeter
  The Law Commission has undertaken a comprehensive review of the law of limitation periods with a view to its simplification and rationalisation. The first stage will be completed when the Law Commission publishes a consultation paper, which it hopes to do this summer. A period of consultation will follow before the Law Commission makes its final recommendations.

  Advisory Board on Family Law
  Mr. Tim Smith
  To ask the Parliamentary Sectetary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will make a statement on the composition of the Advisory Board on Family Law. [18700]

  Mr. Streeter
  On 10 December 1966, in response to a question from my hon. and learned Friend the Member for Burton (Sir I. Lawrence),Official Report column 96,I set out the Lord Chancellor's plans for the Advisory Board on Family Law which will provide independent advice on the implementation and operation of the Family Law Act 1966.

  The Lord Chancellor has now appointed Sir Thomas Boyd-Carpenter to be the chairman of the Advisory Board on Family Law and the following people to be members of the board:

  The Honourable Mr. Justice Wall

  Naomi Angell

  Dr. Carole Kaplan

  Dr. Janet Lewis

  Suzan Matthews QC

  Professor Phyllida Parsloe

  Professor Simon Roberts

  Jane Simpson

  David Skidmore

  Colin Webb

  Anthony Wells

  507
  All appointments are for a period of five years commencing on 1 April 1997 and ending on 31 March 2002. The board's first meeting will take place on 14 April 1997.

  Legal Aid Centres
  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Parliamentary Sectetary, Lord Chancellor's Department how much grant is allocated in 1996–97 to how many legal aid centres; in which main locations; and if he will make a statement. [17099]

  Mr. Streeter
  The Department provides the Legal Aid Board with funds from which annual grants are made to nine law centres, in London, Birmingham, Leeds, Cardiff and Middlesex. In 1996–97 the board has paid £900,564 in annual grants to the law centres.

  Departmental Contracts
  Mr. Alan Howarth
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list the contracts awarded by his Department to(a) EDS, (b) Andersens, (c) BMI, (d) Capita and (e) Sema since 1992 and the broad function to be carried out by the contractors and the value of the contract in each case. [17605]

  Mr. Streeter
  The information is as follows:

  Consultants

  Number of contracts

  Nature

  Value (excluding VAT)

  EDS

  1

  A seven-year contract was awarded on 8 October 1996 under the private finance initiative.

  In region of £20–£25 million

  Under the contract, the local county court system (LOCCS) will computerise much of the routine work of the county courts. The first module of the new system, Caseman, will enable court documents to be issued automatically and replace the system of manual record keeping for every case, making access to case details easier. Five existing information technology systems including CREST (which supports Crown court centres) SPC and CCBC (which support centralised functions for Northampton County Court) were transferred to EDS

  Andersens

  0

  BMI

  0

  Capita

  5

  (a) Recruitment services

  (a) £32,149

  (b) Recruitment services

  (b) £23,262

  (c) Recruitment services

  (c) £850

  (d) Recruitment services

  (d) £2,550

  (e) Recruitment services

  (e)£113

  Sema

  0

  Finished consultant episodes—ordinary admissions and day cases

  Pneumonia

  Influenza

  Bronchitis

  Hypothermia

  Total

  December 1989

  591

  117

  184

  5

  897

  January 1990

  324

  30

  98

  6

  458

  December 1990

  346

  26

  114

  12

  498

  January 1991

  322

  24

  127

  8

  481

  December 1991

  294

  25

  90

  9

  418

  January 1992

  292

  20

  101

  2

  415

  December 1992

  210

  3

  65

  8

  286

  January 1993

  226

  5

  65

  4

  300

  December 1993

  301

  24

  58

  13

  396

  508

  Court Waiting Times
  Mr. Straw
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, pursuant to his reply of 14 February,Official Report,column 354,what was the number of defendants (a) on bail and (b) in custody, who waited (i) less than eight weeks and (ii) less than 16 weeks before being dealt with. [17622]

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

  Letter from M. D. Huebner to Mr. Jack Straw, dated 3 March 1997:
  The Parliamentary Secretary has asked me to reply to your Question about the waiting times for defendants on bail and in custody committed for trial to the Crown Court in 1996.

  0–8 weeks

  0–16 weeks

  Bail

  16,409

  21,120

  Custody

  29,728

  45,019

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Cold-related Illnesses
  Mr. Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what have been the excess winter treatment rates for cold-related illnesses in hospitals in Northern Ireland for(a) in-patients and (b) out-patients for each of the last 10 years; [17214]

  (2) how many people in Northern Ireland received treatment by NHS doctors for cold-related illnesses for the period December 1996 and January 1997; and what was the average figure for similar periods in the past 10 years. [17221]

  Mr. Moss
  The information requested is not available.

  Mr. Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many people in Northern Ireland received hospital treatment as(a) in-patients and (b) out-patients for cold-related illnesses for the period December 1996 and January 1997; and what was the average figure for similar periods in the past 10 years. [17218]

  Mr. Moss
  The information available for in-patients is shown in the table and covers the period 1989–90 to 1995–96. For the purposes of the question, "cold-related illnesses" have been defined as pneumonia, influenza, bronchitis and hypothermia.
  509

  Finished consultant episodes—ordinary admissions and day cases

  Pneumonia

  Influenza

  Bronchitis

  Hypothermia

  Total

  January 1994

  330

  7

  56

  11

  404

  December 1994

  252

  9

  76

  11

  348

  January 1995

  291

  7

  70

  5

  373

  December 1995

  345

  68

  83

  18

  514

  January 1996

  371

  38

  70

  6

  485

  1Source:

  Hospital Inpatients Systems"

  Equipment and Furniture
  Mr. Ian McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the cost and number of items of equipment and furniture that(a) have been stolen and (b) are otherwise unaccounted for from his Department and

  (A) Items stolen

  (B) Items unaccounted for

  Items valued at over £5,000

  IT equipment (including in previous figures)

  Number

  Cost (£)

  Number

  Cost (£)

  Stolen

  Unaccounted

  83

  86,868

  138

  9,362

  One Sokkisha survey instrument—£7,145 (stolen from Roads Service Agency store)

  Six items totalling £9,242

  Six items totalling £2,296

  One mobile chlorination unit—£6,395 (stolen from Water Service Agency—locked site)

  One Sokkisha station set—£7,012 (stolen from Roads Service Agency)

  One Ford Sierra car—£7,805 (stolen from Environment and Heritage Service Agency)

  One Lorry—£10,443 (stolen from Roads Service Agency locked depot)

  Figures do not include DOE items valued at less than £500 as their inclusion would incur disproportionate costs.

  All items valued at over £5,000 were the property of DOE.

  Social Deprivation Funds
  Mr. Trimble
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when advice or instructions will be issued by the Department of Education (Northern Ireland) to schools in respect of approved uses of the funds allocated under the social deprivation factor. [17672]

  Mr. Ancram
  Under the local management of schools formula arrangements, it is a matter for the schools to decide and prioritise how they spend their budgets, including their targeting social need allocations. The Department does not specify how any individual elements of school budgets should be spent, but the provision made by any school is always subject to general inspection.

  Mr. Trimble
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will investigate as a matter of urgency the effect of the social deprivation factor on the balance of funding between controlled and maintained primary schools of approximately the same enrolment, with particular reference to schools with enrolments in excess of 150 pupils. [17667]

  Mr. Ancram
  The Department's targeting social need policy focuses on the targeting of additional resources to schools in terms of social and educational disadvantage, regardless of whether those schools are controlled or maintained. Just over 60 per cent. of such funding
  510
  its agencies during the past 12 months, listing by name any such items valued at £5,000 or more, and showing information technology material separately. [17063]

  Sir John Wheeler
  The information requested in respect of the Northern Ireland Departments and their agencies is as follows for the period 1 January 1996 to 31 January 1997:

  allocated under the local management of schools arrangements goes to Catholic maintained schools, and that is a reflection of the additional need in these schools. However targeting social need allocations represent only a small part of the overall school budget and, when all other factors are taken in account, the total per capita allocations to controlled and maintained schools are very similar.

  Mr. Trimble
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is(a) the total allocation in 1996–97 for the five education and library boards in Northern Ireland in respect of the social deprivation factor in their budgets and (b) the amount distributed directly to schools by the Department of Education (Northern Ireland) using a free school meals factor. [17665]

  Mr. Ancram
  A total of £35,726,893 was allocated to schools by the education and library boards in 1996–97 in respect of targeting social needs.

  The Department allocated a total of £1,496,868 to voluntary grammar schools and £563,847 to grant maintained integrated schools in the same year.

  Mr. Trimble
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what evidence he has obtained of low educational achievement in respect of each grammar school in receipt of funding determined by reference to social deprivation. [17670]

  Mr. Ancram
  None. Only 4 per cent. of the targeting social need funds is allocated to grammar schools reflecting the low incidence of social deprivation as
  511
  measured by the number of pupils entitled to free school meals. All such pupils are eligible for additional support regardless of which schools they attend.

  Mr. Trimble
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when the social deprivation factor was first applied to school budgets in Northern Ireland; what steps have been taken to monitor this allocation and assess its cost-effectiveness; and when he will publish the results of the monitoring procedures. [17666]

  Mr. Ancram
  Targeting social need funding for schools has been an integral part of local management of schools funding arrangements since their introduction in 1991. Under the LMS formula arrangements it is for schools to prioritise how they spend their budgets, including their targeting social need allocations. Schools are responsible to parents for the way in which they spend their resources and provision made for low achieving pupils is also an integral part of the published inspection reports of schools. A recent research project undertaken by the University of Ulster showed that schools are aware of targeting social need allocations and make every effort to use the funds effectively.

  Council For Catholic Maintained Schools
  Mr. Trimble
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment his Department makes of the level of the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools expenditure per pupil relative to that in the maintained sector. [17669]

  Mr. Ancram
  None. The level of expenditure incurred by the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools is based on an assessment of the resources required to meet its statutory responsibilities.

  Traffic Reduction Powers
  Mr. Robert McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to provide the powers granted to local authorities in the Road Traffic Reduction Bill to district councils in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement. [17700]

  Mr. Moss
  Responsibility for the subject in question has been delegated to the Roads Service and its chief executive, Mr. W. J. McCoubrey. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from G. P. Fraser to Mr. Robert McCartney, dated 28 February 1997:
  The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has asked the Chief Executive to reply to your recently tabled PQ about the Road Traffic Reduction Bill. In his absence I will reply on his behalf.
  The Road Traffic Reduction Bill, as presently drafted, applies only to local authorities which are highway authorities. The Department of the Environment is the sole road authority in Northern Ireland and, if the Bill is enacted, similar requirements can be placed on the Department, including that of consultation or liaison with district councils, by means of a policy direction.
  I hope you find this information helpful.

  Sectarian Harassment
  Mr. Mallon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if a Northern Ireland Office Minister was involved in directing the transfer of a member of the Minister of Agriculture's private office who was 512
  subsequently found by the Fair Employment Commission to have been the victim of sectarian harassment within that private office. [17800]

  Mr. Ancram
  The matter is of some complexity and my noble Friend has written to the hon. Gentleman. A copy of the letter has been placed in the Library.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Departmental Policies (Bournemouth)
  Mr. David Atkinson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the effect of his Department's policies on the residents of Bournemouth since 1992, with special reference to the effects of changes in the resources provided in real terms. [14947]

  Mr. Boswell
  The residents of Bournemouth alongside those living elsewhere have benefited from MAFF policies which have led to rising farm incomes, greater protection for the interests of farmers and consumers and new measures to safeguard food and public health, while local grant-aided expenditure on flood and coastal defence amounts to more than £1.5 million over the past five years.

  Executive Agencies
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how much his Department estimates it cost to establish each executive agency set up by his Department since the start of April 1992. 116964]

  Mr. Boswell
  Since April 1992, the following executive agencies have been launched by MAFF:

  Date

  (a) ADAS1

  1 April 1992

  (b) Central Science Laboratory (CSL)

  1 April 1992

  (c) Pesticides Safety Directorate (PSD)

  1 April 1993

  (d) Meat Hygiene Service (MHS)

  1 April 1995

  (e) Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA)

  1 October 1995

  1 Preferred bidder for privatisation announced on 19 February 1997.

  An analysis of the costs of establishing these agencies is not available without incurring disproportionate cost.

  Departmental Contracts
  Mr. Alan Howarth
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the contracts awarded by his Department to(a) EDS, (b) Andersens, (c) BMI, (d) Capita and (e) Sema since 1992 and the broad function to be carried out by the contractor and the value of the contract in each case. [17604]

  Mr. Boswell
  Since 1992 the Department has held no contracts with EDS, Andersens or BMI. Prior to September 1993 there were no contracts with Capita. There were orders placed with Sema before that date; details of these orders are not available, but were fairly insignificant compared with later years.

  In September 1993 framework agreements were signed with both Capita and Sema. These agreements have no fixed value. There has been one order placed with Capita;

  513
  this concerned assistance with the information technology directorate's market testing programme. For reasons of commercial confidentiality, I am unable to reveal the cost of this work. Under the Sema agreement there have been numerous orders having total value of £4,989,000. All concerned project management, systems analysis and programme resources in relation to the development of IT applications software.

  Bovine Somatotropin
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment his Department has made of the possible health risk to(a) consumers and (b) animals of the use of bovine somatotropin in (i) milk and (ii) other products; and if he will make a statement. [17845]

  Mrs. Browning
  No veterinary medicine is authorised for use unless it meets stringent statutory criteria of safety, quality and efficacy. Safety includes the safety of the consumer of any food produced from the treated animal, and the health and welfare of the treated animal. As part of this process the applicant company is required to submit data to the veterinary medicines directorate, where they are carefully assessed by specialists qualified in various scientific disciplines including biology, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, toxicology and ecotoxicology.

  Applications for the authorisation of bovine somatotropin have been very carefully assessed by various independent expert committees in Britain and Europe. They have concluded that BST poses no hazard to public safety or to animal health or welfare.

  Nevertheless there is a moratorium on marketing and use of the product in the European Union until 31 December 1999 to allow limited field tests in order to obtain any other scientific data that might be taken into account by the Council of Ministers when taking a final decision to the authorisation of BST. No application for such tests has been made in the UK.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what regulations his Department has issued on the use of bovine somatotropin for (i) milk and (ii) other products; and if he will make a statement. [17846]

  Mrs. Browning
  None. There is an EU moratorium on the use of BST until the end of 1999. If the Council of Ministers authorises the use of BST when the moratorium expires, no veterinary medicinal product containing BST will be permitted for use in the UK except in accordance with a marketing authorisation issued under the Marketing Authorisations for Veterinary Medicinal Products Regulations 1994. Its use would also be restricted to veterinary prescription.

  Genetically Modified Maize
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the recent actions of the Governments of Luxembourg and France in determining his policy in respect of the importation of genetically modified maize. [17847]

  Mrs. Browning
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer that I gave him on 24 February 1997,Official Report,column 79.
  514

  Rabies
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Edinburgh, East (Dr. Strang) of 18 February,Official Report,column 513,if the revised protocol relating to rabies antibody tests will provide for mutual acceptance of test results from approved laboratories in participating countries. [18131]

  Mrs. Browning
  This would be the intention of the revised protocol.

HEALTH

  Eye Tests
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the number of people who have had eye tests in each year since 1987. [17683]

  Mr. Malone
  No information is held on the number of individual patients who receive sight tests. The estimated number of national health service and private sight tests is shown in the table. Because the information on private sight tests is from a sample survey of activity across Great Britain, the figures are for Great Britain only.

  Millions

  Year

  NHS sight tests

  Private sight tests

  Total

  1986–87

  12.2

  1—

  —

  1987–88

  13.5

  1—

  —

  1988–89

  14.4

  1—

  —

  1989–90

  6.4

  1—

  —

  1990–91

  4.8

  1—

  —

  1991–92

  5.7

  1—

  —

  1992–93

  6.4

  1—

  —

  1993–94

  6.6

  6.6

  13.2

  1994–95

  7.4

  6.5

  13.9

  1995–96

  7.6

  7.0

  14.6

  1 Information on the number of private sight tests carried out before 1992–93 is not available.

  Consultant Vacancies
  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many vacancies there were for consultants by specialty in each year since 1990. [17862]

  Mr. Malone
  Information on consultant vacancies by specialty for 1990 to 1994 is shown in the table. For information for 1995, I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave him on 4 February 1997,Official Report,columns 595–96.Information for 1996 is not yet available.

  Data on vacant posts are difficult to interpret and do not necessarily imply a shortage. The census is a snapshot on 30 September each year. Some vacancies will be wholly or partly filled by locums. For others, national health service trusts may find other ways to provide the service than re-advertising. The numbers give no indication of how long the post has been empty. Some of these would have been in the process of being filled.
  515

  Vacant consultant posts by specialty in England as at 30 September 1990 to 1994 (whole time equivalent rounded to the nearest ten)

  Specialty

  1990

  1991

  1992

  1993

  1994

  Accident and emergency

  20

  10

  20

  20

  10

  Anaesthetics

  90

  50

  90

  80

  100

  Audiological medicine

  —

  —

  0

  —

  0

  Blood transfusion

  0

  0

  10

  0

  0

  Cardio-thoracic surgery

  0

  0

  0

  0

  10

  Cardiology

  10

  0

  0

  10

  10

  Chemical pathology

  10

  10

  0

  0

  —

  Child and adolescent psychiatry

  30

  20

  30

  20

  30

  Clinical physiology

  0

  —

  0

  —

  —

  Clinical pharmacology and therapeutics

  —

  —

  0

  —

  —

  Clinical cytogenetics

  —

  —

  0

  —

  —

  Clinical immunology and allergy

  —

  —

  0

  0

  0

  Clinical neurological physiology

  0

  —

  0

  —

  —

  Clinical genetics

  0

  0

  0

  —

  —

  Dermatology

  10

  10

  0

  0

  10

  Endocrinology

  —

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Forensic psychiatry

  0

  0

  10

  10

  10

  Gastroenterology

  —

  0

  0

  0

  0

  General pathology

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  General surgery

  30

  20

  20

  20

  20

  General medicine

  20

  10

  10

  20

  10

  Genito-urinary medicine

  10

  10

  10

  10

  0

  Geriatric medicine

  10

  0

  10

  10

  20

  Haematology

  10

  10

  10

  10

  10

  Histopathology

  20

  10

  10

  0

  10

  Immuno-pathology

  0

  0

  0

  —

  0

  Infectious diseases

  0

  —

  0

  0

  —

  Medical microbiology

  10

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Medical oncology

  —

  —

  0

  0

  —

  Metal handicap

  30

  20

  10

  0

  10

  Mental illness

  130

  80

  90

  80

  100

  Nephrology

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Neurology

  10

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Neuropathology

  —

  —

  0

  0

  —

  Neurosurgery

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Nuclear medicine

  —

  —

  0

  0

  —

  Obstetrics and Gynaecology

  20

  20

  20

  20

  20

  Occupational health

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Old age psychiatry

  20

  20

  20

  10

  20

  Opthalmology

  30

  20

  10

  20

  30

  Otolaryngology

  20

  10

  10

  10

  10

  Paediatric neurology

  —

  —

  0

  —

  0

  Paediatric surgery

  —

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Paediatrics

  30

  30

  50

  40

  20

  Palliative medicine

  0

  0

  0

  —

  0

  Plastic surgery

  10

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Psychotherapy

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Radiology

  30

  20

  20

  20

  20

  Radiotherapy

  10

  10

  0

  0

  0

  Rehabilitation

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Rheumatology

  10

  10

  0

  0

  0

  Thoracic medicine

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Traumatic and orthopaedic surgery

  30

  20

  30

  30

  30

  Urology

  10

  20

  10

  10

  10

  Virology

  —

  —

  0

  —

  —

  Other

  0

  10

  0

  0

  0

  Total of all specialties

  700

  470

  540

  480

  570

  Source:

  The medical and dental workforce census 30 September 1990 to 1994.

  Notes:

  1. Figures shown are for England as at 30 September of each year.

  2. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10.

  3. 0 = 5 or less; — = zero.
  516 517

  Blood (CJD)
  Sir Harold Walker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidelines he has issued regarding the acceptability of blood donations from the relatives of persons suffering or who have died from the new variant of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. [17809]

  Mr. Horam
  The National Blood Service guidelines exclude from giving blood relatives of people who are suffering from, or who have died from, any form of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what tests are available to demonstrate that blood does not contain the agent of the new variant CJD. [18022]

  Mr. Horam
  There is no test available to detect Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, including the new variant, in the blood of living persons.

  The safety of blood is kept under regular review by the expert advisory Committee on the Microbiological Safety of Blood and Tissues for Transplantation. There is no evidence of any risk of transmission of CJD through blood or blood products. However, as a precautionary measure, the National Blood Service guidelines exclude from giving blood people who, as a result of personal health factors or treatment received, might be at risk of developing CJD, and people with a family history of CJD.

  Committee on Safety of Medicines
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the members of the Committee on Safety of Medicines indicating(a) the organisations that they represent, (b) the organisations nominating them to sit on the committee, (c) other voluntary and paid employment that they undertake and (d) other areas of expertise that they have: and if he will make a statement. [17848]

  Mr. Malone
  Following is the membership of the Committee on Safety of Medicines, members' qualifications and expertise and their primary place of employment:

  Professor M. D. Rawlins BSc MD FRCP(Lon) FRCP(Ed) FFPM: Chairman

  Professor of Clinical Pharmacology, Newcastle University;

  Professor T. R. E. Barnes MD FRCPsych

  Professor of Clinical Psychiatry, London University;

  Professor A. M. Breckenridge CBE MD MSc FRCP FRCPE FRSE: Vice Chairman

  Professor of Clinical Pharmacology, Liverpool University;

  Dr. K. L. Costeloe MB BChir FRCP

  Head of Academic Department of Child Health and Reader in Neonatal Medicine, St. Bartholomew's and the Royal London School of Medicine and Dentistry;

  Professor J. H. Darbyshire OBE MSc MB ChB FRCP

  Head of the MRC's HIV Clinical Trials Centre, University College London Medical School;

  Professor H. J. Dargie FRCP FESC

  Consultant Cardiologist and Co-Director of CRI in Heart Failure, Glasgow University;

  Professor D. S. Davies BSc PhD CChem FRSC

  Professor of Biochemical Pharmacology, Royal Postgraduate Medical School, Hammersmith Hospital, London;

  Dr. A. M. Douglas BSc MB ChB MRCGP DCH DRCOG

  General Practitioner, Exeter;

  518

  Professor G. W. Duff MA BM BCh PhD FRCP

  Professor of Molecular Medicine. Sheffield University;

  Dr. S. J. Eykyn FRCP FRCPath

  Reader (Hon Con) in Clinical Microbiology, St. Thomas' Hospital, London;

  Professor R. G. Finch FRCP FRCPath FFPM

  Professor of Infectious Diseases, Nottinghan University;

  Professor A. T. Florence CBE DSc FRSC FRSE FRPharmS

  Dean of the School of Pharmacy, London University;

  Professor E. C. Gordon-Smith FRCP FRCPath

  Professor of Haematology, St. George's Hospital Medical School. London;

  Professor K. Gull BSc PhD

  Director of the Research and Graduate School, School of Biological Sciences, Manchester University;

  Professor H. S. Jacobs MD FRCP FRCOG

  Professor of Reproductive Endocrinology, University College and Middlesex School of Medicine, London;

  Mrs. E. A. Kay MSc MRPharmS MCPP DMS

  Director of Clinical Pharmacy, United Leeds Teaching Hospital Trust;

  Dr. M. J. Kendall MD FRCP

  Reader in Medicine, Birmingham University; Dr. B. J. Kirby MD MB ChB FRCP

  Consultant Physician and Deputy Director Postgraduate Medical School, Exeter University;

  Dr. S. Kumar MBBS MRCGP DCH DPMC

  Principal in General Practice, Widnes, Cheshire and Member of the Department of Health's Advisory Committee on NHS Drugs;

  Professor M. J. S. Langman BSc MD FRCP

  Professor of Medicine and Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Birmingham University;

  Dr. A. V. P. MacKay OBE MA BSc PhD MB ChB FRCPsych FRCP

  Medical Director of the Argyll and Bute NHS Trust and McIntosh Lecturer in Psychological Medicine, Glasgow University;

  Professor J. M. Midgley BSc MSc PhD CChem FRSC FRPharmS;

  Professor of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Strathclyde University;

  Professor B. K. Park BSc Phd MRCP

  Professor of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Liverpool University;

  Professor B. L. Pentecost MD FRCP

  Consultant Physician and Director of British Heart Foundation;

  Professor J. C. Petrie FRCP(Ed) FRCP(Lon) FFPM

  Professor of Clinical Pharmacology, Aberdeen University;

  Professor L. L. Smith PhD FRCPath

  Director of the MRC Toxicology Unit, Leicester University;

  Dr. K. Vernier Jones MD FRCP

  Senior Lecturer in Paediatric Nephrology, Cardiff Royal Infirmary;

  Professor M. P. Vessey CBE MD FRCP FFPHM FRS

  Professor of Public Health, Oxford University;

  Professor I. V. D. Weller MD FRCP

  Head of Department of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (a division of Pathology and Infectious Diseases), University College London Medical School.

  519
  The Committee on Safety of Medicines is an independent body of drug safety experts. Its members are appointed by the United Kingdom Health Ministers—the licensing authority—following consultations with appropriate organisations and on the recommendations of the Medicines Commission. The organisations consulted include professional associations such as the royal colleges, the pharmaceutical industry, and organisations concerned with the interests of consumers, women and ethnic minorities. Members do not represent organisations, but contribute by their individual expertise and judgment to the advice given by the committee to the licensing authority. In addition, members are required to follow a code of practice on relations with the pharmaceutical industry and to declare their interests which are published annually.

  Pinderfields and Pontefract Hospitals Trust
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when, and by whom, approval was given to the placement of newspaper advertisements inviting applications for the chairmanship and non-executive membership of the proposed Pinderfields and Pontefract hospitals trust. [18021]

  Mr. Horam
  The advertisement was placed by the national health service executive following the decision to establish the new trust.

  Cancelled Operations
  Ms Jowell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the number of cancelled operations by district health authority for the quarter ending 31 December 1996. [18281]

  Mr. Horam
  The information requested will be placed in the Library shortly.

  NHS Facilities (Repair and Maintenance Backlog)
  Ms Jowell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the outstanding repair and maintenance backlog on NHS facilities by region at the end of December 1996. [18282]

  Mr. Horam
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave the hon. Member for Southwark and Bermondsey (Mr. Hughes) on 19 November 1996,Official Report,columns 529–30.That is the latest information available.

  NHS Finances
  Ms Jowell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the predicted out-turn position at the end of the third quarter for the financial year 1996–97 for(a) each NHS trust and (b) each health authority. [18283]

  Mr. Horam
  The information requested will be placed in the Library shortly.

  Milk Tokens and Vitamin Supplements
  Ms Jowell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many mothers and expectant mothers under 25 years who receive contributions-based jobseeker's allowance are not entitled to milk tokens and vitamin supplements by region and nationally. [18285]
  520
  (2) if he will give mothers and expectant mothers under 25 years who receive contributions-based jobseeker's allowance an entitlement to milk tokens and vitamin supplements. [18286]

  Mr. Horam
  Under the welfare food scheme, milk tokens and vitamin supplements are provided to mothers and expectant mothers who are in receipt of an income-based jobseeker's allowance. We have no plans to extend the entitlement to women receiving a contribution-based jobseeker' s allowance.

  Congenital Rubella Syndrome
  Ms Jowell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many children were born in 1996 with congenital rubella syndrome; and what procedures are in place to train general practitioners to communicate diagnoses to the parents and refer such cases to specialist support services. [18287]

  Mr. Horam
  The latest year for which centrally collected figures are available is 1994–95, when there were 12 finished consultant episodes in which the primary diagnosis was congenital rubella. Communicating an adverse diagnosis to the parents of sick and disabled children is an extremely challenging task and forms an important part of general practitioners' training. Further guidance is also available to health service staff. The document "Child Health in the Community: A Guide to Good Practice", issued last September by the national health service executive—copies of which are available in the Library—includes a section on the principles involved in breaking bad news and accessing specialist support services, and advice on the training and support needs of staff undertaking this duty.

  Accident and Emergency Services (London)
  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the report of the Greater London Association of Community Health Councils on the accident and emergency services in London; and if he will make a statement on its recommendations. [18289]

  Mr. Malone
  We have noted the report.

  Work has been undertaken by health authorities and trusts to ensure that the service is able to cope with peaks of activity. Every health authority produced an action plan with its trusts in advance of this winter and these arrangements have, in general, worked well. We have made £20 million extra funds available during the current financial year to meet particular pressures, out of which around £4 million is going to health authorities in London.

  Broadmoor Hospital
  Ms Coffey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when the High Security Psychiatric Commissioning Board last made an(a) planned and (b) unplanned visit to Broadmoor. [17820]

  Mr. Burns
  [holding answer 27 February 1997]: Since its inception on 1 April 1996, the High Security Psychiatric Services Commissioning Board has made numerous visits to Broadmoor. The last visit was on 7 February 1997. The HSPSCB will be making unannounced visits to each of the three high security hospitals, including Broadmoor, from 1 April 1997.
  521
  Ms Coffey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received about staffing levels and security matters at Broadmoor and when; and if he will make a statement. [17821]

  Mr. Dorrell
  [holding answer 27 February 1997]: I received a letter from Mr. Andy Gossage of the Prison Officers Association on 19 February, which raised various concerns about Broadmoor hospital. In the light of these and other concerns, I' have asked the regional director of Anglia and Oxford regional office of the NHS executive to consider the adequacy and appropriateness of security arrangements, and the overall quality of patient care, at Broadmoor hospital, and to report to me with recommendations by the end of March.

  Ms Coffey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement about the allegations of an assault by a patient on a seven-year-old girl visiting Broadmoor; and what actions his Department has undertaken in respect of the allegation. [17822]

  Mr. Dorrell
  [holding answer 27 February 1997]: I understand that these allegations, dating from April 1995, were investigated at that time by both the hospital management and the local police and no evidence was found to warrant further action. The review to be carried out by the Anglia and Oxford regional office of the NHS executive will include in its consideration the arrangements within Broadmoor hospital for handling this and similar allegations.

  Special Hospitals
  Ms Coffey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the current arrangements for monitoring the special hospitals. [17823]

  Mr. Burns
  [holding answer 27 February 1997]: The current arrangements for monitoring the three high security hospitals are set out in an NHS executive document, "High Secure Psychiatric Services: Changes in Funding and Organisation", which was published in June 1995. Monitoring procedures are regularly reviewed. The hospitals are also regularly visited by the Mental Health Act Commission, whose responsibilities are well set out in the Mental Health Act.

SCOTLAND

  Minimum Age Requirements
  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the minimum age requirements enforced by his Department. [15919]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton: As the information is lengthy, it has been placed in the Library.

  Locate In Scotland
  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many jobs have been created or safeguarded as a result of action by Locate in Scotland(a) by company, (b) by region and (c) in Scotland, since its establishment; and if he will make a statement. [16542]
  522
  Mr. Kynoch
  [holding answer 18 February 1997]: This information could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Inward investment projects attracted to Scotland since Locate in Scotland was established in 1981 have, however, involved the planned creation or safeguarding of over 130,000 jobs.

  Edinburgh Royal Infirmary
  Mr. Eric Clarke
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will intervene to stop the Royal Infirmary trust closing the varicose ulcer clinic at the Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh. [17510]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  This leg ulcer clinic within the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh was established as a research project, the funding for which expires shortly. The trust, in consultation with Lothian health board, is reviewing the range of its vascular surgery services to determine whether there is any way in which existing resources can be used more effectively to enable the leg ulcer clinic to continue.

  Prison Construction
  Mrs. Ray Michie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the planned expenditure for constructing prisons in Scotland over the next three years; and what is the design capacity of each planned prison. [17695]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  One new 500-cell prison is planned at Bowhouse, Kilmarnock as part of the private finance initiative. The earliest opening date is 1999, from which time an annual payment would be made by the Scottish Prison Service to the successful contractor for operating the prison, which would include an element to reflect construction costs. Provision to meet the estimated initial costs of the prison is included in the Scottish Prison Service's financial allocation of some £186 million for 1999–2000. Additional prison places required in the light of the early release proposals in the Crime and Punishment (Scotland) Bill would also be financed through the PFI. As the new places would not come on stream until after the time period covered by the Government's current public expenditure plans, no financial provision has yet been made.

  Offenders (Release)
  Mrs. Ray Michie
  To ask the Secretary for State for Scotland how many and what percentage of serious offenders were released in Scotland without a supervision order, in each year since 1992. [17694]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The information requested is not available. However, it may be useful to highlight the current legislative requirements in relation to supervision of offenders. Sections 12 and 14 of the Prisoners and Criminal Proceedings (Scotland) Act 1993 set out, with effect from 1 October 1993, new provisions in relation to the supervision of prisoners. Section 12 requires that all long-term prisoners—those sentenced to four years or more—will be supervised on release by a relevant local authority officer. Similarly, section 14 enables the courts to order supervision for those short-term prisoners sentenced to between one and four years who may pose a potential risk to the public on
  523
  release. This power is exercised by imposing a supervised release order. Measures are therefore in place to ensure the supervision of offenders as appropriate.

  The Crime and Punishment (Scotland) Bill, currently before Parliament, contains provisions to extend the availability of the supervised release order. It would provide for mandatory supervision for up to 25 per cent. of sentence for those convicted of the most serious violent offences.

  Prison Population
  Mrs. Ray Michie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what percentage of Scottish prisoners are currently serving sentences of less than six months; and what percentage of those are female. [17691]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The subject of this question relates to matters undertaken by the Scottish Prison Service. I have asked its chief executive, Mr. E. W. Frizzell, to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from E. W. Frizzell to Mrs. Ray Michie, dated 3 March 1997:
  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton has asked me to reply to your Question about the percentage of Scottish prisoners who are currently serving sentences of less than six months; and the percentage of those that are female.
  As at 26 February 1997 13 per cent. (815) of the Scottish prison population were serving sentences of less than six months, 6 per cent. of which (49) were female.

  Young Offenders
  Mrs. Ray Michie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many persons in Scotland aged under 18 years were charged with a criminal offence in 1996. [17693]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Information is not collected centrally on the number of persons charged with a criminal offence. In 1994, the latest year for which information is available, there were 10,601 occasions when persons aged under 18 were proceeded against for a criminal offence at court and a further 25,735 occasions when persons aged under 18 were referred to the reporter to the children's panels on offence grounds.

  Sex Offenders
  Mr. Thurnham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he has made of the number of convicted sex offenders in Scotland who would have been registerable if the provisions of the Sex Offenders Bill had been in force at the time of their conviction. [17799]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  No estimate has been made as this is not relevant for the purposes of the Bill.

  Food Poisoning
  Dr. Strang
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many cases of food poisoning have been reported in Scotland to date in 1997. [17659]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  [holding answer 27 February 1997]: By the week ending 15 February 1997, there had been 902 notifications of food poisoning to the Common Services Agency for the Scottish Health Service.
  524
  Dr. Strang
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the total number of reported cases of salmonellosis in Scotland in each year since 1979; and what is the latest available figure for 1997. [17660]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  [holding answer 27 February 1997]:The following table shows total numbers of Salmonella infections—human laboratory isolates—reported to the Scottish centre for infection and environmental health over the period requested.

  Year

  Total

  1979

  1,483

  1980

  1,577

  1981

  2,526

  1982

  2,621

  1983

  2,288

  1984

  2,221

  1985

  1,690

  1986

  2,015

  1987

  2,286

  1988

  2,580

  1989

  2,578

  1990

  2,442

  1991

  2,330

  1992

  2,992

  1993

  2,919

  1994

  2,969

  1995

  3,106

  1996

  3,266

  1997

  1313

  1 To 21 February 1997.

  Farmed Salmon
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many salmon farms in Scotland are permitted to use ivermectin to control sea lice. [17829]

  Mr. Kynoch
  [holding answer 27 February 1997]: I understand from the Scottish Environment Protection agency that discharge consents have been granted to 15 Scottish salmon farms in respect of ivermectin which will be used to control sea lice. Twenty-four applications for discharge consent have been refused by the agency.

  Lockerbie
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, pursuant to the letter of the Lord Advocate of 14 February to the hon. Member for Linlithgow, who assessed(a) the current role of Mr. James Thurman and (b) his former role in respect of the Lockerbie case. [17291]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Issues as to Mr. Thurman's current role are for the relevant United States authorities, but Mr. Thurman's role in respect of the Lockerbie case was considered by the then Lord Advocate, Lord Rodger of Earlsferry, in September 1995. He advised the hon. Member in October 1995 that proof of the case does not depend on evidence which Mr. Thurman might give.

  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, pursuant, to the letter of the Lord Advocate of 14 February, to the hon. Member for Linlithgow, if he has assessed a draft of the US inspector general's report into laboratory practices and alleged misconduct in explosives-related and other cases. [17292]
  525
  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The Lord Advocate has not seen a draft of the US inspector general's report into laboratory practices and alleged misconduct in explosives-related and other cases.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Pensioner Incomes
  Sir Andrew Bowden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will provide an updated analysis for each quintile of pensioners' income for single pensioners, pensioner couples and all pensioner units on the same basis as that given on 12 March 1996,Official Report,columns 595–98. [14302]

  Mr. Heald
  The information has been placed in the Library.

  Reason/Benefit

  1990–91

  1991–92

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–95

  Men

  Child benefit

  30

  36

  40

  49

  57

  Income support

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Attendance allowance

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Total

  31

  36

  40

  49

  57

  Women

  Child benefit

  2,619

  2,688

  2,709

  2,719

  2,700

  Income support

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  Attendance allowance

  2

  1

  1

  1

  —

  Total

  2,621

  2,690

  2,710

  2,720

  2,700

  Source:

  1 per cent. sample of national insurance records at February 1996—DSS Home Responsibilities Protection Statistics 1994–95.

  Notes:

  1. Figures relate to Great Britain and are rounded to the nearest thousand.

  2. It is not possible to determine how many of the years will be used in the final pension calculation until the individual claims retirement pension.

  Claimants (Exempt Work)
  Mr. Alan Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many claimants of invalidity benefit were undertaking therapeutic work during the year 1994–95; how many claimants of incapacity benefit have undertaken exempt work since its introduction in 1995; and what is his estimate of(a) the annual cost and (b) the numbers affected if the therapeutic work rules were reintroduced into incapacity benefit. [16098]

  Mr. Burt
  The information is not readily available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Retirement Incomes
  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the average wealth and income, other than the basic state retirement pension, of people retiring at the present time and at convenient intervals in the past 30 years. [15844]

  Mr. Heald
  The latest available information is contained in "The Pensioners' Incomes Series 1994–95". This shows that recently retired pensioner units1 have a mean average gross income of £235.60 per week, 58 per cent. of which is from a source other than state benefits2. The earliest data available form the Pensioners' Income
  526

  Home Responsibilities Protection
  Mr. Alan Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many(a) men and (b) women qualified for home responsibilities protection during each of the past five years, by reason for protection; and what is his estimate of the annual cost of making each year of home responsibilities protection equivalent to a year in which full national insurance credits have been awarded. [15797]

  Mr. Heald
  The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is in the table.

  The Government Actuary's Department has estimated that replacing the home responsibilities protection arrangements with full national insurance credits would cost £150 million in the year 2030.

  Series is 1974 (23 November 1994, Official Report,columns 171–76).Information for intervening years has been published in the annual "Social Security Statistics" since 1993. Further details about pensioner households are given in the annual "Households Below Average Income" statistics.

  Copies of all these publications are available in the Library.

  Notes:
  1A pensioner unit is defined as a single person over state pension age or a couple where the man, defined as the head, is over SPA. A recently retired pensioner unit is defined as a pensioner unit where the head of the benefit unit is less than five years older than SPA.

  2Source:The Pensioners' Income Series 1994–95.

  1. Figures quoted are at July 1994 prices.

  Benefit Claimants (Earnings)
  Mr. Alan Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what are the levels of gross earnings at which(a) single people, (b) lone parents, (c) couples without children and (d) couples with children face marginal deduction rates in excess of 100 per cent. for (e) 1996–97 and (f) 1997–98; and what are the numbers affected in each group. [16301]
  527
  Mr. Roger Evans
  The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is as follows.

  The gross earnings at which different family types face marginal deduction rates in excess of 100 per cent. depends on the individual characteristics of the claim.

  Information on the marginal deduction rates faced by certain family types across a range of gross earnings is available in the April 1996 tax benefit model tables, a copy of which is available in the Library.

  Hazardous Materials (Departmental Buildings)
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what assessment his Department has made of the presence of(a) hazardous materials and (b) ozone-depleting substances within those buildings his Department occupies; and if he will make a statement. [16315]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  Assessments have been completed on hazardous materials in buildings we occupy under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1994 and risks identified have been recorded as required by the legislation.

  Arrangements for storage and disposal of hazardous waste conform to the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

  An assessment has been made of ozone-depleting substances and a target date set for replacement.

  The policy of this Department is to minimise the use of substances which are hazardous to human health or to the environment and to eliminate the use of all ozone-depleting substances such as chlorofluorocarbons and halons.

  Housing Benefit
  Mr. Alan Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people under the age of 25 years have had their housing benefit reduced to single room rent levels; what savings in public expenditure have so far been made as a result of this policy; and what evaluation has been undertaken by his Department of the impact of the policy on the finances and housing situation of young people. [16302]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  The information requested is not yet available.

  However, the introduction of the single room rent restriction is being monitored. Information on the operation of the changes, based on data supplied by a sample of local authorities, will be available in late summer.

  The Department is putting into place a series of research projects for evaluation of the long term effects of the changes. Results are expected next year.

  Mr. Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what was the amount of housing benefit fraud detected by local authorities during 1995–96; how many claimants were involved; what was the average amount of overpaid benefit per claimant; and how many prosecutions were instigated in that year. [16665]
  528
  Mr. Heald
  The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is as follows.

  The amount of housing benefit fraud detected by local authorities in 1995–96 was £186 million1.

  There were 114,300 overpayments, totalling £43 million, which were attributable to fraud2.

  Figures on the number of prosecutions instigated are currently being processed and will be available in early March.

  Notes:
  1Based on the weekly benefit savings method of accounting. No central records are kept of the number of claimants involved in detected housing benefit fraud.
  2 The number of overpayments does not reflect the number of claimants involved in each fraud, so it is not possible to give an average amount per claimant.

  Source:

  Local authority 1995–96 subsidy claims.

  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many recipients there currently are of housing benefit in(a) north Devon and (b) Devon; and how many of these are under 25 years of age. [15003]

  Mr. Evans
  The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is as follows.

  In May 1996, there were 6,100 housing benefit recipients in the North Devon district council area and 78,200 in the whole of Devon.

  Notes:

  1. Estimates of the numbers of recipients aged under 25 are not available below regional level.

  2. Recipients may be a single person or a couple.

  Mr. Austin Walker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what was the amount of housing benefit subsidy paid to local authorities in England in respect of rent allowances in each of the years from 1991–92 to 1996–97; what is his estimate for 1997–98; and what is his estimate of the housing benefit subsidy that would have been paid in each of those years if local authorities had continued to receive 97 per cent. subsidy. [15163]

  Mr. Evans
  [holding answer 10 February 1997]: The information is in the table.

  I refer the hon. Member to the reply that I gave him on 30 January, Official Report,column 362.

  The reduction from 97 per cent. to 95 per cent. in the rate of direct subsidy which local authorities receive for the majority of their private sector housing benefit expenditure was made with effect from 1 April 1991 on a cost neutral basis. Local authorities were compensated for the reduction in direct subsidy by an appropriate addition to the revenue support grant.

  Allowance expenditure

  Year

  Subsidy paid (£ million)

  1991–92

  1,926

  1992–93

  2,630

  1993–94

  3,444

  1994–95

  4,217

  1995–96

  14,511

  529

  Allowance expenditure

  Year

  Subsidy paid (£ million)

  1996–97

  14,645

  1997–98

  15,065

  Notes:

  1Figures are estimated.

  Sources:

  1991–92 to 1994–95—DSS appropriation accounts.

  1995–96 to 1997–98—based on figures contained in table 1 of the social security departmental report, "The Government's Expenditure Plans 1996–97 to 1998–99".

  Child Care Disregard
  Mr. Alan Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer of 15 January,Official Report columns 254–5,if he will indicate how many claimants would gain from extending the child care disregard to those on family credit subject to a 70 per cent. and 50 per cent. taper. [16668]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  The information is as follows:

  Numbers gaining from extending the childcare disregard to those on family credit subject to a 70 per cent. and 50 per cent. taper 1996 prices

  Number of gainers

  70 per cent. taper

  12,000

  50 per cent. taper

  12,000

  1. Figures are based on the May 1996 family credit statistics, and use actual child care recipients at that time.

  2. Estimates do not include behavioural effects.

  Mr. Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is his latest estimate of(a) the cost and (b) the numbers gaining if the child care disregard with (i) family credit and (ii) disability working allowance applied to each child under age 11 years. [16671]

  Mr. Evans
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply that I gave him on 24 January,Official Report,column 772.

  Benefits Agency
  Mr. Alan Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer of 31 October,Official Report column 245,what progress has been made in changes to benefit delivery in Yorkshire, the west country and east London and Anglia directorates; when he expects proposals for change to be submitted by the consortiums of private companies; and what elements he expects to be run by the private sector. [16669]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  No changes to benefit delivery have been made in the relevant areas.

  The partnerships between three private companies or consortia and the Benefits Agency area directorates are expected to start in early May and last for approximately 12 months.

  The partnership period will give the private companies or consortia the opportunity to work closely with managers and staff, enabling them to understand Benefits Agency business. The private companies or consortia involved in the partnerships will not run the area directorates, or any other part of the agency during the partnership period.
  530
  By the end of the partnership period, the private companies or consortia will be expected to provide proposals on how the agency's business can be delivered more efficiently, effectively and economically, including the possibility of further parts of the operation being run by the private sector. Proposals can be submitted at any time during the partnership period.

  Until the private companies or consortia submit their proposals, it is not possible to determine what changes may be made.

  Family Credit
  Mr. Alan Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant, to his answer of 17 December,Official Report,column 535,what estimate he has made of the numbers gaining from a maintenance disregard for lone parents of (a) £5 and (b) £10. [16670]

  Mr. Andrew Mitchell
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply that I gave him on 17 December 1996,Official Report,column 535.Some 240,000 lone parents would gain from the introduction of a maintenance disregard of £5, £.10 or £20 a week.

  Disability Benefits
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security which benefits people are entitled to when they are refused incapacity benefit but cannot meet the availability for work criteria of the means-tested jobseeker's allowance due to illness or disability. [17878]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  Those found capable of work following an all-work test for incapacity benefit, but who have a continuing medical condition or disability, are able to restrict their availability for work and qualify for jobseeker's allowance, provided that the restrictions are reasonable in the light of their physical or mental condition.

  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what benefits are available to people awaiting an appeal against a Department of Social Security decision to refuse incapacity benefit. [17879]

  Mr. Burt
  Those people awaiting an appeal hearing after failing the all-work test for incapacity benefit may register with the Employment Service and claim jobseeker's allowance. Those who are not seeking work may, provided that they satisfy the entitlement conditions, receive income support.

  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if people refused incapacity benefit and awaiting an appeal decision who have sufficient national insurance contributions qualify for non-means-tested jobseeker's allowance as a matter of right. [17881]

  Mr. Evans
  Those who have paid sufficient national insurance contributions may receive a personal rate of contributions-based jobseeker's allowance for up to six months, provided that they satisfy the labour market conditions.

  Claim Processing Costs
  Ms Harman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what is the unit cost for processing claims for(a) income support, (b) income support for lone parents,

  531
  (c) income support for pensioners, (d) child benefit, (e) family credit, (f) the basic state pension, (g) incapacity benefit and (h) contributory jobseeker's allowance; and (i) means-tested jobseeker's allowance; [18236]

  (2) what is the unit cost for processing claims for (a) income support, (b) income support for lone parents, (c) income support for pensioners, (d) child benefit, (e) family credit, (f) the basic state pension,(g) incapacity benefit, (h) contributory jobseeker's allowance and (i) means-tested jobseeker's allowance in Yorkshire; [18232]

  (3) what is the unit cost for processing claims for (a) income support, (b) income support for lone parents, (c) income support for pensioners, (d) child benefit, (e) family credit, (f) the basic state pension, (g) incapacity benefit,(h)contributory jobseeker's allowance and(i)means-tested jobseeker's allowance in Wales. [18233]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  The information is not available in the format requested. The Department publishes figures for the average weekly administration cost per beneficiary, for the main benefits, in its annual departmental report. The report for 1996–97 is due to be published shortly.

  Ms Harman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the unit cost for handling inquiries by claimants in person in Benefits Agency offices for(a) income support, (b) income support for lone parents, (c) income support for pensioners, (d) child benefit, (e) family credit, (f) the basic state pension, (g) incapacity benefit, (h) contributory jobseeker's allowance and (i) means-tested jobseeker's allowance. [18235]

  Mr. Evans
  The information is not available in the format requested.
  532
  The average unit cost, excluding overheads, for dealing with a caller in the Benefits Agency is £1.84.

  Ms Harman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the unit cost for handling inquiries from claimants by telephone for(a) income support, (b) income support for lone parents, (c) income support for pensioners, (d) child benefit, (e) family credit, (f) the basic state pension, (g) incapacity benefit, (h) contributory jobseeker's allowance and (i) means-tested jobseeker's allowance. [18234]

  Mr. Evans
  The information is not available.

  Camborne Benefits Agency Office
  Mr. Jamieson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will reopen Camborne Benefits Agency office in Cornwall; and if he will make a statement. [17937]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  This is a matter for Peter Mathison, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Peter Mathison To Mr. David Jamieson, dated 28 February 1997:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking if he will reopen Camborne Benefits Agency office in Cornwall.
  I can confirm that the Camborne advice shop, which was temporarily closed on 8 January, will reopen on 3 March 1997.
  The Advice Shop service, which does not have benefit processing or payment facilities, was suspended in order that staff could be redeployed to cover temporary absences and to deal with a greater than predicted take up of Job Seekers Allowance. The number of claims received have now reduced to anticipated levels. More staff will have completed their training which will in turn release staff to their usual duties. This will enable normal service to be resumed at the Advice Shop.
  I hope you find this reply helpful.

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