Written Answers of 6 March 1997

SCOTLAND

  Parliamentary Answers
  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many questions were tabled for reply by his Department in each Session since 1979–80; in how many instances in each year the reply has been that providing the information involved disproportionate cost; and in how many instances in each year questions have been given the reply that the information was not available centrally. [16799]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  A list of the number of written and oral parliamentary questions answered by the Department in the Sessions 1982–83 to 1995–96, as supplied by the POLIS unit, has been placed in the House Library. Figures for 1979–80 to 1981–82 are not available. The rest of the information requested could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Glenfeshie and Rothiemurchus Estates
  Mr. Wilson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what payments have been agreed under the management agreements with the(a) Glenfeshie and (b) Rothiemurchus estates. [17508]

  Mr. Kynoch
  These agreements were entered into before the formation of Scottish Natural Heritage and, unlike the present arrangements, details did not appear in a readily identifiable manner in its predecessor bodies' annual reports. If the hon. Member cares to write to Scottish Natural Heritage, it should be able to supply him with the information requested.

  Animal and Poultry Research Establishments
  Mr. Eric Clarke
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the proposed funding reductions to animal and poultry research establishments in Scotland; and what meetings he has had with the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food concerned to discuss the consequences. [17967]

  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  The main animal and poultry research establishment in Scotland is the Roslin Institute in Midlothian, whose largest source of funding is the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. That funding is a matter for my right hon. and learned Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, but I am advised that, while some reductions will take place as a result of existing projects coming to an end and of changes in MAFF's policy requirements, MAFF will continue to fund a substantial programme of research at the Roslin Institute in 1997–98 covering wide range of its programme.
  688
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has had no meetings with my right hon. and learned Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on this matter.

  Local Authority Employees
  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list in rank order the number of employees for each local authority per 1,000 of population for the most recent three years for which figures are available. [18095]

  Mr. Kynoch
  As the information requested is lengthy, I have arranged for it to be placed in the House Library.

  Homeless Households
  Dr. Strang
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) how many households have been accepted as homeless by local authorities in rural areas in Scotland in each year since 1979; [18673]

  (2) how many households have been accepted as homeless by local authorities in Scotland in each year since 1979. [18674]

  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  The information available centrally is set out in the table.

  Number of households assessed as homeless or potentially homeless by local authorities following application under the current housing legislation, for whom accommodation has subsequently been secured

  All Scotland

  Rural authorities

  1978–79

  9,078

  1,987

  1979–80

  8,495

  1,683

  1980–81

  7,929

  1,488

  1981–82

  8,877

  1,767

  1982–83

  9,127

  1,754

  1983–84

  8,888

  1,859

  1984–85

  10,469

  1,910

  1985–86

  12,546

  2,000

  1986–87

  12,860

  2,192

  1987–88

  11,723

  2,372

  1988–89

  12,201

  2,555

  1989–90

  14,303

  2,892

  1990–91

  16,875

  3,318

  1991–92

  19,174

  3,822

  1992–93

  20,943

  4,573

  1993–94

  19,892

  4,180

  1994–95

  18,440

  4,125

  1. The information above is based on case returns by local authorities which are available for around 95 per cent. of applications (though the proportion varies between local authorities). Accordingly the figures given understate the true position.

  2. Districts with a population density of less than one person per hectare in 1981 are considered to be rural.

  3. Statistics for 1995–96 will be published on 27 March 1997 in a statistical bulletin.

  Payment of Bills
  Mr. Betts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what percentage of bills to his Department were paid(a) in accordance with agreed contractual conditions and (b) within 30 days of receiving goods and services or the presentation of a valid invoice where no contractual conditions applied in the last year for which figures are available. [18812]
  689
  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Economic Secretary on 17 December 1996,Official Report, column 506–7. Any additional information could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Further Education
  Mr. Gallie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he will publish his report on the discharge of his duties for further education in Scotland, as required under section 1 of the Further and Higher Education (Scotland) Act 1992; and if he will make a statement. [19481]

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  I am pleased that my report on further education in Scotland for 1996 has been published today and has been laid before each House of Parliament.

  Copies are available in the Library of the House.

  The report, entitled "Further Education in Scotland 1996: Report by the Secretary of State for Scotland", shows that further education colleges continue to improve their delivery of a quality service to students and employers. Incorporation has been a major success, which can be seen by the colleges' achievement of 6 per cent. efficiency gains and a 9 per cent. increase in student activity in 1995–96.

  Nutritional Standards
  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment he has made of the extent to which Scottish schools will have complied with the recommendations contained in the diet action plan for Scotland by the end of 1997–98. [17378]

  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  [holding answer 5 March 1997]: Implementation of these recommendations in schools is a matter for local authorities.

  Education, Health and Social Security Spending
  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what current spending is per annum on education, health and social security in Scotland; how many people are involved in delivering these services; what the equivalent spending figures were in real terms(a) five and (b) seven years ago; and if he will make a statement. [17544]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  [holding answer 5 March 1997]: Figures on social security are a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Security. The latest information available on education and health is set out in the table:

  Service spending (£ million, 1995–96 prices)

  Number of people involved in delivering services (full-time equivalents)

  1988–89

  1990–91

  1995–96

  1995–96

  Education1

  3,174

  3,357

  4,056

  298,665

  Health

  3,437

  3,538

  4,092

  114,114

  1 Figures make no adjustment to back years for transfers e.g. higher education from the Department for Education to the Scottish Office in 1993.

  2 Figures cover local authority education services (77,135), further education (11,695) and higher education (9,835). The higher education figures are provisional and do not include support staff.

  690

  Scientists
  Dr. Strang
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list those scientific establishments other than the Central Science Laboratory, Central Veterinary Laboratory and the Institute of Food Research receiving funding from the Department indicating the number of scientists employed at each on projects funded by his Department on(a) the most recent date available and (b) 31 March (i) 1995, (ii) 1990, (iii) 1985 and (iv) 1980. [18172]

  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  [holding answer 5 March 1997]: The Scottish Office funds agriculture and related research with a wide range of contractors. The main contractors which were funded by the Scottish Office on 1 March 1997 and 31 March 1995 are listed in the table. Details of contractors funded by the Scottish Office on the earlier dates are not held centrally.

  Information on the number of scientists employed by each contractor on projects funded by the Scottish Office is not held centrally.

  1 March 1997

  ADAS

  Bell Ingram

  Biomathematics and Statistics Scotland

  The Central Science Laboratory

  Entec Ltd.

  The Hannah Research Institute

  The Institute of Arable Crops Research

  The Institute of Grassland and Environmental Research

  The Institute of Hydrology

  The Macaulay Land Use Research Institute

  Mike Madders Associates

  The Moredun Research Institute

  The Robert Gordon University

  The Roslin Research Institute

  The Rowett Research Institute

  The Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh

  The Scottish Agricultural College

  The Scottish Crop Research Institute

  The University of Aberdeen

  The University of Cambridge

  The University of Durham

  The University of Edinburgh

  The University of Glasgow

  The University of Lancaster

  The University of Leeds

  The University of Manchester.

  31 March 1995

  ADAS

  The Agriculture Research Institute of Northern Ireland

  Biomathematics and Statistics Scotland

  Children in Scotland

  The Hannah Research Institute

  The Institute of Grassland and Environmental Research

  The Institute of Terrestrial Ecology

  The Macaulay Land Use Research Institute

  The Moredun Research Institute

  The Roslin Research Institute

  The Rowett Research Institute

  691

  The Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh

  The Scottish Agricultural College

  The Scottish Crop Research Institute

  The Silsoe Research Institute

  The University of Aberdeen

  The University of Birmingham

  The University of Dundee

  The University of Edinburgh

  The University of Glasgow

  The University of Lancaster

  The University of Stirling.

DUCHY OF LANCASTER

  Payment of Bills
  Mr. Betts
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what percentage of bills to his Department were paid(a) in accordance with agreed contractual conditions and (b) within 30 days of receiving goods and services or the presentation of a valid invoice where no contractual conditions applied in the last year for which figures are available. [18816]

  Mr. Bates
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my hon. Friend the Economic Secretary to the Treasury on 17 December 1996,Official Report columns 506–7.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Legal Aid (Human Growth Hormone Treatments)
  Ms Eagle
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what has been the cost to the legal aid budget to date of the litigation in respect of human growth hormone treatments. [18085]

  Mr. Streeter
  As at 28 February 1997, the Legal Aid Board has made payments on account totalling £940,355 to the solicitors conducting the case. The main action has been successful and the court made a costs order in favour of the successful plaintiffs. Depending on the final outcome of all litigation, the board will recover some or all of its costs from the defendants.

  Legal Aid (Rochdale Court Closure)
  Ms Lynne
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what estimate he has made of the impact on legal bills, with particular reference to the legal aid budget, of increased travelling by solicitors required by the closure of Rochdale county court. [17972]

  Mr. Streeter
  None. Consideration of the closure of Rochdale county court is at a very preliminary stage. A final decision, which will follow public consultation, will be taken only when the implications for court users, and the legal aid fund, have been fully assessed.

  Payment of Bills
  Mr. Betts
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what percentage of bills to his Department were paid(a) in accordance with agreed contractual conditions and (b) within 30 days of receiving
  692
  goods and services or the presentation of a valid invoice where no contractual conditions applied in the last year for which figures are available. [18814]

  Mr. Streeter
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by the Economic Secretary on 17 December 1996,Official Report, columns 507–8. Any additional information could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Private Finance Initiative
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will provide a breakdown by project of PFI schemes for which his Department is responsible as identified in table 5.5 of the Red Book. [18931]

  Mr. Streeter
  A breakdown by project of the Lord Chancellor's Department's PFI schemes, as identified in table 5.5 of the Red Book, is given in table 1. Current estimates are shown in table 2.

  Table 1. Red book figures

  Estimated capital investment:

  1997–98 £ million

  1998–99 £ million

  1999–2000 £ million

  Total £ million

  Project:

  LOCCS (Court Service IT)

  2

  1

  1

  4

  Sheffield Family Hearing Centre

  6

  2

  0

  8

  Probate Records Store

  12

  2

  0

  14

  ARAMIS (Resource Accounting IT)

  2

  4

  3

  9

  MASS (Magistrates Courts IT)

  8

  12

  12

  32

  Magistrates Pathfinder (Accommodation)

  0

  8

  8

  16

  Magistrates Accommodation (tranche 1)

  0

  39

  39

  78

  Magistrates Accommodation (tranche 2)

  0

  0

  46

  46

  PRFD (Central London Accommodation)

  31

  10

  0

  41

  East Anglia Court Accommodation

  0

  10

  9

  19

  Total

  61

  88

  118

  267

  Table 2. Current revised figures

  Estimated capital investment:

  1997–98 £ million

  1998–99 £ million

  1999–2000 £ million

  Total £ million

  Project:

  LOCCS (Court Service IT)

  4

  4

  4

  11

  Sheffield Family Hearing Centre

  0

  1

  5

  6

  Probate Records Store

  1

  11

  2

  14

  ARAMIS (Resource Accounting IT)

  11

  6

  3

  19

  MASS (Magistrates Courts IT)

  3

  12

  12

  27

  Magistrates Pathfinder (Accommodation)

  0

  8

  8

  16

  Magistrates Accommodation (tranche 1)

  0

  26

  45

  71

  Magistrates Accommodation (tranche 2)

  0

  0

  25

  25

  PRFD (Central London Accommodation)

  0

  0

  0

  0

  693

  Table 2. Current revised figures

  Estimated capital investment:

  1997–98 £ million

  1998–99 £ million

  1999–2000 £ million

  Total £ million

  East Anglia Court Accommodation

  0

  10

  9

  19

  Total

  19

  78

  113

  208

NATIONAL HERITAGE

  Sport
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what discussions her Department has had with (i) the Central Council for Physical Recreation, (ii) the British Universities Sports Association, (iii) the Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Principals and (iv) the National Union of Students regarding(a) the encouragement of sport among young people, (b) the availability of resources for sport and physical recreation within the further and higher education sector and (c) Britain's preparations for the 2000 Olympics. [17412]

  Mr. Sproat
  [holding answer 26 February 1997]: I had discussions with the Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Principals, the Standing Conference of Principals and the Further Education Funding Council prior to publishing the sports policy statement, "Sport: Raising the Game", in July 1995. These discussions formed the basis of chapter 3 of the policy statement, which included undertakings by the three organisations to provide a more detailed picture of provision for sporting opportunities and sports facilities in the further and higher education sectors. The FEFC report was published in June 1996 and the CVCP/SCOP report was published in December 1996. These reports highlighted best practice and made proposals which, if pursued, will be in the interests of the institutions and their students.

  The United Kingdom Sports Council is intending to explore greater associations with universities, especially in relation to the British Academy of Sport. The UKSC has not as yet had any specific discussions with the Central Council of Physical Recreation, the CVCP or the National Union of Students on the three issues raised, but recognises that they must count as possible partners in any joint approach to the future development of student sport.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Whitemoor Prison
  Mr. George Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many of the staff present in the emergency control room at HMP Whitemoor on the evening of 9 September 1994 were interviewed by the Woodcock inquiry. [16865]

  Miss Widdecombe
  Sir John Woodcock's report records that more than 100 prison officers were interviewed by his inquiry. I understand that the identity of witnesses to the inquiry is covered by an undertaking of confidentiality given by the inquiry.
  694
  Mr. Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many staff were present in the emergency control room at HMP Whitemoor on the evening of 9 September 1994. [16864]

  Miss Widdecombe
  Five.

  Mr. Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) who issued the instructions to desensitise the prison perimeter fence at HMP Whitemoor on 9 September 1994; [16862]

  (2) at what time and for how long the prison perimeter fence at HMP Whitemoor was desensitised on 9 September 1994. [16861]

  Miss Widdecombe
  I understand that Sir John Woodcock found no reason to believe that the sensitivity of the perimeter fence alarm at Her Majesty's prison Whitemoor was below the required standard on 9 September 1994.

  Prison Security
  Mr. George Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what procedures should occur in the event of an alarmed dispersal prison perimeter fence being activated; what safeguards are in place to ensure the effective implementation of these procedures; and in what circumstances these procedures or safeguards would not occur. [16860]

  Miss Widdecombe
  The procedures to be followed in the event of a perimeter fence alarm being activated in a dispersal prison are set out in local operational orders drawn up by the governor and in local contingency plans agreed with the director of dispersal prisons. Perimeter fence alarms are required to be tested daily, and the procedures should be regularly reviewed and tested by means of exercises based on the contingency plans. These arrangements are aimed at ensuring that effective procedures are in place and it is not possible to foresee the circumstances in which they would not be followed.

  Mr. Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what safeguards are in place to ensure that desensitised alarms on dispersal prison perimeter fences remain sensitive enough to detect wires being cut. [16859]

  Miss Widdecombe
  The requirements for the operation and testing of perimeter fence alarm systems are set out in the Prison Service's security systems operation and testing manual. Such alarm systems are required to be tested daily with a spring-loaded instrument which imparts a pre-determined impact onto the wire mesh fence. This impact must be registered on the alarm monitoring system. The sensitivity of the alarm must not be reduced below this level.

  Mr. Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidance he issues as to the circumstances which should cause dispersal prison(a)perimeter fences alarms to be turned off and (b) perimeter fences to be desensitised. [16857]

  Miss Widdecombe
  There should be no occasion when the perimeter fence alarm in a dispersal prison is turned off. A perimeter fence alarm can be modulated according to environmental conditions, for example, to prevent very high winds causing repeated false alarms.
  695

  Television Licence Fine Defaulters
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people served a prison sentence during 1996 for television licence fine default; and if he will make a statement. [17964]

  Miss Widdecombe
  Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from David Scott to Mr. Tom Cox, dated 6 March 1997:
  The Home Secretary has asked me, in the absence of the Director General from the office, to reply to your recent Question about the number of people who have served a prison sentence during 1996 for television licence fine default.
  Provisional information for 1996 shows that 336 people—245 males and 91 females—were received into prison for defaulting on a fine after conviction for using a television without a licence.

  Prison Establishments (Children)
  Ms Abbott
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which prison establishments are currently holding children under 17 years of age; how many children are in each; and what arrangements are being made for their education. [17482]

  Miss Widdecombe
  Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from David Scott to Ms Diane Abbott, dated 6 March 1997:
  The Home Secretary has asked me, in the absence of the Director General from the office, to reply to your recent Question about prison establishments currently holding children under 17 years of age; how many children are in each; and what arrangements are being made for their education.
  Details of the number of 15 and 16 year olds held in prison establishments on 31 January 1997 (the latest date for which figures are available) are given in the attached table.
  Education in non-contracted out prisons in England and Wales is provided by contractors which were appointed by competitive tender in 1993. Statutory responsibility for prison education and training lies with the Home Secretary.
  The Young Offender Institution Consolidated Rules (June 1995) state that for prisoners aged less than 17, at least 15 hours a week of "education or training courses" will be provided.
  Prison governors are being encouraged to prioritise their education provision on specific areas which are included in the recently introduced core curriculum for prison education. Education provision will focus on core subjects, basic education (literacy and numeracy), information technology, life and social skills. Additionally, education contractors are being asked to consider linking their education provision for those under 17 years of age, to the National Curriculum for schools where appropriate.

  Population of 15 and 16 year olds in prison service establishments, 31 January 1997 1 by sex and establishment

  Establishment

  15 year olds

  16 year olds

  All aged 15–16

  Askham Grange

  0

  1

  1

  Aylesbury

  1

  10

  11

  Brinsford

  18

  35

  53

  Bullwood Hall

  0

  4

  4

  Cardiff

  5

  4

  9

  696

  Population of 15 and 16 year olds in prison service establishments, 31 January 19971 by sex and establishment

  Establishment

  15 year olds

  16 year olds

  All aged 15–16

  Castington

  0

  2

  2

  Deerbolt

  20

  34

  54

  Doncaster

  7

  29

  36

  Exeter

  1

  3

  4

  Feltham

  61

  128

  189

  Glen Parva

  29

  46

  75

  Gloucester

  0

  7

  7

  Hindley

  9

  39

  48

  Hollesley Bay

  1

  12

  13

  Holloway

  0

  2

  2

  Hull

  4

  4

  8

  Huntercombe

  0

  30

  30

  Lancaster Farms

  7

  16

  23

  Low Newton

  3

  23

  26

  Moorland

  3

  8

  11

  New Hall

  2

  1

  3

  Northallerton

  4

  13

  17

  Onley

  16

  32

  48

  Portland

  22

  54

  76

  Stoke Heath

  14

  36

  50

  Styal

  0

  4

  4

  Swansea

  0

  6

  6

  Swinfen Hall

  0

  3

  3

  Thorn Cross

  3

  10

  13

  Werrington

  14

  47

  61

  Wetherby

  15

  36

  51

  Blank/other

  2

  3

  5

  Total males

  257

  666

  923

  Total females

  2

  13

  15

  All establishments

  261

  682

  943

  1 All figures are provisional.

  Prisoner Admittance (Costs)
  Mr. George Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the average cost of admitting a prisoner into each prison type. [17496]

  Miss Widdecombe
  Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from Richard Tilt to Mr. George Howarth, dated 6 March 1997:
  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about the average cost of admitting a prisoner into each type of prison.
  This information is not available centrally as the costs of the admission process are not recorded separately.

  Prostitution
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what new initiatives he is assessing to target those who exploit prostitutes and live on their earnings. [18490]

  Mr. Maclean
  We are not, at present, considering any fresh initiatives to target those who exploit prostitutes. The Government's position remains that those living off the sexual exploitation of others should be dealt with severely. My right hon. and learned Friend recently announced his intention to undertake a review of the
  697
  current maximum penalties for sexual offence, which includes offences relating to those who exploit and live on the earnings of prostitutes.

  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the strategy adopted by the chief constable of Nottingham to deal with those who exploit prostitutes. [18491]

  Mr. Maclean
  We welcome the recent agreement between Nottinghamshire constabulary and Nottinghamshire social services on how best to tackle the problem of child prostitution. It is too early to assess how successful the agreement has been, but the Government firmly support a multi-agency approach as the best way of addressing child prostitution and ensuring that children and youngsters receive the care and protection they deserve. The need for co-operation between the agencies working in this area is reflected in the joint Home Office and Department of Health guidance, "Working together under the Children Act 1989".

  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent discussion he has had with the Association of Chief Police Officers regarding street prostitution. [18489]

  Mr. Maclean
  My right hon. and learned Friend has not discussed street prostitution in his regular meetings with the Association of Chief Police Officers, but officials have been discussing a multi-agency approach to child prostitution with ACPO and discuss other issues with the police as matters arise.

  Handguns
  Sir Donald Thompson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if those owners of prohibited high calibre handguns who wish to retain their weapons as mementos, having first arranged for de-activation and having obtained de-activation certificates, will be able to obtain compensation based on individual valuation of the weapon in its original state. [18615]

  Miss Widdecombe
  No. Under the terms of the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997, payments in respect of high calibre handguns may be made only where such items are surrendered to the police.

  Convicted Murderers
  Ms Abbott
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the average sentence served by convicted murderers released in the last five years. [18477]

  Miss Widdecombe
  The information requested is as follows:

  Average time served under sentence by murderers first released on life licence from Prison Service establishments, 1992 to 1996.

  Sentence

  1992

  12.4 years

  1993

  14.4 years

  1994

  15.4 years

  1995

  14.0 years

  1996

  113.4 years

  1992 to 1996

  14.0 years

  1 Provisional

  698
  Ms Abbott
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many convicted murderers have killed again after release from prison in the last 10 years; and what is the average sentence that they serve as a result. [18478]

  Mr. Maclean
  In England and Wales, during the years 1986 to 1995, nine persons released from prison after having served a sentence following conviction for murder are known to have killed again.

  One of these persons subsequently committed suicide. The other eight were sentenced to life imprisonment.

  Ms Abbott
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to(a) review the sentencing policy for those convicted of murder and (b) introduce different categories of murder. [18479]

  Mr. Maclean
  The Government have no plans to review either the sentence for, or the offence of, murder.

  Special Constabulary
  Mr. Etherington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what is the average of recruitment for regular police force officers recruited from the special constabulary; [18486]

  (2) if he will list the percentage of regular (a) male and (b) female police officers recruited from the special constabulary for each year since 1990 for each police force; [18485]

  (3) what is the average length of service for (a) regular police force officers and (b) the special constabulary. [18487]

  Mr. Maclean
  Recruitment of regular police officers and officers to the special constabulary in England and Wales is a matter for the chief officer of each police force. The information requested is not collated centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost by contacting each force.

  Bridgewater Three
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what Government assistance is being offered to Michael Hickey, Vincent Hickey and James Robinson to help them overcome the psychological traumas typically associated with the experience they have undergone. [18564]

  Mr. Kirkhope
  If the convictions in this case are quashed, it will be open to the men concerned to apply to my right hon. and learned Friend for compensation from public funds. In the meantime, we are in touch with the Department of Health and the men's solicitor to ensure that any health care needs can be assessed without delay.

  Prison Ship, Portland Harbour
  Mr. George Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of the costs incurred to date by Dorset police authority as a consequence of proposals to moor a prison ship in Portland harbour. [18745]

  Mr. Maclean
  I understand from the chief constable that the Dorset police have incurred expenditure totalling £2,646 on police contingency planning on this matter.
  699

  Private Finance Initiative
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will provide a breakdown by project of PFI schemes for which his Department is responsible as identified in table 5.5 of the Red Book. [18932]

  Mr. Howard
  Table 5.5 of the Red Book shows capital investment by the private sector. The breakdown of Home Office private finance initiative schemes as identified in that table is:

  1997–98 £ million

  1998–99 £ million

  1999–2000 £ million

  Bridgend Prison

  37.0

  0

  0

  Fazakerley Prison

  37.0

  0

  0

  Immigration and Nationality Directorate caseworking information technology system

  21.0

  0

  0

  Lowdham Grange Prison

  24.0

  0

  0

  Home Office Large Major Enquiry system II (information technology system)

  0.5

  0

  0

  Cookham Wood (secure training centre)

  6.0

  0

  0

  Gringley (secure training centre)

  10.0

  0

  0

  Medomsley (secure training centre)

  5.0

  5

  0

  Onley (secure training centre)

  5.0

  5

  0

  Secure training centre 5

  5.0

  5

  0

  Design, Construct, Manage and Finance 3 (Prison)

  6.0

  37

  37

  Design, Construct, Manage and Finance 4 (Prison)

  0.0

  6

  37

  Immigration and Nationality Directorate Detention accommodation (South East District)

  1.0

  0

  0

  Immigration and Nationality Directorate Detention accommodation (Heathrow)

  0.0

  14

  0

  Home Office SW1 Estate

  10.0

  30

  10

  Prisons/boilerhouses

  9.0

  3

  0

  Prisons/kitchens

  8.0

  0

  0

  Prisons/health centres

  3.0

  0

  0

  Prisons major refurbishments

  12.0

  12

  0

  Prisons/other

  2.0

  0

  0

  Prisons/health information technology

  0.0

  6

  0

  Public Safety Radio Communications Project

  0.0

  10

  40

  Total

  201.5

  133

  124

  These totals rounded in the Financial Statement and Budget Report

  200.0

  130

  120

  Police Officers
  Sir John Stanley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police officers there were in 1979; and how many there are at the present time. [18940]
  700
  Mr. Maclean
  I refer my right hon. Friend to the reply given to our hon. Friend the Member for Gravesham (Mr. Arnold) on 23 January,Official Report, column 731.

  Charities (Criminal Record Checks)
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 3 March,Official Report, column 463, in respect of charges for criminal records checks on those volunteering to assist charities, when he intends to make money available to cover the costs. [18919]

  Mr. Maclean
  We will consider granting free checks to specific groups, such as volunteers, when resources permit.

  Payment of Bills
  Mr. Betts
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what percentage of bills to his Department were paid(a) in accordance with agreed contractual conditions and (b) within 30 days of receiving goods and services or the presentation of a valid invoice where no contractual conditions applied in the last year for which figures are available. [18805]

  Mr. Howard
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Economic Secretary on 17 December 1996,Official Report, columns 506–7.

  Belmarsh Prison
  Mr. Austin-Walker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list his reasons for refusing to release a prisoner form Her Majesty's prison Belmarsh, ref. KF 3842, on compassionate grounds. [18922]

  Miss Widdecombe
  I will write to the hon. Member.

  Fire Service College
  Mr. Clifton-Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he proposes to take to assist the Fire Service College in improving its financial performance. [19480]

  Mr. Howard
  The Fire Service College, as the central training establishment for the fire service, makes a very important contribution to promoting effective and efficient firefighting and fire safety arrangements in the United Kingdom, and thus maintaining public safety. Its financial regime and targets need to assist it to continue to discharge this role effectively and to secure value for money, but the present arrangements are not achieving this. Despite the considerable efforts of the present management team, the college has not yet been able to realise the benefits which its position as a trading fund ought to offer.

  The college's corporate aim is to remain the pre-eminent higher education college for fire-related training and for promoting fire safety awareness. To help secure the future of the college and to assist it in achieving its corporate and business objectives, I have therefore decided to make changes to its present financial structure. I propose to seek parliamentary approval for the payment of a grant of £13.5 million to the college. This will enable it immediately to pay off the deemed loan part of the originating capital debt when it was established as a

  701
  trading fund in 1992. It will save the college £1.3 million in annual interest payments. I also propose in 1997–98 to pay to the college a separate grant of £1.3 million so that it can continue to provide essential training courses for the fire service.

  These measures will make a step change in the college's finances. They demonstrate the Government's firm commitment to securing an effective and well trained fire service, but the future success of the college should not—and cannot—be dependent on the Government alone. It is crucially dependent on the support of its fire service customers and the college's own efforts. Fire authorities must continue to be willing to make a proper investment in the training of their brigades and to take advantage of the facilities, skills and high-quality training opportunities the college is able to offer. The college has to give priority to ensuring the training needs of the fire service are clearly identified and effectively met. It should exploit innovative training developments. It must also continue its programme of improvements in business efficiency, to ensure high quality management and financial control and so that any on-going requirement for assistance through Home Office grant can progressively be reduced.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  UN Security Council Resolutions
  Mr. Temple-Morris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs upon how many occasions since Britain joined the European Community(a) Britain and France and (b) Britain and the United States have voted differently on proposed UN Security Council resolutions; and on which of those occasions the resolution referred to a country in which British forces were on active service or were about to undertake such service. [18433]

  Sir Nicholas Bonsor
  According to records kept by this Department, the United Kingdom and France have voted differently on UN Security Council resolutions on 35 occasions since 1973. The United Kingdom and the United States have voted differently on 74 occasions within the same period. The only occasions on which the resolution referred to, or where British forces were involved in or were about to be involved in, active military operations were:

  June 1982: Falklands (draft S/15156:Rev 2).

  November 1984: N Cyprus (SCR 550).

  The resolution on the Falkland Islands was subsequently vetoed and therefore never adopted.

  Gulf War
  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the compensation for victims of the Gulf war, decided on by the United Nations Compensation Commission's governing council in December 1996, will be paid. [18728]

  Dr. Liam Fox
  Interim payments of US $2,500 will be made after similar amounts have been paid for claims approved in 1994, 1995 and earlier in 1996. Successful 702
  claimants in the first instalments are due to be paid in the near future.

  Subsequent payments will depend on a regular flow of money into the compensation fund from the sale of Iraqi oil under UN Security Council resolution 986.

  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the United Nations' announcement on the use of seized Iraqi assets to pay for the environmental effects of the Gulf war and its implications for the United Kingdom. [18727]

  Dr. Liam Fox
  The UN Compensation Commission recently announced that claims for environmental damage totalling US $32 billion have been received from 10 Governments by the deadline of 1 February 1997. Compensation will in due courses be paid from revenue derived from the sale of Iraqi oil, not from seized assets. The UK has claimed £1.4 million.

  Albania
  Mr. MacShane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 19 February,Official Report, column 578–79, if he will list the (a) British and (b) Albanian organisations, individuals or firms in receipt of know-how fund money covering (i) advice on setting up investment funds and (ii) pre-investment feasibility studies. [18986]

  Sir Nicholas Bonsor
  The know-how fund contracted the British firm GMA Capital Markets Ltd. to advise on setting up and regulating the Tirana stock exchange and investment funds in Albania. The KHF gave no money to any Albanian organisation, individual or firm, support being provided through funding the cost of technical assistance for specific projects.

  The British companies who have received money under the pre-investment feasibility studies scheme for prospective investment in Albania are:

  Anglo Albanian Mining (Heritage House)

  Hugh MacRae and Co. (Builders) Ltd.

  Peter Streatfield

  Eng-Alb Trading Company.

  In each of these cases, following the receipt of a grant under the PIFS scheme, the investment by the British company has proceeded. No money was paid to any Albanian organisation, individual or firm through this scheme.

  Payment of Bills
  Mr. Betts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what percentage of bills to his Department were paid(a) in accordance with agreed contractual conditions and (b) within 30 days of receiving goods and services or the presentation of a valid invoice where no contractual conditions applied in the last year for which figures are available. [18803]

  Mr. Hanley
  I refer the hon. Member to the information given by the Economic Secretary to the Treasury on 17 December 1996,Official Report, columns 506–7.
  703

  Private Finance Initiative
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will provide a breakdown by project of PFI schemes for which his Department is responsible as identified in table 5.5 of the Red Book. [18924]

  Mr. Hanley
  This Department, including the Overseas Development Administration, has agreed two PFI projects: Minerva, a small information technology system to archive electronic documents, and a vehicle services project initially for a small number of overseas posts. Projects have been advertised for the new Berlin embassy and accommodation in Beirut, Colombo, Lagos, Kiev and Sofia. Table 5.5 of the "Financial Statement and Budget Report" reflects this Department's estimate of likely capital investment under these projects. In addition, this Department has invited interest in a project to provide a new global telecommunications system. A breakdown by project would be commercially sensitive at this stage.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Chancery Bank
  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment he has made of the procedures followed by the DTI, the Treasury and the Bank of England, in respect of the voluntary liquidation of Chancery bank; and if he will make a statement. [18704]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  On 5 August 1993, my predecessor, my hon. Friend the Member for Tatton (Mr. Hamilton), announced the appointment of inspectors under section 432(2) of the Companies Act 1985 to investigate and report on the affairs of Chancery plc.

  The appointment followed the appointment of administrators on 18 February 1991 and a subsequent voluntary arrangement approved by creditors.

  The inspectors have not completed the report of their investigation, and I am unable to comment further until they have done so.

  Private Finance Initiative
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will provide a breakdown by project of PFI schemes for which his Department is responsible as identified in table 5.5 of the Red Book. [18936]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The figures in table 5.5 of the Red Book are the combined estimates of the level of private sector investment for the following planned projects: the Teddington site re-development, housing the National Physical Laboratory; resource accounting and budgeting; the Radiocommunications Agency's IS-IT strategic partnership; the Coal Authority's IT system for mining and surface damage reports—contract now signed; and three small IT projects in the DTI. Disaggregated figures are commercially sensitive at this stage.

  Undischarged Bankrupts
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many undischarged bankrupts there are in each county in England. [19298]
  704
  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The information requested is not held in this form. The Insolvency Act 1986 provides for the majority of bankrupts to be discharged automatically after three years or after two years in smaller, summary cases. The number of individuals against whom bankruptcy orders were made in the last three years for which figures are available were:

  1993: 31,016

  1994: 25,634

  1995: 21,993.

  Payment of Bills
  Mr. Betts
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what percentage of bills to his Department were paid(a)in accordance with agreed contractual conditions and (b)within 30 days of receiving goods and services or the presentation of a valid invoice where no contractual conditions applied in the last year for which figures were available. [18807]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Bury St. Edmunds (Mr. Spring) on 17 December 1996,Official Report, columns 506–7. Additional information could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Birmingham (Ministerial Visit)
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what was the cost of his visit to Birmingham on 17 February. [18423]

  Mr. Lang
  [holding answer 3 March 1997]: The cost of the Birmingham business breakfast was approximately £14,000. More than 700 business men and women attended it.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Medical Training
  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if she will list the total number of entrants to medical school in each of the last five years, indicating the number of graduates. [18602]

  Mr. Forth
  The information available is as follows:

  Number of full-time home-domiciled1 entrants to first degree medicine/dentistry courses

  Total number of entrants

  Graduate entrants3

  Non-graduate entrants3

  Qualification not known3

  1991–92

  4,733

  —

  —

  —

  1992–93

  4,883

  —

  —

  —

  1993–94

  4,957

  —

  —

  —

  1994–952

  5,924

  253

  4,701

  970

  1995–962

  6,496

  362

  4,854

  1,280

  1 Based on students who were in their first year of study.

  2 Figures collected on a new basis and not directly comparable with earlier years' figures.

  3 Figures prior to 1994–95 cannot be split between graduate and non-graduate entrants.

  705
  In addition, there were 474 full-time overseas entrants to first degree medicine and dentistry courses in the UK in 1994–95, of whom 18 were known graduates, and 634 in 1995–96, of whom 47 were known graduates.

  National Curriculum (Drug Awareness)
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what recent representations she has made, or is considering, to the Schools Curriculum and Assessment Authority on the drug awareness component of the life skills part of the national curriculum. [18955]

  Mrs. Gillan
  My right hon. Friend has made no such representations. She will consider any recommendations from SCAA on the spiritual, moral, social and cultural dimensions of the curriculum in due course.

  Drug Education
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what representations she has made to the other Departments since 26 February on the drug abuse resistance education scheme. [18956]

  Mrs. Gillan
  I wrote on Monday 3 March to my hon. Friend the Member for Bolton, West (Mr. Sackville) Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department to bring his attention to the debate on DARE of 26 February,Official Report, column 397–410. I copied my letter to my right hon. Friend the Lord President.

  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if she will study the evaluation of DARE by North Nottinghamshire Health Promotion. [18957]

  Mrs. Gillan
  My right hon. Friend would welcome the opportunity to do so.

  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if she will call for a report from the Nottinghamshire county council on its secondary school booster scheme for DARE. [18959]

  Mrs. Gillan
  My right hon. Friend has no plans to do so. Any information Nottinghamshire county council chooses to offer the Department will be received with interest.

  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what action she has taken to extend the DARE scheme. [18954]

  Mrs. Gillan
  Decisions on approaches to drug education remain a matter for individual schools.

  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, pursuant to the oral statement of the Lord President of the Council on 26 February,Official Report, columns 401–2, what is her response to the questions raised by the hon. Member for Nottingham, North regarding the DARE scheme. [18960]

  Mrs. Gillan
  I sought to set out my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State's response to those questions during the debate. Broadly, while my right hon. Friend remains interested in the progress of the DARE programme in Nottinghamshire, she does not intend to promote or endorse one particular approach to drug education in schools above the many others that are serving our teachers and young people well in their particular circumstances.
  706
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if she will write to the hon. Member for Nottingham, North giving her view on the Office for Standards in Education report on drug education. [18958]

  Mrs. Gillan
  Yes.

  Office for Standards in Education
  Mr. Hardy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment who is responsible for inspecting those appointed by Ofsted; and what proposals she has to improve the supervision of Ofsted appointees. [18820]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  Ofsted is a Government department headed by the chief inspector of schools, who is responsible for appointing and registering inspectors. I have asked Mr. Chris Woodhead to write to the hon. Member.

  Private Finance Initiative
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if she will provide a breakdown by project of PFI schemes for which her Department is responsible as identified in table 5.5 of the Red Book. [18926]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  Table 5.5 shows the estimated capital spending through the private finance initiative in the Department's and Employment Service's own estates and infrastructure. As the estimate is based on the aggregate potential for PFI in these areas, it is not yet directly attributable to specific projects, other than those which have already been concluded. So far, these are two Employment Service computer projects: Employment Service communications and guidance system and windows integrated system for personnel.

PRIME MINISTER

  Lockerbie
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 28 February,Official Report, columns 419–20, if he will put forward proposals for a bilateral extradition agreement between the United Kingdom and Libya. [18735]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 5 March 1997]: No. The United Nations Security Council decided that Libya must surrender the accused for trial in Scotland or the USA.

  Engagements
  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his engagements for Thursday 6 March. [17885]

  Sir Peter Tapsell
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 6 March. [17886]

  The Prime Minister
  This morning I presided at a meeting of the Cabinet and had meetings with ministerial colleagues and others. In addition to my duties in this House, I shall be having further meetings later today.
  707

  Organophosphates
  Mr. Alfred Morris
  To ask the Prime Minister from what date information was available to any Government Department about the dangers to health from the use of organophosphates; what action was then taken to ensure that all Departments considering their use were made conversant with the dangers; and if he will make a statement. [18824]

  The Prime Minister
  Organophosphates were first investigated for use as insecticides in the 1930s in Germany. Since then, information on the health effects of OPs has accumulated over time. Much of the information is in peer-reviewed scientific journals, books or World Health Organisation publications and is therefore available to all Government Departments as well as to the general public.

  Government Departments receive advice and information on a regular and on-going basis about OPs and their possible effects on human health from a number of sources both external and internal. OP compounds have been reviewed on many occasions, including the independent expert committees which advise the Government on pesticides and veterinary products. They have not recommended a ban or suspension of the use of this class of compounds.

  Governor-General Visits
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will recommend that an invitation be issued to(a) the Governor-General of Australia, (b) the Governor-General of Canada and (c) the Governor-General of New Zealand to make a visit to the United Kingdom of equivalent status to a state visit. [18013]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 4 March 1997]: No.

TREASURY

  Earth Summit II
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what preparations his Department is making for earth summit II, and for the preparatory conferences leading up to the summit. [18496]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  The Department of the Environment is taking the lead within Government on the preparations for the UN General Assembly special session in June and I refer my hon. Friend to the reply that the Under-Secretary of State, my hon. Friend the Minister for Hertsmere (Mr. Clappison), gave him on 5 March 1997,Official Report, column 634.

  Pension Plans
  Mr. Olner
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the net present value of savings made from reduced expenditure on tax relief paid on contributions made to appropriate personal pensions in(a) 2025, (b) 2030, (c) 2040 and (d) 2050, if (i) all and (ii) half of those earning under £10,000 per annum who are currently opted out of the state earnings-related pension scheme into APPs were to rejoin SERPS. [15591]
  708
  Mr. Jack
  [holding answer 14 February 1997]: The yield from reduced expenditure on tax relief for minimum contributions from the national insurance fund to appropriate personal pensions is tentatively estimated at about £10 million for 2025–26 and 2030–31, and negligible by 2040–41, if all holders of APPs with earnings of under £10,000 per annum were to rejoin SERPS, and about half these amounts if half of those were to rejoin SERPS. The figures are at 1996–97 prices and have been discounted.

  The costing assumes that these APP holders in 1996–97 would otherwise continue as APP holders over the projected period. In addition, they are assumed to have the same earnings in these future years in real terms as they did in the base year.

ATTORNEY-GENERAL

  Mr. David Kyle
  Mr. Mullin
  To ask the Attorney-General what role Mr. David Kyle played in preparing the Crown case in(a) the 1989 appeal of the men convicted of killing Carl Bridgewater and (b) the 1987 and 1991 appeals of the six people convicted of the Birmingham pub bombings. [18255]

  The Attorney-General
  Mr. David Kyle played no part in preparing the Crown case in the 1989 appeal of the men convicted of killing Carl Bridgewater. He also played no such part in relation to the 1987 appeal by the six people convicted of the Birmingham pub bombings. In relation to the 1991 appeal by these persons, the preparation of the Crown case was undertaken within the special casework division of what was then Crown Prosecution Service headquarters casework. Mr. Kyle was head of division at that time and in that capacity had supervisory responsibility for all cases dealt with on his division.

  Ms Fiona King
  Mr. Mullin
  To ask the Attorney-General what role Ms Fiona King played in preparing the Crown case in(a) the 1989 appeal of the three men convicted of killing Carl Bridgewater and (b) the 1987 and 1991 appeals of the six men convicted of the Birmingham pub bombings. [18257]

  The Attorney-General
  Miss Fiona King is away, but examination of her postings indicate that she has at no time been assigned to any part of the Crown Prosecution Service which had responsibility for preparing the Crown case in the 1989 appeal of the men convicted of killing Carl Bridgewater or in the 1987 and 1991 appeals of the six people convicted of the Birmingham pub bombings.

  Payment of Bills
  Mr. Betts
  To ask the Attorney-General what percentage of bills to his Department were paid(a) in accordance with agreed contractual conditions and (b) within 30 days of receiving goods and services or the presentation of a valid invoice where no contractual conditions applied in the last year for which figures are available. [18818]
  709
  The Attorney-General
  I refer to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Economic Secretary to the Treasury on 17 December 1996,Official Report, columns 506–07. Additional or more recent information is as follows:
  Crown Prosecution Service: 97.3 per cent. of bills were paid within agreed terms or 30 days during June to November 1996.
  Serious Fraud Office: 91.3 per cent. of bills were paid within agreed terms or 30 days from April 1996 to date1.
  Treasury Solicitor's Department: 93.7 per cent. of bills were paid within agreed terms or 30 days during June 1996 to January 1997.
  Legal Secretariat to the Law Officers: 95.7 per cent. of bills were paid within 30 days during June 1996 to February 1997.
  Government Property Lawyers: 99.5 per cent. of bills were paid within 30 days during April 1996 to January 1997. M
  1Provisional figure.

DEFENCE

  Psychological Operations Units
  Mr. Foulkes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many psychological operations 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. [17987]

  Mr. Soames
  We have one psychological operations unit, to which two personnel are assigned permanently to provide instruction in the psychological operations role. This unit can be expanded when required. These arrangements are currently under review.

  Military Provost Guard Service
  Mr. George
  To ask the secretary of State for Defence how many applications have been received to date for posts in the Military Provost Guard Service; how many individuals have been recruited to the Military Provost Guard Service; how many individuals have completed their training satisfactorily; what is the proposed Military Provost Guard Service complement, broken down by rank, for(a) Chicksands, (b) Chilwell, (c) Donnington and (d) Wilton; what is the rent which the Military Provost Guard Service staff will pay for their accommodation; and what services are provided for this rent. [18104]

  Mr. Soames
  Recruitment to the Military Provost Guard Service is proceeding satisfactorily. Some 507 statements of interest in the 118 MPGS pilot scheme posts have been received; 47 candidates have been attested to date and there are firm candidates for all but a few of the remaining posts. There have been no training failures. I have decided to withhold the details of the complements at individual sites under exemption 1 of the code of practice on access to government information, relating to defence, security and industrial relations. MPGS soldiers recruited to the pilot scheme will pay the same charges for service married and single quarters as general service personnel and will receive the same services.

  Gulf War Syndrome
  Mr. Alfred Morris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what date it was decided that the British forces involved in the liberation of Kuwait would take 710
  supplies of organophosphates to the Gulf for use as pesticides; when they were first used there; what additional supplies were purchased locally; when these additional supplies were used; and what checks were made about the safety of these additional pesticides before they were used. [18823]

  Mr. Soames
  Full details of what is now known about the use of organophosphate pesticides by British Service personnel during the Gulf war are contained in the organophosphate pesticide investigation team report which was published on 10 December 1996. A copy of this report was also placed in the Library of the House.

  Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the extent of the outbreak and the period that MRSA was present at the Cambridge military hospital, Aldershot, the numbers of patients involved and whether it contributed to or caused death. [18992]

  Mr. Soames
  During the period from 1 to 25 May 1994, the Cambridge military hospital experienced a widespread infection of methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus. The strain of MRSA was unusual in that it was characterised by a rapid rate of spread but with low virulence. No patient at the hospital developed symptoms of MRSA infection, although a number became colonised with the organism.

  The outbreak was rapidly and aggressively controlled. There were no admissions to the hospital between 16 and 24 May 1994. All hospital staff were screened for MRSA and, as the outbreak was widespread, were treated with an antibiotic. A thorough disinfection programme was carried out in the hospital. No evidence of MRSA was found in the hospital after 25 May 1994.

  There are no indications that this outbreak of MRSA contributed to, or caused, death among patients at the hospital.

  Private Finance Initiative
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will provide a breakdown by project of PFI schemes for which his Department is responsible as identified in table 5.5 of the Red Book. [18927]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  The figures in table 5.5 of the "Financial Statement and Budget Report" represent my Department's estimates of capital spending by the private sector under private finance initiative projects that had been agreed by October 1996. The projects include:

  White vehicles in Germany

  Army logistic information systems agency

  RAF white vehicles

  Training administration and financial management information systems

  Naval recruiting and training agency

  HMS Nelson facilities management

  Mechanical handling equipment vehicles.

  711
  For reasons of commercial confidentiality, it would be inappropriate to reveal details of these estimates against individual projects. I am, therefore, withholding this information under exemption 13 of the code of practice on access to Government information.

  Payment of Bills
  Mr. Betts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what percentage of bills to his Department were paid(a) in accordance with agreed contractual conditions and (b) within 30 days of receiving goods and services or the presentation of a valid invoice where no contractual conditions applied in the last year for which figures are available. [18819]

  Mr. Soames
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 17 December 1996, columns 506–7 by my hon. Friend the Economic Secretary to the Treasury to the hon. Member for Bury St. Edmonds (Mr. Spring). Additional information could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Joint Services Command and Staff College
  Mr. Mans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence at the time Ministers took decisions on the future of command and staff training what contribution that reorganisation was expected to make to the overall annual savings from 1996–97 arising from the defence costs study; what is the total cost in 1996–97 of those parts of single service command and staff training which will eventually be replaced by the joint services command and staff college; and what is his estimate of the costs of the JSCSC in 1997–98 and 1999–2000. [17057]

  Mr. Soames
  The proposals to form a joint services command and staff college was initially put forward in the "Front Line First" studies. These constituted internal departmental advice to Ministers, the details of which I am withholding under exemption 2 of the code of practice on access to Government information. Financial information at this stage was indicative only.

  The decision to implement the JSCSC was based primarily on the operational need for enhanced joint training. Some savings were initially suggested but were on the basis of considerably reduced student numbers, which subsequent analysis found to be unrealistic.

  The JSCSC came into being on 1 January 1997—part way through the financial year 1996–97—which also makes the year a typical in course programme terms. Accurate costs for the three single service colleges and the joint service defence college at Greenwich, even for the previous year, 1995–96, are not available because the MOD's cash accounting system does not enable a wide range of support costs to be disaggregated from larger sums covering more than one establishment, such as Camberley and Sandhurst, or from sums covering more than one function at the same location, as was the case at Greenwich. This should be addressed by the introduction of resource accounting and budgeting.

  The estimated cost of the JSCSC in 1997–98 is £30 million. This applies to the JSCSC at its interim sites, mainly Bracknell, and for reasons similar to those given above is likely still to be slightly underestimated; 1999–00 is also atypical because the move from the interim to the permanent site is due to take place during
  712
  the summer of 1999. The first full year of operation at the permanent site will be 2000–01 for which estimated costs, for the facilities and services provided by the contractor as well as MOD-provided teaching and directing staff, are also approximately £30 million.

  DERA (Support Services Division)
  Mr. George
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to complete the sale of the pFfpnce Evaluation and Research Agency's support services division; what are the reasons behind the delay in completion of the sale; if APAX Partners has agreed bulk transfer terms for staff pensions with the Government Actuary's Department; and what bulk transfer terms for staff pensions were agreed in previous privatisations of Ministry of Defence services or agencies. [18107]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  We have not yet been able to reach agreement on acceptable terms with APAX and have, therefore, decided to open negotiations with CinVen, the other financial institution that was on the original shortlist. We will conclude a deal only if and when mutually satisfactory terms have been agreed. I expect to have come to a decision within a matter of days rather than weeks.

  Regarding staff pensions, there will now have to be further negotiations with CinVen over bulk transfer terms. Previous MOD organisations have generally involved an agreement on this issue and I hope that the offer of similar terms will prove acceptable.

  NATO Strategic Concept
  Mr. Gapes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans NATO has to revise and update its strategic concept. [18722]

  Mr. Soames
  NATO's strategic concept was adopted by Alliance Heads of Government at their meeting in Rome in November 1991. NATO's strategy has evolved since then in the light of changes in the European security situation, and this process will continue. Whether the strategic concept itself should be updated to take account of those changes is under consideration within NATO. Any decision to update the strategic concept would be a matter for NATO Ministers.

TRANSPORT

  Salisbury Bypass
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on his proposals for the Salisbury bypass. [18902]

  Mr. Watts
  My right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for the Environment and for Transport announced on 29 October 1996 that they were minded to confirm the orders to authorise construction of the bypass. However, before reaching a final decision, they have afforded interested parties an opportunity to make representations on the effects of induced traffic and alteration of a section of the proposed route to take it away from housing at Harnham, as recommended by the inspector who held the year-long public inquiry. They also instructed the
  713
  Highways Agency to review three matters: the possibility of realigning the section of the route across the River Avon floodplain, south of Salisbury, to avoid the newly designated east Harnham meadows SSSI; the scope for further mitigating the landscape impact of the bypass in this sensitive area; and the need for any measures in addition to those already proposed to mitigate the potential impact of the bypass on the proposed River Avon special area of conservation. The Highways Agency report on the reviews has just been received and will now be considered by my right hon. Friends.

  Rail Employment
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the total number of people employed by British Rail before the start of the privatisation process; and if he will estimate the number employed on the railways at the current time. [19004]

  Mr. Watts
  On 31 March 1994, the British Railways Board employed 121,052 people. The latest available estimate of the total number employed in the railway industry is 94,600 people employed in September 1996.

  Private Finance Initiative
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will provide a breakdown by project of PFI schemes for which his Department is responsible as identified in Table 5.5 of the Red Book. [18937]

  Mr. Watts
  The figures underlying table 5.5 relate to expected expenditure on the following PFI projects.

  Italicised entries denote projects not yet signed.

  Birmingham Northern Relief Road

  CAA New Scottish Centre

  CAA Oceanic Flight Data Processing System

  Croydon Tramlink

  Channel Tunnel Rail Link

  DBFO roads (first eight schemes)

  DBFO roads (tranche 2)

  Highways Agency pavement management system

  Heathrow Express

  LT "connect" (Communications)

  LT Power

  LT "Prestige" (Ticketing)

  Midland Metro

  Northern Line trains.

  Details of individual projects are commercially sensitive.

  Railfreight Distribution
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the total amount payable to Her Majesty's Government for the sale of Railfreight Distribution. [19003]

  Mr. Watts
  The British Railways Board has yet to finalise the sale of Railfreight Distribution.
  714

  Ferry Safety
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to stage a trial evacuation of 1,000 passengers from a roll-on/roll-off ferry in realistic conditions. [18771]

  Mr. Bowis
  None, since "realistic conditions" would imply damage to the ship and potential injury to the participants.

  Payment of Bills
  Mr. Betts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what percentage of bills to his Department were paid(a) in accordance with agreed contractual conditions and (b) within 30 days of receiving goods and services or the presentation of a valid invoice where no contractual conditions applied in the last year for which figures are available. [18808]

  Mr. Bowis
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by the Economic Secretary on 17 December 1996,Official Report, columns 506–7. Any additional information can be provided only at a disproportionate cost.

  Channel Tunnel
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is(a) the fastest time the channel tunnel has been evacuated; (b) how many doors in the tunnel were open during that exercise; and (c) if the air fell to the point where it equalised between the central tunnel and the running tunnels. [19009]

  Mr. Watts
  (a) 85 minutes timed from the train coming to a stop until passengers reached the open air. (b) A maximum of three cross passage doors were open on this occasion. (c) No.

  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is the present normal working pressure of the central service tunnel in the channel tunnel; and how many doors can be opened before the pressure equalises between all three tunnels. [19007]

  Mr. Watts
  The pressure in the service tunnel is maintained within a range from 2,000 pascals near the ventilation shafts to 500 pascals at the midpoint. No more than three cross passage doors should be open if overpressure is to be maintained in the service tunnel.

  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many new semi-open wagons have been purchased for use in the channel tunnel since 1 January; and what evaluation has been made of their safety case. [19010]

  Mr. Watts
  No semi-open wagons have been purchased since 1 January.

  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if there was smoke in either of the two tunnels not affected by fire during the channel tunnel fire of November 1996. [19008]

  Mr. Watts
  Details of the behaviour of smoke in the channel tunnel fire in November 1996 are being investigated by the Channel Tunnel Safety Authority and will be contained in the authority's report on the fire. I understand that this will be completed shortly.
  715
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions he has had with the French Government about the channel tunnel fire of November 1996. [18653]

  Mr. Watts
  [holding answer 4 March 1997]: The intergovernmental commission meets on a regular basis to discuss the operation of the channel tunnel on behalf of the Governments. The Channel Tunnel Safety Authority also meets regularly.

  The heavy goods vehicle shuttle fire on the 18 November has been discussed at each of the meetings held by these bodies since November 1996.

  In addition, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport has corresponded with the French Transport Minister, Bernard Pons, about the fire.

  Departmental Revenue Hypothecation
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement regarding the hypothecation of revenue from his Department. [19002]

  Mr. Bowis
  Proceeds of asset sales do sometimes go to the Department concerned. The proposed privatisation of London Underground is, however, the first time this approach has been adopted in a privatisation. This is in recognition of the particular needs and circumstances of London Underground.

  British Railways Board
  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he has set the British Railways Board an external finance limit consistent with his latest estimate of its outturn for 1996–97. [19413]

  Mr. Watts
  I have today set the British Railways Board an external finance limit of £10 million for 1996–97. This limit is consistent with the estimate of 1996–97 outturn provision for the railway industry of £780 million announced by my right hon. Friend in his answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Dover (Mr. Shaw) of 26 November 1996,Official Report, column 160.

  Lorry Weights
  Mr. Nigel Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he has reached a decision on maximum lorry weights following the closure of the period for responses to the Government's consultation document on lorry weights. [19539]

  1991–92

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–95

  1995–96

  Trespassers

  150 (7)

  132 (5)

  121 (7)

  119 (6)

  109 (7)

  Suicides

  150 (1)

  132 (0)

  141 (1)

  135 (0)

  137 (0)

  Total

  300 (8)

  264 (5)

  262 (8)

  254 (6)

  246 (7)

  1. Figures in brackets denote the number of children under the age of 16 years included in the total.

  2. Figures for 1994–95 and 1995–96 have been revised following notification of coroners' verdicts for inquests that have been outstanding at the time the previous statistics had been prepared. Figures for 1995–96 are provisional.

  716
  Mr. Watts
  We have received some 250 responses to the document; these are being considered very carefully and the issues involved will be analysed extensively. Until that work is complete, there can be no decision on altering the present general maximum lorry weight, but the separate proposal put forward in the consultation document to allow lorries engaged in piggyback road-rail operations to operate at up to 44 tonnes, if they have six axles and road-friendly suspension, has been generally welcomed as a measure to get more long-distance freight onto rail. I have therefore asked officials to proceed with the necessary consultation on draft regulations to put this into effect. Subject to the outcome of that consultation, I expect the regulations to be laid shortly. This decision is independent of the outcome of the Government's consideration of the general maximum lorry weight.

  Light Dues
  Mr. Congdon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on light dues. [19540]

  Sir George Young
  I am pleased to announce that light dues for 1997–98 will be reduced by about 4.6 per cent. from 43p to 41p net ton with consequential reductions to other changes. This reduction, coming after four years of stability, takes rates back to below those established in 1992. It is a clear demonstration of the increasing efficiency of the three general lighthouse authorities.

  I am announcing changes to the light dues regulations which are designed to simplify some aspects of collection and will remove the liability to pay light dues in certain cases. I shall be consulting the industries concerned on other possible changes in the distribution of light dues.

  Train Track Fences
  Mr. Ainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many accidents involving trains have occurred in each of the past five years as a result of people gaining access to the track through damaged fences. [18239]

  Mr. Watts
  [holding answer 4 March 1997]: This information is not available in the form requested. However, appendix 8B of "Railway Safety—HM Chief Inspector of Railways' Annual Report on the safety record of the railways in Great Britain for 1995–96", gives statistics on the number of trespassers killed and injured for the past five years. The figures are included in the table:
  717
  The report also highlights accidents to trespassers and measures the inspectorate, the industry and the British transport police are adopting to combat these accidents. Copies of the report are available in both Libraries of the House.

  The state of fencing is not recorded as a contributory factor on the Health and Safety Executive's accident database. In addition, the state of the fencing is not always mentioned on the written notifications of incidents received by the HSE from railway operators. However, during any HSE investigations of incidents involving trespassers, and in particular incidents involving children, the condition of the fencing will be scrutinised closely and enforcement action taken should HSE consider the fencing to be inadequate.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Equipment and Furniture
  Mr. Ian McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security 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 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. [17060]

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

  Financial year

  Number of individual items (including information technology)

  Total value

  1995–96

  409

  £375,354

  1. For the purposes of departmental accounting, centralised information is collected for complete financial years and in a single category covering losses arising from theft, fraud, arson, sabotage or other causes.

  2. The figures in the table are for the Department and all its agencies.

  Nuclear Test Veterans
  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many former service personnel who participated in the nuclear tests programmes in Australia and the south Pacific have been awarded war pensions after they developed(a) leukaemia, excluding chronic lymphatic or (b) multiple myeloma; when was the first time that former service personnel were awarded war pensions after developing these illnesses; and if he will make a statement. [17952]

  Mr. Heald
  The information is as follows:Awards made in respect of leukaemia (excluding chronic lymphatic leukaemia)
  Four war disablement pensions and seven war widows' pensions.
  Awards made in respect of multiple myeloma
  Ten war disablement pensions and three war widows' pensions.
  718
  The first awards were made in 1988 following publication of the National Radiological Protection Board's first report on the subsequent health of nuclear test participants. The report did not causally relate multiple myeloma or leukaemia to participation, but its evidence was regarded as raising a reasonable doubt—the standard of proof required for the award of war pension in such cases—that those conditions excluding chronic lymphatic leukaemia, may have resulted from participation in the tests.

  Jobseeker's Allowance
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many jobseeker's allowance cases have gone to appeal; and what percentage of these have been successful. [17855]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  Some 4,460 jobseeker's allowance appeals have been received by the Independent Tribunal Service and, of those appeals cleared at hearing, 36.5 per cent. have been successful.

  Cold Weather Payments
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list the locations of the meteorological stations on the basis of whose readings eligibility for cold weather payments are determined for each part of Wales, and if each case its(a) height above sea level and (b) proximity to the coast. [18508]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  The information is set out in the table:

  Weather station

  Height above mean sea level (metres)

  Proximity to coastline (kilometres)

  Aberporth

  133

  less than 5

  Capel Curig

  216

  140

  Crosby

  9

  less than 5

  Great Malvern

  44

  160

  Mumbles Head

  32

  less than 5

  Rhoose

  65

  less than 5

  Rhyl

  77

  less than 5

  Sennybridge

  307

  130

  Shawbury

  72

  160

  Valley

  10

  less than 5

  1 Rounded to the nearest 10 kilometres.

  Appeal Tribunals
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what assessment he has made of the effect the Social Security (Adjudication) and Child Support Amendment (No. 2) Regulations 1996 on the number of oral hearings held by social security appeal tribunals, disability appeal tribunals and child support appeal tribunals; and what information he has collated on the effect they have already had. [18373]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  An evaluation of the impact of the Social Security (Adjudication) and Child Support Amendment (No. 2) Regulations which came in to force on 21 October 1996 will be carried out over the first year of operation. Information is being collected and we expect to have interim results approximately six months after implementation.
  719

  Pension Schemes
  Mr. Denham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list how many men made contributions to(a) contracted-out pension schemes by scheme type and (b) the state earnings-related pension scheme in the latest year for which figures are available. [18721]

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

  It is estimated that in 1991, the latest date for which information is available, there were approximately 5.3 million men in contributory contracted-out occupational pension schemes.

  The number of men with appropriate personal pensions is estimated to be 3.4 million in 1991–92 and 3.6 million in 1994–95.

  The total number of men accruing unabated SERPS entitlement is estimated to be 3.5 million in 1991–92 and 3.4 million in 1993–94, the latest date for which information is available.

  Source:
  Government Actuary's survey of occupational pension schemes 1991.

  War Pensions (Gulf War)
  Mr. Alfred Morris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make arrangements for an urgent review of war pension claims made by ex-service men and women who were exposed to the effects of the use of organophosphates during service in the Gulf war. [18825]

  Mr. Heald
  No. Under the war pensions scheme, the initial onus is on the claimant to show disablement. Where disablement has been shown to exist, present medical evidence does not support a causal relation to exposure to organophosphates. Present medical understanding is that exposure would result in symptoms arising in close time relation. Many claims made as a result of service in the Gulf, however, are made in respect of symptoms which arose several years after service ended.

  Nevertheless, where disablement has been shown and where the claim is made within seven years of termination of service, because the onus is on the Secretary of State to show beyond reasonable doubt that disablement is not attributable to service, unless there is a clear non-service cause of disablement, war pensions have been, and will continue to be awarded.

  Payment of Bills
  Mr. Betts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what percentage of bills to his Department were paid(a) in accordance with agreed contractual conditions and (b) within 30 days of receiving goods and services or the presentation of a valid invoice where no contractual conditions applied in the last year for which figures are available. [18806]

  Mr. Burt
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 17 December 1996,Official Report, columns 506–7 by my hon. Friend the Economic Secretary to the hon. Member for Bury St. Edmunds (Mr. Spring).
  720

  Private Finance Initiative
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will provide a breakdown by project of PFI schemes for which his department is responsible as identified in table 5.5 of the Red Book. [18935]

  Mr. Burt
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave the hon. Member for Birkenhead (Mr. Field) on 13 January,Official Report, column 149.

  The private finance initiative schemes in table 5.5 of the "Financial Statement and Budget Report" include the national insurance recording system 2, Newcastle estate development, the Benefits Agency—Post Office Counters Ltd.), access to corporate data and private sector resource initiative for management of the estate projects.

  State Pensions
  Mr. Richards
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the additional cost of linking state pensions to average earnings in Wales during the last five years. [17876]

  Mr. Heald
  [holding answer Thursday 27 February]: The information is in the table.

  £

  Year

  Gross additional cost of uprating basic retirement pensions by average earnings in Wales

  Net additional cost of uprating basic retirement pensions by average earnings in Wales

  1992–93

  49

  36

  1993–94

  85

  61

  1994–95

  87

  62

  1995–96

  119

  86

  1996–97

  109

  80

  Sources:

  1. The numbers in receipt of basic retirement pension and the average amount received have been estimated based on a 5 per cent. sample of live cases—10 per cent. in 1992–93 and 1993–94.

  2. Earnings growth in Wales has been estimated by the Office for National Statistics, using the new earnings survey.

  Notes:

  1. Estimates are rounded to the nearest £1 million.

  2. The NES is calculated in April each year and the figures have been adjusted to provide figures for September allowing a comparison with the September retail prices index that is used for uprating RP. The NES figures have been adjusted by taking the ratio of the NES increase from April to April and the average earnings index April to April increases and multiplying this by the AEI increases from April to September. The headline AEI whole economy figure is used.

  3. The gross expenditure is estimated by calculating the percentage increase in standard basic RP and then applying this percentage increase to the actual total expenditure on RP in Wales.

  4. The net expenditure takes account of income related benefits that would otherwise have been paid. The offset ratios have been calculated using the policy simulation model which is based on information from the family expenditure survey. For 1992–93, the 1993–94 offset ratio has been applied.
  721

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Anglo-Irish Secretariat
  Mr. Robert McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what was the religious breakdown of those public appointments made each year since 1986 on the proposal of the Irish side of the Anglo-Irish Secretariat. [17703]

  Sir John Wheeler
  The information requested is not available.

  Water Cannon
  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many times water cannons have been used by the security forces in Northern Ireland since 1967; for what reasons they were used; on what dates they were used; in what places they were used; and if the security forces are currently authorised to use water cannons. [17951]

  Sir John Wheeler
  It is not possible to provide details of the use of water cannons in Northern Ireland as no separate statistical records of their use were kept at the time. It is believed they were last used around 1970.

  The Royal Ulster Constabulary is authorised to use "reasonable force" in situations of public disorder, which could include the use of water cannons. The force does not, however, hold any water cannons and has not done so for some years.

  Private Finance Initiative
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will provide a breakdown by project of PFI schemes for which his Department is responsible as identified in table 5.5 of the Red Book. [18929]

  Sir John Wheeler
  The following table gives a breakdown of the Northern Ireland figures, which are the best estimate of what NI Departments expect to be agreed. The list is subject to variation as project time scales may change, new projects may arise and some of those listed may not be taken forward if they fail the value for money test.

  £

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  Bangor and Kinnegar sewerage treatment works

  7

  6

  4

  Hydro electric project

  1

  —

  —

  Westlink urban motorway

  —

  —

  10

  Motorway emergency telephone system

  —

  4

  —

  Strangford ferry replacement

  —

  3

  —

  Accommodation Holywood road, social security office

  —

  3

  —

  Accommodation Hydebank

  —

  3

  4

  DVTA vehicle testing project

  —

  4

  —

  Land Registry IT system

  —

  2

  —

  Antrim bus station/library

  —

  2

  1

  Ulsterbus/Citybus bus replacement

  —

  —

  10

  Northern Ireland Railways Class 80 rolling stock replacement

  —

  —

  22

  Ulster Folk and Transport museum visitors centre

  3

  —

  —

  North West Institute of Further and Higher Education

  3

  4

  —

  722

  £

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  Belfast Institute of Further and Higher Education

  —

  5

  5

  St. Genevieve's high school

  —

  3

  4

  Drumglass high school

  —

  3

  2

  Wellington college

  —

  3

  2

  Balmoral high school

  —

  3

  —

  Refurbishment/replacement schemes at the Altnagelvin, Downe, Royal and Causeway hospitals

  3

  9

  13

  Belfast city hospital renal unit

  3

  —

  —

  Belfast city hospital car parking facilities

  2

  —

  —

  Miscellaneous equipment leases

  1

  2

  2

  Royal Group of Hospitals theatres and intensive care equipment

  2

  —

  —

  Other projects not yet confirmed

  —

  —

  12

  Total

  25

  59

  91

  Payment of Bills
  Mr. Betts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what percentage of bills to his Department were paid(a) in accordance with agreed contractual conditions and (b) within 30 days of receiving goods and services or the presentation of a valid invoice where no contractual conditions applied in the last year for which figures are available. [18813]

  Sir John Wheeler
  Since the implementation of a revised rigorous and consistent method of calculating payment performance from 1 June 1996 by HM Treasury, the Northern Ireland Departments and Northern Ireland Office payment performance in percentage terms are:

  Percentage of invoices paid within 30 days or contract payment terms

  1 June 1996 to 31 August 1996

  94.0

  1 september 1996 to 30 November 1996

  94.3

  The figures for the quarter ending February 1997 are not yet available.

  Newcastle Disease
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to his answer of 17 February,Official Report, column 408, if he will make a statement on the possible link between the recent outbreak and spread of Newcastle disease and the normal prohibition of the Newcastle disease vaccination. [17241]

  Mr. Ancram
  [holding answer 24 February 1997]: Vaccination against Newcastle disease has been prohibited in Northern Ireland until recently because of the Province's status as a non-vaccinating area has effectively prohibited the importation of poultry—other than eggs and day-old chicks—from vaccinating countries. That has helped to prevent the introduction of Newcastle disease and other poultry diseases from which Northern Ireland has been free. Vaccination also makes it technically more difficult to detect and diagnose

  723
  Newcastle disease if it does occur. Moreover, Newcastle disease occurs even in countries which pursue a policy of vaccination. In such countries it is generally only the breeding flocks and laying flocks which are vaccinated; broiler flocks, which represent the majority of birds in any national flock are normally not vaccinated. The industry relies on maternal immunity to give a degree of protection. In such circumstances, broiler flocks are those most at risk and worldwide experience shows that a disease challenge can override the maternal immunity especially in the final two to three weeks of a broiler's life when the maternal immunity is waning. It is therefore very unlikely that a vaccination policy would have prevented the present outbreaks in broiler flocks which have occurred in Northern Ireland. Where vaccination, especially spray vaccination, is useful, however, is as a means of damping down the spread of Newcastle disease once it appears, and that is the policy which is currently being applied in Northern Ireland.

  Scientists
  Dr. Strang
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many scientists were employed by his Department and each of his Department's agencies on(a) the most recent date available and (b) for each year since 1979 on matters equivalent to those covered by MAFF; and if he will list each agency, service or central laboratory employing scientists on such projects. [18168]

  Mr. Ancram
  [holding answer 5 March 1997]: It is possible to provide only details of the numbers of staff employed in each year since 1990. To provide details for earlier years would involve an expensive and

  Week beginning

  1996–97

  1995–961

  1994–952

  1993–943

  1992–934

  1991–925

  25 November

  622

  724

  607

  797

  638

  671

  2 December

  639

  766

  716

  750

  673

  649

  9 December

  674

  777

  689

  771

  670

  729

  16 December

  726

  967

  715

  716

  770

  749

  23 December

  879

  976

  792

  840

  811

  753

  30 December

  1,107

  963

  783

  789

  839

  796

  6 January

  1,061

  872

  796

  786

  771

  756

  13 January

  903

  780

  782

  740

  737

  769

  20 January

  804

  734

  785

  669

  668

  742

  27 January

  739

  761

  749

  714

  787

  For weeks beginning:

  127 November 1995 to 29 January 1996

  228 November 1994 to 30 January 1995

  329 November 1993 to 31 January 1994

  430 November 1992 to 25 January 1993

  525 November 1991 to 27 January 1992

  Data for 1996 and January 1997 are provisional.

  Annual weekly average for each calendar year:

  1991:656

  1992:650

  1993:690

  1994:652

  1995:684

  1996:1663

  1Provisional.
  724
  time-consuming exercise to extract the information. I am advising therefore that disproportionate costs apply other than where the information is provided.

  Number

  February 1997

  446

  March 1996

  449

  March 1995

  460

  March 1994

  483

  March 1993

  483

  March 1992

  465

  March 1991

  476

  March 1990

  448

  The Department employs the staff at two main centres—Veterinary sciences division, Stoney road, Belfast, and the Agricultural and Food science centre, Newforge lane, Belfast.

WALES

  Winter Mortality Rates
  Mr. Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what have been the excess weekly mortality rates in Wales for(a) December 1996 and (b) January 1997 in terms of numbers; and how these compare with the weekly death rates for the same period in each of the previous five years. [17203]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  The data for Wales, provided by the Office for National Statistics, on deaths occurring each week—Monday to Sunday—and the annual weekly average are shown in the following tables:

  Local Government Finance
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is his estimate of the total revenue of local authorities in Wales for the current financial year from(a) council tax, domestic rates and community charge and (b) non-domestic rates; and what were the equivalent figures for 1994–95 and 1995–96. [18579]

  Mr. Hague
  Local authorities have budgeted to collect £449 million by way of council tax and will receive £459 million in respect of redistributed non-domestic rates for the current financial year. The equivalent figures for 1994–95 and 1995–96 are £342 million and £381 million for council tax and community charge arrears and £464 million and £520 million for non-domestic rates. The figures for council tax income are gross of council tax benefit grant.
  725

  Public Bodies (Freemasonry)
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make it a requirement for senior executives in non-departmental bodies in Wales to enter membership of masonic organisations in a register available for public inspection; and if he will make a statement. [18578]

  Mr. Hague
  I have no plans to require the establishment of such registers.

  Child Labour (Consultation Exercise)
  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales to which organisations (i) working in Wales and based in Wales and (ii) working in Wales although based elsewhere he has sent a copy of the document, "Employment of Children: Results of Consultation Exercise"; on what date the document was circulated; and what plans he has to implement the changes necessary to implement the document's proposals. [18724]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  The document "Employment of Children: Results of Consultation Exercise" was sent on 13 December 1996 to:

  Chief executives and directors of education, local authorities in Wales;

  The Secretary, Welsh Local Government Association;

  Welsh Group of Education Welfare Officers;

  British Medical Association, Wales

  Children in Wales;

  Health Promotion, Wales

  National Farmers' Union, Wales;

  National Federation of Women's Institutes, Wales;

  National Union of Teachers, Wales;

  Royal College of Nursing, Welsh Board;

  Sports Council for Wales.

  Regulations are being prepared to begin the process of implementing in England, Scotland and Wales changes affecting employment of children below minimum school leaving age, to conform with the European directive on the protection of young people at work.

  Private Finance Initiative
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will provide a breakdown by project of PFI schemes for which his Department is responsible as identified in table 5.5 of the Red Book. [18938]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  The figures in table 5.5 of the "Financial Statement and Budget Report" show estimated capital spending by the private sector under the PFI. The £70 million estimated for 1997–98 includes one contract that has already been signed, for the Osiris information technology project. The remainder of the £70 million is made up of projects for which contracts have not yet been signed. Among these are projects for a new general hospital at Baglan; A55 improvements across Anglesey; Bute Avenue, Cardiff and provision of a new community hospital at Chepstow.
  726

  Payment of Bills
  Mr. Betts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what percentage of bills to his Department were paid(a) in accordance with agreed contractual conditions and (b) within 30 days of receiving goods and services or the presentation of a valid invoice where no contractual conditions applied in the last year for which figures are available. [18810]

  Mr. Hague
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend, the Economic Secretary, on 17 December 1996,Official Report, columns 507–8. Additional information could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Primary Class Sizes
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list by local education authority the number of classes in primary schools with(a) 31 to 35, (b) 36 to 40, (c) 41 to 45 and (d) 46 or more pupils for each of the last three years for which information is available. [18941]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Sheffield, Brightside (Mr. Blunkett) on 6 November 1996, column 514.

  Inward Investment
  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if the target area for the new Welsh Development Agency inward investment programme extends to cover the St. Asaph business park. [18987]

  Mr. Hague
  The St. Asaph business park is within the area which has been defined as the eastern A55 corridor.

  Homeless Households
  Dr. Strang
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) how many households have been accepted as homeless by local authorities in rural areas in Wales in each year since 1979; [18671]

  (2) how many households have been accepted as homeless by local authorities in Wales in each year since 1979. [18672]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  Information on the number of households accepted by local authorities as homeless is provided in the following table.

  Number of households accepted as homeless

  Rural Wales1

  Wales

  1979

  874

  4,676

  1980

  883

  5,446

  1981

  821

  5,462

  1982

  786

  5,611

  1983

  794

  5,008

  1984

  833

  4,999

  1985

  1,012

  5,371

  1986

  1,001

  5,965

  19872

  1,311

  5,683

  1988

  1,295

  6,818

  1989

  1,329

  7,805

  19903

  3,387

  9,963

  1991

  1,625

  9,843

  1992

  1,691

  10,270

  19934

  1,821

  11,125

  727

  Number of households accepted as homeless

  Rural Wales1

  Wales

  1994

  1,722

  10,293

  1995

  1,658

  9,001

  Source:

  Local authority returns.

  Notes:

  1Aberconwy, Arfon, Brecknock, Carmarthen, Ceredigion, Colwyn, Delyn, Dinefwr, Dwyfor Glyndwr, Merionnydd, Monmouth, Montgomeryshire, Perseli Pembrokeshire, Radnorshire South Pembrokeshire and Ynys Mon district councils.

  2The Wales total excludes data for Islwyn from October to December.

  3Figures include estimates of 2,000 households made homeless in Colwyn as a result of the major flooding incident in February 1990.

  4Figures include estimates of 237 households made homeless in Aberconwy as a result of the major flooding incident in Llandudno during June 1993.

  Health Authority Funding
  Mr. Richards
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what are his plans with regard to the current resource allocation formula for distributing resources to health authorities in Wales. [19566]

  Mr. Hague
  I intend to review the formula that is used to distribute resources between health authorities. Its aim will be to test, and, where possible, improve on, the existing approach and to ensure that resources are distributed to health authorities in the most effective and equitable way.

  The review will examine the current weighted capitation formula, and, in doing so, will cover a number of issues including the incorporation of new resources of data that may improve our understanding of the relative health need of authorities, whether the current formula adequately reflects the geographical differences between areas, and whether it would be appropriate to take account of new factors.

  The review will be led by a resource allocation working group consisting of members of the Welsh Office Health Department, health professional group and health statistics and analysis unit. Health authorities, trusts and GPs will be invited to play a full part in the review through membership of the working group. The group will also seek expert opinions and advice from across the service and other UK health departments as necessary. I expect the working group to report in November this year and to feed its results into the allocation process for 1998–99.

  Housing for Wales
  Mr. Richards
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what progress has been made with the sale of Housing for Wales's loan portfolio. [19567]

  Mr. Hague
  Contracts were exchanged with NatWest Markets yesterday which establish the terms on which the portfolio will be sold.

  I cannot yet provide a final figure for the receipt because the purchase price is subject to changes in the portfolio itself and to movements in the gilt rate between now and completion at the end of March. A receipt exceeding the book value of £58 million was anticipated in spending plans to the current financial year, and will be realised.
  728
  The receipt will be subject to subsequent adjustment should any of the loan characteristics differ from those described in the contract in any way that results in a financial loss for either party. This was anticipated in the minute which was laid before Parliament on 10 February. No other warranty apart from the basic undertaking about the ownership of the loans has been given.

ENVIRONMENT

  Social Housing (Waltham Forest)
  Mr. Gerrard
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many new units of social housing have been provided in the London borough of Waltham Forest in each of the last 10 years for which figures are available. [18109]

  Mr. Clappison
  Housing associations are currently the main providers of new social housing. Local authorities' primary housing tasks are to act locally as strategic and enabling bodies and to manage their own stock efficiently.

  The publication "Local Housing Statistics" shows estimates of housebuilding completions for each local authority area in England, as reported to the Department. This covers all the London boroughs, including Waltham Forest. It shows completions by sector, including activity by local authorities and housing associations.

  "Local Housing Statistics" issue number 103 shows figures for 1986 to 1990; number 105 shows figures for 1991: number 109 covers 1992; number 110 covers 1993; number 117 covers 1994; and number 118 covers 1995. Figures for 1996 as a whole for individual authorities are not yet published.

  Copies of this publication are in the Library.

  Rock Characterisation Facility, Sellafield
  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he has made of the effect of the proposed rock characterisation facility near Sellafield on the baseline hydrogeology at the site. [17976]

  Mr. Gummer
  This is one of the issues which parties to the planning appeal have raised, at the public inquiry and in subsequent correspondence, which I am considering.

  Environmental Trusts
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what steps he is taking to ensure that the environmental trusts have sufficient resources to carry out their work effectively; [18572]

  (2) when he expects the environmental trusts to announce their first contributions to environmental projects; [18573]

  (3) what steps he is taking to ensure the speedy development of projects arising from the work of the environmental trusts. [18574]

  Mr. Clappison
  Entrust is the regulatory body—appointed by Customs and Excise—for the environmental bodies scheme. There is an agreed formula to provide it with sufficient funding to carry out its work effectively.
  729
  The individual environmental trusts will, of course, be funded via the landfill tax rebate and a contribution from the landfill operator—the rebate is worth up to 90 per cent. of the amount donated subject to a ceiling of 20 per cent. of the companies total tax liability.

  Responsibility for the environmental bodies scheme lies with Entrust. As of February 1997, Entrust has sent out 800 application forms and enrolled around 135 bodies. Entrust is aware of approximately £330,000 of donations and a further £1,500,000 of pledges that have been made to date.

  Entrust is responsible for promoting the scheme and I understand that it is seeking marketing advice as to how it can best achieve this. Representatives of Entrust have spoken at numerous conferences held to promote the speedy development of projects.

  Employers' Insurance Policies
  Mr. Hunter
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will make a statement on his review of the Employers' Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969; [18614]

  (2) if he will introduce measures to facilitate the tracing of an employer's insurance policy documents and insurer's details when that employer has ceased trading. [18613]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  My Department is currently reviewing the Employers' Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969, including the problem of identifying the insurers of companies who have ceased to trade. I will announce the outcome of the review in due course.

  Hedgerows
  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if the Government will publish in full the ERM consultants' analysis report of the responses to the draft hedgerow regulations; [19006]

  (2) how many responses were received to the Government's consultation paper on the draft hedgerow regulations; and how many responses were in favour of incorporating landscape as one of the criteria for defining an important hedgerow. [19005]

  Mr. Clappison
  Copies of the full report on the analysis of the responses to the Government's consultation have been placed in the Library of the House, and are available, price £10, from Environmental Resources Management. In addition, the executive summary of the report is available free from my Department and arrangements have been made for individual responses to be placed on deposit in the library of my Department.

  Some 465 responses were received by 23 December 1996. A total of 100 comments related to the landscape and amenity value of hedgerows, most of which were in favour of incorporating landscape and amenity importance as explicit criteria in the draft Regulations.

  The Government have responded positively to these criticisms by providing a new criterion, which recognises the particular landscape and amenity value of hedgerows that run alongside public rights of way. In addition, landscape importance is an inherent feature in almost all the criteria. For example, historic field patterns are
  730
  fundamental landscape features, and the diversity of plant species and features—such as trees and hedge banks—that attract a range of wildlife may also give a hedge its significance in the landscape.

  Local Government Reorganisation
  Mr. Berry
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many non-metropolitan counties will exist in England when the outcome of the recent review is fully implemented; and by how many the number will have changed since 1 April 1992. [18885]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  There will be 75 non-metropolitan county areas in England when the recent review is fully implemented, compared to 39 at 1 April 1992. However, only 36 will have county councils. The remaining 39 will be served by unitary councils and 36 of these will be part of historic counties for ceremonial purposes, the exceptions being Bristol, Herefordshire and Rutland.

  Energy Efficiency Grants
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) how many house energy efficiency scheme grants were paid in the periods(a) 1 April 199531 December 1995, (b) 1 April 1996–31 December 1996 and (c) 1 April 1995–31 March 1996; [18887]

  (2) how many home energy efficiency scheme grants he expects to be made during 1996–97; and how many will be paid at the lower rate. [18888]

  Mr. Clappison
  The numbers of grants paid under the home energy efficiency scheme in the specified periods are as follows:

  1 April 1995 to 31 December 1995: 451,063

  1 April 1996 to 31 December 1996: 310,992

  1 April 1995 to 31 March 1996: 627,383.

  During 1996–97, I expect well over 400,000 grants to be paid; some 4,000 are likely to be at the 25 per cent. grant rate. Already, more than 2 million grants worth around £350 million have been paid since this highly regarded scheme began, helping the most vulnerable people to keep warm and use less fuel.

  Private Finance Initiative
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will provide a breakdown by project of PFI schemes for which his Department is responsible as identified in table 5.5 of the Red Book. [18925]

  Mr. Robert B. Jones
  Within the Department of Environment's area of responsibility PFI contracts have been signed for:

  (a) Docklands light railway Lewisham extension (capital investment of £150 million);

  (b) Waltham Forest housing action trust (£15 million); and

  (c) Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre (£4 million).

  Capital investment in the survey period will be £103 million.
  731
  Further capital investment of £123 million is anticipated during the survey years on contracts under negotiation for:

  (i) Health and Safety Laboratory (estate rationalisation);

  (ii) Countryside Commission (information technology);

  (iii) Docklands exhibition centre; and

  (iv) DOE (pay and personnel system).

  Payment of Bills
  Mr. Betts
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what percentage of bills to his Department were paid(a) in accordance with agreed contractual conditions and (b) within 30 days of receiving goods and services or the presentation of a valid invoice where no contractual conditions applied in the last year for which figures are available. [18804]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  I refer to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Economic Secretary to the Treasury to my hon. Friend the Member for Bury St. Edmunds (Mr. Spring) on 17 December 1996,Official Report, columns 506–7. Any additional information could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Water Pollution
  Mrs. Helen Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he last(a) commissioned and (b) published a report on the prevention of cryptosporidium contamination of drinking water supplies. [18886]

  Mr. Clappison
  Following a waterborne outbreak of cryptosporidiosis in 1989, my Department jointly with the Department of Health set up an expert group under the late Sir John Badenoch which made a study and published its first report in 1990. The recommended research was put in hand and the group published its final report in 1995. These reports made a number of recommendations on good practice, particularly on monitoring and the operation of treatment works. Both reports were widely circulated to water companies, local authorities and health authorities.

  Cancer Studies
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment for which cancer-causing organism the Health and Safety Executive in 1994 temporarily banned the research which was being conducted by Birmingham university department of caner studies; and if he will place papers relating to the experimentation in the Library. [18996]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  The work at Birmingham university involved the expression of oncogenes—genes implicated in the cancer process—in adenovirus vectors and oncogenes in retroviral vectors. Following an HSE inspection, two prohibition notices were issued, which required the university to undertake full risk assessments and also to improve the standard of containment. The university subsequently compiled with these notices.

  I will shortly place in the Library papers relating to the above work at the university, which are in HSE's possession.
  732
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if the Health and Safety Executive approved and subsequently monitored the experiments conducted by the Oxford university institute of virology at Wytham Woods in 1994; and if he will make a statement. [18991]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  The Secretary of State for the Environment, acting jointly with the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, issued a consent on 12 April 1994 to the institute of virology and environmental microbiology to carry out experiments at the university farm, Wytham, Oxfordshire. The consent was issued in accordance with part VI of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Genetically Modified Organisms (Deliberate Release) Regulations 1992 which require the agreement of the Health and Safety Executive. A copy of the consent was placed on the public register in accordance with the legislation.

  The experimental site was inspected by one of Her Majesty's specialist inspectors of biosafety from the Health and Safety Executive in June 1994 and again in September 1995. The inspections covered both human health and safety issues and environmental issues as specified in the consent.

  Housing Corporation Loan Portfolio
  Mr. Bernard Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, pursuant to his answer of 10 February,Official Report, column 84, what further progress has been made with the sale of the Housing Corporation's loan portfolio. [19568]

  Mr. Curry
  Contracts were exchanged with NatWest Markets on Wednesday 5 March, which establish the terms on which the portfolio will be sold.

  Because the purchase price is subject to changes in the underlying portfolio and to movements in the gilt rate between now and when completion takes place at the end of March, I cannot yet provide a precise figure for the final receipt. However, at today's rate, a substantial premium over book value will be paid. Some £500 million will be received before the end of this financial year, as anticipated in spending plans, and I confidently expect that the further £500 million anticipated in next year's plans will be exceeded when the balance is received on 1 April.

  The receipt will be subject to subsequent adjustment should any of the loan characteristics differ from those described in the contract, in any way that results in a financial loss for either party. This was anticipated in the minute I laid before Parliament on 10 February. No other warranty, apart from the undertaking about the ownership of the loans, has been given.

  Three Valleys Water
  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he is taking to combat the threat to health from water in those parts of London and the south-east supplied by Three Valleys Water; and if he will make a statement. [18782]

  Mr. Gummer
  Cryptosporidium is a parasite found in man and animals which has been recognised relatively recently as a cause of diarrhoea. It can be transmitted in many ways, including by contact with animals and people,
  733
  and by food and water. Cryptosporidiosis, the illness arising from exposure to cryptosporidium, is a self-limiting condition in most adults, but it can last for several weeks. Infants, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems are at greater risk than the general population.

  Following a waterborne outbreak in 1989, an expert group was set up under the late Sir John Badenoch and produced a report. The research they recommended was put in hand and the expert group published a further report on the results in 1995. The group made a number of recommendations on good practice, particularly on monitoring and the operation of water treatment. They stressed the importance of co-ordination between water companies, local authorities and health authorities and the formation of outbreak control teams. This has become standard practice. Both reports by the expert group were widely circulated to water companies, local authorities and health authorities. They concluded that properly operated water treatment processes are usually very effective in removing cryptosporidium from water.

  The management of the threat to health of consumers affected by this incident is a matter for Three Valleys Water in consultation with the relevant health authorities and local authorities. Boiling the water will kill cryptosporidium. Three Valleys Water has issued precautionary advice to boil water and this advice will remain in force until Three Valleys Water and the relevant health and local authorities are satisfied that the water is safe to drink without boiling.

  The drinking water inspectorate has commenced a full investigation to establish whether the recent outbreak of cryptosporidiosis is linked to the water supply. If so, the inspectorate will consider whether a prosecution should be brought against Three Valleys Water for supplying water unfit for human consumption.

  Finally, I have agreed with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health that we should convene an expert group under a new chairman to establish what lessons can be learnt from recent incidents involving cryptosporidium.

  Homelessness
  Dr. Strang
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) how many households have been accepted as homeless by local authorities in rural areas in England in each year since 1979; [18694]

  (2) how many households have been accepted as homeless by local authorities in England in each year since 1979. [18695]

  Mr. Clappison
  The data collected from local authorities on households accepted as homeless under the homelessness legislation does not differentiate between households from rural and non-rural areas. Summary prints showing the reported acceptances in each local authority area in England, and the total for England as a whole, for the years 1979 to 1995 are in the Library. The figures for the years 1979 to 1982 are not strictly comparable with those for the later years because of changes to reporting arrangement made in 1980, for non-metropolitan districts, and 1982, for London boroughs and metropolitan districts.
  734

  Noise Maps
  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to fund the development of noise maps. [18701]

  Mr. Gummer
  The Government remain to be convinced that national noise mapping would be a cost-effective use of resources:

  My Department has, however, recently commissioned research to study local authority practice in noise assessment and mapping, and the costs involved.

  Ringway Parliamentary Support Group
  Mr. Neil Hamilton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the meetings which Ministers have held in an official capacity with the Ringway parliamentary support group. [18401]

  Mr. Gummer
  No meetings have been held in the past 12 months with the Ringway parliamentary support group.

HEALTH

  Nurses and Doctors
  Mr. David Nicholson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many(a) nurses and (b) doctors there were in the NHS in England (i) at the latest available date and (ii) in 1990. [18457]

  Mr. Malone
  The information requested is shown in the table.

  NHS hospital and community health services medical, nursing and midwifery staff and general medical services general medical practitioners and practice nurses

  England 1990 and 1995

  1990

  1995

  HCHS medical staff and GMS general medical practitioners1 (headcount)

  73,720

  80,820

  HCHS nursing and midwifery staff and GMS practice nurses2 (whole-time equivalents)

  344,260

  346,670

  Not included in the above:

  HCHS learners3

  58,840

  6,900

  Project 2000 students3

  3,000

  33,000

  Notes:

  1Figures exclude hospital practitioners and clinical assistants to avoid double counting.

  2 Excluding agency staff.

  3 Learners are nurses on traditional nurse training courses, and are directly employed by the NHS HCHS. Project 2000 training was introduced in 1989 and has gradually replaced traditional pre-registration nurse training. Project 2000 students are funded by bursaries, they are supernumerary not employees, and are thus excluded from the count of NHS HCHS nursing staff. Figures for Project 2000 students are headcounts and should not be added to other nursing figures in the table which are whole-time equivalents.

  HCHS figures are as at 30 September each year.

  GMS figures are as at 1 October each year.

  Source:

  Department of Health's annual medical and dental and non-medical work force censuses and bi-annual general medical services census.

  Sir John Stanley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many NHS(a) doctors and (b) nurses there were in 1979; and how many there are at the present time. [18939]
  735
  Mr. Malone
  The information requested is given in the tables.

  (a) National Health Service Hospital and Community Health Services doctors and General Medical Services doctors (headcounts),
  1979: 61,550
  1995: 80,820
  All figures are rounded to the nearest 10.

  Table B: NHS Hospital and Community Health Services nursing and midwifery staff and General Medical Services practice nurses England 1979 and 1995

  Whole-time equivalents

  19791

  1995

  HCHS nursing and midwifery staff and GMS practice nurses2

  278,750

  346,670

  Qualified

  192,010

  240,160

  Unqualified

  85,750

  92,380

  Others

  —

  4,390

  GMS Practice Nurses

  990

  9,740

  Not included in the above:

  HCHS learners3

  76,650

  6,900

  Project 2000 students3

  —

  33,000

  Notes:

  1Figures for 1979 do not take account of the reduction in nurses' standard working hours in 1980–81 from 40 to 37.5 hours per week, and are therefore not directly comparable with figures for later years.

  2 Excluding agency staff.

  3Learners are nurses on traditional nurse training courses, and are directly employed by the NHS HCHS. Project 2000 training was introduced in 1989 and has gradually replaced traditional pre-registration nurse training. Project 2000 students are funded by bursaries, they are supernumerary not employees, and are thus excluded from the count of NHS HCHS nursing staff. Figures for Project 2000 students are headcounts and should not be added to other nursing figures in the table which are whole-time equivalents. All figures are rounded to the nearest 10.

  Source:

  Department of Health medical and non-medical work force censuses and bi-annual general medical services census.

  HCHS figures are as at 30 September each year.

  GMS figures are as at 1 October each year.

  High-cost Drugs
  Mr. Insley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many patients have been refused prescription of(a) growth hormone, (b) interferon beta, 1B and (c) erythropoietia on the grounds of cost in each of the last two years. [17384]

  Mr. Malone
  Data are not collected on the number of patients refused particular treatments.

  Infant Formula Milk
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what microbiological testing of infant formula baby milk is(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated by Government Departments; and if he will make a statement; [18456]

  (2) what responsibility his Department has with regard to microbiological testing of infant formula baby milk; and if he will make a statement. [18454]

  Mr. Horam
  It is the responsibility of food businesses to ensure that the food they produce is safe, in compliance with all appropriate food safety legislation. Local authority environmental health departments are 736
  responsible for enforcing this legislation. The Government, in line with European Union policy, promote microbiological safety through adoption of the hazard analysis critical control point approach.

  Sleep Disorders
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health which health authorities in England make provision for the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders; and if he will make a statement. [18417]

  Mr. Burns
  Sleep disturbance most commonly arises as a result of mental illness such as anxiety and depression. All health authorities will provide a spectrum of treatment ranging from general, primary and care-led, to specialist services.

  Behaviourally Disturbed Young People (Prescriptions)
  Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health which officials of(a) his Department and (b) the chief medical officer's office attended the meeting arranged in London on 27 January under the auspices of the British Association for Psychopharmacology regarding prescription of medicine for behaviourally disturbed young people; and if he will make a statement. [18488]

  Mr. Burns
  Officials were not available to attend the meeting, but they will consider reports when available.

  Bug Busting Programme
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the(a) current and (b) future level of funding of the bug busting programme. [18561]

  Mr. Horam
  The bug busting programme, which is run by the voluntary organisation Community Hygiene Concern, has a three-year project grant of £25,000 a year from the Department of Health under the section 64 general scheme; 1997–98 is the third year. Any application to renew funding will be carefully considered.

  NHS Employees' Pay
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many NHS employees currently earn less than £4 an hour. [18734]

  Mr. Malone
  The information requested is not available centrally.

  Speech and Language Therapy
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the level of expenditure by each health authority in England for speech and language therapy services for children(a) with and (b) without a record of needs in each year between 1992 and 1996. [18711]

  Mr. Burns
  The information requested is not centrally available.

  NHS Trusts (Chief Executives)
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many chief executives and senior managers
  737
  of (a) NHS trusts and (b) health authorities have been dismissed in each of the last three years; and how many have retired before the normal retirement age. [18714]

  Mr. Malone
  The information requested is not available centrally.

  Ashworth Special Hospital
  Mr. Thurnham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations have been made to him concerning the number of patients at Ashworth special hospital who might more suitably be treated elsewhere; what is his estimate of the number; and if he will make a statement concerning all three special hospitals in this respect. [18974]

  Mr. Burns
  The Reed report of 1994 relating to high secure provision suggests that a number of patients are inappropriately accommodated in high secure settings when their needs could be met in services with lower levels of security.

  The Government's response to the concerns raised in the Reed report are set out in a national health service executive document, "High Secure Psychiatric Services: Changes in Funding and Organisation", which was published in June 1995.

  The high security psychiatric services commissioning board was set up on 1 April 1996 to oversee these changes to forensic services as part of the Government's response to the Reed report. These changes were designed to establish a clear purchaser-provider structure to allow future service planning to occur in circumstances similar to the rest of the NHS and to foster integration and more regionally focused ownership of future problems and solutions for these services.

  The board aims to develop a co-ordinated strategy for commissioning high and long-term medium secure psychiatric services within the NHS and is working, as a matter of priority, to identify the most effective use of available resources to provide high-quality services at the level of security the individual patient requires.

  Cryptosporidium
  Mr. Boateng
  To ask the Secretary of State of Health what machinery exists for the early identification of risks to public health from the contamination of the water supply; and if the Government will review it in the light of the cryptosporidium outbreak in the Three Valleys Water area. [18912]

  Mr. Horam
  Since privatisation, water companies are required to report to the drinking water inspectorate all incidents in which water quality might be affected. They are further required to report to health and local authorities any event giving rise to a significant risk to health.

  Mr. Boateng
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what meetings there have been between his Department, and(a) Thames Water, and (b) representatives of water companies about the increase in the number of incidents of cryptosporidium in the water supply. [18906]
  738
  Mr. Horam
  None. The number of incidents of cryptosporidium in the water supply reported to the drinking water inspectorate remains at a low level.

  Mr. Boateng
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans his Department has to meet the health authorities in the areas affected by the most recent outbreak of cryptosporidium in the water supply. [18917]

  Mr. Horam
  Responsibility for investigation and control of such outbreaks lies with local public health specialists. Officials from the Department have been in close contact with these specialists since the problem came to light and are available to attend meetings of the incident management team should this be considered necessary.

  Paracetamol and Methionine Compound
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health for what reasons the paracetamol and methionine compound was blacklisted for prescription on the NHS in 1986; what is his Department's current policy on the compound; and if he will make a statement. [18372]

  Mr. Malone
  The decision to add Pameton, which contains paracetamol and methionine, to the list of medicines which general practitioners may not prescribe at national health service expense was taken following advice from the advisory committee on the NHS drugs. The committee took into account that Pameton was considerably more expensive than paracetamol, that a doctor who was concerned about the effects of paracetamol on a patient could prescribe an alternative instead, that allowing the product to be prescribed would have no effect in potential suicide cases where paracetamol tablets were bought over the counter, and that, while the value of methionine after paracetamol overdose was well documented, evidence of benefit from methionine when administered at the same time as paracetamol was limited. The committee continues to keep the matter under review and will advise the Department of any recommended changes on the prescribing of such products.

  Drug Overdoses
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many overdoses from non-prescription drugs were recorded in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement. [18374]

  Mr. Burns
  The information requested is not held centrally.

  Swine Fever
  Mr. Fabricant
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the effects on humans of the consumption of pork and ham infected with swine fever. [18427]

  Mr. Horam
  There is no evidence that this disease has ever affected humans.

  Connective Tissue Disease
  Mr. Betts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people in the United Kingdom suffer from connective tissue disease(a) in total and (b) as a percentage of the population. [18826]
  739
  Mr. Burns
  The information requested is not collected centrally.

  Prostheses
  Mr. Betts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what clinical trials are(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on human prostheses, prior to their being made available through the national health service. [18827]

  Mr. Horam
  Under the medical devices regulations which came into force on 1 January 1995, manufacturers who wish to run clinical trials on medical devices must submit their protocol to the Medical Devices Agency for assessment prior to the commencement of the trial.

  Since that date, there have been 20 applications for trials on human prostheses. As part of the marketing approval system under the regulations, designated independent certification organisations may assess the results of such trials as part of the conformity process prior to the product being placed on the market and being available for use in the national health service or more generally.

  Alpha-l-Antitrypsin Deficiency Disease
  Mr. Betts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research his Department has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated concerning Alpha- 1-Antitrypsin deficiency disease; and if he will make a statement on the incidence of the disease. [18821]

  Mr. Horam
  None. Information on the incidence of the disease is not collected centrally.

  Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) which hospitals in Essex have reported cases of MRSA in the past 12 months; how many cases there were in each hospital; and in how many cases MRSA contributed to or caused death; [18990]

  (2) how many hospitals have reported cases of MRSA in England in the past 12 months; how many cases there were in total; and in how many cases MRSA was the cause of or contributed to death. [18995]

  Mr. Horam
  Information on the total number of cases of infection or colonisation with methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus is not collected centrally. Some health authorities monitor the occurrence of MRSA, but these are likely to be subject to local variations in the type of data collected and the methods of collection used.

  Data on the occurrence of MRSA, compiled by the public health laboratory service, are derived from isolates submitted voluntarily by hospitals in England and Wales for typing. These show that 177 hospitals in England reported incidents of MRSA affecting a total of 19,385 patients in 1996. Similarly, data held by the PHLS for 1996 show that three hospitals in Essex reported incidents of MRSA affecting 88, 59 and 15 patients respectively. An incident is defined as three or more patients with the same strain of MRSA in a month from the same hospital. It is not know in how many cases MRSA contributed to or caused death.
  740
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress has been made in making available the MRSA combating drug developed by the team headed by Professor Brian Austin at Heriot-Watt university; and if he will make a statement. [18994]

  Mr. Horam
  We understand that Professor Austen's work is at a very early stage.

  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many hospital screen patients for MRSA on admission. [18988]

  Mr. Horam
  The information requested is not held centrally.

  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures are being taken to prevent the spread of MRSA outside hospitals; and if he will make a statement. [18993]

  Mr. Horam
  In May 1996, the Department issued a leaflet on methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus to health authorities, social services departments and nursing and residential homes, and guidelines on the control of infection generally in residential and nursing homes. These guidelines advise that MRSA rarely presents a danger to people in these settings and that basic measures to prevent the spread of any type of infection, should prevent the spread of MRSA. Copies of these publications are available in the Library.

  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much public money is being directed to researching into the cause, extent of, possible cures for, measures to combat and drugs for MRSA; and if he will make a statement. [18989]

  Mr. Horam
  Information in the form requested is not held centrally. For information on the Department's expenditure on research into MRSA and developing new antibiotics, I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave the hon. Member for Carmarthen (Mr. Williams) on 22 January,Official Report, columns 15–16.

  Private Finance Initiative
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will provide a breakdown by project of PH schemes for which his Department is responsible as identified in table 5.5 of the Red Book. [18933]

  Mr. Horam
  The figures in table 5.5 of the "Financial Statement and Budget Report" represent an estimate of expected spend on private finance schemes. All private finance schemes being prepared within the national health service were taken into account when these figures were estimated.

  Payment of Bills
  Mr. Betts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of bills to his Department were paid(a) in accordance with agreed contractual conditions and (b) within 30 days of receiving goods and services or the presentation of a valid invoice where no contractual conditions applied in the last year for which figures are available. [18822]
  741
  Mr. Horam
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Bury St. Edmunds, (Mr. Spring) by my hon. Friend the Economic Secretary to the Treasury on 17 December 1996,Official Report, columns 506–7.

  Capital Projects (Greater London)
  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how much was the income spent in Greater London on capital projects in the NHS in each of the last five years; and what is the projected spending in each of the next five years; [13703]

  Capital schemes in Greater London costing over £1 million with outline or full business case approval, and a planned start date after 30 September 1996

  Scheme

  1996–97 £000

  1997–98 £000

  1998–99 £000

  1999–00 £000

  2000–01 £000

  Camden and Islington Community Health Services Rationalisation of mental health services1

  —

  4,650

  4,650

  4,650

  4,650

  Barnet Healthcare Trust Edgware Community Hospital1

  —

  6,250

  6,250

  6,250

  6,250

  BHB Community Healthcare Acute psychiatric1

  4,800

  4,000

  2,967

  —

  —

  Central Middlesex Hospital Care centre/ACAD

  —

  9,500

  9,500

  —

  —

  Chelsea and Westminster Healthcare HISS—information system

  —

  3,380

  —

  —

  —

  Enfield Community Care ESMI1

  —

  1,380

  1,380

  —

  —

  Hammersmith Hospitals Queen Charlottes1

  —

  5,000

  4,500

  —

  —

  Harefield Hospital Theatres1

  —

  3,000

  —

  —

  —

  Hillingdon Hospital Mental health services1

  —

  3,000

  4,500

  —

  —

  North-west London Mental Health Highcare Home and Safe Haven

  1,135

  1,144

  —

  —

  —

  Parkside Health NHS Trust Wembley Health Centre

  500

  4,500

  457

  —

  —

  Royal Hospitals NHS Trust Acute rationalization1

  —

  8,350

  39,000

  49,000

  49,000

  Royal London Homeopathic Hospital Relocation1

  41

  2,085

  2,085

  —

  —

  UCL Hospitals NHS Trust Redevelopment1

  —

  6,153

  31,000

  31,000

  12,147

  Wellhouse Edgware/Barnet General phase lb1

  —

  7,000

  7,000

  7,000

  7,000

  West London Healthcare Boiler house1

  —

  2,500

  2,500

  —

  —

  Lambeth Healthcare NHS Trust IPAMU1

  —

  1,263

  1,084

  —

  —

  Lambeth Healthcare NHS Trust Brixton ICC1

  —

  1,598

  1,598

  —

  —

  Merton and Sutton Community NHS Trust Queen Mary's Carshalton1

  1,500

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Optimum NHS Trust Honor Oak Health Centre1

  —

  1,000

  916

  —

  —

  Oxleas NHS Trust Bexley Hospital1

  1,000

  5,000

  5,000

  2,900

  —

  Queen Mary's Sidcup accident and emergency extension1

  2,000

  1,200

  —

  —

  —

  Lambeth Healthcare NHS Trust Manor Health Centre1

  500

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Guy's and St. Thomas' stage 1 cardiac

  212,250

  2,750

  —

  —

  —

  Guy's and St. Thomas' stage 1 UMDS

  1,000

  —

  —

  —

  —

  King's Healthcare Phase 1 cardiac

  1,542

  —

  —

  —

  —

  St. George's Healthcare Day surgery

  —

  2,770

  —

  —

  —

  St. George's Healthcare Elderly

  —

  2,500

  —

  —

  —

  Greenwich Health Care Woolwich Arsenal Resource Centre1

  —

  1,000

  2,000

  —

  —

  Greenwich Healthcare NHS Trust Queen Elizabeth Hospital1

  —

  6,000

  10,000

  10,000

  2,000

  Guy's and St. Thomas' Major redevelopment1

  —

  4,000

  20,000

  20,000

  6,000

  St. George's Cardiac/Neurosciences1

  —

  5,000

  15,000

  15,000

  5,000

  Croydon Community Centre for rehabilitation services

  —

  512

  1,000

  —

  —

  St. Helier Hospital NHS Trust Nelson site1

  22,083

  4,500

  —

  —

  —

  1 Schemes which have received outline business case approval only. There is not yet any commitment to fund such schemes from public capital. Figures given for costs in each year are estimates only and are subject to change.

  2 Cost includes enabling work carried out in 1995–96.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Hill Farmers
  Mr. David Nicholson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on financial support for hill farmers since 1992. [17559]
  742
  (2) if he will list the capital projects costing over £100,000 which are planned to start in Greater London in the five years from 30 September 1996, indicating the number and sums allocated in each year. [13702]

  Mr. Malone
  [holding answer 31 January 1997]: With regard to past expenditure on capital schemes, I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Hendon, South (Mr. Marshall) on 22 January, Official Report, columns 664–65. Only information relating to capital schemes costing over £1 million, for which national health service executive approval is required, is available. Details of planned schemes in this category, starting in Greater London after 30 September 1996, for which outline or full business case approval has been granted by the NHS executive, are given in the table. Schemes costing below £1 million are a matter for individual NHS trusts.

  Mr. Boswell
  Expressed in real terms at 1992 prices, total direct livestock subsides to the less favoured areas, including hill livestock compensatory allowances, have gone up from £460 million in 1992 to an estimated £575 million this year, an increase of 25 per cent. This confirms the Government's on-going commitment to help farmers in the hills and uplands.
  743

  Fish Breeding Areas
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his policy towards the creation of non-fishing areas of sea where fish can breed. [17560]

  Mr. Baldry
  Off our coast, there are already a number of no-fishing areas to protect spawning herring. The Government are always ready to consider proposals for further such areas.

  Food Imports
  Mr. Simpson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what proportion of United Kingdom food imports are of products also grown within the United Kingdom; and what action he has taken to increase the proportion of home-produced food consumed. [17561]

  Mrs. Browning
  Provisional figures for 1995 show that 57 per cent. of our food imports were classified as indigenous food products or materials. Our farmers and growers already produce world-class products and we are working with the industry to help develop a similar level of excellence in marketing.

  Fish Quotas
  Mr. Bernard Jenkin
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on North sea fish quotas. [17562]

  Mr. Baldry
  The North sea fish quotas agreed for 1997 represent the best possible deal for British fishermen consistent with scientific advice and the conservation of stocks for the future.

  Small Food Producers (European Directives)
  Mr. Booth
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make it his policy to ensure that the supply of food and produce from small-scale producers, with special reference to garden, allotment and small market garden growers, is not eliminated as a result of European directives. [17563]

  Mr. Boswell
  Yes. This is already Government policy, but I am not aware of any moves by the European Union which would affect gardeners, allotment holders and market gardeners.

  Battery Hens
  Mr. Martlew
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to improve the welfare of egg-laying hens kept in battery cages. [17654]

  Mrs. Browning
  We have pressed the European Commission to complete the overdue review of the EU directive. The scientific veterinary committee's updated report was published in October last year. The Commission has said that its proposals for revised Community standards will soon follow.

  Arable Area Payments Scheme
  Mr. Tipping
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the total amount of funds distributed under the arable area payments scheme in 1996. [17565]
  744
  Mr. Baldry
  Total payments under the arable area payments scheme by MAFF in the 1996–97 financial year are forecast at just over £1.1 billion.

  British Food
  Mr. Mark Robinson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent initiatives his Department has taken to promote British food. [17566]

  Mrs. Browning
  At the recent international food and drink exhibition held at Earls court, the Department co-sponsored the British speciality food section with Food From Britain to help raise the profile of this important sector of the food and drink industry. This initiative received universal praise from exhibitors and buyers, and the exhibition received a record number of trade visits.

  Hedgerows
  Mr. Viggers
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he has taken to encourage farmers to preserve hedges and hedgerows. [17567]

  Mr. Boswell
  Regulations to protect important hedgerows were laid before Parliament on 3 March 1997.

  Enhanced incentives for the restoration and planting of hedges, which form an important part of the countryside stewardship scheme, were announced on 17 February. Grants are also available under the environmentally sensitive areas scheme, and the Department funds ADAS and the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group to provide free initial conservation advice. Farmers are also required not to damage, destroy or remove hedges on or adjacent to set-aside land.

  Chocolate Manufacturers
  Mr. Fabricant
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to protect the interests of United Kingdom chocolate manufacturers; and if he will make a statement. [17568]

  Mrs. Browning
  When negotiations begin on the proposal to amend the 1973 EC chocolate directive, the Government will seek to protect the right of British consumers to continue to choose established British products under their traditional names.

  In the meantime, we have ensured that other member states are fully aware of the UK position on the proposal and have drawn the attention of hon. Members and Members of the European Parliament to the important issues for United Kingdom chocolate manufacturers in the proposed amendments to the chocolate directive.

  Milk Marque
  Mr. Luff
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the functioning of the milk market since the establishment of Milk Marque. [17569]

  Mr. Baldry
  I am very pleased with the results of the Government's deregulation of the milk market. In its recent report on the UK dairy industry and the common agricultural policy regime, the Agriculture Committee concluded that deregulation has been highly successful.
  745

  British Beef Ban
  Mr. Connarty
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on recent discussions at the Council of Ministers on the lifting of the ban on British beef sales. [17570]

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The procedures envisaged for lifting the export ban involve the Standing Veterinary Committee and other advisory Commission committees, not the Council Nevertheless, I have kept the Council informed on the UK's progress in fulfilling the preconditions laid down under the Florence agreement. Now that we have fulfilled all the preconditions and I have sent Commissioners Fischler and Bonino our proposals for a UK export certified herds scheme, I will be telling the next Agriculture Council what we have achievedandpressingforearlyprogress.

  Fish Conservation
  Dr. Spink
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received from non-sector fisherman regarding sea fish conservation. [17571]

  Mr. Baldry
  I am in frequent contact with non-sector fishermen about sea fish conservation and related issues. Most recently, I met non-sector fishermen from Kent and Essex, accompanied by my hon. Friends the Members for Castle Point and for Basildon (Mr. Amess), on 27 January to discuss a range of issues including the closure of the North sea sole fishery to vessels of 10 m and under until 21 April.

  Set-aside
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what actions are being taken by his Department to ensure preservation of natural habitats in set-aside land. [17572]

  Mr. Boswell
  The UK's management rules for set-aside were drawn up in consultation with farming and environmental organisations and are designed to protect wildlife and the environment while allowing farmers to carry out their normal agricultural operations. For example, environmental features such as hedgerows, streams and ponds on or adjacent to set-aside land may not be damaged, destroyed or removed. The rules are regularly reviewed and from 1997 have been further modified to help protect groundnesting birds.

  BSE
  Mr. Whittingdale
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many confirmed cases of BSE have been recorded so far this year; and if he will make a statement on trends in the number of cases. [17573]

  Mr. Baldry
  As at 21 February 1997, of the 891 cases placed under restriction in Great Britain in 1997, 72 had been confirmed. Throughout the epidemic there has been a delay between slaughter and eventual confirmation due to the requirement to permit fixation of brain tissue prior to its examination. The BSE epidemic has continued to decline markedly during the last year and is now at its lowest level for eight years.
  746
  Dr. Strang
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the methods of disposal that are(a) permitted and (b) currently in operation for (i) specified bovine material and (ii) non-specified bovine material from cattle with bovine spongiform encephalopathy, including the condensate and washwater produced from rendering of such material. [18696]

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The carcases of virtually all BSE-suspect animals are incinerated: in 1996, 9,643 carcases were incinerated and three buried. No material from BSE suspects is allowed to go for rendering.

  Dr. Strang
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his estimate of the number of carcases of cattle with bovine spongiform encephalopathy that was buried in each site for each year from 1986. [18697]

  Mr. Hogg
  It is not possible to provide details of the number of BSE-suspect carcases disposed of at specific landfill site, as a complete set of records is not held centrally. A complete record could be provided only at disproportionate cost. It is however known that the total number of BSE-suspect cases disposed of by landfill is approximately 6,120. This figure represents approximately 3 per cent. of the total number of BSE suspects slaughtered.

  Animal Welfare
  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he has already taken to improve animal welfare; what further steps he is considering; and if he will make a statement. [17574]

  Mrs. Browning
  My right hon. and learned Friend has secured agreement in the Council of Ministers to measures which will result in a significant improvement in the welfare of calves. The use of the close confinement veal crate, already banned in the UK, will be phased out across Europe by 2006. Other changes, including a ban on unacceptable diets, will come into effect from 1 January next year. We have also been preparing national implementing measures which will give effect to improved EU rules on welfare in transit. We will work hard to ensure that other member states implement and enforce these rules too.

  We will continue to press for improved measures to protect the welfare of laying hens and, at the intergovernmental conference, for the adoption of a protocol endorsing the Community's role in the protection of animal welfare.

  Infant Formula Milk
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what responsibility his Department has with regard to microbiological testing of infant formula baby milk; and if he will make a statement. [18455]

  Mrs. Browning
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to him today by the Under-Secretary of State for Health.
  747

  Quarantine
  Sir Patrick Cormack
  To ask the Minster of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will announce the result of his review of the quarantine regulations. [18675]

  Mrs. Browning
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Members for Glanford and Scunthorpe (Mr. Morley) and Newham, North-West (Mr. Banks) on 27 February 1997,Official Report, column 326.

  Swine Fever
  Mr. Fabricant
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what steps he is taking to monitor the spread of swine fever in Germany; [18429]

  (2) when he plans to meet his EU counterparts to discuss the export of live pigs or pig carcases infected with swine fever; [18430]

  (3) when he plans to meet his EU counterparts to discuss the sale of German pork and ham infected with swine fever. [18428]

  Mrs. Browning
  I have no plans to meet my EU counterparts on this topic, which is being kept under continuous review by the EC Standing Veterinary Committee. Community legislation lays down the internal control measures against swine fever which the German veterinary authorities must apply, and additional controls specifically applicable to the export of live pigs and fresh and processed pigmeat products from Germany. These measures have been implemented to prevent the spread of disease within Germany and to other countries. They include restrictions on the movement of live animals and products within Germany, a total ban on the export of live animals and pigmeat products from infected regions and additional safeguards applicable to exports from other regions.

  Private Finance Initiative
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will provide a breakdown by project of PFI schemes for which his Department is responsible as identified in Table 5.5 of the Red Book. [18923]

  Mr. Boswell
  The financial provision in the Ministry's entry for 1999–00 in Table 5.5 of the Red Book is an outline for non-PFI procurement only which will be subject to revision when PFI tenders have been received.

  It relates to two projects:

  (a) Whitehall HQ Building (Accommodation).

  (b) Sea-Going Research Vessel Services.

  Abbotsland Farm
  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if Abbotsland farm, Capel le Ferne, is operating as a staging point, as defined under EU law; and if he will make a statement. [18999]
  748
  Mrs. Browning
  No. Defined criteria for staging points under directive 91/628, as amended, have yet to be agreed by the Council of Agriculture Ministers.

  ADAS
  Mr. Peter Atkinson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the advantages of the privatisation of ADAS. [17553]

  Mr. Boswell
  The privatisation of ADAS will realise some £23.5 million for the taxpayer. ADAS's work for MAFF and the Welsh office is now on a sound contractual basis and future liabilities on Government have been minimised. ADAS will be free to develop its business in response to customer demand.

  Running Costs
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to the answer of 17 January,Official Report, columns 398–400, on administration costs, if he will provide a breakdown of the additional running costs provision for the Agriculture Departments. [17956]

  Mr. Boswell
  [holding answer 27 February 1997]: Details on the additional administration provisions for the Agriculture Departments to fund BSE measures are below. The figures for MAFF include amounts for enforcement costs specified bovine material controls and research and development.

  £ million

  1996–97

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–00

  Intervention board

  16.5

  13.4

  13.1

  12.9

  MAFF

  52 2

  55 3

  54 4

  54 1

  Scottish Office

  2

  2

  2

  2

  Total

  70.7

  70.7

  69.5

  69

  Flock Mark
  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his Answer of 20 February,Official Report, column 658, if he will set out the method whereby a flock mark to all registered holdings ensured that each holding was individually identifiable. [18998]

  Mrs. Browning
  Each flock has been allocated an individual alpha-numeric mark.

  Payment of Bills
  Mr. Betts
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, what percentage of bills to his Department were paid(a) in accordance with agreed contractual conditions and (b) within 30 days of receiving goods and services or the presentation of a valid invoice where no contractual conditions applied in the last year for which figures are available. [18817]

  Mr. Boswell
  I refer the Hon. Member to the answer given by the Economic Secretary on 17 December 1996,Official Report, columns 506–507. Any additional information could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Extradition Statistics
  Extradition Statistics
  Fire Service College
  Fire Service College
  Museums and Galleries: Insurance
  Museums and Galleries: Insurance
  The Sevso Hoard
  The Sevso Hoard
  Hedgerow Loss
  Hedgerow Loss
  Show Houses: Rates
  Show Houses: Rates
  Light Dues: Reduction
  Light Dues: Reduction
  Lorry Weights
  Lorry Weights
  Special Schools for Emotionally and Behaviourally Disturbed Children
  Special Schools for Emotionally and Behaviourally Disturbed Children