HC Deb 19 March 1997 vol 292 cc610-1W
Mr. Barry Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how much was spent in each year from 1990 to 1996 on the teachers' early retirement scheme in respect of retirements on grounds of ill-health; and what was the number of(a) male and (b) female teachers covered in each year, broken down in respect of (i) class teachers and (ii) head teachers in (1) England and (2) Wales. [15157]

Mrs. Gillan

[holding answer 10 February 1997]: The estimated expenditure on ill-health retirements and the number of male and female teachers by grade and sector is shown in the table. These are all teachers who were in receipt of ill-health pensions in the year in question.

the director of GCHQ this spring. If it is concluded that the private finance initiative is likely to offer a viable solution, Ministers will be consulted and an announcement made as soon as possible thereafter.

Mr. Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the future of GCHQ. [20627]

Mr. Rifkind

GCHQ has had to adapt quickly to the world's changes, but the need for good intelligence to guide policy making, crisis management and military operations remains as strong as ever. GCHQ will continue to make a major contribution to the nation's security well into the next century.

Mr. Jones

To ask the secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will publish the terms of reference for the consultants' review of future needs of GCHQ; and if he will make a statement. [20630]

Mr. Rifkind

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Mansfield (Mr. Meale) on 17 January 1997, column424.

Mr. Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he expects to publish the findings of the consultants' review of future requirements of GCHQ; and if he will make a statement. [20629]

Mr. Rifkind

Any advice that GCHQ has received from the professional advisers engaged for this study will include privileged or confidential information which, if disclosed, might affect GCHQ's legal or commercial position, or those of third parties. I do not therefore propose to publish this information.

Mr. Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on what basis the contract to carry out a review of future needs of GCHQ was tendered; how many bids were made; what criteria were used to decide the successful bidder; what was the cost of the review; and if he will make a statement. [20631]

Mr. Rifkind

The review is being conducted internally by GCHQ; a number of external advisers are involved but GCHQ maintains control of the study. The advisers' contracts were tendered and awarded in accordance with standard public sector procurement practice in order to ensure value for money in the delivery of these services. It is not Government policy to provide details of the expenditure of the intelligence and security agencies.