Written Answers of 25 November 1997

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Manslaughter (Custodial Sentences)
  Mr. Swinney
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what has been the average custodial sentence applied for manslaughter in England in each year since 1990; and if he will make a statement. [17087]

  Mr. Michael
  Information for 1990 to 1996 is given in the following table:

  Average sentence length1 given at the Crown Court for offences of manslaughter 1990 to 1996

  England

  Offence/year

  People sentenced to immediate custody

  Average sentence length1 (months)

  Number of life sentences

  Manslaughter (Common Law and Offences Against the Person Act 1861, sections 5, 9 and 10)

  1990

  128

  56.6

  9

  1991

  145

  53.9

  10

  1992

  200

  58.9

  10

  1993

  167

  63.3

  8

  1994

  160

  60.0

  5

  1995

  166

  58.5

  6

  1996

  196

  61.3

  13

  Manslaughter due to diminished responsibility (Homicide Act 1957, section 2)

  1990

  8

  51.0

  2

  1991

  12

  64.0

  6

  1992

  6

  72.0

  3

  1993

  11

  57.3

  2

  1994

  9

  51.0

  3

  1995

  13

  55.5

  5

  1996

  7

  61.0

  1

  1 Excludes life sentences.

  Apart from the requirement under the Crime (Sentences) Act 1997 for the courts to give automatic life sentences for people convicted of manslaughter for a second time, and within the statutory limits set by Parliament, sentences in individual cases are a matter for the courts.

  Prison Service (Medical and Health Care Research)
  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the nature of the(a) medical and (b) health care research currently being undertaken within the Prison Service. [17623]

  Ms Quin
  Current medical or health care research being undertaken within the Prison Service has centred on epidemiological studies of hepatitis B and C, and HIV/AIDS, and the psychiatric morbidity of male sentenced prisoners. In addition, work is also being 452
  carried out to evaluate drug detoxification and treatment programmes, and the impact of Mandatory Drugs Testing on the pattern of drug abuse within prisons. Other work involves studies into the management and throughcare of mentally disordered offenders.

  Prisons (Disability Officers)
  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prison establishments in England and Wales currently have a disability officer; and if he will make a statement on proposals to increase this number. [17622]

  Ms Quin
  All Prison Service establishments have a nominated equal opportunities officer whose role includes having responsibility for disability. However, in some prisons the Governor has in addition nominated a disability officer.

  Police Manpower
  Mr. Barnes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list(a) the establishments and (b) the current strength of each constabulary in England and Wales. [17199]

  Mr. Michael
  The Police and Magistrates' Courts Act 1994 removed the power for the Home Secretary to set police establishments. It was left to individual chief officers of police to determine the number of officers in their force. The strength of each force at 30 September 1997 is set out in the table.

  Police force numbers for England and Wales (provisional) As at 30 September 1997

  Force

  Number of police officers

  Avon and Somerset

  2,973

  Bedfordshire

  1,081

  Cambridgeshire

  1,228

  Cheshire

  2,029

  City of London

  836

  Cleveland

  1,481

  Cumbria

  1,162

  Derbyshire

  1,757

  Devon and Cornwall

  2,910

  Dorset

  1,279

  Durham

  1,479

  Dyfed-Powys

  1,008

  Essex

  2,944

  Gloucestershire

  1,107

  Greater Manchester

  6,908

  Gwent

  1,229

  Hampshire

  3,481

  Herfordshire

  1,738

  Humberside

  2,030

  Kent

  3,301

  Lancashire

  3,281

  Leicestershire

  1,958

  Lincolnshire

  1,189

  Merseyside

  4,222

  Metropolitan Police

  26,391

  Norfolk

  1,440

  Northamptonshire

  1,181

  Northumbria

  3,685

  North Wales

  1,370

  North Yorkshire

  1,383

  Nottinghamshire

  2,317

  South Wales

  2,990

  South Yorkshire

  3,158

  Staffordshire

  2,230

  453

  Police force numbers for England and Wales (provisional) As at 30 September 1997

  Force

  Number of police officers

  Suffolk

  1,198

  Surrey

  1,608

  Sussex

  3,040

  Thames Valley

  3,705

  Warwickshire

  914

  West Mercia

  2,031

  West Midlands

  7,079

  West Yorkshire

  5,250

  Wiltshire

  1,167

  Total

  124,751

  Europol
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 12 November 1997,Official Report, column 558, what guidance will be issued to the Director of Europol on the requirement to waive the immunity of staff members of Europol where the immunity would impede the course of justice; if such guidance will be published; and if he will make a statement. [17769]

  Mr. Michael
  The need for, and content of, any such guidance will be for consideration once the Europol Convention has entered into force and Europol has taken up its activities. The Director will be accountable to the Management Board in the performance of his duties and it will be open to the Board to consider any difficulties that may arise in this area.

  Article 12 provides that the privileges and immunities granted under the provisions of the Protocol are conferred
  "in the interests of Europol and not for the benefit of the individuals themselves"
  and also that
  "Europol shall co-operate at all times with the appropriate authorities of member states to facilitate the proper administration of justice".
  Article 13 of the Protocol also provides that any disputes on a refusal to waive an immunity shall be referred to the Council of Ministers; if they are unable to reach a settlement, they shall decide on the modalities according to which they will be settled.

  Prisons (Private Finance Initiative)
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 14 November 1997,Official Report, column 692, what criteria are used to assess quality and confidence in deliverability in relation to the awarding of contracts to the private sector to (a) manage and (b) design, construct, manage and finance prisons; and if he will make a statement. [17771]

  Ms Quin
  The Prison Service must satisfy itself that bidders are capable of building the prison to the required standards, opening it by the required date and operating it safely and securely with the required level of service in terms of prisoner regime or, in the case of management-only contracts, of operating it safely, securely and with the specified prisoner regime. Bids which satisfy these criteria are assessed on the basis of value for money. The methodology for evaluating bids 454
  for the first two design, construct, manage and finance prisons at Bridgend and Fazakerley, is described at paragraphs 2.7 to 2.11 and Appendix 5 of the recent Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General on those contract awards (HC 253 Session 1997–98).

  Laser Pens
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prosecutions have been brought in the past 12 months for assault involving a laser pen. [16970]

  Mr. Michael
  People carrying laser pens with intent to cause injury may be liable to prosecution under section 1 of the Prevention of Crime Act 1953, as amended by the Offensive Weapons Act 1996 section 2(1).

  Court proceedings data collected centrally, under this legislation, do not record the type of weapon or article used.

  Gaol Sentences
  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department with what frequency he publishes changes in the weekly rate at which people are convicted of criminal offences carrying a possible gaol sentence of six months or more. [17577]

  Mr. Michael
  Almost all indictable offences carry a possible custodial sentence of six months or more. It is normal practice to prepare data on the numbers of people convicted of an indictable offence quarterly and to publish figures annually.

  Departmental Information
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will place in the Library a copy of the internal departmental guidance on the dissemination of information; and if he will make a statement. [16290]

  Mr. Straw
  A copy of the Home Office Departmental Procedures on the application of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information has been placed in the Library.

  Vehicle Examinations
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will encourage chief constables to ensure that police forces involve trading standards officers in the examination of vehicles. [17157]

  Mr. Michael
  The extent to which police forces develop links with trading standards officers for law enforcement purposes is an operational matter for individual chief officers. There are no plans to issue any specific Home office guidance on the subject. However, a good level of co-operation exists across the country as a whole. Trading standards officers assist the police and other agencies at multi-agency vehicle checks, for example by checking wheel and axle weights and looking for goods with counterfeit trade marks. They are also frequently involved, in conjunction with the police, in examining cars and other vehicles of uncertain origin and condition, with the aim of detecting offences under the Trades Descriptions Act 1968.
  455

  Youth Crime
  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Defence about involving the Army Cadets, Sea Cadets and Air Cadets in his policies to tackle youth crime. [17140]

  Mr. Michael
  The Home Office operates a small grant scheme to cover the additional costs incurred when local Cadet Forces provide activities for children thought to be at risk of becoming involved in youth crime or who have already been involved in offending. This scheme was set up in 1995 to provide a variety of activities including providing positive alternatives to offending. I will shortly meet colleagues from the Ministry of Defence and the Department for Education and Employment to discuss the scheme and the role of the Cadet Forces in tackling youth crime.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  Sports Broadcasting
  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what progress he has made in his review of the sports events listed under Part IV of the Broadcasting Act 1996; and if he will make a statement. [17935]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  I have consulted interested parties about the principles which should guide the listing process, and I am today publishing criteria which I hope will make the process more transparent. I have also appointed an advisory group of individuals with knowledge of the sporting, broadcasting and public policy issues involved. The members of the group are:

  Lord Gordon of Strathblane (chairman)

  Mr. Alastair Burt

  Mr. Jack Charlton

  Mr. Steve Cram

  Kate Hoey, MP

  Mr. Michael Parkinson

  Mr. Clive Sherling

  Professor David Wallace

  I have invited this group to consider the issues against these published criteria:

  (a) whether events or parts of events should be removed from the list; and

  (b) whether other major sporting events should be added to the list.

  As an initial step in the process of reviewing the list, the rights holders for the events currently listed and a number of other major sports events are being formally consulted, as the 1996 Act requires. The submissions received from them will be made available to the advisory group.

  The rights holders for the following events are to be consulted:

  Events currently listed:

  The Olympic games

  The FIFA World Cup Finals

  The FA Cup Final

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  The Scottish FA Cup Final (listed only in Scotland)

  Cricket Test matches involving England

  Wimbledon Tennis Tournament (finals weekend only currently listed)

  The Grand National

  The Derby

  Other major sports events:

  The Cricket World Cup

  The Rugby World Cup

  The European Football Championships

  The Commonwealth Games

  The World Athletics Championships

  The British Grand Prix

  The Five Nations Rugby Tournament

  The Open (golf)

  The Ryder Cup

  The group may request that other events be included in the review and the rights holders for these events will be consulted.

  The group will begin its work immediately and I expect it to make its recommendations to me before Easter. I shall then decide what changes, if any, to make to the current list.

  Dance and Drama
  Mr. Luff
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the interim schemes for the funding of dance and drama in(a) England and (b) Wales; and what factors account for the differences; [15597]

  (2) what assessment he has made of the impact of the Arts Council for England interim scheme on increasing access to training for students of dance and drama; and if he will make a statement; [15600]

  (3) what assessment he has made of the benefits of using any surplus in the allocation for the interim scheme for funding students of dance and drama to relieve hardship among students on accredited courses in dance and drama colleges; [15596]

  (4) what proportion of English dance and drama students on accredited courses in the current academic year are receiving support from the Arts Council interim scheme. [15598]

  Mr. Fisher
  The operation of the interim scheme is a matter for the Arts Council of England. I understand that full information is not yet available, but I have asked the Arts Council for a report on the effectiveness of the interim scheme and I will reply in full to the hon. Member as soon as I have it.

  New Opportunities Fund
  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what are the management and distribution arrangements for the money currently being channelled to the New Opportunities Fund. [17595]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  Shadow accounting arrangements have been in place since 14 October 1997 whereby 13⅓ per cent. of the proceeds for good causes from the National Lottery, and any interest earned on that sum,
  457
  accrue to the New Opportunities Fund. Subject to Parliament's approval of the legislation I shall be introducing shortly, funds being held for the New Opportunities Fund will be formally transferred to it after Royal Assent. Initial funding for the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts will be met from the sum allocated to the New Opportunities Fund. These arrangements will be fully reflected in the accounts of the National Lottery Distribution Fund and the Distributing Bodies.

  Blackhill Control Centre
  Ms Roseanna Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment he has made of the impact on monitoring and maintenance of terrestrial television and radio transmission in Scotland of the closure of Blackhill Control Centre. [16699]

  Mr. Fisher
  [holding answer 20 November 1997]: The Independent Television Commission and the Radio Authority set the technical standards for the transmission of commercial terrestrial television and radio services respectively. It is for the Commission and the Authority to monitor the compliance of broadcasters and service providers with those standards.

  National Transcommunications Ltd.
  Ms Roseanna Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what powers he has to supervise the activities and service provided by National Transcommunications Ltd. [16698]

  Mr. Fisher
  [holding answer 20 November 1997]: National Transcommunications Ltd. (NTL) provides a range of services in the telecommunications and broadcasting fields. It has to comply with the conditions and requirements set out in the licences granted to it by the Radiocommunications Agency under the provisions of the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949 (as amended); by the Department of Trade and Industry under the provisions of the Telecommunications Act 1984 and by the Independent Television Commission (ITC) under the terms of the Broadcasting Acts 1990 and 1996. It is for the Agency, the Office of Telecommunications and the ITC to ensure that NTL complies with the terms of these licences. NTL is also under contract to a number of broadcasters who are licensed by the ITC under the Broadcasting Acts and who are required to fulfil certain transmission obligations.

  Local Television Channels
  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what data his Department collates on the availability of local television channels in particular areas. [16715]

  Mr. Fisher
  The BBC and the Independent Television Commission (ITC) are responsible for planning the use of frequencies for television services and hold data on the coverage of all national and regional terrestrial television services. This information is shared with my Department and with the Department of Trade and Industry's Radiocommunications Agency, which is responsible for ensuring that frequency plans for all terrestrial television services do not interfere with other spectrum users' services.
  458

  Departmental Information
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will place in the Library a copy of the internal departmental guidance on the dissemination of information; and if he will make a statement. [16308]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  The Department for Culture, Media and Sport treats all request for information in accordance with the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information. The Code was revised earlier this year and copies of the Second Edition of the Code and the accompanying Guidance on Interpretation are available in the Libraries of the House.

ATTORNEY-GENERAL

  Mr. Philip Dale
  Mr. Swinney
  To ask the Attorney-General for what reasons he refused to overturn the sentence for manslaughter given to Mr. Philip Dale at Winchester Crown Court on 3 September 1997 on grounds of undue leniency; and if he will make a statement. [17203]

  The Attorney-General
  I declined to apply to the Court of Appeal for leave to refer to the Court for review the sentence imposed upon Mr. Philip Dale at Winchester Crown Court on 3 September 1997 on the grounds that the sentence was not unduly lenient. An unduly lenient sentence is one which falls outside the range of sentences which a judge, applying his mind to all of the relevant factors, could reasonably consider appropriate.

  Manslaughter Sentences
  Mr. Swinney
  To ask the Attorney-General on how many occasions he has attempted to increase the length of a sentence applied for manslaughter; and on how many occasions and in what proportion of manslaughter cases he has increased the length of sentence since 1990. [17086]

  The Attorney-General
  In 1991, application was made for leave to refer three sentences imposed for manslaughter to the Court of Appeal. One application was refused and the remaining two applications were withdrawn.

  In 1992, one sentence was referred to the Court of Appeal and was increased. In 1993, four sentences were referred to the Court of Appeal. Two sentences were increased and two were unchanged. In 1994, three applications for leave were made. Leave was refused in two cases. In the other case, the sentence was increased. In 1995, five applications for leave were made. One was subsequently withdrawn. Two sentences were increased and two unchanged. In 1996, three applications for leave were made to the Court. Each sentence was unchanged by the Court of Appeal.

  So far this year, there have been three applications for leave. One sentence has been increased; one remained unchanged; and the third application is outstanding.
  459

PRIME MINISTER

  Ministerial Meetings
  Sir Brian Mawhinney
  To ask the Prime Minister which representatives of business he has met at No. 10 Downing Street since 1 November 1997, excluding those attending social functions, to discuss the impact of the Government's economic and monetary policy on large businesses. [17656]

  The Prime Minister
  Since the election, I have met a large number of people from business and discussed a wide range of topics.

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  Hereford By-pass
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when a decision will be taken on the proposed Hereford by-pass; and if he will make a statement. [15964]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  We are currently in the process of a Strategic Roads Review. The proposed Hereford Bypass is being considered within the context of that Review, the results of which we hope to announce next year. This scheme is in any event still subject to the completion of statutory procedures.

  Conservation Directive
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what requirements Article 6(3) of the EU Directive on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (92/43/EEC) places on water undertakers in respect of projects which are likely to have a significant effect on a European site. [16674]

  Angela Eagle
  Where the consent of a water undertaker is required to any such plan or project, they should, as competent authorities under the Conservation (Natural Habitats, etc.) Regulations 1994, apply the provisions of Article 6(3) of the Directive. This requires an appropriate assessment to be undertaken in view of the site's conservation objectives. They should agree to the plan or project only if the assessment shows that it will not have an effect on the integrity of the European site. Public consultation may be appropriate.

  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he is required to comply with Article 6 of the EU Directive on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (92/43/EEC) when granting an application for a drought order which is likely to have a significant effect on a European site. [16665]

  Angela Eagle
  Yes. The Secretary of State is a competent authority under the Conservation (Natural Habitats, etc.) Regulations 1994, which transpose the requirements of the Habitats Directive.
  460

  Green-belt Land
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many acres of green-belt land have been built on in the last two years in(a) England, (b) the South East of England and (c) the North West of England. [16793]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The information is not currently available. Estimates under preparation, using the Department's Land Use Change Statistics, will show the number of hectares of previously undeveloped land in adopted green belt which is developed, by calendar year. I shall write to the hon. Member when these estimates are available.

  Public Appointments
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many public appointments he has made since 1 May; and how many and what percentage of these(a) receive remuneration and (b) are of (i) Afro-Caribbean and (ii) Asian origin. [16770]

  Angela Eagle
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has made the following appointments to NDPBs and nationalised industries sponsored by the Department since 1 May:

  Posts remunerated

  Percentage

  NDPBs:

  Executive

  43

  40

  93

  Advisory

  31

  18

  58

  Tribunals

  59

  7

  12

  Nationalised Industries

  2

  2

  100

  Total

  135

  67

  48

  For part (b) of the question, I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given today by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.

  Railways (Rolling Stock)
  Mr. Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will ensure that a requirement to improve rolling stock is integral to the new franchise agreement when new franchises are let for rail services. [16854]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Current franchise agreements have between four and fourteen years still to run. We shall consider the terms on which franchises might be relet in the light of all the circumstances pertaining at the time.

  Roads (A65)
  Mr. Curry
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions pursuant to his answer of 31 July 1997,Official Report, column 534, how much compensation must be paid in respect of the cancellation of the PFI Scheme for by-passes on the A65 road. [16932]
  461
  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Claims for compensation from the four tenderers for the Cumbria-Bradford DBFO project are being considered currently. I cannot therefore say what compensation might be paid.

  Planning Applications (Supermarkets)
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) how many planning applications for developments involving supermarkets he determined since 1 May; [16873]

  (2) how many planning applications for developments involving supermarkets he has called in for determination. [16862]

  Mr. Caborn
  Since 1 May this year, 17 applications involving retail development have been called in and 25 called-in applications involving retail development have been determined.

  House Building (Brown-field Sites)
  Mr. Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what research his Department has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated in respect of the availability of brown-field sites for the construction of new homes, separately identifying that conducted by local authorities. [16918]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The Department will be going out to tender shortly on research designed to assess the future supply and location of brownfield sites. Also, as part of the Government's overall consideration of the household growth debate, the Government have evaluated several independent studies about housing capacities and location from organisations such as the TCPA, the CPRE, and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation.

  Most individual local authorities conduct their own studies of land availability for housing and other development as part of their plan preparation process. These are too numerous and varied in scope to list here. Additionally, a number of broader housing capacity and brownfield land studies have either been, or are being, commissioned by the Regional Planning Conferences to assist them in the process of drafting their Regional Planning Advice to the Secretary of State.

  Rail Network
  Mr. Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will protect trackbeds used previously for freight and passenger rail services from development until the National Railways Authority has reviewed the strategic rail network. [16907]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The establishment of a new Railways Authority would require primary legislation. In the meantime, it is for Railtrack and those other organisations who own trackbed to consider each individual case separately.

  Owners' powers of disposal are limited under the Railways Act 1993 which makes provisions for the closure of railway lines carrying passenger traffic. Railtrack operates non-statutory closure procedures before disposal for freight-only lines. These involve wide consultation and consideration of strategic needs.
  462
  Railtrack and British Rail are considering those lengths of former railway line still in BR's ownership which Railtrack might wish to acquire for future railways development.

  Road Accidents
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will arrange for trading standards officers to obtain information on accidents from DVLA computers on-line. [17147]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  DVLA does not hold a comprehensive record of accident-damaged vehicles. This information is available to trading standards officers from the Motor Insurers Anti Fraud and Theft Register (MIAFTR).

  Bathing Beaches
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the beaches designated as bathing beaches for the purposes of European Union legislation on pollution in(a) 1987, (b) 1992 and (c) 1997. [17174]

  Angela Eagle
  There were 374,455 and 486 UK bathing waters identified within the scope of the Bathing Water Directive in 1987, 1992 and 1997 respectively. Lists are provided in the detailed summary of monitoring results which is placed in the Library each year. The summary for the 1997 season will be available early in the New Year.

  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what data he has collated on the level of pollution on beaches not designated as bathing beaches. [17173]

  Angela Eagle
  The Environment Agency collect information on a site-specific basis in connection with their wider responsibilities for water pollution control. The information is available on the Agency's Regional Water Pollution Registers.

  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what new steps are being taken to improve the quality of water at beaches in England and Wales. [17172]

  Angela Eagle
  In July this year, the Government endorsed Environment Agency proposals for new standards to protect bathing waters. Under the new policy, sewage treatment plants with outfalls near bathing waters will have to meet higher design standards that will contribute to more beaches meeting Bathing Water Directive "guideline" standards for cleanliness. Improvements will also result from completion of the remaining schemes in the bathing water improvement programme and implementation of the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive. Priorities for additional investment by water companies on environmental improvements, including improved bathing water quality, will be considered next year as part of the current periodic review of water prices.
  463

  Agenda 21
  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what timetable and deadlines he is working to for co-ordinating the drawing up and adoption of Local Agenda 21s. [17296]

  Angela Eagle
  At the United Nations General Assembly Special Session in June 1997, the Prime Minister called on all UK authorities to adopt Local Agenda 21 strategies by the year 2000. The Deputy Prime Minister will be launching a Joint Document next January, produced in conjunction with the Local Government Association and the Local Government Management Board, giving clear, practical guidance to councils showing why Local Agenda 21 strategies are needed and how to put an effective local strategy in place, building on the good practice that is being developed across the country. The document will ask all local authorities to send a copy of their strategy to the Chairman of the Local Government Association by 15 December 2000.

  Coastguard
  Mr. Viggers
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) if he will list the documents which will incorporate the five year strategy for Her Majesty's Coastguard announced on 17 November 1997,Official Report, columns 9–10; [17548]

  (2) if he will list the consultative processes that preceded the five year strategy for Her Majesty's Coastguard; and what consultation he now proposes on the strategy. [17549]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  [holding answers 24 November 1997]: I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Orkney and Shetland (Mr. Wallace) on 21 November 1997, Official Report, columns 335–36.

  The development of the strategy was an internal matter for the Coastguard Agency. The Chief Coastguard consulted with his Regional Controllers in drawing up the details. The first closures of rescue centres are not scheduled to take place for more than 2 years which allows time to discuss fully the implications and implementation with staff and trade unions. Any personnel disruption will be kept to a minimum and it is intended to reduce staff through natural wastage and voluntary retirement.

  Mr. Viggers
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) whether, and at what cost, design consultants were employed in the preparation of the brochure "HM Coastguard: 5 Year Strategy"; [17603]

  (2) on what date the design and detail of the brochure "H. M. Coastguard: 5 Year Strategy" was agreed; [17604]

  (3) on what date the brochure "HM Coastguard: 5 Year Strategy" was sent to the printers; and on what date that print order was completed; [17605]

  (4) if the two pages headed "Some Questions and Answer" were printed separately from the remainder of the publication, "HM Coastguard: 5 Year Strategy"; on what date the contents of those pages were (a) approved by Ministers and (b) despatched for printing; and on what date those two pages were printed. [17606]
  464
  Ms Glenda Jackson
  On October 20 1997, the Coastguard Agency issued an information pack to provide journalists with background on the work of the Agency. Design consultants employed to advise the Agency on all its publications had some input into the provision of this press information pack, which did not contain any reference to the five year strategy. The cost of consultant advice on the press pack was around £140. The press information pack went to the printers on 7 October and the print order was returned on 15 October.

  On 17 November 1997, Official Report, columns 9–10, when I announced the 5 year strategy, the information pack was reissued with the addition of two pages headed "Some Questions and Answers". These were photocopied separately from the rest of the pack on 14 November at the Agency's office and added to the press information pack for issue on the day of the announcement. The contents of the added pages were approved by Ministers when we approved the announcement.

  Local Government Finance
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will publish figures at the time of his announcement of the local government settlement for 1998–99 which reflect the impact of his grant and capping decisions on the actual financial position of each local authority. [17812]

  Ms Armstrong
  I shall publish and place in the Library of the House tables of figures showing my proposals, for each English local authority, for Standard Spending Assessment (SSA) in total and for each major service block; and for each authority's entitlement to business rates, revenue support grant and special grant in respect of SSA reductions. I shall also publish figures showing the provisional effect on each local authority of the capping guidelines that will be announced by my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions. My officials will also send to each local authority an explanation of how their figures are derived. Subsequent decisions on budgets and local rates of council taxes are a matter for each local authority.

  Kyoto Conference
  Ms Southworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps the Government are taking to ensure that the conference at Kyoto reaches effective conclusions. [16016]

  Mr. Meacher
  The UK has played a leading role in the negotiations to date, including through our position as part of the EU Presidency Troika in which role I and EU colleagues lobbied the US earlier this month. We are continuing to press for a successful outcome at Kyoto, which must include agreement to significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions by all developed countries for the post-2000 period. To this end, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions has recently chaired a meeting of key developed countries in Tokyo and is visiting India, Japan, Australia and New Zealand to explore their positions further.
  465

  Greater London Authority
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the reasons for the Government's intention not to provide a choice between options in the referendum on the government of London. [17813]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The Government are providing Londoners with a clear choice about the future government of their city. The Government were elected on a manifesto commitment that, following a referendum to confirm popular demand, they would establish a new Greater London Authority comprising an assembly and a mayor, each directly elected.

  In accordance with that commitment, we will present the detail of our proposals to the people of London in a White Paper to be published in March next year. Londoners will then be given the opportunity to vote in a referendum on whether or not they consent to us implementing these proposals. In the event that they vote yes, the Government intend that legislation should be introduced next session to implement the White Paper proposals.

  The Government are unconvinced by arguments for more than one question. The Mayor and the Assembly are not separable within the context of the Government's proposals. An authority without a directly elected Mayor would be a very different type of organisation. We do not believe that such an organisation would be capable of giving London the leadership it needs. A Mayor without an elected Assembly to hold him or her to account would be too powerful and unaccountable. Neither proposal would be in keeping with the clear manifesto commitment on which the Government were elected. It would not be responsible government to put unworkable options to the people of London.

  The Government believe that the referendum should present clear and comprehensible proposition to the people of London. The result of the referendum should be capable of delivering an unambiguous mandate. Despite the time available to proponents of more than one question, no single alternative second question has been devised which meets the concerns of all parties. Additional questions so far proposed have been numerous and contradictory. None would provide a clear mandate.

  The Government believe a single question on a well thought out package is the only fair and honest option. Voters will be able to study detailed proposals in the White Paper, make a considered judgment about the whole package on offer, and cast their vote. They will know exactly what they are voting for and what they will get. If they do not like it they can vote 'no.'

  Genetically Modified Organisms
  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list by name for each year for which figures are available the instances of horizontal transmission of genetic material from genetically modified organism approved for(a) field testing and (b) marketing. [17735]

  Angela Eagle
  There are no figures available for instances of horizontal gene transfer for each release of a GMO which has been carried out. To date, 313 consents 466
  have been granted for the experimental release of GMOs since the regulations came into force in March 1993. Previous research by both the Department and industry has shown that the frequency of horizontal transfer of any genes to wild species is very low. Monitoring is often a statutory condition of consents for experimental releases. However, no formal arrangement exists to monitor gene transfer because the consequences of horizonal gene transfer occurring are evaluated in advance when considering all applications for consent. Consent is granted only if the consequences of gene transfer would be negligible. The Department is continuing to fund research to monitor releases of GM oilseed rape carried out under a marketing consent. This includes monitoring for evidence of gene transfer to confirm that the risk assessment remains valid.

  Driving Licences (GP Reports)
  Mr. Blizzard
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what action he is taking to resolve the dispute between the DVLA and BMA regarding payment of GPs for medical reports required to obtain driving licences. [17601]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The fees being paid to doctors for supplying medical information do not meet with the approval of the British Medical Association. Only a small proportion of doctors are refusing to provide information however the majority are providing the medical information for the fee offered. DVLA is reviewing the position and will be seeking to reach agreement with the BMA.

TREASURY

  Compliance Costs
  Mr. Swinney
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimates he has made of the future costs of compliance under the proposed Financial Services Authority relative to these presently applied. [17200]

  Mrs. Liddell
  The Government intend to publish a draft compliance cost assessment alongside a draft Bill when it is published for consultation in Summer 1998. It is intended that the Financial Services Authority should be efficient and economic and ensure that costs and restrictions on firms are proportionate to the benefits of regulation.

  CAP (Fontainebleau Rebate)
  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to his answer of 18 November 1997,Official Report, column 115, if he will calculate the effect of only one programme being underspent by £200 million and no other changes to other programmes or matters on the level of the Fontainebleau rebate in the following year. [17758]

  Mrs. Liddell
  On the assumption that the £200 million underspend took place entirely in the UK, and all other things being equal, our abatement would increase by around £110 million in the year following the underspend. This is however a hypothetical calculation. In practice numerous other factors would influence the outcome of the abatement.
  467

  Financial Services Authority
  Mr. Swinney
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proposals he has for the relationship between the Financial Services Authority and the Scottish Parliament. [17202]

  Mrs. Liddell
  Financial regulation is reserved to the Westminster Parliament.

  Mr. Swinney
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the estimated cost of the proposed Financial Services Authority; what office accommodation has been secured for it; and at what cost to public funds. [17088]

  Mrs. Liddell
  The Financial Services Authority does not receive public funds. It is responsible for acquiring and meeting the costs of its own accommodation.

  Mr. Swinney
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the impact of the establishment of the Financial Services Authority on the role of professional bodies in Scotland with responsibility for monitoring the work of solicitors and accountants. [17201]

  Mrs. Liddell
  The Government intend to give the Financial Services Authority responsibility for the authorisation of all firms carrying an investment business, including those currently authorised by virtue of their certification by a Recognised Professional Body. The Government are considering enabling the Financial Services Authority to engage professional bodies to carry out specified functions on its behalf. The Financial Services Authority may also be able to refrain from making specified rules or categories of rules where it considers those of the relevant professional bodies to be adequate. The Financial Services Authority is currently consulting the professional bodies, including those in Scotland, on this matter.

  Landfill Tax
  Mr. Brake
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much money has been raised form the landfill tax since 1996. [16883]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 20 November 1997]: The amount of landfill tax collected to the end of October 1997 was £343 million.

  Mr. Brake
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much money has been raised by the landfill tax from the deposition of waste taken from previously contaminated land. [16884]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 20 November 1997]: None. Subject to certain qualifying conditions, waste arising from the clearance of contaminated land and disposed of to landfill is exempt from landfill tax.

  Newry VAT Registration Unit
  Mr. Mallon
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the(a) total agreed complement of (i) full-time permanent staff, (ii) casual fixed term staff and (iii) part-time staff and (b) total number of (1) casual staff recruited, (2) permanent staff recruited, (3) voluntary early retirements by permanent staff, (4) dismissals of permanent staff, (5) dismissals of casual staff, (6) dismissals of part-time staff, (7) contracts that expired, (8) contracts that
  468
  were extended, (9) staff on long term sick leave, (10) staff on maternity leave, (11) compulsory early retirements and (12) fundamental early retirements under fundamental economic review for Newry VAT Registration Unit of HM Customs and Excise. [17061]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 21 November 1997]: (a) The current agreed resource allocation is:

  (i) 91 full-time permanent staff

  (ii) 10 fixed term and 5 casual staff

  (iii) 11 part-time staff

  (b) In the twelve months since November 1996:

  (1) 7 casual staff have been recruited

  (2) 17 fixed term appointees have been converted to permanent and 1 by direct recruitment

  (3) Nil—voluntary early retirements

  (4) Nil—dismissals of permanent staff

  (5) Nil—dismissals of casual staff

  (6) Nil—dismissals of part-time staff

  (7) 3 "casual" contracts expired

  (8) 6 Fixed Term Appointments were extended

  (9) 5 staff are currently on long term sick leave (exceeding 25 days)

  (10) 12 women have had periods of maternity leave

  (11) & (12) Nil—early retirements

  VAT (Passenger Transport)
  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his policy on value added tax levels on passenger transport fares. [16981]

  Dawn Primarolo
  It is the Government's policy to maintain the current zero rate on public passenger transport.

  Income Tax
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate how may people would have a marginal rate of income tax of 10p in the pound, assuming bands for this rate were the first(a) £500, (b) £1,000, (c) £1,500, (d) £2,000, (e) £2,500, (f) £3,000, (g) £4,000, (h) £5,000 and (i) £6,000 of taxable income. [16837]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Using the hon. Member's assumptions, the estimates for 1997–98 are given in the table.

  New 10p starting rate on first1£

  Number of taxpayers who would face a marginal rate of 10 pence (millions)

  500

  0.8

  1,000

  1.5

  1,500

  2.2

  2,000

  2.8

  2,500

  3.4

  3,000

  4.1

  4,000

  5.6

  5,000

  7.1

  6,000

  8.5

  1 Assuming that the new 10 pence rate band would apply to all taxable income, so that the rates for savings income would be 10 per cent., 20 per cent. and 40 per cent.

  469

  Scientific Research Associations (Taxation)
  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will amend the terms of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988 in respect of the definitions used to determine the tax liabilities of scientific research associations. [17579]

  Dawn Primarolo
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry is responsible for certifying whether a body is a scientific research association (SRA). Her department is reassessing the criteria for qualification as an SRA.

  Budget Measures (Environmental Impact)
  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will include in his consultation document on the Budget, plans to publish an annual Green Book estimating the environmental impact of Budget measures. [17295]

  Dawn Primarolo
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on the hon. Member for South Suffolk (Mr. Yeo) on 10 July 1997,Official Report, column 1062.

  Indonesia
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what contribution Her Majesty's Government made to the IMF package for Indonesia. [17150]

  Mrs. Liddell
  There was no bilateral contribution made by the UK Government to the IMF package for Indonesia.

  European Central Bank
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer under what procedures and with which participants the appointment of office holders of the(a) governing council and (b) governing board, of the proposed European Central Bank will be made; what will be the principal functions of (a) and (b); and what factors determine who will be responsible for appointing office holders. [15310]

  Mrs. Liddell
  These arrangements are set out in Protocol No. 3 to the Maastricht Treaty (on the Statute of the European System of Central Banks and of the European Central Bank).

  VAT (Building Conversion)
  Mr. Brake
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much money was raised in each of the last five financial years from value added tax paid on goods and materials used in the conversion of old buildings to residential use. [16838]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The information requested is not available.

  Somerset House
  Ms Lawrence
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what progress is being made with plans to open up Somerset House to wider public access. [17925]

  Dawn Primarolo
  A new trust, the Somerset House Trust, has been established, under the chairmanship of the right hon. Sir Timothy Sainsbury. The trust has its objective the care and stewardship of Somerset House,470
  with a view to restoring it fully and turning part of the building into an improved centre for art and culture with increased public access and use.

  The Government propose shortly to assign Somerset House to the trust on a 128 year lease. Under the terms of the lease, the trust will pay no rent to the Government for 5 years; after 5 years, it will pay 25 per cent. of the income receivable from its tenants; and after 10 years, 50 per cent. The Government will also make available to the trust an initial grant of up to £1 million a year for the first four years of its operation. Once the lease is signed, ownership of Somerset House will be transferred from the Inland Revenue to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

  As regards occupancy, the Lord Chancellor's Department plan to vacate the South Wing of Somerset House next year; after necessary renovation and adaptation, part of the South Wing will house the Gilbert Collection of precious gold and silver objects and the trust will seek appropriate heritage uses for the remainder of the Wing. The Courtauld Institute will continue to occupy the North Wing, as tenants of the trust, and the Inland Revenue will continue to occupy the East, West and New Wings.

  This is an important step towards the long term preservation of one of the London's finest heritage assets and its development for public enjoyment. The Gilbert Collection, generously donated by Mr. Arthur Gilbert, is the largest ever gift to the nation of works of art of this kind. I wish the new trust every success.

  Abortions
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) how many legal abortions were performed in 1996(a) with antiprogesterone and (b) without overnight stay in each (i) health region and (ii) district health authority; and how many in each case involved (1) National Health Service hospitals, (2) National Health Service agency arrangements and (3) other purchasers; [17143]

  (2) how many legal abortions were performed in (a) 1995 and (b) 1996 on women in each quinary age group, in each (i) health region and (ii) district health authority as constituted on 1st April 1996. [17142]

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

  Letter from Tim Holt to Dr. Jenny Tonge, dated 25 November 1997:
  The Chancellor of the Exchequer has asked me to reply, as Director of the Office for National Statistics (ONS), to your recent questions on legal abortions.
  The number of abortions performed in 1995 by quinary age-group in each health region and health authority as constituted on 1st April 1995 is published in the ONS publication 'Abortion Statistics 1995' series AB No. 22.
  The number of abortions performed in 1995 could only be provided to the health authority boundaries as constituted in 1996 at disproportionate cost.
  The number of abortions performed in 1996 by quinary age-groups in each health region and health authority as constituted on 1st April 1996 are being compiled at present and will be published in 'Abortion Statistics 1996' in December 1997.

  471
  Statistics for the number of legal abortions performed in 1996 with antiprogesterone and without overnight stay will also be published in the Abortion Statistics annual reference volume for 1996 (series AB No. 23).

DUCHY OF LANCASTER

  Citizens Charters
  Mr. Fabricant
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will list each citizens charter currently operating and its running cost in the last available year. [17320]

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  There are 40 main national Charters, which are as follows:List of Charters

  United Kingdom

  Taxpayer's Charter (HM Customs & Excise)

  Taypayer's Charter (Inland Revenue)

  Traveller's Charter (HM CustoMs and Excise)

  Great Britain

  Benefits Agency Customer Charter

  Child Support Agency Charter

  Contributor's Charter

  Employer's Charter

  Jobseeker's Charter

  Redundancy Payments Service Charter

  England and Wales

  Charter for Court Users

  Victim's Charter

  England only

  Charter for Further Education

  Charter for Higher Education

  Council Tenant's Charter

  London Bus Passenger's Charter

  London Underground's Customer Charter

  Parent's Charter

  Patient's Charter

  Road User's Charter

  Scotland only

  Further and Higher Education Charter in Scotland

  Justice Charter for Scotland

  Parent's Charter in Scotland

  Patient's Charter

  Tenant's Charter for Scotland

  Wales only

  Charter for Further Education

  Charter for Higher Education

  Charter for Council Tenants in Wales

  Charter for Parents in Wales

  Charter for Patients in Wales

  Northern Ireland only

  A Charter for Patients and Clients

  Bus Passenger's Charter

  Charter for Further Education in Northern Ireland

  Child Support Agency (NI) Charter

  Courts' Charter for Northern Ireland

  Northern Ireland Housing Executive Tenant's Charter

  472

  Northern Ireland Railways Passenger's Charter

  Parent's Charter

  Royal Ulster Constabulary Charter

  Social Security Agency Customer Charter

  Training and Employment Agency Customer's Charter

  In addition there are over 10,000 local charters, which are not centrally controlled.

  Running Costs

  The Citizens Charter Unit in my Department had a budget of £4.8 million in the last financial year (1996–97), of which £2.9 million was spent on the Charter Mark Awards Scheme.

  Other departments are responsible for arrangements to oversee the running of their charters. These costs are not held centrally and could only be provided at disproportionate costs.

  In June, we announced that we would relaunch the Charter programme. We began a consultation exercise on 16 September and will publish the results next year.

  Special Advisers
  Mr. Edward Davey
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what was the total paybill for all Special Advisers for 1996–97; what is the projected figure for(a) 1997–98 and (b) 1998–99; and if he will make a statement. [14103]

  Dr. David Clark
  The total paybill for 1996–97 was £1.8 million. The estimated paybill for 1997–98 is £2.6 million. The estimated total paybill for 1997–98 covers various posts, including the Standards and Effectiveness Adviser to the Department for Education and Employment, the UK anti-drugs co-ordinator and his deputy, which are not covered by the earlier paybill figure.

  No projected figures are available for future years.

  Political Advisers
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many political advisers were employed in each Government department on 1 August, and what was the annual total salary cost of such advisers, for (i) 1992–93, (ii) 1993–94, (iii) 1994–95, (iv) 1995–96, (v) 1996–97 and (vi) 1997–98; what are the current salary scales on which they are paid; and if he will make a statement. [14806]

  Dr. David Clark
  At 1 August, Government departments employed the following numbers of paid Special Advisers:

  Department

  Number employed

  Number 10 Downing Street

  118

  Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food

  2

  Cabinet Office (Office of Public Service)

  1

  Chief Whip's Office

  2

  Department for Culture, Media and Sport

  22

  Ministry of Defence

  2

  Department for Education and Employment

  15

  Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions

  23

  Foreign and Commonwealth Office

  2

  473

  Department

  Number employed

  Department of Health

  2

  Home Office

  2

  Department for International Development

  2

  Lord Privy Seal's Office

  2

  Northern Ireland Office

  2

  Privy Council Office

  1

  Scottish Office

  2

  Department of Social Security

  2

  Department of Trade and Industry

  2

  Her Majesty's Treasury

  4

  Welsh Office

  2

  1 Of which two part-time.

  2 Of which one part-time.

  The total salary cost for 1992–93 is not readily available. However, the paybill for those in post at September 1992 was £1.3 million.

  The total salary costs for the years 1993–96 are given in the list below:

  1 August 1993–31 July 1994: £1,133,590

  1 August 1994–31 July 1995: £1,460,733

  1 August 1995–31 July 1996: £1,512,622

  The total paybill from 1 April 1996 to 31 March 1997 was £1.8 million. The estimated paybill for 1997–98 is £2.6 million. The estimated total paybill for 1997–98 covers various posts, including the Standards and Effectiveness Adviser to the Department for Education and Employment, the UK anti-drugs co-ordinator and his deputy, which are not covered by the earlier paybill figure.

  No projected figures are available for future years.

  The current salaries in bands of £10,000 are set out in the following table.

  Salary band (£)

  Number of Advisers

  10,001–20,000

  6

  20,001–30,000

  25

  30,001–40,000

  14

  40,001–50,000

  8

  50,001–60,000

  6

  60,001–70,000

  6

  70,001–80,000

  1

  80,001–90,000

  2

  90,001–100,000

  0

  100,001–110,000

  1

  The table includes the nine Special Advisers appointed since 1 August.

CABINET OFFICE

  Millennium Dome
  Mr. Marshall-Andrews
  To ask the Minister without Portfolio, pursuant to his answer of 11 November 1997,Official Report, column 534, in relation to the procedures applied to the appointment of M. & C. Saatchi as contractors of the Millennium Dome Project, in accordance with which of the three criteria listed in the answer the contract was awarded to M.& C. Saatchi. [17452]
  474
  Mr. Mandelson
  [holding answer 24 November 1997]: The contract awarded to M. & C. Saatchi met all three of the criteria listed in my answer of 11 November. Further details about this contract are contained in my letter to my hon. Friend of 24 November which I have, with his consent, placed in the Libraries of the House.

HOUSE OF COMMONS

  Bar Glasses
  Mr. Barnes
  To ask the Chairman of the Catering Committee if he will ensure that lined glasses are used in all the bars on the Parliamentary Estate. [17204]

  Mr. Dennis Turner
  As my hon. Friend will appreciate, my Committee has no responsibility for bars in the House of Lords or for the Sports and Social Club. However, all the glasses used in this House's Refreshment Department outlets conform with current trading standards. Should any future legislation be enacted which would require all glasses to be so lined, then I understand that the Refreshment Department would phase in such glasses accordingly.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Mission Statement
  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received from the Government of Indonesia in respect of the Foreign Office mission statement. [15990]

  Mr. Fatchett
  None.

  Nigeria
  Mr. Ian Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Government of Nigeria in respect of the restoration of democracy. [16003]

  Mr. Fatchett
  We have contact with the Nigerian Government through our High Commissioner in Abuja. He regularly raises our concerns about the lack of progress towards the restoration of democracy and respect for human rights.

  Kashmir
  Mr. Blunt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement concerning his role in relation to Kashmir. [16014]

  Mr. Fatchett
  I refer the hon. Member to the replies I gave to my hon. Friends the Members for Peterborough (Mrs. Brinton) and for Luton, North (Mr. Hopkins) on 28 October 1997,Official Report, columns 795–96. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary made clear to the House on the same day that Britain continues to be willing to help find a solution, but that any offer of help must be acceptable to Pakistan and India.
  475

  Israeli Prime Minister
  Mr. Caplin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the recent visit to the United Kingdom of the Prime Minister of Israel. [16017]

  Dr. Starkey
  To ask the Secretary of State For Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he made to the Israeli Prime Minister during his recent visit to London. [16020]

  Mr. Ivan Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on his recent talks with the Prime Minister of Israel. [16026]

  Mr. Fatchett
  I refer my hon. Friends to the answer given to the House today by my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary to my hon. Friend the Member for Hendon (Mr. Dismore).

  Mr. George Atkinson
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the case of Mr. George Atkinson, imprisoned in Dubai. [16018]

  Mr. Fatchett
  We have been told by the Government of Dubai that initial charges have been made against Mr. Atkinson. When investigations have been completed, final charges will be made and the case referred to the court or he will be released.

  Iraq
  Mr. Hanson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the United Nations with regard to the situation in Iraq. [16019]

  Mr. Fatchett
  Following the UN Security Council's display of unanimity, I am pleased that Saddam Hussein has backed down unconditionally and allowed UNSCOM Inspection to return to Iraq. The Inspectors should now be permitted to get on with their job of uncovering and destroying Iraq's large stocks of weapons of mass destruction.

  Human Rights
  Mr. Timms
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what will be the role of the European Union under the terms of the Amsterdam treaty in the protection of fundamental human rights. [16021]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  Under Article F of the Treaty on European Union, the Union is already obliged to respect fundamental rights, as guaranteed by the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). The Amsterdam Treaty, by an amendment to Article L, confirms the European Court of Justice (ECJ) jurisdiction to ensure that acts of EU institutions are consistent with these rights. New Article F.1 allows for sanctions against a Member State found in "serious and persistent" breach of fundamental rights. The EU's role, therefore, complements—and does not replace—that of the European Court of Human Rights.
  476
  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list those countries to which the European Union has made representations concerning the human rights and record of that country. [17316]

  Mr. Fatchett
  The European Union has made representations to a range of countries concerning their human rights records. A summary of European human rights activities is set out in the European Union's Annual Memorandum to the European Parliament. The most recent edition of the Memorandum was issued on 16 October 1997, and is available in the Libraries of the House.

  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list those posts which in their project work in the legal training of state officials provide human rights documentation for schools and support non-governmental organisations involved in human rights issues. [17322]

  Mr. Fatchett
  Many posts support local human rights projects. Those recently involved in legal training of state officials or provision of human rights educational material include Sofia, Peking, Prague, Islamabad, Colombo, Lusaka, Vilnius and Port Louis. Posts regularly work closely with the British Council and both UK-based and local NGOs.

  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list those countries to which representations have been made by Her Majesty's Government on the grounds of the human rights record of that country. [17314]

  Mr. Fatchett
  We make representations to many countries on their human rights records. We do so bilaterally or with EU partners, either directly or through multilateral fora. Where we consider it to be more effective, some representations are made privately.

  Common Foreign and Security Policy
  Sir Sydney Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement about the United Kingdom contributions to the European Union budget activities on the Common foreign and security policy. [16022]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  The 1997 EU budget for the common foreign and security policy makes provision for commitments of up to 30 Mecu (ie about £22.1 million). Britain's gross contribution is approximately 15 per cent. of expenditure, ie up to £3.32 million depending on the prevailing exchange rate.

  Australia (Native Title)
  Mr. Connarty
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received on Australia's proposals on native title of their indigenous peoples. [16023]

  Mr. Fatchett
  We have received a small number of letters.

  Maastricht Treaty
  Mr. Ruffley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received on the provisions of the Maastricht treaty relating to political integration. [16024]
  477
  Mr. Doug Henderson
  We have received a wide variety of representations on the Maastricht Treaty.

  Export Promotion
  Mrs. Brinton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps his Department is taking to encourage export promotion to central and eastern Europe. [16025]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  We provide a range of services to encourage trade with Central and Eastern Europe, including export promoters. A major campaign was launched in January 1997 to promote awareness among British businesses of the growing commercial opportunities in Central Europe.

  European Union
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions his Department has had with representatives of countries seeking entry into the European Union. [16027]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  We are committed to enlargement of the EU and to ensuring that this is an all-inclusive process. Regular contacts—at all levels— with all countries that have applied for membership in the European Union are essential to this. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary is visiting Hungary, the Czech Republic and Poland this week. I have travelled to Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovenia and Turkey this autumn. All this is in addition to the continuous dialogue conducted by officials and HM Ambassadors.

  China
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of United Kingdom relations with China in respect of the handover of Hong Kong. [16000]

  Mr. Fatchett
  We have entered a new, more constructive phase in our relations with China. Provided China continues to fulfill its pledge to respect the Joint Declaration, we believe Hong Kong will remain a bridge between Britain and China. When my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary met his Chinese opposite number in New York in September, they agreed to work together on a whole range of bilateral and global issues.

  Visa Applicants
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the case of Mr. Vaja of Leicester, Ref. R/97/3541, who has been refused a visa in Bombay. [16756]

  Mr. Fatchett
  We have asked our High commissioner in Bombay for a detailed account of the application and my noble Friend the Under-Secretary will write to my hon. Friend within one week of receiving that account.

  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the case of Mrs. Chauhan of 5 Rushey Close, Leicester, whose husband has been refused a visa in Bombay (Foreign Office ref. GV100/36904). [16846]
  478
  Mr. Fatchett
  I understand that the Migration and Visa Correspondence Unit wrote to my hon. Friend on 18 November about this case. I hope the reply has addressed my hon. Friend's concerns.

  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the average waiting time for an interview in respect of an application to join(a) a husband and (b) a wife in (i) Pakistan, (ii) Sri Lanka, (iii) India and (iv) Bangladesh in the last year for which figures are available. [16972]

  Mr. Fatchett
  The average waiting times for interviews in respect of applications to join husband/wives in the last year for which figures are available (1996) are as follows (unless otherwise specified figures are the same for husbands and wives and refer to first time application):

  Waiting time

  Islamabad

  3.5 months, to join husband

  4.5 months to join wife

  Karachi

  16 weeks

  Colombo

  10–12 weeks, depending on the conditions attached to the spouse's stay in the UK

  New Delhi

  2.75 months

  Bombay

  11 weeks

  Madras

  6 weeks

  Calcutta

  2 weeks

  Dhaka

  6.7 months

  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many(a) men and (b) women were waiting for an interview at British High Commission offices in (i) Pakistan, (ii) Sir Lanka, (iii) India and (iv) Bangladesh to join husbands or wives resident in the United Kingdom on 1 November. [16919]

  Mr. Fatchett
  On 1 November, the numbers of men and women waiting for an interview to join husbands or wives in the UK were as follows:

  Post

  Men

  Women

  Islamabad

  610

  665

  Karachi

  33

  57

  Colombo

  1

  121

  New Delhi

  33

  73

  Bombay

  86

  209

  Madras

  11

  19

  Calcutta

  1

  0

  Dhaka

  432

  151

  Entry Certificate Officers
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many entry certificate officers were employed in British High Commission offices in(a) Pakistan, (b) Sri Lanka, (c) India and (d) Bangladesh on 1 November. [16915]
  479
  Mr. Fatchett
  The number of Entry Clearance Officers employed on 1 November is as follows:

  Officers

  Islamabad

  21

  Karachi

  4

  Colombo

  3

  New Delhi

  10

  Bombay

  8

  Madras

  2 + 50 per cent. of the time of a third officer

  Calcutta

  75 per cent. of the time of one officer

  Dhaka

  11

  Migration and Visa Correspondence Unit
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what resources he will make available to deal with the backlog of cases at the Migration and Visa Correspondence Unit. [16757]

  Mr. Fatchett
  We have taken a variety of measures to deal with the backlog of cases, including the deployment of additional temporary staff and seven day working. We are currently making arrangements to appoint five extra permanent members of staff to the Unit. Three have already been selected and are in post. We aim to fill the remaining posts within two months.

  Treaty of Rome
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will publish as a command paper a consolidated version of the Treaty of Rome, as amended by all subsequent treaties including the Treaty of Amsterdam, with all the protocols from all of the treaties. [17300]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  A consolidated version of the Treaty of Rome (the Treaty Establishing the European Community), as amended by subsequent treaties including the Treaty of Amsterdam (not yet in force), was published in a Command Paper on 29 October 1997 (Cm 3780). All the protocols to the Treaty of Rome which will be in force when the Amsterdam Treaty enters into force are listed in the same Command Paper. The text of the protocols annexed to the Treaty of Rome or added by the Treaty on European Union are printed in Cm 455 (1988) and Cm 2485 (1994); and those to be added by the Treaty of Amsterdam are printed in Cm 3780 (1997).

  Asia-Europe Meeting
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will ensure that human rights are on the agenda at the forthcoming second Asia-Europe meeting. [16060]

  Mr. Fatchett
  The agenda for the second Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) is still under discussion. The Chairman's Statement after the first ASEM in Bangkok expressed commitment to strengthening political dialogue between Asia and Europe on the basis, among other things, of equality and the promotion of fundamental rights.
  480

  Dalai Lama
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement regarding the succession of the Dalai Lama. [17309]

  Mr. Fatchett
  The succession of the Dalai Lama is a matter for the Tibetan people.

  Turkey
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will raise Turkey's activities in Iraq in the Security Council. [17576]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  We have no current plans to do so. We have urged the Turks to withdraw their forces from northern Iraq as soon as possible.

  Torture Equipment
  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what estimate his Department has made of the value of torture equipment sold by United Kingdom companies since 1992; and if he will list those countries to which such equipment has been sold. [17323]

  Mr. Fatchett
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Minister for Small Firms, Trade and Industry to my hon. Friend the Member for Cynon Valley (Mrs. Clwyd) on 29 October 1997,Official Report, column 825.

  East Timor
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the arrangements to ensure that the proposed European Troika visit to East Timor is able to hold private meetings with persons(a) in Dili and (b) in rural areas. [15986]

  Mr. Fatchett
  We aim for the Troika Ambassadors to talk to a wide range of people to get as complete a picture as possible of the situation. Detailed arrangements will be worked out in conjunction with our EU partners.

  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Indonesian Government on the recommendation by the United Nations Human Rights Commission that the United Nations Rapporteur on Torture be invited to visit East Timor, in time for him to report to the meeting of the Commission in April 1998. [15987]

  Mr. Fatchett
  We continue to encourage the Indonesian Government to implement the resolution of the UN Commission on Human Rights 1997.

  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the United Kingdom will support efforts by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to deploy an on-site human rights presence in East Timor. [16061]

  Mr. Fatchett
  There are no efforts by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to deploy an on-site human rights presence in East Timor.
  481

  EU Defence Co-operation
  Mr. Pound
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with his European Union Counterparts about future European defence co-operation. [16164]

  Mr. Fatchett
  The European Union itself is not responsible for defence co-operation. At the Amsterdam European Council, the UK and European Union partners agreed that the European Union would avail itself of the Western European Union to elaborate and implement decisions and actions of the Union which have defence implications. Arrangements for enhanced co-operation between the European Union and Western European Union have been discussed by the General Affairs Council of the European Union have been discussed by the General Affairs Council of the European Union and by the Council of the Western European Union.

  Burma
  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on conditions in the relocation camps within Karenni state, Burma. [17602]

  Mr. Fatchett
  My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has made no specific representations on this subject to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. But, with strong UK support, the President of the European Council wrote to Mrs. Robinson on 6 October about the deplorable human rights situation in Burma, urging further UN actions to improve the situation and drawing attention to the EU Common Position.

  The UK played a full role in ensuring that the plight of ethnic minorities in Burma was included in the UN Committee on Human Rights resolution in April. We are playing an equally active role in negotiations on the UN General Assembly Third Committee resolution on Burma, to be adopted in plenary in December.

  Algeria
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what measures he plans to take in respect of human rights in Algeria; and if he will make a statement. [16584]

  Mr. Fatchett
  In our regular contacts with the Algerian authorities, we express our serious concerns about reports of human rights abuses in Algeria. We plan to continue expressing these concerns and to encourage the Algerian Government to agree an early date for the visit they have already indicated they accept from the UN Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial Killings.

  Gibraltar
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he will take to ensure that Gibraltar is permitted to enjoy the rights concerning the free movement of goods, capital, services and people prescribed by membership of the European Union. [17811]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  We take seriously our responsibilities for Gibraltar within the EU. We stand up firmly for Gibraltar's EU rights to exercise free movement 482
  of capital, services and people and shall continue to do so. Gibraltarians' right to free movement will not, for example, be affected by the Treaty of Amsterdam. Provisions on the free movement of goods do not apply in Gibraltar. Since Gibraltar is outside the Community Customs Territory and the Common Commercial policy, it is treated as a third country for imports into the Community.

  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what restrictions are placed on civilian aircraft using Gibraltar airport in respect of their use of airspace, at take-off and on final approach to landing. [17808]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  Spain prohibits civilian aircraft movements to the North and West of Gibraltar in a way which affects approaches to, and departures from, Gibraltar.

  Military Training Assistance
  Mr. St. Aubyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he expects his Department's review of military training assistance to be completed. [17654]

  Mr. Fatchett
  My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary is examining this Department's Military Training Assistance Scheme as part of the Comprehensive Spending Review. The Review is likely to be completed in the Spring of 1998.

  Tunisia
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to Tunisia on human rights violations; and if he will make a statement. [16583]

  Mr. Fatchett
  We are in regular contact with the Tunisian authorities on human rights issues.

  Hong Kong
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he plans to take to monitor human rights and electoral procedures in Hong Kong. [15992]

  Mr. Fatchett
  We are committed to monitoring all aspects of the implementation of the Sino-British Joint Declaration on Hong Kong, including those parts relating to human rights and the legislature.

  Contingency and Operational Procurement Exhibition
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the military, security and police officials invited to the 1997 contingency and operational procurement exhibition. [14405]

  Mr. Spellar
  I have been asked to reply as this matter falls within my area of responsibility.

  COPEX 97 was a privately run exhibition which the Ministry of Defence played no part in organising. I am therefore unable to list any of the invitees.
  483

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Paramilitary Beatings
  Mr. Trimble
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many paramilitary beatings and shootings have occurred in 1997, indicating where possible the paramilitary organisation believed to be responsible. [16030]

  Mr. Ingram
  Between 1 January 1997 and 11 November 1997 the number of casualties as a result of paramilitary-style assaults and shootings was:

  Casualties as a result of Paramilitary-style attacks I January to 11 November 1997

  Attributed to Loyalist

  Attributed to Republican

  Total

  Casualties as a result of shootings

  43

  18

  61

  Casualties as a result of assaults

  69

  72

  141

  Total

  112

  90

  202

  Police Station, Coleraine
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the estimated cost of the new police station for Coleraine, County Londonderry. [17355]

  Mr. Ingram
  It is not possible to give an estimated cost of a new police station for Coleraine, County Londonderry as no decision has yet been taken on this project.

  Requirements for police buildings are currently being assessed against policing needs and availability of funding.

  Traffic Flows
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what is the peak traffic capacity of the Castledawson bypass; how many vehicles used it when it was first opened; what has been the number each year since opening on a daily basis; and what are the peak hourly flows this year; [17352]

  PQ 1214—Traffic Volumes on bridges across the Lower Bann River

  (1) Most recent surveys

  (2) 1992 surveys

  Name of bridge

  Year

  Average daily traffic volumes

  Average peak hourly flows

  Average daily traffic volumes

  Average peak hourly flows

  AM

  PM

  AM

  PM

  Toome Bridge

  1997

  17,667

  1,652

  1,737

  12,990

  960

  1,350

  Agivey Bridge

  1996

  3,130

  220

  300

  2,910

  n/a

  n/a

  Bann Bridge, Portglenone

  1997

  8,500

  663

  696

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  Sandleford Bridge

  1995

  20,720

  n/a

  n/a

  15,150

  n/a

  n/a

  Kilrea Bridge

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a = Not available.

  484
  (2) how many vehicles pass over each of the bridges over the Lower Bann each day; in each case what is the hourly peak flow; and what were the figures five years ago; [17353]

  (3) if she will list the daily number of vehicles and the peak hourly traffic flow (a) currently and (b) five years ago over (i) Swanns Bridge, (ii) Roe Bridge Limavady and (iii) Dungiven Bridge over the River Roe; [17354]

  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what was the daily and hourly peak traffic flows along(a) Linen Hall Street and (b) Connell Street Limavady (i) were in each of the last five years and (ii) are at present. [17358]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  Responsibility for these matters has been delegated to the Roads Service under its chief executive, Mr. W.S. McCoubrey. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from W. J. McCoubrey to Mr. William Ross, dated 24 November 1997:
  The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has asked me to respond to your recently tabled PQs about traffic volumes at various locations.
  PQ 1213—TRAFFIC VOLUMES ON CASTLEDAWSON BY-PASS
  The design capacity of the Castledawson By-pass, which opened in 1992, is 13,000 vehicles per day. Since then the average daily traffic volumes on the By-pass are as follows:

  1992: 8,800

  1993: 9,792

  1994: 10,580

  1995: 11,740

  1996: 11,860

  1997: 13,302

  In 1997 the average peak hourly flows are: 1,040 (a.m), 1,169 (p.m).
  PQs 1214, 1215, 1219
  Whilst the precise information requested is not available, I have provided details in the attached tables.
  I hope this information is helpful.
  There are five road bridges over the Lower Bann river. The following table provides details, where available, on the average daily traffic volumes and average peak hourly flows (a.m and p.m) on each of the bridges as determined by:

  (1) The most recent traffic survey carried out in each location; and

  (2) 1992 traffic surveys (where carried out).

  485
  The following table provides details, where available, on the average daily traffic volumes and average peak hourly flows (am and pm) on each of the bridges as determined by:

  PQ 1215—Traffic flows—Swanns Bridge, Roe Bridge, and Dungiven Bridge

  (1) Most recent surveys

  (2) 1992 surveys

  Name of bridge

  Year

  Average daily traffic volumes

  Average peak hourly flows

  Average daily traffic volumes

  Average peak hourly flows

  AM

  PM

  AM

  PM

  Roe Bridge

  1996

  16,180

  1200

  1380

  15,030

  No figures available

  Dungiven Bridge

  1996

  10,240

  780

  950

  8,450

  No figures available

  Swanns Bridge

  No figures available

  No figures available

  The most recent traffic data available in respect of Linenhall Street and Connell Street, Limavady are those of an 1991 traffic survey. Details, where available, are provided in the following table:

  PQ 1219—Traffic flows—Linenhall Street, and Connell Street, Limavady

  Most recent survey

  Location

  Year

  Average daily traffic volumes

  Average hourly peak flows

  AM

  PM

  Linenhall Street

  1991

  18,874

  933

  951

  Connel Street

  1991

  No figures available

  748

  1,065

  1 Based on a 10 hour count 1989.

  Farmers and Farm-workers
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what studies she has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated into the age structure of (i) full-time farmers and farm-workers and (ii) part-time farmers in Northern Ireland; how many (A) males and (B) females there are in each such category; and what were the figures (1) five, (2) 10 and (3) 15 years ago. [17356]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  Information on the age structure of full and part-time farmers and farm-workers is collected in periodic EU Structure Surveys, the latest of which was carried out in 1997.

  The numbers requested in part(II) of the question are:

  Full-time farmers and farm-workers

  Part-time farmers

  Year

  Male

  Female

  Male

  Female

  1997

  20,835

  1,487

  12,693

  1,886

  1992

  23,680

  3,133

  10,675

  3,334

  1987

  26,774

  3,632

  9,517

  3,029

  1982

  28,759

  4,641

  9,181

  2,902

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Remploy
  Miss Melanie Johnson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on Remploy's performance against the targets set in its 1996–97 annual performance agreement. [17926]
  486
  Mr. Alan Howarth
  Now that Remploy has published its Annual Report and Accounts for 1997 and audited figures are available, I am, on behalf of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, delighted to confirm that Remploy has exceeded its 1996–97 targets. The targets and achievements are listed in the following table. Copies of Remploy's 1997 Annual Report and Accounts are available in the Library.

  Target

  Achievement

  The average number of disabled people employed by Remploy:

  At least 9,400

  9,662

  Average number of disabled people employed under the Interwork scheme:

  At least 2,400

  2,704

  The number of disabled employees to move from Remploy factories to Interwork having been employed there for at least 1 year, or from Interwork or factories to open employment:

  At least 175

  182

  Remploy will keep within a unit cost target (operating deficit per disabled worker) of:

  £10,170

  £9,967

  The unit cost of Interwork to be no more than:)

  £4,540

  £4,230

  Remploy to keep within an operating deficit (including reorganisation costs) of:

  £99 million

  £98, million

  EU Education Council
  Ms Buck
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what were the outcomes of the Council of EC Education Ministers held on 20 November. [17927]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  The Council of Education Ministers, at which my noble Friend the Minister of State, Department for Education and Employment and my hon. Friend the Minister for Education and Industry, Scottish Office represented the UK, made a declaration on respect for diversity and the fight against racism and xenophobia. The Council agreed in principle the texts of a resolution on the early learning of the languages of the European Union; of conclusions on the evaluation of the quality of school education; and, subject to a UK Parliamentary scrutiny reservation, of a common position on a draft recommendation on European co-operation in higher education quality assurance. The Council gave a second reading to a European Commission proposal to increase the budget of the SOCRATES education programme. In
  487
  this it restated its view that the programme budget should be increased from 850 million ecu1 to 875 million ecu2 over five years.

  The Council heard European Commission presentations on the communication "Towards a Europe of Knowledge" and the EURYDICE publication "Key Data on Education in the European Union 1997".

  After the Council, European Union Education Ministers held a meeting with Education Ministers of the associated countries of Central and Eastern Europe to discuss matters of mutual interest.

  The Council minutes will be placed in the Library as soon as they became available.

  1£580 million at £1 = 0.6.825 ecu.

  2£597 million at £1 = 0.6.825 ecu.

  Higher and Further Education (Top-up Fees)
  Ms Stuart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will take steps to prohibit the charging of top-up fees by institutions of higher and further education. [17600]

  Dr. Howells
  My right hon. Friend has made it clear that top-up fees play no part in the Government's plans for higher education and that no university or college should proceed on the basis of introducing such additional fees. We are considering whether or not it is necessary to seek legislation on this issue.

  Education Authority Spending
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list for each local education authority in England for the three most recent years(a) actual expenditure on service strategy and regulation, (b) actual expenditure within the general schools budget on education, management and administration, (c) the outturn expenditure within the general schools budget, (d) the outturn expenditure within the potential schools budget, (e) the outturn expenditure within the aggregate schools budget and (f) the number of pupils in primary and secondary schools. [16058]

  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 17 November 1997]: Tables containing the information requested have been placed in the Library. These are derived from (a) the revenue outturn form RO1 return collected by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, for the financial years 1993–94, 1994–95 and 1995–96; (b) to (e) the outturn statements produced by local education authorities under section 42 of the Education Reform Act 1988, for the financial years 1993–94, 1994–95 and 1995–96; (f) returns made by schools to the Department in January 1995, 1996 and 1997 (Annual Schools Census—Form 7).

  Employment Service
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what exception there are to his policy of compelling employees of the Employment Service to retire at 60 years of age; and if he will make a statement. [17164]
  488
  Mr. Alan Howarth
  Responsibility for the subject of the question has been delegated to the Employment Service agency under its Chief Executive. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from Leigh Lewis to Mr. David Kidney, dated 25 November 1997:
  The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question asking what exceptions there are to the policy of retiring employees of the Employment Service at 60 years of age. This is something which falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive.
  Age retirement policy is common across the whole of the Department for Education and Employment, including the Employment Service. The background to the policy is that, following the merger of the former Departments for Employment and Education in 1995, there was a need to ensure a common retirement policy across the new Department.
  There had, for a number of years, been a policy that staff working in the former Employment Department Group, including the Employment Service, were retained beyond their 60th birthday only where there was an operational need and the person concerned was fully fit and efficient. This same policy was adopted across the Department for Education and Employment and is a common policy across most Civil Service departments.
  If, when an individual reaches age 60, there is no ongoing need for their service they will be retired. Where, however, there is an operational need for the individual to remain in employment they are invited to do so. The criteria for retaining individuals beyond their 60th birthday are that:

  a clear operational need exists;

  the individual is carrying out their duties effectively;

  they have no known health problems;

  their retention will not lead to serious promotion blockages;

  there are no suitable surplus staff in the individual's grade/pay band or location who could be redeployed into that post.

  In addition, where there are temporary employees filling posts which could instead be filled by retaining permanent staff beyond age 60, the contracts of temporary employees will be terminated in favour of retaining permanent members of staff.

  These criteria are published in the "ES and You", the Employment Service's staff terms and conditions handbook. Since December 1996, the Employment Service has in fact retained more staff beyond age 60 than were retired at that age.
  I hope this information clarifies the circumstances in which people are invited to remain in employment beyond their 60th birthday within the Employment Service.

  New Deal
  Mr. Pickthall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what criteria were used for choosing West Lancashire as an area where the lead role in delivery of the New Deal would be offered to the private sector. [16864]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  We have invited the private sector to lead the organisation and delivery of New Deal in a total of ten locations. The competition to identify private sector lead organisations in the two pathfinder areas of Hackney and City and South Humber is complete. The additional eight areas were selected on the basis of a judgment as to where a private sector led partnership would have most to contribute.

  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) if he will list for each employment district in(a) Wales and (b) England in which he intends to contract out the management of the

  489
  welfare to work programme those contracts which will be the subject of public tender or invitation to tender; and which companies have been invited to tender; [16951]

  (2) if he will list those employment districts in (a) Wales and (b) England in which he proposes to contract out the management of the welfare to work programmes; and what is the estimated value of each contract. [16950]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  [holding answer 20 November 1997]: The essence of New Deal delivery is partnership between a wide range of public and private sector organisations to provide opportunities to meet the needs of the local client group. Effective local partnerships have an invaluable contribution to make, whatever the lead responsibilities for delivery. Detailed delivery plans for each New Deal unit of delivery will be available in the public domain once approved. Plans for 12 pathfinder districts are in the process of being made available now, and those for the bulk of remaining districts will be available during December.

  We have specifically invited the private sector to lead the organisation and delivery of New Deal in a total of 10 locations. The competition in the first two pathfinder areas (Hackney and City and South Humber) is now complete. Advertisements seeking expressions of interest have been published for the other eight, with a view to announcing the remaining lead organisations to work with the Employment Service by the end of February 1998. In Wales, the private sector will lead in Bridgend and Glamorgan Valleys. In England, the locations are West Lancashire, Leicestershire, Solihull, Colchester, Tyneside North and Exeter and East Devon.

  We cannot say at this stage which specific organisations will compete for contracts or their potential value because these depend on responses to the various competitions, the delivery arrangements proposed and the number of young people who will participate within the New Deal.

  Mr. Alasdair Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) for what reasons bidding for the contract to lead the organisation and delivery of New Deal to 18 to 24 year olds in Scotland, England and Wales is restricted to private sector organisations; [17349]

  (2) if the bidding process will allow for the management of New Deal in Scotland to be carried out separately, and by a different organisation, from that in England and Wales. [17350]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  New Deal will be organised through a wide variety of arrangements, designed to reflect the diversity of local circumstances and the expertise of those who can help in its delivery. This means different options for the management of New Deal are welcome.

  The private sector has offered an impressive range of innovative proposals for helping young people back to work. The Government are keen to harness this creativity to provide quality opportunities through which young people can improve their employability. We have therefore invited bids from the private sector, under contract to the Employment Service (ES), to lead the delivery of New Deal in a total of 10 locations where it
  490
  is judged that a private sector led partnership would have most to contribute. I would expect the private sector organisations selected to work closely with local public and private sector bodies to make a success of the New Deal.

  The bidding process allows for the management arrangements to be separated, and for separate organisations to be involved, in each of the private sector lead locations, including in Scotland. It does not, however, require it as the bids for each area will be assessed on their merits.

  In other areas, private sector or public sector consortia may also emerge as a result of discussions amongst prospective partners at a local level. In these cases, responsibility for the overall management of New Deal in that locality may rest with any member/members of the consortium under contract to the ES. A third option is that the ES directly manages New Deal Delivery.

  In all cases, the ES remains accountable for the delivery of New Deal.

  Secondary Schools (Selection Process)
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the secondary schools which are partially selective, indicating those which band their intake; and if he will make a statement. [17762]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The Department does not hold comprehensive information on partially selective schools or those which band their intake. Information is available only on those schools which since 1989 have had statutory proposals approved to introduce partial selection and those grant maintained schools which received approval to select up to 10 per cent. of their pupils on the basis of ability or aptitude in certain specified subjects between January 1989 and August 1996. This is provided in the following tables.

  Proposals to Introduce Partial Selection Approved since 1989

  LEA area

  School name

  Type of selection

  Grant maintained

  Barnet

  Mill Hill County High School

  30 per cent. by aptitude for technology

  Bromley

  Hayes GM Secondary School

  25 per cent. Selection by ability

  Berkshire

  Southlands School

  One selective form of entry (18 per cent.)

  Dorset

  Budmouth GM School

  10 per cent. selection by ability

  Hammersmith and Fulham

  London Oratory School

  20 boys at age 7 on musical and general ability

  Hertfordshire

  Watford Grammar School for Girls

  50 per cent. selection by ability

  Hertfordshire

  Watford Grammar School for Boys

  50 per cent. selection by ability

  Hertfordshire

  Parmiters School

  50 per cent. selection by ability

  Hertfordshire

  Rickmansworth School

  50 per cent. selection by ability

  Hertfordshire

  Chancellors School

  10 per cent. partial selection

  Kent

  Homewood School

  20 per cent. selection by ability

  Kingston

  Holy Cross School

  15 per cent. selection by ability

  Lambeth

  Archbishop Tenison's GM School

  banding including 40 per cent. of above average ability

  Lambeth

  St. Martin in the Fields High School

  Lambeth

  Dunraven GM School

  491

  Proposals to Introduce Partial Selection Approved since 1989

  LEA area

  School name

  Type of selection

  Surrey

  Roseberry GM Girls's School

  30 per cent. selection on academic ability and 10 places on aptitude for music

  Wandsworth

  Graveney GM School

  50 per cent. selection by ability

  Wandsworth

  Burntwood School

  50 per cent. selection by ability

  County

  Wandsworth

  Ernest Bevin School

  Partial Selection

  Wandsworth

  Chestnut Grove School

  Partial Selection

  Wandsworth

  Battersea Technology College

  Partial Selection

  Grant maintained schools introducing selection of up to 10 per cent. of their intake between July 1989 to August 1996

  LEA

  School

  Nature of change

  Havering

  Abbs Cross School

  10 per cent. Music

  Bromley

  Beaverwood Girls School

  10 per cent. Performing Arts (Music and Dance)

  Kingston Upon Thames

  Beverley School

  10 per cent. Art or Music

  Hertfordshire

  Bishop's Stortford School

  10 per cent. Music, Sport or Drama

  Kent

  Canterbury High School

  10 per cent. Music

  Kensington and Chelsea

  Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School

  10 per cent. Music

  Hertfordshire

  Chancellors School

  10 per cent. Music, Drama or Sport

  Kent

  Charles Dickens High School

  10 per cent. Music

  Kent

  Chatham Grammar School for Girls

  10 per cent. Music, Sport or Drama

  Norfolk

  Cliff Park High School

  10 per cent. Music

  Bromley

  Cooper's School

  10 per cent. Music, Drama, Dance or Sport

  Hampshire

  Crofton School

  Five places Music

  Hertfordshire

  Dame Alice Owen School

  10 per cent. Music or Sport

  Kent

  Dane Court Grammar School

  10 per cent. Music, Sport, Drama or any unusual talent

  Cambridgeshire

  Deacons School

  10 per cent. Technology

  Lambeth

  Dunraven School

  10 per cent. Music

  Enfield

  Enfield Grammar School

  10 per cent. Music or Sport

  Hertfordshire

  Goffs School

  10 per cent. Music, Drama, Sport or Languages

  Surrey

  Heathside School

  10 per cent. Music or Sport

  Barnet

  Hendon School

  10 per cent. Music

  Hertfordshire

  Hertfordshire and Essex High School

  10 per cent Music, Sport or Drama

  Surrey

  Hinchley Wood School

  10 per cent. Music

  Bromley

  Kemnal Manor School

  10 per cent. Technology

  Essex

  King Edward VI Grammar School

  Three places for Choristers

  Cambridgeshire

  Kings' School

  10 per cent. Music and Choristers

  Lambeth

  La Retraite School

  10 per cent. Music

  Camden

  La Sainte Union Convent School

  10 per cent. Music

  Kent

  Langley Park School for Boys

  10 per cent. Music or Sport

  Hertfordshire

  Leventhorpe School

  10 per cent. Music

  Lincolnshire

  Lincoln Christ's Hospital School

  10 per cent. Music

  Barnet

  Mill Hill County School

  10 per cent. Music

  Hertfordshire

  Queen's School

  10 per cent. Music, Art or Sport

  Kent

  Rainham Mark

  10 per cent. Music. Sport,

  Grammar School

  Drama or any unusual talent

  Essex

  Rainsford High School

  10 per cent. Music or Drama

  Kent

  Robert Naipier School

  10 per cent. Music. Sport, Drama or any unusual talent

  Kent

  St. George's CE School

  10 per cent. Music

  Surrey

  Thamesmead School

  10 per cent. Music

  Essex

  Ursuline Convent School

  10 per cent. Music

  Kent

  Westland High School

  10 per cent. Music

  Surrey

  Winston Churchill School

  six per cent. Music

  Norfolk

  Wymondham College

  10 per cent. Music

  492

  Grammar Schools (Admissions)
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) how many consultation letters on the future admission arrangements for grammar schools were sent out; how many responses were received; what assessment he has made of the consultation from these answers; and if he will make a statement; [17759]

  (2) how many responses to the consultation letter on future admission arrangements for grammar schools were received from (a) grammar schools, (b) non-selective secondary schools, (c) primary schools, (d) local education authorities with grammar schools and (e) local education authorities without grammar schools; and if he will make a statement. [17760]

  Mr. Byers
  The Department issued the consultation letter initially to the 164 schools which we had identified as grammar schools and to the 37 local education authorities which currently have or will have grammar schools in their areas from next April. Many LEAs circulated the letter to schools in their area. Thereafter copies of the letter were made available on request. We estimate that around 200 additional copies of the letter were issued.

  Some 1,100 responses were received. Of these:

  176 were from the headteacher and/or chair of governors of a grammar school

  30 were from other secondary schools

  16 were from primary schools

  25 were from LEAs (including shadow authorities) with grammar schools

  3 were from LEAs without grammar schools

  over 800 were from others

  We are currently considering the responses as a basis for deciding the best way of taking forward the framework we have proposed.

  School Tests (Costs)
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what was the cost of the National Testing System for seven year olds, (i) in total and (ii) broken down into costs for(a) printing, (b) postage of the test papers, (c) payments to external markers and (d) fees charged by the company which processes the results in the last year for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement. [17761]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The estimated overall costs of implementing the 1997 tests for seven year olds in English and mathematics was some £22 million. This included:(a) printing costs of around £900,000; (b) distribution costs of around £300,000; and (c) external marking costs of around £3,000. There are no estimates for the cost of data collection; the Key Stage 1 results for maintained schools are collated by LEAs (or by an accredited agency for GM schools) for reporting to the Department.

  The Government are committed to raising standards and the National Curriculum tests for seven year olds play an important part in this.
  493

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Bosnia and Herzegovina
  Sir Alastair Goodlad
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the aid currently being given by her Department to entities in Bosnia and Herzegovina. [17754]

  Clare Short
  In the current financial year my Department is providing £18.75 million to Bosnia and Herzegovina, made up of £17 million in reconstruction and humanitarian assistance, and £1.75 million through the Know How Fund. Spending benefits both entities in broadly equal proportions.

  Land Mines
  Sir Alastair Goodlad
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assistance her Department is giving to demining operations in (i) Angola, (ii) Laos, (iii) Cambodia and (iv) the Falkland Islands. [17750]

  Clare Short
  Since 1991, some £9.6 million has been spent bilaterally in supporting demining activities in Angola, Cambodia and Laos.

  My Department is currently supporting trials of an anti-personnel land mine detector in Angola, a composite programme of data gathering, clearance and community awareness of unexploded ordnance in Laos and several programmes in Cambodia, including support to develop national capacity in demining and projects on clearance, community awareness and assistance to mine victims. My Department has not allocated resources for demining in the Falkland Islands.

  Our projects are co-ordinated with the substantial resources allocated by the European Community, which are partly attributed to my Department.

  Technology Foresight
  Dr. Starkey
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development in what way the Department's research priorities have been modified in response to Technology Foresight. [17462]

  Clare Short
  The first phase of the Technology Foresight Programme did not address development issues to any significant extent. I have asked that the next phase be relevant to growing markets in the developing world. I hope that Foresight will broaden its agenda to accommodate the principles of the White Paper on International Development.

  Dr. Starkey
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what Technology Foresight priorities are being taken into account in the forward planning of her Department's scientific research programme. [17469]

  Clare Short
  My Department is working closely with the Office of Science and Technology to ensure that the principles espoused in the Government's White Paper on International Development (Cm 3789) are accommodated in the Technology Foresight programme. My hon. Friend the Under Secretary of State for International 494
  Development will be a member of the recently announced Ministerial group which will co-ordinate the Foresight programme.

  Sierra Leone
  Mr. Hesford
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the timetable for the Government's release of funds for overseas aid projects through non-governmental agencies for projects within Sierra Leone. [17410]

  Clare Short
  The time scale for resumption of normal aid to Sierra Leone, provided through non-governmental agencies, will depend on progress in establishing peace and the return of the democratically elected government of President Kabbah.

  Principles and guidelines for the provision of humanitarian aid have been established by the Office of the United Nations Humanitarian Co-ordinator for Sierra Leone. Funding is being provided through the European Community Humanitarian Office and my Department is also considering bilateral support through the International Committee of the Red Cross.

  Official Hospitality
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what is her estimate of the expenditure by(a) her Department, (b) its agencies and (c) its non-departmental public bodies on official hospitality for (i) 1980–81, (ii) 1987–88, (iii) 1990–91, (iv) 1991–92, (v) 1992–93, (vi) 1993–94, (vii) 1994–95, (viii) 1995–96, (ix) 1996–97 and (x) 1 May to 30 September 1997. [15262]

  Clare Short
  [holding answer 12 November 1997]: Expenditure on hospitality made by the Department for International Development and its agency, the Natural Resources Institute (NRI), for the years requested is as follows:

  DFID

  NRI

  Total (£s)

  1991–92

  12,375

  4,813

  17,188

  1992–93

  12,203

  4,914

  17,117

  1993–94

  12,137

  4,914

  17,089

  1994–95

  21,246

  2,566

  23,812

  1995–96

  22,742

  3,260

  26,002

  1996–97

  24,122

  —

  24,122

  1997 to 30 September 1998

  8,827

  —

  —

  NRI was transferred to private ownership in 1996–97.

  Figures for years prior to 1991–92 cannot be provided without incurring disproportionate costs.

  Former Yugoslavia
  Mr. Bruce George
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what was the level of spending on small community-based projects organised by IFOR and SFOR troops in former Yugoslavia in each of the last two financial years; what is the projected spending on these programmes in the current and next financial year; and if she will make a statement. [16230]
  495
  Clare Short
  In 1996–97, the first year of operating such projects, my Department spent £7 million. This financial year the budget is £2.5 million. We are currently considering the scope for a further programme next year, redesigned to focus more on support for refugee return and reconciliation.

  Aid (Human Rights)
  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list those countries to which development assistance has been(a) curtailed and (b) suspended on grounds of the human rights record of the government of that state. [17317]

  Clare Short
  Since May 1997, aid from my Department's budget to Sierra Leone has been suspended, although we continue to assist the elected government which is now in exile. Aid also remains suspended through the governments of countries such as Burma, Nigeria and Sudan. In these cases, the regimes' records on human rights were one of the factors taken into account in our decisions. I have announced the outcome of my review of aid to Indonesia. In Belarus, in accordance with EU policy, we will not work through state organisations in future and will provide only humanitarian or regional support or support which directly promotes the process of democratisation. In countries where aid through central official channels has been suspended, we retain our aim of helping to eliminate poverty and will pursue this by working through NGOs and local government. We thereby also show our solidarity with oppressed peoples.

  Where we retain official aid, we may also wish to modify the pattern of aid, including possibly curtailing aid, in response to a number of short or longer term factors, including human rights. This is a continuous and general process and it is often difficult to draw out any one factor as critical to the outcome.

  Indonesia
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the implications of the US $23 billion IMF package for Indonesia for the human rights situation in that country. [16045]

  Mrs. Liddell
  I have been asked to reply.

  Indonesia's tough programme of reform marks an important step in the process of restoring confidence in financial markets in South-East Asia. It commits the Suharto government to a tight financial framework, together with a number of measures to tackle structural economic weaknesses and open the economy. We fully support these measures, which will lead to improved quality of governance and transparency in policy implementation. This should allow Indonesia to maintain its high rate of economic growth, and contribute to the benefits of growth being widely shared in all sectors of the population.

  The programme will be supported by loans of $18 billion-$10 billion from the IMF $4½ billion from the World Bank and $3½ billion from the Asian Development Bank. The remaining part of the projected $23 billion financing need will involve use of Indonesia's own external assets. We support this exceptional access to IMF
  496
  resources, particularly in view of the prudent macroeconomic policies which Indonesia has pursued over a long period of time.

DEFENCE

  Contingency and Operational Procurement Exhibition
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if the MOD inspectors who investigated the recent COPEX were provided with an attendance list of military, security and police officials and delegations; which of these delegations were from countries whose military, security and police units have records of human rights violations; and if he will make this attendance list available. [14370]

  Mr. Spellar
  MOD inspectors were not provided with an attendance list.

  Gulf War Syndrome
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the oral answer of 3 November 1997,Official Report, column 14, to the hon. Member for South Derbyshire (Mr. Todd), if he will place in the Library copies of (a) the minutes of the meeting with the joint inter-agencies on Gulf War syndrome and (b) all documents provided to his Department from the United States authorities on Gulf War syndrome. [14714]

  Dr. Reid
  The Government are committed to co-operating very closely with the US authorities on this issue and regularly exchange information with our US colleagues. We are equally committed to being open in the dealings with Gulf veterans, and have pledged to make all relevant information available. A wide range of documentation issued by the US authorities is already publicly available. However, information contained within documents received in confidence from a foreign Government is covered by exemption 1 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if, as part of his Department's investigation of Gulf War illness, he will examine the research conducted by Dr. Robert Davies at Taunton Hospital into the contribution made by exposure to organophosphate pesticide. [16848]

  Dr. Reid
  My Department will continue to take account of all research published in appropriately peer-reviewed medical and scientific journals which may be relevant in taking forward our work to address the health concerns of Gulf veterans. We have not yet seen the results of Dr. Davies' research and await its publication with interest.

  Commander John Brookes
  Mr. Alan Johnson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about the MOD role of Commander John Brookes in Hull. [16689]

  Dr. Reid
  It is my Department's policy to prevent the disclosure of information about any person (including a deceased person) or any other disclosure which could constitute or could facilitate an unwarranted invasion of
  497
  privacy. I am, accordingly, withholding the information requested under exemption 14 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

  Chatham Dockyard
  Mr. Shaw
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what were the numbers of(a) individuals, nationally and (b) ex-employees of Chatham Dockyard who (i) registered under the counselling scheme he announced on 4 June, (ii) required, initially, a copy of their past dose record, (iii) elected for counselling directly, (iv) having required a copy of their past dose record, have been advised that no dose records can be found and (v) having required a copy of their past dose record have subsequently elected for counselling. [17422]

  Mr. Spellar
  I will write to my hon. Friend and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Battledress
  Mr. Bruce George
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what are the fire retardant standards of the standard issue battledress issued to serving troops in each of the services; [16222]

  (2) what tests were undertaken of the fire retardant standards of materials used to make the current standard issue battledress issued to serving troops; [16223]

  (3) what representations he has received as to the quality of items of the standard issue battledress issued to troops in each service; and if he will make a statement; [16224]

  (4) what estimate he has made of the cost of issuing battledress with higher fire-retardant standards. [16225]

  Dr. Reid
  I will write to my hon. Friend and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Stabilisation Force
  Mr. Bruce George
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what provision is made for troops serving with SFOR to phone the United Kingdom. [16219]

  Dr. Reid
  A Welfare Telephone Allowance, currently £22 per month, is paid to troops as a contribution towards the cost of their telephone calls. A very few troops in isolated locations where it is not commercially viable to install public telephones, do not receive an allowance, but use the Military MENTOR Satellite System to telephone home.

  Those troops based at Gorni-Vakuf have access to the BT Satellite Ground Terminal which has a telephone facility incorporated. The remainder make use of the service provided by Terralink Europa under a supported PFI agreement.

  The Croatian PTT is also available in Split, but it is more expensive than Terralink Europa.

  Mr. Bruce George
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what allowance is paid to United Kingdom troops serving with SFOR for phone calls; and what data 498
  he has collated on allowances paid to troops from other nations for this purpose. [16220]

  Dr. Reid
  A Welfare Telephone Allowance, currently £22 per month, is paid to troops as a contribution towards the cost of their telephones calls. A very few troops in isolated locations where it is not commercially viable to install public telephone, do not receive an allowance, but instead have access to Military MENTOR Satellite System to telephone home.

  Data have not been collated on allowances paid to troops of other nations for this purpose, but pay and general allowances have been researched in the past. Because of differing Terms of Service and different economic factors between nations, it would not be meaningful to compare individual elements of the allowances package such as the telephone allowance.

  Mr. Bruce George
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the(a) average cost and (b) range of costs per minute of phone calls to the United Kingdom made by troops stationed in Multi-national Division (South West) of SFOR. [16221]

  Dr. Reid
  The average cost of a telephone call from MND SW to the United Kingdom is approximately 87p a minute.

  The range of costs are as follows:

  (a) Terralink Europa—60p a minute.

  (b) British Telecom—90p per minute.

  (c) PTT (Public Telephone)—95p per minute.

  Mr. Bruce George
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the average case load is of consultant-level surgeons and physicians serving with SFOR. [16226]

  Dr. Reid
  I will write to my hon. Friend and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Bruce George
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the average number of nights out of bed experienced by troops serving with SFOR. [16228]

  Dr. Reid
  Every night that an individual does not spend at his or her unit's permanent station is classified as a night out of bed. Technically, therefore, personnel serving in former Yugoslavia spend nights out of bed for the duration of their deployment.

  The average number of nights which troops currently serving in former Yugoslavia have spent away from their base in that country is 1.38 per week. Such absences occur for a variety of reasons, most notably the requirement to patrol.

  Mr. Bruce George
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many chaplains are serving with United Kingdom troops in SFOR; if this represents a normal full complement; and if he will make a statement. [16391]
  499
  Dr. Reid
  There are currently eight Army chaplains serving alongside United Kingdom troops in the NATO-led stabilisation force in Bosnia. This represents a normal complement in relation to the number of major units and soldiers deployed there. In addition, Royal Air Force (RAF) chaplains make regular visits to RAF personnel thereby providing them with full pastoral support; and Royal Navy chaplains accompany ships and Royal Marine units when they are deployed in theatre.

  Fox Hunting
  Mr. Corbett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many times in each of the last five years the hunting of foxes with hounds has taken place in each named location forming part of his Department's estate. [17732]

  Mr. Spellar
  This information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. The Salisbury Plain Training Area and the Otterburn Training Area are, however, the most frequently hunted parts of the Defence Estate.

  Mr. Corbett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence by what means fox numbers on his Department's estate are reduced other than by hunting with hounds. [17731]

  Mr. Spellar
  In addition to hunting with hounds, fox numbers are reduced on the Defence Estate through licensed individuals and organisations, generally through shooting.

  Mr. Corbett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list those parts of his Department's estate by name where most foxes have been killed by hounds in each of the last five years, giving the number of foxes so killed in each case. [17734]

  Mr. Spellar
  Although this information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost, we believe that a large proportion of the foxes killed by hounds on the Defence Estate are taken on the Salisbury Plain Training Area and the Otterburn Training Area.

  Mr. Corbett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will estimate the number of foxes killed(a) by hounds and (b) by other means on his Department's estate in each of the past five years. [17733]

  Mr. Spellar
  The information requested is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. We estimate, however, that some 350–400 foxes are killed on the Defence Estate each year by hunting with hounds, and that approximately three times this number are accounted for by other means.

  Strategic Defence Review
  Mr. Bruce George
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the projected timetable for stages of the Strategic Defence Review. [16229]

  Mr. George Robertson
  In my speech to the House on 27 October 1997,Official Report, columns 609–20, I outlined the emerging conclusions of the first phase of the
  500
  Review, which looked at the foreign and security policy framework. The Review now is looking at missions of our forces, military tasks, future force structures and capabilities, procurement, and a wide range of efficiency-related issues. Once all work on the Review has been considered by Ministers we will publish a White Paper setting out our overall conclusions. I envisage that this White Paper will be published in the first part of next year.

  Porton Down
  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for what reasons the number of animal experiments at the chemical and biological defence establishment, Porton Down, has increased since 1993. [14306]

  Mr. Spellar
  This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Chemical and Biological Defence Sector at Porton Down. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to my hon. Friend.

  Letter from John Chisholm to Mr. Ken Livingstone, dated 25 November 1997:
  I have been asked to respond to your question on animal experiments as Chief Executive of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency which has responsibility for the Chemical and Biological Defence Sector at Porton Down.
  In the years up to 1993 there has been, in general, a downward trend in the number of animal experiments conducted at CBD. However, the number of experiments conducted each year depends o the requirements of the MOD programme, and since 1993 there has been an increase in the numbers of animals used.
  This increase does not represent any change in the policy of CBD which is committed to reducing animal experimentation wherever possible. The increase has resulted from the identification during the Gulf conflict of a heightened biological and chemical threat to UK forces, and the need to develop new and improved medical countermeasures to strengthen UK defence capabilities.
  The majority of the results arising from this work will be published in the open literature.

  UK Hydrographic Office
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what key targets have been set for the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office defence agency for 1997–98. [17934]

  Mr. Spellar
  The key targets set for the UK Hydrographic Office in 1997–98 are as follows:

  1. To process and promulgate priority safety information within stated time scales from receipt of data.

  2. To achieve 100 per cent. of the endorsed and funded Defence Programme to cost, quality and timeliness targets as defined in Tasking Authorisation ForMs (TAFs).

  3. To meet short-notice Defence operational requirements within agreed time scales.

  4. To meet market requirements for products by maintaining availability levels for charts at 98 per cent. for civil customers and 100 per cent. for defence customers.

  5. To break even taking one year with another.

  6. To achieve an average Return on Capital Employed (ROCE) during the Plan period of 7.5 per cent.

  7. To achieve efficiency savings of 13.5 per cent. of controllable costs (based on controllable costs for FY 1995–96) by 31 March 2001.

  501

SCOTLAND

  European Union
  Mrs. Gorman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his policy on the establishment of direct Scottish representation to the European Union institutions; and if he will make a statement. [16986]

  Mr. Dewar
  The Government's policy on the establishment of a Scottish Executive representative office in Brussels is set out in Chapter 5.10 of the White Paper, "Scotland's Parliament".

  Road Accident Reports
  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what information he has collated on the number of outstanding road accident reports requiring to be considered by each local authority in Scotland under section 39(3)(a) of the Road Traffic Act 1988, as at 1 November. [16487]

  Mr. Dewar
  This information is not collected centrally.

  Health Expenditure
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will estimate the total real level of his Department's planned expenditure on health in 1995–96 prices in(a) 1997–98 and (b) 1998–99; and what such figures were for (i) 1997–98 and (ii) 1998–99, following the November 1996 Budget on the basis of the estimates of the GDP deflator contained in that Budget. [17564]

  Mr. Galbraith
  The figures requested for expenditure on health within the Control Total are as follows:(a) £4,160.9 million, (b) 4,222.5 million, (i) 4,184.4 million and (ii) 4,194.6 million.

  Average sentence length where the main offence was the common law offence of culpable homicide, Scotland, 1990 to 1995

  Year

  Number of persons given non custodial sentences

  Number of persons sentenced to custody

  Average sentence length for those given determinate custodial sentences (months)

  Number of persons given life sentences

  1990

  13

  30

  60.0

  —

  1991

  13

  29

  90.7

  1

  1992

  9

  41

  80.6

  3

  1993

  8

  39

  68.7

  —

  1994

  7

  33

  85.8

  —

  1995

  5

  37

  69.4

  2

WALES

  Farm Incomes
  Mr. John Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans the Government has to compensate farmers for the effects of currency fluctuations. [17047]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  Paying the compensation aid for currency fluctuations would have significant implications for UK public expenditure. We are currently keeping the case for payment under review, but on the evidence currently available, have concluded that the case for payment is, at present, not proven.
  502

  Substance Abuse
  Ms Roseanna Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many convictions there have been in each of the past five years for the common law offence of supplying volatile substances in the knowledge that they would be abused. [17288]

  Mr. McLeish
  [holding answer 24 November 1997]: Over the period concerned no one has been recorded as having a charge proved where the "reckless supply of solvents" was the main offence. The table below provides information on the number of persons with a charge proved where the main offence was "reckless conduct" and "culpable and reckless conduct", which are common law offences under which the supply of volatile substances in the knowledge that they would be abused may also be charged. It is not known how many, if any, of these figures involved solvents.

  Number of persons with a charge proved in Scottish courts where the main charge is "reckless conduct" or "culpable and reckless conduct", 1991–1995

  1991 : 72

  1992 : 104

  1993 : 104

  1994 : 100

  1995 : 124.

  Manslaughter
  Mr. Swinney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what has been the average custodial sentence applied for manslaughter in Scotland in each year since 1990; and if he will make a statement. [17085]

  Mr. McLeish
  There is no offence of manslaughter in Scotland. The corresponding offence in Scotland is the common law offence of culpable homicide. The available information is given in the table.

  Cattle Prices
  Mr. John Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what action he proposes to take to address the recent reductions in cull cow prices. [17046]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  The majority of cull cows go through the Over Thirty Months Scheme (OTMS). The Government will spend more than £300 million this year on OTMs compensation and disposal.

  Compensation rates, and the scheme in general, are kept under review in the light of new scientific advice, market movements and costs.
  503

  Health Expenditure
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will estimate the total real level of his Department's planned expenditure on health in 1995–96 prices in(a) 1997–98 and (b) 1998–99; and what such figures were for (i) 1997–98 and (ii) 1998–99, following the November 1996 Budget on the basis of the estimates of the GDP deflator contained in that Budget. [17565]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  The figures requested on spending plans for the NHS are as follows.

  Current planned spending on the NHS total at 1995–96 prices on the basis of the current Treasury deflator for 1997–98 and 1998–99 is (a) £2,227 million and (b) £2,262 million.

  Planned spending at November 1996 at 1995–96 prices and the deflator in use then was (i) £2,240 million for 1997–98 and (ii) £2,245 million for 1998–99.

  Further Education
  Mr. Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is his estimate of the number of whole time equivalent students in(a) higher and (b) further education in 2000. [17307]

  School

  Number on roll

  More open enrolment number

  Standard (approved) admission number

  Comment

  Ysgol John Bright, Llandudno

  1,019

  1,008

  180

  —

  Ysgol Aberconwy, Conwy.

  849

  817

  153

  —

  Ysgol Duffryn Conwy, Llanwrst

  706

  733

  200

  bi-lingual school

  Ysgol Y Creuddyn, Llandudno

  623

  678

  120

  Welsh medium

  Eirias High School GM, Colwyn Bay

  1,326

  1,300(1,450 on completion of building works)

  200

  Six classrooms presently closed because of extensive building work. Physical capacity of school temporarily reduced

  Emrys Ap Iwan GM School, Abergele

  1,520

  1,367

  220

  —

  Ysgol Bryn Elian GM Colwyn Bay

  867

  907

  161

  —

  1. Both the LEA Standard Admission Number and the Approved Admission Number (the equivalent for grant-maintained schools) are intended to ensure that schools admit up to the physical capacity of the school. Admission authorities may decide to admit above the number in any particular year.

  2. More Open Enrolment Numbers provide an indication only of the capacity of the school.

  Welfare-to-work Programme
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what arrangements have been made to involve the voluntary sector in the welfare-to-work programme in(a) Clwyd, South, (b) North Wales, (c) South Wales, (d) West Wales and (e) Wales; and if he will make a statement. [16502]

  Mr. Hain
  Within the Government's welfare-to-work programme, activity in Wales has concentrated on:-

  1. New Deal for 18–24 year olds;

  2. New Deal for lone parents;

  3. Employment Zones

  New Deal for 18–24 year olds

  The voluntary sector has played an active role in the design and planning of the New Deal for 18–24 year olds in Wales.
  504
  Mr. Hain
  Targets for the number of student places to be funded through the Welsh Funding councils in 2000–01 will be set in the light of future resource decisions taken by the Department and the Welsh Assembly. Further places will be funded by students themselves and through Government initiatives such as the New Deal.

  European Union
  Mrs. Gorman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is his Department's policy on the establishment of direct Welsh representation to European Union institutions; and if he will make a statement. [16960]

  Mr. Ron Davies
  The Government's policy on the extent to which the Welsh Assembly would be represented in European Union institutions is set out in paragraphs 3.51, 3.52 and 3.53 of the White Paper "A Voice for Wales".

  Secondary Schools
  Mr. Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list for each secondary school in Conwy County Borough the indication admission number as calculated using the more open enrolment capacity formula. [16643]

  Mr. Hain
  The information requested is in the following table.

  Wales

  The Wales New Deal Task Force includes six representatives from the voluntary sector amongst its membership. It has also established a working group specifically on the Voluntary Sector Option of the New Deal for 18–24 year olds and this has enabled a broad range of voluntary sector interests to be engaged in advising on New Deal policy design and delivery.

  Representatives from voluntary sector organisations are involved in the strategic partnerships which are developing plans for the implementation of the New Deal in all of the Employment Service Districts in Wales. And events specifically targeted at the voluntary sector have been organised throughout Wales.

  Clwyd South

  Representatives from the two County Voluntary Councils covering the Clwyd, South constituency, the Association of Voluntary Organisations, Wrexham

  505
  (AVOW) and the Denbighshire Voluntary Services Council, are members of the New Deal strategic partnerships.

  North Wales

  Six local New Deal events have been held, involving 58 voluntary sector organisations, in the Employment Service Districts of North West Wales, North Wales Coast and North East Wales.

  South Wales

  Eleven local New Deal events have been held, involving 60 voluntary sector organisations, in the Employment Service Districts of Newport, Monmouth and Torfaen, Cardiff and the Vale, Heads of the Valleys and Caerphilly, and Bridgend and the Glamorgan Valleys.

  West Wales

  Seven local New Deal events have been held, involving 41 voluntary sector organisations, in the Pathfinder area of South West Wales and in Ceredigion, which forMs part of the Mid Wales Employment Service District.

  New Deal for lone parents

  This is being piloted in South Wales (in the Employment Service District of Cardiff and Vale). Seven voluntary sector organisations participated in the launch of the New Deal for lone parents. The Employment Service is maintaining contact with 20 voluntary sector organisations as the New Deal for lone parents is developed.

  Employment Zones

  There is a bid to run a proto-type Employment Zone in North West Wales (covering the Employment Service Districts of North West Wales and the North Wales Coast). 31 voluntary sector organisations were consulted in the production of the bid and 3 voluntary sector organisations are members of the Employment Zone Partnership.

  Student Funding
  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the yearly level of university funding per student in Wales relative to England, Scotland and Northern Ireland between the financial years 1994– 95 and 1998–99. [16931]

  Mr. Hain
  The information requested is as follows:

  Financial years

  Wales1

  England1

  Northern Ireland £

  1994–95

  4,984

  4,973

  5,471

  1995–96

  4,825

  4,976

  5,178

  1996–97

  4,854

  4,803

  5,002

  1997–98

  4,699

  4,858

  4,899

  1 Including dual support transfer to the Office of Science and Technology.

  We do not have detailed figures for Scotland. According to the Garrick Report, public expenditure on teaching per full-time and sandwich HE student per year in higher education institutions is approximately 10 per cent. higher in Scotland than in England.
  506
  For all countries concerned, the level of funding per student in 1998–99 will depend upon the allocation for higher education within the various Departments' expenditure plans for next year which will be announced in the coming months.

  Welsh Assembly
  Mr. Rhodri Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if the Welsh Assembly will have a cabinet or a committee structure; and if he will make a statement. [17522]

  Mr. Ron Davies
  Subject to the provisions of the Government of Wales Bill, the Assembly's internal organisation will be a matter for its standing orders. The White Paper made clear that the Assembly will have both subject committees and an executive committee, but the roles of the executive committee, the Assembly leader, subject committees, and subject committee leaders will be a matter for standing orders. I will be appointing Commissioners to prepare the Assembly's first standing orders but the Assembly will be free subsequently to amend these; in so doing, and subject to the requirements of the Government of Wales Bill, it will be free to adopt such forms of internal organisation as it considers appropriate.

  Ministerial Meetings
  Mr. Ancram
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many individuals or organisations, corporate or otherwise, he and his Ministers have met in their official capacities since 2 May who have or had donated £5,000 or more to the Labour Party in the last two years; and if he will list them. [17730]

  Mr. Ron Davies
  The Labour Party's policy on disclosure is to declare the identity of any individual or organisation which, in the course of any one calendar year, makes donations in the aggregate in excess of £5,000. Donations made during 1997 will be declared in 1998. Therefore, the following information refers to qualifying donors in 1995 and 1996.

  I have had meetings with representatives of Unison, the GMB and the TGWU; the Under-Secretary, my hon. Friend the Member for Neath (Mr. Hain) has had meetings with representatives of Unison and the CWU and the Under-Secretary, my hon. Friend the Member for Bridgend (Mr. Griffiths) has had meetings with representatives of Unison.

  My hon. Friends and I have met my hon. Friend the Paymaster General routinely in meetings of Cabinet Committees.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  EU Research Council
  Mr. Timms
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will make a statement on the outcome of the European Union Research Council on 10 November 1997. [18056]

  Mr. Battle
  I represented the UK at the meeting of the EU Research Council on 10 November 1997.
  507
  The meeting made useful progress in resolving outstanding issues in the negotiations on the Fifth Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development. Agreement has now been reached on most issues of scientific and technological content.

  The Council agreed conclusions on the management of FP5 which I warmly welcome. Besides outlining the role and functions of programme management committees through which Member States oversee the implementation fo the programme, the conclusions provide for the establishment of advisory groups users of research who will advise on the detailed content of the programme and monitor it strategically as it progresses. It has been a high UK priority to involve users in order to improve the targeting and responsiveness of the programme. The conclusions also welcome the Commission's intention to set time targets for the various steps in the management process, notably proposed evaluation, contract negotiations and payments, which should provide a valuable stimulus to more efficient and streamlined administration.

  The Council discussed the question of programme structure. A large number of Member States favour five thematic programmes, on lines proposed by the UK, but consensus on this issue has yet to emerge.

  The Council considered the five options for pursuing nuclear fusion research in FP5 put forward by the Netherlands Presidency at the Council's last meeting on 15 May. Broad support emerged for further consideration to be based on the third of these options, under which EU research effort retains the goal of eventual development of a fusion reactor, with a view to the Council reaching a decision on the Commission's proposals at its next meeting in February.

  The Council gave final formal agreement to the proposal to increase funding for the Fourth Framework Programme by 115 mecu.

  In responding to a presentation by the chair of Eureka (Portugal) on recent progress, I made clear the importance of coordination between European organisations involved in research and drew particular attention to the importance of links between the Community and the European Space Agency.

  Foreshadowing the UK presidency, which will begin in January, I urged the Council to make the strongest efforts possible to reach a common position on the Framework decision at its next meeting on 12 February 1998 under my chairmanship. I made clear that the overriding task for the UK presidency in the research area is to make the maximum progress possible with the FP5 negotiations and keep the tight timetable for introducing it on track.

  Renewable Energy
  Ms Keeble
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will make a statement on the outline arrangements for the fifth round of bidding for electricity from renewable sources of energy. [18055]

  Mr. Battle
  Following consultation earlier this year with the renewable energy trade bodies, and, through the Renewables Working Group, the Office of Electricity Regulation (OFFER) and the Regional Electricity 508
  Companies (RECs), I can now announce my outline policy proposals for the fifth Non-Fossil Fuel Obligation for renewables in England and Wales, NFFO-5.

  Government policy is to secure additional generating capacity from renewables in order to help them enter the commercial generating market. I am currently carrying out a review of what would be necessary and practicable to achieve 10 per cent. of the UK's electricity needs from renewables by the year 2010. NFFO-5 will therefore become the first step in our new and strong drive for renewables and I expect NFFO-5 will contribute substantially to reducing greenhouse gases and encouraging internationally competitive industries.

  I have considered the representations made to my Department on the proposed fifth Order, NFFO-5. Renewable Energy Bulletin No. 7 summarises the submissions which have been made. In the light of these representations, I propose to make a fifth renewables Order (NFFO-5) in the late 1998 in respect of the 12 RECs in England and Wales in their capacity as Public Electricity Supply Licencees. I understand that the RECs expect to initiate the competitive tendering process for NFFO-5 shortly.

  For the NFFO-5 Order, I am considering separate bands for new generating capacity from:
  Landfill Gas from existing licensed sites where tipping was being carried out prior to 25 November 1997;
  Municipal and Industrial Waste, including the use of non-gaseous sewage matter (up to 10 per cent. on a dry-weight basis);
  Municipal and Industrial Waste using combined heat and power (CHP), including the use of non-gaseous sewage matter (up to 10 per cent. on a dry-weight basis);
  Small Scale Hydro from stations with a total capacity of less than 5 MW DNC;

  On-shore Wind Energy, which may be split into separate bands for:
  (a) small-clusters/single-machines, with the split-point at 1.0 MW DNC or less, and,
  (b) other windfarms not included above.

  In setting the size of the Order I will take into account the cost and quality of the proposals received. This new competition is expected to stimulate further reductions in the electricity prices contracted under NFFO but I do not expect such a rapid rate of fall in prices as has happened to date. However, I may decide to omit a band if the cost or quality of proposals received does not justify its inclusion.

  I expect projects to demonstrate high standards of environmental performance. This will require developers to consult widely on their project proposals so that their projects meet the concerns of the community likely to be affected.

  For example, I expect energy from waste projects to encourage an integrated approach to waste management and so demonstrate that they provide environmental benefits beyond those available from alternative methods of waste management. Award of a NFFO contract does not confer any special privilege in the planning approval process which must be carried out in the normal way.
  509
  In order to promote diversity among developers of renewable energy projects, I reserve the right to limit the number of projects or the total capacity for which any particular developer can gain contracts in this round of bidding or limit the capacity of individual projects or adopt a combination of these measures.

  My intention is that the Order should run for 15–20 years. This would enable the RECs to offer generators contracts for premium payments for up to 15 years. The difference between the NFFO contract price and the pool price is financed through the Fossil Fuel Levy paid by licensed electricity suppliers and reflected in electricity bills. I understand that the RECs expect to select projects through a competitive tendering process and that contracts will be offered to successful bidders at their bid price.

  I have discussed prospective arrangements with the Director General of Electricity Supply and the RECs, to whom I am providing further guidance about my proposals in respect of the proposed NFFO-5 Order. The details of that further guidance will be published in 'Renewable Energy Bulletin No. 7' (REB-7).

  Those project developers who have not already put their name on the mailing list for REB-7 should contact:

  Renewable Energy Enquiries Bureau,

  ETSU, Harwell,

  Oxfordshire OX11 ORA

  (tel: 01235 432450 or 433601, fax: 01235 433066).

  In addition those project developers who have already done so should also register their interest in NFFO-5, by letter or fax, to:

  Non-Fossil Purchasing Agency Ltd.

  4th Floor, Block D, Portland House,

  New Bridge Street,

  Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8AN

  (fax: 0191 210 2888).

  Generators with existing NFFO contracts need not register with the Non-Fossil Fuel Purchasing Agency (NFPA), as they will automatically be sent a copy of the Information Notes which explain the tender process.

  OFFER has considered what site-specific evidence of the extent of the renewable energy resource it will require from developers when making their technical submissions for NFFO-5. It is understood that OFFER has decided that:
  developers of landfill gas projects will be required to submit data from on-site pumping trials over a period of not less than 30 days of continual measurement;
  developers of waste-fired projects will be required to submit data about the real and timely availability of waste, and where contracts for the fuel supply have not been agreed should provide information about the timing of any tender process, together with confirmation that the applicant will be eligible to take part in that tender process;
  developers of waste-fired combined heat and power projects will be required, in addition to the foregoing, to submit data on conditional contracts to supply heat (such contracts to be conditional upon their projects being awarded NFFO contracts and going forward to commissioning);
  developers of hydro projects will be required to submit data concerning site hydro capacity based on:

  (i) the mean flow data for the water course covering a period of at least 15 years, available from the Institute of Hydrology; or

  510

  (ii) 15-years rainfall data from a given catchment area, making due allowance for absorption, runoff and evaporation rates, to calculate the river flow at the off-take point for the generating station; or

  (iii) on-site data over a period of two years, normalised to the mean average rainfall over a period of at least ten years;

  developers of wind energy projects will be required to submit data on site wind resource over a minimum period of 12 months, which must include at least 13 weeks continual measurement on site which shall include measurements made over a winter period.

  The Government are currently reviewing their policy for new and renewable sources of energy. From work undertaken so far, it seems that the achievement of 10 per cent. of the UK's electricity from renewables by 2010 would almost certainly require bringing forward technologies in addition to those proposed to be supported under NFFO-5, including offshore wind energy and energy crops. Whilst I cannot anticipate the outcome of the renewables review, I expect to announce the outcome next year.

  Coal Mining Museum
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what progress has been made on resolving the minewater problems that have threatened the National Coal Mining Museum for England. [18057]

  Mr. Battle
  My hon. Friend will be aware that there has been widespread concern about the future of the Museum. I have made clear that I share that concern, and that I wish to do all I could to resolve the Museum's problems. I am pleased to say that agreement has now been reached between all those concerned on a programme of work that should, if successful, secure the Museum's underground section from the risk of flooding, and allow it to reopen in the coming months.

  Parliamentary Question
  Mr. Prior
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade when she expects to answer the question from the hon. Member for North Norfolk of 6 November relating to electricity production from coal. [17728]

  Mr. Battle
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 21 November 1997,Official Report, column 345.

  Single Market
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade pursuant to the oral statement of 27 October 1997,Official Report, column 587, relating to completion of the Single European Market, what matters still require legislation; and what representations, and from whom, have been made in respect of each. [17436]

  Mrs. Beckett
  Legislation is required in particular on gas liberalisation, road and rail passenger transport, measuring instruments, and on certain aspects of electronic commerce. We also wish to see simplification of existing legislation. There are, of course, other non-legislative priorities for work in the area of the Single Market.

  On all of these items, representations have been made by relevant trade and business associations.
  511

  Private Finance Initiative
  Mr. Cotter
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many contracts have been awarded under the private finance initiative in her Department; and if she will list(a) the names of the successful bidders, (b) the time limits and cost of the contract and (c) the criteria used to award the contract. [16530]

  Mrs. Beckett
  One contact has been awarded under the Private Finance Initiative within my Department's area of responsibility. In January 1997, the Coal Authority awarded an £11 million eight year contact with Cap Gemini to design, build and operate a computer system for providing mining information. The successful bidder's tender was assessed as being economically the most advantageous taking into account technical ability, quality and technical assistance.

  Export Credits
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what are the proportions of ECGD money spent on promoting and underwriting the sales of British(a) high tech products, (b) pharmaceuticals and (c) defence and defence-related products. [15979]

  Mrs. Beckett
  [holding answer 14 November 1997]: Since the privatisation of its short-term operation in 1991, direct ECGD support for new export business has been confined to the capital goods and projects field. Such business is generally "high tech" in nature.

  From information readily available, ECGD has no record of having supported exports of pharmaceuticals since the short-term privatisation.

  The proportion of new ECGD business which related to defence or defence-related products in each of the last three years was 21 per cent. in 1994–95, 23 per cent. in 1995–96, and 16 per cent. in 1996–97.

  Monitor Consultancy
  Mr. MacShane
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will list(a) the nature and value of contracts her Department has entered into and (b) discussions ministers or officials have held with the Monitor Consultancy since 1990. [14953]

  Mr. Nigel Griffiths
  [holding answer 7 November 1997]: No external consultancy contracts have been let centrally to Monitor Consultancy and, as far as the Department is aware, no discussions have been held.

  Information on contracts and discussions not related to external consultancy could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  The above information does not include contracts let by the Department's Executive Agencies, and I have asked the Chief Executives to reply separately to this question.

  Letter from P. R. S. Hartnack to Mr. Denis MacShane, dated 25 November 1997:
  I have been asked to reply on behalf of the Patent Office to your question to the President of the Board of Trade about the Monitor Consultancy. The Patent Office has let no contracts to this organisation since 1990 and to the best of my knowledge no member of the Patent staff has had official contact with it.
  512
  Letter from John Holden to Mr. Denis MacShane, dated 24 November 1997:
  I have been asked to reply to your question to the President of the Board of Trade concerning the Monitor Consultancy and comment as follows:

  (a) Companies House has not entered into any contracts with the Monitor Consultancy since 1990.

  (b) No discussions have been held with the Monitor Consultancy since 1990.

  Letter from Seton Bennett to Mr Denis MacShane, dated 24 November 1997:
  The President of the Board of Trade has asked me to reply on behalf of the National Weights and Measures Laboratory to your question about the Monitor Consultancy. This Agency has had no contact with Monitor in the period since 1990.

  Letter from Ian Jones to Mr. Denis MacShane, dated 7 November 1997:
  You tabled a Parliamentary Question to the President of the Board of Trade, for named day reply on 7 November, about contacts between her Department and the Monitor Consultancy. I have been asked to reply in respect of the Employment Tribunals Service.
  The Employment Tribunals Service became an executive agency of the DTI on 1 April 1997. It has not entered into any contracts or discussions with the Monitor Consultancy, nor am I aware of any contacts prior to our establishment as an agency.

  Letter from Peter Joyce to Mr. Denis MacShane, dated 24 November 1997:
  The President of the Board of Trade has asked me to reply to your question about contracts entered into or discussions held by The Insolvency Service with the Monitor Consultancy since 1990.
  The Service has not entered into any contract with the Monitor Consultancy since it became an executive agency in March 1990 and has no record of any discussions held with that firm.

  Letter from Jim Norton to Mr. Denis MacShane dated 24 November 1997:
  You have put down a Parliamentary Question to the President of the Board of Trade asking for information on Monitor Consultancy. As this is a day-to-day matter, I am replying as the Chief Executive of the Radiocommunications Agency.
  This Agency has had no contracts, dealings or discussions with Monitor Consultancy since we were set up in April 1990.

  Export Licences
  Mrs. May
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what is the average time taken for dealing with export licence applications. [16356]

  Mr. Prior
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how long, on average, it takes to obtain an export licence. [16526]

  Mrs. Roche
  The Department's Export Control Organisation (ECO) does not calculate the average length of time it takes for an export licence application to be processed. Licence applications are considered individually, there is no such thing as an average application.

  The ECO has published targets for the processing of standard individual export licence applications. These are contained in the Code of Practice for enforcement available from the ECO. The targets apply where full information is provided with the application and are:
  10 working days where the application is not circulated to other government departments for advice

  513
  20 working days where the application is circulated to other government departments for advice.

  These targets do not apply to UN Sanctions cases or to applications involving Iran.

  No targets are set for the processing of open individual export licence applications, which can involve complex combinations of goods and countries.

  Mrs. May
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what are her Department's guidelines on the length of time export licences should take to process; and what proportion of export licences are currently dealt with within that time. [16352]

  Mrs. Roche
  The Department's Export Control Organisation (ECO) has published targets for the processing of standard individual export licence applications. These are contained in the Code of Practice for enforcement available from the ECO. The targets apply where full information is provided with the application and are:10 working days where the application is not circulated to other government departments for advice.
  20 working days where the application is circulated to other government departments for advice.

  These targets do not apply to UN Sanctions cases or to applications involving Iran.

  No targets are set for the processing of open individual export licence applications, which can involve complex combinations of goods and countries.

  For the last four week period on which statistics have been computed (22 September to 17 October 1997) these targets have been met in 71 per cent. of non-circulated cases and 48 per cent. of circulated cases.

  Mrs. May
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what advice her Department gives to exporters on the length of time taken to process export licences. [16353]

  Mrs. Roche
  The Department's Export Control Organisation (ECO) has published targets for the processing of standard individual export licence applications. These are available in the Code of Practice for enforcement available from the ECO. These targets apply where full information is provided with the application and are:-10 working days where the application is not circulated to other government departments for advice.
  20 working days where the application is circulated to other government departments for advice.

  These targets do not apply to UN Sanctions cases or to applications involving Iran.

  No targets are set for the processing of open individual export licence applications.

  The ECO is in touch with Trade Associations and major exporters from time to time about current performance levels in respect of these targets. It also provides an exporters' Helpline.

  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade when she expects the backlog of export licences to be cleared. [16351]
  514
  Mrs. Roche
  The Export Control Organisation (ECO) wrote to Trade Associations in June 1997 warning them that delays in export licensing were possible while the Review of Criteria, announced by the Foreign Secretary in May 1997, was in progress. This Review was completed on 28 July 1997, since when the new criteria have been applied to export licence applications. I expect licence processing times to improve in future.

  There will always be a certain amount of "work in progress" in the processing of export licences, but my Department fully understands the need for the prompt handling of licence applications for strategic goods and is committed to this, subject to the need for all applications to be considered fully and carefully.

  Ministerial Interests
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will list those(a) companies and (b) industries which in order to avoid an actual or apparent conflict of interst, are not handled by each Minister in her Department. [17068]

  Mrs. Beckett
  [holding answer 21 November 1997]: Ministers in this Government will continue to make public statements about their involvement in specific cases where it is valuable for the conduct of the case to do so; it is not always possible to predict where conflicts of interest will arise. This approach, which reflects that of the previous administration, seeMs to the Government to satisfy the public interest.

  It has been announced that the Minister for Competition and Consumer Affairs has stood aside from consideration of the Monopolies and Mergers Commission's report on the travel trade and, because of his late father's shareholding, consideration of the MMC's report on P&O/Stena and from papers relating to the European Commission's investigation under the European Community Merger Regulation of the proposed acquisition by Dupont of certain ICI businesses. I did not handle DTI consideration of the recent Rolls-Royce launch aid case to avoid any conflict with my constituency interest.

  Coal Industry
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what estimate she has made of the number of pits which will close in the British coal industry over the next year. [17069]

  Mrs. Beckett
  [holding answer 21 November 1997]: Any estimates of coal production and coal burn are resultant from the information submitted to the Department by the private mining companies and private energy generators. It is, of course, in the hands of private sector coal operators to take decisions on the future commercial operation of individual coal mines.

  Inward Investment
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade where the responsibility for the final decision about the level of grants offered to a potential inward investor lies when sites in more than one part of the United Kingdom are being considered. [17063]
  515
  Mrs. Beckett
  [holding answer 21 November 1997]: Decisions on the level of Regional Selective Assistance (RSA) grant to be offered to a potential inward investor are taken once a single site in the UK has been chosen. Responsibility for final decisions rests with me, as the President of the Board of Trade, if the site is in England, with the Secretary of State for Scotland if the site is in Scotland, and with the Secretary of State for Wales if the site is in Wales. The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland is responsible for the final decision on the level of Selective Financial Assistance to be offered to a potential inward investor if the site is in Northern Ireland.

  Rolls-Royce
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what factors underlay her decision to invest in Rolls-Royce's new range of Trent engines; what steps had been taken by the company to secure this investment from the private sector; and if she will make a statement. [17375]

  Mr. Battle
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave the House on 13 November 1997,Official Report, column 626.

  The President of the Board of Trade did not handle the case for the DTI in order to avoid any potential conflict with her constituency interest. The case was handled for the DTI by me.

  Laser Pens
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will estimate the number of laser pens with beams greater than one milliwatt currently in circulation in the United Kingdom. [15921]

  Mr. Nigel Griffiths
  We cannot estimate the number of laser pens with beaMs greater than one milliwatt in circulation. However, following my announcement on 28 October about dangerous laser pens, Trading Standards Departments have been tracing sources of supply of laser pens and have suspended the sale of considerable quantities of these products which were intended for supply to the general public. These inspections are continuing.

  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what research her Department has evaluated into the potential hazards of laser pens with beams of less than one milliwatt. [15919]

  Mr. Nigel Griffiths
  My Department has considered the recent report by Heriott-Watt University on the optical safety of laser pointers and has had discussions with the National Radiological Protection Board regarding the safety of these devices in the hands of the general consumer. We are not aware of any evidence that laser pens up to one milliwatt are directly harmful to health.

  EU Patent Directive
  Ms Walley
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment she has made of the impact of the EU Patent Directive on developing countries'(a) attempts to
  516
  conserve genetic resources and (b) farmers' rights; and if she will make a statement. [17806]

  Mr. Battle
  The Commission's proposal for a Directive on legal protection of biotechnological inventions seeks to harmonise certain aspects of the national patent laws of the Member States. It is an Internal Market measure and seeks to eliminate current uncertainties as to what can attract patent rights in the biotechnological field, which may be acting as a deterrent to investment in the industry in Europe. Since the proposal concerns only the EU Member States' laws, and patent rights are valid only on a national basis, there is no direct read across for countries outside the Community. Other countries, including those of the developing world, remain free to determine their own national patent regimes, and to deal with conservation of genetic resources and the position of farmers as they see fit.

  Ms Walley
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment she has made of the impact of the EU Patent Directive on competitiveness within the EU Single Market; and if she will make a statement. [17805]

  Mr. Battle
  The purpose of the proposed Directive is to establish a clear legal framework for the protection of biotechnological inventions through national patent law. Although the texts of Member States' patent laws are currently closely aligned with that of the European Patent Convention (an international governmental agreement dating from 1978), there have been differences in interpretation between Member states. Although no assessment has been made as to the direct effect this proposed Directive may have on enhancing competitiveness, the clarification arising from it will reduce current uncertainty in this area of law and its possible deterrent to investment in this industry.

HEALTH

  Lariam
  Ms Corston
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects the Committee on Safety of Medicines to approve the recent recommendations of the Malaria Advisory Committee to restrict the use of Mefloquine (Lariam) by travellers. [15451]

  Ms Jowell
  The Committee on Safety of Medicines has no jurisdiction over the recommendations of the Malaria Advisory Committee but has reviewed these to determine whether they have any implications for the Marketing Authorisation and product information for Lariam.

  In order to ensure that doctors are aware of the published guidelines, the product information advises doctors to refer to them.

  E-mail
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to the answer from the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, of 10 November 1997,Official Report, column 441, if he will list the e-mail addresses of

  517
  (a) Ministers, (b) senior officials and (c) chief executives of agencies for which he is responsible. [15871]

  Ms Jowell
  [holding answer 13 November 1997]: The Department of Health Internet web site contains e-mail addresses for contact and feedback on various subjects and projects, e.g. Open Government, and the Review of the Central Council for Education and Training in Social Work.

  Apart from the National Health Service Pensions Agency, the agencies for which my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State is responsible, NHS Estates, Medical Devices Agency and Medicines Control Agency, all have Internet Web sites containing either contact e-mail addresses or telephone numbers.

  Although none of the contact e-mail addresses currently reaches individual Ministers, senior officials or chief executives, the Department is giving active consideration to a central initiative on the handling of external electronic communications, including the electronic equivalent of paper correspondence to Ministers and named officials.

  Varicose Veins
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the percentage of the adult population suffering from varicose veins; and if he will make a statement. [16336]

  Mr. Boateng
  Information on the prevalence of varicose veins in the population is not available. The information in the table shows the number of completed episodes in 1994–95, the latest year for which information is available, in which an operation was carried out on varicose vein of the leg. Many people with varicose veins are treated without the need for surgery or any other invasive procedure.

  Ordinary admissions and day cases: completed episodes with an operation or procedure performed on varicose veins: NHS hospitals in England 1994–95

  Age at start of episode

  Operation

  18 and over

  Not known

  Under 18

  L85.1 Litigation of long saphenous vein

  36,857

  6

  70

  L86.1 Injection of sclerosing substance into varicose vein of leg

  2,435

  1

  5

  L87.1 Stripping of long saphenous vein

  15,211

  1

  24

  L87.4 Avulsion of varicose vein of leg

  46,233

  7

  119

  Diet and Cancer
  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what account was taken of the degree of consensus amongst members of the Committee on Medical Aspects of Food and Nutrition Policy in respect of recommendations on levels of meat consumption in 518
  determining when to make his announcement on meat consumption; [16564]

  (2) when the Committee on Medical Aspects of Food and Nutrition Policy expert group agreed its recommendations relating to levels of meat consumption; [16562]

  (3) if he will place in the Library a copy of the version of the COMA report which he ordered to be pulped, together with a copy of the final report when published; [16566]

  (4) if he will make public the areas of difference between the final report on cancer by the Committee on Medical Aspects of Food and Nutrition Policy and its predecessor version; [16574]

  (5) if he will make a statement on the circumstances which caused the report by the Committee on Medical Aspects of Food and Nutrition Policy on the development of cancer to be printed and then pulped; what was the cost to public funds; for what reasons his Department made a press statement about meat consumption on 24 September; and when he expects the final report to be published; [16565]

  (6) what reasons he announced his recommendations on meat consumption ahead of the publication of the findings of the Committee on Medical Aspects of Food and Nutrition Policy's report on cancer. [16563]

  Ms Jowell
  In 1993 the Committee on Medical Aspects of Food and Nutrition Policy (COMA) set up a Working Group on Diet and Cancer. The Working Group's report was submitted to COMA's main committee meeting on 29 April. It was accepted by COMA subsequent to the quantification of figures relating to the consumption of red meat and further clearance by COMA members.

  On 19 September the Chief Medical Officer and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health were told that some members felt that they had not had adequate opportunity to discuss the final recommendation on the consumption of red and processed meat. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health therefore ordered that the report should not be published.

  A COMA meeting was immediately convened by the Chief Medical Officer on 24 September. On 25 September, with the agreement of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health issued a press release based on the advice on the recommended intake of red and processed meat which COMA had agreed at its meeting on 24 September.

  Since then further amendments have been agreed by COMA and the Working Group. The Report now commands the support of all members of COMA and will be published shortly.

  The detailed workings of COMA and its expert groups, including the development of the various drafts of the reports it produces, is a matter for the committee. As with all COMA reports, published copies are placed in the Library and we have no intention of departing from this procedure.

  The cost of reprinting the report in its revised form is £10,000.
  519
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health's object throughout the whole of this incident has been to ensure that reports issued by COMA continue to command the full support of its members and the respect of the scientific community.

  Medical Negligence Claims
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to ensure that his proposals for legal aid reform will not prevent patients pursuing medical negligence claims. [16633]

  Mr. Milburn
  When my noble Friend the Lord Chancellor announced the Government's proposals for the reform of the legal aid system in October, he made it clear that he intends to consult widely before any changes are implemented. The position of the patients pursuing claims for medical negligence will be considered as part of this consultation.

  Health Care (Rural Areas)
  Mr. Prior
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proposals he has to make health care more accessible in rural areas. [16531]

  Mr. Milburn
  The Government are committed to improving quality and fairness in National Health Service care, replacing the internal market and ensuring that a greater proportion of every pound spent goes on patient services not bureaucracy. This applies equally to rural areas as it does to other parts of the country.

  Tobacco Sponsorship
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will exempt international yacht racing from the ban on tobacco advertising and sponsorship. [16930]

  Ms Jowell
  We have always said that the Government want to reduce the exposure of children and young people to tobacco advertising. That is why we gave a manifesto commitment to ban tobacco advertising as part of a fully developed tobacco control strategy. Our aim is to remove tobacco advertising from sports events without damaging the events themselves, and sports like international yacht racing will need time to find other sponsors.

  Discussions are under way within Government on how best to achieve this and my hon. Friend the Minister for Sport is consulting the sports concerned. Plans include a transitional period.

  Community Care (Direct Payments) Act 1996
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the implementation of the Community Care (Direct Payments) Act 1996 by local authorities. [17538]

  Mr. Boateng
  The Act came into force on 1 April 1997. We will be conducting a review after the first year of its operation.

  Breast Screening
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will provide a breakdown by age of breast screening examinations undertaken over the past three years.[17370]
  520
  Mr. Milburn
  The information requested is available for 1994–95 and 1995–96 only and is shown in the table.

  Thousands

  Age groups

  Year

  Total numberof women screened

  45–49

  50–54

  55–59

  60–64

  65+

  1994–95

  1,040.7

  32.3

  351.4

  332.8

  292.1

  32.1

  1995–96

  1,060.0

  33.8

  372.2

  330.8

  273.4

  49.8

  Source:

  KC62. Statistics Division SD2B.

  NHS Trusts (Age Discrimination)
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what advice his Department gives to health authorities and National Health Service trusts on age discrimination; and if he will make a statement. [17371]

  Mr. Boateng
  Our commitment to promoting a fair and equitable health service is set out in 1998–99 Priorities and Planning Guidance for the National Health Service. Whatever the age of the patient, there are no exceptions to the fundamental principle that the NHS is there to provide service for everyone on the basis of clinical need.

  NHS Trusts (Shropshire)
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he invites Shropshire County Council to submit names for membership of NHS trust boards. [17807]

  Mr. Milburn
  A letter was sent to Shropshire County Council on 26 June inviting nominations for trust board vacancies in 1997. The council subsequently submitted eight nominations on 3 July. A further letter was sent to the council on 18 November inviting nominations for trust and health authority boards in 1998. We are now awaiting a reply.

  Stabilisation Force
  Mr. Bruce George
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what arrangements are made to deal with the NHS waiting lists of consultant-level surgeons and physicians in the United Kingdom while they are serving with SFOR. [16227]

  Mr. Milburn
  Consultant surgeons and physicians serving with the Stabilisation Force (SFOR) are called up from Service hospitals and from Ministry of Defence Hospital Units at National Health Service trusts. It is for the hospitals concerned to take appropriate action to manage the waiting times of any NHS patients affected by the deployment of consultants overseas.

  Hospital Waiting Lists
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what monitoring his Department undertakes of the waiting times for hospital operations for(a) under 65-year-old patients and (b) those over 65 years. [17372]

  Mr. Milburn
  Information on numbers of patients who have been admitted to hospital, analysed by age group, is contained in "Hospital Episode Statistics". This is
  521
  published annually and copies are available in the Library. The source data can be further analysed to provide information about waiting times by age group.

  Hepatitis A Immunisation
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps his Department has taken to evaluate the risks from gamma globulin used in the preparation of Hepatitis A passive immunisation. [17232]

  Ms Jowell
  The marketing authorisation (the licensing) of all medicines throughout the European Union is governed by the Rules Governing Medicinal Products in the European Union, in particular, Council Directive 65/65/EEC.

  All licensed normal intra-muscular immunoglobulin (used for passive immunisation for Hepatitis A) has been fully evaluated for quality, safety and efficacy. These products have not been associated with the transmission of any infection.

  Winter Emergencies
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the total payments for winter emergencies to each local authority and each health district in London; and what(a) conditions and (b) monitoring requirements are attached to such payments. [17373]

  Mr. Milburn
  The allocation of additional resources to health authorities in London is set out in the table. The table also shows how much each of the London HAs will be transferring to its local authority social services departments.

  London Has

  Additional resources allocated to each HA

  Amount of HA allocation for socialservices initiatives £000

  £000

  £000

  Barnet

  1,057

  367

  Barking and Havering

  1,092

  808

  Brent and Harrow

  1,419

  340

  Camden and Islington

  1,429

  171

  Ealing, Hammersmith and Hounslow

  2,919

  1,080

  East London and The City

  3,563

  1,603

  Enfield and Haringey

  1,431

  286

  Hillingdon

  1,100

  396

  Kensington, Chelsea and Westminster

  690

  282

  Redbridge and Waltham Forest

  2,121

  890

  Bexley and Greenwich

  1,097

  347

  Bromley

  650

  52

  Croydon

  969

  324

  Kingston and Richmond

  988

  195

  Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham1

  3,980

  828

  Merton, Sutton and Wandsworth

  2,332

  528

  Information correct as at 24 November 1997.

  1 Includes an extra £300,000 allocated to London Ambulance Services to be administered by the HA.

  The allocations were made to health authorities and trusts to manage additional winter emergency service
  522
  pressures and are directed towards specific schemes which should prove of lasting benefit. Considerable investment has been targeted at developments in primary and community health services, and social services, which help care for people at home or expedite their discharge from hospital when it is appropriate.

  Both North and South Thames Regional Offices will monitor progress on all schemes via their regular contact with health authorities and trusts.

  Blood
  Dr. Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if Professor Bellingham has begun work as interim lead clinician to the Mersey and North Wales Blood Centre. [15582]

  Mr. Boateng
  [holding answer 11 November 1997]: Professor Bellingham began his work shortly after his appointment in September as Transition Director of the Liverpool Blood Centre.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Specialist Advisory Committees
  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on which occasions and for what reasons his Department has disagreed with scientific advice given by specialist advisory committees in the last five years. [17756]

  Dr. John Cunningham
  I have not disagreed with any of the scientific advice which I have received from my specialist advisory committees since this Government came into office on 1 May 1997.

  Raw Cows' Milk
  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will publish the full details of the data considered by the Advisory Committee on the Microbiological Safety of Food in coming to its conclusions that(a) the sale for drinking of raw cows' milk should be banned and (b) its continued use in the production of cheese should be permitted. [17755]

  Dr. John Cunningham
  The ACMSF considered the safety of raw cows' milk in its Report on Verocytotoxin-Producing Escherichia coli (VTEC) which was published in 1995.

  More recently, the ACMSF saw data from the 1995–96 Government-funded Surveillance of the Microbiological Safety of Raw Cows' Milk on Retail Sale. A full report on this project is currently being prepared and will be published in the joint Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food/Department of Health Microbiological Food Safety Surveillance series.

  The Committee also saw data from a Public Health Laboratory Service Study of the Microbiological Quality of Retail Raw (Greentop) Cows' Milk. Publication of these results is a matter for the PHLS.

  The ACMSF has not recommended the continued use of raw cows' milk in the production of cheese. Rather,

  523
  the Committee has recommended research and surveillance into the prevalence of O157 VTEC in a range of raw food products, including raw milk cheeses. This is under way.

  Ministerial Meetings
  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what(a) meetings with individuals, organisations and delegations and (b) parliamentary business he has planned for 26 November. [17757]

  Dr. John Cunningham
  In addition to Parliamentary business, I will be attending a Cabinet Committee (PX) and will be undertaking a number of meetings with officials.

  Food Standards
  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the factors that would be involved in determining(a) national minimum standards of food composition and (b) maximum levels of sugar and fat. [17581]

  Dr. John Cunningham
  We have no plans to introduce new statutory national minimum standards of food composition or maximum levels for sugar and fat in foods and therefore have not considered the factors that might be involved in determining such measures.

  EU Committees
  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will publish a list of all EU committees which his officials attend on a regular basis. [16347]

  Dr. John Cunningham
  My officials regularly attend a range of management committees considering draft Commission legislation governing the management of the Common Agricultural and Fisheries Policies. Other regular meetings chaired by the Commission include:

  Standard Committee on Animal Nutrition

  Standing Committee on Foodstuffs

  Standing Committee Organic Farming Legislation

  Standing Veterinary Committees

  Committee on Agricultural Structures and Rural Development (STAR)

  Committee for Veterinary Medical Products

  Spirit Drinks Implementation Committee

  Aromatised Wine Implementation Committee

  In addition, my officials attend the Special Committee on Agriculture and Council Working Groups examining proposed Council Legislation.

  Cattle Passports
  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his estimate of the number of cattle passports which will be issued by his Ministry once its cattle passport scheme is fully established. [16975]

  Dr. John Cunningham
  The cattle passport scheme is fully established. More than 3.6 million passports have 524
  been issued in Great Britain since the scheme was introduced in the Summer of 1996.

  Animal Slaughter (Religious Methods)
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many animals are slaughtered each year in abattoirs exclusively devoted to Jewish and Muslim methods. [17809]

  Mr. Rooker
  Information is not held on those abattoirs adopting religious methods of slaughter and the number of animals killed by those methods.

  Dairy Cattle
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his estimate of the number of Friesian and Holstein Friesian cows in dairy herds on United Kingdom farms. [17810]

  Mr. Rooker
  2.2 million

  Gene-manipulated Foods
  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to implement controls on gene-manipulated foods. [17023]

  Mr. Rooker
  The EC novel foods and novel food ingredients regulation 258/97, which came into force on 15 May, established an EU wide pre-market approval system for novel foods and novel food ingredients, including those containing or produced from genetically modified organisMs (GMOs). All applications for approval of novel foods under the regulation will be considered in the UK by the independent Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes and its advice published.

  Food Labelling
  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the obstacles to clear labelling of foods to enable customers to choose between foods that are genetically altered and those that are not. [17027]

  Mr. Rooker
  Since I issued a press release on 7 June calling for all foods which may contain genetically modified (GM) material to be labelled clearly, considerable progress has been made. On 25 July, the European Commission announced its intention to ensure coherent labelling of GM products throughout the food chain and a Commission regulation requiring the labelling of GM soya and maize came into effect on 1 November. Detailed rules on the implementation of this regulation are expected to be agreed shortly.

  Cattle Consumption
  Mr. John Smith
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will lift the ban on the consumption of cattle aged over 30 months. [17048]

  Mr. Rooker
  No. This measure was introduced by the previous Government on the basis of SEAC advice that meat from animals over 30 months of age should be deboned under official supervision. There were practical difficulties in implementing this advice and a ban was
  525
  introduced instead. Nothing we have learned about the links between BSE and CJD in the past year suggests that that action was in any way inappropriate.

  Milk Quotas
  Mr. John Smith
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will review his Department's policy in respect of allowing dairy farmers to(a) lease and (b) sell their milk quotas. [17045]

  Mr. Rooker
  The Government have no plans at present to review their policy on the lease and sale of milk quotas by dairy farmers. The rules on transfers of milk quotas will, however, need to be reviewed in the light of the outcome of the reform of the dairy regime.

  Crop Spraying
  Mr. Pickthall
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the Government's policy on the spraying of crops with sulphuric acid; and how such spraying is monitored. [16866]

  Mr. Rooker
  All pesticides are subject to strict regulatory control and must be approved by Ministers before they may be marketed or used in the United Kingdom. Approval is given only after rigorous evaluation of detailed scientific data. Sulphuric acid is approved for certain uses and, providing it is used in accordance with its statutory conditions of approval, this use poses no unacceptable risk.

  The statutory "Code of Practice for the Safe Use of Pesticides on FarMs and Holdings", sets out precautions that farmers are required to take when spraying. These include measures to protect neighbours and workers and reduce risks to wildlife.

  The Pesticides Usage Survey, the Wildlife Incidents Investigation Scheme and the Working Party on Pesticides Residues monitor the quantity of pesticides used, possible incidents involving wildlife and residues in food respectively. The Health and Safety Executive inspectors are responsible for enforcement of the rules on spraying.

  Mr. Pickthall
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many complaints have been received by his Department about spraying with sulphuric acid in the past year. [16867]

  Mr. Rooker
  Complaints over alleged ill effects resulting from pesticide use should be reported to the Health and Safety Executive's Pesticides Incident Appraisal Panel. The Panel investigated seven complaints related to the spraying of sulphuric acid between April 1996 and March 1997.

  In the past 12 months the Department has received 17 inquiries concerning the use of sulphuric acid as an agricultural pesticide.

  Press Releases
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his policy in respect of the faxing of press releases on the day of release to Opposition party spokesmen; what changes have been introduced since 1 May; and if he will make a statement. [16295]
  526
  Mr. Morley
  The Department will provide news releases to Opposition party spokesmen by fax on the day of release if requested to do so. The Department also issues news releases via the Internet at address http://www.maff.gov.uk/maffhome.htm. Hard copies are sent by messenger to Opposition spokesmen each day. There have been no changes since 1 May.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Means-tested Benefits
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate she has made of the number of individuals, including dependent children, who are in households receiving at least one means-tested benefit, broken down to show the combinations of benefits received. [12816]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  The information is set out in the table:

  Beneficiaries of means-tested benefits (May 1996)

  Number of beneficiaries

  One or more means-tested benefit

  15,110,000

  Combinations of benefits including in the above:

  Income support only

  2,370,000

  Family credit only

  1,560,000

  Disability working allowance only

  8,000

  Housing benefit and/or council tax benefit only

  3,090,000

  Housing benefit and/or council tax benefit with family credit

  850,000

  Housing benefit and/or council tax benefit with income support

  7,220,000

  Housing benefit and/or council tax benefit with disability working allowance

  9,000

  Notes

  1.All figures have been rounded to the nearest ten thousand, except combined benefit figures showing disbility working allowance claimants which are rounded to the nearest thousand.

  2. Numbers are based on benefit units which may be a single person or a couple.

  3. Beneficiaries are defined as claimants, their partners and any dependants.

  4. There will be a significant overlap between recipients of individual benefits.

  5. The income support figures include a small number of cases whose entitlement to family credit or disability working allowance has not yet been lapsed. In reality these cases are dependant on income support.

  6. Housing benefit/council tax benefit information excludes second adult rebate cases.

  7. Data include estimates due to the date collection procedure.

  Sources

  1.Income Support Quarterly Statistical Enquiry, May 1996 (5 per cent. sample).

  2. Family Credit 5 per cent. sample of all awards.

  3. Disability Working Allowance 100 per cent. count of claims.

  4. Housing Benefit Mangement Information System, annual 1 per cent. sample inquiries, with and without income support, taken at the end of May 1996.

  Lone Parents (Employment)
  Mr. Viggers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what percentage of lone parents who were previously unemployed have found work in each of the last 10 years. [13104]
  527
  Mr. Keith Bradley
  The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is in the table, which shows numbers of new lone parent claims to Family Credit where the claimant was on income support immediately beforehand.

  Estimated number of new awards of Family Credit made to lone parents previously on income support

  Family Credit award starting:

  Thousands

  September 1992 to August 1993

  53

  September 1993 to August 1994

  65

  September 1994 to August 1995

  73

  August 1995 to September 1996

  82

  Notes:

  1. The data used do not identify those lone parents who moved from income support to a job where they did not claim Family Credit, thus under-estimating the employment rate;

  2. As estimates are based on a matched sample of 5 per cent. of Family Credit awards with a 5 per cent. sample of the quarterly stock of income support claimants, the methodology will miss claimants who had a short spell on income support before moving to Family Credit.

  Sources:

  1. Income support Quarterly Statistical Enquiries, August 1992 to May 1996.

  2.Family Credit 5 per cent. sample, September 1992 to August 1996.

  Habitual Residence Test
  Dr. Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many British citizens have been refused income support and related benefits due to failure of the habitual resident test(a) in the last year and (b) in each of the previous five years. [14008]

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

  Numbers of adverse habitual residence tests by UK nationals

  April 1994 to March 1995

  April 1995 to March 1996

  April 1996 to March 1997

  Income support

  3,795

  6,103

  6,440

  Jobseeker's allowance (income based)

  2,608

  Source:

  Benefits Agency Management Information Statistics.

  Notes:

  1. The habitual residence test was introduced in income support on 1 August 1994. The test was carried forward to jobseeker's allowance (income based) on 7 October 1996.

  2.Information regarding the numbers of UK Nationals failing the habitual residence test in respect of housing benefit and council tax benefit is not available.

  Delegated Legislation
  Mr. Clifton-Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will list all(a) secondary, (b) other delegated legislation and (c) all deregulation orders her Department made during the summer adjournment. [14375]

  Mr. Denham
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on 5 November 1997,Official Report, column 216.
  528

  Domestic Violence
  Helen Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security in what ways the issue of domestic violence victims is included in the training programmes of(a) Benefits Agency and (b) Child Support Agency staff. [14393]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  On 6 October 1997 it was announced that, from April 1998, BA staff will be undertaking some CSA activity (the issue and completion of Maintenance Application ForMs (MAF)) on their home visits to lone parents.

  Child Support legislation has provisions, known as "good cause", which allow Parents with Care (PWCs) not to co-operate if the CSA finds that they have good cause not to co-operate. This may be because they believe there is a risk of harm or undue distress to the PWC or any children living with them which may arise from the CSA contacting the absent parent. It is therefore important that staff receive training to deal sensitively with such issues when they arise and are aware of when such problems may be an issue.

  CSA staff receive awareness training on the "requirement to co-operate" provisions of child support legislation which includes the "good cause" provisions. All CSA staff who are required to interview PWCs about an absent parent receive further training on how to manage sensitive issues, such as domestic violence, and how to deal with such cases for child support purposes.

  The BA has arranged for staff to receive the equivalent training given to CSA staff where they are dealing with similar situations at interviews. Although the completion of MAFs does not involve in-depth interviewing about good cause, BA staff need to be aware of possible sensitivities where a PWC does not wish to complete a MAF. All front-line BA staff i.e., receptionists, visiting officers, will receive the CSA MAF completion training customised for BA. BA staff who will carry out good cause interviews will receive further training similar to that given to CSA staff.

  Training courses for BA staff have been piloted and, following further quality assurance, training will begin in January 1998.

  Welfare Reform
  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans she has for new benefits and levels of benefits differing from those in force in April 1997. [14672]

  Mr. Denham
  Our aims for welfare reform are to modernise the structure and delivery of Social Security to encourage financial independence, while simultaneously promoting social cohesion and well-being; to develop an active welfare system which supports work, savings and honesty; and to help tackle effectively unjustifiable social and economic inequalities. To that end we are reviewing all major components of the Social Security system.

  Greenhouse Gas Emissions
  Mr. Stunnell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will list(a) her Department's policies and initiatives designed to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and (b) the departmental policies and initiatives designed

  529
  to reduce other greenhouse gases; if she will estimate for each the annual reduction in tonnage of greenhouse gas emissions achieved in the most recent year for which figures are available compared with those for 1990; and what estimate she has made of further reductions, or increases, predicted for 2000 and 2010, assuming continuation of current policies. [15542]

  Mr. Denham
  I refer my hon. Friend to the United Kingdom's (UK) Second Report under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change which was published in February 1997. It reports the UK's progress in implementing its programme for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and gives a projection of what the programme is expected to deliver by 2000. The report projects forward what the current programme is expected to achieve to 2020.

  Jobseeker's Allowance
  Mr. Pond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will estimate the cost of extending contributory jobseeker's allowance to people with total earnings below the lower earnings limit for national insurance contributions with a continuous record of employment of at least 26 weeks. [15507]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  The information is not available.

  Invalid Care Allowance
  Ms Corston
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many claims for invalid care allowance were originally refused because of non-receipt of disability living allowance by the person being provided with care, which were successful following subsequent receipt within (i) three, (ii) four, (iii) five and (iv) six months of disability living allowance; and what was the total number of claims for invalid care allowance in the years(a) 1994–95, (b) 1995–96 and (c) 1996–97. [15455]

  Mr. Denham
  The information is not available in the format requested and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. Such information as is available is in the table.

  Claims for invalid care allowance

  1994–95

  1995–96

  1996–97

  Claims

  132,369

  152,082

  165,092

  Awards

  94,066

  107,238

  102,658

  Disallowances

  32,463

  49,208

  44,781

  Notes:

  1. Disallowances can be for a number of reasons besides lack of qualifying benefit, e.g., age of carer, earnings over the limit, extent of caring.

  2. Figures may not sum because claims made in one year may be decided in a later year.

  Source:

  Monthly statistics, Invalid Care Allowance Unit.

  incapacity Benefit
  Mr. Duncan Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if sick and disabled people claiming incapacity benefit who make themselves available to work within the welfare-to-work scheme will be automatically switched from incapacity benefit to Jobseeker's allowance. [15742]
  530
  Mr. Denham
  The Government believe that work is the best form of welfare for people of working age. For too long, disabled people have been defined by their disabilities rather than their abilities, their incapacity rather than their capacity. We therefore wish to develop ways to give sick and disabled people the advice, help and support they need to achieve their aspirations and to move towards financial independence, as part of an overall aim of social inclusion. Up to £195 million, set aside from the Windfall Tax, will be used to test a range of options to find out what are the most effective ways to help people with disabilities and long-term health problems to move into work, to encourage employers both to employ and retain disabled people and to avoid people becoming dependent on long-term incapacity benefits in the first place. In parallel with the welfare to work proposals for sick and disabled people, we are also considering what changes might be made to the benefit system to improve work incentives and reduce disincentives.

  Industrial Disablement Benefit
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many new successful claims were made for industrial disablement benefit in each of the last three years. [16393]

  Mr. Denham
  The information is set out in the table.

  New awards of industrial injuries disablement benefit in each of the last three years

  Year

  New awards made during in the year

  April 1994 to March 1995

  25,256

  April 1995 to March 1996

  24,329

  April 1996 to March 1997

  23,097

  Source:

  100 per cent. count of Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit award from DSS Central Data Unit.

  Note:

  Figures are provisional and subject to amendment.

  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security which five prescribed industrial diseases resulted in the highest number of successful claims in respect of claims for industrial disablement benefit for prescribed industrial diseases in each of the last three years; and how many claims there were for each of these diseases. [16399]

  Mr. Denham
  The information is set out in the table.

  Industrial injuries disablement benefit

  Prescribed diseases with the highest number of initial assessments, with a disability assessment of 14 per cent. or higher, (1 per cent. for D1 and D3), in the last three years, and the claims received

  Prescribed disease

  Awards

  Period

  Claims received

  Period

  1996–1997

  Pneumoconiosis (Dl)

  840

  January to December 1996

  3,020

  April 1996 to March 1997

  DiffuseMesothelioma(D3)

  642

  January to December 1996

  620

  April 1996 to March 1997

  Vibration White Finger (A11)

  592

  April 1996 to March 1997

  12,370

  April 1996 to March 1997

  Occupational Deafness (A10)

  377

  April 1996 to March 1997

  6,420

  April 1996 to March 1997

  531

  Industrial injuries disablement benefit

  Prescribed diseases with the highest number of initial assessments, with a disability assessment of 14 per cent. or higher, (1 per cent. for D1 and D3), in the last three years, and the claims received

  Prescribed disease

  Awards

  Period

  Claims received

  Period

  Occupational Asthma (D7)

  365

  January to December 1996

  1,800

  April 1996 to March 1997

  1995–1996

  Pneumoconiosis (Dl)

  860

  January to December 1995

  3,450

  April 1995 to March 1996

  DiffuseMesothelioma(D3)

  683

  January to December 1995

  570

  April 1995 to March 1996

  Occupational Deafness (A10)

  557

  April 1995 to March 1996

  6,740

  April 1995 to March 1996

  Occupational Asthma (D7)

  440

  January to December 1995

  1,690

  April 1995 to March 1996

  Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema (D12)

  259

  January to December 1995

  2,430

  April 1995 to March 1996

  1994–1995

  Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema (D12)

  2,562

  January to December 1994

  8,418

  April 1994 to March 1995

  Pneumoconiosis (Dl)

  1,006

  January to December 1994

  n/a

  —

  DiffuseMesothelioma(D3)

  583

  January to December 1994

  n/a

  —

  Occupational Asthma (D7)

  420

  January to December 1994

  1,789

  April 1994 to March 1995

  Occupational Deafness (A10)

  402

  April 1994 to March 1995

  8,179

  April 1994 to March 1995

  n/a = Not available.

  Notes:

  1. Data for respiratory and non-respiratory awards are held for different periods (calendar years for respiratory awards and financial years for non-respiratory awards).

  2. The number of awards made in any year, are not necessarily the results of the number of claims received in that year. There will be some awards made from claims made in the preceding year, and some claims received, that are not awarded until the following year. Claims figures include those made by people making more than one claim.

  Sources:

  1. Awards figures from a 100 per cent. count of assessments (DSS Analytical Services Division).

  2. Claims figures from DSS Central Data Unit (100 per cent.), DSS BREM systems (100 per cent.) and from April 1995 rated up from a 10 per cent. sample of claims received.

  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security for each of the last three years, what was the total number of claimants of industrial disablement benefit; and how many of those received benefit(a) in respect of an industrial accident and (b) in respect of a prescribed industrial disease for each of the last three years. [16398]

  Mr. Denham
  The information is set out in the tables:

  Total claims for industrial injuries disablement benefit received

  Year

  Claims received

  April 1994 to March 1995

  79,983

  April 1995 to March 1996

  83,847

  April 1996 to March 1997

  76,486

  532

  New awards of industrial injuries disablement benefit for industrial accidents

  Year

  Awards made

  April 1994 to March 1995

  19,611

  April 1995 to March 1996

  18,473

  April 1996 to March 1997

  17,101

  New awards of industrial injuries disablement benefit for prescribed diseases

  Year

  Awards made

  April 1994 to March 1995

  5,645

  April 1995 to March 1996

  5,856

  April 1996 to March 1997

  5,996

  Source:

  100 per cent. counts of IIDB claims and awards from DSS Central

  Data Unit. Figures are provisional and subject to amendment.

  Note:

  The figures are separate counts. The number of awards made in any year are not necessarily the results of the number of claims received in that year. There will be some awards made from claims made in the preceding year, and some claims received, that are not awarded until the following year. Claims figures include those made by people making more than one claim.

  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many claimants have received industrial disablement benefit at the maximum 100 per cent. disability rate in each of the last three years. [16397]

  Mr. Denham
  The information is set out in the table.

  Industrial injuries disablement benefit assessments paid at 100 per cent. rate

  Year

  Initial assessments at 95–100 per cent.disabled in the year

  All assessments at 95–100 per cent. at the end of the year

  April 1993 to March 1994

  790

  3,782

  April 1994 to March 1995

  712

  3,757

  April 1995 to March 1996

  813

  4,095

  Figures based on a 10 per cent. sample of all Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB) assessments, and include a rating factor for late returns.

  Press Releases
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is her policy in respect of the faxing of press releases on the day of release to Opposition party spokesmen; what changes have been introduced since 1 May; and if she will make a statement. [16303]

  Mr. Field
  Press releases are delivered by hand to Opposition party spokesmen on the day of release, normally within one hour. None are faxed.

  This practice has been in place since 1 May.

  Child Support Agency
  Mr. Denis Murphy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many cases have been dealt with by the Child Support Agency since its formation; and how many complaints regarding the CSA were received during the same period. [16167]
  533
  Mr. Keith Bradley
  We expect the Child Support Agency to provide an efficient and effective service to all its clients throughout the child support assessment process. We are looking for substantial and sustained operational improvements from the Agency, in particular on getting more maintenance paid, reducing the backlog and improving customer service.

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

  Letter from Faith Boardman to Mr. Denis Murphy, dated 24 November 1997:
  I am replying to your Parliamentary Question concerning the number of cases dealt with by the Child Support Agency, and complaints regarding the Agency.
  From its inception in April 1993 to the end of October 1997, the Agency has taken on over 2.2 million cases.
  During the same period, the number of written complaints received by Child Support Agency Centres (or, in a few instances, field offices) amounted to just over 109,000. This represents the vast majority of complaints sent to the Agency. Correspondence received by Ministers and the Chief Executive is not categorised, and it is not possible to say what proportion of that correspondence relates to complaints. Full figures are not available for the first year of operation, but since April 1994, all such correspondence has totalled over 37,000.
  I am very conscious that there are still far too many justified complaints about the standards of basic customer contact and the service we provide. It is a key priority of the Agency to improve the way in which complaints are handled; we have revised our training for all staff who deal with complaints and introduced a new Complaints Guide. The Guide sets out our policy and procedures for swift, effective complaints handling.
  Although the number of complaints reduced in 1996/97 (by around 20%), we are aware that as we tackle our backlog of cases, there is the potential for the volume of complaints to rise in the short term and we recognise that doing things right first time is the key to preventing complaints.
  In addition, from April 1997 the Office of the Independent Case Examiner has provided an independent complaints investigation service for those customers who consider that the Agency's internal review process has not satisfactorily resolved their grievances. At the end of September 1997, the number of cases accepted for investigation by this service was 148.
  Over the next few years, I am committed to bringing high quality levels of performance to every part of our operation as a matter of routine, thereby reducing the number of complaints received and enhancing the public perception of the Agency.

  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the planned date of publication of the report on the review of the Child Support Agency. [17650]

  Mr. Denis Murphy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when the current review of the Child Support Agency will be completed. [17148]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  We aim to bring forward proposals in the first half of next year.

  Child Benefit
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when the report on the methodology and findings of the Benefit Review on Child Benefit will be published. [17547]
  534
  Mr. Denham
  Questions on Benefits Agency operational matters are the responsibility of the Chief Executive, Peter Mathison. He will write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Archy Kirkwood, dated 24 November 1997:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your Parliamentary question asking when the report on the methodology and findings of the Benefit Review on Child Benefit will be published.
  The findings of the Child Benefit Review are currently being evaluated. When the results have been finalised they will be submitted to Ministers for consideration. The full report and details of methodology will then be published. It is expected that this will be in the new year.

  Benefits Office (Grays, Essex)
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) if she plans to provide a period of consultation with(a) the local authorities, (b) the clients, (c) hon. Members and (d) other agencies, before implementing changes in the levels of staffing and services provided at the Grays, Essex Benefits Office; and if she will make a statement; [17336]

  (2) when unions were consulted about details of plans to alter the levels of staffing and services provided at the Grays, Essex Benefits Office; and if she will make a statement; [17324]

  (3) what plans there are to alter the levels of staffing and services provided at the Grays, Essex Benefits Office; and if she will make a statement. [17325]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  The operational organisation of benefit offices is a matter for Peter Mathison, the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to my hon. Friend.

  Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Andrew Mackinlay, dated 24 November 1997:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Questions concerning the levels of staffing and services provided by the Benefits Agency (BA) office at Grays, Essex.
  The BA is undertaking a reappraisal of its services and the way they are provided in order to modernise service delivery and make savings for the taxpayer. Part of this reappraisal includes an analysis of the use the Agency makes of its present accommodation. The BA's Essex South West District, which includes the office at Grays, is looking at ways to rationalise its accommodation.
  The manager of the BA's District wrote to local MPs and representatives of 28 local organisations to inform interested parties of the proposed changes. As there will be no change to the service provided to the public at the Grays office, a formal period of consultation is not considered necessary.
  The proposals will have some impact on staff locally. Accordingly, the local Trade Unions were advised separately of the announcement and there will be extensive local discussions to ensure a successful implementation of the proposals.
  Some processing work currently conducted at Grays will transfer to Basildon. However, a full caller facility will be retained at Grays along with some of the existing processing work. Customers will be able to call at the office as they do now. Indeed, the proposed changes will enhance the service for disabled people who will be provided with improved access to the building.
  I hope you find this reply helpful.
  535

  Welfare to Work
  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will make a statement on the entitlement to benefits of those who agree to participate in Welfare to Work for long-term sick and disabled schemes. [17724]

  Mr. Denham
  I shall let the hon. Member have such information as is available as soon as possible.

  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will make a statement on the welfare to work for the long-term sick and disabled pilot schemes. [17648]

  Mr. Denham
  The Government believe that work is the best form of welfare for people of working age. We are committed to improving opportunities for sick and disabled people who want to work.

  We will use the £195 million to fund innovative schemes which will explore how best to help sick and disabled people into work. We want to encourage an imaginative approach. We do not wish to constrain ideas at this stage but schemes could for example provide services along the following lines: improved advice; rehabilitation; work trials; skills training; adaption to the workplace; job-coaching and employer mentoring; improved employer and medical services sickness management; and assessment and placement schemes. We hope to launch a tendering exercise by the turn of the year and to select the first schemes in spring 1998.

  Income Support
  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will make a statement on the planned date of publication of the report of her Department's research into income support. [17652]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  Department of Social Security has a wide-ranging research programme, covering a number of areas including Income Support. It is our practice to publish the results of research commissioned.

  Poverty Record
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will place in the Library a copy of the Government's response to recent litigation on Britain's poverty record in connection with the 1976 UN International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. [17229]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  The UK submitted its third compliance report on the 1976 UN International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) in February 1996. That report, which has been placed in the Library, has been considered by an ICESCR Committee who are now taking oral evidence from both Non-Governmental Organisations and the Government.

  Cold Weather Payments
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what data her Department has collated on the effects of wind chill on the heating needs of those in receipt of cold weather payments. [17369]
  536
  Mr. Denham
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Streatham (Mr. Hill) on 30 October 1997,Official Report, columns 855–56.

  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what assessment her Department has made of the costs of introducing a winter payment system for fuel instead of the cold weather payment; and if she will make a statement. [17366]

  Mr. Denham
  I shall let my hon. Friend have such information as is available as soon as possible.

  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate her Department has made of the cost of introducing a wind chill factor in calculating cold weather payments. [17367]

  Mr. Denham
  A number of options have been considered. Full details are contained in the Building Research Establishment's report, copies of which are available in the Library.

  State Pensions
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will publish all the representations received as part of her review of state pensions. [17360]

  Mr. Denham
  I refer my hon. Friend to the replies I gave the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire (Mr. Kirkwood) on 17 November 1997,Official Report, columns 85–86.

  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when she plans to make a statement on the Government's strategy for the state pension from 1998– 99 onwards. [17362]

  Mr. Denham
  The pensions review, announced by my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State, on 17 July 1997,Official Report, columns 239–41, is looking at the central areas of insecurity for elderly people, including all aspects of the basic pension and its value. A key objective of the review is to ensure that pensioners should have an adequate income in retirement; that they should share fairly in rising national prosperity, and that public finances should be both sustainable and affordable.

  The first part of the review ended on 31 October and we are now carefully considering more than 1,800 responses we have received from pensioner providers, employers, employees, consumers, pensions experts and pensioners themselves. The Government intend to publish an initial framework for change in the first half of 1998. There will then be a period of further consultation before final, detailed proposals are developed.

  All-work Test
  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the planned date of publication of the report on the review of the all-work test. [17647]

  Mr. Denham
  As part of our Comprehensive Spending Review, we are looking at all aspects of current provision for sick and disabled people. Our objectives are to ensure that sick and disabled people who want to work are helped to do so and those who cannot are given appropriate support. This means that we are considering carefully the appropriateness of the All-work Test as we develop our
  537
  proposals. The Comprehensive Spending Review was announced on 11 June and is expected to take around a year to complete.

  Lone Parents
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many of those individuals in a family headed by a lone parent where household income after housing costs is below half the national average are(a) in benefit units receiving income support, (b) in benefit units not receiving income support but receiving one parent benefit, (c) in benefit units where the head works 16 hours per week or more or (d) in benefit units receiving family credit, housing benefit or council tax benefit. [17620]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  In 1995–96, an estimated 2.4 million individuals in Great Britain were in a family headed by a lone parent where household income after housing costs was below half the national average. Of these individuals, it is estimated that:

  (a) 87 per cent. (2.1 million) were in benefit units receiving income support;

  (b) 7 per cent. (0.2 million) were in benefit units not receiving income support but receiving one parent benefit;

  (c) 7 per cent. (0.2 million) were in benefit units where the head worked 16 hours per week or more;

  (d) 91 per cent. (2.2 million) were in benefit units in receipt of at least one of the following: family credit, housing benefit or council tax benefit.

  Source:
  Households Below Average Income (HBAI).
  Notes:
  1. The data come from the Department's Households Below Average Income(HBAI) series, based on the Family Resources Survey (FRS and covering Great Britain. The FRS data was used to achieve a large enough sample size to provide the information. All results are subject to sampling error.
  2. The income measure used is weekly net (disposable) equivalised household income. The definition of income used follows that in the published HBAI series for FRS based results.

  Social Security Bill
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimates he has made of the saving which would arise to the Exchequer from Clause 70 of the Social Security Bill if there were no exceptions to its provisions. [17607]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  The estimated savings without exceptions would be around £80 million in a full year.

  Christmas Bonus
  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if the Christmas bonus will be included in her Department's review of the central areas of insecurity for older people. [17727]

  Mr. Denham
  Our pensions review will look at all aspects of the basic state pension and its value including the Christmas Bonus. The review will report in the first half of next year.

  Private Pension Funds
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will make a statement on recent trends in the solvency of private pension funds. [17228]
  538
  Mr. Denham
  There is no universally accepted benchmark for measuring the solvency of private pension funds. Actuaries use a number of valuation methods and assumptions when advising trustees about the funding level of their pension schemes.

  Pensions Forums
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what actions are being taken by her Department to promote pensions foruMs in each local authority area. [17368]

  Mr. Denham
  This Department has no plans to set up pensions foruMs in each local authority area, but we want everyone with an interest in pensions to participate in the Pensions Review announced by my hon. Friend the Secretary of State on 17 July 1997,Official Report, columns 239–41. We particularly welcome contributions from today's pensioners. That is why we were extremely pleased that Jack Jones and the National Pensioners' Convention (NPC) agreed to take on a central and specific role within the Review so that pensioners' voices can be heard at the heart of the Review process. It is open to the NPC to make representations on the further involvement of pensioners in local and central Government. The NPC is an organisation with a large number of affiliated local pensioners' organisations and over 1.5 million members across the country. To date we have received and are considering over 1,800 replies to the public consultation exercise which ended on 31 October many of which are from local pensioners' organisations.

  Statutory Services
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what assessment her Department has made of the effects of the Gloucestershire judgment relating to the provision of statutory services; and if she will make a statement. [17363]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health has the lead responsibility for the implications of the Gloucestershire judgment. The judgment does not have any effect on DSS provisions.

  Disability Living Allowance
  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will make a statement as to the planned date of publication of the report on the review of the disability living allowance. [17651]

  Mr. Denham
  I shall let the hon. Member have such information as is available as soon as possible.

  Wisconsin Project
  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security which Ministers had meetings with officials from Wisconsin during the summer. [17726]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State had one meeting with an official from Wisconsin.

  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what reports have been prepared by officials in her Department on the Wisconsin Project; and if she will make them publicly available. [17725]
  539
  Mr. Keith Bradley
  Departmental Officials prepare regular background papers for Ministers on developments in welfare policy across the world. Several of these have included material on recent changes in Wisconsin.

  It is for the authorities in Wisconsin to provide information about its welfare policy.

  Pension Review
  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will list the submissions to the Government's pension review. [17649]

  Mr. Denham
  I refer the hon. Member to the replies I gave the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire (Mr. Kirkwood) on 17 November 1997,Official Report, columns 85–86.

  Mr. Duncan Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if changes brought into effect following the Government reviews on pensions will affect only those starting new pension schemes. [17621]

  Mr. Denham
  A key objective of the review is to ensure that pensioners should have an adequate income in retirement; that they should share fairly in rising national prosperity; and that public finances should be both sustainable and affordable.

  No decision on changes to the pension system have been made. The Government intend to publish an initial framework for change in the first half of 1998. There will then be a period of further consultation before final, detailed proposals are developed and laid before Parliament.
  540

  Benefit Claims (Backdating)
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the cost to the Exchequer of the exemptions to the proposed restrictions on backdating of benefit claims which were announced by the Under-Secretary on 20 November 1997,Official Report, Standing Committee B, columns 426–29. [17608]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  The estimated cost of the exceptions is around £24 million in a full year.

  Lone Mothers
  Mr. Duncan Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to her oral answer of 17 November 1997,Official Report, column 7, if she will make it her policy not to introduce compulsion for lone parents in order to get them from welfare into work. [17653]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  Compulsion is not the issue. The real issue is effective help to get lone parents back to work. We are making significant steps to help lone parents back to work in the New Deal for Lone Parents, and by developing a National Childcare Strategy. With these policies, we are offering:

  personalised advice on jobsearch;

  training;

  help with childcare;

  and in-work benefits advice.

  We believe that with the measures in the New Deal for Lone Parents, coupled with improvements that the Government is making in childcare, lone parents will decide for themselves that work is better than life on benefit.

  Remploy: Performance Figures
  Remploy: Performance Figures
  HIV/AIDS Treatment: Costs
  HIV/AIDS Treatment: Costs
  Gulf War Veterans
  Gulf War Veterans
  Special Nuclear Materials Flights
  Special Nuclear Materials Flights
  Human Rights Bill: "Public Authority" Definition
  Human Rights Bill: "Public Authority" Definition
  European Convention on Human Rights: "Public Authority" Definition
  European Convention on Human Rights: "Public Authority" Definition
  European Movement: Grants
  European Movement: Grants
  Students: Maintenance Grants
  Students: Maintenance Grants
  Scottish Office: Roads Programme
  Scottish Office: Roads Programme
  Scotland: Inward Investment
  Scotland: Inward Investment
  Radioactive Waste Disposals: Report
  Radioactive Waste Disposals: Report
  Meat and Bone Meal Imports from Africa
  Meat and Bone Meal Imports from Africa