Written Answers of 28 October 1997

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Family Credit
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will estimate the effect on the number of recipients of family credit of cutting the taper to(a) 65 per cent., (b) 55 per cent. and (c) 50 per cent. [12814]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  The information is in the table:

  Level of taper (per cent.)

  Increase in number of family credit recipients (000s)

  65

  35

  55

  175

  50

  285

  1. Results are derived from the Policy Simulation Model based on the 1995–96 Family Resources Survey, uprated to 1997–98 caseload levels.

  2. Caseload effects are rounded to the nearest 5,000 claimants.

  Backdating
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will amend the rules for backdating of disability living allowance and attendance allowance to ensure that arrears from an any grounds or any time review can backdate the claim from the time of the claim. [12847]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  The changes introduced in April 1997 inadvertently limited payment of arrears as a result of an "any grounds review" (requested within three months of a decision) on disability living allowance, disability working allowance and attendance allowance. Extra-statutory payments were made until amending regulations came into force on 13 October 1997.

  Social Fund
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans she has for changing the regulations relating to social fund payments following the Social Security Commissioner's decision in the case of Mr. O'Flynn. [13299]

  Mr. Denham
  Amending regulations were laid yesterday. Earlier this year, the Social Security Commissioner decided that the provision, which restricted entitlement to a funeral payment provided the funeral took place within the United Kingdom, infringed European Community law.

  The changes bring the legislation into line with European Community law. Where someone is living in this country, but originally came from another EEA country, they may be able to claim help with funeral expenses if they satisfy the existing eligibility criteria which apply to all other claimants. They may be able to
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  get help if, and only if, the deceased person also lived here. Under the changes they will be able to claim if the funeral takes place in another EEA country. However, the amount paid will be limited to the amount which would have been paid had the funeral taken place where the deceased had lived in the United Kingdom.

  A further change has been made to bring the provision into line with European Community law. The person arranging the funeral may also get help with travel costs to arrange or attend the funeral, but the amount allowable would not exceed the amount which would have been paid if the funeral had taken place locally.

  A number of other minor changes have been made to restore, or clarify, the original policy intention.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  Football Grounds
  Dr. Gibson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what is his Department's policy on the provision of standing areas at those football grounds where it is currently prohibited; with which bodies he has consulted; and if he will make a statement. [12955]

  Mr. Fisher
  [holding answer 27 October 1997]: There has been a great deal of debate recently about the re-introduction of standing accommodation for spectators at premier league and first division grounds. As my hon. Friend the Minister for Sport made clear in a statement last week, the Government have no plans to review the policy which requires clubs in the premier league and the first division to be all-seater, but which allows clubs in the second and third divisions of the Football League to retain some standing accommodation subject to stringent safety requirements.

  The Taylor report identified all-seating as the factor which contributed most to spectator safety. We are, of course, prepared to listen to comments made about the provision of spectator accommodation, consulting relevant bodies such as the Football Licensing Authority as necessary, but we should be very careful before considering any change of policy.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Special Secure Units
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department for what reason there was a delay from June 1996 to May 1997 in implementing a system of three-monthly health reviews of prisoners detained in special secure units; what is the agreed format and content of these reviews; how many prisoners have been examined to date; and what percentage of the total special secure unit population this represents. [12605]

  Ms Quin
  The special secure unit operating standards were amended in January 1997 to provide that the health of prisoners detained in SSUs should be formally reviewed at three-monthly intervals. Detailed discussion about the content and format of health reviews and related
  773
  disclosure issues were not concluded until April 1997. Instructions were issued to prison medical officers and the first reviews took place in May 1997.

  The process of formal review does not replace the existing arrangements for the health care of prisoners in SSUs which is comparable to that elsewhere in the prison service. The three-monthly reviews are designed to collate information gathered over the review period, assess the health of each prisoner, identity any areas of concern and initiate any necessary remedial action. Reports from outside specialists may be commissioned where necessary. A summary of the three-monthly review report along with any health care recommendations is given to each prisoner.

  In May 1997 there were 23 exceptional risk prisoners held in SSUs. Reviews were carried out on all of these prisoners. There are now only six exceptional risk prisoners in England and Wales, all of whom are held in the Whitemoor SSU. Subsequent reviews have been carried out on these prisoners.

  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the average total cost per year of maintaining a prisoner in a special secure unit. [12606]

  Ms Quin
  The average total cost1 per prisoner place in a special secure unit is estimated to be approximately £61,000 per annum for the year ending 31 March 1997, the period for which the last detailed analysis was carried out.
  1 Average total cost represents the cost per SSU accommodation place certified to hold prisoners in an establishment.

  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners are currently held in special secure units; for how long each prisoner has been held in such units; and what is the nationality of each such prisoner. [12607]

  Ms Quin
  The table shows the six prisoners held in the special secure unit at Whitemoor. There are currently no other prisoners held in SSUs.

  Nationality

  Offence

  Time spent in SSU

  American

  Conspiracy to murder

  2 years 7 months

  Colombian

  Customs evasion

  4 months

  British

  Armed robbery

  9 years 3 months

  Cypriot

  Customs evasion

  4 years 2 months

  Irish Republic

  Importation of drugs

  1 year 11 months

  British

  Importation of drugs

  1 year 11 months

  Parole Board
  Fiona Mactaggart
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has made provision for those detained during Her Majesty's pleasure to have their cases considered by the Parole Board at oral hearings. [13297]

  Mr. Straw
  The Parole Board Rules 1997, which were made on 6 October 1997 under section 32(5) of the Criminal Justice Act 1991, came into force on 6 October. A copy of the rules has been placed in the Library.

  The rules apply to those detained during Her Majesty's pleasure and to all discretionary lifers, including those sentenced under section 2 of the Crime (Sentences) Act 1997.
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  Apart from minor changes to statutory references and interpretation, the rules are identical to their predecessors, the Parole Board Rules 1992.

  Parliamentary Boundary Commission
  Mrs. Brinton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whom he intends to appoint to the vacant post of commissioner at the Parliamentary Boundary Commission for England. [13300]

  Mr. George Howarth
  I am very pleased to announce that we have appointed Mr. Michael Lewer QC to serve as a Commissioner at the commission. His appointment is effective until 31 December 2000.

  Prison Service
  Mr. Fitzpatrick
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he will publish the business plan for the Prison Service for 1997–98. [13301]

  Mr. Straw
  I am publishing today the Prison Service's business plan for 1997–98, including the key performance targets I have set.

  I recognise the pressure under which the service is now operating. The audit of resources which I published on 25 July made it clear that the key assumptions on which the service had been planning for the current year, particularly the size of the prison population, have already been overtaken. I announced on 24 July an increase in Prison Service funding this year and next year to help meet these pressures. At the same time, work underway as part of the comprehensive spending review, the study of ways of closer working between the Probation and Prison Services—which I announced on 16 July—and other policy developments in the criminal justice field will all have long-term implications for the service, which makes long-term planning difficult.

  For these reasons, I have decided not to publish a three-year corporate plan this year. Instead I am publishing a business plan which sets out clear targets and priorities for this year but does not significantly change the longer-term objectives previously set for the service and focuses on the need to accommodate the prison population safely while maintaining balanced, positive regimes so far as possible. I will shortly discuss with the Director General the priorities and direction for the service for the next three years, which will be reflected in the corporate plan for 1998–2001.

  The plan includes the performance targets against which the service has been operating so far this year. The majority will require some improvement on last year's performance, but I recognise that the further rapid rise in prisoner numbers so far this year, well ahead of the assumptions made when the plan was drafted, will have an impact on performance.
  775
  The targets are:

  Escapes
  To ensure no category A prisoners escape.
  To ensure that the number of escapes from prisons and from escorts, expressed as a proportion of the prison population, is lower than in 1996–97.

  Assaults
  To ensure that the number of assaults on staff, prisoners and others, expressed as a proportion of the average population, is lower than 9 per cent.

  Drugs
  To ensure that the rate of positive testing for drugs (the number of random drug tests that prove positive expressed as a proportion of the total number of random tests carried out) is lower than in 1996–97.

  Overcrowding
  To ensure that the percentage of the prison population above the uncrowded capacity of the estate is no more than 13 per cent.

  Time unlocked
  To ensure that by 31 March 1998 at least 60 per cent. of prisoners are held in establishments which normally unlock all prisoners on the standard or enhanced regime for at least 10 hours per week day.

  Offending behaviour programmes
  To ensure that there are at least 2,200 completions by prisoners of programmes accredited as being effective in reducing re-offending, of which 670 should be completions of the sex offender treatment programmes.

  Cost per place
  To achieve at least a 1.3 per cent. reduction in real terms in cost per place compared to 1996–97, ensuring that the average cost of a prison place does not exceed £24,610.

  Staff training
  To ensure that, on average, staff spend at least six days in training.

  I have also set a target on purposeful activity, to ensure that prisoners spend on average at least 22.5 hours per week engaged in purposeful activity. This target takes account of work to improve the accuracy of these figures. Because of this, this year's target is not directly comparable with performance in previous years, but it is intended to maintain performance at the level delivered last year.

  I regard it as extremely important that prisons provide a full day's constructive and challenging activity for prisoners, and I shall be asking the Director General to consider how he can improve on this targeting the years ahead. But I do recognise that the population pressures facing the service make it unrealistic to set a higher target in 1997–98.

  Prisoner Transfers
  Ms Blears
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department on what basis prisoners will be transferred between United Kingdom jurisdictions and the islands, following the introduction of schedule 1 to the Crime (Sentences) Act 1997. [13304]

  Mr. Straw
  The Government attach considerable importance to enabling prisoners to maintain family ties while serving their sentences. As part of a number of measures to facilitate family contact, there is provision for prisoners to transfer to another United Kingdom jurisdiction, or to one of the islands, where they have close family members.
  776
  The Criminal Justice Act 1961 provided for inter-jurisdictional transfers to be made on either a permanent or a temporary basis. Permanent transfers were normally refused where, as a consequence of differing early release provisions applying in the various jurisdictions, a reduction in time to serve would have been likely to result.

  In 1992, an inter-departmental working group recognised the particular difficulties posed in relation to the permanent transfer of long-term prisoners to Northern Ireland because of differing early release provisions, and recommended that consideration be given to amending the legislation to overcome this problem. This recommendation was accepted and has been given effect in the Crime (Sentences) Act 1997 (section 41 and schedule 1) brought into force on 1 October 1997.

  The new provisions provide for prisoners to be transferred to another jurisdiction on either an unrestricted or a restricted basis. In the case of an unrestricted transfer, the administration of the prisoner's sentence will become a matter entirely for the receiving jurisdiction. A restricted transfer will be subject to conditions whereby the sending jurisdiction will continue to administer certain specified aspects of the sentence.

  Transfers will continue to require the consent of the Secretary of State of both the sending and receiving jurisdictions. Normally, transfer requests will be approved only where the prisoner has at least six months left to serve in the receiving jurisdiction before his or her release date at the time of making the request, and where the prisoner has no outstanding appeal against conviction or sentence, is not charged with further criminal proceedings, and is not liable to any further period of imprisonment in lieu of payment of any outstanding monetary orders made by a court.

  Each application will be assessed on its individual merits, taking into consideration:

  (i) the purpose for which the transfer is requested;

  (ii) whether the prisoner was ordinarily resident in the jurisdiction to which transfer is sought prior to the imposition of the current sentence; or whether members of the prisoner's close family are resident in that jurisdiction and there are reasonable grounds for believing that the prisoner will receive regular visits from them; or whether the prisoner has demonstrated through preparations that he has made for his life following release from prison that he intends to reside in the receiving jurisdiction upon release and he is in the later stages of his sentence;

  (iii) whether there are grounds for believing that the prisoner may disrupt or attempt to disrupt any prison establishment, or pose an unacceptable risk to security; and

  (iv) any compelling or compassionate circumstances.

  When considering whether to make an unrestricted or a restricted transfer, the Secretary of State of the sending jurisdiction will take into account the period and terms of transfer requested by the prisoner, and whether, as a consequence of an unrestricted transfer, there would be likely to be any effect on the length of time which the prisoner would be required to serve, or on any post release supervision requirement.

  Where an unrestricted transfer is granted, the prisoner will serve the remainder of his or her sentence in the receiving jurisdiction as if that sentence had been passed

  777
  there, and will be subject for all purposes to the statutory and other provisions applying to prisoners within the receiving jurisdiction.

  A prisoner granted a restricted transfer will automatically remain, for the duration of his or her transfer, subject to the law governing release on licence, automatic release, post release supervision and recall applicable in the sending jurisdiction. In addition, any other condition relating to the terms of a prisoner's detention as the Secretary of State of the sending jurisdiction may deem appropriate in any particular case or class of case may be attached to the transfer.

  A prisoner transferred on a restricted basis will normally become subject for all purposes, other than those specified in any conditions attached to the transfer, to the statutory and other provisions applying to prisoners in the receiving jurisdiction (including, for example, such matters as categorisation).

  In the light of the new arrangements the Government have taken the opportunity to consider how applications for temporary release from prisoners transferred to another jurisdiction on a restricted basis should be handled. In future, decisions on applications for temporary release for compassionate or other purposes submitted by prisoners granted a restricted transfer for the purposes of facilitating family ties will normally become the responsibility of the jurisdiction to which the prisoner is transferred. Prisoners will be able to apply for periods of temporary release under the provisions existing in the receiving jurisdiction. Each such application will be considered by the appropriate authority in the receiving jurisdiction on its own merits and in accordance with the relevant criteria applying in that jurisdiction. Prisoners will normally, therefore, no longer be eligible to apply for temporary release under the provisions applying in the sending jurisdiction.

  However, where a restricted transfer is time limited (for example, to enable the prisoner to receive accumulated visits), or for a purpose other than to facilitate family ties (for example, to attend judicial proceedings or to receive medical treatment), and the prisoner is expected to return to the sending jurisdiction, decisions on temporary release will continue to be made by the sending jurisdiction.

  The effect of any conditions attached to a transfer will be explained to the prisoner concerned prior to transfer. Any conditions imposed may be reviewed at the request of the prisoner or either of the Secretaries of State party to the transfer at any time during the duration of the transfer, and may be varied or revoked by the making of a further order. A restricted transfer may not be made unrestricted without the consent of the prisoner concerned. Any requests for variation or revocation of conditions will be considered under the normal transfer criteria.

  A prisoner granted a restricted transfer may be returned to the sending jurisdiction at any time if this proves necessary, for example, if the purpose for which the transfer was granted is no longer being fulfilled, at the request of the receiving jurisdiction (in the case of disruptive behaviour), or in the interests of the administration of the sentence (such as consideration by the Parole Board or to undergo post release supervision).
  778
  Transfer requests submitted by remand prisoners will be considered in accordance with the normal transfer criteria. However, in view of the need to ensure that the prisoner is available to the courts as required, normally such requests will be granted only where there are compelling or compassionate reasons for doing so.

  Where a transfer is agreed, the timing of the prisoner's move will be subject to operational and security considerations in the sending and receiving jurisdictions.

  "Corpus Juris"
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the document "Corpus Juris" sponsored by the Directorate General (Financial Control) of the European Commission; what Her Majesty's Government's policy is on this document; and if he will place a copy of the document in the Library. [12813]

  Mr. Michael
  [holding answer 27 October 1997]: We understand that the document in question is a discussion paper with no formal status. We disagree with many of its recommendations which are incompatible with the legal traditions of this country. However, for any of them to have effect, they would need to be proposed formally and agreed unanimously in the Council. I understand that an English translation of the document should be obtainable from the European Commission. I am arranging for copies to be obtained and placed in the Library as requested.

  Crime (Sentences) Act 1997
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Enfield, Southgate (Mr. Twigg) of 30 July,Official Report, columns 261–62, what is the linkage between section 20 of the Crime (Sentences) Act 1997 and other early release provisions; and if he will make a statement on his grounds for not implementing section 20; [12727]

  (2) pursuant to his answer of 30 July, Official Report, columns 261–62, to the hon. Member for Enfield, Southgate how the extended supervision of sexual offenders he proposes in the Crime and Disorder Bill will differ from that provided in the Crime (Sentences) Act 1997. [12742]

  Ms Quin
  We decided not to implement the release and post-release supervision provisions set out in sections 10–26 of the 1997 Act on the grounds that they were unnecessarily complicated. Our preferred approach is that the courts should be required to spell out in open court what a sentence means in practice, based on the existing release and supervision arrangements provided for by the Criminal Justice Act 1991.

  The principle of extended supervision of sex offenders is one which the Government fully support. However, the arrangements for extended supervision of sex offenders in the 1997 Act cannot be brought into effect independently of other provisions in part II of the Act which we believe would create overly complex arrangements. That is why we intend to bring forward fresh provision to do this in the Crime and Disorder Bill. This will give the courts the same powers in respect of maximum post-release supervision as section 20.

SCOTLAND

  Sewerage Charges
  Mr. Ernie Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will grant relief to domestic customers in respect of sewerage charges in 1998–99. [13374]

  Mr. Dewar
  Yes. I have set aside £29.7 million for this purpose. This sum represents a saving to average band D households of between £17 and £20 in 1998–99. The sum is in line with the previous Government's expenditure plans. This relief, first introduced in 1996, is a transitional arrangement which is to be phased out by April 1999. We shall pay grant to water authorities to compensate for the charge income they will forgo in 1998–99. Of this some £9.0 million will be available to the East Authority, £7.4 million to the North Authority and £13.2 million to the West Authority. The necessary order will be laid before Parliament shortly.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Goods and Services (Payments)
  Mr. Todd
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list each of the functions relating to payment for goods or services supplied for which her Department is responsible indicating the management systems purchased, all subcontractors involved in the work; co-operative arrangements with other Departments; and the costs of the systems and processes in the last year for which figures are available. [12559]

  Mr. Foulkes
  My Department has an in-house payment system which processes most payments made in the UK in respect of goods or services supplied under the aid programme. Payments are authorised by the spending departments, which are mainly overseas. After input and review by headquarters staff in the UK these payments are then recorded, checked and cleared for issue by the accounts department in our East Kilbride headquarters. The accounts department's total running costs for 1996–97 were £819,000 but not all these costs related to the processing of payments for goods and services. It would involve disproportionate expense to make a reliable estimate of spending departments' and other headquarters' costs covering only this aspect of work.

  In addition, my Department employs five procurement agents: these agents include in their fee a sum to cover payment to suppliers. This fee covers all aspects of procurement agents' services and agents do not separate out that element of their fee which covers payment to suppliers.

  Financial aid to partner Governments under the terms of loan or grant agreements is made by Crown Agents Financial Services which charged £589,000 for this service in 1996–97. Some payments are also made overseas by embassies and high commissions on our behalf.

  PHARE
  Sir Richard Body
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what representations she has 780
  made in respect of the financial irregularities noted by the Court of Auditors in its special report concerning the decentralised system for the implementation of the PHARE programme between 1990 and 1995. [12503]

  Mr. Foulkes
  We maintain regular contacts with the commission (DG1A) in order to help improve the efficiency and effectiveness of PHARE implementation and financial control procedures. We agree with the findings of the report and will maintain pressure for improvements.

  Kenya
  Mr. McDonnell
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what are the current levels of aid to Kenya; and how much is provided to(a) the Government of Kenya and (b) non-governmental organisations. [12553]

  Mr. Foulkes
  British aid to Kenya in 1996–97 was about £25 million, 40 per cent. of which was provided through non-government channels.

  Mr. McDonnell
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will provide support to human rights monitors in Kenya. [12551]

  Mr. Foulkes
  My Department has offered to provide finance to assist with an election observing programme by three well-respected non-government organisations in Kenya.

  Mr. McDonnell
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development when she next expects to meet representatives of the Kenyan Government to discuss human rights issues. [12550]

  Mr. Foulkes
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for International Development met President Moi and Finance Minister Mudavadi in Nairobi on 6 October 1997. During these meetings she explained Britain's commitment to the elimination of poverty in poorer countries and our intention to work with those Governments which are themselves committed to taking the full range of measures necessary to achieve this aim including the improvement of human rights. She has no plans to meet representatives of the Kenyan Government.

TREASURY

  VAT (Schools)
  Dr. Vis
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if all state schools are registered for VAT, and what the differences are between VAT treatment for(a) local education authority schools, (b) grant-maintained schools and (c) private educational facilities. [12776]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Local Education Authority schools are covered by the VAT registration of their parent local authority. Other schools may be registered for VAT in respect of non-education activities. Education itself is exempt from VAT, so no school has to charge VAT on its provision of education.

  There are some differences between different types of school in respect of recovery of VAT incurred on their expenditure. Local Education Authority schools can recover all VAT under the special provisions made for

  781
  local authorities; other schools cannot, though grant-maintained schools are compensated for this by central Government grant, and independent schools can take non-recoverable VAT into account in setting the level of their fees.

  Financial Services Regulation
  Mr. Stephen Timms
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on his proposals for reform of financial services regulation. [13096]

  Mr. Darling
  My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer has decided that the new single regulatory organisation is to be called the Financial Services Authority. This name has been adopted by the body formerly known as the Securities and Investments Board.

  The draft legislation to be published next summer will include draft statutory objectives for the Financial Services Authority. These are expected to include objectives in the following areas:
  the promotion and maintenance of confidence in the UK financial sector and markets;
  protecting consumers by ensuring that firms are competent and financially sound and give their customers confidence in their integrity, while recognising customers' own responsibility for their financial decisions;
  promoting the improvement of public understanding of the benefits and risks associated with financial products through the improvement of information and advice;
  monitoring, detecting and preventing financial crime.

  We also intend to set some objectives to condition how the Financial Services Authority goes about its job. We want it to:
  be efficient and economic, ensuring that costs and restrictions on firms are proportionate to the benefits of regulation;
  facilitate innovation in financial services;
  take account of the international nature of financial regulation and financial services business.

  The Financial Services Authority has today published a launch document with more details of the preparations for the new regulatory structure. Copies have been placed in the Library of the House.

  The Financial Services Authority has also published today consultation documents on practitioner and consumer involvement and the basis for charging for banking supervision. The details of the new regulatory structure and the Government's intentions for the draft legislation will be subject to further consultation.

  Indirect Taxation
  Sir Richard Body
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the European Commission proposals to adopt a new procedure concerning the implementing measures relating to indirect taxation, as observed in IP/97/653. [12504]

  Dawn Primarolo
  In common with most other member states, the UK is committed to the maintenance of unanimity in the Council as the basis for EC decision-making on indirect tax matters. The UK is thus opposed to the European Commission's proposals.

  Taxation (Expatriates)
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to change the arrangements for the taxation of expatriates. [12845]

  Dawn Primarolo
  All aspects of the UK tax system are kept under regular review.

  National Assets Register
  Mr. Alan Keen
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he expects to be able to publish the National Assets Register. [12581]

  Mr. Darling
  The Government is currently working towards the completion of the National Asset Register and hopes to publish it in the second half of November 1997.

  Economic and Monetary Union
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will make it his policy to protect Britain's zero rates of VAT during negotiations on stage III of economic and monetary union; [12841]

  (2) what action he will take to ensure that Britain's zero rates of VAT are protected under European Commission plans to harmonise VAT rates. [12842]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Although the European Commission aspires to the further harmonisation of VAT rates as part of its suggested programme for a "common system" of VAT, there are no current legislative proposals on rates. The UK's zero rates are fully safeguarded under existing EC VAT law, and any change requires the unanimous agreement of member states. We are committed to retaining the right to keep our existing zero rates and there is no question of being forced to give them up.

  Public Expenditure
  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the real change in total public expenditure for(a) 1997–98 and (b) 1998–99 consequential on the higher gross domestic product deflators announced in the Budget. [12477]

  Mr. Darling
  [holding answer 27 October 1997]: In the July Budget, the projections for General Government Expenditure were increased in cash terms by £0.4 billion in 1997–98 and by £4.1 billion in 1998–99 compared with the figures published in the November 1996 Budget. An additional £1.2 billion was provided for Health and £1 billion for Education in 1998–99. Forecasts for the GDP deflator were also increased. In 1995–96 prices, the July projections for General Government Expenditure were lower than those in the November 1996 Budget by £2.6 billion in 1997–98 and £1.5 billion in 1998–99.

  Single European Currency
  Sir Richard Body
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer where Nordic gold for single currency coinage will be mined; which companies will be involved; and if his Department will undertake research on the ecological effects of the mining and refining involved. [12517]

  Mrs. Liddell
  [holding answer 27 October 1997]: There are no plans for single currency coinage for circulation to contain gold.

  Pension Schemes
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the number of members of closed pension schemes with no sponsoring employers who will be adversely affected by the Budget changes to the value of tax credits. [12838]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 27 October 1997]: We have no detailed information concerning the membership of closed pension schemes with no sponsoring employers.

  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will take steps to compensate members of the closed pension schemes with no sponsoring employers whose weekly income has fallen as a result of the Budget changes to the value of tax credits. [12837]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 27 October 1997]: No.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  BNFL
  Mr. McGrady
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what is the role of her Department in determining dividend guidelines relating to BNFL; when the guidelines were last reviewed; and what factors were taken into account in determining such guidelines. [12938]

  Mr. Battle
  Dividend policy is reviewed from time to time by my Department, in consultation with the Treasury, the most recent being in 1995, when the basis of calculating the dividend was changed from a current cost accounting basis to a historic profit after tax basis. A number of factors are taken into account in determining dividend policy, including the need for the Government, as shareholder, to earn a reasonable rate of return on its investment.

  Gender

  Grade

  Permanent

  FTA

  Casual

  Standby

  Secondment

  Male

  Female

  Grade 6

  0

  2

  0

  0

  2

  4

  20

  Grade 7

  1

  8

  0

  4

  51

  57

  7

  SEO/SSO/SPTO1

  1

  2

  0

  0

  2

  4

  21

  Higher Executive Officer

  2

  0

  0

  0

  3

  3

  22

  Executive Officer

  1

  4

  1

  0

  0

  2

  4

  Administrative Officer

  13

  5

  143

  0

  0

  56

  105

  Administrative Assistant

  2

  1

  49

  0

  0

  19

  33

  Insolvency Examiner G

  0

  0

  0

  0

  2

  2

  20

  Investigations Officer

  6

  4

  0

  0

  0

  10

  0

  Administrative Trainee

  7

  0

  0

  0

  0

  5

  2

  Higher Executive Officer D

  6

  0

  0

  0

  0

  4

  2

  Higher Scientific Officer D

  3

  0

  0

  0

  0

  1

  22

  Lawyers

  11

  0

  0

  0

  1

  4

  8

  Legal Trainees

  2

  0

  0

  0

  0

  1

  21

  Senior Research Officer

  2

  0

  0

  0

  0

  1

  21

  Assistant Economist

  6

  0

  0

  0

  1

  4

  3

  Assistant Statistician

  1

  0

  2

  0

  0

  3

  20

  Typist

  0

  0

  13

  0

  0

  0

  13

  1 Senior Executive Officer/Senior Scientific Officer/Senior Professional and Technical Officer.

  2 Note that ethnic data has been suppressed for those grades where numbers recruited are five or less, to avoid the possibility of identifying individuals.

  784
  Mr. McGrady
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what contact has taken place between officials of her Department and representatives of BNFL since 1 May. [12950]

  Mr. Battle
  The Department maintains regular contact with BNFL on a wide range of issues.

  Mr. McGrady
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade when her Department last approved BNFL's corporate plan; what period it covered; and if it indicated that mixed oxide fuel is to be manufactured by BNFL at Sellafield. [12942]

  Mr. Nigel Griffiths
  BNFL's 1996 Corporate Plan was approved in November 1996. It covered the period from April 1996 to March 2000. The Plan, and the Company's 1996 Annual Report and Accounts, indicated that Mixed Oxide (MOX) fuel continues to be manufactured at Sellafield.

  DTI Recruitment
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will publish summary information on DTI recruitment for calendar year 1996, and the use of permitted exceptions to the principles of fair and open competition and selection on merit, as required by the civil service commissioners' recruitment code. [13302]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  It is DTI policy that recruitment is carried out on the basis of fair and open competition and selection on merit, subject to the exceptions permitted by the Civil Service Commissioners. My Department has systems in place which ensure that the principles of fair and open competition are understood and followed, in accordance with the provisions of the Civil Service Commissioners' Recruitment Code. These systems are subject to internal check by The DTI's Internal Audit.

  The DTI's Executive Agencies and the Government Office network make separate arrangements for publishing recruitment data, and the following table and narratives describe only Headquarters recruitment.
  785
  The number of occasions on which the permitted exceptions to fair and open competition and selection on merit have been used at each level (except for appointments of up to 12 months) are categorised as follows:
  extensions of appointments of up to 12 months up to a maximum of 24 months:
  two Administrative Assistants where permanent post holders were on temporary promotion into the next grade which was subject to advertising
  one Administrative Officer where the future of the post was subject to review
  recurrent short term appointments:—none
  short term appointments where highly specialised skills are required:—none
  extensions of short term appointments beyond the initially publicised period, including conversions to permanency:
  one Assistant Statistician appointment extended to 18 months where a replacement with statistical experience could not be identified

  secondments:—none

  extensions to secondments:—none

  re-appointment of former civil servants:

  one at Grade 6

  six at Grade 7

  four at Executive Officer

  two at Administrative Officer

  two at Investigations Officer

  transfers of staff with their work (not under TUPE):—none
  transfers of staff from other public services without work (unless from a public body staffed exclusively by civil servants):—none
  appointments of surplus acceptable candidates to shortage posts:—none
  appointments of disabled candidates under modified selection arrangements
  any use of the exceptions reserved for the Commissioners:—none.

  Company Auditors
  Mr. Todd
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she has received the fifth annual reports of the recognised supervisory bodies for company auditors under part II of the Companies Act 1989. [13303]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  I have received the fifth annual reports of all the recognised supervisory bodies for company auditors, and have placed copies in the Library. My Department will be discussing the contents of the reports with the bodies as necessary.

  Lloyd's of London
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what evidence concerning the operations of Lloyd's of London in 1982 has been passed by her Department to the Serious Fraud Office since the end of June 1997. [12976]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  [holding answer 27 October 1997]: My officials received a number of papers relating to Lloyd's which were passed to the Serious Fraud Office for their consideration.

  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what costs have been incurred to date by the United Kingdom Government as amicus curiae in cases involving Lloyd's of London in the United States courts. [12975]
  786
  Mr. Ian McCartney
  [holding answer 27 October 1997]: The costs of individual activities undertaken by the Government in pursuit of its regulatory responsibilities in respect of Lloyd's of London cannot be separately identified, and the resources devoted to producing them would be disproportionate.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Judicial Appointments
  Ms Fiona Jones
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what changes his Department proposes to make to the current system of judicial appointments. [13296]

  Mr. Hoon
  It is essential in the public interest that the judiciary at every level is of the highest possible quality. Appointments will continue to be made strictly on merit, after the independent views of the judiciary and the legal profession have been taken into consideration by the Lord Chancellor; and appointment to full time office normally made only after satisfactory service in a part time judging.

  Nevertheless, improvements can be made. I intend to present an annual report to Parliament on the operation of the judicial appointments system. The first report will cover the period 1998–99. I also intend to end the system of appointment to the High Court bench only by invitation and to invite applications for appointments to the High Court bench, so that all with judicial ambitions can be assured that their cases are properly considered.

  I propose to ensure appropriate flexibility in part-time sittings arrangements where, for example, women or men have taken career breaks for family reasons. My officials are developing plans to ensure that those who sit part-time may be able to concentrate their sittings into a shorter period of time than at present. By this means these career breaks will not, so far as practicable, impede career development.

  I intend to increase the upper age limit for appointment as Assistant Recorder from 50 to 53 in future competition rounds. Raising the age limit to 53 will widen the pool of potential applicants. The normal period of service as an Assistant Recorder and Recorder, before appointment to the Circuit bench, is five to seven years and an appointment to the Circuit bench at or around 60 would enable the judge to serve for a minimum of 10 years before retiring at 70.

  In the longer term I intend to review whether an Ombudsman should be appointed with power to examine fully complaints from anyone who feels unfairly treated by the appointments process; and to review the appointment procedures for deputy High Court judge appointments. I have recently appointed two solicitors, direct from the profession, to act as deputy High Court judges. This has not happened before. I also intend to review the scope to improve arrangements for appraisal of performance of the part-time judiciary, not least to improve the assessments of their performance which contribute to my decisions on applications for full-time office.

  Since becoming Lord Chancellor I have decided to involve in the process of shortlisting judicial candidates for interviews both judges and lay members who will

  787
  have, in advance, a summary of the views expressed in consultation about every applicant. An additional 28 lay members have been appointed to assist in the shortlisting and interviewing of candidates for a range of judicial appointments including those of Circuit judge, District judge and Assistant Recorder. I have taken steps to promote work on equal opportunities, in conjunction with the legal profession, which I will announce shortly. I have required that any allegation of misconduct made in the course of consultation about a judicial candidate must be specific and subject to disclosure to the candidate.

  So far as the magistracy is concerned, I have increased for the first time the upper age limit for appointment as a lay magistrate to 65, so as to draw from the pool of the age group 55 to 65 to achieve a better social and political balance on the bench. This age group includes many who may have taken early retirement. I have also opened the magistracy to blind candidates on an experimental basis.

  I believe that these positive measures will strengthen the openness, flexibility and effectiveness of the arrangements for judicial appointments. I do not rule out further measures in due course. I earlier announced (23 June 1997, Official Report, column 145), that I proposed to consult on the merits of establishing a Judicial Appointments Commission. However, in the light of the measures that I have listed above, the resources of my Department, and the other substantial priorities facing my Department, including a very heavy workload connected with legal aid and civil justice reforms, I have decided not to proceed with further work on a possible Commission, but to concentrate on making those changes I regard as most urgent.

  Mental Incapacity Report
  Mr. Hope
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what action his Department proposes to take in respect of the Law Commission's report on mental incapacity. [13097]

  Mr. Hoon
  The Law Commission's Report on Mental Incapacity is a thorough and detailed examination of the current law. It provides a coherent framework for reform. The Government recognises, however, that the Report addresses sensitive issues on which strong personal views may be held.

  The Government does not consider that it would be appropriate to legislate in this area without fresh public consultation. It therefore hopes to issue a Consultation Paper by the end of the year seeking views on the full range of the Law Commission's recommendations.

  The Law Commission's Report does not make any recommendations concerning euthanasia. The Government is of the certain view, in line with the House of Lords Select Committee on Medical Ethics, that euthanasia cannot be sanctioned in any circumstances. The Consultation Paper will therefore not seek views on this subject.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Nectarines
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food for what reasons the EU Commission has placed restrictions on the size of nectarines which may be sold. [12337]

  Mr. Rooker
  The EU Marketing Standard for nectarines has been in place since 1990.

  There is substantial over-production of nectarines, brought about largely by the Intervention (withdrawal) system. The Commission has sought to tackle this to some extent by limiting the size of the fruit that can be marketed and thus intervened (withdrawn), thereby limiting the cost to EU taxpayers. Although the EU regime for fresh fruit and vegetables has only recently been reformed, with significant reductions in the amount of produce that may be withdrawn, ultimately we would prefer to see an end to the withdrawal system.

  The establishment of minimum sizes helps to ensure that only nectarines which are sufficiently developed, and able to ripen, are available to the consumer.

  Agriculture Councils
  Ms Shipley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the outcome of the Agriculture Councils held on 22 and 23 September in Brussels and on 20 and 21 October in Luxembourg; and if he will make a statement. [13295]

  Dr. Jack Cunningham
  I represented the United Kingdom at meetings of the European Union Agriculture Council on 22–23 September and 20–21 October. I was accompanied at the October Council by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland, Lord Sewel.

  At the September Council, EU Agriculture Ministers followed up their informal discussions of early September on the Commission's proposals to reform the common agricultural policy which have been made as part of Agenda 2000. On this occasion, discussion focused in particular on rural development, environmental and structural policy. Member states reaffirmed the importance of an active rural development policy to assist the transformation of European agriculture; there were, however, differences of view in the Council on the funding of rural and structural measures in the future. I stressed the importance to the United Kingdom of setting the proposals on rural development clearly in the context of changes to the market mechanisms of the CAP, on which the Commission's Agenda 2000 proposals represented an important first step. I also emphasised the need to foster alternative rural enterprises as the source of new employment possibilities in the countryside in the future.

  The Council of Ministers also heard reports from the Commission on progress in negotiations on veterinary and plant health equivalence agreements with third countries; and noted the Commission's intention to lodge an appeal in the WTO dispute concerning hormones in beef. In a brief discussion of BSE, I reported to the Council the steps I have taken in the United Kingdom, both legislative

  789
  and administrative, to tighten up our measures to counter illegal exports of beef and beef products from the UK. These were welcomed in the Council.

  I pressed the Commissioner and the Presidency to provide an early opportunity for the Council to discuss the present state of the beef market, on the basis of the Commission's promised report, to decide whether the short term market adjustment schemes agreed in 1996 were working effectively.

  I also raised in the Council the UK's serious concerns about the impact of the recent WTO Appellate body ruling on the EU bananas regime in so far as its affects access by ACP Caribbean banana producers to EU markets. I urged the Commission to reach a rapid and equitable solution to the problems flowing from the WTO ruling which would not only respect WTO obligations but allow the EU to meet its commitments to the ACP and in particular on Caribbean trading partners under the Lomé Agreement.

  At the October Agriculture Council, discussion concentrated on the market reform proposals contained in Agenda 2000. I argued for the removal of production controls in the form of quotas and compulsory set aside and for a lowering of support levels to bring EU prices closer to world market prices and I argued that transitional arrangements should begin soon. The Council will resume its discussion on this crucial issue in November. A letter from the President of the Agriculture Council to the President of the European Council on employment policy in rural areas was approved by Ministers.

  In a debate on the Commission's report on the beef and veal markets, I expressed doubts about the efficacy of the early marketing scheme for veal in reducing production on the EU market, and urged the Commission to make a further cut in the premium paid under the calf processing scheme. The Council reached political agreement upon changes to the system of support for producers of durum wheat. Under the compromise which was agreed by qualified majority (Greece, Sweden and Denmark opposing), the additional aid paid for durum wheat in

  560–609 kg

  610–659 kg

  660–709 kg

  710–759 kg

  Over 760 kg

  Totals

  Liveweight

  Cows

  27,250

  21,351

  12,010

  5,230

  2,582

  68,423

  Other

  2,700

  1,960

  1,138

  702

  1,448

  7,948

  Deadweight

  Cows

  24,889

  22,886

  18,531

  13,149

  16,643

  96,098

  Other

  2,328

  1,863

  1,402

  1,042

  3,952

  10,587

  Totals

  57,167

  48,060

  33,081

  20,123

  24,625

  183,056

  International Whaling Commission
  Ms Shipley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what the outcome was of the annual meeting of the International Whaling Commission held on 20 to 24 October in Monaco; and if he will make a statement. [13294]

  Mr. Morley
  The International Whaling Commission's 49th annual meeting was held in Monaco from 20 to 24 October. The United Kingdom delegation was composed of officials from the Ministry of Agriculture,790
  traditional producing areas was reduced, and the maximum area eligible for aid in each member state determined. Five thousand hectares will be eligible in the United Kingdom.

  The Council discussed the Commission's green paper on the general principles of food law in the EU, in which I emphasised the UK Government's commitment to attaining very high levels of food safety. The Council also took note of Commission reports on genetic resources, BSE, and the state of play on veterinary and plant health negotiations with their countries.

  Cattle Slaughter Scheme
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the average weight of cattle slaughtered under the over-30-months cattle slaughter scheme; and what proportion of the cattle slaughtered under the scheme exceeded that average weight. [10159]

  Mr. Rooker
  [pursuant to his answer, 31 July 1997, c. 433]: The average weight of cattle slaughtered under the OTMS is as follows:

  Average weight (kgs)

  Percentage exceeding average weight

  Cows

  600

  47

  Bulls

  802

  47

  Heifers

  549

  49

  Steers

  632

  49

  All animals

  604

  47

  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many cattle weighing(a) between 560 and 609 kg, (b) between 610 and 659 kg, (c) between 660 and 709 kg, (d) between 710 and 759 kg and (e) over 760 kg live weight have been slaughtered under the over-30-months cattle slaughter scheme during 1997. [10160]

  Mr. Rooker
  [pursuant to his answer, 31 July 1997, c.433]: The information requested is as follows:

  Fisheries and Food, assisted by officials from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions and representatives of environmental organisations and veterinary experts. I attended the first day of the conference and took the opportunity to meet with representatives of the environmental organisations and the chairman of the IWC.

  At this meeting we made clear the United Kingdom's continued opposition to commercial whaling. We stressed that the UK does not believe that there is any justification

  791
  for any whaling to take place, other than some subsistence whaling by indigenous peoples, and would like to see all other forms of whaling ended. We believe whaling does not serve any genuine need and involves unacceptable cruelty. We also emphasised our continuing support for the current moratorium on commercial whaling. I am pleased to say that a request by Japan for a quota of 50 minke whales, which we and many others considered would have breached the moratorium, was again defeated.

  Before the meeting, Ireland had indicated that it intended to put forward a number of ideas for consideration. At the meeting Ireland explained that it was concerned that the inability of the IWC to reach agreement on fundamental issues relating to whale conservation made progress on this impossible and might lead to the break-up of the IWC. It wished, therefore, to explore whether there was any scope to reach an agreement between those opposed to and those in favour of whaling.

  With this objective, Ireland suggested:
  the revised management scheme (RMS) should be completed and adopted; the RMS, which is currently being developed by the IWC, is intended to ensure that any future whaling takes place only on a sustainable basis and under the full control of the IWC;
  any quotas granted under the RMS should be restricted to coastal areas of nations that are currently whaling, creating a de facto ocean sanctuary;
  any quotas should be for local consumption only, to prevent the development of international trade in whalemeat;
  so called "scientific whaling" should be phased out over a period;
  regulations for whalewatching should be prepared to minimise disturbance to whale populations.

  There was a preliminary discussion of these ideas. The UK made it clear that, while we were ready to explore all ways of improving whale conservation, we would only support measures which we were convinced would contribute positively to this objective. We wished to see the current moratorium on commercial whaling made permanent, which we believed would be the most effective way of creating a global whale sanctuary, and we strongly supported ending scientific whaling. On the other hand, we had serious reservations about the Irish ideas on coastal whaling, and could not accept any definition of coastal whaling which allowed it to take place up to 200 miles from the coast.

  While there was a good deal of support for Ireland's wish to break the current deadlock, a number of other delegations expressed reservations about particular aspects of the proposals. The Irish Commissioner, who was elected IWC chairman at the end of the meeting, will now consider how best to carry matters forward before the next IWC meeting in Oman in May 1998. The UK delegation remains to be convinced that aspects of the Irish proposal will assist whale conservation.

  At recent IWC meetings the UK has, with New Zealand, been pressing Japan to end the use of the electric lance, a device used to kill whales wounded but not killed by an explosive harpoon. We believe that there is conclusive evidence that use of the electric lance is inhumane. At this year's meeting we again raised this issue, and I am pleased to say that Japan has undertaken to end use of the electric lance, except in exceptional
  792
  circumstances, from the start of the next whaling season. I believe that this is a significant success and demonstrates what can be achieved by persistence linked to sound science.

  As in previous years the UK delegation made clear our opposition to the whaling activities of Norway and Japan. We supported a resolution calling on Norway to reconsider its objection to the moratorium and to halt all commercial whaling operations. We also supported two resolutions strongly criticising Japan's scientific whaling programme and calling on Japan to end scientific whaling.

  The IWC agreed a number of new aboriginal subsistence whaling quotas. These included a quota for grey whales, for which the United States have been seeking a small quota for use by the Makah Indians. Since the IWC sets quotas for particular stocks of whales, the quota ultimately agreed also took account of a bid by Russia for a quota for use by the indigenous people of the Chukotka peninsular in Siberia. In discussion the UK pressed for a reduction in the level of quota sought; we also argued that the Makah, who have not whaled for over 70 years, have not established a valid claim for an aboriginal quota. I am pleased to say that the quota finally agreed is significantly lower than was originally proposed; in agreeing it the UK made it clear that our agreement did not imply that we accepted the validity of the case made on behalf of the Makah.

  New quotas were also agreed for bowhead whales and for whales hunted by aboriginal subsistence whalers in Greenland.

  During these discussions the UK expressed concern about the humaneness of aboriginal subsistence whaling. In the light of these concerns we proposed a resolution which, while welcoming the steps taken so far to reduce the pain and distress caused to whales by these hunts, called for further improvements. The resolution, which was adopted by consensus, also ensures that this issue will be revisited annually by the IWC.

  A number of other issues were discussed during the meeting. The UK promoted a resolution on small cetaceans calling on all member countries to take appropriate steps to reduce by catches and directed takes and to encourage further scientific research. We also supported a resolution endorsing the work of the Scientific Committee on threats posed to cetaceans by climate change and pollution and encouraging further research.

DEFENCE

  Naval Bases and Supply Agency
  Ms Shipley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what key targets have been set for the Naval Bases and Supply Agency for 1997–98. [13094]

  Dr. Reid
  The chief executive of the Naval Bases and Supply Agency has been set the following key targets:

  1. To complete 92 per cent. of assisted maintenance periods for vessels to time, budget and standard.

  2. To supply 92 per cent. of available material to rectify operational defects on vessels within required delivery dates.

  793

  3. To establish the NBSA cost per materially available vessel day by establishing a baseline for the unit cost of vessel repair and maintenance, and then setting targets for reducing this cost.

  4. To complete integration of the Portsmouth naval base and director supply (south) management structures, and to consolidate the corporate management structure of the agency by reviewing opportunities for rationalisation of the HQ structure.

  5. To establish the agency account via the CAPITAL Project, including the provision of an executive information system to meet business requirements, by March 2000. Progress report in March 1998.

  6. To achieve year-on-year efficiency improvements of 2.3 per cent.

  7. To achieve full accreditation of Investors in People by phased implementation by 2000. Progress report in March 1998.

  Territorial Army and Volunteer Reserves
  Ms Shipley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the total cost per year to his Department of each member of(a) the Territorial Army and (b)the volunteer reserves. [13092]

  Dr. Reid
  The information requested is set out in the table rounded to the nearest £100. The figures are calculated from the overall cost of the reserve force concerned for the financial year 1996–97 and its average membership for that year. They exclude provision for items whose costs cannot be identified separately from those incurred for the regular services.

  £

  Territorial Army

  6,100

  Royal Naval Reserve

  6,700

  Royal Marines Reserve

  7,300

  Royal Auxiliary Air Force1

  7,400

  1Figures relate to those personnel who could be called out to perform an operational role: they do not include RAF volunteer reserve (civilian component), RAF volunteer reserve (training) or RAF volunteer reserve (university air squadrons).

  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the current cost of the reserve forces, by type. [11023]

  Dr. Reid
  [pursuant to his reply, 29 July 1997, c. 183]: I regret that my previous answer was incorrect because further information has been brought to light. The revised information for financial year 1996–97 is in the table. These figures exclude provision for those items whose costs cannot be identified separately from those incurred for the regular forces.

  £ million

  Royal Fleet Reserve

  0.04

  Royal Naval Reserve

  17.5

  Royal Marines Reserve

  6.6

  Territorial Army Commando Units

  1.8

  Army Reserve

  0.6

  Territorial Army

  341.3

  Royal Air Force Reserve

  0.4

  Royal Auxiliary Air Force

  9.5

  Mr. Keith Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much money is allocated to maintaining the Territorial Army in the current financial year; what is this sum as a percentage of the defence budget; and what the 794
  allocation will be in (a) cash and (b) as a percentage of the defence budget in the next three financial years. [8183]

  Dr. Reid
  [pursuant to his reply, 16 July 1997, c. 234]: I regret that my previous answer was incorrect because further information on the costs of the Territorial Army has been brought to light. When this additional expenditure is taken into account it shows that the overall cost of the Territorial Army for financial year 1997–98 now stands at some £340.4 million (not £334 million) which still represents about 1.6 per cent. of the defence budget. This figure excludes provision for those items whose costs cannot be identified separately from those incurred for the regular Army.

  The allocation of funds for the Territorial Army in the next three financial years will be determined as part of the MOD's long term costing, which is the process by which the Department recosts and adjusts its internal plans. The Department's internal plans represent projections and assumptions, which inform advice to Ministers on the affordability of particular elements of the defence programme, and it has been the policy of successive Governments not to publish detailed information arising from this. Accordingly, I am withholding the information requested in the second part of the question which constitutes internal discussion and advice, under exemption 2 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

  Army Equipment Support
  Ms Shipley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about the future management of the Army's equipment support. [13093]

  Dr. Reid
  I have instigated a formal review of the Army's Equipment Support in order to determine whether agency status or other options for equipment support, including privatisation, contractorisation or partnering arrangements with Industry would best meet the Army's requirements.

  Comments and contributions from those with an interest in the equipment support services provided by the Director General Equipment Support (Army) on behalf of the Quartermaster General Army will be welcomed and should be sent by 7 November to:

  Major General P. V. R. Besgrove CBE

  Director General Equipment Support (Army)

  HQ QMG

  Monxton Road

  Andover

  Hants SP11 8HT.

  Ministry of Defence Police
  Mr. Touhig
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he has received the report of the inspection of the Ministry of Defence Police by Her Majesty's inspector of constabulary; and if he will make a statement. [13095]

  Dr. Reid
  My right hon. Friend has received the report by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary on the Ministry of Defence Police. A copy of the report has been placed in the Library of the House.

HEALTH

  Nurse Recruitment
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many nurses in England and Wales were recruited from(a) the Irish Republic and (b) Northern Ireland in each of the past five years. [12608]

  Mr. Milburn
  The information requested is not collected centrally. I refer my hon. Friend to the United Kingdom Central Council for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting for statistics about nurses registered to practice in England and Wales.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Quota Hopping
  16. Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs for what reasons the agreement reached on quota hopping was not included in the Amsterdam treaty. [12129]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  I refer the hon. Member to the statement made to the House by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on 18 June,Official Report, columns 331–44, at Amsterdam. Not a single member state was willing to support the protocol to the treaty proposed by the previous Administration.

  EU Enlargement
  Miss Widdecombe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what practical measures will be taken to ensue that new countries are helped to join the European Community. [12131]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  The European Commission has proposed reinforcing the pre-accession strategy for Central European applicants to the European Union. This should lead to better targeted financial and technical assistance to help the applicants prepare for EU membership. The European Council will adopt a position on these proposals at Luxembourg in December.

  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the policy of Her Majesty's Government on the expansion of the European Union. [12145]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  I refer the hon. Member to the oral answer that I gave today to the hon. Member for West Lancashire (Mr. Pickthall).

  Kashmir
  Mrs. Brinton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on his Department's policy towards Kashmir. [12132]

  Mr. Hopkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on his Department's policy towards Kashmir. [12135]

  Mr. Fatchett
  We are deeply concerned by the continuing conflict in Kashmir and support the search for a just and lasting solution. We condemn the acts of 796
  terrorism and the abuses of human rights which bring suffering to the population. We call for an end to all external support for violence in Kashmir. We welcome the dialogue between India and Pakistan and urge them to pursue meaningful talks on Kashmir and the other issues that divide them.

  EU Common Foreign and Security Policy
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what he expects will be Britain's(a) gross and (b) net contribution to the European Union's budget for common foreign and security policy matters for the year 1998–99. [12133]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  The EC Preliminary Draft Budget (PDB) for calendar year 1998 makes provision for commitments of up to 30 Mecu (i.e. about £22.1 million) for CFSP actions. Britain's gross contribution is approximately 15 per cent. of the total budget, i.e. up to £3.32 million depending on the prevailing exchange rate. Britain does not benefit directly from CFSP expenditure.

  European Court of Justice
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the areas in which the European Court of Justice has gained jurisdiction under the terms of the Amsterdam treaty. [12134]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  We believe that if the European Union is to work properly, the Court of Justice must have strong, if carefully circumscribed, powers. The new Treaty involves a limited extension of ECJ jurisdiction in a way which respects this balance.

  Bosnia
  Mr. Home Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the progress of the peace process in Bosnia. [12136]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  I refer my hon. Friend to the oral answer that I gave today to the hon. Member for North-East Derbyshire, (Mr. Barnes).

  Middle East Peace Process
  Mr. Casale
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on his assessment of progress in the middle east peace process. [12139]

  Mr. Twigg
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the progress of the middle east peace process. [12141]

  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has received regarding the middle east peace process. [12148]

  Mr. Fatchett
  I refer hon. Members to the oral answer that my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary gave today to my hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham, Northfield (Mr. Burden).

  Cyprus
  Mr. Eric Clarke
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what initiatives he has put forward to try to solve the impasse over the re-unification of Cyprus. [12142]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  We intend to remain active and creative in support of the UN Secretary-General's mission of good offices on Cyprus.

  Indonesia
  Mr. Todd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on human rights in Indonesia. [12143]

  Mr. Fatchett
  We remain concerned about the human rights situation in both Indonesia and East Timor. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary discussed the situation during his visit to Indonesia in August.

  EU Budget
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to reduce incidents of fraud in relation to the EU budget. [12144]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  We are committed to reducing fraud against the EU budget. Tackling fraud and financial mismanagement will be a priority for our Presidency next year and we will be announcing a package of measures which we intend to take forward.

  Taiwan
  Mrs. Ann Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on relations with Taiwan. [12146]

  Mr. Fatchett
  While we have no diplomatic relations with Taiwan, we value our commercial and cultural ties. We welcome expanding trade links, the growing number of Taiwanese students and tourists who visit, and increasing Taiwanese inward investment in the United Kingdom.

  UN Reform
  Mrs. Anne Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the UN reform package. [12147]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary made clear at the UN General Assembly last month our strong support for the Secretary-General's reform package. It will give the UN the flexibility, competence and efficiency it needs for the next century. We are now working for its early endorsement.

  EU Institutions (Communication)
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to improve communications between national parliamentarians and EU institutions. [12149]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  We support closer contacts between national parliamentarians, in line with its commitment to enhance the role of national parliaments in the EU. The development of such contacts is principally 798
  a matter for national parliaments to pursue. I understand that the House authorities are considering the question of representation at the European Parliament and/or in Brussels for the House of Commons.

  Cuba
  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with representatives of the Cuban Government on relations with the European Union and the United Nations. [12150]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary met the Cuban Ambassador at the Diplomatic Reception in June and the Ambassador called on my noble Friend Baroness Symons, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, on 26 June. Officials frequently discuss with the Cuban Government their relations with the European Union and the United Nations.

  We and EU partners share the goal of a peaceful transition to democracy in Cuba. We favour constructive engagement, not isolation. The EU adopted a Common Position on Cuba on 2 December 1996, reaffirming the EU's commitment to constructive engagement and to promoting political, economic and human rights reform in Cuba. This was presented to the Cuban Government on 21 July and we look forward to furthering this dialogue.

  Strategic Defence Review
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations his Department has made on international controls on weapons proliferation to the strategic defence review. [12114]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  We have worked closely with the Ministry of Defence on all aspects of the Strategic Defence Review. We remain committed to maintaining and, where necessary, strengthening international controls on weapons proliferation. We are working in the relevant international fora to this end.

  Kenya
  Mr. Stinchcombe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what support the United Kingdom Government are offering to the Kenyan election process. [12335]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  Provided we are satisfied that there is the prospect of free and fair elections in Kenya, we will seek to contribute to international and local monitoring of them. Our exact plans have yet to be finalised.

  We welcome reforms which will be relevant to electoral conditions agreed by the Inter-Parties Parliamentary Group in Nairobi and President Moi's acceptance of them. We look to all concerned to observe both the letter and the spirit of the reforms in the conduct of the elections themselves.

  Mr. Stinchcombe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's policy towards the Kenyan Government. [12336]
  799
  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  We have made clear to the Government of Kenya our views on the conditions that need to be established to ensure that the forthcoming Presidential and legislative elections are free and fair. We have welcomed reforms agreed by the Inter-Parties Parliamentary Group in Nairobi and President Moi's acceptance of them. We have urged that the necessary legislative and other measures be taken quickly to allow sufficient time for full implementation before the elections. We look to all concerned to observe both the letter and the spirit of the reforms in the conduct of the elections themselves. We have also made clear our concerns about human rights in Kenya, and about the economic issues which led the IMF to allow Kenya's Enhanced Statement Adjustment Facility to lapse.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  School Enrolments
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what was the enrolment at(a) Brooklands primary school, Dundonald, and (b) Dundonald primary school at the beginning of the academic year 1997–98; how many pupils applied for places for that year; and how many applications were refused. [12772]

  Mr. Worthington
  The enrolment numbers at the beginning of the academic year 1997–98 for Brooklands primary school and Dundonald primary school were:Brooklands Primary School: 602
  Dundonald Primary School: 588

  There were 104 applications for Brooklands primary school of which one was refused. There were 84 applications for Dundonald primary school and no refusals.

  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what was the enrolment at(a) Movilla high school, Newtonards, (b) Regent House grammar school and (c) Glastry high school at the beginning of the academic year 1997–98; how many pupils applied for places for that year and how many applications were refused; and if she will make a statement about the future provision of places at (a) to(c). [12773]

  Mr. Worthington
  The information requested is set out in the table.

  1997–98 school year

  Number of applications received

  Number of applications refused

  Actual enrolment

  Movilla High School

  199

  21

  888

  Regent House School

  270

  59

  1,422

  Glastry College

  102

  none

  583

  Movilla high school has been refurbished and extended to cater for an enrolment of 900 pupils. A capital scheme is planned to increase the size of Regent House grammar school to cater for 1,470 pupils. Glastry high school has the capacity to cater for 697 pupils.

  Lanark Way, Belfast
  Rev. Martin Smyth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans she has to provide a school at Lanark way, Belfast. [12893]

  Mr. Worthington
  [holding answer 27 October 1997]: The need for a new replacement primary school for pupils in the St. Paul's parish of West Belfast has been under consideration for some time. A number of possible options for the location of the school are being examined. These include a site adjacent to Lanark way-Springfield road, Belfast. However, no decisions have been taken. The outcome will be informed by consultations with relevant interests and the conclusions of an economic appraisal to determine the most cost-effective method of meeting the educational needs of the pupils in the area.

  Rev. Martin Smyth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans she has for development at Lanark way, Belfast. [12894]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  [holding answer 27 October 1997]: The Department of the Environment (Northern Ireland) recently agreed the sale of three sites at Lanark way for commercial/industrial use. The Department plans in the near future to place on the open market a further area of 1.6 hectares for development purposes.

  Central Services Agency
  Rev. Martin Smyth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland which directorates have achieved benchmarking in the Central Services Agency. [12890]

  Mr. Worthington
  The information requested is as follows:

  Regional Supplies

  Medical and Ophthalmic Directorate

  Finance and Administration Directorate

  Human Resources Directorate

  Rev. Martin Smyth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many staff, broken down by their perceived religion, were employed in the Central Services Agency, Adelaide street, Belfast, in each of the last two years. [12888]

  Mr. Worthington
  [holding answer 27 October 1997]: Based on the agency's fair employment monitoring returns for 1995 and 1996, the information is as follows:

  1995

  1996

  Male Protestant

  102

  88

  Male Roman Catholic

  83

  72

  Male not known

  11

  7

  Female Protestant

  183

  167

  Female Roman Catholic

  147

  141

  Female not known

  10

  7

  Rev. Martin Smyth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many directors there are in the Central Services Agency, Adelaide street; and what is their perceived religion. [12891]
  801
  Mr. Worthington
  [holding answer 27 October 1997]: Of the agency's eight directors, four are perceived Protestant, three are perceived Roman Catholic and for the eighth the information is not known—the person is on secondment from the Department of Health and Social Services.

  Rev. Martin Smyth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will list the schools sending pupils for work experience to the Central Services Agency, Adelaide street, Belfast. [12889]

  Mr. Worthington
  [holding answer 27 October 1997]: The information is as follows:

  St. Genevieve's comprehensive school

  St. Louise's comprehensive school

  Belfast institute of further and higher education

  Rev. Martin Smyth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many senior officers in the Central Services Agency are perceived to be Protestant though claim to be non-Christian. [12892]

  Mr. Worthington
  [holding answer 27 October 1997]: The agency does not know how many senior offices are perceived to be Protestant though claim to be non-Christian—this information is not collated.

  Grammar Schools, Belfast
  Mr. Peter Robinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many primary school pupils transferred to Belfast grammar schools in 1997 from the Bangor and Ards area. [12752]

  Mr. Worthington
  [holding answer 27 October 1997]: One hundred and eighty children transferred from primary schools in the North Down and Ards borough council areas to grammar schools in Belfast this year.

  Prison Service
  Rev. Ian Paisley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to chapter 8 of the Prison Service annual report, what were the actual reductions in the cost of running the service in 1995–96. [12966]

  Mr. Ingram
  [holding answer 27 October 1997]: In 1995–96 there was a reduction in the total cost of the Northern Ireland Prison Service of £700,000 over the previous year. The equivalent figure for 1996–97 was £100,000 higher.

  The reduction referred to in chapter 8 of the annual report for 1996–97 was primarily due to a recategorisation of part of the expenditure within the total cost, as well as a smaller sum reflecting lower staff-related costs consequent on the closure of Belfast prison.

  Decommissioning Commission
  Rev. Ian Paisley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what public funding has been provided for the arms commission established in Northern Ireland; what are the salaries of those appointed to the commission; and what is the current annual budget for the arms commission. [12785]

  Mr. Ingram
  [holding answer 27 October 1997]: No annual budget has yet been determined for the independent international commission on decommissioning which was
  802
  established on 24 September. However, in the UK capital and running costs, including salaries, are estimated to be some £1,200,000 until the end of May 1998. Most of the running costs will be shared equally with the Government of the Republic of Ireland who have provided the commission with an office in Dublin.

  Training and Employment Agency
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many of the students selected for the Training and Employment Agency sponsored programme in the United States of America are from Northern Ireland, broken down by religious denomination. [12771]

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

  Letter from Ian Walters to Mr. John D. Taylor, dated 22 October 1997:
  The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has asked me, as Chief Executive of the Training & Employment Agency (T&EA), to reply to your question about the number of students from Northern Ireland, by religious denomination, who are on T&EA sponsored programmes in the United States of America (USA).
  The T&EA operates 4 USA programmes through its Business Support Division and 1 through its Training Division. The breakdown of these programmes, which are aimed at enhancing the skills and competences of young people, is as follows:

  Number

  Business support division programmes

  Catholics

  80

  Protestants

  51

  Not stated

  20

  Total

  151

  Training division programmes

  Catholics

  10

  Protestants

  14

  Total

  24

  I hope you find this information helpful.

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  Trees
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what research his Department has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated into the impact of non-indigenous trees on native species forming climax woodland; and what account of detrimental impact on native species is taken when considering tree preservation orders. [12496]

  Angela Eagle
  The Department has not commissioned any research directly, but the impact of non-native species on semi-natural vegetation is an active area of research by universities and others, including the statutory conservation agencies. Examples include work recently commissioned by English Nature on the recovery of
  803
  ground flora of ancient broadleaved woodland following conifer removal, and work at the Oxford Forestry Institute on the interaction of sycamore and ash.

  Tree preservation orders are made by local planning authorities to protect selected trees and woodlands in the interests of amenity. In deciding whether or not to make orders in respect of non-native trees, authorities are not required to consider the likely impact on native species.

  Director of Transport Security Report
  Mr. Etherington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he has published the 1996–97 annual report of the Director of Transport Security. [13298]

  Mr. Prescott
  Copies are available in the House Libraries.

  Sustainable Development Unit
  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has, on what time scale, to set up a sustainable development unit within his Department. [12710]

  Angela Eagle
  The Government's sustainable development unit was set up on 7 July 1997 in the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions. It reports to the Deputy Prime Minister and has a Government-wide remit to promote sustainable development.

  Its main tasks in the new parliamentary Session are to lead a review of the UK sustainable development strategy, with extensive public consultation, and to take forward the "greening Government" initiative in conjunction with a strengthened system of Green Ministers.

  England and Wales: real levels of average unmeasured water and sewerage charges to households (at 1997–98 prices)

  (£)

  1978–79

  1979–80

  1980–81

  1981–82

  1982–83

  1983–84

  1984–85

  1985–86

  1986–87

  1987–88

  Anglian

  145.92

  146.40

  160.94

  166.30

  163.52

  163.46

  166.85

  179.33

  187.22

  192.24

  Dŵr Cymru

  142.97

  147.15

  154.22

  147.87

  160.91

  160.76

  164.73

  175.82

  182.92

  190.04

  Northumbrian

  113.77

  105.23

  111.49

  111.30

  114.84

  121.67

  137.14

  139.48

  135.32

  137.37

  North West

  112.21

  113.63

  119.53

  121.18

  118.42

  117.59

  121.19

  131.25

  136.68

  141.23

  Severn Trent

  116.52

  121.45

  125.13

  125.76

  123.52

  120.32

  120.54

  128.87

  134.05

  138.77

  Southern

  136.78

  131.32

  144.56

  148.40

  147.18

  147.69

  148.88

  158.12

  163.84

  169.10

  South West

  161.02

  163.61

  170.41

  166.61

  160.71

  163.76

  165.99

  176.97

  177.93

  179.92

  Thames

  112.34

  117.08

  114.58

  120.74

  124.57

  130.32

  136.29

  140.78

  138.33

  139.87

  Wessex

  153.21

  171.55

  167.14

  161.40

  155.27

  151.84

  151.98

  161.34

  171.82

  177.39

  Yorkshire

  115.39

  118.01

  125.25

  126.72

  129.18

  128.05

  128.99

  139.26

  145.94

  151.46

  England and Wales

  123.17

  125.86

  132.76

  132.92

  132.72

  134.05

  136.46

  145.26

  148.96

  153.15

  (£)

  1988–89

  1989–90

  1990–91

  1991–92

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–95

  1995–96

  1996–97

  1997–98

  Anglian

  201.59

  218.36

  229.30

  241.78

  256.27

  270.02

  286.02

  298.28

  302.89

  307.47

  Dŵr Cymru

  200.29

  205.95

  218.08

  231.05

  246.68

  261.33

  278.26

  279.63

  281.24

  283.09

  Northumbrian

  140.85

  150.19

  159.46

  174.51

  181.07

  191.50

  204.63

  208.92

  212.69

  216.79

  North West

  148.01

  154.64

  161.58

  168.84

  175.86

  186.67

  197.75

  205.88

  214.39

  221.52

  Severn Trent

  145.36

  148.72

  157.55

  164.28

  172.76

  179.95

  195.34

  199.16

  204.47

  207.10

  Southern

  172.39

  174.35

  179.76

  192.08

  197.47

  202.19

  215.34

  227.65

  236.09

  245.23

  804
  Additional information on Greening Government and Green Ministers can be found in the reply by my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Environment to my hon. Friend the Member for Worsley (Mr. Lewis) on 31 July 1997,Official Report, column 542.

  Water and Sewerage
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the real level of average household bills for water and sewerage in Great Britain as a whole and for each region of Great Britain in each year since 1978. [12831]

  Angela Eagle
  No figures are available for the average unmeasured household bill for water and sewerage in Great Britain as a whole. No fully valid comparison is possible between water services bills in England and Wales and in Scotland, where the administrative and funding arrangements for water services have been and are quite different.

  I am advised by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland that in Scotland the real levels of average water and sewerage charges for the years 1989–90 to 1996–97 are as given in the following list. Information is not yet available for the current year, or for the period prior to 1989–90.

  Scotland: real levels of average water and sewerage charges to households (at 1997–98 prices)

  1989–90: £90.21

  1990–91: £89.68

  1991–92: £100.40

  1992–93: £106.14

  1993–94: £106.21

  1994–95: £109.57

  1995–96: £112.91

  1996–97: £120.75

  In England and Wales the real levels of average unmeasured household water and sewerage charges for the years 1978–79 to 1997–98 are as given in the following table.
  805

  (£)

  1998–89

  1989–90

  1990–91

  1991–92

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–95

  1995–96

  1996–97

  1997–98

  South West

  191.08

  204.09

  213.17

  227.22

  258.66

  294.11

  331.35

  339.98

  343.96

  351.92

  Thames

  141.52

  141.76

  146.73

  153.12

  159.20

  167.79

  176.85

  184.42

  188.45

  191.37

  Wessex

  186.78

  193.49

  199.68

  208.95

  216.62

  230.01

  244.20

  248.96

  251.02

  256.12

  Yorkshire

  156.73

  171.72

  176.37

  183.24

  187.78

  196.61

  209.23

  218.04

  223.84

  222.88

  England and Wales

  159.51

  166.76

  174.38

  183.83

  192.92

  203.22

  215.97

  222.16

  226.87

  230.37

  1. The table shows the average household bills, for those charged on an unmeasured basis only, of customers of the water and sewerage companies in England and Wales, and, before privatisation, of customers of the regional water authorities.

  2. Charges before and after privatisation in 1989 are not strictly comparable. In particular regional water authorities charged for some services that were not transferred to the privatised water companies.

  European Union
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list his Department's priorities for the United Kingdom presidency of the European Union. [12970]

  Angela Eagle
  The forthcoming presidency of the European Union will provide an excellent opportunity for the UK to lead discussions on a wide range of important environmental and transport issues. Discussion of the many possibilities are currently taking place and I will write to my hon. Friend when final decisions on the departmental priorities have been decided.

  Railway Lines (Children)
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps have been taken to ensure the continuation of the scheme operated by the British Railways Board for train drivers to visit schools to alert children to the dangers of trespassing on railway lines. [12884]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave on 15 July 1997,Official Report, column 131.

  British Railways Board
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the value of the land owned by the British Railways Board. [12886]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The book value of the freehold properties held by the board at mid-October was £125 million.

  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what is the current acreage of land owned by the British Railways Board; [12885]

  (2) how much of its land the British Railways Board disposed of in each of the last three years by (a) acreage and (b) value. [12887]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave on 15 July 1997,Official Report, columns 130–31.

  Radioactive Waste
  Mr. McGrady
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what reviews his Department has undertaken of the transportation of radioactive waste by land, sea and air for reprocessing purposes to Sellafield. [12951]
  806
  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The safety regulations for the transport of radioactive material, including radioactive waste, are reviewed nationally and internationally on an ongoing basis to ensure that the good safety record of this transport is maintained.

  The then Advisory Committee on the Safe Transport of Radioactive Materials—ACTRAM—carried out an independent study of the safety of transport of low level waste, published in 1988 as "The Transport of Low Level Radioactive Waste in the UK, ISBN 0 11 752087", a copy of which is held in the Library.

  In addition, the Radioactive Waste Management Advisory Committee—RWMAC—has published a report, "The Import and Export of Radioactive Waste, ISBN 1 85112 0467 (September 1997)", a copy of which is in the Library. RWMAC recommends that special tests be applied to each application for the import or export of radioactive waste, to ensure it accords with Government policy.

  The Department also commissions periodic studies of the radiological impact of the transport of radioactive material on a modal basis. The latest studies carried out by the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB) on the Department's behalf are: "Radiological Impact of the Normal Transport of Radioactive Materials by Sea", by R. Gelder, NRPB Memorandum NRPB-M749 (December 1996); "Radiation Exposure from the Normal Transport of Radioactive Materials within the UK 1991 Review", by R. Gelder, NRPB Report NRPB-R255, ISBN 0 85951 351 3 (May 1992); and "Radiological Impact of the Normal Transport of Radioactive Materials by Air", by R. Gelder, NRPB Memorandum NRPB-M219 (March 1990).

  Train Operating Companies
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the applications by some train operating companies to extend the duration of their franchise agreements. [12874]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  My right hon. Friend has recently received such an application from Great North Eastern Railway Limited. Applications will be considered on their merits. However, there would need to be very convincing arguments of public interest and value for money to justify renegotiation of contracts which were freely entered into following a competitive process.

  New Local Authorities
  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate
  807
  his Department has made of the additional annual revenue costs or savings achieved by new local authorities created since 1994 relative to the revenue costs of their predecessor authorities in their last year of operation. [12940]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The Department has made no estimates of this nature.

  Radioactive Materials
  Mr. McGrady
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is his Department's policy towards the proposed shipment of radioactive materials from Australia to Dounreay. [12952]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The Department will ensure that any such shipments of irradiated nuclear fuel for reprocessing comply with the appropriate national and international safety regulations, current at the time of shipment, to ensure control of the hazards to persons, property and the environment. In keeping with Government policy, the contract to reprocess this fuel, if signed, will contain a clause to ensure the return of the separated wastes to Australia.

  West Coast Main Line
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what arrangements he has made for the Exchequer to share in revenue generated by the Railtrack/Virgin scheme for the modernisation of the west coast main line railway. [12877]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The franchise agreement with Virgin Trains requires Virgin to introduce significantly accelerated and enhanced services following the upgrade of the west coast main line. The franchise was let through the competitive tender process and the winning bid from Virgin commits them to turn a subsidy of £76.8 million in 1997–98 to a premium payment of £220.3 million in 2011–12. There are no arrangements for the Exchequer to share in revenues.

  M25
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if the Highways Agency will place in the Library the names and addresses

  £000s

  Local authority

  1994–95 outturn

  1995–96 outturn

  1996–97 outturn

  1997–98 initial

  Bid

  Allocation

  Bid

  Allocation

  Bid

  Allocation

  Bid

  Allocation

  Isle of Wight

  2,187

  2,187

  1,536

  1,536

  no bid

  0

  no bid

  Total

  2,187

  2,187

  1,536

  1,536

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Cleveland

  5,726

  3,169

  Hartlepool

  548

  548

  3,727

  3,200

  2,530

  2,350

  1,860

  1,200

  Redcar and Cleveland

  87

  87

  3,353

  2,891

  3,405

  3,405

  4,057

  900

  Middlesbrough

  194

  194

  2,370

  2,160

  4,471

  2,950

  2,183

  1,300

  Stockton

  498

  498

  2,947

  2,947

  3,951

  3,450

  3,515

  800

  Combined Fire Authority

  55

  100

  County total

  1,327

  1,327

  18,123

  14,422

  14,357

  12,255

  11,615

  4,200

  Avon

  3,098

  2,910

  Bristol

  3,128

  2,719

  4,369

  3,600

  3,510

  900

  North Somerset

  3,197

  3,197

  3,119

  3,100

  3,527

  800

  Banes1

  2,783

  2,783

  3,404

  3,404

  3,039

  900

  808
  of the 4,000 people who objected to the M25 widening scheme between junctions 12 and 15 in the official consultation period that ended in July 1996. [12876]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  [holding answer 27 October 1997]: In accordance with registration under the Data Protection Act 1984, the names of the objectors were published with the decision letter issued on 18 March 1997, a copy of which was deposited in the Library. To place their addresses in the Library would contravene the provisions of the Act.

  Motorway Drivers (Tests)
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to ensure all newly qualified drivers pass a specific motorway test before being allowed to undertake unsupervised motorway driving; and if he will make a statement. [12899]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  [holding answer 27 October 1997]: My noble Friend the Minister for Roads announced on 15 October that the Government would be setting new road safety targets for the year 2010. Targets will be set within an outline strategy for achieving them. The questions of new drivers and motorway training will be considered in setting that strategy.

  Local Government Reorganisation
  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what have been the transitional costs of transferring services from preceding authorities to successor authorities in respect of each local authority reorganisation, including fire service reorganisation, in England in(a) 1995, (b) 1996 and (c) 1997; and what are the estimated transitional costs for each such reorganisation in 1998. [12939]

  Mr. Raynsford
  Resources in the form of supplementary credit approvals are made available to reorganising authorities under the local government reorganisation costs scheme. The supplementary credit approvals issued to each authority under the schemes for 1994–95, 1995–96, 1996–97 and the maximum amounts issued under the 1997–98 scheme are set out in the table. Figures for 1995–96, 1996–97 and 1997–98 include supplementary credit approvals issued by the Home Office to combined fire authorities.
  809

  £000s

  Local authority

  1994–95 outturn

  1995–96 outturn

  1996–97 outturn

  1997–98 initial

  Bid

  Allocation

  Bid

  Allocation

  Bid

  Allocation

  Bid

  Allocation

  South Gloucestershire1

  2,712

  2,712

  3,498

  3,498

  3,994

  1,000

  Combined Fire Authority

  55

  100

  County total

  14,918

  14,376

  14,390

  13,702

  14,070

  3,600

  Humberside

  4,592

  2,900

  Kingston Upon Hull

  3,865

  3,080

  3,625

  3,450

  4,264

  700

  East Riding of Yorkshire1

  4,708

  3,454

  8,342

  8,000

  5,035

  2,500

  North Lincolnshire1

  3,206

  2,992

  2,919

  2,919

  5,094

  700

  North East Lincolnshire1

  3,315

  2,950

  4,112

  4,112

  5,655

  700

  Combined Fire Authority

  55

  100

  County total

  19,686

  15,431

  18,998

  18,581

  20,048

  4,600

  North Yorkshire

  2,055

  1,400

  402

  402

  Ryedale

  0

  no bid

  0

  Selby

  685

  685

  69

  69

  York1

  3,912

  3,546

  3,145

  3,145

  2,360

  800

  Combined Fire Authority

  35

  50

  County total

  6,652

  5,666

  3,616

  3,666

  2,360

  800

  Total for 1995–96 Authorities

  3,514

  3,514

  60,915

  51,431

  51,361

  48,204

  48,093

  13,200

  Bedfordshire

  86

  0

  2,157

  1,900

  2,310

  700

  Luton

  128

  0

  5,014

  3,680

  7,563

  3,300

  Combined Fire Authority

  45

  50

  County total

  214

  0

  7,171

  5,625

  9,873

  4,050

  Buckinghamshire

  0

  no bid

  0

  Milton Keynes

  451

  0

  2,932

  2,932

  2,434

  2,200

  Combined Fire Authority

  0

  50

  County total

  451

  0

  2,932

  2,932

  2,434

  2,250

  Derbyshire

  0

  1,909

  1,900

  1,685

  900

  Derby City

  117

  0

  3,651

  2,850

  3,590

  2,600

  Combined Fire Authority

  45

  50

  County total

  117

  0

  5,560

  4,795

  5,275

  3,550

  Dorset

  0

  no bid

  0

  1,210

  400

  Bournemouth

  0

  3,005

  3,005

  7,129

  2,700

  Poole

  411

  0

  3,582

  3,250

  3,240

  2,600

  Combined Fire Authority

  45

  50

  County total

  411

  0

  6,587

  6,300

  11,579

  5,750

  Durham

  0

  no bid

  0

  650

  400

  Darlington

  237

  0

  4,430

  4,430

  1,662

  1,660

  Combined Fire Authority

  45

  50

  County total

  237

  0

  4,430

  4,475

  2,312

  2,110

  East Sussex

  0

  2,531

  1,850

  2,641

  1,700

  Brighton and Hove1

  158

  0

  9,172

  4,800

  5,034

  4,000

  Combined Fire Authority

  45

  50

  County total

  158

  0

  11,703

  6,695

  7,675

  5,750

  Hampshire

  0

  3,056

  2,200

  2,710

  1,400

  Portsmouth

  126

  0

  3,502

  2,950

  3,586

  2,600

  Southampton

  516

  0

  3,982

  3,050

  3,551

  2,700

  Combined Fire Authority

  45

  50

  County total

  642

  0

  10,540

  8,245

  9,847

  6,750

  Leicestershire

  0

  1,562

  1,562

  936

  800

  Leicester City

  75

  0

  3,875

  3,200

  3,114

  3,100

  810 811

  align="right">£000s

  Local authority

  1994–95 outturn

  1995–96 outturn

  1996–97 outturn

  1997–98 initial

  Bid

  Allocation

  Bid

  Allocation

  Bid

  Allocation

  Bid

  Allocation

  Rutland

  0

  998

  998

  1,265

  1,260

  Combined Fire Authority

  45

  50

  County total

  75

  0

  6,435

  5,805

  5,315

  5,210

  Staffordshire

  0

  5,238

  2,000

  605

  500

  Stoke on Trent

  147

  0

  4,109

  2,950

  2,923

  2,400

  Combined Fire Authority

  45

  50

  County total

  147

  0

  9,347

  4,995

  3,528

  2,950

  Wiltshire

  28

  0

  1,620

  1,350

  230

  80

  Swindon

  362

  0

  6,323

  3,000

  1,083

  800

  Combined Fire Authority

  45

  50

  County total

  390

  0

  7,943

  4,395

  1,313

  930

  Total for 1997 authroities

  2,842

  0

  72,648

  54,262

  59,151

  39,300

  Berkshire

  486

  0

  9,150

  1,100

  Bracknell Forest

  226

  0

  3,694

  2,100

  Newbury

  201

  0

  4,680

  2,400

  Reading

  150

  0

  4,081

  2,700

  Slough

  911

  0

  2,930

  1,900

  Windsor and Maidenhead

  349

  0

  4,550

  2,200

  Wokingham

  No bid

  0

  5,847

  2,900

  County total

  2,323

  0

  34,932

  15,300

  Hereford and Worcester

  no bid

  0

  2,090

  300

  Hereford City

  no bid

  0

  350

  100

  Leominister

  no bid

  0

  489

  150

  Malvern Hills

  no bid

  0

  1,100

  200

  South Herefordshire

  no bid

  0

  165

  50

  Herefordshire (shadow)

  0

  1,000

  Worcestershire (shadow)

  0

  1,000

  Malvern Hills (shadow)

  0

  1,000

  County total

  0

  0

  4,194

  3,800

  Devon

  no bid

  0

  5,090

  1,000

  Plymouth

  175

  0

  8,038

  2,600

  Torbay

  no bid

  0

  7,200

  3,000

  County total

  175

  0

  20,328

  6,600

  Essex

  no bid

  0

  5,504

  500

  Southend on Sea

  no bid

  0

  4,359

  2,100

  Thurrock

  423

  0

  5,215

  2,400

  County total

  423

  0

  15,078

  5,000

  Nottinghamshire

  no bid

  0

  4,860

  400

  Nottingham

  468

  0

  5,727

  2,700

  County total

  468

  0

  10,587

  3,100

  Cheshire

  no bid

  0

  1,188

  500

  Halton

  no bid

  0

  3,395

  2,200

  Warrington

  no bid

  0

  5,680

  3,000

  County total

  0

  0

  10,263

  5,700

  Shropshire

  no bid

  0

  2,556

  300

  The Wrekin

  no bid

  0

  7,690

  2,400

  County total

  0

  0

  10,246

  2,700

  Kent

  no bid

  0

  1,975

  1,000

  Gillingham

  no bid

  0

  1,060

  200

  Rochester

  no bid

  0

  1,184

  400

  Medway Towns (shadow)

  0

  1,000

  County total

  0

  0

  4,219

  2,600

  812 813

  align="right">£000s

  Local authority

  1994–95 outturn

  1995–96 outturn

  1996–97 outturn

  1997–98 initial

  Bid

  Allocation

  Bid

  Allocation

  Bid

  Allocation

  Bid

  Allocation

  Cambridgeshire

  no bid

  0

  3,220

  400

  Peterborough

  no bid

  0

  4,612

  2,900

  County total

  0

  0

  7,832

  3,300

  Lancashire

  no bid

  0

  4,104

  800

  Blackburn with Darwen

  348

  0

  5,240

  2,700

  Blackpool

  no bid

  0

  5,371

  2,700

  County total

  348

  0

  14,715

  6,200

  Total for 1998 authorities

  3,737

  0

  132,394

  54,300

  Grand total

  3,514

  3,514

  63,757

  51,431

  127,746

  102,466

  239,638

  106,800

  814

  Mr. Reginald Buckland: Court Documents
  Mr. Reginald Buckland: Court Documents
  Central and Eastern Europe: Military Training Assistance
  Central and Eastern Europe: Military Training Assistance
  RAF Bentwaters and Woodbridg: Nuclear Weapons Allegations
  RAF Bentwaters and Woodbridg: Nuclear Weapons Allegations
  Prisoners Detained During Her Majesty's Pleasure: Parole Board Rules
  Prisoners Detained During Her Majesty's Pleasure: Parole Board Rules
  Prison Service Business Plan 1997–98
  Prison Service Business Plan 1997–98
  Prisoners: Transfer Provisions
  Prisoners: Transfer Provisions
  Director of Transport's Annual Report
  Director of Transport's Annual Report
  Equestrian Establishments: Rating
  Equestrian Establishments: Rating
  "Canberra"
  "Canberra"
  Interest Rates
  Interest Rates
  Working Time Directive and the Fishing Industry
  Working Time Directive and the Fishing Industry
  Agriculture Councils
  Agriculture Councils
  Northern Ireland Border Areas: Return to Vacated Property
  Northern Ireland Border Areas: Return to Vacated Property