Written Answers of 6 April 1998

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  Hospitality
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list planned expenditure on hospitality for April and May, indicating the date, location and purpose of each event. [35121]

  Angela Eagle
  Hospitality expenditure in April and May 1998 by this Department will be as follows:

  Date

  Location

  Purpose

  Estimated cost(£)

  3–5 April

  Leeds Castle

  Informal meeting of G8 Environment Ministers

  8,800

  24–26 April

  Chester

  Informal meeting of the EU Transport and Environment Ministers

  71,000

  Bicycles (Transport on Trains)
  Mr. MacShane
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the rail companies which ban the conveyance of bicycles at any time on their trains. [35968]

  Dr. Strang
  Anglia Railways, Gatwick Express, Great North Eastern Railways, Great Western Trains, Island Line, Midland Main Line and North Western Trains allow bicycles on all of their services. Passengers may need to book in advance. The other operators ban bicycles on some of their services, typically during peak hours. The Government are keen to promote the use of bicycles, and to ensure that as far as possible the railway provides suitable facilities for cyclists.

  Headquarters Staff
  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for North Tayside (Mr. Swinney) of 18 March 1998,Official Report, column 608, what percentage of staff in the headquarters element of his Department is based in (a) London, (b) the South East and (c) Scotland; and what percentage of salary and running costs relate to buildings in (i) London, (ii) the South East and (iii) Scotland. [37014]

  Angela Eagle
  At 1 January 1998, the percentage of staff in the headquarters element of my Department based in(a) London, (b) the South East and (c) Scotland was 80 per cent., 10 per cent. and 1 per cent. respectively. The percentage of salary and running costs for these locations could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
  2

  Connex South Central
  Mr. Lepper
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations have been received by his Department in respect of the train services operated by Connex South Central between London and Brighton since that company was awarded its franchise; and if he will summarise their content. [36759]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Correspondence was not recorded by Train Operating Company until February 1997 (the Connex South Central franchise commenced in May 1996) and correspondence now identified by Train Operating Company is not recorded by route. This information could be provided only at disproportionate cost. The number of letters about Connex South Central in general that have been received since February 1997 is 306.

  Jubilee Line
  Ms Hodge
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what was the cost to London Underground in each quarter of the last five years of compensation payments triggered by delays caused by defective trains on the Jubilee Line. [37200]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  London Underground do not have the information readily available in the exact form requested. The table shows the total value of all Customer Charter claims on the Jubilee Line in each four week period for each of the last four financial years. Information for the year 1993/94 is not readily available.

  Period

  1994/95

  1995/96

  1996/97

  1997/98

  1

  106.8

  52.8

  999.2

  375.2

  2

  280.1

  493.9

  110.6

  44.4

  3

  74.7

  196.5

  124.0

  253.0

  4

  146.9

  185.9

  138.1

  355.0

  5

  5,874.1

  152.6

  18.8

  398.0

  6

  1,299.8

  257.3

  50.4

  63.0

  7

  579.9

  10

  134.9

  49.10

  8

  105.4

  10

  388.5

  146.8

  9

  834.1

  10

  763.7

  68.5

  10

  297.0

  37.7

  41.2

  54

  11

  33.7

  127.7

  40.8

  1,348.6

  12

  88.2

  444.3

  102.5

  1,072.8

  13

  204.4

  1,817.6

  1,839.8

  2—

  Total

  9,628.1

  3,766.3

  4,634.0

  24,228.7

  1No claims were processed P7 to P9 in 1995/96 due to computer problems

  2Figures for P13, 1997/98 are not yet available.

  Note:

  Figures are in pounds.

  Ms Hodge
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many delays of over two minutes there were to Jubilee Line underground trains in each month of the last five years caused by defective trains on the Jubilee Line. [37203]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  London Underground do not have the information readily available in the exact form requested. The table shows the number of delays of over
  3
  two minutes which have been caused by defective rolling stock in each four week period for the last five years.

  Period

  1993–94

  1994–95

  1995–96

  1996–97

  1997–98

  1

  80

  96

  79

  72

  66

  2

  108

  100

  68

  83

  66

  3

  102

  68

  83

  92

  63

  4

  91

  83

  103

  71

  58

  5

  90

  96

  127

  72

  81

  6

  109

  86

  118

  78

  70

  7

  101

  66

  86

  53

  71

  8

  74

  52

  79

  54

  73

  9

  68

  59

  91

  82

  80

  10

  54

  53

  67

  41

  63

  11

  65

  73

  86

  86

  129

  12

  71

  82

  95

  57

  180

  13

  68

  72

  88

  78

  1143

  Total

  1,081

  986

  1,170

  919

  11,143

  1Period 13 ended on 31 March and the final figure was not available for this answer. This figure is therefore provisional.

  Ms Hodge
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many delays of over two minutes to Jubilee Line underground trains have been caused by defective new trains on the Jubilee Line in each week since their introduction. [37202]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  New rolling stock has been phased into service since December 1997. This stock has suffered from a number of teething problems, but London Underground are working hard to overcome them. The need to maintain safety standards means that faults are rectified as they occur, which can result in delays.

  London Underground do not have the information readily available in the exact form requested. The table sets out the number of delays of over two minutes which have been caused by defective rolling stock in each four week period since the start of the 1997–98 financial year.

  Period

  Number of delays

  1

  66

  2

  66

  3

  63

  4

  58

  5

  81

  6

  70

  7

  71

  8

  73

  9

  80

  10

  63

  11

  129

  12

  180

  13

  1143

  1 Period 13 ended on 31 March and the final figure was not available for this answer. This figure is therefore provisional.

  Ms Hodge
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many compensation payment claims have been triggered in the last five years because of delays to the Jubilee Line underground journeys caused by defective Jubilee Line trains. [37201]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  London Underground do not have the information readily available in the exact form requested. The table shows the total number of customer 4
  charter claims of all types on the Jubilee Line in each four week period for each of the last four financial years. Information for the year 1993–94 is not readily available.

  Period

  1994/95

  1995/96

  1996/97

  1997/98

  1

  43

  29

  367

  128

  2

  115

  207

  50

  19

  3

  45

  82

  56

  107

  4

  97

  88

  55

  139

  5

  2,087

  69

  6

  149

  6

  442

  114

  23

  26

  7

  252

  10

  52

  20

  8

  52

  10

  150

  58

  9

  346

  10

  243

  32

  10

  115

  20

  17

  22

  11

  22

  56

  15

  481

  12

  38

  151

  43

  420

  13

  180

  457

  614

  2—

  Total

  3,719

  1,273

  1,541

  21,601

  1 No claims were processed P7 to P9 in 1995–96 due to computer problems.

  2Figures for P13, 1997–98 are not yet available.

  Millennium Dome
  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 25 February 1998,Official Report, column 222, to what depth (a) the area surrounding the site of the Millennium Dome and (b) the remainder of the Greenwich peninsula have been cleared of contaminants. [37079]

  Angela Eagle
  The whole of the Greenwich peninsula site has been remedied to render it safe for the known end uses. The remediation includes the removal or treatment on-site of contaminated soils, to depths of up to 14 metres in selected areas. Some of the treated material is re-used on the site and the remainder has been removed for disposal to suitable licensed landfill sites.

  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 25 February 1998,Official Report, column 222, what steps have been taken (a) to prevent contaminants from leaking to the surface and (b) to draw attention to the presence of contaminants below the surface on the Greenwich peninsula. [37076]

  Angela Eagle
  Contamination that remains in the soil and groundwater is prevented from rising to the surface by a layer of coarse crushed concrete, which has been recycled from old building foundations. Free from fine material, this prevents the natural capillary rise of the groundwater into the overlying clean clay capping. This clay capping, in turn, prevents contact between the site users and any residual contamination in the ground. Full records of all investigations undertaken, and site remediation works carried out, are kept by English Partnerships, the current site owners, as part of the Health and Safety file, as required under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 1994. In accordance with the regulations, this documentation will be made available to any future site owner, or occupant, including contractors and will inform them of any potential hazards on the site.

  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 25 February 1998,Official Report, column 222,

  5
  what certification has been provided by (a) the Health and Safety Executive and (b) the Environment Agency concerning the removal of contaminants from the Greenwich peninsula. [37078]

  Angela Eagle
  No certification process is operated by the Health and Safety Executive with regard to contaminated land. They work with contractors to ensure that contractors' site activity is conducted in a safe manner and in accordance with the current regulations.

  The Environment Agency have been consulted at all stages of the investigation, design and construction of the remediation works and have confirmed their satisfaction with the remediation strategy.

  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 25 February 1998,Official Report, column 222, if (a) cyanide and (b) arsenic were among the contaminants removed from the site of the Millennium Dome or any other area on the Greenwich peninsula. [37077]

  Angela Eagle
  The contaminated soils removed from the site have, on occasions, included arsenic and cyanide in various forms. All such soil has been disposed of, under strictly controlled procedures, to licensed landfill sites suitable to received it. These operations are part of the overall remediation strategy as agreed with the Environment Agency and London Borough of Greenwich.

  Rented Housing
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 27 October 1997,Official Report, column 726, on rented housing, what would be the gross cost to the public sector if all local authority rents were to be cut by (a) 20 per cent., (b) 30 per cent., (c) 40 per cent., and (d) 50 per cent.; and in each case what would be the cost net of savings in housing benefits. [37197]

  Mr. Raynsford
  A reduction in Guideline Rent in 1998–99 for Housing Revenue Account local authorities in England would have the following estimated effects:

  Present value (discounting to 1996–97) of effects from 1998–99 to 2027–28.1996–97 prices discounting to 1996–97

  £ million

  Guideline Rent reduction in 1998–99

  Loss of gross rental income

  Saving in rent rebates

  Saving in public expenditure linked to the RPI

  Net public expenditure cost

  20%

  11,639

  8,643

  2,722

  274

  30%

  17,459

  12,785

  4,083

  590

  40%

  23,278

  16,816

  5,444

  1,018

  50%

  29,098

  20,726

  6,805

  1,567

  Note:

  Figures in the table have been rounded to the nearest £l million. The calculations are derived from LAMOD, the Department's model for estimating the public expenditure effects of a change in Guideline Rent policy for local authorities. The results from LAMOD are sensitive to assumptions which are kept under continuous review. The housing stock is assumed to fall by about 114,000 dwellings each year, until 2007–08, as a result of Right to Buy sales, transfers, voluntary sales, new build completions and demolitions. This assumed annual decline in stock is in line with the present rate of change. The model assumes that the level of stock is constant after 2007–08 with no further decline.
  6

  London Underground
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what forecast his Department has made of how the number and extent of delays on London Underground will be reduced following the start of the new investment programme in 1998 and for each year over the next five years. [37269]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  No such forecast has been made by my Department. We recently announced additional funding of £365 million for London Transport over the next two years. This will boost total investment in the existing network to £1 billion over two years. It is now for London Underground to assess how best to tailor its investment programme. The need to improve the service to passengers by reducing delays will be a key factor in this assessment. In the longer term, our plans for a public-private partnership will result in the elimination of the Underground's investment backlog, address the root cause of delays, and result in an improved service for all passengers.

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many delays to London Underground services have been caused by(a) broken rails, (b) signal failures, (c) obstructions on the track and (d) all causes in total, for each of the last five years. [37271]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  I understand from London Underground that the information requested is as shown in the table.

  Cause of delay

  1993–94

  1994–95

  1995–96

  1996–97

  1997–98

  Broken/cracked rails

  31

  8

  30

  22

  147

  Signalling

  1,783

  1,718

  1,862

  1,891

  9,435

  Objects on track

  217

  208

  248

  327

  314

  All causes

  35,952

  34,150

  34,463

  34,767

  38,840

  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what initiatives he has taken to assist(a) women with young children and (b) pregnant women who must find alternative modes of transportation due to the travelling conditions on the London Underground. [37501]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  It is the Government's aim to make the Underground available to all, and our plans for a public-private partnership will help achieve that aim. But we do recognise that the Underground can currently be difficult for some groups of passengers to use. London Underground staff make every effort to assist passengers to use the system, but some still prefer to use other modes of transport. These passengers benefit from the substantial improvements to the capital's bus network which London Transport is making. Over 400 new single-deck, low-floor vehicles are already in service. These buses have no steps at the doorways and "kneeling" suspension which means that passengers can get on and off more easily. Low-floor double-deck buses are scheduled to enter service for the first time later this year.

  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the conditions for(a) women with young children and (b) pregnant women travelling on the London Underground. [37502]
  7
  Ms Glenda Jackson
  London Underground is the oldest, and one of the deepest, underground systems in the world. Virtually the entire network was designed at a time when little or no thought was given to personal mobility. The Government recognise that, combined with the backlog of essential maintenance which has built up and the very crowded conditions on some parts of the network at peak times, this means some passengers find the Underground less easy to use than they would wish.

  The Government wish to see a modern, high quality Underground which is available to everyone. That means tackling the investment backlog and improving accessibility. The Jubilee Line Extension will feature step-free access at all the new stations. London Underground also has plans for developing a network of 60 fully accessible stations and my right hon. Friend, the Deputy Prime Minister has asked them to look at how these plans can be accelerated. But to achieve a radical improvement will require a massive long-term investment programme. This will be delivered by our plans for a public-private partnership, under which the private sector will raise the funds needed to modernise the network and provide improved conditions for all.

  Roadworks
  Mr. Robathan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what system of monitoring is in place to secure the most rapid possible completion of authorised roadworks in order to minimise disruption to traffic. [37276]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  On trunk roads, major highway works are normally subject to the lane rental form of contract, which gives the contractor a direct financial incentive to complete the works as quickly as practicable, usually by combining a bonus for early completion with a daily charge for late completion. The equivalent works on local highway authority roads are the responsibility of the authority concerned and information about them is not held centrally.

  Works by statutory undertakers and licensees are governed by the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991. Street authorities are empowered by Section 66 of that Act to take action where the works are taking longer than reasonably necessary, but information about the use of the power is not held centrally.

  Mr. Robathan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what sanctions have been applied against those found in breach of the 12 month rule for the co-ordination of roadworks; [37275]

  (2) how often over the last 12 months a breach of the 12 month rule for roadworks has been reported; and what follow-up action was then taken. [37277]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  This information is not held centrally.

  Mr. Robathan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what procedures apply in respect of the co-ordination of road work activity between repair, construction, cable and utility providers. [37278]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Under the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 the street authority (usually the local highway authority) is responsible for co-ordination of its 8
  own works and undertakers' street works in its area. The co-ordination machinery is set out in the Code of Practice for the Co-ordination of Street Works and Works for Road Purposes and Related Matters, published under the Act.

  Charity Shops
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to change the rate relief available to charity shops. [37500]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The Government are currently reviewing all aspects of charity taxation including business rates. We will consider all representations that we have received on the subject before reaching any conclusions and will consult on any proposals before implementing them.

  Rural Pubs
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if the Government will extend to rural pubs the new village shop rate relief. [37344]

  Mr. Raynsford
  Under the village shop rate relief scheme, billing authorities already have the discretion to grant rate relief to public houses providing that certain conditions are met.

  Countryside Commission
  Mr. Tipping
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the members of the Countryside Commission, indicating the date and terms of their appointment. [37295]

  Angela Eagle
  [holding answer 2 April 1998]: The information requested on current members of the Countryside Commission is provided. Further appointments will be made from time to time as vacancies arise.

  Countryside Commission members

  Name

  Date first appointed

  Date current term of appointment expires

  Richard Simmonds CBE (Chairman)

  11.10.95

  30.09.98

  Rodney Swarbrick CBE

  1.08.93

  30.06.99

  Lord Denham KBE

  1.08.93

  30.06.99

  Rt. Rev Alan Chesters

  1.10.95

  30.09.98

  David Barker MBE

  1.10.95

  30.09.98

  Dr. Susan Owens

  1.07.96

  30.06.99

  David Woodhall CBE

  1.07.96

  30.06.99

  Wyndham Rogers-Coltman OBE

  1.07.96

  30.06.99

  Dr. Victoria Edwards

  1.04.98

  31.03.01

  Prof. Allan Patmore CBE

  22.9.92

  30.06.98

  1As Chair

  Railway Stations (Disabled Access)
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he has taken to ensure that railway station platforms are made accessible to wheelchair bound passengers. [37786]
  9
  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Access to railway stations and other transport infrastructure will be covered by the access to goods and services provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. The Government intend to implement the remaining provision of that Part of the Act and a further announcement will be made about implementation dates in due course.

  John Pointon and Sons
  Charlotte Atkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to the answer of 12 December 1997,Official Report, column 727, when the Environment Agency expects to be able to determine whether to pursue the prosecution of Pointon and Sons over the spreading of waste from their abattoir in Cheddleton, Staffordshire. [37940]

  Angela Eagle
  I understand that the Environment Agency wrote to my hon. Friend on 25 March to explain where matters stand. I also understand that she has been invited to meet the Agency very shortly.

  Landfill
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what incentives exist to encourage the location of new landfill sites for(a) inert waste and (b) other wastes on rural brownfield sites. [37521]

  Angela Eagle
  There are no specific incentives for this purpose. However, my Department encourages planning authorities to make appropriate use of previously developed land for all forms of development, including waste management.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the impact on the finances of local government of the increase in landfill tax; and if he will make a statement. [37523]

  Angela Eagle
  My Department will consider the implications of the increase in the rate of landfill tax from April 1999 as part of its discussions with the Local Government Association on the local government finance settlement.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if the money raised as a result of the increase in landfill tax will be used to assist the work of environmental groups in the same way that funds currently raised from the tax are. [37552]

  Angela Eagle
  The same proportion—20%—of the increased revenue generated by the increase in the higher rate of tax as of April 1999 will be available for distribution to environmental bodies as is available under the current scheme. The Government will also be considering whether the environmental bodies scheme could be enhanced, and in particular examining how it could be used to encourage more recycling.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the impact of the recent landfill tax increase on the incidence of fly-tipping within the countryside; what steps he is taking to help councils minimise this; and if he will make a statement. [37522]
  10
  Angela Eagle
  There is as yet little firm evidence either way of the impact of the landfill tax on fly-tipping. Responses to a recent survey of local government officials from the Tidy Britain Group seem to suggest that the incidence of fly-tipping has been lower than local authorities feared when the tax was introduced. We will continue to work with the Environment Agency, local authorities and the police, to monitor and tackle fly-tipping.

  Genetically Modified Organisms
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if it is his policy to apply the precautionary principle to the release of GMO into the environment. [37518]

  Mr. Meacher
  Yes. A thorough assessment of the risks to human health and the environment must be carried out before a consent is granted to release a genetically modified organism into the environment. If the assessment reveals areas of uncertainty and if these are associated with significant potential damage, a precautionary approach would be adopted.

  This policy is discussed in more detail in "A Guide to Risk Assessment and Risk Management for Environmental Protection" published by the Department in 1995. A copy is in the library.

  Rail Freight
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he is taking to ensure that(a) the Rail Regulator and (b) Railtrack take into account the potential growth in rail freight traffic when considering the allocation of access paths. [37986]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The Rail Regulator is under a statutory duty to promote both passenger and freight traffic. He must therefore take this into account when considering proposed access agreements. Railtrack have set out their latest plans for rail freight in the Network Management Statement, published on 25 March. Encouraging more freight by rail will be an important element of our integrated transport policy on which we will be publishing a White Paper shortly.

  Aggregates
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects to publish the report of the work he has commissioned into the environmental costs of the quarrying of aggregates. [37553]

  Mr. Raynsford
  We expect to publish the report on the research into the environmental costs and benefits of aggregates supply later this month.

  Local Government (Ethical Framework)
  Mr. Caplin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he will publish his proposals for a new ethical framework for local government. [38310]
  11
  Ms Armstrong
  I intend to publish tomorrow the Government' s proposals for a new ethical framework for local government in England. Copies will be placed in the Library of the House.

  This paper is the last in the series inviting discussion on the Government's agenda for modernising local government in England. It sets out our proposals for a new framework of conduct for councillors and council staff. These proposals are built on the Third Report of the Committee on Standards in Public Life, presented to Parliament in July 1997 (Cm 3702).

  Through our modernising agenda we are seeking to build and maintain a culture in which councils are open and readily accountable to their local communities. We believe our proposals for the new conduct regime will play a vital part in building up that culture, and restoring that essential bond of trust between local people and those who serve them in their local councils.

  Canbury Gardens, Kingston
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if Kingston Borough Council was permitted to amend its UDP to enable the construction of flats in Canbury Gardens; and if he will make a statement. [38124]

  Mr. Caborn
  No. I understand that the flats are constructed on the site of the former Kingston Power Station.

  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received on the removal of tree preservation orders on poplar and chestnut trees in Canbury Gardens, Kingston; and if he will make a statement. [37852]

  Mr. Caborn
  None. I am not aware of the removal of any tree preservations orders on trees in Canbury Gardens, Kingston.

  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received on the cost of the planning inquiry, appeals and removal of trees in Canbury Gardens, Kingston. [37853]

  Mr. Caborn
  The planning application for the development of housing on the site of the former Kingston power station has not been subject to an appeal to the Secretary of State or to a public local inquiry. 14 representations have been received objecting to the removal of trees at Canbury Gardens.

  Private Finance Initiative
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the increase in the number of shadow road toll schemes to be made under the private finance initiative arrangements. [37862]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The only road scheme approved and being taken forward in England under private finance since May 1997 is the A13 Thames Gateway DBFO project. The payment mechanism for this project is being developed so that there will be no incentive to the operator to encourage commuting by car. The emphasis of the payment mechanism will be on efficient management of 12
  the road, to provide a good service for buses and Heavy Goods Vehicles, with scope for additional payments to reward a good safety record. We will consider whether it would be appropriate to take forward further DBFO projects in the context of the review of trunk roads in England which is currently underway.

  Sites Of Special Scientific Interest
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to offer greater protection to sites of special scientific interest. [37860]

  Angela Eagle
  The Government are currently considering how best to improve the protection and management of Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Officials are preparing a consultation paper seeking views.

  Housing (Coventry)
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps have been taken by his Department in respect of the initiative proposed by Coventry City Council for the development of a local housing company under the stock transfer programme. [37866]

  Mr. Raynsford
  Coventry City Council submitted an application for the 1998–99 housing stock disposals programme for the transfer of all 20,500 of their dwellings to a new local housing company. This scheme was not accepted because it presented us with a number of difficulties that could not be resolved in the short term—not least that the number of properties affected substantially exceeded the 12,000 threshold which the Government have set for transfers to a single new landlord. My officials do, however, intend to work closely with Coventry over the coming months to try and resolve these issues so as to make the scheme workable.

  High Explosives
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 3 March 1998,Official Report, column 543, what was the outcome of the discussions between the dangerous substances industry, environmental agencies and his Department on accidents involving storage facilities and dangerous substances to which the Seveso II Directive applies; and if he will make a statement. [36621]

  Angela Eagle
  My Department and the Health and Safety Executive, together with the Environment Agency and Scottish Environmental Protection Agency, have undertaken wide informal consultation with industry associations, trades union representatives and local authorities likely to have duties under legislation implementing the Seveso II Directive. Their comments have been taken into account as proposals for legislation have been developed.

  I will shortly consider publication of a public consultation document describing the proposed legislation and guidance. A period of four months will be allowed for comment before the legislation is finalised.
  13

  Acidifying Pollutants
  Dr. Gibson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the damage caused by acidifying pollutants in the United Kingdom. [37868]

  Angela Eagle
  My Department has sponsored research into the effects of acidifying pollutants over the last ten years. Research expenditure, in this area, is currently about £2.7 million per year. This has contributed to reviews by two expert UK groups, the United Kingdom Review Group on Acid Rain (RGAR) and the Critical Loads Advisory Group (CLAG). Copies of the most recent produced by RGAR and CLAG, which include information on critical loads and critical levels, acid deposition and the acidification of lakes and rivers, have been placed in the Library of the House.

  Drinking Water Quality
  Dr. Gibson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what measures he is taking to reduce levels of lead in drinking water. [37687]

  Angela Eagle
  The present national standard for lead in drinking water is 50 g/1; this is a more stringent standard than required by the 1980 EC Drinking Water Directive. New standards for lead will be introduced when the new EC Drinking Water Directive is adopted later this year. Member States will be required to achieve lead standards of 25 g/l within 5 years of adoption and 10 g/l within 15 years. The water in many properties already meets the new long term lead standard. At other properties, usually where there are lead pipes, lead concentrations in drinking water have been reduced significantly in recent years. Where appropriate, water companies are required to treat water to reduce its ability to dissolve lead and in many cases this will reduce lead concentrations to about 25g/l. A leaflet is available from the Drinking Water Inspectorate to help people determine if they have lead pipes and giving advice on measures that they can take to reduce their exposure to lead in drinking water.

  Health And Safety
  Dr. Gibson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he is taking to implement framework directive 89/391/EEC concerned with health and safety of the workforce. [37591]

  Angela Eagle
  The health and safety framework directive 89/391/EEC has been implemented in the UK primarily by the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1992 and by existing health and safety law, including the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.

  Discussions are continuing between my officials and the European Commission about our implementation of this directive, following which the Health and Safety Commission may consult later this year on some minor modifications to UK health and safety regulations.

  Fly Posting
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what sanctions 14
  are available to local authorities to deal with organisations which fly post on (a) walls, (b) windows, (c) telephone equipment and (d) bus shelters, where the materials carry no imprint but identify the organisation and provide publicity for goods and services. [38074]

  Mr. Raynsford
  It is an offence, under section 224 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, and Regulation 27 of the Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) Regulations 1992, to display an advertisement without the prior consent of the owner of the land, or premises, on which it is displayed. It is then immediately open to the planning authority to bring a prosecution in the Magistrates' Court. The present maximum fine on summary conviction of this offence is £1,000, with a daily penalty of £100 on conviction of a continuing offence. The level of fines is kept under review by the Home Office and updated periodically.

  Section 224 also provides that people whose goods, trade, business or other concerns are given publicity by an unlawful advertisement may be prosecuted unless they can prove that it was displayed without their knowledge or consent.

  District Councils and London Boroughs also have powers under Section 225, of the Act, to remove or obliterate any illegally displayed placard or poster after giving two days' notice of their intention to do so.

  In addition, local highway authorities have powers, under section 132 of the Highways Act 1980, to remove unlawful advertisements attached to any trees, structures or works in the highway.

  Highways Agency
  Helen Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what targets he has set for the Highways Agency. [38205]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions is currently conducting a number of major policy reviews. In the light of the conclusions, particularly of the Integrated Transport White Paper and the Roads Review we will be setting the Highways Agency new objectives. In the interim, the Secretary of State has set the Highways Agency the following key targets; they are to:Provide a service achieving five out of six (and missing the sixth by no more than 10 per cent.) of the targets set in accordance with the Whitehall Standards (as set out in Annexe E of the Plan);
  Submit to the Secretary of State a proposal for a revised Road User's Charter, in line with the Government's published Integrated Transport Policy by the end of the third quarter;
  In the interim, improve performance against the Road Users Charter Targets, set out in Annexe E of the Plan, where achievement levels were below target in 1997–98;
  Complete 2100 lane kilometres of surface renewal, including reconstruction, overlays, resurfacing, inlays and surface dressing;
  Comply with the EU directive which requires that the trunk road network is available for use by 40 tonne vehicles on 1 January 1999;
  Achieve 80 per cent. of National Scheme milestones set out in Annexe F of the Plan;
  Complete 20 projects, each costing less than £3 million, aimed at improving journey time reliability and/or reducing the impact of roads on the environment;

  15
  Complete 25 Network Control Projects;
  Contribute to the Government's target of reducing road casualties by one third by the year 2000 (compared to the annual average for 1981–85) by ensuring that accident rates between 1996 and 1998 on the motorway and all-purpose trunk road network do not exceed 21 accidents involving personal injury for every 100 million vehicle kilometres of travel and by completing 200 projects, each costing less than £3 million, aimed at improving road safety;
  Publish congestion monitoring information, including National Road Network Assessment system (NARNAS) maps and TrafficMaster data;
  Review the Agency's environmental reporting requirements, to agree changes as necessary with DETR and submit the results to the Secretary of State by the end of the third Quarter;
  Agree a revised Environmental Strategy for the Agency in line with the Government's published Integrated Transport Policy and in consultation with DETR, and submit the results to the Secretary of State by the end of the third Quarter;
  Manage its Programme and Running Costs within the agreed financial allocation;
  Deliver better efficiency and effectiveness throughout its business activities and achieve the two aggregate indicators and 80 per cent. of the Programme performance measure targets listed in Annexe C 4.2 of the Business Plan;
  Apply Value Management and Value Engineering guidelines to all National Schemes at prescribed stages of preparation.

  These targets are included in an interim Business Plan for 1998–99, which will be published shortly. Copies will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Incompetent Builders
  Mr. Miller
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what action he proposes to take to deal with incompetent builders. [38368]

  Mr. Raynsford
  I am today launching a consultation paper 'Combating Cowboy Builders', which sets out a range of measures aimed at protecting householders from incompetent or dishonest builders. I am placing copies in the Library.

  The Government's aim is to protect consumers who want to find a competent builder but, through no fault of their own, suffer as a result of a "cowboy" builder. The first object is to help householders distinguish between the good and the bad builders. Then it is necessary to ensure that the householder, having selected a reputable builder, gets an assurance of good quality work underpinned by a means of redress if things still go wrong.

  The Government have always made it clear that tackling the cowboys was one of their priorities for the construction industry. There is no simple, single solution to the problem. However, the Government believe that the package of measures proposed in this consultation paper will bring real benefit to householders and make life much harder for the cowboys.

  The proposals contained in the document include:
  encouraging local authorities or other local agencies to offer their residents lists of reputable builders who operate in their areas;
  opening up Constructionline, the Government's own database of approved contractors, to the private sector and householders;
  developing the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (which records craft skills on an ID card) and familiarising householders with it;
  16
  developing a construction industry kitemark to denote builders who will work to an agreed set of standards;
  strengthening warranties for use in the event of inadequate work;
  the possibility of broadening the Building Regulations regime so that it is better able to support quality across a wider range of repair and maintenance work;
  finding ways in which lenders and insurers can play a greater role in helping householders to keep their homes in good repair using reputable tradesmen.

  The paper invites comments and ideas from consumer groups, the construction industry and anyone with an interest.

  Private Landlords (Accreditation)
  Mr. Oaten
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will introduce a national scheme to provide accreditation for private landlords. [37843]

  Mr. Raynsford
  We support the initiative taken by local authorities and others to develop voluntary accreditation schemes for landlords. We have no plans to establish a national scheme. Establishing, monitoring and enforcing such a scheme would be bureaucratic and costly. However, we are concerned about the problems of poor stock condition and management in the sector. Our Manifesto proposals for licensing Houses in Multiple Occupation will tackle those properties where the risks to health and safety tend to be the greatest.

  Coastguard
  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) how many rescue vehicles belonging to Her Majesty's Coastguard have had their bonnets overpainted yellow and had the words 'HM Coastguard' written on them in the last 12 months; and at what cost; [36886]

  (2) when he expects to receive a report from the Coastguard Agency on the response to the consultation document regarding the future strategy of Her Majesty's Coastguard; and if he will make a statement. [36887]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  In the last 12 months (1 April 1997–31 March 1998), 169 HM Coastguard vehicles had their livery changed at a total cost of £45,000; an average cost of some £266 each. The new livery includes a change to yellow bonnets with reverse lettered "HM COASTGUARD" and yellow/blue chequered stripes on either side of the vehicles more appropriate to their emergency service status. In addition to this, the new livery much improves the visibility of the vehicles to other road users and, therefore, improves the safety of drivers when proceeding to an emergency. The change promotes a more corporate image and a higher profile for HM Coastguard.

  I have received a report on the 5 year Strategy consultation and am currently considering it. A decision on the strategy will be announced in due course.

  Building Regulations (BAA)
  Mr. Alan W. Williams
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement regarding his future policy concerning
  17
  BAA plc's exemption as an entity under the Building Regulations under section 4 of the Building Act 1984. [37554]

  Mr. Raynsford
  Proposals for amendments to Section 4 of the Buildings Act 1984 in relation to the buildings of statutory undertakers were the subject of a public consultation document issued by the previous Government. I intend seeking the views of the Building Regulations Advisory Committee on how to take this matter forward. However, since primary legislation would be required to repeal or amend Section 4, it is unlikely that any change can be implemented quickly.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Developing Countries (Education)
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what role her Department is undertaking in the promotion of education for children in developing countries. [38134]

  Clare Short
  As our White Paper makes clear, we are strongly committed to the key international targets of Universal Primary Education by 2015 and gender equity in primary and secondary education by 2005. We are currently spending over £100 million a year on education projects and expect this to rise as new programmes are agreed with our partner countries. For example we have begun implementation of major new basic education projects in India, Kenya, Malawi, Pakistan and South Africa costing in excess of £100 million and new substantial projects are being developed in Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Ghana, Tanzania and Uganda.

  A new Department for International Development education policy paper will be issued later this year which will further elaborate our policies and endorse our commitment to the promotion of education for children in developing countries.

  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what percentage of her Department's budget was spent on youth training and education in developing countries in each of the five years up to 1997. [38135]

  Clare Short
  The percentage of identifiable expenditure under my Department's bilateral programme spent on training and education (including scholarships) for developing countries in each of the five years up to 1997 is 11 per cent. in each year. It is not possible to:

  i. disaggregate figures between youth and adult training; and

  ii. identify the percentage of expenditure spent on youth training and education under our contributions to multilateral programmes.

  Tobacco
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what is her Department's policy on aid to the tobacco sector. [37977]

  Clare Short
  My Department does not use development assistance for any purpose which supports the tobacco sector. We support initiatives to help reduce tobacco consumption and to assist farmers who are 18
  dependent on tobacco production to diversify into alternative activities. We also seek to ensure that multilateral institutions pursue similar policies.

  Bhutan
  Mr. Gerrard
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans she has in respect of future levels of aid via the Bhutanese Refugee Assistance Programme. [37715]

  Clare Short
  My Department is a major contributor to the work of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) which is supporting 93,000 refugees from Bhutan in Nepal. We have also contributed over £250,000 to the work of Save the Children Fund (SCF) with Bhutanese refugees in Nepal.

  Mr. Gerrard
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions she has had with the Government of Bhutan, in relation to aid to Bhutan, concerning the human rights of Bhutanese citizens, with particular reference to those in refugee camps in Nepal. [37714]

  Clare Short
  My Department has had no recent discussion on development assistance with the Government of Bhutan. We shall continue to use every opportunity to encourage the government of Nepal and Bhutan in their dialogue to resolve the refugee issue.

  Colombia
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what initiatives are being pursued to assist the street children of Colombia. [37456]

  Clare Short
  The Government recognise the severe problems faced by street children in Colombia who are often victims of sexual abuse or involved with drug problems. Over the last few years we have supported a number of Colombian NGOs working with street children and child prostitutes through our Department for International Development (DFID) Small Grants Scheme. In addition last year DFID voted in support of a 6.4 million ECU programme to help street children and young people in Colombia being financed under the European Commission's development programme.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Ethnic Minorities
  Mr. Colvin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to announce the findings of the study he commissioned into section 11 of the Local Government Act 1966 in respect of the payment of grants to support members of ethnic minorities. [37257]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The findings of this study will inform our further consideration of the matter. We expect to be in a position to make an announcement in the summer.

  Motor Insurance
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people were prosecuted for driving a vehicle while uninsured for the last three years for which figures are available. [37283]
  19
  Mr. Michael
  Information on the number of proceedings at magistrates' courts for the offence of using a motor vehicle uninsured against third party risks, for the last three years for which figures are available, are given in the table.

  Number of proceedings at magistrates' courts for the offence of using a motor vehicle uninsured against third party risks—England and Wales

  Year

  Number of offences

  1994

  446,559

  1995

  441,241

  1996 (provisional)

  415,015

  Firearms
  Mr. Robathan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many previously licensed handguns have not yet been handed in following the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997. [37274]

  Mr. Michael
  Under the terms of the commencement of the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997, certificate holders were required to dispose of their handguns lawfully by 1 October 1997 unless they were covered by the specific exemptions set out in Part 1 of the Act. The majority of certificate holders chose to hand in their weapons to designated police stations, thereby becoming eligible to receive compensation from the Government. However, other certificate holders chose instead to export their weapons and store them abroad permanently, some to sell them and some to have them deactivated to the required national standard and so retain them at home. There is no central record of those weapons not surrendered to police forces.

  From 1 October 1997, all chief officers were advised by the Association of Chief Police Officers to follow up their records of certificate holders and make checks on those certificate holders who had chosen not to surrender their weapons to the police. The subsequent prosecution of anyone found in possession of a prohibited weapon without lawful reason would be a matter for the police force and prosecution authorities concerned.

  My officials have conducted a sample of a small number of forces and all have confirmed that they duly followed up their records of certificate holders and established that all guns recorded were accounted for.

  In addition, we have asked all forces in England and Wales for a report on their success with the hand-in of 22 handguns which ended on 28 February. I will make the results available to the House once this information has been collated.

  Mr. Robathan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what is the timeframe for settlement of outstanding claims for compensation made under the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997; [37289]

  (2) if he will make a statement on the number of claims and payments relating to compensation paid to former owners of handguns obliged to hand in their weapons under the terms of the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997. [37288]
  20
  Mr. Michael
  Current estimates are that all remaining payments under Options A and B of the large-calibre handgun compensation scheme should be completed by about the end of May. The aim is to complete most, if not all, payments under Option C of the scheme by the end of the year. At 31 March, 38,592 claims under the large-calibre handgun scheme had been registered on the Firearms Compensation Section (FCS) computer system and 29,236 payments made. Around 2,000 claims are still to be registered, the majority of which will be under the large-calibre scheme.

  The figures for claims and payments in this answer are lower than those normally quoted, as they exclude those made under the ex-gratia scheme for small-calibre pistols.

  Mr. Lansley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many staff have been allocated to process claims in categories A and B under the Firearms Compensation Scheme. [37459]

  Mr. Michael
  The Firearms Compensation Section at present employs 62 staff, 53 of whom are working directly on the examination and authorisation of compensation claims. Currently the bulk of the effort is concentrated on processing claims under Options A and B of the compensation scheme, although a number of claims under Option C are being processed in parallel.

  Mr. Lansley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the average time currently taken to process claims under categories A and B of the Firearms Compensation Scheme. [37458]

  Mr. Michael
  The Firearms Compensation Section is currently dealing with claims received from the police on 25 September 1997, giving a current turn-round time of 27 weeks. The average processing time for claims dealt with since the start of the compensation scheme in July 1997 is just over 15 weeks.

  Mr. Lansley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people under categories A, B and C of the Firearms Compensation Scheme have received full compensation for their claims. [37460]

  Mr. Michael
  The information at 2 April 1998 is as follows:

  Claimants under Option A paid in full: 28,085

  Claimants under Option B paid in full: 27,168

  Claimants under Option C paid in full: 261.

  Since an individual may claim under more than one option, the total number of payments under all the options is greater than the total number of claimants participating in the scheme. The figures include applications under the ex gratia surrender scheme for small-calibre pistols.

  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps his Department has taken in respect of procedures relating to the revocation of gun licences following the Dunblane tragedy. [37463]

  Mr. Michael
  Under section 30 of the Firearms Act 1968, the chief officer of police may revoke a firearm certificate at any time if he is satisfied that the holder is prohibited by law from possessing firearms, or is of intemperate habits or unsound mind, or is otherwise unfitted to be entrusted with a firearm. Following the
  21
  Dunblane tragedy, the Government considered Lord Cullen's report carefully, to see how any weaknesses in the firearms licensing system might be remedied.

  Lord Cullen's Report suggested that the power to revoke a certificate should be extended to allow the police to revoke partially a certificate in relation to any firearms which the owner no longer has a good reason for possessing. This recommendation was carried forward through the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997 and was brought into force on 1 July 1997.

  The Government have also taken steps to ensure that the police receive a proper flow of information on which to base their decisions. Under the 1997 Act, those who hold firearms principally for target shooting must be a member of a shooting club approved by the Home Departments. Each club must appoint a liaison officer to keep the police informed of members' activities, and the club is obliged to inform the police if any member has not shot with the club for over a year.

  Lord Cullen also recommended that the arrangements under which an individual could appeal to the courts against the revocation of his certificate should be revised and clarified. The 1997 Act now makes it clear that an appeal is to be determined on its merits (that is, as a full re-hearing rather than as a review).

  Domestic Violence (West Midlands)
  Ms Shipley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many incidents of domestic violence were reported to the police in the West Midlands Region in the last 12 months for which figures are available. [37245]

  Mr. Michael
  The latest available information on domestic violence incidents recorded by the police, obtained from Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary 1996–1997 Annual Statistics Return, is shown in the following table.

  Domestic violence incidents

  Police force

  1996–1997

  Staffordshire

  1,744

  Warwickshire

  493

  West Mercia

  1,867

  West Midlands

  14,011

  Anthrax
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he was first notified of the Iraqi threat to infiltrate British ports with the anthrax virus. [37255]

  Mr. Straw
  As I indicated in my reply to the right hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed (Mr. Beith) on 24 March 1998,Official Report, column 180, initial information about possible anthrax smuggling was received in the Home Office on 5 March. That information was assessed thoroughly alongside all other relevant information and an assessment of Iraqi intentions. I was notified on 21 March.

  Young Offenders
  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many(a) boys and (b) girls aged
  22
  (1) less than 15, (2) 15 to 16, (3) 17 to 18 and (4) 18 to 21 years were held as convicted prisoners in (i) local authority secure accommodation, (ii) young offenders' institutions and (iii) adult prisons at the latest date for which figures are available and at the same date in each of the previous four years; [37539]

  (2) how many (a) boys and (b) girls aged (1) less than 15, (2) 15 to 16, (3) 17 to 18 and (4) 18 to 21 years were held on remand in (i) local authority secure accommodation, (ii) young offenders' institutions and (iii) adult prisons at the latest date for which figures are available and at the same date in each of the previous four years. [37536]

  Ms Quin
  The available information on the number of young persons remanded to local authority accommodation in England is published in a Department of Health publication entitled "Children accommodated in secure units" (reference A/F 97/21). This information is presented on a financial year basis with the last report covering the year ending 31 March 1997.

  Information on the number of young persons held in Young Offender Institutions and adult prisons is given in the table. Many "adult" establishments contain separate units or designated accommodation of young offenders and such persons are normally accommodated separately from adult prisoners. In the tables such establishments have been classed as "adult" establishments.

  Information on the population of young offenders by age and type of custody is also published in successive volumes of "Prison statistics, England and Wales" (Table 3.2 of 1996 edition, Cm 3732), copies of which are in the Library.

  Population of young offenders in Prison Service establishments by age, type of custody, type of establishment and sex, 1994–1998

  Age

  Establishment type

  Under 15

  15–16

  17–18

  19–21

  Males

  28 February 1998

  Remand:

  YOI

  -

  233

  1,242

  1,216

  Adult prison

  -

  3

  54

  67

  Sentenced:

  YOI

  -

  709

  2,570

  4,721

  Adult prison

  -

  2

  22

  75

  28 February 1997

  Remand:

  YOI

  -

  262

  1,169

  1,303

  Adult prison

  -

  12

  100

  134

  Sentenced:

  YOI

  -

  649

  2,260

  4,216

  Adult prison

  -

  3

  42

  93

  29 February 1996

  Remand:

  YOI

  -

  185

  955

  1,110

  Adult prison

  -

  38

  248

  280

  Sentenced:

  YOI

  -

  531

  1,678

  3,622

  Adult prison

  -

  4

  55

  176

  28 February 1995

  Remand:

  YOI

  -

  134

  949

  1,165

  Adult prison

  -

  49

  247

  280

  Sentenced:

  YOI

  -

  441

  1,401

  3,380

  Adult prison

  -

  3

  60

  119

  23

  Population of young offenders in Prison Service establishments by age, type of custody, type of establishment and sex, 1994–1998

  Age

  Establishment type

  Under 15

  15–16

  17–18

  19–21

  28 February 1994

  Remand:

  YOI

  -

  158

  1,136

  1,453

  Adult prison

  -

  1

  46

  100

  Sentenced:

  YOI

  -

  375

  1,502

  3,197

  Adult prison

  -

  -

  4

  43

  Females

  28 February 1998

  Remand:

  YOI

  -

  -

  7

  4

  Adult prison

  -

  -

  46

  64

  Sentenced:

  YOI

  -

  28

  73

  130

  Adult prison

  -

  8

  46

  62

  28 February 1997

  Remand:

  YOI

  -

  -

  1

  3

  Adult prison

  -

  -

  37

  43

  Sentenced:

  YOI

  -

  22

  54

  89

  Adult prison

  -

  10

  20

  61

  29 February 1996

  Remand:

  YOI

  -

  -

  5

  2

  Adult prison

  -

  -

  30

  42

  Sentenced:

  YOI

  -

  11

  41

  77

  Adult prison

  -

  3

  10

  49

  28 February 1995

  Remand:

  YOI

  -

  -

  5

  7

  Adult prison

  -

  -

  17

  45

  Sentenced:

  YOI

  -

  15

  31

  90

  Adult prison

  -

  4

  18

  32

  28 February 1994

  Remand:

  YOI

  -

  -

  -

  -

  Adult prison

  -

  -

  28

  37

  Sentenced:

  YOI

  -

  7

  22

  59

  Adult prison

  -

  6

  8

  35

  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what obligations are placed on the Government in relation to the use of adult prisons for young offenders by(a) the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and (b) the Children Acts; and if he will make a statement. [37538]

  Ms Quin
  Article 37(c) of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child requires that every child deprived of his or her liberty shall be separated from adults unless it is considered in the child's best interests not to do so. The United Kingdom has entered a reservation to the Convention to the effect that the mixing of children and adults is permitted where there is at any time a lack of suitable accommodation or adequate facilities for a particular individual in any institution, or where the mixing of adults and children is deemed to be mutually beneficial.

  The Children Act 1989 does not apply to those in prison custody but the Prison Service is planning to reflect the principles and guidance of that Act in the new regime standards it is drawing up for juveniles.
  24
  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the circumstances under which a young person under the age of 18 years should be held in an adult prison rather than in a young offenders' institution or local authority secure accommodation; and if he will make a statement. [37540]

  Ms Quin
  All young offenders sentenced to detention in a young offender institution (YOI) must be and are held in accommodation designated as a YOI. An unsentenced young person aged under 18 cannot be held in a YOI but must be held in a prison under Prison Rules although almost all unsentenced young people are held in accommodation with other young people. The Government's policy is to move towards a situation where it is no longer necessary to hold juveniles on remand in adult prisons. The Crime and Disorder Bill will enable the courts to remand vulnerable juveniles to local authority secure accommodation. The Prison Service is drawing up plans to hold all juveniles separately and to establish new regime standards for juveniles. We believe these measures will help protect the public and the welfare of these young people.

  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action the Government are taking to encourage courts to make greater use of alternatives to custody when sentencing young offenders. [37537]

  Mr. Michael
  In reforming the Youth Justice System, the Government's key focus, and the statutory aim it will impose on youth justice agencies, is to prevent offending. By acting to intervene with young offenders earlier and more effectively we will stop them offending before they get to the stage where the courts have to consider custody. We are strengthening the range of community penalties available to the courts when sentencing. By putting in place local Youth Offending Teams to supervise offenders serving these sentences and the Youth Justice Board to set standards for supervision and inspect performance, we are acting to improve the quality of community sentences. All this will give sentencers more options in imposing community sentences and greater confidence to use them as alternatives to custody.

  Mr. Crausby
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to establish continuity in the proposed youth offending teams. [37364]

  Mr. Michael
  Youth offending teams will build on existing good practice in the work of youth justice teams and will ensure that work with young offenders is undertaken effectively and consistently across England and Wales.

  The Government will publish guidance on the establishment and operation of youth offending teams. The guidance will address the staffing and functions of the teams. The Youth Justice Board, which is to be established under clause 35 of the Crime and Disorder Bill, will monitor the operation of the youth justice system and the provision of youth justice services which will be co-ordinated locally by youth offending teams.

  Drug Dealers
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his policy towards the establishment of(a) maximum and (b) minimum sentences for repeat convicted drug dealers. [37256]
  25
  Mr. George Howarth
  We believe that severe punishment is appropriate for drug dealers. The maximum penalty for trafficking in Class A drugs is life imprisonment, and for Class B drugs 14 years' imprisonment. The Crime (Sentences) Act 1997 provides for a minimum sentence of 7 years' imprisonment for third and subsequent convictions for trafficking in Class A drugs. This provision was implemented on 1 October 1997.

  Security Service
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his Department's policy towards the publication in the press of disclosures by former MI5 officers. [37669]

  Mr. Straw
  I deplore any publication of unauthorised disclosures of information on security or intelligence matters.

  Former Security Service officers are bound by a duty of lifelong confidentiality arising out of their employment by the Security Service. They are also liable to prosecution under section 1 (1)(a) of the Official Secrets Act 1989 if, without lawful authority, they disclose information relating to security and intelligence obtained by virtue of their membership of the Service.

  Where the Government become aware of any plans by a former member of the Security Service to disclose such security or intelligence information without authority, we shall take such steps as are open to us, including seeking restraining injunctions against the individual in question and the relevant publisher, to prevent such disclosures. Investigation of possible offences under the Official Secrets Act arising from unauthorised disclosure is a matter for the police.

  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on his Department's policy towards the funding of MI5. [37670]

  Mr. Straw
  The budget of the Security Service is carried on the Single Intelligence Vote (Class XVIII Vote 2).

  Provision for the security and intelligence agencies is agreed collectively by Ministers when setting public expenditure plans.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make it his policy to allow individuals on whom files are held by MI5 to see those files in cases where it is intended that such files be destroyed. [37874]

  Mr. Straw
  No. In order to safeguard the operational effectiveness of the Security Service, it has been the policy of successive Governments not to disclose information about the operations of the Security Service, including whether the Service holds or has held files on any individual.

  Drug-related Crime (Gwynedd)
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate his Department has made of the levels of drug-related crime in Gwynedd in(a) 1990 and (b) 1997. [37599]
  26
  Mr. George Howarth
  No estimates of the total amount of drug-related crime in particular counties have been made, although statistics on offences against the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 in each police area are published annually by the Home Office.

  Animal Research
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many wild-caught primates, broken down by species, are currently held in the United Kingdom for the purpose of animal research; and if he will indicate in each case the purpose of the procedures for which they are being used. [37879]

  Mr. George Howarth
  Rules banning the use of wild-caught primates (unless exceptional and specific justification can be established) were introduced in 1996. Before then, records relating to the acquisition of wild-caught primates for use under the terms of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 were not kept centrally.

  We do know, however, that three wild-caught Rhesus macaques, imported before 1996, are still undergoing regulated procedures in neuroscience studies.

  The only wild-caught primates imported since 1996 and currently held in the United Kingdom for use under the terms of the 1986 Act are two baboons. These are for use in heart xenotransplantation research. One of these two baboons has already been used in a regulated procedure. The other has not yet been used.

  Lewes Prison
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he intends to take to replace the health care centre at HM Prison Lewes. [37873]

  Ms Quin
  The Governor of Lewes prison and senior representatives from the Prison Service will be meeting in May to discuss how to improve the facilities in the health care centre and the provision of health care services.

  Canbury Gardens, Kingston
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the expenditure by the Metropolitan Police in the operation to remove protesters from Canbury Gardens, Kingston, to enable the local authority to cut down trees; and of this, how much was borne by(a) the Metropolitan Police, (b) the Sheriff and (c) the local authority. [37854]

  Mr. Michael
  The Metropolitan Police Commissioner tells me that it is not possible in the time available to make a full and accurate calculation of the costs.

  The cost of the police operation was wholly borne by the Metropolitan Police. The four day operation required 855 officer days, at a cost of £168,073. In addition, £51,058 was incurred in overtime. No account has been taken of additional support services costs involved.

  Mark Darren Day
  Mr. Gerald Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the Criminal Cases
  27
  Review Commission will conclude its consideration of the case of Mark Darren Day, convicted of murder on 26 March 1993 at the Central Criminal Court. [37508]

  Mr. Michael
  I understand that the Criminal Cases Review Commission has completed its initial assessment of Mr. Day's application, which is now awaiting the availability of staff time for a detailed review. Applications at this stage are regularly reviewed for the priority that can be given within available resources and Mr. Day was last informed of the position on 23 March. The Commission cannot say when it will conclude its consideration of his case; this will depend on the issues raised in the case and the work identified to be done, both initially and as the case progresses.

  Runaway Children
  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of the number of children aged under 16 years who have run away from home. [37686]

  Mr. Michael
  The available information is from the National Missing Persons Bureau, which was set up by the Home Office in 1994 as a national resource for information on vulnerable people who go missing. The Bureau maintains information on people who have been missing for over 28 days. Cases of persons missing for shorter periods may also be referred to the Bureau if the referring police force has particular cause for concern. At present, the National Missing Persons Bureau has records of 125 children under 16 who have been missing for more than 28 days and 36 children who have been missing for shorter periods. It is not known whether they are runaways or if there are other causes for their disappearance.

  Slot Machines
  Mr. Letwin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if slot machines in pubs fall under his Department's definition of hard gambling; what recent research on this subject his Department has evaluated; and if he will make a statement. [38063]

  Mr. George Howarth
  How hard or soft a particular form of gambling is depends on its intrinsic features and the statutory controls which are applied.

  Project Title

  Status

  Publication

  Age limits for Mother and Baby Units

  completed

  Not yet published. Research findings planned

  Assessment and management of work related stress among Prison Service staff

  Completed

  Not yet published—article to go in prison service journal

  Attitudes of ethnic minorities to crime and criminal justice

  ongoing

  Findings to be incorporated on "Young People in multi-ethnic Britain"

  Attrition of racial incidents cases

  deferred because of the introduction of new legislation

  —

  Classification systems for sex offenders (Part I)

  ongoing

  Final report received —Home Office will publish a research findings shortly

  Community Sentence Demonstration Projects

  ongoing

  Comparative costs and performance of private and public prisons

  completed

  Review of Comparative Costs and Performance of Privately and Publicly Operated Prisons 1996–97, Prison Service Research Report December 1997

  Conceptual Framework for Crime prevention

  ongoing

  —

  28
  Gaming machines in pubs allow rapid re-staking, but to control the risks that poses they have relatively low maximum stake and prize levels (30 pence and £ 10 respectively). Also, in pubs £10 machines are allowed only as an ancillary facility and only in the bar area; and they require specific authorisation by the licensing justices, who normally allow only two or three per establishment.

  With these restrictions, such machines have hitherto been considered as relatively soft gambling, but the Government keep the risks under review. We are carefully considering a February 1998 study by Dr. Sue Fisher, published by OFLOT, which identified as problem machine gamblers some 4 per cent. of a sample of nearly 10,000 schoolchildren aged 12– 15 in England and Wales. More of those problem gamblers had played machines in pubs than in any other venue.

  We have also expressed support for a proposal by GAMCARE—the national problem gambling charity—to commission a large-scale independent study of gambling of all kinds among people aged 16 and over.

  UN Committee Against Torture
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects the UK Periodic report to the UN Committee Against Torture to be completed; and if he will place the report in the Library. [37222]

  Mr. Straw
  The United Kingdom's Third Periodic Report under Article 19 of the United Nations Convention Against Torture has been submitted to the United Nations by the United Kingdom Mission in Geneva. Copies have been placed in the Library and have been sent to organisations with a known interest in the subject area. The report is also available on the Internet.

  Home Affairs Research and Statistics Directorate
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the titles of projects(a) undertaken and (b) completed by the Home Affairs Research and Statistics Directorate in the past six months, indicating which of these have been published and how their findings have been made available. [37221]

  Mr. Straw
  The following projects were either ongoing or completed during the period October 1997 to March 1998. Where a project has been completed, the publication reference is given:
  29

  Project Title

  Status

  Publication

  Coroners

  Completed

  HORS to be published on 20 April

  Council of Europe Sourcebook

  ongoing

  —

  Crack cocaine and criminal lifestyles

  ongoing

  —

  Crime and opiate misuse

  ongoing

  —

  Crime recording practices (HMIC review)

  Completed

  Instruction books issued to police forces on 20 March 1998

  Demanding Physical Programmes for Young Offenders

  ongoing

  —

  Developing a Risk/Needs Assessment Scale for the Probation Service

  Completed

  Published in Home Office guidance "Management and Assessment of Risk in the Probation Service, June 1997

  Domestic violence

  Ongoing

  —

  Drugs Throughcare

  Ongoing

  —

  Electronic Monitoring of Curfew Orders: year two

  Completed

  HORS 177 and Research Findings 66

  Entry into the CJS

  Ongoing

  —

  Ethnic monitoring by police forces

  Ongoing

  Information for 1996–97 published for the police in Home Office publication "Race and the Criminal Justice System"(December 1997)

  Ethnic Monitoring by police forces

  completed

  HORS 173, December 1997

  Ethnicity and victimisation

  Completed

  HOSB 6/98–3 April 1998

  Evaluating the effects of the bail process projects

  Completed

  HORS 184 to be published in April 1998

  Evaluation of a link worker scheme to help deal with the mentally disordered at the police station

  Ongoing

  —

  Evaluation of court psychiatric assessment schemes for mentally disordered offenders

  Ongoing

  —

  Evaluation of Home Office cautioning circular 18/1994

  Completed

  Research Findings 53

  Evaluation of Incentives and Earned Privileges (IEP) Scheme

  Completed

  Not yet published. Research findings planned

  Evaluation of pilot projects for new community measures

  Ongoing

  —

  Evaluation of Pilot Regimes for Young Offenders: Colchester YOI and Thorn Cross HITP

  Ongoing

  —

  Evaluation of Sex Offender Treatment Programme (Part I)

  Completed

  Research findings in preparation for June 1998

  Evaluation of the new PACE codes of practice

  Completed

  HORS 174 and Research Findings 62

  Evaluation of the public order provisions of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994

  Ongoing

  —

  Evaluations of projects funded under European Year against Racism

  Ongoing

  —

  Exclusion from School, Criminal Careers and Effective Interventions

  Ongoing

  —

  Fast Tracking for Juveniles in the courts

  Completed

  Research Findings due in April 1998

  Firearm offences

  Ongoing

  —

  Imposition and discharge of restriction orders

  Ongoing

  Report prepared for publication—May 1998

  Knowledge of sentencing. Mike Hough & Julian Roberts

  Completed

  HORS 179 and Research Findings 64–5 January 1998

  Lay Visitor Schemes

  Ongoing

  —

  LIPS/Surrey Probation Employment Initiatives

  Ongoing

  —

  Local Voluntary Activity Surveys

  Ongoing

  3 LOVAS papers and 4 LOVAS Area Reports 1997. Other reports due soon

  Maintenance and Operation of Police Funding Formula

  Ongoing

  Police Grant Report (England and Wales) published 2 February 1998

  Mandatory Drug Testing evaluation

  Ongoing

  —

  Misuse of Drugs

  Completed

  HORS 172,September 1997

  Monitoring of Charities' incomes before and after the National Lottery

  Ongoing

  Due May-June and October-November 1998

  Monitoring the right of silence provisions of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994

  Ongoing

  —

  Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinators

  completed

  Research findings 64 [full report available on request]

  New Methodology for Prison Population Projections

  Ongoing

  Paper at Or39 Conference of Operational Research Society—published in Operational Research Insight—January-March 1998

  Notified addicts

  Ongoing

  —

  Offending on bail

  Ongoing

  Publication of Research Findings 72 expected April 1998

  Offensive weapons

  Ongoing

  Statistical Findings in preparation

  Operation of s.48 of the Mental Health Act 1983

  Ongoing

  Publication of Research Findings expected in May-June 1998

  Perpetrators of racial harassment

  Completed

  HORS 176, November 1997

  Police and ethnic minorities

  Completed

  Research Findings 59

  Police recording practices

  Ongoing

  —

  Prison Service staff stress audit

  Ongoing

  —

  Prisoner activity expansion

  not yet started

  —

  Probation Motor Projects: a reconviction study

  Ongoing

  —

  30 31

  Project Title

  Status

  Publication

  Public attitudes to drug-related crime

  completed

  Research Findings 67, January 1998

  Reconviction rates after sentence at the Crown Court

  completed

  Report made available in January 1998

  Reconviction studies

  Ongoing

  —

  Reconviction study of those given community penalties: the effect of social variables

  Ongoing

  —

  Recording of racial incidents

  Ongoing

  —

  Relations between police and minority communities

  Ongoing

  —

  Review of Deterrence

  Ongoing

  —

  Sentencing practice in the courts following the CJAs 1991 and 1993

  Ongoing

  To be published as a HORS, May 1998

  Serious Offences

  Ongoing

  —

  Sex Offenders Treatment Programme for Rapists (Part II)

  Ongoing

  —

  Sexual victimisation

  Completed

  Academic Journal, Autumn 1997

  Study of attrition process in rape cases

  Ongoing

  —

  Survey of absconding from hospital by restricted patients

  Ongoing

  —

  The admissibility and sufficiency of evidence in child abuse prosecutions

  Ongoing

  —

  The police and victims

  Completed

  Research Findings 60, December 1997

  The Use of Pre-Sentence Information (school reports) in the Youth Court

  Completed

  Journal article in preparation; publication date not yet confirmed

  Third party disclosure

  Ongoing

  —

  Treatment of drug misusers in the community

  Ongoing

  —

  Urine testing of arrestees

  Completed

  Scheduled for publication April 1998

  Victim statements and 'one stop shop' pilot projects

  Ongoing

  —

  Victims and witnesses in magistrates Courts

  Completed

  Research Findings 68 January 1998

  Video violence and young offenders

  Completed

  Research Findings 65

  Voluntary supervision of released prisoner

  Completed

  Publication due in next two months

  Vulnerable or Intimidated witnesses

  ongoing

  Publication planned in May as annex to Review group's report

  Work aimed at improving the quality of police incident data

  ongoing

  HMIC letter to Chief Constables issued 12 March 1998

  Young offenders from different ethnic groups

  ongoing

  —

  Young people in multi-ethnic Britain

  ongoing

  —

  Note:

  HORS = Home Office Research Study

  HOSB = Home Office Statistical Bulletin

  The research programme for 1998–99 will shortly be made available on the Home Office web site [http://www.open.gov.uk/home—off/rsd/rsdhome.htm] and a copy will be sent to the House of Commons Library. The list of current publications from the Research and Statistics Directorate is also available on the Home Office web site or from my department on request. All Research and Statistical publications are sent to the House of Commons Library as a matter of course.

  Immigration
  Fiona Mactaggart
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 22 December 1997,Official Report, column 559, what plans he has to publish the instructions to Immigration Service and Home Office staff on dealing with immigration cases. [37964]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  I am pleased to announce that a copy of the disclosable version of four of the six volumes of the Immigration Directorates' Instructions (IDIs) is being placed in the Library. The material is subject to periodic review and revision. We shall arrange to provide the Library with any necessary amendments or new instructions.

  The IDIs consist of internal guidance to staff about the handling of on-entry and after-entry immigration
  32
  casework. They are being made available in accordance with the principles of openness in the White Paper on Freedom of Information and in the existing Code of Practice on Access to Government Information. A small amount of material cannot be disclosed, either on the grounds of national security or because disclosure would prejudice the effective operation of immigration controls.

  Arrangements are now in hand to make this information available on the Internet. Because of the volume of material and the technical arrangements involved, it is likely to take approximately six weeks before this process is complete. I shall make a further statement in due course. In the meantime, members of the Immigration and Nationality Directorate's After-Entry User Panel are being consulted about other suitable ways of facilitating access to this information.

  Separate sets of internal instructions on asylum, enforcement, European Economic Area and nationality casework will be made available in due course. We are also examining disclosure of the remaining two volumes of the IDIs insofar as they relate to immigration casework. Much of the material in those volumes relates to internal administrative matters, such as general guidance on the drafting of letters, which would not normally be relevant to those outside the Home Office.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  Leisure Centres
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment he has made of the adequacy of local authority leisure centres; and what recent reports he has evaluated on this subject. [36850]

  Mr. Banks
  The English Sports Council (ESC) has collected extensive facilities data and is creating a Facilities Planning Model (FPM) which will enable it to undertake assessments of community sports facilities across England. Reports on a total of ten regional assessments, based upon the FPM and individual National Governing Body Strategies, should be available in the autumn. My Department will also be producing guidance to all local authorities on developing and publishing leisure strategies to improve planning and policy making, following examples of the best.

  Commonwealth Games
  Mr. Grogan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what is the forecast level of central and local government financial support for the Commonwealth Games in Manchester in 2002. [37366]

  Mr. Banks
  Manchester City Council's bid document to host the Commonwealth Games in 2002 outlined the fact that the public funding requirement was estimated at £114 million. My Department, along with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, are currently reviewing the level of funding required to stage a highly successful Games, in conjunction with Manchester City Council and the English Sports Council.

  Sportsmark Scheme
  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on the progress of the second round of applications for the sportsmark scheme. [36618]

  Mr. Banks
  [holding answer 1 April 1998]: The English Sports Council has received a total of 413 applications for this round of the Sportsmark scheme, 363 for Sportsmark award and 50 for Sportsmark Gold. This includes applications from special schools. The applications are currently being considered and we hope to announce in June those schools which have been successful.

  Ministerial Visits
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport which piers he has visited in the North West of England since May 1997. [37280]

  Mr. Tom Clarke
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has not yet visited a pier in the North West.

  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport which theatres he has visited in the North West of England since May 1997. [37281]

  Mr. Fisher
  As Minister for the Arts, I have made several visits to the region—most recently meeting the Artistic and Administrative Directors of the Octagon 34
  Theatre in Bolton on 18 March. In February I was a guest of Braham Murray at the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester, and I had the pleasure of speaking at the Manchester Evening News Theatre Awards in December 1997.

  Tourism
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on earnings generated from tourism from overseas visitors in the United Kingdom in each of the last three years. [37247]

  Mr. Tom Clarke
  Spending by overseas visitors in the United Kingdom in the last three years is estimated to be (a) £11.8 billion in 1995, (b) £12.4 billion in 1996 and (c) £12.7 billion in 1997. Overseas visitors' spending in 1997 was some 15 per cent. higher in real terms (taking account of inflation) than in 1994.

  Millennium Commission (Staffordshire)
  Mr. Jenkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list the projects in Staffordshire which have been allocated funding by the Millennium Commission. [37585]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  This is a matter for the Millennium Commission. I will write to my hon. Friend in my capacity as Chairman of the Commission, and place copies of my reply in the Library.

PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL

  Solvent Abuse
  Mr. Hanson
  To ask the President of the Council if the United Kingdom anti-drugs co-ordinator will meet individuals or organisations to discuss the prevention of solvent abuse. [36295]

  Mrs. Ann Taylor
  Keith Hellawell, the UK Anti-Drugs Co-ordinator, met Warren Hawksley, the Director of Re-Solv—a national charity concerned with Volatile Substance Abuse— on 2 April as part of his ongoing extensive consultation process.

HOUSE OF COMMONS

  Wild Mammals (Hunting with Dogs) Bill
  Mr. Russell
  To ask the President of the Council what representations she has received on the allocation of additional time for the Wild Mammals (Hunting with Dogs) Bill. [36296]

  Mrs. Ann Taylor
  I have received a number of letters, as well as oral questions on the subject. The procedures and time available for all private Members' bills are well established. Whether a bill passes during the time available is a matter for its supporters and opponents.

  Statements
  Mr. Soames
  To ask the President of the Council if she will make a statement on the procedures relating to arrangements for oral statements. [36297]
  35
  Mrs. Ann Taylor
  The Modernisation Committee, in its recent report on Conduct of Debate, recommended no change in procedure but said statements should normally last no more than ten minutes and that the questioning following them should be brisk.

  Private Members' Legislation
  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the President of the Council if she will make more time available for private Members' legislation. [36298]

  Mrs. Ann Taylor
  The amount of time for private Members' legislation is set out in the standing orders and the days for its consideration are agreed by the House at the start of each session. It would be wrong to change these arrangements at a time when bills are already going through the procedure. The amount of time allocated overall in future sessions is something which could be looked at by the Modernisation Committee.

  Select Committee Reports
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the President of the Council if she will increase the opportunities available for debating Select Committee reports. [36299]

  Mrs. Ann Taylor
  I am prepared to consider increasing the number of opportunities for such debates it if is clear that the demand for them really does exceed the current supply. Any increase under current arrangements would have to come on Wednesday mornings and would therefore be at the expense of other adjournment debates.

  Allowances (Chamber Attendance)
  Mrs. Bottomley
  To ask the President of the Council if she will take steps to link the payment of hon. Members' allowances to hon. Members' attendance in the Chamber. [36300]

  Mrs. Ann Taylor
  No. The House has no system for recording attendance in the Chamber. It is up to individual Members to decide how best to carry out their parliamentary and constituency duties.

TREASURY

  Tax Credits
  Mr. Duncan Smith
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the total number of families who are eligible for the maximum childcare credit for(a) one child and (b) two or more children; and what proportion of these he estimates will take up the childcare credit for each of the first five years of its operation. [36360]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 26 March 1998]: I refer to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Havant (Mr. Willetts) on 1 April 1998, Official Report, columns 533–54. Families are eligible for the childcare tax credit only if they have eligible childcare costs. Those with eligible childcare costs below £100 a week (for one child families) and £150 for two or more children will not be entitled to the maximum childcare help.

  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what are his estimates of the additional employment which will result from(a) the working
  36
  families tax credit and (b) the childcare tax credit in (i) 1998–99, (ii) 1999–2000, (iii) 2000–01 and (iv) 2001–02; and if he will make a statement. [36396]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 30 March 1998]: The Government expect that their programme of tax and benefit reform to make work pay will, like their New Deals, help people move off welfare and into work.

  Taxation
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will update Table 3.3 on page 48 of the Red Book to include the numbers of people affected by high marginal deduction rates of 50 per cent. or more. [36444]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 30 March 1998]: I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Members for Havant (Mr. Willetts) and for Chingford and Woodford Green (Mr. Duncan Smith) and the right hon. Member for Wells (Mr. Heathcoat-Amory) on 31 March 1998, Official Report, columns 447–48.

  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to 1.2.1 on page 10 of the Red Book, for what reasons higher tax revenues in 1997–98 are not assumed to carry forward fully into future years. [36450]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 30 March 1998]: Table B 10 of the March 1998 FSBR shows changes in the forecasts of tax receipts between the July 1997 and March 1998 Budgets. Receipts from income tax, corporation tax, VAT and social security contributions are all likely to be higher in 19977–98 than forecast last July. In the case of income tax, VAT and social security contributions, these higher receipts do carry through to higher forecasts of receipts for 1998–99. However, the forecast for non-oil corporation tax receipts has been revised down by £2.2 billion in 1998–99, mainly because of a much lower than expected outturn for company profits in 1997, and the forecast of North Sea revenues has been revised down by £0.8 billion in 1998–99, because of lower oil prices.

  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will provide a revised version of the information in Table 3.3 of the Red Book separately identifying the marginal rates of each individual in a two-earner couple. [35864]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 23 March 1998]: The information requested is contained in the table. It shows that the number of people facing very high marginal tax rates has been significantly reduced. The number facing marginal rates above 70% has been reduced by about two thirds, including the effect on both partners within a couple.

  000s

  Before

  After

  Heads

  Spouse

  Heads

  Spouse

  100 per cent. or more

  5

  5

  0

  0

  90 per cent. or more

  130

  60

  20

  10

  80 per cent. or more

  300

  150

  200

  100

  70 per cent. or more

  740

  400

  260

  110

  60 per cent. or more

  760

  420

  1,010

  240

  37
  Figures are for families where at least one partner works 16 hours or more, and are based on 1997–98 caseload and take-up rates. Figures are based on Family Expenditure Survey data.

  Figures in the table do not reflect the NICs reforms which reduce the high marginal rates for those just below the Lower Earnings Limit.

  Pensioners
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will set out which measures relating to pensions in the Budget will(a) increase and (b) decrease the incomes of pensioners. [35882]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 23 March 1998]: The Government's commitment to today's and tomorrow's pensioners should be in no doubt. Ensuring an adequate income in retirement is key to the Government's Strategy. We have already taken action to help all pensioners—especially the poorest.

  One of the Chancellor's first actions was to reduce VAT on domestic fuel. In the Pre-Budget report the Chancellor announced help for winter fuel bills for pensioners for this winter and next. A payment of £50 is being made to pensioner households receiving income support and £20 to other pensioners, in addition to any Cold Weather payments they may receive. And we are spending £15 million looking at ways of encouraging the poorest pensioners to take up their entitlement to income support.

  Control total by department in real terms (1996–97 prices)

  £ million

  Outturn

  Previous plans1

  Estimate

  Plans

  Changes from previous plans

  1996–97

  1997–982

  1998–992

  1997–982

  1998–992

  1997–982

  1998–992

  Defence

  22,345

  21,250

  21,040

  21,260

  21,040

  10

  0

  —sale of married quarters

  -962

  -680

  0

  -680

  0

  0

  0

  Foreign Office

  1,053

  1,040

  1,000

  1,060

  980

  20

  -20

  International Development

  2,344

  2,130

  2,200

  2,200

  2,190

  70

  -10

  Agriculture, Fishers and Food

  4,229

  3,660

  3,230

  3,520

  3,180

  -140

  -40

  Trade and Industry progs

  3,064

  2,970

  2,860

  3,060

  2,800

  90

  -60

  Trade and Industry—Nat Inds

  -394

  -20

  -170

  -140

  -130

  -120

  40

  ECGD

  15

  10

  0

  40

  50

  30

  50

  DETR

  12,975

  12,380

  11,480

  12,270

  11,500

  -110

  20

  DETR—Local government3

  31,321

  30,550

  30,190

  30,550

  31,000

  0

  820

  of which education SSA4.

  17,764

  17,880

  17,550

  17,880

  18,340

  0

  790

  Home Office

  6,486

  6,700

  6,460

  6,700

  6,520

  0

  60

  Legal Departments

  2,674

  2,650

  2,550

  2,660

  2,540

  20

  -10

  Education and Employment5

  14,495

  13,530

  12,690

  14,240

  12,370

  710

  -320

  Culture, Media and Sport

  959

  860

  870

  890

  860

  20

  -10

  Health

  33,816

  34,000

  33,750

  34,410

  35,170

  410

  1,420

  of which NHS

  33,043

  33,450

  33,210

  33,780

  34,550

  330

  1,340

  Social Security6

  76,905

  77,690

  78,580

  77,530

  79,130

  -170

  540

  Scotland

  14,421

  13,960

  13,630

  14,130

  13,800

  170

  170

  Wales

  6,817

  6,720

  6,500

  6,770

  6,590

  60

  90

  Northern Ireland

  8,026

  8,010

  7,810

  8,070

  7,950

  60

  140

  Chancellor's Departments

  3,190

  3,080

  2,970

  3,170

  2,930

  80

  -30

  Cabinet Office

  1,157

  1,010

  1,280

  950

  1,240

  -70

  -40

  European Communities

  1,717

  2,190

  2,260

  1,740

  2,310

  -450

  50

  38
  The Chancellor also ensured, in his recent Budget, that pensioners on modest incomes would be protected as the forthcoming changes to the Married Couple's Allowance take effect.

  Finally the Social Security Green Paper reaffirmed the Government's commitment to the Basic State Retirement pension as the foundation of pension provision, and to increase it at least in line with inflation. A green paper on pensions later this year will set out how we intend to encourage increased saving for retirement.

  Environmental Sustainability
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish a green book on environmental sustainability to accompany the Financial Statement and Budget Report in future budgets; and if he will make a statement. [36372]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 30 March 1998]: It is intended that future Financial Statement and Budget Reports will incorporate assessments of the environmental impact of the Budget.

  "Financial Statement and Budget Report"
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will update Table B18, page 128, of the Financial Statement and Budget report, to give the figures in real terms, using 1996–97 prices. [36373]

  Mr. Darling
  [holding answer 30 March 1998]: The table shows the Control Total by department in real terms in 1996–97 prices and comparisons with previous plans, consistent with the cash figures published in table B18 and the GDP deflators in table B1 of the Financial Statement and Budget Report, March 1998.
  39

  Control total by department in real terms (1996–97 prices)

  £ million

  Outturn

  Previous plans1

  Estimate

  Plans

  Changes from previous plans

  1996–97

  1997–982

  1998–992

  1997–982

  1998–992

  1997–982

  1998–992

  LASFE

  13,182

  12,700

  12,800

  13,200

  500

  400

  Allowance for shortfall

  -

  -

  -

  -400

  -

  -400

  -

  Reserve

  -

  2,200

  4,700

  -

  2,900

  -2,200

  -1,800

  Control total

  259,834

  258,700

  258,700

  257,200

  260,200

  -1,500

  1,400

  1Previous plans have been adjusted for transfer and classification changes and deflated to 1996–97 prices using GDP deflator forecasts from March 1998 FSBR.

  2 All figures are rounded to the nearest £10 million except for the Reserve, Control Total and local Authority self-financed expenditure (LASFE) which are rounded to the nearest £100 million.

  3Includes payments of Revenue Support Grant and National Non-Domestic rates to English local authorities. These finance, at local authorities discretion, a range of local services, including education, social services and other environmental services.

  4Previous plans for education SSA in 1998–99 estimated as a proportion of total SSA.

  5Does not include local authority Total Standard Spending on education, shown under DETR-Local Government. Figures for 1997–98 and 1998–99 are distorted by the effect of sales of student loans and abolition of nursery vouchers.

  6 Excluding cyclical social security.

  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will redraft Table B18, page 128, FSBR, March 1998, to show expenditure in each year as a percentage of forecast GDP; and if he will add to Table B18 a line to cover total estimated expenditure of United Kingdom education, expressed as a percentage of GDP. [36374]

  Control total by department as a percentage of GDP

  Outturn

  Previous plans1

  Estimate

  Plans

  1996–97

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1997–98

  1998–99

  Defence

  3.0

  2.7

  2.7

  2.7

  2.7

  —sale of married quarters

  -0.1

  -0.1

  0.1

  -0.1

  0.0

  Foreign Office

  0.1

  0.1

  0.1

  0.1

  0.1

  International Development

  0.3

  0.3

  0.3

  0.3

  0.3

  Agriculture, Fisheries and Food

  0.6

  0.5

  0.4

  0.5

  0.4

  Trade and Industry progs

  0.4

  0.4

  0.4

  0.4

  0.4

  Trade and Industry—Nat Inds

  -0.1

  0.0

  0.0

  0.0

  0.0

  ECGD

  0.0

  0.0

  0.0

  0.0

  0.0

  DETR

  1.7

  1.6

  1.5

  1.6

  1.5

  DETR—Local Government1

  4.2

  3.9

  3.8

  3.9

  3.9

  of which education SSA2

  2.4

  2.3

  2.2

  2.3

  2.3

  Home Office

  0.9

  0.9

  0.8

  0.9

  0.8

  Legal Departments

  0.4

  0.3

  0.3

  0.3

  0.3

  Education and Employment3

  1.9

  1.7

  1.6

  1.8

  1.6

  Culture, Media and Sport

  0.1

  0.1

  0.1

  0.1

  0.1

  Health

  4.5

  4.4

  4.3

  4.4

  4.5

  of which NHS

  4.4

  4.3

  4.2

  4.4

  4.4

  Social Security4

  10.2

  10.0

  10.0

  10.0

  10.0

  Scotland

  1.9

  1.8

  1.7

  1.8

  1.7

  Wales

  0.9

  0.9

  0.8

  0.9

  0.8

  Northern Ireland

  1.1

  1.0

  1.0

  1.0

  1.0

  Chancellor's Departments

  0.4

  0.4

  0.4

  0.4

  0.4

  Cabinet Office

  0.2

  0.1

  0.2

  0.1

  0.2

  European Communities

  0.2

  0.3

  0.3

  0.2

  0.3

  LASFE

  1.8

  1.6

  1.6

  1.7

  1.7

  Allowance for shortfall

  -

  -

  -

  -0.1

  -

  Reserve

  -

  0.3

  0.6

  -

  0.4

  Control Total

  34.5

  33.3

  32.8

  33.2

  33.0

  Memo:

  Total UK education spending5

  4.9

  4.7

  4.6

  4.7

  4.7

  1Previous plans have been adjusted for transfer and classification changes and ratios calculated using GDP forecasts in FSBR March 1998.

  2 Includes payments of Revenue Support Grant and National Non-Domestic rates to English local authorities. These finance, at local authorities discretion, a range of local services, including education, social services and other environmental services.

  3Previous plans for education SSA in 1998–99 estimated as a proportion of total SSA.

  4Does not include local authority Total Standard Spending on education, shown under DETR-Local Government. Figures for 1997–98 and 1998–99 are distorted by the effect of sales of student loans and abolition of nursery vouchers.

  5Excluding cyclical social security

  6 The 1997–98 and 1998–99 figures for total UK education expenditure exclude the proceeds from the sale of the student loanbook portfolio, and are based on estimates of Local Authority education spending.

  40
  Mr. Darling
  [holding answer 30 March 1998): The table shows the Control Total by department as a percentage of GDP for current and previous plans, consistent with the cash figures published in table B18 and the GDP figures in Table B1 of the Financial Statement and Budget Report, March 1998. It also shows a memo item for total UK education expenditure as a percentage of GDP.
  41

  Family Credit (Owner-occupiers)
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the current number of claimants of family credit in each region and nation; what proportion of this number are owner occupiers; and if he will estimate the number of beneficiaries of the working families tax credit in each region and nation on the basis of present proposals and incomes, separately identifying the proportion who would be owner occupiers. [36393]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 30 March 1998]: Estimates of the number of claimants of Family Credit by region appear in the Family Credit Quarterly Statistical Enquiry (Table 9.1). The Government have made no regional estimates of the number of beneficiaries of the Working Families Tax Credit.

  The Government estimate that about half of those entitled to the Working Families Tax Credit will be owner-occupiers.

  Museums (Free Admission)
  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many national museums he expects to retain free admission as a result of Budget proposals; and for how long. [36778]

  Mr. Darling
  [holding answer 30 March 1998]: Five national museums and galleries will retain free admission for the financial year 1998–99 following the creation of a Challenge Fund to promote access and education initiatives in museums. Extra money has also been made available for museums in Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland. Future levels of funding will be announced as part of the outcome of the Comprehensive Spending Review.

  Resuscitation Dummies
  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make resuscitation dummies eligible for exclusion from VAT; if he will provide incentives to charities to purchase resuscitation dummies; and if he will make a statement. [37267]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The supply of resuscitation dummies has always been subject to VAT. This position is the subject of a challenge to the VAT and Duties Tribunal, which is the proper forum for resolving questions of liability.

  Casinos
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate how much was contributed to the Treasury by the casino industry through overseas earnings in the last year for which figures are available. [36824]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 31 March 1998]: There are no official data on which to base such an estimate.

  EU Contributions
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the(a) net and (b) gross British contribution to the EU on a per capita basis for each of the last four years, indicating the savings resulting in (a) and (b) from the British rebate. [36344]

  Mrs. Liddell
  The information requested is set out in the table.

  United Kingdom gross and net contributions, per capita, 1993 to 1996

  1993

  1994

  1995

  1996

  Gross contribution1 (£ million)

  7,985

  7,189

  8,889

  9,133

  Abatement2.3 (£ million)

  2,539

  1,726

  1,207

  2,412

  Gross contribution after abatement (£ million)

  5,446

  5,463

  7,682

  6,721

  Receipts3 (£ million)

  3,291

  3,253

  3,665

  4,369

  Net contribution (£ million)

  2,155

  2,211

  4,017

  2,352

  Population (millions)

  58,191

  58,366

  58,480

  58,680

  Gross contribution per head (£)

  137

  123

  152

  156

  Gross contribution after abatement per head (£)

  94

  94

  131

  115

  Net contribution per head (£)

  37

  38

  69

  40

  Value of abatement per head3 (£)

  44

  30

  21

  41

  1 Annual contributions include corrections and adjustments in respect of amounts paid in earlier years.

  2 The UK's abatement is paid a year in arrears, so that it reflects the UK's excessive net contribution in the previous year. The abatement made available to the UK during the year also takes account of corrections and adjustments made in respect of earlier years.

  3Indicates negative amount.

  Sources:

  Gross contribution, abatement, receipts and net contribution taken from the Government's annual White Paper, Statement on the EC Budget.

  Population figures taken from European Economy (1996 Broad Economic Policy Guidelines) published by the European Commission.

  Air Quality (Budget Measures)
  Mr. Stunell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the total annual reduction of(a) carbon dioxide, (b) other greenhouse gases, (c) nitrogen oxide and (d) carcinogenic particulates which will arise from measures contained in the Budget. [36941]

  Dawn Primarolo
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Ceredigion (Mr. Dafis) on 30 March 1998,Official Report, column 436.

  Population Statistics
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list for each of the past 20 years, the number of(a) males and (b) females in each of the

  43
  age groups (i) 0 to 18, (ii) 19 to 60, (iii) 60 to 65 and (iv) over 65-year-olds; and what are his projections of their numbers for each of the next 20 years. [37524]

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

  Population estimate figures for the United Kingdom for the last 20 years

  Figures in 000s

  Year

  Total persons

  Total males

  0-18

  19-59

  60-65

  Over 65

  Total females

  0-18

  19-59

  60-65

  Over 65

  1977

  56,190

  27,345

  8,276

  14,488

  1,695

  2,887

  28,845

  7,860

  14,425

  1,939

  4,621

  1978

  56,178

  27,330

  8,177

  14,601

  1,619

  2,932

  28,848

  7,768

  14,542

  1,861

  4,678

  1979

  56,240

  27,373

  8,101

  14,740

  1,553

  2,980

  28,867

  7,689

  14,661

  1,785

  4,732

  1980

  56,330

  27,411

  8,013

  14,768

  1,599

  3,031

  28,919

  7,605

  14,688

  1,829

  4,797

  1981

  56,352

  27,409

  7,909

  14,798

  1,630

  3,072

  28,943

  7,501

  14,737

  1,856

  4,849

  1982

  56,318

  27,391

  7,797

  14,837

  1,666

  3,090

  28,927

  7,381

  14,782

  1,889

  4,875

  1983

  56,377

  27,429

  7,672

  14,963

  1,703

  3,091

  28,948

  7,260

  14,882

  1,924

  4,882

  1984

  56,506

  27,511

  7,537

  15,140

  1,764

  3,070

  28,995

  7,139

  15,009

  1,982

  4,865

  1985

  56,685

  27,611

  7,449

  15,296

  1,810

  3,057

  29,074

  7,053

  15,146

  2,024

  4,851

  1986

  56,852

  27,698

  7,373

  15,430

  1,761

  3,134

  29,153

  6,981

  15,278

  1,954

  4,940

  1987

  57,009

  27,789

  7,307

  15,560

  1,718

  3,203

  29,220

  6,917

  15,393

  1,895

  5,015

  1988

  57,158

  27,876

  7,252

  15,680

  1,686

  3,258

  29,282

  6,863

  15,498

  1,850

  5,071

  1989

  57,358

  27,989

  7,214

  15,803

  1,673

  3,300

  29,368

  6,828

  15,600

  1,825

  5,115

  1990

  57,561

  28,118

  7,182

  15,943

  1,664

  3,329

  29,443

  6,792

  15,707

  1,808

  5,136

  1991

  57,808

  28,246

  7,179

  16,040

  1,661

  3,366

  29,562

  6,788

  15,814

  1,797

  5,163

  1992

  58,006

  28,362

  7,175

  16,137

  1,648

  3,402

  29,645

  6,795

  15,892

  1,776

  5,181

  1993

  58,191

  28,474

  7,188

  16,220

  1,632

  3,433

  29,718

  6,813

  15,959

  1,752

  5,193

  1994

  58,395

  28,592

  7,220

  16,298

  1,622

  3,451

  29,803

  6,848

  16,035

  1,732

  5,188

  1995

  58,606

  28,727

  7,254

  16,375

  1,620

  3,478

  29,878

  6,884

  16,083

  1,718

  5,193

  1996

  58,801

  28,856

  7,298

  16,435

  1,620

  3,503

  29,946

  6,926

  16,120

  1,707

  5,193

  Note:

  Figures may not add exactly because of rounding.

  Source:

  ONS, Annual Mid-Year Population Estimates for England and Wales.

  GRO(s) for Scotland, NISRA for Northern Ireland.

  Population projection figures for the United Kingdom for the next 20 years

  Figures in 000s

  Year

  Total persons

  Total males

  0-18

  19-59

  60-65

  Over 65

  Total females

  0-18

  19-59

  60-65

  Over 65

  1997

  59,002

  28,983

  7,344

  16,482

  1,622

  3,536

  30,019

  6,971

  16,155

  1,700

  5,193

  1998

  59,170

  29,089

  7,349

  16,546

  1,634

  3,560

  30,081

  6,979

  16,209

  1,708

  5,184

  1999

  59,323

  29,187

  7,339

  16,617

  1,654

  3,576

  30,136

  6,970

  16,272

  1,727

  5,168

  2000

  59,473

  29,283

  7,329

  16,690

  1,671

  3,593

  30,190

  6,959

  16,338

  1,744

  5,149

  2001

  59,618

  29,377

  7,322

  16,773

  1,665

  3,617

  30,241

  6,953

  16,413

  1,739

  5,137

  2002

  59,759

  29,468

  7,311

  16,835

  1,677

  3,646

  30,291

  6,943

  16,467

  1,750

  5,131

  2003

  59,896

  29,557

  7,299

  16,868

  1,711

  3,678

  30,339

  6,932

  16,492

  1,786

  5,130

  2004

  60,029

  29,643

  7,270

  16,900

  1,757

  3,715

  30,386

  6,904

  16,515

  1,832

  5,135

  2005

  60,159

  29,727

  7,236

  16,939

  1,799

  3,754

  30,432

  6,872

  16,542

  1,873

  5,145

  2006

  60,286

  29,809

  7,196

  16,976

  1,847

  3,789

  30,477

  6,834

  16,569

  1,923

  5,152

  2007

  60,414

  29,890

  7,144

  16,928

  2,008

  3,810

  30,524

  6,784

  16,511

  2,084

  5,145

  2008

  60,541

  29,970

  7,097

  16,913

  2,108

  3,851

  30,571

  6,738

  16,484

  2,187

  5,162

  2009

  60,669

  30,049

  7,048

  16,925

  2,159

  3,917

  30,620

  6,690

  16,486

  2,238

  5,206

  2010

  60,799

  30,128

  6,991

  16,958

  2,182

  3,997

  30,671

  6,633

  16,510

  2,261

  5,267

  2011

  60,929

  30,206

  6,937

  16,996

  2,200

  4,073

  30,723

  6,581

  16,541

  2,275

  5,327

  2012

  61,062

  30,284

  6,900

  17,027

  2,205

  4,152

  30,778

  6,543

  16,564

  2,279

  5,392

  2013

  61,197

  30,361

  6,863

  17,051

  2,128

  4,320

  30,836

  6,508

  16,580

  2,198

  5,550

  2014

  61,333

  30,438

  6,840

  17,059

  2,089

  4,450

  30,895

  6,486

  16,580

  2,153

  5,675

  2015

  61,469

  30,513

  6,825

  17,065

  2,069

  4,555

  30,956

  6,474

  16,578

  2,129

  5,775

  2016

  61,605

  30,587

  6,803

  17,066

  2,072

  4,645

  31,018

  6,453

  16,573

  2,128

  5,863

  Note:

  Figures may not add exactly because of rounding.

  Source:

  Government Actuary's Department.
  44
  Letter from Tim Holt to Dr. Lynne Jones, dated 6 April 1998:
  As Director of the Office for National Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your parliamentary question asking for the number of (a) males and (b) females for the past 20 years and projections for the next 20 years.
  The attached two tables provide the information by the ages and gender requested for the United Kingdom.

  Breast Cancer
  Mr. Stinchcombe
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer in which age group the highest number of new cases of breast cancer as a proportion of the total number of women in that age group was diagnosed in the last year for which figures are available. [37731]

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

  Letter from Tim Holt to Mr. Paul Stinchcombe, dated 6 April 1998:
  As Director of the Office for National Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your recent parliamentary question on new cases of breast cancer.
  The information requested is given in ONS Monitor `Registrations of newly diagnosed cases of cancer, England and Wales, 1992', MB1 97/1. A copy of this publication is held in the House of Commons library.

  Mr. Stinchcombe
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer which illness caused the highest number of deaths of women in the 35 to 54 years age group in the United Kingdom in the last year for which figures are avail able. [37721]

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

  Letter from Tim Holt to Mr. Paul Stinchcombe, dated 6 April 1998:
  As Director of the Office for National Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your parliamentary question on which illness caused the highest number of deaths of women in the 35 to 54 years age group in the United Kingdom in the last year for which figures are available.
  In 1996, the illness which caused the highest number of deaths to women in the United Kingdom aged 35 to 54 was breast cancer with 2,593 deaths.

DEFENCE

  RAF Stations
  Mr. Randall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received on the Strategic Defence Review in respect of RAF stations. [36268]

  Dr. Reid
  Since the launch of the Strategic Defence Review we have received a number of representations on a wide range of matters concerning the Royal Air Force.

  Ethnic Recruitment Initiatives
  Mr. Gardiner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the progress made on the ethnic recruitment initiatives in Newham and Sandwell. [36271]

  Dr. Reid
  It is our aim that the Armed Forces should better reflect the society they seek to defend. To this end, contact with the local communities, including the police, further education colleges, religious and community 46
  leaders in both Newham and Sandwell is continuing. We very much hope that through these initiatives recruits will be attracted from all sectors of the local communities.

  Training Areas
  Mr. Soames
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the availability of training areas. [36273]

  Dr. Reid
  The majority of training land held by my Department is used by the Army. An estimate of the availability of Army training land was made in a study, the results of which were reported to the House in March 1997. The study concluded that there was a shortage of land for training in the United Kingdom in comparison with the requirement.

  Gulf Presence
  Ms Dari Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received about the deployment of British troops to the Persian Gulf. [36274]

  Mr. George Robertson
  I refer my hon. Friend to the oral answer I gave earlier today to my hon. Friend the Member for Warrington, North (Helen Jones).

  Territorial Army
  Mr. Baldry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the future of the Territorial Army. [36275]

  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the future of the Territorial Army. [36269]

  Dr. Reid
  I refer the hon. Members to the oral answer I gave to the hon. Member for Mid-Norfolk (Mr. Simpson) earlier today.

  Mr. Brazier
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the(a) peacetime, (b) wartime and (c) estimated actual strength of the TA as a total and by individual corps, together with actual strengths for the infantry and yeomanry or such of this information as is readily available. [38136]

  Dr. Reid
  The volunteer strength of the TA as at 1 February 1998 is 55,786 against an establishment of 59,000.

  The detailed information requested is presented below. Figures detailing Arm/Service strength are available only for non-Regular personnel and it has therefore been possible only to present strengths excluding Regulars.

  Peacetime establishment is composed of Regular personnel, Non-Regular Permanent Staff (NRPS) and TA personnel. The wartime establishment is achieved by augmenting units with individual reservists, namely ex-Regulars.
  47

  Arm/Service

  TA

  Reg

  NRPS

  Establishment

  Strength1

  Peacetime

  Wartime

  Household Cav and RAC2

  2,568

  112

  101

  2,781

  3,219

  2,171

  RA

  4,025

  136

  118

  4,279

  4,756

  3,130

  RE

  6,251

  248

  134

  6,633

  9,204

  5,456

  R Signals

  5,362

  382

  153

  5,897

  7,277

  4,447

  Infantry

  16,602

  411

  546

  17,559

  22,710

  15,890

  AAC

  157

  25

  14

  196

  306

  155

  AMS

  4,786

  159

  67

  5,012

  7,237

  4,423

  RLC

  9,968

  293

  130

  10,391

  14,111

  9,315

  REME

  2,190

  89

  27

  2,306

  5,168

  3,542

  AGC

  1,170

  22

  15

  1,207

  1,571

  2,477

  Int Corps

  729

  12

  27

  768

  772

  642

  OTC

  3,500

  103

  58

  3,661

  3,661

  4,953

  RAChD

  117

  0

  0

  117

  117

  103

  RAVC

  14

  0

  0

  14

  14

  12

  TA Bands3

  840

  0

  24

  864

  864

  -

  Others4

  721

  0

  112

  833

  833

  472

  Total

  59,000

  1,992

  1,526

  62,518

  81,820

  57,188

  1Figures by Arm/Service are only available for non-regular Personnel. The total of 57,188 comprises 1,402 NRPS and 55,786 volunteers. It excludes all regular personnel.

  2 These units relate to the Yeomanry.

  3The TA Band establishment is shown separately, but actual strength of Band Personnel is included within Arm/Service.

  4Includes TA Public Information Officers, Staff, Northern Ireland NRPS Guards.

  The future size and shape of the Territorial Army is being considered in the Strategic Defence Review. Prior to this, volunteer strengths had been planned to fall to 54,000 in 1998.

  Mr. Soames
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the planned and actual strength of all arms of the Territorial Army in 1998. [37742]

  Dr. Reid
  I refer the hon. Member to the oral answer I gave earlier today to the hon. Member for Canterbury (Mr. Brazier).

  Royal Air Force (Germany)
  Mr. Wilkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what review he has conducted of the proposed date for the withdrawal of the RAF from Germany. [36276]

  Dr. Reid
  It remains our intention that the RAF withdraw from RAF Laarbruch in 1999 and from RAF Bruggen in 2002.

  Gulf War Veterans
  Mrs. Mahon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the implementation of the Government's new beginning policy for Gulf War veterans. [36277]

  Dr. Reid
  The policy statement "Gulf Veterans' Illnesses: A New Beginning" which was published last July set out three fundamental principles which underpin the Government's approach to this issue: first, that all Gulf veterans will have prompt access to medical advice from the MOD's Medical Assessment Programme (MAP); second, there will be appropriate research into veterans' illnesses and factors which might have a bearing on these; and third, the MOD will make available to the public any information it possesses which is of potential relevance to this issue.

  Since last July, considerable progress has been made in implementing measures in these three areas. Additional resources have been made available for the MAP, and
  48
  the waiting time for new appointments is now within the timescale set out in the New Beginning statement. Additional research to investigate the possible interactions between the medical countermeasures used in the Gulf is now in its preparatory phase and the MOD recently announced funding for a series of clinical tests to be carried out on randomly selected Gulf veterans. Information papers have been published on the background to the use of medical countermeasures, about an incident at the Kuwaiti Girls School at which chemical agent was alleged to have been present and, earlier today, about reports of dead animals in the Gulf.

  I have also published today a progress report which sets out in more detail our success in implementing the twenty key points which were listed in last July's New Beginning statement. Copies of this report, and of the report on dead animals, have been placed in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his latest assessment of the possible causes of Gulf War syndrome. [36278]

  Dr. Reid
  Since returning from the Gulf War in 1991, some UK veterans have become ill. Many believe that this ill-health is unusual and directly related to their participation in that conflict. However, there is still no medical or scientific consensus on this subject and important research is still in progress.

  The Government are funding two major epidemiological studies to investigate the health of Gulf veterans and their families. A further epidemiological study into UK Gulf veterans and association with increased illness is being funded by the US Department of Defense. In addition, the Government are funding a programme of clinical tests on a group of randomly selected Gulf veterans and also a research programme to investigate the possible adverse health effects of the combination of vaccines and tablets which were given to British troops in the Gulf to protect them against the threat of biological and chemical warfare.
  49
  It would be premature to speculate on the possible causes of Gulf veterans' illnesses before the results of these research programmes become available. We currently expect that preliminary results from some of these studies will appear during 1999.

  Women
  Jane Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps the Government have taken to improve employment opportunities for women in the armed forces. [36279]

  Mr. Edwards
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress the Government have made in improving employment opportunities for women in the armed forces. [36281]

  Ms Christine Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps the Government have taken to improve employment opportunities for women in the armed forces. [36285]

  Dr. Reid
  We are committed to widest possible employment opportunities for women, consistent with the need to maintain the combat effectiveness of our Armed Forces. Women can already serve in 73 per cent. of Naval Service posts and 96 per cent. of posts in the RAF. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence announced during the Defence Debate on 27 October 1997,Official Report, columns 615–616, that the number of posts open to women in the Army would increase from 47 per cent. to 70 per cent. as of 1 April this year. We are also reviewing the remaining areas of employment currently closed to servicewomen across all three Services to see whether it is possible to extend employment opportunities still further.

  Medical Services (Gulf)
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the deployment of defence medical services in the Gulf. [36282]

  Dr. Reid
  Regular Defence Medical Services (DMS) personnel are serving afloat in RN ships deployed to the Gulf Region and ashore in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. In addition, regular DMS personnel are deployed to the Gulf Region on a temporary or intermittent basis for particular tasks as necessary. A 25 bed hospital in the UK is at a five days readiness to deploy.

  Ministry of Defence Police
  Mr. Martin Bell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will review the role and procedures of the Ministry of Defence Police. [36283]

  Dr. Reid
  The Ministry of Defence Police is a civilian police force constituted under the Ministry of Defence Police Act 1987. Ministry of Defence Police officers are subject to the same laws and procedures as their Home Department and Scottish Office police colleagues. In common with the rest of my Department, the Ministry of Defence Police have been the subject of a number of reviews in recent times and also stemming from that of Sir Patrick Sheehy. Apart from any considerations arising from the Strategic Defence Review, I have no plans to initiate any further reviews of the role and procedures of the Ministry of Defence Police.
  50

  NATO Russia Founding Act
  Ms Squire
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the progress of the NATO Russia Founding Act. [36284]

  Mr. George Robertson
  Since the NATO/Russia Founding Act was signed in May 1997, good progress has been made on the agreed areas for consultation and cooperation. The mechanism for achieving this progress is the Permanent Joint Council, which is due to meet again at Ministerial level in May and June when we will take stock of progress against an agreed work plan for 1998. The UK encourages the implementation of the Founding Act to include as much practical activity as possible on the agreed basis of transparency and reciprocity.

  Smart Procurement Initiative
  Laura Moffatt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the Government's smart procurement initiative. [36286]

  Mr. Spellar
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave earlier today to my hon. Friend the Member for Conwy (Mrs. Williams).

  Chatham Dockyard Workers
  Mr. Shaw
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made with the counselling scheme for ex-Chatham dockyard workers he announced in June 1997. [36287]

  Mr. Spellar
  Since I announced the extended counselling arrangements on 4 June 1997 and up until 26 March, there have been 245 inquiries from former Chatham Dockyard workers to the Radiation Counselling Registry. Of these there have been 233 requests for radiation dose information and 131 applications for counselling. Two hundred and twenty two replies have been made to these requests and 112 persons have been counselled.

  Air Training Corps
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received about the future of the air training corps. [36288]

  Dr. Reid
  I am not aware of any representations having been made to my Department about the future of the Air Training Corps (ATC). As with the other Cadet organisations, this Government greatly value the work of the ATC which helps many young people in the development of such qualities as good citizenship, self reliance and self confidence.

  Social Class
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will investigate the influence of social class on promotion in, and the composition of the armed forces. [36289]

  Dr. Reid
  The Government are determined that the Armed Forces should be fully representative of all sectors of the community. Armed Forces careers are therefore open to all suitably motivated and qualified young people with the right talents, skills, and determination. The Government are also committed to the principle that all
  51
  personnel are recruited entirely on their individual merits, and that their subsequent careers, including promotion, are governed entirely by merit in comparison with their peers.

  Susan Hunter
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the case of Susan Hunter. [36290]

  Mr. Spellar
  The regrettable incident of racial abuse to which Mrs. Hunter was subjected, during a social function held at Oakington Barracks on 9 August 1995, was thoroughly and fully investigated by the Special Investigation Branch of the Royal Military Police. After reviewing the evidence, the Army Prosecuting Authority determined that Private Bragg should face trial by District Court-Martial. Private Bragg pleaded guilty to the charges brought against him, and was sentenced to 112 days detention and dismissed from the Service. The sentence reflects the serious and genuine commitment which the Army has to eliminate racism.

  The commitment of Ministers and the Chiefs of Staff fully to eliminate racism from the Armed Forces is unequivocal. All three Services have either issued or revised their equal opportunity policies and directives which leave all personnel absolutely clear on where their personal responsibilities lie. Any personnel who continue to practise racist behaviour will be dealt with severely and, depending on the circumstances of the case, dismissed.

  Royal Naval College, Greenwich
  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he plans to visit the Royal Naval College at Greenwich to discuss its future. [36270]

  Mr. George Robertson
  Since I May I have already visited the Royal Naval College Greenwich twice and I have no immediate plans for a further visit. I continue to keep a very close interest in its future arrangements and I hope that negotiations can be concluded soon, to allow the Greenwich Foundation for the Royal Naval College to take responsibility for the site.

  Shoeburyness Training Unit
  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to announce a decision on the proposal to transfer a training unit to Shoeburyness; and if he will make a statement. [36272]

  Dr. Reid
  I expect to be able to announce, before the summer recess, the findings of the study into the possible relocation of the Defence Explosive Ordnance Disposal School from its present site in Kent.

  Eurofighter
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his current estimate of the cost of the European fighter aircraft. [36280]

  Mr. George Robertson
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave on 19 January 1998,Official Report, column 416.
  52

  Strategic Lift Capabilities
  Mr. Corbett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on current UK strategic lift capabilities. [36257]

  Dr. Reid
  Our Strategic Lift requirement, in terms both of airlift and sealift, has been scrutinised closely in the Strategic Defence Review. This scrutiny has been, of course, informed by my Department's assessment of the adequacy of our currently available assets. No decisions have yet been taken.

  Defence Evaluation and Research Agency
  Mr. Ainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what responsibility COMAX has for the payment of the costs of the Ministry of Defence Police at Pendine and other DERA bases; and what are the additional costs of that responsibility. [37908]

  Mr. Spellar
  This is a matter for the Chief Constable of the Ministry of Defence Police Agency. I have asked the Chief Constable to write to my hon. Friend.

  Letter from Walter Bore ham to Mr. Nick Ainger, dated 6 April 1998:
  I am replying to your Question to the Secretary of State for Defence about the payment of costs for Ministry of Defence Police at Pendine and other DERA bases as this falls into my areas of responsibility as Chief Constable/Chief Executive of the Ministry of Defence Policy Agency.
  Negotiations are taking place between COMAX and the Ministry of Defence Policy on the terms and costs of the continued presence of the Ministry of Defence Police at six DERA sites. Until those negotiations are completed I am unable to answer the question. However, the costs for the services now provided meanwhile are being met by COMAX.

  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the demand from the customers of DERA ranges for depleted uranium firings; and if he will make a statement on the extent to which these facilities have been used to date. [36390]

  Mr. Spellar
  [holding answer 26 March 1998]Discussions with customers during the land ranges rationalisation study indicated the need to retain a depleted uranium firing capability in the UK. The firing facilities for depleted uranium rounds ats Eskmeals were last used in 1995.

  United Kingdom Hydrographic Office
  Mr. Alasdair Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list for the last available year the (i) running costs (ii) salary costs of the head office, (iii) total and percentage of(a) staff, (b) salary costs and (c) running costs incurred at sites in (1) England and (2) Scotland and (iv) the total budget of the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office. [37695]

  Mr. Spellar
  This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Hydrographic Office. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member.
  53
  Letter from John Clarke to Mr. Alasdair Morgan, dated 6 April 1998:
  You recently asked the Secretary of State for Defence a Parliamentary Question concerning several cost and budget issues relating to the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO). As the matters you raise fall within my responsibility as Chief Executive of the UKHO, I have been asked to reply to you direct.
  I should preface this response by pointing out that we have made the central assumption that your question relates solely to the UKHO and not to the Ministry of Defence as well. In addition, as your question contains a number of subsidiary questions, I felt it might aid both clarity and presentation if the information you require is

  Annex A: The UK Hydrographic Office 1996/97

  Staff

  Expenditure

  Total expenditure

  Number

  %

  Salary costs (£ million)

  %

  Other running costs (£ million)

  %

  (£ million)

  %

  HQ

  828

  98.10

  18.400

  98.25

  15.022

  99.97

  33.422

  99.02

  Other England

  12

  1.42

  0.259

  1.38

  0.003

  0.02

  0.262

  0.78

  Scotland

  4

  0.47

  0.068

  0.36

  0.001

  0.01

  0.069

  0.20

  Total

  844

  100.00

  18.727

  100.00

  15.026

  100.00

  33.753

  100.00

  Britannia
  Mr. Fitzpatrick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what inspections and safety checks are being made to ensure the Royal Yacht 'Britannia' is protected from(a) damage, (b) fire and (c) deterioration. [37260]

  Dr. Reid
  BRITANNIA is berthed inside Portsmouth Naval Base and is regularly checked by Base staff and MoD police patrols. She is locked up with access on board strictly controlled. All portable artefacts and many stores, including as much as possible of that which presents a fire hazard, have been removed. Fire, intruder detection and partial dehumidification systems have been installed. The hull and superstructure are washed regularly to help arrest salt corrosion and maintain condition.

  Ex-service Men
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 13 March 1998,Official Report, column 427, what alterations to the regulations for submission of complaints by ex-service personnel were introduced in October 1997; under what statute; and for what reasons. [37396]

  Dr. Reid
  [holding answer 2 April 1998]: The Armed Forces Act 1996 amended the Services Discipline Acts (the Naval Discipline Act 1957, the Army Act 1955 and the Air Force Act 1955) to provide a statutory right, for the first time, for ex-Service personnel to submit a complaint to the Defence Council. At the same time, provision was made for a time limit of not less than three months to be prescribed in Queen's Regulations for the submission of complaints from both serving and ex-Service personnel. Prior to this, there was no statutory provision for ex-Service personnel to submit complaints although complaints were accepted for investigation on a discretionary basis. This change was made to ensure that ex-Service personnel were afforded the same rights as serving personnel. Queen's Regulations now provide for
  54
  provided in tabular format. Accordingly, the answers to your questions can be found at Annex A to this letter.

  By way of amplification, I should just explain that the staff numbers quoted are in fact average figures for the whole financial year 1996/97. The United Kingdom Hydrographic Office is situated at Taunton, Somerset and as you will see. 98.1% of UKHO staff are based there. There are, however, a number of staff—16 in total—housed in Chart Maintenance Units (CMUs). These CMUs are located in major Royal Navy bases throughout the UK. In terms of Scotland there are 4 UKHO staff based in the CMU at Faslane; these are the only UKHO staff located in Scotland as I hope reference to Annex A will explain.

  I hope this reply has been of assistance. Please do not hesitate to get in touch should you need any further amplification.

  a time limit for the submission of complaints of three months from the date of the action complained of. These new provisions came into effect on 1 October 1997.

  IT Staff
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the current shortfall in established information technology staff, consultant and contractor support posts within his Department; and if he will list the posts by grade indicating for each post how long it has been vacant and when it is expected to be filled. [37483]

  Mr. Spellar
  [holding answer 2 April 1998]: Management of the majority of the Department's civilian staff, including IT staff, consultants and contractor support personnel, is delegated to individual budget areas and agencies. Navy, Army and Air Force personnel are managed by their respective Services. Details of vacancies are not held centrally, and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Millennium Compliance
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which projects, not related to the year 2000 compliance problem, are being(a) restricted and (b) terminated in order to free information technology resources. [37482]

  Mr. Spellar
  [holding answer 2 April 1998]To date, no projects have been cancelled in order to free IT resources for work on the year 2000 problem. To release resources, some lower priority work has been delayed, either by commencing the work later than planned or by extending the duration of existing projects.

  Service Men (Criminal Offences)
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many serving or former members of the Ulster Defence Regiment and Royal Irish Regiment
  55
  officers in each year since their formation have been (a) arrested, (b) charged or (c) convicted of criminal offences. [37815]

  Dr. Reid
  The information requested is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Infantry
  Mr. Brazier
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 27 March 1998,Official Report, columns 314–15, on the infantry; if he will list the peacetime establishments of each of the divisions listed. [37931]

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

  Irish Sea (Ships Logs)
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will release the ships logs of vessels engaged in search operations in the Irish Sea on 24 March 1968 and the days following. [37223]

  Dr. Reid
  Four MOD vessels were involved in the initial three day search for the Aer Lingus Viscount which crashed into the Irish Sea on 24 March 1968. Of these, my Department holds only the log book for HMS Penelope. Extensive searches have not revealed the whereabouts of those of the other three ships involved. I am placing a copy of the relevant pages of this log in the Library of the House.

  Departmental Libraries
  Mr. Keith Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has for the future organisation and location of his departmental libraries and their collections. [37608]

  Mr. Spellar
  There are no plans specifically relating to the organisation or location of departmental libraries overall. Any future plans for the reorganisation, relocation or closure of individual buildings, establishments or sites would take account of existing libraries and their collections.

  Mr. Keith Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on his Department's policy on the disposal of books from his Department's libraries which are regarded as surplus to requirement. [37607]

  Mr. Spellar
  In accordance with HM Treasury guidelines, it is the Department's normal practice to sell surplus material including library books so as to achieve a return to the public purse. However the department does have delegated authority to make gifts in certain circumstances and as a rule surplus library books have been disposed of in this way. In most instances surplus library books are given to the British Library where they pass into the public domain.

  With regard to documents and manuscripts formerly held by MOD which fall within the category of public records under the terms of the Public Record Acts 1958 and 1967, their disposal is the responsibility of the MOD Records organisation in accordance with the routine departmental procedures involving the Inspecting Officer
  56
  of the Public Record Office. Record material has been and is being transferred to the Public Record Office, Approved Places of Deposit and appropriate Service museums, allowing proper public access under the Public Record Acts.

  Mr. Keith Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will name the departmental committee responsible for advising him on the disposal of books and manuscripts from his departmental libraries. [37605]

  Mr. Spellar
  There is no committee responsible for advice on the disposal of books and manuscripts from MOD libraries.

  Mr. Keith Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the collections of books and manuscripts disposed of by his departmental libraries since 1994. [37606]

  Mr. Spellar
  This information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Upholder Class Submarines
  Mr. Healey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has for the disposal of the four Upholder Class submarines. [38328]

  Mr. George Robertson
  I am pleased to say that the Government of Canada have today announced their intention, subject to final negotiations, to lease all four of the Upholder class submarines for a period of eight years. Canada has chosen to acquire the submarines via a lease with an option to purchase as this is the most satisfactory solution for them.

  During the period of the lease the submarines will still be owned by the UK but Canada will have full and unrestricted use and control of the submarines and will indemnify the UK from any claims that may arise from Canadian operation. At the end of the lease period the Canadian Government will have the option of purchasing the submarines outright. If Canada does not take up this option Canada will dispose of the submarines on our behalf. This arrangement is worth some 610 million Canadian dollars to the UK. Work will be generated for various UK companies in reactivating the submarines and for GEC Marine at Barrow who will be providing technical and logistic support, including the provision of training to Canada.

  This opportunity represents the most practical and cost effective manner of securing the future of the submarines and is a strong indication of the close relationship between the UK and Canada. The links between our armed forces are traditionally strong, both bilaterally and within NATO. I hope this deal will lead to further co-operation between the two Navies and enhance Canada's contribution to NATO.

  Middle East
  Mr. Healey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to change force levels in the Middle East; and if he will make a statement. [38327]
  57
  Mr. George Robertson
  We remain fully committed to ensuring that Saddam Hussein honours the agreement he made with the UN Secretary General on 23 February, subsequently endorsed by UN Security Council Resolution 1154, giving free and unfettered access to UNSCOM and IAEA inspectors. Saddam has complied so far, but access alone is not enough. Saddam has not yet provided the evidence we need to be sure that he has destroyed all his weapons of mass destruction. It is therefore too soon to relax our vigilance or reduce our military capability in the Gulf.

  We have been reviewing the composition of our forces to ensure we have the best mix for the job and have decided that as temperatures in the Gulf increase we should deploy additional Tornados to replace the Harrier GR7s embarked on HMS Illustrious, since Tornados are better suited to operations in extreme heat than Harriers operating from aircraft carriers. With the generous agreement of the Kuwaiti Government we will therefore be increasing to 12 the number of Tornados based at Ali Al Salem Airbase in the middle of April. HMS Illustrious will then depart the Gulf, prior to entering a major refit programme in July, which will include a number of enhancements to her capability to conduct joint air operations.

  Overseas Training Areas
  Mr. Soames
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what overseas training areas are available to the Army and Air Force for the current year. [37743]

  Dr. Reid
  During 1998 Army and Air Force collective training and exercises have taken place or are planned to take place in the following countries:

  Belgium

  France

  Greece

  Portugal

  USA

  Slovakia

  Australia

  Brunei

  Fiji

  Kenya

  Mauritania

  Oman

  Singapore

  Canada

  Italy

  Netherlands

  Spain

  Hungary

  Slovenia

  Bahamas

  Botswana

  Jamaica

  Kuwait

  Morocco

  Qatar

  Denmark

  Germany

  Norway

  58

  Turkey

  Poland

  Ukraine

  Belize

  Cyprus

  Jordan

  Malaysia

  Nepal

  Senegal.

  Training is also carried out on the Ascension Island, in the Falkland Islands and in Gibraltar.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Millennium Compliance
  Mr. David Atkinson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what are the job description and terms of reference of the new Director of Action 2000. [35101]

  Mrs. Roche
  The Director's particular responsibilities are:

  (a) To provide support to the Chairman of Action 2000 in making an assessment of the state of preparedness of UK business to cope with the Millennium Bug, and developing and implementing programmes to encourage business to make suitable preparations.

  (b) To manage the day to day operations of the Company, including the Millennium Bug Campaign, launched on 22 January.

  Specific activities and objectives will be determined from time to time by the Chairman.

  Media Ownership
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what thresholds her Department uses to determine the levels of concentration of media ownership which would trigger her Department's intervention. [37020]

  Mrs. Beckett
  [holding answer 30 March 1998]: Under the newspaper merger provisions of the Fair Trading Act 1973, proprietors of newspapers circulating in the UK must obtain my prior consent to acquire a newspaper or newspaper assets where the total paid-for daily circulation of the newspapers involved is 500,000 or more.

  Under the Fair Trading Act 1973, the Director General of Fair Trading keeps a constant eye on United Kingdom markets and has the power to refer a monopoly situation to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission for investigation. The legislation defines a monopoly situation as one where a company or group supplies or purchases 25 per cent. or more of all the goods or services of a particular type in the United Kingdom or in a defined part of it.

  The limits on broadcast media ownership and cross-media ownership are set out in the Broadcasting Acts, which are a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what representations she has received from(a) Mr. Rupert Murdoch and (b) News International in respect of media shareholdings in the United Kingdom. [37017]
  59
  Mrs. Beckett
  [holding answer 30 March 1998]I have received no such representations.

  Green Transport
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade on what date she plans to introduce a green commuting plan. [36667]

  Mrs. Beckett
  [holding answer 27 March 1998]: The Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions circulated to all Departments in September last year a "Guide to Green Transport Plans". My Department is considering how to respond to its recommendations.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what specific changes to departmental transport arrangements have to date been implemented following the receipt of the Green Transport Plan. [36647]

  Mrs. Beckett
  [holding answer 27 March 1998]: The Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions circulated to all Departments in September last year a "Guide to Green Transport Plans". My Department is currently preparing green transport plans for key headquarters buildings.

  Export Licences
  Mr. Blunt
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what is her estimate of the value of defence export licence applications withdrawn since 1 May 1997 after contracts were cancelled by customers due to delay in licence proceedings. [35389]

  Mrs. Roche
  Between 2 May 1997 and 6 March 1998, 554 applications for Standard Individual Export Licences and 21 applications for Open Individual Export Licences were withdrawn by the applicants. There is no requirement that the applicant should give a reason for withdrawing an application and it is therefore not possible to give an estimate as requested.

  Mr. Faber
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what is the total number of export licence applications processed by the Export Control Organisation in each of the four-week periods used by her Department from 5 April 1997 to that commencing on 7 February 1998, broken down into(a) those circulated to other Government departments and (b) those not circulated. [36712]

  Mrs. Roche
  The information is as follows:

  period

  Applications circulated to other Departments according to their policy requirements and completed during the period

  Applications not circulated to other Departments and completed during the Period

  5/4/97–2/5/97

  767

  191

  3/5/97–30/5/97

  1,019

  425

  31/5/97–27/6/97

  531

  191

  28/6/97–25/7/97

  677

  174

  26/7/97–22/8/97

  798

  131

  23/8/97–19/9/97

  898

  244

  20/9/97–17/10/97

  692

  142

  18/10/97–14/11/97

  794

  184

  60

  period

  Applications circulated to other Departments according to their policy requirements and completed during the period

  Applications not circulated to other Departments and completed during the Period

  15/11/97–12/12/97

  883

  143

  13/12/97–9/1/98

  662

  62

  10/1/98–6/2/98

  818

  137

  7/2/98–6/3/98

  776

  163

  This information was taken from the Export Control Organisation's management data, which are compiled in order to monitor performance at processing applications for Standard Individual Export Licences. The performance measures do not apply to applications for Open Individual Export Licences (due to the very wide variations between goods and country coverage of such licences) or licences for exports which are subject to control solely because of United Nations sanctions.

  Mr. Faber
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many export licence applications were refused by the Export Control Organisation during each of the four-week periods used by her Department from 5 April 1997 to that commencing on 7 February 1998. [36599]

  Mrs. Roche
  The Export Control Organisation's computer databases have been interrogated and the numbers of applications for Standard Individual Export Licences and Open Individual Export Licences refused in full in each period are as follows:

  Applications for individual export licences refused in each 4-week period

  Period

  Standard individual export licences

  Open individual export licences

  5/4/97–2/5/97

  8

  0

  3/5/97–30/5/97

  4

  0

  31/5/97–27/6/97

  6

  1

  28/6/97–25/7/97

  2

  1

  26/7/97–22/8/97

  7

  0

  23/8/97–19/9/97

  4

  0

  20/9/97–17/10/97

  13

  0

  18/10/97–14/11/97

  4

  0

  15/11/97–12/12/97

  3

  1

  13/12/97–9/1/98

  11

  0

  10/1/98–6/2/98

  11

  0

  7/2/98–6/3/98

  5

  0

  This information should be considered in light of my answer to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Don Valley (Caroline Flint) on 30 October 1997, Official Report, columns 870–71.

  Mr. Faber
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what percentage of applications for export licences were processed by the Export Control Organisation in accordance with their targets as to time in the four week periods beginning(a) 3 May 1997 and (b) 7 February 1998. [36497]
  61
  Mrs. Roche
  The Export Control Organisation's management data on processing applications for export licences for these periods, to the nearest percentage point, are as follows.

  percentage

  3 May 1997 to 30 May 1997

  7 February 1998 to 6 March 1998

  Applications circulated to other Departments according to their
  policy requirements and completed within 20 working days

  48

  56

  Applications not circulated to other Departments and completed in 10
  working days

  41

  76

  Utility Markets
  Mr. Breed
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what will be the impact of her Department's policy on concurrent powers for the utility regulators and the Office of Fair Trading on the organisation which will make the final decision on investigations concerning the utility markets. [37386]

  Mrs. Beckett
  The Competition Bill provides for the utility sector regulators to exercise concurrently most of the functions of the Director General of Fair Trading in applying and enforcing the prohibitions in relation to their sectors. As set out in the Green Paper "A Fair Deal for Consumers"[CM3898], the Government believe it is important for the development of sectoral regulation that each of the regulators should be able to exercise concurrent powers in their respective areas.

  Multilateral Agreement on Investment
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what steps the Government have taken to consult local authorities on the Multilateral Agreement on Investment; and if she will publish the representations received. [37391]

  Mrs. Roche
  [holding answer 2 April 1998]: We have been in contact with the Local Government Association, as well as with the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Ireland Offices. They have not as yet identified any problems or any need for exceptions. We remain in touch: if any problems do come to light we will of course take account of them. It would not be appropriate for us to publish accounts of these consultations which have been carried out on a private basis. But we have no objection if the Local Government Association wish to publish the correspondence.

  Carpet Industry
  Mr. Lock
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what proposals have been put forward by Russia to(a) restrict and (b) limit the export from the EU to Russia of carpets and associated products; and what assessment she has made of the impact of such restrictions on the United Kingdom carpet industry. [35950]

  Mrs. Roche
  In January 1998 Russia announced the intention of imposing quota restrictions with effect from the end of March on its imports of carpets from the European Union, in response to the EU' s long standing restrictions on Russia's textile and clothing exports.
  62
  However, at negotiations held on 26 and 27 March, the European Commission and Russia agreed to remove all quantitative restrictions maintained on each other's textile trade with effect from 30 April 1998.

  Victims of Nazism
  Sir Raymond Powell
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) how much money has been set aside to pay claims from victims of Nazism for restitution of assets; [36756]

  (2) what remedies are available to those who claim unfair treatment in respect of their claims for restitution of assets as victims of Nazism. [36751]

  Mrs. Beckett
  I wish to make it clear that the Government are revolted by Nazi persecution, and have the greatest sympathy for its victims and their relatives. When the circumstances relating to the confiscation of enemy property and the issues that it raises today were first drawn to my attention and that of my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary I was keen to shed as much light on the matter as I could, so a detailed historical analysis of the subject was commissioned from FCO historians.

  A first but incomplete draft of the report was produced just before the Nazi Gold Conference, but it required extensive further work and cross-checking for the accuracy and fulness of the information it contained. There is no truth in the suggestion that, as some press reports have implied, publication has been deliberately delayed.

  As the report shows, most of the assets seized under the Wartime legislation have either been returned to the original owners or been used to compensate British nationals under the post-War peace treaties.

  Treaty signatories undertook to compensate their own nationals whose property was confiscated in the UK. Special provision was made for the relief of those whose property had been confiscated and who had also suffered under the Nazis. But some of the documents examined show that although these schemes were well-intentioned, those who dealt with these matters after the War were sometimes insensitive to the plight of Nazi victims.

  The present Government deeply regret this, and I would like to apologise to those individuals and to their relatives and descendants. A different attitude would be expected now.

  The general principle must be that confiscated assets placed in the UK by victims of Nazi persecution should be returned to them by the UK where practicable and where claims can be validated.

  The inadequacy of many of the records will make this no easy task. So although the Government have decided to set up a claims procedure, they have also accepted the suggestion that a suitable independent individual, with the right stature and experience, should undertake an assessment of the report, consulting all interested parties, and, as a matter of urgency, advise on the form of the scheme the Government should adopt.
  63
  To aid this work the Government will publish on the internet a list of the 25,000 names of people for whom some records still exist and are prepared to make available an initial £2 million for the claims procedure. If this sum is not taken up, the balance will be given to an independent body for disbursement to people suffering hardship and who were victims of Nazi persecution.

  I have placed copies of the report in the libraries of both Houses.

  Exchange Rates
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what representations she received on the impact of the level of sterling on manufacturing when she visited the Caravan Exhibition. [37696]

  Mrs. Beckett
  I do not recall receiving any representations on the level of sterling during my visit to the Caravan and Outdoor Leisure Show last November.

  Post Office
  Mr. Reed
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans she has for the future financing and organisation of the Post Office; and if she will make a statement. [38232]

  Mrs. Beckett
  Following consultations last year with the main interested parties and in the light of the Third Report of the Trade and Industry Committee, I have commissioned the next phase of the review of the Post Office.

  Our objective is to establish a framework for the Post Office that will enable it to meet successfully the challenges and opportunities ahead. It is important that we have an effective postal service which meets the commercial and social needs of the country.

  The terms of reference of the next phase of the review are:
  The Government are committed to the Post Office remaining in the public sector and continuing to provide a universal postal service at a uniform tariff and a nation-wide network of post offices. Against that background, the review will make recommendations on the Post Office's future organisation, structure and financing which will best deliver:
  greater commercial freedom to enable it to compete effectively in the UK and overseas; and
  improved efficiency, effectiveness and service standards.
  The review is to take account of the ways in which overseas competitors and analogous organisations are facing, or being set to face, the challenges of the changing market, and is to consider in particular:
  a range of options for partnership with the private sector (such as joint ventures) and for the involvement of employees and customers;
  how best to ensure fair competition in postal services;
  the role of Post Office Counters in the delivery of Government services; and
  the Crown Office conversion programme.
  The Government hope to announce their proposals in the Autumn.

  In the meantime, to help it meet the challenges that are already evident, I am extending the current limited freedom that the Post Office already has for international joint ventures to the domestic market.
  64

  Overseas Visits
  Mr. Soames
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will list by date the overseas trips undertaken by the Minister for Trade since 18 November 1997. [37828]

  Mrs. Beckett
  The information is as follows.

  Date

  15–24 November 1997

  Qatar (MENA summit), UAE and Yemen (Trade Promotion)

  1–2 December 1997

  Barcelona and Madrid (Trade Promotion)

  7–11 December 1997

  Poland/Czech Republic/Hungary (Trade Promotion)

  12–13 December 1997

  Conclusion of WTO Financial Services Negotiations, Geneva

  16–18 December 1997

  OECD Bribery Convention Paris and Rome (Trade Promotion/Policy)

  15–16 January 1998

  East-West Conference in Prague

  30 January 1998

  Hungary (Trade Promotion)

  2 February 1998

  European Parliament Committee (REX) Brussels

  3–6 February 1998

  Zimbabwe (Trade Promotion)

  27 February-13 March 1998

  Australia and New Zealand (Trade Promotion)

  29–30 March 1998

  General Affairs Council—Brussels

  5–9 April 1998

  Japan (re-launch of Action Japan) (Trade Promotion)

  British National Space Centre
  Mr. Swinney
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what are the(a) locations, (b) running costs,(c) salary costs and (d) total Government financial assistance to the British National Space Centre. [36235]

  Mrs. Beckett
  [holding answer 27 March 1998]: The British National Space Centre (BNSC), located at 151 Buckingham Palace Road, London, leads a partnership of Government Departments and research councils. The centre's direct running costs are funded as follows:

  £000

  Running Costs

  Staff Costs

  DTI

  277

  1,179

  MOD

  12

  129

  Meteorological Office

  8

  15

  Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council

  40

  102

  Natural Environment Research Council

  12

  52

  BNSC co-ordinates civil space expenditure by the partnership estimated in 1997–98 at £200 million. Approximately two-thirds of this expenditure supports European Space Agency programmes.

  Export Credit Guarantees
  Ms Walley
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what criteria are used to assess(a) market risk and (b) political risk when determining ECGD support for UK exporters; and if she will make a statement. [37008]
  65
  Mrs. Roche
  When evaluating country or market risk, ECGD analyses factors which impinge on a country's capacity and willingness to meet its external debt commitments. Factors include the external debt burden of the economy and how it is likely to evolve over time as well as the country's ability to withstand internal and external economic shocks. A country's vulnerability to political risks such as civil wars, coups, etc. is also assessed when determining ECGD's support.

  Ms Walley
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment is made of a country's human rights record when allocating ECGD support for United Kingdom exporters; and if she will make a statement. [37009]

  Mrs. Roche
  ECGD's function is to underwrite payment risks associated with capital goods and project exports. Where an export licence is required, ECGD cover will become effective only on condition that the exporter has obtained the licence.

  In his answer to my hon. Friend the Member for East Ham (Mr. Timms), 28 July 1997, Official Report, columns 26–29, my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary set out the criteria used in considering applications for licences to export goods entered in Part III of the Schedule 1 to the Export of Goods (Control) Order 1994, and licence applications for the export of dual-use goods where there are grounds for believing that the end-user of such goods will be the armed forces or the internal security forces of the recipient country.

  Research Councils
  Mr. Swinney
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what are the(a) locations, (b) running costs, (c) salary costs and (d) total Government financial assistance to (i) the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, (ii) the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, (iii) the Economic and Social Research Council, (iv) the Medical Research Council, (v) the Natural Environment Research Council, (vi) the Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council and (vii) the Council for the Central Laboratory of the Research Councils; and what percentage of staff are based in (1) England and (2) Scotland. [36236]

  Mrs. Beckett
  [holding answer 27 March 1998]: Details of the locations of the Research Councils and their research establishments are as follows.

  Apart from the MRC (London) and CCLRC (Didcot), the Headquarters of the Councils are all located in Swindon. In addition, Councils, have sites at the following locations:
  BBSRC: Aberystwyth, Bristol, Bury St. Edmunds, Cambridge, Compton (near Newbury), Edinburgh, Harpenden, Norwich, Okehampton, Pirbright, Reading, Roslin, Silsoe, Trecastle (Brecon);
  CCLRC: Chilbolton (Hampshire), Warrington;
  MRC: Brighton, Bristol, Cambridge, Didcot, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leicester, London, Newcastle upon Tyne, Nottingham, Oxford, Southampton, Warrington, Banjul (The Gambia), Kingston (Jamaica);
  NERC: Aberystwyth, Banchory, Bangor, Cambridge, Earlyburn, East Kilbride, East Stoke (Dorset), Edinburgh, Eskdalemuir, Exeter, Furzebrook (Dorset), Hartland, Keyworth, Oban, Oxford, Penrhos, Plymouth, Southampton, Staylittle (Wales), Tan Hinon (Powys), Tulloch Lodge, Wallingford, the Wirral, Windermere;
  66
  PPARC: Cambridge, Edinburgh, La Palma and Hawaii;
  EPSRC and ESRC have no establishments other than their Headquarters.

  Data on the Councils' running costs and salary costs are not readily available in the form requested. In 1995–96, the last year for which full figures are available, the Councils' total spend on central administration and at their scientific establishments was as follows:

  Council

  £ million

  BBSRC

  75.018

  CCLRC

  101.608

  EPSRC

  18.032

  ESRC

  6.158

  MRC

  152.058

  NERC

  167.870

  PPARC

  25.603

  Details of the total Government financial assistance to each of the Councils from the Science Budget in 1998–99 were given by my hon. Friend the Minister for Science, Energy and Industry on 15 January 1998, Official Report, column 271, in answer to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Motherwell and Wishaw (Mr. Roy).

  In 1996–97 the percentages of Research Council personnel based in England and Scotland were as follows:

  Council

  England

  Scotland

  BBSRC

  84

  8

  CCLRC

  100

  -

  ESRC

  100

  -

  EPSRC

  100

  -

  MRC

  87

  13

  NERC

  85

  13

  PPARC

  69

  31

  Total

  88

  10

  Further details of Research Councils' spend will be given in the Department's Expenditure Plans Report to be published shortly.

  Radioactive Waste
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what quantities of spent fuel have been delivered under contract to Sellafield from Japanese utilities to date; what further quantities of irradiated fuel are due to be delivered to British Nuclear Fuels under the same contracts; and what measures concerning(a) physical safety and (b) emergency preparations cover such shipments. [37847]

  Mr. Battle
  Specific details relating to contractual quantities of spent fuel delivered, or still due to be delivered, to Sellafield are a matter for British Nuclear Fuels plc and its customers.

  United Kingdom companies involved in the transport of nuclear material by sea use ships which meet the International Maritime Organisation's Code for the Safe Carriage of Irradiated Nuclear Fuel, Plutonium and High-Level Radioactive Wastes in Flasks on board Ships (INF Code). All international movements of nuclear material carried out by the United Kingdom comply fully with the requirements of the Convention on the Physical

  67
  Protection of Nuclear Material and with the international guidelines on physical protection published by the International Atomic Energy Agency.

  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade when BNFL plans to return to Japan the(a) low, (b) intermediate and (c) high level radioactive waste arising from the reprocessing of contracted spent fuel; how many shipments per year are required to return to Japan each category of radioactive waste from reprocessing; what quantities of reprocessed plutonium are planned to be returned to Japan each year; and over what period this return transport is planned to take place. [37848]

  Mr. Battle
  Since 1976, all British Nuclear Fuels plc new contracts for the reprocessing of overseas spent fuel have contained options for the return of wastes. The Government intend that such options should be exercised and that wastes arising from reprocessing be returned to countries of origin.

  The detailed arrangements for implementing these waste return options and for returning plutonium are an operational matter for BNFL and its overseas customers in accordance with the terms of the contracts between them.

  Electrical Goods
  Dr. Whitehead
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what preparations her Department is making to meet the requirements of the proposed EU directive on end-of-life procedures for electrical and electronic goods. [37732]

  Mr. Nigel Griffiths
  Member States have not yet received the first draft text of the European Commission's proposal for a Directive on end of electrical and electronic equipment. The DTI has, however, commenced discussions with a wide range of industry bodies and other interested parties, as well as with the European Commission, in order to influence the development of the expected Directive. In the context of the Government's Producer Responsibility initiative, the DTI is also encouraging the electrical and electronic equipment industry to take action to increase recovery and recycling levels in this sector.

  Dr. Whitehead
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment her Department has made of the environmental efficacy of a deposit system on new electrical white goods, returnable upon responsible disposal at the end of their useful lives. [37733]

  Mr. Battle
  The application of deposit systems on new electrical white goods, which may involve a refund to the consumer when the appliance reaches the end of its life, is not widespread in Europe. The Department is collecting information on the instances where legislation exists or discussions are taking place to establish such systems, and will be assessing their effectiveness in due course. Within the UK, it is estimated that over 50 per cent. of new white goods are sold with the opportunity to take back the old appliance free of charge.

  Coal Miners Pension Funds
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will list the sum which the Government have taken from the coal miners' pension funds(a) in total and
  68
  (b) attributable to miners living in Wales; on what basis the money was transferred; when the actuarial advice was given to the Government concerning the proportion of the pension fund which needed to be withheld; and if she will make a statement. [28992]

  Mr. Battle
  In 1994, prior to coal privatisation arrangements were put in place to safeguard the interests of members of the Mineworkers' Pension Scheme (MPS). In exchange for providing a comprehensive guarantee that pension and deferred pension entitlements at privatisation will rise at least in line with the retail price index (RPI), the MPS Trustees agreed that the Government should receive 50 per cent. of any surpluses identified at periodic Scheme valuations. From its share of the Scheme surplus as at 30 September 1996 (identified by the Government Actuary in his report of May 1997) the Government have to date received £113 million. This sum cannot be attributed to any particular regional group within the Scheme membership.

PRIME MINISTER

  Hospitality
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list planned expenditure on hospitality for April and May, indicating the date, location and purpose of each event. [35112]

  The Prime Minister
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on 31 March 1998,Official Report, columns 472–73.

  Media Ownership
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Prime Minister what discussions he has had in the last 10 days under the United Kingdom Presidency of the EU relating to media ownership issues within the EU; what were the purposes of such discussions; and if he will make a statement. [36499]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 27 March 1998]: None.

  Quangos
  Sir Raymond Powell
  To ask the Prime Minister how many quangos have been set up since 1 May 1997; what public money each has received; and if he will list each body set up, indicating the number of appointments he has made to each. [36979]

  The Prime Minister
  Since 1 May 1997, 19 new non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) have been set up. Many of these new bodies are essential in helping the Government to deliver their Manifesto commitments. The bodies are listed, together with the grant or grant-in-aid each has received, and the number of appointments I have made to each. The large majority of bodies are advisory, supported by staff in sponsor departments and do not receive any direct funding.

  The Government have abolished 22 NDPBs since 1 May 1997 and are committed to keeping the number of NDBPs to a minimum. Ministers are currently examining

  69
  the NDPBs they sponsor with a view to identifying further candidates for abolition.

  NDPBs established since 1 May 1997

  NDPBs

  Number of appointments made by Prime Minister

  Grant or grant-in-aid 1997–98(£ million)

  Better Regulation Task Force

  0

  -

  Civil Justice Council

  0

  -

  Civil Procedure Rule Committee

  0

  -

  Commission for Racial Equality (NI)

  0

  -

  Disability Rights Task Force

  0

  -

  Expert Group on Airborne Particles

  0

  -

  Expert Group on Cryptosporidium in Water Supplies

  0

  -

  Football Task Force

  0

  10.050

  Government Panel on Sustainable Development Education

  0

  -

  Historic Royal Palaces2

  0

  -

  New Deal Task Force

  0

  -

  Police Information Technology Organisation3

  0

  -

  Potato Development Council

  0

  -

  Qualifications and Curriculum Authority4

  0

  532.572

  Royal Commission on Long Term Care of the Elderly

  0

  -

  Security Vetting Appeals Panel

  6

  -

  Skills Task Force

  0

  -

  Spectrum Management Advisory Group

  0

  -

  Treasure Valuation Committee

  0

  -

  1£50,000 grant received from the English Sports Council.

  2HRP took over the functions of Historic Royal Palaces Agency on 1 April 1998.

  3Established on 1 April 1998.

  4The QCA was established on 1 October 1997. It replaced the School Curriculum and Assessment Authority and the National Council for Vocational Qualifications which were both wound up on 30 September 1997. The total notional grant-in-aid paid to all three bodies in 1997/98 was £52.27 million (subject to audit).

  5 Notional figure subject to audit.

  Ministerial Responsibilities
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the responsibilities of(a)the Deputy Prime Minister and (b) the Minister without Portfolio in respect of (i) advice to him, (ii) initiation of Government policy and (iii) presentation of Government policy. [37037]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 30 March 1998]: My right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister is Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions. He is chairman of several Cabinet Committees. As Secretary of State he is responsible for the overall direction of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, its policies and their presentation.

  My hon. Friend the Minister without Portfolio is responsible for the strategic implementation and effective presentation of Government policy and has Ministerial responsibility for the Millennium Experience.

  Green Procurement
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Prime Minister what action he is taking under the UK presidency of the EU to promote initiatives on green procurement. [36883]
  70
  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 30 March 1998]: The environment is one of the UK's key themes for its Presidency. A Communication issued by the European Commission on 11 March "Public Procurement in the European Union" examines, among other things, the role that public procurement can play in protecting the environment. The Communication sets out the Commission's proposal to issue an interpretative document on the issues which arise. The Government will seek to ensure that public purchasers can continue to specify their requirements appropriately.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will set a date by which the environmental policy and practice of firms competing for public contracts will become an essential element in the assessment of all bids for Government contracts. [36880]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 30 March 1998]: The Government's policy is that the procurement of goods and services should be based on value for money. In specifying their requirements, departments will take account of the Government's environmental policies and their own "green housekeeping" strategies. In deciding which offer represents best value for money, departments will take account of whole life costs (for example, energy consumption).

  Nuclear Energy
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Prime Minister what steps he expects(a) the United Kingdom and (b) the European Union to take in order to take forward the agreement, set out in the joint Japan-European Union statement of 12 January to expedite stable co-operation on the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. [37089]

  The Prime Minister
  According to procedures set down in the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom), it is for the European Commission to negotiate such agreements. The member states of the European Union are currently discussing at working-group level a negotiating mandate that will be issued to the Commission by the Council of Ministers. The UK is keen to make progress on this dossier during the UK Presidency and hopes it will prove possible to reach agreement on the mandate in the Council of Ministers by June.

  Briefings
  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Prime Minister when he first established,(a) for his office and (b) in public, standards relating to (i) the accuracy of information to be provided in briefings and (ii) conduct in answering inquiries for (1) permanent civil servants, (2) appointees and (3) others acting on his behalf; and what subsequent changes he has made to such standards. [37290]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 1 April 1998]: The duties and responsibilities of civil servants including special advisers are set out in the Civil Service Code, in the Model Contract for Special Advisers and in the Guidance on the Work of the Government Information Service. The principles governing the employment of civil servants and special advisers have applied under successive Administrations.
  71

  Mr. Rupert Murdoch
  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Prime Minister what assessment he has made of the accuracy of(a) off the record and (b) official (i) briefings and (ii) answers to inquiries given by his office in respect of Mr. Rupert Murdoch's inquiries to his office relating to media investment in Italy. [37292]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 1 April 1998]: Briefings to the press on this subject have been conducted on the record, by my official spokesman, and on the record in response to telephone inquiries. They have been accurate.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Prime Minister when he was first notified that Mr. Rupert Murdoch wished to discuss the reaction of the Italian Government to News Corporation investment in Italian media; and what transcripts and recordings of articles and broadcasts relating to this subject have been circulated to his staff. [37291]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 1 April 1998]: It is not my practice to detail confidential discussions with any businessmen about their company, nor to discuss internal government correspondence.

  First Home Buyers
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his oral answer to the hon. Member for Meriden (Mrs. Spelman) of 18 March 1998,Official Report, column 1287, if he will introduce a scheme to help married couples with the cost of setting up their first home. [37454]

  The Prime Minister
  I believe that the approach set out by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer in his Budget statement is the right one—it makes support for those caring for children the primary aim, and provides help for families at a time when the financial demands on them are the greatest.

  Welsh and Scottish Secretaries of State
  Sir Raymond Powell
  To ask the Prime Minister if the Cabinet positions of the Welsh and Scottish Secretaries of State are to be retained after the Scottish Parliament and Welsh Assembly are elected. [37525]

  The Prime Minister
  The Devolution White Papers—A Voice for Wales (Cm 3718) and Scotland's Parliament (Cm 3658)—made clear that there would be a continuing role for both Secretaries of State after devolution.

  Oral Questions
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Prime Minister if it is his policy to permit Ministers to supply Labour hon. Members with suggested oral questions. [37403]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 2 April 1998]: It is for hon. Members themselves to decide on the questions that they wish to raise. If they choose to do so having spoken to other Members, including Ministers, that is a matter for them.

  Foreign Policy
  Mr. Cash
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list those occasions when he has discussed the ethical foreign 72
  policy of Her Majesty's Government with (i) the European Commission and (ii) his counterparts in other EU countries. [37769]

  The Prime Minister
  The UK's approach is well known to our EU partners. At the Luxembourg European Council in December 1997, EU Heads of Government discussed and agreed a declaration on the 50th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. We have also agreed the importance of making progress on the EU Code of Conduct on Arms Exports.

  Ministerial Visits
  Mr. Forth
  To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 3 February 1998,Official Report, column 581, on ministerial visits, if he will list the references to travel arrangements for (a) partners and (b) officials accompanying Ministers in (i) the Questions of Procedures for Ministers (May 1992) and (ii) the Ministerial Code (July 1997). [37817]

  The Prime Minister
  The rules on Ministers' visits, including the size and composition of delegations, are set out in paragraphs 68–86 of the Ministerial Code and 63–81 of Questions of Procedure for Ministers.

  Millennium Compliance
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his speech to the Midland Bank Conference on the Millennium, how many times and on what dates the Cabinet Sub-committee Misc 4 has met. [37478]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 2 April 1998]: We have a full programme of action to tackle the computer year 2000 "Millennium Bug". However, in accordance with longstanding practice, information about proceedings of the Cabinet and Cabinet Committees is not made public.

  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Prime Minister what representations he has received on millennium computer compliance issues. [37960]

  The Prime Minister
  My office has received approximately 100 letters about millennium compliance issues.

  Foreign Heads of State
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the foreign heads of state and heads of Government whom he has met since 1 May 1997, and the city in which each meeting took place. [37572]

  The Prime Minister
  In addition to the heads I have met at Summit meetings, I have had positive and constructive bilateral discussions with foreign heads of state and heads of government from around 50 different countries from all parts of the work, on at least 90 separate occasions. Just over half of these have been in places other than London.

  Strategic Communications Unit
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the work programme completed by the Strategic Communications Unit since its launch on 14 January. [37514]
  73
  The Prime Minister
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 25 February 1998,Official Report, column 254.

  Newspaper Proprietors
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the names of newspaper proprietors he has met in 1998, indicating the dates and venues of the meetings. [38107]

  The Prime Minister
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Grantham and Stamford (Mr. Davies) in the House on 1 April 1998,Official Report, column 1253.

  Contacts With Foreign Leaders
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list(a) the foreign leaders he has contacted on behalf of businessmen since 1 May 1997, (b) the contracts involved and (c) the dates of the conversations. [37578]

  The Prime Minister
  It is the job of the British Prime Minister to promote and support British companies abroad. I have done this on many occasions and will continue to do so.

DUCHY OF LANCASTER

  Freedom of Information
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy Lancaster if the proposed legislation on freedom of information will regulate the operation of(a) the No. 10 Press Unit and (b) the Strategic Communications Unit. [37872]

  Dr. David Clark
  In common with other parts of Government, both of the Units referred to will fall within the scope of our proposed Freedom of Information legislation.

  Absenteeism
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will estimate the rates of absenteeism in his(a) Department, (b) agencies and (c) non-departmental public bodies, for (i) 1995–96, (ii) 1996–97 and (iii) 1997–98 to date; and if he will make a statement. [26580]

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  [pursuant to his reply, 11 March 1998,c. 217–18]: I regret that the previous reply was misleading in one respect; it showed separately from the Cabinet Office, figures for Her Majesty's Stationery Office. HMSO is no longer an Agency, since the privatisation of the great bulk of it in 1996. Since then, the name HMSO refers to the small residual body supervising Crown Copyright and related matters, which is now incorporated within the Cabinet Office (OPS). Its absenteeism figures should more appropriately have been included within the figures for the Cabinet Office rather than shown
  74
  separately. For the purpose of this answer the Cabinet Office includes the Prime Minister's Office and the Office of Public Service. On this basis the figures are:

  Department/Agency

  1995–96

  1996–97

  1997–98

  Cabinet Office

  8.7

  9.4

  7.2

  Civil Service College

  5.7

  8.1

  5.9

  Security Facilities Executive

  3.5

  7.6

  4.8

  The Buying Agency

  12.3

  14.2

  13.5

  Property Advisers to Civil Estate

  8.7

  14.2

  8.1

  Government Car and Despatch Agency

  1—

  1.2

  0.6

  Central Computer and Telecommunications Agency

  6.6

  7.5

  5.6

  1Not known.

  Absence rates represent total days absent divided by total number of staff.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Paramilitary Violence
  Mr. Robert McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland which incidents of paramilitary violence since 1 March the police have indicated to her were attributable to an organisation associated with a party represented at the peace talks; and if she will list the name of the party concerned. [35066]

  Mr. Ingram
  [holding answer 19 March 1998]: The following number of incidents have been recorded between 1 March and 14 March 1998.

  No.

  Loyalist

  Republican

  Other

  Murder

  2

  2

  -

  -

  Assault

  7

  4

  3

  -

  Shooting

  3

  2

  1

  -

  Bombing

  6

  4

  2

  -

  Totals

  18

  12

  6

  -

  There is no evidence at this stage to link any of these incidents to an organisation associated with a party represented at the Talks. As the Government have already made clear any party in breach of the Mitchell principles will be removed from the talks.

  Attribution figures are subject to confirmation and possible adjustment.

  Confidence-building Measures
  Mr. Beggs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will list the confidence building measures undertaken to encourage the Unionist community in Northern Ireland since the commencement of the current talks process. [36711]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  The Government are committed to building confidence throughout the community in Northern Ireland. We have considered carefully the views put forward by a wide range of people, including in the Liaison Sub-Committee on Confidence Building Measures, on measures which would benefit the community as a whole. The steps we have taken include: continuing to work towards an agreement in the talks which is supported by a majority of Unionists and
  75
  Nationalists, to be put to the people of Northern Ireland in a referendum; putting in place all the necessary machinery to ensure that there is no obstacle to the decommissioning of illegal weapons as soon as those holding them accept the need to decommission; the establishment of a Commission on Victims; proposals for the reform of firearms legislation to reflect the local circumstances in Northern Ireland; and proposals for an Equality Commission. We believe that a widely acceptable agreement in the political talks would be the best way to build confidence among both communities.

  Driving Instructors
  Mr. Trimble
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what(a) qualifications and (b) experience are required of driving examiners employed by the Department of the Environment (NI) to conduct check-tests on driving instructors. [36814]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  Responsibility for the subject in question has been delegated to the Driver and Vehicle Testing Agency under its chief executive, Mr. J. B. Watson. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from J. B. Watson to Mr. David Trimble, dated 6 April 1998:
  The Minister for the Environment, Lord Dubs, has asked me to reply to your question about the qualifications and experience required of driving examiners.
  Examiners who conduct check tests on driving instructors must hold a current category B (motor car) driving licence, which is free of endorsements, and have successfully undertaken both the six-week Driving Traffic Examiners Course and the eight-week Supervision of Approved Driving Instructors Course conducted by the Driving Standards Agency.

  Mr. Trimble
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will introduce an appeals procedure for driving instructors who fail(a) one and (b) two check-tests conducted by Department of the Environment (NI) driving examiners. [36815]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  There are no plans to introduce additional appeals procedures for driving instructors' check tests. The existing system allows driving instructors three attempts to demonstrate their competence before they are considered by the Registrar for removal from the register, and the Registrar's decision is then subject to appeal. An instructor who is unhappy about any aspects of a check test may also seek redress through the complaint procedure. The cost of additional procedures, which would be time-consuming, cumbersome and unwieldy, could not be justified.

  Devolution
  Mr. Fraser
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment she has made of the impact of the devolution proposals on the prospects for establishing an Assembly in Northern Ireland; and if she will make a statement. [36867]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  [holding answer 30 March 1998]: The discussion of the Government's proposals for devolution to Scotland and Wales has provided a helpful backdrop to the negotiations on new arrangements for the government of Northern Ireland. The establishment of devolved institutions in Scotland, Wales and, I hope,
  76
  Northern Ireland will open up interesting possibilities for developing the totality of relationships among the peoples of Britain and Ireland.

  Bloody Sunday
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if medical records of those persons killed and wounded on Bloody Sunday will be made available to Lord Saville's inquiry. [37177]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given him by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on Monday 30 March 1998,Official Report, column 378.

  Maze Prison
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will place the report on HMP Maze by Martin Narey in the Library. [37179]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  The report was placed in the Library on 2 April.

  Mr. John Stokes
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on what date the Independent Commission for Police Complaints completed its investigation into the death of Mr. John Stokes; and what were its findings. [37176]

  Mr. Ingram
  The RUC are investigating this case under Independent Commission for Police Complaints supervision. The investigation is at an advanced stage.

  Public Record Office
  Ms Moran
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what performance targets have been set for the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland in 1998–99. [38203]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  For 1998/9, the following performance targets have been set out for PRONI:

  Financial Performance
  1. To meet the challenge of managing the Agency's workload by:

  (a) continuing to maintain efficiency, having absorbed a 13.3 per cent. reduction in staff numbers, and having then restructured to fill vacancies more cost-effectively;

  (b) providing for an estimated 4 per cent. increase in on-site readers; and

  (c) ensuring that expenditure is within the financial limits approved by the Department.

  Output
  2. To appraise at least 4,500 linear metres of records, including the reappraisal of records so as to eliminate low-grade material.
  3. To list and index at least 550 linear metres of records, including ensuring that 100 per cent. of all "open" material is thus processed within one year of receipt.

  Quality of Service
  4. To maintain extended opening hours.
  5. With the help of the computerised document request system, to improve the speed of on-site production to the public by reducing waiting time from 37 minutes to 34 minutes or less in 90 per cent. of cases.

  77
  6. To process customer queries within 10 working days of receipt in 90 per cent. of cases and within 14 working days in 96 per cent. of cases, thus maintaining PRONI's Citizen's Charter commitment.
  7. To ensure the smooth completion of the annual release for 1999—c. 4,500 records —as well as the on-going release of identified blocks of records at earlier than 30 years.
  8. As part of a 10-year storage improvement programme, to survey the conditions in which 10 per cent. of 33,360 metres of records are stored; and, in related exercises, to take remedial action on upgrading c. 1,800 linear metres of records as presently stored on mobile shelving or in plan cases at Balmoral Avenue so as to bring them up to defined standards of archival protection.
  9. To provide standards of service which ensure that the number of unsatisfied customers does not exceed 3 per cent. as reflected in signed customer satisfaction questionnaires.

  Efficiency
  10. To reduce PRONI's composite Unit Cost in the areas of selecting and accessioning, records listing, records storage, document production and reader service, by 3 per cent. from £96.95 to £94.

  Land Registers
  Ms Moran
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what performance targets have been set for Land Registers of Northern Ireland in 1998–99. [38204]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  For 1998–99 the following performance targets have been set for Land Registers of Northern Ireland.

  Quality

  1. To achieve a customer satisfaction rate of at least 98.5 per cent.

  2. To achieve a registration accuracy of at least 98.5 per cent.

  Efficiency

  3. To process regular Land Registry dealings in an average of 14 days.

  4. To process regular Registry of Deeds dealing in an average of 4 days.

  5. To process regular Statutory Charges Registry dealings in an average of 11.5 days.

  6. To process pre-completion land information applications in an average of 5 days.

  7. To achieve a weighted unit cost target of £26.13. Output

  Output

  8. To process 106 application units per member of staff per month.

  Finance

  9. To increase overall productivity by at least 1.5 per cent.

  10. To cover Agency costs out of fee income.

MINISTER WITHOUT PORTFOLIO

  Millennium Dome (Air Conditioning)
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Minister without Portfolio what representations he received from(a) the Deputy Prime Minister and (b) the Minister for the Environment after deciding to use HFCs to power the air conditioning system within the Millennium Dome. [37252]

  Mr. Mandelson
  [holding answer 1 April 1998]: 1 refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 26 March 1998, Official Report, column 247. I have had no representations from my colleagues at the DETR, since
  78
  the Deputy Prime Minister and I both accept that in the particular circumstances of this project the New Millennium Experience Company's preferred option, with stringent safeguards, is the best in the time available.

  Millennium Dome Construction Workers (Health)
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Minister without Portfolio (1) if he will list the recorded complaints from workers on the Millennium Dome site in respect of adverse health reactions; [37388]

  (2) what assessment he has made of the cause of the recent occurrence of skin complaints among workers on the Millennium Dome site; [37389]

  (3) what recent assessments he has made of the health dangers to those working on site at the Millennium Dome. [37390]

  Mr. Mandelson
  [holding answer 2 April 1998]: The New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC) have received two recorded complaints on site. In October 1997, a worker from Watson Steel Limited with blistered lips returned to work after two days' absence. Last month, a worker from O'Rourke Civil Engineering complained of swollen feet. He is no longer working on the site. The Health and Safety Executive have been informed.

  The NMEC have also received one verbal complaint regarding a rash to the wrist of two operatives from O'Rourke Civil Engineering. This appears to have been caused by the type of safety gloves used. When the gloves were changed the rash disappeared.

  In order to ensure the safety of those working on site, the NMEC are continuing to review health risks as part of an ongoing risk assessment process. They regularly monitor noise levels, and test soil and air samples for potentially harmful substances. Results are well within safety levels as laid down in the Health and Safety Executive guidance `EH4O— Occupational Exposure Limits'. The NMEC will continue to monitor conditions on site.

  Millennium Dome (Wind Resistance)
  Mr. Gummer
  To ask the Minister without Portfolio (1) what plans the Government have to lift the health and safety restrictions on the insulation material proposed for the Millennium Dome so that it will not have to reach the present standards of wind resistance; [37689]

  (2) if he will make a statement on the problems faced by the contractor for the covering of the Millennium Dome with regard to wind resistance. [37694]

  Mr. Mandelson
  I refer the right hon. Member to the reply I gave to the right hon. Member for Horsham (Mr. Maude) on 26 February 1998,Official Report, columns 346–47.

  Millennium Dome (Covering)
  Mr. Gummer
  To ask the Minister without Portfolio for what reasons the original contractor for the Millennium Dome covering was not invited to supply the preferred environmentally friendly covering. [37690]
  79
  Mr. Mandelson
  Koch Hightex submitted tenders to the New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC) for both PVC and PTFE roof covering. The NMEC concluded, however, that the bid from Birdair for the supply of PTFE represented better value for money.

  Mr. Gummer
  To ask the Minister without Portfolio what arrangements for compensation for the original contractor for the covering of the Millennium Dome have been made; and what sum is involved. [37691]

  Mr. Mandelson
  Provisions for compensation in the event of termination were contained in the contract between Koch Hightex and the New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC). Negotiations are underway between Koch Hightex and the NMEC as to the amount.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Public Opinion Research
  Mr. Duncan
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many contracts for public opinion research his Department has awarded since 1 May; if he will indicate the(a) purpose, (b) cost, (c) value and (d) duration of each contract; and which companies (i) bid for and (ii) were awarded each contract. [28879]

  Mr. Morley
  Contracts for public opinion research commissioned by the Department since 1 May 1997 are as follows:Perceptions of MAFF: A survey conducted among opinion leaders, journalists, farmers and the general public. Placed with MORI.
  Research to assess the effectiveness of the MAFF food safety exhibit at the Good Food Show. The contract was commissioned via the Central Office of Information (C01) who placed the work with Sample Surveys Ltd.
  Research to assess the effectiveness of the MAFF Christmas food safety radio campaign. The contract was commissioned via the COI who placed the work with RSGB.
  Research to identify the most effective method of communicating nutrition information to teenage girls. Placed with MORI.
  Survey of pet owners: To ascertain the increase in importation of pets should guarantee regulations change, and to see if pets would be taken on holiday under a number of difficult import options. Place with DRSM/Framework.
  Complementations and conflict between farming and incomers to the countryside in England and Wales. Placed with Cheltenham and Gloucester College of Higher Education.
  The cost of the surveys totals £310,000.

  Animal Growth Promoters
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he intends to take following the new evidence linking the development of antibiotic-resistant superbugs to the use of antibiotics as animal growth promoters. [37270]

  Mr. Rooker
  No additive is permitted for use in animal feedingstuffs unless it has satisfied criteria for safety and efficacy set out in Council Directive 70/524/EEC. Denmark, Finland and Sweden have provided information in support of unilateral bans on certain antibiotic feed additives. The European Commission is consulting its 80
  independent Scientific Committee on Animal Nutrition (SCAN) and SCAN's reports will be considered in the Standing Committee for Animal Feedingstuffs.

  In the UK, the independent scientific Veterinary Products Committee (VPC) keeps the question of antibiotic resistance under review and its advice will inform the Government's position in EC discussions in Standing Committee on SCAN's reports. We shall support the eventual outcome of those discussions, provided they are based on sound science.

  Common Agricultural Policy
  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the expenditure under European Communities budget line "B2—5122, Enhancing Public Awareness of the Common Agricultural Policy", in the United Kingdom; which organisations received funding for 1997; what role his Department played in determining the awards; and if he will make a statement. [36947]

  Mr. Rooker
  The following organisations received funding under B2—5122:European Council of Young Farmers (CEJA) and exchange programme for young farmers (PEJA)—1,000,000 ecu.
  Rural Women's Union/European Rural Women's Congress and other organisations of women working in the rural sector—400,000 ecu.
  Fund to promote organic agricultural methods in the European Union (IFOAM)—150,000 ecu.
  European Network of Alliances for Sustainable Agriculture (REPAS)—150,000 ecu.
  Committee of Agricultural Organisations in the EC (COPA)— 300,000 ecu.
  European Training and Promotion Centre for Farming and Rural Life (CEPFAR), International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), REFAR and CEDIA—800,000 ecu.
  Association of Agricultural Education in Europe (Europea)— 150,000 ecu.
  European Training Association for Farming and Rural Life (AEFPR)—300,000 ecu.
  Information for and training of workers, including participation in projects of the European Federation of Agricultural Workers' Unions within the Community (EFA)—650,000 ecu.
  Funding of an information service (rural counselling service). This also covers the helpline for the farming profession (`SOS countryside')—1,500,000 ecu.
  Other organisations pursuing the same aims, with particular emphasis on problem areas within Member States and the countries of central and eastern Europe—100,000 ecu.

  Responsibility for the administration and allocation of these funds under this budget line rests with the European Commission. This Department plays no part in determining awards.

  The Government generally oppose use of EC funds for promotion. This is especially true of the Common Agricultural Policy, which they believe to be in need of fundamental reform and are opposed to any expenditure on promoting it in its current form.

  Dr. Gibson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to achieve the UK's objectives in the discussions on the Common Agricultural Policy. [37577]
  81
  Mr. Rooker
  The Commission's proposals for reform of the Common Agricultural Policy were presented to the Agriculture Council on 31 March. In most respects, these proposals go very much in the direction that the Government have advocated. The Government will progress discussion of them as far as possible during the UK Presidency and will thereafter seek to negotiate an outcome which reflects UK priorities.

  Beef on the Bone
  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will assess the benefits of lifting the ban on beef on the bone in respect of animals born after a threshold date set after the improvements in safety standards were introduced. [33006]

  Mr. Rooker
  I assume the hon. Member is referring to cattle born after 1 August 1996, the date on which the mammalian meat and bone meal ban became effective. We considered whether it would be practical to exclude these animals from the provisions of the Beef Bones Regulations 1997 but decided that it would not be possible to identify reliably meat and meat products from such a source once it had entered the human food chain. Of course, the matter will be kept under review, and any decision to lift it will be taken in the light of scientific developments and progress with the eradication of BSE.

  Vitamin B6
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make it his policy to await the outcome of the inquiry of the Agriculture Committee into vitamin B6 before reaching decisions on the retail sale of B6 supplements. [37347]

  Mr. Rooker
  The draft regulations required to implement the proposed controls on dietary supplements containing vitamin B6 were issued for consultation on 2 April with a deadline for responses of 26 June. If the Agriculture Committee have by then published the results of its inquiry into issues of concern in relation to vitamin B6 we will, of course, take its findings into account when deciding how to proceed.

  BSE
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what support groups have been established to assist farmers in respect of the current BSE crisis. [37374]

  Mr. Rooker
  We are not aware of any support groups established specifically to assist farmers in respect of the BSE crisis. But the Rural Stress Information Network, formed in May 1996, aims to be an authoritative source of information and advice concerning initiatives to alleviate rural stress caused by a variety of factors. This of course includes assistance to farmers affected by the BSE epidemic.

  New Technologies
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what initiatives his Department is taking to assist farmers introducing new technologies in agriculture. [37375]
  82
  Mr. Morley
  The Department supports roadshows aimed at transferring technology to cereals and grassland farmers, works closely with agricultural levy bodies to ensure that MAFF funded strategic research underpins industry's technological needs, supports with industry LINK programmes promoting pre-competitive research and associated technology transfer, encourages the publication of up-to-date research findings in the farming press and promotes publicity on technology at farming-related exhibitions.

  Livestock Subsidies
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will estimate the total payments of financial subsidies to farmers in relation to(a) the beef sector and (b) the sheep sector in the most recent year for which figures are available. [37297]

  Mr. Rooker
  Final figures for 1997–98 are still being collected, but the direct subsidies paid in that year are expected to total £613 million to UK beef farmers and £346 million to UK sheep farmers.

  Genetically Modified Organisms
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress is being made within the EU upon the regulation of genetically modified organisms, including plans for segregation and labelling. [37674]

  Mr. Rooker
  A comprehensive EU wide framework exists to regulate all activities relating to genetically modified organisms (GMO) providing for the protection of human health and the environment. The principal elements of this are:

  (a) the Contained Use Directive (90/219) which controls the use of genetically modified microorganisms in any facility. A proposal to amend this is currently being considered by the European Parliament.

  (b) the Deliberate Release Directive (90/220) which controls the release of GMOs into the environment. A proposal to amend this has recently been published by the EU Commission.

  (c) the EC Novel Foods Regulation (258/97) which controls the use of GMOs in the production of foodstuffs. A Commission proposal setting out detailed dfrules for the labelling of GM soya and maize is currently being discussed in Brussels and is expected to be agreed shortly.

  A requirement to segregate a crop when it has been approved following an extensive safety assessment would contravene World Trade Organisation rules. Companies are however, perfectly entitled to reach commercial agreements with suppliers to obtain GM free materials. A list of non-GM soya suppliers which was published by this Department on 30 March, is available in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if it is his policy to apply the precautionary principle to the public availability of genetically manipulated foods. [37519]

  Mr. Rooker
  Genetically modified foods are made available to the public only if they have been approved following a rigorous safety assessment. This assessment is carried out in the UK by the Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes which always takes a precautionary approach in arriving at its conclusions.

  Common Fisheries Policy
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will publish his response to the EC questionnaire on the future of the Common Fisheries Policy. [37787]

  Mr. Morley
  The Government have not responded to the European Commission's questionnaire because it was not addressed to Governments.

  Correspondence (Quarantine)
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to the letter of 4 December 1997, Reference 109690, from the Minister of State, on quarantine regulations, what interim recommendations have been received from the Kennedy Committee, in relation to quarantine for pets; what discussions have taken place with the European Commission; and when he expects to bring forward proposals to amend quarantine rules. [36526]

  Mr. Rooker
  The Advisory Group on Quarantine has not been asked to make, and has not made, interim recommendations. It follows that there has been no discussion of interim recommendations with the European Commission. The Group is expected to report by late Spring, after which the Government will move to full public consultation on the options which then appear most promising. This process is likely to take a further few months. We expect discussions with the European Commission at this stage.

  Supermarkets (Surplus Food)
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will encourage supermarkets to donate all edible surplus food to charity. [37143]

  Mr. Morley
  I am confident that the firms concerned have company policies on the disposal of surplus food which take into account the important food safety and public health considerations which arise. A number of them already participate in a voluntary scheme for the distribution of such food to charitable bodies.

  Farm Bankruptcies
  Mr. Alan W. Williams
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many farming businesses in England went into bankruptcy during each of the financial years 1989–90 to date. [37507]

  Mr. Morley
  The data for bankruptcies and company insolvencies are available only for England and Wales combined. 1 therefore refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to our hon. Friend the Member for Shrewsbury and Atcham (Mr. Marsden) on 18 March 1998,Official Report, column 658.

  Pig Farming
  Dr. Gibson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the 84
  impact on the competitiveness of UK pig farming in Europe of the UK's ban on bone meal feed for pig rearing. [37576]

  Mr. Morley
  An assessment specific to the ban on the use of meat and bone meal (MBM) in pig feed has not been carried out. However, the Department has commissioned ADAS to produce a Report on the competitiveness of the UK pig industry in relation to some of its main competitors in the EU. This will be available shortly. Reactions to the MBM ban in the retail sector and by consumers indicate that producing pigmeat products from non-MBM fed stock presents the industry with a major marketing opportunity.

  Organophosphates
  Dr. Gibson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what further evaluation he is making of the use of organophosphates; and when he will report on it. [37589]

  Mr. Rooker
  Ministers have established an interdepartmental high-level group of officials to report on organophosphorus (OP) products. Its terms of reference were to monitor the processes by which information on OP products is shared between Government Departments, to draw together scientific evidence relevant to the policy issues, to advise on whether there are gaps in scientific knowledge, and to examine licensing procedures.

  Ministers have recently received the detailed report of the Group and will publish it as soon as possible.

  Pesticides
  Dr. Gibson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what evaluation he has made of the effects of bromoxynil on infants. [37587]

  Mr. Rooker
  Bromoxynil is approved as a herbicide for a variety of professional uses in agriculture and horticulture. The compound was reviewed by the independent Advisory Committee on Pesticides in 1989 following the submission of new data by the approval holder. The review found no grounds for concern about the effects of bromoxynil residues in food on infants.

  However, the Committee advised that the new data showed reduced safety margins for those using certain products and the Government took action to restrict exposure to acceptable levels.

  Dr. Gibson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what research he is undertaking on the presence of vinclozolin in wine, fruit and vegetables. [37588]

  Mr. Rooker
  This Department is not undertaking any specific research projects regarding the presence of vinclozolin in food. However, the Working Party on Pesticide Residues carries out an annual monitoring programme for pesticide residues, including vinclozolin, in food. In the 1998 programme, it is proposed to seek residues of vinclozolin in wine, 8 kinds of fruit, 11 kinds
  85
  of vegetables and 7 other commodities. The results of these surveys will be available in the Working Party's Annual Report for 1998, to be published in 1999.

  Dr. Gibson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has made of the costs to(a) farmers and (b) others accruing from pesticide use. [37590]

  Mr. Rooker
  The direct cost to farmers purchasing pesticide products in 1997 is estimated at about £460 million. In setting price limits for 1995–2000, the Office of Water Services (OfWat) assumed £530 million of capital expenditure on measures to reduce pesticide contamination to meet EC drinking water quality standards. In addition, there will be significant operating costs but these are not identified separately from other treatment programmes. These costs are met by water customers. My hon. Friend will see therefore that a policy of using less pesticides is in everyone's interests.

  Farmers Markets
  Mr. Soames
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to encourage the establishment of farmers' markets. [37744]

  Mr. Morley
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply gave to him on 18 February 1998,Official Report, column 719.

  Food Standards Agency
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the powers and responsibilities of the Food Standards Agency in respect of(a) pesticide clearance and review of clearance, (b) pesticide usage, (c) clearance and usage of genetically modified crops and (d) clearance of genetically modified foods. [37875]

  Mr. Rooker
  Our proposals on the role and responsibilities of the Food Standards Agency in these areas are set out in the White Paper "The Food Standards Agency: A Force for Change" (Cm3830) which was published for consultation on 14 January.

  Flood and Coastal Defences
  Mr. Letwin
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his policy in relation to the proposal of the MAFF Working Group that responsibility for flood and coastal defence should be transferred from local authorities to the Environment Agency. [38070]

  Mr. Morley
  The Government have yet to take decisions on the Comprehensive Spending Review. These are expected to be announced during the Summer.

  Food (Veterinary Residues)
  Ms Kingham
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if the review of the arrangements for reporting surveys on veterinary residues in food has been completed; and if he will make a statement. [38206]

  Mr. Rooker
  The Government are committed to informing the public about all food safety matters. Following the changes announced in July last year, I agreed to further improvements in the reporting of surveillance results. To continue to improve openness and 86
  information to consumers, the brand names of products tested in veterinary drug residue surveillance exercises will now be published on a regular basis.

  The UK has in place a statutory national sampling and surveillance scheme to fulfil its Community obligations to monitor whether veterinary drug residues remain in animal products for human consumption in unacceptable concentrations. This, and a complementary non-statutory programme, is operated by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD). Under the programmes some 35,000 samples will be collected in 1998 and subjected to around 50,000 analyses. The VMD reports the results of its surveillance quarterly in the Medicines Act Veterinary Information Service (MAVIS). This will continue and as much information as is available at the time of publication will be presented on positive results in this newsletter. Full information on these will then be presented in the VMD Annual Report on Surveillance for Veterinary Residues, published in July each year. Under the statutory scheme, however, certain information on results that may eventually be the subject of criminal prosecutions will not be able to be published until the necessary investigations have been completed. If, however, an issue of public health arises from a sample or group of samples, the results and any necessary consumer advice will be made public immediately. Under the non-statutory programme, the VMD has developed a special arrangement under which some retailers voluntarily provide a wide range of samples, selected by the VMD, with a complete audit trail. The rest of the programme collects samples under randomised arrangements. This strategy delivers significant efficiencies without compromising the consumer and I have decided that while the results of all samples provided under this scheme must be reported, the brand name of samples collected under the special voluntary arrangements will not. I shall, however, keep this issue under review.

  Planned surveys for residues of veterinary drugs will continue to be announced in advance in MAVIS, as has been our practice for some years. However, the sheer scale of the programmes precludes releasing the brands to be sampled in advance. We are committed to giving consumers the maximum possible information on the presence of residues in food and will ensure that this is provided with appropriate advice on the public health significance of any results. Consumers will, therefore, be able to make a more informed choice about the food that they buy. We will, of course, made every effort to ensure the fairness of any tests and not seek to favour, or criticise, one manufacturer or source over another. I am confident that the results will continue to show that the incidence of veterinary drug residues from all sources in food is very low and poses no significant health risk to consumers.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Departmental Pay
  Mr. Duncan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many people employed by(a) his Department and (b) the agencies for which his Department is responsible earn (i) less than £3.20 per hour,

  87
  (ii) between £3.20 and £3.60 per hour, (iii) between £3.60 and £ 4.00 per hour and (iv) between £4.00 and £4.62 per hour. [30749]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  [holding answer 23 February 1998]: This Department employs six members of staff on annual pay scales which translate into hourly rates between £l3.60 and £4.00; and one member of staff on a rate between £4.00 and £4.62.

  One member of staff in an Agency is employed on an hourly rate between £4.00 and£4.62.

  No full-time staff are employed on salaries below these levels.

  Israel
  Mr. Soames
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 24 March 1998,Official Report, column 100, on UN Security Council Resolutions, how many of the resolutions concerning aspects of Israel's dispute with its neighbours have been complied with by the Government of Israel. [36632]

  Mr. Fatchett
  [holding answer 27 March 1998]: We consider that Israel has complied with the following UN Security Council Resolutions: 108 (1955), 114 (1956), 235 (1967), 350 (1974).

  Mr. Soames
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he plans to reply to the question tabled by the hon. Member for Mid-Sussex on 24 March relating to compliance by Israel with UN Security Council Resolutions. [37746]

  Mr. Fatchett
  I have replied to the hon. Member today.

  European Programmes
  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make it his Department's policy to obtain in consolidated form an annual breakdown from the European Commission of programmes operating in the United Kingdom for the promotion of(a) the European Union and (b) economic and monetary union. [37094]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  The Commission provides information on the single market, the Amsterdam Treaty and the single currency under the EU's PRINCE programme. We already receive breakdowns of spending under this programme. The Commission also produces a range of information material on other EU policies and helps fund a variety of information outlets, including the EUROPA internet site, in order to respond to requests for information from the public and from specific groups such as schools or SMEs. No breakdown of this spending by Member State is available.

  Common Foreign and Security Policy
  Mr. Flight
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the role and present activities of the Common Foreign and Security Policy working groups on(a) global disarmament, (b) nuclear non-proliferation, (c) OSCE, (d) planners, (e) protocol, (f) security, (g) terrorism and (h) the United Nations. [37466]
  88
  Mr. Doug Henderson
  The Common Foreign and Security Policy working groups listed meet regularly to discuss topical issues and areas for cooperation within their respective remits.

  On the matter of the present activities of the working groups I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. and learned Member for North-East Fife (Mr. Campbell) on Friday 27 March 1998, Official Report, column 311.

  Mr. Flight
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the impact of his Department's ethical foreign policy on the Common Foreign and Security Policy Working Group for(a) Africa, (b) armaments policy, (c) Asia, (d) Central Europe, (e) conventional arms exports, (f) Eastern Europe and Central Asia, (g) Euro-Mediterranean, (h) human rights, (i) Mashreq/Maghreb, (j) Middle East/Gulf and (k) South East Europe. [37467]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  The Human Rights Working Group (HRWG) is the central focus for the Government's efforts to promote human rights in the framework of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP). During our Presidency priority has been given to preparation and co-ordination of EU positions for the UN Commission on Human Rights currently underway in Geneva, and for the UN Commission on the Status of Women in New York last month. The effectiveness of the UN's human rights mechanisms has also been discussed.

  We have also taken forward human rights-related issues in other CFSP Working Groups, for example:
  in the Conventional Arms Exports Working Group, we have proposed together with France an EU Code of Conduct which will set high common standards for arms exports from all Member States, reflecting the UK's national criteria which state that a licence will not be issued if the proposed export might be used for internal repression or international aggression.
  in the Africa Working Group we are close to agreeing a common position on human rights and good governance in Africa. In March EU Foreign Ministers agreed a common position on Rwanda setting out the criteria, including on human rights, on which the EU will base its contribution to reconstruction and reconciliation.
  the Mashreq/Maghreb Working Group prepared a Troika Ministerial mission to Algeria in January led by the Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, my hon. Friend the Member for Leeds, Central (Mr. Fatchett), to further the EU/Algeria dialogue, including on human rights issues.

  China (Prisoner)
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the punishment procedure in respect of Deng Qilu in Guangdong, China. [37504]

  Mr. Fatchett
  We are concerned about all cases of maltreatment of prisoners, wherever they occur. We understand that Mr. Deng has now been released by the Chinese authorities.

  Human Rights (Persecution of Christians)
  Mrs. Ballard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received regarding the persecution of Christians in(a) Egypt, (b) China and (c) Pakistan. [37676]
  89
  Mr. Fatchett
  We regularly receive representations from hon. Members, members of the public and Christian organisations, about the situation of Christians in Egypt, Pakistan and China. We have raised these concerns with the relevant authorities and continue to monitor the situation.

  European Commission
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will place in the Library a list of the working committees operating in the European Commission indicating(a) their terms of reference, (b) the United Kingdom representation on them and (c) to which directorate-general each is responsible. [37569]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  A list of the Committees which assist the Commission in the drafting of Community legislation can be found in the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 1998 (pp 499–521). This is available in the Library of the House.

  The committees are listed by subject area, in some cases giving an indication of the directorates-general with which they are connected. The UK is represented on them by officials or appropriate non-Governmental experts. The terms of reference of these committees vary widely. Some were established under Community legislation, some by the Commission under its own powers.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many proposals for legislation originated from working committees in the European Commission in 1997. [37568]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  The Commission itself has the sole right of initiative for making proposals for Community legislation under the Treaty.

  Mr. Cash
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list each working group of the European Commission. [37771]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  A list of the Committees which assist the Commission in the drafting of Community legislation can be found in the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 1998 (pp. 499–521). This is available in the Library of the House.

  Ethical Foreign Policy
  Mr. Cash
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list those occasions when he has discussed the ethical foreign policy of Her Majesty's Government with (i) the European Commission and (ii) his counterparts in other EU countries. [37831]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  My EU colleagues and the European Commission are well aware of the importance which we attach to a clearer and more effective message on human rights. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has discussed this with them on many occasions.

  EU Trade (Southern Africa)
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to urge the EU to increase trade with Southern African countries, particularly with regard to farm products. [37563]
  90
  Mr. Doug Henderson
  In discussions with EU partners on a draft mandate for the renegotiation of the Lomé Convention, we will press for a new trade regime which helps promote the full integration of southern African economies into the world trading system. We will support measures to help these countries increase their capacity to produce and export. We will also press for the elimination of tariffs on goods from Least Developed Countries. In parallel negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement with South Africa, we are pushing for a generous outcome which will boost trade in both directions.

  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to ask the EU to reduce import taxes on goods from Southern Africa. [37564]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  Under the current Lomé Convention (which expires in 2000), all industrial goods and a wide range of agricultural products from southern Africa already enter the EU tariff-free. Most other agricultural exports receive preferential access. Negotiations on a successor Convention, including new trade arrangements, begin in September 1998; the EU mandate for these negotiations is under discussion in Brussels. The EU is negotiating a Free Trade Agreement with South Africa which does not benefit from the Lomé trade provisions.

  Primary Purpose Rule
  Mr. Gerrard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what additional guidance has been provided to entry clearance officers following the abolition of the primary purpose rule. [37727]

  Mr. Fatchett
  Entry Clearance posts overseas were sent detailed guidance shortly after the Government announced their intention to abolish the Primary Purpose rule. They were told that, with effect from 5 June 1997, applicants who would formerly have been refused under the Primary Purpose rule alone should be granted entry clearance. They were also reminded that there had been no change of policy in respect of the other requirements of the Immigration Rules.

  Bhutanese Refugees
  Mr. Gerrard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Governments of Bhutan, Nepal and India with regard to Bhutanese refugees. [37713]

  Mr. Fatchett
  None. We do not have diplomatic relations with Bhutan. However, our Deputy High Commissioner in New Delhi regularly raises with the Bhutanese government our continuing concern about the refugee problem, most recently during a visit to Bhutan in January. Our Embassy in Kathmandu is in touch with the Nepalese Government and the UNHCR on the problem. Our High Commission in New Delhi also discusses the refugees with the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. The EU plans to raise the issue at the UN Commission on Human Rights.
  91

  Entry Clearance Officers
  Mr. Gerrard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the Diplomatic Service Procedures (Guidance to Entry Clearance Officers) were last updated and re-issued. [37726]

  Mr. Fatchett
  The main Diplomatic Service Procedures instructions on Entry Clearance, Volume 1 General Instructions, was last updated and distributed in February 1997.

  Mr. Gerrard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to publish the Diplomatic Service Procedures (Guidance to Entry Clearance Officers). [37725]

  Mr. Fatchett
  The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has already made available a copy of Diplomatic Service Procedures Entry Clearance Volume 1, General Instructions, in the House of Commons Library. This volume is now being substantially revised and on completion will be distributed more widely via the Internet.

  Royal Ulster Constabulary
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs who is the United Kingdom representative on the United Nations Human Rights Committee; what representations he has made in response to the recent report by the committee about the Royal Ulster Constabulary; and if he will make a statement. [37983]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  The United Kingdom independent expert on the UN Human Rights Committee is Lord Colville. The recent report covering the Royal Ulster Constabulary was by the UN Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers, to the UN Commission on Human Rights. We have submitted its formal response on the Report to the Commission explaining our concerns over its comments on the harassment of defence lawyers, which we are examining closely. A copy of our response will be placed in the Library.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Millennium Compliance
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on the £1,300 grant to small firms for training employees in millennium compliance in respect of(a) how the firms apply, (b) what accredited courses qualify, (c) when the grant will be paid and (d) what firms will qualify; and if he will state the number of firms expected to apply for the grant. [38060]

  Dr. Howells
  Detailed arrangements will be announced shortly, but it is expected that firms will apply via their local Training and Enterprise Council, in the first instance. The Information Technology National Training Organisation is currently working to devise suitable short training courses which will link into a relevant National 92
  Vocational Qualification. The grant will be paid no later than the end of March 1999, and only once the training has been carried out. Small to medium sized firms are eligible to apply. Fuller eligibility criteria will be announced during April. We anticipate that up to 20,000 firms could receive a training grant.

  IT Skills (Disabled People)
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what action his Department will be taking to ensure that people with disabilities are offered the opportunity to re-train, under Government proposals announced on 30 March, to develop the information technology skills necessary to work to adapt systems for the year 2000. [37583]

  Dr. Howells
  The Government are making £90m available this financial year to help with the capital costs needed to create Centres of Excellence for IT and High Technology Training and to provide help with the set up of costs for facilities needed to allow other skills shortages to be addressed; and to help employers with the training required to tackle the Millennium Bug problem.

  Early Years Education
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many bids have been received to set up early years centres of excellence; how many bids it is intended to accept; when the winning bids will be announced; and if he will publish the criteria by which bids will be judged. [37764]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  We intend to designate 25 Early Excellence Centres in a pilot phase to 1999–2000; the first seven were announced on 1 December 1997. Over 100 proposals have been received for designation in 1998–99. An announcement will be made in the late Spring. The criteria were set out in the Department's letter of 8 August 1997, a copy of which has been placed in the Library.

  New Deal
  Sir Paul Beresford
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many young people are eligible to sign up to the New Deal; how many businesses have signed up to support the New Deal; and what is the New Deal's total investment in the Mole Valley constituency. [38161]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  I have placed in the Library a list of the client volume planning assumptions for each New Deal unit of delivery which the Employment Service is using to plan provision for young people aged 18–24. The table shows that the planning assumption for Guildford unit of delivery, which included the Mole Valley constituency, is that 543 young people could be eligible to join the New Deal in 1998–99.

  To date, more than 4,000 employers have signed up to New Deal nationally, of which 15 are specifically from the delivery unit. This number will rise significantly as New Deal is operational in this area from 6 April.

  It is not possible to state exactly the total investment in New Deal in the area as New Deal is a client led initiative and sufficient funds will be made available to meet the needs of all those eligible.
  93

WALES

  Gwent Tertiary College
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer of 16 March 1998,Official Report, column 455, if he will list for each Gwent Tertiary College project title the amount of funding paid out to date and the amount outstanding. [35312]

  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer of 16 March 1998,Official Report, column 455, if he will list, by project, the reasons for which projects which have received approval for ERDF funding have not proceeded. [35313]

  Mr. Hain
  [holding answer 19 March 1998]: A list of the ERDF approved applications is given in the table.
  No project grant has been claimed on the first six projects and the other eight projects have been withdrawn by the College. A list of ESF applications showing the amounts approved and payments made to date along with details of projects which have been withdrawn by the College is given at annexes 1 and 2.

  Annex 1: Gwent Tertiary College list of ESF projects within dossiers 1995–1997

  Project title

  Amount approved or final claim

  Paid

  Balance

  952384 UK2

  1. EBBW Vale Open Learning Centre

  220,924.80

  220,924.80

  nil

  2. Nightriders

  3. Engineering training for multiskilled environments

  952393 UK2

  1. Training for new tourism

  196,830

  196,830

  nil

  2. Rural Tourism

  962910UK2

  1. Modern Engineering skills Lucas JVP

  186,147

  148,917

  37,230

  2. Informatics for a Paperless Office

  3. Innovative Instruct. Techniques in Auto Cha'

  4. Transferable key skills for Junior Managers

  962911UK2

  1. Adult guidance in the valleys

  682,492

  545,993

  136,499

  2. Community Electronics

  3. ABE Pillgwenlly

  4. ABE in Torfaen, Blaenau Gwent and Caerphilly

  5. Cybercafe

  6. Detached youth workers in The Valleys

  7. Engineering Multiskills

  8. Heads of The Valley Open Learning Network

  9. Mobile IT

  10. Mastercrafts

  11. Nightriders

  962912UK2

  1. Clean Technologies

  360,787

  288,629

  72,158

  2. Robotics Controlled Tech and Programmable Logic

  3. ISW World Class Manufacturing

  4. Supplier Chain Environmental Management

  962913UK2

  1. Hospitality Trades

  282,595

  226,075

  56,520

  2. Training for the New Tourism

  3. Training for Rural Tourism

  973562UK2

  1. Support for Community Projects detached Youth Workers

  15,412

  -

  -

  2. Outreach Worker in Blaenau Gwent

  9,344

  -

  -

  973656UK2

  1. Stagiaries

  10,960

  -

  -

  973698UK2

  1. Training for New Tourism

  103,712

  -

  -

  954135UK3

  1. Basic Vocational Training for LTU

  78,352.65

  78,352.65

  nil

  964769UK3

  1. Construction Multiskilling for LTU

  146,167

  117,006

  29,161

  2. Virtual Campus for LTU

  3. Mastercrafts

  4. Basic Skills Training for Ethnic Minorities

  5. Training for Guidance Staff

  94
  For each of the projects withdrawn the Department was informed that the College was not in position to make any Gwent Tertiary College claims for grant in respect of that project.

  Porject Tittle

  Approved

  ERDF

  Multiskills Workshops for Engineering in the Valley

  yes

  350,000

  Enterprise Unit

  yes

  64,000

  World Class Manufacturing Targets

  yes

  95,000

  Community Enterprise Animators

  yes

  86,771

  GTC Enterprise Development

  yes

  105,176

  Gwentnet/WCM(World Class Manufacturing)

  yes

  105,176

  Creche and Day Nursery—Support Training in Valleys?1

  yes

  103,500

  ISO 1400 Prog:Supplier Chain Env. Management1

  yes

  65,500

  Creche and Day Nursey to Support Training1

  yes 145,000

  Greater Gwent Community Initiative Support1

  yes

  64,992

  Young People's Enterprise Centre1

  yes

  39,583

  Community Animators1

  yes

  46,666

  Mastercrafts Renovations Project1

  yes

  22,553

  Resource and Development Business Network1

  yes

  18,380

  1Projects Withdrawn

  95

  Annex 1: Gwent Tertiary College list of ESF projects within dossiers 1995–1997

  Project title

  Amount approved or final claim

  Paid

  Balance

  964856UK3

  1. Community Developers 1

  40,373.74

  32,298

  8,075.74

  2. Community Project Workers

  954137UK3

  1. First Level Vocational Training

  141,281.55

  141,281.55

  nil

  2. Middle Level Vocational Training

  964770UK3

  1. First Level Vocational Training

  143,904

  115,123

  28,781

  2. Nightriders

  3. Stagiare Training

  4. Cybercafe

  964773UK3

  1. Vocational Counselling and Guidance

  28,999

  23,198

  5,801

  2. Careers Choice

  964855UK3

  1. Community Developers

  11,011.02

  8,808

  2,203.02

  965018UK3

  1. Careers Choice

  2,940

  2,352

  588

  954139UK3

  1. Vocational training for people with moderate learning disabilities

  78,352.65

  78,352.65

  nil

  954141UK3

  1. Vocational counselling and guidance for people with LE'

  9,994.59

  9,994.59

  nil

  964771UK3

  1. Pre-release personal strategy training for offenders

  101,152

  80,926

  20,226

  2. VT in Horticulture for Mental P'

  3. Mobile IT Training (Rural)

  4. Mobile IT Training (Peripheral)

  954136UK3

  1. Vocational counselling and guidance for M and W

  3,084.75

  3,084.75

  nil

  954138UK3

  1. Vocational training in Engineering, Science, IT and Business Studies

  21,525

  21,525

  nil

  954213UK3

  1. Vocational training in Engineering, Science, IT and Business Studies

  17,683

  17,683

  nil

  964772UK3

  1. Training for Lone Parents Returning (Treveth)

  39,931

  31,144

  7,787

  2. Training for Lone Parents Returning (Abertillery)

  3. Training for Lone Parents Returning (EBBW Vale)

  964774UK3

  1. Counselling and Guidance for Lone Parents

  5,289

  4,230

  1,059

  974705UK3

  1. Garddy-Y-Bryn

  56,618

  -

  -

  2. Lifelong Learning Restart Skills

  64,481

  -

  -

  3. Changing Focus

  48,131

  -

  -

  974721UK3

  1. Straight Ahead

  44,560

  -

  -

  2. Guidance for a Good Start

  49,540

  -

  -

  974732UK3

  1. Goal Post

  37,745

  -

  -

  951050UK8

  1. Networking Women in Enterprise Development IN

  11,276.81

  12,798

  (1,521.19)

  961050UK8

  1. Networking Women in Enterprise Development IN

  90,103.91

  78,237

  11,866.91

  971050UK8

  1. Networking Women in Enterprise Development IN

  109,634

  82,307

  27,327.98

  973184UK8

  1. Span

  7,689

  -

  -

  973185UK8

  1. Where

  7,689

  -

  -

  961188UK8

  1. Pewter

  122,488.68

  97,990

  24,498.68

  971188UK8

  1. Pewter

  160,279

  -

  -

  951383UK8

  1. TQ Toolkit

  23,684

  23,684

  nil

  951425UK8

  1. Training Trainers in Learning to Learn Skills

  11,705.09

  12,344

  638.91

  961383UK8

  1. TQ Toolkit

  89,834

  71,867

  17,967

  961425UK8

  1. Training in Learning to Learn Skills

  69,154.31

  69,154.31

  nil

  971383UK8

  1. TQ Toolkit

  65,549

  40,859

  22,690

  971425UK8

  1. Training Trainers in Learning to Learn Skills

  108,806.03

  87,044

  21,762.03

  973491UK8

  1. TELE 21

  7,689

  -

  -

  973501UK8

  1. Developing Innovation in Small Companies

  7,689

  -

  -

  9731791UK8

  1. Disco

  7,689

  -

  -

  973180UK8

  1. Link

  7,689

  -

  -

  973183UK8

  1. Dragon

  7,689

  -

  -

  952293UK8

  1. Mobile IT

  61,819.64

  61,819.64

  nil

  2. Tredegar Open Learning Centre

  3. Adult Basic Education

  962291UK8

  1. Initial Training for Volunteer Guidance Workers

  160,794

  130,280

  30,514

  2. Saturday School Project

  3. Construction Skills for Micro SME Building

  4. Financial Services Support Training

  5. New Management for Changing Work Organisation

  6. Mobile Information Shop

  7. Working in The Music Industry

  972283UK8

  1. Initial and Continuing Training for Volunteer Guidance Workers

  34,570

  -

  -

  952253UK8

  1. Mobile IT

  18,016.13

  18,016.13

  nil

  96 97

  Annex 1: Gwent Tertiary College list of ESF projects within dossiers 1995–1997

  Project title

  Amount approved or final claim

  Paid

  Balance

  962352UK8

  1. Initial Training for Volunteer Guidance Workers

  155,237.99

  77,618

  77,619.99

  962352UK8

  2. Advance Training for Guidance Workers

  3. Pneumatic & Hydraulics—SMEs in Blaenau Gwent

  4. Pharmaceutical Industry Supplier Chain

  5. Construction Skills—Micro SME Bld. Firms

  6. Financial Services Support Training

  972357UK8

  1. Gwent Open Learning Centres

  20,427

  16,341

  4,086

  Annex 2: Gwent Tertiary College—1997 ESF projects

  Approvals— 1997 withdrawn by the college

  973561UK2

  Initial Training for Volunteer Guidance Workers

  33,785

  People in Europe Working Together for Economic R.

  24,459

  973562UK2

  Heads of The Valley Open Learning Centre

  117,855

  Nightriders

  25,267

  Tredegar Green Action

  17,913

  973583UK2

  Training for ODL Professionals—Pollen

  18,607

  Transferable Key Skills for Junior Managers

  61,284

  Robotics, Controlled Technology and Programme Log.

  97,426

  Pneumatic and Hydraulics—SMEs in Blaenau

  31,428

  973613UK2

  Supplier Chain Environmental Management 150 1

  90,093

  Gwent Women into Management

  48,273

  973614UK2

  Engineering Multiskilling

  125.712

  973656UK2

  Integrated Risk Access and Contingency Planning

  42,427

  Multi Media Authors

  12,571

  Informatics for The Paperless Office

  44,988

  Telematics Training for Service Professionals

  10,522

  973695UK2

  Rural Diversification through Tourism

  79,184

  972283UK8

  Mobile Information Shop

  10,453

  Financial Services Support Training

  48,320

  Saturday School

  14,142

  Rural Schools
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many rural schools have been closed in each of the local education authorities of Wales since 1990; and if he will make a statement. [36684]

  Mr. Hain
  In Wales, 170 schools have ceased to be maintained since 1990. Of these 33 were closed, 121 were amalgamated and 16 were the subject of other types of reorganisation. 12 of the schools closed, 20 of the schools amalgamated and 2 of the schools reorganised can be regarded as 'rural'.

  Details are given in the tables. 'Rural' schools are shown with an asterisk.

  LEA

  School name

  Implementation date

  County and Voluntary School closures since 1990

  Blaenau Gwent

  Brynawel Nursery School

  August 1997

  Caerphilly

  Senghennydd Nursery School

  January 1997

  Ceredigion

  Brongest CP School*

  August 1997

  98

  LEA

  School name

  Implementation date

  Clwyd

  Llanfihangel Glyn Myfyr CP School*

  January 1995

  Clwyd

  Tynyfelin CP School*

  September 1994

  Clwyd

  Coed Talon

  August 1992

  Clwyd

  Llysfaen Infants & Junior School

  April 1992

  Clwyd

  Derwen VA Primary School

  August 1991

  Clwyd

  Tanyfron County Primary School

  January 1991

  Clwyd

  Bistre Nursery School

  July 1990

  Clwyd

  Gwynfryn CP School

  July 1990

  Conwy

  Ysgol Llwydgoed

  September 1997

  Dyfed

  High Mead Special School*

  July 1996

  Dyfed

  Crugybar CP School

  August 1995

  Dyfed

  Blaenau CP School*

  April 1995

  Dyfed

  Llanddeusant CP School*

  April 1995

  Gwent

  Varteg Junior & Infants School

  July 1995

  Gwent

  St. Felix RC Primary School

  August 1994

  Gwent

  Llangattock-Nigh-Usk Primary School*

  August 1993

  Gwent

  Queens Comprehensive School

  September 1991

  Gwent

  Henllys County Primary School

  September 1991

  Gwent

  St. Dials Infants School

  September 1991

  Gwent

  Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Cwmbran

  September 1991

  Gwynedd

  St. Georges

  May 1993

  Mid Glamorgan

  Cefnpennar Infants School

  August 1992

  Mid Glamorgan

  Pwllgwaun Infants School

  July 1990

  Mid Glamorgan

  Pont Sion Norton County Primary School

  July 1990

  Powys

  Velindre VP School*

  August 1993

  Powys

  Tal-y-Bont-on-Usk Voluntary Primary School*

  July 1991

  Powys

  Bwlchysarnau CP School*

  July 1990

  South Glamorgan

  Lindens Special School

  April 1997

  South Glamorgan

  Maes-y-Coed School

  September 1996

  South Glamorgan

  Maendy County Primary School*

  July 1994

  County and Voluntary School amalgamations since 1990

  Blaenau Gwent

  Dukestown Infants & Junior Schools

  August 1997

  Bridgend

  Plasnewydd Infants & Junior Schools

  January 1998

  Caerphilly

  Cwm lfor Nursery & Primary Schools

  January 1998

  Caerphilly

  Aberbargoed Nursery & Primary Schools

  September 1997

  Caerphilly

  Fochriw Nursery & Primary Schools

  September 1997

  Caerphilly

  Pontllanfraith Infants & Junior Schools

  January 1996

  Carmarthen

  Brynamman Infants & Junior Schools

  September 1997

  Clwyd

  Cefn Mawr Infants & Junior Schools

  March 1997

  Clwyd

  Alexandra Junior & Infants Schools

  January 1996

  99

  LEA

  School name

  Implementation date

  Clwyd

  Llandrillo yn Rhos Infants & Junior

  September 1994

  Clwyd

  Higherwych & Talwrn Green

  September 1992

  Dyfed

  Overdale & Portfield Special Schools

  September 1994

  Dyfed

  Bury Port County Infants & Copper Works County Infants School

  January 1993

  Dyfed

  Glasfryn & St. Clears County Primary Schools*

  September 1992

  Gwent

  Garndiffaith Junior & Infants Schools

  September 1995

  Gwent

  Raglan VC Infants & Raglan County Junior Schools*

  September 1995

  Gwent

  Castle Hill & Mountain Special Schools

  April 1994

  Gwent

  Sofrydd Junior and Infants Schools

  September 1992

  Gwent

  St. Mary's Junior & Infants Schools

  September 1992

  Gwent

  Maindee Junior & Infants Schools

  September 1992

  Gwent

  Mitchell Troy County Primary, Overmonnow VC Junior & Overmonnow County Infants Schools

  September 1991

  Gwent

  Cross Ash, Brynderi, Grosmont, Nortons Cross, Llangattock-vibon-Awel County Primary Schools and Llanddewi Rhydderch VC Primary School*

  September 1991

  Gwent

  Beaufort Hill Infants & Beaufort Hill Junior Schools

  September 1991

  Gwent

  Ty Isaf Nursery & Infants Schools

  September 1991

  Gwent

  Risca Town Junior & Infants & Danygraig Junior & Infants Schools

  September 1991

  Gwent

  Gelli Grug Infants, Abertillery Infants & Abertillery Junior Schools

  September 1990

  Gwynedd

  Llanrwst County Junior & Infants Schools

  August 1992

  Gwynedd

  Dolgellau VC Infants & Junior Schools*

  September 1991

  Gwynedd

  Ysgol Gogarth & Ysgol Went yr Wylan

  September 1990

  Gwynedd

  Maesinca VC Junior & Infants Schools

  September 1990

  LEA

  School name

  Status

  Implementation date

  County and Voluntary School reorganisations, which involved closures, since 1990

  Caerphilly

  Cherry Grove Special School

  Closure & establishment of a new school

  -

  Dyfed

  Preseli County Secondary*

  Closure and establishment of a new mixed bi-lingual Comprehensive for pupils 11–18

  September 1991

  Gwent

  Nantyglo County Junior & Infants, Brynmawr County Junior & Infants, Winchetown County Infants & Twyncynghordy Nursery

  Closure and establishment of new English medium and Welsh medium County Primary Schools

  September 1991

  Mid Glamorgan

  Tremains County Primary

  Closure and establishment of Junior & Infants Schools

  September 1991

  Powys

  Cyfronydd Special School*

  Closure & change in SEN provision at Brynllywarch Residential School

  September 1994

  South Glamorgan

  Harvey Jones Adolescent Unit

  Cease to maintain as a Special School

  September 1996

  South Glamorgan

  Pentwyn, Presswood House and Prewylfa Nursery Special Schools

  Closure, establishment of new Special School and change of character to Ysgol Erw'r Delyn Special School

  September 1993

  South Glamorgan

  Howardian High School

  Closure and establishment of Tertiary College

  September 1990

  West Glamorgan

  Hengwrt Primary School

  Closure and establishment of a mixed Welsh medium school

  September 1997

  100

  LEA

  School name

  Implementation date

  Mid Glamorgan

  Coedybrain Infants & Junior Schools

  April 1996

  Mid Glamorgan

  Marlas Infants & Cornelli Junior Schools

  January 1996

  Mid Glamorgan

  Cwm lfor Infants & Junior Schools

  January 1996

  Mid Glamorgan

  Blaengarw Infants & Junior Schools

  January 1996

  Mid Glamorgan

  Dyffryn Infants & Ferndale Junior Schools

  January 1996

  Mid Glamorgan

  Ysgol Penybont & Heronsbrook Special School

  September 1995

  Mid Glamorgan

  Bodringallt Infants & Junior Schools

  September 1995

  Mid Glamorgan

  Garth Infants & Junior Schools

  April 1994

  Mid Glamorgan

  Maesyfelin Infants & Pontyclun Junior

  September 1992

  Mid Glamorgan

  Glyngwyn & Gwernifor Primary Schools

  September 1992

  Mid Glamorgan

  Hirwaun Junior & Infants Schools

  September 1990

  Mid Glamorgan

  Graig yr Rhacca Junior & Infants Schools

  September 1990

  Mid Glamorgan

  Ynysowen Junior & Infants Schools

  September 1990

  Mid Glamorgan

  Hengoed Junior & Infants Schools

  September 1990

  Mid Glamorgan

  Nantymoel Junior & Infants Schools

  September 1990

  Mid Glamorgan

  Llanilltud Fardref Junior & Infants Schools

  September 1990

  Powys

  Bettws CIW, Manafan CIW, Pantycrai & Tregynon County Primary Schools*

  September 1995

  Powys

  Gurnos Infants & Junior Schools

  September 1991

  Powys

  Machynlleth Infants & Junior Schools*

  September 1991

  South Glamorgan

  Ysgol St. Baruc & Ysgol St. Francis

  September 1995

  South Glamorgan

  St. Peter's Nursery, Infants & Junior Schools

  September 1992

  South Glamorgan

  Oakfield Junior & Infants Schools

  September 1991

  Vale of Glamorgan

  Holton Road Junior & Infants Schools

  September 1997

  Vale of Glamorgan

  Gibbonsdown Junior & Infants Schools

  September 1997

  Vale of Glamorgan

  St. Illtyd's Infants & Junior Schools

  September 1997

  West Glamorgan

  Dyfatty and Penllergaer Special Schools

  September 1995

  101

  Waste Management
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the(a) health and (b) other problems caused by the creation of landfill sites in Wales. [37155]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  The Environment Agency is responsible for regulating landfill sites in accordance with the provisions of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. It has the lead responsibility to ensure that sites are managed so as to minimise any adverse effects arising from the activities carried out.

  I am not aware of any health problems linked to landfill sites in Wales generally. I am aware of allegations made of ill-health being linked to the Nantgwyddon site in the Rhondda. Professor Stephen Palmer of the Welsh Combined Centres for Public Health has investigated the health of residents living near this site. His research identified a higher rate of congenital abnormalities in babies born near to the site, predating the establishment of the landfill facility. His report also identified an unusual cluster of gastroschisis in babies born near to the site since 1991.

  The raised incidence of certain health indicators near to the site does not, in itself, establish that the landfill site is the cause of the observed ill-health.

  Officials from the Welsh Office have met with those of other Departments to discuss the possibility of a study into ill-health around UK landfill sites. There are a number of technical issues to be resolved before any such study can proceed.

  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how much radioactive waste was imported to Wales in each of the last three years; and if he will make a statement. [37154]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  Over the past three years no radioactive waste has been imported to Wales for disposal from outside the UK. The only radioactive waste disposed of which was not generated in Wales was that sent for incineration from users in England.

  The radioactivity and quantities involved are given in the following table.

  Radioactivity

  1997

  1996

  1995

  C-14 + H-3 Activity (MBq)

  2.723

  122.8784

  6,735.313

  1–125 + 1–131 Activity (MBq) Beta/gamma

  -

  237.55

  909.38

  Activity (kBq)

  -

  10,252

  29,625

  Volume (litres)

  422.6

  4,768

  13,479

  Notes:

  Mbq(Mega-Becquerel); kBq(Kilo-Becquerel).

  C-14(Carbon-14); H-3(Tritium); 1–125(Iodine-125);

  1–131(Iodine-131).

  Children in Care
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what steps he is taking to increase the involvement of children in care in decisions relating to their care. [37153]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  In 1996, the report of the North Wales Child Care Examination Team made a number of recommendations to improve services for children in care.102
  One was that local authorities should examine the capacity of their services to take account of children's views. It is clear, from monitoring the progress towards implementation, that most authorities now involve children in care in decisions which affect them. However, I recognise that more needs to be done. The Welsh Office is therefore continuing to press all local authorities towards implementing the Examination Team's report; providing core funding for "Voices from Care", a voluntary organisation which represents children in care; funding children's advocacy projects; and making children's advocacy services one of two priority areas for its Children and Family Services Grant Scheme in 1998–99. The Government will be considering what further measures should be introduced in preparing their response to Sir William Utting's review of safeguards for children living away from home.

  Rented Housing
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to the answer of 27 October 1997,Official Report, column 726, on rented housing, what would be the gross cost to the public sector if all local authority rents in Wales were to be cut by 10 per cent.; and what would be the cost net of savings in housing benefits. [37198]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Monmouth (Mr. Edwards) on 16 February 1998,Official Report, column 500.

  Sporting School of Excellence
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what initiatives are being pursued to create a sporting school of excellence in Wales. [37372]

  Mr. Ron Davies
  I have no plans to introduce DfEE's Sports Colleges initiative in Wales but, as part of the development of the United Kingdom Sports Institute, the Sports Council for Wales is supporting the establishment of a network of sporting centres of excellence which will help to develop Wales' talented young performers. One such example is Glamorgan County Cricket Club's national centre of excellence in Cardiff.

  National Flag of Wales
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales on what occasions the national flag of Wales flies above Ty Gwydyr House. [37377]

  Mr. Ron Davies
  The information requested is as follows:

  Her Majesty's Accession

  Birthday of the Duke Of York

  St. David's Day

  Birthday of the Prince Edward

  Commonwealth Day

  Birthday of Her Majesty The Queen

  Coronation Day

  Official Celebration of Her Majesty's Birthday

  Birthday of The Duke Of Edinburgh

  103

  Birthday of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother

  Birthday of The Princess Royal

  Birthday of The Princess Margaret

  Remembrance Day

  Birthday of The Prince Of Wales

  Her Majesty's Wedding Day

  Also: The day of the opening of a Session of the Houses of Parliament by Her Majesty
  The day of the prorogation of a Session of the Houses of Parliament by Her Majesty
  On any other occasion where Her Majesty has given a special command.

  Farmers
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what estimate he has made of the financial assistance which will be paid to farmers in Wales in relation to(a) the beef sector and (b) the sheep sector, in the current financial year. [37300]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  My right hon. Friend will publish, on 7 April 1998, the government's expenditure plans 1998–99, department report, cmnd no. 3915. This will include forecast outturn for the beef and sheep sectors in 1997–98 and plans for 1998–99.

  Mr. Alan W. Williams
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many farming businesses in Wales went into bankruptcy during each financial year since 1989–90. [37506]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  The data for bankruptcies and company insolvencies are only available for England and Wales combined. I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to the Member for Shrewsbury and Atcham (Mr. Marsden) on 18 March 1998,Official Report, column 658.

  Roads
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what road link schemes his Department is currently evaluating between north and south Wales. [37387]

  Mr. Hain
  The extent to which improvements are needed to the road network between north and south Wales was one of the main issues raised for consideration in the consultation exercise on the review of the Welsh trunk road programme. Details of the strategy for and role of the programme will be included in the report on the Welsh Trunk Roads Review to be published later this year.

  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales on what principles he is basing his review of his trunk road programmes; and if he will make a statement. [38129]

  Mr. Hain
  In assessing the need for individual road schemes and competing priorities I am taking account of the four factors set out in paragraph 22 of the consultation document I published in July 1997, ie accessibility, economy, environmental impact and safety. This is being done in the context of the development of our wider integrated transport policy which embraces consideration of the future role of the trunk road network, the scope to manage the existing network more effectively and the scope to promote alternative solutions where appropriate.104
  Details of the strategy for and role of the programme will be included in the report on the review to be published later this year.

  Second Homes
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the percentage discount on council tax applied to second homes for each local authority area in Wales. [37956]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  Under the Council Tax (Prescribed Classes of Dwellings) (Wales) Regulations 1998, local authorities in Wales have the discretion to apply zero, 25 or 50 per cent. discount on council tax for second homes. For 1998–99, Bridgend, Cardiff, Newport and Wrexham are applying a 50 per cent. discount; all other authorities in Wales are applying a zero discount.

  Treatment Costs
  Mr. Austin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what estimate he has made of the total cost of treating accidents and other injuries in Wales in the last 12 months. [37318]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  Information is not collected centrally under these categories. Costs incurred through patients using accident and emergency services of NHS Trusts during 1996–97 were £38.543 million. Information for use of accident and emergency services during 1997–98 will be available from the audited accounts of NHS Trusts in September.

  Source:

  Financial return from the 1996–97 audited accounts of NHS Trusts.

  Osteoporosis
  Mr. Austin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many health authorities have an osteoporosis strategy in place; and if he will list them. [37308]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  The 5 Welsh Health Authorities have policies and strategies which inform their approach to this condition.

  Mr. Austin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what estimate he has made of the number of visits and repeat visits to GPs in Wales occasioned by osteoporosis. [37304]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  I will write to my hon. Friend as soon as possible and place a copy of my reply in the Library of the House.

  Parc Ty Gwyn, Llanrwst
  Mr. Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if will make a statement on the economic, social and environmental impact of the disposal of the Parc Ty Gwyn site on the town of Llanrwst and the surrounding area. [37755]

  Mr. Hain
  The Welsh Development Agency recently sold its built property on the Parc Ty Gwyn site to a private sector property investor. It retains ownership of the remainder of the site.
  105
  The Agency plans to maintain a close working relationship with the new owner and do all that it can to attract further investment and jobs to the estate. The resources generated by the sale will help the Agency to meet the cost of additional developments in North Wales during the coming year which should further enhance the economic and social development of the region. Any future developments on the site will require planning permission from the local planning authority which will take account of environmental considerations.

  Mr. Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what consultations he has had with the Countryside Council of Wales on the disposal of Parc Ty Gwyn; and if he will make a statement. [37756]

  Mr. Ron Davies
  None. There are no nature conservation issues on this site. It was therefore not necessary to consult the Countryside Council for Wales.

  Mr. Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) if he will make a statement on the role of the district valuer in the acquisition, development and disposal of the site known as Parc Ty Gwyn; [37753]

  (2) what was the total cost of connecting utilities to Parc Ty Gwyn; [37749]

  (3) if he will name the organisations which have expressed an interest in purchasing unsold units at Parc Ty Gwyn; and what is the price of each unsold unit; [37757]

  (4) how many industrial units have been built at Parc Ty Gwyn; and at what total cost; [37751]

  (5) what proportion of the acquisition cost of Parc Ty Gwyn was paid by the Welsh Development Agency, and which other bodies and organisations contributed to the acquisition; [37747]

  (6) what restrictions have been placed on the possible uses of units on the Parc Ty Gwyn site; [37754]

  (7) how many full time equivalent jobs (a) have been and (b) are forecast to be established at Parc Ty Gwyn; [37750]

  (8) when the Welsh Development Agency acquired the site known as Parc Ty Gwyn, Betws Road, Llanrwst; and for what price; [37758]

  (9) how many industrial units at Parc Ty Gwyn have been sold; to whom each was sold; and at what price; [37752]

  (10) when the Welsh Development Agency obtained outline planning approval for the site known as Parc Ty Gwyn; and if he will publish (a) the outline and (b) the full planning approval for the site. [37748]

  Mr. Hain
  Issues relating to the acquisition, development and disposal of land and property at the Parc Ty Gwyn site, Llanrwst are operational matters for the Welsh Development Agency. I have therefore asked its chief Executive to write to the hon. Member with the information requested. I shall arrange for a copy of the Chief Executive's letter to be placed in the Library of the House.

SCOTLAND

  Air Services
  Mr. David Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to improve air services between Scotland and Europe, with special reference to serving between Scotland and Germany; and if he will make a statement. [37541]

  Mr. McLeish
  Any improvement of services between Scotland and Europe, including Germany, is a matter for the commercial judgment of airlines and is dependent on the market for such services.

  Osteoporosis
  Mr. Austin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he has made of the cost of treating osteoporotic fractures in the last 12 months. [37321]

  Mr. Galbraith
  No estimate has been made of the cost of treating osteoporotic fractures in the last 12 months.

  Mr. Austin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he has made of the projected number of osteoporotic fractures in Scotland in the next 12 months and the number of(a) orthopaedic beds and (b) days of hospitalisation required to treat them. [37333]

  Mr. Galbraith
  It is for Health Boards to assess the needs of their resident population and to ensure that services are provided to meet these needs. The Scottish Needs Assessment Programme published a Report on Osteoporosis in April 1997 to assist Health Boards in this task.

  Mr. Austin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he has made of the number of visits and repeat visits to GPs in Scotland occasioned by osteoporosis. [37305]

  Mr. Galbraith
  The information is not available.

  Mr. Austin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what percentage and number of(a) accidents and (b) orthopaedic hospital admissions in Scotland are directly attributable to osteoporosis. [37326]

  Mr. Galbraith
  The information requested is provided in the table.

  It should be noted that the presence of osteoporosis may not always be diagnosed explicitly, since many cases are recorded as common fractures.

  Admission criteria in 1997

  Accident

  Orthopaedics

  Number of admissions during 1997

  68,701

  76,007

  Number of admission in 1997 where osteoporosis was recorded as main diagnostic condition

  9

  107

  Percentage of admissions in 1997 where osteoporosis was recorded as main diagnostic condition

  0.01

  0.14

  Number of admissions in 1997 where osteoporosis was recorded as any main diagnostic condition

  734

  372

  Percentage of admissions in 1997 where osteoporosis was recorded as any main diagnostic condition

  1.07

  0.49

  107
  Mr. Austin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many health authorities have an osteoporosis strategy in place; and if he will list them. [37309]

  Mr. Galbraith
  The information requested is not held centrally.

  Mr. Austin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment he has made of the incidence of osteoporosis; and what estimate he has made of the cost of osteoporosis to the NHS in Scotland in the last 12 months. [37313]

  Mr. Galbraith
  The Scottish Needs Assessment Programme published a Needs Assessment Report on osteoporosis in April 1997. The Report estimated that, in Scotland, more than 40,000 men and in excess of 200,000 women aged over 50 have osteoporosis of the hip. Information of the estimated cost of osteoporosis to the NHS in Scotland in the last 12 months is not available.

  Treatment Costs (Accidents and Injuries)
  Mr. Austin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he has made of the total cost of treating accidents and other injuries in Scotland in the last 12 months. [37320]

  Mr. Galbraith
  These costs are not separately identifiable. Health Boards in Scotland are given a general revenue allocation to meet the health care needs of their resident population. In 1997–98, Health Boards were given a general allocation of £2,674 million and would have met the cost of treating accidents and other injuries from within this allocation.

  Salmon Farming
  Dr. Gibson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what evaluation he has made of the effects of ivermectin on salmon fish farming. [37586]

  Mr. Macdonald
  Ivermectin has been prescribed as a treatment for sea lice infestation of farmed salmon and a number of consents for its use have been granted by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency under control of pollution legislation. In addition, a number of other applications have been referred to my right hon. Friend for possible call-in and these are under consideration. It would be inappropriate for me to comment further at this stage.

  Rural Schools
  Mr. Charles Kennedy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what costs have been incurred to date by the Highland Council in respect of its consultation process over rural school closures; and if he will make a statement. [37573]

  Mr. Wilson
  Detailed breakdowns of education authority administration costs are not collected centrally.

  Mr. Charles Kennedy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what account local authorities are required to take, when considering rural school closures, of affected communities already having been included in the Rural Regeneration Programme; and if he will make a statement. [37574]
  108
  Mr. Wilson
  Local authorities are able to take all matters they consider relevant into account. I wrote to all Scottish Members of Parliament on 24 March 1998 enclosing a copy of a speech I made on rural schools on 21 March 1998.

  Integrated Administration and Control System
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if all details supplied by farmers for IACS purposes are treated by his Department as confidential documents; [36398]

  (2) what measures he proposes to ensure that farm documents supplied for IACS purposes are not supplied by SOAFD to the wrong farms; and how many incidents or disclosure of IACS details have been made by SOAFD to the wrong farms since the scheme was introduced. [36399]

  Mr. Macdonald
  The information submitted by a farmer as part of his IACS claim is subject to the Data Protection Act 1984 and the common law of confidentiality. The Scottish Office Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries Department will use IACS information only for the purposes of monitoring, evaluation or for research. Details supplied by farmers are released to third parties only with the permission of the original applicant.

  There are electronic and manual checks in place whose aim is to ensure that the details supplied for IACS purposes are returned to the correct farmer. The Department have had no formal complaints that data have been sent to the wrong farm and believe that the number of occasions when things do go wrong is minimal.

  Toxic Waste
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what assessment he has made of the safeguards to prevent the importation of(a) PCB contaminated and (b) other chemically-toxic waste from outside Scotland for landfill disposal in Scotland; and if he will make a statement; [36522]

  (2) if he will ban the (a) importation and (b) landfill disposal of (i) PCB contaminated and (ii) other similar chemically-toxic waste in Scotland. [36524]

  Mr. Macdonald
  The movement of waste within the UK is not prohibited. In 1994, 45,000 tonnes of special waste was moved from Scotland to other parts of the UK for disposal or treatment, and 6,000 tonnes entered Scotland from other parts of the UK. As regards movements of waste to and from the UK, the United Kingdom Management Plan for the Exports and Imports of Waste bans all imports of waste for disposal except where the exporting country does not have and cannot be expected to provide suitable facilities, and where such facilities are not available closer to that country. The Plan allows most imports of waste for recovery.

  Properly managed, landfill is a suitable disposal route for a wide range of waste. I am satisfied that the existing waste management licensing system provides adequate controls over such disposals.
  109
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will review the licences of operators who have, without authorisation, dumped(a) PCB contaminated and (b) other chemically-toxic waste in landfill sites in Scotland. [36523]

  Mr. Macdonald
  The Scottish Environment Protection Agency, as regulator, has the power to review and modify waste management licences. The disposal of waste without authorisation is a criminal offence. A licence-holder convicted of such an offence would be liable to have its licence withdrawn.

  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what powers are available to SEPA to prevent landfill disposal of PCB-contaminated and other similar chemically-toxic waste in Scotland. [36525]

  Mr. Macdonald
  The keeping, treating and disposal of waste requires a waste management licence (unless it is an exempt activity) granted by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) under the Waste Management Licensing Regulations 1994, as amended. In the case of wastes containing PCBs, guidance on their disposal is available in Waste Management Paper No. 6 and in circular SOAEFD 13/96, which accompanied the Special Waste Regulations 1996. The disposal of waste without authorisation is a criminal offence.

  Number of new attendances at accident and emergency departments in Scotland

  Hospitals

  3rd Quarter 1995–96

  4th Quarter 1995–96

  3rd Quarter 1996–97

  4th Quarter 1996–97

  3rd Quarter 1997–98

  Aberdeen Royal Infirmary

  12,978

  12,390

  12,877

  12,660

  12,711

  Aberfeldy Cottage Hospital

  164

  147

  166

  165

  166

  Aboyne Hospital

  185

  177

  183

  183

  200

  Adamson Hospital

  826

  782

  820

  789

  747

  Arbroath Infirmary

  2,114

  1,961

  1,970

  1,907

  2,055

  Arduthie Hospital

  227

  206

  -

  -

  -

  Arran War Memorial Hospital

  210

  183

  219

  245

  228

  Aviemore Health Centre

  226

  648

  421

  547

  399

  Balfour Hospital

  453

  438

  489

  436

  546

  Belford Hospital

  1,274

  1,362

  1,407

  1,384

  1,528

  Belhaven Hospital

  -

  -

  109

  126

  129

  Blairgowrie Cottage Hospital

  444

  448

  423

  442

  484

  Borders General Hospital

  2,766

  2,559

  2,819

  2,738

  3,078

  Brechin Infirmary

  319

  284

  350

  353

  333

  Caithness General Hospital

  812

  802

  870

  836

  922

  Campbeltown Health Centre

  440

  353

  324

  331

  295

  Campbeltown Hospital

  610

  550

  350

  607

  544

  Castle Douglas Hospital

  120

  203

  240

  207

  -

  Chalmers Hospital

  1,348

  1,204

  1,232

  1,254

  1,186

  Coldstream Cottage Hospital

  140

  160

  164

  123

  22

  Cresswell Maternity Hospital

  -

  -

  108

  -

  -

  Crieff Community Hospital

  -

  -

  794

  746

  674

  Crieff Cottage Hospital

  702

  606

  -

  -

  -

  Crosshouse Hospital

  11,775

  11,719

  11,749

  11,959

  12,485

  Daliburgh Hospital

  78

  64

  113

  75

  92

  Davidson Cottage Hospital

  701

  821

  792

  1,004

  924

  Dr. Gray's Hospital

  2,718

  2,751

  3,073

  3,115

  2,853

  Dumfries & Galloway Royal Infirmary

  5,680

  7,017

  5,505

  5,656

  5,792

  Dunbar Hospital

  465

  391

  454

  500

  590

  Dundee Royal Infirmary

  10,960

  10,209

  10,451

  10,199

  10,297

  Dunoon & District General Hospital

  1,133

  784

  1,084

  1,227

  1,116

  Eastern General Hospital

  8

  12

  10

  16

  -

  Edinburgh Royal Infirmary

  22,416

  21,395

  22,331

  22,147

  22,930

  Edington Cottage Hospital

  -

  -

  382

  340

  323

  Cairngorm Funicular Railway
  Mr. Letwin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his Department's policy in relation to the proposal to build a funicular railway in the Cairngorms; and if he will make a statement. [38125]

  Mr. Wilson
  My right hon. Friend welcomes investment projects which deliver economic benefits for the residents of the Scottish Highlands and Islands, which deliver value for money in terms of the public sector financial support provided to them and which are consistent with the Government's environmental obligations, both international and domestic. My right hon. Friend and I believe that the proposed Cairngorm funicular railway is such a project.

  Accident and Emergency Departments
  Mr. Moore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many admissions were made to the accident and emergency department of each Scottish hospital in(a) November, (b December, (c) January and (d) February during (i) 1995–96, (ii) 1996–97 and (iii) 1997–98. [37797]

  Mr. Galbraith
  Information is not available centrally on the number of attendances at Accident and Emergency Departments on a monthly basis. Data on attendance at Accident and Emergency Departments are recorded centrally at the end of each quarter. Information on the number of new attendances at hospital Accident and Emergency Departments in Scotland for the quarter ending 31 December for the last 3 years and 31 March for the last 2 years is provided in the table. Information for the quarter ending 31 March 1998 is not yet available.
  111

  Number of new attendances at accident and emergency departments in Scotland

  Hospitals

  3rd Quarter 1995–96

  4th Quarter 1995–96

  3rd Quarter 1996–97

  4th Quarter 1996–97

  3rd Quarter 1997–98

  Falkirk & District Royal Infirmary

  8,804

  8,395

  8,757

  8,686

  8,740

  Fleming Cottage Hospital

  85

  92

  123

  119

  106

  Forfar Infirmary

  728

  693

  822

  684

  775

  Fraserburgh Hospital

  2,253

  2,181

  2,418

  2,603

  2,587

  Garrick Hospital

  1,761

  2,277

  1,947

  1,810

  2,117

  Gilbert Bain Hospital

  1,288

  1,369

  1,256

  1,325

  1,309

  Glasgow Dental Hospital & School

  5,342

  5,199

  5,233

  4,493

  5,281

  Glasgow Royal Infirmary

  17,145

  15,998

  16,390

  16,159

  16,734

  Hairmyres Hospital

  8,712

  8,771

  8,370

  8,307

  8,495

  Hawick Cottage Hospital

  977

  528

  975

  805

  991

  Hay Lodge Hospital

  212

  193

  956

  1,085

  448

  Huntly Jubilee Hospital

  423

  374

  479

  493

  493

  Ian Charles Hospital

  245

  199

  250

  248

  204

  Insch & District War Memorial Hospital

  118

  117

  122

  155

  103

  Inverclyde Royal Hospital

  7,711

  7,286

  7,369

  7,594

  7,895

  Inverurie Hospital

  148

  94

  185

  205

  216

  Irvine Memorial Hospital

  415

  291

  327

  313

  329

  Islay Hospital

  119

  96

  65

  59

  135

  Kello Hospital

  455

  414

  456

  424

  477

  Kelso Hospital

  446

  359

  435

  342

  271

  Kirkcudbright Hospital

  288

  172

  376

  289

  -

  Knoll Hospital

  270

  198

  245

  211

  230

  Lady Home Hospital

  283

  258

  317

  358

  363

  Lady Margaret Hospital, Millport

  145

  131

  137

  151

  125

  Law Hospital

  8,976

  8,659

  8,719

  8,949

  9,452

  Lawson Memorial Hospital

  126

  89

  153

  99

  139

  Leanchoil Hospital

  340

  270

  282

  275

  441

  Lorn & Islands DGH, Oban

  949

  848

  1,036

  1,023

  1,047

  Mackinnon Memorial Hospital

  201

  184

  142

  133

  203

  Mid Argyll Hospital

  554

  513

  584

  541

  600

  Moffat Hospital

  -

  28

  212

  208

  -

  Monklands District General Hospital

  13,369

  12,596

  13,192

  13,100

  14,268

  Montrose Royal Infirmary

  519

  499

  554

  449

  625

  Nairn Town & Country Hospital

  460

  358

  552

  389

  370

  Newton Stewart Hospital

  323

  377

  319

  312

  -

  Ninewells Hospital

  1,149

  1,147

  857

  906

  985

  Perth Royal Infirmary

  5,909

  5,666

  5,885

  5,975

  6,204

  Peterhead Cottage Hospital

  1,957

  1,865

  1,920

  1,783

  1,845

  Portree Hospital

  270

  243

  260

  232

  257

  Queen Margaret Hospital

  7,323

  7,028

  7,435

  7,208

  7,858

  Raigmore Hospital

  4,917

  4,915

  5,008

  5,341

  5,286

  RHSC, Edinburgh

  6,827

  6,654

  6,168

  6,601

  6,662

  RHSC, Glasgow

  8,665

  7,795

  7,631

  8,760

  8,824

  Roodlands General Hospital

  1

  -

  -

  -

  -

  Ross Memorial Hospital

  543

  583

  498

  424

  571

  Rothesay Victoria Hospital

  756

  754

  865

  735

  704

  Royal Aberdeen Children's Hospital

  3,602

  3,510

  3,498

  3,727

  3,632

  Royal Alexandra Hospital

  13,272

  12,753

  12,261

  12,490

  13,825

  Seafield Hospital

  430

  398

  487

  413

  361

  Sister Margaret Cottage Hospital

  138

  119

  129

  111

  41

  Southern General Hospital

  9,608

  9,476

  9,513

  9,285

  9,124

  St. Andrews Memorial Hospital

  1,121

  1,003

  1,076

  997

  1,059

  St. Brendan's Hospital

  8

  1

  12

  13

  13

  St. John's Hospital at Howden

  8,742

  8,400

  8,834

  8,703

  8,951

  St. Margaret's Hospital

  315

  238

  300

  328

  307

  Stephen Cottage Hospital

  123

  112

  153

  151

  186

  Stirling Royal Infirmary

  7,662

  7,511

  7,654

  7,567

  8,200

  Stobhil Hospital

  10,809

  10,344

  10,793

  10,766

  11,205

  Stonehouse Hospital

  882

  987

  959

  890

  889

  Stracathro Hospital

  1,179

  1,182

  1,352

  1,341

  1,338

  The Ayr Hospital

  8,942

  8,567

  9,274

  9,176

  10,079

  Turner Memorial Hospital

  433

  434

  515

  512

  542

  Turiff Cottage Hospital

  460

  416

  455

  447

  450

  Vale of Leven District General Hospital

  4,479

  4,348

  4,429

  4,231

  3,082

  Victoria Cottage Hospital

  182

  157

  -

  1

  -

  Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy

  7,852

  7,888

  7,937

  8,121

  8,469

  Victoria Infirmary, Glasgow

  16,760

  16,212

  17,365

  17,053

  17,338

  Western General Hospital, Edinburgh

  -

  -

  4,735

  4,145

  4,905

  Western Infirmary, Glasgow

  17,078

  16,161

  16,374

  15,728

  16,201

  Western Isles Hospital

  1,240

  1,154

  1,154

  1,292

  931

  Woodcot Hospital

  -

  -

  210

  243

  268

  Scotland

  320,115

  308,654

  322,369

  320,409

  330,790

  Note:

  p=provisional
  112 113

  Drug Users
  Mr. Moore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was NHS expenditure in Scotland by trust on services to drug users in each of the last three years for which figures are available. [37798]

  Mr. Galbraith
  Figures on expenditure by NHS Trust on services to drug users are not held centrally. The table shows expenditure by Health Board on specific services to drug users in each of the last three years. The figures comprise expenditure on the supply of disposable syringes, the needle and syringe exchange scheme and drug abuse projects.

  £000

  Health Board

  1994–95

  1995–96

  1996–97

  Argyll and Clyde

  139

  210

  408

  Ayrshire and Arran

  194

  298

  366

  Borders

  30

  5

  14

  Dumfries and Galloway

  120

  166

  136

  Fife

  5

  6

  5

  Forth Valley

  73

  169

  126

  Grampian

  102

  113

  153

  Greater Glasgow

  1,618

  1,808

  2,190

  Highland

  107

  116

  157

  Lanarkshire

  121

  90

  231

  Lothian

  736

  1,302

  1,213

  Orkney

  0

  26

  39

  Shetland

  9

  11

  66

  Tayside

  354

  971

  952

  Western Isles

  91

  58

  50

  Total

  3,699

  5,349

  6,106

  Hospital Waiting Lists
  Mr. Moore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many people in Scotland had been on waiting lists for NHS treatment for(a) 0 to 3 months, (b) 3 to 6 months, (c) 6 to 9 months, (d) 9 to 12 months and (e) over 12 months

  Nursing stuff employed by the NHS in Scotland: net movements by Trust: for year beginning 30 September

  1995/96

  11996/97

  2Leavers

  3Joiners

  2Leavers

  3Joiners

  South Ayrshire Hospitals NHS Trust

  35

  35

  40

  61

  North Ayrshire and Arran NHS Trust

  65

  86

  74

  71

  Ayrshire and Arran Community Health Care NHS Trust

  93

  87

  70

  86

  Borders General Hospital NHS Trust

  42

  56

  31

  43

  Borders Community Health Services NHS Trust

  59

  50

  51

  44

  Royal Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust

  75

  55

  59

  77

  Inverclyde Royal NHS Trust

  35

  36

  46

  33

  Renfrewshire Healthcare NHS Trust4

  102

  96

  -

  -

  Lomond Healthcare NHS Trust

  56

  46

  43

  51

  Argyll and Bute NHS Trust

  41

  49

  59

  51

  State Hospital

  26

  8

  14

  13

  Queen Margaret Hospital NHS Trust

  56

  74

  52

  54

  Fife Healthcare NHS Trust

  142

  97

  259

  56

  Kirkcaldy Acute Hospitals NHS Trust

  57

  62

  58

  65

  Southern General Hospital NHS Trust

  111

  135

  109

  105

  The Yorkhill NHS Trust

  64

  116

  59

  72

  The Victoria Infirmary NHS Trust

  80

  66

  68

  99

  West Glasgow Hospitals University NHS Trust

  145

  219

  125

  166

  Glasgow Royal Infirmary University NHS Trust

  196

  185

  131

  134

  Stobhill NHS Trust

  100

  50

  51

  46

  Glasgow Community and Mental Health Services NHS Trust

  206

  117

  144

  175

  Glasgow Dental Hospital and School NHS Trust

  3

  3

  2

  2

  Raigmore Hospital NHS Trust

  75

  58

  74

  62

  Caithness and Sutherland NHS Trust

  23

  31

  34

  19

  Highland Communities NHS Trust

  80

  76

  66

  84

  114
  on (i) 31 March 1998, (ii) 30 September 1996, (iii) 30 June 1996, (iv) 31 March 1996, (v) 30 September 1995, (vi) 30 June 1995 and (vii) 31 March 1995. [37791]

  Mr. Galbraith
  Information on the number of patients with a guarantee, and the time spent on waiting lists of NHS treatment for the dates rquested in 1995 and 1996 is provided in the table. Data on waiting lists for the quarter ending 31 March 1998 are not yet available.

  NHS patients on waiting lists at scottish hospitals: number and time spent on waiting lists

  Time Spent on Waiting List (months)1

  Under 3

  3 to 6

  6 to 9

  9 to 12

  Over 12

  31 March 1995

  51,893

  15,553

  6,639

  3,021

  1,181

  30 June 1995

  49,930

  16,297

  6,917

  2,748

  1,178

  30 September 1995

  50,243

  16,653

  7,619

  3,094

  1,197

  31 March 1996

  53,600

  16,926

  7,272

  2,819

  130

  30 June 1996

  50,868

  17,536

  7,182

  2,669

  280

  30 September 1996

  49,595

  16,823

  7,808

  2,692

  416

  1Length of time patients with a waiting time guarantee have waited on the waiting list.

  Agency Nurses
  Mr. Moore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list by trust(a) the number of shifts worked by agency nurses and (b) the cost of employing agency nurses for the financial year 1997–98. [37794]

  Mr. Galbraith
  The answer could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Nurses
  Mr. Moore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many nurses were recruited by each trust in (i) 1995–96, (ii) 1996–97 and (iii) 1997–98; and how many nurses left each trust(a) due to retirement, (b) to work for a nursing agency and (c) for other reasons in each of those years. [37793]

  Mr. Galbraith
  The information is as follows:
  115

  Nursing staff employed by the NHS in Scotland: net movements by Trust: for year beginning 30 September

  1995/96

  11996/97

  2Leavers

  3Joiners

  2Leavers

  3Joiners

  Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust

  112

  78

  64

  80

  Law Hospital NHS Trust

  70

  69

  42

  27

  Hairmyres and Stonehouse Hospitals NHS Trust

  104

  63

  60

  42

  Lanarkshire Healthcare NHS Trust

  120

  205

  125

  131

  Aberdeen Royal Hospitals NHS Trust

  243

  267

  211

  202

  Grampian Healthcare NHS Trust

  236

  209

  215

  161

  Moray Health Services NHS Trust

  53

  108

  52

  57

  Orkney Health Board

  15

  13

  20

  8

  West Lothian NHS Trust

  100

  91

  80

  59

  Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh NHS Trust

  328

  251

  297

  237

  Edinburgh Sick Children's NHS Trust

  46

  42

  32

  65

  Western General Hospitals NHS Trust

  150

  146

  135

  152

  East and Midlothian NHS Trust

  93

  85

  92

  81

  Edinburgh Healthcare NHS Trust

  213

  216

  154

  141

  Dundee Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

  144

  157

  138

  128

  Perth and Kinross Healthcare NHS Trust

  88

  54

  94

  245

  Dundee Healthcare NHS Trust

  81

  68

  59

  49

  Angus NHS Trust

  70

  60

  53

  64

  Stirling Royal Infirmary NHS Trust

  60

  68

  62

  57

  Falkirk and District Royal Infirmary NHS Trust

  67

  62

  73

  76

  Central Scotland Healthcare NHS Trust

  118

  102

  117

  69

  Western Isles Health Board Headquarters

  25

  13

  20

  22

  Dumfries and Galloway Acute and Maternity Hospitals NHS Trust

  40

  52

  46

  46

  Dumfries and Galloway Community Health NHS Trust

  52

  47

  110

  55

  Shetland Hospitals and Community Services Unit

  30

  20

  20

  21

  1 1997 data are provisional.

  2 Leavers are defined as registered and enrolled nurses who are no longer employed by the NHS in Scotland or have moved to another NHS Trust.

  3 Joiners are defined as registered and enrolled nurses who have joined the NHS in Scotland or have joined from another NHS Trust.

  4 1996/97 data for Renfrewshire Healthcare NHS Trust are not available. There are about 160 qualified nurses who do not appear on the 1997 provisional file and as a result the figures for 1996/97 would not reflect the true number of leavers and joiners.

  Source:

  National Manpower Statistics from payroll ISD Scotland Adhoc ref: 98/11106.

HEALTH

  Registration and Inspection Units
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list for each health and local authority registration area in the most recent available year(a) the number of registration and inspection officers and other staff, including immediate managers and administrative officers directly concerned with the process, (b) the number of units to be inspected in each registration category, (c) the number of inspections carried out in each registration category, and the percentage and number of individuals not inspected in accordance with statutory requirements and (d) the number of (i) new registrations and (ii) variations to registrations in each category of provision; and if he will set out the overall national totals and average figures in each area. [33830]

  Mr. Milburn
  Information on the number of residential care homes and children's homes which local authorities have a statutory responsibility to inspect, and on the number of nursing homes which health authorities have a statutory responsibility to inspect, is provided in a table, copies of which have been placed in the Library. The table also shows total whole time equivalent registration and inspection officers working in local authorities. The other information requested is not available centrally. However, my hon. Friend might like to refer to the Social Services Inspectorate publication "Local Authority Social Services Department Registration and Inspection Units Key Data 1994/1995", copies of which are in the Library, for further 116
  limited information on numbers of registration and inspection staff employed by local authorities, for information on the number of inspections carried out and on numbers of new registrations and variations of registrations. The National Health Service Confederation also has some limited information relating to health authorities.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made from statistical returns of health and social services registration and inspection units of the change in their workloads over the last five years. [33850]

  Mr. Boateng
  None. Some limited information on the workload of social services registration and inspection units is available from a Social Services Inspectorate publication, "Local Authority Social Services Registration and Inspection Units—Key Data 1994/1995", copies of which are in the Library. A revised publication of key data for 1996/97 is due to be published shortly. For information on health authority registration and inspection unit workloads, my hon. Friend might like to contact the National Health Service Confederation which maintains a database on nursing home registration and inspection.

  The Government have a manifesto commitment to creating independent regulatory arrangements and aim to reform the organisation of registration and inspection units. The Government's proposals will be set out in the White Paper on Social Services which will be published this summer.

  Sjögren's Syndrome
  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action he has taken to help victims of Sjögren's Syndrome; what research is currently being undertaken; and what treatment is available for patients in the North Essex Health Authority Area. [36220]

  Ms Jowell
  Health authorities are responsible for assessing the needs of their populations and commissioning services to meet those needs. The National Health Service provides a considerable number of services to which people with Sjögren's Syndrome have access, and such patients are seen within a wide range of hospital specialties.

  The main agency through which the Government support bio-medical and clinical research is the Medical Research Council (MRC). The MRC is an independent body which receives its grant-in-aid from the Office of Science and Technology, which is part of the Department of Trade and Industry. The MRC is not currently funding any research into Sjögren's Syndrome. However, the estimated MRC research expenditure on autoimmune diseases was about £980,000 in 1996/97. This itself is underpinned by much basic scientific work in the MRC's extensive portfolio of research on immunity. Total MRC research into infections, immunity and inflammation is estimated at some £60 million for 1997/98.

  Sjögren's Syndrome is also classed as a connective tissue disorder. Estimated MRC research expenditure in areas relevant to connective tissue disorders was over £1 million in 1996/97.

  Vitamin B6
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment's (COT) 1978 report conclusions regarding vitamin B6. [36458]

  Ms Jowell
  In 1978 the Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment (COT) did not produce a report on vitamin B6. However, in its statement on vitamin B6 of June 1997, the Committee did make reference to a 1978 study on the toxicity of vitamin B6 in dogs carried out by Phillips et al.

  It is the COT' s role to evaluate the scientific evidence on toxicity of chemicals in food and to advise the Government on such matters. We have every confidence in the rigour with which the COT reviewed the data on the safety of vitamin B6.

  Fluoridation
  Sir Raymond Powell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people he estimates are supplied with drinking water to which fluoride has been added. [36841]

  Ms Jowell
  Some 5.5 million people in the United Kingdom receive water where the fluoride content has been artificially increased to a level of one part of fluoride per million of water.

  Anonymous Donor Insemination
  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many anonymous donor insemination cycles are currently being performed for a single woman under the licensing control of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority. [37273]

  Ms Jowell
  The latest information verified by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority is that between 1 August 1991 and 31 March 1996, 4,179 donor insemination cycles involving no male partner were reported to the authority.

  Maternity Units and Accident and Emergency Units
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many hospital(a) maternity units and (b) accident and emergency units in (i) the North West of England and (ii) England, have been (1) closed and (2) merged since 1 May 1997. [37282]

  Mr. Milburn
  Information about the closure or merger of hospital maternity and accident and emergency units is not collected centrally and although general information about the total numbers of accident and emergency units is collated, this does not show how many have been merged or closed. To obtain all the information sought by the hon. Member would incur disproportionate costs.

  Asylum Seekers
  Mr. Allan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the sums due to local authorities for the support of asylum seekers in the year 1997–98 under the National Assistance Act 1948, broken down by local authority. [37967]

  Mr. Boateng
  The table shows the estimated amount of special grant due to local authorities for supporting adult asylum seekers under the 1948 National Assistance Act in 1997–98:

  £

  Local authority

  Total grant due in 1997–98

  Barking & Dagenham

  365,627.92

  Barnsley

  3,489.20

  Barnet

  792,668.00

  Bedfordshire

  33,292.00

  Berkshire

  524,823.41

  Bexley

  60,045.00

  Birmingham

  184,662.22

  Bournemouth

  12,465.00

  Bradford

  4,141.72

  Brent

  2,481,633.90

  Brighton and Hove

  76,682.74

  Bristol City

  51,150.22

  Bromley

  133,420.00

  Buckinghamshire

  13,055.62

  Bury

  6,770.00

  Cambridgeshire

  94,988.00

  Camden

  2,921,840.00

  Cornwall

  2,633.50

  Corporation of London

  95,900.00

  Croydon

  628,314.45

  Derby City

  3,357.08

  Derbyshire

  921.60

  Dorset

  2,240.00

  Ealing

  1,565,363.00

  East Sussex

  3,883.17

  119

  £

  Local authority

  Total grant due in 1997–98

  Enfield

  231,560.00

  Essex

  112,649.16

  Gateshead

  6,360.64

  Gloucestershire

  7,194.54

  Greenwich

  495,797.93

  Hackney

  3,027,990.00

  Hammersmith and Fulham

  1,406,618.00

  Haringey

  1,671,951.00

  Harrow

  748,971.00

  Havering

  25,900.00

  Hereford and Worcester

  5,259.11

  Hertfordshire

  50,283.44

  Hillingdon

  446,136.00

  Hounslow

  402,322.29

  Islington

  1,339,520.00

  Kent

  279,942.83

  Kensington and Chelsea

  2,177,140.00

  Kingston

  145,047.00

  Kirklees

  4,323.26

  Lambeth

  3,535,414.00

  Leeds City

  14,280.00

  Leicester City

  47,902.52

  Lewisham

  1,862,381.00

  Lincolnshire

  28,486.76

  Liverpool City

  25,023.00

  Luton

  45,185.57

  Manchester

  89,687.96

  Merton

  462,308.79

  Middlesborough

  19,810.67

  Milton Keynes

  238,089.62

  Newcastle upon Tyne

  45,041.63

  Newham

  2,496,568.00

  Norfolk

  28,706.00

  Northamptonshire

  64,120.00

  North East Lincolnshire

  3,432.90

  North Tyneside

  7,066.24

  Oxfordshire

  399,466.00

  Portsmouth

  8,577.57

  Redbridge

  422,810.00

  Richmond upon Thames

  263,852.13

  Rochdale

  5,193.00

  Rutland

  980.00

  Sheffield

  68,575.00

  Shropshire

  4,064.34

  Southampton

  6,049.04

  South Gloucestershire

  3,905.89

  Southwark

  1,198,810.00

  Stockton on Tees

  586.50

  Suffolk

  39,438.00

  Sunderland

  3,458.43

  Surrey

  21,086.00

  Sutton

  115,085.58

  Swindon

  6,264.00

  Tower Hamlets

  519,820.00

  Wakefield City

  3,240.74

  Waltham Forest

  623,275.82

  Wandsworth

  585,480.00

  Warwickshire

  29,540.00

  Westminster

  3,838,660.00

  West Sussex

  68,294.52

  Wiltshire

  8,960.00

  York

  2,626.14

  Total

  39,909,937.31

  120
  Mr. Allan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the actual cost to local authorities of supporting asylum seekers in the year 1997–98, broken down by local authority area. [37968]

  Mr. Boateng
  Information is unavailable on the actual expenditure incurred by all local authorities in supporting asylum seekers. The tables show the estimated expenditure for the local authorities which have made claims against the three special grants available in 1997/98. Local authorities may have also incurred other costs which have not been included in their grant claims because they are not reimbursable under the terms of the grant. We have no information on the cost for local authorities who have not claimed grant support.

  Table 1: Expenditure on adult asylum seekers

  £

  Local authority

  Estimated total expenditure in 1997/98

  Barking & Dagenham

  365,627.92

  Barnsley

  3,489.20

  Barnet

  792,668.00

  Bedfordshire

  33,292.00

  Berkshire

  524,823.41

  Bexley

  60,045.00

  Birmingham

  184,662.22

  Bournemouth

  12,465.00

  Bradford

  4,141.72

  Brent

  2,481,633.90

  Brighton and Hove

  76,682.74

  Bristol City

  51,150.22

  Bromley

  148,062.38

  Buckinghamshire

  13,055.62

  Bury

  6,770.00

  Cambridgeshire

  94,988.00

  Camden

  3,514,240.00

  Cornwall

  2,633.50

  Corporation of London

  96,080.00

  Croydon

  628,314.45

  Derby City

  3,357.08

  Derbyshire

  921.60

  Dorset

  2,240.00

  Ealing

  1,565,363.00

  East Sussex

  3,883.17

  Enfield

  271,739.00

  Essex

  112,649.16

  Gateshead

  6,360.64

  Gloucestershire

  7,194.54

  Greenwich

  495,797.93

  Hackney

  3,027,990.00

  Hammersmith and Fulham

  1,406,618.00

  Haringey

  1,671,951.00

  Harrow

  748,971.00

  Havering

  33,124.55

  Hereford and Worcester

  5,259.11

  Hertfordshire

  50,283.44

  Hillingdon

  446,136.00

  Hounslow

  402,322.29

  Islington

  1,823,325.00

  Kent

  279,942.83

  Kensington and Chelsea

  2,249,217.00

  Kingston

  145,047.00

  Kirklees

  4,323.26

  Lambeth

  3,535,414.00

  Leeds City

  16,176.00

  Leicester City

  47,902.52

  Lewisham

  1,862,381.00

  Lincolnshire

  28,486.76

  Liverpool City

  25,023.00

  Luton

  45,185.57

  Manchester

  89,687.96

  121

  Table 1: Expenditure on adult asylum seekers

  £

  Local authority

  Estimated total expenditure in 1997/98

  Merton

  462,308.79

  Middlesborough

  19,810.67

  Milton Keynes

  238,089.62

  Newcastle upon Tyne

  45,041.63

  Newham

  2,496,568.00

  Norfolk

  28,706.00

  Northamptonshire

  69,362.00

  North East Lincolnshire

  3,432.90

  North Tyneside

  7,066.24

  Oxfordshire

  399,466.00

  Portsmouth

  8,577.57

  Redbridge

  468,460.00

  Richmond upon Thames

  263,852.13

  Rochdale

  5,193.00

  Rutland

  1,830.00

  Sheffield

  68,575.00

  Shropshire

  4,064.34

  Southampton

  6,049.04

  South Gloucestershire

  3,905.89

  Southwark

  1,598,612.19

  Stockton on Tees

  586.50

  Suffolk

  39,438.00

  Sunderland

  3,458.43

  Surrey

  21,086.00

  Sutton

  115,085.58

  Swindon

  6,264.00

  Tower Hamlets

  555,260.00

  Wakefield City

  3,240.74

  Waltham Forest

  688,417.00

  Wandsworth

  585,480.00

  Warwickshire

  33,053.00

  Westminster

  4,623,193.00

  West Sussex

  68,294.52

  Wiltshire

  9,354.92

  York

  2,626.14

  Total

  42,500,703.35

  Table 2: Expenditure on asylum seekers with children

  £

  Local authority

  Estimated total expenditure in 1997/98

  Barking

  302,452.00

  Barnet

  1,369,644.00

  Bexley

  121,413.00

  Brent

  1,891,193.00

  Bromley

  292,871.00

  Camden

  2,072,767.00

  Corporation of London

  27,812.00

  Croydon

  463,313.00

  Ealing

  1,349,911.00

  Enfield

  1,507,000.00

  Greenwich

  477,787.00

  Hackney

  1,330,425.00

  Hammersmith

  1,783,846.00

  Haringey

  2,795,085.00

  Harrow

  623,342.00

  Hillingdon

  476,915.00

  Hounslow

  1,207,550.00

  Islington

  886,156.00

  Kensington

  1,729,615.00

  Kingston

  361,895.00

  Lambeth

  2,232,430.00

  Lewisham

  1,257,145.00

  Merton

  518,877.00

  Newham

  3,849,452.00

  122

  Table 2: Expenditure on asylum seekers with children

  £

  Local authority

  Estimated total expenditure in 1997/98

  Redbridge

  1,072,501.00

  Richmond

  189,471.00

  Southwark

  1,808,979.00

  Sutton

  114,054.00

  Tower Hamlets

  451,794.00

  Waltham Forest

  1,029,973.00

  Wandsworth

  1,590,518.00

  Westminster

  3,547,313.00

  Milton Keynes

  107,770.00

  Manchester

  345,460.00

  Total

  39,186,731.00

  Table 3: Unaccompanied asylum seeking children

  £

  Local authority

  Estimated total expenditure in 1997/98

  Bromley

  159,184.00

  Corporation of London

  29,254.00

  Croydon

  1,584,569.00

  Havering

  12,426.00

  Hillingdon

  1,303,470.00

  Kensington & Chelsea

  805,731.00

  Merton

  48,880.00

  Westminster

  897,163.00

  Total

  4,867,480.00

  Osteoporosis
  Mr. Austin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the number of visits and repeat visits to GPs in England occasioned by osteoporosis. [37303]

  Ms Jowell
  Information on the number of visits made to general practitioners about specific conditions is not collected centrally.

  Mr. Austin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the projected number of osteoporotic fractures in England in the next 12 months and the number of (a) orthopaedic beds and (b) days of hospitalisation required to treat them. [37331]

  Ms Jowell
  No such estimate has been made.

  Mr. Austin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the incidence of osteoporosis; and what estimate he has made of the cost of osteoporosis to the NHS in England in the last 12 months. [37311]

  Ms Jowell
  No estimate of the incidence of osteoporosis or the cost of osteoporosis to the National Health Service in England has been made in the last 12 months. In 1995 the advisory group on osteoporosis estimated that osteoporosis affected approximately one in four women and one in twelve men, and cost £742 million a year in England, based on 1992/93 prices.
  123
  Mr. Austin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many health authorities have an osteoporosis strategy in place; and if he will list them. [37307]

  Ms Jowell
  The Department does not hold a list of the health authorities which have an osteoporosis strategy.

  Mr. Austin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research he has evaluated into the correlation between osteoporosis and social deprivation; and if he will make a statement. [37315]

  Ms Jowell
  We are aware of the devastating effect that osteoporosis can have on all those who suffer from it, regardless of social class. That is why we have pledged our commitment to tackling the condition through a new strategy on osteoporosis.

  Mr. Austin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage and number of(a) accidents and (b) orthopaedic hospital admissions in England are directly attributable to osteoporosis. [37324]

  Ms Jowell
  Information on the number of accidents directly attributable to osteoporosis is not collated centrally. The table shows the number of admissions to National Health Service hospitals in England in 1995–96 (the latest date for which figures are available), where the main diagnosis was osteoporosis and the consultant specialty was 'Trauma & Orthopaedics'. It shows that just over 0.1 per cent. of admissions in that specialty involved a primary diagnosis of osteoporosis.

  Ordinary admissions and day cases combined: number of admissions by specialty and primary diagnosis, NHS hospitals in England, 1995–96

  Trauma and Orthopaedics

  Admissions with primary diagnosis given as osteoporosis

  852

  All admissions

  750,195

  Percentage admissions with primary diagnosis given as osteoporosis

  0.114

  Mr. Austin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the cost of treating osteoporotic fractures in the last 12 months. [37317]

  Ms Jowell
  The information requested cannot be separately identified.

  Xenotransplantation
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he intends to implement the recommendation of the Advisory Group on the Ethics of Xenotransplantation in respect of the introduction of primary legislation to regulate xenotransplantation. [37878]

  Mr. Boateng
  We are considering the results of the consultation exercise held last year relating to the advisory group's recommendations and we will be announcing our response shortly. This will cover the wide range of issues involved including legislation.

  In the meantime, the United Kingdom Xenotransplantation Interim Regulatory Authority, which advises the Government on all issues relating to xenotransplantation, is continuing to monitor closely developments in this field.

  Prescription Drugs
  Mr. Breed
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the financial impact on dispensing pharmacies of 90 day pay contracts for prescription drugs; and if he will make a statement. [37378]

  Mr. Milburn
  A payment representing approximately 80 per cent. of the amount due for dispensing prescriptions is made to community pharmacists on the first day of the month following that which correctly endorsed prescriptions are received for pricing. The balance is paid on the first day of the following month, once prescriptions have been fully processed. This long established payment schedule is one of the factors taken into account in determining overall remuneration for community pharmacy contractors.

  Respite Care
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the availability of respite care; and if he will make a statement. [37610]

  Mr. Boateng
  The Social Services Inspectorate is currently conducting a special study to establish the availability and quality of short-term breaks. The report of this work, which is intended to help authorities in devising and delivering appropriate and cost effective services, will be available later this year.

  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research underlay the recent estimates of the Minister of State, Baroness Jay, relating to the cost of short-term care breaks based on a legally-based rights system. [37609]

  Mr. Boateng
  The 1990 General Household Survey estimated that in Great Britain there are 700,000 carers providing 50 or more hours of care a week. The calculation of the cost of short-term breaks quoted by my noble Friend the Baroness Jay of Paddington on 30 March 1998 was based on the cost of providing one day of respite care per month for this number of people, using an hourly cost figure of £4.50. The lower end of the range represents 8 hours of respite care; the upper end of the range represents 24 hour cover. No account in the calculation was taken of the cost of respite care which is currently provided.

  Accident Treatment Costs
  Mr. Austin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the total cost of treating accidents and other injuries in England in the last 12 months. [37316]

  Mr. Milburn
  Figures for the total cost of treatment of accidents and other injuries over the last 12 months are not available. However, a study by the National Health Service Executive published in 1996 entitled "Burdens of Disease" estimated the cost of treating accidents and other injuries to be in the region of £1.2 billion. Copies of this document are available in the Library.

  Lead in Water
  Dr. Gibson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what criteria he is using to evaluate IQ deficits in relation to the reduction in levels of lead in water. [37580]
  125
  Ms Jowell
  Approximate estimates of the expected relationship between lead in water and IQ are based on a combination of published models relating lead intake to blood lead levels1,2 and blood lead levels to IQ.2
  1 Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. Lead in Food: Progress Report. The 27th report of the Steering Group on Food Surveillance. The working party on inorganic contaminants in food third supplementary report on lead. Food surveillance paper No 27. London: HMSO, 1989.
  2 World Health Organization. Inorganic Lead. Environmental Health Criteria No 165. Geneva: World Health Organisation, 1995.

  Chorley and South Ribble NHS Trust
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what decision he had made on extending the appointment of existing members of the Board of the Chorley and South Ribble NHS Trust beyond October 1998. [37898]

  Mr. Milburn
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has made no decisions on extending the appointments of board members whose appointments come to an end on 31 October 1998, nor has he been asked to do so.

  Cervical Screening
  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action he is taking to identify barriers to the use of cervical screening services by women living in areas of social deprivation. [37685]

  Mr. Boateng
  We are determined to tackle health inequalities in the National Health Service. There is some evidence to suggest that take-up of screening invitations is lower among women living in inner city areas than in the population as a whole. In the light of this, the NHS Cervical Screening Programme is commissioning research to assess the factors that influence the uptake of cervical screening among women living in areas of social deprivation and suggest what additional action can be taken to encourage more women in these areas to come forward for screening.

  Special Hospitals
  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people are currently on the waiting list for special hospital places in England and Wales, broken down by county. [37682]

  Mr. Boateng
  At 31 March 1998 there were 6 people awaiting admission to Ashworth Hospital, 15 people awaiting admission to Broadmoor Hospital and 18 people awaiting admission to Rampton Hospital. The break down by county, based on the home area of those awaiting admission, is set out in the table.

  County

  Number awaiting admission

  Berkshire

  1

  Buckinghamshire

  1

  Cleveland

  1

  Derbyshire

  1

  Essex

  1

  Gloucestershire

  1

  Greater London

  6

  Greater Manchester

  1

  Gwent

  1

  Hampshire

  2

  126

  County

  Number awaiting admission

  Kent

  2

  Leicestershire

  2

  Lincolnshire

  1

  Merseyside

  1

  Northamptonshire

  1

  Nottinghamshire

  2

  Powys

  1

  Surrey

  1

  Tyne and Wear

  1

  Warwickshire

  1

  West Midlands

  1

  Wiltshire

  2

  Yorkshire

  7

  Hospital Waiting Lists
  Mr. Letwin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if it is his policy to establish targets for total months waited by patients; and if he will make a statement. [38062]

  Mr. Milburn
  We already have a target. Last November my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced that by 31 March this year we would eliminate 18 month waits for admission to hospital. Provisional management information shows we have delivered this in England and we will make sure we continue to deliver it.

  Prescription Charges
  Mr. Letwin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many, and what proportion of drugs in BNF chapter 2 dispensed in the latest year for which figures are available were(a) charged at point of dispensing, (b) paid for through a pre-payment certificate and (c) dispensed to patients exempt from charges. [38066]

  Mr. Milburn
  The information is shown in the table:

  Prescription items in British National Formulary (BNF) chapter 2, Cardiovascular System, dispensed in England in 1996

  Prescription items (millions)

  Percentage

  Charged at point of dispensing

  5.6

  6.7

  Prepayment certificate

  4.0

  4.8

  Exempt from charge

  74.4

  88.6

  Total for cardiovascular system

  84.0

  100.0

  Note:

  This analysis is based on a 1 in 20 sample of all prescriptions dispensed by community pharmacists and appliance contractors only.

  Access Committee for England
  Mr. Oaten
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 25 March 1998,Official Report, columns 180–81, on the Access Committee for England, what factors underlie his Department's decision to end funding for ACE; when ACE was informed that funding would not be provided for the year 1998–99; and if the same procedures as used in the last two years for giving advanced warning of funding decisions by his Department were followed this year. [37850]

  Mr. Milburn
  The decision not to renew the Department's funding of the central administrative costs of the Access Committee for England (ACE) under
  127
  Section 64 of the Health Services and Public Health Act 1968 from 1 April 1998 was taken following a recent inter-Departmental review of Government funding for ACE and was in accordance with our policy of time-limiting core funding for voluntary organisations. The decision was notified to ACE on 12 March 1998, at the same time as other voluntary organisations were notified of Ministers' decisions on their Section 64 grant applications. The usual procedures for the consideration of Section 64 grant applications were followed, and voluntary organisations were notified as soon as Ministers' decisions were reached.

  Information Technology
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the current shortfall in established information technology staff, consultant and contractor support posts within his Department; and if he will list the posts by grade indicating for each post how long it has been vacant and when it is expected to be filled. [37509]

  Mr. Milburn
  [holding answer 2 April 1998]: There are currently 8 civil servant and 1 contractor vacancies among the Department and its agencies. With one exception, all vacancies have existed for less than 3 months. In all cases it is anticipated they will be filled within 3 months.

  Millennium Compliance
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health which projects, not related to the year 2000 compliance problem, are being(a) restricted and (b) terminated in order to free information technology resources. [37479]

  Department of Health food science related research projects: contracts issued in 1997–98

  Project title

  Duration

  Cost (£)

  Organisation

  Assessment of the degree of heat treatment necessary to destroy E.coli O157 in lamb

  9 months

  59,352

  University of Reading

  A study using molecular typing methodologies to examine the effect of transport crate re-use and crate washing techniques on the contamination of broiler chickens with Campylobacter species

  6 months

  21,142

  Exeter Public Health Laboratory

  Investigation of methods of recording and logging food samples submitted for microbiological analysis

  6 months

  5,971

  Preston Public Health Laboratory

  In addition, the Department currently funds a Unit at St. Bartholomew's Hospital for research into the toxicology of chemicals some of which can be found in food.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Benefit Overpayments
  Mrs. Ann Cryer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans she has to improve the recovery of overpaid benefit. [37891]

  Mr. Denham
  We are transforming the Social Security system into an Active Modern Service that: commands the support and confidence of those who fund it, those who use it, and those who administer it, and provides a
  128
  Mr. Milburn
  [holding answer 2 April 1998]There are currently no projects in the Department which, because of the year 2000 compliance problem, are being restricted or terminated in order to free information technology resources.

  Child Care
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the average cost of childcare in local authority nurseries broken down by region. [36769]

  Mr. Boateng
  Data are not available centrally on expenditure on local authority day nurseries alone. However, in 1995–96, the latest year for which the data are available, local authorities in England reported having spent £132 million gross on day care in nurseries, both local authority and private. Local authorities had responsibility at 31 March 1996 for some 25,700 children in day nurseries, mostly provided by local authorities, and 29,800 at 31 March 1995. This would imply an average cost to the local authority of approximately £4,700 a year, or about £90 per child per week. The figures for individual local authorities are not reliable enough at this level of detail to enable a robust regional breakdown to be derived; copies of a table showing individual authority figures have been placed in the library.

  Food Science Research Contracts
  Mr. Charles Clarke
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the food science research contracts allocated by his Department and its agencies in 1997–98 broken down by(a) length of contract, (b) value of contract and (c) institution securing the contract. [37951]

  Ms Jowell
  The Department funds the following contracts which could be considered to fall under the heading of food science research:

  better, simpler, more efficient service to clients. As part of this, we are introducing a new overpayment recovery strategy for the Benefits Agency which will ensure that:
  causes of overpayments are identified and dealt with;
  failures in recovery of overpayment are minimised; and

  overpayments are identified, calculated and recovery is effected as quickly as possible.

  As part of the new strategy an Information Technology (IT) based Accounting and Management system will be introduced and will serve to strengthen control of overpayments calculation and recovery along with the integrity of the benefits system. This new IT system is designed to: enhance overpayments operations; track overpayments from discovery to recovery; and provide accurate accounting and management information that will be used to identify trends and inform future options for change. It will also help to prevent build up of arrears.
  129
  The Government have inherited a large backlog of uncalculated overpayment cases accumulated within the Benefits Agency over a number of years, amounting to approximately 300,000 cases. Some 170,000 of these cases are a combination of departmental error cases where there is no right of recovery and cases that, due to their age, would not be cost effective to pursue or are now impossible to calculate as the documentation is no longer available.

  Work on new cases is increasing, partly due to the success of the Security and Control Project in identifying fraud and inaccuracy. Processing this work is being put at risk because of the backlog.

  Therefore to assist with the prompt clearance of new work, a large number of non recoverable cases are being cleared from the backlog and special temporary measures taken to speed up processing of newly arising non recoverable cases.

  The most cost effective way is to estimate rather than calculate these overpayments. The cases involve an estimated £80 million of nominal overpayments that under normal circumstances the vast majority of which would not be recoverable and some not viable to recover.

  Cases involving fraud will be excluded from this exercise.

  The new system emphasises our commitment to modernise all areas of the Department's business.

  Child Support Agency
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) if she will make the tracing of absent parents the primary objective of the CSA; [37068]

  (2) what proportion of staff at the CSA have as their primary function the tracing of absent parents. [37066]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  We are determined to ensure that all absent parents honour their responsibilities to their children. One of our key aims is to increase the proportion of parents meeting their financial obligations to their children after separation. Tracing an absent parent is an integral part of the child support assessment process but the Child Support Agency has dedicated teams who specialise in tracking down absent parents where this is not straightforward. Since its launch in 1993 the Agency's specialist tracing teams have located 269,000 absent parents. Around 7,000 staff are involved in the front-line operations of the Agency's business of whom around 70, work in the dedicated tracing teams.

  For this financial year and the next we are directing an extra £15 million to the Agency specifically aimed at increasing the amounts of maintenance that are paid. We are looking closely at all aspects of the Child Support scheme to see where improvements can be made and we expect to bring forward a consultation paper on our proposals later this year.

  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many appeals are currently being processed under the new procedures relating to the Child Support Agency. [37067]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  The Independent Tribunal Service have around 4,500 Child Support appeals outstanding including 800 appeals Departure determinations. The 130
  Child Support Departures scheme was introduced in December 1996. There have been no recent changes to Child Support Agency appeals procedures although the Social Security Bill does include provisions for streamlining the decision making and appeals processes throughout this Department including the child support scheme.

  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what percentage of men subject to orders for payment have not been traced by the CSA; and if she will make a statement. [36102]

  Mr. Field
  It is not right that so many absent fathers should seek to avoid paying the maintenance which their children are due. An extra £15 million is to be invested in the Child Support Agency in each of the next two financial years specifically aimed at increasing the amounts of maintenance which are paid.

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

  Letter from Mrs. Faith Boardman to Mr. Lembit Öpik, dated 2 April 1998:
  I am replying to your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security about men who have not been traced by the Child Support Agency.
  The Agency does not collect details by gender so I am unable to provide information about men, as you request.
  When the necessary details are not provided or available, the Agency initiates specialist tracing procedures during the maintenance assessment process to establish the address of the absent parent, the absent parent's employer (where a deduction from earnings order is to be implemented), or the parent with care. It follows, therefore, that absent parents will already have been traced when a maintenance assessment is made or a deduction from earnings order is imposed. If the absent parent changes address after the maintenance assessment has been made or at any time during enforcement action, the Agency will continue to take action to trace his whereabouts.
  The Agency does actively pursue absent parents who deliberately evade their lawful responsibility and choose to disappear to avoid paying maintenance. However, it is sometimes the case that despite the Agency's best efforts, a positive result cannot be obtained, as some absent parents will go to extraordinary lengths to avoid their responsibility.
  Specialist trace action is suspended where a confident trace is unsuccessful. In such cases, other Government Departments and Agencies are asked to inform the Agency if they become aware of a new address. Also, an annual specialist trace is carried out on suspended cases; this includes making an inquiry to the parent with care.
  From its launch in 1993, the Agency has taken on just under 2.4 million cases and completed approximately 385,000 specialist traces during the maintenance assessment process. 269,000 (70 per cent.) of the traces have been successful. These figures relate to the total number of specialist traces carried out. Information on the number of traces relating specifically to absent parents is not available.

  I hope this is helpful.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will ensure that any parent wishing to have a meeting with Child Support Agency officers is granted one. [36986]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  We are looking for substantial and sustained operational improvements from the Agency, in particular on getting more maintenance paid, reducing the backlog and improving customer service.
  131
  The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the Chief Executive, Mrs. Faith Boardman. She will write to my hon. Friend.

  Letter from Mrs. Faith Boardman to Mr. David Hinchliffe, dated 1 April 1998.
  I am replying to your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security about parents requesting interviews with Child Support Agency officers.
  The Agency offers face to face interviews to both absent parents and parents with care as part of its ongoing commitment to provide a high quality service to its customers.
  The facility for face to face interviews is widely publicised by means of:
  The Child Support Agency Charter.
  The Maintenance Application pack and Maintenance Enquiry pack include notes for parents telling them that they can contact an Agency local office if they want advice or further information.
  Parents contacting the Child Support Agency National Enquiry Line are advised of the facility for face to face interviews, where appropriate.
  Although most contact between the Agency and its customers is by means of written correspondence or via the telephone, we recognise that a proportion of our customers will need to have face to face contact for a number of reasons. Interviews need not necessarily be carried out at a DSS office, and we are exploring other options, for example, using Citizens Advice Bureaux or other Government facilities to increase our accessibility to the public.
  The Agency currently has approximately 2,900 staff working in Field offices throughout the country. However, in excess of 95 per cent. of those staff concentrate on backroom paper processing work so they do not have any face to face contact at all and are no more accessible to the public than those in the major processing centres. The number of staff years which are devoted to face-to-face contact is only currently 120 and in many locations there is fewer than one interview per day. We fully accept that this is not sufficient and restructuring will allow us to offer significantly more face to face contact on a peripatetic basis in a greater range of locations.
  As Ministers have announced, part of our strategy to improve face to face contact with our customers is to work more closely with our colleagues in the Benefits Agency. From April 1998, Benefit Agency staff will interview and assist new Income Support parents with care to complete their maintenance application form where appropriate. Pilot studies have shown this to be welcomed by individual customers. 75 per cent. of our parents with care will be interviewed—customers will have to provide information only once, thus reducing overlap and repetition of work and it will reduce the incidence of fraud.
  I hope this is helpful.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what was the cost of postage for the Child Support Agency in each year for which figures are available. [36988]

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

  Letter from Mrs. Faith Boardman to Mr. David Hinchliffe, dated 1 April 1998:
  I am replying to your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security about Child Support Agency postage costs.
  132
  Figures are available from the launch of the Agency in April 1993 and are shown below.

  Child Support Agency—Postage costs

  £

  1993–94

  1,044,006

  1994–95

  1,617,681

  1995–96

  1,632,721

  1996–97

  1,902,453

  1997–98 (up to 28 February 1998)

  1,542,670

  I hope this is helpful.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will ensure that agreements between clients of the Child Support Agency and the Agency are recorded in writing with copies forwarded to the client. [36984]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  We expect the Child Support Agency to provide a consistent, fair and efficient service to all its clients.

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

  Letter from Mrs. Faith Boardman to Mr. David Hinchliffe, dated 1 April 1998:
  I am replying to your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security about agreements between clients of the Child Support Agency and the Agency.
  When an agreement to make payments of arrears of child maintenance is made between the customer and the Agency, an officer is required to record the agreement and send both the absent parent and the parent with care a copy of the agreement.
  I hope this is helpful.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security in what circumstances a case where outstanding arrears exist and the parent with care has a right of appeal can be closed by the Child Support Agency. [36989]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  We are looking closely at all aspects of the child support scheme to see where improvements can be made. We aim to bring forward later this year a consultation document on our proposals.

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

  Letter from Mrs. Faith Boardman to Mr. David Hinchliffe, dated 1 April 1998:
  I am replying to your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security about Child Support Agency cases where outstanding arrears of maintenance exist.
  Where an absent parent has no liability to pay current maintenance (for example, because the qualifying child has left full-time education) and there are no arrears of maintenance, the case is closed. Decisions such as this concerning maintenance liability or the amount of maintenance liability are made by Child Support Officers, and parents have the right of appeal.
  Where liability to pay current maintenance has ended, but there are still arrears of maintenance outstanding, a case remains open and the Agency pursues this until such time as all arrears have been paid. This may involve negotiating an agreement with the absent parent for an amount to be paid regularly until the arrears have been cleared; all aspects of both parent's circumstances are taken into account so that the agreed amount is realistic and balances the needs of both parents. Such agreements may be reviewed should there be a change in the circumstances of either parent.

  133
  There is no provision for arrears of child maintenance to be written-off by the Agency. In certain circumstances (for example, the death of a qualifying child) the Agency, acting on behalf of the Secretary of State can use discretion not to enforce arrears due. Where such discretion is exercised, there is not right of appeal.
  I hope this is helpful.

  Benefit Payment Cards
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will make a statement on the launch of the project to introduce magnetic stripe cards for the payment of benefit; and what are(a) the revised launch date, (b) the timetable for installing the system in post offices, (c) the reasons why chip cards were not included in the project and (d) the anticipated reduction of fraud as a result of the project. [37760]

  Mr. Denham
  The Benefit Payment Card has already been launched and is in use for Child Benefit customers as part of a trial in 205 post offices in the South West and North East of England.

  On current plans we expect to begin automating the rest of the Post Offices network next year and all Post Offices should be automated by the end of 2000.

  The magnetic stripe card fully meets the requirements for the Payment Card that were set out for prospective contractors for this Private Finance Initiative project. However, the system is fully able to support smart card technology.

  Once fully operational, the Payment Card is expected to virtually eliminate fraud at the point of encashment.

  Benefit Integrity Project
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security which Minister approved the issue of Benefit Integrity Project questionnaires on and after 6 May 1997. [37928]

  Mr. Denham
  The Benefit Integrity Project including the issue of questionnaires was approved by the previous administration. It formally began with the selection of cases for postal enquiry from 28 April 1997. The first questionnaires were sent out on 6 May 1997.

  Disability Living Allowance Advisory Board
  Mr. Oaten
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what research was undertaken by the Disability Living Allowance Advisory Board for the report, The Future of Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance; and if he will place a copy of this research in the Library. [37841]

  Mr. Denham
  The Disability Living Allowance Advisory Board is an independent statutory body established by the Social Security Act 1991. The Chairman makes it clear in the foreword to the report that the Board based its recommendations on the in-depth study of over 5,000 cases relating to Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance which it saw over a five year period from 1992. These covered a wide range of disabilities and medical conditions. The report was published on 12 March and a copy placed in the Library.
  134
  Mr. Goggins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many times and on which matters the Disability Living Allowance Advisory Board has been consulted by the Secretary of State since its formation in 1992. [37209]

  Mr. Denham
  Since its formation in 1992, the Disability Living Allowance Advisory Board has been commissioned by the Secretary of State to undertake detailed studies and make recommendations on 23 different subjects across a wide range of medical conditions. Summaries of the completed studies on these subjects are published in the Board's Annual Reports. The Board also advises on individual cases referred by the Benefits Agency Medical Advisers, who are officers of the Secretary of State. In addition, it carries out other work as directed, including the recent analysis of Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance cases as part of the Department's report "A Study of Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance Awards" which was published on 12 March.

  Asylum Seekers
  Mr. Allan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what estimate she has made of the number of asylum seekers claiming income support benefit in the years(a) 1992–93, (b) 1994–95, (c) 1995–96, (d) 1996–97 and 1997–98; [37969]

  (2) what estimate she has made of the sums paid in income support benefit to asylum seekers in (a) 1992–93, (b) 1993–94, (c) 1994–95, (d) 1995–96, (e) 1996–97 and (f) 1997–98. [37970]

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

  Asylum seekers—average annual income support caseloads and estimated annual expenditure

  Year

  Average annual income support asylum seekers caseload

  Estimated annual income support asylum seekers expenditure (£ million)

  1992–93

  36,000

  98

  1993–94

  40,000

  112

  1994–95

  42,000

  123

  1995–96

  48,000

  140

  1996–97

  51,000

  154

  1997–98

  50,000

  157

  Notes:

  1. Numbers are rounded to the nearest thousand.

  2. Estimated annual expenditure figures are rounded to the nearest million pounds.

  3. Sample size 5 per cent.

  4. Figures from February 1997 onwards will include a number of non-asylum seekers who receive Urgent Case Payments for other reasons.

  Source:

  Income Support Statistics Quarterly Enquiries, February 1993 to May 1997.

  Executive Agencies
  Mr. Swinney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will list the(a) location of, (b)administrative costs of, (c) salary costs of and (d) number of staff employed at the headquarters of (i) the

  135
  Benefits Agency, (ii) the War Pensions Agency, (iii) the IT Services Agency, (iv) the Contributions Agency and (v) the CSA. [36370]

  Mr. Field
  [holding answer 27 March 1998]The information is set out in the table.

  Agency

  Location

  Administrative costs (£)

  Salary costs (£)

  Number of staff

  BA

  Leeds

  4,781,200

  12,291,300

  637

  WPA

  Blackpool

  124,087

  903,768

  48

  ITSA

  North West

  1,874,145

  2,186,411

  88

  North East

  149,080

  242,000

  7

  St. Albans

  127,783

  203,690

  6

  CA

  Newcastle

  502,000

  3,324,000

  138

  CSA

  Newcastle

  155,894

  2,225,620

  98

  Birkenhead

  14,568

  209,188

  9

  Northampton

  21,340

  307,851

  13

  Dudley

  28,665

  447,928

  13

  Hastings

  9,540

  143,890

  5

  Notes:

  1. Figures given are estimated costs for the financial year ending 31 March 1998.

  2. Each Headquarters organisation is set up to meet the business needs of the Agency. The functions included in the definition of Headquarters varies between the Agencies and as a result the above information is not directly comparable.

  Housing Benefit
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will estimate the cost of increasing the earning disregard for housing benefit by £5 per child for families with children. [37241]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  The estimated cost of increasing the earnings disregard by £5 per child for families with children is £80 million1 in a full year.
  1Figure rounded to the nearest £10 million.

  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans she has to link the housing benefit system to(a) the family credit system and (b) a tax credit scheme. [37227]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  We have no plans to link the Housing Benefit system to the Family Credit system. Issues to do with tax credit schemes, such as the Working Families Tax Credit, are a matter for my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will estimate the cost of increasing the earning disregard threshold for housing benefit(a) from £5 to £10 for single people, and by £10 for other claimants and (b) from £5 to £20 for single people and by £20 for other claimants. [37242]

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

  Estimated cost of increasing the earning disregard

  £ million

  Earnings disregard change

  Cost (full year)

  (a) increase by £5 for singles, £10 others

  110

  (b) increase by £15 for singles, £20 others

  250

  Note:

  Costs rounded to nearest £10 million.

  Income Support
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate she has made of the number of households with incomes within the income support thresholds, not in receipt of income support, broken down by tenure. [37213]

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

  Estimated number of households not claiming income support to which they are entitled

  Tenure type

  Estimated number of households

  LA tenants

  460,000

  Private tenants

  290,000

  Owner occupiers

  740,000

  Total

  1,490,000

  Notes:

  1. In the analysis presented here, a household is included if at least one benefit unit within the household is entitled to but not receiving Income Support.

  2. Rounded to the nearest 10,000

  Source:

  Family Resources Survey 1995/96.

  Jobseeker's Allowance
  Mr. Rhodri Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when the review being undertaken by officials concerning the treatment of income from personal loan repayment protection insurance cover for those claiming jobseeker's allowance will be completed; and if she will make a statement. [37824]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  Officials have completed their review and, as announced in the Green Paper "New Ambition For Our Country—A New Contract for Welfare", we will be laying regulations, subject to statutory consultation, to introduce a disregard of these payments, provided they are used for their intended purpose. Draft regulations have been sent to the Social Security Advisory Committee and Local Government Associations for consultation.

  Mr. Rhodri Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when the practice of treating payments from personal loan repayment protection insurance policies as income for the purposes of calculating jobseeker's allowance payments commenced; what treatment will be given to any lump sum payments made by lenders and insurers to individuals whose jobseeker's allowance has been reduced with regard to benefits disregards and personal taxation; and if she will make a statement. [37825]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  The regulations under which payments from personal loan repayment protection policies are treated as income for the purpose of calculating income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) unless paid direct to the creditor, have been in place since JSA was introduced in October 1996. These rules were based on equivalent rules which have applied to other income-related benefits for many years.

  Representatives of the insurance and banking industries held discussions with officials in this Department to ensure that any additional payments made to individuals

  137
  whose benefit had been affected by these insurance payments would be made in such a way that they would not affect benefit entitlement.

  Personal taxation is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

  Disability Appeal Tribunal
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many cases are awaiting hearing before the Disability Appeal Tribunal; and what is the average time between an appeal to a disability tribunal being received and the hearing date. [38075]
  138
  Mr. Keith Bradley
  The operation of the appeals system is a matter for the Independent Tribunal Service (ITS) who report that in July 1997 there was an overall total of 29,566 outstanding appeals to Disability Appeal Tribunals and an overall average clearance time of 30 weeks.

  We are determined to reduce the current delays and complexity in the appeals system. The Social Security Bill, which paves the way for modernising the delivery of Social Security, including the handling of appeals, is currently being debated in Committee in the House of Lords. The Secretary of State will assume responsibility for the administration of the appeals system. She will set and publish demanding targets for the administration of appeals and report on the results.

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  BBC TV Licence Fee
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  Eider Ducks
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  Incompetent Builders
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  Highways Agency
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  Citizen Rights: Draft European Convention
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  Reserve Forces: Ethnic Monitoring
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  BSE: Report of 30 March
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  Mussel Farms: Predation by Eider Ducks
  Vitamin B6
  Vitamin B6
  Beef Bones Regulations 1997
  Beef Bones Regulations 1997
  Northern Ireland: Lifting of Beef Export Ban
  Northern Ireland: Lifting of Beef Export Ban
  Fisheries Council, 24 March
  Fisheries Council, 24 March
  Livestock: Electronic Tagging
  Livestock: Electronic Tagging
  NHS Trusts: Vacancies
  NHS Trusts: Vacancies
  Department of Health: Ministerial Contact Meetings
  Department of Health: Ministerial Contact Meetings
  Maternal Smoking: Child Deaths
  Maternal Smoking: Child Deaths
  The Prime Minister: Security Breach
  The Prime Minister: Security Breach
  UN Committee against Torture: Report
  UN Committee against Torture: Report
  Immigration Service: Guidance to Staff
  Immigration Service: Guidance to Staff
  USA: Gun Culture
  USA: Gun Culture
  Police Use of Soft Point Ammunition
  Police Use of Soft Point Ammunition
  Handguns: Compensation Payments to Date
  Handguns: Compensation Payments to Date
  Thailand: Assistance in Combating Child Abuse
  Thailand: Assistance in Combating Child Abuse
  Firearms: Compensation Scheme Claims
  Firearms: Compensation Scheme Claims
  Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam
  Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam
  Wales: Analysis of National Curriculum Tests at Key Stage 3
  Wales: Analysis of National Curriculum Tests at Key Stage 3
  Wales: Analysis of A-level Science Results
  Wales: Analysis of A-level Science Results