Written Answers of 20 April 1998

HOUSE OF COMMONS

  Electronic Voting
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the President of the Council what estimate she has made of the cost of electronic voting in the House. [38471]

  Mrs. Ann Taylor
  The cost of any possible electronic voting system would depend on what form of electronic voting, if any, was chosen. The Modernisation Committee will shortly be writing to all Members inviting their views on a range of options, which include retaining the current voting system. Cost will be one of the factors taken into account when reviewing these options.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Ministerial Meetings
  Mr. Randall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many meetings have been requested with his Department's Ministers by(a) Labour and (b) Conservative hon. Members; and how many meetings have been granted in each category. [31289]

  Mr. Robin Cook
  Records of the number of requests for meetings with Ministers are not kept. My Ministerial colleagues and I have met approximately 114 Labour Members and 15 Conservative Members since 1 May 1997. This does not include meetings with or addresses to Parliamentary bodies such as All Party Groups.

  We are happy to consider requests for meetings from hon. Members of all parties and as a general rule these have been granted.

  Fishing Vessels (Searches)
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on which dates during March United Kingdom fishing vessels were stopped in British waters and searched by Irish patrol boats; and what representations he has made to the Irish Government about this matter. [37558]

  Mr. Robin Cook
  UK fishing vessels were stopped by the Irish naval vessel, the LE Emer on 18 March in UK fisheries limits. We have raised the matter with the Irish authorities who regret that boarding took place inside UK fisheries limits.

  Kenya
  Mr. Todd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what communications he has had with the Kenyan Government over abuses of the human rights of students. [38585]
  396
  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  We maintain a vigorous dialogue with Kenya on human rights issues, including the treatment of students, through our High Commission in Nairobi and at Ministerial level.

  We pressed last year for the repeal of the Public Order Act, the principal legal instrument that had been used to break up meetings organised by Opposition politicians and students. We welcomed its repeal in November, and look to the Kenyan authorities to ensure that non-violent student activities and protests are not obstructed. Our High Commission raised specific cases in which students' human rights had been violated with the Kenyan Attorney General in February.

  Business Ambassadors
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 20 March 1998,Official Report, column 771, concerning ambassadors for British business, if he will list the duties of each of the ambassadors. [38895]

  Mr. Fatchett
  The Ambassadors for British Business have volunteered to give some of their time when overseas to promote the UK's wider commercial interests; for example by giving keynote speeches, calling on Ministers or talking informally to prominent local business people. Their exact activities will depend on what they and the diplomatic post concerned agree would be most effective at furthering the UK's commercial interests in a market.

  British Ambassadors
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the countries where the British Ambassador or High Commissioner is female; and how many ambassadors and High Commissioners are male. [38894]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  Britain is represented by a female Ambassador or High Commissioner in the following countries: Belarus, Chile, Irish Republic, the Netherlands, Rwanda, South Africa and Uzbekistan.

  One hundred and twenty eight Ambassadors or High Commissioners are male. A further ten Permanent Representatives hold the personal rank of Ambassador. They are all male.

  Camilla Carr and Jon James
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has received regarding the situation of the hostages Camilla Carr and Jon James in Chechnya. [38617]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  The Chechen authorities have said that Camilla Carr and Jon James are alive, but we do not know where or in what conditions they are being held. We are working hard, with the Centre for Peacemaking and Community Development, to ensure that the Russian and Chechen authorities give top priority to securing their safe release. Any news we have is shared with Camilla's and Jon's families, who are withstanding their ordeal with great courage and dignity. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary is looking forward to meeting the families on 23 April.

  Gibraltar
  Dr. Marek
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what response he has had from the Spanish authorities to his representations over the incident of dangerous flying by a Spanish coastguard helicopter in Gibraltar waters on 13 March. [38983]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  The immediate response of the Spanish authorities was to reject our protest. They have since agreed to examine our video and photographic evidence of the incident.

  South Africa
  Kali Mountford
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the outcome of talks between the EU and South Africa during the United Kingdom presidency. [38652]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  We are committed to a swift and favourable outcome to the negotiations between the EU and South Africa for a Trade and Cooperation Agreement. We hope a conclusion will be possible during our Presidency. The General Affairs Council on 30 March was a useful step forward in preparing the next round of negotiations later this month.

  GCHQ
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has held with GCHQ regarding its proposed re-siting; and if he will make a statement. [38768]

  Mr. Robin Cook
  I approved the initiation of GCHQ's PFI project in May last year, and fully support the aim to consolidate their operations onto one site. The project is at an advanced stage and four tenders for a single-site solution are currently being evaluated. I will consider GCHQ's recommendations for the final stages of the project next month. An announcement on the future location of GCHQ is expected during the second half of the year.

  UN Member States
  Mr. Sarwar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the member states of the United Nations with which the United Kingdom does not have diplomatic relations. [39172]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  The United Kingdom does not have diplomatic relations with four of the 185 Member States of the United Nations. These are: Bhutan, Iraq, Libya and North Korea.

  Nuclear Non-proliferation
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with the Governments of India and Pakistan concerning their ratification of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. [38735]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  I discussed this subject with the Indian High Commissioner on 2 April. The UK has made its position clear to the Indian and Pakistani governments 398
  in the past and will continue to do so in the future. We continue to urge India and Pakistan to sign both treaties and to support other measures to promote non-proliferation. Our aim is to promote global non-proliferation and efforts to improve security in the region.

  Nuclear Smuggling
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps his Department has taken to combat nuclear smuggling. [38791]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  We believe strongly in the need for an effective and proportionate range of national and international mechanisms to prevent the theft of nuclear material and, on the rare occasions where this does occur, to ensure that there are effective mechanisms to combat nuclear smuggling.

  This Department has focused on implementing the G8 Programme for Preventing and Combating Illicit Trafficking in Nuclear Material, agreed in 1996. We continue to encourage expanded participation in this programme. Most recently, the UK led a successful exercise to test a Points of Contact system which provides for the immediate exchange of information on those few cases where nuclear material of proliferation concern is smuggled.

  The UK also works extremely closely with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) which for some years has had a programme for collecting and sharing information on confirmed trafficking incidents. In the face of increasingly effective action by governments, the number of incidents has declined significantly over the last couple of years. None has been recorded in the UK.

TREASURY

  Working Families Tax Credit
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what will be the average marginal tax rate for those families who qualify for the working families tax credit. [38220]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 8 April 1998]: About 65% of families who qualify for the Working Families Tax Credit will face a marginal deduction rate of between 66.7% and 69.9% (depending upon the exact rate at which they pay tax and NICs), with marginal rates cut for about 540,000 families, most by over 10 percentage points.

  Child Care Tax Credit
  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will place in the Library a description of the way childcare for tax credits will operate, including the operation of the fast path to help new employees with childcare costs before their first payment of wage or salary is received; and if he will ensure all benefits agencies and jobcentres are made aware of this provision. [38235]
  399
  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 7 April 1998]: The childcare tax credit is an integral part of the "Working Families Tax Credit". An important priority for the WFTC will be to ensure that it gets to recipients efficiently and quickly. The design of the WFTC—whether paid through employers or direct from the Inland Revenue—will aim to deliver the tax credit to individuals reliably and on time. Work is continuing on the administrative arrangements and the Inland Revenue is consulting representatives of employer and other appropriate organisations on the details of how the WFTC will be paid through the wage packet. We aim to make the new literature for WFTC claimants widely available, and to enable both Benefits Agency and Employment Service staff to help clients with the WFTC.

  Open-ended Investment Companies
  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the timetable for the introduction of legislation to enable cash and fund-of-fund open-ended investment companies to be launched in the United Kingdom domestic market; and if authorisation of cash and fund-of-fund open-ended investment companies will be achieved in time for prospective ISA providers to promote such companies as an alternative to authorised unit trust schemes. [38854]

  Mrs. Liddell
  I have announced my agreement in principle to the establishment of fund of fund and cash fund oeics and am currently considering the most appropriate way of introducing them. Whether they will be introduced in time for the launch of ISAs in the spring of 1999 depends on which method for introducing them is adopted.

  Capital Gains Tax
  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer which of the proposed Budget changes in capital gains tax have been introduced as simplifications of the current system. [36790]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 30 March 1998]: The Budget changes in capital gains tax will lead to eventual simplification of the current system by:
  progressively eliminating indexation and substituting the taper which is easier to understand;
  phasing out retirement relief;
  merging CGT reinvestment relief and the Enterprise Investment Scheme;
  introducing a single rate for trusts and the estates of deceased persons.

  National Lottery
  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what changes will be made in the treatment of National Lottery expenditures in the definition of general Government expenditure and in the national accounts following the implementation of the National Lottery Bill[Lords]. [38559]

  Mr. Darling
  None.

  Tobacco
  Mr. Cotter
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much has been collected in fines from people who 400
  have been caught illegally reselling cheap duty paid tobacco bought in Belgium in each year since 1979. [38306]

  Dawn Primarolo
  I regret that central figures are not kept in this form.

  Energy Products
  Mr. Todd
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what progress has been made in discussions with the European Commission on harmonising taxation of energy products; and if the Government will continue to maintain a duty exemption on fuel for navigation in private pleasure craft. [38111]

  Dawn Primarolo
  A meeting of the technical working group which is examining the draft Energy Products Directive is expected towards the end of April. The Government have made it clear in negotiations that one condition of our eventual acceptance of the Directive is that the future of existing derogations be unambiguously settled.

  Inheritance Tax
  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the changes to acceptance in lieu of tax announced on 17 March alter the accounting treatment of such transactions. [36771]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Under the proposed change, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport will no longer reimburse the Inland Revenue for the amount of tax satisfied by the acceptance of heritage assets, and the Inland Revenue's accounting procedures will be altered accordingly. The change will simplify the operation of the scheme within the Government.

  Income Tax
  Mr. MacShane
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list for the current tax year the income tax and national insurance paid and child benefits received by(a) a single person without dependants, (b) a lone parent with one child aged four years, (c) a lone parent with two children aged four and six years, (d) a single earner married couple with one child aged four years and (e) a single earner married couple with two children aged four and six years, where the gross income is (i) £150, (ii) £200, (iii) £250, (iv) £300 and(v) £400 per week and is wholly from employment; and if in each case he will show the equivalised income before housing costs on the assumption that there are no child care costs, housing costs are £75 per week and all available benefits are claimed, and showing also the tax and national insurance contributions net of benefits as a percentage of the equivalised incomes. [32428]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The information requested is contained in the tables.
  401

  Gross earnings (£)

  150

  200

  250

  300

  350

  Single Person

  National Insurance

  10.04

  15.04

  20.04

  25.04

  35.04

  Income Tax

  14.44

  25.74

  37.24

  48.74

  71.74

  Child Benefit

  0.00

  0.00

  0.00

  0.00

  0.00

  Family Credit

  0.00

  0.00

  0.00

  0.00

  0.00

  Tax and NICs, less child benefit and family credit, as a percentage of gross earnings

  16.3

  20.4

  22.9

  24.6

  26.7

  Net Income

  125.52

  159.22

  192.72

  226.22

  293.22

  Equivalised Net Income

  205.77

  261.01

  315.93

  370.85

  480.68

  Lone Parent (1 child aged 4 years)

  National Insurance

  10.04

  15.04

  20.04

  25.04

  35.04

  Income Tax

  9.16

  20.46

  31.96

  43.46

  66.46

  Child Benefit

  17.10

  17.10

  17.10

  17.10

  17.10

  Family Credit

  32.70

  9.11

  0.00

  0.00

  0.00

  Tax and NICs, less child benefit and family credit, as a percentage of gross earnings

  -20.4

  4.6

  14.0

  17.1

  21.1

  Net Income

  180.59

  190.70

  215.10

  248.60

  315.60

  Equivalised Net Income

  228.60

  241.40

  272.27

  314.68

  399.49

  Lone Parent (2 children aged 4 years and 6 years)

  National Insurance

  10.04

  15.04

  20.04

  25.04

  35.04

  Income Tax

  9.16

  20.46

  31.96

  43.46

  66.46

  Child Benefit

  26.10

  26.10

  26.10

  26.10

  26.10

  Family Credit

  44.75

  21.16

  0.00

  0.00

  0.00

  Tax and NICs, less child benefit and family credit, as a percentage of gross earnings

  -34.4

  -5.9

  10.4

  14.1

  18.9

  Net Income

  201.64

  211.75

  224.10

  257.60

  324.60

  Equivalised Net Income

  201.64

  211.75

  224.10

  257.60

  324.60

  Single Earner Married Couple (1 child aged 4 years)

  National Insurance

  10.04

  15.04

  20.04

  25.04

  35.04

  Income Tax

  9.16

  20.46

  31.96

  43.46

  66.46

  Child Benefit

  11.05

  11.05

  11.05

  11.05

  11.05

  Family Credit

  32.70

  9.11

  0.00

  0.00

  0.00

  Tax and NICs, less child benefit and family credit, as a percentage of gross earnings

  -16.4

  7.7

  16.4

  19.2

  22.6

  Net Income

  174.54

  184.65

  209.05

  242.55

  309.55

  Equivalised Net Income

  147.92

  156.49

  177.16

  205.55

  262.33

  Single Earner Married Couple (2 children aged 4 and 6)

  National Insurance

  10.04

  15.04

  20.04

  25.04

  35.04

  Income Tax

  9.16

  20.46

  31.96

  43.46

  66.46

  Child Benefit

  20.05

  20.05

  20.05

  20.05

  20.05

  Family Credit

  44.75

  21.16

  0.00

  0.00

  0.00

  Tax and NICs, less child benefit and family credit, as a percentage of gross earnings

  -30.4

  -2.9

  12.8

  16.2

  20.4

  Net Income

  195.59

  205.70

  218.05

  251.55

  318.55

  Equivalised Net Income

  140.72

  147.99

  156.87

  180.97

  229.17

  The figures in the table are weekly amounts for the 1997–98 tax year. They assume that the earner in the household is working over 30 hours a week for family credit purposes.

  The standard McClements scales have been used to determine equivalised income. This is the same process that is used in the DSS's Households Below Average Income publication.

  Income tax and NICs, less child benefit and family credit, are shown as a percentage of gross earnings, with negative figures where the family is a net gainer overall from direct taxes and benefits.

  Some of these families may also be entitled to housing benefit and council tax benefit. However, as this will depend upon the composition of the housing costs (between mortgage payments, council tax, and rent) housing benefit and council tax benefit has been left out of these figures.

  Cash Ratio Deposits
  Mr. Timms
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement about cash ratio deposits. [39315]

  Mr. Darling
  The Government's Response to Consultation on Cash Ratio Deposits (CRDs) is published today. Copies have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses. The Government's decision that the initial CRD ratios should be zero on Eligible Liabilities up to £400m and 0.15 per cent. on Eligible Liabilities over £400m reflects the responses to consultation, taking into account the desire for administrative simplicity and clarity. I believe this is a fair outcome.

  Earnings
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate how many employees currently earn more than £450 per week. [39193]
  403
  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. Nick Gibb, dated 20 April 1998:
  As Director of the Office for National Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your parliamentary question on weekly earnings.
  The latest available information, from the New Earnings Survey 1997, is contained in the table below:

  Percentage of employees on adult rates, whose pay for the survey pay-period was unaffected by absence, gross weekly earnings, Great Britain, April 1997

  greater than £450

  Full-time

  23.3

  Part-time

  1.1

  All

  18.3

  Mr. Trickett
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of Great Britain-based workers earned less than(a) £2, (b) £72.50, (c) £3, (d) £3.50 and (e) £4 per hour in April (a)1996 and (b) 1997. [38293]

  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 Dennis Roberts to Mr. Jon Trickett, dated 20 April 1998:
  In the absence of the Director of the Office for National Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your parliamentary question on hourly earnings.
  This information is shown in the table below using estimates available from the Labour Force Survey (LFS).

  Percentage of employees1 hourly earnings in their main job, Great Britain, not seasonally adjusted

  less than

  less than

  less than

  less than

  less than

  £2.00

  £2.50

  £3.00

  £3.50

  £4.00

  Spring 19962

  2.2

  4.1

  7.9

  15.5

  23.3

  Spring 19972

  1.8

  4.0

  7.1

  13.6

  20.8

  1Excluding those whose workplace was outside the United Kingdom

  22 March to May

  source:

  ONS, Labour Force Survey
  Work is being undertaken to assess the quality of earnings data from the LFS and the New Earnings Survey (NES). Current indications are that the LFS provides the more reliable estimates of workers on low pay, but nevertheless tends to overestimate the proportion of low paid workers. The figures in the table should therefore be taken as upper estimates of the proportions. Details of this assessment of the quality of earning data are expected to be published in the May issue of Labour Market Trends copies of which will be available from the House of Commons Library.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Legal Aid
  Mr. Gale
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what was, for the last five years for which figures are available, the proportion of the total legal aid bill incurred in(a) Counsel's fees and (b) QCs' fees; what was the proportion of the legal aid bill in each of the last five years spent on white collar fraud trials; and if he will make a statement. [38796]

  Mr. Hoon
  For criminal higher legal aid, the proportion paid to counsel and to QCs in each year was as follows:

  percentage

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–95

  1995–96

  1996–97

  All counsel

  54

  55

  55

  53

  55

  QCs

  21

  24

  27

  26

  26

  For civil legal aid, criminal magistrates' legal aid, and advice and assistance, the proportion paid to counsel was as follows:

  percentage

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–95

  1995–96

  1996–97

  All counsel

  11

  11

  11

  10

  15

  It is not possible to identify separately payments made to QCs as the rank of counsel is not recorded on the Legal Aid Board's computer systems.

  Nor is it possible to identify separately expenditure on white collar fraud. Fraud related offences are recorded under the general headings of "fraud", "false accounting" and "other forgery". In each of those categories, in completed Crown Court cases, the proportion of criminal higher expenditure was as follows:

  percentage

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–95

  1995–96

  1996–97

  Fraud

  10.8

  10.3

  15.1

  14.4

  10.5

  False accounting

  0.6

  0.7

  0.6

  0.6

  0.5

  Other forgery

  0.8

  1.1

  0.9

  0.6

  0.6

  Learning Disabilities (Training)
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what assessment he has made of the need for(a) barristers, (b) judges and (c) magistrates to receive training to increase their awareness of the needs of people with learning disabilities, when they appear in courts. [37597]

  Mr. Hoon
  Judicial training is the responsibility of the Judicial Studies Board (JSB) which is a non-departmental governmental body. The JSB has held a number of sessions in both induction and continuation training on equal treatment, including dealing with people with learning difficulties. The JSB has an advisory committee whose remit has recently been extended to cover all aspects of equal treatment training, including training on increasing awareness of the needs of people with learning
  405
  disabilities. The Committee will be considering guidance for members of the judiciary on handling those with learning difficulties.

  Lay Magistrate training is delivered by Magistrates' Courts' Committees but the JSB has a role in setting the syllabus. Lay Magistrates already address the issue of equal treatment of all in the light of their judicial oath but the JSB has recently completed a project identifying the skills and knowledge required by Lay Magistrates to ensure equality of treatment for all who appear in their courts.

  Training of barristers is a matter for the General Council of the Bar.

  Judicial Appointments Commissison
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, pursuant to his answer of 4 March 1998,Official Report, column 679, if he will list the groups and individuals his officials consulted informally about the possible appointment of a judicial appointments commission. [38226]

  Mr. Hoon
  The groups and individuals informally consulted by officials on the possible establishment of a judicial appointments commission included the following:

  The Lord Chief Justice

  The Master of the Rolls

  The President of the Family Division

  The Vice-Chancellor

  The Senior Law Lord (Lord Goff of Chieveley)

  The Senior Presiding Judge

  The Council of Her Majesty's Circuit Judges

  The Association of District Judges

  The Registrar of Criminal Appeals

  The Director of Studies, Judicial Studies Board

  The Chief Metropolitan Magistrate

  The Chairman of the Association of Stipendiary Magistrates for England and Wales

  The Right Hon. the Lord Kingsdown (Association of Lords Lieutenant)

  The Chairman of the Magistrates' Association

  The Duchy of Lancaster Office

  The President and senior officials of The Law Society

  The Chairman and the Chief Executive of the General Council of the Bar

  The Prime Minister's Appointments Secretary

  Kate Malleson, University of Westminster

  Dr. Cheryl Thomas, Wolfson College, University of Oxford

  Professor Rodney Brazier, University of Manchester

  Senior officials of the Lord Chancellor's Department

  The Magistrates and Tribunals Training Adviser, Judicial Studies Board

  The Commission for Racial Equality

  The Equal Opportunities Commission

  Recruitment and Assessment Services

  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what factors he took into account in deciding to consult informally rather than formally on the possible creation of a judicial appointments commission. [38208]
  406
  Mr. Hoon
  The Lord Chancellor decided that officials should conduct informal consultations with a view to identifying the issues of principle and practicality that would need to be addressed in any formal consultations on the possible creation of a Judicial Appointments Commission. Following this consultation, the Lord Chancellor announced in October that he had decided not to proceed with further work, including any formal consultation process, on the possible creation of a Commission in view of the other substantial priorities facing his Department and his decision to concentrate on making changes in the existing judicial appointments process to improve its openness, flexibility and effectiveness.

  Welsh Language Schemes
  Mr. Gareth Thomas
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what plans the Court Service and the Legal Aid Board have to implement Welsh language schemes. [38080]

  Mr. Hoon
  The Court Service and Legal Aid Board must comply with the Welsh Language Act 1993. The Court Service has prepared a draft scheme, which is acceptable to the Welsh Language Board. However, the Board before approving the scheme had indicated it will wait until Rules of Court are settled for hearing arrangements. As yet, no date has been given for the Rules to be settled. However, the Court Service has, since April 1997, provided most of the services referred to in the draft scheme. An information sheet is available in all court offices in Wales which explains the scheme.

  The Legal Aid Board is also working with the Welsh Language Board on a Welsh Language Scheme which will set out how the Board will comply with the Act. The Legal Aid board has been asked to prepare a scheme and submit it to the Welsh Language Board by 26 February 1999.

PRIME MINISTER

  Trade Union Recognition
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Prime Minister what representations he has received from(a) trade union leaders and (b) business leaders in respect of the Fairness at Work White Paper. [37959]

  The Prime Minister
  I have met TUC and CBI representatives on several occasions to discuss trade union recognition and related issues.

  Millennium Compliance
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Prime Minister what meetings he has had with other heads of Government to discuss the issues of millennium compliance. [37961]

  The Prime Minister
  I have recently chaired two major international conferences at which the Millennium Bug issue was highlighted. Leaders at both the European Conference on 12 March and the ASEM 2 Conference on 3–4 April agreed the importance of international co-operation to ensure millennium compliance.

  Ministerial Accommodation
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 30 March 1998,Official Report, column 376, what valuation figures relating to the accommodation and furnishings provided to Ministers are prepared for tax purposes. [38212]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 7 April 19981]: The situation remains the same as under the previous administration. It is accepted by the Inland Revenue that Government Ministers occupying official residences by reason of their office meet the statutory conditions (mainly in Section 145(4) of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988) for exemption from a tax charge on provided living accommodation. So no valuation figures are required by the Inland Revenue in relation to provision of such residences. There will be a charge where furnishings or other services are provided and figures will be prepared for inclusion in Ministers' tax returns.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Banking Supervisory Authorities
  Sir Alastair Goodlad
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development in which countries her Department provided support to banking supervisory and regulatory authorities in 1997–98; and what plans she has for such support in 1998–99. [39185]

  Clare Short
  In 1997–98 the Department for International Development provided support to banking supervisory and regulatory authorities in the following countries:

  India

  Russia

  Ukraine

  Moldova

  Slovak Republic

  Czech Republic

  Bosnia

  We have also provided some support to the Bank of England's Centre for Central Banking Studies.

  For Central and Eastern Europe and the CIS regions, in 1998–99 we will continue to support the Central Bank of Russia and other authorities where we have a useful contribution to make. Support to the Reserve Bank of India will continue and, in view of the recent events in South East and East Asia, we intend to make available support to banking authorities in this region. We are also currently exploring, in collaboration with other organisations, the role we can play in building sound regulatory structures for microfinance institutions.

  Micro-finance Institutions
  Sir Alastair Goodlad
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development with which central banks her Department has held discussions concerning the introduction of legislation for the regulation and supervision of micro-finance institutions. [39182]

  Clare Short
  The growth in numbers and in size of microfinance institutions (MFIs) has been significant only in the last couple of years. Most MFIs have received their 408
  capital as grants from donors which means that supervision and regulation was not an immediate issue. Only recently have a relatively small number of MFIs become sufficiently mature to be seeking to raise more capital from depositors. It is at this stage that supervision and regulation become particularly important as individuals' savings are at stake. To date the performance of central banks in regulating and supervising formal financial institutions has been weak due to problems of political corruption.

  The Department for International Development are at the forefront of the donor winning, by supporting the work being done by the Microfinance Network and by CGAP in this important area. Bilaterally, we are at the most advanced stage in Bangladesh, where DFID are supporting a supervision and regulation project, which includes dialogue with the central bank. As more MFIs mature, we anticipate providing further support to this area.

  Development Programme Support
  Sir Alastair Goodlad
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development in which countries in 1997–98 governance problems interrupted her Department's programme support. [39186]

  Clare Short
  During 1997–1998 development programme support was interrupted in Sierra Leone and Ethiopia.

  All aid was suspended to Sierra Leone when the democratically elected government were overthrown in a military coup on 25 May 1997. During the coup period we supported the government in exile to prepare for their return to Freetown; selected refugee programmes for Sierra Leoneans in neighbouring countries; and the humanitarian work of the international committee of the Red Cross in Sierra Leone. Following the return of the democratic government to Freetown, we provided immediate technical and logistical support to assist the re-establishment of the functions of government and further humanitarian assistance.

  Following our expression of concern over a policing incident, the Ethiopian government requested that the UK should undertake no new development projects in July 1997. Following constructive discussions between the governments, aid talks with the Ethiopian government were held in March 1998 and it was agreed to consider new development projects.

  Poverty Assessments
  Sir Alastair Goodlad
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development in which countries her Department conducted participatory poverty assessments in 1997–98; and in which it plans to in 1998–99. [39187]

  Clare Short
  We supported a participatory poverty assessment in 1997–98 in Kenya, and commenced work on a participatory poverty assessment in Egypt. In 1998–99 we are committed to supporting national level participatory poverty assessments in Pakistan and Uganda, and to carrying out one for urban poverty in the state of Andhra Pradesh in India. Work on the participatory poverty assessment in Egypt is continuing. Work on the Poverty and Inequality Report in South Africa (for which
  409
  the participatory poverty assessment which we supported has been a major component) has been ongoing throughout this period.

  Drug Smuggling (Caribbean)
  Sir Alastair Goodlad
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development in which Caribbean countries her Department is currently providing assistance to combat drug smuggling; and at what estimated cost. [39177]

  Clare Short
  We are providing assistance to all Caribbean countries, including the Overseas Territories, as part of the Caribbean Drugs Initiative (CDI). This is an EU/UNDCP co-ordinated initiative aimed at combating the drugs trade which involves widely based support for Governments in the region. The Initiative aims to include improved planning at national level, law enforcement, demand reduction, treatment and rehabilitation. This programme is the most ambitious and comprehensive attempt so far to tackle the drugs problem in the region.

  My hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State announced at the Caribbean Forum in February that we have earmarked £7.5 million as DFID's contribution to the Caribbean Drugs Initiative (CDI). This will be used to help build capacity at the local level in police and customs in some of the more vulnerable Eastern Caribbean countries.

  International Development Act
  Sir Alastair Goodlad
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions she has held on proposals for a new international development act; and if she will make a statement. [39188]

  Clare Short
  During preparation of the White Paper on International Development we received a number of representations supporting a new development act.

  As we said in the White Paper and my Departmental Report, the Government are committed to consulting further on the desirability of a new act.

  South Africa
  Sir Alastair Goodlad
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what is the estimated cost of her Department's support for the pilot land reform programme in the Republic of South Africa. [39179]

  Clare Short
  We have been assisting the Republic of South Africa with its land reform programme since 1995. Our support aims to help them to devise and test efficient, equitable and replicable means of transferring land to the rural poor. The expenditure for this pilot programme amounted to around £2 million to March 1998, and we expect to spend in total over £5 million over the next two years. The EU has also committed over £6 million to the programme, to which Britain's contribution is approximately 15 per cent.

  Civil Service Reform Projects
  Sir Alastair Goodlad
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development in which countries her Department is currently funding civil service reform projects; and at what estimated cost. [39178]
  410
  Clare Short
  Commitments of development support for civil service reform since 1995–96 have been as follows:

  £000

  Country

  Commitment

  Anguilla

  190

  Baltic States

  716

  Bulgaria

  750

  Colombia

  400

  Czech Republic

  185

  Ethopia

  120

  Ghana

  5,000

  Grenada

  240

  Hungary

  534

  Indonesia

  670

  Jamaica

  2,000

  Kenya

  628

  Lesotho

  660

  Malawi

  474

  Mexico

  110

  Montserrat

  70

  Namibia

  701

  Poland

  967

  Sierra Leone

  1,200

  Slovak Republic

  539

  South Africa

  4,840

  Tanzania

  3,125

  Uganda

  802

  Ukraine

  165

  West Bank/Gaza

  770

  Zambia

  160

  Zimbabwe

  235

  Determining the precise current status of these activities would involve consultation with DFID offices worldwide and involve disproportionate expense.

  Central and Eastern Europe
  Sir Alastair Goodlad
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development when she will publish the results of her Department's survey of the extent of poverty in Central and Eastern Europe. [39183]

  Clare Short
  A literature review has been carried out for my Department by the University of Warwick. There are no plans at present to publish it, but it is available from Dr. Simon Clarke at the University.

  Zimbabwe
  Sir Alastair Goodlad
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent discussions her Department's officials have held with the Government of Zimbabwe about land reform; and if she will make a statement. [39165]

  Clare Short
  Officials held discussions with the Zimbabwean delegation to the recent conference on land reform in Zimbabwe at the University of London, and keep in contact with the Government and other stakeholders in Zimbabwe. I also met with the Finance Minister in the margins of the World Bank Spring meeting.

  Financial Reform Projects
  Sir Alastair Goodlad
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development in which countries her
  411
  Department proposes to promote replication of the Shanghai Municipal Financial Reform Project in 1998–99. [39184]

  Clare Short
  We have no current plans to promote replication of the Shanghai Municipal Finance Reform project although we will draw on the positive experience of this project in developing proposals in other countries. Opportunities for replication in China will be discussed with the Chinese Government as part of a project review later this year.

  Land Tenure Group
  Sir Alastair Goodlad
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the members of her Department's Land Tenure Group. [39180]

  Clare Short
  This Group is an internal Working Group of officials in my Department chaired by the Head of Natural Resources Policy and Advisory Department. An initial comparative study prepared for the Group by the Natural Resources Institute was published last month; a copy is being placed in the Library.

  Centre for Humanitarian Aid
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans she has to fund the Centre for Humanitarian Aid's Moscow newspaper, BEZDNA. [38600]

  Clare Short
  My Department does not provide direct funding for Russian newspapers. We have no plans to support BEZDNA. But we have engaged "The Big Issue in Scotland" to provide technical assistance to a similar street newspaper which benefits the homeless in St. Petersburg called "Na Dye" ("The Depths"). We are considering how the experience gained from this project might be extended to other regions in Russia.

  Indonesia (Forest Fires)
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what help and assistance she is giving to the Government of Indonesia to contain and extinguish forest fires. [38978]

  Clare Short
  We have provided, through the United Nations, the services of a fire-fighting and logistics expert for a 2 month period. In addition officials from my Department will be participating in a United Nations meeting on 20 and 21 April which will examine the most effective methods to deal with the fires and will also discuss possible joint efforts of the international community to assist—including the European Union and United Nations agencies. For the longer term it is important that the Government of Indonesia tackles the underlying causes of these fires: we are supporting work on appropriate forest policy and regulation through practical field experience.

  Refugee Health
  Mrs. Ann Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what consultations she has had about the provisions of the forthcoming field manual to be published by the United Nations High 412
  Commissioner for Refugees and the United Nations Population Fund on the subject of reproductive health in refugee situations; and what response she made. [38637]

  Clare Short
  Officials have been consulted by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on a draft manual on Reproductive Health in Refugee Situations. We have highlighted the importance we attach to appropriate standards of care in the provision of all health services, taking account of the dangers to health faced by individuals who are seeking care.

  Mrs. Ann Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what was the United Nations' budget for the health needs of refugees, per refugee, for(a) the emergency phase and (b) the post-emergency phase of refugee situations in each of the last 10 years; and what are the projected figures for the next three years. [38641]

  Clare Short
  A full breakdown along the lines requested is not available. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, which is responsible for most UN expenditure on refugees, has provided the following figures on the amount of its annual budget spent on health for the last five years.

  Year

  Total budget US$ Millions

  Health budget US$ Millions

  Health budget as percentage of total

  1994

  1,320

  106.1

  8

  1995

  1,301.4

  96.6

  7.4

  1996

  1,358.2

  83.8

  6.2

  1997

  1,214.4

  70.3

  5.8

  1998

  1,123.7

  51.1

  4.5

  UNHCR is not able to provide projected figures for the next three years.

  Mrs. Ann Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the principal causes of mortality in order of prevalence in those refugee camps to which her Department provides assistance. [38642]

  Clare Short
  Globally the principal causes of mortality in refugee situations, in order of prevalence, are diarrhoea, acute respiratory infection and malaria. The specific prevalence is dependent upon the area in which a given camp is situated.

  Mrs. Ann Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what meetings officials in her Department(a) have had and (b) plan to have with NGOs to discuss the use of manual vacuum aspiration for elective abortions in refugee camps. [38639]

  Clare Short
  My Officials maintain regular dialogue with a large number of non governmental organisations working in the field of reproductive health in refugee situations. These discussions underscore the duty of providers of reproductive health services to ensure that quality health care is provided, making use of technologies that are safe and appropriate to the setting. The subject of manual vacuum aspiration for elective abortions was not raised at a recent discussion with representatives of over twenty agencies active in the reproductive health field; though informal representations
  413
  received more recently from personnel working for three non governmental organisations have been received and taken up with the UNHCR.

  Mrs. Ann Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what funding from independent sources was received by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in each of the last 10 years; and what assessment she has made of the extent to which such sources are also involved in funding population control activities. [38640]

  Clare Short
  UNHCR receives voluntary contributions from many sources. The table gives a breakdown of contributions received for 1994–1997.

  US$ million

  Year

  Governmental

  Inter-governmental

  Private

  Total

  1994

  791.8

  234.7

  29.1

  1,055.6

  1995

  754.2

  225.4

  16.7

  996.3

  1996

  809.8

  147.7

  12.4

  969.9

  1997

  679.9

  117.9

  8.8

  806.6

  No assessment has been made of the extent to which such sources are involved in reproductive health care. UNHCR seeks to provide comprehensive reproductive health care within primary health care programmes and engages no population control activities.

  Mrs. Ann Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make it her policy to support programmes to protect women in refugee camps from pressures to use inappropriate post-coital and abortion techniques; and if she will make a statement. [38645]

  Clare Short
  It is my Department's policy to support programmes that offer all women and men essential health care, including reproductive health care, information and services, that responds to their demands and offers them informed choices. My view is that women in refugee camps are entitled to free and informed choice in line with best medical practice.

  Mrs. Ann Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what representations her Department has recently received about the use of manual vacuum aspiration for performing abortions in refugee camps; whether her Department issues guidance to refugee workers about complications arising from the use of such techniques in refugee camps and other non-sterile environments; and if she will make a statement. [38636]

  Clare Short
  My Department has received comments from personnel who work with three non governmental organisations on a draft manual on Reproductive Health in Refugee Situations which is being prepared by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). They have questioned sections of the manual which relate to procedures for managing incomplete abortions, or miscarriages, experienced by women in refugee situations. We have conveyed these concerns to UNHCR.

  The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines international standards for safety of elective and emergency gynaecological procedures and this guidance is of course available to refugee workers.
  414
  Mrs. Ann Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the extent of the compliance of the distribution of post coital contraception in refugee camps with the terms of the safety information provided by the manufacturers; and if she will make a statement. [38644]

  Clare Short
  The World Health Organisation defines standards for the appropriate provision of emergency contraception in all settings. It is our assessment that all women should have access to the information, services and commodities that they need to have children by choice, and be able to use them safely.

  EU Aid
  Sir Alastair Goodlad
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what representation she has made to the World Bank, IMF, regional development banks and other OECD aid donors about the increasing share of international aid accounted for by the EU and its member states and the decreasing share accounted for by others; and if she will make a statement. [38378]

  Clare Short
  We, and other donors have agreed an International Development Strategy which acknowledges that, to make progress towards its goals, the international community needs to sustain and increase the volume of development assistance. We hold discussions with other donors on aid levels, and respective contributions, mainly in the course of replenishment negotiations for Lome, IDA and the Regional Banks, and in discussions with the Development Assistance Committee of the OECD on reviews of individual donor programmes, most recently that of the United States.

  Sir Alastair Goodlad
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what representations she has received on the effects of monetary union on(a) UK and (b) EU official development assistance; and if she will make a statement. [38536]

  Clare Short
  I have received no such representations.

  Children (War Areas)
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much financial aid has been donated to international funds for the protection of children in war areas in the last year. [37369]

  Clare Short
  It is not possible to provide separate details for our support to protection of children from our overall support to international organisations working in war areas. My support for protection work was £37.8 million (preliminary estimate) in financial year 1997/98. This funded a variety of programmes run by the International Committee of the Red Cross, United Nations Children's Fund, UN High Commissioner for Refugees, UN Department for Humanitarian Affairs/Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs and the UN Secretary General's Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict. In addition, we have supported many projects managed by non governmental organisations who are working with vulnerable communities in war areas.

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  Ships Lost at Sea
  Maria Eagle
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions under what statutory or other authority a High Court judge can exercise the power to look into the reasons for the loss of a ship at sea. [38446]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  In circumstances where the Secretary of State orders a re-hearing of a Formal Investigation which took place in England or Wales, Section 269(2) of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995 enables him to order that re-hearing to take place in the High Court as an alternative to re-hearing before a Wreck Commissioner.

  Maria Eagle
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what are the powers of a wreck commissioner and assessors when inquiring into the loss of a ship in respect of(a) ruling on the scope of an inquiry within its terms of reference, (b) deciding whether evidence should be given on oath, who should be called to give evidence and whether the civil or criminal rules of evidence should apply, (c) awarding of witness expenses and of costs to or against any party, (d) deciding on the relevance and admissibility of evidence, and (e) reaching a conclusion on the reasons for the loss and making recommendations arising from it; and under what statutory or other authority they exercise these powers. [38441]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The information requested is given.

  (a) The questions to be raised at a Formal Investigation are determined by the Attorney-General;

  (b) The procedure to be appointed is in general a matter for the discretion of the Wreck Commissioner who may hold a preliminary meeting to give directions as to procedure. Witnesses are called initially on behalf of the Attorney-General and then by the other parties.

  (c) Costs of the investigation and of the parties, and the question by whom such costs are to be paid are in the discretion of the Wreck Commissioner.

  (d) Relevance and admissibility of evidence are matters for the Commissioner, although affidavits, statutory declarations and other written evidence are admissible unless the Commissioner considers it unjust for such evidence to be admitted.

  (e) These are matters for the Wreck Commissioner. The Assessors are required to sign the report with or without reservations or to state in writing their reasons for dissent.

  This is a summary of the powers which are exercised under Sections 268–270 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995, and the Merchant Shipping (Formal Investigation) Rules 1985 as amended (SI 1985 No. 1001 amended by SI 1990 No. 123) to which reference should be made for more detail of the powers and procedures.

  Maria Eagle
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what are the powers of a High Court judge when inquiring into the loss of a ship; and how they differ from those of a wreck commissioner and assessors in respect of(a) ruling on the scope of an inquiry within its terms of reference; (b) deciding who should be called to give evidence, whether evidence should be given on oath, and whether
  416
  civil or criminal rules of evidence should apply, (c) awarding of witness expenses and costs to or against any party, (d) deciding on the relevance and admissibility of evidence and (e) reaching a conclusion on the reasons for the loss and making recommendation arising from it. [38440]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Where a re-hearing has been Ordered to take place in the High Court the matter is assigned to the Queen's Bench Division, Admiralty Court and the Judge exercises wide powers of that Court set out in Orders 55,57 and 77 of the Rules of the Supreme Court as to the issues identified by my hon. Friend. The powers of a Wreck Commissioner are the subject of my answer today to a separate question from my hon. Friend.

  Waste Disposal
  Sir Alastair Goodlad
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions in which local authorities in the North West Region landraising was assessed to be the best practical environmental option for waste disposal in each of the last three years. [38468]

  Angela Eagle
  No one form of waste treatment can be identified as the best practicable environmental option for all waste streams in any given area. Properly engineered and licensed landraising remains one option. Policy Planning Guidance note No. 10 on waste disposal and management, which will detail the relevant considerations that local authorities must take into account when addressing this issue, is due to be published later this year. Meanwhile, the draft waste local plans of the authorities in the north west region, which are currently under discussion, include their intended use of landfill/landraising.

  Sir Alastair Goodlad
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions which local authorities in the North West have published maps for areas of search for new landfill/landraising sites for non-inert wastes in each of the last three years; and which he expects to publish such plans in 1998–99. [38465]

  Angela Eagle
  Although the Government Office for the North West maintains copies of draft waste local plans, unitary development plans etc. for local authorities in the North West region, it would involve disproportionate expense to collate the information in the form requested. This can be obtained directly from the local authorities concerned.

  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what evidence he has evaluated of leakage of toxic materials from waste dumped in porous limestone quarries; [38873]

  (2) what investigations his Department has carried out on the effects of waste-tipping in limestone quarries. [38875]

  Angela Eagle
  The disposal of waste in landfills is controlled under the waste management licensing system in force under Part II of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. The objective of the licensing system is to ensure that waste is disposed of in a manner which protects the environment and human health. The Environment Agency are responsible for the consideration of applications for licences to dispose of waste in landfills and the supervision of licences which are issued.
  417
  My Department published in 1993 the results of research that it commissioned from WRC (formerly the Water Research Centre) on the pollution characteristics of landfills in quarries in magnesian limestone areas. The research report was entitled "Monitoring for leachate migration from landfills in Magnesian Limestone quarries at old Wingate and Joint Stocks, Durham: 1984–1992". I have sent a copy of the report to my hon. Friend and arranged for copies to be deposited in the Library of the House.

  In 1995 the Department's evaluation of this and other research was incorporated into the recommendations of Waste Management Paper 26B, "Landfill Design, Construction and Operational Practice". This paper indicates that former quarries may be used for the landfilling of waste provided that the design incorporates adequate arrangements to contain and monitor leakage.

  Rail Accident, Glynde
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what were the conclusions of the investigation into the recent railway accident at Glynde station; and what action has been taken subsequently. [38714]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The conclusions of the Health and Safety Executive's Railway Inspectorate investigation into the accident at Glynde Railway Station, East Sussex on 20 April 1997 were that serious breaches of health and safety legislation had taken place, resulting in the prosecution of Amec Rail Ltd.

  On 4 November 1997, Amec Rail Ltd. pleaded guilty to two charges: failing to ensure the health and safety of their employees and failing to ensure the safety of persons not in their employment. Amec Rail were fined £15,000 on each charge and ordered to pay costs of £2,007.

  Millennium Experience
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the roadworks whose completion will benefit road access to the Millennium Dome, giving the expected completion date in each case. [38718]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The Millennium Experience will be a car-free event, but it is essential to secure good access for the traffic that has yet to get to the Dome such as coaches, taxis, disabled drivers and delivery vehicles. The following road improvements are taking place.

  Al2 Hackney to M11 Link Road
  The road is planned to be opened in Autumn 1999.

  A102(M) Access Improvements
  Works are due to commence in July 1998 for completion in June 1999.

  Blackwall Tunnel
  Work to refurbish the ventilation system for the southbound Blackwall tunnel is due for the completion in summer 1999. An exit ramp to divert overheight lorries from the northbound entrance to the tunnel was completed in October 1997.

  418
  Primary Route Network Re-signing
  Scheme replace the green backed Primary network signing in London. Tenders for the East London sector affecting routes to Greenwich have been invited with completion programmed for Autumn 1999.

  Woolwich Road Improvement Scheme
  The London Borough of Greenwich are receiving funding to upgrade to dual carriageway, the remaining single carriageway section of the Woolwich Road (A206) Completion is planned for May 1999.

  Mr. Wyatt
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on his plans for improvements to the transport infrastructure in preparation for the opening of the Millennium Experience. [37437]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  By the Millennium, there will be a variety of attractive and convenient means of travel available for visitors to the Dome which involve new and improved transport infrastructure as part of an integrated approach to provide access to the Millennium Experience. The following improvements are planned:The construction of the Jubilee Line Extension (JLE) with a major new station by the gates of the Dome.
  A new bus station next to the JLE station with bus routes from several directions.
  A new pier for river services to central London (and historic Greenwich).
  A dedicated bus service linking the North Kent rail line at Charlton Station to the Dome.
  Completion of the Al2 Hackney to Ml I Link road.
  Replacement of green-backed Primary Route Network signs on east London routes to Greenwich.
  A refurbished ventilation system for the southbound Blackwall tunnel. An exit ramp to divert overheight lorries from the northbound entrance to the tunnel was completed in October 1997.
  New road links from the A102(M) onto local roads on the Greenwich Peninsula to provide access for those who need to come by road (such as coach parties and disabled drivers).
  A new riverside cycle/walk way linking Greenwich Town Centre to the Dome, plus facilities for visitors to leave their bicycles and motorbikes securely
  A new cable car system is planned by a private company to cross the Thames.
  A purpose built coach park at the Dome site with driver and passenger facilities.

  Former Coalfields
  Mr. Barron
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what priority the Planning Inspectorate gives to planning applications on brownfield sites in former coalmining communities. [38654]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The determination of planning applications is the responsibility in the first instance of local planning authorities. In the case of planning applications that have been called in for determination by my right hon. Friend, no one form of development proposal is given priority over another.

  Mr. Barron
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) when the Coalfields Task Force will report on its programme of action; [38656]
  419
  (2) what priority his Department gives to employment creation measures in former coalfield communities. [38655]

  Angela Eagle
  My right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister established the Coalfields Task Force last October to consider what more might be done to assist communities affected by pit closures. Their report will be published in May. In response to their recommendations on employment creation and other issues, the Deputy Prime Minister will launch a programme of action for the coalfields at a National Coalfields Conference to be held on Wednesday 24 June at 011erton Miners' Welfare in North Nottinghamshire.

  European Regional Statistics
  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what meetings he has had with representatives of the European Commission to discuss the adoption of the English regions for the purposes of producing European regional statistics; and if he will make a statement. [39259]

  Angela Eagle
  I refer the hon. Member to the letter from the Director of the Office for National Statistics to my noble Friend Lord Bruce of Donington, published on 2 February 1998,Official Report, House of Lords, column 82, following his Question to my noble Friend Lord McIntosh, which reports progress on the adoption by the European Union of the Government Offices for the Regions for the classification of statistics for English regions.

  Planning Policy Guidance
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proposals he has to develop economic instruments to support planning policy guidance. [39000]

  Mr. Raynsford
  As was set out in a policy statement in February, we are seeking to open up the debate about the scope for using economic instruments to help achieve our planning objectives. The scope for detailed proposals has not yet been determined, and final decisions on taxation are, of course, a matter for the Chancellor.

  Connex South Central
  Mr. Lepper
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 6 April 1998,Official Report, column 2, if he will make a statement on the issues raised in the 306 letters received by his Department about rail services provided by Connex South Central. [39297]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  A wide range of issues has been raised in correspondence, including performance, fares, service patterns and quality, capacity, investment and proposals to extend the franchise. The Franchising Director is responsible for overseeing Connex South Central's performance and managing their franchise contract.

  Canals
  Mr. Luff
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is his policy on the re-opening of canals with the potential for 420
  recreational use; what sources of public funding are available for such projects; and if he will make a statement. [38794]

  Angela Eagle
  The Government recognise the economic, environmental and amenity benefits that inland waterways can bring and are keen to maximise the full potential of the canal network. Our policy on upgrading British Waterways' canals is that this should not add to their existing liabilities: this usually involves third party funding for the extra costs of maintaining a navigable canal.

  Volunteers and the many canal restoration societies play a valuable part in restoring canals. We have provided financial help to a range of canal restoration projects through the Single Regeneration Budget Challenge Fund, Land Reclamation Programme grant and the Environmental Action Fund. Projects are also eligible for funding from the various Lottery distribution boards, from local authorities and from Europe. We look forward to receiving the report from the Inland Waterways Amenity Advisory Council on their prioritisation of restoration projects which should ensure that available funding is more effectively targeted.

  Unified Business Rate
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) if he will allow new businesses to pay 25 per cent. of the unified business rates in their first years, 50 per cent. in the second and 75 per cent. in the third year; [39033]

  (2) if he will reduce the unified business rate where the owner or proprietor lives on the premises in lieu of council tax. [39031]

  Mr. Raynsford
  On 30 March we published our consultation paper "Modernising local government: Business Rates", setting out our proposals on the future of non-domestic rates. We indicated there our willingness to consider reducing the rate bills of small businesses, and invited views by 1 June on the approach to be adopted.

  Bye-laws
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what procedures his Department follows when considering an application to introduce a bye-law from(a) a district, (b) a borough, (c) a town and (d) a parish council; and what mechanisms his Department has for verifying the application. [38734]

  Mr. Raynsford
  In all cases, my Department ensures that an application meets the stringent tests as to the validity of byelaws which have been laid down by the courts, namely, that a byelaw should be within the power of the enabling legislation, that it is not repugnant to the general law, nor uncertain nor unreasonable.

  In verifying an application, my Department ensures that it is accompanied by a copy of the council's resolution; the sealed byelaws; the draft byelaws previously approved by the Department; a copy of the newspaper(s) containing the notice; the proper officer's certificate as to deposit of a copy of the byelaws; copies of objections, if any, received by the council and confirmation of compliance with additional requirements of Local Acts (if any).

  Parking Restrictions (Schools)
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to make parking restrictions outside school entrances mandatory, allowing local authorities powers of variation. [39198]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Local traffic authorities already have responsibility and the appropriate powers for deciding where, whether and when parking outside school entrances should be prohibited, and whether "Keep clear" markings should be advisory or mandatory. We have no plans to change this.

  Public Transport (Disabled Access)
  Mr. Oaten
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans the Government have to provide funding for making buses accessible for people with disabilities. [38760]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  None. Bus manufacturers and operators are already recognising the commercial benefits of accessibility not only for disabled people but also for those passengers travelling with prams or baby buggies.

  Government do provide funding to local authorities through the Local Transport Settlement in order to improve the physical environment, such as pavements and bus stops to provide better access to existing buses.

  Mr. Oaten
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans the Government have to set a deadline for all buses to be accessible for people with disabilities. [38761]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  We are currently consulting with disability organisations, industry and local authorities on our proposed timetable for implementation of the bus and coach provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.

  We have suggested that new large single deck buses should be accessible from 1 January 2000 and all large single deck buses by 2015, all new double deck buses from 1 January 2002 with an end date of 2017 for all double deck buses to be accessible. For coaches and small buses we are proposing 1 January 2005 for new vehicles and 2020 for total compliance of all vehicles.

  We will be consulting on our final proposals in the form of draft regulations when we have considered the responses to the current consultation exercise.

  Mr. Oaten
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on his Department's policy on encouraging implementation of the provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 with reference to public transport for people with disabilities. [38763]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  We are committed to comprehensive civil rights for disabled people. Accessible public transport, within the framework of an integrated transport policy, is fundamentally important to delivering this commitment.

  We have drawn up detailed proposals on the transport provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act covering bus and coach, rail and licensed taxis. We are consulting
  422
  with disability organisations, industry and local authorities both on the technical details and on the timetable for implementation.

  Mr. Oaten
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans there are to adapt London Underground stations to provide access for people with disabilities. [38762]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  All new stations on the Jubilee Line Extension will be fully accessible to people with disabilities. London Transport also has plans for developing a step-free network of around 60 key stations. The Government have asked LT to look at how these plans can be accelerated by the extra funding which the Deputy Prime Minister announced on 20 March 1998,Official Report, columns 1539–42.

  Eurostar
  Mr. Ottaway
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how he will verify the accuracy of the Eurostar traffic forecasts submitted to him by those organisations bidding to(a) construct the Channel Tunnel rail link and (b) run the Eurostar franchise. [39002]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Any forecasts produced by these parties are done for their own purposes and are not for endorsement by the Government. The Government have however commissioned an independent view based on information provided by the parties.

  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the timetable for the establishment of a Eurostar service from Birmingham to the Continent; and if he will make a statement. [38619]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The provision of these services is the responsibility of Eurostar (UK) Limited which is a subsidiary of London & Continental Railways Limited (LCR). LCR have assured me that Eurostar (UK) Limited are continuing to work with Rai1track in search of a solution to the continuing technical difficulties of operating Regional Eurostar rolling stock on parts of the existing network. These difficulties have prevented the issue of the safety clearances that are required before passenger services can be operated. LCR say that progress is being made, but regret that it is likely to be some months before the safety issues can be fully resolved. In the meantime LCR tell me that the traffic projections for these services are being considered as part of the forecasts for the business referred to in my answer of today to the hon. Member for Croydon, South (Mr. Ottaway).

  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what expenditure his Department has incurred on the provision of a sleeping car service to run to Europe, via the Channel Tunnel, for the regions of Britain; and if he will make a statement. [38618]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The rolling stock for this service was procured in 1992 by European Night Services Limited (ENS) using a lease purchase facility. ENS is a joint venture company owned by Eurostar (UK) Limited along with the national railways of France, Germany and Holland. Whilst there has been very little actual public financing of this venture, Eurostar (UK) Limited's share
  423
  of the capital value of the lease was scored as public expenditure when the company was in the public sector. The liabilities of Eurostar (UK) Ltd under the lease purchase facility are the subject of a Government Guarantee which was notified to Parliament under the normal procedures in 1996. If this Guarantee were to be called the Government's actual exposure is likely to be in the order of £105 million.

  Regional Development Agencies
  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many applicants to the boards of regional development agencies are under the age of(a) 25 years, (b) 30 years and (c) 35 years; and if he will make a statement. [38969]

  Mr. Caborn
  Applications for Regional Development Agency board membership have been received from a variety of sources and full monitoring details are not yet available. Of the applications made to the Government Offices, 4 are from people under 25 years, 6 are between 25 and 29 years and 20 are between 30 and 34 years. I will write to the hon. Member when the full information is available.

  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what measures he is taking to ensure that the boards of regional development agencies include young people; and if he will make a statement. [38968]

  Mr. Caborn
  The information pack provided to candidates made it clear that service on the board of a Regional Development Agency may be a useful development opportunity for young people. In identifying board members, consideration will be given to candidates who have demonstrated significant potential early in their careers.

  Environmental Statements
  Mr. Paice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he requires the Environmental Statement submitted as part of an application for any project which will have an effect on transport volumes or patterns to include(a) an assessment of the number of journeys, by any means of transport, which are generated and saved, (b) an estimate of the projected distances of those journeys, and (c) an assessment of the total increase or reduction in the emission of greenhouse gases and other pollutants caused as a result. [38980]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The requirements for the content of Environmental Statements are set by the provisions of Annex III of Council Directive 85/337/EEC on the assessment of certain public and private projects on the environment (the EIA Directive). These requirements are implemented, in the main, through the Town and Country Planning (Assessment of Environmental Effects) Regulations 1988 (SI 1988 No. 1199). Developers are required to describe the likely significant effects of the project on the environment and to describe the forecasting methods used. To assist developers, the Department issued a Good Practice Guide on the preparation of Environmental Statements in 1995. This includes guidance on assessing the impacts on air and climate and of traffic and transport.

  National Parks
  Mr. Paice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is his Department's policy towards the use of the Sandford Principle in protecting national parks. [38981]

  Angela Eagle
  Section 62 of the Environment Act 1995 reflects the Sandford Principle. It places a general duty on all relevant authorities to have regard to National Park purposes and, if it appears that there is a conflict between them, requires that greater weight be attached to the purpose of conserving and enhancing the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the National Park. My Department's policy is to promote this legislation.

  County Structure Plans
  Dr. Palmer
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the applicability and enforcement of county structure plans drawn up before the announcement of the Government's policy on the proportion of new dwellings to be on brownfield sites. [38956]

  Mr. Raynsford
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Regent's Park and Kensington, North (Ms Buck) on 1 April 1998,Official Report, columns 530–31. Section 54A of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 requires all decisions on planning matters to be made in accordance with the adopted development plan, unless material considerations indicate otherwise.

  Government Planning Guidance has for many years required local authorities to make full and effective use of previously developed land for new development, both when drawing up their development plans and in deciding planning applications. The recent statement reinforces this position. There are at the moment no regional or local land recycling targets in development plans, although authorities will be working towards developing these in the next round of regional planning guidance.

  Home Buying Task Group
  Sir Raymond Powell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects the Ministerial Task Group on home buying to report. [38825]

  Mr. Raynsford
  We expect to make an announcement in the autumn.

  Shipping Working Group
  Sir Raymond Powell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects the Shipping Working Group assessing measures to assist the United Kingdom shipping industry to report. [38827]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The Shipping Working Group submitted its report to my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister last month.

  London Water Table
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he is taking to arrest the rising water table in
  425
  London; what impact rising water levels are having on subterranean structures; and if he will make a statement. [38747]

  Angela Eagle
  Thames Water plc are currently developing a strategy for alleviating groundwater levels across the area of London most likely to be affected. We expect to receive their report in about a month's time, and shall then be able to consider how to take the strategy forward. The only subterranean structures so far affected are certain parts of the Underground network. London Underground have considerable experience of dealing with groundwater and are taking action as the need arises.

  Cosmetic Surgery Clinics
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what(a) percentage and (b) number of private cosmetic surgery clinics were inspected in the last 12 months for which figures are available. [39034]

  Angela Eagle
  The information requested is unavailable. The Health and Safety Executive does not record its contacts with duty holders at this level of detail.

  Mink
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps his Department is taking to classify mink as a pest. [38878]

  Angela Eagle
  There are no plans to classify the mink as a pest species.

  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps his Department is taking to control the spread of wild mink in the United Kingdom. [38877]

  Angela Eagle
  Mink are controlled in the UK, by and large, by individual landowners.

  In the 1960s Agriculture Departments carried out an eradication scheme by means of an extensive trapping campaign. The campaign ceased in 1970 when it was accepted that feral mink had become too well established and widespread for eradication to be possible. There are no plans at present for such a scheme to be revived, as any such campaign would be very unlikely to succeed.

  Development Land
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proposals he has for new ways of taxing development land to promote balanced development between greenfield and brownfield sites. [38872]

  Mr. Raynsford
  As was set out in a policy statement in February, we are seeking to open up the debate about the scope for using economic instruments to help achieve our planning objectives, including the possibility of a greenfield tax. The scope for detailed proposals has not yet been determined, and final decisions on taxation are, of course, a matter for the Chancellor.

  Planning
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what evaluation his Department has carried out of the benefits of section 106 planning agreements. [38871]

  Mr. Raynsford
  As announced in our January 1998 Policy Statement "Modernising Planning", we are holding seminars this month with a number of stakeholders to evaluate these agreements and to discuss options for changing policy.

  Subsidence
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proposals he has for making compensation available to home-owners affected by subsidence caused by limestone quarrying. [38874]

  Mr. Raynsford
  There are no proposals to compensate home-owners for subsidence caused by limestone quarrying.

  Subsidence damage to houses is generally covered under normal household insurance whatever the cause. The only statutory compensation scheme is for subsidence due to coal mining under the Coal Mining Subsidence Act 1991, as amended by the Coal Industry Act 1994. In other cases of subsidence damage, it is open to home-owners and/or their insurers to take action in Common Law against the person who caused the damage. It would not be appropriate for the Government to act as insurer of last resort in such cases.

  Liverpool Lifeboat Station
  Miss Geraldine Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received on the implications of the possible closure of the lifeboat station at Liverpool; and if he will make a statement. [39012]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  No representations have been received on the possible closure of Liverpool lifeboat station. The Royal National Lifeboat Institution state they have no plans to close any lifeboat station in the Liverpool area.

  Nuclear Waste
  Miss Geraldine Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will(a) impose restrictions on and (b) eliminate in the long-term the transportation of nuclear waste. [39048]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  My Department implements and enforces appropriate regulations to ensure that all radioactive material, including nuclear waste, is transported safely. These regulations are subject to continuous review to ensure they are kept up-to-date and effective.

  London Referendum Campaign
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what public funds are available for the London Referendum Campaign; and who may apply for them. [38738]
  427
  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The Government have made it clear that no public funds will be made available to groups campaigning on the London referendum.

  London Mayor
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proposals he has to set limits on election expenses for candidates for the London Mayoralty; and what statutory provision applies to the date on which election expenses are first incurred. [38736]

  Mr. Raynsford
  We said in our White Paper, "A Mayor and Assembly for London", that there will need to be a limit on the amount that candidates for the Mayor and Assembly can spend. Subject to a "Yes" vote in the referendum on 7 May we will introduce legislation to establish the Greater London Authority. The legislation will set the level of these expenses and we will consult the Association of London Government before taking decisions.

  The date from which election expenses might first be incurred is not prescribed in statute.

  Building Control Services
  Mr. Truswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to ensure local authorities are able to compete on equal terms with the private sector for building control services contracts. [38741]

  Mr. Raynsford
  Wider competition between approved inspectors and local authority building control should be a stimulus to greater efficiency and higher standards of service to the customer. To help bring about this result, I am working to devolve the setting of charges for local authority building control to individual local authorities. I also wish to see arrangements put in place for setting and monitoring compliance with common standards of building control applicable across the public and private sectors. I therefore welcome the establishment by the Local Government Association, the Construction Industry Council and the Association of Corporate Approved Inspectors of a Steering Group to draw up recommended standards and monitoring arrangements.

  Mr. Truswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received in respect of the provision of building control services by private contractors. [38740]

  Mr. Raynsford
  My Department receives letters from time to time about the performance of approved inspectors carrying out building control functions, as well as about the performance of local authority building control officers.

  A46/47 Link Road
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions for what reasons the original side road orders for the Leicester A46/47 link road scheme have been superseded by temporary closure side road orders; and what factors underlay the length of time taken between the posting of the side orders and commencement of work. [38957]
  428
  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The A46/47 link road is a local road for which Leicester City Council are the local highway authority. Following a public inquiry in 1995 the Side Roads Orders were confirmed in August 1997. Before implementing the authority of a Side Roads Order a local highway authority must ensure that there already exists, or they have provided, a reasonably convenient alternative to highways being stopped up by an authority of that Order. This often entails the making of temporary closure orders under the Traffic Regulation Act 1984. Temporary closure orders under this Act may also be required to enable some construction works to be carried out. I understand that Leicester City Council have recently advertised their intention for some temporary closures to enable construction works. Under the Traffic Regulation Act highway authorities must give not less than 7 days' notice of their intention to make such temporary closures, which includes dates of commencement and duration of the closure.

  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps his Department has taken to ensure that the supplementary credit approval awarded to Leicester City Council for the construction of the A46/47 link road scheme has been used(a) effectively and (b) within the time period allowed. [38958]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  When my Department issues supplementary credit approvals (SCA) for a scheme such as the A46/47 link road the certificate that formalises the arrangement makes it clear that the resources are to be used only on the named scheme. It is for the Audit Commission to determine in due course whether an authority has made proper use of all the resources it receives under the Transport Policies and Programme system. The continuation of funding to a participating authority under that system is dependent on my Department' s receipt of satisfactory annual audit certificates. SCA are issued for a specific financial year. Local authorities know that if they are unable to use the resources fully in that year they must surrender the unused portion for reallocation. It is a function of the audit procedure to verify that authorities have fulfilled this requirement.

  Valuations (Commercial Properties)
  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to change the regulations concerning the valuation arrangements for commercial properties which include domestic areas within the overall property. [39199]

  Mr. Raynsford
  None. Where a property is used for both commercial and domestic purposes, the rateable value is based only on the commercial use. It does not include the value of the property as living accommodation. This is dealt with entirely separately, through a Council Tax assessment.

  Carbon Dioxide Emissions
  Mr. Gummer
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects
  429
  to publish his White Paper on the UK strategy to meet the target of 20 per cent. reduction on carbon dioxide emissions in 1990. [38985]

  Angela Eagle
  The Government plan to publish a consultation paper on climate change this summer. This will focus on policy options for meeting our legally binding target from Kyoto, but also look at measures that would move beyond that towards our aim of a 20 per cent. reduction in CO2 emissions. We are inviting views from all sectors throughout this consultation process.

  £ million (1997–98 prices)

  1998–99

  1999–00

  2000x2013;01

  2001x2013;02

  2002–03

  Anglia Railways

  26.0

  22.1

  16.0

  13.0

  8.6

  Cardiff Railways

  18.1

  17.1

  15.8

  15.0

  14.3

  Central Trains

  122.9

  109.0

  103.4

  99.9

  96.9

  Virgin Cross Country

  98.1

  82.2

  73.9

  67.8

  50.5

  Gatwick Express

  -7.9

  -9.8

  -10.7

  -11.5

  -12.0

  Great Eastern

  14.0

  8.1

  2.8

  -0.3

  -5.1

  Great Western Trains

  53.9

  47.8

  41.4

  34.0

  27.3

  Great North Eastern Railway

  36.3

  16.5

  6.2

  2.0

  0.1

  Virgin West Coast

  68.4

  56.1

  53.7

  52.3

  -3.9

  Island Line

  1.9

  1.8

  1.8

  1.0

  -

  LTS Rail

  25.1

  23.4

  21.9

  20.6

  19.3

  Merseyside Electrics

  6.5

  5.9

  5.7

  5.4

  5.5

  Midland Mainline

  2.4

  0.9

  -0.6

  -2.6

  -4.4

  Connex South Central

  54.8

  46.9

  43.4

  38.3

  35.9

  Silverlink

  35.5

  29.6

  26.4

  23.0

  20.0

  North Western Trains

  89.8

  81.6

  74.9

  71.7

  69.0

  Regional Railways North East

  122.9

  109.5

  102.3

  97.3

  93.7

  Scotrail Railways

  120.5

  114.0

  106.9

  100.3

  95.2

  Wales & West Railway

  62.2

  57.4

  51.4

  47.5

  44.0

  South West Trains

  60.8

  55.7

  50.5

  45.2

  35.7

  Thames Trains

  24.8

  17.0

  13.5

  7.6

  3.8

  Thameslink Rail

  -6.7

  -16.2

  -22.5

  -23.2

  -27.0

  Chiltern Railway

  12.6

  9.9

  6.7

  4.7

  3.3

  Connex South Eastern

  85.1

  61.1

  49.1

  40.4

  32.6

  West Anglia Great Northern

  34.7

  25.4

  13.1

  4.3

  -14.6

  Total

  1,162.7

  973.0

  847.0

  753.7

  588.7

  Total with gross PTE costs

  1,575.7

  1,352.3

  1,203.3

  1,092.3

  915.0

  Total with net PTE costs

  1,494.5

  1,271.1

  1,122.1

  1,011.2

  833.9

  Environmental Task Force
  Mr. Derek Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to increase the access to set-up funding for organisations acting as deliverers of the Environmental Task Force options of the New Deal to ensure adequate investment in infrastructure. [35908]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  I have been asked to reply.

  The Chief Executive of the Employment Service recently announced a scheme whereby voluntary organisations, including those delivering ETF provision, can have some of their first year's contract value in advance, to meet set-up costs, immediately a contract is signed. The maximum amount available is whichever is the lower of £30,000 or 20 per cent. of the first year's expected contract value.

  Mr. Derek Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps are being taken to increase the national profile of the voluntary sector and Environmental Task Force options of the New Deal. [35927]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  I have been asked to reply.

  Rail Subsidies
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list for each of the next five years the Government subsidy to be paid to(a) Railtrack and (b) each train operating company. [37919]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  [pursuant to her reply, 8 April 1998, c. 291–92]: The information in the table was incorrect, the following table gives the correct figures.

  Our national advertising campaign features a range of voluntary and environmental organisations and from April will include two new television commercials to specifically promote these options. Inquiries generated in this way are answered by the New Deal Information Line and Website, for example by sending information packs. Factsheets and other publicity material aimed at both clients and option providers are also available through Jobcentres and local partner organisations. The New Deal Task Force is also working to raise the profile of these options.

  Mr. Derek Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 2 March 1998,Official Report, column 479, if he will publish the set of environmental objectives developed by his Department, against which Environmental Task Force projects will be assessed. [35951]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  I have been asked to reply.

  The list of environmental objectives, developed by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, against which Environment Task Force (ETF) bids will be assessed was published as an Annex to the

  431
  specification for the ETF, which was issued by the Employment Service to organisations wishing to bid to deliver ETF provision.

  A copy of the list has been placed in the Library.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Ministerial Visits
  Mr. Wilshire
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will list those visits made within the United Kingdom since 1 May on which(a) she and (b) other Ministers within her Department have been accompanied under Rule 83 of the Ministerial Code indicating (i) those persons accompanying and (ii) the cost to public funds. [23763]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  [holding answer 19 January 1998]: The information for the Northern Ireland Office and the Northern Ireland Departments is not available in the form requested. However, the following information is available:

  Dates

  Person accompanying

  Total cost1 (£)

  Secretary of State

  30/05/97 to 15/02/98

  Spouse, children, parents

  7,364

  Adam Ingram, MP

  09/05/97 to 16/03/98

  Spouse

  3,044

  Tony Worthington, MP

  13/06/97 to 02/03/98

  Spouse

  1,839

  Lord Dubs

  16/05/97 to 06/03/98

  Spouse, child

  1,588

  1Includes cost of cars, flights and duty weekends in Northern Ireland

  Departmental Pay
  Mr. Duncan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many people employed by(a) her Department and (b) the agencies for which her Department is responsible earn (i) less than £3.20 per hour, (ii) between £3.20 and £3.60 per hour, (iii) between £3.60 and £4 per hour and (iv) between £4 and £4.62 per hour. [30755]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  [holding answer 23 February 1998]: The information for the Northern Ireland Office and the Northern Ireland Departments is as follows:

  (i)

  (ii)

  (iii)

  (iv)

  Non Industrial Staff1

  81

  1,656

  555

  1,797

  Industrial Staff

  Department

  -

  -

  21

  177

  Agencies

  -

  -

  -

  960

  1The split of non-industrial staff between Departments and agencies is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Conferences
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many of her officials attended 432
  conferences (a) in the United Kingdom and (b) overseas; and how many and what percentage made (i) oral and (ii) written contributions to the matters under discussion in the last 12 months for which figures are available. [31171]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  The information for the Northern Ireland Office and the Northern Ireland Departments for 1997 is as follows:

  (a) 1,563

  (b) 305

  (i) 406 (21.7%)

  (ii) 229 (12.3%)

  Information relating to United Kingdom conferences attended by Department of the Environment Officials is not included as this could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Surveys
  Mr. Forth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will list each information, promotional, marketing and opinion survey contract, with its value, concluded by her Department and its agencies for the years(a) 1997–98, (b) 1998–99, (c) 1999–2000, (d) 2000–2001 and (e) 2001–2002. [32019]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  The information requested has been placed in the Library of the House.

  Anglo-Irish Intergovernmental Council
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many meetings of the Anglo-Irish Intergovernmental Council were held in 1997. [33592]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  Three: on 7 February, 8 May and 14 November. These were meetings of the Education and Culture Sub-Committee. There were also 3 meetings of the Anglo-Irish Intergovernmental Conference. The Anglo-Irish Intergovernmental Conference was established under the framework of the Anglo-Irish Intergovernmental Council.

  Radio Telefis Eireann
  Mr. Robert McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what estimate she has made of the cost to United Kingdom public funds of the onward transmission of Radio Telefis Eireann into Northern Ireland; who will pay the costs incurred within the United Kingdom; and if she will make a statement on the discussion of the matter at the Anglo-Irish Conference on 6 March. [34614]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport is responsible for broadcasting policy. His officials and UK broadcasters are currently discussing with their Irish counterparts proposals to increase power to extend the coverage of RTE services within Northern Ireland. Before my right hon. Friend can agree to any such increased power transmissions, the necessary engineering work to protect UK services will have to be undertaken. The costs of any engineering work required in the UK which forms part of any UK-Irish agreement to extend RTE reception in Northern Ireland will be wholly funded by the Irish.
  433
  We discussed plans for the early extension of RTE transmission throughout Northern Ireland at the Intergovernmental conference meeting on 5 March.

  Lawther Day Centre, Belfast
  Mr. Robert McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans she has for the future use of the Lawther Day Centre in College Park Avenue, Belfast. [37159]

  Mr. Worthington
  I understand that the South and East Belfast Health and Social Services Trust is seeking planning approval to develop an Adolescent Resource Centre on this site which will provide a focus for its Adolescent Services and facilitate an improved inter-agency and multi-disciplinary approach to young people and their families.

  Mobile Phones
  Rev. Ian Paisley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the maximum effective radiated power permitted from a mobile phone base station. [37097]

  Mr. Worthington
  I am advised by the Radio Communications Agency, which is the licensing authority for these operations, that the maximum effective radiated power permitted from a mobile phone base station should not exceed 30 dBW (decibel watts).

  Rev. Ian Paisley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what research her Department has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated into the long-term effects of exposure to radiation from mobile phones and base stations. [37099]

  Mr. Worthington
  No specific research has been commissioned in relation to Northern Ireland. However, the Department of Health has commissioned two studies on biological effects of microwaves as part of its Radiation Protection Research Programme. The first is investigating the influence of radiation on learning ability and behaviour. The other is a laboratory study looking for biological responses from human cells in the electromagnetic radiation field. That Department is also contributing to the World Health Organisation's International Electromagnetic Field project, which includes the health effects of microwaves.

  The Government obtain advice from the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB) on the risks to health of exposure to electromagnetic fields. NRPB's advice is that mobile phones and base stations currently operating in the United Kingdom comply with the recommended exposure limits.

  Sellafield
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what studies she has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on the impact of radioactive discharges from Sellafield on the health of people in Northern Ireland. [37104]

  Mr. Worthington
  None.

  Mediation Network
  Mr. Maginnis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to her answer of 23 March 1998,Official Report, column 27, under whose authority Mediation Network facilitates links between the RUC and others, (a) nationally and (b) internationally; with what activities relating to the RUC it has been involved; to whom the body is accountable in respect of Government funding received; and what accounts have been published. [37385]

  Mr. Ingram
  The Mediation Network is an independent association formed to develop alternative, non-violent approaches to conflicts and disputes in different settings in Northern Ireland. It therefore needs no authority other than the agreement of those it works with.

  The Mediation Network has already worked with the Royal Ulster Constabulary training branch on the RUC's Community Awareness programme. The current project is intended to develop with the RUC, as service providers, and others ideas for the evolution of policing and community relations in Northern Ireland.

  The Mediation Network is accountable to the Northern Ireland Community Relations Council for its financial assistance and the latter is in turn accountable to the Department of Finance and Personnel, by which it is funded under the Community Relations Programme.

  The last published accounts for both the Mediation Network and for the Northern Ireland Community Relations Council cover the financial year ending 31 March 1997.

  Mr. Maginnis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to her answer of 23 March 1998,Official Report, column 27, what studies have been commissioned by her Department from Mediation Network, and what studies or recommendations have been offered to her Department by Mediation Network, in relation to the future structure or operation of the RUC; and if she will place a copy of such papers in the Library. [37380]

  Mr. Ingram
  The Northern Ireland Office, through its Statistics and Research Branch, is currently part funding a Mediation Network project entitled 'Policing Our Divided Society'. This particular project was proposed by the Mediation Network in consultation with the RUC, and contributes to the RUC's Policing in Partnership strategy. The Mediation Network approached the Northern Ireland Office, amongst others, to seek funding.

  The Mediation Network has identified the aim of the project as 'To Assist the Evolution of Policing and Community Relations in Northern Ireland'. Work will involve discussions with various groups about policing in Northern Ireland including with the Royal Ulster Constabulary, as the service providers.

  The Mediation Network will produce a report for the NIO which summarises points of significance emerging from the process. In due course, a summary of the main conclusion will be published.

  Peace Process (Public Relations)
  Mr. Maginnis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what funding has been set aside for
  435
  public relations exercises relating to a possible talks agreement; what PR companies are involved; what budget has been identified for the exercise; and if she will make a statement.[37382]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  My principal concern in this area is to ensure that the people of Northern Ireland have available to them all of the information which they need in order to take a decision on any agreement which may be reached, in a referendum.

  Accordingly, I propose to make arrangements to have an agreement circulated as widely as possible to the people of Northern Ireland.

  The total budget for printing and distribution of the agreement, the related costs of making known both its availability and the arrangements for the referendum cannot yet be predicted.

  I have no proposals to involve any PR company in this work. Any advertising necessary to publicise arrangements for making the agreement available publicly will be handled by an advertising agency already contracted to the Northern Ireland Office for other ongoing work.

  Sinn Fein
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to her answer of 19 March 1998,Official Report, column 724–725, on Sinn Fein, if she will place a copy of the RUC Code Regulation in the Library. [37812]

  Mr. Ingram
  The RUC Code Regulation is a Confidential document and therefore cannot be made public.

  Maze Prison
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many incidents involving violent behaviour or assaults have been reported in each of the past four years in HMP Maze; how many complaints have been registered of assaults on prison officers; how many disciplinary charges have been initiated as a result; of these, how many charges led to further punishments; how many complaints have been registered as assaults on inmates; how many disciplinary charges were initiated as a result; and of these how many charges led to disciplinary action. [37679]

  Mr. Ingram
  There was a total of 67 incidents involving violent behaviour or assaults reported in HMP Maze 1994 to 1997. The total is broken down as follows:

  1994–11

  1995–25

  1996–18

  1997–8

  There have been a total of 208 complaints which have been registered as assaults on Prison Staff at HMP Maze, 179 disciplinary charges were initiated as a result, of which 38 charges led to further punishments.

  There have been 26 complaints registered as assaults against inmates during the four years in question. 3 disciplinary charges were initiated as a result, but disciplinary action is still pending.

  Prisoners (Remission)
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will estimate the number of existing prisoners convicted of scheduled offences remaining in prison in each year until the last is released, assuming no new convictions, under(a) the current, (b) a 66 per cent. and (c) a 75 per cent. rate of remission. [37829]

  Mr. Ingram
  Statistical information in the precise form requested could be provided only at disproportionate cost. I am nevertheless able to provide statistical information on a similar point which has been previously produced. The following table is based on prisoners serving determinate sentences of three years or more; held at Maghaberry or Maze for offences connected to terrorism; and who will be released after 30 April 1998.

  Number of prisoners convicted of scheduled offences remaining in prison at the end of each year under current arrangements, 66% and 75% rates of remission

  End of year

  Current arrangements

  66% remission

  75% remission

  1998

  250

  109

  38

  1999

  182

  59

  9

  2000

  126

  26

  3

  2001

  84

  8

  2

  2002

  47

  2

  2

  2003

  31

  2

  1

  2004

  18

  1

  -

  2005

  8

  1

  -

  2006

  3

  1

  -

  2007

  1

  -

  -

  2008

  1

  -

  -

  2009

  1

  -

  -

  2010

  1

  -

  -

  2011

  1

  -

  -

  2012

  -

  -

  -

  Notes:

  1. Current prisoners for whom 66% and 75% remission would mean prior or immediate release, are included in figures for 1998.

  2. Determinate sentenced prisoners serving sentences of three years or more; held at Maghaberry or Maze for scheduled offences; and who will be released after 30 April 1998.

  3. Excludes: Life Sentence prisoners and prisoners detained at Secretary of State's Pleasure; remand; and fine default prisoners.

  Accident Treatment Costs
  Mr. Austin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what estimate she has made of the total cost of treating accidents and other injuries in Northern Ireland in the last 12 months. [37322]

  Mr. Worthington
  [holding answer 6 April 1998]: The information requested is not available in the format requested.

  Osteoporosis
  Mr. Austin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what estimate she has made of the projected number of osteoporotic fractures in Northern Ireland in the next 12 months and the number of(a) orthopaedic beds and (b) days of hospitalisation required to treat them. [37334]
  437
  Mr. Worthington
  [holding answer 6 April 1998]: Services are not planned in the detailed way pre-supposed by this question and therefore no estimate of the numbers referred to are available. However, in 1996/97, a total of 96 persons with a primary diagnosis of osteoporotic fracture were treated as inpatients in Northern Ireland hospitals. This treatment involved 1,685 bed-days.

  Mr. Austin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what estimate she has made of the number of visits and repeat visits to GPs in Northern Ireland occasioned by osteoporosis. [37306]

  Mr. Worthington
  [holding answer 6 April 1998]: Information on the number of visits and repeat visits made to GPs about specific conditions is not collected centrally.

  Mr. Austin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what estimate she has made of the cost of treating osteoporotic fractures in the last 12 months. [37323]

  Mr. Worthington
  [holding answer 6 April 1998]: Based on the number of finished consultant episodes during 1996/97 in relation to osteoporotic fractures, expenditure amounted to approximately £582,000. The latter figures refer to inpatient episodes only.

  Mr. Austin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment she has made of the incidence of osteoporosis; and what estimate she has made of the cost of osteoporosis to the NHS in Northern Ireland in the last 12 months. [37314]

  Mr. Worthington
  [holding answer 6 April 1998]: Information on the incidence of osteoporosis is not available centrally. The data available, however, show that, during the financial year 1996/97, 1,167 persons with a primary diagnosis of osteoporosis were treated as inpatients in Northern Ireland hospitals. Data are not collected in such a way that allows the cost of osteoporosis to the Health and Personal Social Services in Northern Ireland to be estimated.

  Mr. Austin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many health boards have an osteoporosis strategy in place; and if she will list them. [37310]

  Mr. Worthington
  [holding answer 6 April 1998]: The four Health and Social Services Boards are aware of the significance of this condition as a public health problem and are at various stages in the development of strategies; these include guidelines for the secondary prevention of osteoporosis, protocols for onward referral and treatment of patients with osteoporosis; and measures intended to prevent the occurrence of osteoporosis.

  Mr. Austin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what percentage of(a) accidents and (b) orthopaedic hospital admissions in Northern Ireland are directly attributable to osteoporosis. [37327]

  Mr. Worthington
  [holding answer 6 April 1998]: Data on (a) accidents are not collected in the form required. It is not therefore possible to answer the question. However, by way of information, in 1996/97, 145 (or 1 per cent.) of emergency inpatient admissions were assigned a primary diagnosis of osteoporosis.

  With regard to (b) there are no orthopaedic hospitals in Northern Ireland. During 1996/97, a total of 39 (or 0.25 per cent.) persons with a primary or secondary
  438
  diagnosis of osteoporosis were treated as inpatients in the Trauma & Orthopaedics (T&O) specialty in Northern Ireland hospitals.

  Bill of Rights
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will take steps to ensure that the terms of the UN Basic Principles on the Effective Prevention and Investigation of Extra-Legal and Summary Executions are included on the proposed Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland. [37888]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  [holding answer 8 April 1998]: We will bear this in mind.

ATTORNEY-GENERAL

  Computer Fraud
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Attorney-General what steps he is taking to ensure that the Serious Fraud Office has the human and technical resources to tackle successfully computer fraud. [38979]

  The Attorney-General
  The Serious Fraud Office has a team of staff dedicated to deal with all computer-related issues on all cases: for example the seizure and processing of material during an investigation as well as presentation of material at trial.

  If the SFO were to require a particular expertise or technical resource that was not available internally then a competitive arrangement for selecting the provider on value for money criteria would be put into operation.

  Crown Business Communications
  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Attorney-General if he authorised the employment of Crown Communications by the Director of Public Prosecutions. [38719]

  The Attorney-General
  I was aware that CPS management was considering how to handle the Glidwell Report and the Government's response to it with a view to informing their staff of the Government's decisions. I was not aware that Crown Business Communications were being considered for this purpose. Internal communications within the CPS are not my responsibility but that of CPS management subject to my general power of superintendence. I shall be considering the handling of the Glidwell Report with the Director of Public Prosecutions in due course.

  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Attorney-General what was the total cost to the public purse of the employment of Crown Communications by the Director of Public Prosecutions. [38720]

  The Attorney-General
  Nothing. No contract has been signed between Crown Business Communications and the Crown Prosecution Service. If it is decided to use the company it will be paid for items of work only when they have been identified and agreed.

  Thefts
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Attorney-General if he will publish a list of the equipment stolen from(a) his office

  439
  and (b) the offices of the Crown Prosecution Service in the last five years indicating the approximate value of each item stolen. [37974]

  The Attorney-General
  I am able to provide the following information:

  (a) A laptop computer worth approximately £700 was stolen from the Attorney-General's Office in July 1996. There is no record of any other theft of equipment in the period specified.

  (b) Equipment stolen from the offices of the Crown Prosecution Service in each of the last five financial years together with approximate values, is as follows:

  Non IT Equipment

  IT Equipment

  Year

  Number

  Cost (£)

  Number

  Cost (£)

  1993/94

  8

  1,650

  24

  19,375

  1994/95

  12

  6,672

  17

  8,524

  1995/96

  14

  4,327

  22

  22,035

  1996/97

  11

  1,884

  15

  21,755

  1997/98

  2

  1,200

  1

  2,200

  Total

  47

  15,733

  79

  73,889

  Full details of stolen CPS equipment is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

WALES

  Social Exclusion Unit
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the(a) organisations and (b) individuals he has consulted concerning the Social Exclusion Unit; and if he will make a statement. [38291]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  Officials in the Welsh Office have had informal discussions with a number of bodies in Wales about ways to construct an effective programme to tackle Social Exclusion. These include the Welsh Local Government Association, the Wales Council for Voluntary Action, Swansea City Council and the University of Glamorgan. We intend to publish proposals for formal consultation in early May.

  Rural Post Offices
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what action he has taken to secure the future of post offices in rural Wales, with particular reference to Flintshire; and if he will make a statement. [38461]

  Mr. Hain
  The Government fully recognise the importance of the post office network, especially in rural areas, and are committed to the maintenance of a nationwide network of post offices. In announcing recently the next stage of the Review of the Post Office, my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade reaffirmed this commitment. In the context of the Review, we shall be examining closely further scope for sustaining and strengthening the viability of the post office network as a whole.

  New Deal (Delinquency)
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to monitor the impact of the New Deal on young people with a history of delinquency. [38458]
  440
  Mr. Hain
  The term "delinquency" is very broad and could legitimately be defined as including a range of anti-social behaviour, some of which could not be identified formally, for example through a criminal record.

  As a key part of the evaluation of the New Deal, we will seek to relate the outcomes of the New Deal participants to their individual characteristics, circumstances and labour market history, and to assess the extent to which these outcomes might have occurred in the absence of the New Deal.

  As part of this work, we shall be addressing the significance of a criminal record in employment and the success of the New Deal in overcoming barriers it may create.

  National Assembly
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when the venue for the National Assembly in Cardiff will be announced. [38452]

  Mr. Ron Davies
  I will announce the venue when I have made my decision.

  Welsh Health Common Services Authority
  Mr. Rhodri Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer of 30 March 1998,Official Report, column 399, if he will make a statement on the way in which the Welsh Health Common Services Authority accumulated its reserves; and if he will give figures on the level of these reserves at the end of each of the past five financial years. [38462]

  Mr. Ron Davies
  The Welsh Health Common Services Authority has accumulated its reserves in the course of its normal trading activity within the NHS.

  £000

  Year

  1992–93

  5,185

  1993–94

  17,271

  1994–95

  16,776

  1995–96

  12,121

  1996–97

  7,249

  Source:

  Annual accounts of Welsh Health Commons Services Authority 1992–93 to 1996–97.

  Mr. Rhodri Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will estimate the savings to his Department's expenditure on the Welsh Health Common Services Authority budget in relation to the Authority's fully repairing and insuring lease on Crickhowell House by extending the defects liability period beyond(a) 12 months, (b) 24 months, (c) 36 months and (d) 48 months. [38442]

  Mr. Ron Davies
  The information is not available in the form requested. The landlord has paid for all repair work during the Defects Liability Period and there has been no effect on the budget of the Welsh Health Common Services Authority who are responsible for managing the building.
  441
  Mr. Rhodri Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales for what period the defects liability period on the lease of Crickhowell House has been extended. [38443]

  Mr. Ron Davies
  The defects liability period has not been formally extended beyond 31 March 1998. Discussions are taking place with the landlord over the scope and length of a further extension.

  Mr. Rhodri Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will place a copy in the Library of the consultancy study by Ove Arup Facades commissioned jointly by Welsh Health Common Services Authority and ABC into the water ingress problems in Crickhowell House. [38558]

  Mr. Ron Davies
  The Welsh Health Common Services Authority have not commissioned a study jointly with ABP or seen a report prepared by Ove Arup Facades.

  Mr. Rhodri Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the areas of the fabric of Crickhowell House which(a) have been signed off as defect-free by his Department indicating the date on which they were signed off and (b) have not been signed off as defect-free; and if he will make a statement. [38557]

  Mr. Ron Davies
  The information is not available in the form requested since defects are dealt with by the landlord in response to specific faults in particular locations. My Department have no responsibility for the day to day management of the building which is a matter for the Welsh Health Common Services Authority.

  Mr. Rhodri Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if his Department's lease of Crickhowell House is conditional on the whole building being signed-off as defect-free. [38783]

  Mr. Ron Davies
  No. There are remedies contained in the lease for the rectification of defects.

  Dyfed-Powys Health Authority
  Mr. Denzil Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the dates when the appointments of the members of the Board of the Dyfed-Powys Health Authority are due to terminate. [38658]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  Dyfed Powys Health Authority Membership:

  Mrs. Vanessa J. Bourne: 30 June 1998

  Prof. John Williams: 31 March 2000

  Mr. Kenneth Cross: 31 March 2000

  Dr. Morton Davies: 31 March 2000

  Dr. Ainsley Reid: 31 March 2000

  Mr. Peter Swanson: 31 March 2000

  Ms Carys Evans: 31 March 2002

  There is one vacancy.

  Railway Investment
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what initiatives he has taken to encourage increased investment in the railway service in Wales; and if he will make a statement. [39280]

  Mr. Hain
  Investment in rail infrastructure is primarily a matter for Railtrack, with the Government supporting rail services through the franchise agreements with 442
  operators. One of the main objectives of the Government's new integrated transport policy will be to win more passengers and freight on to the railways. The policy will be set out in a UK White Paper to be published later in the spring, together with a complementary transport policy statement for Wales. In the meantime, I am discussing with train operators the scope for improving services from North to South Wales.

  Dairy Industry
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the proposals for the dairy industry in Wales. [39273]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  The proposals for the dairy industry are part of the Agenda 2000 reform package which has recently been published by the European Commission. The proposals have been broadly welcomed by the UK Government. The Welsh Office will continue to work closely with farming unions in Wales to identify and argue for the needs of both Welsh dairy farmers and Welsh agriculture in general as discussions move forward.

  Quangos
  Ms Julie Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many Black and Asian people have been appointed to Welsh quangos since 1 May 1997. [38946]

  Mr. Ron Davies
  I am keen to secure a wider field of candidates for public appointments who are representative of all parts of Wales. In particular, I want to encourage more candidates from those groups currently under-represented in public appointments which includes people from ethnic minorities.

  Information about the ethnic origin of candidates for appointments is provided in confidence. Whilst I have appointed people from ethnic minority backgrounds to public bodies in Wales it would be a breach of that confidence to disclose the details because the numbers are such that the ethnic origin of individuals could be identified.

  Endangered Species
  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how the action plans for endangered species and habitats prepared by Forest Enterprise would be taken forward and adapted in Wales under the separate exercise of forestry functions in England, Scotland and Wales; and if he will make a statement. [38626]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  That part of Forest Enterprise's action plan for endangered species and habitats which relates to Wales is subject at present to direction by the Secretary of State for Wales. After devolution it will be subject to direction by the National Assembly for Wales.

  Forestry Commission
  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if an order under subsection 1(1)(b) in Schedule 6 to the Government of Wales Bill could exempt Forestry Commissioners in Wales from applying the recently agreed UK Forestry standard; and if he will make a statement. [38627]
  443
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  The Assembly will inherit the UK Forestry Standard. Subsequently, it will be for the Assembly to decide the standards which the Commission will apply in Wales.

  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if, following the proposed separation of functions in relation to Wales, the Forestry Commission will(a) produce a framework document and supporting corporate plan for Wales and (b) address nature conservation objectives and targets previously agreed on a Great Britain basis; and if he will make a statement. [38625]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  The Forestry Commission will prepare separate corporate plans for England, Scotland and Wales covering all the Commission's objectives including nature conservation.

  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the requirements which could be disregarded by Forestry Commissioners in Wales subject to a order under subsection 1(1)(b) in Schedule 6 to the Government of Wales Bill; and if he will make a statement. [38624]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  The purpose of the powers provided by subsection 1(1)(b) of Schedule 6 of the Government of Wales Bill is to allow the Forestry Commissioners to exercise their functions in Wales separately and distinctly from England and Scotland. In exercising their functions in Wales, the Forestry Commissioners would not be obliged to have regard to the circumstances of, or requirements in, England or Scotland.

  NHS Trusts
  Sir Raymond Powell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he expects the review of the number and share of NHS trusts in Wales to report. [38813]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  I intend to consult on proposals to reduce the number of NHS trusts in Wales between June and September this year. This should enable my right hon. Friend and Ito make final decisions during October 1998.

  Trunk Road Programme
  Sir Raymond Powell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he expects the strategic review of the Welsh trunk road programme to report. [38819]

  Mr. Hain
  Details of the strategy for, and the role of, the Welsh trunk road programme will be included in the report on the review which will be published later this year.

  Childcare Working Group
  Sir Raymond Powell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he expects the review of the Welsh childcare strategy working group will be published. [38812]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  I met the Welsh Childcare Working Group on Friday 17 April. Their views will contribute to my proposals for the Childcare Strategy in Wales, which I expect to publish soon.

  Environmental Task Force
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the implementation of the work of the Environmental Task Force in Wales. [38731]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  The New Deal for 18–24 year olds began in West Wales in January and in the rest of Wales on 6 April. The Employment Service has contracted with lead organisations to deliver the environment option of the New Deal. This option offers opportunities for young people to train and gain valuable work experience whilst meeting broad environmental objectives.

  Nursery Education (Welsh Language)
  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to the oral statement of the Minister for School Standards of 24 March 1998,Official Report, columns 398–99, if he will make a statement on the accessibility of Welsh-medium nursery education in all parts of Wales. [37145]

  Mr. Hain
  In securing nursery education places under early years development plans, each early years development partnership must give full consideration to parental demand for Welsh-medium provision. In cases where a change in the balance of provision between the maintained and voluntary sectors is proposed, the plan must state how this will enhance and not damage the accessibility and sustainability of Welsh-medium education.

  These requirements are clearly set out in the Welsh Office guidance on early years education issued this year. Plans have to be submitted to the Welsh Office by 31 May for approval.

  Public Appointments
  Ms Julie Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many appointments he has made to Welsh non-departmental public bodies since 1 May 1997; how many of the appointments were(a) men and (b) women; how many existing appointees hold more than one post; and if he will list them. [38753]

  Mr. Ron Davies
  I have made it my general practice to advertise publicly and widely for candidates for the appointments which I make, to attract a new kind of candidate who is more representative of the whole life and community of Wales. This especially applies to the efforts to secure applications from women for these appointments, and I am determined to increase their representation on public bodies in Wales.

  Recent initiatives in the media have attracted interest from a number of potential women candidates from across Wales. My Department and I are committed to building on the success of these initiatives with similar exercises in the future.

  Between 1 May 1997 and 1 March 1998, I made 110 appointments, either singly or jointly. 78 were to men, and 32 to women. The number of appointments held by women has risen from 26 per cent. to 28 per cent. in the period between December 1997 and March 1998.
  445
  There are currently 54 people who hold more than one appointment. I will write separately with the details.

  Information on all appointments that I make is published in "Appointments made by the Secretary of State for Wales". A copy of this publication is available in the House of Commons Library.

  Gwent Tertiary College
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) if all the ESF funding received by Gwent Tertiary College for each project in the 1995 to 1997 period has been used for the purpose intended; [38900]

  (2) if he will list the amount of ESF funding received by Gwent Tertiary College for each individual project for the period 1995 to 1997, together with the amount each project has already received from the college. [38899]

  Mr. Hain
  I am anxious that my hon. Friend receives all the information he has asked for on this matter. I will write to my hon. Friend as soon as I have obtained the information from my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Employment as detailed questions of this kind on the European Social Fund are either matters for his Department or for the College itself.

  Territorial Army
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment he has made of the impact on employment of the Territorial Army in Wales. [38457]

  Dr. Reid
  I have been asked to reply.

  As at 1 April this year, there were 3,282 members of TA units based in Wales, and these were supported by 138 Regular Army personnel, 79 Non Regular Permanent Staff and 194 other civilian staff.

  No assessment has been made of the overall impact of the Territorial Army on employment in Wales.

CHURCH COMMISSIONERS

  Footpaths
  Mr. Pickthall
  To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, what plans the Church Commissioners have for improving footpath access and maintenance on their estates. [37444]

  Mr. Stuart Bell
  The Commissioners are committed to protecting footpath access and ensuring that public rights of way are respected.

  Royal Peculiars
  Mr. Key
  To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, what are the duties and responsibilities of the Church Commissioners in respect of Royal Peculiars, with particular reference to Westminster Abbey. [38592]

  Mr. Stuart Bell
  Royal Peculiars exercise their own jurisdiction and the Commissioners have no responsibility for their affairs.

  Policy and Finance
  Mr. Key
  To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, to whom the Church Commissioners are(a) answerable on policy matters and (b) financially accountable; and if he will make a statement. [38594]

  Mr. Stuart Bell
  The Commissioners are answerable on policy and financial matters to Parliament and to the General Synod of the Church of England. Their annual report and accounts together with any resolution passed by the Commissioners with reference thereto are laid before both Houses of Parliament by the Secretary of State for the Home Department and before the General Synod by its Secretary General.

  Appointments
  Mr. Key
  To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, if he will list by name and title(a) the Church Commissioners, (b) the Board of Governors of the Church Commissioners with their dates of appointment and retirement and (c) the membership of the Estates and Finance Committee of the Church Commissioners. [38593]

  Mr. Stuart Bell
  The information that the hon. Member requires is listed below. It should be noted that the duties of the former Estates and Finance Committee are now largely the responsibility of the Assets and General Purposes Committees.

  CHURCH COMMISSIONERS AS OF APRIL 1998
  Chairman: The Most Reverend and Right Hon. G. L. Carey—Archbishop of Canterbury

  Church Estate Commissioners appointed by:

  Her Majesty

  Sir Michael Colman Bt—First Church Estates Commissioner

  S. Bell MP1—Second Church Estates Commissioner

  The Archbishop of Canterbury

  Mrs. M. H. Laird—Third Church Estates Commissioner

  Elected by the General Synod:

  The Venerable G. G. Gibson—Archdeacon of Auckland

  The Venerable S. R. Lowe—Archdeacon of Sheffield

  The Venerable D. K. R. Gerrard—Archdeacon of Wandsworth

  The Reverend Canon R. M. Baker

  The Reverend Canon J. A. Stanley

  The Reverend S. J. Trott

  The Reverend Canon H. E. Wilcox

  The Reverend Canon D. G. Williams

  Mrs. J. M. Atkinson

  The Viscountess Brentford OBE FCA

  P. N. E. Bruinvels

  Mrs. D. Chatterley

  A. Cooper OBE

  Mrs. P. R. Granger

  P. A. Lovegrove

  J. F. M. Smallwood CBE

  447

  T. J. P. Stevenson AIA APMI

  D. E. S. Webster

  Elected by the deans and provosts:

  The Very Reverend P. A. Berry—Provost of Birmingham

  The Very Reverend D. Frayne—Provost of Blackburn

  The Very Reverend H. E. C. Stapleton—The Dean of Carlisle

  The Very Reverend J. H. Moses—Dean of St. Paul's

  Nominated by:

  Her Majesty

  Sir Richard Baker Wilbraham Bt

  R. Heskett FRICS

  J. H. M. Newsum FRICS

  R. M. Shaw

  The Archbishop of Canterbury

  D. E. Fellows FIA FPMI

  Miss P. M. Lancaster

  M. J. Moriarty CBE

  E. G. Nugee QC

  Aldermen of the City of London

  P. A. Bull FRICS

  Sir Christopher Leaver CBE

  Vice-Chancellor of Oxford University

  The Rt. Hon. Sir Patrick Nairne GCB MC

  Board of Governors

  Appointed

  Expiry

  The Most Reverend and Right Honourable G.L.Carey,Archbishop of Centerbury— Ex-officio (Chairman)

  19April 1991

  —

  The Most Reverend and Right Honourable D.M. Hope RVCO, Archbishop of York— Deputy Chairman

  30 June 1993

  AGM 1999

  Sir Michael Colman Bt, First Church Estates Commissioner—Ex-officio

  1 April 1993

  —

  S. Bell MP, Second Church Estates Commissioner—Ex-officio

  12 June 1997

  —

  Mrs. M. H. Laird, Third Church Estates Commissioner—Ex-officio

  1 January 1989

  —

  The Right Reverend A. D. Chesters, Bishop of Blackburn

  (as Archdeacon of Halifax)

  19 July 1984

  2 May 1989

  as Bishop of Blackburn

  24 September 1992

  AGM 1999

  The Right Reverend A.M.A Turnbull, Bishop of Durham

  28 April 1988

  AGM 2002

  The Right Reverend and Rt. Hon. R. J. C. Chartres, Bishop of London

  12 December 1995

  AGM 1999

  The Right Reverend P. J. Nott, Bishop of Norwich

  30 June 1993

  AGM 1999

  The Very Reverend D. Frayne, Provost of Blackburn

  19 June 1996

  AGM 2002

  The Very Reverend J. H. Moses, Dean of St. Paul's

  28 April 1988

  AGM 1999

  The Venerable G. G. Gibson, Archdeacon of Auckland

  1 April 1993

  AGM 2002

  The Venerable S.R. Lowe, Archdeacon of Sheffield

  28 April 1994

  AGM 2002

  The Reverend Canon R.M Baker

  27 April 1995

  AGM 1999

  The Reverend Canon J.A. Stanley

  28 April 1988

  AGM 1999

  The Reverend Canon H.E. Wilcox

  29 February 1996

  AGM 1999

  The Reverend Canon D.G. Williams

  23 January 1997

  AGM 2002

  The Viscountess Brentford OBE FCA

  1 April 1993

  AGM 1999

  A. Cooper OBE

  1 April 1993

  AGM 1999

  Mrs. P. R. Granger

  1 June 1991

  AGM 2002

  Miss P.M. Lancaster

  28 April 1995

  AGM 1999

  P.A. Lovegrove

  28 April 1988

  AGM 1999

  E. G. Nugee QC

  23 August 1993

  AGM 2002

  J.F.M. Smallwood CBE

  17 November 1966

  AGM 2002

  D.E.S. Webster

  29 February 1996

  AGM 1999

  Sir Richard Baker Willbraham Bt(co-opted)

  27 April 1995

  AGM 1999

  O.N. Dawson (co-opted)

  27 April 1995

  AGM 1999

  D.E. Fellows FIA FPMI (co-opted)

  29 February 1996

  AGM 2002

  GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE
  Has a general duty to advise the Board and, in Particular, makes recommedations on the distribution of available money and on General Stipends Authority matters; is aslo responsible for staff matters.

  Sir Michael Colman Bt, Chairman

  The Bishop of Blackburn, Deputy Chairman

  S.Bell MP

  448
  Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge University

  O. N. Dawson

  Ex officio:

  The Archbishop of York

  The 41 Diocesan Bishops

  The Lord Chancellor

  The First Lord of the Treasury

  The President of the Council

  The Speaker of the House of Commons

  The Secretary of State for the Home Department

  The Chancellor of the Exchequer

  The Lord Chief Justice

  The Master of the Rolls

  The Attorney-General

  The Solicitor-General

  The Lord Mayor of London

  The Lord Mayor of York

  Secretary to the Commissioners

  P. Locke CBE

  1 Entitled to attend and speak at any Committee.

  BOARD OF GOVERNORS
  The Board transacts the functions and business of the Commissioners except where, by statute or with the Board's approval, these are exercised by Committees.

  Mrs. M. H. Laird

  The Bishop of Norwich

  The Dean of St. Paul's

  The Archdeacon of Auckland

  The Reverend Canon J. A. Stanley

  A. Cooper OBE

  M. J. Moriarty CB

  449

  J. F. M. Smallwood CBE

  T. J. P Stevenson AIA APMI

  Committee Secretary—P. Locke CBE

  ASSETS COMMITTEE
  Subject to any general rules made by the Board, has an exclusive power and duty to act in all matters relating to the management of the Commissioners' assets

  Sir Michael Colman Bt, Chairman

  Sir Richard Baker Wilbraham Bt, Deputy Chairman 0. N. Dawson

  R. Heskett FRICS

  J. H. M. Newsum FRICS

  R. M. Shaw

  The Reverend Canon H. E. Wilcox (clerical alternate)

  P. A. Lovegrove (associate member)

  Committee Secretary—P. Locke CBE

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  Museums and Galleries
  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on funding for national museums. [37419]

  Mr. Fisher
  Funding for the national Museums and Galleries has been protected for the 1998–99 financial year. Allocations to individual institutions are unchanged from those announced by the previous Government, except for an extra £1.3 million held in reserve for the British Museum and the Tate Gallery to maintain free entry pending the outcome of the Department's spending review.

  The March Budget also included the announcement of a £9 million package to promote access to Museums and Galleries.

  An announcement will be made in the summer on the outcome of the Departmental Spending Review, which will inform spending decisions for 1999–2000 and beyond.

  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) if he will make a statement on the criteria which he used to allocate money to(a) the British Museum, (b) the Victoria and Albert Museum, (c) the Natural History Museum and (d) the Science Museum for the year 1998–99; [38757]

  (2) if he will make a statement on the criteria which he has used to allocate money for museums in 1998–99; and what plans he has to review those criteria. [38756]

  Mr. Fisher
  Funding for the museums and galleries sector has been protected for the 1998–99 financial year. Allocations to the national institutions are unchanged from those announced by the previous Government, except for an extra £1 million held in reserve for the British Museum (and £300 thousand for the Tate Gallery) to maintain free entry pending the outcome of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport's Spending Review.

  In addition, the March Budget included the announcement of a £9 million package to further promote access to museums and galleries.
  450
  We are reviewing funding criteria for the museums and galleries sector as part of the Spending Review. The conclusions will be announced in the summer and will inform spending decisions for 1999–2000 and beyond.

  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans he has to promote more educational programmes by museums and galleries. [37431]

  Mr. Fisher
  This is an issue for my Department's spending review, which will be completed in the summer. Museums and galleries have great educational value and I am keen to encourage development of that role.

  Football
  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what representations he has received about the structure of the Football Association Premiership and the Football League. [37420]

  Mr. Tom Clarke
  My colleagues the Secretary of State and the Minister for Sport have received a number of representations. The governing bodies of professional football have a key role in the future of the game. They will note the wide support shown for the Ten Minute Rule Bill introduced by my hon. Friend the Member for Lincoln (Gillian Merron) on 7 April.

  Media Ownership
  Mrs. Laing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans he has to alter the rules governing media ownership. [37421]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  I have no plans to alter the rules covering media ownership. The rules introduced by the Broadcasting Act 1996 have been in force for only 17 months.

  National Lottery
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on his plans for his Department's role in the disbursement of national lottery money. [37422]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  The Department will continue to set a framework for the distribution of Lottery money through legislation and through directions issued under that legislation. Distributors will be responsible for decisions on individual applications.

  Mr. Fraser
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on the Government's plans to reduce the proportion of lottery money that will go to the arts, sport, heritage and charities. [37433]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  The proportion of lottery income which the arts, sport, heritage and charities each receive will be amended to 16.% from 14 October 1997, subject to the passage of the necessary provision in the National Lottery Bill. Each can still expect to receive £1.8 billion over the period of the current licence. This matches their original expectation when the Lottery was launched.

  NESTA Scheme
  Dr. Gibson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what representations he has received from scientists in Norwich on initiatives under the NESTA scheme. [37423]

  Mr. Fisher
  I have received a number of representations from organisations in the Norwich area but I am not aware of any representations specifically from scientists in Norwich.

  Royal Parks (Cycle Routes)
  Mr. Bradshaw
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what representations he has had on the provision of cycle routes in the royal parks. [37425]

  Mr. Tom Clarke
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has received a letter from my hon. Friend, in his capacity as Secretary of the All Party Cycling Group, seeking a meeting to discuss the level of provision for cyclists in the Royal Parks.

  Film Industry
  Mr. Coaker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans the Government have to respond to the development needs of the film industry. [37426]

  Mr. Tom Clarke
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave earlier to my hon. Friend the Member for City of Chester (Ms Russell) about the Film Policy Review Report, 'A Bigger Picture', which proposes new forms of public and private sector support for the vital script development process.

  Ms Ward
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what response he is making to the Clarke/Till review of the British film industry. [37430]

  Mr. Tom Clarke
  I welcome the Report. It represents a great opportunity for Government and industry to work together to create the conditions necessary for the long-term prosperity of the British film industry.

  Tourism
  Ms Lawrence
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what account he plans to take of sustainable development needs in the new tourism strategy. [37428]

  Mr. Tom Clarke
  We are committed to enabling tourism growth which is economically, socially and environmentally sustainable and our new tourism strategy will reflect that commitment.

  Mr. Syms
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what measures he intends to take to encourage people from overseas to visit the United Kingdom. [37417]

  Mr. Tom Clarke
  My Department continues to support the British Tourist Authority's excellent work to promote Britain overseas as a visitor destination. As part of our work on the new strategy for tourism to be published later 452
  this year, we are looking at how further to encourage the sustainable development of both incoming and domestic tourism.

  Sports Institute
  Mr. Robathan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on the future role of the United Kingdom sports institute. [37427]

  Mr. Fisher
  The United Kingdom Sports Institute's mission is to put the UK at the top of world sport by providing quality services that our elite athletes, including those with disabilities, will want to use. The Sheffield Headquarters site will co-ordinate and direct a network of centres of sporting excellence which will be accessible across Britain.

MINISTER WITHOUT PORTFOLIO

  Millennium Experience
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Minister without Portfolio what is his definition of British for the purpose of the contents of the Millennium Experience. [37441]

  Mr. Mandelson
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Great Grimsby (Mr. Mitchell) on 27 January 1998,Official Report, column 217.

  Mr. Cranston
  To ask the Minister without Portfolio if he will make a statement on his plans for the educational components of the Millennium Experience. [37442]

  Mr. Mandelson
  The New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC) is charged with creating a Millennium Experience which is educational, inspirational, and fun. Most aspects of the Experience (both the Dome at Greenwich and the associated national programme of events and activities) will have an educational element and will support the principle of lifelong learning. Some parts of the Experience have a particular education focus—The Learning Curve and Licensed to Skill zones within the Dome will reflect the close inter-relationship of learning with the changing world of work. The national programme will provide opportunities for people to participate with educational organisations on community based local and regional learning projects. The NMEC have Education Managers in each of its twelve local offices around the country. These Managers will support and promote national programme activities and events in liaison with community groups, local authorities and local education authorities and establishments.

  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Minister without Portfolio what plans he has to appoint a new creative director for the Millennium Experience project. [37443]

  Mr. Mandelson
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Chorley (Mr. Hoyle) on 23 March 1998,Official Report, column 11.

SCOTLAND

  Expenditure Plans
  Mr. Swinney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give a breakdown of his expenditure plans for each year from 1994–95 to 1999–2000 in cash and real terms at 1997–98 prices, indicating changes announced since the publication of Serving Scotland's Needs, setting out the cumulative spending planned for 1998–99 to 1999–2000 under each item in real terms and the total cumulative spending assuming that spending is

  The Scottish Office public expenditure plans

  £ million, cash

  1994–95

  1995–96

  1996–97

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1997–98

  1998–99

  Outturn

  Outturn

  Outturn

  Estimated outturn

  Plans

  Changes from Serving Scotland"s Needs 1997

  Changes from Serving Scotland"s Needs 1997

  Central government expenditure (including public corporations other than nationalised industries)

  Agriculture, fisheries and food

  456

  521

  600

  541

  517

  -24

  -22

  Industry, enterprise and training

  598

  599

  595

  578

  585

  -13

  1

  Roads and transport1

  338

  299

  215

  291

  281

  115

  87

  Housing

  344

  183

  188

  346

  300

  67

  17

  Scottish Homes loan repayments

  -

  -

  -

  -139

  -48

  11

  22

  Other environmental services

  59

  64

  350

  338

  328

  13

  7

  Law, order and protective services3

  429

  428

  450

  476

  460

  -3

  -16

  Education and sport2

  1,211

  1,250

  1,293

  1,281

  1,187

  61

  -60

  Arts and libraries

  76

  75

  79

  85

  77

  5

  1

  Health

  3,948

  4,092

  4,240

  4,394

  4,626

  18

  151

  Social work services

  44

  48

  63

  66

  66

  5

  5

  Other public services3

  167

  172

  176

  154

  161

  -4

  5

  Total central government expenditure (including public corporations)

  7,670

  7,731

  8,249

  8,411

  8,540

  943

  737

  Local authority capital expenditure

  912

  996

  529

  496

  549

  -73

  -5

  of which:

  Housing (HRA)

  182

  291

  177

  178

  180

  -2

  0

  Police

  8

  14

  18

  19

  18

  -1

  -2

  Fire

  9

  10

  18

  16

  16

  0

  0

  Provision to match receipts from European Social Fund and European Regional Development Fund

  114

  121

  136

  227

  123

  67

  -56

  Central government support to local authorities current expenditure1

  5,322

  5,423

  5,433

  5,298

  5,285

  -63

  11

  Nationalised Industries' financing limits

  -27

  -22

  18

  26

  26

  4

  9

  Non-control total expenditure

  -

  -

  -

  22

  74

  22

  74

  of which:

  New Deal for Schools

  -

  -

  -

  9

  27

  9

  27

  Housing capital receipts initiative

  -

  -

  -

  12

  44

  12

  44

  Childcare

  -

  -

  -

  -

  3

  0

  3

  Further education colleges

  -

  -

  -

  1

  -

  1

  0

  Total expenditure within the Secretary of State's responsibility

  13,990

  14,294

  14,366

  14,482

  14,597

  208

  231

  of which:

  the Scottish Block

  13,560

  13,750

  13,748

  13,893

  13,979

  205

  169

  1 Roads and Transport figures in this table include Strathclyde Passenger Transport Executive (SPTE) which previously were included in central government support to local authorities current, except in 1996–97 where it is still included in the local authorities current line.

  2 Switch of resources in the 2 years shown is due to change in profile of the sale of student loan book.

  3From 1998–99 departments will take on responsibility from Property Repayment Services (PRS) for buildings which the government owns and occupies. The change from paying rents to paying capital charges has resulted in a reduction in planned expenditure for 1998–99 of around £10 million on both the Law, Order and Protective Services and the other public service programmes, relating to the Scottish Courts estate and The Scottish Office estate respectively.

  454
  maintained at 1997–98 real term levels; and if he will indicate the difference between the two cumulative totals. [36098]

  Mr. Dewar
  [holding answer 26 March 1998]The information for each year from 1994–95 to 1998–99 is set out in the tables which are based on information published in my Departmental Report "Serving Scotland's Needs" (Cm3914) on 9 April 1998. No plans for 1999-2000 are given as these are subject to the outcome of the Comprehensive Spending Review. As a result, the cumulative spending totals and comparison requested cannot be shown.
  455

  The Scottish Office public expenditure plans

  £ million, 1997–98 prices

  1994–95

  1995–96

  1996–97

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1997–98

  1998–99

  Outturn

  Outturn

  Outturn

  Outturn

  Estimated outturn

  Plans

  Changes from Serving Scotland"s Needs 1997

  Changes from Serving Scotland"s Needs 1997

  Central government expenditure (including public corporations other than nationalised industries)

  Agriculture, fisheries and food

  495

  551

  616

  541

  502

  -24

  -21

  Industry, enterprise and training

  650

  633

  611

  578

  569

  -13

  1

  Roads and transport

  367

  316

  221

  291

  273

  115

  85

  Housing

  374

  193

  193

  346

  292

  67

  17

  Scottish Homes loan repayments

  -

  -

  -

  -139

  -47

  11

  21

  Other environmental services

  64

  68

  359

  338

  319

  13

  7

  Law, order and protective services

  466

  452

  462

  476

  447

  -3

  -16

  Education and sport

  1,316

  1,321

  1,328

  1,281

  1,154

  61

  -58

  Arts and libraries

  83

  79

  81

  85

  75

  5

  1

  Health

  4,289

  4,326

  4,354

  4,394

  4,496

  18

  147

  Social Work services

  48

  51

  65

  66

  64

  5

  5

  Other public services

  181

  182

  181

  154

  156

  -4

  5

  Total central government expenditure (including) public corporations)

  8,333

  8,172

  8,472

  8,411

  8,299

  943

  716

  Local authority capital expenditure

  991

  1,053

  543

  496

  534

  -73

  -5

  of which:

  Housing (HRA)

  198

  308

  182

  178

  175

  -2

  0

  Police

  9

  15

  18

  19

  17

  -1

  -2

  Fire

  10

  11

  18

  16

  16

  0

  0

  Provision to match receipts from European Social Fund and European Regional Development Fund

  124

  128

  140

  227

  120

  67

  -54

  Central government support to local authorities current expenditure

  5,782

  5,733

  5,580

  5,298

  5,136

  -63

  11

  Nationalised Industries' financing limits

  -29

  -23

  18

  26

  25

  4

  9

  Non-control total expenditure from Windfall Tax

  -

  -

  -

  22

  72

  22

  72

  New Deal for Schools

  -

  -

  -

  9

  26

  9

  26

  Housing capital receipts initiative

  -

  -

  -

  12

  43

  12

  43

  Childcare

  -

  -

  -

  -

  3

  0

  3

  Further education colleges

  -

  -

  -

  1

  -

  0

  Total expenditure within the Secretary of State's responsibility

  15,199

  15,062

  14,754

  14,482

  14,186

  208

  224

  of which:

  the Scottish Block

  14,732

  14,535

  14,119

  13,893

  13,585

  205

  164

  Note:

  Real terms figures are based on the latest GDP deflators, reworked to a 1997–98 base

  Scottish National Gallery
  Mr. Charles Kennedy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the total sum of public money involved in the preparation and presentation of the application for millennium funding towards the proposed Scottish National Gallery project; and if he will make a statement. [37128]

  Mr. Galbraith
  [holding answer 31 March 1998]I understand that the total estimated costs incurred by the National Galleries of Scotland (NGS) over the 7 year period since 1991 to date in developing their proposals to establish a new National Gallery in Glasgow were £650,000. This includes expenditure on the preparation and presentation of the two applications which they submitted to the Heritage Lottery Fund, the first in respect of the former Post Office building in George Square and the second in respect of the former Sheriff Court building in Ingram Street.
  456
  The Glasgow Development Agency has also incurred expenditure estimated at some £400,000 on the proposed project over the past 5 years, particularly on site investigations, technical consultancies and an architectural competition. I understand that much of this expenditure would have been necessary whatever uses had been contemplated for these buildings and that little of it was directly related to the applications for Lottery funding made by the NGS.

  Myalgic Encephalomyelitis
  Mr. Gorrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what NHS provision is available in the Edinburgh area to support sufferers from ME; and what plans he has to increase that provision. [38309]

  Mr. Galbraith
  Lothian health board has indicated that there is a range of services available for patients who have been diagnosed as suffering from ME. General Medical Practitioners usually refer patients to the Infectious Disease Department of the City Hospital. Following diagnosis, patients are offered appropriate treatment for
  457
  specific symptoms, advice, counselling, psychological support and, if necessary, referral to a psychiatrist with particular expertise in ME. Lothian health board has indicated that it has no plans at present to change the range of services provided.

  Fire Service
  Mr. Gorrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will review the capital allocations to the Fire Service in the current year, with particular reference to Lothian and Borders. [37926]

  Mr. McLeish
  No. The fire service capital programme for 1998–99 remains, at its highest ever level, £15.6 million. From this total, Lothian and Borders Joint Fire Board has been granted a special allocation of £0.6 million both in 1997–98 and 1998–99 to assist with its major project of headquarters refurbishment. In addition the board has in each year received its full formula share of the total programme, net of top-slicing for major projects.

  Higher Still
  Mr. Gorrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how much has been spent to date on the development and promotion of Higher Still; how much it is planned to spend in 1998–99 and 1999–2000; on what the money has been spent or will be spent; how many FTE staff have been employed on it in each year; and what estimate he has made of the total amount of staff time devoted to Higher Still in each year. [37927]

  Mr. Wilson
  As at 31 March 1998, some £15.3m had been directly spent on Higher Still. Planned expenditure in 1998–99 is £5.2m. A budget for 1999–2000 will be set in due course in the light of the Comprehensive Spending Review. In addition, further expenditure has been and will be incurred by local authorities, the Scottish Qualifications Authority and the Scottish Consultative Council on the Curriculum.

  Non-executive directors resigning sice 1 May 1997

  Non-executive directors appointed since 1 May 1997

  Name

  Date appointed

  Date resigned

  Name

  Date appointed

  Local Enterprise Company in Scottish Enterprise area

  Dumfries and Galloway Enterprise

  John Jameson OBE

  22 March 1991

  31 December 1997

  Andrew Campbell OBE

  1 January 1998

  Michael Keggins

  1 January 1998

  Nicholas A.G. Waugh

  1 January 1998

  Dunbartonshire Enterprise

  David Kilmurry

  19 May 1993

  25 June 1997

  Enterprise Ayrishire

  Brigadier Tony Ricketts

  2 April 1991

  10 December 1997

  Jim Ferguson

  6 January 1998

  Bill Kerr

  6 January 1998

  Fife Enterprise

  Margaret A. Russell

  10 May 1993

  8 December 1997

  Forth Valley Enterprise

  Jim Devine

  4 November 1997

  Glasgow Development Agency

  Cllr. Robert Gould

  21 October 1996

  16 January 1998

  Cllr. Frank McAveety

  23 February 1998

  Ian. J. Irvine

  1 April 1991

  29 June 1997

  Prof. Alan Richardson

  31 October 1997

  Prof. Robert B. Jack CBE

  27 November 1992

  29 June 1997

  Alan Sinclair

  31 October 1997

  John Q. Thorburn

  31 October 1997

  Grampian Enterprise

  Ray Dinsdale

  26 April 1993

  12 January 1998

  Martin Gilbert

  12 January 1998

  Andrew Salveson

  27 February 1995

  12 January 1998

  Lesley Bale

  12 January 1998

  458
  This funding has covered all aspects of the development of Higher Still, including staffing and running costs associated with the Higher Still Development Unit (HSDU). Major areas of expenditure have included consultation on and the development of the new units and courses, the printing and distribution of final arrangements documents and subject guides, the provision of staff development seminars for subject leaders, work on core skills and Scottish Group Awards, and the ongoing development of a wide range of support materials, including learning and teaching materials and the National Assessment Bank.

  The numbers of full time equivalent staff employed on Higher Still, by both the Higher Still Development Unit (HSDU) and The Scottish Office Education and Industry Department (SOEID) are as noted.

  Year

  Number of FTE staff working for or with HSDU1

  Number of FTE staff employed by SOEID on Higher Still

  1994–95

  37.5

  5.6

  1995–96

  39.0

  6.8

  1996–97

  64.0

  7.6

  1997–98

  94.5

  6.7

  1This includes HSDU staff, National Trainers, Development Officers and some staff of the Scottish Consultative Council on the Curriculum.

  Local Enterprise Companies
  Mr. Moore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will state for each local enterprise company in Scotland the(a) names, (b) dates of appointment and (c) party affiliations of the non-executive directors who have (i) been appointed since 1 May 1997 and (ii) resigned since 1 May 1997. [37795]

  Mr. Wilson
  [holding answer 6 April 1998]Local Enterprise Companies are private companies that contract with Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise. No information is held on the party affiliations of non-executive directors of local enterprise companies. The other information requested is set out in the table.
  459

  Non-executive directors resigning since 1 May 1997

  Non-executive directors appointed since I May

  Name

  Date appointed

  Date resigned

  Name

  Date appointed

  Lanarkshire Development Agency

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Lothian and Edinburgh Enterprise Ltd.

  George Borthwick CBE

  5 October 1994

  4 June 1997

  Ronald Dunn

  4 June 1997

  Cllr. Keith Geddes

  1 August 1990

  29 January 1998

  Eileen Mackay

  20 February 1998

  Prof. Sir Stewart Sutherland

  6 April 1996

  11 February 1998

  Moray Badenoch and Strathspey Enterprise1

  Ewan Buchanan

  16 September 1996

  28 February 1998

  Renfrewshire Enterprise

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Scottish Borders Enterprise

  Alistair Bennett

  30 July 1990

  7 August 1997

  Andrew Thatcher

  14 December 1995

  1 July 1997

  Scottish Enterprise Tayside

  Allan L. Proctor

  13 September 1990

  3 September 1997

  Ian McMillan

  3 September 1997

  David Sawyer

  I June 1994

  3 September 1997

  John A. Robertson

  16 October 1997

  William Sutherland MBE

  13 December 1990

  3 September 1997

  Local Enterprise Companies in Highlands and Islands Enterprise area

  Argyll and the Island Enterprise

  Norman Lamond

  1 April 1991

  16 July 1997

  Robert Alexander

  16 July 1997

  Molcolm Moy

  1 April 1991

  16 July 1997

  Caithness and Sutherland Enterprise

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Inverness and Nairn Enterprise

  Ann Fraser

  25 October 1994

  29 July 1997

  Ian Urquhart

  27 January 1998

  Grant Sword

  27 January 1998

  Lochaber Limited

  Brian Donald

  1 April 1991

  15 December 1997

  Kurt Larson

  28 August 1997

  Michael Leonard

  27 June 1996

  15 December 1997

  David Wright

  Stewart MacLean

  1 April 1991

  29 May 1997

  Laurence Young

  Catrionna MacMillan

  30 January 1992

  15 December 1997

  Orkney Enterprise

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Ross and Cromarty Enterprise

  Ian G.Palmer

  25 October 1994

  6 November 1997

  Maggie Sysmonds

  10 December 1997

  Shetland Enterprise

  George Sutherland

  1 April 1991

  1 June 1997

  David Nicholson

  1 June 1997

  Skye and Lochalsh Enterprise

  Morag Craig

  1 April 1991

  24 February 1998

  Muriel Jones

  1 April 1998

  Ronald Johnstone

  1 April 1991

  25 June 1997

  Donald MacDonald

  1 April 1998

  Una MacPherson

  16 May 1994

  29 October 1997

  Iain Mackinnon

  1 April 1998

  Western Isles Enterprise

  David Buckland

  11 March 1996

  31 March 1998

  Roderick MacAskill

  10 March 1996

  31 March 1998

  George V.MacLeod

  1 Aptil 1991

  6 January 1998

  Peter Morrison

  1 April 1991

  16 February 1998

  1Moray Badenoch and Strathspey Enterprise contract to both Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise.

  Drugs
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what were the costs of (a) anti-drugs education initiatives and (b) other drugs reduction initiatives in each of the past 14 years; and what are the expected costs of similar campaigns in each of the next five years. [38358]

  Mr. Galbraith
  [holding answer 8 April 1998]Information on expenditure on anti-drugs education and other drug reduction initiatives since 1983 is not held centrally. The expected costs of similar campaigns to 2003 will depend upon plans for tackling drug misuse in future years.

  Overgrazing
  Mr. Charles Kennedy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on his policy on the grazing of moorlands by domestic livestock. [38566]

  Mr. Macdonald
  The Government's policy is to limit damage to moorlands from any overgrazing by livestock which attract headage payments. Our agri-environment
  460
  schemes provide for enhancement of the moorland environment by a range of measures including stock removal where appropriate.

  Mr. Charles Kennedy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many cases of potential overgrazing of heath and heather vegetation in the LFA were investigated by the Agriculture Department in each of the last three years; and how many of these investigations resulted in the withholding of(a) some and (b) all of the livestock headage payments made to the farmers involved. [38560]

  Mr. Macdonald
  Twelve cases of alleged overgrazing have been investigated in the last three years. Most of these have been resolved by agreement with the producer. There have been no instances so far where it has been necessary to restrict livestock headage payments.

  Mr. Charles Kennedy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the environmental conditions attached to the receipt of livestock headage payments
  461
  made through (a) hill livestock compensatory allowances, (b) sheep annual premiums, (c) suckler cow premiums and (d) beef special premiums to prevent overgrazing. [38561]

  Mr. Macdonald
  Subsidy payments under these schemes are conditional on the stock being managed so as to prevent damage through overgrazing and semi-natural vegetation.

  Hedgerows
  Mr. Charles Kennedy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to protect hedgerows. [38569]

  Mr. Macdonald
  The importance of hedgerows is widely recognised not only in natural heritage terms, but also for farming, cultural and archaeological reasons. Incentives are available to encourage farmers and crofters to maintain their existing hedges and to plant new hedges through both the Government's agri-environment programme and Scottish Natural Heritage grants

  Pupil Exclusions
  Mr. Sarwar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many children have been excluded from school in each academic year since 1990–91. [39176]

  Mr. Wilson
  Information on exclusions from school was not collected centrally before 1994&․–95. The most recent available information, as set out in the yearly report on Attendance and Absence in Scottish Schools published by the Audit Unit of HM Inspectors of Schools, is in the table.

  Number of Pupils permanently excluded1

  Number of half days of temporary exclusions

  Primary

  Secondary

  Primary

  Secondary

  1994–95

  47

  296

  220,115

  2157,958

  1995–96

  30

  155

  31,207

  279,636

  1996–97

  16

  91

  36,433

  276,979

  1Some authorities show a total of zero for permanent exclusions,
  either because as a matter of policy they do not permit permanent
  exclusions or because they do not record permanent exclusions separately.

  2For 1994–95,data on temporary exclusions are available only for January-July 1995.

  Scottish Development Agency
  Mr. Sarwar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list Scottish Development Agency-funded environmental improvement projects in each Scottish constituency. [39175]

  Mr. Wilson
  Detailed information on the programme of environmental improvements funded by the Scottish Development Agency is no longer available. The Agency's successor, the Scottish Entgerprise netword, has funded up to 400 separate environmental improvements each year since 1991. Information on the Scottish form requested could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  School Sport
  Mr. Sarwar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what action he is taking to improve facilities for sport in schools. [39173]

  Mr. Galbraith
  The provision of facilities for sport in schools is a matter for local authorities. The Government have, however, recently announced tighter planning controls on the use of playing fields for development to ensure that wherever possible sports facilities are retained for use by the local school and community. In addition the Scottish Sports Council has allocated over £3.5 million through the National Lottery to sports projects in schools.

  Physical Education Teachers
  Mr. Sarwar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many physical education teachers were employed by local education authorities in each year since 1979. [39174]

  Mr. Wilson
  The available information for years in which the data were collected is set out in the table:

  Number (full-time equivalent) of physical education teachers in Scottish education authority secondary schools

  Year (at September)

  Number

  1979

  2,008

  1980

  1,998

  1981

  1,934

  1982

  1,896

  1983

  11,862

  1984

  11,792

  1987

  1,698

  1988

  1,614

  1990

  1,618

  1992

  1,618

  1994

  1,672

  1estimated

  No information has been collected since 1994 as the situation was thought to have remained fairly stable and it was not considered desirable to burden teachers with a data collection. The next return from teachers will be in September 1998.

DEFENCE

  Northern Ireland
  Mr. Olner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the(a) number and (b) names of individual members of the armed forces killed while serving in Northern Ireland since 1982. [38405]

  Dr. Reid
  The information requested is set out in the table.

  Year/name

  Total

  1982

  28

  Pte. S. A. Carleton

  Rfn. D. R. Holland

  Rfn. M. A. Rapley

  Rfn. P. N. Malakos

  Sgt. M. D. Burridge

  Cpl. M. Ward

  Lt. J. L. Hamilton

  463

  Year/name

  Total

  Pte. C. P. Clifford

  Pte. T. Anderson

  Pte. H. A. Cummings

  Lbdr. K. M. Waller

  Pte. M. K. Jessop

  Cpl. L. A. Bush

  L. Cpl. F. A. Williamson

  Sgt. T. G. Cochrane

  Cpl. C. H. Spence

  Cpl. D. P. Salthouse

  Pte. S. G. Smith

  LCpl. P. McDonagh

  LCpI. S. Bagshaw

  Pte. C. J. Collins

  Pte. P. J. Delaney

  Pte. T. M. Adam

  LCpI. D. W. Stitt

  Pte. S. A. Williamson

  Pte. N. Williams

  Pte. D. Murray

  Cpl. A. Smith

  1983

  15

  LCpl. C. W. McNeill

  Cpl. G. T. Jeffrey

  Pte. R. Biddell

  Pte. A. F. Stinson

  Pte. G. M. Curtis

  Cpl. T. Harron

  Pte. 0. Neely

  Pte. J. Roxborough

  Pte. R. R. Alexander

  Cpl. R. D. Finlay

  Pte. A. Stock

  Pte. T. C. Campbell

  LCpl. S. W. Taverner

  Maj R. F. C. Armstrong

  LCpI. B. V. McKeown

  1984

  19

  Pte. R. G. Elliott

  Pte. L. C. Houston

  Sgt. P. D. Oram

  LCpl. T. A. Loughlin

  Pte. S. D. Montgomery

  Sgt. D. Ross

  Pte. N. Clarke

  Pte. N. J. Johnston

  CSgt. I. E. Hillen

  Cpl. T. H. Agar

  LCpI. R. V. Huggens

  LCpl. S. Anderson

  Pte. D. Chambers

  Pte. N. J. McKinley

  W/Cpl. H. C. J. Kerrigan

  Pte. R. D. Bennett

  LCpl. P. W. Gallimore

  Gnr. T. P. Utteridge

  LCpl. A. I. Slater

  1985

  6

  Pte. J. A. Graham

  Pte. T. W. Harkness

  LCpI. A. Dacre

  Pte. M. R. Patten

  Sgt. R. F. Boyd

  Capt. G. Hanna

  1986

  12

  Pte. W. V. Foster

  Pte. J. F. Early

  Rfn. D. A. Mulley

  Pte. T. J. Irwin

  Pte. I. W. C. Pollock

  464

  Year/name

  Total

  Maj. A. F. French

  Cpl. D. B. Brown

  Pte. R. W. Hill

  Pte. C. D. Davies

  Pte. M. R. Bertram

  Sgt. D. D. M. Taggart

  Pte. M. A. J. Blaney

  1987

  11

  Maj. G. Shaw

  Pte. I. J. O'Connor

  Cpl. T. J. Oldman

  Pte. W. T. Graham

  Capt. I. R. K. Anderson

  Pte. J. A. Leach

  Pte. J. J. Mcllwaine

  Pte. G. J. Tracey

  LCpI. T. Hewitt

  Pte. W. R. Megrath

  Pte. S. W. Megrath

  1988

  33

  Capt. T. D. Armstrong

  Pte. W. J. Stewart

  LCpI. A. T. Johnston

  Pte. J. Cummings

  Pte. F. Starrett

  Cpl. D. T. Wood

  Cpl. D. R. Howes

  Cpl. W. T. Burleigh

  Gnr. L. Morgan

  Pte. E. Gibson

  Cpl. P. D. Hayes

  LCpI. M. Darcy

  LCpI. W. J. Patterson

  LCpl. D. W. Green

  LCpI. G. P. Lambie

  Cpl. I. Metcalfe

  Sgt. M. J. Winkler

  Sig. M. R. Clayey

  W02. R. J. Howard

  Sgt. M. B. Matthews

  LCpI. R. W. Butler

  Pte. R. A. McNicholl

  Cpl. A. S. Bannister

  Pte. B. E. M. Bishop

  Pte. J. Burfitt

  Pte. R. Greener

  Pte. A. S. Lewis

  Pte. M. A. Norsworthy

  Pte. S. J. Wilkinson

  Pte. J. S. Winter

  Pte. P. L. Bullock

  Pte. S. McKinney

  Pte. W. J. Moreland

  1989

  14

  Pte. N. D. Peacock

  LCpI. N. J. Duncan

  LBdr. S. G. Cummings

  Gnr. M. D. Amos

  Pte. T. J. Hardy

  Cpl. S. R. McGonigle

  Mne. A. Gilbert

  SSgt. K. A. Frogett

  12 LCpI. S. D. Halligan

  Pte. M. E. Marshall

  Pte. D. C. MacAulay

  LCpI. S. P. Wilson

  LCpI. M. J. Patterson

  Pte. J. Houston

  465

  Year/name

  Total

  1990

  15

  Pte. 0. F. Kilpatrick

  Sgt. T. A. Jameson

  LCpI. J. Bradley

  Pte. M. D. Adams

  Pte. S. S. Smart

  Pte. J. Burch

  LSgt. G. A. Stewart

  Pte. C. J. McCullough

  LCpI. S. Burrows

  Kgn. D. A. Sweeney

  Kgn. P. D. Worrall

  Kgn. S. R. Beacham

  Kgn. V. J. P. Scott

  Rgr. C. J. Smith

  WO2 A. D. Cooper

  1991

  13

  Pte. R. J. Love

  Pte. P. D. Sutcliffe

  Cpl. O'Neill

  Pte. Blakely

  LCpI. Crozier

  Pte. Hamilton

  Pte. B. Lawrence

  Pte. A. Harrison

  LCpl. S. R. D. Ware

  WO2 Cross

  Dvr. Pantry

  Pte. Boxall

  LCpI. Newell

  1992

  6

  Fus. A. J. Grundy

  Gdsm. Shackleton

  Pte. P. Turner

  Sgt. R. J. Irvine

  LCpI. I. Warnock

  Rgr. S. Waller

  1993

  8

  LCpI. Beswick

  LCpI. M. Johnston

  LCpI. L. Dickson

  Pte. C. Wren

  Pte. J. Randell

  LCpl. K. J. Pullin

  LBdr. P. A. Garrett

  Gdsm. D. N. Blinco

  1994

  3

  LCpI. D. Wilson

  Pte. R. McCollum

  Cpl. T. Withers

  1995

  0

  1996

  1

  WO1(ASM) J. 0. Bradwell

  1997

  1

  Lbdr. S. Restorick

  1998

  0

  Total

  185

  Anthrax
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what quantity of(a) anthrax and (b) precursors for the production of anthrax is stored (i) in the United
  466
  Kingdom and (ii) at United Kingdom bases abroad; and at how many locations in total UK-owned anthrax is stored. [38073]

  Dr. Reid
  The United Kingdom has no offensive chemical or biological warfare capability. The United Kingdom is a State Party to the 1972 Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention, and holds no bulk stocks of agents such as Bacillus anthracis (B. anthracis) which causes the disease anthrax either in the United Kingdom or abroad.

  The Ministry of Defence does fund research with anthrax bacteria as part of its programme to provide effective protection to United Kingdom service personnel should chemical or biological agents be used against them. Such research is conducted on behalf of the Ministry of Defence at the Chemical and Biological Defence Sector (CBD) of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency at Porton Down or is sub-contracted by them to the Centre for Applied Microbiology and Research, which is part of the Department of Health. Both organisations hold only seed stocks of B. anthracis. These are grown in culture when required. Excess material is routinely killed after experiments are completed. B. anthracis can be cultured under a wide variety of conditions and using media typically held in public or private sector microbiology laboratories. CBD Sector does not routinely use specialist media or precursors.

  Small outbreaks of animal anthrax occur annually in the UK and, very rarely, human cases also occur. There is, therefore, a need to maintain a diagnostic service and to conduct periodic testing to ensure the efficacy of the vaccine. In this context, a small number of centres in the health service hold strains of B. anthracis for public health purposes.

  All laboratories working with B. anthracis have to meet strict health and safety requirements and must be licensed under the Specified Animal Pathogens Order 1998 which lays down strict containment conditions. Nine premises are currently licensed.

  Nuclear Tests
  Mr. Wills
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what research he has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated into the (i) effect on mortality and (ii) incidence of cancer of exposure to nuclear tests according to the degree and extent of exposure to radiation. [38581]

  Mr. Spellar
  As I told the House on 4 February 1998,Official Report, column 1010, nuclear test veterans have been the subject of two detailed studies by the National Radiological Protection Board, the first in 1988 and the second in 1993. The 1993 report concluded that participation in the test programme had not had a detectable effect on the participants' expectation of life or on their risk of developing cancer or other fatal diseases.

  Salisbury Plain
  Mr.Gray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what complaints he has received about the conduct of the Ministry of Defence police concerning their enforcement of the Salisbury Plain byelaws on Saturday 4 April. [38649]
  467
  Dr. Reid
  None, although I understand the Chief Constable of the Ministry of Defence Police has received correspondence about the Royal Artillery Hunt.

  Mustard Gas
  Mrs. Fiona Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps his Department has taken to investigate the extent of pollution from mustard gas disposal at Spalford Woods, Nottinghamshire. [39150]

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

  Army Standards
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place in the Library a copy of the Adjutant General's revised paper on army standards and discipline; and if he will make a statement. [38570]

  Dr. Reid
  The Army is currently undertaking work on its standards and discipline policy with the aim of revising and bringing up to date its current Standards and Discipline paper, issued in October 1993. When the work is completed, I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Chemical Weapons
  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many surveys have been conducted into the contamination of, and pollution from, the former chemical warfare filling and storage site at Barnham Heath in Suffolk since 1980; [38599]

  (2) pursuant to his answer of 13 March 1998, Official Report, column 42 8, if he will list the titles of each survey at RAF Norton Disney and Riseley, indicating the dates on which each survey was completed, the agency which conducted each survey; and the current security classifications of each survey. [38598]

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

  Public Records
  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will open for public inspection file classmark W032/20163 held at the Public Record Office. [38607]

  Mr. Spellar
  WO32/20163 is open. It was transferred to the Public Record Office on 11 July 1997.

  WE177 Bombs
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many WE177 bombs have so far been dismantled. [38961]

  Dr. Reid
  86 per cent. of our WE 177 warheads have now been dismantled.

  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what types of vehicle were used to transport the WE177 bomb. [38960]
  468
  Dr. Reid
  The following types of vehicle have been used to transport the WE177 which was withdrawn from service on 31 March 1998.

  Truck Cargo 4t 4x4 Bedford MK

  Truck Cargo Heavy Duty Mk I

  Truck Cargo Heavy Duty Mk II

  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when training for RAF pilots with the WE177 bomb was ended. [38959]

  Dr. Reid
  The last formal course for RAF aircrew took place in April 1997. This was supplemented by simulator continuation training in procedures on unit to maintain aircrew currency through to March 1998. The WE177 bomb was withdrawn from service on 31 March 1998.

  Admiralty and Army Boards
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what dates the(a) Admiralty Board and (b) Army Board has met since 1 August 1997. [38993]

  Dr. Reid
  Neither the Admiralty Board nor the Army Board have met since 1 August 1997.

  The Admiralty Board last met on 2 July 1997 and will next meet on 1 July 1998.

  The Army Board last met on 18 June 1997 and will next meet on 24 July 1998.

  HMS Dreadnought
  Mr. Shaw
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 26 November 1997,Official Report, column 562, if HMS Dreadnought's radiation dose levels were recorded prior to or after the defuelling process. [38847]

  Mr. Spellar
  The radiation dose figure given in my answer of 26 November referred to the aggregate radiation dose received by all persons who worked on HMS Dreadnought from 1982 to 1983. This was obtained from measurements of individual doses made throughout the duration of the decommissioning project, which included the defuelling process.

  Radiation dose rates on board HMS Dreadnought were measured both before and after the defuelling process. As expected, there was little reduction in the general radiation level following the defuel as the reactor fuel is always heavily shielded.

  Staff Newsletters
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what are the current security classifications of the newsletters produced for the staff of(a) the Army Technical Support Agency, (b) the Defence Transport and Movements Executive and (c) the Defence Medical Training Organisation; how often each newsletter is produced; and when each newsletter was first produced. [38986]

  Mr. Spellar
  This is a matter for the Chief Executives of the Agencies concerned. I have asked them to write to the hon. Member.
  469
  Letter from A. D. Ball to Mr. Matthew Taylor, dated 20 April 1998:
  I am replying to your Question to the Secretary of State for Defence about the staff newsletter of the Army Technical Support Agency (ATSA) as this matter falls within my responsibility as the Agency Chief Executive.
  The ATSA Newsletter carries no security classification. It contains "Unclassified" material. The Newsletter is published quarterly. The first edition was issued coincidentally with the launch of the Agency in Autumn 1995, although earlier newsheets on the progress towards Agency formation were issued to affected staff prior to launch.

  Letter from C. G. Callow to Mr. Matthew Taylor, dated 20 April 1998:
  I am replying to your question to the Secretary of State for Defence about the Defence Medical Training Organisation newsletter as this matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief Executive of that Agency.
  Our newsletter is unclassified and we produce it as and when we consider necessary which has been twice a year. The first newsletter was produced in July 1996.

  Letter from R. E. Ratazzi to Mr. Matthew Taylor, dated 20 April 1998:
  I am replying to your Question to the Secretary of State for Defence, about the security classification and frequency of newsletters produced for the staff of Ministry of Defence Agencies,

  Accident Data

  Cause

  Accident Data Recorder (Y/N)

  Negligence (Y/N)

  13 April 1989-Jaguar

  Not positively determined

  N

  N

  13 November 1990-Jaguar

  Natural operating risks

  N

  N

  18 March 1991-Canberra

  Aircrew error

  N

  N

  27 May 1993-Hercules

  Not positively determined

  N

  N

  26 August 1993-Chipmunk

  Human factors (aircrew)

  N

  N

  1 September 1994-Tornado

  Not positively determined

  Y

  N

  1 June 1995-Harrier

  Human factors (aircrew)

  Y

  N

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Animal Health
  Mr. Cranston
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to place research on animal health and welfare on the basis of a requirements document, similar to that for food research; and if he will make a statement. [39195]

  Mr. Rooker
  We are today publishing a Document setting out our future animal health and welfare research requirements, and inviting tenders for research work to be financed in the year starting on 1 April 1999, copies of which have been placed in the Library of the House. This document focuses particularly on animal welfare, organisms capable of causing food poisoning, and bovine tuberculosis. Further documents setting out animal health and welfare research requirements will be published in future years.

  This is a broad programme. One of the key elements builds on our current work to improve our understanding of how E. coli behaves on farms, and to identify the critical control points for risk management. This will complement work being financed by other Departments.

  The Document also takes forward the recommendations in the Krebs Report that our research effort into bovine tuberculosis should be refocused along two main approaches: understanding the causes of outbreaks, and
  470
  as this matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief Executive of the Defence Transport and Movements Executive Agency.
  The newsletter produced within my Agency is unclassified, intended purely for internal circulation and, dependent on material for inclusion, is issued on a monthly basis. It was originally entitled "DTMX Developments" and ran from July 1995 until November 1996, when it was renamed "DTMX press". It has continued to be distributed to all staff since then.

  Aircraft Crashes
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the Royal Air Force Board of Inquiry found was the cause of each of the aircraft crashes(a) 13 April 1989—Jaguar, (b) 13 November 1990—Jaguar, (c) 18 March 1991—Canberra, (d) 27 May 1993—Hercules, (e) 26 August 1993—Chipmunk, (f) 1 September 1994—Tornado and (g) 1 June 1995—Harrier; if black boxes were fitted; and in each case if higher authority concluded that negligence had occurred. [38984]

  Mr. Spellar
  Details of the accidents mentioned are contained in the appropriate Military Aircraft Accident Summaries, copies of which are kept in the Library of the House. A brief summary of the cases is as follows:

  developing improved strategies to reduce the number of outbreaks. The Ministry's research programmes generally operate on a rolling three-year cycle, so for most of the programmes the Document covers only approximately one third of the total research effort. For bovine tuberculosis, however, the whole programme has been reviewed in the light of the recommendations in the Krebs Report. The new TB programme picks up the individual recommendations the Report makes for research and lays the foundation for developing soundly based control strategies in the future, including in the longer term the development of a cattle vaccine.

  The Document also makes a significant movement in the direction of allocating research contracts by open competition, which will help to ensure that work is undertaken by those best qualified to do it. This also responds to another of the Krebs recommendations, and must be right if we are to achieve value for money in this area.

  Ministerial Meetings and Visits
  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) if he will list for 2 May 1997(a) which organisations he met, (b) which organisations and companies he visited and where they are located, (c) what regional visits have been made and whom he saw and (d) which Council of Ministers meetings were attended;

  471
  which individuals had meetings with Ministers and officials; and if he will provide this information for each of his Ministers; [35004]

  (2) if he will list for 3 May 1997 (a) which organisations he met, (b) which organisations and companies he visited and where they are located, (c) what regional visits have been made and whom he saw and (d) which Council of Ministers meetings were attended; which individuals had meetings with Ministers and officials; and if he will provide this information for each of his Ministers; [35007]

  (3) if he will list for 5 May 1997 (a) which organisations he met, (b) which organisations and companies he visited and where they are located, (c) what regional visits have been made and whom he saw and (d) which Council of Ministers meetings were attended; which individuals had meetings with Ministers and officials; and if he will provide this information for each of his Ministers; [35005]

  (4) if he will list for 6 May 1997 (a) which organisations he met, (b) which organisations and companies he visited and where they are located, (c) what regional visits have been made and whom he saw and (d) which Council of Ministers meetings were attended; which individuals had meetings with Ministers and officials; and if he will provide this information for each of his Ministers; [35006]

  (5) if he will list for 7 May 1997 (a) which organisations he met, (b) which organisations and companies he visited and where they are located, (c) what regional visits have been made and whom he saw and (d) which Council of Ministers meetings were attended; which individuals had meetings with Ministers and officials; and if he will provide this information for each of his Ministers; [35010]

  (6) if he will list for 8 May 1997 (a) which organisations he met, (b) which organisations and companies he visited and where they are located, (c) what regional visits have been made and whom he saw and (d) which Council of Ministers meetings were attended; which individuals had meetings with Ministers and officials; and if he will provide this information for each of his Ministers; [35009]

  (7) if he will list for 9 May 1997 (a) which organisations he met, (b) which organisations and companies he visited and where they are located, (c) what regional visits have been made and whom he saw and (d) which Council of Ministers meetings were attended; which individuals had meetings with Ministers and officials; and if he will provide this information for each of his Ministers; [35008]

  (8) if he will list for 10 May 1997 (a) which organisations he met, (b) which organisations and companies he visited and where they are located, (c) what regional visits have been made and whom he saw and (d) which Council of Ministers meetings were attended; which individuals had meetings with Ministers and officials; and if he will provide this information for each of his Ministers; [35014]

  (9) if he will list for 12 May 1997 (a) which organisations he met, (b) which organisations and companies he visited and where they are located, (c) what
  472
  regional visits have been made and whom he saw and (d) which Council of Ministers meetings were attended; which individuals had meetings with Ministers and officials; and if he will provide this information for each of his Ministers; [35013]

  (10) if he will list for 13 May 1997 (a) which organisations he met, (b) which organisations and companies he visited and where they are located, (c) what regional visits have been made and whom he saw and (d) which Council of Ministers meetings were attended; which individuals had meetings with Ministers and officials; and if he will provide this information for each of his Ministers; [35012]

  (11) if he will list for 14 May 1997 (a) which organisations he met, (b) which organisations and companies he visited and where they are located, (c) what regional visits have been made and whom he saw and (d) which Council of Ministers meetings were attended; which individuals had meetings with Ministers and officials; and if he will provide this information for each of his Ministers; [35011]

  (12) if he will list for 15 May 1997 (a) which organisations he met, (b) which organisations and companies he visited and where they are located, (c) what regional visits have been made and whom he saw and (d) which Council of Ministers meetings were attended; which individuals had meetings with Ministers and officials; and if he will provide this information for each of his Ministers; [35017]

  (13) if he will list for 16 May 1997 (a) which organisations he met, (b) which organisations and companies he visited and where they are located, (c) what regional visits have been made and whom he saw and (d) which Council of Ministers meetings were attended; which individuals had meetings with Ministers and officials; and if he will provide this information for each of his Ministers; [35016]

  (14) if he will list for 17 May 1997 (a) which organisations he met, (b) which organisations and companies he visited and where they are located, (c) what regional visits have been made and whom he saw and (d) which Council of Ministers meetings were attended; which individuals had meetings with Ministers and officials; and if he will provide this information for each of his Ministers; [35015]

  (15) if he will list for 19 May 1997 (a) which organisations he met, (b) which organisations and companies he visited and where they are located, (c) what regional visits have been made and whom he saw and (d) which Council of Ministers meetings were attended; which individuals had meetings with Ministers and officials; and if he will provide this information for each of his Ministers; [35020]

  (16) if he will list for 20 May 1997 (a) which organisations he met, (b) which organisations and companies he visited and where they are located, (c) what regional visits have been made and whom he saw and (d) which Council of Ministers meetings were attended; which individuals had meetings with Ministers and officials; and if he will provide this information for each of his Ministers; [35019]
  473
  (17) if he will list for 21 May 1997 (a) which organisations he met, (b) which organisations and companies he visited and where they are located, (c) what regional visits have been made and whom he saw and (d) which Council of Ministers meetings were attended; which individuals had meetings with Ministers and officials; and if he will provide this information for each of his Ministers; [35018]

  (18) if he will list for 22 May 1997 (a) which organisations he met, (b) which organisations and companies he visited and where they are located, (c) what regional visits have been made and whom he saw and (d) which Council of Ministers meetings were attended; which individuals had meetings with Ministers and officials; and if he will provide this information for each of his Ministers; [35021]

  (19) if he will list for 23 May 1997 (a) which organisations he met, (b) which organisations and companies he visited and where they are located, (c) what regional visits have been made and whom he saw and (d) which Council of Ministers meetings were attended; which individuals had meetings with Ministers and officials; and if he will provide this information for each of his Ministers. [35022]

  Dr. John Cunningham
  [holding answers 17 March 1998]: Set out are relevant details from my diary and those of my Ministerial team for the days requested.

  MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE
  (Dr. Jack Cunningham)

  1 May 1997 to 31 May 1997

  Monday 12 May 1997

  10.30 Bilateral with Commissioner Fischler, Brussels

  13.00 Lunch with Commissioner Kinnock, Brussels

  18.30 Meeting with Dutch Agriculture Minister, The Hague

  Tuesday 13 May 1997

  15.00 Meeting with British Retail Consortium

  Tuesday 20 May 1997

  Agriculture Council, Brussels

  Wednesday 21 May 1997

  Agriculture Council, Brussels

  11.45 Meeting with MEPs, Brussels

  12.15 Meeting with MEPs, Brussels

  13.00 Lunch with MEPs, Brussels

  15.00 Meeting with Dagmar Roth-Behrendt MEP, Brussels

  15.45 Meeting with Reimer Beige MEP, Brussels

  16.15 Meeting with Colino Salamanca MEP, Brussels

  Sunday 25 May 1997

  12.30 Informal Agriculture Council, Domberg, Netherlands

  Monday 26 May 1997

  Informal Agricultural Council, Domberg, Netherlands

  Tuesday 27 May 1997

  Informal Agriculture Council, Domberg, Netherlands

  Wednesday 28 May 1997

  19.30 Dinner with Leaders of the Food Industry

  MINISTER OF STATE

  (Mr. Rooker)

  1 May 1997 to 31 May 1997

  Wednesday 7 May 1997

  16.00 Ministers Meeting with Food and Drink Federation

  474

  16.30 Meeting with Jim Nicholson MEP, Dr. Ian Paisley, John Hume

  17.30 Meeting with Consumers Association

  Thursday 8 May 1997

  17.30 Meeting with NFU President

  Monday 19 May 1997

  17.45 Meeting with Chairman of MLC

  Tuesday 20 May 1997

  10.30 Meeting with MHS Industry Forum: Speech and Q&A

  Thursday 22 May 1997

  14.00 Meeting with Hilton Dawson MP and IBEA officials

  MINISTER FOR FISHERIES AND THE COUNTRYSIDE

  (Mr. Morley)

  1 May 1997 to 31 May 1997

  Thursday 8 May 1997

  17.00 Meeting with Forestry Commission

  Monday 12 May 1997

  15.00 Meeting with CLA President

  Tuesday 13 May 1997

  15.00 Meeting with Bob Blizzard MP

  16.00 Meeting with RSPCA, CIWF, PAL

  Thursday 15 May 1997

  09.30 Meeting with Consumers' representatives

  10.00 Meeting with Carla Lane

  11.30 Meeting with National Animal Health and Welfare Panel

  Thursday 15 May 1997

  12.30 Meeting with Commissioner Kinnock: Fisheries

  12.45 Meeting with Chief Executive: RSPB

  14.00 Meeting with NFU representatives

  15.45 Meeting with Spotlight

  Monday 19 May 1997

  12.00 Meeting with DoE, Water Summit

  Tuesday 20 May 1997

  11.00 Meeting with Commissioner Kinnock

  12.15 Meeting with Commissioner Bonino

  15.00 Meeting with Medina Ortega MEP

  16.00 Meeting with Mr. Cavaco, DGXIV

  Wednesday 21 May 1997

  16.30 Meeting with Michael Foster MP

  MINISTER FOR FARMING AND THE FOOD INDUSTRY

  (Lord Donoughue)

  1 May 1997 to 31 May 1997

  Wednesday 7 May 1997

  16.00 Meeting with Food and Drink Federation

  Thursday 8 May 1997

  12.30 Annual Awards of Excellence, Academie Culinaire de France

  17.00 Introductions, President, NFU

  Tuesday 13 May 1997

  15.00 Meeting with British Retail Consortium

  Thursday 15 May 1997

  15.00 Courtesy call, Jamaican Minister for Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade

  Monday 19 May 1997

  17.00 Meeting: Meat and Livestock Commission

  Wednesday 21 May 1997

  12.30 Agri-money presentation, Sir David Naish, Sean Roberts, Ian Gardiner,
  NFU

  475
  Friday 30 May 1997

  11.45 Courtesy call, Dr. Richard Grant, NZ High Commissioner and Dr. Lockwood Smith, NZ Minister of Agriculture

  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) if he will list for 2 January(a) which organisations he met, (b) which organisations and companies he visited and where they are located, (c) what regional visits have been made and whom he saw and (d) which Council of Ministers meetings were attended; which individuals had meetings with Ministers and officials; and if he will provide this information for each of his Ministers; [35268]

  (2) if he will list for 3 January (a) which organisations he met, (b) which organisations and companies he visited and where they are located, (c) what regional visits have been made and whom he saw and (d) which Council of Ministers meetings were attended; which individuals had meetings with Ministers and officials; and if he will provide this information for each of his Ministers; [35267]

  (3) if he will list for 5 January (a) which organisations he met, (b) which organisations and companies he visited and where they are located, (c) what regional visits have been made and whom he saw and (d) which Council of Ministers meetings were attended; which individuals had meetings with Ministers and officials; and if he will provide this information for each of his Ministers; [35266]

  (4) if he will list for 6 January (a) which organisations he met, (b) which organisations and companies he visited and where they are located, (c) what regional visits have been made and whom he saw and (d) which Council of Ministers meetings were attended; which individuals had meetings with Ministers and officials; and if he will provide this information for each of his Ministers; [35265]

  (5) if he will list for 7 January (a) which organisations he met, (b) which organisations and companies he visited and where they are located, (c) what regional visits have been made and whom he saw and (d) which Council of Ministers meetings were attended; which individuals had meetings with Ministers and officials; and if he will provide this information for each of his Ministers; [35264]

  (6) if he will list for 9 January (a) which organisations he met, (b) which organisations and companies he visited and where they are located, (c) what regional visits have been made and whom he saw and (d) which Council of Ministers meetings were attended; which individuals had meetings with Ministers and officials; and if he will provide this information for each of his Ministers; [35262]

  (7) if he will list for 10 January (a) which organisations he met, (b) which organisations and companies he visited and where they are located, (c) what regional visits have been made and whom he saw and (d) which Council of Ministers meetings were attended; which individuals had meetings with Ministers and officials; and if he will provide this information for each of his Ministers; [35261]

  (8) if he will list for 12 January (a) which organisations he met, (b) which organisations and companies he visited and where they are located, (c) what regional visits have
  476
  been made and whom he saw and (d) which Council of Ministers meetings were attended; which individuals had meetings with Ministers and officials; and if he will provide this information for each of his Ministers; [35260]

  (9) if he will list for 13 January (a) which organisations he met, (b) which organisations and companies he visited and where they are located, (c) what regional visits have been made and whom he saw and (d) which Council of Ministers meetings were attended; which individuals had meetings with Ministers and officials; and if he will provide this information for each of his Ministers; [35259]

  (10) if he will list for 14 January (a) which organisations he met, (b) which organisations and companies he visited and where they are located, (c) what regional visits have been made and whom he saw and (d) which Council of Ministers meetings were attended; which individuals had meetings with Ministers and officials; and if he will provide this information for each of his Ministers; [35258]

  (11) if he will list for 15 January (a) which organisations he met, (b) which organisations and companies he visited and where they are located, (c) what regional visits have been made and whom he saw and (d) which Council of Ministers meetings were attended; which individuals had meetings with Ministers and officials; and if he will provide this information for each of his Ministers; [35257]

  (12) if he will list for 16 January (a) which organisations he met, (b) which organisations and companies he visited and where they are located, (c) what regional visits have been made and whom he saw and (d) which Council of Ministers meetings were attended; which individuals had meetings with Ministers and officials; and if he will provide this information for each of his Ministers; [35256]

  (13) if he will list for 17 January (a) which organisations he met, (b) which organisations and companies he visited and where they are located, (c) what regional visits have been made and whom he saw and (d) which Council of Ministers meetings were attended; which individuals had meetings with Ministers and officials; and if he will provide this information for each of his Ministers; [35255]

  (14) if he will list for 19 January (a) which organisations he met, (b) which organisations and companies he visited and where they are located, (c) what regional visits have been made and whom he saw and (d) which Council of Ministers meetings were attended; which individuals had meetings with Ministers and officials; and if he will provide this information for each of his Ministers; [35254]

  (15) if he will list for 20 January (a) which organisations he met, (b) which organisations and companies he visited and where they are located, (c) what regional visits have been made and whom he saw and (d) which Council of Ministers meetings were attended; which individuals had meetings with Ministers and officials; and if he will provide this information for each of his Ministers; [35253]
  477
  (16) if he will list for 21 January (a) which organisations he met, (b) which organisations and companies he visited and where they are located, (c) what regional visits have been made and whom he saw and (d) which Council of Ministers meetings were attended; which individuals had meetings with Ministers and officials; and if he will provide this information for each of his Ministers; [35252]

  (17) if he will list for 22 January (a) which organisations he met, (b) which organisations and companies he visited and where they are located, (c) what regional visits have been made and whom he saw and (d) which Council of Ministers meetings were attended; which individuals had meetings with Ministers and officials; and if he will provide this information for each of his Ministers; [35251]

  (18) if he will list for 23 January (a) which organisations he met, (b) which organisations and companies he visited and where they are located, (c) what regional visits have been made and whom he saw and (d) which Council of Ministers meetings were attended; which individuals had meetings with Ministers and officials; and if he will provide this information for each of his Ministers; [35250]

  (19) if he will list for 24 January (a) which organisations he met, (b) which organisations and companies he visited and where they are located, (c) what regional visits have been made and whom he saw and (d) which Council of Ministers meetings were attended; which individuals had meetings with Ministers and officials; and if he will provide this information for each of his Ministers; [35249]

  (20) if he will list for 26 January (a) which organisations he met, (b) which organisations and companies he visited and where they are located, (c) what regional visits have been made and whom he saw and (d) which Council of Ministers meetings were attended; which individuals had meetings with Ministers and officials; and if he will provide this information for each of his Ministers; [35248]

  (21) if he will list for 27 January (a) which organisations he met, (b) which organisations and companies he visited and where they are located, (c) what regional visits have been made and whom he saw and (d) which Council of Ministers meetings were attended; which individuals had meetings with Ministers and officials; and if he will provide this information for each of his Ministers; [35247]

  (22) if he will list for 28 January (a) which organisations he met, (b) which organisations and companies he visited and where they are located, (c) what regional visits have been made and whom he saw and (d) which Council of Ministers meetings were attended; which individuals had meetings with Ministers and officials; and if he will provide this information for each of his Ministers; [35246]

  (23) if he will list for 29 January (a) which organisations he met, (b) which organisations and companies he visited and where they are located, (c) what regional visits have been made and whom he saw and (d) which Council of Ministers meetings were attended;
  478
  which individuals had meetings with Ministers and officials; and if he will provide this information for each of his Ministers; [35245]

  (24) if he will list for 30 January (a) which organisations he met, (b) which organisations and companies he visited and where they are located, (c) what regional visits have been made and whom he saw and (d) which Council of Ministers meetings were attended; which individuals had meetings with Ministers and officials; and if he will provide this information for each of his Ministers; [35244]

  (25) if he will list for 31 January (a) which organisations he met, (b) which organisations and companies he visited and where they are located, (c) what regional visits have been made and whom he saw and (d) which Council of Ministers meetings were attended; which individuals had meetings with Ministers and officials; and if he will provide this information for each of his Ministers. [35243]

  Dr. John Cunningham
  Set out are relevant details from my diary and those of my Ministerial team for the days requested.

  MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE

  (Dr. Jack Cunningham)

  1 January 1998 to 31 January 1998

  Tuesday 6 January 1998

  09.20 Oxford Fanning Conference (Speech)

  Wednesday 7 January 1998

  10.00 Meeting with Japanese Agriculture Minister

  11.00 Interview with Mr. Keith Seacroft (Durham First)

  16.00 Meeting with Brussels Press Corps

  Thursday 8 January 1998

  11.00 Meeting: Plenary with the Commission, Lancaster

  House 11.30 Meeting with Commissioner Fischler

  14.00 Meeting with Commissioner Sir Leon Britian

  14.45 Meeting with Commission Bonino

  Sunday 11 January 1998

  09.00 Tour of Windward Islands Banana production, St. Lucia

  Monday 12 January 1998

  10.00 Meeting with Windward Islands PMs, St. Lucia

  12.30 Lunch hosted by PM of St. Lucia, St. Lucia

  Wednesday 14 January 1998

  10.45 Assured British Meat Launch (Speech)

  15.30 FSA White Paper Launch Statement, HoC

  16.30 Press Briefing on FSA White Paper

  Monday 19 January 1998

  15.30 Meeting with Finnish Agriculture Minister, Brussels

  17.00 Meeting with Council Secretariat and Commission, Brussels

  Tuesday 20 January 1998

  10.30 Agriculture Council, Brussels Press Conference, Brussels

  Wednesday 21 January 1998

  11.00 Meeting with Consumer Panel

  16.30 Oral Evidence to Agriculture Select Committee

  Monday 26 January 1998

  13.00 Meeting with Agricultural Advisory Group

  16.00 Meeting with German Ambassador (HE Herr Gebhart von Moltke)

  19.30 Dinner with the Royal Veterinary College

  479
  Tuesday 27 January 1998

  09.30 Meeting with NFU President

  16.00 Meeting with Mr. Leif Mills

  Wednesday 28 January 1998

  10.15 Meeting with Australian Foreign Affairs Minister

  MINISTER OF STATE

  (Mr. Rooker)

  1 January 1998 to 31 January 1998

  Tuesday 13 January 1998

  10.15 Meeting with ACMSF

  11.30 Meeting with Norwich MPs

  Wednesday 14 January 1998

  16.30 Press Briefing: White Paper Launch

  Thursday 15 January 1998

  10.00 Meeting with Tessa Jowell: Meeting FSA staff-White Paper

  17.00 Meeting with David Minge, US House of Representatives

  Friday 16 January 1998

  09.00 Company Visit with Cadbury-Schweppes

  BCCCA: Cocoa and Chocolate Proposal

  Wednesday 21 January 1998

  11.00 Meeting with Consumer Panel

  12.45 Lunch with Consumer Panel

  Monday 26 January 1998

  08.00 Visit to CSL, IFR and John Innes—Norwich

  Tuesday 27 January 1998

  14.00 Meeting with Sheila McKechnie and Sue Davies of Consumers Association: SEAC

  Wednesday 28 January 1998

  Meeting with MHS, York

  12.40 Animal Health Distributors Association, Harrogate (Speech)

  Thursday 29 January 1998

  09.30 Announcement on HAS scores

  MINISTER FOR FISHERIES AND THE COUNTRYSIDE

  (Mr. Morley)

  1 January 1998 to 31 January 1998

  Wednesday 7 January 1998

  19.00 Meeting with Lancashire Agricultural Discussion Society

  Thursday 8 January 1998

  14.45 Meeting with Commission Bonino, Lancaster House

  Friday 9 January 1998

  12.00 Meal with Yorkshire West Riding NFU: AGM and Lunch

  Wednesday 14 January 1998

  12.30 Meeting with Nigel Atkins: Fisheries Production Organisation Board

  18.45 Meal with National Sheep Association

  Thursday 15 January 1998

  Meeting with Intergroup MEPs, Strasbourg

  Monday 19 January 1998

  15.30 Meeting with Carla Lane, Penny Lewis, Bill Jordan: Animal Welfare Issues

  Tuesday 20 January 1998

  Farm Visit, Nottinghamshire

  Wednesday 21 January 1998

  10.00 Meeting with Forestry Commission

  480
  Friday 23 January 1998

  Easton College AGM, Norwich (Speech)

  Monday 26 January 1998

  11.40 Farm Visit with Lord Melchett, Norfolk

  Tuesday 27 January 1998

  09.33 Farm Visit with Mr. Hinchliffe, Wakefield

  13.45 Visit to Abattoir, Colne

  Wednesday 28 January 1998

  10.00 Meeting with Alex Salmond MP: Fisheries

  11.00 Meeting with Fiona Reynolds and Tony Burton,

  CPRE 14.00 Meeting with Mike Townsend, NFFO: Drift Nets

  Thursday 29 January 1998

  11.00 Meeting with James Paice and Ed Varley: Mink Keeping Order

  13.00 Lunch with Barclays Bank: Agriculture Issues

  MINISTER FOR FARMING AND THE FOOD INDUSTRY

  (Lord Donoughue)

  1 January 1998 to 31 January 1998

  Wednesday 7 January 1998

  20.00 Dinner with Consumer Representatives, South West Region

  Thursday 8 January 1998

  Regional Visit: South West

  Tuesday 13 January 1998

  10.30 Meeting with Minister from Costa Rica

  Wednesday 14 January 1998

  10.30 Assured British Meat Launch

  Friday 16 January 1998

  12.30 Lunch with Institute of Agricultural Management (Speech)

  Tuesday 20 January 1998

  15.00 Agriculture Council, Brussels

  Monday 26 January 1998

  13.00 Meeting with Agriculture Advisory Group

  16.30 Meeting with NIAB

  Tuesday 27 January 1998

  11.00 Meeting with Mr. Sadayuki Hayashi: Speciality Foods

  Wednesday 28 January 1998

  18.00 Hosting Sugar ManCom Reception, Admiralty House

  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) if he will list for 2 February(a) which organisations he met, (b) which organisations and companies he visited and where they are located, (c) what regional visits have been made and whom he saw and (d) which Council of Ministers meetings were attended and which individuals had meetings with Ministers and officials; and if he will provide this information for each of his Ministers; [35673]

  (2) if he will list for 3 February (a) which organisations he met, (b) which organisations and companies he visited and where they are located, (c) what regional visits have been made and whom he saw and (d) which Council of Ministers meetings were attended and which individuals had meetings with Ministers and officials; and if he will provide this information for each of his Ministers; [35674]

  (3) if he will list for 4 February (a) which organisations he met, (b) which organisations and companies he visited and where they are located, (c) what regional visits have been made and whom he saw and (d) which Council of Ministers meetings were attended and which individuals

  481
  had meetings with Ministers and officials; and if he will provide this information for each of his Ministers; [35675]

  (4) if he will list for 5 February (a) which organisations he met, (b) which organisations and companies he visited and where they are located, (c) what regional visits have been made and whom he saw and (d) which Council of Ministers meetings were attended and which individuals had meetings with Ministers and officials; and if he will provide this information for each of his Ministers; [35676]

  (5) if he will list for 6 February (a) which organisations he met, (b) which organisations and companies he visited and where they are located, (c) what regional visits have been made and whom he saw and (d) which Council of Ministers meetings were attended and which individuals had meetings with Ministers and officials; and if he will provide this information for each of his Ministers; [35677]

  (6) if he will list for 7 February (a) which organisations he met, (b) which organisations and companies he visited and where they are located, (c) what regional visits have been made and whom he saw and (d) which Council of Ministers meetings were attended and which individuals had meetings with Ministers and officials; and if he will provide this information for each of his Ministers; [35678]

  (7) if he will list for 9 February (a) which organisations he met, (b) which organisations and companies he visited and where they are located, (c) what regional visits have been made and whom he saw and (d) which Council of Ministers meetings were attended and which individuals had meetings with Ministers and officials; and if he will provide this information for each of his Ministers; [35679]

  (8) if he will list for 10 February (a) which organisations he met, (b) which organisations and companies he visited and where they are located, (c) what regional visits have been made and whom he saw and (d) which Council of Ministers meetings were attended and which individuals had meetings with Ministers and officials; and if he will provide this information for each of his Ministers; [35680]

  (9) if he will list for 11 February (a) which organisations he met, (b) which organisations and companies he visited and where they are located, (c) what regional visits have been made and whom he saw and (d) which Council of Ministers meetings were attended and which individuals had meetings with Ministers and officials; and if he will provide this information for each of his Ministers; [35681]

  (10) if he will list for 12 February (a) which organisations he met, (b) which organisations and companies he visited and where they are located, (c) what regional visits have been made and whom he saw and (d) which Council of Ministers meetings were attended and which individuals had meetings with Ministers and officials; and if he will provide this information for each of his Ministers; [35682]

  (11) if he will list for 13 February (a) which organisations he met, (b) which organisations and companies he visited and where they are located, (c) what
  482
  regional visits have been made and whom he saw and (d) which Council of Ministers meetings were attended and which individuals had meetings with Ministers and officials; and if he will provide this information for each of his Ministers; [35683]

  (12) if he will list for 14 February (a) which organisations he met, (b) which organisations and companies he visited and where they are located, (c) what regional visits have been made and whom he saw and (d) which Council of Ministers meetings were attended and which individuals had meetings with Ministers and officials; and if he will provide this information for each of his Ministers; [35684]

  (13) if he will list for 16 February (a) which organisations he met, (b) which organisations and companies he visited and where they are located, (c) what regional visits have been made and whom he saw and (d) which Council of Ministers meetings were attended and which individuals had meetings with Ministers and officials; and if he will provide this information for each of his Ministers; [35685]

  (14) if he will list for 17 February (a) which organisations he met, (b) which organisations and companies he visited and where they are located, (c) what regional visits have been made and whom he saw and (d) which Council of Ministers meetings were attended and which individuals had meetings with Ministers and officials; and if he will provide this information for each of his Ministers; [35672]

  (15) if he will list for 18 February (a) which organisations he met, (b) which organisations and companies he visited and where they are located, (c) what regional visits have been made and whom he saw and (d) which Council of Ministers meetings were attended and which individuals had meetings with Ministers and officials; and if he will provide this information for each of his Ministers; [35671]

  (16) if he will list for 19 February (a) which organisations he met, (b) which organisations and companies he visited and where they are located, (c) what regional visits have been made and whom he saw and (d) which Council of Ministers meetings were attended and which individuals had meetings with Ministers and officials; and if he will provide this information for each of his Ministers; [35670]

  (17) if he will list for 20 February (a) which organisations he met, (b) which organisations and companies he visited and where they are located, (c) what regional visits have been made and whom he saw and (d) which Council of Ministers meetings were attended and which individuals had meetings with Ministers and officials; and if he will provide this information for each of his Ministers; [35669]

  (18) if he will list for 21 February (a) which organisations he met, (b) which organisations and companies he visited and where they are located, (c) what regional visits have been made and whom he saw and (d) which Council of Ministers meetings were attended and which individuals had meetings with Ministers and officials; and if he will provide this information for each of his Ministers; [35668]
  483
  (19) if he will list for 23 February (a) which organisations he met, (b) which organisations and companies he visited and where they are located, (c) what regional visits have been made and whom he saw and (d) which Council of Ministers meetings were attended and which individuals had meetings with Ministers and officials; and if he will provide this information for each of his Ministers; [35667]

  (20) if he will list for 24 February (a) which organisations he met, (b) which organisations and companies he visited and where they are located, (c) what regional visits have been made and whom he saw and (d) which Council of Ministers meetings were attended and which individuals had meetings with Ministers and officials; and if he will provide this information for each of his Ministers; [35666]

  (21) if he will list for 25 February (a) which organisations he met, (b) which organisations and companies he visited and where they are located, (c) what regional visits have been made and whom he saw and (d) which Council of Ministers meetings were attended and which individuals had meetings with Ministers and officials; and if he will provide this information for each of his Ministers; [35665]

  (22) if he will list for 26 February (a) which organisations he met, (b) which organisations and companies he visited and where they are located, (c) what regional visits have been made and whom he saw and (d) which Council of Ministers meetings were attended and which individuals had meetings with Ministers and officials; and if he will provide this information for each of his Ministers; [35664]

  (23) if he will list for 27 February (a) which organisations he met, (b) which organisations and companies he visited and where they are located, (c) what regional visits have been made and whom he saw and (d) which Council of Ministers meetings were attended and which individuals had meetings with Ministers and officials; and if he will provide this information for each of his Ministers; [35663]

  (24) if he will list for 28 February (a) which organisations he met, (b) which organisations and companies he visited and where they are located, (c) what regional visits have been made and whom he saw and (d) which Council of Ministers meetings were attended and which individuals had meetings with Ministers and officials; and if he will provide this information for each of his Ministers. [35662]

  Dr. John Cunningham
  Set out are relevant details from my diary and those of my Ministerial team for the days requested.

  MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE

  (Dr. Jack Cunningham)

  1 February 1998 to 28 February 1998

  Tuesday 3 February 1998
  10.00 Meeting with European Parliament Agriculture and Rural Development Committee, Brussels
  15.00 Meeting with European Parliament Environment, Public Health and Consumer Protection Committee, Brussels

  Wednesday 4 February 1998

  10.15 NFU AGM (Speech)

  Hilton Hotel, Park Lane, W1

  484
  Thursday 5 February 1998

  14.30 Meeting with Leader of the French Socialists

  Monday 9 February 1998

  19.30 Dinner with Agricultural Reform Group

  Tuesday ID February 1998

  09.00 Meeting with NFU President

  12.00 Meeting with Forestry Commission

  17.00 Meeting with Elwyn Clwyd MP and Plaid Cymru MPs

  Wednesday 11 February 1998

  12.00 Meeting with Country Landowners Association

  19.45 "The Grocer" Conference: Creation of the Food Standards Agency (Speech)

  Monday 16 February 1998

  11.30 Pre-Council Briefing with Commissioner Fischler, Brussels

  15.00 Agriculture Council, Brussels

  Tuesday 17 February 1998

  Agriculture Council, Brussels

  Wednesday 18 February 1998

  10.00 Meeting with Consumer Organisations

  12.00 British Beef Week Launch, HoC

  16.00 Meeting with John Winter

  Thursday 19 February 1998

  09.45 Seminar in Support of Mission to China (Speech)

  16.30 Meeting with Prime Minister and Farming Unions

  Monday 23 February 1998

  13.00 Meeting with Agricultural Advisory Group

  17.00 Meeting: COPA (European Farmers)

  Tuesday 24 February 1998

  18.00 Meeting with CLA (European Landowners)

  Wednesday 25 February 1998

  10.00 Agra-Europe Conference (Speech)

  13.00 Lunch with St. Lucian Agriculture Minister

  Friday 27 February 1998

  09.45 Food Safety Conference, Cumbria TEC (Speech)

  MINISTER OF STATE

  (Mr. Rooker)

  1 February 1998 to 28 February 1998

  Tuesday 3 February 1998

  10.00 NFU AGM

  19.00 NFU Annual Dinner

  Thursday 5 February 1998

  14.00 Meeting with MPs: Eartagging

  Monday 9 February 1998

  09.00 Regional Visit to Northern Region

  16.00 Meeting with FDF: FSA White Paper

  Wednesday 11 February 1998

  13.00 Speaking Engagement with BOCM Paul: Award Ceremony for National Forage
  and Premier Breeders Competition

  Monday 16 February 1998

  16.00 Meeting with Professor Tim Lang: Food Standards Agency

  Tuesday 17 February 1998

  Regional Visit to North Mercia RSC

  Wednesday 18 February 1998

  10.00 Meeting with UK Consumer Groups

  Thursday 19 February 1998

  11.00 Meeting with MPs: Cattle Traceability

  16.30 Meetings with MPs: Knackers Yards

  485
  Friday 20 February 1998

  08.00 Regional Visit to South Mercia RSC

  Monday 23 February 1998

  09.00 Company Visit with MLC, Milton Keynes

  16.30 Meeting with NFU representatives: Visit by COPA Officeholders

  Wednesday 25 February 1998

  10.30 Speaking Engagement with IPMS and MSF: Seminar on food safety and standards

  13.00 Meeting with MPs: TB/Krebs

  14.00 Meeting with Ben Bradshaw MP: Pesticides Bill

  Thursday 26 February 1998

  10.45 Regional Visit, PSD, York

  12.30 Visit to Central Science Laboratories, Sand Hutton, York

  MINISTER FOR FISHERIES AND THE COUNTRYSIDE

  (Mr. Morley)

  1 February 1998 to 28 February 1989

  Monday 2 February 1998

  19.00 Dinner with Paddy Tipping MP, East Midlands NFU

  Tuesday 3 February 1998

  15.00 Meeting with European Parliament Fisheries Committee: UK Presidency

  Wednesday 4 February 1998

  09.00 Meeting with Canadian Fisheries Minister

  Thursday 5 February 1998

  10.25 Visit (UK): Foxburrow Farm

  11.45 Visit (UK): Broxtead Estate

  14.30 Visit (UK): Suffolk ESA, Stanny Farm

  16.30 Visit (UK): Deben Farm Club (Speech and questions)

  Monday 9 February 1998

  12.30 Lunch with Director, Soil Association, Organic Aid

  15.00 Meeting with NFU: Pig Welfare

  Tuesday 10 February 1998

  10.00 Visit (UK) with SHRIM Farms (Speech), The Coach House, Great Saling

  15.00 Meeting with John Toothill, Steele Addison: CAP Reform Agri-Environment Measures

  16.00 Meeting with Vanya Hackel (Fisheries Reform Group)

  Thursday 12 February 1998

  09.30 Meeting with Bob Blizzard MP: MAGP IV

  Monday 16 February 1998

  15.30 Meeting with Wildlife Link

  Tuesday 17 February 1998

  09.50 Meeting with Suffolk FWAG (Speech)

  14.30 Meeting with MPs: Bodmin Moor Bill

  Wednesday 18 February 1998

  11.00 Meeting with National Federation of Fishermen's Organisations

  14.30 Meeting with Tenant Farmers: Annual General Meeting

  17.00 Meeting with MPs: Animal Welfare

  Thursday 19 February 1998

  16.00 Meeting with British Veterinary Association

  17.30 Meeting with Chief Executive, RSPB

  Monday 23 February 1998

  09.30 Visit (UK) with Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust (Speech)

  17.00 Meeting with COPA Officeholders

  Wednesday 25 February 1998

  19.00 Meeting with National Federation of Fishermen's Organisations: Drift Nets

  486
  Thursday 26 February 1998

  Meeting with South Devon & Channel Shellfishermen: Mid Channel Conference

  MINISTER FOR FARMING AND THE FOOD INDUSTRY

  (Lord Donoughue)

  1 February 1998 to 28 February 1998

  Tuesday 3 February 1998

  13.00 NFU AGM, Inter-Continental Hotel, Hyde Park Corner

  15.00 Meeting with NFU County Chairman, Inter-Continental Hotel, Hyde Park Corner

  19.30 NFU Annual Dinner, Hilton Hotel

  Wednesday 4 February 1998

  12.30 Launch of Kentish Fare (Speech)

  Thursday 5 February 1998

  10.15 Meeting with Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister

  Monday 9 February 1998

  16.00 Meeting with Guild of Food Writers

  15.00 Meeting with National Association of Cider Makers

  Monday 16 February 1998

  Agriculture Council, Brussels

  Monday 23 February 1998

  10.00 Farmers Weekly EMU Conference (Speech)

  13.00 Meeting with Agricultural Advisory Group

  17.00 Meeting with COPA

  Wednesday 25 February 1998

  15.00 Meeting with US Under Secretary for Agriculture: WTO ruling on hormones

  Thursday 26 February 1998

  12.45 Meeting with David Bowe MEP: Use of GM crops

  Cattle Tracing
  Mr. Quinn
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the cattle tracing system is expected to start operating. [38967]

  Dr. John Cunningham
  The launch date for the Cattle Tracing System (CTS) will be 28 September 1998. The system will register cattle and their movements from birth to death. It is an enhancement to the current cattle passport database which already holds details of over five million cattle born or imported into Great Britain from 1 July 1996. The main change will be to hold in addition the movement history of all those cattle registered on to the system from 28 September.

  A new organisation, the British Cattle Movement Service (BCMS), is being set up in Workington, Cumbria to run the CTS. Recruitment is going well, with applications of high quality; buildings have been handed over on time; the main equipment has been installed; and development of the new system is in hand.

  The Government are today sending to all cattle farmers, livestock markets and operators of abattoirs in Great Britain a leaflet about CTS. The leaflet gives details of the new cattle passport which will be introduced as part of the CTS. The new passport will include details of the animal, details of where it has been throughout its life, cards for owners of cattle to send in when the animal moves, a record of Beef Special Premium and eventually, details of the death of the animal. Cattle with the new passport will not require a separate Cattle Identification Document for Beef Special Premium, thus reducing one element of paperwork for farmers.
  487
  The leaflet we are sending out today is the first in a series which will be sent to cattle farmers between now and the launch of CTS on 28 September, to familiarise everyone with their role in the new system.

  As I have previously announced, the Government have decided that they will meet the costs not only of setting up the CTS, but also of running and enforcing it during its first full year of operation. This is a step of real value to the livestock industry, with Government bearing costs of the order of £35 million on behalf of the industry.

  The CTS offers great opportunities to the British Cattle industry. The new system will make it possible to check easily where cattle have been during their lives, trace cattle more easily if there is a disease outbreak, and give greater assurance to buyers about an animal's history, and so help to rebuild confidence in British cattle and British beef, at home and abroad.

  Animal Waste
  Sir Raymond Powell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects the review of the United Kingdom legislation controlling the disposal of animal waste to be completed. [38790]

  Mr. Rooker
  The review is almost complete and revised legislation is being drafted as a basis for consultation.

  Public Analyst Service
  Sir Raymond Powell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects the review of the Public Analyst Service in England and Wales to be completed. [38804]

  Mr. Rooker
  I expect to announce the arrangements and terms of reference for the review very shortly. I hope the review will be completed before the end of the year.

  Milk Development Council
  Sir Raymond Powell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects the review of the Milk Development Council to be completed. [38814]

  Numbers of sheep and pigs certified for export from the United Kingdom in 1997

  Country

  Sheep

  Pigs

  Slaughter

  Further fattening

  Breeding

  Slaughter

  Further fattening

  Breeding

  Belgium

  -

  17,677

  144

  300

  4,876

  41,895

  Canada

  -

  -

  -

  -

  -

  600

  Chile

  -

  -

  -

  -

  -

  270

  China

  -

  -

  -

  -

  -

  795

  Czech Republic

  -

  -

  -

  -

  -

  564

  Denmark

  -

  -

  -

  -

  -

  1,064

  Falkland Islands

  -

  -

  -

  -

  -

  25

  France

  28,294

  201,073

  413

  -

  -

  24,739

  Germany

  -

  14,561

  1

  253

  7,219

  43,041

  Greece

  -

  -

  -

  -

  -

  689

  Hungary

  -

  -

  -

  -

  -

  94

  Italy

  -

  1,815

  -

  2,561

  321

  9,551

  Japan

  -

  -

  -

  -

  -

  750

  488
  Mr. Rooker
  The review of the Milk Development Council was completed in October 1997 and its remit was extended for a further five years with effect from 7 February 1998.

  Quarantine
  Sir Raymond Powell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects the review of the current rules on quarantine of imported pet animals to be completed. [38810]

  Mr. Rooker
  I now expect to receive the report of the Advisory Group on quarantine in June. It will then be published and a full public consultation held.

  Meat Hygiene Service
  Mr. Gareth Thomas
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the projected expenditure of the Meat Hygiene Service from 1 April. [38076]

  Mr. Rooker
  The latest estimate of the total gross expenditure of the Meat Hygiene Service for 1998/99 is £62 million.

  The Meat Hygiene Service is required to recover the full costs of providing its inspection service. Approximately half of these costs are recovered from the industry for meat hygiene and inspection controls and the remainder from government, predominantly for specified risk material controls.

  Forecasts of Meat Hygiene Service expenditure for future years are not available.

  Live Animal Exports
  Dr. Palmer
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many(a) live sheep and (b) live pigs were exported from the United Kingdom in 1997 for (i) slaughter, (ii) further fattening and (iii) breeding; and how many live (1) sheep and (2) pigs in each of these categories were exported to each individual country of destination.[37196]

  Mr. Rooker
  The table, derived from Departmental records, gives details of sheep and pigs certified for export from the United Kingdom. The figures do not include information on the number of sheep exported from Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland as sheep are not officially certified for such trade under a special arrangement provided for in EC trade rules.
  489

  Numbers of sheep and pigs certified for export from the United Kingdom in 1997

  Country

  Sheep

  Pigs

  Slaughter

  Further fattening

  Breeding

  Slaughter

  Further fattening

  Breeding

  Latvia

  -

  -

  -

  -

  -

  151

  Malaysia

  -

  -

  -

  -

  -

  338

  Mexico

  -

  -

  -

  -

  -

  1,070

  Netherlands

  -

  168,510

  82

  1,542

  467

  18,700

  Nigeria

  -

  -

  -

  -

  -

  46

  North Korea

  -

  -

  -

  -

  -

  70

  Philippines

  -

  -

  -

  -

  -

  340

  Poland

  -

  -

  -

  -

  -

  113

  Portugal

  -

  -

  -

  -

  -

  83

  Republic of Ireland

  1,212

  -

  177

  78,270

  326

  2,119

  Romania

  -

  -

  -

  -

  -

  217

  Russia

  -

  -

  -

  -

  -

  350

  Slovakia

  -

  -

  -

  -

  -

  111

  South Korea

  -

  -

  -

  -

  -

  684

  Spain

  6,689

  669

  350

  -

  2,050

  373,024

  Taiwan

  -

  -

  -

  -

  -

  70

  Thailand

  -

  -

  -

  -

  -

  545

  United States of America

  -

  -

  -

  -

  -

  122

  Vietnam

  -

  -

  -

  -

  -

  874

  Total

  36,195

  404,305

  1,167

  82,926

  15,259

  523,104

  This information is provisional and subject to change.

  It is common practice for export health certificates to be issued in anticipation of exports which do not then take place. The central computer system is updated periodically to remove details of withdrawn export consignments from the records but we cannot guarantee that this information is complete. Confirmation of the actual numbers of animals exported could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Fisheries
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his answer of 16 December 1997,Official Report, column 135, if he is now able to state the membership of the review team and the terms of reference of the Review of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Legislation. [37348]

  Checks on meat and meat products imports from third countries 1 May 1997 to 28 February 1998

  Port of entry

  Number of consignments

  Number of documentary checks

  Number of identity checks

  Number of physical checks

  Felixtowe

  1,343

  1,343

  311

  311

  Port of Tilbury

  7,657

  7,657

  853

  850

  Heathrow

  520

  520

  80

  67

  Southampton

  848

  848

  7

  6

  Gatwick Airport

  351

  351

  262

  258

  Thamesport

  142

  142

  33

  33

  Manchester Airport

  12

  12

  8

  7

  Liverpool Port

  13

  13

  7

  7

  Belfast Harbour

  13

  13

  9

  8

  East Midlands

  3

  3

  3

  3

  Hull

  2

  2

  2

  2

  Belfast Airport

  1

  1

  0

  0

  490
  Mr. Morley
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend to my hon. Friend the Member for Carlisle (Mr. Martlew) on 8 April 1998,Official Report, columns 234–35.

  Meat Imports
  Mr. Nicholls
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food at which ports since 1 May 1997 checks have been carried out into the quality of imported consignments of meat; what proportion of those checks have involved inspections of (i) the meat, (ii) the documentation and (iii) both; what assessment he has made of the value of checks involving(a) meat and (b) documentation; and if he will make a statement. [38580]

  Mr. Rooker
  The following table records the number of checks carried out at Border Inspection Posts in the UK on consignments of meat and meat products imported from countries outside the EU. So far as meat from other Member States is concerned, single market rules provide only for random, non-discriminatory checks at destination, not at ports of entry.
  491

  Checks on meat and meat products imports from third countries 1 May 1997 to 28 February 1998

  Port of entry

  Number of consignments

  Number of documentary checks

  Number of identity checks

  Number of physical checks

  Cardiff

  1

  1

  1

  1

  Tyne

  5

  5

  0

  0

  Aberdeen

  1

  1

  1

  1

  Dover

  2

  2

  2

  2

  Total

  10,914

  10,914

  1,579

  1,556

  Milk Prices
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the reasons for the discrepancy between the recent movement of prices of milk(a) at the farm gate and (b) at supermarkets. [38470]

  Mr. Rooker
  Retail prices are affected by several factors apart from agricultural raw material costs, such as processing, marketing and distribution costs, and the marketing strategies of individual competing retailers. The recent, apparent increase in the difference between the farm-gate and retail milk prices follows a period during which that difference fell.

  Organophosphates
  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when and for what purposes the organophosphate pesticide Fonofos, manufactured by Zeneca, was licensed; what warnings were given to users to prevent harmful effects to wildlife; and if he will make a statement on the information made available about the product. [38428]

  Mr. Rooker
  Fonofos was first cleared for use in the UK in 1970; its main uses are as a treatment for cereal seed and as a spray for brassicas and ornamental crops. Warnings about effects on wildlife are carried on the product labels.

  The Wildlife Incidents Investigation Scheme received reports of incidents involving birds and the risk to birds was reviewed by the independent Advisory Committee on Pesticides in 1994. The Committee advised that approval could continue with a user education programme being carried out by Zeneca and a five year assessment of the programme and its impact on reported incidents.

  The user education programme, including a leaflet and warning stickers for drilling equipment and seed bags/pallets, was implemented by Zeneca and only one incident has been reported in the first three years.

  Mr. Tom King
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what research his Department has conducted into the effect of (i) phosmet and (ii) other organophosphates on prion protein metabolism; and what plans he has to conduct further research. [38602]

  Mr. Rooker
  None. We would, however, be prepared to consider research applications from scientists who wish to work in this area as part of our ongoing commitment to support research, including independent research, into BSE. Any application would be considered on its own merits in competition with other applications for financial support.

  Bananas
  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to assist developing countries with exports of fairly-traded bananas. [39005]

  Mr. Rooker
  This Government are sympathetic to the idea of encouraging "Fair Trade" in exports of some products from developing countries. On bananas, we have, as Presidency, initiated discussions in the context of the current negotiations on the EU regime on what might be done to promote the marketing of Fair Trade bananas. We await a communication on this from the Commission. It will of course need to respect our obligations under the World Trade Organisation.

  Tups
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received on the price of tups. [39202]

  Mr. Rooker
  Although we have had representations from all the main organisations representing sheep farmers' interests about the poor returns experienced on the sale of lambs, no one has raised concerns about the price of tups.

  Central Science Laboratory
  Mr. Charles Clarke
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his answer of 5 March 1998,Official Report, column 728, if the legal fees specified include the costs of litigation by the contractor over alleged changes of specification at short notice; and if he will list the costs and legal fees incurred. [38150]

  Mr. Rooker
  The legal fees mentioned in my answer of 5 March relate to fees generally incurred in major projects of this sort. There is no litigation by the contractor. Legal fees to date are in the order of £40,000.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Physical Education
  Mr. Reed
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what estimates he has made of the average number of hours per week spent on physical education in primary schools in (i) 1979–80, (ii) 1995–96 and (iii) 1996–97. [31001]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The Department carried out a survey of PE and sport in English schools in January 1996. It found that primary school pupils had on average 1.5 to 2 hours per week of National Curriculum PE. No information is held on 1979–80 or 1996–97.
  493
  Mr. Reed
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to improve the quality of physical education in primary schools. [31002]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  We are committed to improving the quality of education in all subjects in all schools.

  Mr. Reed
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assessment he has made of the effect on physical education teaching of his proposed changes to the National Curriculum. [31004]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  None. Physical Education is to remain a National Curriculum subject and will continue to be taught in all schools.

  Supported Employment Programme
  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) how many places were allocated to each district and region under the supported employment programme in 1997–98; and what is the estimated number of places for 1998–99; [37298]

  (2) what increase has been budgeted in the revenue grant for each disabled employee in sheltered workshops for 1998–99; and what allowance has been made for inflation.[37299]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  Responsibility for the subject of these questions has been delegated to the Employment Service agency under its Chief Executive. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from Leigh Lewis to Mr. Ted Rowlands, dated 20 April 1998:
  As the Employment Service is an Executive Agency, the Secretary of State has asked me to reply direct to your questions about what increase has been budgeted in the revenue grant for each disabled employee in supported workshops for 1998–99; what allowance has been made for inflation; how many places were allocated to each district and region under the supported employment programme in 1997–98; and what is the number of estimated places for 1998–99. This is something which falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of the Employment Service.
  As the budget for the Supported Employment Programme remains the same for 1998–99 as for 1997–98, the maximum grant level made available for the supported workshop and supported placements provision will remain at £4,680 per contracted place.
  Turning to your question about how many places were allocated in 1997–98 and the estimated numbers for 1998–99, supported employment is delivered through Local Authorities and Voluntary Organisations and by Remploy Ltd. At the beginning of each year the Employment Service negotiates and reaches agreement with supported employment providers to deliver an agreed minimum number of places against the maximum grant level. Negotiations with Remploy are based on targets agreed within an Annual Performance Agreement.
  The agreed national target for 1997-98 and 1998-99 for places in supported employment provided by Local Authorities and Voluntary Organisations is 12,250. In addition, Remploy Ltd. have a target minimum number of places of 9,800 for 1997-98 and 10,050 for 1998-99. In order to achieve the target of 12,250 for non-Remploy places we contract for slightly higher numbers, which allows for variations in filled places and enables us to make maximum use of the funds available to the Programme. In 1997–98, 12,426.5 places were allocated to Local Authorities and Voluntary Organisations. For 1998–99 we have allocated 12,436.
  Because the Supported Employment Programme is managed at national rather than regional level, I regret that it is not possible to provide figures at regional and district level.
  I hope this is helpful.

  Special Schools
  Mr. Truswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assessment he has made of the(a) advantages and (b) disadvantages of including special schools for children with profound learning disabilities in performance league tables. [37462]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  We are committed to making school performance tables as clear and helpful as possible. They should reflect the achievements of all pupils, including the achievements of those with profound learning disabilities. Secondary school tables list special schools in a separate section, and we are currently consulting on measures to ensure that the secondary tables as a whole give a more complete picture of achievement across the board.

  Mr. Truswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assessment he has made of the relevance of the National Curriculum and OFSTED inspections to schools for children with profound learning disabilities. [37461]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  We have high expectations for all children including those with special educational needs. Ofsted inspections indentify schools' strengths and weaknesses so that they may improve the quality of the education they provide and raise the standards achieved by their pupils. Teams inspecting special schools must include expertise in the main types of special educational need represented in the school as well as the ability to ensure reasonable sampling of the subjects across the age range of pupils at the school.

  All children are entitled to participate in the National Curriculum and we are committed to ensuring that it is accessible and relevant to pupils with special educational needs. The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority has issued guidance on a variety of approaches to present the National Curriculum to pupils with profound and multiple difficulties. Many special schools have already successfully challenged low expectations and differentiated the curriculum to meet a wide range of needs.

  E-mail (Schools)
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when he estimates every school student will have their own e-mail address. [37943]

  Dr. Howells
  The target set out in the Government's consultation paper, "Connecting the Learning Society", is that by 2002 all schools, colleges, universities and libraries and as many community centres as possible should be connected to the National Grid for Learning, enabling 75 per cent. of teachers and lecturers and 50 per cent. of pupils and students to use their own e-mail addresses.

  GCSE Examinations
  Dr. Ladyman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many pupils in each local education authority sat GCSE examinations in 1997; and of those how many sat(a) nine or more, (b) five to eight and (c) fewer than five GCSE examinations. [38294]

  Dr. Howells
  The information requested in respect of GCSEs is shown in the table.
  495

  Number of 15 year old pupils attempting GCSE or the GNVQ equivalent in maintained schools in England in 1997

  Number of 15 year olds attempting:

  Local education authority

  Total attempting

  9 or more (a)

  5 to 8 (b)

  Less than 5 (c)

  Camden

  1,580

  1,001

  489

  90

  Greenwich

  2,176

  1,392

  632

  152

  Hackney

  1,268

  803

  322

  143

  Hammersmith & Fulham

  982

  480

  411

  91

  Islington

  1,283

  607

  565

  111

  Kensington & Chelsea

  549

  388

  108

  53

  Lambeth

  1,207

  617

  461

  129

  Lewisham

  1,923

  891

  853

  179

  Southwark

  1,703

  863

  693

  147

  Tower Hamlets

  2,223

  1,266

  758

  199

  Wandsworth

  1,590

  966

  490

  134

  Westminster

  1,205

  500

  596

  109

  Barking & Dagenham

  1,599

  1,126

  390

  83

  Barnet

  3,071

  2,412

  570

  89

  Bexley

  2,417

  1,809

  557

  51

  Brent

  2,091

  1,541

  456

  94

  Bromley

  2,900

  2,365

  477

  58

  Croydon

  3,107

  2,054

  857

  196

  Ealing

  2,370

  1,812

  464

  94

  Enfield

  3,036

  1,677

  1,211

  148

  Haringey

  1,591

  768

  609

  214

  Harrow

  2,016

  1,626

  332

  58

  Havering

  2,702

  2,181

  458

  63

  Hillingdon

  2,352

  1,563

  652

  137

  Hounslow

  2,477

  1,766

  509

  202

  Kingston upon Thames

  1,237

  935

  255

  47

  Merton

  1,428

  890

  469

  69

  Newham

  2,628

  1,791

  699

  138

  Redbridge

  2,560

  2,070

  379

  111

  Richmond upon Thames

  1,478

  1,178

  250

  50

  Sutton

  1,921

  1,501

  379

  41

  Waltham Forest

  2,164

  1,435

  595

  134

  Birmingham

  10,726

  6,512

  3,585

  629

  Coventry

  3,174

  2,225

  745

  204

  Dudley

  3,448

  2,292

  1,008

  148

  Sandwell

  3,223

  2,011

  1,010

  202

  Solihull

  2,608

  1,810

  717

  81

  Walsall

  3,163

  1,954

  880

  329

  Wolverhampton

  2,516

  1,640

  757

  119

  Knowsley

  1,610

  750

  705

  155

  Liverpool

  4,910

  2,391

  2,046

  473

  St. Helens

  2,055

  1,233

  750

  72

  Sefton

  3,320

  2,373

  855

  92

  Wirral

  3,650

  2,488

  1,002

  160

  Bolton

  3,015

  2,058

  855

  102

  Bury

  2,076

  1,637

  403

  36

  Manchester

  3,563

  1,801

  1,402

  360

  Oldham

  2,879

  1,927

  793

  159

  Rochdale

  2,203

  1,453

  637

  113

  Salford

  2,164

  1,112

  916

  136

  Stockport

  2,844

  1,710

  1,067

  67

  Tameside

  2,536

  1,602

  826

  108

  Trafford

  2,427

  1,665

  680

  82

  Wigan

  3,782

  2,802

  829

  151

  Barnsley

  2,334

  1,337

  871

  126

  Doncaster

  3,235

  2,131

  914

  190

  Rotherham

  3,254

  2,229

  878

  147

  Sheffield

  4,595

  3,199

  1,181

  215

  Bradford

  5,597

  3,161

  2,047

  389

  Calderdale

  2,219

  1,474

  597

  148

  Kirklees

  4,225

  2,953

  1,105

  167

  Leeds

  7,041

  4,724

  1,990

  327

  Wakefield

  3,490

  2,257

  1,032

  201

  Gateshead

  1,998

  1,368

  540

  90

  Newcastle upon Tyne

  2,384

  1,377

  822

  185

  North Tyneside

  2,026

  1,698

  284

  44

  South Tyneside

  1,763

  1,201

  494

  68

  Sunderland

  3,530

  2,459

  901

  170

  Isles of Scilly

  18

  15

  3

  0

  Bath and North East Somerset

  1,954

  1,495

  390

  69

  City of Bristol

  2,924

  1,928

  786

  210

  North Somerset

  1,902

  1,296

  554

  52

  South Gloucestershire

  2,512

  1,942

  499

  71

  Hartlepool

  1,012

  693

  253

  66

  Middlesbrough

  1,683

  924

  612

  147

  Redcar and Cleveland

  1,860

  1,269

  486

  105

  496 497

  Number of 15 year old pupils attempting GCSE or the GNVQ equivalent in maintained schools in England in 1997

  Number of 15 year olds attempting:

  Local education authority

  Total attempting

  9 or more (a)

  5 to 8 (b)

  Less than 5 (c)

  stockton on Tees

  2,284

  1,522

  655

  107

  City of Kingston-upon-Hull

  2,525

  1,617

  724

  184

  East Riding of Yorkshire

  3,526

  2,789

  636

  101

  North East Lincolnshire

  1,953

  1,438

  420

  95

  North Lincolnshire

  1,989

  1,567

  333

  89

  North Yorkshire

  6,294

  4,999

  1,123

  172

  York

  1,675

  1,265

  354

  56

  Bedfordshire

  4,168

  3,427

  635

  106

  Luton

  2,199

  1,597

  516

  86

  Buckinghamshire

  5,149

  3,969

  1,029

  151

  Milton Keynes

  2,350

  1,962

  292

  96

  Derbyshire

  7,728

  5,750

  1,694

  284

  City of Derby

  2,588

  1,658

  826

  104

  Dorset

  3,975

  3,193

  690

  92

  Poole

  1,485

  1,080

  320

  85

  Bournemouth

  1,526

  1,136

  327

  63

  Durham

  5,705

  3,908

  1,468

  329

  Darlington

  1,024

  775

  221

  28

  East Sussex

  4,444

  3,542

  750

  152

  Brighton and Hove

  1,887

  1,374

  418

  95

  Hampshire

  12,432

  10,013

  2,085

  334

  Portsmouth

  1,585

  1,179

  313

  93

  Southampton

  2,185

  1,600

  449

  136

  Leicestershire

  6,500

  4,411

  1,839

  250

  Leicester City

  3,262

  1,530

  1,483

  249

  Rutland

  437

  365

  66

  6

  Staffordshire

  9,097

  6,086

  2,724

  287

  Stoke-on-Trent

  2,521

  1,467

  914

  140

  Wiltshire

  4,213

  2,953

  1,113

  147

  Swindon

  1,799

  1,202

  519

  78

  Berkshire

  8,143

  6,020

  1,866

  257

  Cambridgeshire

  7,255

  5,543

  1,441

  271

  Cheshire

  11,205

  8,634

  2,211

  360

  Cornwall

  5,236

  3,752

  1,297

  187

  Cumbria

  5,348

  3,871

  1,253

  224

  Devon

  10,692

  7,305

  2,920

  467

  Essex

  17,107

  12,765

  3,707

  635

  Gloucestershire

  5,708

  4,198

  1,299

  211

  Hereford & Worcester

  7,313

  5,047

  1,961

  305

  Hertfordshire

  11,040

  8,764

  1,990

  286

  Isle of Wight

  1,291

  933

  319

  39

  Kent

  17,310

  11,226

  5,363

  721

  Lancashire

  15,405

  10,455

  4,333

  617

  Lincolnshire

  6,769

  4,201

  2,288

  280

  Norfolk

  8,024

  5,387

  2,280

  357

  Northamptonshire

  6,936

  5,104

  1,588

  244

  Northumberland

  3,644

  2,811

  720

  113

  Nottinghamshire

  11,045

  7,760

  2,825

  550

  Oxfordshire

  5,803

  4,412

  1,160

  231

  Shropshire

  4,822

  3,724

  941

  157

  Somerset

  4,845

  3,694

  1,025

  126

  Suffolk

  6,853

  5,475

  1,184

  194

  Surrey

  8,932

  7,228

  1,490

  214

  Warwickshire

  5,092

  3,532

  1,395

  165

  West Sussex

  7,535

  6,062

  1,324

  149

  Total

  508,140

  356,037

  129,769

  22,334

  School Exclusions and Expulsions (Easington)
  Mr. Cummings
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list by school in the Easington constituency the number of pupils by age who have been(a) excluded and (b) expelled in (i) 1995, (ii) 1996 and (iii) 1997. [37858]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  Information on excluded pupils in individual schools is not published centrally.

  School Exclusions (Leicestershire)
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many permanent exclusions there 498
  were from schools in Leicestershire in the last year for which figures are available. [37918]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  In 1995/96, the last year for which figures are available, there were 240 permanent exclusions from schools in Leicestershire.

  School Psychologists
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what is the ratio of school psychologists to school pupils for each local education authority area. [37958]
  499
  Ms Estelle Morris
  The information is shown in the following table:

  Educational psychologists per 10,000 pupils—January 1997

  Local education authority

  Ratio

  City of London

  0.0

  Camden

  2.8

  Greenwich

  3.6

  Hackney

  3.7

  Hammersmith and Fulham

  3.2

  Islington

  4.0

  Kensington and Chelsea

  4.2

  Lambeth

  4.2

  Lewisham

  3.4

  Southwark

  3.2

  Tower Hamlets

  3.8

  Wandsworth

  3.2

  Westminster

  3.0

  Barking and Dagenham

  4.6

  Barnet

  3.1

  Bexley

  2.9

  Brent

  2.5

  Bromley

  2.4

  Croydon

  1.9

  Ealing

  2.7

  Enfield

  3.2

  Haringey

  4.3

  Harrow

  2.7

  Havering

  2.1

  Hillingdon

  2.7

  Hounslow

  2.6

  Kingston upon Thames

  2.1

  Merton

  2.4

  Newham

  2.7

  Redbridge

  1.9

  Richmond upon Thames

  2.1

  Sutton

  1.9

  Waltham Forest

  3.6

  Birmingham

  2.0

  Coventry

  2.5

  Dudley

  2.1

  Sandwell

  2.6

  Solihull

  2.4

  Walsall

  2.1

  Wolverhampton

  2.6

  Knowsley

  2.9

  Liverpool

  1.8

  St. Helens

  1.9

  Sefton

  1.9

  Wirral

  2.2

  Bolton

  1.7

  Bury

  2.4

  Manchester

  2.2

  Oldham

  1.5

  Rochdale

  2.2

  Salford

  2.4

  Stockport

  2.4

  Tameside

  2.0

  Trafford

  1.3

  Wigan

  2.3

  Barnsley

  1.1

  Doncaster

  2.0

  Rotherham

  2.5

  Sheffield

  2.2

  Bradford

  1.9

  Calderdale

  2.3

  Kirklees

  3.2

  Leeds

  1.2

  Wakefield

  1.7

  Gateshead

  2.8

  Newcastle upon Tyne

  2.7

  North Tyneside

  2.0

  South Tyneside

  2.2

  Sunderland

  2.2

  500

  Educational psychologists Per 10,000 Pupils—January 1997

  Local education authority

  Ratio

  Isles of Scilly

  0.0

  Bath and NE Somerset

  1.7

  City of Bristol

  2.3

  North Somerset

  2.1

  South Gloucestershire

  1.6

  Hartlepool

  1.9

  Middlesbrough

  1.8

  Redcar and Cleveland

  1.9

  Stockton on Tees

  2.4

  City of Kingston upon Hull

  1.7

  East Riding of Yorkshire

  1.6

  North East Lincolnshire

  1.4

  North Lincolnshire

  1.5

  North Yorkshire

  1.4

  York

  2.5

  Bedfordshire

  1.6

  Berkshire

  1.5

  Buckinghamshire

  2.2

  Cambridgeshire

  1.7

  Cheshire

  1.6

  Cornwall

  1.7

  Cumbria

  2.1

  Derbyshire

  1.9

  Devon

  2.0

  Dorset

  1.9

  Durham

  2.3

  East Sussex

  1.7

  Essex

  2.5

  Gloucestershire

  0.9

  Hampshire

  2.1

  Hereford and Worcester

  1.9

  Hertfordshire

  1.8

  Isle of Wight

  2.0

  Kent

  2.0

  Lancashire

  2.1

  Leicestershire

  1.7

  Lincolnshire

  1.9

  Norfolk

  1.9

  Northamptonshire

  2.1

  Northumberland

  1.7

  Nottinghamshire

  1.9

  Oxfordshire

  1.8

  Shropshire

  1.8

  Somerset

  2.0

  Staffordshire

  1.6

  Suffolk

  1.5

  Surrey

  1.9

  Warwickshire

  1.8

  West Sussex

  2.0

  Wiltshire

  1.4

  Total

  2.1

  Value-added Measures
  Mr. Love
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what measures are being taken to promote use of the concept of value added among local education authorities and in schools and colleges; and if he will make a statement. [38371]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) has just published a compendium, including illustrative value added information, for use by local education authorities (LEAs) to support their role in helping schools to interpret performance data and set challenging targets. National value-added information, using results form the 1998 National Curriculum assessments and public examinations, will be sent directly to schools in the Autumn as part of a package of performance information.

  Export Training
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on the role of training and enterprise councils in facilitating training relating to exports. [38122]

  Dr. Howells
  We expect TECs to tailor their services to the needs of their local areas. With and through their Business Link Partnerships, they provide a wide range of help to exporters, including providing training where appropriate.

  Skill Shortages (Seaham and Peterlee)
  Mr. Cummings
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assessment he has made of the areas of skill shortages in the Seaham and Peterlee areas. [37912]

  Dr. Howells
  The Department has made no assessment of the areas of skill shortages in the Seaham and Peterlee areas.

  However, the Education and Training sub-group of the East Durham Task Force, jointly chaired by the Chief Executive of the County Durham TEC and the Principal of Peterlee College, is still looking into skill shortages in the Easington, Peterlee and Seaham areas. Engineering skills have been identified as a difficulty, and County Durham TEC has provided £100,000 to enhance facilities at the Engineering Centre at Peterlee.

  New Deal
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list(a) the New Deal units of delivery, (b) the partnerships and (c) the organisation taking the lead in each unit throughout the UK; and if he will make a statement. [38098]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  [holding answer 7 April 1998]: I have placed in the Library a list of the 143 New Deal units of delivery in England, Scotland and Wales which includes details of the organisation taking the lead in each unit.

  Each unit has a strategic partnership involving a variety of key players from the local area such as the local authority, the TEC and representatives of employers and the voluntary sector. The composition of each has been different depending upon the particular local needs of the area. These partnerships have worked with the Employment Service to develop the delivery plans for each unit. Each unit will also have a range of delivery partners for each of the elements of New Deal and again the numbers of partners involved will vary depending upon the needs of young people and size of the client group joining New Deal.

  We do not have the information centrally to complete a list of all those involved in every partnership across the country.

  School Closures (Staffordshire)
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the schools which have closed in Staffordshire since 1983. [36958]
  502
  Mr. Byers
  Shown in the table which I have placed in the Library, are all the maintained schools which, according to the Department's information, have been closed in Staffordshire since 1983. A number of the listed schools have closed as a result of amalgamations with other schools while others have closed to facilitate a change in age range. In such cases the replacement schools are also listed.

  Students
  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will exempt students on four year B.Ed (Hons) courses from paying fees for the fourth year. [39166]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  We have already announced that trainee teachers on postgraduate certificate of education (PGCE) courses will not have to make means-tested contributions towards tuition fees. We see PGCE courses as a priority, as this is the route followed by most trainee secondary teachers, and under-recruitment has only affected secondary training courses to date. We have no plans to make similar provision for BEd courses, but continue to monitor recruitment to all courses.

  Music (Schools)
  Jane Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has for the provision of music in schools. [37415]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  Music will remain a National Curriculum foundation subject and will continue to be taught in all schools. In addition, the Government are currently considering ways in which it might be possible to increase opportunities for children to have equitable access to high quality musical instrument tuition.

  Special Needs
  Sir Brian Mawhinney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if it is the Government's long-term policy that individual children with special educational needs should have a continuing legal entitlement to receive the special educational provision that their needs require. [38429]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  Yes.

  Job Club (Sutton)
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what were the start-up costs of opening the Sutton Job Club, Lewis Road, Sutton, in October 1997; when, and by whom, the decision was taken to close the Sutton Job Club; and what costs have been incurred in closing the club. [39050]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  Responsibility for the subject of the question has been delegated to the Employment Service agency under its Chief Executive. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from Richard Foster to Mr. Paul Burstow, dated 20 April 1998:
  As the Employment Service is an Executive Agency, the Secretary of State has asked Leigh Lewis to reply to your question about the start-up costs of opening the Sutton Jobclub, Lewis Road,

  503
  Sutton, in October 1997; when, and by whom, the decision was taken to close the Sutton Jobclub; and what costs have been incurred in closing club. This is something which falls within the responsibilities delegated to Mr. Lewis as Chief Executive of the Agency. I am replying in his absence.
  There were no costs incurred by the Employment Service in setting up Sutton Jobclub. The decision to close the Jobclub was taken by Colin Purtill, the Employment Service District Manager responsible for services in Sutton, after consultation in the locality in January and February 1998.
  504
  There will be no additional costs incurred in closing the Jobclub. The Employment Service pays fees to its contracted providers monthly in arrears. The Jobclub contract allows for an early termination without penalty provided at least six weeks notice is given. In this instance the provider who runs our Sutton Jobclub, Instant Muscle, was given eight weeks notice to close on 1 May 1998.
  I hope this is helpful.

HEALTH

  Breast Cancer
  Mr. Stinchcombe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will set a target for reduction in breast cancer mortality in women aged over 65 years. [38152]

  Mr. Boateng
  Cancer is one of the four priority areas identified in the Green Paper,Our Healthier Nation, which was published for consultation on 5 February 1998. At present, the strategy proposes a national target to reduce the death rate from cancer amongst people aged under 65 years by at least a fifth by 2010. This will also benefit those aged over 65 years. A decision on whether this national target should be modified will be made in the light of consultation responses. The Green Paper also emphasises the need for local targets to identify particular areas of local concern.

  We are committed to reducing breast cancer mortality for all women. The new National Health Service White Paper gives a guarantee that everyone with suspected breast cancer will be able to see a specialist within two weeks of general practitioner referral.

  Cervical Screening
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many and what proportion of all tests for cervical cancers were false positives in the last year for which information is available; and how many unnecessary remedial procedures have been carried out in each of the past 10 years. [38739]

  Mr. Boateng
  Cervical screening is not a test for cervical cancer itself. Cervical screening can prevent cancer of the cervix by finding abnormal cells before they become cancerous, enabling treatment to be given to prevent cancer developing. Not all abnormal cells will become cancerous, but it is not possible to tell in advance how many women with abnormal changes to the cervix will go on to develop cancer if left untreated. Around 100,000 women are referred to colposcopy clinics each year for further assessment and/or treatment.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many deaths and what proportion of all deaths of women aged over 40 years were from cervical cancer in each year since 1975; and what assessment he has made of the measurable effect of screening on the death rate. [38764]

  Mr. Boateng
  The number and proportion of deaths in women aged over 40 years from cervical cancer have fallen dramatically since 1975. In particular, the number of deaths from cervical cancer has fallen by a third since the National Health Service cervical screening programme was set up in 1988, as the table shows:

  Year

  Cervical cancer deaths of women aged over 40

  Cervical cancer as percentage of all deaths to women aged over 40

  1975

  2,008

  0.72

  1976

  2,076

  0.72

  1977

  1,998

  0.72

  506

  Year

  Cervical cancer deaths of women aged over 40

  Cervical Cancer as percentage of all deaths to women aged over 40

  1978

  1,978

  0.70

  1979

  1,919

  0.67

  1980

  1,872

  0.67

  1981

  1,810

  0.65

  1982

  1,733

  0.61

  1983

  1,743

  0.62

  1984

  1,690

  0.61

  1985

  1,709

  0.59

  1986

  1,747

  0.61

  1987

  1,644

  0.59

  1988

  1,712

  0.61

  1989

  1,579

  0.55

  1990

  1,554

  0.55

  1991

  1,457

  0.51

  1992

  1,487

  0.52

  1993

  1,319

  0.45

  1994

  1,217

  0.44

  1995

  1,158

  0.40

  1996

  1,156

  0.41

  Cervical screening is estimated to prevent between 1,100 and 3,900 cases of invasive cervical cancer each year (Imperial Cancer Research Fund), and the death rate from cervical cancer is currently falling by seven per cent. each year.

  Section 64 Funding
  Mr. Gale
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the beneficiaries of the most recent section 64 allocations of funding; if he will list the criteria by which section 64 applications are judged; and when applications for the next round of section 64 funding will be invited. [38798]

  Mr. Boateng
  A list of new and renewal section 64 grant awards for 1998–99 approved by the Department's Ministers has been placed in the Library.

  The awards were determined by reference to the extent to which it was considered they will help to meet the Department's objectives and priorities. Each application was considered on its merits.

  Application forms for the next annual section 64 round will be issued in July, to be returned to the Department by 1 October 1998.

  Age Discrimination
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will instigate an immediate inquiry into age discrimination in the delivery of health services. [38991]

  Mr. Boateng
  The Government's commitment to promoting a fair and equitable health service is set out in the 1998/99 priorities and planning guidance for the National Health Service. Whatever the age of the patient,
  507
  there are no exceptions to the fundamental principle that the NHS is there to provide services for everybody on the basis of clinical need. The White Paper The New NHS also sets out our proposals for a new national performance framework for the NHS which will focus on six areas of performance selected to capture what really counts for patients and staff. One of these six areas will be that of fair access to health services in relation to people's needs, irrespective of geography, class, ethnicity, age or sex.

  In response to the recent campaign by the Observer newspaper entitled "Dignity on the Ward", which raised the issue of age discrimination in the delivery of health services, amongst other things, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has commissioned HAS 2000 (formerly the Health Advisory Service) to examine the care which acute hospitals provide for older people. HAS 2000 are expected to look at the care which acute hospitals provide for older people nationwide, and examine one or two hospitals in greater detail. They will report directly to my right hon. Friend, who plans to publish their report. The study will be undertaken between January and June 1998.

  Mental Health
  Mr. Stunell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will publish the guidelines for the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services Fund, separately identifying the(a) criteria for inviting bids, (b) factors to be considered in evaluating bids and (c) timescale for bidding and implementation; and if he will make a statement. [39008]

  Mr. Boateng
  We expect to publish guidance in May giving full information about the specific grant to local authorities, in partnership with linked health authorities, for development of services for children and adolescents with a mental illness.

  Mr. Stunell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the needs not currently met from existing provision in respect of children's and adolescents' mental health care; what proportion of these needs will be met by the CAMHS Fund; what measures he plans to meet these needs in areas where CAMHS Fund money is not allocated; and if he will make a statement. [39007]

  Mr. Boateng
  We are aware of the variations in service provision for children and young people with mental health problems across the country. Social care regions, jointly with regional offices of the National Health Service Executive, have undertaken a number of region-wide surveys of provision for child and adolescent mental health services. They will enable appropriate action to be taken to help ensure a more even spread of service provision. Priorities for action have to be decided locally in the light of the assessed needs of the local population.

  The child and adolescent mental health services fund is not aimed at filling gaps in existing services. It is intended to help support a small number of innovative pilot projects designed to develop good practice. Bids from local authorities, agreed with partner health authorities, will be invited shortly.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Arms Exports
  Mr. Letwin
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many export licences for arms have been granted to United Kingdom firms since September 1997; and in respect of which countries of destination. [33831]

  Mrs. Roche
  [holding answer 10 March 1998]: The Export Control Organisation's computer databases have been interrogated and the results are as follows for the period between 13 November 1997 and 2 February 1998 inclusive. 4,014 Standard Individual Export Licences and 55 Open Individual Export Licences were issued for the export of goods subject to export control by being listed in Part III of Schedule 1 to the Export of Goods (Control) Order (the so-called "Military List"). These licences covered exports to consignees and/or end-users in the following countries:
  Afghanistan, Angola, Netherlands Antilles, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Bermuda, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Cayman Islands, Channel Islands, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Cambodia, Denmark, Ecuador, Egypt, Eritrea, Estonia, the Falkland Islands, Finland, France, French Guiana, Georgia, Germany. Ghana, Gibraltar, Greece, Grenada, Guyana, Hong Kong SAR, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Malawi, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Morocco, Namibia, Nepal, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, the People's Republic of China, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, St. Helena, St. Vincent, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates, the United States of America, Uruguay, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

  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.

  The list necessarily takes no account of Media OIELs, which are Open Individual Export Licences that authorise the export to any destination of protective clothing for the protection of aid agency workers and journalists working in areas of conflict.

  The Government are committed to report annually on strategic export controls and their application.

  London Art Market
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will list the principal EU regulations and directives which affect the London art market; and what further measures are anticipated. [37416]
  509
  Mr. Ian McCartney
  The principal EU regulations and directives which affect the London art market are as follows:

  Customs and VAT Directives
  Commission Regulation (EEC) No. 2454/93 which implements the Community Customs Code (Council Regulation (EEC) No. 92/2913, Council Regulation (EEC) No. 918/83, Council Directive 83/181/EEC and the Sixth VAT Directive (77/388/EEC) as amended by the Seventh VAT Directive (94/5/EC). Their effect is thus:

  Commission Regulation (EEC) No. 2454/93
  Article 682 suspends the payment of customs duty and import VAT for second-hand goods temporarily imported for sale by auction and also works of art, collectors' items, and antiques temporarily removed for exhibition, with a view to possible sale.
  Other measures include the following:
  Council Regulation (EEC) No. 3911/92 of 9 December 1992 on the export of cultural goods; Council Regulation (EC) No. 2469/96 of 16 December 1996 amending the Annex to Regulation (EEC) No. 3911/92 on the export of cultural goods; Council Directive 93/7 EEC of 15 March 1993 on the return of cultural objects unlawfully removed from the territory of a Member State; Directive 96/100/EEC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 February 1997 amending the Annex to Directive 93/7/EEC on the return of cultural objects unlawfully removed from the territory of a Member State. However, the latter two have not been used to date.

  Council Regulation (EEC) No. 918/83 and Council Directive 83/181/EEC
  Article 51 of Regulation 918/83 and Article 79(r) of Directive 83/181 provide relief from customs duty and import VAT respectively, under certain conditions, for items imported by approved museums of galleries for their collections.

  Sixth VAT Directive
  Article 16(E) enables relief from VAT on the sale of temporarily imported works of art and second-hand goods. Article 26a allows VAT on the sale of eligible works of art to be calculated by reference to the profit margin instead of the full sales value. Article 28 (I)a enables the UK to apply until 30 June 1999 an effective 2.5% VAT rate on the importation of works of art, collectors' items, or antiques which had been relieved from VAT before the implementation of the Seventh VAT Directive (94/5/EC). No further measures are anticipated in this area.

  Copyright
  In the field of copyright, the principal measure is an amended proposal (still under negotiation) for a European Parliament and Council Directive on the resale right for the benefit of an author of an original work of art—Com (1998) 78 final. No further measures are anticipated in this area.

  Sale of Consumer Goods
  A draft Directive on the sale of consumer goods and associated guarantees, which would harmonise at a minimum level consumers' sale of goods rights, is currently being negotiated. The Directive, unlike UK law, does not make any special provision for the liability of sellers at auction and could have an adverse effect on the sale of goods—including art and antiques—at auction. However, the UK is seeking a derogation that would allow Member States to exclude used goods sold at auction.

  Trade in Endangered Species
  The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) controls international trade of specimens of species listed in its appendices—including antiques. In the EU, it is given legal force by Council Regulation EC No. 338/97 and Commission Regulation EC No. 939/97. These regulations set out the rules for the import,
  510
  export, re-export, sale and movement of species to which the controls apply. The regulation on trade is based on a system of permits and certificates which may only be issued where certain conditions are met. No further measures are anticipated in this area.

  Electricity Trading Arrangements
  Sir Raymond Powell
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade when she expects the review of electricity trading arrangements to be completed. [38830]

  Mr. Battle
  I expect to receive advice in July from the Director General of Electricity Supply on proposals for new electricity trading arrangements.

  Independent Booksellers
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what estimate he has made of the number of independent booksellers (i) in 1987 and (ii) at the current date; and what assessment he has made of the impact on the traditional book trade of the growth of new retail outlets. [38748]

  Mr. Battle
  There are no official statistics available for the number of independent booksellers in 1987 or currently. Data produced by the Office for National Statistics (reference SDA25) are available for certain years for booksellers (businesses whose main sales are new or second-hand books) as follows:

  Year

  Businesses

  Outlets

  1986

  2,567

  3,175

  1988

  2,271

  3,096

  1990

  2,323

  3,495

  1991

  2,016

  3,280

  1992

  2,195

  3,790

  The intermediate surveys in 1987 and 1989 did not provide results by detailed kind of business. After 1992, the results have been published on the basis of the Standard Industrial Classification (92), which combines booksellers with newsagents. However, these results do not give an analysis by number of outlets so it is not possible to estimate the number of independent booksellers.

  I am aware of several factors affecting book sales at present, including the growth of new outlets, but no assessment has been made of their possible impact on the traditional booktrade. My Department is currently supporting the Booksellers Association of Great Britain and Ireland (BA) in its efforts to create an Internet site for the benefit of small and medium booksellers. In another initiative, involving the Publishers Association and the Booksellers Association, the Department has supported a study into book industry supply-chain.

  Export Forum
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what contribution her Department made to the budget of the Export Forum in the last financial year. [38881]
  511
  Mrs. Roche
  The Department spent a total of £17,000 on the publication of the Export Forum report and on the travel expenses and refreshment of Forum members. A small amount of resource was also spent on photocopying costs and other small items of office support for the Forum, but it is not possible to separate this out from the generality of Departmental expenditure.

  Dounreay
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what recent information she has received from the UKAEA in respect of the adequacy of the storage capacity for radioactive waste at Dounreay. [38901]

  Mr. Battle
  DTI receive regular reports from UKAEA which include projections of storage capacity. These are used by UKAEA to plan future storage facilities. Indications are that extra storage facilities will be required for immobilised Intermediate Level Waste by mid-2000. Work on storage facilities to house the waste to be retrieved from the Dounreay Shaft and Wet Silo will commence in about 2008.

  Coal Contracts
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade when she hopes to conclude the Government's review of coal contracts and related matters. [39006]

  Mr. Battle
  The Government are undertaking a review of energy sources for power generation. Its terms of reference were set out in my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade's answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Rugby and Kenilworth (Mr. King) on 22 December 1997,Official Report, columns 519–20. The review is expected to reach conclusions before 30 June.

  Newspaper Prices
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what representations she has received regarding predatory pricing of national newspapers. [37424]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  The Department has received a number of representations relating to complaints about pricing practices in the newspaper industry, and about the amendment to the Competition Bill relating to newspapers which was passed in the other place. These representations have been from members of the public, newspaper undertakings, and Members of both Houses. It is for the Director General of Fair Trading to consider specific complaints about anti-competitive practices. In relation to the Competition Bill, the Government have made clear their view that the amendment accepted in the other place is unnecessary and unworkable.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Feltham Young Offenders Unit
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many(a) suicides and (b) attempted suicides have occurred in Feltham Young Offenders Unit in each of the last five years. [38156]
  512
  Ms Quin
  The information requested is given in the table. This is shown as reported incidents of self-injury rather than attempted suicides since, as of 1 April 1997, the Prison Service now records incidents under this broader definition.

  In interpreting the statistics on reported incidents of self-injury, it should be borne in mind that a single prisoner can accumulate more than one incident of self-injury. There have also been changes to recording and the definitions in establishments over time. Research is being conducted to identify more consistent methods of recording and monitoring self-injury.

  Self-inflicted deaths and incidents of self-injury at Feltham YOI 1993–94–1997–98

  Year

  Self-inflicted deaths1

  Reported incidents of self-injury

  1993–94

  -

  36

  1994–95

  -

  99

  1995–96

  -

  532

  1996–97

  1

  241

  1997–98

  2

  2234

  1 Not all self-inflicted deaths conclude with a verdict of suicide.

  2 1-4-97 to 28-2-98.

  Young Offenders
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 30 March 1998,Official Report, column 391, to the hon. Member for Wakefield (Mr. Hinchliffe), how many of the 277 young men held in adult prisons were aged 15 and 16 years; which prisons they were held in; and what was the number of 15 and 16 year olds held in each prison. [38587]

  Ms Quin
  The information requested is given in the table. Of the 66 persons identified as being held in adult prisons, all are normally accommodated separately from adult prisoners.

  Population of 15 and 16 year olds in adult prisons on 31 January 19981

  Establishment

  Number

  Altcourse

  7

  Cardiff

  1

  Doncaster

  36

  Exeter

  2

  Gloucester

  5

  Hull

  7

  Norwich

  1

  Parc

  4

  Swansea

  3

  Total

  66

  1Provisional figures

  Miss Widdecombe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many 15 and 16 year olds were held on remand in(a) Her Majesty's prisons and (b) young offender institutions on (i) 1 April 1997 and (ii) 1 April 1998. [38934]
  513
  Ms Quin
  The available information relates to the remand prison population of 15 and 16 year olds in England and Wales on the last day of the month and is given in the table.

  Population of 15 and 16 year olds on remand by type of Prison Service establishment1

  Date

  Accommodation dedicated to young offenders

  Other accommodation containing adults but who are kept in separate accommodation

  28 February 19982,3

  196

  66

  31 March 1997

  189

  72

  1 All those remanded were male.

  2 Provisional figures.

  3 Latest available.

  Crime and Disorder Bill
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the categories of the persons and bodies referred to in section 6(2)(c) of the Crime and Disorder Bill(Lords] which he intends to prescribe by order. [38583]

  Mr. Michael
  We have not yet finally decided which persons or bodies will be prescribed under this power. A number of suggestions were made during the consultation period on our proposals for new statutory crime and disorder reduction partnerships, and we are currently considering these.

  Enforced Subject Access
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to introduce proposals to halt the practice of enforced subject access; and if he will make a statement.[38416]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The Government are committed to dealing with the problem of enforced subject access in the context of the Data Protection Bill. We intend to bring forward proposals at Committee Stage.

  Animal Experiments
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Arundel and South Downs (Mr. Flight) of 15 December 1997,Official Report, columns 11–12, on animal experiments, what actions he has requested regulators of safety testing in the United Kingdom to carry out to attempt to reduce the number of animals used in safety tests. [38524]

  Mr. George Howarth
  Following a series of meetings at the Home Office, United Kingdom regulators have agreed to a statement of principle that any suffering caused to animals and the number of animals used in a safety evaluation protocol, should be the lowest necessary to achieve its identified objectives.

  To this end, they have agreed to:

  1. encourage the development of alternative methods through co-operation with or participation in national and international initiatives aimed at refining, reducing or replacing the use of animals;

  514

  2. seek to influence international harmonisation initiatives to ensure that policies and practices take full account of the ethical duty to protect the welfare and minimise the numbers of animals used in safety assessments;

  3. alert applicants/clients to instances where data submitted in support of registration on safety evaluation are considered excessive in terms of animal suffering or numbers, or where internationally accepted alternatives replacing, reducing or refining animal use have not been employed;

  4. accept for assessment internationally recognised, non-animal alternative tests conducted to appropriate standards; and

  5. not require repetition of data produced by the applicant for other safety evaluation agencies where such data accord with internationally accepted guidelines and have been generated in compliance with appropriate standards.

  A further meeting will take place later this month between Home Office officials and the regulators to discuss the progress made in implementing these principles and in promoting them to overseas regulators.

  Firearms
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when Mr. Desmond Tallent of Hurlingham Road, Stafford will receive the balance of his compensation for the handguns he surrendered last year. [38413]

  Mr. Michael
  The Firearms Compensation Section is at present concentrating its efforts on clearing the remaining claims received under Options A and B of the compensation scheme, and this work is expected to be completed by about the end of May. The balance of the compensation due to Mr. Tallent under Option C of the scheme should be paid soon after that.

  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will list for the most recent year for which figures are available, broken down by month, the numbers of unlicensed firearms entering the United Kingdom, excluding the Province of Northern Ireland; [39038]

  (2) how many unlicensed firearms he estimates are in current circulation in the United Kingdom, excluding the Province of Northern Ireland. [39037]

  Mr. Michael
  There is no reliable estimate of the number of illegal firearms in circulation, or of those entering the United Kingdom and escaping detection.

  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many cases to date have been brought against Her Majesty's Government in respect of the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997, in(a) the European Court of Justice and (b) the European Court of Human Rights. [39036]

  Mr. Michael
  Although the Government have had no formal notification of any case arising from the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997, lodged either with the European Court of Justice or the European Court of Human Rights, we have had sight of two applications to the latter Court.

  Small Claims
  Mr. Luff
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department on how many occasions in (i) the last year and (ii) the previous five years small claims court hearings have taken place in HM prisons. [38589]

  Ms Quin
  Small claims hearings are known to have been held in five prisons. These have occurred infrequently and not all the prisons involved have maintained separate records of the hearings.

  Four hearings have been confirmed as having been held in the last year and three in the previous five years.

  Mr. Luff
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the circumstances leading up to the holding of a small claims court hearing in HM Prison Long Lartin; and what was the total cost to public funds of the hearing. [38590]

  Ms Quin
  Three small claims courts have been convened at Long Lartin prison over the last year in order to hear a total of ten cases brought by prisoners. Most, but not all, cases are brought against the prison mainly for property-related issues. Prisoners have the same rights as any citizen to make applications to the court and, whilst hearings such as this are not frequent occurrences, neither are they unusual.

  Holding hearings within the prison, rather than at the county court, is both more secure and reduces significantly the overall costs by removing the need for the involvement of expensive police and prison escorts. Wherever possible, the court will schedule different cases from the prison to be heard on the same day in order to reduce costs further.

  A

  B

  Percentage difference

  Police capital 1998/99 (£ million)

  Police capital 1997/98 (£ million)

  A over B

  Major

  Minor

  Total

  Major

  Minor

  Total

  Minor

  Avon & Somerset

  0.750

  2.321

  3.071

  0.650

  2.417

  3.067

  -4

  Bedfordshire

  0.620

  0.891

  1.511

  1.729

  0.928

  2.657

  -4

  Cambridgeshire

  0.000

  0.958

  0.958

  0.519

  0.998

  1.517

  -4

  Cheshire

  0.050

  1.465

  1.515

  0.650

  1.525

  2.175

  -4

  City of London

  0.000

  0.642

  0.642

  0.000

  0.668

  0.668

  -4

  Cleveland

  0.000

  1.127

  1.127

  0.000

  1.174

  1.174

  -4

  Cumbria

  0.877

  0.891

  1.768

  0.000

  0.928

  0.928

  -4

  Derbyshire

  3.750

  1.398

  5.148

  1.300

  1.456

  2.756

  -4

  Devon & Cornwall

  2.188

  2.238

  4.426

  1.039

  2.330

  3.369

  -4

  Dorset

  3.115

  0.983

  4.098

  0.041

  1.024

  1.065

  -4

  Durham

  1.258

  1.051

  2.309

  0.000

  1.094

  1.094

  -4

  Dyfed Powys

  0.000

  0.727

  0.727

  0.000

  0.757

  0.757

  -4

  Essex

  0.160

  2.266

  2.426

  1.170

  2.359

  3.529

  -4

  Gloucestershire

  0.000

  1.019

  1.019

  0.000

  1.061

  1.061

  -4

  Greater Manchester

  0.133

  5.312

  5.445

  3.797

  5.531

  9.328

  -4

  Gwent

  0.060

  0.931

  0.991

  0.000

  0.969

  0.969

  -4

  Hampshire

  1.109

  2.545

  3.654

  0.419

  2.650

  3.069

  -4

  Hertfordshire

  1.160

  1.321

  2.481

  0.671

  1.376

  2.047

  -4

  Humberside

  2.931

  1.538

  4.469

  2.577

  1.601

  4.178

  -4

  Kent

  2.000

  2.436

  4.436

  4.780

  2.537

  7.317

  -4

  Lancashire

  0.011

  2.436

  2.447

  0.022

  2.537

  2.559

  -4

  Leicestershire

  0.000

  1.490

  1.490

  0.120

  1.552

  1.672

  -4

  Lincolnshire

  0.100

  1.058

  1.158

  1.058

  1.102

  2.160

  -4

  Merseyside

  1.000

  3.532

  4.532

  3.600

  3.678

  7.278

  -4

  Metropolitan Police

  19.600

  23.325

  42.925

  24.288

  24.288

  48.576

  -4

  Norfolk

  3.007

  1.103

  4.110

  4.200

  1.149

  5.349

  -4

  Northamptonshire

  0.775

  0.955

  1.730

  1.430

  0.994

  2.424

  -4

  Northumbria

  6.430

  2.754

  9.184

  6.643

  2.868

  9.511

  -4

  516
  Records are not kept of the cost of convening small claims courts at Long Lartin prison and cannot be estimated with any accuracy.

  Civil Justice (Prisoner Access)
  Mr. Luff
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on his policy on access to civil justice for prisoners serving custodial sentences when the matters in dispute relate to the Prison Service. [38588]

  Ms Quin
  A prisoner who seeks access to civil justice in a dispute relating to the Prison Service is treated in exactly the same manner as a prisoner who seeks such access in any other dispute. Prisoners' rights in this respect are set out in Rules 37 and 37A of the Prison Rules 1964 (as amended) and Rules 13 and 14 of the Young Offender Institution Rules 1988 (as amended). Guidance on the implementation of these Rules is given to governors in Standing Order 5. Copies of all these documents are available in the Library.

  Police Funding
  Mr. Todd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the capital allocations to police authorities(a) for 1998–99 and (b) for 1997–98 indicating the percentage change between the two years in ranking order of percentage change. [38540]

  Mr. Michael
  The information available is in the table. The percentage difference between the two years has been calculated on the minor works capital allocations only. These are allocated by formula. The major capital allocations are made to individual building projects and reflect individual building timetables and are not directly comparable.
  517

  A

  B

  Percentage difference

  Police capital 1998/99 (£ million)

  Police capital 1997/98 (£ million)

  A over B

  Major

  Minor

  Total

  Major

  Minor

  Total

  Minor

  North Wales

  1.210

  1.033

  2.243

  0.488

  1.076

  1.564

  -4

  North Yorkshire

  3.625

  1.065

  4.690

  1.786

  1.109

  2.895

  -4

  Nottinghamshire

  2.725

  1.766

  4.491

  3.323

  1.839

  5.162

  -4

  South Wales

  2.350

  2.225

  4.575

  3.642

  2.317

  5.959

  -4

  South Yorkshire

  1.530

  2.309

  3.839

  3.165

  2.404

  5.569

  -4

  Staffordshire

  3.985

  1.662

  5.647

  2.920

  1.731

  4.651

  -4

  Suffolk

  0.000

  0.929

  0.929

  0.000

  0.967

  0.967

  -4

  Surrey

  0.190

  1.842

  2.032

  2.109

  1.918

  4.027

  -4

  Sussex

  1.503

  2.279

  3.782

  2.914

  2.373

  5.287

  -4

  Thames Valley

  1.708

  2.973

  4.681

  3.130

  3.096

  6.226

  -4

  Warwickshire

  0.011

  0.768

  0.779

  0.500

  0.800

  1.300

  -4

  West Mercia

  0.173

  1.852

  2.025

  2.530

  1.928

  4.458

  -4

  West Midlands

  2.300

  5.263

  7.563

  2.810

  5.480

  8.290

  -4

  West Yorkshire

  0.319

  3.974

  4.293

  1.901

  4.138

  6.039

  -4

  Wiltshire

  0.582

  0.904

  1.486

  1.081

  0.941

  2.022

  -4

  Total

  73,295

  99,557

  172,852

  93,002

  103,668

  196,670

  -4

  UK Detention Services
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many contracts there are currently between his Department and UK Detention Services; what was the starting date of each contract; what is the completion date for each contract; and if he will make a statement.[38665]

  Ms Quin
  The Home Office currently has one contract with the United Kingdom Detention Services which was placed by the Prison Service and is for the management of Blakenhurst Prison. The contract commenced on 26 May 1993 and was initially to run for five years, but has since been extended until 25 May 2001 as announced in a reply given by my right hon. Friend to my hon. Friend the Member for Bedford (Mr. Hall) on 19 June 1997,Official Report, columns 247–49.

  False Passport Offences
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many foreign nationals were arrested and charged with false passport offences during 1997; how many of those were subsequently imprisoned; what was the average length of sentence; how many were subsequently detained on completion of their sentence; and if he will make a statement. [38660]

  Mr. Michael
  Under section 26(1)(d) of the Immigration Act 1971 a foreign national shall be guilty of a criminal offence if, without lawful authority, he alters any certificate of entitlement, entry clearance, work permit or other document made under or for the purpose of the Act; or has in his possession any passport, certificate of entitlement, entry clearance, work permit or other document which is known or he has reasonable cause to believe to be false.

  Detailed information on arrests and charges by offence is not collected centrally. Information held on the Home Office Court Proceedings database for 1996 (latest available) shows nine prosecutions and five convictions under section 26(1)(d) of the Act. Only one offender was given a custodial sentence (of one month—although this was not coupled with a recommendation for deportation).
  518
  However it is also possible that other legislation, which does not refer exclusively to passports, may be used to deal with foreign nationals arrested for this type of crime.

  Bridgend and Fazakerley Prisons
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the public sector comparator against which the Prison Service has calculated the costs of the prisons built and managed under the private finance initiative at Bridgend and Fazakerley; what assumptions are used by the comparator; at what stage it was calculated; and if he will make a statement. [38661]

  Ms Quin
  I refer the right hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 19 December 1997,Official Report, columns 367–68.

  Television Licence Fines
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many(a) men and (b) women received a custodial sentence for non-payment of a fine imposed for not paying for a television licence, in each of the last three years; and if he will make a statement.[38746]

  Ms Quin
  The information requested is given in the table. Information on fine defaulters, by offence, is published in "Prison Statistics England and Wales" (Table 7.3 of the 1996 edition, Cm 3732), a copy of which is in the Library.

  Receptions of fine defaulters into prisons in England and Wales:non-payment of fine after conviction for using a TV without a licence, 1995 to 1997, by gender

  Year

  Males

  Females

  Total

  1995

  493

  235

  728

  1996

  238

  89

  327

  19971

  171

  61

  232

  1 Provisional

  Gaming Industry
  Mr. Berry
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what assessment he has made of the
  519
  effectiveness of the Gaming Act 1968 in controlling the gaming industry, with regard to the use of technology introduced since 1993; [38784]

  (2) if he will order a review of the gaming and lottery industry; [38785]

  (3) what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the Lotteries and Amusements Act 1976 in achieving its purpose of keeping lotteries crime free. [38782]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The present controls meet their primary purpose of keeping gaming crime-free, though the Government are aware of calls to modernise them. We have not ruled that out, but would need to consider the timing, scope and resource implications of such an exercise.

  We have no plans to order a review of the gaming and lottery industry as a separate exercise.

  Police (Ethnic Minorities)
  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will update the advice to police authorities and chief constables on recruiting a multi-racial police service; and if he will publish it. [39170]

  Mr. Michael
  The Inspectorate's thematic inspection report by Her Majesty's Chief Inspectorate of Constabulary "Winning the Race. Policing Plural Communities" which was published in October 1997 (copies of which are in the Library), includes "a guide to assist forces in the area of ethnic minority recruitment" which should provide a helpful checklist of action for forces to take. My right hon. Friend has made it clear that he expects each police force in England and Wales to consider the conclusions of the report and to act on its findings during the course of 1998. Later this year chief constables will be asked to report on action taken.

  No specific advice is issued to police authorities and chief constables on recruiting a multi-racial police service but it is the responsibility of chief officers of police forces in England and Wales, with the assistance of their police authorities, to ensure that their forces represent the communities they serve. Each chief officer is responsible for the recruitment of officers to his or her force, including initiatives to encourage greater numbers of people from ethnic minorities to join. Home Office police recruitment literature expresses the total commitment to create a police service which reflects the diversity of Britain's population in the late 1990s.

  Postal Votes
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his policy on the practice of general practitioners charging their patients to verify an application for a postal vote. [38930]

  Mr. George Howarth
  Under their terms of service, General Practitioners are required to issue certain certificates to their patients free of charge. These include attestations for an absent vote on grounds of physical incapacity.

  If a patient is charged a fee for this service, and is unable to resolve the matter with the doctor concerned, the local Health Authority has the power to investigate such complaints and take appropriate action.

  Family Passports (Abolition)
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what forecast he has made of the likely increase in revenue over each of the next five years as a result of the abolition of the family passport. [38793]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The United Kingdom Passport Agency estimate that the requirement for all under 16 year olds to have their own passports from 5 October this year will increase revenue by £4.4 million in each of the next five years. This additional revenue will be required to recover fully the Agency's costs in providing an extra 400,000 passports each year to children under 16. Under Treasury rules the Passport Agency is required to recover fully its costs.

  Liverpool Nationality Directorate
  Mrs. Ellman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what plans he has to reduce the backlog on immigration nationality work at the Liverpool Nationality Directorate; [38982]

  (2) what plans he has to change the nature of the work undertaken at the IND in Liverpool;[38653]

  (3) what plans he has for the staffing of the IND at Liverpool for 1999–2000. [38663]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  We have no plans at present to change the nature of the work undertaken by the Nationality Directorate in Liverpool. The computerisation of the casework process, which is being introduced into the Immigration and Nationality Directorate later this year, would allow eventually for some additional non-nationality work to be undertaken in Liverpool, but the staff there would need to be trained to process such work and we have no plans for this at present. The immediate goal is to reduce the present backlog of nationality applications awaiting determination. Recent organisational and procedural changes should help to reduce the number of outstanding applications.

  The plans for 1999–2000 have not yet been settled.

  Prisoners
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the current average number of prisoners held per prison in England and Wales. [39161]

  Ms Quin
  Information on the average prison population for each prison in England and Wales during 1997 is given in the table.

  Average prison population in England and Wales during 1997, by individual prison

  Establishment

  Average occupancy

  Acklington

  652

  Albany

  429

  Aldington

  136

  Altcoursel

  256

  Ashwell

  448

  Askham Grange

  128

  Aylesbury

  302

  Bedford

  376

  Belmarsh

  865

  Birmingham

  1,034

  Blakenhurst

  779

  521

  Average prison population in England and Wales during 1997, by individual prison

  Establishment

  Average occupancy

  Blantyre House

  119

  BIundeston

  408

  Brinsford

  519

  Bristol

  579

  Brixton

  611

  Brockhill

  136

  Buckley Hall

  365

  Bullingdon

  688

  Bullwood Hall

  128

  Camp Hill

  491

  Canterbury

  275

  Cardiff

  708

  Castington

  309

  Channings Wood

  607

  Chelmsford

  464

  Colchester1

  32

  Coldingley

  295

  Cookham Wood

  146

  Dartmoor

  612

  Deerbolt

  425

  Doncaster

  1,043

  Dorchester

  231

  Dover

  305

  Downview

  325

  Drake Hall

  265

  Durham

  928

  East Sutton Park

  95

  Eastwood Park

  128

  Elmley

  785

  Erlestoke

  297

  Everthorpe

  459

  Exeter

  460

  Featherstone

  596

  Fe ltham

  894

  Ford

  452

  Foston Hall1

  121

  Frankland

  449

  Full Sutton

  455

  Garth

  587

  Gartree

  363

  Glen Parva

  878

  Gloucester

  277

  Grendon

  426

  Guy's Marsh

  340

  Haslar

  136

  Hatfield

  151

  Haverigg

  550

  Hewell Grange

  196

  High Down

  697

  Highpoint

  673

  Hindley

  537

  Hollesley Bay

  423

  Holloway

  527

  Holme House

  837

  Hull

  505

  Huntercombe

  259

  Kingston

  113

  Kirkham

  664

  Kirklevington

  157

  Lancaster

  216

  Lancaster Farms

  515

  Latchmere House

  176

  Leeds

  936

  Leicester

  344

  Lewes

  449

  Leyhill

  400

  Lincoln

  634

  Lindholme

  678

  Littlehey

  631

  522

  Average prison populations in England and Wales during 1997, by individual prison

  Establishment

  Average occupancy

  Liverpool

  1,411

  Long Lartin

  382

  Low Newton

  294

  Maidstone

  556

  Manchester

  1,072

  Moorland

  660

  Morton Hall

  196

  New Hall

  298

  North Sea Camp

  198

  Northallerton

  277

  Norwich

  715

  Nottingham

  345

  Onley

  549

  Parc1

  245

  Parkhurst

  333

  Pentonville

  910

  Portland

  535

  Preston

  600

  Ranby

  547

  Reading

  229

  Risley

  857

  Rochester

  398

  Send

  199

  Shepton Mallet

  214

  Shrewsbury

  321

  Stafford

  622

  Standford Hill

  345

  Stocken

  454

  Stoke Heath

  375

  Styal

  264

  Sudbury

  487

  Swaleside

  567

  Swansea

  342

  Swinfen Hall

  202

  The Mount

  621

  The Verne

  570

  The Wolds

  397

  Thom Cross

  238

  Usk

  284

  Wakefield

  608

  Wandsworth

  871

  Wayland

  633

  Wealstun

  581

  Weare1

  364

  Wellingborough

  318

  Werrington

  139

  Wetherby

  234

  Wharton

  226

  Whitemoor

  518

  Winchester

  601

  Woodhill

  678

  Wormwood Scrubs

  1,295

  Wymott

  797

  1997 average

  61,114

  1 For those new establishment which opened during 1997, the population figures as at 31 December 1997 have been quoted.

  Crime and Unemployment
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what research he has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated into the relationship between the levels of crime and the levels of unemployment over the last 17 years. [39035]
  523
  Mr. Michael
  The following research studies which have been commissioned by the Home Office since 1981 bear directly on the relationship between crime and unemployment:Field, S. (1990) Trends in Crime and their Interpretation. Home Office Research Study No. 119.
  Field, S. (1998) Trends in Crime revisited. London: Home Office.
  Graham, J. and Bowling, B. (1995) Young People and Crime. Home Office Research Study No. 145.
  Home Office. (1983) Unemployment, Crime and Sentencing: Some Time Series and Cross Sectional Studies for England and Wales. An unpublished Home Office report, a copy of which has been placed in the Library.
  Orme, J. (1994) A Study of the Relationship between Unemployment and Recorded Crime. Home Office Statistical Findings 1/94.
  Tarling, R. (1982) Unemployment and Crime. Home Office Research Bulletin 14.

  A large amount of research bearing directly or indirectly on the link between crime and unemployment has been evaluated. The key studies examined include:
  Association of Chief Officers of Probation (1993) Social Circumstances of Younger Offenders under Supervision. A research report by Gill Stewart and John Stewart, Lancaster University.
  Belknap, J. (1989) "The Economics—Crime Link" Criminal Justice Abstracts 21, 1, pp. 140–157.
  Dickinson, D. (1994) Crime and Unemployment. Unpublished paper. Cambridge University.
  Farrington, D. P., Gallagher, B., Morley, L., St. Ledger, R. J., and West, D. J. (1986) "Unemployment, School Leaving, and Crime" British Journal of Criminology Vol. 26, 4, pp. 335–356.
  Hale, C. (1998a) "Crime and the Business Cycle in Post-War Britain Revisited" British Journal of Criminology, forthcoming. (First issued as The Structural and Cultural Determinants of Crime and Punishment, Working Paper No. 3, 1997.)
  Hale, C. (1998b) "The Labour Market and Post-War Crime Trends in England and Wales", forthcoming, in Carlen, P. and Morgan, R. (eds) Crime Unlimited: Questions for the 21st century. London: Macmillan. (First issued as The Structural and Cultural Determinants of Crime and Punishment Working Paper No. 4, 1997.)
  Pyle, D. J. and Deadman, D. F. (1994) "Crime and the Business Cycle in Post-War Britain". British Journal of Criminology, 34, 339–357.
  Reilly, B. and Witt, R. Crime Deterrence and Unemployment in England and Wales: an empirical analysis. University of Sussex Discussion Papers in Economics, paper 12/92.
  Walmsley, R., Howard, L., and White, S. (1992) The National Prison Survey 1991. Main findings. Home Office Research Study 128. London: HMSO.

  Abandoned Cars
  Mr. Heppell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what statutory authority is provided to what bodies and under what circumstances to tow away abandoned cars. [38745]
  524
  Mr. Michael
  The legislative provisions governing the removal of vehicles are contained in the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, the Refuse Disposal (Amenity) Act 1978 and the Disposal of Vehicle Regulations 1986. Under the 1986 Regulations, the police have powers to remove vehicles abandoned without lawful authority which are left in breach of local traffic regulation orders or left where they are causing an obstruction or likely to cause a danger.

  Where vehicles are not illegally parked but otherwise appear to be abandoned, the responsibility for removing and ultimately disposing of them rests with local authorities. They have a duty under the 1978 Act to remove any vehicle abandoned on the highway without legal authority and must follow the procedures laid down in the 1986 Regulations before doing so.

  The Removal and Disposal of Vehicles Regulations 1986 provides that seven days' prior notice must be given of a local authority's intention to remove such a vehicle which, in their opinion, is in such a condition that it ought to be destroyed. However, a 21 days' notice period must be given where an abandoned vehicle does not appear to be in a condition meriting its destruction. These safeguards are intended to protect owners against a local authority prematurely assuming a vehicle is abandoned and having it towed away for scrap. They also ensure that local authorities do not have to go through the unnecessary procedure of removing and storing vehicles that may not have been abandoned.

  Emergency Planning
  Mr. Bill Michie
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list for each(a) county council, (b) metropolitan district council, (c) unitary authority and (d) London borough council, the total amount of grant aid given to such authorities for emergency planning in each of the years 1995–96, 1996–97, 1997–98 and provision for 1998–99. [39155]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The information requested is given in the tables.

  Civil Defence grant allocations

  £

  County Councils

  1995–96

  1996–97

  1997–98

  1998–99 Provision

  Avon1

  224,000

  0

  0

  0

  Bedfordshire

  196,000

  196,000

  152,950

  146,856

  Berkshire1

  224,000

  224,000

  212,800

  0

  Buckinghamshire

  210,000

  210,000

  166,250

  159,600

  Cambridgeshire

  224,000

  224,000

  212,800

  205,688

  Cheshire

  252,000

  252,000

  239,000

  162,624

  Cleveland1

  196,000

  0

  0

  0

  Cornwall

  238,000

  238,000

  226,100

  217,056

  Cumbria

  224,000

  224,000

  212,800

  204,288

  Derbyshire

  266,000

  266,000

  252,700

  245,672

  Devon

  280,000

  280,000

  266,000

  188,160

  Dorset

  252,000

  252,000

  172,900

  165,984

  Durham

  252,000

  252,000

  239,400

  232,904

  East Sussex

  238,000

  238,000

  192,850

  185,136

  Essex

  336,000

  336,000

  319,200

  239,232

  Gloucestershire

  224,000

  224,000

  212,800

  204,288

  Hampshire

  322,000

  322,000

  272,650

  263,424

  Hereford and Worcester1

  266,000

  266,000

  252,700

  0

  Hertfordshire

  280,000

  280,000

  266,000

  255,360

  Humberside1

  266,000

  0

  0

  0

  Kent

  336,000

  336,000

  319,200

  272,832

  Lancashire

  336,000

  336,000

  319,200

  309,232

  Leicestershire

  266,000

  266,000

  219,450

  213,752

  525

  Civil Defence grant allocations

  £

  County Councils

  1995–96

  1996–97

  1997–98

  1998–99 Provision

  Lincolnshire

  238,000

  238,000

  203,490

  195,350

  Norfolk

  238,000

  238,000

  226,100

  217,056

  Northamptonshire

  238,000

  238,000

  226,100

  217,056

  Northumberland

  224,000

  224,000

  212,800

  204,288

  North Yorkshire

  252,000

  196,600

  186,770

  179,299

  Nottinghamshire

  252,000

  252,000

  239,400

  196,224

  Oxfordshire

  210,000

  210,000

  199,500

  191,520

  Shropshire

  224,000

  224,000

  212,800

  170,688

  Somerset

  210,000

  210,000

  199,500

  191,518

  Staffordshire

  266,000

  266,000

  252,700

  245,672

  Suffolk

  238,000

  238,000

  226,100

  217,056

  Surrey

  294,000

  294,000

  279,300

  268,128

  Warwickshire

  210,000

  210,000

  199,500

  191,250

  West Sussex

  238,000

  238,000

  226,100

  217,056

  Wiltshire

  210,000

  210,000

  166,250

  159,600

  Worcestershire

  0

  0

  0

  243,992

  1 County abolished Following Local Government reorganisation.

  Civil Defence grant allocations

  £

  Metropolitan District Councils

  1995–96

  1996–97

  1997–98

  1998–99 Provision

  Bradford

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  Calderdale

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  Kirklees

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  Leeds

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  Wakefield

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  Birmingham

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  Coventry

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  Dudley

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  Sandwell

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  35,500

  Solihull

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  Walsall

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  Wolverhampton

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  Barnsley

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  Doncaster

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  Rotherham

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  Sheffield1

  *

  *

  *

  35,000

  Bolton

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  Bury

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  Manchester

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  Oldham

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  Rochdale

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  Salford2

  *

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  Stockport1

  *

  *

  *

  *

  Tameside These authorities transfer their allocations to

  *

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  Trafford

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  Wigan2

  *

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  *These authorities transfer their allocations to:

  1 South Yorkshire Fire and Civil Defence Authority

  2 Greater Manchester Fire and Civil Defence Authority Metropolitan Districts in Merseyside and in Tyne and Wear transfer their allocations to the appropriate Fire and Civil Defence Authority.

  Civil Defence grant allocations

  English Unitary Authorities

  1995–96

  1996–97

  1997–98

  1998–99 Provision

  Bath and North East

  Smerset

  0

  56,000

  53,200

  51,072

  Blackburn1*

  0

  0

  0

  *

  Blackpool1*

  0

  0

  0

  *

  Bournemouth

  0

  0

  35,000

  35,000

  Bracknekll Forest

  0

  0

  0

  35,000

  Brighton and Hove

  0

  0

  0

  35,000

  Bristol

  0

  56,000

  53,000

  51,072

  Darlington2*

  0

  0

  *

  *

  Derby3*

  0

  0

  *

  *

  526

  Cilvil Defence grant allocations

  £

  Halton

  0

  0

  0

  35,000

  Hereford4*

  0

  0

  0

  *

  Leicester City

  0

  0

  35,000

  35,000

  Luton

  0

  0

  35,000

  35,000

  Medway

  0

  0

  0

  35,000

  Milton Keynes

  0

  0

  35,000

  35,000

  North Somerset

  0

  56,000

  53,200

  51,072

  Nottingham City

  0

  0

  0

  35,000

  Peterborough5*

  0

  0

  0

  *

  Plymouth

  0

  0

  0

  35,000

  Poole

  0

  0

  35,000

  35,000

  Portsmouth6*

  0

  0

  *

  *

  Reading

  0

  0

  0

  35,000

  Rutland7*

  0

  0

  *

  0

  Slough

  0

  0

  0

  35,000

  Southampton

  0

  0

  35,000

  35,000

  Southend

  0

  0

  0

  35,000

  South Gloucester

  0

  56,000

  53,200

  51,072

  Stoke8*

  0

  0

  *

  *

  Swindon

  0

  0

  35,000

  35,000

  Thurrock

  0

  0

  0

  35,000

  Torbay

  0

  0

  0

  35,000

  Warrington

  0

  0

  0

  35,000

  West Berkshire Windsor and

  0

  0

  0

  35,000

  Maidenhead

  0

  0

  0

  35,000

  Wokingham

  0

  0

  0

  35,000

  Wrekin

  0

  0

  0

  35,000

  York Council

  0

  55,400

  52,630

  50,525

  East Riding of

  Yorkshire9

  0

  266,000

  244,700

  242,592

  Hartlepool10

  0

  196,000

  186,160

  178,714

  Isle of Wight

  0

  168,000

  159,600

  153,216

  * These authorities have or had joint arrangements with:

  1 Lancashire

  2 Durham

  3 Derbyshire

  4 Worcestershire

  5 Cambridgeshire

  6 Hampshire

  7 Leicestershire

  8 Staffordshire

  9 The East Riding of Yorkshire is the lead authority in joint arrangements with Hull, North East Lincolnshire and North Lincolnshire.

  10 Hartlepool is the lead authority in joint arrangements with Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland, and Stockton.

  Civil Defence grant allocations

  £

  Welsh Unitary Authorities

  1995–96

  1996–97

  1997–98

  1998–99 Provision

  Carmarthenshire

  0

  204,000

  212,800

  204,288

  Clwyd

  224,000

  0

  0

  0

  Conwy

  0

  62,000

  58,900

  58,644

  Country of Gwynedd

  0

  62,000

  58,900

  58, 644

  Denbighshire

  0

  70,000

  66,500

  63,840

  Dyfed

  224,000

  0

  0

  0

  Flinetshire

  0

  70,000

  66,500

  63,840

  Gwynedd 210,000

  0

  0

  0

  Isle of Anglesey

  210,000

  0

  0

  0

  Mid Glamorgan

  224,000

  0

  0

  0

  Newport2

  0

  224,000

  212,800

  204,288

  Powys

  182,000

  0

  0

  0

  Rhondda Cynon Taff3

  0

  186,000

  186,200

  178,288

  South Glamorgan

  168,000

  0

  0

  0

  Swansea4

  0

  210,000

  199,500

  191,520

  527

  Civil Defence grant allocations

  £

  Welsh Unitary Authorities

  1995–96

  1996–97

  1997–98

  1998–99 Provision

  Vale of Glamorgan5

  0

  168,000

  159,600

  153,216

  West Glamorgan

  196,000

  0

  0

  0

  Wrexham

  0

  70,000

  66,500

  63,840

  1 Carmarthenshire is the lead authority in joint arrangements with Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire.

  2 Newport is the lead authority in joint arrangements with Blaneau Gwent, Caerphilly, Monmouthshire and Torfaen.

  3 Rhondda Cynon Taff is the lead authority in joint arrangements with Merthyr Tydfil.

  4 Swansea is the lead authority in joint arrangements with Bridgend and Neath Port Talbot.

  5 Vale of Glamorgan is the lead authority in joint arrangements with Cardiff.

  Civil Defence grant allocations

  £

  London Borough Councils

  1995–96

  1996–97

  1997–98

  1998–99 Provision

  Barking

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  Barnet

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  Bexley

  35,000

  35,000

  35.000

  35,000

  Brent

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  Bromley

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  Camden

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  Corporation of London

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  Croydon

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  Ealing

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  Enfield

  35,000

  35.000

  35,000

  35,000

  Greenwich

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  Hackney

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  Hammersmith

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  Haringey

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  Harrow

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  Havering

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  Hillingdon

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  Hounslow

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  Islington

  35,000

  35.000

  35,000

  35,000

  Kensington

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  Kingston

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  Lambeth

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  Lewisham

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  Merton

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  Newham

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  Redbridge

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  Richmond

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  Southwark

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  Sutton

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  Tower Hamlets

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  Waltham Forest

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  Wandsworth

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  Westminster

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  35,000

  Mr. Bill Michie
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list his Department's capital expenditure on emergency planning activities in 1995–96, 1996–97, 1997–98 and provision for 1998–99 including capital grants to other bodies; and if he will make a statement about the purpose of the expenditure. [39158]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The information requested is set out in the table. The capital expenditure has been incurred to meet necessary infrastructure improvements at the Emergency Planning College. The Home Office pays 528
  capital grant to the BBC for the development of a national warning system based around radio and television.

  Capital expenditure on emergency planning activities

  £000

  Year

  Capital

  Capital grant

  Total

  1995–96

  111

  639

  750

  1996–97

  120

  714

  834

  1997–98

  63

  821

  884

  1998–99 provisional

  61

  594

  655

  Mr. Bill Michie
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list(a) current and (b) capital expenditure on the Emergency Planning College in 1995–96, 1996–97, 1997–98 and provision for 1998–99. [39157]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The information requested is as follows:

  Emergency Planning College expenditure

  £000

  Year

  Current

  Capital

  Total

  1995–96

  1,916

  111

  2,027

  1996–97

  1,537

  120

  1,657

  1997–98

  1,386

  63

  1,449

  1998–99 provisional

  1,534

  61

  1,595

  Mr. Bill Michie
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list his Department's current expenditure on Home Office emergency planning activities, excluding any costs related to the Emergency Planning College in 1995–96, 1996–97, 1997–98 and provision for 1998–99 under the following headings(a) personnel and staffing costs, (b) premises costs,(c) telecommunications costs, (d) equipment storage and maintenance costs, (e) publicity and publications costs and (f) other costs. [39156]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The information requested is as follows:

  Current expenditure on Home Office emergency planning activities excluding the Emergency Planning College

  £000

  1995–96

  1996–97

  1997–98

  1998– 99 provision

  (a) Personnel and staffing

  1,405

  1,398

  1,408

  1,551

  (b) Premises

  1,130

  882

  94

  0

  (c) Telecommunications

  7,586

  8,341

  4,963

  4,630

  (d) Equipment storage and maintenance

  2,203

  2,300

  1,709

  1,942

  (e) Publicity and publications

  84

  110

  20

  60

  (f) Other

  5,592

  6,969

  6,806

  6,368

  Total

  18,000

  20,000

  15,000

  13,000

  Mr. Bill Michie
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what income his Department has received in 1995–96, 1996–97 and 1997–98 and expects
  529
  to receive in 1998–99 from the disposal of (a) land and property and (b) equipment, formerly used or held for emergency planning or civil defence purposes; and if he will make a statement. [39159]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The information requested is given in the table. Income from the disposal of land and property relates to the sale of former civil defence premises. Income from the disposal of equipment relates to the sale of surplus vehicles and equipment from the Emergency Fire Service stockpile. The income has been returned to the Consolidated Fund; with the exception that, last year, some receipts were used to fund the reception arrangements, at Heathrow and Gatwick airports, for evacuees from Montserrat.

  Income

  £000

  Year

  Land and property disposal

  Equipment disposal

  Total

  1995–96

  206

  35

  241

  1996–97

  576

  11

  587

  1997–98

  107

  377

  484

  1998–991

  500

  27

  527

  1 Provisional

  Women's Royal Voluntary Service
  Mr. Bill Michie
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list his Department's grants to the Women's Royal Voluntary Service for(a) 1995–96, (b) 1996–97, (c) 1997–98 and provision for 1998–99; and if he will make a statement. [39154]

  Mr. Michael
  The Home Office has provided grant in aid to the Women's Royal Voluntary Service (WRVS) since its inception in 1938. The levels of grant for the years in question were as follows:

  Number of Females sentenced to immediate custody1 and under section 53 of the Children and young persons Act 19332 by type of offence,1987–1996

  Wales

  Immediate custody2

  Sec 53 of CYPOA332

  Year

  Indictable offences

  Summary non-motoring offences

  Summary motoring offences

  All offences

  Indictable offences

  1987

  109

  6

  3

  118

  -

  1988

  126

  2

  2

  130

  -

  1989

  102

  6

  1

  109

  -

  1990

  87

  9

  3

  99

  1

  1991

  74

  6

  1

  81

  -

  1992

  87

  8

  1

  96

  -

  1993

  115

  6

  5

  126

  2

  1994

  134

  6

  5

  145

  -

  1995

  152

  8

  6

  166

  1

  1996

  178

  6

  8

  192

  4

  1 Under the Criminal Justice Act 1991 custodial penalties are available from the common minimum age of 15 for both boys and girls (previously the minimum age was 14 for boys and 15 for girls). Immediate custody includes detention in a young offender institution, unsuspended imprisonment and partly suspended imprisonment (before 1 October 1992).

  2 Children convicted at the Crown Court may be sentenced to be detained for up to the adult maximum, including life, under Section 53 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933 as amended by the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994.

  530

  £

  Year

  Amount

  1995–96

  6,200,000

  1996–97

  5,840,000

  1997–98

  5,548,000

  1998–99

  5,298,000

  With some 120,000 volunteers, WRVS is the largest provider of volunteering opportunities in the United Kingdom. It also remains by far the largest single grant recipient from the Department's main grants programme to voluntary and community organisations. This year it will receive nearly half (46 per cent.) of the total budget available.

  Following a review of the organisation, published by the Compass Partnership in 1997, it was agreed that WRVS should become self-financing within ten years. The level of Home Office grant will therefore continue to decline, making it possible for us to implement the Public Accounts Committee's recommendation of 1996 to devote a larger share of our funding to new ventures.The WRVS continues to make great strides in the modernisation of its legal, financial and organisational infrastructure and in the development of its services in this, its diamond jubilee year.

  Custodial Sentences (Women)
  Ms Julie Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many women were sentenced to custodial sentences in Wales in 1997 and in each of the previous 10 years; [38947]

  (2) how many women have been sentenced to custodial sentences in Wales in the first three months of 1998. [38948]

  Mr. Michael
  Information taken from the Home Office Court Proceedings database is given in the table for the years 1987 to 1996. Data for 1997 will not be available until this autumn, with 1998 figures becoming available in the autumn of the next year.

  Eddie Gilfoyle
  Mr. Mullin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from the Chief Constable of Merseyside on(a) the disciplinary action against officers involved in the Eddie Gilfoyle case recommended by the Police Complaints Authority, (b) the date on which Merseyside Police received the PCA report, (c) the date set for disciplinary hearings and (d) the reason for the delay. [38831]

  Mr. Michael
  Two Merseyside police officers have been charged with disciplinary offences of neglect of duty and falsehood arising from allegations about the investigation of the murder of Mr. Gilfoyle's wife. Following an investigation of the allegations by Lancashire Constabulary, supervised by the Police Complaints Authority (PCA), the PCA announced in November 1995 that it had agreed disciplinary charges proposed by the Merseyside Police. Before these charges could be heard, further complaints were received about the case which led to a PCA-supervised investigation by Cheshire Constabulary. The PCA announced in March last year that it had again agreed the force's disciplinary recommendations and the hearings are now due to take place next month. I understand that the force originally planned to hold a hearing in December 1997, but that non-availability of the officers' legal counsel led to further delay. My hon. Friend will be aware of the response made by my right hon. Friend to the report of the Home Affairs Select Committee, which my hon. Friend chairs and we will continue to examine ways of avoiding the unacceptable levels of delay in the police discipline system.

  Voter Turnout
  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps the Government are taking to increase voter turnout for(a) local elections and (b) general elections among young people; and if he will make a statement. [38970]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The Government are committed to encouraging greater voter participation at elections at all levels and by all sections of society. This is why the Working Party on Electoral Procedures, which I chair, will be examining ways to improve voter turnout, especially among young people.

  Prison Drug Strategy
  Sir Raymond Powell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to publish the review on prison service drug strategy. [38808]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The review of the Prison Service Drug Strategy is almost complete. It will be published in the very near future.

  Anti-social Behaviour
  Sir Raymond Powell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects the review of measures to deal with anti-social behaviour to be completed. [38807]

  Mr. Michael
  A project on the police response to anti-social behaviour is currently being carried out by the Home Office Police Research Group. An initial report is 532
  due in early summer, with a follow-up evaluation of how well the police are doing in reducing anti-social behaviour later in the year.

  A number of tough new measures to deal with anti-social behaviour are contained in the Crime and Disorder Bill, currently before Parliament and expected to receive Royal Assent this summer. These include Anti-Social Behaviour Orders, Child Safety Orders, local child curfews, and statutory crime prevention partnerships between local authorities and the police.

  Community Fire Safety
  Sir Raymond Powell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects the review of community fire safety to be completed. [38806]

  Mr. George Howarth
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply which my right hon. Friend gave to my hon. Friend the Member for South Ribble (Mr. Borrow) on 5 November 1997,Official Report, column 212. The Government received the report of the Community Fire Safety Task Force last autumn and made arrangements for it to be published on 3 November 1997. Copies of the report have been placed in the Library.

  I announced the Government's response to the Task Force report in the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Northampton, North (Ms Keeble) on 7 April 1998, Official Report, column 177.

  Sex Offenders
  Sir Raymond Powell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects the review of measures to deal with protection of communities from known sex offenders to be completed. [38818]

  Mr. Michael
  We are working on a range of measures to protect the public from further offending by convicted sex offenders. We have implemented the automatic life sentence in the Crime (Sentences) Act 1997 for second time serious sexual offences. We have implemented the requirement in the Sex Offenders Act 1997 for convicted sex offenders to register with the police. The Crime and Disorder Bill provides for extended supervision of sex offenders by the Probation Service after release from prison, and for the courts to make a sex offender order, breach of which will be punishable by imprisonment. We shall also consider the need for further legislative changes in the context of policy developments in the management of offenders with severe personality disorder.

  Civil Protection
  Sir Raymond Powell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects the review of the future role of local civil protection in England and Wales to be completed. [38829]

  Mr. George Howarth
  A working document "The future role and funding of local civil protection in England and Wales" was issued in November 1997 as part of the Comprehensive Spending Review in the Home Office.

  Her Majesty's Government are considering the outcome of the Comprehensive Spending Review across all Government Departments. I can confirm that approval has been given for the development of National Standards

  533
  for civil protection which local authorities and other primary stakeholders will be consulted upon in due course.

  Prison Nursing Services
  Sir Raymond Powell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects the review of prison nursing services to be completed. [38811]

  Ms Quin
  The consultation period on the nursing policy paper circulated on 21 October 1997 closed on 20 February 1998. The results of the consultation provided much useful feedback but produced no consensus on the proposals.

  The position and role of nurses in the provision of health care to prisoners also forms part of the remit of the Joint Prison Service/National Health Service (NHS) Working Group established last autumn. The Joint Group is tasked to look at the broader question of the organisation of prisoners' health care, including whether the NHS should become the provider. The results of the consultation on the nursing policy paper are helping to inform the deliberations of the Joint Group and are being taken forward in the context of that work.

  Firefighters Pension Scheme
  Sir Raymond Powell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to publish the review on the firefighters pension scheme. [38809]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The review was published on 31 March. I refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave that day to my hon. Friend the Member for Gillingham (Mr. Clark),Official Report, columns 466–67.

  Youth Justice
  Sir Raymond Powell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects the review of Government proposals for youth justice to be completed. [38816]

  Mr. Michael
  The results of the initial review are reflected in the Crime and Disorder Bill and the White Paper "No More Excuses" (Cm 3809). A considerable amount of work is being undertaken to make the youth justice system effective in preventing offending and reoffending and to prepare for implementation of our proposed reforms. I am pleased to say that the reforms are receiving very positive support and co-operation from the police and from local authorities and other interested parties.

  Public Entertainment Licensing
  Mr. Purchase
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to publish the review of public entertainment licensing. [38824]

  Mr. George Howarth
  A deregulation review of public entertainments licensing was undertaken during 1996 by the previous Government. I have not yet had an opportunity to look closely at the issues arising out of that review, but I hope to be able to make my views known within the next few months.

  Human Rights Bill
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will meet lay members of the General Synod of the Church of England to discuss the implications of the Human Rights Bill[Lords]. [38928]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary has had a number of meetings about the implications of the Human Rights Bill for the Churches. These included a full discussion with the Bishop of Ripon and officials of the General Synod on 9 March. My right hon. Friend understands the strength of feeling about this issue but he does not believe that a further meeting with lay members would add significantly to the points that have been made.

  Fire Service
  Angela Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many service firefighters there are in each fire authority; and how many of these are women. [38651]

  Mr. George Howarth
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the member for Manchester, Blackley (Mr. Stringer) on 1 December 1997,Official Report, columns 58–82.

  Nuclear Smuggling
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the agencies in(a) the United Kingdom and (b) the European Union responsible for monitoring, intercepting and prosecuting in respect of incidences of alleged nuclear muggling. [38733]

  Mr. Michael
  The agencies which could be involved, in the United Kingdom are: Her Majesty's Customs and Excise, the relevant local police force, the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Constabulary, the security and intelligence agencies, the Environment Agency, the Department of Trade and Industry, the Directorate of Civil Nuclear Security, the Ministry of Defence Atomic Weapons Establishment and the Crown Prosecution Service, depending on the nature of any incident.

  International efforts to prevent or to track and prosecute nuclear smuggling are primarily taken forward in fora with a wider membership than the European Union. All member states of the European Union participate, on a national basis, in the collection and sharing of information on confirmed trafficking incidents through the International Atomic Energy Agency.

  Prison Television Services
  Miss Widdecombe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisons have access to Sky television sports channels for prisoners. [38940]

  Ms Quin
  There is no readily available information about the number of Prison Service establishments which provide Sky television for prisoners, or which of the available channels they subscribe to. Some prisons
  535
  subscribe to satellite sports channels, and allow prisoners access during set periods of association with each other. The costs are not met from public funds but from a prison's general purpose fund: this is derived from prisoners' own contributions from their prison earnings, and from prison shop profits and external donations.

  Miss Widdecombe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answers of 15 January 1998, Official Report, column 285, and 2 February 1998,Official Report, column 516, when a decision about the future of in-cell television will be made. [38965]

  Ms Quin
  The review of policy in this area is nearing completion, and we hope to make an announcement shortly.

  Ministerial Prison Visits
  Miss Widdecombe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisons(a) he and (b) his Ministers have visited since 1 May 1997. [38935]

  Ms Quin
  Since 1 May 1997, my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary has visited eight prisons. I have visited twenty seven prisons since 1 May and the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, my hon. Friend the Minister for Knowsley, North and Sefton East (Mr. Howarth) has visited fourteen. Additionally, my hon. Friend The Minister of State has visited two prisons.

  Maidstone Prison
  Miss Widdecombe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to visit Maidstone Prison. [38937]

  Ms Quin
  Neither my right hon. Friend nor I currently have any plans to visit Maidstone prison.

  Learmont Report
  Miss Widdecombe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on further implementation of the Learmont report. [38936]

  Ms Quin
  The Learmont report made 127 recommendations about prison security and the management of the Prison Service. Of these, 112 have been accepted and implemented in full or in part and 13 have been rejected. Decisions remain outstanding on two recommendations (63 and 121) and one part-recommendation (66).

  Asylum Applications
  Miss Widdecombe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many asylum appeals were still awaiting resolution on(a) 1 April 1997 and (b) 1 April 1998; [38939]

  (2) how many asylum applications were still awaiting resolution on (a) 1 April 1997 and (b) 1 April 1998. [38938]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  Information on the number of outstanding cases relates to the position at the end of the month rather than the beginning.
  536
  The table shows the number of asylum applications awaiting an initial decision, and the number of asylum related appeals awaiting determination at the end of March 1997 and 1998.

  Applications1 received for asylum in the United Kingdom, excluding dependants, and Appeals which are outstanding at 31 March 1997 and 31 March 1998.

  Number of principal applicants

  Year

  Applications outstanding

  Appeals outstanding

  31 March 1997

  54,950

  23,215

  31 March 1998

  50,950

  23,760

  1Figures are provisional and rounded to the nearest five.

  The backlog of applications has been cut by almost 4,000, but in some of these cases the applicant has appealed, increasing the number of outstanding appeals. The number of appeals determined by adjudicators increased by 31 per cent. from 15,385 in the year to March 1997 to 22,185 in the year to March 1998.

DUCHY OF LANCASTER

  Focus Groups
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if the Head of the Home Civil Service has published guidance(a) generally, (b) on tendering procedures and (c) on publication of the findings to Ministers in respect of qualitative and quantitative research with particular reference to focus groups. [38216]

  Dr. David Clark
  [holding answer 7 April 1998]It is for individual Departments to determine their needs for research and focus groups. No specific guidance has been issued. Where tendering is involved, Departments will take account of guidance on procurement policy and practice issued by the Treasury.

  Medical Insurance
  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will list Government(a) departments and (b) agencies which provide private medical insurance to staff. [38650]

  Dr. David Clark
  It is not Government policy to provide civil servants with medical health insurance, or other benefits in kind, as part of their remuneration package. There is a central rule, set out in the Civil Service Management Code, that civil servants should not normally receive fringe benefits of this kind.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Pensions Provision Group
  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when the report of the Pensions Provision Group will be published. [39163]

  Mr. Denham
  To inform our review of pensions, the independent Pension Provision Group have been asked to determine the current level of pension provision in the UK, and likely future trends. The Group's report will bring together in one document an up-to-date analysis of
  537
  all forms of pension provision. It will provide an authoritative basis upon which we will be able to shape our plans to ensure that today's and tomorrow's pensioners have a decent income in retirement.

  We expect the report to be published soon.

  Multiple Sclerosis
  Audrey Wise
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people with multiple sclerosis who are claimants of the higher rate of the mobility component of the disability living allowance, and assessed as being(a) totally unable to walk, (b) virtually unable to walk and (c) in a condition where the exertion required to walk would constitute a danger to life or be likely to lead to a serious deterioration in health. [37900]

  Mr. Denham
  The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is as set out.

  On the basis of a 5 per cent. sample of cases at 30 November 1997, there are around 43,500 recipients of the higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance whose main disabling condition is multiple sclerosis. Almost half of these are recorded as being unable or virtually unable to walk, but records do not show the grounds for awarding benefit to some claimants who previously received Mobility Allowance.

  Audrey Wise
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many claimants of attendance allowance have multiple sclerosis. [37901]

  Mr. Denham
  The number of claimants of Attendance Allowance who have multiple sclerosis is 4,100. This figure relates to people claiming Attendance Allowance at 30 November 1997 and is for those whose main disabling condition is multiple sclerosis.

  Source:
  5 per cent. sample.

  Audrey Wise
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people who are claimants of disability living allowance are in(a) receipt of lifetime awards and (b) renewal awards; and how many in each category are people with multiple sclerosis. [37899]

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

  People in receipt of Disability Living Allowance1

  Disability2

  Life award

  Fixed term

  All disabilities

  1,438,700

  516,800

  Multiple Sclerosis

  41,400

  3,600

  Notes:

  1 Figures relate to 30 November 1997.

  2Main disabling condition.

  Source:

  Analytical Services Division: 5 per cent. data.

  Lone Parents
  Mr. Healey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many New Deal advisers for lone parents will be in post on(a) 6 April 1998 and (b) 1 October 1998; and, of those, how many will be recruited from (i) the Benefits Agency, (ii) the Employment Service and (iii) elsewhere. [38104]
  538
  Mr. Keith Bradley
  Since July last year, 72 Personal Advisers have delivered the first phase of New Deal for Lone Parents, in eight areas across the country. From 6 April, 48 new advisers, together with 66 managers and support staff, join them to deliver the second phase of New Deal for Lone Parents nationally. The second phase represents the period from 6 April to September when New Deal for Lone Parents is extended to all lone parents making a new or repeat claim for Income Support. As numbers being contacted through the New Deal for Lone Parents, the number of Personal Advisers will also rise throughout this period to more than 330 trained Personal Advisers by the end of June.

  Preparation for the third phase of the New Deal for Lone Parents—the introduction of a full national programme available to all lone parents—will see further advisers recruited and trained between July and October. By the end of October more than 800 New Deal for Lone Parents Personal Advisers are expected to be in post.

  The Personal Advisers for Phase 1—the prototypes for New Deal for Lone Parents—were recruited from within the Benefits Agency and the Employment Service. The Personal Advisers currently working in the Benefits Agency will be offered the chance to transfer to the Employment Service. The majority of Personal Advisers for Phase 2 have been recruited from the Employment Service.

  For Phase 3, staff in the Employment Service, Benefits Agency and Child Support Agency will be invited to apply for Personal Adviser posts. The three agencies are currently finalising a framework agreement which will allow this to happen.

  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many lone parents with children aged under five years there are(a) in total and (b) in Scotland for each year since 1979; and what are the forecasts for each year up to the year 2000. [39039]

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

  Lone parents with children under five—Great Britain

  Year

  000s

  1988/89

  420

  1989/90

  480

  1990/91

  520

  1991/92

  550

  1992/93

  580

  1993/94

  610

  1994/95

  620

  1995/96

  640

  1996/97

  650

  1997/98

  660

  1998/99

  680

  1999/2000

  690

  2000/01

  700

  Notes:

  1. DSS estimates and projections, which are based on data from the General Household Survey and Family Resources Survey.

  2. All figures are rounded to the nearest ten thousand.

  539
  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list the number of lone parents currently claiming(a) income support and (b) family credit who have a child aged (i) under 11, (ii) 11 to 15 and (iii) 16 to 18
  years. [38647]

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

  Lone parents with two or more children may appear more than once in each column depending on the ages of their children.

  Income Support and Family Credit lone parents with a child in the following age bands

  Age band

  Income Support

  Family credit

  Under 11 years

  843,000

  252,000

  11 to 15 years

  334,000

  157,000

  16 to 18 years

  84,000

  50,000

  Notes:

  1. Numbers are rounded to the nearest thousand.

  2. Income Support lone parents are those receiving the lone parent premium.

  3. Family Credit lone parents are all single claimants with dependants.

  4. Sample size 5 per cent.

  Sources:

  1. Family Credit Statistics 5 per cent. sample of awards, November 1997.

  2. Income Support Statistics Quarterly Inquiry, August 1997.

  Pensions Education Working Group
  Mr. Bendel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when the report of the Pensions Education Working Group will be published. [39162]

  Mr. Denham
  Developing greater financial literacy and economic awareness is crucial if we are to give everyone the confidence to make informed choices and take control of their financial future.

  Income Support (IS) claimants by client group

  000s

  Client group

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–95

  1995–96

  1996–97

  1997–98

  All IS claimants

  3,383

  3,682

  3,804

  3,936

  4,030

  3,972

  Pensioners

  1,668

  1,789

  1,776

  1,761

  1,766

  1,714

  Long term sick and disabled

  493

  592

  690

  773

  843

  878

  Lone parents

  978

  1,035

  1,048

  1,066

  1,061

  1,012

  Short term sick and others

  245

  267

  290

  337

  361

  367

  Notes:

  1. Numbers are rounded to the nearest thousand cases.

  2. Lone parents are defined as those receiving the family premium (lone parent) or the lone parent premium. This will exclude some lone parents who receive a premium of a higher value ie pensioner or disabled lone parents.

  3. Disabled are defined as those receiving the disability premium.

  4. Sample size is 1 per cent. for 1992–93 and 1993–94 and 5 per cent. thereafter.

  5. Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance replaced Income Support for the unemployed from October 1996.

  Source:

  1. Income Support Statistics Quarterly Inquiry, August 1992 to August 1997.

  2. Jobseeker's Allowance Statistics Quarterly Inquiry, August 1997.

  540
  We are currently considering a number of initial recommendations from the Pensions Education Working Group on how awareness of pensions and financial education could be improved. We have asked the Group to continue to develop their work in a number of key areas.

  We will be giving details of the Group's findings and the Government's responses in due course.

  Jobseeker's Allowance
  Mr. Rhodri Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what consultations she has had with representatives of the insurance industry concerning the treatment of payments under loan protection insurance policies for recipients of job seeker's allowance; what instructions she is issuing to Department of Social Security staff concerning these payments; and if she will make a statement. [38896]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  A series of meetings have been held between officials of this Department and representatives of the insurance and banking industries. In addition, there has been continued and close liaison between officials and officials of the Association of British Insurers and the British Bankers' Association. The Chief Adjudication Officer will be issuing guidance to adjudication officers on revised regulations, which are currently under statutory consultation and will be laid before the House shortly. The Benefits Agency also plans to issue a circular bringing the change to the attention of all staff handling Jobseeker's Allowance and Income Support claims. Guidance will also be issued to Local Authorities, as the change will also apply to Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit.

  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will provide the figures in table 6 of her latest Departmental report for(a) contribution-based JSA, (b) income-based JSA and (c) income support separately for each client group, and identifying lone parents separately in each case. [38941]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is set out.
  541
  Of the 1,190 thousand recipients of income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) as of August 1997, 7,000 were receiving the pensioner premium, 17,000 were receiving the disability premium and 12,000 were receiving the family premium (lone parent).

  No information is held on the numbers of lone parents receiving contribution-based JSA. 176,000 people were receiving contribution-based JSA in August 1997.

  New Deal (Disabled People)
  Mr. Oaten
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what provision has been made under the Government's welfare-to-work scheme for the transport requirements of people with disabilities when taking up options under the New Deal. [38779]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  A major part of the New Deal for Disabled People will be the Personal Adviser pilots, which will operate in 12 areas across Great Britain. The Employment Service's Access to Work scheme will be available to participants: under this scheme disabled people can receive help with transport costs—such as taxi fares—to get to work. In addition local authorities in most parts of the country already offer concessionary fares to disabled people.

  The New Deal for 18–24 year olds went nationwide on 6 April and a range of local agreements have been signed with travel operators to enable young people to take advantage of concessionary fares. This will help them get maximum benefit from the New Deal.

  Pensions
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to her answer of 2 April 1998,Official Report, column 670, for what reason her Department's family resources survey does not contain reliable information on pensions; and what plans she has to conduct research into the pension scheme membership of individuals at different income levels. [38473]

  Mr. Denham
  We are aware that information collected in the Family Resources Survey on pensions needs some refinement, due to high levels of non-response and mis-reporting, and we have commissioned research to help us improve the questions on pensions. We will consider plans for research on pension scheme membership of individuals at different income levels at a later date.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when she will reply to the letter from the hon. Member for Walsall, North of 10 March, Ref: 5/3644/27. [38752]

  Mr. Denham
  A reply was sent to my hon. Friend on 14 April.

  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when the hon. Member for Walsall, North will receive a reply to his letter of 25 February, regarding a constituent, Ref: 4/3644/25. [38850]

  Mr. Denham
  A reply was sent to my hon. Friend on 15 April 1998.

  Disability Benefits
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to her answer of 26 March 1998,Official Report, columns 276–77, on the Disability Living Allowance Advisory Board, what is the remit of the research the board has been commissioned to undertake on deafness in children and young adults; and on what date it is expected (a) to start and (b) to be completed. [38951]

  Mr. Denham
  The remit of the research is to undertake a study of Disability Living Allowance cases where the main disabling condition is deafness in children and young adults up to age 30. Final details, including the timing, are still to be agreed but work is expected to start following the completion of studies the Board is currently undertaking.

  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the percentage(a) in numbers and (b) in value of disability benefits paid to those persons over retirement age. [38998]

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

  Percentage of recipients over State retirement age

  By numbers in receipt

  By value of benefit received 6

  Attendance Allowance1

  100

  100

  Disability Living1 Allowance

  28

  28

  Invalid Care Allowance2

  5

  5

  Severe Disablement3

  Allowance

  14

  11

  Incapacity Benefit4

  8

  8

  Disability Working5 Allowance

  0.4

  0.4

  Notes:

  15 per cent. data, current allowances at 30 November 1997.

  2 100 per cent. data, current allowances at 31 December 1997.

  31 per cent. data, current beneficiaries at 31 March 1996.

  4 5 per cent. data, current beneficiaries at 30 November 1997, excluding a small number of clerical cases not held on the Benefits Agency's computer system.

  5100 per cent. data, current recipients at 31 October 199.

  6Based on 1998 Departmental report figures for 1997–98 expected expenditure outtum.

  Percentages are given to the nearest whole number except in the case of Disability Working Allowance as this would give a zero figure which was considered misleading.

  In the case of Invalid Care Allowance it is the carer receiving benefit who is over State pension age rather than the disabled person receiving care.

  Some claimants can receive more than one of the above disability benefits. The overlaps for all of these benefits cannot be estimated and therefore an overall caseload total for claimants in receipt of one or more of them cannot be given.

  Source:

  DSS Analytical Services Division data.

  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the purpose of the survey of the income levels of recipients of disability living allowance; and what is the cost of conducting the survey. [38866]

  Mr. Denham
  There are no plans to carry out a new survey into the income levels of recipients of Disability Living Allowance. Information on the income levels of benefit recipients, along with other data, is already available from the Family Resources Survey (FRS). Information from the 1996-97 FRS and the follow up disability survey has been merged to provide a
  543
  comprehensive source of data about the incomes and resources of disabled adults in private households. Results will be published towards the end of 1998.

  Benefit Fraud
  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate her Department has made of the levels of benefit fraud for each benefit, excluding housing benefit, for each year since 1979. [38997]

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

  Percentage of cases examined where fraud confirmed or strongly suspected

  Estimated annual expenditure loss due to fraud (£>
  Year of benefit review

  Income Support (First Review)

  9.7

  1,409 1994–95

  Unemployment Benefit

  7.8

  86 1994–95

  Retirement Pension

  up to 0.13

  up to 40 1995–96

  Invalid Care Allowance

  6.5

  37 1995–96

  Disability Living Allowance

  12.2

  499 1995–96

  Income Support (Second Review)

  11.1

  1,773 1996–97

  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will list the advertisements taken out(a) on poster sites, (b) in newspapers, (c) on radio and (d) on television to publicise the National Benefit Fraud Hotline since 1 May 1997. [39194]

  Mr. Denham
  The Department currently operates two national fraud hotlines—the National Benefit Fraud Hotline which has continued to run since May 1997, and the Business Anti-Fraud Hotline which was launched in January 1998.

  National Benefit Fraud Hotline
  An exercise to evaluate the effectiveness of advertising and publicity for the National Benefit Fraud Hotline is currently underway. As part of this exercise, poster sites are being used in Sheffield; Leeds; Carlisle; and Crewe. Local newspaper advertising and/or inserts are being used in Sheffield; Leeds; Wigan and Bolton; Central Lancashire; West Wales; Wrexham; and the North Wales coast. Local radio advertising is being used in Sheffield; Leeds; Hull; Bedford; and Stevenage. No television advertising has been commissioned.

  Business Anti-Fraud Hotline
  The Business Anti-Fraud Hotline was launched primarily to help address National Insurance evasion. As part of the launch, 59 quarter page advertisements were placed in the national and regional press, and 37 advertisements were placed in the business and trade press of those industries deemed to be at high risk of National Insurance contributions fraud. No advertisements were taken out on poster sites, on radio or on television.

  National Insurance
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the estimated average extra employer national insurance contribution per employee in respect of employees earning over £450 per week that employers will have to pay as a result of the proposals announced in the Budget. [39192]

  Mr. Denham
  For employees earning over £450 per week, employers will pay an estimated average of £4.68 per week more in National Insurance contributionsas a result of the proposals announced in the Budget. For employers as a whole this will be fully offset by a reduction in employer contributions
  544
  The Benefit Review Programme, which began in 1994, was introduced in response to the need for quantitative, statistically valid, information about the extent of fraud and error in Social Security benefits. The table shows the estimated levels of fraud as determined by benefit reviews (excluding Housing Benefit) which have been completed to date. The definition of fraud used to produce the results is currently being evaluated.

  The Department has been reviewing its counter fraud strategies, and as part of this work has looked at the whole question of measuring the amount of fraud in the system. We shall be announcing the outcome of this review in due course.

  as a result of the Proposals announced in the Budget. Fpr employers as a whole this will be fully offset by a reduction in employer contributions for the great majority of employees earning below this level.

  Source:

  Government Actuary's Department.

  War Pensions
  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security in which years each of the war pensions for former service personnel who participated in the nuclear tests programmes in Australia and the South Pacific and developed leukaemia, or the widows of such personnel, were awarded. [38648]

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

  Awards of war disablement and war widows pensions

  Year of award

  Awards of war disablement pension

  Awards of war widows pension

  1986

  -

  1988

  1

  5

  1989

  2

  1

  1992

  -

  1

  Total

  3

  8

  Note:

  Previously published information incorrectly identified an award of war widows pension as one of war disablement pension. This error has been corrected in the above table.

  Welfare Profiles
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will list all the welfare profiles being compiled by her Department. [38865]

  Mr. Field
  We published seven Focus Files on 15 January which drew on information compiled and published by the Department of Social Security.

  Focus Groups
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to her answer of 7 April 1998,Official Report, column 223–24, which of the contracts listed was awarded on the basis of a single tender. [39254]

  Mr. Field
  Three contracts were awarded on the basis of a single tender:Market Opinion Research International—Attitudes to disability benefits.
  British Market Research Bureau International Limited—Attitudes towards housing benefits.
  Alan Hedges—Pensions and Retirement Planning.

  The study on Invalidity Benefit and the Contributory Principle, being carried out by the Centre for Research in Social Policy (CRSP) at Loughborough University, forms
  546
  part of a core-funded programme of work, which was itself competitively tendered.

  The following were commissioned using the Central Office of Information's framework agreement with approved suppliers:
  Andrew Irving Associates—Counter fraud publicity
  One World—New Deal for Lone Parents: development of publicity work
  Navigator—Fraud: attitudes to national benefit fraud hotline publicity
  Reflexions—Fraud: reporting changes in circumstances Michael Herbert—Pensions: approaches to information material
  Cragg Ross Dawson—New Deal for Lone Parents Newsletter.

  All other contracts were awarded following competitive tender exercises.

  Reservists Serving in Former Yugoslavia
  Reservists Serving in Former Yugoslavia
  TAVR Associations
  TAVR Associations
  Organic Farming: Assistance
  Organic Farming: Assistance
  Common Fisheries Policy: Zonal Management
  Common Fisheries Policy: Zonal Management
  Fishing Quota Transfers
  Fishing Quota Transfers
  BSE Statistics
  BSE Statistics
  Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Review Group
  Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Review Group
  BSE: Compulsory Slaughter of Offspring
  BSE: Compulsory Slaughter of Offspring
  Food Safety Surveillance: Reporting of Results
  Food Safety Surveillance: Reporting of Results
  Bovine Tuberculosis
  Bovine Tuberculosis
  Greater London Assembly: Electoral System
  Greater London Assembly: Electoral System
  Greater London Authority
  Greater London Authority
  Jubilee Line Extension
  Jubilee Line Extension
  A.12, Witham: Advertisement Hoardings
  A.12, Witham: Advertisement Hoardings
  Petrol Price Comparisons
  Petrol Price Comparisons
  Multilateral Agreement on Investment
  Multilateral Agreement on Investment
  Turkey: European Court of Human Rights Awards
  Turkey: European Court of Human Rights Awards
  Turkey: European Commission on Human Rights Opinions
  Turkey: European Commission on Human Rights Opinions
  Turkey: OSCE Summit
  Turkey: OSCE Summit
  Habitual Residence Test
  Habitual Residence Test
  Criminal Appeal Act 1995: Insanity Verdicts
  Criminal Appeal Act 1995: Insanity Verdicts
  Campsfield House: Report
  Campsfield House: Report
  Positional Asphyxia
  Positional Asphyxia
  Isle of Man: European Convention on Human Rights
  Isle of Man: European Convention on Human Rights
  Cannabis-based Medicine
  Cannabis-based Medicine
  Treaty of Amsterdam: UK Border Controls
  Treaty of Amsterdam: UK Border Controls
  Treaty of Amsterdam: Competent Authorities
  Treaty of Amsterdam: Competent Authorities
  Controlled Drugs and the Internet
  Controlled Drugs and the Internet
  Human Rights Bill [H.L.]
  Human Rights Bill [H.L.]
  Firearms Acts: Correspondence with Chief Officers of Police
  Firearms Acts: Correspondence with Chief Officers of Police
  Tamil Tigers: Fundraising in UK
  Tamil Tigers: Fundraising in UK
  Mr. Sidney Cooke: Photographs
  Mr. Sidney Cooke: Photographs
  Electronic Tagging for Girls under 18
  Electronic Tagging for Girls under 18