Written Answers of 24 April 1998

TREASURY

  Disability Benefits
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Green Paper on Welfare Reform, if the Government's definition of universal national benefits would cover disability living allowance(a) subject to taxation and (b) means-tested. [38867]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 20 April 1998]: The Welfare Reform Green Paper sets the framework for the review of disability living allowance, rather than offer detailed proposals for reform. However it makes it clear that disability living allowance will remain a universal, national benefit and as such will not be subject to a means test.

  Consumer Prices Index
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will express the Bank of England's inflation target in terms of the harmonised index of consumer prices. [39571]

  Mrs. Liddell
  The Government's inflation target of 2½ per cent. was confirmed in the March Budget. It is defined as the 12-month increase in the Retail Prices Index excluding mortgage interest payments (RPIX).

  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what guidance he has issued to the Monetary Policy Committee on the account it should take of trends in the harmonised index of consumer prices where they differ from the RPI trend. [39575]

  Mrs. Liddell
  The Chancellor's guidance to the Monetary Policy Committee is set out in his remit letter of 12 June 1997.

  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what research he has commissioned on the accuracy of the RPI as a measure of inflation. [39570]

  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. Austin Mitchell, dated 24 April 1998:
  As Director of the Office for National Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your parliamentary question on the accuracy of the RPI as a measure of inflation.
  The ONS is currently engaged in research into a number of aspects of RPI accuracy. Some of it is described in an article in the October 1997 issue of Economic Trends, pages 56–62; a copy of which is available in the House of Commons Library.
  700
  The ONS has also commissioned work from the University of Cardiff Business School, the Institute of Fiscal Studies, The University of Sheffield and Simon Fraser University, British Columbia.

  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the principal factors which underlie differences in trends of(a) the RPI and (b) the harmonised indices of consumer prices. [39566]

  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. Austin Mitchell, dated 24 April 1998:
  As the Director of the Office for National Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your parliamentary question on the assessment of the principal factors which underline differences in trends between the retail prices index (RPI) and the harmonised index of consumer prices (HICP).
  A recent analysis of these trends was published in an article about the HICP in Economic Trends No. 531, February 1998, a copy of which is available in the House of Commons Library. The analysis showed that, during 1997, the trend in the HICP annual rate of inflation was broadly similar to that for RPI excluding mortgage interest payments (RPIX). During this period, the annual rate of inflation for the HICP was, on average, 0.9 percentage points lower than RPIX of which:

  i. the effect of using the geometric mean in the HICP for the calculation of elementary aggregates of prices at the most basic level, as opposed to arithmetic means in the RPIX, contributed 0.5 percentage points to the difference between the two inflation measures.

  ii. coverage differences, such as the exclusion of Council Tax, house depreciation and some health and education expenditure from the HICP, in addition to the inclusion of a series for personal computers in the HICP (excluded from the RPI prior to January 1998) contributed a further 0.4 percentage points to the difference between the two measures of inflation.

  Self-assessment
  Sir Raymond Powell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the estimated financial impact of reductions in the number of Inland Revenue staff in 1998–99; what consultation with trades unions took place on this matter; and what assessment he has made of the impact of staff reductions on the Revenue's capacity to deal with self-assessment of taxation. [38068]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The Inland Revenue has no plans to reduce staff numbers during 1998–99. Existing staffing plans, drawn up before the Budget, indicate that employee numbers will remain broadly level, at just under 50,000, over the course of the year. This has been discussed with union representatives. Adequate numbers of trained people are in place to deal with Self Assessment.

  Tuition Fees
  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has for the payment of tuition fees to be set against income for tax purposes. [39028]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Tax relief is already available for certain payments made for vocational training. Details of the relief are given in the Inland Revenue leaflet IR119
  701
  "Tax relief for vocational training". While we have no plans to introduce an expensive general tax relief for tuition fees, the hon. Gentleman should be aware from our recent consultation paper on the Learning Age (Cm 3790) that we are considering targeted public support to encourage people to open individual learning accounts which might involve tax incentives.

  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will allow the payment of tuition fees for full-time undergraduates to be set against income for personal taxation purposes.[39030]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Help is already available to those who need it most. It would not be appropriate to give tax relief to those able to afford the fees.

  Inflation Target
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer on what basis he set an inflation target of 2.5 per cent. for the Bank of England, Monetary Policy Committee; what plans he has to review that target rate; and what assessment he has made of the effect of that rate on the exchange rate. [39572]

  Mrs. Liddell
  The Chancellor set out the basis of the 2½ per cent. inflation target in his remit for the Monetary Policy Committee and the Mansion House speech on 12 June 1997. He noted that the inflation target will be confirmed in each Budget. The UK's inflation rate relative to that in other countries is only one of a range of factors that influence the exchange rate.

  Bank of England Act
  Ms Lawrence
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he proposes that the Bank of England Act 1998 should come into force. [40074]

  Mr. Darling
  An order has been made today bringing into force all the provisions of the Act on 1 June 1998.

  Historic Registration Records
  Mr. Letwin
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will ensure that registration records over 75 years old are made easily and cheaply available by means of microfilmed copies. [39648]

  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. Oliver Letwin, dated 24 April 1998:
  In the absence of the Director of the Office for National Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary question on registration records.
  The Registration Acts are quite specific as to the means of access to all the records of births, deaths and marriages. The Acts allow members of the public to search the indexes in order to identify the entries they are looking for and to obtain certified copies (certificates) on payment of the appropriate statutory fees. The Registrar General has no powers to make available or disclose registration information in any other way.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Paramilitary Weapons
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what were the perceived sources by country of origin and method of procurement of weapons thought to have been used by Republican and Loyalist paramilitaries in each fatal and non-fatal shooting incident forensically investigated by the security forces since 1982. [37808]

  Mr. Ingram
  The information sought is not available and to obtain it would incur disproportionate cost.

  Homophobic Crime
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will list the number of homophobic incidents recorded by the RUC in each of the last five years; what estimate she has made of the under-reporting of homophobic crime; and what proposals she has to increase the confidence of homosexual people in reporting crimes against them to the police. [39208]

  Mr. Ingram
  [holding answer 22 April 1998]: The statistical information requested is not currently available. The crime-recording database maintained by the RUC is based on Home Office "counting rules". It is not programmable to elicit the requested information.

  The RUC is engaged in discussion with representative groupings throughout Northern Ireland to foster better relationships and encourage the homosexual community to report offending against them on the understanding that such reports will be investigated in the impartial and professional manner in which the RUC investigates all reported offending.

  The RUC is also currently reviewing policy in this area. to take account of recent Association of Chief Police Officers' Guidelines (December 1997) for dealing with incidents involving the gay and lesbian community.

  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will list by category of offence, the type of offences reported or recorded as homophobic crime. [39215]

  Mr. Ingram
  [holding answer 22 April 1998]: The information requested is not currently available. The crime-recording database maintained by the RUC is based upon Home Office "counting rules". It is not programmable to elicit the requested information.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Commission for Racial Equality
  Mr. McNulty
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what decision has been taken about Sir Herman Ouseley's continuation as Chairman of the Commission for Racial Equality. [40005]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  I am very glad to announce that Sir Herman has agreed to continue in his present position and that I have re-appointed him for a further term of office up to 18 April 2002.

  Vulnerable and Intimidated Witnesses
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many(a) legal practitioners and (b) victims have taken part in the inter-departmental review of vulnerable and intimidated witnesses announced on 13 June 1997. [39382]

  Mr. Michael
  The working group on vulnerable or intimidated witnesses included a representative from Victim Support as well as representatives from the Lord Chancellor's Department and the Legal Secretariat to the Law Officers. The working group received about fifty written contributions from a wide range of organisations and individuals, including the Law Society, the Criminal Bar Association and organisations representing victims. Two special conferences were held towards the end of last year to test out some of the ideas being considered by the working group. These were attended by individuals concerned with these important issues including members of the judiciary and the legal profession and non-governmental organisations representing victims. The working group found this to be an extremely valuable exercise which greatly assisted their work.

  Police Officers
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police officers there were in each police force, on 31 March; if he will list the change in numbers in each force and in total from(a) 30 September 1997 and (b) 31 March 1997; and if he will make a statement. [39477]

  Mr. Michael
  Information on police numbers at 31 March 1998 is not yet available. The table sets out police numbers in each force at 31 March and 30 September 1997 along with the change during that period.

  Ministers have no direct control over police numbers. Under legislation passed by the previous Government in 1994, it is for individual chief constables to determine the number of police officers in their force area, within the resources available to them.

  Police strength for ordinary duty

  Police force

  Total ranks as at 30 september 19971

  Total ranks as at 31 March 19971

  Change in numbers

  Avon and Somerset

  2,973

  2,989

  -16

  Bedfordshire

  1,081

  1,094

  -13

  Cambridgeshire

  1,292

  1,302

  -10

  Cheshire

  2,029

  2,046

  -16

  City of London

  836

  859

  -23

  Cleveland

  1,481

  1,459

  21

  Cumbria

  1,162

  1,144

  19

  Derbyshire

  1,757

  1,791

  -34

  Devon and Cornwall

  2,910

  2,865

  46

  Dorset

  1,279

  1,284

  -5

  Durham

  1,479

  1,461

  18

  Dyfed Powys

  1,008

  1,005

  4

  Essex

  2,944

  2,961

  -16

  Gloucestershire

  1,107

  1,133

  -25

  Greater Manchester

  6,908

  6,922

  -14

  Gwent

  1,229

  1,243

  -14

  Hampshire

  3,481

  3,452

  29

  Hertfordshire

  1,738

  1,759

  -14

  Humberside

  2,030

  2,045

  -15

  704

  Police strength for ordinary duty

  Police force

  Total ranks as at 30 September 19971

  Total ranks as at 31 March 19971

  Change in numbers

  Kent

  3,301

  3,260

  41

  Lancashire

  3,281

  3,247

  33

  Leicestershire

  1,958

  1,949

  9

  Lincolnshire

  1,189

  1,196

  -8

  Merseyside

  4,223

  4,230

  -8

  Metropolitan Police

  26,391

  26,677

  -286

  Norfolk

  1,440

  1,432

  8

  Northamptonshire

  1,181

  1,177

  4

  Northumbria

  3,689

  3,677

  12

  North Wales

  1,371

  1,369

  2

  North Yorkshire

  1,383

  1,338

  45

  Nottinghamshire

  2,317

  2,323

  -6

  South Wales

  2,990

  2,976

  14

  South Yorkshire

  3,158

  3,159

  -1

  Staffordshire

  2,230

  2,211

  19

  Suffolk

  1,198

  1,180

  18

  Surrey

  1,608

  1,620

  -12

  Sussex

  3,040

  3,085

  -45

  Thames Valley

  3,705

  3,695

  10

  Warwickshire

  914

  926

  -12

  West Mercia

  2,031

  2,040

  -9

  West Midlands

  7,079

  7,113

  -34

  West Yorkshire

  5,250

  5,209

  41

  Wiltshire

  1,167

  1,154

  12

  Total all forces

  124,815

  125,051

  -236

  1 Figures relate to full time equivalents and are rounded to the nearest whole number.

  Sex Offenders Register
  Dr. Starkey
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many entries on the Sex Offenders Register have been found to be inaccurate. [39645]

  Mr. Michael
  Ensuring that the data on the Register are accurate and up-to-date is a key concern of the police both at national and local level. Police forces have in place local arrangements for validating and auditing the data on a regular basis. This includes checking the whereabouts of convicted paedophiles to ensure that they are correctly registered. A number of national checks of data have also been run to identify any anomalies (such as registrations from those not required to register under the Act) which are then referred back to local forces for action.

  Statistics about the accuracy of the Register in general terms are not collected centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Correspondence
  Mr. John M. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the hon. Member for Solihull will receive a reply to his letter to him dated 10 February and his further letter on the same subject dated 15 April. [39583]

  Mr. Michael
  I wrote to the hon. Member on 7 April in response to his letter to me of 10 February. We have not yet received a letter dated 15 April from the hon. Member but will reply to any additional points raised in it as soon as possible after receipt.

  Drug-related Offences
  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of the number of prisoners currently serving sentences for drug-related offences in(a) HMP Risley and (b) the North-West Region. [39368]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 23 April 1998]: Provisional information shows that there were 130 persons sentenced for drug offences in Her Majesty's Prison Risley on 31 March 1998. This compares with 1,520 persons in the North West region (including those in Her Majesty's Prison Risley) which includes the Prison Service Areas of Mersey, Manchester and the North West.

  Probation Service
  Mr. Viggers
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his Department's policy in relation to the local provision of probation services. [39500]

  Ms Quin
  We see it as important that the probation service should operate effectively at local level, which includes co-operating effectively on crime reduction and community safety strategies with local authorities and other agencies. What this means in terms of the future organisation, structure and funding of the service is a

  Annual budget allocation

  £

  Establishment

  1998–99

  1997–98

  1996–97 1995–96

  1994–95

  Feltham

  16,042,210

  16,165,897

  15,595,945

  15,536,387

  16,089,614

  Dover

  5,517,990

  5,507,813

  5,623,501

  5,663,100

  5,723,758

  Rochester

  7,821,366

  7,943,709

  8,024,739

  7,857,789

  7,601,974

  East Sutton Park

  1,691,063

  1,680,767

  1,705,875

  1,680,606

  1,751,577

  Chelmsford

  8,554,320

  8,553,137

  8,938,337

  8,408,845

  8,294,729

  Bullwood Hall

  3,659,040

  3,881,069

  3,722,832

  3,711,636

  3,721,190

  Reading

  5,247,400

  4,956,465

  5,055,179

  5,237,792

  5,400,991

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many 15 and 16 year old young offenders were on remand in Feltham Young Offenders Institution for(a) two to three months, (b) three to six months and (c) over six months prior to conviction or acquittal during each of the last three years for which figures are available; and how many currently on remand have spent more than three months awaiting conviction or acquittal. [39300]

  Ms Quin
  The information requested is given in the tables.

  Table 1 Population of untried prisoners aged 15 and 16 years in Feltham Young Offender Institution by length of time since first reception11995–1997

  Length of time since first reception into a Prison Service establishment

  Date

  2–3 months

  3–6 months

  over 6 months

  31 March 1995

  4

  3

  -

  31 March 1996

  7

  5

  2

  31 March 1997

  9

  5

  2

  1 Time since first reception on remand into a Prison Service establishment. This includes any intervening time spent on bail but excludes time spent in police cells beforehand.

  706
  question which we have been addressing as part of the prisons/probation review, on which we shall be publishing a consultation document.

  Mr. Viggers
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidance his Department has issued on the size of population centre in respect of which individual probation offices should be maintained. [39501]

  Ms Quin
  None.

  Magistrates Court Warrants
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many warrants issued by magistrates courts for breach of a probation, community service or combination order are currently outstanding; what was the average period taken by the police to enforce such a warrant in the last year for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement.[38659]

  Ms Quin
  I regret that this information is not available centrally.

  Young Offender Institutions
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the budgets given to the governors of each young offender institution in(a) London and (b) the South East for each of the last five years for which figures are available. [39298]

  Ms Quin
  The information is given in the table.

  Table 2 Population of untried prisoners aged 15 and 16 years in Feltham Young Offender Institution by length of time since first reception1on 31 March 1998

  Date

  Length of time since first reception into a Prison Service establishment Over 3 months

  31 March 1998

  11

  1 Time since first reception on remand into a Prison Service establishment. This includes any intervening time spent on bail but excludes time spent in police cells beforehand.

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the average time young offenders spend on remand in young offenders units prior to conviction or acquittal.[39299]

  Ms Quin
  The information requested is given in the table.

  Estimated average time spent in custody for untried young offenders in 1997

  Type of Custody

  Average number of days in custody

  Untried

  140

  1 Time spent in Prison Service establishments before conviction, acquittal etc.

  Asylum (Spending Review)
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish the terms of reference of the spending review relating to the asylum process. [39389]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  A copy of the terms of reference for the inter-departmental study of the asylum process has now been placed in the Library.

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  London Underground
  Sir John Stanley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he will take to bring the London Underground East London line into use for rail passenger services; and if he will make a statement. [39677]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  My right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport officially re-opened the East London Line on 24 March.

  Great Western Trains
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will estimate the latest punctuality figures for Great Western Trains in terms of the percentage of passengers whose trains arrive on time. [39699]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Latest punctuality figures for Great Western Trains will be published in the Franchising Director's next network performance bulletin in May. Punctuality figures for the year up to 7 December 1997 were published in the bulletin dated 15 January 1998, copies of which are in the Library of the House. Punctuality data are collected in terms of the percentage of scheduled services which arrive on time (within 9 minutes 59 seconds of the scheduled journey time), Monday-Saturday, not the percentage of passengers whose trains arrive on time.

  Rents
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what was the average level of rent paid by local authority tenants in(a) Greater London and (b) England in each year since 1989. [39339]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The average weekly rents for local authority tenants for the financial years since 1989–90 are as follows:

  £

  England1

  Greater London1

  1989–90

  20.86

  24.65

  1990–91

  23.92

  29.10

  1991–92

  27.59

  36.76

  1992–93

  30.84

  41.77

  1993–94

  33.70

  45.72

  1994–95

  35.79

  47.05

  1995–96

  38.41

  50.76

  1996–97

  40.17

  53.11

  1997–98

  41.18

  54.20

  1 Provisional

  708
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what was the average level of rent paid by tenants of housing associations and other registered social landlords in(a) England and (b) Greater London in each year since 1989. [39340]

  Mr. Raynsford
  Rents covering the whole Registered Social Landlords/housing associations stock have been collected by the Housing Corporation since 1992. The average weekly rents for England and Greater London are as follows:

  £

  at 31 March

  England

  Greater London

  1992

  29.62

  32.97

  1993

  34.34

  39.90

  1994

  38.17

  42.74

  1995

  40.71

  46.25

  1996

  44.00

  50.28

  1997

  46.74

  53.12

  Source:

  Housing corporation HAR 10/1 return

  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what was the average level of rent paid by tenants of private landlords in(a) England and (b) Greater London in each year since 1989. [39338]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The figures shown in the table are from the Family Expenditure Survey (FES) for years up to 1992 and from the Survey of English Housing (SEH), which has a larger sample, from 1993–94. The FES was run on a calendar year basis up to 1992, while the SEH has been on a financial year basis since it started in April 1993.

  Average rents of tenants of private landlords, 1989 to 1996–97

  £ a week

  England

  Greater London

  1989

  31

  45

  1990

  43

  55

  1991

  51

  77

  1992

  55

  76

  1993–94

  65

  97

  1994–95

  68

  99

  1995–96

  74

  105

  1996–97

  81

  125

  Notes:

  1. The averages exclude rent-free lettings.

  2. Rents include water rates and services if included with the rental payment.

  3. Like all estimates from sample surveys, these figures are subject to sampling variability. The figures for Greater London are subject to greater sampling variability than those for England as a whole because of the smaller sample size. Individual year-to-year movements shown by the estimates, both for Greater London and for England, are liable to reflect variations in the sample as well as real changes, but the broad indication of long term trends will still be valid.

  4. A comparison between the SEH and the FES does not indicate any systematic differences in average private rents due to differences in survey method.

  Houses in Multiple Occupation
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects to undertake consultation on matters relating to the private rented sector, with particular reference to houses in multiple occupation. [39337]

  Mr. Raynsford
  We are committed to introducing a national licensing system for houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) where the worst housing conditions in the private rented sector tend to be found. We expect to consult on proposals later this year. I cannot say at this stage when we will have the opportunity to legislate. In the shorter term we propose to introduce a Code of Practice under existing powers covering fire safety and other amenity standards in HMOs. We expect to issue a consultation paper during the summer.

  Structure Plans (Transport)
  Mr. Baker
  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 in respect of transport policies in circumstances where they conflict with proposals within the forthcoming Government White Paper. [39585]

  Mr. Raynsford
  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. Where plan policies are superseded by new planning policy guidance issued by the Secretary of State, local authorities must have regard to the new guidance when taking planning decisions. They will also take account of the revised guidance when updating their development plans. The Secretary of State will have regard to any more recent guidance in determining called-in planning applications on appeals.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Ex Gratia Payments
  Mr. Wills
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will list the statutory provisions governing ex gratia payment in cases involving employment agencies. [39426]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  There are no statutory provisions specifically ex gratia payments in cases involving employment agencies.

  Contaminated Land
  Ms Walley
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will make a statement on funding for research and development into remediation technologies applicable to contaminated land.[39353]
  710
  Mr. Battle
  There are a range of schemes to encourage R&D applicable to contaminated land remediation. The main ones are listed below.

  The Foresight programme brings together Government, industry and researchers to define a common agenda.

  The five year Link Biological Treatment of Soil & Water Programme provided £4.6m of Government funding; although it is now closed to new projects dissemination is ongoing.

  The Water Biotreatment Club is a forum established with DTI funding for those involved in environmental biotechnology research and development.

  The Biotechnology Means Business (BMB) Initiative is a package of measures aimed at increasing awareness of the opportunities biotechnology presents and encouraging implementation of biotechnology within industry.

  URGENT is a £9.7m programme of urban environmental research launched in February of this year, which will include research into the costs involved in recovering and developing contaminated land.

  CONSEPT will be a series of land remediation technology projects—some to be underway by the Autumn. The Steering group is chaired by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions. It aims to take forward remediation technologies from the scientists' bench to workable, marketable solutions by getting research bodies and industry together to establish test sites. The budget is c.£10k per year for approximately 3 years.

  The SMART scheme provides grants to assist with technical and commercial feasibility studies into innovative technology and to develop, up to pre-production prototype, new products or processes which demonstrate significant advances on existing technology.

  Finally there is the Environmental Technology Best Practice Programme: contaminated land remediation is not a priority area at present but could be considered if industry put forward a case.

  Postal Charges
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what representations she has received on the recent increase in the level of postal charges to Europe above that for inland post; and if she will make a statement. [39483]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  The Post Office consulted the Government and the Post Office Users National Council (POUNC) about the proposed increase, who have accepted the need for it. Handling costs have risen and the Post Office was not fully covering its costs. It is still one of the cheapest rates in Europe.

  Greenhouse Gases
  Mr. Gummer
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what comment she has made of the effect on British industry of substituting the 20 per cent. reduction in the
  711
  greenhouse gases specified in the Kyoto Protocol for the Government's target for the 20 per cent. reduction in carbon dioxide. [38955]

  Mr. Battle
  The Government plan to publish a consultation document in the summer on a new Climate Change Programme. 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.

  Post Office Counters
  Mr. Green
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans she has to restructure Post Office Counters Ltd., with particular reference to plans to allow the separation of the Logistics Business Unit from POCL. [39456]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  Decisions relating to the day-to-day running of the postal businesses, such as the internal structure and organisation of constituent business units, are the responsibility of the Post Office Board and management.

  Omani British Offset Programme
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade when the Omani British Offset Programme was agreed; and if he will list specific defence sales agreements which it contains. [39243]

  Mr. Spellar
  I have been asked to reply.

  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave her on 21 April 1998, Official Report, column 557. While specific details of individual offset projects remain, at present, confidential between the Governments of the UK and Oman, the main areas involved are the civil aviation, finance, pharmaceuticals and construction industries, as well as sport and education related projects.

WALES

  National Curriculum
  Sir Raymond Powell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he expects the review on the National Curriculum in Wales to report. [38817]

  Mr. Hain
  The Qualifications, Curriculum and Assessment Authority (ACCAC) are due to report on the review of the National Curriculum in June. The report will deal with proposals for the year 2000. Additionally, I have now received the Authority's advice on how best to reduce overload in the primary school curriculum. I wrote to all schools to announce my response to this on 23 April.

  Literacy
  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what estimate he has made of the level of literacy rates within each county and county borough in Wales. [38603]

  Mr. Hain
  In July 1997 The Basic Skills Agency published the results of a 1995 survey of people aged 16 to 64 which showed the following (see table) levels of reading skills in the old county council areas.

  The available information for school pupils relates to performance in National Curriculum Tests in English and Welsh at age 7, 11 and 14. The latest information was contained in the National Curriculum results booklets published last November. Copies are available in the Library of the House.

  The White Paper "Building Excellent Schools Together" set out our proposals for improving standards of literacy so that by the year 2000 between 60 and 70 per cent. of our 11 and 14 year olds should attain the expected levels in the core subjects including English and Welsh; and by the year 2002 this should be raised to between 70 and 80 per cent.

  percentage

  Good reading skills

  Average reading skills

  Very low1and low2

  Clwyd

  358

  30

  13

  Dyfed

  57

  26

  17

  Gwent

  35

  45

  21

  Gwynedd

  47

  39

  14

  Mid Glamorgan

  48

  35

  17

  Powys

  49

  40

  11

  South Glamorgan

  51

  36

  13

  West Glamorgan

  65

  23

  12

  1 Serious difficulties with reading.

  2 Relatively poor reading skills.

  3Figures do not always add up to 100 per cent. because of rounding.

  Tourism Industry
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on prospects for the tourism industry. [39431]

  Mr. Hain
  Tourism in Wales has enjoyed particular success in recent years and prospects look good for the future.

  It is estimated that in 1997 spend by tourists in Wales will total £1.9 billion including £234 million from overseas tourists.

  The European summit in June and the Rugby World Cup in 1999 provide further opportunities to raise the profile of Wales world-wide. The Wales Tourist Board in collaboration with other agencies and the Tourism Industry itself is working to ensure that Wales derives maximum benefit from these events.

  Deaf and Autistic Children
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assistance his Department provides for deaf and autistic children; and if he will make a statement. [39436]

  Mr. Hain
  Local education authorities and schools are responsible for identifying and making appropriate provision for children with special educational needs (SEN), including children with sensory impairment and specific learning difficulties associated with autism. In making appropriate provision, schools and LEAs are required to have regard to the guidance contained in the `Code of Practice on the Identification and Assessment of SEN', a copy of which is in the Library of the House.

  The Department is undertaking a comprehensive review of SEN policy, practice and guidance in the light of responses to the recent Green Paper on SEN 'The BEST for Special Education' (Cm 3792). The Green Paper places greater emphasis on earlier identification and more appropriate intervention and highlights the importance of stronger regional planning in the provision of effective SEN support, particularly in relation to children with low incidence disabilities such as sensory impairment and autism.

  SEN provision in schools in Wales will benefit from the additional £50 million revenue funding being provided for schools this year, and the additional capital funding being provided for school buildings over the lifetime of this Parliament.

  The Department also makes some £1.3 million available each year under the Grants for Education Support and Training (GEST) programme to support the effective implementation of the Code of Practice and for SEN teacher training. The training of teachers of pupils with sensory disabilities and autistic children are specific priorities under the GEST programme.

  In addition to grant aiding a number of voluntary SEN/disability support organisations, the Department has made £500,000 available to local authorities in Wales for the period 1996–97 to 1997–98 under the Schools Access Initiative. This initiative is designed to improve access to schools and the curriculum for pupils with physical and sensory disabilities.

  Welsh Health Common Services Authority
  Mr. Rhodri Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer of 20 April 1998,Official Report, column 440, and 30 March 1998, Official Report, column 399, if he will make a statement on the compatibility of the figures quoted for the cost of the void office space to be covered by the accumulated figures for the reserves of the Welsh Health Common Services Authority with the figures quoted for the actual reserves accumulated in the last five years. [39692]
  714
  Mr. Ron Davies
  The level of reserves at each financial year end varies depending on several factors including provisions for void space, capital cash flow and supplies stock levels.

DEFENCE

  Meteorological Office
  Mr. Salter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what performance targets have been set for the Meteorological Office for 1998–99. [40004]

  Mr. Spellar
  The Chief Executive of the Meteorological Office is responsible for providing meteorological services and weather forecasts for a wide range of customers, including the Armed Forces, government, civil aviation, shipping, emergency services, media, commerce, industry and the public. It also undertakes research related to meteorology and climate. During 1998–99 the Meteorological Office will be set the following challenging targets:

  Key Target 1
  To achieve a value of at least 111.1 index points on 31 March 1999 from a baseline of 100.0 on 31 March 1995, for the global Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) index, which measures the overall forecasting skill of the global NWP model;

  Key Target 2
  To achieve an index level of 104.0 by 31 March 2000 from a baseline of 100.0 at 31 March 1997, and to achieve an increase of at least 2.0 index points during 1998–99 for the UK NWP partial index, which measures the forecasting skill of the NWP model for the UK;

  Key Target 3
  To increase the index of service quality to at least 104.8 on 31 March 1999 from a baseline of 100.0 for 1996–97, in line with agreed customer requirements. The index covers representative services and products across defence, civil aviation, public and business users;

  Key Target 4
  To improve efficiency from a baseline of 100.0 on 31 March 1997 to at least 108.0 on 31 March 1999 as measured by the agreed Efficiency Index;

  Key Target 5
  To achieve an overall return on capital employed (ROCE) of at least 7% taken year on year. For the financial years 1997–98 and 1998–99 to achieve an overall ROCE of at least 11.6% averaged over the two years;

  Key Target 6
  To make a contribution from commercial activities in 1998–99 of not less than £1.1 million, on the agreed basis of measurement.

  Chemical Weapons
  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what dates the programme officers and the requirements officers of the 1980 Memorandum of Understanding on chemical and biological defence between Britain, the United States of America and Canada have met since 1 January 1995; and where these meetings were held. [38611]
  715
  Mr. Spellar
  The dates and locations of the meetings of the Programme Officers and Requirement Offices of the 1980 MOU and CBD since 1 January 1995 are as follows:

  Date

  Location

  6–7 March 1995

  US Army Chemical School, Fort McClellan, AL, USA

  19–20 September 1995

  CBD Porton Down, UK

  19–20 March 1996

  Defence Research Establishment Suffield, Medicine Hat, Canada

  17–18 September 1996

  US Naval Coastal Systems Station, Florida, USA

  13–14 March 1997

  CBD Porton Down, UK

  16–17 September 1997

  Defence Research Establishment Suffield, Medicine Hat, Canada

  10–11 March 1998

  Natick Research, Development and Engineering Centre, Natick, USA

  Defence Evaluation and Research Agency
  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the reductions in total spending at DERA in Shoeburyness in consequence of the transfer of work to Eskmeals; and what will be the additional costs involved in carrying out this work at Eskmeals. [36388]

  Mr. Spellar
  [holding answer 26 March 1998]: There is currently significant overcapacity on the DERA test and evaluation land ranges. The proposals made by DERA to match the capacity of the ranges to the needs of the Ministry of Defence involve concentrating work at the Eskmeals range, thereby using capacity at that site, with the range at Shoeburyness and Pendine operating only as required. The environmental test centre and the demilitarisation facilities at Shoeburyness would remain fully operational. The cost of operating the Eskmeals and Shoeburyness sites in this way is assessed as about £15.8 million per year; were the Eskmeals site to be closed and all of the work concentrated at Shoeburyness, the annual cost would be £16.8 million. Currently, the two sites cost some £23.9 million to operate each year.

  Sewn and Knitted Products
  Mr. Andrew George
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proportion of spending on sewn and knitted products for service personnel is purchased from(a) UK-based companies, (b) EU-based companies and (c) non-EU-based companies. [36818]

  Mr. Spellar
  The bulk of procurement of sewn and knitted products for service personnel is carried out through the Defence Clothing and Textiles Agency and I have therefore asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Mr. I Deas to Mr. Andrew George, dated 24 April 1998:
  In the unavoidable absence of my Chief Executive I am replying to your Question to the Secretary of State for Defence about the proportion of spending on sewn and knitted products for service personnel purchased within UK-based, EU-based and non-EU-based companies, as this matter falls within the area of responsibility of the Defence Clothing & Textiles Agency.
  716
  This information is not readily available and would involve a disproportionate cost to identify a precise answer, as we would have to go through each individual contract manually. However, a quick analysis of contracts placed in financial year 1997/98 would indicate the following proportions: in UK 80%, elsewhere in EU 15% and non-EU 5%.

  Mr. Andrew George
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the gross value of textile and knitwear contracts placed with Remploy was in(a) 1993–94 and (b) 1997–98. [36820]

  Mr. Spellar
  The bulk of the MOD contracts placed with Remploy for procurement of textile and knitted products are carried out through the Defence Clothing and Textiles Agency and I have therefore asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member. In addition there may be some local purchase of items from Remploy for which we do not hold records centrally and which could be identified only at disproportionate cost.

  Letter from Mr. J. Deas to Mr. Andrew George, dated 24 April 1998:
  In the unavoidable absence of my Chief Executive I am replying to your Question to the Secretary of State for Defence about the gross value of textile and knitwear contracts placed with Remploy in 1993–94 and 1997–98, as this matter falls within the area of responsibility of the Defence Clothing and Textiles Agency (DCTA).
  Our records show contracts to the value of £18.8M in 1993–94 and £3.0M in 1997–98, VAT inclusive, placed with Remploy by the DCTA. These figures include all items procured by the DCTA, as the tri-Service Agency responsible for the majority of the clothing and textile items purchased by the MOD. However, we are not responsible for certain clothing and textile items, such as Aircrew clothing, for which we are informed that contracts were placed with Remploy to a value of £51,865 in 1993–94 and £439,105 in 1997–98.

  Mr. Andrew George
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much his Department has spent in each of the last five years on the purchase of sewn and knitted products for service personnel. [36816]

  Mr. Spellar
  The bulk of the procurement of sewn and knitted products for service personnel is carried out through the Defence Clothing and Textiles Agency and I have therefore asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member. In addition there is some expenditure by individual MOD budget areas on local purchase of clothing services, which includes non-centrally supplied items, footwear repair and supply of cleaning cloths. Records on the procurement of these items are not held centrally and to identify expenditure on them would involve disproportionate cost.

  Letter from Mr. J. Deas to Mr. Andrew George, dated 24 April 1998:
  In the unavoidable absence of my Chief Executive I am replying to your Question to the Secretary of State for Defence about how much his Department has spent in each of the last 5 years on the purchase of sewn and knitted products for service personnel, as this matter falls within the area of responsibility of the Defence Clothing & Textiles Agency (DCTA).
  The DCTA is a tri-Service organisation, formed in 1994, that procures clothing and textile items, which would mostly all fit into this category in one way or another, e.g. from shirts, trousers and jackets through to tentage and load carriage equipment. It may be that some items such as Aircrew clothing, procured outside of this Agency, would also fall within this category. The DCTA also procures General Stores and Defence Accommodation Stores.

  717
  In light of the above I wish to inform you of the nett sums, VAT inclusive, that this Agency has spent on all clothing and textile requirements since its inception (including the forecast final expenditure for the financial year just completed), as follows:

  Year

  £ million

  1997–98

  1111

  1996–97

  111

  1995–96

  81

  1994–95

  101

  1 Estimate as the exact figure is not yet known

PRIME MINISTER

  Quangos
  Sir Raymond Powell
  To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 6 April 1998,Official Report, columns 68–69, when the Government review on quangos will be completed. [38815]

  The Prime Minister
  My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster published a consultation paper on 11 November reaffirming the Government's commitment to keep the number of quangos to a minimum and setting out proposals for making those which remain more open, accountable and effective. We are currently evaluating the 400 or so responses to the consultation paper, which we have received from a wide range of individuals and organisations, and propose to publish the results of the consultation when it is completed later this year.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Bone-in Beef
  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the legality and enforcement issues raised by the outcome of the case known as Procurator Fiscal v. Sutherland. [39661]

  Dr. John Cunningham
  The Sheriff in Selkirk in the case of the Procurator Fiscal v. Sutherland held that Regulation 3(2) of the Beef Bone Regulations is defective. This judgment, which was based on legal argument and not food safety issues, is not binding on any other UK Courts, including those in Scotland. The Procurator Fiscal was granted leave to appeal and has now done so. The Regulations thus remain in force and the controls on the sale, use and disposal of beef bones, including those in respect of bone-in beef, continue to be valid and will remain so unless the judgment is confirmed on appeal.

  The requirements of these Regulations are essential for the protection of public health and the Government expect them to continue to be observed and enforced throughout the country. Advice has been issued to all food law enforcement authorities to make this clear—copies are being placed in the Library of the House.

  In addition, the terms of the judgment should not affect the normal refrigeration of meat which should continue to be transported, stored and sold at the appropriate temperature.
  718
  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he plans to take to compensate restaurateurs for loss of trade regarding sales of beef on the bone following the outcome of Procurator Fiscal v. Sutherland. [39662]

  Dr. John Cunningham
  None. There could be no justification for compensation, and we have in any case received no such claims.

  Organophosphates
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list those organophosphate-based treatments currently licensed by his Department, indicating in each case what they are licensed for and which licences have been revoked in the last five years; and if he will make a statement. [39330]

  Mr. Rooker
  Organophosphorus-based sheep dips currently authorised are:

  Diazinon-based:

  Coopers All Seasons Fly and Scab Dip

  Diazadip All Seasons Sheep Dip

  Osmonds Gold Fleece Sheep Dip

  Paracide Plus

  Top Clip Fly and Scab Dip

  Propetamphos-based

  Flyte 1250/Seraphos Scab Approved

  Ectomort Centenary

  Some of these dips may be marketed under alternative names. Details are given in the list of all sheep ectoparasiticides, which is published every six months and a copy of which is available in the Library of the House.

  Other OP-based veterinary medicines are:

  OP-based veterinary medicines

  Species

  Product

  Active substance

  Salmon

  Aquaguard Sea Lice Treatment

  Dichlorvos

  Dogs

  Baccara Insecticidal Collar for Small Dogs

  Diazinon

  Cats

  Beaphar Flea Collar for Cats

  Diazinon

  Dogs

  Beaphar Flea and Tick Collar for Dogs

  Diazinon

  Cats

  Beaphar 3 Month Flea Collar for Cats

  Diazinon

  Dogs

  Beaphar 3 Month Flea and Tick Collar for Dogs

  Diazinon

  Cats

  Catovel Pretty Care Elast. Insect. Collar for Cats

  Diazinon

  Dogs

  Cyflee Tablets 30mg

  Cythioate

  Cats

  Cyflee Tablets 7.5mg for Cats

  Cythioate

  Dogs

  Cyflee Tablets 30mg for Dogs

  Cythioate

  Dogs

  Cyflee Tablets 7.5mg for Small Dogs

  Cythioate

  Cats

  Hartz Rid Flea Long Life Collar for Cats

  Tetrachlorvinphos

  Dogs

  Hartz Rid Flea Long Life Collar for Dogs

  Tetrachlorvinphos

  Dogs

  Hartz Rid Flea Collar for Dogs

  Tetrachlorvinphos

  Cats

  Hartz Rid Flea Collar for Cats

  Tetrachlorvinphos

  Cats

  Hartz Rid Flea Powder for Cats

  Tetrachlorvinphos

  Dogs

  Hartz Rid Flea Powder for Dogs

  Tetrachlorvinphos

  Cats

  Nuvan Top

  Dichlorvos

  Dogs

  Otello Insecticidal Collar for Dogs

  Diazinon

  Cats

  Otello Insecticidal Collar for Cats

  Diazinon

  Pigs

  Porect

  Phosmet

  Cattle Poron 20

  Phosmet

  719

  OP-based veterinary medicines

  Species

  Product

  Active substance

  Cats

  Prevender Cat

  Diazinon

  Cats

  Preventef Insecticidal Collar for Cats and Dogs

  Diazinon

  Dogs

  Protection 300 Insecticidal Collar

  Diazinon

  Salmon

  Salmosan

  Azamethipos

  Dogs

  Sergeant's Flea Collar For Large Dogs

  Naled

  Dogs

  Sergeant's Flea Collar for Dogs

  Naled

  Cats

  Sergeant's Flea Collar for Cats

  Naled

  Dogs

  Tiguvon 20

  Fenthion

  Cats

  Tiguvon 10

  Fenthion

  Dogs

  Vet-Kem Sponge-On for Dogs

  Phosmet

  Pigs

  Verdipor C

  Dichlorvos

  Horses

  Verdisol

  Dichlorvos

  No marketing authorisations for OP-based veterinary medicines have been revoked during the past 5 years. Products may from time to time be withdrawn from the market but this is a matter for the authorisation holders.

  A list of organophosphate-based pesticide products currently approved by MAFF for use in the UK has been placed in the Library.

  Pesticide products may have their approvals revoked for a number of reasons. These include the commercial withdrawal of products from the market by the approval holder or approval holders not meeting data submission deadlines set by Ministers to support the continued approval of their products. A list of the MAFF-approved organophosphate-based pesticide products that have been revoked since 1 April 1993 has been placed in the Library.

  Broiler Chickens
  Mr. Etherington
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will implement the recommendations made by the Farm Animal Welfare Council in 1992 for a legislative requirement for a twice-daily inspection of flocks of broiler chickens; and if he will make a statement. [37779]

  Mr. Morley
  We intend to implement the Farm Animal Welfare Council recommendation for twice daily inspection in the new welfare code for broiler chickens which is currently in preparation. Changes to the current legislative requirement for inspection at least once a day are, in our view, best pursued at EU level. The effectiveness of the new code will be kept under review.

  Mr. Etherington
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will implement the recommendation made by the Farm Animal Welfare Council in 1992 that stocking densities for broiler chickens should be controlled by regulations; and if he will make a statement. [37774]

  Mr. Morley
  The new welfare code for broiler chickens which is currently in preparation will repeat and reinforce the current recommendation for a maximum stocking density of 34 kg per sq metre. Implementation of a statutory limit is, in our view, best pursued at EU level. The effectiveness of the new welfare code will be kept under review.

SCOTLAND

  Cairn Gorm Funicular Railway
  Mr. Randall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, pursuant to his answer of 12 March 1998,Official Report, column 292, and the subsequent letter from Highlands and Islands Enterprise, (1) if Highland and Islands Enterprise's appraisal of the proposed funicular railway on Cairn Gorm assessed the likely increase in (a) the number of tourist days and (b) visitor expenditure; [38597]

  (2) what was the projected impact on the winter and summer businesses of (a) Aonoch Mar, (b) the Lecht and (c) Glen Shee, identified in the economic appraisal of the proposed funicular railway in Cairn Gorm. [38595]

  Mr. Wilson
  These are operational matters for Highlands and Islands Enterprise. I will ask the Chairman of that organisation to write to the hon. Member.

  Mr. Randall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, pursuant to his answer of 12 March 1998,Official Report, column 292, and the subsequent letter from Highlands and Islands Enterprise, if he took into account the contents of HIE's economic appraisal in approving the expenditure by HIE on a funicular railway on Cairn Gorm; and what independent assessment of this appraisal his Department sought. [38596]

  Mr. Wilson
  The economic appraisal of the proposed funicular railway project was one of the factors which my right hon. Friend and I took into account in deciding to approve the financial contribution of Highlands and Islands Enterprise to the project.

  My right hon. Friend and I do not usually seek an independent assessment of the economic appraisals carried out by or for Highlands and Islands Enterprise. Professional advice on the contents of such appraisals is available from Departmental officials.

  Dounreay
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what information he has received from SEPA in respect of their recent assessment of the total radioactive inventory put into(a) the access shaft and (b) the storage silo at Dounreay. [38884]

  Mr. Macdonald
  The United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) has recently revised its assessment of the total inventory of radioactive material disposed of to the shaft. I understand that this report has not yet been issued to SEPA but it is expected in the near future. With regard to the silo, the regulatory responsibility rests with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). An inventory of the contents of the silo does exist and is currently the subject of refinement by the UKAEA.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Saudi Arabia
  Mr. Levitt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Government of Saudi Arabia in connection with their detention of Sarah Jane Dematera. [39352]
  721
  Mr. Fatchett
  Our Embassy in Riyadh has requested information about the case of Ms Dematera from the Saudi government. We await a response.

  The Embassy is also in touch with the Philippines Embassy in order to monitor developments.

  Nuclear Reprocessing
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the arrangements made for the importation of radioactive nuclear material from Georgia; what plans have been made for reprocessing this material; what steps are being taken to safeguard the public during transportation and reprocessing; and if he will make a statement. [39586]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  I would refer my hon. Friend to the oral statement I made on 22 April 1998,Official Report, columns 821–27.

  Dr. Stoate
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the Georgian highly-enriched uranium has arrived in the UK. [40073]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  The Georgian uranium arrived in the UK on US military aircraft in the early hours of this morning. It has now arrived safely at Dounreay where it is being handled by the UK Atomic Energy Authority.

  In line with the oral statement I made on 22 April 1998, Official Report, columns 821–27, further information on the decision to take the Georgian uranium will be provided to the House within the next week.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Kaufman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he intends to reply to the letters to him dated 12 January, 13 February and 18 March from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton with regard to Miss G. Shabeen, 26 Tagove Close.[39478]

  Mr. Fatchett
  Inquiries into the facts of this case have been completed and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State will write to my right hon. Friend as soon as possible.

  Human Rights
  Sir John Stanley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement identifying which articles of which international human rights agreements to which the UK is a signatory are breached by countries where adults and children are used as bonded labour. [39356]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  We regard bonded labour as an intolerable form of labour akin to slavery, forced labour and compulsory labour. The international human rights instruments to which the United Kingdom is a party and which specifically prohibit or require the suppression of slavery, forced and compulsory labour are as follows:

  (a) The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Article 8 of the Covenant states that no one shall be held in slavery; that slavery and the slave trade in all their forms shall be prohibited; that no one shall be held in servitude; and that no one shall be forced to perform forced or compulsory labour;

  722

  (b) The United Nations Supplementary Convention on the Abolition of Slavery, the Slave Trade, and Institutions and Practices Similar to Slavery. Article 1 of the Convention requires States parties to take all practicable and necessary legislative and other measures to bring about progressively and as soon as possible the complete abolition or abandonment of, among other institutions and practices, debt bondage, serfdom and any institution or practice whereby a child or young person under the age of 18 years is delivered by either or both of his natural parents or by his guardian to another person, whether for reward or not, with a view to the exploitation of the child or young person or of his labour.

  (c) The International Labour Organisation Convention (No 29) Concerning Forced Labour. Article 1 of the Convention requires each State party to suppress the use of forced labour or compulsory labour in all its forms within the shortest possible period;

  (d) The International Labour Organisation Convention (No 105) Concerning the Abolition of Forced Labour. Article 1 of the Convention requires each State party to suppress and not to make use of forced or compulsory labour.

  Any State which ratified these human rights instruments would be in breach of its legally binding obligations if it did not fulfil its undertakings in respect of these Articles.

  Sir John Stanley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his policy towards the proposed new international convention banning the worst abuses of child labour to be discussed at the International Labour Organisation meeting in June; and if he will make a statement. [39676]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  We strongly support the development of a new International Labour Organisation Convention to eradicate the most intolerable forms of child labour. We will be participating very actively in the discussions to draw up the new instrument and we will seek to ensure that when adopted in 1999 it will be effective in terms of the progressive elimination of all extreme forms of child labour.

  Sir John Stanley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which aspects of the Government's human rights policy are his Department's responsibility. [39678]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  This Department has overall responsibility for the Government's international human rights commitments. It works in partnership with other departments in Whitehall including the Department for International Development, which is responsible for the rights of poor and disadvantaged peoples in poorer countries; DfEE, which has lead responsibility within Whitehall for the UK's policy within the International Labour Organisation; DTI; the Home Office; and the Lord Chancellor's Department.

  Hong Kong
  Sir John Stanley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the compatibility of the legislation recently passed by the Provisional Legislature in Hong Kong exempting Chinese state organisations from the territories' laws with Article 22 of the Basic Law; and if he will make a statement. [39680]

  Mr. Fatchett
  It is reasonable that the Hong Kong SAR Government should adapt references to the British Crown in Hong Kong's laws. We share the concerns expressed
  723
  in Hong Kong about the implications of the way in which this legislation has been drafted, including the extent to which Chinese state bodies will be bound by local laws.

  The question of the Ordinance's compatibility with Article 22 of the Basic Law involves interpretation of Hong Kong law, and would therefore be a matter for the Hong Kong courts.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Examination Results
  Dr. Ladyman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) if he will list, for each education authority the number of(a) A to C and (b) A to E GSCE grades achieved per 1,000 (i) in total, (ii) normalised against an index of social deprivation across the authority catchment area and (iii) normalised against an index of achievement by pupils in the authority catchment area at the age of 11 years; [38296]

  (2) if he will list for each education authority the number of A-level successes (a) in total, (b) normalised against an index of social deprivation for the education authority catchment area and (c) normalised against an index of achievement at age 11 years for each education authority catchment area. [38229]

  Dr. Howells
  Information on the GCSE and A/AS Level performance of pupils in each LEAs maintained schools as shown in the 1997 Performance Tables, copies of which I have placed in the Library.

  Also shown are estimates of the attainments which LEAs would have achieved if their performance had been in line with the national pattern for authorities with a similar (a) proportion of maintained secondary school pupils in LEAs knows to be eligible for free school meals, and (b) LEA averaged achievements of maintained school pupils in the 1997 KS 2 English, Maths and Science Tests.

  Progress measures between KS 3 and GCSE for schools will be published in this year's Secondary School Performance Tables.

  Literacy Strategy
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what consultations his Department initiated prior to the development of the literacy strategy; and with which bodies.[39151]

  Mr. Byers
  I refer the hon. Member to my answer of 7 April 1998,Official Report column 227, and to my answer of 22 April 1998, Official Report, column 660.

  Skills Task Force
  Sir Raymond Powell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the members of the Skills Task Force indicating the criteria governing their appointment.[38869]

  Dr. Howells
  I am very grateful that those listed have agreed to be members of the Skills Task Force. They were chosen on the basis of their knowledge and experience 724
  and ability to bring different perspectives to the issues which will be addressed by the Task Force.

  Members of the Skills Task Force:

  Chris Humphries—Task Force Chairman

  Chief Executive, TEC National Council. Director-General elect of the British Chamber of Commerce.

  Gary Allen

  Chairman of IMI Plc, past president of the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, member of the CBI council.

  Adair Turner

  Director for the Confederation of British Industry.

  Denise Hall

  General Manager, Education, for BT.

  Llew Avis

  Personnel Director at Siemens Semiconductor manufacturing plant at Newcastle. Fellow of Institute of Personnel Directors, Chairs the BCC Task Force on Skills.

  John Palmer

  Chair of Steel Training Limited, recently retired as manager director of Firsteel Group of Walsall.

  Peter Rainbird

  Chair of Essex TEC, Deputy Chair, CITB.

  Tony Dubbins

  General Director of Print Workers Union.

  Ken Jackson

  General Secretary AEEU.

  John Edmonds

  General Secretary GMB.

  Eddie MacIntyre

  Principal of Birmingham College of Food, Tourism and Creative Studies.

  Leslie Wagner

  Leeds Metropolitan University. Leads for CVCP on employment issues.

  Iain Roxburgh

  CE of Town Clerk of Coventry City Council.

  Anne Weinstock

  Rathbone CI.

  Julia Tinsley

  Pitman Training Centre, Sheffield.

  Rita Britton Polyannas—Barnsley.

  Sharon Studer

  Vice President and General Manager, 3 COM (Remote Access).

  DeAnne Julius

  Bank of England.

  Ashwin Mistry

  Managing Director, Brett & Randall, Insurance Brokers, Board member, Leicestershire TEC, Careers Service, Ambulance Service and NHS Trust.

HOUSE OF COMMONS

  Opposition Parties (Benefits)
  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the President of the Council if she will list the benefits and the monetary value of benefits granted to each opposition party, including details for both Houses of Parliament and both Short Money funding and other allocations, with special reference to(a) salaries of the Official Opposition Leader and whips, (b) salaries and

  725
  costs of civil servants attached to the Official Opposition Whips' Office, (c) the provision of a car and driver to the Leader of the Opposition and (d) the supply of newspapers and other services to the Official Opposition Whips' Office for (i) 1996–97, (ii) 1997–98 and (iii) 1998–99. [38950]

  Mrs. Ann Taylor

  1996–97

  £

  Financial Assistance to Opposition Parties (Short Money):

  Labour

  1,530,190.51

  Liberal Democrats

  316,480.64

  SNP

  36,782.68

  Plaid Cymru

  22,040.36

  Ulster Unionist

  46,357.18

  Democratic Unionist

  15,954.37

  SDLP

  23,134.12

  Total

  1,990,939.86

  1997–98

  £

  Period: 1 April 1997 to April 1997 (pre General Election)

  Labour

  129,017.97

  Liberal Democrats

  26,677.05

  SNP

  3,100.65

  Plaid Cymru

  1,858.35

  Ulster Unionist

  3,908.76

  Democratic Unionist

  1,345.23

  SDLP

  1,950.53

  Total

  167,858.54

  Period: 1 May 1997 to March 1998 (post General Election)

  Conservative

  986,762.82

  Liberal Democrats

  371,997.98

  SNP

  46,167.90

  Plaid Cymru

  21,210.96

  Ulster Unionist

  47,580.34

  Democratic Unionist

  11,618.90

  SDLP

  18,553.51

  Total

  1,503,892.41

  Note:

  Because the General Election occurred one month into the 1997–98 financial year, the sums received by each party in that year are apportioned according to the state of the parties before and after the election.

  1998–99

  £

  (a) Salaries of the Official Opposition Leader and Whips:

  1996–97 House of Commons

  Leader of the Opposition

  39,876

  Opposition Chief Whip

  31,125

  Opposition Assistant Whip(2)

  40,058

  1996–97 House of Lords

  Opposition Leader

  43,235

  Opposition Cheif Whip

  39,104

  Total

  193,398

  1997–98 House of Commons (Pre General Election)

  Leader of the Opposition

  867

  Opposition Chief Whip

  669

  Opposition Assistant Whip(2)

  861

  726

  1998–99

  £

  1997–98 House of Commons (post General Election)

  Leader of the Opposition

  50,121

  Opposition Chief Whip

  28,364

  Opposition Deputy Chief Whip

  18,252

  Opposition Assistant Whip(1)

  18,252

  1997–98 House of Lords (pre General Election)

  Opposition Leader

  938

  Opposition Chief Whip

  849

  1997–98 House of Lords (Post General Election)

  Opposition Leader

  39,761

  Opposition Chief Whip

  35,961

  Total

  194,895

  1998–99 House of Commons

  Leader of the Opposition

  56,513

  Opposition Chief Whip

  31,981

  Opposition Deputy Chief Whip

  20,580

  Opposition Assistant Whip(1)

  20,580

  1998–99 House of Lords

  Opposition Leader

  44,832

  Opposition Chief Whip

  40,547

  Total

  215,033

  (b) Salaries and costs of civil servants attached to the Official Opposition Whips' office

  1996–97 House of Commons

  Staff costs (1 EO and 3 AOs)

  111,314

  Postal Services

  31,957

  1996–97 House of Lords

  Postal services

  17,095

  Total

  160,366

  1997–98 House of Commons

  Staff Costs(1 EO and 3 AOs)

  103,434

  Postal services

  23,139

  Other GAE

  713

  1997–98 House of Lords

  Postal services

  34,719

  Total

  162,005

  1998–99 House of commons1

  Staff Costs (1 EO and 3AOs)

  111,500

  Postal Services

  19,000

  Other GAE

  1,500

  1998–99 House of Lords,1

  Postal services

  35,587

  total

  167,587

  (c)Provision of car and driver to Leader of the

  Opposition:

  1996–97

  58,130

  1997–98

  67,802

  1998–991

  69,497

  (d)The House authorities supply the Office with 3 copies of each of 11 daily newspapers for each day the House is sitting. An exact figure for the total cost is not readily available.

  1 Estimated

  Note:

  The appropriate percentage, i.e the increase in Retail prices Index March to March, was not available to uprate the formula for calculating the allocation of Short money for this year.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Winter Fuel Payments
  Mr. Duncan Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security which Minister took the final decision to proceed with the advertising campaign for the winter fuel payments. [39716]

  Mr. Denham
  The advertising campaign for Winter Fuel Payments was approved by Ministers in the normal way. We were determined that pensioners should not be fearful of turning up their heating if a cold spell occurred. We also considered it important that pensioners knew as quickly as possible how much they would receive, as well as how and when it would be paid.

  We explored the simplest and most cost-effective ways to let them know that a payment would be made. A publicity strategy was developed, which took account of views expressed by three of the pensioner welfare organisations, on the most effective ways to get the necessary information to as many of the eligible pensioners as possible. We found that a multi-media package, costing an estimated £1.7 million, was likely to reach and inform around 80 per cent. of the ten million eligible pensioners. In approving the package, I considered the cost reasonable, given that this was an unprecedented exercise providing help to over seven million pensioner households, at a total cost of £400 million over two years.

  Following the announcement of the detail of the scheme in January, a campaign was swiftly launched in conjunction with Help the Aged, Age Concern and the National Association of Citizen's Advice Bureaux. It included advertisements in the press and on television, leaflets, posters and a dedicated telephone Helpline.

  All work test—total

  Quarter

  31 December 1996

  31 March 1997

  30 June 1997

  30 September 1997

  1. Total

  Number

  13,958

  13,307

  17,382

  16,950

  In appellants favour

  Number

  6,459

  6,003

  7,543

  6,641

  Per cent.

  46.27

  45.11

  43.40

  39.18

  2. Total

  Number

  4,885

  4,513

  5,467

  4,734

  In appellants favour

  Number

  2,499

  2,297

  2,844

  2,419

  Per cent.

  51.16

  50.90

  52.02

  51.10

  3. Total

  Number

  244

  229

  302

  279

  In appellants favour

  Number

  125

  121

  145

  111

  Per cent.

  51.23

  52.84

  48.01

  39.78

  4. Total

  Number

  5,181

  4,937

  5,863

  4,875

  In appellants favour

  Number

  3,502

  3,247

  3,934

  3,346

  Per cent.

  67.59

  65.77

  67.10

  68.64

  5. Total

  Number

  3,648

  3,628

  5,750

  7,062

  In appellants favour

  Number

  333

  338

  620

  765

  Per cent.

  9.13

  9.32

  10.78

  10.83

  Notes:

  1. Total appeals heard.

  2. Appellant only attended.

  3. Representative only attended.

  4. Both attended.

  5. Not attended.

  Source:

  The quarterly Social Security Appeal Tribunal statistics published by DSS Analytical Services Division.
  728
  The publicity ran for three months and enabled pensioners to turn up their heating, confident that a payment would be made. The Helpline is still available.

  Crisis Loans
  Mr. Quentin Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many applications were made for crisis loans in(a) 1996 and (b) 1997; how many have been made to date in 1998; and what proportion of the applications have been successful in each year. [39715]

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

  As discretionary Social Fund annual allocations are made for the period 1 April to 31 March, the statistics on crisis loans are presented in the same way.

  Applications and awards of crisis loans

  1995–96

  1996–97

  1997–98

  Applications 000s

  1,111

  1,022

  11,057

  Initial Awards 000s

  832

  765

  1803

  Awards as percentage of Applications

  75

  75

  76

  1 These are initial figures and may be subject to amendment before the publication in the summer of the Annual Report by the Secretary of State on the Social Fund for 1997–98.

  Appeals
  Mr. Duncan Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many appeals made against decisions following an all-work-test were heard in each of the last four quarters for which figures are available; and what proportion of these were decided in the appellant's favour where the appellant(a) attended the hearing but was not represented, (b) was represented but did not attend, (c) attended and was represented and (d) did not attend and was not represented. [39693]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  The information requested is set out in the table.
  729
  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what is the average length of time taken for an appeal made against a decision to remove incapacity benefit following an all work test to be processed; [39712]

  (2) how many incapacity benefit appeals are awaiting hearing. [39711]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  In the quarter ending 30 September 1997, the average length of time taken to process an Incapacity Benefit appeal was 29 weeks. The time taken to hear an Incapacity Benefit appeal following an All Work Test is the same whether the appeal concerns a decision to remove Incapacity Benefit or an initial refusal to award it.

  Incapacity Benefit Appeals awaiting hearing

  Quarter ending 30 September 1997

  Incapacity Benefit (All Work Test)

  27,645

  Incapacity Benefit (Not All Work Test)

  5,107

  Total

  32,752

  Source:

  The quarterly Social Security Appeal Tribunal statistics published by DSS Analytical Services Division.

  Independent Tribunal Service
  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will make a statement on the sums allocated to the Independent Tribunal Service from the Social Security Budget in each of the last three financial
  years. [39707]

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

  Budget allocated to the Independent Tribunal Service for administration costs

  £ million

  Year

  Allocation to the Independent Tribunal Service

  1995–96

  47.307

  1996–97

  55.107

  1997–98

  56.338

  Advertising Campaigns
  Mr. Duncan Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what guidelines her Department follows in determining whether advertising campaigns are appropriate. [39708]

  Mr. Field
  The Department follows the guidelines laid down in the Mountfield Report which was published by the Cabinet Office on 27 November 1997. A copy of this report is in the Library. This draws on existing Cabinet Office guidelines on conventions on publicity and advertising "Guidance on Government Advertising and Publicity".

  The main conventions are that
  "It is right and proper for governments to use public funds for publicity and advertising to explain their policies and to inform the public of the government services available to them and of their rights and liabilities … This basic rule covering all government publicity and advertising has been accepted under successive administrations."
  730
  Decisions are made in accordance with the above guidance taking into account such considerations as cost effectiveness and accountability.

  Lone Parents
  Mr. Duncan Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the timescale for assessing the effectiveness of the New Deal for lone parents pilots; and what measurements will be used to assess the success or failure of the scheme. [39709]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  A report comparing the short-term and longer-term outcomes for lone parents in the eight New Deal for Lone Parents lead areas with those in six control areas will be published around Autumn 1999.

  The impact of the first phase of the New Deal for Lone Parents will be measured by comparing outcomes for lone parents in the lead areas with the outcomes for a similar, but geographically separate, group of lone parents in control areas. The control areas provide a benchmark or 'counterfactual' by which to assess the impact of the New Deal for Lone Parents.

  Administrative data are being collected at the same time for both lead and control areas. For tracking purposes, these data will be collected for six months after the national rollout of the New Deal for Lone Parents to all lone parents in October 1998. Carefully selected samples of lone parents in the control areas will also be interviewed, as will lone parents in the lead areas.

  Any additional movements into work in the New Deal for Lone Parents areas over and above that which occurs in the control areas can be attributed to the New Deal for Lone Parents itself, after allowing for changes in the local labour markets and other demographic factors. In addition, the comparison will show any additional movement into education and training as a step towards future labour market participation.

  The Employment Service will be responsible for evaluating the national programme of the New Deal for Lone Parents from October 1998. The Employment Service is currently drafting a joint evaluation strategy in conjunction with the Department of Social Security and the Department for Education and Employment. This evaluation strategy will cover the period from national rollout to all lone parents in October 1998 through the lifetime of this Parliament.

  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what information is being collected in the control areas in the New Deal for Lone Parents on the demography of those(a) participating and (b) refusing to participate. [39714]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  Up to the beginning of April the New Deal for Lone Parents was available to lone parents in eight lead areas. In six other, control areas a variety of demographic information is being collected to help evaluate the effect of the New Deal for Lone Parents. However, since the New Deal for Lone Parents was not operational in these six areas, there are no participant or non-participant lone parents.

  The information collected in the control areas is:

  (i) Survey data on lone parents' patterns of employment and movements into work, their qualifications and training, partnership and family histories.

  731

  (ii) Income Support data for all lone parents which provide information on their full Income Support claim, date of birth, gender, number and age of children and number of non-dependants.

  Pensions
  Mr. Letwin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what the publication date of the Initial Framework for Change relating to pensions will be. [39647]

  Mr. Denham
  The pensions review is looking at the central areas for elderly people, including all aspects of the basic pension and its value. A key objective of the review is to ensure that pensioners should have an adequate income in retirement; that they should share fairly in rising national prosperity; and that public finances should be both sustainable and affordable.

  As set out in the Green Paper, "New Ambitions for our Country: A New Contract for Welfare" (Cm 3805), we will publish a Green Paper on pensions later this year. There will then be a period of further consultation before final detailed proposals are developed.

  Incapacity Benefit
  Mr. Duncan Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many persons under pensionable age were receiving incapacity benefit(a) at the latest date for which figures are available and (b) in April 1995. [39710]

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

  Number of people under pension

  Number of people under pension

  age in receipt of Incapacity

  age in receipt of Incapacity

  Benefit on 12 April 1995

  Benefit on 30 November 1997

  1,594,800

  1,561,580

  Note:
  The April 1995 figure is from a 1 per cent. sample of claimants, the 1997 figure is taken from a 5 per cent. sample of the INCAP computer system and excludes a small number of cases held clerically.

  Disability Living Allowance
  Mr. Letwin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans she has to extend the Benefit Integrity Project to cover those claiming the lower rates of DLA. [39649]

  Mr. Denham
  The Government are responsible for ensuring that the right money goes to the right people. It is sensible to check from time that people are receiving their correct entitlement, but there are no plans at present to extend the Benefit Integrity Project to lower rates of Disability Living Allowance. Should any such plans arise, no action would be taken without full consultation with organisations of and for disabled people.

HEALTH

  Contraceptive Pill
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the effect which charging for the contraceptive pill would have on the level of unwanted pregnancies in Britain. [37833]
  732
  Ms Jowell
  No detailed assessment has been made as no such proposal is under consideration. Published studies suggest that any such charges would result in an increase in unwanted conceptions.

  Hospital Waiting Lists (Sunderland)
  Mr. Etherington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to reduce hospital waiting lists for patients in Sunderland; and if he will make a statement. [37863]

  Mr. Milburn
  In his Budget last month, my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer made an extra £417 million available to the National Health Service in England for 1998/99. £320 million of this will be used specifically to cut waiting lists. All health authorities and NHS trusts will be set waiting list targets to reduce the number of people awaiting hospital admission to less than 1.16 million by 31 March 1999, taking the total to below the record level inherited by the Government. Provisional management information indicates that on 31 March 1998 there were no English residents waiting more than 18 months for admission to hospital.

  Prescription Charges
  Dr. Ladyman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health in the last full year for which figures are available(a) what was the total cost to the NHS of medicines and treatments issued by prescription, (b) how much of this cost was recouped by prescription charges, (c) how much would be recouped if the prescription charge was levied only once for all the items which comprise a specific course of treatment purchased on a single prescription, (d) how much would be recouped if the retail price was paid by the patient whenever it was less than the prescription charge and (e) how much would be recouped if the changes set out in (c) and (d) were both implemented. [38195]

  Mr. Milburn
  The information available in respect of 1996–97 for England is:the total cost to the National Health Service of prescriptions dispensed £4,519 million
  amount collected1 in prescription charges (including sales of pre-payment certificates): £296 million
  information on how much would be recouped if all the items for a single course of treatment was purchased on a single prescription is not available
  reduction in the amount that would have been collected2 if the charge had been restricted to the cost to the NHS3 when this was lower than the prescription charge: £50 million

  Information on how much would be recouped if both of these changes were implemented is not available.

  Notes:
  1 by pharmacists, appliance contractors and dispensing doctors
  2 by pharmacists and appliance contractors only for items charged at the point of dispensing. There would also be an unquantifiable effect in the amount collected by dispensing doctors and from the sale of pre-payment certificates
  3 information about retail prices is not available in this context

  Measles, Mumps and Rubella Vaccine
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will introduce single vaccine components of MMR. [38141]
  733
  Ms Jowell
  No. Following the scientific seminar organised by the Medical Research Council, the Chief Medical Officer wrote to all health professionals on 27 March concluding:"I therefore recommend that children should receive measles, mumps and rubella vaccine at the appropriate times, and should not be given the separate component vaccines, since there is no evidence that doing this has any benefit and it may even be harmful."

  Copies of the full letter are in the Library.

  The World Health Organisation has written to the Department advising:
  "We believe none of these data in the Lancet of 28 February 1998 provide a basis for providing the different components of this vaccine in separate schedules. We wished to inform you of this as a means of offering you and your colleagues support in remaining firm in supporting the continued use of this highly effective vaccine which has such an outstanding safety record."

  The option of separate vaccine immunisation is not supported by an studies into its safety or efficacy.

  Measles, Mumps and Rubella Vaccination
  Mr. Letwin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will instigate an independent inquiry into the effects of the MMR vaccination. [39650]

  Ms Jowell
  The effects of measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) immunisation have been carefully examined by two groups of independent experts: the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation and the Committee on Safety of Medicines. In addition, following the recent publicity about possible adverse reactions to MMR, a group of 37 independent experts was convened by the Medical Research Council (MRC) on 23 March under the chairmanship of Professor Sir John Pattison. The group examined published and unpublished research into a suggested association between MMR vaccine and Crohn's disease and autism. The independent experts concluded:The available virological and epidemiological evidence does not support a causal role for persistent measles virus infection in Crohn's disease.
  There is no evidence to indicate any link between MMR vaccination and bowel disease or autism.
  There is therefore no reason for a change in the current MMR vaccination policy.

  As a result, the Chief Medical Officer has advised that:
  "Based on the previous material that I have seen, and on the opinions of experts present at the MRC meeting, I have concluded that there is no link between measles, measles vaccine or MMR immunisation, Crohn's disease and autistic spectrum disorders. Together with others at the meeting, I was not convinced that any of the studies support suggestions that measles or MMR vaccines are implicated in Crohn's disease or in autism. I therefore recommend that children should receive MMR vaccine at the appropriate times, and should not be given the separate component vaccines, since there is no evidence that doing this has any benefit and it may even be harmful."

  Pathogens (Sales)
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what criteria applied to the export of pathogens from the Centre for Applied Microbiology and Research at Porton Down between 1 January 1985 and 31 December 1989; and what criteria are applied now. [38834]
  734
  Mr. Milburn
  Since the formation of the Centre for Applied Microbiology and Research in 1979, any request relating to the export of pathogens has been carefully considered on a case by case basis, taking due cognisance of the relevant export control legislation and guidance issued by the Department of Trade and Industry.

  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what records were kept of the sale of pathogens from his Department's installations between 1 January 1985 and 31 December 1989; and what records are kept now. [38832]

  Mr. Milburn
  Records are kept of all customers who purchase material from the European Collection of Cell Cultures, Centre for Applied Microbiology and Research (CAMR); the National Collection of Type Cultures, Public Health Laboratory Service (PHLS); and the National Collection of Pathogenic Fungi, PHLS.

  The databases maintained at each of the culture collections include the name and address of the customer, the date, details of the material supplied and the price charged. This arrangement has been in place at CAMR since 1979. The records at the PHLS National Collection of Type Cultures date from October 1985 and there is an additional record of computer generated sales invoices, stored in date sequence, dating from mid-1988. The records held at the PHLS National Collection of Pathogenic Fungi date from the 1970s.

  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what pathogens were sold and at what price to the American Type Culture Collection in Rockville, Maryland, by the Centre for Applied Microbiology and Research at Porton Down between 1 January 1985 and 31 December 1989. [38833]

  Mr. Milburn
  The centre for applied microbiology and research has not sold or supplied any pathogens to the American type culture collection between 1 January 1985 and 31 December 1989.

  Consultant Contracts
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will undertake an inquiry to establish the extent to which NHS consultants are not fulfilling their NHS contracts. [39333]

  Mr. Milburn
  We do not believe that an inquiry would serve a useful purpose. The evidence is that the vast majority of National Health Service consultants make a full and welcome contribution to patient care. NHS managers should take action locally where they believe that an individual consultant is not meeting NHS commitments under the terms of his or her contract.

  Aricept
  Dr. Starkey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when the Standing Medical Advisory Committee will publish its report on the drug Aricept. [39646]

  Mr. Boateng
  The Standing Medical Advisory Committee's guidance to clinicians on the use of donepezil (Aricept) for Alzheimer's disease will be distributed to health authorities shortly.