Written Answers of 28 April 1998

DEFENCE

  Clothing
  Mr. Andrew George
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment his Department has made of the change in the degree of satisfaction or dissatisfaction among service personnel relating to the clothing they are issued with over the last five years; and on what evidence this assessment is based. [36817]

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

  Letter from Michael Roycroft to Mr. Andrew George, dated 28 April 1998:
  I am replying to your Question to the Secretary of State for Defence about the degree of satisfaction amongst service personnel relating to clothing they are issued with, as this matter falls within my area of responsibility as the Chief Executive of the Defence Clothing & Textiles Agency (DCTA).The degree of satisfaction amongst service personnel related to clothing can be assessed by various methods including Continuous Attitude Survey, Availability, Defect Reports and other evidence from Service representatives or their personnel. In addition DCTA produces a Monthly Bulletin, a Quarterly Situation Report to all customers and holds 6 monthly Customer Days, to which all Top Level Budgets are invited to be represented, to discuss individual item problems and forecasts of future supply shortages.Continuous Attitude Surveys are carried out on behalf of the Royal Navy, Army and the Royal Air Force by the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency. A small number of questions which relate to clothing issues are included in all three Service surveys, however, only the Army are asked questions relevant to clothing satisfaction. I attach a graphical representation of the answers received to two questions asked over the last five years in the Army Attitude Survey. These graphs show that satisfaction with combat clothing and working dress has improved with time; overall availability of working dress has improved by 27% in the last three months to February 1998. A DCTA survey into clothing issues had been prepared, but it was agreed that for the time being we should rely on the Continuous Attitude Survey.DCTA do request that personnel finding fault with clothing send in Defect Reports to us and we record defect investigation findings under the following headings: Fair Wear & Tear, Abuse/Misuse, Design Failure, Unjustified or Justified Quality Assurance Failure. Most of the findings over the last three financial years have fallen under the last two headings, although the number of defect reports is very small in number, 187 in the last year, when compared to the overall customer base of 408,000 Armed Forces and other
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  organisations personnel. Overall every effort is made to brief the customer of past, present and future problems. There is also a well publicised help-line for queries from Service personnel.

  'Soldiers: How do you feel about the Quality of combat clothing and personal equipment'

  percentage

  June 1993

  June 1994

  June 1995

  June 1996

  March 1997

  Very poor

  15

  12

  12.5

  10

  8.5

  Poor

  29.5

  26

  21.5

  22

  15.5

  OK

  35

  36.5

  37

  35

  37.5

  Good

  18

  21

  23

  28

  28.5

  Very good

  3.5

  5

  6

  6

  10

  Source:

  DERA CHS/HS3/5/303/1Mar98

  'Soldiers: How do you feel about the Quality of normal working dress'

  percentage

  June 1993

  June 1994

  June 1995

  June 1996

  March 1997

  Very poor

  7

  5

  6

  7

  6.5

  Poor

  16.5

  18.5

  16.5

  19

  16.5

  OK

  50

  47.5

  46

  47

  44.5

  Good

  22.5

  24.5

  24.5

  23

  25.5

  Very good

  4

  5

  8.5

  4

  7

  Source:

  DERA CHS/HS3/6/303/1Mar98

  Landmines (Falkland Islands)
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what new technology his Department is developing to assist in the clearance of landmines from the Falkland Islands. [39358]

  Mr. Spellar
  The Ministry of Defence is not developing any technology aimed specifically at clearance of landmines from the Falkland Islands. Various systems which could potentially be used for such a purpose in the future are, however, under development.

  MOD sponsors a considerable amount of research into sensors and countermine technologies in support of the military requirement to breach minefields under operational conditions, as well as to open up and clear routes in support of military operations. Some of these, such as Ground Penetrating Radar, are not yet mature enough for military use.

  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the number of landmines remaining on the Falkland Islands. [39421]

  Dr. Reid
  Landmines were used in the Falklands by our forces during the 1982 conflict, and in its aftermath. One British anti-personnel landmine remains unaccounted for although every effort has been made to clear our devices.

  We have no reliable figure for the number of Argentine mines in the Falklands. Our best current estimate is that some 18,000 Argentine mines and similar devices of various types were laid, including some 14,000 anti-personnel landmines. About 1,400 Argentine mines were cleared following the conflict, before work was suspended after a number of serious injuries to clearance personnel.
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  Remaining minefields, or areas where it is suspected that mines might be, have been marked and fenced. These areas are monitored regularly to ensure that remaining mines present no danger to civilian or military personnel on the Islands.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Legal Aid
  Mr. Pickthall
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list the(a) 20 solicitors' firms and (b) 20 barristers who have received the largest sums of money from legal aid in the most recent year for which information is available. [38635]

  Mr. Hoon
  Payments to the 20 solicitors' firms and 20 barristers who received the largest sums of money from the legal aid fund in 1996–97 were as follows:

  £

  Barristers1

  H. David, R. Hood

  Over 320,000

  John B. W. McDonnell Q.C.

  Daniel J. Brennan Q.C.

  C. David Allan Q.C.

  270,000–319,999

  Richard Maxwell Q.C.

  Judith M. F. Parker Q.C.2

  Michael G. Bloch

  Philip J. Hoser

  Andrew D. H. Trollope Q.C.

  Ian G. F. Karsten Q.C.

  230,000–269,999

  Joanna Dodson Q.C.

  Allan E. Levy Q.C.

  190,000–229,000

  Alastair J. D. Wilson Q.C.

  Deborah A. Eaton2

  Stephen J. Irwin Q.C.

  Henry J. Setright

  Alison Ball Q.C.

  Charles J. Lewis

  Paul M. McCormick

  Charles A. F. Howard

  1 Includes payments for civil legal aid, criminal magistrates legal aid and Advice By Way Of Representation

  2 The Department was unable to confirm the figures with the individual concerned

  The figures quoted are for cash payments made by the Legal Aid Board in 1996–97. They include fees, VAT and other expenses necessarily incurred together with new payments on account less old payments on account recouped. They do not take account of the amounts received or recovered by way of contributions, costs or damages awarded. It should be clearly understood that any payment to a barrister in the year 1996–97 could well reflect payments for several years' work and should not be seen as a measurement of annual income.

  It should also be noted that these figures have been calculated on a different basis from previous years where the total amounts paid from the Legal Aid Fund in respect
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  of cases closed in the year in question were given. These did not include payments on account for cases still current.

  £ million

  Solicitor Firms1

  Freeth Cartwright Hunt and Dickens2

  Over 8.50

  Irwin Mitchell

  2.60–3.49

  Alexander Harris & Co.3

  2.00–2.59

  Fisher Meredith

  Nelsons

  Leigh Day & Co.

  McGrath & Co.

  Owen White

  1.80–1.99

  Joseph Hill & Co.

  Henry Hyams & Co.

  Hodge Jones & Allen

  Evill & Coleman

  T. V. Edwards

  The Johnson Partnership

  1.60–1.79

  Brendan Flemming

  Powell Spencer & Partners

  Jones Maidment Wilson

  Bindman & Partners

  The Smith Partnership

  Young & Lee

  1 Includes payments for civil legal aid, criminal magistrates legal aid, and for advice and assistance

  2 Includes payments for work done by other solicitor firms and counsel in multi-party actions which were administered by Freeth Cartwright Hunt and Dickens and which consequently do not appear in other firms' figures

  3 The Department was unable to confirm the figures with the firm concerned

  The figures quoted are for cash payments made by the Legal Aid Board in 1996–97. They include profit costs, disbursement and other expenses necessarily incurred, VAT and new payments on account less old payments on account recouped. They do not take account of the amounts received or recovered by way of contributions, costs or damages awarded. It should be clearly understood that any payment to a solicitor in the year 1996–97 could well reflect payments for several years' work and should not be seen as a measurement of annual income.

  It should also be noted that these figures have been calculated on a different basis from previous years where the total amounts paid from the Legal Aid Fund in respect of cases closed in the year in question were given. These did not include payments on account for cases still current.

  For criminal legal aid in the higher courts it is not possible to provide information in the form requested. This is because the Department's central database records payments made to individual barristers and solicitor firms in respect of closed cases only; that is where the case has been disposed of and all bills, including those of other defence lawyers, have been determined. Set out below are the 20 barristers and solicitor firms recorded as having received the highest total payments in respect of criminal legal aid in the higher courts in cases recorded as closed in the financial year 1996–97. It should be clearly understood that any payment to an individual barrister or solicitor firm in the year 1996–97 could well reflect

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  payments received in other years but aggregated in the year 1996–97, because final payment was received. Therefore it is not a measurement of annual income.

  £000

  Barristers

  A. Jones Q.C.

  Over 500

  M. Swift Q.C.1,2

  P. Rook Q.C.

  450–499

  E. Lawson Q.C.

  S. Batten Q.C.

  A. Arlidge Q.C.

  M. Hill Q.C.

  R. Thwaithes Q.C.

  400–119

  A. Trollope Q.C.

  S. Stevens2

  O. Blunt Q.C.

  350–399

  S. Leslie Q.C.

  W. Roddick Q.C.

  P. Feinberg Q.C.

  T. Raggatt Q.C.

  A. Berry Q.C.

  Miss C. Montgomery

  P. Doyle

  329–349

  P. Harrington Q.C.

  J. Richardson

  1 This will include some payments previously published for 1995–96

  2 The Department was unable to confirm the figures with the individual concerned

  £million

  Solicitors

  Harkavys

  Over 2.00

  Burton Copeland

  Garstangs

  1.00–1.99

  Offenbach & Co.

  0.50–0.99

  Irwin Mitchell

  Derek Attridge & Co. (Tottenham)

  Russell Cooke Potter & Chapman

  Jones Maidment Wilson

  Joseph Hill & Co.

  0.40–0.49

  Foinette Quin

  Trevor Cox

  Edward Fail Bradshaw & Waterson

  Derek Attridge & Co. (Bermondsey)

  Mackesys

  Maidments

  Fanshaw Porter & Hazlehurst

  0.35–0.39

  Powell Spencer & Partners

  J. Keith Park & Co.

  Stephenson Harwood

  R. M. Broudie & Co.

  The figures quoted above are the total amounts paid from legal aid in respect of cases closed in 1996–97. As such they may include payments relating to work done in earlier years, but do not include payments on account for cases still current. The figures are inclusive of VAT and disbursements and other expenses necessarily incurred. They do not take account of amounts received or recovered by way of contribution from assisted persons.

HOUSE OF COMMONS

  Millennium Compliance
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Chairman of the Information Committee what assessment he has made of the level of millennium compliance within the parliamentary estate. [38917]

  Mr. Allan
  A working group of technical staff has been established to address the compliance issue for systems provided for departments of the House. An estimate of the level of compliance, and the costs of corrective action will be available after the completion of the programme of tests later this year. The Finance and Services Committee is monitoring progress. Compliance of embedded chips in, for example, passcard systems and elevators, is being addressed by the Parliamentary Works Directorate, who will report progress through the Accommodation and Works Committee.

  Equipment provided by Members for themselves and their staff is excluded from this provision and they are asked to ensure that their own systems are compliant. It may be possible to provide an avenue for advice, or to recommend external sources for assistance. No estimate of the likely costs can be made.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  Millennium Commission Funding
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment is made of the level of public support prior to a proposal for funding by the Millennium Commission being accepted. [39420]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  This is a matter for the Millennium Commission. I will reply to the right hon. Member in my capacity as Chairman of the Commission and place copies of my reply in the Libraries of the House.

  Sites of Archaeological Significance
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what research his Department has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on the preservation and display of sites of archaeological significance under new public buildings with particular reference to practices in Germany. [37515]

  Mr. Banks
  None, but my Department would be interested to see the results of any research which has been carried out.

  Iraqi Antiquities
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to his letter of 24 March 1998 (C97/44817/l5777), if he will make a statement on discussions at the Stockholm UNESCO Conference about the purloining of Iraqi antiquities. [39307]

  Mr. Fisher
  I can report that at the recent UNESCO conference in Stockholm an official from my Department sought the views of officials from UNESCO concerning the illegal excavation and looting of antiquities in Iraq. UNESCO has received representations on this subject from a group of independent scholars, archaeologists and
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  art historians and has distributed lists of known looted Iraqi antiquities to all major auction houses around the world. However, there is currently no more UNESCO can do.

  Football Matches (Attendance)
  Mr. Caplin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list the total levels of attendance at(a) Premier League, (b) League Division One, (c) League Division Two and (d) League Division Three football matches in each of the last five seasons. [38995]

  Mr. Banks
  My Department does not collect this information. It is available in reference books such as the Football Yearbook 1997–98.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  South Africa
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs in what ways the EU is proposing to improve South Africa's access to European markets; on what types of products he is seeking a reduction in customs duties; and if he will make a statement. [39851]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  The EU is negotiating a Free Trade Agreement with South Africa which will cover substantially all trade, with no sectors excluded. We welcome this, and support a wide-ranging and liberal outcome. The Agreement should, over time, lead to the complete removal of tariffs for most South African exports to the EU; tariffs are likely to remain for a number of agricultural products.

  European Movement
  Sir Michael Spicer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what funds the European Movement has received from his Department since 1994; and what future grants are planned. [39910]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  This Department made a grant of £10,000 to the European Movement in 1994. No funding has been made available to the European Movement by this Department since then and no further grants are currently planned.

  Cambodia
  Mr. Stunell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he will take to ensure fair and free elections in Cambodia in July(a) through the EU and (b) unilaterally. [39763]

  Mr. Fatchett
  We are working closely with EU partners, ASEAN and other "Friends of Cambodia" to encourage the Cambodians to hold free and fair elections on 26 July. The EU is providing a 10 mecu assistance package, subject to strict political conditionality. We are also contributing £100,000 to the UN Trust Fund for election assistance, and may make further contributions if the need arises and political conditions are met.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Millennium Compliance
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) what plans she has to introduce measures for the approval of diagnostic and remedial computer equipment marketed for dealing with millennium compliance; [38528]

  (2) if she will introduce measures to regulate mis-selling by software companies of diagnostic and remedial equipment, marketed for dealing with millennium compliance. [38529]

  Mrs. Roche
  I have no plans to introduce new measures. I would urge purchasers to check whether the equipment complies with their requirements. In doing so they will be protected by a range of general consumer legislation, including the Trades Descriptions Act 1968 and the Sales of Goods Act 1979, which requires goods to be of satisfactory quality, taking account of any description of the good and fitness for all the purposes for which goods of this kind are commonly supplied.

  Power Supplies
  Mr. Hammond
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessments he has made of the risk to the integrity of United Kingdom power supplies as a result of the reduction in available routes for the movement of abnormal loads to and from power stations and National Grid main transformer locations around the United Kingdom. [39042]

  Mr. Battle
  [holding answer 20 April 1998]: I have made no such assessment. I understand that officials at the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions are discussing this and other related matters with representatives of the electricity supply industry. My officials will keep in close touch with the progress of these discussions.

  Defence Trade Shows
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will list the total amount of public funds extended by her Department to companies attending defence trade shows for each year since 1990. [39245]

  Mrs. Roche
  The Department provided support to UK companies to attend defence and security exhibitions under the terms of the Trade Fair Support Scheme as detailed in the following table. Without conducting major research involving UK trade associations and overseas event organisers, it is not possible to separate defence trade shows specifically.

  £

  Year

  Total funding

  1990–91

  137,565

  1991–92

  979,527

  1992–93

  834,213

  1993–94

  878,490

  1994–95

  1,011,777

  1995–96

  1,114,799

  1996–97

  1,569,415

  1997–98

  1,202,676

  Asian Aerospace 98
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many British defence companies have received public funds to attend Asian Aerospace 98 in Singapore; and what was the total amount of public funding involved. [39244]

  Mrs. Roche
  Forty-seven British companies, of which 38 received grants under the Trade Fair Support Scheme, participated in Asian Aerospace 98. Participation is open to all relevant companies and it is not possible to determine from our records how many are in the defence sector. Grant payments are expected to total £322,466.

  Whisky Scams
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will strengthen the legal protection for investors against frauds commonly known as whisky scams. [39164]

  Mr. Nigel Griffiths
  [holding answer 20 April 1998]: A range of measures already exists to deal with fraud. The DTI has investigated the affairs of some 20 companies engaged in selling whisky or champagne for investment purposes. DTI has wound up 6 companies and continues to bring proceedings against others. Information obtained by DTI has been passed to the Serious Fraud Office which has now commenced a major inquiry across the industry embracing about 40 companies.

  Funeral Services
  Mr. Sanders
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what studies her Department has conducted into the costs of funeral services; and if she will publish them. [39464]

  Mr. Nigel Griffiths
  The Office of Fair Trading has made a report into Pre-paid Funerals which included a study into the costs of funeral services. This report was passed to the DTI and published in 1995.

  Mr. Sanders
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans she has to protect consumers in respect of the costs of funeral services. [39463]

  Mr. Nigel Griffiths
  I am pleased to inform the hon. Gentleman that funeral directors belonging to the Funeral Standards Council and the Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF) are affiliated to the Funeral Ombudsman Scheme, SAIF having joined earlier this month. As the hon. Gentleman may be aware, I have previously expressed my support for a single scheme and I welcome this development. Both the Funeral Ombudsman Scheme's code of practice, and that of the National Association of Funeral Directors (who operate a separate scheme for consumer redress) require members to make a basic funeral available with its price clearly indicated. Where funeral directors do not do this, consumers must report them to the Funeral Ombudsman Scheme or the National Association of Funeral Directors as applicable. I am concerned that there is not enough transparency in this and in other aspects of the funeral business and I have asked the industry to improve consumer protection.

  Renewable Energy
  Mr. Stunell
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade, pursuant to her answer of 7 April 1998,Official Report, column 161, if she will list the UK Government's reservations on the European Commission draft white paper on renewable energy; and if she will make a statement. [39735]

  Mr. Battle
  The Government are working for a positive resolution at the Council of Ministers on 11 May, which:
  agrees the need to promote a sustained and substantially increased use of renewable sources of energy throughout the European Union;welcomes the White Paper on a Community strategy and action plan;to that end, urges Member States to develop national strategies and structures for the promotion of renewables to bring about an increase in the use of renewable energy throughout the European Union, as we in the UK are already doing; and invites the Commission to bring forward proposals for its "Campaign for Take Off'.

  Confidential Information
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what action she is taking to prevent the misuse of confidential information regarding employees' private lives in the workplace. [39591]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  The Data Protection Act 1984, which regulates the use of computerised data, applies to personal data of employees. The Data Protection Bill now before Parliament strengthens the protection provided by the 1984 Act consistent with the requirements of the 1995 EC Data protection Directive.

  Research Projects
  Mr. Ian Taylor
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) what plans she has to withdraw the case against the European Commission challenging the Commission's funding of research projects on the budget line B3–4104; [38333]

  (2) what contingency plans the Government have for alternative funding of UK research projects on which the European Commission has signed agreement but not made any payments, if the judgment by the European Court of Justice is not in the European Commission's favour; [38334]

  (3) when the European Court of Justice is expected to give its final judgment with regards to the court case between the Government and the European Commission on funding of research projects on the budget line B3–4104. [38335]

  Mr. Milburn
  I have been asked to reply.

  I believe the hon. Member is referring to the case brought by the United Kingdom to the European Court of Justice in July 1996 challenging spending by the European Commission under budget line B3–4104 on "Measures to assist the elderly 1996".

  The European Court of Justice is not expected to give its final judgment in this case for many months. The Government announced their decision to maintain the challenge in a written reply from my hon. Friend the Economic Secretary to my hon. Friend the Member for

  73
  East Ham (Mr. Timms), on 4 November 1997, Official Report, column 103. The reason for the Government's decision to persist with the legal challenge was explained in that earlier reply. We do not intend to withdraw the challenge and have no contingency plans for alternative funding of United Kingdom projects on which the European Commission has signed funding agreements but not made payments if the European Court of Justice rules against the Commission.

TREASURY

  International Debt
  Ms Drown
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what criteria exist for refusing debt relief to countries which otherwise meet the Heavily Indebted. Poor Countries criteria; and if he will list the countries to which they apply. [39666]

  Mrs. Liddell
  All the creditors of the Paris Club, and members of the IMF and World Bank Boards, have given their support to the HIPC initiative. Countries that qualify for assistance under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative will receive it.

  Royal Mint
  Mr. Derek Twigg
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what changes he will make to the performance targets for the Royal Mint for 1998–99. [40237]

  Mrs. Liddell
  1 have set the Royal Mint the target of achieving a rate of return on average net assets of 14.3 per cent. for 1998–99 which is an increase over the target of 14 per cent. set for 1997–98.

  Ecofin
  Ms Lawrence
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the Council meeting of the Economic and Finance Ministers of the European Union held on 21 April. [40238]

  Mr. Gordon Brown
  I chaired the Economic and Finance council
  —Ecofin—of the European Union in Brussels on 21 April. The Economic Secretary represented the UK.

  The Council began by briefly considering how it should handle the Commission's Recommendations on practical aspects of the introduction of the euro. It now seems likely that the Council will note these at some point over the EMU weekend.

  The Council went on to discuss a Commission preliminary paper on pan-European risk capital markets, as part of its follow-up to the Luxembourg Jobs Summit. The paper's approach was broadly welcomed, and Member States were willing to exchange best practice, and to consider what further action might be necessary to promote risk capital, whilst emphasising the need to respect subsidiarity. The Commission will report back with further work.

  Linked to this, as part of Ecofin's contribution to the employment initiative, was the Council's political agreement on the package of financial assistance measures for innovative and job-creating SMEs. These two items
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  together are confirmation of the Presidency's achievement in swiftly realising two important mandates from the Jobs Summit, and progressing the economic reform agenda.

  The Council agreed in principle to balance of payments support for Bosnia and Albania, subject to the details of the grant element, budget constraints, and other lending criteria.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Public Investment
  Rev. Martin Smyth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will list the levels of public investment in the constituencies of(a) Belfast, West, (b) Foyle and (c) Belfast, South for the last three years for which figures are available, excluding social security payments. [27964]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  [holding answer 10 February 1998]: Information on public expenditure is not held at constituency level.

  Mr. Brian Nelson
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many names were contained in files in the possession of Mr. Brian Nelson at the time of his arrest. [37741]

  Mr. Ingram
  At the time of Mr. Nelson's arrest he was not in possession of any files or otherwise incriminating material. Subsequent examination of documentation in the possession of military authorities indicated many names appearing on files associated with Mr. Nelson. Mr. Stevens' investigations included detailed consideration of all these matters and appropriate action was taken either in terms of criminal charges being preferred or appropriate recommendations about future methods of handling sensitive intelligence.

  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many officers involved in the handling of Mr. Brian Nelson were interviewed under caution subsequent to his arrest; and how many were subsequently (i) charged, (ii) promoted and (iii) given meritorious service awards. [37804]

  Mr. Ingram
  This information is not readily available and will take some time to research. I will write to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

  Stevens Inquiry
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on what date each of the recommendations of the Stevens Inquiry was implemented. [37736]

  Mr. Ingram
  All of the recommendations accepted by the RUC were implemented by May 1995.

  The only recommendation not accepted was in relation to the suggested formation of an anti-terrorist branch.

  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many members of the Ulster Defence Regiment the RUC was asked to arrest by Mr. John Stevens and how many were(a) arrested, (b) questioned and (c) charged. [37739]
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  Mr. Ingram
  The RUC were asked to arrest 30 members of the UDR; 30 were arrested and questioned and nine were charged.

  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will publish(a) the findings of the investigation of the fire at the Seapark RUC facility at Carrickfergus in January 1990 and (b) the assessment made by Mr. John Stevens of that investigation. [37806]

  Mr. Ingram
  The intensity of the fire and the resultant damage meant that the cause of the fire could not be categorically established. However, the investigation concluded that it had been started accidentally.

  It is important to note that the fire did not prevent the Stevens Team from taking any appropriate investigative actions, nor were any of their intended investigative actions impeded as a result of the fire. All evidence that had been gathered was stored in duplicate on computer in Great Britain.

  Millennium Compliance
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if all the computer systems used by the emergency services in Northern Ireland will be millennium compliant by 31 December 1998. [39896]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  [holding answer 27 April 1998]: Plans received from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service indicate that all their computer systems will be year 2000 compliant by 31 December 1998.

  The year 2000 plans of the Northern Ireland Fire Authority indicate that full compliance will be achieved by July 1999.

  The majority of the Royal Ulster Constabulary's operational and administrative systems will be compliant by December 1998. The few remaining will be made compliant early in 1999.

  Police Complaints
  Dr. Iddon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when she will lay before Parliament the 1997 Annual report of the Independent Commission for Police Complaints for Northern Ireland; and if she will make a statement. [40173]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  The 1997 Annual Report of the Independent Commission for Police Complaints is being laid before Parliament today. The report, which follows the format of previous years, comments on the work of the Commission in 1997, and looks forward to the establishment of the Office of Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland. I am pleased to see the welcome from the Commission for the establishment of the Police Ombudsman through the Police (Northern Ireland) Bill. The Commission contributed to Dr. Maurice Hayes' review of the police complaints system, and Dr. Hayes acknowledged in his report the assistance he had received from the Commission.

  The Government are committed to see the Police (Northern Ireland) Bill's passage through Parliament completed, to enable the new Office to be established by March 1999. There is a good deal of work still to be done
  76
  at a practical level to implement the Bill; and I am grateful to the Commission for their willing and constructive involvement in this important task.

  The Government have no doubt that the proposals made by Dr. Hayes, which received such widespread support, and which we believe are fully reflected in the Bill, will command public and police confidence. These, like the rest of the changes in the Bill, represent the Government's determination to secure genuine improvements to policing, and to increase further public confidence in and active support for the police service.

  The report notes that 1997 was marked by an increase in complaints made against the police, to the highest level ever recorded by the Commission. The number of complaints rose from 2,545 in 1996 to a total of 3,111 in 1997, which constituted a rise of 22 per cent. compared to a rise of 9 per cent in 1996. The increase can be explained, to some extent at least, by the large numbers of complaints arising from Drumcree, the Derryhirk Inn incident and the events in the Lower Ormeau Road in July 1996, for which complaints were not lodged until 1997.

  I should like to record the Government's thanks to the Chairman and Members of the Commission, particularly after such a busy year, for their excellent work. I would also like to thank the staff of the Commissions, who will form the core of the staff of the Police Ombudsman's office, and are already preparing for their new task. I am sure they will provide an excellent service to the Ombudsman.

  Government policies on policing in Northern Ireland whether about police complaints and changes to policing structures in the Police Bill, or the remit given to the Commission on Policing by the Agreement, are designed to improve the police service. We want to make it even more professional, effective, efficient, fair, impartial and acceptable; to ensure it is properly accountable for its work; and that it can command widespread community support, as the Royal Ulster Constabulary, the Police Authority, and the ICPC have themselves striven, in very difficult circumstances, to achieve. Many important changes are dependent on the development of a genuinely peaceful environment. But the history of the last 30 years shows that even while terrorist threats from disaffected elements continue, worthwhile changes can be made.

  We now have the opportunity for a new beginning. I believe that the RUC, the ICPC and the Police Authority, who have worked to bring this opportunity about, are eager to make the best use of it; the ICPC Report illustrates this, looking forward to a changed future, with the creation of the Police Ombudsman.

PRIME MINISTER

  Newspaper Editors
  Mr. Gale
  To ask the Prime Minister when he last met the(a) Editor of The Times, (b) Editor of The Sun, (c) Editor of The Sunday Times, (d) proprietors of The Daily Mirror Group, (e) Editor in Chief of The Daily Mirror, (f) Editor of The Independent, (g) proprietors of Guardian Newspapers, (h) Editor of The Guardian, (i) Editor of The Observer, (j) Proprietor of The Daily Telegraph, (k) Editor of the Daily Telegraph, (I) Editor of

  77
  the Sunday Telegraph, (m) Proprietor of the Daily Mail, (n) Editor of The Daily Mail, (p) Editor of the Mail on Sunday, (q) Proprietor of Express Newspapers, (r) Editor of the Daily Express, (s) Editor of The Sunday Express and (t) Editor of The Evening Standard. [38795]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 20 April 1998]: I meet regularly with newspaper proprietors, editors and journalists in order to communicate government policy as all my predecessors have, and as all serious political leaders do. As has always been the practice, details of each meeting are not made public.

  Asbestos
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on his discussions on the issue of asbestos with the Canadian Prime Minister. [39747]

  The Prime Minister
  In discussions with the Canadian Prime Minister, M Jean Chretien, I have made clear that restrictions on the use of any form of asbestos in the UK are made on the basis of sound scientific evidence.

  Nuclear Waste
  Ms Roseanna Cunningham
  To ask the Prime Minister what discussions he has had with the President of the United States of America regarding(a) nuclear waste, (b) the nuclear reprocessing plant at Dounreay and (c) nuclear fuel at Tbilisi, Georgia; what advice he has sought regarding the environmental impact of importing radioactive materials into Scotland; what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Scotland regarding the transfer of radioactive material from Georgia to Dounreay; and if he will make a statement. [39917]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 27 April 1998]: The United Kingdom is playing its part in ensuring non-proliferation of nuclear material, alongside the action of the United States, Russia and other European countries, by taking responsibility for a small quantity of nuclear material from a research site which was at risk in Georgia. This decision was taken in the normal way in consultation with Cabinet colleagues.

  The relevant authorities which have responsibility for the proper handling of nuclear materials within this country, including the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, were consulted before the transfer was made, and accepted the Government's decision.

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  Ferrybridge C Power Station
  Dr. Gibson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what mechanisms exist for requiring PowerGen to fit Ferrybridge C power station with flue gas desulphurisation. [39361]

  Mr. Meacher
  The Environment Agency authorises Ferrybridge Power Station under Part I of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. It is open to the Agency to vary the conditions of PowerGen's authorisation to require such changes as it sees fit for ensuring the use of the best available techniques not 78
  entailing excessive cost ("BATNEEC") for the purpose of preventing polluting emissions, or minimising such emissions and rendering them harmless. The Secretary of State also has power to direct the Environment Agency to include conditions in the PowerGen authorisation on this basis.

  Unfit Dwellings
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proportion of dwellings in the private rented sector were, as defined by the Housing Act 1985,(a) unfit for human habitation, (b) not unfit for human habitation but in serious disrepair and (c) lacking basic amenities at the latest available date. [39334]

  Mr. Raynsford
  Our latest available information indicates that 17.9% of occupied private rented sector dwellings are unfit for human habitation and 1.8% lack one or more of the basic amenities. Information is not available on the number of private rented sector dwellings that are not unfit but in serious disrepair. However it is possible to estimate, on a different definition to that in the 1985 Act, that some 6.4% of privately rented housing is fit but suffers from substantial disrepair.

  Water Charges
  Mr. Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what research he has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated into different tariff structures for water charging. [39642]

  Angela Eagle
  My Department has commissioned or partly funded the following recent published research:
  W. S. Atkins (1992). "The Social Impact of Water Metering: Summary". Birmingham, UK: Department of the Environment and Office of Water Services;National Metering Trials Working Group (1993). "National Metering Trials Final Report." UK: Water Services Association: and Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions and Welsh Office (1 April 1998) "Council tax bands as the basis for charging households", in "Water Charging in England and Wales—A New Approach", UK, DETR and Welsh Office. A fuller report of this research will be published shortly.
  We are aware of a range of further recent work which is relevant to tariff structures for water charging, including:
  Achtienribbe, G., V. Homer, E. Papp and W. Wiederkehr (1992). "International Comparison of Drinking Water Prices." Aqua Vol. 41 No 6, 3 60–3 63.Ballance, A. J. (1996). "Supply and Demand: The Importance of Demand Management." Water Environment '96, London: Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management and Institution of Civil Engineers.Binnie, C. J. A. (1992). "Demand Management, Tariffs and Metering." London: Institution of Water and Environmental Management, Paying for Water Symposium.Bowler, P. (1997). "Paying for Water." Waterwatch, 259 South Street, Rotherham, South Yorkshire S61 2NW.British Medical Association (1994), "Water: A Vital Resource", Board of Science and Education, London.California Urban Water Conservation Council (1994), "Setting Urban Water Rates for Efficiency and Conservation", USA.79 Chesnutt, T. W., Anil Bamezai and W. Michael Hanemann (1993). "Revenue Instability Induced by Conservation Rate Structures: An Empirical Investigation of Coping Strategies." Conserv'93 paper 2C-5. Denver, USA: American Water Works Association.Cowley, Tom (1995). "The Company-Wide Introduction of Encoded Meters for Customers: Policy and Implementation". Water Metering Technology and Practice Seminar. London: Society of British Water Industries.Consumers' Association (1996), "Water Consumption and Charges", Policy Report, London.Cunninghame, Griffin, Laws (1996) "Water Tight: The Impact of Water Metering on Low-Income Families", Save The Children.Dietz, Cynthia and Judi Ranton (1995). "Targetted Programming for Low Income Households." Conserv'96 paper I OC-3. Denver, USA: American Water Works Association.Dziegielewski, B. (1990). "Estimating Price Elasticity of Demand for Water: The Impact of Conservation Rate Structures." In Michael W. Bloome, ed., "Rate Structures to Promote Conservation: Conference Proceedings." USA: Delaware River Basin Commission and New York City Waterboard.Environment Agency (1998). "A Review of Tariffs for Public Water Supply (A Report to the Environment Agency)" J. Pezzey and G. A. Mill.Federico, K. (1990). "Experience in Mandating Water Conservation Pricing In Palm Beach County". In Michael W. Bloome, ed., "Rate Structures to Promote Conservation: Conference Proceedings." USA: Delaware River Basin Commission and New York City Waterboard.Fox, T. P. (1995). "Analysis, Design and Implementation of a Conservation Rate Structure." Conserv'96 paper 2F-1. Denver, USA: American Water Works Association.Griffith, Fred P. (1990). "Peak Use Charge: Customer Relations." In Michael W. Bloome, ed., "Rate Structures to Promote Conservation: Conference Proceedings." USA: Delaware River Basin Commission and New York City Waterboard.Hall, Darwin C. and W. Michael Hanemann (1996). "Urban Water Rate Design Based on Marginal Cost." In Darwin C. Hall, ed., "Advances in the Economics of Environmental Resources: Vol 1." LTK:JAI Press.Hansen (1996), "Water and Energy Price Impacts on Residential Water Demand in Copenhagen", Land Economics, 72(1), 66–79.Herrington, Paul (1997a). "Pricing Water Properly." In Timothy O'Riordan, ed., "Ecotaxation." London: Earthscan.Hewitt, Hanemann (1995), "A Discrete/Continuous Choice Approach to Residential Water Demand Under Block Rate Pricing", Land Economics 72(1), 2159–67.IFS (Institute of Fiscal Studies)(1993). "The Distributional Effects of Different Methods of Charging Households for Water and Sewerage Services." Birmingham, LTK: Office of Water Services.Jordan, J. L. (1995). "A Case Study of Using Price to Conserve Water". Conserv'96 paper 6F-3. Denver, USA: American Water Works Association.Merio, G. (1994). "Policies of Tariffs: National Report Italy." Water Supply, Vol 12 No 1, IR3–27 to IR3–29.Mid Kent Water PLC (1997). "Meter Pilot Project: Report 1".National Consumer Council (1991). "Paying for Water".New Policy Institute (1997). "Fair and Sustainable: Paying for Water".Nieswiadomy, Michael L. (1992). "Estimating Urban Residential Demand: Effect of Price Structure, Conservation and Education." Water Resources Research, Vol 28,609–615.OFWAT (1990). "Paying for Water: A Time for Decisions." Birmingham, UK: Office of Water Services.80 OFWAT (1991). "Paying for Water: The Way Ahead." Birmingham, UK: Office of Water Services.OFWAT (1994). "A Better Deal for Metered Customers: A Report on Tariff Rebalancing and Improvements in Optional Metering Schemes." Birmingham, UK: Office of Water Services.OFWAT (1996). "1995–96 Report on the Cost of Water Delivered and Sewage Collected." Birmingham, UK: Office of Water Services.OFWAT (1997). "1997–98 Report on Tariff Structure and Charges." Birmingham, UK: Office of Water Services.OFWAT (1997). "Tariff Rebalancing and the Tariff Basket." Birmingham, UK: Office of Water Services.OFWAT (1997). "Water Pricing: Importance of Long Run Marginal Costs." Birmingham, UK: Office of Water Services.Ozog, M. T. (1995). "Price Elasticity and Net Lost Revenue." Conserv'96 paper 6F-2. Denver, USA: American Water Works Association.Raftelis, G. A. (1993). "Comprehensive Guide to Water and Wastewater Financing and Pricing." 2nd edition. USA:Lewis.Renzetti, S. (1992). "Evaluating the Welfare Effects of Reforming Municipal Water Prices". Journal of Environmental Economics and Management, Vol 22,147–63.Russell, D. F. and C. P. N. Woodcock (1994). "Policies of Tariffs: National Report USA." Water Supply, Vol 12 No 1, ER3–37 to IR3–43.Schneider, M. L. and E. E. Vbtlatch (1991). "User-Specific Water Demand Elasticities." Journal of Water Resources Planning and Management—ASCE, Vol 11 7 No 1,52–73.Stevens, T. H., J. Miller and C. Willis (1992). "Effect of Price Structure on Residential Water Demand." Water Resources Bulletin, Vol 28 No 4,681–685.Sullivan, Dean (1995). "European Water Charges: A Comparison of 17 Cities." Centre for the Study of Regulated Industries and Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy.Thackray, John (1996). "An Overview of Current Water Use and Charges in the UK Compared to Other Countries." In Water—Conservation and Re-Use. London: Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Managers.Whitcomb, J. B., J. W. Yingling and Marvin Winer (1993). "Residential Water Price Elasticities in Southwest Florida." Conserv'93 paper 2C-6. Denver, USA: American Water Works Association.Wiederkehr, W. (1994). "Policies of Tariffs." Water Supply, of 12 No 1, IR3–1 to IR3–11.Woo, C. K. (1992). "Drought Management, Service Interruption and Water Pricing—Evidence from Hong Kong." Water Resources Research, Vol 28 No 10,2591–2595.
  We are also aware of other research which has yet to be published.

  London Taxis
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what role(a) he and (b) other Government ministers play in determining the tariff structure set by the London Taxi Board; and what criteria are used in setting the tariff structure. [39458]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The London Taxi tariff is set not by the London Taxi Board, but by the Secretary of State by statutory instrument. The Secretary of State's decision is taken with reference to a formula established in 1980, which takes into account the various costs involved in operating a taxi in London. I announced in a written answer on 8 April 1998,Official Report, column 307, the new fares applying from 25 April.
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  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if uncorroborated complaints against taxi cab drivers are kept in their personal files by the Public Carriage Office. [39485]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Brief details of all complaints against licensed London taxi drivers are kept in their personal files by the Public Carriage Office. All such complaints will have been the subject of an investigation or inquiry. Complaints are not recorded as "corroborated" or otherwise.

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions for what reasons cabs appointed by the Public Carriage Office are required to have 6-ply-rated taxi tyres. [39486]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  6-ply-rated tyres are specified for London taxis by their manufacturers to ensure that they have the appropriate load and speed characteristics and adequate wear resistance, particularly at the shoulders. The Public Carriage Office requires the tyres to be marked "taxi" to indicate that they are approved for use on London taxis and are of the appropriate circumference to ensure accurate meter readings.

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions for how long records of court convictions are retained by the Public Carriage Office in a licensed driver's personal file. [39487]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Such records are retained on a driver's personal file for as long as the individual remains licensed.

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what percentage of taximeters have to be retested and resealed by the BSI and again by the Public Carriage Office during the period of the annual cab licence. [39488]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  All taximeters are returned to the BSI for testing once every 12 months and are sealed to certify accuracy of the instrument. In addition each taxi has its meter installation checked during the taxi's annual inspection by the Public Carriage Office (PCO) to ensure that the BSI seal is intact and up to date, that all linkages are sealed against tampering, and that the meter as installed is registering correctly over a measured distance.

  During 1997 the BSI tested 25,358 taximeters of which 884 failed, and the PCO tested 20,293 meter installations of which 193 failed.

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what driving examination qualification Public Carriage Office test examiners are required to hold.
  [39467]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Although the legislation allows for any Public Carriage Examiner to conduct taxi driving tests, the Public Carriage Office permits only those examiners who have been certified by the Metropolitan Police Driving School at Hendon to conduct taxi driving tests.

  The examiners are re-assessed by the Police Driving School at intervals of about five years.
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  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what(a) total ceiling and (b) annual ceiling the Public Carriage Office places on the number of cab driver licences issued in London. [39471]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  All individuals who meet the requirements of the Public Carriage Office in respect of good character, medical fitness, topographical knowledge of London and driving ability in a London taxi are licensed. There are no ceilings on the numbers of licences issued.

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the turning circle of(a) the LTI/TXI taxi cab and (b) Metrocab Series III in taxi cabs approved by the Public Carriage Office as being in roadworthy condition. [39460]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The precise turning circle for each vehicle is a matter for the manufacturers. The Public Carriage Office (PCO) is satisfied that both types of vehicle comply with the turning circle requirements of the Metropolitan Conditions of Fitness for London taxis, namely that they are capable of being turned on either lock so as to proceed in the opposite direction without reversing between parallel planes 8.535 metres apart, and that the wheel turning circle kerb to kerb on either lock is not less than 7.62 metres in diameter.

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will introduce a requirement to make a U-turn in Public Carriage Office driving tests. [39462]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  I have no plans to do so.

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many(a) central and (b) suburban cab driver licences were (i) issued and (ii) surrendered in 1996 and 1997; and how many are forecast to be issued in 1998. [39469]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The figures are as follows:

  Taxi driver licences

  Issued

  Of which new licences issued

  Surrendered

  1996 all-London

  7,131

  575

  398

  1997 all-London

  6,753

  415

  341

  1998 estimated all-London

  6,957

  588

  332

  1996 suburban

  619

  122

  25

  1997 suburban

  762

  188

  29

  1998 estimate suburban

  773

  240

  16

  Note:

  That the figures for licences issued (second column) comprise renewals as well as new drivers' licences issued. The latter are shown separately in the third column.

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what educational qualifications and vocational experience are required of Public Carriage Office knowledge of London examiners. [39473]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The primary requirement of Public Carriage Office Knowledge of London examiners is that they have undertaken and successfully passed the "All-London" Knowledge of London topographical
  83
  examination, or that they are able to demonstrate a similarly detailed knowledge of the Metropolitan Police District.

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the purpose of the Public Carriage Office cab driving test. [39468]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  A London taxi has particular driving characteristics associated with its size, weight and turning ability. The Public Carriage Office taxi driving test is designed to test a candidate's ability to drive such a vehicle safely in London's traffic conditions with consideration for passengers and other road users.

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what market surveys and other evidence is used by the Public Carriage Office to establish market demand for taxi cabs in London. [39472]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  None. There is no limitation imposed by the Public Carriage Office on the number of taxis or taxi drivers licensed in London; all that meet the necessary standards are licensed. It is up to individuals to decide whether to seek to enter the London taxi trade.

  However, my Department has commissioned a study into the supply and demand for taxis at different times of the day and in different parts of London, with a view to assessing whether any change in the structure of the taxi fares tariff would be appropriate.

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions for what reasons taximeters are removed, retested and resealed by the BSI and again by the Public Carriage Office as part of the annual relicensing vehicle road test. [39461]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Meters are not removed from taxis by the BSI or by the Public Carriage Office (PCO); they are removed by the meter companies or their authorised agents.

  Whenever seals are broken they are replaced by the BSI, or by the PCO, as appropriate, in order to maintain the integrity of the meter installation. Seals may get broken during the course of repairs to the meter itself, the transducer, the driver cable or its illumination. Seals may also be broken following an accident, or during repairs to the taxi's transmission.

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many applicants in respect of knowledge of London attended the Public Carriage Office's initial talks in 1996 and 1997 after being accepted as cab driver trainees. [39470]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The number was 3,357 in 1996, and 4,107 in 1997.

  Car Sharing
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he has taken to introduce taximeter-controlled car-sharing in suburban areas for commuters. [39459]
  84
  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Existing legislation already provides for the establishment of taxi-sharing schemes. I have no plans to provide for introduction of taxi meters into private cars, which could give rise to confusion with licensed taxis.

  Farm Plastics
  Mrs. Anne Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what is the Government's policy towards the collection and recycling of plastics used on the farm; [39490]

  (2) if he will introduce a compulsory levy scheme to fund the collection and recycling of farm plastics. [39491]

  Angela Eagle
  We were extremely disappointed to hear of the collapse of the Farm Films Producers Group in early 1997, an industry-led scheme which organised the collection and recycling of plastic films used on the farm. It seems that the principal cause was that certain importers were not prepared to participate on a voluntary basis and that the competitive advantage thus created led to the collapse of the scheme. We are currently considering what options are likely to be most effective in this area and hope to have proposals available for consultation shortly.

  MDI
  Mr. Levitt
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the toxicity of the isocyanate MDI. [39573]

  Angela Eagle
  In preparation for EU negotiations under the Dangerous Substances Directive, expert toxicologists from the Health and Safety Executive have assessed evidence, supplied by Sweden, on the toxicity of MDI. They have concluded that the evidence meets the criteria for classification as Toxic, by inhalation, sensitising, by inhalation and by skin contact; and irritating to skin, eyes and the respiratory tract.

  Mr. Levitt
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the Swedish proposal for the EU to reclassify MDI from harmful to toxic. [39574]

  Angela Eagle
  In preparation for EU negotiations under the Dangerous Substances Directive, expert toxicologists from the Health and Safety Executive have assessed evidence, supplied by Sweden, on the acute toxicity by inhalation of MDI. On the basis of the evidence, the UK experts supported the Swedish proposal. The European Commission will now consider the next steps.

  Environmentally Friendly Vehicles
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will institute an annual assessment of the most environmentally friendly vehicles produced by British-based manufacturers. [39672]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The Government recognise the strong role that information on the environmental performance of vehicles has to play in developing the market for greener vehicles, alongside fiscal and other instruments. Information on fuel economy for individual models of passenger car has been published for some
  85
  years in the Government's bi-annual "New Car Fuel Consumption Booklet"; this publication has recently been expanded to include details of CO2 emissions on the same model by model basis. Discussions with the industry on the further expansion of the booklet to include information on pollutants which affect local air quality, e.g. NOx and particulates, are being taken forward under the auspices of the Cleaner Vehicles Task Force.

  Traffic Congestion
  Mr. Sanders
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to her oral statement of 1 April,Official Report, column 1231, when she expects to write to the hon. Member for Torbay on traffic congestion measures. [39614]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  I will write to the hon. Member shortly.

  Countryside Policies
  Mr. Fraser
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when the Government will publish the next report on their policies for the countryside; if the relevant statistics will be prepared after consultation with recognised countryside and wildlife groups; and if he will make a statement. [39905]

  Mr. Meacher
  Ministers are continuing to consider the best way to take forward and present the Government's policies for the countryside. We will continue to collect and monitor a wide range of statistics on the countryside, and to meet and discuss policy with many countryside and wildlife groups.

  West Coast Main Line
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what feasibility studies his Department has evaluated on methods of adapting bridges for the West Coast Main line to enable transportation of freight. [39767]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  It is for Railtrack to carry out the necessary preparatory work and it has undertaken feasibility studies on upgrading the West Coast Main Line route for both 9'6" containers and piggyback vehicles. The Department is appointing consultants to audit the engineering costs. As part of that audit, we would expect Railtrack to tell our consultants how it plans to carry out necessary work to bridges on the route in the most cost effective way possible and so as to minimise disruption to services.

  Regional Railways
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions he has had with Regional Railways on measures to be taken to improve the quality and frequency of service between North Wales, Chester and Cardiff; and if he will make a statement. [39852]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  These are matters for the Franchising Director, who holds regular reviews with all the franchised train operating companies. He requires operators to plan to provide a minimum level of service frequency through their Passenger Service Requirements 86
  (PSRs), which are a key part of the franchise agreements, and oversees their performance. The Franchising Director has powers to support new services which are not commercially viable, and would use his "Criteria for the Appraisal of Support for Passenger Rail Services" to appraise business cases for support from his budget; those Criteria are in the Library of the House. The Government are committed to establishing a National Rail Authority to provide a clear, coherent and strategic programme for the development of the railways.

  London Underground
  Mr. Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how much of the investment to be made in London Underground in the two years from April will be allocated to each of the projects mentioned in his oral statement of 20 March 1998,Official Report, columns 1539–42 and what proportion of the funding has been specifically earmarked for access projects. [39944]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  As a result of the £365 million of additional funding the Deputy Prime Minister has announced, total investment in the existing network over the next two years will be around £1 billion. London Underground is currently developing the details of its investment programme, including how to accelerate its plans to improve the accessibility of the network. It is not possible at this stage to say what proportion of the additional funding will be spent on specific projects, but the programme will be designed to ensure that the benefit of the additional funding is maximised.

  County Structure Plans
  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will reduce the levels of housing provision in emerging county structure plans in counties where he assesses development could seriously damage the environment. [40100]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The Town & Country Planning (Development Plan) Regulations 1991 require planning authorities to have regard to environmental considerations in preparing structure plans and Part 1 of Unitary Development Plans. The environmental implications of plan policies should be appraised as part of the plan preparation process. It is for the planning authority to determine the level of housing provision in emerging structure plans in the light of these considerations.

  The Secretary of State examines development plans carefully to identify whether they are consistent with national and regional planning guidance and whether there are conflicts with the guidance which do not appear to be justified by local circumstances. He can object to plan proposals prior to their adoption, and also has powers of intervention to direct plan proposals to be modified before adoption.

  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will require the new policies set out in Planning for the Communities of the Future to be reflected in the current round of emerging county structure plans (up to 2011). [40097]
  87
  Mr. Raynsford
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply my hon. Friend the Minister for the Regions, Regeneration and Planning gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Regent's Park and Kensington, North (Ms Buck) on 1 April 1998,Official Report, columns 530–31.

  Teesside Development Corporation
  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when the Government will publish the report on the outcome of the transfer of powers and responsibilities in respect of the Teesside Development Corporation. [39957]

  Angela Eagle
  The Teesside Development Corporation's planning powers were transferred to the local planning authorities on 25 March 1998 by Statutory Instrument (SI 1998/84). Responsibility for the Tees Barrage and the Corporation's residual property, rights and liabilities were transferred to the Commission for the New Towns on 1 April 1998, again by Statutory Instruments, (SI 1998/570) and (SI 1998/85). The Department has no plans to publish a separate report on the transfer of the Corporation's powers and responsibilities, but would expect the Corporation's Annual Report for 1997/98 to include details of the arrangements it made to wind-up its affairs and transfer unfinished schemes to successor bodies for completion.

  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will publish the annual accounts for Teesside Development Corporation. [39956]

  Angela Eagle
  Yes, the Corporation has a statutory obligation to publish its Accounts. It is also required to make an Annual Report to the Secretary of State which will be laid before both Houses of Parliament. The Corporation is currently preparing both documents. The Department is aiming for the Annual Report and Accounts for 1997/98 to be laid before Parliament before the Corporation is finally dissolved on 1 July.

  CrossRail
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what progress has been made towards the implementation of the CrossRail project; and if he will make a statement; [39995]

  (2) if he will assess the advantages of allowing an application under the Transport and Works Act 1992 for powers to build CrossRail. [40091]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The Government are currently awaiting Railtrack's considered advice on Crossrail, including its possible attractiveness for private sector finance. The project will be reviewed in the light of Railtrack's conclusions, once received, and of the Government's own plans for restructuring transport priorities and responsibilities for London.

  Health and Safety at Work
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he is taking to ensure that small and medium sized firms carry out a full assessment of workplace hazards 88
  to women of child-bearing age, in accordance with the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1994. [39592]

  Angela Eagle
  All employers, including those responsible for small and medium sized firms are, amongst other duties, required by the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1992, amended in 1994, to assess the risks to workers, including women of childbearing age. Health and Safety Inspectors may, where appropriate, consider the adequacy of action taken during visits to firms.

  Leaded Paint
  Miss Melanie Johnson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 21 April 1998,Official Report, column 552, if he will list the Government departments, industry representatives and technical and design experts with whom consultations on publicising the dangers of lead in painted surfaces have taken place. [40031]

  Angela Eagle
  The Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions has attempted to strike a balance between obtaining sufficient advice and being in a position to publicise the dangers of lead in paint and provide updated information to the public at the earliest opportunity. We do not consider that the consultations which we have so far conducted are exhaustive and we will continue to consult widely on risks from lead in all media as part of our strategic review of chemicals in the environment.

  To date, the other Government Departments which we have consulted on the dangers of lead in painted surfaces have been the Departments of Health and of Trade and Industry, the Health and Safety Executive and English Heritage.

  In addition, we have consulted the British Coatings Federation, which incorporates the Paint Makers Association, and certain individual paint manufacturers, including ICI. Further consultation with the Consumers Association, the Paint Research Association, the Lead Awareness Group, the Association of Painting Craft Teachers, and the Construction Industry Training Board has been conducted on the Department's behalf by the Building Research Establishment.

  The Portable Electric Tool Manufacturers' Advisory Panel have been made aware that consultations were being undertaken, but have not so far contributed. Some discussions have also been held with Local Authorities.

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 21 April 1998,Official Report, columns 551–52, if he will list the representations he has received in the 12 months prior to October 1997 on the dangers of lead in painted surfaces. [40032]

  Angela Eagle
  In the 12 months prior to October 1997, the Department received no individual representations from Members of Parliament on lead in paint. In the same period, the Department received five private inquiries from members of the public on the same topic.

  London Regional Transport
  Mr. Ottaway
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will give the reasons for the dismissal of Mr. Peter Ford as Chairman of London Regional Transport and the level of compensation paid. [39969]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply my right hon. Friend gave on 22 April 1998,Official Report, column 611. The compensation payable to Mr. Ford has now been agreed at £290,000 and will be paid shortly.

  New Housing (Kent)
  Sir John Stanley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the planned figure for new housing in Kent over the next(a) 10 years and (b) 20 years; and in each case what number is planned for single person households and what number for families. [39993]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The amount of new housing proposed by Kent Structure Plan Third Review for the period 1991–2011 is 116,000. This figure conforms to the advice provided in RPG9—Regional Planning Guidance for the South East. Figures relating to single person households and family households are not available centrally.

  Sir John Stanley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proportion of the planned new housing in Kent he estimates will be built on brown field sites and what proportion on green field sites. [39994]

  Mr. Raynsford
  A proportionate figure for recycled land/green field development has not been identified within the Kent Structure Plan Third Review. The Government expect that 60 per cent. of new homes will be built on previously developed land over the next ten years. (DETR, February 1998, Planning for the Communities of the Future, Cm 3885, page 7).

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Tibet
  Sir Alastair Goodlad
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assistance her Department is currently giving to Tibet. [39963]

  Mr. Foulkes
  We are currently contributing some £680,000 to five projects which are being implemented by non-governmental organisations. These projects—in the fields of education, income generation and environmental health—are helping to address the needs of rural and urban communities within Tibet and of Tibetan refugees in India.

  Debt Cancellation
  Sir Alastair Goodlad
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what progress has been made in discussions on aid debt cancellation programmes with potentially eligible Commonwealth countries; and if she will make a statement. [39960]
  90
  Mr. Foulkes
  Cancellation programmes have been agreed with Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Mauritius, St. Lucia, Tonga, Turks and Caicos and Jamaica. We have also opened discussions with five other countries about their commitment to poverty eradication in the framework of the international development strategy; and the extent to which they are actively pursuing policies which promote responsive and accountable government, which encourage transparency and bear down on corruption, and are applying economic policies which encourage sustainable economic development.

  European Chocolate Directive
  Sir Alastair Goodlad
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what has been the outcome of her discussions with the Minister of Agriculture on the likely development effects of the European Chocolate Directive; and if she will make a statement. [39961]

  Mr. Foulkes
  Consultations between the Department for International Development and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food—the lead department—continue. The Government are ensuring that development concerns are carefully weighed in the preparation of a UK line; this reflects the importance attached to policy coherence in the recently published UK Government White Paper on International Development.

  The Government believe that there are significant uncertainties over the possible effects of the proposed Directive on developing countries. Long-run development strategies should be built on helping developing countries to respond to shifts in demand patterns for their products, rather than locking them into the status quo.

  Lomé Convention
  Sir Alastair Goodlad
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what representations she has made to the EU Commission on its green paper on the successor agreement to the Lomé Convention. [40006]

  Mr. Foulkes
  The UK produced a formal response to the Commission's Green Paper in October 1997. Since then, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for International Development met Commissioner Pinheiro, the Commissioner responsible for the EC's external relations with the Africa, Caribbean and Pacific States, on a number of occasions to discuss the Commission's proposals and she will have the opportunity to talk to him again at the ACP-EC Ministerial Council in Barbados on 7–8 May 1998. She has also participated in discussions on the future of ACP-EU relations at the Development Council on 28 November 1997 and the General Affairs Council on 30 March 1998, and will be chairing the discussions on EU's Lomé negotiating mandate at the Development Council on 18 May 1998. I addressed the EU/ACP Parliamentary Assembly in Mauritius on 21 April, answered questions on Lomé from the delegates and discussed the proposals with Commissioner Pinheiro. In addition, officials maintain a close dialogue with the Commission through their participation in the working group responsible for negotiating the EU's negotiating mandate, which the UK chairs as Presidency, and their informal contacts.

  Poverty
  Sir Alastair Goodlad
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what proposals she has made to the World Bank Group towards enhancing the focus and effectiveness with which it pursues the objectives of poverty reduction and sustainable development; and what have been the results. [39964]

  Mr. Foulkes
  The President of the World Bank, James Wolfensohn, and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for International Development have discussed the importance of the international development targets endorsed by all members of the United Nations on a number of occasions. We are very pleased that the Bank has adopted these targets as part of its Strategic Compact, and will be using them to provide milestones against which progress towards poverty elimination can be measured. We are also encouraging the Bank to improve the quality of the poverty assessments included in its Country Assistance Strategies, working with partner countries to develop effective poverty reduction strategies.

  Sir Alastair Goodlad
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what representations she has made to the multilateral development banks and the International Monetary Fund about their impact on poverty reduction, and the efficiency and effectiveness of their operations; and what has been the result. [39962]

  Mr. Foulkes
  At the Spring Meetings of the IMF and World Bank in Washington earlier this month, my right hon. Friends the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Secretary of State for International Development made a joint statement to the Development Committee, in which they encouraged the multilateral development banks to improve co-ordination and collaboration in their actions to increase their effectiveness in reducing levels of poverty.

  Additionally, they met the Managing Director of the IMF, Michel Camdessus and the President of the World Bank, James Wolfensohn, to discuss ways in which programmes under the IMF's Enhanced Structural Adjustment Facility (ESAF) can take more account of

  Racial incidents in the Metropolitan Police District

  Division

  Residential population (1991 census)

  1997/98

  1997/98 per 1,000 pop

  1996/971

  1996/97 per 1,000 pop

  1995/96

  1995/96 per 1,000 pop

  1994/95

  1994/95 per 1,000 pop

  1993/94

  1993/94 per 1,000 pop

  Belgravia

  42,178

  36

  0.85

  —

  —

  12

  0.28

  3

  0.07

  2

  0.05

  Brompton

  75,460

  20

  0.27

  —

  —

  0

  0.00

  8

  0.11

  4

  0.05

  Charing Cross

  4,780

  15

  3.14

  —

  —

  0

  0.00

  7

  1.46

  0

  .00

  Fulham

  63,254

  36

  0.57

  —

  —

  36

  0.57

  37

  0.58

  41

  0.65

  Hammersmith

  85,684

  68

  0.79

  —

  —

  12

  0.14

  27

  0.32

  31

  0.36

  Marylebone

  47,286

  32

  0.68

  —

  —

  35

  0.74

  14

  0.30

  3

  0.06

  Notting Hill

  48,778

  45

  0.92

  —

  —

  8

  0.16

  13

  0.27

  14

  0.29

  Paddington

  79,525

  39

  0.49

  —

  —

  1

  0.01

  39

  0.49

  26

  0.33

  West End Central

  4,034

  7

  1.74

  —

  —

  3

  0.74

  8

  1.98

  0

  0.00

  Total: I Area

  450,979

  298

  0.66

  108

  0.24

  107

  0.24

  156

  0.35

  121

  0.27

  Barnet & Hertsmere

  278,740

  40

  0.14

  —

  —

  23

  0.08

  41

  0.15

  29

  0.10

  Colindale

  98,362

  102

  1.04

  —

  —

  83

  0.84

  127

  1.29

  148

  1.50

  Ealing

  148,878

  46

  0.31

  —

  —

  45

  0.30

  43

  0.29

  52

  0.35

  Hampstead

  79,036

  24

  0.30

  —

  —

  24

  0.30

  37

  0.47

  54

  0.68

  Harrow

  198,311

  148

  0.75

  —

  —

  128

  0.65

  113

  0.57

  128

  0.65

  Holborn

  21,102

  45

  2.13

  —

  —

  55

  2.61

  81

  3.84

  37

  1.75

  Holloway

  84,722

  72

  0.85

  —

  —

  29

  0.34

  65

  0.77

  49

  0.58

  Hornsey

  101,299

  58

  0.57

  —

  —

  44

  0.43

  34

  0.34

  35

  0.35

  Islington

  81,092

  142

  1.75

  —

  —

  197

  2.43

  215

  2.65

  84

  1.04

  92
  social issues and the effect of adjustment programmes on the poorest. To assist the IMF develop its skills base in these areas, DIFD has offered technical expertise in social development and is encouraging a closer working relationship with the World Bank, which is best placed to offer advice on poverty reduction.

  African Development Bank
  Sir Alastair Goodlad
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what programmes of institutional reform she has proposed for the African Development Bank. [39965]

  Mr. Foulkes
  The British Government fully support the major restructuring and institutional reform programme initiated by the President of the African Development Bank and approved by the Board of Directors in 1995. Under this programme, improvements have been made in the areas of organisational structure, the quality of Bank operations, human resource management policies and financial management. In recognition of progress in these areas, shareholders of the Bank are now close to completing negotiations on a capital increase, which will strengthen the financial ratios of the Bank and increase the influence of non-regional members such as the United Kingdom.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Racial Attacks
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many racial attacks have been recorded per 1,000 inhabitants in each police division in London in each of the last five years. [39466]

  Mr. Michael
  The Commissioner has provided the following information on the number of racial incidents in the Metropolitan Police District. A racial incident is defined as any incident in which it appears to the reporting or investigating officer that the complaint involves an element of racial motivation, or any incident which includes an allegation of racial motivation made by any person.
  93

  Racial incidents in the Metropolitan Police District

  Division

  Residential population (1991 census)

  1997/98

  1997/98 per 1,000 pop

  1996/971

  1996/97 per 1,000 pop

  1995/96

  1995/96 per 1,000 pop

  1994/95

  1994/95 per 1,000 pop

  1993/94

  1993/94 per 1,000 pop

  Kentish Town

  74,614

  138

  1.85

  —

  —

  302

  4.05

  275

  3.69

  175

  2.35

  Kilburn

  110,896

  63

  0.57

  —

  —

  49

  0.44

  19

  0.17

  42

  0.38

  Southall

  125,493

  108

  0.86

  —

  —

  100

  0.80

  108

  0.86

  102

  0.81

  Tottenham

  101,650

  66

  0.65

  —

  —

  40

  0.39

  54

  0.53

  39

  0.38

  Wembley

  127,995

  34

  0.27

  —

  —

  65

  0.51

  52

  0.41

  26

  0.20

  Total: 2 Area

  1,632,190

  1,086

  0.67

  1,148

  0.70

  1,184

  0.73

  1,264

  0.77

  1.001

  0.61

  Barkingside

  168,761

  55

  0.33

  —

  —

  26

  0.15

  34

  0.20

  32

  0.19

  Chingford

  113,318

  50

  0.44

  —

  —

  47

  0.41

  0

  0.00

  37

  0.33

  Dagenham

  139,287

  121

  0.87

  —

  —

  43

  0.31

  141

  1.01

  90

  0.65

  Edmonton

  142,224

  157

  1.10

  —

  —

  64

  0.45

  47

  0.33

  38

  0.27

  Enfield

  170,007

  74

  0.44

  —

  —

  82

  0.48

  89

  0.52

  35

  0.21

  Forest Gate

  105,428

  164

  1.56

  —

  —

  155

  1.47

  152

  1.44

  129

  1.22

  Havering

  228,283

  73

  0.32

  —

  —

  38

  0.17

  58

  0.25

  20

  0.09

  Ilford

  131,726

  95

  0.72

  —

  —

  11

  0.08

  79

  0.60

  57

  0.43

  Leyton

  94,629

  49

  0.52

  —

  —

  0

  0.00

  72

  0.76

  64

  0.68

  Limehouse

  74,928

  234

  3.12

  —

  —

  392

  5.23

  368

  4.91

  422

  5.63

  Plaistow

  110,267

  310

  2.81

  —

  —

  270

  2.45

  257

  2.33

  160

  1.45

  Shoreditch & Hackney

  77,594

  167

  2.15

  —

  —

  42

  0.54

  58

  0.75

  28

  0.36

  Stoke Newington

  96.214

  97

  1.01

  —

  —

  109

  1.13

  81

  0.84

  53

  0.55

  Whitechapel

  84,715

  122

  1.44

  —

  —

  17

  0.20

  157

  I.85

  135

  1.59

  Total: 3 Area

  1,737,381

  1,768

  1.02

  1,531

  0.88

  1,296

  0.75

  1,593

  0.92

  1,171

  0.67

  Bexleyheath

  202,657

  287

  1.42

  —

  —

  292

  1.44

  109

  0.54

  286

  1.41

  Bromley & Orpington

  292,510

  95

  0.32

  —

  —

  10

  0.03

  99

  0.34

  59

  0.20

  Catford

  123,791

  227

  1.83

  —

  —

  192

  1.55

  107

  0.86

  54

  0.44

  Croydon

  111,221

  66

  0.59

  —

  —

  56

  0.50

  56

  0.50

  31

  0.28

  Epsom and Sutton

  278,028

  71

  0.26

  —

  —

  14

  0.05

  72

  0.26

  56

  0.20

  Greenwich

  109,366

  71

  1.41

  —

  —

  209

  1.91

  159

  1.45

  156

  1.43

  Lewisham

  98,355

  94

  0.96

  —

  —

  99

  1.01

  103

  1.05

  45

  0.46

  Peckham

  102,210

  75

  0.73

  —

  —

  78

  0.76

  45

  0.44

  87

  0.85

  Plum stead

  110,655

  124

  1.12

  —

  —

  122

  1.10

  393

  3.55

  13

  0.12

  South Norwood

  199,722

  98

  0.49

  —

  —

  95

  0.48

  88

  0.44

  57

  0.29

  Southwark

  59,775

  141

  2.36

  —

  —

  273

  4.57

  153

  2.56

  130

  2.17

  Walworth

  60,601

  55

  0.91

  —

  —

  67

  1.11

  71

  1.17

  75

  1.24

  Total: 4 Area

  1,764,891

  1,487

  0.85

  1,663

  0.95

  1,507

  0.86

  1,455

  0.83

  1,049

  0.60

  Battersea

  106,534

  77

  0.72

  —

  —

  20

  0.19

  10

  0.09

  20

  0.19

  Brixton

  79,186

  56

  0.71

  —

  —

  25

  0.32

  40

  0.51

  19

  0.24

  Chiswick

  77,258

  122

  1.58

  —

  —

  48

  0.62

  58

  0.75

  31

  0.40

  Heathrow

  629

  8

  12.72

  —

  —

  15

  23.85

  4

  6.36

  2

  3.18

  Hillingdon

  229,514

  160

  0.70

  —

  —

  114

  0.50

  184

  0.80

  91

  0.40

  Hounslow

  129,778

  247

  1.90

  —

  —

  271

  2.09

  193

  1.49

  174

  1.34

  Kingston

  193,078

  75

  0.39

  —

  —

  53

  0.27

  36

  0.19

  28

  0.15

  Merton

  174,136

  195

  1.12

  —

  —

  149

  0.86

  143

  0.82

  110

  0.63

  Spelthorne

  90,905

  22

  0.24

  —

  —

  11

  0.12

  11

  0.12

  8

  0.09

  Streatham

  80,770

  51

  0.63

  —

  —

  73

  0.90

  68

  0.84

  61

  0.76

  Twickenham

  161,312

  71

  0.44

  —

  —

  45

  0.28

  50

  0.31

  43

  0.27

  Vauxhall

  74,972

  46

  0.61

  —

  —

  29

  0.39

  47

  0.63

  28

  0.37

  Wandsworth

  140,713

  98

  0.70

  —

  —

  77

  0.55

  64

  0.45

  32

  0.23

  Total: 5 Area

  1,538,785

  1,228

  0.80

  1,171

  0.76

  930

  0.60

  908

  0.59

  647

  0.42

  Total

  7,106,226

  5,867

  0.83

  5,621

  0.79

  5,024

  0.71

  5.376

  0.76

  4,116

  0.58

  11996/97 figures are not available currently for divisions. This is due to the process of the introduction that year of the Met's computerised Crime Reporting Information System (CRIS).

  Note:

  This information is for the financial year provided by the Met's Performance Information Bureau.

  DNA Testing
  Mr. Syms
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what quality control tests have been evaluated into DNA testing; and if he will publish the results. [39496]

  Mr. Michael
  The Home Office Forensic Science Service has carried out quality tests on its analysis of DNA since it was first used in 1987. These are: testing and peer review of new methods before they are introduced, including scientific publication; regular
  94
  internal quality assurance trials; and personal competency testing. These are used for internal quality management purposes and are made available to external quality assessors for the purposes of accreditation to International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) 9000 and United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) standards. Quality assurance trials for suppliers of information to the National DNA database are not published but are similarly made available to external assessors. The results are also presented to learned conferences in tabular form; control tests on an individual casework basis are also made available to the defence on request.

  Immigration Detainees
  Mr. Fitzpatrick
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what social, medical and counselling services are provided for immigration detainees with mental illnesses when they are released back into the community from detention. [39363]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  Detainees who are sectioned under the Mental Health Act are referred for appropriate treatment. Other detainees, who may be receiving treatment when they are released or bailed, are given a summary or copy of their own medical records. They are also given a short supply of any medication they require and told to register with a General Practitioner as soon as they are released. It would then be for the General Practitioner to arrange whatever care he or she considered necessary.

  Asylum Claims (IT)
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what plans are in place for the use of information technology in processing asylum claims which were not in place on 1 May 1997; [39387]

  (2) how much spending on the deployment of information technology in the processing of asylum claims has been planned for, which was not planned for on 1 May 1997; [39388]

  (3) if, in respect of the 1996 contract between his Department and Siemens for computer supply at the Immigration and Nationality Department, at Lunar House, he will list the purposes for which the computer services were described as being acquired at the time the contract was concluded and, make a statement on the extent to which the computer services are currently used for the processing of asylum claims; if the computer services are to be used to a greater extent for the processing of future asylum claims; and what representations he has received from trade unions at Lunar House regarding the computer contract. [39386]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  When the award of the Casework Programme contract was announced by the previous Government, its purpose was stated to be to computerise the handling of immigration casework, and the present Government have decided to proceed with the project. The project extended to asylum casework in the same way as to other types of immigration casework. Under the previous Government, it was planned that staff cuts would help fund the cost of the Casework Programme. The present Government did not make the planned staff cuts in 1997–98 and those staff are currently deployed in reducing the large number of cases which the present Administration inherited.

  In broad terms, there has been no change over the past twelve months in plans for expenditure on information technology in asylum casework. The Casework Programme system is not available but the intention is to use it extensively on future asylum casework.

  The Casework Programme will allow greater flexibility in the use of resources, but the priority that can be given to asylum casework will depend on the outcome of the Comprehensive Spending Reviews.
  96
  Both my right hon. Friend and I have had meetings with the Home Office trade unions about the expected consequences of the Casework Programme.

  Immigration Detention Centres
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to establish additional immigration detention centres; and what estimate he has made of the number of places thereby created. [39390]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons was recently critical of the limited space available to the Immigration Service in detention centres and suggested that the Immigration Service needs to expand its detention estate. This proposal is being examined as part of the Detention Review which will report in due course.

  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to change the criteria for holding asylum seekers and illegal entrants in detention. [39391]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The recently completed detention review covered all aspects of detention policy, including detention criteria. Evaluation of the review is now in the final stages and the results are expected to be made available in due course.

  Asylum Seekers
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the oral answer to the right hon. Member for North-West Cambridgeshire (Sir B. Mawhinney), on 30 March 1998,Official Report, column 882, on illegal immigrants, what is the legal basis of the rule that the position of asylum seekers is regularised after seven years; and if he will list the occasions on which the rule has been brought into operation since 1979. [39379]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Battersea (Mr. Linton) on 19 March 1998,Official Report, column 682. The legal basis for this practice is the power of the Secretary of State under the Immigration Act 1971 to grant or vary leave to enter or remain. The practice has been an undisclosed feature of decision-making on immigration since the early 1990s, but information is not available centrally on the number of occasions on which it has been followed and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. We have disclosed this practice as part of this Government's wish to be more open than previous Governments in disclosing the way in which immigration controls operate.

  Mr. Allan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will provide a breakdown, by nationality, of the number of asylum-seekers who were detained under Immigration Act powers between January and December 1997 and who were subsequently(a) recognised as refugees and (b) granted exceptional leave to remain. [40029]
  97
  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The available information, relating to the number of persons who were detained solely under Immigration Act powers at some point during 1997 and who were subsequently recognised as a refugee or granted exceptional leave to enter or remain, is given in the table. It is important to note that many of those detained are held for very brief periods, sometimes only hours, pending arrangements for their examination under the Immigration Act 1971.

  Persons detained solely under Immigration Act powers during 19971 who were subsequently granted asylum or exceptional leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom2

  Nationality

  Number granted asylum

  Number granted exceptional leave to enter or remain

  Afghanistan

  —

  79

  Albania

  4

  —

  Algeria

  15

  6

  China

  *

  —

  Colombia

  —

  3

  Ghana

  *

  *

  Iran

  9

  *

  Iraq

  5

  *

  Liberia

  —

  7

  Nigeria

  9

  *

  Poland

  *

  —

  Somalia

  14

  23

  Sri Lanka

  3

  *

  Sudan

  *

  *

  Turkey

  *

  *

  Yugoslavia

  10

  *

  Zaire

  3

  —

  Nationality doubtful

  *

  *

  Other

  9

  *

  Total

  89

  132

  1 Persons first entering, or last leaving, detention under sole Immigration Act powers during 1997. A number will have been detained for a very brief period. Data include those cases considered substantially and those initially considered under the Dublin Convention/Third Country procedures.

  2Data provisional.

  *Denotes 1 or 2.

  Departmental Reviews
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 20 January 1998,Official Report, columns 507–10, on departmental reviews, when he expects the consultative document in respect of the Review of Immigration and Asylum Appeals to be published. [39376]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The internal review of immigration and asylum appeals is complete and a consultative document will be published as soon as possible.

  Closed Circuit Television
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list budgeted expenditure on closed circuit television cameras for 1998–99 by(a) local authority and (b) police region. [39880]

  Mr. Michael
  [holding answer 27 April 1998]: It is not possible to provide the details requested. Closed circuit television (CCTV) is funded in a variety of different ways: some local authorities and local partnership groups have financed schemes directly for their area while others
  98
  have involved an element of Central Government grant. As far as the Home Office budget is concerned, £9 million is available in 1998–99 to support the development of CCTV schemes. At least £1 million will be made available through round 4 of the CCTV Challenge Competition. The bids made under round 4 are currently being assessed and we hope to announce the results in May.

  Schengen Executive Committee
  Angela Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make available the decisions and declarations adopted by the Schengen Executive Committee. [40304]

  Ms Quin
  We have placed in the Library copies of all of the decisions and declarations of the Schengen Executive Committee, and of its subordinate body the Schengen Central Group, which are part of the Schengen acquis and are in our possession, except for six documents, or parts thereof, which are classified as 'confidential' by the Schengen states. These cover the period up to and including June 1997.

  Some of the documents are incomplete and there are some others which we have not yet received; these (together with the confidential documents) are indicated in the list which accompanies the documents deposited in the Library. As soon as we receive the missing documents, and also documents issued since June 1997, we shall deposit them in the Library.

  A number of the documents are in French or German. We are endeavouring to obtain English translations of these which, when received, we will deposit in the Library.

  Under-age Drinking
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he is taking to promote the use of proof of age identity cards as a means of reducing under-age drinking; and to what timescale. [39589]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The Government's statement of 17 July 1997 set out a programme of action which had been agreed with industry interests to tackle under-age alcohol misuse. This included commitments by retailer organisations to expand the Portman Group proof of age card scheme. We shall be reviewing the industry's progress this autumn.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Lone Parents
  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what has been the expenditure on benefits to lone parents for each year since 1979; and what is the forecast expenditure for each year up to 2000(a) in terms of annual real growth, (b) in cash terms and (c) as a proportion of social security expenditure. [38996]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  [holding answer 20 April 1998]: The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is set out in the table.
  99

  Lone parents expenditure in cash and real terms (1997–98 prices) expressed as a percentage of grand total social security expenditure

  Year

  Cash prices(£ million)

  Real terms(1997–98 prices)(£ million)

  Lone parents expenditure expressed as a percentage of grand total social security expenditure

  1978–79

  596

  1,886

  4

  1979–80

  730

  1,979

  4

  1980–81

  856

  1,962

  4

  1981–82

  1,079

  2,254

  4

  1982–83

  1,394

  2,719

  4

  1983–84

  1,806

  3,366

  5

  1984–85

  2,034

  3,610

  5

  1985–86

  2,362

  3,974

  5

  1986–87

  2,638

  4,309

  6

  1987–88

  2,977

  4,617

  6

  1988–89

  3,528

  5,128

  7

  1989–90

  3,903

  5,303

  7

  1990–91

  4,680

  5,887

  8

  1991–92

  5,758

  6,808

  8

  1992–93

  7,108

  8,066

  9

  1993–94

  8,126

  8,962

  9

  1994–95

  8,853

  9,618

  10

  1995–96

  9,579

  10,126

  10

  1996–97

  10,133

  10,406

  11

  1997–98

  10,298

  10,298

  11

  1998–99

  10,785

  10,481

  11

  Note:

  1. Detailed Government expenditure plans for future years (1999–2000 to 2000–01) will be published after the completion of the Comprehensive Spending Review.

  2. Grand total social security expenditure includes the cost of administration as well as additional local authority expenditure on Housing, Community Charge and Council Tax Benefits.

  Source:

  1. The figures are taken from the March 1998 Social Security Departmental Report and earlier equivalents.

  Government Agencies and Local Authorities
  Mr. Goggins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans she has to extend joint working between Government agencies and local authorities. [38478]

  Ms Harman
  [holding answer 27 April 1998]: We want to develop a Social Security system that promotes the wider aims of welfare reform: work for those who can; security for those who cannot. We are engaged on a range of initiatives to fulfil these aims and Local Authorities have an important role to play in this process. In particular:
  pilot schemes to test the best ways of getting Income Support to those pensioners who are currently entitled but do not claim their entitlement, using the records we hold on the Department's systems like the Retirement Pension computer and Local Authority systems for Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit.the delivery of the Government's National Childcare Strategy. We are about to consult widely about our plans for a National Childcare Strategy and the proposals will set out in detail the important role envisaged for Local Authorities.working in partnership with the Benefit Fraud Inspectorate to actively promote good practice throughout the Social Security system; helping them improve their effectiveness and efficiency, while, at the same time, rooting out fraud.100 developing new ways of working to improve service delivery to clients, and to reduce duplication of effort and unnecessary administration—an Active Modern Service which helps people into work by cutting across boundaries between Agencies and Departments, between the public and voluntary sectors, and between central and local government.helping young people, lone parents, the long-term unemployed, and people with a disability or long-term illness through the New Deal—rebuilding welfare around the work ethic.

  Crisis Loans
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people have gone to interviews for crisis loans but have been unable to make applications due to a shortage of application forms in the last three months. [39774]

  Mr. Denham
  The administration of the Social Fund is a matter for Peter Mathison, the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Nick Gibb dated 27 April 1998:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent parliamentary question asking how many people have gone to interviews for crisis loans but have been unable to make applications due to a shortage of application forms in the last three months.We are not aware of any customers being unable to apply for a crisis loan due to a shortage of application forms in the last three months. However, we are aware that some offices have had difficulty in obtaining supplies of Social Fund Budgeting Loan and Community Care Grant application forms. Contingency plans have been put in place and it is anticipated that this position will be rectified shortly.I hope that this reply is helpful.

  Winter Fuel Payments
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) when the winter fuel payments were completed; [39776]

  (2) how many cases of error there have been to date in the payment of winter fuel payments, in which (a) the cheques have been dated incorrectly and(b) the cheques have been sent to people who were not eligible for them; and what are the administration costs are for correcting these mistakes. [39777]

  Mr. Oaten
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many cases of incorrect payment of the winter fuel payment have been identified as a result of out of date or incorrect addresses on official records. [39898]

  Mr. Denham
  Winter Fuel payments are one of a number of initiatives the Government have taken to help vulnerable people, especially the elderly, keep warm in the winter. A total of £400 million has been committed for two years (97/98 and 98/99), to help pensioners with fuel bills to pay. This is the first time any Government have provided additional help with heating costs to all pensioners living in the United Kingdom who receive a retirement pension or one of a number of other qualifying benefits.

  The making of this year's payments has been an enormous and unprecedented exercise. In order to establish all eligible pensioners, correctly identify pensioner households, and determine the amount each should receive, it was necessary to correlate data in around 15 million

  101
  computer records, involving 15 qualifying benefits, across nine computer systems. Overall, almost ten million pensioners, in over seven million households, have received a payment.

  The administration of winter fuel payments is a matter for Peter Mathison, the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Members.

  Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Nick Gibb, dated 27 April 1998:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Questions asking when the Winter Fuel Payments were completed and how many cases of error there have been to date in the payment of Winter Fuel Payments, in which (a) the cheques have been dated incorrectly and (b) the cheques have been sent to people who were not eligible for them; and what are the administration costs for correcting these mistakes.The making of Winter Fuel Payments to almost ten million eligible pensioners, in over seven million households, before the end of March 1998 has been a challenging task for the Benefits Agency. This was achieved whilst maintaining normal benefit business.Around one and half million of the poorest pensioners, those receiving Income Support or income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, received their payment of £50 during January. Almost eight and half million other eligible pensioners, for example those in receipt of state Retirement Pension, were issued with a payment of £20 or £10. The issue of these payments was completed by 24 March 1998.To determine whether £20 or £10 was due it has been necessary to establish whether the pensioner lived alone. Where we identified they were the only eligible pensioner in a household they received £20; where they lived with other eligible pensioners each received £10.Legislation requires that to establish whether £10 or £20 is due reference must be made to information held within official Departmental records. All the £20 and £10 payments issued have been based on information which originated from pensioners and is held within these official records.We are aware from subsequent enquiries from some pensioners that the official records available and used by my Agency did not always accurately reflect the correct, current address details. For example, two eligible pensioners living at the same address have differing address details held in official records and despite expecting to receive £10 each, have received £20 each.However, even though we have subsequently updated the address details the payments themselves remain correct. They have been made using official records which were in place at the time eligibility was determined. The legislation is framed in such a way that providing the payments made are supported by records held then there has not been an incorrect payment.We are therefore not aware of any £10 or £20 payments that have been made in error.Due to a computer operator error, 40,801 Income Support payments were sent out with an incorrect issue date on them. All these girocheques were replaced automatically within 72 hours at no cost to the Benefits Agency.Out of the 1.5 million £50 payments made to Income Support and income-based Jobseeker's Allowance pensioners in January we are aware that some payments were incorrectly made or duplicated. A total of 9,357 payments were made where information held within official records indicated payment was inappropriate. A further 211 duplicate payments were made to those pensioners who were in receipt of both Income Support and income-based Jobseeker's Allowance for at least one day during the qualifying week of 5 January 1998. Of the relevant payments this represents a 0.68% error rate.Details of the administration costs for correcting the above mistakes are not available.Thank you for the opportunity to explain the position. I hope that this is helpful.102
  Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Mark Oaten, dated 27 April 1998:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent parliamentary question asking how many cases of incorrect payment of the winter fuel payment have been identified as a result of out of date or incorrect addresses on official records.The making of Winter Fuel Payments to almost ten million eligible pensioners, in over seven million households, before the end of March 1998 has been a challenging task for the Benefits Agency. This was achieved whilst maintaining normal benefit business.Around one and half million of the poorest pensioners, those receiving Income Support or income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, received their payment of £50 during January. Almost eight and half million other eligible pensioners, for example those in receipt of a state Retirement Pension, were issued with a payment of £20 or £10. These payments were issued during March.To determine whether £20 or £10 was due, an address matching exercise was undertaken using official records held by the Department. This process aimed to establish whether each eligible pensioner was the only person entitled to a payment in the household, or was one of a number of such persons. Where more than one eligible pensioner was identified as living at an address they each received £10; where no address match was made in respect of any eligible pensioner with the address details held for all other eligible pensioners, a payment of £20 was made.The relevant legislation states that official records held by the Department shall be sufficient to determine entitlement to a payment and its amount. All the £20 and £10 payments issued have been based on information which originated from pensioners and is held within these official records.We are aware from subsequent enquiries from some pensioners that the official records available and used by the Benefits Agency did not always accurately reflect the correct, current address details. For example, two eligible pensioners living at the same address have differing address details held in official records and despite expecting to receive £10 each, have received £20 each.However, even though we have subsequently updated the address details the payments themselves remain correct. They have been made using official records which were in place at the time eligibility was determined. The legislation is framed in such a way that providing the payments made are supported by records held then there has not been an incorrect payment. We are still receiving enquiries from pensioners and do not yet know many address records were incorrect at the time payments were made.As all payments have been made in accordance with the legislative requirements there have been no incorrect payments due to address inaccuracies.Thank you for the opportunity to explain the position.

  Benefits Agency
  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if letters written by hon. Members of the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency are seen by him initially; and what procedures are followed before a reply is sent. [39729]

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

  Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. David Winnick, dated 27 April 1998:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking if letters written by honourable Members to the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency (BA) are seen by him initially; and what procedures are followed before a reply is to be sent.All the letters I receive from MPs command a personal response.103 I do not see all letters from MPs initially. My office handle all my post in the first instance and scrutinise it thoroughly to ensure any deadlines are observed or urgent cases identified and suitably fast tracked in order to give a rapid response.In the vast majority of cases, my office will, on my behalf, ask the BA Parliamentary Correspondence Section to gather sufficient specific information and detailed technical input, provide me with advice on the background to the correspondence and produce a draft reply for me to consider.In order to obtain the required information, the Parliamentary Correspondence Section will invariably refer to the relevant business unit or specialist central unit within the Agency to provide the level of detail required for a complete answer.Once a final reply has been prepared, this and the supporting advice and background information are passed to my support staff for checking to ensure all points raised are covered and the answers are factually and legally correct. The original correspondence, the checked draft and supporting documents are then examined by me and may be amended if required, before the reply is signed and dispatched to the MP.I aim to ensure that all official correspondence is replied to within 20 working days.However, if I am away from the office it is not always possible for me to personally sign the letters within this time scale. On these occasions a Benefits Agency Director will act for me and scrutinise the final draft, amend it as required, before signing it on my behalf.I hope that this reply is helpful.

  Child Support Agency
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what estimate she has made of the value of debts outstanding to the Child Support Agency; what resources are being devoted by the Agency to their recovery; and what is the average age of such debts; [39219]

  (2) how many and what percentage of outstanding debts were recovered by the Child Support Agency over the most recent period for which figures are available; what methods were employed; and in what percentage of cases litigation was pursued; [39222]

  (3) what estimate she has made of the expenditure incurred by the Child Support Agency in the recovery of debts for the most recent period for which figures are available; and what was the total amount recovered as a result. [39225]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  All children are entitled to the financial and emotional support of both their parents wherever they live. It is not right that so many absent fathers should seek to avoid paying the maintenance which their children are due. An extra £15 million is being invested in the Child Support Agency this year and next, specifically aimed at increasing the amounts of maintenance which are paid.

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

  Letter from Mrs. Faith Boardman to Mr. Archy Kirkwood, dated 27 April 1998:
  I am replying to your Parliamentary Questions to the Secretary of State for Social Security about Child Support Agency debt.I am not able to provide all of the information in the precise format that you have requested, but have provided as much as is available.104 For accounting purposes, the Agency regards amounts outstanding under full maintenance assessments as the amount of maintenance debt to be pursued. The outstanding full maintenance assessment debt at 31 March 1998 was approximately £695,726,778.The total number of cases with final maintenance assessment debt at 31 March 1998, was 294,745. Information is not available on the average age of debts or the number of cases where the Agency has rescheduled debts: re-scheduled debts are those where the Agency has negotiated an agreement with the absent parent to repay arrears by instalments. The amount of debt re-scheduled (included in the above) at 31 March 1998 was £328,214,264. This amount relates to 197,137 cases and equates to 47 per cent. of the debt and 66 per cent. of the cases.During 1997/98, the number of staff years spent on maintenance collection was 1850 at a total cost of approximately £42 million. 613 of those staff years were spent working directly on debt management, enforcement and tracing (in connection with debt recovery).Where arrears of maintenance exist, the Agency contacts the absent parent to arrange payment. The imposition of a deduction from earnings order is considered when the absent parent defaults on an agreement or refuses to come to an agreement. This step is taken as a last resort and every effort is made to secure the compliance of the absent parent before a deduction from earnings order is issued. During 1997/8 the Agency issued over 50,000 deduction from earnings orders.If all other voluntary methods have failed, and if a deduction from earnings order is not a possibility, then a liability order is applied for. The Agency's intention in such cases is to secure maintenance—it is hoped that the threat of such action will be enough to ensure compliance.Throughout the debt management and enforcement process, absent parents are given every opportunity to make a voluntary arrangement to pay off their child maintenance debt. The majority do agree to make an arrangement and only in a very small minority of cases is legal action actually taken.During 1997/8, the number of cases that were referred to Agency enforcement teams for litigation action was 17,833. The number of liability orders applied for was 2,498 and the number granted was 1,353.The Agency looks to use any and all enforcement methods legally available but experiences the same difficulties as other litigants in enforcing a civil debt. During 1997/8 we have been successful in registering debt by County Court Judgment in 522 cases. Where all other action has failed, the Agency has pursued cases for prosecution; between October 1997 and March 1998 a total of 15 suspended custodial sentences were imposed.The Agency measures its performance in securing maintenance against the target set by the Secretary of State; the target during 1997/8 was for £500 million of child maintenance to be collected or arranged for direct payment from the absent parent to the parent with care. The total achieved was approximately £547 million—the portion that was collected by the Agency was £344 million.I hope this is helpful.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Lone Parents
  Mr. Hope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what action he is taking to ensure that people in the New Deal for Lone Parents will have access to programmes which can help them get back to work. [40239]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  The vast majority of adults in the New Deal for Lone Parents are already eligible for the programmes offered by the Employment Service to help people move from welfare dependency into work. In addition, they are eligible for work based training for adults which is managed by Training and Enterprise Councils. I am pleased to announce that we are also
  105
  extending such eligibility to those in the New Deal for Lone Parents claiming benefit for less than 6 months, or who have been out of the labour market for less than 2 years. This means that everyone in New Deal for Lone Parents will be eligible for work based training for adults, Jobclub, Programme Centres, Work Trial, Jobfinder's Grant, Travel to Interview Scheme and Jobplan Workshops.

  Whilst this decision applies to England, colleagues in Scotland and Wales are considering similar action.

  New Deal (Concessionary Fares)
  Mr. Timms
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what discussions his Department has had with transport operators about transport concessions for unemployed people on the New Deal programme,(a) in London and (b) across the UK. [40030]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  We have had successful discussions with transport operators throughout the country to negotiate transport concessions for young unemployed people taking part in the New Deal. From 24 May 1998 the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) members will offer New Deal participants 50 per cent. reductions. The concessions will be available to New Deal participants who will be issued with a New Deal ID card. London Transport have also agreed to offer the reduction. New Deal participants will be entitled to a 50 per cent. discount on most standard tickets and Travelcards on London Underground and London Buses. In addition 55 agreements with bus and coach companies up and down the country, have been signed, resulting in discounts of between 50 per cent. and 80 per cent.

  School Playgrounds (Birmingham)
  Mr. Corbett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the 28 schools in Birmingham whose unsafe playgrounds are to be resurfaced with funds from the New Deal for Schools capital programme. [40090]

  Mr. Byers
  The 28 schools are:

  Hallmoor Special

  Longwill Special

  Castle Vale Nursery

  Featherstone Nursery

  Perry Beeches Nursery

  Audley Infants

  Audley Juniors

  Calshot Primary

  Firs Infant

  Green Meadow Primary

  Heathlands Primary

  Jervoise Primary

  King David Primary

  Pagenel Infant

  Pagenel Junior

  Pegasus Primary

  Perry Beeches Infant

  Perry Beeches Junior

  Sladefield Infant

  St. Laurence Junior

  106

  Timberley Primary

  Ward End Primary

  West Heath Infant

  Westminster Primary

  Wheelers Lane Junior

  Wilkes Green Junior

  Yardley Wood Primary

  Yenton Junior.

  Teacher Training (Sussex)
  Mr. Lepper
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assessment he has made of the impact on opportunities for teachers' professional development and in-service training in the Brighton and Hove, East and West Sussex and neighbouring local education authorities areas of the provisional allocation of Teacher Training Agency Inset Funds announced in February. [39883]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  I understand that the Teacher Training Agency reached its decisions on the allocation of the relevant funding on the basis of competitive bids from providers to deliver in-service training for teachers judged according to their quality in meeting identified national priorities. The Agency has issued contracts for the academic year 1998–99. It will be considering how to take account of regional impact in allocating funding for the interim bidding rounds in 1999–2000 and 2000–01. Final allocations for these and later years will be determined by the Agency in due course, taking account of the representations which have been received.

  Alcohol Misuse
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assessment he has made of the recommendations of the Task Force On Under-age Alcohol Misuse on(a) alcohol education at primary school level and (b) within teacher training courses. [39590]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  We have considered very carefully all of the education recommendations of the Task Force report. Alcohol education at primary school level is already included in the requirements for National Curriculum science at key stage 2 (7–11 year olds) as part of the programme of study covering aspects of drug education. The new curriculum for teacher training requires all teachers to address pupils' personal, moral and social development; and because of the National Curriculum requirements for drug education, all primary school teachers and secondary school science teachers will be trained in it. We continue to encourage local education authorities and individual schools to improve their coverage of alcohol issues.

WALES

  Prescription Charges
  Mr. Denzil Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) following the judgment of the European Court of Justice of 19 October 1995 on prescription charges for men and women at the age of 60 years or over, how many appeals against his Department's restriction of the effect of the judgment to the period commencing 20 July 1995 have been received; and how many were successful; [39348]
  107
  (2) how many eligible claims based on the purchase of pre-payment certificates his Department has received; and what has been the total cost to date of meeting the said claims. [39350]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  The information on how many appeals have been received against the restriction of the effect of the judgment to the period commencing 20 July 1995 could be provided only at disproportionate cost. One refund was paid for the period before 20 July 1995.

  Claims were handled on a UK basis by the Prescription Pricing Authority. The Authority paid £223,670 on 4,695 prescription prepayment certificate claims originating in Wales. The Authority paid a further £3,817 on 69 combined prescription charge refund and prescription prepayment certificate claims. We estimate that Health Authorities paid approximately £23,610 on prescription prepayment certificate claims, but information is not available centrally on the numbers of these claims.

  GPs (Out-of-hours Services)
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what guidelines he has issued to general practitioners in Wales with regard to the level of emergency cover needed out of hours and at weekends and bank holidays; what surveys he has undertaken to ascertain the effectiveness of such cover; and if he will make a statement. [39643]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  It is for individual Health Authorities to arrange for the delivery of general medical services in consultation with general practitioners within their area.

  In 1995, a number of changes were introduced which directly affected the provision of out-of-hours emergency care by GPs. The changes included the restructuring of the payment system to GPs, changes to the GPs' terms of service and the provision of an Out of Hours Development Fund.

  The intention of this Fund is to secure improvements in out-of-hours services, reduce pressure on individual GPs, and/or make more cost effective use of their time.

  The Welsh Office has commissioned an evaluation of the out-of-hours arrangements in Wales. The report is expected shortly.

  Local Government Modernisation
  Mr. Gareth Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he will publish further papers in the series "Modernising Local Government in Wales"; and if he will make a statement. [40330]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  I have today published three further papers in this series. The paper "Improving local services through best value" takes forward the Government's commitment to introduce a comprehensive regime to ensure continuous improvement in the performance of local services. Best value will also provide a much greater opportunity for local people to comment on how local services should be delivered in their areas. Best value will cover all local services and will, in due course, replace the existing compulsory competitive legislation which applies to only some local services.
  108
  The paper "Improving local accountability for council tax" sets out proposals for strengthening local accountability for levels of council tax and reducing central government's involvement in decisions on council tax levels.

  The paper "Business rates" sets out the arguments for introducing some local discretion over the business rates in the context of a strong and effective relationship between local councils and business.

  The papers are closely linked because the duty to secure best value in service delivery is a key measure in the effort to increase local accountability for financial issues. We look forward to receiving comments on all these proposals.

  Responses to the consultation exercise will be drawn on to prepare a White Paper on Local Government in Wales, which will be published in the summer.

  National Assembly
  Mr. Edwards
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement about a structure for salaries, allowances, gratuities and pensions for members of the National Assembly for Wales. [40331]

  Mr. Ron Davies
  In accordance with the undertaking made to Parliament and in the White Paper "A Voice for Wales", I have written to the Chairman of the Senior Salaries Review Body inviting him and his colleagues to consider and make recommendations on the salaries, allowances, gratuities and pensions which would be payable to members of the National Assembly for Wales. My letter sets out the full remit I am asking the SSRB to accept and I have arranged for copies to be placed in the Libraries of the House.

SCOTLAND

  Hospital Waiting Lists
  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many new patients seeking outpatient consultations in 1997 were required to wait more than nine weeks for an appointment; and what proportion of the total number of referrals these patients represent in respect of(a) Scotland and (b) each health board of residence. [38168]

  Mr. Galbraith
  [holding answer 8 April 1998]: The number of new outpatients referrals and the number and percentage of these who waited more than nine weeks for an appointment, by Health Board of residence, in the year to 31 December 1997, is shown in the table.

  NHS in Scotland—first consultant outpatient appointments of Scottish residents. Number and percentage who waited over nine weeks for an appointment during year ended 31 December 1997, by area of residence.1

  Area of residence

  Total number of referrals2

  Number who waited over 9 weeks until their appointment

  Percentage who waited over 9 weeks until their appointment

  Argyll and Clyde

  69,680

  21,872

  31.4

  Ayshire and Arran

  45,525

  10,808

  23.7

  Borders

  20,661

  4,375

  21.2

  Dumfries and Galloway

  10,791

  2,562

  23.7

  Fife

  67,753

  25,740

  38.0

  Forth Valley

  47,970

  13,728

  28.6

  109

  NHS in Scotland—first consultant outpatient appointments of Scottish residents. Number and percentage who waited over nine weeks for an appointment during year ended 31 December 1997, by area of residence.1

  Area of residence

  Total number of referrals2

  Number who waited over 9 weeks until their appointment

  Percentage who waited over 9 weeks until their appointment

  Grampian

  89,898

  23,063

  25.7

  Greater Glasgow

  215,133

  77,015

  35.8

  Highland

  41,129

  9,932

  24.2

  Lanarkshire

  109,153

  38,891

  35.6

  Lothian

  153,350

  40,922

  26.7

  Orkney

  2,205

  188

  8.5

  Shetland

  3,832

  454

  11.9

  Tayside

  88,668

  23,593

  26.6

  Western

  3,807

  816

  21.4

  Scotland

  969,555

  293,959

  30.3

  1Provisional.

  2With effect from September 1997, monitoring of performance against the nine week target for new outpatient appointments is based on referrals from General Medical and General Dental Practitioners only.

  NHS in Scotland—first consultant outpatient appointments of Scottish residents. Number and percentage who waited over nine weeks for an appointment by area of residence1

  Area of residence

  Quarter ended 30 September 1997

  Quarter ended 31 December 1997

  Total number of referrals2

  Number who waited over 9 weeks untill their appointment

  Percentage who waited over 9 weeks untill their appointment

  Total number of refferals2

  Number who waited over 9 weeks untill their appointment

  Percentage who waited over 9 weeks until their appointment

  Argyll and Clyde

  14,622

  5,034

  34.4

  14,425

  4,599

  31.9

  Ayrshire and Arran

  18,915

  5,010

  26.5

  19,462

  4,670

  24.0

  Borders

  5,259

  1,126

  21.4

  5,011

  1,112

  22.2

  Dumfries and Galloway

  4,846

  1,412

  29.1

  5,039

  1,351

  26.8

  Fife

  18,081

  7,275

  40.2

  17,666

  7,000

  39.6

  Forth Valley

  12,074

  3,908

  32.4

  12,617

  4,191

  33.2

  Grampian

  22,455

  6,657

  29.7

  22,766

  6,284

  27.6

  Greater Glasgow

  54,425

  20,802

  38.2

  57,732

  21,942

  38.0

  Highland

  10,669

  2,719

  25.5

  10,357

  2,693

  26.0

  Lanarkshire

  27,538

  10,033

  36.4

  29,993

  11,528

  38.4

  Lothian

  38,627

  11,433

  29.6

  38,687

  11,279

  29.2

  Orkney

  591

  91

  15.4

  680

  40

  5.9

  Shetland

  983

  110

  11.2

  1,066

  98

  9.2

  Tayside

  22,848

  6,495

  28.4

  21,511

  5,902

  27.4

  Western Isles

  1,089

  251

  23.1

  263

  53

  20.2

  Scotland

  253,022

  82,356

  32.6

  257,275

  82,742

  32.2

  1Provisional.

  2With effect from September 1997, monitoring of performance against the nine week target for new outpatient appointments is based on referrals from General Medical and General Dental Practitioners only.

  Source:

  ISB Scotland.

DUCHY OF LANCASTER

  Departmental Personnel
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how (1) many former Royal Navy officers of the rank of rear admiral or above are currently employed by Government departments; and what their roles are; [39937]

  (2) how many former Army officers of the rank of brigadier or above are currently employed by Government departments; and what their roles are; [39938]

  (3) how many former Royal Air Force officers of the rank of air commodore or above are currently employed by Government departments; and what their roles are. [39939]
  110
  Source:

  ISD Scotland

  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many new patients seeking outpatient consultations had been waiting for more than nine weeks for an appointment on(a) 30 September 1997, (b) 31 December 1997 and (c) 31 March 1998 in respect of (i) Scotland and (ii) each health board of residence. [38169]

  Mr. Galbraith
  [holding answer 8 April 1998]: Unlike inpatient and day case activity, there is no centrally held list of patients waiting for outpatient appointments on a given date. Progress is monitored on the basis of activity in each quarter. The number of new outpatient referrals and the number and percentage of these who waited more than nine weeks for an appointment in the quarters ended 30 September 1997 and 31 December 1997, by Health Board of residence, is given in the table. Information for the quarter ended 31 March 1998 is not yet available.

  Dr. David Clark
  The information requested is not held centrally.

  Buying Agency
  Mr. Dobbin
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what targets he has set for the Buying Agency for 1998. [40302]

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  I have set the Agency the following targets for 1998.
  Financial

  to generate a return on capital employed of 8 per cent.;

  to increase total sales by 2 per cent. on an accruals basis;

  Productivity

  to reduce the cost per £ of total savings by 2.5 per cent. on 1997 outturn;

  111

  to maintain the cost per £ of total sales at 1997 outturn;

  Customer Satisfaction

  to resolve 95 per cent. of customers' complaints received in the year within 1 month, except where explicitly agreed otherwise by the customer;

  to deliver 95 per cent. of direct orders by the due date;

  Internal Quality

  to secure re-accreditation under ISO 9001;

  Environmental

  to reduce the Agency's electricity consumption per member of staff at its headquarters by 3 per cent.

MINISTER WITHOUT PORTFOLIO

  Millennium Dome
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Minister without Portfolio, and in respect of the Millennium Experience what studies he has evaluated into the archaeological significance of the site of the Millennium Experience. [37516]

  Mr. Mandelson
  [holding answer 20 April 1998]: The Museum of London Archaeological Service (MOLAS) was commissioned by British Gas, the original owners of the site, to produce an assessment of the area of the site now occupied by the Dome. This report was issued in 1993 and concluded that this was not a site of prime archaeological significance. English Partnerships, the Government's urban regeneration agency and current owners of the site, have appointed MOLAS to carry out a watching brief during the works on site. This activity is on-going.

  A photographic survey and recording exercise of the now demolished Phoenix Wharf on the Greenwich peninsula, including a foreshore survey, were carried out by MOLAS and the Thames Archaeological Survey. English Heritage have been consulted throughout and is content with the approach being taken.

  Public Appointments
  Mrs. Lait
  To ask the Minister without Portfolio how many of the appointments to public bodies which he has made since 1 May 1997 have been from the public appointments unit list. [33240]

  Mr. Mandelson
  I have made five appointments to the New Millennium Experience Company, formerly known as Millennium Central Ltd., since 1 May 1997. None of the successful candidates were from the Public Appointments Unit List.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Lindane (Breast Cancer)
  Mr. Stinchcombe
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the possible link between Lindane and incidents of breast cancer. [38053]

  Mr. Rooker
  The Department of Health's independent Committee on Carcinogenity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment (COC) reviewed the available data on breast cancer in women and levels of lindane in serum and breast fat tissue in 1995. The Committee concluded that there was no clear evidence of an association between serum and fat levels of lindane and breast cancer at the present time, and recommended that the 112
  matter be kept under review. The Department of Health is currently conducting a search for any new scientific data on lindane and if fresh information is uncovered, this will be referred to the COC for further consideration.

  Bees
  Dr. Gibson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what guidance he has given as to which drugs are most appropriate for treating varroa disease in bees; [39359]

  (2) if he will list the preparations known by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate to be used to combat varroa in bees; and which of these preparations the Veterinary Medicines Directorate has concerns about. [39360]

  Mr. Rooker
  As my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary indicated in his statement on beekeeping on 22 April 1998,Official Report, column 772, we are considering this matter.

  BSE
  Dr. Gibson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will estimate the amount of money spent by the Government on research(a) based on the hypothesis that the only factor in BSE causation is prion protein transmitted via contaminated foodstuffs and (b) examining other possible hypotheses for BSE causation and other contributory factors. [39362]

  Mr. Rooker
  Funding on Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy (TSE) related research across all Government Departments is expected to be about £69 million during the three year period 1997–98 to 1999–2000. The national research effort is co-ordinated via the Joint TSE R&D Funders Co-ordination Group on whose figures this reply is based.

  As the causative agents responsible for TSE diseases are unknown, most of the research programme makes no assumptions on this point, but rather tries to establish what the causative agents and associated factors are, how they may be identified, how they are transmitted, what is the pathogenesis of the disease caused, how many cases of each TSE disease will occur and over what timescale. Whatever the causative agent is eventually shown to be, the most robust epidemiological evidence to date indicates that the most significant route of transmission to cattle was via contaminated feed.

  The following figures have been derived from information on TSE research funding across all Government departments. The majority of projects are not based on a single premise of cause; those which relate to identifiable causes, other than the prion hypothesis, or the investigation of causal and transmission mechanisms are included in these figures.

  In 1997–98 alone the total Government spend on TSE research was estimated at £18.82 million of which £3.25 million involved investigation of causal and transmission mechanisms. The projected spend for 1998–99 is £23.27 million of which £3.23 million is so far allocated to this type of research.

  Fishing Industry
  Mr. Andrew George
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the likely impact of EU enlargement on the British fishing fleet and the British fishing industry. [39702]

  Mr. Morley
  My assessment is that maintenance of the principle of relative stability will ensure that enlargement of the EU has minimal effect on the British fishing fleet and industry.

  Fur Farming
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the specific issues his Department assesses to require resolution before fur farming can be made illegal. [39778]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 27 April 1998]: Any prohibition on fur farming must be implemented in accordance with national and international law if it is to achieve its objective. We are currently considering these issues and an announcement will be made once we have decided how to proceed. There would be public consultation on any proposals for legislation to ban fur farming.

  Cattle Movement Service
  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how much rent will be paid by the British Cattle Movement Service in each of the first 15 years of its locations in Workington. [39230]

  Dr. John Cunningham
  My Department has a ground lease for the BCMS site at Workington which costs £3,500 per annum, subject to any rent reviews in that period. This lease covers land upon which we have erected our own building.

  Under a separate lease for a building which we have refurbished, the Ministry will pay no rent for the first three years. From 2001, we will pay a market rent for the building. The level of the rent will be the subject of negotiation at the time but it is currently estimated to be about £50,000 per annum.

  Both leases are renewable in 2007 at which time the rents would also be reviewed.

  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will place in the Library the details of his Ministry's cost benefit study undertaken to determine the site of the British Cattle Movement Service. [39232]

  Dr. John Cunningham
  A copy of the investment appraisal has been placed in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the criteria which he employed in determining the locations of the British Cattle Movement Service headquarters; and how each of the possible sites involved in the selection process was assessed against each of the site selection criteria. [39229]

  Dr. John Cunningham
  The criteria included factors such as cost, ease of recruitment and retention of staff, and whether sufficient space was available. As explained in my answer to the right hon. Member of 25 February 1998,Official Report, column 274, some 80 sites were considered, of which 7 were visited and 3 shortlisted.
  114
  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how much rent was assumed in his Ministry's cost benefit analysis on the location of the British Cattle Movement HQ for each of the first 15 years of the project for(a) Manchester, (b) Guildford and (c) Workington. [39231]

  Dr. John Cunningham
  The figures for annual accommodation costs used in the investment appraisal, including estimated rent or capital charge, and rounded to the nearest thousand points were(a) £306,000 for Manchester (b) £315,000 for Guildford and (c) £199,000 for Workington.

HEALTH

  Private Finance Initiative
  Mr. Rammell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many hospital schemes have been approved under the NHS PH scheme since 1 May 1997. [38689]

  Mr. Milburn
  25 major hospital schemes have been given approval to proceed under the Private Finance Initiative in the National Health Service since 1 May 1997, of which 5 have already signed final contracts and begun building.

  Prescription Fraud
  Mr. Syms
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received regarding the use of bar coding to reduce prescription fraud. [38693]

  Mr. Milburn
  We have received 3 letters, two supporting the use of barcodes and one against. Barcodes would primarily be used to aid the electronic transmission of prescription data. A draft policy document and appraisal framework for electronic data interchange for prescriptions was issued for consultation by the National Health Service Executive on 21 October 1997. A final version will be issued in the near future.

  NHS Staff (Consultation)
  Mr. Best
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proposals he has for annual surveys of staff views in the NHS. [38694]

  Mr. Milburn
  We have made clear that we wish to see measurable improvements in the treatment and involvement of National Health Service staff. Staff surveys are important in providing staff with the opportunity to have their say on how they are managed.

  Social Services Inspectorate
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the further reports which the social services inspectorate will publish before 7 May 1998. [38695]

  Mr. Boateng
  Two local inspection reports will be published by the Social Services Inspectorate before 7 May. They are an Inspection on Services to Carers in South Gloucestershire and, secondly, a report on the work of the Regulation and Inspection Unit in Surrey.

  Smoking
  Mr. Canavan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures he is taking to reduce the incidence of tobacco-related illnesses and deaths. [38696]

  Ms Jowell
  The Government's comprehensive strategy to reduce smoking and smoking related deaths will be set out in the Tobacco Control White Paper to be published later this year.

  In 1998/99, the Government are funding a £1 million teenage anti-smoking promotion campaign called "Respect", and a Health Education Authority adult smoking education campaign costing £5.5 million. As part of the campaign, £700,000 is being given to Quit to operate the Quitline—a telephone helpline—which offers smoking cessation advice, counselling and support.

  In addition, a wide range of health professionals, notably general practitioners, routinely offer cessation advice and support.

  Mrs. Humble
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what support the Government are giving to the Quitline smoking cessation helpline. [38709]

  Ms Jowell
  In 1998–99, Quit will receive £700,000 under contract from the Health Education Authority to run the smoking cessation helpline. This funding is made available from the Government's smoking education budget of £5.5 million.

  On 24 April Quitline celebrated the 1 millionth call to its helpline at an event I attended.

  NHS Direct
  Mr. Gareth R. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is his timetable for introducing NHS Direct nationally. [38697]

  Mr. Milburn
  The White Paper "The New NHS, Modem, Dependable" published on 9 December last year made clear our intention to have a full national NHS Direct Service in place by the end of the year 2000. Initial pilots covering over 1 million people were launched on 23 March.

  Long-term Care
  Mr. Keith Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the future of long-term care. [38698]

  Mr. Day
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the future of long-term care. [38701]

  Mr. Boateng
  We have already established a Royal Commission on long-term care for the elderly and issued priorities and planning guidance on continuing health care needs for the National Health Service; a long-term care charter is being developed and a social services White Paper will be published later this year.

  Resource Allocation
  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the allocation of resources for the winter period of 1997–98. [38699]
  116
  Mr. Milburn
  Last October we provided an additional £269 million to the National Health Service in England for use in the 1997–98 financial year. As part of this programme, nearly 1,500 initiatives were funded to ease pressures on the health and social care system during the winter period.

  Sir Sydney Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement about the allocation of resources to health authorities. [38706]

  Mr. Milburn
  We are committed to distributing hospital and community health service resources to health authorities fairly using a weighted capitation formula. This is based on the healthcare needs of the local population.

  A new advisory committee on resource allocation has been established further to improve the arrangements for distributing resources for both primary and secondary care.

  Waiting Lists
  Mrs. Brinton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the number of patients in the NHS in England who were having to wait more than 18 months for treatment as of 31 March 1997. [38700]

  Mr. Milburn
  Health authority based figures show that 143 patients were having to wait more than eighteen months for admission to hospital on 31 March 1997. Our commitment was to eliminate such unacceptably long waiting times. Provisional management information indicates that on 31 March 1998 there were no English residents waiting more than 18 months for admission to hospital.

  "Changing Childbirth"
  Audrey Wise
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the implementation of "Changing Childbirth"; and what plans he has for the future of the pilot schemes(a) at Hammersmith/Queen Charlotte's and (b) elsewhere. [38702]

  Mr. Boateng
  Woman-centred maternity care is an important principle of service planning in the National Health Service. "Changing Childbirth" has promoted multidisciplinary co-operation among professionals and encouraged the involvement of users in shaping maternity services. The shift of focus towards outcomes for users of services, as emphasised in our White Paper "The New NHS", will ensure that the ethos of "Changing Childbirth" is maintained.

  The midwifery pilot scheme at Hammersmith, Queen Charlotte's and Chelsea Hospitals is being reviewed by Ealing, Hammersmith and Hounslow Health Authority and the Hammersmith Hospital National Health Service Trust as part of a wider review of maternity services. There were a large number of local maternity initiatives resulting from "Changing Childbirth". We do not have details of those which were not centrally funded. We will be publishing a report within the next few months which summarises the "Changing Childbirth" development projects funded by the Department.

  Recruitment and Retention
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action he is taking to improve NHS staff recruitment and retention. [38703]

  Mr. Milburn
  We are employing a twin strategy by increasing training levels and investing in initiatives to improve the recruitment, retention and return to practice of trained staff and encourage flexible and family-friendly ways of working. We have included provision for an extra 990 new doctor training places and 1,700 new nurse training places. New student funding arrangements are being introduced which will mean a better deal for all health care professional students. From September 1998 the non-means tested bursary payable to students on nursing and midwifery diploma courses will increase by 2.75 per cent. We have also made available £14.4 million to support recruitment and retention initiatives such as return to practice programmes. A £1.2 million national nursing advertising campaign is currently underway. Early results show that the campaign has been running since the beginning of January and has so far attracted 12,500 responses, which is very encouraging. In addition a resource pack was made available in March to help local managers develop and expand their recruitment and retention programmes, using the momentum built up by the national nursing publicity campaign. Although the pack concentrates on nursing, the key messages cross all professions.

  Community Hospitals
  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on policy on community hospitals. [38704]

  Mr. Milburn
  As part of our plans for modernising the National Health Service we shall be working with health authorities and the professions to determine the best configurations of services, including the balance of acute and community services.

  The future role of community hospitals will be part of this important debate.

  National Blood Authority
  Maria Eagle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to reform the management and administration of the National Blood Authority. [38705]

  Mrs. Ellman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the Cash report and the future of the blood service in Merseyside. [38414]

  Mr. Milburn
  I refer my hon. Friends to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State on 8 April 1998,Official Report, column 353.

  Millennium Compliance
  Mr. David Atkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on progress towards millennium readiness of computer systems and embedded chips within the NHS. [38707]

  Mr. Milburn
  Over 99 per cent. of all National Health Service organisations have now submitted reports to their regional offices in response to the 31 March deadline detailed in executive letter EL(97)59. This executive letter,118
  issued last October to all chief executives, required that the submission include detailed project plans, inventories and cost estimates. It is anticipated that, by the end of April, submissions will have been received from the very few remaining NHS organisations.

  New Deal
  Mr. Sawford
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proposals he has to extend the new deal to the NHS. [38708]

  Mr. Milburn
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given today to my hon. Friend the Member for Chatham and Aylesford (Mr. Shaw).

  Teaching Hospitals (West Midlands)
  Mr. Purchase
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make it his policy to increase the number of teaching hospitals in the west midlands. [38710]

  Mr. Milburn
  Since 1993, changes in the delivery of the undergraduate medical curriculum have spread teaching to a wider variety of settings than the traditional teaching hospitals.

  Clinical training for medical undergraduates is currently carried out in twenty eight trusts and eighty two general practices in the west midlands. The selection of suitable venues for training is for local decision. There is no evidence that there are insufficient placements to meet the demand for clinical training in the west midlands region at the present time.

  Rural Pharmacies
  Mr. Todd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he has taken to secure the provision of rural pharmacies. [38690]

  Mr. Milburn
  All health authorities are required by law to arrange access to adequate pharmaceutical services, and all health authorities do so. To help them, we have the Essential Small Pharmacies Scheme which guarantees a minimum level of National Health Service income for pharmacies more than one kilometre from the next pharmacy.

  Ovarian Cancer
  Ms Stuart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidelines are issued to health authorities for the use of Taxol in the treatment of ovarian cancer. [38691]

  Mr. Boateng
  The Department of Health looks to the medical profession to formulate guidelines for treatment. Clinical trials are still underway on the place of "Taxol" in the treatment of ovarian cancer. I understand that the latest results are due to be presented at the meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology next month and we look forward to discussion with the profession after that. It would be premature to issue guidelines for its use until sufficient evidence is available.

  Controlled Drugs
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what expenditure his Department has(a) incurred and (b) planned for addressing the health problems created by the use of controlled drugs which was not planned for on 1 May 1997. [39392]
  119
  Mr. Milburn
  Expenditure in 1997/98 was within the framework of existing plans. For 1998/99, the Department has, within existing resources increased the special drug misuse allocation to health authorities for the development of services for drug misusers from £37.2 million to £41.3 million; agreed to grants of £1.3 million for a number of voluntary organisations carrying out drug treatment and prevention work under Section 64 of the Health Services and Public Health Act 1968; placed a £2 million contract with the Health Education Authority; and planned to invest a further £3 million on drug prevention activity during the course of the year.

  My right hon. Friend the President of the Council announced publication of the new drugs strategy on 27 April 1998, Official Report, columns 26–41. All future anti-drugs activity and expenditure by the Government will then be developed in accordance with this strategy.

  Prescription Charges
  Mr. Denzil Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) following the judgment of the European Court of Justice of 19 October 1995 on the equalisation of prescription charges for men and women at the age of 60 years or over, how many appeals against his Department's restriction of the effect of the judgment to the period commencing 20 July 1995 have been received; and how many were successful; [39347]

  (2) following the judgment of the European Court of Justice of 19 October 1995, on prescription charges for men and women aged 60 years and over, how many eligible claims based on the purchase of pre-payment certificates his Department has received; and what has been the total cost to date of meeting the said claims. [39349]

  Mr. Milburn
  The information on how many appeals have been received against the restriction of the effect of the judgment to the period commencing 20 July 1995 could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Two refunds were paid for the period before 20 July 1995.

  The Prescription Pricing Authority authorised £2,529,016 on 54,722 prescription prepayment certificate claims. The Prescription Pricing Authority authorised a further £50,948 on 901 combined prescription charge refund and prescription prepayment certificate claims. We estimate that health authorities authorised some £437,000 on prescription prepayment certificate claims, but information is not available centrally on the numbers of these claims.

  Kingston and West Middlesex Hospitals
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what changes have taken place in staffing levels since 1 May 1997 in respect of(a) administrative personnel and (b) nursing staff in (i) Kingston Hospital and (ii) West Middlesex Hospital. [39476]

  Mr. Milburn
  Figures on staffing levels in National Health Service trusts from the Department's September 1997 non-medical workforce census are not yet available.

  The hon. Member may wish to contact Sir William Rous, Chairman of Kingston Hospital NHS Trust and Jane Kelly, Chairman of West Middlesex Hospital NHS Trust for details.

  Hip Replacements
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the waiting lists for hip replacement operations by hospital trust on(a) 31 March 1997 and (b) 31 March 1998. [39618]

  Mr. Milburn
  Waiting list information collected centrally is specialty based and does not show numbers of patients waiting for particular procedures.

  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what is the Government's target for the maximum period for which a patient should have to wait for a hip replacement operation; [39955]

  (2) how many patients in the Colchester constituency are awaiting hip replacement operations; what is the average length of time a patient has to wait; and what measures are to be taken to reduce the waiting time. [39954]

  Mr. Milburn
  The information requested about patients awaiting hip replacement operations in the Colchester constituency area is not available centrally. Last November my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State promised that by 31 March 1998 no patient would wait more than eighteen months for admission to hospital. Provisional management information indicates we achieved this in England. We are also committed to reducing waiting lists to 100,000 below the level we inherited by the end of the present Parliament. As the numbers of patients awaiting admission to hospital start to reduce, average waiting times should also begin to fall.

  Breast Cancer
  Mr. Stinchcombe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many breast screening units(a) failed to reach the national minimum standard for breast cancer detection in 1997, (b) reached the national minimum standard for breast cancer detection in 1997 but failed to reach the national expected standard and (c) reached the national expected standard for breast cancer detection in 1997; and if he will indicate for (a) to (c) how many of the units used (i) single and (ii) two view mammography at incident breast screening rounds. [39564]

  Mr. Boateng
  Annual data on the breast screening programme are for the period 1 April to 31 March. Data for 1997–98 will not be available until early 1999, when all women screened between 1 April 1997 and 31 March 1998 will have undergone appropriate follow-up and cancer detection rates identified.

  For figures for 1996–97 I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave on 7 April 1998, Official Report, columns 193–94.

  Mr. Stinchcombe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assumptions are made about take-up rates in the over 65 years age group for breast cancer screening when the Government allocate funding to health authorities. [39562]

  Mr. Boateng
  The National Health Service breast screening programme invites women aged 50–64 for screening by mammography every three years, with screening for older women available three-yearly on request.
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  Health authorities are given general allocations to commission all hospital and community health services for their resident population.

  It is for individual health authorities to decide the level and type of services commissioned, in partnership with local general practitioners and through consultation with other agencies and local people, taking account of local circumstances and national policies and priorities.

  Diabetes
  Mr. Alan Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proposals he has to make pen needles for insulin dependent diabetics available on prescription. [39725]

  Mr. Milburn
  We are currently considering whether general practitioners should be allowed to prescribe insulin injection pen needles on the National Health Service. As I announced on 20 November 1997,Official Report, column 529, I have asked officials in the Department to examine, in discussions with interested parties if necessary, whether we can be more certain on the costs. They have held a number of meetings with the major suppliers.

  Mentally Disordered Patients (Deaths)
  Mr. Hurst
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the average length of time between the start of an inquiry and the publication of the report for inquiries established under HSG (94)27 of 10 May 1994 into deaths involving mentally-disordered patients. [39744]

  Mr. Boateng
  This information is not held centrally. The length of time taken by independent inquiries set up under HSG(94)27 can vary considerably, depending, for example on the complexity of a particular case, the range of services involved and the difficulty in obtaining evidence.

  Non-UK Citizens
  Dr. Ladyman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what(a) regulations and (b) guidelines govern the treatment of non-UK citizens by the National Health Service; and what checks are made to ensure that only those entitled to treatment receive it. [39734]

  Mr. Milburn
  Regulations on the subject of charges for accommodation, services and other facilities provided as part of the health service in respect of people not ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom (overseas visitors) were first made in 1982. The current Regulations are The National Health Service (Charges to Overseas Visitors) Regulations 1989 (Statutory Instrument 1989/306) as amended by The NHS (Charges to Overseas Visitors) Amendment Regulations 1991 (SI 1991/438) and The NHS (Charges to Overseas Visitors) (Amendment) Regulations 1994 (SI 1994/1535). These Regulations apply to England and Wales.

  A manual of guidance was issued to all hospitals in 1988 with additional information provided in 1990, 1991 and 1994. The manual includes details of a two stage process for identifying patients who may be subject to the Overseas Visitors Regulations. Stage one should be applied to all patients attending hospital for the first time or commencing a new episode of treatment (unless the treatment is one which is specifically excluded from
  122
  charges). The majority of patients will be found to be not liable for charges at stage one. Stage two interviews should be carried out by an officer of supervisory or equivalent grade and are designed to establish the patient's status with regard to the Overseas Visitors Regulations. Copies of the manual of guidance are available in the Library.

  CD-ROMs
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will provide a discount to public libraries on the Health CD-ROM disk 5 due to be published in June; and if he will make a statement. [39908]

  Mr. Milburn
  With effect from its next issue (No. 5 provisionally due June 1998) Health-CD will be covered by the public library subsidy scheme administered by Her Majesty's Stationery Office (HMSO). This scheme enables local authority funded public libraries to benefit from a 50 per cent. discount, applied at the point of sale.

  Social Care
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many social care waiters there are in acute hospitals in Essex; and what the figure is for each of the home counties and each London borough. [40094]

  Mr. Milburn
  The information requested is not available in the format requested.

  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of special transitional grant relating to care in the community has been spent in each year since 1993–94 on elderly people(a) in Essex and (b) in the rest of England; and if he will make a statement. [40093]

  Mr. Boateng
  The special transitional grant is allocated for community care. Monitoring processes do not collect information on the amount of the special transitional grant spent on particular client groups.

  Public Health
  Mr. Timms
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what objectives he has set for the Health Action Zone in East London and the City. [38683]

  Mr. Milburn
  We expect health action zones (HAZ) to deliver within their area measurable improvements in public health and in the quality of treatment and care. The East London and City HAZ plans particularly to address the health needs of young people, to improve access to services and to work with highly disadvantaged communities to improve their health. The HAZ partnership has committed itself to improve mental health and reduce deaths from coronary heart disease and stroke.

  Psychiatric Services
  Mr. Flight
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what aggregate changes he forecasts in the levels of health authority budgets for mental health and care expenditure in 1999. [38692]

  Mr. Boateng
  Resources are not allocated to fund particular services or costs. It is for health authorities and general practitioners to use resources to plan and arrange services for their residents, following an assessment of their needs, and to make decisions about the level of resources required for any particular service.

  Abortions and Conceptions in Under 16 Year-olds
  Abortions and Conceptions in Under 16 Year-olds
  Millennium Experience and Previous Exhibitions: Costs
  Millennium Experience and Previous Exhibitions: Costs
  Reserve Forces: Service with Regular Army
  Reserve Forces: Service with Regular Army
  Aviation Safety
  Aviation Safety
  Life Peers: Age at Ennoblement
  Life Peers: Age at Ennoblement
  Asylum System: Backlog
  Asylum System: Backlog
  Schengen Executive Committee Declarations
  Schengen Executive Committee Declarations
  Conception Rates: Under 16 Year-olds
  Conception Rates: Under 16 Year-olds
  Nicotine Replacement Therapies
  Nicotine Replacement Therapies
  Hammersmith Bridge
  Hammersmith Bridge
  Seat Belts: Wearing Rates
  Seat Belts: Wearing Rates
  Gypsy Caravan Count
  Gypsy Caravan Count
  EC Treaty: Derogation from Principle of Non-discrimination
  EC Treaty: Derogation from Principle of Non-discrimination
  Spent Nuclear Fuel
  Spent Nuclear Fuel