Written Answers of 16 February 1998

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  Social Exclusion
  Mr. Gardiner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what action his Department is taking to assist the Government's initiative on social exclusion. [27592]

  Mr. Gerrard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on the role of his Department in combating social exclusion. [27610]

  Mr. Tom Clarke
  My Department is working with the Social Exclusion Unit to ensure that we make the fullest use of opportunities for all DCMS sectors to play their part in helping to tackle the problems of social exclusion.

  Royal Opera House
  Mr. Baldry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what representations he has received on the management of the Royal Opera house. [27596]

  Mr. Fisher
  My Department has received approaching 1,300 letters on the issue of opera. A number of these has addressed the question of management of the Royal Opera House.

  Media Diversity
  Mr. Mullin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what recent discussions he has had with Rupert Murdoch or his representatives on diversity in the British media; and if he will make a statement. [27597]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  I have not held any meetings with Mr. Murdoch or his representatives from News International or News Corporation since the election last May. I have indeed met Mr. Mark Booth, the Chief Executive of BSkyB, in which News International has a 40 per cent. shareholding, to discuss a range of broadcasting issues.

  Public Libraries
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans he has to encourage the use of libraries by children. [27599]

  Mr. Fisher
  It is very important that children are introduced to the wealth of information available in libraries at an early age. This is primarily the responsibility of local library authorities, but the Government have role in establishing the framework for the delivery of public library services. My Department therefore requires all library authorities to report on their services to children in their Annual Library Plans.
  450
  Ms Beverley Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans he has to encourage use of information technology in libraries. [27605]

  Mr. Fisher
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave earlier today to my hon. Friend the Member for Luton, South (Ms Moran).

  National Lottery (Disbursement)
  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on the equity of lottery funds distribution as between London and the rest of the United Kingdom. [27602]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  In our White Paper, "The People's Lottery" we made it clear that we wish to see Lottery funds allocated fairly and equitably in the light of need across all regions and parts of the United Kingdom. I am pursuing this through measures in our Lottery Bill and through changes to the Policy Directions which I issue to distributors.

  Press Complaints Commission
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when he plans to meet the chairman of the Press Complaints Commission to discuss its code of practice. [27604]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  On 25 September 1997 I welcomed Lord Wakeham's proposals for strengthening the newspaper industry's code of practice, and added that I intended to discuss further protection for people in all walks of life with him. I propose to do so in due course.

  National Lottery (East Anglia)
  Mrs. Brinton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans he has to ensure that national lottery distributors take account of local needs in the East Anglian region. [27607]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  The Lottery Bill will require distributors to produce strategic plans for their funding activities, which reflect their assessment of needs. The plans will be drawn up after wide consultation, which will include local authorities and other local and regional interests.

  Tourism Forum
  Mr. Sutcliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how the new Tourism Forum will help the tourism industry in the Yorkshire region. [27612]

  Mr. Tom Clarke
  I am working closely with the Tourism Forum and its Working Groups to develop an effective, comprehensive strategy for tourism which will benefit all regions, including Yorkshire, into the next century.

  Health Care Projects
  Mr. Beard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what representations he has received on his proposals for a sixth good cause from health care projects in the Bexley and Greenwich area of south-east London. [27613]
  451
  Mr. Chris Smith
  I have received no such representations.

  National Lottery (Women's Interests)
  Ms Keeble
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps he is taking to ensure women's interests are properly reflected in lottery awards. [27608]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  Securing access to the benefits of the Lottery for everyone is a fundamental aspect of our policy on Lottery distribution. Among our proposals which I expect to benefit women particularly are funding for out of school child care and healthy living centres, and distributors' plans for a one-stop shop service for community grants.

  Television Licences
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list those categories of person entitled to concessionary television licences; if he will review the scheme; and if he will make a statement. [29274]

  Mr. Fisher
  [holding answer 13February1998]:Entitlement to the concessionary television licence is determined by the accommodation occupied and the way it is provided or managed. Details of the qualifying criteria are set out in a leaflet prepared by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, copies of which have been placed in the Libraries of the House.

  The Government's Agreement with the BBC provides for a review of future funding arrangements prior to March 2002. We shall conduct that review in good time to allow decisions to be taken before then. It will include a detailed consideration of licence fee concessions. However, there are no plans for changes to the concessionary scheme in advance of that review.

  Film Industry
  Mr. Hopkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans he has to encourage overseas film-makers to use British studios and expertise. [27703]

  Mr. Tom Clarke
  I am currently co-chairing with Stewart Till of PolyGram Filmed Entertainment a Film Policy Review which, amongst other things, is looking at further ways of promoting inward investment into the UK.

  The British Film Commission and the network of regional film commissions already undertake work to encourage overseas film production to this country.

  In addition, the introduction in the Budget of accelerated 100 per cent. write-off on film production and acquisition has been widely welcomed as an incentive to increase investment. The British Screen Advisory Council has estimated that the new tax relief will generate a 31 per cent. increase in investment in film production over the next three years.
  452

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  Radioactive Material
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what recent estimate has been made by his Department or its non-departmental public bodies or consultants reporting to his Department of the number of radioactive packages(a) imported into, (b) exported from and (c) transported within the United Kingdom within the most recent year for which figures are available; and if he will outline the conditions under which any shipment of radioactive material has to be notified in advance to his Department. [27988]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Data on the number of radioactive packages transported into, from and within the UK are not collected by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions or by the Environment Agency. However, it can be estimated that of the order of 500,000 packages of radioactive material are carried by road annually in the United Kingdom (source: Radiation Exposure from the Normal Transport of Radioactive Materials within the UK 1991 Review, by R. Gelder, NRPB Report NRPB-R255, a copy of which is held in the Library).

  Requirements for notification in advance of shipment are given in paragraph 456 of the International Atomic Energy Agency's Regulations for the Safe Transport of Radioactive Material 1985 Edition (As Amended 1990), a copy of which is held in the Library. Notification is required for:
  all type B(M) packages; all transports made under special arrangement; and any type B(U) packages containing radioactive material in excess of defined quantities.

  Freight
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the amounts of freight transported in England and Wales in 1996. [28009]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  1,724 Million tonnes of freight was loaded for transport by road, water and pipeline in England and Wales in 1996. Information for rail freight is available only for GB as a whole. In 1996 a total of 100 million tonnes was loaded for transport by rail for delivery within GB. There will be an element of double counting in these figures as some freight shipments will be transported by more than one mode in a single journey.

  Rail Services
  Dr. Iddon
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list(a) the percentage of scheduled rail services cancelled or which failed to reach their final destination, (b) the percentage of scheduled rail services which ran to within 10 minutes of the scheduled arrival time and (c) the subsidy per 1,000 km of scheduled train mileage in (i) 1997 and (ii) 1992. [28611]
  453
  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Passenger's Charter Performance figures for the years in question are:

  Percentage

  1997

  1992–93

  Punctuality1

  90.3

  89.7

  Reliability2

  98.8

  98.7

  1 Percentage of trains arriving within 5 or 10 minutes of scheduled time.

  2 Percentage of trains which were not cancelled or terminated before destination.

  Note:

  Full details of the methods for calculating the punctuality and reliability measures for individual train operating companies are set out in the Office of Passenger Rail Franchising's Performance Bulletin.

  Information on subsidy per 1,000km of scheduled train mileage is not available. Estimates of grant paid per 1,000 passenger kilometres are:

  Year

  £

  1997–98

  152.17

  1992–93

  241.04

  1 Based on estimated outturn OPRAF grant and Metropolitan Special Grants to PTAs of £1,800 million and 34.5 billion passenger Km.

  2 Based on Central Government and PTE grants paid to British Rail of £1,301 million and 31.7 billion passenger Km.

  Note:

  Figures in outturn prices.

  Energy-to-waste Facilities
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what independent scientific advice he has evaluated on the quality of emissions from energy to waste facilities. [28508]

  Angela Eagle
  The Environment Agency is responsible for authorising emissions to air, water and land from large scale energy from waste facilities under the integrated pollution control system.

  The Agency publishes guidance to its inspectors on the standards with which such plant should comply. This guidance takes account of the Agency's own technical expertise, advice of consultants, non-governmental organisations and industry, and other relevant studies and reports from the UK and around the world.

  Alcohol (Petrol Stations)
  Ms Shipley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what research his Department has undertaken into the safety aspects of people buying alcohol from garages and petrol stations when driving. [28325]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  I appreciate my hon. Friend's concern about the sale of alcohol at garages and petrol stations. At present there are few outlets of this kind and it would be difficult to mount a representative survey. We are not aware of any significant problem of drivers who consume alcohol purchased at off-licences during journeys. Driving after drinking at public houses and similar establishments is a far more widespread problem.
  454

  Railtrack
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to tighten the regulatory regime under which Railtrack operates. [28605]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  We want to make regulation of the rail industry more effective and accountable. We shall announce proposals in the Spring.

  Langstone Harbour
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if pollution in Langstone Harbour has resulted in the reclassification of shellfish; what assessment he has made of the effects on the local fishing industry; and if he will make a statement. [28651]

  Angela Eagle
  Classification of shellfish production areas, as required by the Shellfish Hygiene Directive, lays down health conditions for the production and marketing of live bivalve molluscs (such as oysters, mussels, clams). Under this system, shellfish harvesting waters at the northern end of Langstone harbour were downgraded in 1994 from category B to category C (which meant that shellfish products required a longer period of cleansing or heat treatment, before being offered for sale). Waters elsewhere in the Harbour remained category B. This reflects a monitored deterioration in water quality which may have been due to increased pollution from one or more sources such as a sewage treatment works, riverine inputs or run-off from agricultural land. There has been no further reclassification of shellfish waters in Langstone Harbour.

  Waste Water Treatment
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the impact of capital investment restrictions on the amount of finance water companies put into the upgrading of waste water treatment facilities. [28647]

  Angela Eagle
  We do not place restrictions on capital investment by the private sector water companies in England and Wales. In setting price limits, the Director General of Water Services takes account of the needs of water companies to finance the investment necessary to meet required standards, including standards for waste water treatment.

  Ofwat
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what are OFWAT's K factor predictions for each of the next 10 years. [28648]

  Angela Eagle
  The table lists the K factors determined by the Director General of Water Services, taking into account any subsequent adjustments, for each of the water
  455
  and sewerage companies and water supply companies in England and Wales for each of the years 1997–98 to 2004–05. K factors for the years 2000–01 to 2004–05 will

  K (percentage)

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  2001–02

  2002–03

  2003–04

  2004–05

  Water and sewerage companies

  Anglian

  1.5

  1.5

  1.5

  1.5

  1.5

  1.5

  1.5

  1.5

  Dwr Cymru

  0.5

  0.5

  0.5

  0.5

  0.5

  0.5

  0.5

  0.5

  North West

  2.5

  2.5

  2.5

  0.0

  0.0

  0.0

  0.0

  0.0

  Northumbrian

  1.9

  1.4

  -2.1

  2.0

  2.0

  2.0

  2.0

  2.0

  Severn Trent

  0.5

  0.5

  0.5

  0.0

  0.0

  0.0

  0.0

  0.0

  South West

  1.0

  1.0

  1.0

  0.0

  0.0

  0.0

  0.0

  0.0

  Southern

  4.0

  4.0

  4.0

  3.0

  3.0

  3.0

  3.0

  3.0

  Thames

  0.5

  0.5

  0.5

  0.5

  0.5

  0.5

  0.5

  0.5

  Wessex

  1.5

  1.5

  1.5

  0.5

  0.5

  0.5

  0.5

  0.5

  Yorkshire

  0.0

  2.5

  2.5

  0.0

  0.0

  0.0

  0.0

  0.0

  Water supply companies

  Bournemouth and West Hampshire

  -0.5

  -0.5

  -0.5

  -0.5

  -0.5

  -0.5

  -0.5

  -0.5

  Bristol

  1.0

  1.0

  1.0

  -3.0

  -3.0

  -3.0

  -3.0

  -3.0

  Cambridge

  -2.0

  -2.0

  -2.0

  -2.0

  -2.0

  -2.0

  -2.0

  -2.0

  Chester

  -1.0

  -1.0

  -1.0

  -1.5

  -1.5

  -1.5

  -1.5

  -1.5

  Cholderton

  0.0

  0

  0.0

  0.0

  0.0

  0.0

  0.0

  0.0

  Essex and Suffolk

  2.0

  2.0

  2.0

  -1.5

  -1.5

  -1.5

  -1.5

  -1.5

  Folkestone and Dover

  -0.5

  -0.5

  -0.5

  -1.0

  -1.0

  -1.0

  -1.0

  -1.0

  Hartlepool

  1.5

  1.5

  1.5

  0.5

  0.5

  0.5

  0.5

  0.5

  Mid Kent

  1.0

  1.0

  1.0

  -1.0

  -1.0

  -1.0

  -1.0

  -1.0

  Mid Southern

  -1.0

  -1.0

  -1.0

  -1.0

  -1.0

  -1.0

  -1.0

  -1.0

  North Surrey

  2.0

  2.0

  2.0

  -1.5

  -1.5

  -1.5

  -1.5

  -1.5

  Portsmouth

  -1.5

  -1.5

  -1.5

  -1.5

  -1.5

  -1.5

  -1.5

  -1.5

  South East

  -1.0

  -1.0

  -1.0

  -1.0

  -1.0

  -1.0

  -1.0

  -1.0

  South Staffordshire

  -0.5

  -0.5

  -0.5

  -1.0

  -1.0

  -1.0

  -1.0

  -1.0

  Sutton and East Surrey

  -1.2

  -1.2

  -4.7

  -1.5

  -1.5

  1.5

  -1.5

  -1.5

  Tendring Hundred

  -0.5

  -0.5

  -0.5

  -0.5

  -0.5

  -0.5

  -0.5

  -0.5

  Three Valleys

  2.5

  2.5

  2.5

  -1.0

  -1.0

  -1.0

  -1.0

  -1.0

  Wrexham

  -2.0

  -2.0

  -2.0

  -2.0

  -2.0

  -2.0

  -2.0

  -2.0

  York

  0.0

  0.0

  0.0

  0.0

  0.0

  0.0

  0.0

  0.0

  Water Quality
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps OFWAT is taking to improve water quality standards. [28701]

  Angela Eagle
  The regulation and enforcement of water quality is principally the responsibility of the Environment Agency, in respect of the water environment, and the Drinking Water Inspectorate, in respect of drinking water quality. Water companies themselves have the responsibility to ensure that they meet the quality standards set by legislation and enforced by those regulators. The Director General of Water Services has a primary statutory duty to secure that water companies properly carry out, and are able to finance, their functions. He also has general duties including one to further conservation of, among other things, flora and fauna, and one to take account of the effect of proposals on flora and fauna, but he is not responsible for improving water quality.

  Water Industry
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will review the relationship between the Environment Agency, OFWAT and the water companies. [28634]
  456
  be redetermined by the Director General at the 1999 periodic review of prices. No K factors have yet been determined for subsequent years.

  Angela Eagle
  The Government are reviewing the regulation of the utilities, including the water companies and the role of the Director General of Water Services. There are no present plans to review the relationship between the Environment Agency and either the Director General or the water companies.

  Water Charges
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what progress his Department has made with regard to future policy for water charges; and if he will make a statement. [28683]

  Angela Eagle
  The Government are reviewing the system of charging for water and sewerage services and will make proposals on water charging in a consultation paper to be issued shortly.

  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate his Department has made of the number of domestic water consumers(a) who have chosen to have water meters installed and (b) who now live in properties with water meters where there is no rateable value. [28682]

  Angela Eagle
  (a) The Office of Water Services reports that between 1990–91 and 1996–97 inclusive, 500,453 household customers in England and Wales opted to have

  457
  water meters installed. Figures for earlier years do not identify whether meters were installed at the customer's request.

  (b) No separate figures are kept for the number of metered households in properties with no rateable value.

  Mr. Todd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will introduce an obligation on water companies to provide a free meter installation service for customers. [28721]

  Angela Eagle
  Most water companies already provide free meter installation in some or all circumstances for household customers on request. The installation and use of meters is being considered as part of the Government's review of the system of charging for water and sewerage services. We shall make proposals on water charging in a consultation paper to be issued shortly.

  Channel Tunnel Rail Link
  Mr. Rowe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he will take to ensure that any undertakings made by London and Continental (Union Railway) to affected parties on the route of the CTRL outside their parliamentary undertakings will be honoured by any successor company. [28679]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  As my right hon. Friend explained in his statement of 28 January 1998,Official Report, columns 461–74, the CTRL Development Agreement provides for London and Continental Railways to come forward with revised funding proposals in the following 30 days. The question raised by the hon. Member does not, therefore, arise at this point.

  Mrs. Lait
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what noise and pollution alleviation measures for residents in London will be required for those proposing to construct the high speed Channel Tunnel rail link. [29497]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  In designing and constructing works authorised by the Channel Tunnel Rail Link Act 1996, the nominated undertaker must comply with certain Environmental Minimum Requirements, including a Code of Construction Practice. In preparing submissions for approval by local planning authorities under the Act, the nominated undertaker must take into account various objectives and measures set out in the Code. The Code also requires the preparation and implementation of several Environmental Management Plans, including ones for Traffic, Dust and Noise and Vibration.

  Driving Licence (Elderly People)
  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will require drivers aged 70 years and over to have their health questionnaire from the DVLA countersigned by their family doctor. [28895]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  We have no current plans to change the present arrangements under which applicants, of whatever age, for issue or renewal of ordinary driving licences are required to declare any relevant or prospective disabilities. False declaration is a serious offence. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency makes further inquiries of doctors or specialists where necessary.
  458

  Vehicle Imports
  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will limit the charges vehicle manufacturers can levy to issue a certificate of compliance when importing vehicles; and if he will make a statement. [28958]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  There are no current plans to introduce a limit. The charge manufacturers may make for issuing a Certificate of Conformity in relation to a vehicle Type Approval is effectively part of the cost of the vehicle and is not prescribed. To assist the movement of vehicles between member states in the EU, the European Commission has issued guidance which says that charges should be reasonable and not exceed about £67.

  Heavy Goods Vehicles
  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what action his Department took to ensure that drivers of 3.5 tonne vehicles were properly notified of the change in status of their vehicles to heavy goods vehicles; and if he will make a statement. [28957]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  There has been no change in the classification of goods vehicles between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes, which remain "light goods vehicles". The only recent change relating to such vehicles concerns driving licences. Since 1 January 1997 higher health standards and a separate driving test have applied to new drivers. The higher health requirements have also applied since 1 January 1998 to pre-1997 car licence holders with automatic entitlement to drive such vehicles wishing to renew that entitlement group when their car licence expires. These requirements also apply to minibuses with 9–16 passenger seats. This change was publicised in a Department of Transport Press Notice (No. 129) of 12 June 1997. The driver and Vehicle Licencing Agency also notify drivers before their existing licences expire.

  Severn Bridge Tolls
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received on charging one-way tolls on the Severn Bridge; if he will review the policy of one-way tolls on the bridge; and if he will make a statement. [28363]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  [holding answer 10 February 1998]: Representations from local authorities have been received on this matter and in liaison with those authorities we have carried out studies to determine to what extent one-way or two-way tolling can lead to traffic diversion. These studies have not provided evidence that the benefits of a change to two-way tolling would justify the costs involved.

  Goods Vehicle Operator Licences
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will introduce legislation to make parish councils statutory consultees when awards of goods vehicle operator licences are being considered. [28364]
  459
  Ms Glenda Jackson
  [holding answer 10 February 1998]: I am aware that a number of parish councils favour a statutory right of objection to applications for goods vehicle operator licences. This would require primary legislation and there would first need to be full consultation. We are currently reviewing this issue, but I would encourage local authorities to take the views of parish councils into account when considering whether to use their statutory right of objection.

  Road Safety
  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions in what proportion of road deaths he estimates alcohol is a contributing factor; and if he will make a statement. [28953]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  In 1996, a total of 15,500 people were killed or injured in accidents involving a driver over the legal limit of 80 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood. Of those, an estimated 540 were fatalities. Records of the blood or breath alcohol reading of a driver involved in an accident are not normally kept in cases where the level is below the legal limit.

  The consultation paper "Combating drink driving: next steps" reviews the available data on drink-drive accidents and estimates the likely effect of a reduction in the legal blood alcohol limit. Copies have been placed in the Library.

  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proportion of road accidents and deaths are caused by (i) excessive lorry driver hours, (ii) tachograph interference and (iii) defective lorries; and if he will make a statement. [28954]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Comprehensive information is not collected on causation factors in road accidents. It is not therefore possible to supply the specific information requested. The Department is, however, undertaking a number of research projects in order to improve its knowledge of accident causation generally. We are also planning research into the relationship between driving and working hours and fatigue related accidents.

  Integrated Transport
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what environmental appraisal will be undertaken of the implications of the Integrated Transport White Paper. [29019]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Environmental issues will be at the heart of the Integrated Transport White Paper. The policies under consideration for the White Paper are being appraised against their potential to contribute to the Government's overall environmental objectives.

  Environmental Appraisals
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if the guidance contained in "Policy Appraisal and the Environment" is currently that used by Government departments undertaking environmental appraisals. [29022]
  460
  Mr. Meacher
  Yes, the guidance in "Policy Appraisal and the Environment" still applies, though further guidance is being prepared in the light of the July 1997 KPMG report. This report was commissioned by the last Administration to gauge how far they were meeting their commitment to assess the potential environmental impact of new policy proposals; it showed that more needed to be done to ensure that policies were systematically considered.

  The Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions will shortly be issuing Policy Guidance for non-specialist staff across Government, explaining in relatively simple terms when and how to carry out an environmental appraisal.

  The Department is also working on further technical guidance for appraisal specialists, in co-operation with the Government Group on Environmental Costs and Benefits. A contract for a scoping study has been awarded to Dr. David Pearce, who is due to report in the Spring. This work will inform decisions on the nature and format of new guidance scheduled for the Autumn.

  Maritime Rescue
  Mr. Alan Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) if he will list the total number of(a) incidents, (b) incidents requiring co-ordinating action and (c) false alarms or hoaxes handled by each of the maritime rescue co-ordination centres in 1996; [29412]

  (2) if he will list the total number of (a) incidents, (b) incidents requiring co-ordinating action and (c) false alarms or hoaxes handled by each of the maritime rescue sub-centres in 1996. [29413]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The information requested is detailed in the tables:

  Co-ordination centres

  Total incidents

  Assistance rendered

  False alarms and hoaxes

  Aberdeen

  670

  188

  482

  Clyde

  415

  256

  159

  Dover

  559

  258

  301

  Falmouth

  895

  345

  550

  Swansea

  958

  15

  443

  Yarmouth

  505

  191

  314

  Sub centres

  Total incidents

  Assistance rendered

  False alarms and hoaxes

  Belfast

  303

  174

  129

  Brixham

  720

  456

  264

  Forth

  316

  160

  156

  Holyhead

  553

  322

  231

  Humber

  508

  375

  133

  Liverpool

  523

  274

  249

  Milford Haven

  445

  253

  192

  Oban

  255

  180

  75

  Pentland

  133

  85

  48

  Portland

  874

  548

  326

  Shetland

  123

  90

  33

  Solent

  1,207

  751

  456

  Stornoway

  224

  149

  75

  Thames

  771

  512

  259

  Tyne

  334

  219

  115

  461

  Coastguard
  Mr. Alan Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the cost of setting up the integrated coastguard communications system project. [29414]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The overall cost of setting up the Integrated Communications System for the period May-December 1997 was £30,041. We have yet to invite tenders on this project and to disclose the anticipated cost of the system at this time would distort the process of competitive tendering.

  Aviation Industry
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what recent studies(a) his Department and (b) the Civil Aviation Authority have commissioned into the economic value of the aviation industry to the United Kingdom. [29706]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  No studies have been conducted by the Department or Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) on the economic value of the aviation industry to the UK, but studies have been undertaken on additional capacity. Such studies include the RUCATSE study on runway capacity in the South East published in 1993, the evidence submitted by the Department and the CAA to the T5 Inquiry and a study by CAA (CAP 638) on the economic value of new air services to regional airports.

  Beaches
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what guidelines his Department issues relating to beach(a) hygiene and (b) safety. [29543]

  Angela Eagle
  My Department provides support to the Tidy Britain Group which promotes the Seaside Awards and Blue Flag awards, both of which are designed to encourage cleanliness and safety standards on beaches.

  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proportion of beaches in the United Kingdom fail to comply with EU standards. [29545]

  Angela Eagle
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Environment on 4 December 1997,Official Report, columns 289–91, to my hon. Friend the Member for Shipley (Mr. Leslie).

  Speed Limits
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to allow local highway authorities to set 20 mph limits within urban areas without reference to his Department. [29603]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Hazel Grove (Mr. Stunell) on 11 February 1998,Official Report, column 228.
  462

  British Rail Land (Newhaven)
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will take steps to prevent the sale by British Rail of land in Newhaven.[29446]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The Government have endorsed the policy that BR should continue to dispose of its surplus land at market value. Interest in the Newhaven site has been expressed by more than one party including railway interests and BR is proposing to put it out to tender.

  Sheep Dip
  Mr. Charles Kennedy
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what monitoring of the impact of synthetic pyrethroid sheep dips on(a) the aquatic environment, (b) the soil environment and (c) fisheries (i) has been carried out and (ii) is planned by his Department; and if he will make a statement. [29724]

  Angela Eagle
  The Environment Agency, which is responsible for monitoring the aquatic environment and for day-to-day management of freshwater fisheries in England and Wales, has initiated monitoring programmes to assess the impact of sheepdip compounds (including synthetic pyrethroids) on the chemical quality of the aquatic environment (including any effects on fish populations). Monitoring has been targeted on the most intensive sheep rearing areas, including Wales and the Midland region. There is no specific monitoring of soil.

  Last month the Government published draft groundwater regulations relating to England, Wales and Scotland which specify additional monitoring requirements for groundwater, including synthetic pyrethroids.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Sanctions
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what progress she has made in developing her policy of applying sanctions which are targeted at elites rather than ordinary people. [29748]

  Mr. Foulkes
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to him by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for International Development on 28 January 1998,Official Report, column 288.

  Conferences
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the conferences held by her Department since 1 May 1997, giving in each case the(a) purpose and (b) estimated cost. [27734]

  Clare Short
  [holding answer 10 February 1998]: I have listed the conferences held by my Department since 1 May 1997.
  463

  Conferences held by DFID since 1 May 1997

  Title

  purpose

  Estimated cost (£)

  South African Revenue Service Strategic Planning Conference

  To confirm strategic direction and agree key strategic implementation issues

  2,300

  Consultation on South African Local Government White Paper

  To collect and agree comments to feed into Local Government White Paper process

  1,500

  The Role of the State in a Changing World

  To present the World Development Report to senior South African public servants

  24,000

  Gender Sensitisation Workshop for Swaziland Parliamentarians

  To sensitise the Parliamentarians to the strategic and practical gender needs of Swaziland men and women

  20,000

  Community Based Natural Resources Management Conference (CBNRM)

  To discuss approaches taken in CBNRM in South Africa

  2,000

  Regional Ecotourism Conference

  To stimulate and facilitate the further development of regional ecotourism

  20,000

  FAO International Livestock and the Environment Conference

  To discuss recommendations on making the most significant impact on future livestock development

  25,000

  Sierra Leone Policy Framework Conference

  To agree policy document and programme of immediate actions

  190,000

  Participation and Social Justice Conference

  To prepare for the 36"' session of the UN Commission for Social Development

  27,400

  NGO Conference

  To share experiences of lesson learning

  23,400

  Ethiopia Discussion Conference

  To share views, ideas and experiences on the political and social aspects of Ethiopia

  5,900

  White Paper Consultation on Support for Transition Countries

  To inform and enrich the thinking which will go into the development of a new strategy for support to transition countries

  12,400

  Public-private Partnerships for Development

  To discuss ideas and scope for public-private partnerships for development

  4,100

  Corruption and Development

  To review existing and applied research on corruption in developing countries

  21,600

  Demand Assessment in Water Sanitation

  To help develop DFID capacity for ensuring water and sanitation projects are demand-led

  21,000

  The Study of the Role of Co-operatives and Self Help Organisations

  To provide DFID with clear guidelines on the most constructive ways of contributing to the success and development of SHOs

  18,000

  Global Environment Facility

  Informal consultation meeting on the Global Environment Facility

  300

  Sexual and Reproductive Health

  To discuss research findings on sexual and reproductive health

  1,400

  Communicable Diseases Health Care in Unstable Situations

  To discuss research findings on communicable diseases To discuss research findings on health care in unstable

  3,000

  International Health Policy

  situations To discuss and consult international health policy with

  2,700

  UK development health partners

  6,000

  Annual Meeting

  World Bank/WHO Onchocerciasis programme Annual Meeting

  60,000

  Know How Fund Health Sector

  To review health sector projects and consider future health programmes

  400

  Economic Growth and Poverty Reduction

  To discuss economic growth and poverty reduction

  900

  China Poverty Seminar

  To discuss poverty in China

  300

  Foreign Direct Investment
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans she has to ensure that flows of foreign direct investment benefit poorer countries and contribute to development. [29690]

  Clare Short
  My Department is working extensively to increase the amount of beneficial trade and investment flowing to the developing world, particularly the poorer countries. The best way to increase such trade and investment is likely to be through efforts to secure a more open and transparent international trading regime. Apart from engaging in the international policy debate over fairer trade policy, we are working with our partner governments to encourage growth of the private sector within poorer countries. The Department's support for economic reform packages assists countries achieve macro-economic stability. Our good governance agenda 464
  aims to increase the competence and strength of government, including the key interfaces with the private sector such as the judicial system and revenue collection.

  I have also provided a grant to support the Ethical Trading Initiative which brings together the private sector, NGOs and unions to work on the implementation of ethical codes of practice for the production of goods sold in our shops. This will help promote best practice in overseas enterprises including many financed through foreign direct investment by improving the working conditions of their employees.

  Philippines
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what support the British Government are contributing to the land reform programme in the Philippines. [29118]
  465
  Clare Short
  We are not making any direct contributions, but Christian Aid are using their block grant from my Department to part-fund a project to educate farmers in Cebu and Leyte of their legal rights under the Agrarian Reform Law and to establish People's Organisations capable of representing their interests. Similarly, Oxfam have been using their grant on a legal training project with indigenous peoples which includes issues of land and ancestral rights. The European Union is financing a 20 million ecu Agrarian Reform Support project.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Family Law
  Dr. Palmer
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to improve the family court welfare work of the Probation Service and other related services. [30171]

  Mr. Straw
  As part of the comprehensive spending review, my right hon. and learned Friend the Lord Chancellor, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health, and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales and I are considering the range of services currently provided to the courts on child welfare matters within family law by the Probation Service. Guardian ad Litem and Reporting Officer Service and the Official Solicitor's Department. We believe that a new integrated service subsuming the work of each of the above could provide an improved service to the courts, better safeguard the interests of children, reduce wasteful overlaps and so increase efficiency.

  I have therefore agreed with my right hon. Friends that further detailed work involving practitioners and other users of the services should be undertaken to form the basis for public consultation.

  The detailed terms of reference for the work are as follows:
  To identify the range of welfare services currently provided by the Probation Service, Guardian ad Litem and Reporting Officer Service and the children's work of the Official Solicitor's Department and other agencies in family proceedings, and to consider the scope for improvements to the effectiveness of their work through the creation of a new unified service.
  To make proposals on the structure of a new service; to provide preliminary analysis of the estimated costs and benefits as a basis for public consultation; and to consider the implications for any new structure of the Government's plans to establish a Welsh Assembly.

  Fraud Trials
  Dr. Palmer
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to review alternative methods to jury trial in serious fraud cases. [30172]

  Mr. Michael
  The Government are determined that there should be effective measures in place for tackling financial fraud.

  The Government recognise that there are concerns that the present system for handling some major complex fraud trials is not working satisfactorily. Therefore, I have today issued a consultation document which has been placed in the Library. This invites views on the principle of whether the system is likely to operate better and with
  466
  a greater degree of public confidence if, in a small number of complex fraud trials, a traditional jury were to be replaced by another method of determining the facts. Views are also sought on four possible alternative methods of trial. The Government have not reached a conclusion on whether the ending of a jury trial in serious fraud cases is desirable in principle or formed an opinion on any particular option for change and will not do so until the consultation process is complete. The purpose of the consultation is to provide a full opportunity for the principle of change to be considered in the context of the problems presented by these case and possible alternative trial methods.

  Comments on the document are invited by 31 May 1998 and we shall consider them all carefully before reaching any conclusions as to whether any changes should be made.

  Data Protection
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if, in relation to the Data Protection Bill[Lords], he will ensure that the Data Protection Commissioner is empowered to enforce the rights granted to data subjects by Clause 12 of the Data Protection Bill [Lords]; and if he will make a statement. [29042]

  Mr. George Howarth
  Clause 12 empowers courts to order the rectification, blocking, erasure and destruction of inaccurate data and opinions based on them. Clause 38 enables the Commissioner to serve enforcement notices in respect of such material.

  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will introduce data protection measures to ensure that any information concerning fair obtaining is given to the data subject, in advance of any processing by the data controllers, and if he will make a statement. [29040]

  Mr. George Howarth
  Paragraph 2 of Schedule 2 of the Data Protection Bill, introduced in another place on 14 January, specifies the content and timing of such declarations.

  Hillgrove Farm, Witney
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will estimate the cost to the police of protecting Hillgrove Farm in Witney in 1997. [28997]

  Mr. Straw
  I understand from Thames Valley Police that the total cost of policing Hillgrove Farm in 1997 was £415,935.

  Private Finance Initiative
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if the PA Consultancy has been asked to recommend whether his Department should(a) continue with its current timetable for the awarding of the planned PFI contract for providing information technology services, (b) award the contract several months earlier than currently proposed or (c) discontinue the PFI. [29389]

  Mr. Straw
  [holding answer 13 February 1998): Given the speed of change in information technology (IT), the Home Office will continue to keep under review the options for taking forward its IT projects. PA Consulting has been commissioned to examine the interface between

  467
  the planned Private Finance Initiative procurement, the Department's Year 2000 compliance projects, and other planned upgrades of office systems. It is too early to say whether this work will lead to changes in current plans.

  Charity Act 1992
  Mr. Sanders
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects Part III of the Charity Act 1992 to be implemented; and if he will make a statement. [29304]

  Mr. Michael
  [holding answer 13 February 1998]: Consideration is currently being given to the implementation of Part III of the Charities Act 1992, which seeks to rationalise the provisions for the licensing of street collections and house to house collections currently contained in the Police, Factories, etc. (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1916 and the House to House Collections Act 1939. It is not envisaged that Part III will be in force before the end of 1998; the practical issues involved are complex and it is essential that these are fully examined before any decision is made. Later this year, I hope to be in a position to announce proposals for taking this matter forward.

  Ministerial Travel
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the engagements he undertook in the United Kingdom in the course of his duties during January indicating in each case which were accessed by(a) car, (b) train, (c) aeroplane and car, (d) aeroplane and train and (e) other means. [28936]

  Mr. Straw
  [holding answer 10 February 1998]: The information requested for official and constituency engagements in January is as follows. In addition, I attended a number of meetings within central London by car.

  Tuesday 6 January
  Visits to Her Majesty's Young Offender Institution Brinsford, West Midlands Probation Service, West Midlands Fire Service and Her Majesty's Prison Grendon, near Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire. Train from London to Wolverhampton. Car used to travel between venues and return to London.

  Friday 9 January
  Constituency meetings in Blackburn. Train from London to Preston and return by train on Saturday 10 January.

  Thursday 15 January
  Visit to West Yorkshire Probation Service Victim-Offender Unit in Leeds.
  Visit to Ravenscliffe Estate in Bradford. Aeroplane to Leeds/Bradford Airport. Car used to travel to Bradford from Leeds and then from Bradford to Blackburn.

  Friday 16 and Saturday 17 January
  Constituency meetings in Blackburn. Train from Preston to London.

  Monday 19 January
  Visit to a Refugee Council Day Centre, Vauxhall, London. Car.

  Friday 23 January
  Visit to Her Majesty's Prison Wayland.
  Visit to North West Norfolk, for speech at Kings Lynn. Car.

  Thursday 29 and Friday 30 January
  Chaired Informal Justice and Home Affairs Meeting in Birmingham. Train from Euston to Birmingham. Return journey by car to Oxfordshire 30 January and London 1 February.
  468

  Animal Procedures Committee
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the occasions on which the Animal Procedures Committee has met(a) representatives from Imutran and (b) representatives from Novartis giving in each case the purpose and outcome of the meetings. [29445]

  Mr. George Howarth
  Representatives from Imutran, led by the Director of Research, made presentations to the Animal Procedures Committee on two occasions. The first was made to the primate sub-committee on 23 January 1997. The second was made to the whole Committee on 29 January 1998.

  On both occasions, the presenters outlined the benefits of xenotransplantation for human patients and examined the current research programme involving the transplantation of genetically modified pig hearts to baboons, with particular reference to immunosuppression.

  The purpose of these presentations was to provide the Animal Procedures Committee with up to date information on the Imutran research programme and to facilitate consideration of applications from Imutran for project licence authorities under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986.

  Imutran was taken over by Novartis in April 1996. There have been no meetings with the Animal Procedures Committee by representatives from Novartis outside these two occasions.

  Civil Defence
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what is his budget for defence of the civil community from nuclear attack and aid from his Department in the event of terrorist and other nuclear incidents in the current year; and if he will make a statement; [29717]

  (2) what is his budget for defence of the civil community from chemical and biological attack and for aid from his Department in the event of terrorist and other chemical and biological incidents in the current financial year; and if he will make a statement. [29718]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The Home Office is responsible for civil defence and provides grants to some local authorities as a contribution towards the cost of their emergency planning arrangements. In the current financial year, the total civil defence grant available is £14,457 million. The grant is provided to support emergency planning for the complete range of incidents, however caused.

  A series of classified contingency plans exist for responding to a wide range of terrorist threats, including those which might involve the threatened or actual use of nuclear, chemical or biological materials.

  The Department of Trade and Industry is the lead Government department for nuclear incidents at civil installations in England and Wales.

  Cannabis
  Mr. Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people have been cautioned for
  469
  possession of cannabis (a) once, (b) twice and (c) three or more times, by police force region, in each year since 1986. [29249]

  Mr. George Howarth
  This information is not available since data are not routinely collected on whether a particular caution is the first or a subsequent one given by the police to an individual. However, special exercises were carried out for the 1991 and 1994 Criminal Statistics using information from the Home Office Offenders Index. These indicate that in 1994, of those cautioned, 15 per cent. had a previous caution, compared with 20 per cent. in 1991. The later sample was drawn after Home Office circular 18/1994 had been issued. This circular specifically discouraged repeat cautioning and cautioning for the most serious offences.

  Speed Cameras
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to pass funds raised from fines for speeding identified using a speed camera to the police forces concerned. [29761]

  Mr. Michael
  None. Hypothecating the revenue from speeding fines would result in expenditure on traffic enforcement being determined by the income generated rather than the relative priority of the activity. We are examining the current funding arrangements for the cameras to see what more might be done.

  World Cup
  Ms Ward
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to ensure the safety of British fans at the World Cup finals in France. [27590]

  Mr. Michael
  The Government are determined to do everything possible to help ensure that British fans attending the World Cup Finals in France this summer do so in a safe and secure environment. To achieve this, we have established a World Cup Co-ordinating Group which brings together official, policing and football representatives from both England and Scotland. They are all working closely with the French authorities, who are responsible for the management and security of the tournament. This is to ensure a co-ordinated approach to maximise the safety and security of supporters en route to and from France and whilst attending matches during the tournament.

  We are very pleased that the French Organising Committee (CFO) are adopting the stewarding methods used in this country so impressively during Euro '96. We are also aware that the French authorities have studied the British system of crowd safety management. There has been considerable liaison and consultation between the French authorities and British representatives and we will continue to ensure that we provide that high level of co-operation up to and throughout the tournament.

  Later this month, my right hon. Friend will be hosting a seminar in Blackburn on the policing of football which will bring together relevant experts from across the European Union to discuss policing, safety and security arrangements for the World Cup and to share advice and expertise.
  470

  Closed Circuit Television
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what assessment he has made of the impact of CCTV on the crime rate in neighbouring areas; [29364]

  (2) what statistical evidence his Department has collated on the impact on crime levels of the introduction of CCTV. [29365]

  Mr. Michael
  The Home Office Police Research Group study, "CCTV in Town Centres: Three Case Studies" has shown that closed circuit television (CCTV) can be effective in reducing crime and fear of crime, particularly when it is deployed as part of a wider crime reduction strategy. This research, and also research sponsored by the Scottish Office on a CCTV scheme in Aidrie, revealed no evidence of displacement of crime from areas which had CCTV coverage to neighbouring areas which did not. The Department keeps under review the research literature on CCTV and we will be assessing the evaluations of effectiveness produced by the schemes which have received funding under the CCTV Challenge competition.

  Human Rights Bill [Lords]
  Sir Brian Mawhinney
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if (1) the Advertising Standards Authority, (2) the Association of British Travel Agents, (3) the Automobile Association, (4) the Bar Council, (5) the BBC, (6) the Broadcasting Standards Council, (7) British Airways, (8) the British Medical Association, (9) British Midland, (10) British Railways Board, (11) the British Tourist Authority, (12) BT, (13) Cable and Wireless, (14) Cambridge Water Company, (15) the Charity Commission, (16) the Church of England, (17) the Church of Scotland, (18) the Confederation of British Industry, (19) the Defence Research Agency, (20) the Financial Services Authority, (21) the Football Association, (22) the Gaming Board for Great Britain, (23) the General Dental Council, (24) Great Western Trains, (25) the Independent Television Commission, (26) the Law Society, (27) the London Stock Exchange, (28) London Weekend Television, (29) the Millennium Commission, (30) National Express, (31) the National Heritage Memorial Fund, (32) National Power, (33) National Savings, (34) the National Trust, (35) the Newspaper Society, (36) the Office for Standards in Education, (37) the Office of Electricity Regulation, (38) the Office of Telecommunications, (39) the Press Complaints Commission, (40) the Prince's Trust, (41) PowerGen, (42) the Radio Authority, (43) Railtrack, (44) Ridge Parish Council, (45) the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Westminster, (46) the Royal Opera House, (47) the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors, (48) the Rugby Football Union, (49) Southern Electric, (50) the Sports Council, (51) Stagecoach, (52) Transco, (53) United Utilities, (54) the Universities and Colleges Admissions Scheme, (55) the University of Cambridge, (56) Virgin Trains and (57) Yorkshire Water are organisations(a) whose acts or omissions it is intended should be able to be challenged and (b) which perform functions of a public nature under the Human Rights Bill [Lords]. [29529]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  [holding answer 13 February 1998]: Clause 7(1) of the Human Rights Bill enables an act of a public authority to be challenged on the ground

  471
  that it is unlawful under clause 6(1) of the Bill because it is incompatible with a Convention right. As to the definition of "public authority" under clause 6 of the Bill, I refer the right hon. Member to the replies I am giving today to his earlier Questions on this matter. It would be for a court or tribunal to decide in individual cases whether an organisation is obviously a public authority or, if it is not, whether it is nevertheless to be regarded as a public authority because it performs functions certain of which are of a public nature. In the latter case, it would also be for the court to determine whether the particular act or omission which it was sought to challenge was of a private nature.

  Sir Brian Mawhinney
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if, to constitute a public authority for the purposes of the Human Rights Bill[Lords], a body must (a) receive public money and/or (b) fulfil a statutory responsibility and/or (c) have on the governing body one or more persons appointed by the Government; [29171]

  (2) if a body which (a) receives public money, and/or (b) fulfils a statutory responsibility and/or (c) has on its governing body one or more persons appointed by the Government is automatically a public authority for the purposes of the Human Rights Bill [Lords]. [29172]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  [holding answer 12 February 1998]: Clause 6 provides for a non-exhaustive definition of "public authority" for the purposes of the Human Rights Bill. The term includes (i) organisations, such as central government and the police, which are so obviously public authorities that it is not necessary expressly to define them as such; (ii) a court or tribunal; and (iii) any person certain of whose functions are functions of a public nature, except where the nature of the act is private. The definition specifically excludes either House of Parliament or a person exercising functions in connection with proceedings in Parliament. Following amendments to the Bill in Another place, the definitions in (ii) and (iii) above are currently qualified by clauses 6(5) and 6(6) respectively.

  It will be for a court or tribunal to decide in individual cases which come before it whether a person falls within the above definition.

PRIME MINISTER

  Official Functions
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Prime Minister what was the occasion of the official function held on 7 May at No. 10 Downing Street; who attended; and at what cost to public funds. [23836]

  The Prime Minister
  This was an official reception for Ministers. The approximate cost was £250.

  Official Residence
  Mr. Forth
  To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 26 January 1998,Official Report, column 66, if he will list for the period since 1 May 1997, the items and costs of refurbishment of and improvements to the domestic living accommodation in Number 11 Downing Street. [26215]
  472
  The Prime Minister
  I do not propose to list every item in the domestic living accommodation in No. 11. I refer the right hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 26 January 1998,Official Report, column 66, where I have accounted fully for refurbishment costs.

  Mr. Wilshire
  To ask the Prime Minister (1) if he will list by item the furniture, fittings and decorations purchased since 1 May with public funds for his official flat in Downing Street indicating the cost of each item not subjected to a formal competitive tendering process; if he will list for each item the reasons it was not subjected to competitive tendering; if more than one quotation was sought; whether the lowest price was accepted; what was the lowest quotation submitted; and what factors led to more than one quotation not being sought in respect of certain items; [26063]

  (2) if he will list by item all furniture, fittings and decorations purchased with public funds since 1 May for his official flat in Downing Street indicating the cost of each item subjected to a formal competitive process; and what was the lowest tender price submitted for each item; [26065]

  (3) if he will list the country of origin of each item of furniture, fittings and decoration purchased with public funds since 1 May for his official flat in Downing Street; and what factors led to the purchase of items whose country of origin was not the United Kingdom; [26067]

  (4) if he will list the date and time of delivery to Downing Street of each item of furniture, fittings and decorations purchased with public funds since 1 May for his official flat in Downing Street; and what factors governed the delivery time of each item delivered outside normal working hours. [26068]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answers 30 January 1998]: No. I do not propose to list every item in the domestic living accommodation in No. 11. I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the right hon. Member for Bromley and Chislehurst (Mr. Forth) on 26 January 1998, Official Report, column 66, where I have accounted fully for refurbishment costs.

  Foreign Secretary's Private Office
  Mr. Blunt
  To ask the Prime Minister what evidence underlay the press briefing by his official spokesman that Ms Anne Bullen's appointment was a political one. [27282]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 3 February 1998]: Ms Anne Bullen was selected for the post of Diary Secretary by the then Foreign Secretary, Lord Hurd. Ms Bullen was appointed under Paragraph 2(i) of Schedule 2 of the Diplomatic Service Order in Council 1991 which allows for exceptions to the normal Civil Service rules of recruitment.

  Mr. Gavyn Davies
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Prime Minister (1) what meetings he has had with Mr. Gavyn Davies of Goldman Sachs in the last three months; and if he will make a statement; [27689]

  (2) what contact there has been between the No. 10 Downing Street Policy Unit and Mr. Gavyn Davies of Goldman Sachs over the last three months; and if he will make a statement. [27690]
  473
  The Prime Minister
  [holding answers 5 February 1998]: My staff and I have meetings with a wide range of organisations and individuals.

  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Prime Minister if Mr. Gavyn Davies of Goldman Sachs will be part of the Government team visiting the United States of America this week; in what capacity he will be attending the talks in Washington; and if he will make a statement. [27691]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 5 February 1998]: Mr. Davies was not a member of the official delegation.

  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Prime Minister with whom Mr. Gavyn Davies will be attending meetings during his visit to Washington with the Prime Minister over the period 4 February to 7 February; and if he will make a statement. [28353]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 9 February 1998]: Mr. Davies was not a member of the official delegation, although he did attend an informal seminar at my invitation.

  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Prime Minister what is the cost to public funds of taking Mr. Gavyn Davies to Washington for meetings with the US Administration; and if he will make a statement. [28367]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 10 February 1998]: Mr. Davies met his own travel and accommodation costs for the trip to Washington.

  Ministerial Travel
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the engagements he undertook in the United Kingdom in the course of his duties during January indicating in each case which were accessed by(a) car, (b) train, (c) aeroplane and car, (d) aeroplane and train and (e) other means. [28938]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 10 January 1998]: During January I have undertaken fourteen engagements in the London area where I have used a car; one engagement outside London where I have used a car, and; two engagements outside London where I have used a combination of car and train.

  Overseas Visits
  Mr. Blunt
  To ask the Prime Minister if, under paragraph 69a of the Ministerial Code, Cabinet Ministers may take their spouses or permanent partners overseas at their own expense on official visits without his written permission. [28949]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 10 February 1998]: 1 refer the hon. Member to the final sentence of paragraph 70 of the Ministerial Code, a copy of which was placed in the Library in July 1997.
  474

  Millennium Compliance
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will appoint one Minister with overall responsibility for overseeing the millennium computer compliance problem. [29505]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 13 February 1998]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave her on 12 February 1998, Official Report, columns 327–28.

TREASURY

  Hotels (VAT)
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the full-year annual cost of reducing the rate of value-added tax on hotel accommodation to(a) 8 per cent. and (b) 5 per cent. taking into account the revenue effect deriving from the elasticity of demand for this service; and if he will make a statement. [28396]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 11 February 1998]: There are no reliable figures available on the amount of Value Added Tax paid on hotel accommodation.

  Official Cars
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many official cars are available for use by Ministers in his Department; and how many new cars have been acquired for the use of Ministers in his Department since 1 May. [25182]

  Mr. Gordon Brown
  [holding answer 23 January 1998]: Each Treasury Minister has one official car available for use. The Government Car Service renews all official cars on a cyclical basis.

  EU Budget Contribution
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will update the estimate of the United Kingdom's net contribution to the European Community for 1998–99 on the same basis as the figure in Table 5.A4 of the Financial Statement and Budget Report 1997–98, page 123. [29606]

  Mrs. Liddell
  The Government's latest estimate of the United Kingdom's net payments to European Community Institutions for 1998–99 is £2,440 million.

  Self-assessment
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the response of taxpayers to the introduction of self-assessment; and if he will make a statement. [28365]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 10 February 1998]: Eight million taxpayers sent in their self assessment tax returns by the 31 January deadline. It is particularly

  475
  reassuring to know that over 95 per cent. of those taxpayers without professional tax advisers met the deadline. This illustrates that the vast majority of ordinary taxpayers understood what they had to do and dealt with this aspect of the new system.

  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will assess the advantages of exempting pensioners from fines resulting from the late completion of self-assessed income tax returns. [28206]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Only a small minority of pensioners are required to complete self assessment tax returns. And the large majority of people who are not represented by tax advisers, into which group many tax paying pensioners will fall, submitted their completed tax returns to the Inland Revenue well within the deadline. Anyone who had a reasonable excuse for failing to submit a tax return on time may appeal against the penalty.

  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he took to ensure that taxpayers who(a) completed their self-assessment tax returns before 30 September 1997 and (b) before 31 January 1998 were aware that they had to make a payment on account for the tax year 1997–98 in addition to their 1996–97 payment; what are the penalties for failing to make a payment on account for 1997–98; and if he will make a statement. [28366]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 10 February 1998]: Information identifying the need to make a payment on account on 31 January 1998 for the tax year 1997–98, and how to calculate it, was included in the tax return package issued to all self assessment taxpayers.

  Income Tax
  Mr. Lilley
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate how much the income tax take will be(a) as a percentage of gross domestic product and (b) in cash terms in each year from 1997–98 to 2002–03 on current taxation plans; and how much of this is attributable to the abolition of dividend tax credits. [29194]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 12 February 1998]: Projections for income tax as a percentage of GDP were published in Table B3 of the November 1997 Pre-Budget Report. Figures for income tax in cash terms for the years 1997–98 and 1998–99 were published in Table S2.4 of the Supplementary Document to the November 1997 Pre-Budget Report. Projections of money GDP were published in Table B2 of the November 1997 Pre-Budget Report. Figures for the effects of the abolition of dividend tax credits on income tax receipts were published in Table 2.2. line 5. of the July 1997 FSBR.

  Mr. Lilley
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would be the loss in revenue resulting from an increase in the single person's income tax allowance of(a) £50, (b) £100, (c) £150, (d) £200, (e) £250 and (f) £300; and how many people would be taken out of tax in each case. [29184]
  476
  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 12 February 1998]: Estimated full year costs at 1998–99 income levels are given in the table.

  Increase in non-aged and aged personal tax allowances £

  Full year cost at1998–99 incomelevels £ million

  Number oftaxpayers takenout of income tax000

  50

  310

  100

  100

  620

  180

  150

  920

  280

  200

  1,230

  410

  250

  1,540

  530

  300

  1,840

  630

  Euro
  Mr. Wilkinson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment his Department has made of the impact on employment of changes in the petro-currency status of the national currency upon the United Kingdom's accession to the euro zone, with particular reference to periods of international crisis. [28742]

  Mrs. Liddell
  [holding answer 12 February 1998]: The Chancellor has set out the five economic tests which will be used to assess whether it is in the UK's economic interest to join the single currency, and has made it clear that the bottom-line is the impact on UK employment and growth. The Treasury paper "UK Membership of the Single Currency: As Assessment of the Five Economic Tests" (published in October 1997) sets out the factors that would need to be considered, and identifies the UK role as an oil exporter as one of these factors.

  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the extent to which United Kingdom industry and commerce will price their goods and services in the euro after its introduction but before the decision is taken on United Kingdom membership. [26809]

  Mrs. Liddell
  The Chancellor of the Exchequer has not made any estimate of the extent to which United Kingdom industry and commerce will price their goods and services in the euro.

  However, the work of the Business Advisory Group indicates that the euro is likely to be used more widely by business than other foreign currencies are today. Firms with operations in, and firms that export to, countries which join the single currency are most likely to decide to price their goods and services in euro. In addition, although the euro will not be legal tender in the UK in 1999, firms will be able to use it here for various commercial purposes if they wish.

  Finance (No. 2) Act 1997
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many representations his Department has received since the enactment of the Finance (No. 2) Act 1997, on measures contained in the Act. [24883]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 26 January 1998]: I received a number of representations prior to the enactment of the Finance (No. 2) Act 1997.
  477

  Diesel Duty
  Mr. Fallon
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would be the cost of reducing duty on ultra low sulphur diesel to 2p per litre less than the duty on ordinary diesel. [26353]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Customs estimate that the cost of a 2p differential between duty on a litre of ordinary diesel and a litre of ultra low sulphur diesel from April 1988 would be about £5 million in financial year 1998–99.

  Spirits Duty
  Mr. Fallon
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would be the revenue cost in(a) 1998–99 and (b) 1999–2000 of a 4 per cent. cut in spirits duty, commencing on 6 April 1999. [26354]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Cutting the spirit duty by 4 per cent. on 6 April 1999 will have no effect on revenue in 1998–99, but will cost approximately £30 million in 1999–2000.

  Inheritance Tax
  Mr. Fallon
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many estates in the most recent year for which figures are available were entitled to the inheritance tax exemption for farmland; and what revenue he estimates was lost as a result of this exemption. [26195]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Available information is in terms of inheritance tax relief for all agricultural property which covers farmland and other related assets. In 1997–98 it is estimated that about 1,200 death estates will benefit from agricultural property relief, at a cost to the Exchequer of around £70 million.

  Hypothecation
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the advantages and disadvantages of hypothecation of taxation. [27163]

  Mr. Darling
  There are great difficulties with hypothecation. However, we look at each case on its merits.

  Smuggling
  Mr. Cotter
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 22 January 1998,Official Report, columns 647–48, on tobacco smuggling, if he will list the factors which account for the increase in the amount of tobacco smuggled, seized by HM Customs and Excise year on year since 1993; and what plans he has to set targets in conjunction with his EU counterparts to reduce the amount of tobacco smuggled. [28528]

  Dawn Primarolo
  There are no doubt many factors but the two principal ones are the growth in tobacco smuggling itself and the increased effectiveness of Customs in tackling the smugglers. Also, since the introduction of the Single Market in 1993, the number of Excise Verification Officers has been increased from 220 to 330 in 1997.
  478
  An EU High Level Group was formed in March 1997 to analyse the nature and causes of tobacco and alcohol fraud, to identify solutions and to guide action at the relevant level within the appropriate Community framework. The Group is due to complete its work by the Spring.

  Mr. Cotter
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 22 January 1998,Official Report, column 648, if he will publish the original timetable for the publication of the report on alcohol and tobacco smuggling, cross border shopping and fraud currently being prepared by HM Customs and Excise; and if he will make a statement. [28517]

  Dawn Primarolo
  I asked the review team to present its findings by 31 December 1997. I and my Ministerial colleagues are considering the findings of the review in the run up to the Spring Budget.

  Mrs. Lait
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the value of confiscated smuggled or bootlegged(a) tobacco and its products and (b) alcohol in each year since 1991. [27935]

  Dawn Primarolo
  I regret that figures on the value of confiscated smuggled tobacco and alcohol products are not available. The revenue that would have been due on tobacco and alcohol products smuggled from other EU member states and detected by Customs in each financial year since the advent of the Single market has been as follows:

  £ million

  Year

  Tobacco

  Alcohol

  1993–94

  1.3

  0.80

  1994–95

  4.0

  2.75

  1995–96

  6.8

  8.00

  1996–97

  17.6

  11.80

  I regret that no figures are available for the years prior to 1993–94.

  Mrs. Lait
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what evidence Customs and Excise has obtained of tobacco and its products and alcohol originating in countries outside the EU being smuggled or bootlegged into the United Kingdom; if he will list the countries concerned; and what price differential there is between alcohol and tobacco and its products in those countries and the United Kingdom. [27929]

  Dawn Primarolo
  There is very little evidence of alcohol being smuggled into the United Kingdom from outside the EU. The main area of concern is cigarettes smuggled from the Canary Islands, Andorra, the Baltic States and from Cyprus transited through the Lebanon, Egypt, Libya and Malta.

  Information is not readily available on the price differential between alcohol and tobacco and its products in these countries and the United Kingdom.

  Insurance Premium Tax
  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what(a) discussions he has had with and (b) what representations he has received from the European Commission regarding the impact on the travel

  479
  insurance market of the introduction of higher rate insurance premium tax; and if he will make a statement. [22625]

  Dawn Primarolo
  I have had no discussions with the European Commission about their higher rate of Insurance Premium Tax. Officials in Customs and Excise have supplied information to, and had discussions with, the Commission on this measure.

  Welfare to Work
  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer on what grounds he has decided to exclude spending on the Welfare to Work scheme from the control total. [28181]

  Mr. Darling
  We made it clear before the election that the resources needed to fund the New Deal would be provided from the Windfall Tax and would be additional to the spending plans set by the Conservatives.

DEFENCE

  Market Research
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what expenditure has been incurred by his Department, agencies and non-departmental public bodies(a) in 1996–97 and (b) since 1 May 1997 on (i) opinion polling, (ii) focus groups and (iii) other forms of market research; if he will list the surveys commissioned and the purpose of each; and if he will make a statement. [26632]

  Mr. Spellar
  [holding answer 5 February 1998]: This is a matter for the Chief Executives of the Defence Analytical Services Agency, the Meteorological Office and the Hydrographic Office. I have asked the Chief Executives to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Paul Altobell to Mr. Malcolm Bruce, dated 16 February 1998:
  I am replying to your question to the Secretary of State for Defence regarding expenditure incurred by his department, agencies and non-government public bodies in (a) 1996–97 and (b) since 1 May 1997 on (i) opinion polling (ii) focus groups and (iii) other forms of market research. This matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief Executive of the Defence Analytical Services Agency.
  Apart from surveys undertaken by HYDR(O) and MET(O) who will respond separately, the department commissioned surveys of the general public to the value of:
  £481,383: 1996–97
  £458,675: 1 May 1997 to date.
  Details of the surveys are given in the tables attached.
  Unfortunately, we have no central records of the methodology employed in each survey so cannot subdivide according to your categories (i), (ii) or (iii).
  In addition the department, from time to time, undertakes surveys of its own employees, the Armed Services and other stakeholders. Information on these surveys is not kept centrally.
  I hope you will find this information useful.
  480

  MoD Expenditure on Surveys of the General Public, 1996 to date

  Date

  Description

  1996–97

  April 96

  Effectiveness of RNPT presentations and audience research

  April 96

  Soldier—Creative Development research

  August 96

  Advertising tracking

  August 96

  Army Officer Creative Development

  September 96

  Scottish advertising research

  September 96

  Army radio advertising research

  October 96

  Ethnic minorities advertising research

  September 96

  Territorial Army qualitative research

  November 96

  RAF events evaluation

  November 96

  Leuchars Air Show visitors survey

  October 96

  Territorial Army—quantitative phase

  October 96

  Continuous tracking

  December 96

  Army advertising tracking

  November 96

  Creative Development research for Soldier advertising

  January 97

  Image of The Army

  January 97

  Royal Navy Advertising—evaluation and attitude Survey

  February 97

  Wales & West Marketing Trial—research

  February 97

  Advertising tracking Be The Best

  March 97

  Be The Best advertising tracking—attitude survey

  Total Expenditure

  £481,383

  Date

  Description

  Since 1 May 1997

  June 97

  RAF advertising strategy

  August 97

  Navy advertising evaluation

  August 97

  Technicians Target market research

  August 97

  RAF Degree Package research

  August 97

  Army Presentation Team—evaluation

  September 97

  Attitudes to NATO

  October 97

  'Be The Best' branding research

  October 97

  Territorial Army advertising development research

  January 98

  Image of RAF/reactions to advertising concepts

  February 98

  Army fitness video research

  March 98

  RAF attitude survey and advertising tracking

  March 98

  Army Campaign Development research

  March 98

  Catterick Garrison Radio Trade evaluation

  June 98

  Be The Best Tracking Research

  November 98

  Army Ethnic Minority Initiative evaluation

  Total Expenditure:

  £458,675

  Note:

  Excludes HYDR(O) AND MET(O).

  Letter from J. P. Clarke to Mr. Malcolm Bruce, dated 16 February 1998:
  You recently asked the Secretary of State for Defence a Parliamentary Question about the levels of expenditure incurred on opinion polls, focus groups and market research. As this matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief Executive of the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office, I have been asked to reply to you directly.

  Details of expenditure incurred for the periods requested and the surveys upon which this was expended are as follows: 1996/97

  (i) Opinion Polling—Nil

  (ii) Focus Groups—£32,500. User group meetings were held to establish worldwide customer requirements for a future Electronic Navigational Chart Service currently under development by the UKHO.

  (iii) Other forms of market research—£9,000.

  481
  This covers a general survey of professional merchant marine operators to identify strengths and weaknesses of UKHO products for future marketing action.

  Since 1 May 1997

  (i) Opinion Polling—Nil.

  (ii) Focus Groups—£500. This relates to a meeting of ship operators or those related to ships operations to discuss user friendliness of UKHO Charts and Publications.

  (iii) Other forms of market research—£37,800.

  The expenditure covers three separate market research exercises as follows:

  a. £8,300 was incurred in a survey at the London and Southampton Boat Shows in order to identify the interests of those visiting the UKHO exhibition stand (eg the balance of leisure to commercial customers) to assist improvements in the staffing, product displays and services offered at future shows.

  b. £15,000 was expended on a consultancy review of UKHO Customer Service Strategy which sought to provide an independent assessment of current UKHO customer service delivery performance and provide a strategy for developing customer friendly services and improving customer support.

  c. £14,500 has been incurred in obtaining consultancy support to develop an appropriate and acceptable pricing structure for Electronic Navigational Charts. The UKHO expects to be the first national Hydrographic Office to provide an electronic charting service. We therefore have no equivalent benchmark against which to set prices.

  I hope this reply has been of assistance.

  Letter from Peter Ewing to Mr. Malcolm Bruce, dated 16 February 1998:
  I am replying to your Question to the Secretary of State for Defence about expenditure incurred by his department, agencies and non-governmental public bodies during 1996–97 and since 1 May 1997 on (i) opinion polling (ii) focus groups and (iii) other forms of market research. As Chief Executive of the Meteorological Office, supply of information in respect of this Agency falls within my area of responsibility.
  I attach a list of the surveys commissioned by the Met. Office during the periods concerned. The expenditure incurred, exclusive of VAT, amounted to £32,180 for 1996/97 and £116,874 for the period from 1 May 1997. Apart from £2,000 spent in this financial year on a CAA customer satisfaction survey, which was clearly aimed at a specific focus group, all of this expenditure falls into the third of your categories, other forms of market research. This research is, of course, in support of our activities as a Trading Fund with an annual turnover of £152M.

  Survey

  Year

  Purpose

  Public Perception Survey

  1996–97

  Establish Met. Office performance against targets laid down by the government to ensure proper public spending.

  Corporate Perception Survey

  1996–97

  Establish the perception of the branding and position of the Met. Office within the weather market.

  Employee Attitude Survey

  1996–97

  Establish the morale of The Met. Office in a time of change.

  Economic benefit of offshore industry for UKMO

  1996–97

  Establish the economic benefit of the offshore industry business to UKMO

  CAA customer satisfaction survey

  1997–98

  Establish satisfaction criteria of customers and users for the CAA.

  482

  DREAM Rig, Pendine
  Mr. Ainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much his Department and its agencies have spent on developing and constructing the DREAM rig at Pendine to date; and what is the projected work load for this facility in each of the next five years. [28039]

  Mr. Spellar
  [holding answer 9 February 1998]: This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA). I have asked the Chief Executive to write to my hon. Friend.

  Letter from John Chisholm to Mr. Nick Ainger, dated 16 February 1998:
  I have been asked to reply to your question about the cost and projected work load of the DREAM (Dynamic Research, Evaluation and Assessment of Munitions) rig.
  The DREAM rig is located at the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) range at Shoeburyness in Essex, not at Pendine. It was designed and constructed by Hunting Engineering in 1988–89 for research on the behaviour of small scale 'model' warheads against a variety of horizontal and vertical surfaces at a cost of £68,000 (about £100,200 at 1997 prices).
  Last year the rig underwent a major modification at a cost of £58,000. The DREAM rig is now used to conduct research on the attack of high value fixed land targets.
  The estimated use of the rig is 10 days for each of the next two years. There are, as yet, no details of the likely use beyond that date.
  I hope this information is helpful.

  Military Exercises
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list exercises by British forces outside Europe in 1997 by country and by participants. [29448]

  Dr. Reid
  I cannot provide a complete answer to this question since some information could, if disclosed, cause harm to defence, security and international relations. I am therefore withholding certain details under exemption 1 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information. Furthermore, exercises vary considerably in scale and full central records of all activity in which our forces have been engaged are not available. However, we do not have records of the more significant exercises, and details of British participation in exercises is given, by area, in the table. This table also includes details of the participating UK service and, where information is available, any overseas participants other than the host country. Where we have records that the host nation did not participate, this is indicated:

  Area

  UK participant

  Foreign participant (other than host)

  Belize

  Army

  UK only

  Kenya

  Army

  UK only

  Kenya

  Army

  UK only

  USA

  Army

  —

  Belize

  Army

  UK only

  Oman

  RAF

  —

  USA

  RAF

  —

  Falklands

  RN

  UK only

  Kenya

  Army

  UK only

  Belize

  Army

  UK only

  USA

  Army

  —

  Canada

  Army

  —

  Gulf

  RN

  US, UAE

  Kenya

  Army

  UK only

  Kenya

  Army

  UK only

  483

  Area

  UK participant

  Foreign participant (other than host)

  Kenya

  Army

  UK only

  Canada

  RAF

  —

  Brunei

  RN/RM

  —

  Belize

  Army

  UK only

  Carribean

  RN/RM

  Barbados, Belize,GuyanaGrenada, Jamaica,St. LuciaTrinidad and Tabago,USA

  Carribean

  RN

  —

  Gulf

  RN

  —

  South China Sea

  RN

  Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, New Zealand

  Canada

  RAF

  —

  Gulf

  RN

  —

  Gulf

  RN

  —

  Kuwait

  RM

  —

  Canada

  RAF

  —

  Gulf

  RN

  US, Bahrain

  USA

  RM

  —

  Belize

  Army

  UK only

  Gulf

  RN

  —

  Canada

  Army

  —

  USA

  Army

  —

  USA

  Army

  —

  Canada

  Army

  UK only

  USA

  RAF

  —

  Canada

  RAF

  —

  Falklands

  Joint services

  UK only

  Canada

  RN

  —

  USA

  RM

  —

  USA

  RAF

  —

  USA

  RM

  —

  Canada

  Army

  —

  USA

  Army

  —

  Qatar/Pakistan

  Joint services

  —

  Canada

  Army

  —

  Canada

  Army

  —

  USA

  Army

  —

  USA

  Army

  —

  Australia

  RN

  US

  USA

  RAF

  —

  Gulf

  RN

  US, France

  Canada

  Army

  UK only

  Canada

  Army

  —

  Belize

  Army

  UK only

  Canada

  RAF

  —

  Canada

  RAF

  —

  Canada

  RAF

  —

  USA

  Joint services

  —

  Canada

  RAF

  —

  Canada

  RAF

  —

  Canada

  Army

  UK only

  Canada

  Army

  UK only

  Brunei

  Army

  —

  Gulf

  RN

  —

  Canada

  RAF

  —

  Canada

  RAF

  —

  Oman

  Army

  UK only

  Belize

  Army

  UK only

  USA

  RAF

  —

  Canada

  RAF

  —

  South China Sea

  RN

  Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore

  Canada

  Army

  —

  Jordan

  Army

  —

  Canada

  RAF

  —

  Falklands

  Joint services

  UK only

  New Zealand

  Army

  Australia, Malaysia, Singapore

  Brunei

  RM

  —

  Canada

  RAF

  —

  484

  Area

  UK participant

  Foreign participant Area UK participant (other than host)

  Egypt

  Army

  US

  Kenya

  Army

  UK only

  Belize

  Army

  UK only

  Jordan

  RM

  —

  Kuwait

  Joint services

  —

  Mid East

  RAF

  —

  Red Sea

  RN

  UK only

  Gulf

  RN

  US, UAE

  Red Sea

  RN

  Germany

  Gulf

  RN

  Germany, Italy

  Gulf

  RN

  France

  Indian Ocean

  RN

  Pakistan

  Indian Ocean

  RN

  India

  Bay Bengal

  RN

  US, Canada

  Indian Ocean

  RN

  Thailand

  Indian Ocean

  RN

  Brunei

  South China Sea

  RN

  Indonesia

  Gulf of Aden

  RN

  France

  Pacific

  RN

  Australia

  Pacific

  RN

  Australia

  South China Sea

  RN

  Korea

  Pacific

  RN

  Australia

  South China Sea

  RN

  South Korea

  Pacific

  RN

  New Zealand

  South China Sea

  RN

  South Korea

  South China Sea

  RN

  Japan

  Pacific

  RN

  Australia

  Indian Ocean

  RN

  Australia

  Indian Ocean

  RN

  Australia

  Indian Ocean

  RN

  France

  Brunei

  RM

  —

  Singapore

  RM

  —

  Thailand

  RM

  —

  Malaysia

  RM

  —

  Zimbabwe

  RM

  —

  South Africa

  RM

  —

  Egypt

  RAF/Army

  —

  USA

  RAF

  —

  Malaysia/Australia

  RAF

  Singapore

  Oman

  RAF/RN

  —

  USA

  RAF

  —

  India

  RAF

  —

  Jordan

  RAF

  —

  Canada

  RAF

  —

  Overseas Tours of Duty
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to amend his Department's regulations relating to military and civil personnel being accompanied by their spouses on overseas tours of duty. [27683]

  Dr. Reid
  We have no plans at present to amend the regulations relating to military and civil personnel being accompanied by their spouses on overseas tours of duty, although the situation is kept under review. Separately, consideration is being given to a revision of current rules relating to short-term visits by spouses who accompany senior officers on official duties.

  Ammunition Test Centre
  Mr. Ainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the cost of transferring the NATO certified test centre for small-calibre ammunition from Cold Meece to Pendine at 1998 prices. [28041]
  485
  Mr. Spellar
  [holding answer 9 February 1998]: The cost of the construction of the NATO certified test centre for small calibre ammunition at Pendine at 1997 prices was £1,008,563. Inflation figures for 1998 are not yet available, so it is not possible to calculate the cost at 1998 prices.

  Small Arms Test Centre
  Mr. Ainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what conclusions were reached by the study produced in 1993 on moving the NATO small arms test centre in respect of the Eskmeals range; and if he will place a copy of that study in the Library. [28040]

  Mr. Spellar
  [holding answer 9 February 1998]: The decision to move the small arms test centre from Cold Meece to Pendine was taken when the ranges were part of the Directorate of Proof and Experimental Establishments. Records of meetings held during July 1992 indicate that a working group considered three options for the relocation: to Pendine, to Shoeburyness, or to split the centre between Pendine and Shoeburyness. For strategic reasons, Pendine was chosen as the small arms test centre in January 1993. No consideration appears to have been given to the possibility of moving the centre to the Eskmeals range. Subsequently, the DGT&E Land Systems Asset Study was published, D/DTE (Land)9/24 dated 23 March 1993, which discusses two possibilities for the facility: Kirkcudbright and Shoeburyness. Both Eskmeals and Pendine were recommended for closure in this report. The report was, at the time, deemed to contain confidential information; I have asked for it to be reviewed to determine whether it can be placed in the Library of the House.

  Low Flying
  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what requirements govern the permissible noise levels for low-level RAF flight training; and if he will make a statement; [29477]

  (2) what measures his Department takes to monitor the noise pollution generated by low-level flight training; and if he will make a statement; [29478]

  (3) what plans he has to introduce restrictions on the level of noise that flight training may create at ground level; and if he will make a statement. [29479]

  Mr. Spellar
  My Department already places restrictions on the heights, speeds and operating procedures of military aircraft in the UK, which are designed to ensure that noise levels experienced on the ground represent a sensible balance between our essential training requirements and environmental considerations. The restrictions are kept under continuous review to reflect medical and scientific advice and experience of noise measurement surveys carried out by, or on behalf of, my Department.

  High-level Flights (Greater Manchester)
  Mr. Terry Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many high level flights, by military aircraft, over Greater Manchester there were in each of the last six months. [29255]
  486
  Mr. Spellar
  Area specific information on air traffic movements is not available.

  Nuclear Weapons (Test Veterans)
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will establish an Internet website for information on studies undertaken into health problems of nuclear weapons test veterans. [29273]

  Mr. Spellar
  I have asked my officials to investigate the possibilities of making such information available on the Internet. I will write to the hon. Member when these inquiries have been completed and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Exports
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the principal export markets for British military sales; and what is the Government's strategy for promoting exports to them. [29196]

  Mr. Spellar
  The principal markets for UK defence exports are in The Gulf, Asia Pacific and North America. The Defence Export Services Organisation (DESO) of my Department has developed, with industry, a five year Strategic Plan which identifies within these regions the top 22 markets and also the major prospects and sets out how Government and industry will work together to win business. This Plan is fully consistent with our foreign and security policy our international obligations and with Government Commitment to a strong defence manufacturing industry. It has helped DESO and companies to organise their resources more effectively and is improving our national performance in winning export orders which increased by 10 per cent. in 1997 compared with 1996.

DUCHY OF LANCASTER

  Ministerial Cars
  Mr. Brake
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will list the models of cars which(a) Government Ministers can choose from and (b) are currently used by all Government Ministers. [23581]

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  Cabinet Ministers are provided with an appropriate car, normally a Rover Sterling or another car from the Rover 800 series. Ministers of State and Parliamentary Under-Secretaries of State are provided with a choice of cars normally within the Rover 400 series or equivalent cars such as the Ford Mondeo, Vauxhall Vectra or Nissan Primera with a comfortable but not extravagant level of fit.

  The Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister currently have the use of a Daimler 4.0 litre and a Jaguar respectively. Other Ministers use cars in the above categories. The main exceptions are where a difference model is used for security reasons or where cars of a different model were used by Ministers of the previous administration and to replace them would not be an efficient use of public resources.
  487

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Murder Victims (British Citizens)
  Mr. Fallon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many British subjects have been murdered abroad in the last 20 years; and in which countries. [29762]

  Mr. Fatchett
  Our records in their current form date back to 1985. Since then 619 murders of British Nationals abroad have been reported to us. The countries concerned are:

  Afghanistan: 1

  Algeria: 3

  Angola: 4

  Antigua and Barbuda: 4

  Argentina: 1

  Australia: 27

  Austria: 2

  Bahamas: 4

  Bahrain: 1

  Belgium: 6

  Belize: 4

  Bermuda: 2

  Bolivia: 1

  Botswana: 5

  Brazil: 6

  British Virgin Islands: 1

  Cambodia: 1

  Cameroon: 1

  Canada: 10

  Cayman Islands: 1

  China: 1

  Colombia: 2

  Congo: 1

  Cyprus: 3

  Czech Republic: 4

  Denmark: 3

  Djibouti: 1

  Dominican Republic: 1

  Egypt: 7

  El Salvador: 1

  Estonia: 2

  France: 25

  Gambia: 1

  Germany: 17

  Ghana: 5

  Gibraltar: 1

  Greece: 13

  Guatemala: 3

  Guyana: 1

  Honduras: 2

  Iceland: 1

  India: 12

  Indonesia: 2

  Iraq: 1

  Israel: 4

  Italy: 6

  Jamaica: 12

  488

  Jerusalem: 1

  Kenya: 19

  Korea: 1

  Kuwait: 1

  Lebanon: 1

  Liberia: 1

  Malawi: 2

  Malaysia: 1

  Malta: 3

  Mexico: 3

  Mongolia: 1

  Morocco: 1

  Mozambique: 3

  Namibia: 2

  Nepal: 1

  Netherlands: 17

  New Zealand: 4

  Nigeria: 9

  Pakistan: 11

  Papua New Guinea: 6

  Peru: 1

  Philippines: 18

  Poland: 1

  Portugal: 11

  Republic of Ireland: 2

  Russia: 4

  Rwanda: 1

  Saudi Arabia: 5

  Somalia: 1

  South Africa: 55

  Spain: 58

  St. Lucia: 2

  Sudan: 6

  Sweden: 2

  Switzerland: 3

  Tanzania: 1

  Thailand: 13

  The Comoros: 6

  Togo: 2

  Trinidad and Tobago: 2

  Tunisia: 2

  Turkey: 8

  Uganda: 4

  United States: 71

  Venezuela: 1

  Vietnam: 1

  Yugoslavia: 8

  Zaire: 1

  Zambia: 7

  Zimbabwe: 16.

  Schengen Agreement
  Mr. Brazier
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if his discussions with his counterparts from other European Union countries indicated variance in the recollection of events relating to Schengen opt-in procedures agreed at Amsterdam. [29760]
  489
  Mr. Doug Henderson
  Although it would not be appropriate to enter into the details of every discussion with other Ministers, ray right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary is not aware of any disagreement about what was said at the European Council. Not every Member State was categorical on whether a Spanish text was circulated. We are clear that it was not.

  Mr. Brazier
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to the answers of 30 January 1998,Official Report, column 440, and 10 February 1998, Official Report, column 144, to the hon. Member for Buckingham (Mr. Bercow) concerning the Schengen opt-in procedure, which Minister consulted the Irish Foreign Minister; and what reasons underlay the difference between the two answers. [29766]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  This was due to an administrative error. The answer I should have given on 10 February was as follows:

  My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary consulted with the Irish Foreign Minister on the Schengen opt-in procedure as a matter of mutual interest. It would not be appropriate to publish details of these discussions.

  Amsterdam Treaty
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on article K.7 (6) of the Amsterdam Treaty. [29375]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  Article K.7 (6) of the Treaty on European Union, as amended by the Treaty of Amsterdam, will allow a member state or the Commission to review the legality of framework decisions and decisions adopted by the Council under Article K.6.2(b) and (c) of the Treaty on European Union.

  The grounds of review listed in Article K.7 (6) are identical to those already found in Article 173 of the Treaty establishing the European Community under which the validity of Community acts can be challenged.

  Article K.7 (6) will not permit challenge of measures taken by member states to give effect in their national law to any obligations resulting from framework decisions or decisions.

  Iraq
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 9 February 1998,Official Report, columns 36–37, on weapons inspections in Iraq, if he will list the British manufacturers of equipment found by inspectors in Iraq; and, in each case, itemise the equipment found and the number of the export licence. [29279]

  Mr. Fatchett
  I have nothing to add to the reply given by my hon. Friend the Member for Manchester, Central (Mr. Lloyd) on 9 February 1998,Official Report, columns 36–37.

  UN Resolutions
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list those UN resolutions which have not been fully complied with since 1968. [29381]
  490
  Mr. Fatchett
  The UN Security Council has adopted 908 Resolutions since 1968. The General Assembly adopted an average of 144 resolutions a year between 1968 and 1975 and an average of 236 resolutions a year since then. These are publicly available. The information requested in the question could be obtained therefore only at disproportionate cost.

  European Convention on Human Rights
  Sir Nicholas Lyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 2 February 1998,Official Report, columns 544–45, if he will list the primary and secondary legislation brought forward to implement the judgments in each of the cases cited in his answer. [29501]

  Mr. Fatchett
  The primary legislation brought forward in order to implement the judgments of the European Court of Human Rights was as follows:Sunday Times (1979): Contempt of Court Act 1981;
  Young, James and Webster (1981): Employment Act 1982, sections 2–14;
  X (Mental Patient) (1981): Mental Health (Amendment) Act 1982, section 28 and Schedule 1.
  Campbell and Cosans (1982): Education (No. 2) Act 1986, section 47;
  Malone (1984): Interception of Communications Act 1985;
  O, H, W, B and R (Parental Access) (1987): Children Act 1989, sections 22 and 34;
  Thynne, Wilson and Gunnell (1990): Criminal Justice Act 1991, section 34;
  Boner and Maxwell (1994): Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 1995, section 42;
  Hussain and Singh (1996): Crime (Sentences) Act 1997, section 28;
  Chahal (1996): Special Immigration Appeals Commission Act 1997.

  The subordinate instruments brought forward in order to implement the judgments of the European Court of Human Rights were as follows:
  Golder (1975): Prison (Amendment) Rules 1976 (S.I. 1976/503);
  Dudgeon (1981): Homosexual Offences (Northern Ireland) Order 1982 (S.I. 1982/1536; N.I. 19);
  Silver and Others (1983): Prison (Amendment) Rules 1983 (S.I. 1983/568);
  Abdulaziz, Cabales and Balkandali (1985): Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules, laid before Parliament on 15 July 1985 (HC 503);
  McCallum (1990); Campbell (1992): Prison (Scotland) Amendment Rules 1993 (S.I. 1993/2227);
  McMichael (1995): Children's Hearings (Scotland) Amendment Rules (S.I. 1996/1199);
  Benham (1996): Legal Advice and Assistance (Scope) (Amendment) Regulations 1997 (S.I. 1997/997).

  The primary legislation already brought forward which in the Government's view ensured that United Kingdom law was compatible with subsequent judgments of the European Court of Human Rghts was as follows:
  Fox, Campbell and Hartley (1990): Northern Ireland (Emergency Provisions) Act 1987, section 6;
  Findlay (1997); Coyne (1997): Armed Forces Act 1996, section 5 and Schedule 1; section 15; section 16 and Schedule 5; section 17.
  491
  In some cases, the action taken to ensure the compatibility of United Kingdom law with a judgment of the European Court of Human Rights may have been a combination of the above and other measures.

  Immigration
  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the compatibility of world trade agreements and national trade-related legislation which enables countries to bar spouses and their children from entry. [29292]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  Under the General Agreement on Trade in Services, a country may regulate the entry of foreign nationals as long as this does not impair or nullify benefits accruing under GATS commitments.

  USA (Exclusions)
  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made on behalf of British women and children banned from the USA under trade-related legislation. [29289]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  I and my colleagues continue to take every opportunity to make clear to the US Administration and Congress that we entirely reject such legislation.

  Helms-Burton Act
  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many United Kingdom women and children have been banned from the USA under the Helms-Burton legislation. [29290]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  We are aware of two British families which have been affected by title IV of the Helms-Burton Act which allows the President to exclude individuals from the US.

HEALTH

  Private Finance Initiative
  Dr. Brand
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assumption concerning private sector income has been made in(a) each PFI contract approved and (b) each PFI contract being planned. [28309]

  Mr. Milburn
  Two major acute Private Finance Initiative schemes involving private beds—Norfolk and Norwich Health Care National Health Service Trust and South Buckinghamshire NHS Trust—have reached financial close; their contracts include assumptions about income from these beds. Four other major acute PFI schemes are proposing to include private beds, but these projects have not yet reached financial close and assumptions about income from these beds is still subject to negotiations.
  492
  Information is not held centrally on assumptions concerning income from private beds in smaller scale (capital value of £10 million or less) and non-acute PFI schemes.

  The assumptions in the PFI contracts about income from private beds at Norfolk and Norwich Health Care NHS Trust and South Buckinghamshire NHS Trust are as follows:

  Norfolk and Norwich
  The new PFI hospital will include a private patients ward with 20 beds. Patients will be treated by NHS staff and use NHS facilities for which the trust receives a fee. The trust anticipates that income from these beds will be approximately £2.6 million at 1996–97 prices.

  South Buckinghamshire
  A private patient operator will lease an area of the new building at High Wycombe from the trust's consortium (United Healthcare) and will pay for the construction of a private patients unit. The trust will receive an income of £100,000 per annum from private beds which will be operated by the private patient operator, rising to a maximum of £200,000 as the operator's turnover increases. In addition, the trust will receive income from the use of NHS clinical and other NHS services by the private sector operator.

  Health Service Funding
  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health by what proportions spending on the NHS has in real terms grown in each year and on average per year during each Parliament since 1968; and what was the overall annual average. [28809]

  Mr. Milburn
  The information requested is set out in the table. Information on National Health Service total spending prior to 1973–74 is not available as the data are not comparable with those for subsequent years.

  Year

  NHS total netexpenditurepercentage realterms growth1

  NHS total grossexpenditurepercentage real terms growth1

  1973–74

  2.9

  2.9

  1974–75

  11.2

  10.5

  1975–76

  5.4

  5.2

  1976–77

  0.5

  0.4

  1977–78

  -2.8

  -2.7

  1978–79

  1.6

  3.2

  1979–80

  1.7

  1.8

  1980–81

  10.1

  10.1

  1981–82

  2.0

  2.2

  1982–83

  1.6

  1.8

  1983–84

  1.0

  1.5

  1984–85

  2.2

  2.4

  1985–86

  0.2

  0.2

  1986–87

  3.9

  4.4

  1987–88

  4.3

  4.5

  1988–89

  3.5

  4.2

  1989–90

  0.8

  0.7

  1990–91

  4.1

  3.6

  1991–92

  6.7

  6.4

  1992–93

  5.9

  5.2

  1993–94

  0.6

  0.6

  1994–95

  4.1

  3.6

  1995–96

  1.7

  1.9

  1996–97

  0.6

  0.9

  493

  Parliamentary Term

  Net annual average increase percentage

  Gross annual average increase percentage

  1974–75 to 1978–793

  3.1

  3.2

  1979–80 to 1982–834

  3.8

  3.9

  1983–84 to 1986–875

  1.8

  2.1

  1987–88 to 1991–926

  3.9

  3.9

  1992–93 to 1996–977

  2.5

  2.4

  1 Using the Gross Domestic Product deflator of 26 November 1997.

  2 The Parliamentary term was from October 1974 to April 1979, for the purposes of this analysis the financial years 1974–75 to 1978–79 have been used.

  3 The Parliamentary terms was from May 1979 to May 1983, for the purposes of this analysis the financial years 1979–80 to 1982–83 have been used.

  4 The Parliamentary term was from June 1983 to May 1987, for the purposes of this analysis the financial years 1983–84 to 1986–87 have been used.

  5 The Parliamentary terms was from June 1987 to March 1992, for the purposes of this analysis the financial years 1987–88 to 1991–92 have been used.

  6 The Parliamentary terms was from April 1992 to May 1997, for the purposes of this analysis the financial years 1992–93 to 1996–97 have been used.

  Annual average real terms growth

  Net percentage real terms growth

  Gross percentage real terms growth

  1997–74 to 1997–98

  3.0

  3.0

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to announce the restoration of real terms increases of NHS funding to the average over the past three decades. [28813]

  Mr. Milburn
  We have increased the National Health Service spending plans inherited from the previous administration by almost £1.5 billion. We shall announce plans for future years in due course.

  New Smokers
  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will estimate the weekly numbers of new smokers. [28817]

  Ms Jowell
  No reliable estimate has been made centrally. However, information about the smoking habits of young people aged 16–24 in 1996, leads to an estimate of about 3,000–5,000 new smokers each week on average.

  Community Pharmacists
  Ms Drown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate his Department has made of the likely impact on the number of community pharmacies of the abolition of resale price maintenance on over-the-counter medicines. [28697]

  Mr. Milburn
  The Department has made no such estimate. The question of resale price maintenance has been referred by the Director General of Fair Trading to the Restrictive Practices Court. Should the Court grant leave for the case to be heard, the implications for community pharmacies will no doubt receive full and proper consideration.
  494
  Ms Drown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the financial savings to the NHS resulting from healthcare advice provided by community pharmacists. [28696]

  Mr. Milburn
  We have made no such assessment.

  NHS Hospital Beds
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is(a) the number of NHS hospital beds in each health authority area in England and Wales and (b) the number per head of population in each area, arranging the health authorities in order of the number per head of population. [28673]

  Mr. Milburn
  The information requested for England has been placed in the Library. Figures relating to Wales are a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.

  General Practitioners
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is(a) the number of NHS GPs in each NHS health authority area in England and Wales and (b) the number per head of population in each area, arranging the health authorities in order of the number per head of population. [28672]

  Mr. Milburn
  The available figures for England have been placed in the Library. Questions relating to Wales are a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.

  Homicide Inquiries
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many independent inquiries into homicides committed by mentally ill people established under HSG(94)27 have not yet published reports but which are due to publish reports; [28658]

  (2) how many independent inquiries set up under Health Service Guidelines HSG(94)27 into homicides committed by mentally ill people have published reports since the publication of the Clunis report; [28657]

  (3) if he will make it his policy that the recommendations contained in inquiry reports published under HSG(94)27 are implemented by the NHS throughout England and Wales. [28659]

  Mr. Boateng
  Thirty two independent inquiries set up under Health Service Guidelines HSG(94)27 have published reports.

  Twenty four independent inquiries are currently underway.

  The purpose of independent inquiries in England is to ensure that lessons are learnt and remedial action is taken at local level. We expect the commissioning agencies to develop robust action plans in the light of recommendations. The National Health Service Executive monitors closely the implementation of these action plans.

  It would not be appropriate to require recommendations contained in local inquiry reports to be implemented nationally. We would, of course, take into account any recommendations which had significance for national

  495
  policy. We are already funding the National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Homicide by People with Mental illness to develop a national overview.

  There are separate arrangements in Wales for local mental health inquiries.

  Infant Formula
  Mr. Maples
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he plans to introduce new guidelines on information and educational materials relating to the Infant Formula and Follow on Formula Regulations of 1995. [29014]

  Ms Jowell
  I met the Infant and Dietetic Foods Association, which acts on behalf of the United Kingdom infant formula companies, in October of last year and with breastfeeding support groups and health professionals in December to discuss the draft guidelines on information and educational materials relating to the Infant Formula and Follow on Formula Regulations of 1995.1 listened to their concerns and will publish the guidelines later this year.

  Shoulder Dystocia
  Mr. Bill Michie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress has been made by the working group under the auspices of the Confidential Inquiry into Stillbirths and Deaths in Infancy in preparing guidance on the management of shoulder dystocia; and when this guidance will be available. [29233]

  Mr. Boateng
  he report of the "Shoulder Dystocia Group" of the Confidential Inquiry into Stillbirths and Deaths in Infancy will be published in the 5th Annual Report of the Confidential Inquiry before the end of July 1998.

  Guidelines on the management of shoulder dystocia will be included in the report and are currently being considered by the appropriate professional organisations with the intention of issuing guidance on clinical practice.

  Hepatitis C
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to raise awareness of the hepatitis C virus; and if he will make a statement. [29002]

  Ms Jowell
  The Department has produced a range of publications for the National Health Service and the public to raise awareness of hepatitis C.

  Injecting drug misusers who share contaminated equipment are at increased risk of acquiring hepatitis C infection. The Guidelines for Doctors on the Clinical Management of Drug Misusers, last issued in 1991, are currently being revised and will be published later this year. They will include updated advice on the management of hepatitis C in drug misusers. The guidance to purchasers of drug treatment and care services, which the Department issued in March 1997, included advice for purchasers on dealing with those who seek testing for hepatitis C.

  The Chief Medical Officer's letter to all doctors in April 1995 about the hepatitis C and blood transfusion look back exercise included advice about the prevalence, epidemiology and treatment of hepatitis C.
  496
  The Department is funding representatives of the medical profession to produce clinical guidelines on the use of alpha interferon in treating hepatitis C which will be disseminated widely.

  The Health Advice for Travellers booklet contains advice for those travelling abroad on avoiding the risks of hepatitis C. The revised version of the Travel Safe leaflet which will be published later this year will contain similar information.

  The Department is funding the British Liver Trust to raise awareness and provide advice on hepatitis C and the Trust have produced a number of comprehensive leaflets.

  The Health Education Authority has published an information leaflet on hepatitis C for the public which may be obtained from general practitioner surgeries.

  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research his Department has commissioned in respect of the hepatitis C virus; and if he will make a statement. [29004]

  Ms Jowell
  In 1996, the Department made £1 million available for research into the natural history, prevalence, transmission and treatment of hepatitis C. The results of the research commissioned so far will become available over the next three years. A further £500,000 will be allocated this year to expand the research programme. In addition, the National Health Service Health Technology Assessment is finalising the arrangements for a research project to establish the effectiveness of the early treatment of chronic hepatitis C with alpha interferon.

  Creutzfeldt Jakob Disease
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many cases of each variant of CJD were identified in 1997; and how many resulted in death. [29417]

  Ms Jowell
  Creutzfeldt Jakob Disease (CJD) is invariably fatal. Definite diagnosis of all types of CJD depends on the examination of brain tissue and is usually only made after the patient has died.

  The Department publishes monthly statistics showing deaths from all types of CJD. The latest were issued on 2 February 1998 and copies are available in the Library.

  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if the World Health Organisation has revised its statement of April 1996 that a link has not yet been proven between V-CJD in the United Kingdom and the effects of exposure to the BSE agent. [29757]

  Ms Jowell
  A further World Health Organisation consultation was held very recently. We expect to be informed of the outcome very shortly and I will write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

  War Disablement Pension
  Mr. David Stewart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the treatment of war disablement pension made by each local authority in calculating residential care assessments. [29284]

  Mr. Boateng
  There are national rules for the treatment of income to assess charges for residential care— the National Assistance (Assessment of Resources) Regulations 1992—which provide that a person must be
  497
  allowed to retain £10 of their War Disablement Pension, and the remainder is taken into account in the assessment of charges.

  Xenotransplantation
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many postcards registering opposition to xenotransplantation he has received to date. [29440]

  Ms Jowell
  As of 12 February, 15,675 postcards have been received.

  Continence Pads (VAT)
  Mrs. Browning
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to the answer of 2 February 1998, to the hon. Member for Sutton and Cheam (Mr. Burstow),Official Report, column 511, if he will list the financial effects resulting from the Value Added Tax Order of 1 January 1998. [29767]

  Mr. Milburn
  As indicated in my earlier answer, officials are still working on these issues.

  Health Authorities and Trusts (Deficits)
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the deficits of each(a) health authority and (b) health trust for each of the last three financial quarters. [29511]

  Mr. Milburn
  The forecast surpluses and deficits for all health authorities and National Health Service trusts for the first three quarters of 1997–98 will be available in due course.

  Inequalities in Health
  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions he has had with other Ministers on the effect of unemployment and poor housing on inequalities in health. [29597]

  Ms Jowell
  We have had a number of discussions with Ministerial colleagues at various times over the impact which unemployment and bad housing have on health inequalities. We have launched a number of initiatives that aim to make society more equitable, for example the reduction of Value Added Tax on fuel to 5 per cent., and those that will have a particular effect on the health of the most needy in society are explained in the recent Green Paper "Our Healthier Nation".

  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action his Department is taking to promote research into inequalities in health; and if he will make a statement. [29599]

  Ms Jowell
  There is considerable research evidence about the determinants of inequalities in health, but very little to indicate wheat interventions would be effective in reducing inequalities. Consequently, the Department is commissioning a programme of research into this area. The results of the commissioning process will be announced in due course.

  Additionally, the Department's Director of Research and Development chairs a co-ordinating group on research in inequalities covering funders working in this area.
  498
  The Department particularly welcomes and supports the Economic and Social Research Council programme on Inequalities in health.

  The Independent Inquiry into Inequalities in Health being undertaken by Sir Donald Acheson may suggest further areas where research would be valuable. The inquiry is due to report later this year.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Terrorist Activity
  Mr. Peter Robinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will list those incidents evaluated as having potential terrorist organisation involvement which have occurred since 20 July broken down by type of incident; and what assessment the RUC has made as to the organisation involved in respect of each incident. [21516]

  Mr. Ingram
  The tables provide details of terrorist incidents between 20 July 1997 and 25 January 1998.

  Attribute to Republicans1

  Attributed to Loyalists1

  Attribution Unknown1

  Deaths due to the security situation

  2

  13

  —

  Shooting Incidents

  21

  51

  21

  Bombing Incidents (include devices defused)

  20

  6

  2

  1 Statistics and attribution figures are subject to adjustment.

  2 The figures for Shooting Incidents includes paramilitary style attacks.

  Casualties as a result of paramilitary style attacks

  Attributed to Republicans

  Attributed to Loyalists

  Total

  Shootings

  15

  18

  33

  Assaults

  26

  36

  62

  Total

  41

  54

  95

  Prisoners
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what, for life sentence prisoners released in the past 25 years, was the average time served in prison for(a) Republican, (b) Loyalist and (c) other prisoners. [27393]

  Mr. Ingram
  The average time served in prison for life sentence prisoners released in the past 25 years could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. However, information is available for such releases since 1985, ie those recommended for release by the Life Sentence Review Board.

  Average period served by indeterminate sentence prisoners1 released on licence since 1985

  Loyalist

  Republican

  Others

  14 years 4 months

  14 years 11 months

  12 years 3 months

  1 Includes life sentence and Secretary of State's Pleasure prisoners.

  Note:

  The classification into Republican and Loyalist is the perceived affiliation at the time that the offence was committed.
  499
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many Republican, Loyalist and other life sentence prisoners have been released on licence in each year since 1970; and how many in each category have subsequently(a) been arrested (b) had their licence revoked or (c) been reconvicted for a similar offence. [27392]

  Mr. Ingram
  The information requested, where available, is set out below. The figures relate to life sentence and Secretary of State's pleasure prisoners.

  Indeterminate sentence prisoners released on licence since 1985

  Year

  Republican

  Loyalist

  Other

  Total

  1985

  4

  6

  0

  10

  1986

  7

  6

  2

  15

  1987

  14

  12

  2

  28

  1988

  7

  19

  2

  28

  1989

  12

  25

  1

  38

  1990

  37

  35

  3

  75

  1991

  14

  11

  1

  26

  1992

  21

  27

  0

  48

  1993

  18

  33

  3

  54

  1994

  32

  15

  2

  49

  1995

  8

  11

  4

  23

  1996

  9

  7

  3

  19

  1997

  5

  11

  0

  16

  1998

  2

  3

  4

  9

  Note:

  These figures include prisoners detained at the Secretary of State's pleasure. They exclude prisoners released on medical grounds or who provided significant assistance to the authorities.

  (a) This information is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  (b) This information is readily available only for the period commencing 1985. The total number of licences revoked is 18: three Republican, 10 Loyalist and five Other. (c) Of the 18 prisoners whose licences have been revoked two have been reconvicted of further serious terrorist type offences: one Republican and one Loyalist.

  Danny McNamee
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what medical examinations of Danny McNamee have been conducted since his transfer to HMP Maze; and what medical conditions were identified. [27441]

  Mr. Ingram
  Medical records of individuals are confidential and are not disclosed publicly. Under the Access to Health Records (Northern Ireland) Order an application may be made personally only by the patient or other person authorised in writing to make application.

WALES

  Theft and Fraud
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is his estimate of the cost of theft and fraud to(a) his Department, (b) its agencies and (c) non- departmental public bodies in (i) 1995–96, (ii) 1996–97 and (iii)1997–98 to date. [27737]
  500
  Mr. Ron Davies
  [holding answer 5 February 1998]: The information requested is as follows:

  Internal fraud and theft

  Welsh Office

  Agencies

  NDPBs

  1995–96

  Number

  1

  —

  —

  Value (£)

  20

  —

  —

  Amount recovered (£)

  20

  —

  —

  1996–97

  Number

  6

  —

  —

  Value (£)

  998

  —

  —

  Amount recovered (£)

  332

  —

  —

  1997 to date

  Number

  —

  —

  —

  Value

  —

  —

  —

  Amount recovered (£)

  —

  —

  —

  External fraud and theft

  Welsh Office

  Agencies

  NDPBs

  1995–96

  Number

  —

  15

  17

  Value (£) —

  9,369

  34,808

  Amount recovered (£)

  —

  —

  1,034

  1996–97

  Number

  3

  5

  19

  Value (£)

  41,879

  5,217

  26,625

  Amount recovered

  —

  —

  —

  1997 to date

  Number

  —

  —

  8

  Value (£)

  —

  —

  9,187

  Amount recovered (£)

  —

  —

  —

  Local Government Finance
  Mr. Edwards
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will estimate the gross cost to public expenditure in Wales if all local authority rents were to be reduced by 10 per cent.; and what would be the net savings in housing benefits. [28860]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  The effects on public expenditure of a 10 per cent. reduction in council rents depend on what assumptions are made about the consequential adjustments to Housing Revenue Account Subsidy. If the reduction had applied in the current financial year and other elements within the subsidy calculation remained unchanged, the Welsh Office estimates that there would be a reduction of £26.6 million in rent rebates but an overall subsidy cost of £10.6 million. Because the rent reduction would marginally reduce the rate of increase in the RPI, there would also be a saving in benefits in the UK as a whole of about £1.6 million this year, rising to £6.1 million in the following year.

  Local Bus Services
  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how much additional money he will make available to local authorities in 1998–99 to enable them to subsidise local bus services; and if he will make a statement. [28998]
  501
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  The Welsh Office does not provide authorities with specific resources to subsidise bus services. Authorities have discretionary powers which— subject to available resources—enable them to subsidise local public transport services which they consider are essential to meet a social need.

  Inward Investment
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer of 2 February 1998,Official Report, column 533, on inward investment to Wales, if he will list the criteria he uses to determine the areas of Wales which need most help. [29000]

  Mr. Hain
  The areas which need the most help are those which have the highest levels of unemployment and those areas which have been less successful in terms of industrial and economic development and in attracting inward investment. Classic examples which display some or all of these problems are in our priority areas of the south Wales valleys, mid Wales and south and north west Wales. But, while we focus and encourage, it is the companies with which we deal which must take the final decision on location, decisions which are based on a wide range of commercial considerations.

  EU Structural Funds
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has made to the European Commission concerning the future of EU aid to the poorer regions in the United Kingdom as a result of the new definition of eligibility for Objective 2 funds. [28995]

  Mr. Hain
  My right hon. Friend met Commissioner Wulf Mathies on 12 December and underlined the importance the UK attach to the continued receipt of Structural Funds support after 1999. The eligibility of the poorer UK regions will, of course, be dependent on criteria laid out in the Structural Funds Regulations which are due to be published next month. We are already seeking to influence these and my right hon. Friend specifically asked the Commissioner to consider the inclusion of GDP within the new Objective 2 criteria, as a more appropriate measure of prosperity. Indeed this would be more consistent with the approach taken with Structural Funds more generally and with the criteria applied to Objective 1.

  Air Services
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will undertake a study of the future needs of air services and airports in Wales; and if he will make a statement. [28996]

  Mr. Hain
  I am currently undertaking a series of meetings with airport and airline owners and operators, including one based in Caernarfon, to assess the potential for establishing a scheduled air service between North and South Wales. Once these discussions have been concluded, I will consider what further work is necessary and how it might best be undertaken.
  502

  Strategic Roads Programme
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he proposes to announce his strategic roads programmes for Wales; and if he will make a statement. [29430]

  Mr. Hain
  The responses to the consultation exercise on the review of the Welsh trunk road programme are being assessed. I am not yet in a position to say when I will be able to give any indications as to the size, composition and overall strategy of the future trunk road programme.

  Rail Services
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what talks he has had with North Western Trains in respect of services on the Wrexham-Bidston Railway; and if he will make a statement. [29433]

  Mr. Hain
  I hope shortly to meet the Managing Director of North Western Trains to discuss the company's operations in Wales, including services on the Wrexham to Bidston line.

  New Deal
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the progress of the New Deal in Wales. [29429]

  Mr. Hain
  My hon. Friend will be aware that the New Deal for 18–24 year olds has been operating in the West Wales Pathfinder Area since 5 January and the early indications are that young people and employers are embracing the programme enthusiastically. Around 1,000 young people have already been interviewed and West Wales businesses have pledged 750 jobs.

  The response elsewhere in Wales, where the New Deal will commence on 6 April, has been equally encouraging. Even before our advertising campaign commenced on 15 February, a considerable degree of employer interest has been evident. I welcome this interest and look forward to their involvement in making the New Deal a success.

  Closed Circuit Television
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what CCTV projects are proposed for Wales during the next 12 months. [29366]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  In 1997–98 the Welsh Office has approved Strategic Development Scheme capital funding of £140,000 for Bridgend CBC and £60,000 for Wrexham CBC for the provision of CCTV.

  All local authorities in Wales have delegated SDS capital and revenue resources at their disposal which they can use to support a wide range of projects including the provision of CCTV. However, we do not have firm details yet of whether local authorities have funded CCTV projects in 1997–98 or intend to do so in 1998–99.

  In addition, I understand that the Home Office is funding three town centre CCTV schemes in Wales following the third round of that Department's CCTV Challenge Competition. These are located in Monmouth, Prestatyn and Wrexham. The fourth round of the

  503
  Challenge Competition was announced on 24 November by the Minister of State, Home Office, my hon. Friend the Member for Cardiff, South and Penarth (Mr. Michael).

  Mobile Phones
  Mr. Gareth Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to improve mobile phone reception within Wales. [29362]

  Mr. Hain
  Welsh Office officials have regular dialogue with representatives of the industry to discuss improvements in mobile phone coverage in Wales which is unsatisfactory in too many cases.

  Public Transport
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what proposals he has to improve public transport communications between North and South Wales. [29373]

  Mr. Hain
  I am currently undertaking a series of meetings with key transport operators to assess the potential for improved air and rail services between North and South Wales. I am also engaged in discussions with the Director of Passenger Rail Franchising. My conclusions will be reflected in a Welsh transport policy statement which will be published at around the same time as the forthcoming integrated transport White Paper.

  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what proposals he has to increase the use of public transport in West Wales. [29372]

  Mr. Hain
  The promotion of public transport will be one of the key objectives of the Government's integrated transport White Paper, which is due to be published in the spring. A separate Welsh transport policy statement will be published at around the same time.

SCOTLAND

  Young People
  Mr. Gorrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what resources are allocated by the Scottish Office for(a) monitoring performance regarding children's rights and (b) enabling young people's views to be represented in planning and policy making processes involving (i) the Scottish Office and (ii) local authorities. [24952]

  Mr. Galbraith
  The Scottish Office allocated £276,000 for the current financial year under the Social Work Grants Programme to voluntary organisations dealing with children's rights and interests. As part of my remit as Minister with responsibility for children, I will be considering the terms of a Child Strategy Statement designed to ensure that policy development across the Scottish Office takes due account of any likely effect on children's interests. I expect to issue a copy of this document to local authorities and other relevant groups. I am aware also of the Connect Youth Initiative and proposals from Save the Children Fund in Scotland, both of which seek to find effective ways of allowing the views of children and young people to be heard on a wide range of issues that affect them.
  504

  Scottish Parliament
  Mr. Gorrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he took(a) to include other potential sites for the Scottish Parliament and (b) to invite modifications from the proponents of the existing proposals at the time when the Holyrood site was added to the short list of sites. [24951]

  Mr. McLeish
  A range of sites was considered before the original shortlist was drawn up. The Holyrood site was added to that list once it became clear that it would be available in a reasonable timescale. There was no reason at that point to add any other sites. Independent Design Feasibility Studies were commissioned on all four sites to allow a fair comparison of their potential to house the Parliament building.

  Student Grants
  Mr. Moore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many applications for grants by students from Scotland to study at Scottish universities and colleges for the session 1997–98 were awaiting processing on 1 December 1997; and how many processed applications were unpaid. [26054]

  Mr. Wilson
  The Student Awards Agency for Scotland had a total of 13,732 applications for awards in respect of students attending Scottish universities and colleges awaiting processing on 1 December. At the same date 94,349 applications had been processed. Where the processing of an application results in a payment being due to a student, a Payable Order is generated automatically and is normally received by the student within seven days of processing. Apart from that delivery period, the only applications processed but unpaid were those which did not generate any payment due to the student. The applications awaiting processing included a significant number which were submitted late, or for which additional information had been sought.

  Social Exclusion
  Mr. Gorrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will provide more funds to voluntary organisations whose work contributes to combating social exclusion. [29070]

  Mr. Macdonald
  [holding answer 12 February 1998]:The Scottish Office is already a major funder of voluntary organisations in Scotland, including those whose work contributes to combating social exclusion. Forty per cent. of the £1.4 million recently allocated to voluntary sector organisations for housing purposes will support work on homelessness. Voluntary sector organisations will also benefit from the £11 million allocated under the Rough Sleepers Initiative in September last year. At least 60 per cent. of the Urban Programme funding of £67.6 million in 1998–99 is expected to be allocated to voluntary organisations. Also in 1998–99, under section 10 of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968, grants totalling £6.9 million will be made to national voluntary organisations working in the field of social welfare to support their day to day work with children and families, people with disabilities or addictions, offender services and the homeless.
  505
  Further decisions on expenditure to tackle social exclusion, including support for the voluntary sector, will be considered as part of the Government's Comprehensive Spending Review. This process will be informed by the consultation exercise on social exclusion in Scotland, which is currently under way.

  Hyundai
  Mr. Alasdair Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what public funds have been spent in the preparation of the Hyundai site in Dunfermline, broken down by major items within the expenditure total. [29512]

  Mr. Wilson
  Expenditure by the Scottish Enterprise Network on acquiring, levelling and servicing the Hyundai site totals £14.340 million. The expenditure is made up as follows:

  £ million

  Cost of land purchase

  4.894

  Levelling of site

  3.977

  Utility provision - power

  3.600

  Utility provision - water

  0.774

  Utility provision - gas

  0.698

  Fees

  0.397

  In addition, a further £5.5 million has been spent on infrastructure works related to the whole of the 1,100 acre Dunfermline East Expansion Area, including the 150 acre Hyundai site. None of this expenditure relates specifically to the Hyundai project.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Green Pound Compensation
  Mr. Swinney
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will provide a breakdown for(a) Scotland, (b) England, (c) Northern Ireland and (d) Wales of the green pound compensation that was to be made available under the package announced on 22 December 1997, and the new levels of compensation available for each nation under the green pound compensation package announced on 3 February 1998; if he will state the differences between the figures under the two schemes in each case; if he will provide a breakdown of these figures for the hill livestock sector; and if he will make a statement. [28261]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 6 February 1998]: The information requested is set out in the table. The figures in brackets show that part of the totals which is payable to producers in the Less Favoured Areas.

  Estimated £ million

  22 December package

  3 February package

  difference

  (a) Scotland

  17.4 (14.9)

  23.9 (20.6)

  6.5 (5.7)

  (b) England

  24.7 (9.5)

  34.7 (14.0)

  10.0 (4.5)

  (c) Northern Ireland

  11.0(8.5)

  14.2(11.0)

  3.2 (2.5)

  (d) Wales

  6.9 (6.2)

  12.2(11.1)

  5.3 (4.9)

  506

  Retirement Packages
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received from other European Union countries on retirement packages for the agricultural sector. [29250]

  Mr. Rooker
  None.

  Veterinary Products (Ivomec)
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when Ivomec was first licensed for use in the United Kingdom. [29416]

  Mr. Rooker
  Our records show that the first use of the name "Ivomec" for a veterinary medicine was for a product licensed in June 1981. This is an injectable product for the treatment of cattle.

  Sheep Exports
  Mr. Paice
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will allow the export of whole carcases of sheep over 12 months old. [29310]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 13 February 1998]: The Specified Risk Material Regulations 1997 require the removal of the spinal cord of all sheep and goats more than 12 months of age by the splitting of the carcase, or by removal of a longitudinal section of the whole vertebral column containing the spinal cord. There is no exemption for carcases destined for export.

  We are currently considering representations received from various organisations about the impact of this provision on exports of carcases of sheep over 12 months of age.

  Food-handling Machinery (Lubricants)
  Mrs. Gilroy
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has for introducing regulations to ensure that only appropriate and food-compatible lubricants are used in food-handling machinery. [28743]

  Mr. Rooker
  As the production or sale of any food which is injurious to health or unfit for human consumption is already an offence under the Food Safety Act 1990, we see no need at present to introduce regulations specifically relating to lubricants used in food-handling machinery.

  Meat Imports
  Mrs. Dean
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what measures are being taken to ensure that meat imported to the United Kingdom is from animals fed on animal foods which are as safe as those now used in the United Kingdom. [29236]

  Mr. Rooker
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Lancaster and Wyre (Mr. Dawson) on 2 February 1998,Official Report, columns 547–48.
  507

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Absenteeism
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will estimate the rates of absenteeism in her(a) Department, (b) agencies and (c) non-departmental public bodies, for (i) 1995–96, (ii) 1996–97 and (iii) 1997–98 to date; and if she will make a statement. [26594]

  Mrs. Beckett
  [holding answer 5 February 1998]: My Department is responsible for 21 executive non-Departmental public bodies, 25 advisory bodies and 7 tribunals, one of which covers the 24 industrial tribunals, and another the 2 employment tribunals. I regret that only some of the information requested by the hon. Member is held centrally, and the complete details requested could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  For the headquarters areas of the Department, the sickness absence database of the Occupational Health Service Agency Ltd. shows the average number of days sick leave per employee for the 1995 calendar year is 8.2. I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, 10 February 1998, Official Report, column 116, which announced publication of the 1996 figures, and show this Department's average number of days sick leave per employee during that calendar year as 7.6.

  I have asked the Chief Executive of the Agencies to write to the hon. Member. The management of sickness absence in the Department has been identified as a priority for line managers, with the aim of ensuring that absence rates are comparable to or better than those of similar organisations in the private sector.

  Letter from Peter Joyce to Mr. Malcolm Bruce, dated 16 February 1998:
  The President of the Board of Trade has asked me to reply to your question about rates of absenteeism (sick leave) of staff in The Insolvency Service.
  The Cabinet Office is responsible for publishing sick leave data. The most recent in the report was issued on 10 February 1998 containing 1996 data. The figures for Service Staff for the last two available years were (working days absences per staff year):

  1995

  1996

  Certificated Sick Leave

  5.9

  3.3

  Self-certificated Sick Leave

  3.6

  6.05

  Total Sick Leave

  9.5

  9.35

  Staff Years

  1,642

  1,469

  Letter from Jim Norton to Mr. Malcolm Bruce, dated 16 February 1998:
  I have been asked by the President of the Board of Trade to reply to the above Parliamentary Question with information about the Radiocommunications Agency.
  The average rate of absenteeism in the Radiocommunications Agency was as follows:
  1995/96: 0.74 days sick leave per staff member
  1996/97: 0.76 days sick leave per staff member
  1997/98 to date: 0.78 days sick leave per staff member.
  508
  Letter from Dr. Seton Bennett to Mr. Malcolm Bruce, dated 16 February 1998:
  The President of the Board of Trade has asked me to reply on behalf of the National Weights and Measures Laboratory to your question about the rate of absenteeism.
  The rates of absenteeism for the last three years are set out in the table below:

  Year

  Days per member of staff

  1995–96

  11.9

  1996–97

  12.9

  1997–98 (April to November)

  10.3

  It should be noted that the high figures reflect a number of long term illnesses within the Agency. Five staff (10% of total) have had long term illnesses in the period concerned.

  Letter from Ian Jones to Mr. Malcolm Bruce, dated 16 February 1998:
  I have been asked by the President of the Board of Trade to reply, in respect of the Employment Tribunals Service (ETS), to your question about rates of absenteeism.
  The ETS gained status on 1 April 1997 and I am able to inform you that, for the six months from April to September 1997, the absenteeism rate for the agency was 5.4%. For the periods before 1 April 1997, absenteeism in the ETS would be included in the reply from the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department for Education and Employment (for the former Employment Department).
  I hope that this is helpful.

  Letter from P. R. S. Hartnack to Mr. Malcolm Bruce, dated 16 February 1998:
  I am replying for the Patent Office to your Parliamentary Question to the President of the Board of Trade about the rates of absenteeism. Below are the statistics for the Patent Office:

  Year

  Number of working days

  Average per person

  Percentage of working days lost

  April 1995-March 1996

  8,770

  10.98

  3.87

  April 1996-March 1997

  5,673

  7.99

  3.06

  April 1997-September19981

  2,663

  3.70

  2.93

  1 Note 6 months.

  Letter from John Holden to Mr. Malcolm Bruce, dated January 1998:
  I have been asked to reply to your question to the President of the Board of Trade regarding the rates of absenteeism in DTI Agencies.
  The sickness absenteeism rate for Companies House for the years in question are as follows:
  1995/96: 5.6%
  1996/97: 6.0%
  1997/98: 5.7%

  Correspondence
  Mr. Ian Bruce
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how long on average it takes her Department to answer letters from hon. Members; what target date her Department sets; what percentage receive replies within the target date; and what assessment she has made of how long it takes to deliver a letter after it has been typed. [27031]

  Mrs. Beckett
  [holding answer 2 February 1998]: My Department aims to send substantive replies to 77 per cent. of all letters within 10 working days and 98 per cent. within

  509
  a calendar month. Figures are collected in relation to all letters to Ministers rather than those from hon. Members alone.

  Since 1 May, 56 per cent. of letters were issued within the 10 day target. The average issue time for all letters was 12 days.

  The Department does not measure the time it takes to deliver a letter after it has been typed.

  Multilateral Agreement on Investment
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will make a statement on the powers of the dispute settlement mechanisms contained within the draft texts of the Multilateral Agreement on Investment to deal with contraventions of the OECD guidelines for multinational corporations. [29918]

  Mrs. Roche
  The MAI's dispute settlement procedures will not apply to the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises (MNEs) which are a voluntary code of conduct of good corporate behaviour.

  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment she has made of the implications of the OECD guidelines for multinational corporations on the Multilateral Agreement on Investment. [29919]

  Mrs. Roche
  We are pressing for the close association of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises with the Multilateral Agreement on Investment (MAI) in a manner which will not affect their legal status.

  Ms Drown
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what steps the Government will take to ensure that reservations under the Multilateral Agreement on Investment are binding and effective. [29950]

  Mrs. Roche
  The Government will ensure that the UK's country-specific exceptions are drafted in such a way that they will be fully effective.

  Ms Drown
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will make it her policy not to sign the Multilateral Agreement on Investment unless it contains binding labour standards. [29955]

  Mrs. Roche
  When the final text of the Multilateral Agreement on Investment (MAI) is available, the Government will decide if it meets the UK's objectives. We will continue to press the case for a binding commitment not to derogate from labour or environmental standards in order to attract specific investments.

  Ms Drown
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what consultations have been held with small and medium-sized businesses about the Multilateral Agreement on Investment. [29978]

  Mrs. Roche
  My officials have consulted widely with business, including organisations which represent, among others, small and medium-sized enterprises.

  Mr. Stunell
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what representations she has made to the OECD on the participation of developing nations in the Multilateral Agreement on Investment; and if she will make a statement. [28327]
  510
  Mrs. Roche
  In the MAI negotiations at the OECD the UK has strongly supported the view that the MAI should be open to all countries willing and able to meet the MAI's obligations. The Government have also supported a proposal for language to be included in the Agreement to clarify that the special needs of developing countries should be taken into account when they apply to join.

  Gross Domestic Product
  Mr. Evans
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will list the gross domestic product of each county in England in each year since 1977. [29481]

  Mrs. Roche
  The latest information for 1993 and 1995 is in the Economic Trends January 1998 edition, published by the Office for National Statistics on 15 January 1998. Information from 1977 is available in the House of Commons Library but figures are available only for selected years.

  Millennium Compliance
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if a chief executive of Action 2000 has been appointed. [24379]

  Mrs. Roche
  [holding answer 20 January 1998]: The Chairman of Action 2000 has appointed Ian Eddison as Acting Director and he has been in post since 17 December 1997. Action 2000 has advertised for a permanent Director and this is progressing swiftly with approximately 100 applications received by the closing date.

  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade when Action 2000 will be launched. [24377]

  Mrs. Roche
  [holding answer 20 January 1998]: Action 2000 launched its Millennium Bug Campaign on 22 January.

  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many staff are employed on answering the Millennium Bug Hotline; and how many phone lines can be operated simultaneously. [28582]

  Mrs. Roche
  [holding answer 9 February 1998]: I understand from Action 2000 that there are six staff permanently assigned to the Millennium Bug Hotline with immediate recourse to an additional three to cope with fluctuations in demand. There is no fixed number of lines. Action 2000 is keeping performance under review and will consider expanding the resources if the need arises.

  Electricity Industry (North Yorkshire)
  Mr. Hague
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade when she proposes to announce her decision in respect of the application by the National Grid to construct new overhead power lines across North Yorkshire. [29550]

  Mrs. Beckett
  I shall reach my decision as soon as I properly and practically can.

  Inward Investment
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what was the sterling value of inward investment
  511
  into the United Kingdom in (a) the three months prior to 31 January 1996 and (b) the three months prior to 31 January 1997. [28585]

  Mrs. Beckett
  [holding answer 9 February 1998]: Information on the value of inward investment is available on a quarterly basis only. Figures of the latest five quarters available are given in the table.

  Inward direct investment in the United Kingdom

  £ billion

  Year

  Flows

  Stocks1

  1996 Q3

  5.1

  137.7

  1996 Q4

  3.5

  138.7

  1997 Ql

  8.7

  147.8

  1997 Q2

  5.1

  152.9

  1997 Q3

  3.0

  155.9

  1 The stock of investment at the end of a period represents the net book value of the investment. It equals the stock at the end of the previous period plus the flow of investment during the period, together with adjustments for goodwill write-offs, revaluation of assets and exchange rate fluctuations. However, these adjustments are only carried out when the results of the annual inquiries are available. The figures for the most recent quarters are not so adjusted.

  Source:

  The Office for National Statistics (ONS).

  Minimum Wage
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many submissions her Department has received expressing the view that differentials will be restored in whole or part following the imposition of a minimum wage. [27895]

  Mrs. Beckett
  [holding answer 5 February 1998]: My Department has received a number of submissions which contain reference to the restoration of pay differentials following the introduction of a national minimum wage.

  Mr. David Atkinson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what representations she has received on the impact on employment in the tourism industry in the South West Region of the introduction of a minimum wage. [29745]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  The Government have received a number of representations on the possible effects, including on employment, in the tourism and leisure industry following the introduction of the national minimum wage.

  Mr. Levitt
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if(a) payments in kind and (b) board and lodging where living on the premises is a condition of employment, will be taken into account when assessing income for purposes of applying the minimum wage. [29805]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  The Low Pay Commission has been asked to make recommendations on what is to be treated as remuneration when assessing compliance with the National Minimum Wage.

  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what are the estimated costs for businesses of complying with the requirement that all employees be informed of the level of the minimum wage on pay-slips and other company documentation. [29687]
  512
  Mr. Ian McCartney
  The Government have made a commitment to consult with business over any secondary legislation to implement the National Minimum Wage Bill and indicated that they will produce a detailed appraisal of the impact associated with that secondary legislation. This would include any costs associated with a requirement to show the level of the minimum wage on pay-slips.

  Concessionary Coal
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what changes(a) are planned and (b) have been made with respect to the free coal scheme for miners' families. [22656]

  Mrs. Beckett
  [holding answer 12 January 1998]: Since liability for concessionary fuel for ex-employees of British Coal (and their dependants) transferred to the Government in March 1995, no changes have been made to the scheme.

  My hon. Friend the Minister for Science, Energy and Industry announced on 11 February that it would be premature to introduce new arrangements, and that we are extending the consultation period for a while longer to consider all relevant issues before we make necessary changes.

  Our aim is to find a solution to future entitlements which is fair to all concerned, and which complies with EU legal requirements and the Fuel Agreements. We have listened to representations and the views of beneficiaries expressing concern about the entitlements, and have decided to make no change to existing entitlements while full and wide ranging consultations are in progress. Beneficiaries can be assured that they will continue to receive their present fuel type at existing tonnages while the consultations are underway.

  British Standards Institute
  Mr. Baldry
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will make a statement on the future of the British Standards Institute. [28652]

  Mr. Battle
  The British Standards Institution (BSI), the national standards body, is a Royal Charter body which is independent of Government. Its future is primarily a matter for its members.

  BSI's senior management, after consulting Government through my Department, have submitted proposed amendments to BSI's Royal Charter and Byelaws, which comprise its constitution, to an Extraordinary General Meeting of BSI's members on 27 February 1998. If BSI's members approve the amendments they will be submitted to the Privy Council Office.

  The main aim of the amendments is to allow BSI to expand its commercial activities, with a view to seeing its long term viability, while at the same time safeguarding the future of its standards facilitation activities.

  Fireworks
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what advice she has offered to traders holding stocks of fireworks which have become illegal to sell. [29443]
  513
  Mr. Nigel Griffiths
  On the few occasions the DTI has been approached by retailers they have been advised to discuss the issue of unsold stocks of prohibited fireworks with their suppliers. In some cases it is open to suppliers to re-export such fireworks to countries where national traditions mean that they are still acceptable and I understand that some suppliers are exploring this option.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what Government assistance is available to(a) firework manufacturers and (b) firework retailers to help them dispose of recently banned firework stocks. [29444]

  Mr. Nigel Griffiths
  Following discussions between the DTI and the Health and Safety Executive the latter has issued an exemption certificate to facilitate the return to suppliers of stocks of the prohibited fireworks which have been taken out of their original transport packaging. My Department has been in contact with the National Federation of Retail Newsagents to make sure retailers are informed and the information is being given to others who inquire about this issue. The trade association representing the firework industry is also aware that an exemption certificate has been issued.

  Trade Union Rights
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans she has to increase trade union rights to recognition; and if she will make a statement. [26182]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  [holding answer 29 January 1998]: The Government are committed to enabling trade unions to obtain recognition where a majority of the relevant workforce vote in a ballot for the union to represent them. We will consult fully on our proposals which will be set out in a White Paper to be published in the first part of this year.

  MOX Fuel
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if, in assessing the future export market for MOX fuel, she will evaluate projections by independent experts, with particular reference to the international MOX assessment final report of November 1997. [29500]

  Mr. Battle
  Evaluation of the future export market for MOX fuel is for the commercial judgment of British Nuclear Fuels plc (BNFL), taking into account all relevant financial and economic factors.

  The commercial and economic justification for the Sellafield MOX Plant is currently the subject of a further public consultation, on the justification of the proposed uranium commissioning and operation of the plant, being undertaken by the Environment Agency (EA). It is for the EA to decide on the justification for the plan on the basis of all evidence, including any reports, made available to them.

  Civil Servants
  Mr. Forth
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many civil servants in her Department at each grade for grade 3 or above have(a) resigned, (b) retired before pensionable age and (c) moved to different responsibilities within the department since 1 May 1997; if she will indicate the Minister to whom each was responsible; and if she will make a statement. [26921]
  514
  Mr. Nigel Griffiths
  Since 1 May the Regional Director for the North East has taken early retirement. None has resigned. There have been ten staff moves within the department involving posts at or above a level equivalent to what was formerly Grade 3 during that period. These have all been routine moves for career development or operational reasons (for example because a post has been abolished or a new one created). All Civil Servants in the Department of Trade and Industry are responsible to the President of the Board of Trade.

  Transfer of Undertakings
  Mr. Hanson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if the Government plan to amend the legislation giving employees the right to be informed and consulted through representatives in the event of a collective redundancy or the transfer of a business undertaking between employers. [29976]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  My Department has today published a public consultation document seeking views on proposals to amend this aspect of the employment protection legislation.

  Aerospace Industry
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment she has made of current and projected skills shortages in the aerospace sector. [26810]

  Mr. Battle
  My Department works closely with the Society of British Aerospace Companies (SBAC) who are taking forward a programme of activities under the DTFs Competitiveness Challenge. Through the Competitiveness Challenge the SBAC have commissioned the Institute for Employment Services (IES) to conduct a survey into a number of aspects of people-management in the aerospace sector, including skills shortages. The IES's findings will be made public at the end of March.

  Engineers
  Mr. John M. Taylor
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what discussions she has had recently with business in the West Midlands regarding the availability of skilled engineers. [28529]

  Mr. Battle
  My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade visited major West Midlands manufacturing companies on 26 January 1998. Similar visits to the region were made by myself and my hon. Friend the Minister for Small Firms, Trade and Industry in October.

  My Department is aware that skill shortages exist in the West Midlands in particular sectors, such as automotive and construction, which are key to competitiveness of the region. Local organisations, including schools, Training and Enterprise Councils (TECs) and FE Colleges are responding to such shortages to encourage more young people into engineering. Examples of activity include TEC-funded Modern Apprenticeships in engineering, schools working with the Engineering Employers' Federation to give work experience in engineering and FE colleges working with specific employers to address skill needs. A particular example is an advanced engineering centre being developed at Sutton Coldfield College in conjunction with local employers including LDV.
  515

  Non-fossil Fuel Obligation
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what environmental appraisal will be undertaken in respect of the award of contracts to renewables developers under the Fifth Round of the Non Fossil Fuel Obligation. [29017]

  Mr. Battle
  I expect projects to be contracted under the fifth Non Fossil Fuel Obligation to demonstrate high standards of environmental performance. This will require developers to consult widely on their project proposals so that their projects meet the concerns of the community likely to be affected. Award of NFFO contract does not confer any special privilege in the planning approval process which must be carried out in the normal way.

  Disqualified Directors
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade, pursuant to her answer of 28 January 1998,Official Report, column 253, if she will make a statement on the procedures (a) for selecting newspapers to which press releases are sent in the vicinity of (i) the disqualified director's private address and (ii) the address of the failed company, (b) for the timing of the press release, before or at the end of any stay period and (c) on the extent to which the disqualified director is advised on these matters, including being sent a copy of the release. [29549]

  Mr. Nigel Griffiths
  Disqualification proceedings are held in open court to which both the public and the press have access. The newspapers which are offered briefing are selected by the Central Office of Information (COI) from a list held by them, such newspapers being those relevant to both the director's home address and to the trading address of the failed company. The press release is issued as soon as possible after the court hearing at which the director has been disqualified. The press release gives the date of the disqualification order and whether the director was given leave to be a director of any other company(s).

  Where directors ask whether there will be any publicity they are told that a press release will be issued and when requested a copy is made available to the director.

  Gas Industry
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what steps she is taking to(a) increase competition and (b) ensure fair pricing in the gas supply market. [29534]

  Mr. Battle
  By this summer, all domestic gas consumers in Great Britain should have a choice of supplier. Competition exerts a downward pressure on prices, and in the areas of the country which have already been opened to competition, consumers are able to benefit from prices which are up to 20 per cent. lower than those available from the former monopoly supplier. I am concerned that pre-payment meter users should also be able to benefit fully from the introduction of competition. This is an issue that is being considered as part of the Government's review of utility regulation.

  Centrica
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what representations she has received regarding the activities of Centrica. [29553]
  516
  Mr. Battle
  My Department receives representations concerning a wide range of gas issues in which Centrica will have some involvement.

  Transco
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what representations she has received concerning the activities of Transco. [29533]

  Mr. Battle
  My Department receives representations concerning a wide range of gas issues in which Transco will have some involvement.

  Tableware Strategy Group
  Ms Walley
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will make a statement on the progress to date on the reconvening of the Tableware Strategy Group. [29419]

  Mr. Battle
  I have been considering this suggestion, along with other options, to identify how best we can work with the ceramics industry. Following discussions with the British Ceramic Confederation (BCC) and the Treasury, it may be that the Ceramic Industry Liaison Group (CILG) would be the most appropriate forum to take this process forward. This is an existing forum at which my Department, the DETR, The BCC and CERAM Research, the industry research Association, meet regularly to discuss issues of concern to the industry. My officials are also looking at the possibility of Treasury involvement.

  I mentioned this possible approach in my letter of 31 January 1998 to my hon. Friend the Member for Stoke-on-Trent, South (Mr. Stevenson), which I have also copied to my hon. Friend. I shall consider the matter further when responses are to hand.

MINISTER WITHOUT PORTFOLIO

  Millennium Experience
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Minister without Portfolio what is his estimate of the cost of the millennium experience. [27617]

  Mr. Mandelson
  The cost of the Millennium Experience and its associated national programme of events will be met by a grant of £399 million (net) from the Millennium Commission and forecast income totalling £359 million from sponsorship, commercial activities, visitor revenues and disposal income.

  Mr. Gareth Thomas
  To ask the Minister without Portfolio to what extent the contents of the millennium dome will reflect Welsh and Scottish identities. [27618]

  Mr. Mandelson
  The Millennium Experience at Greenwich and its associated national programme of events and activities will appeal to and be relevant to people of all ages and interests wherever they may live. The overarching theme, "Time to Make a Difference", will encourage participation of individuals in all areas of the United Kingdom. NMEC is setting up teams in Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the nine regions of England.
  517
  Mr. Cranston
  To ask the Minister without Portfolio if he will make a statement on progress in securing financial sponsorship for the millennium exhibition. [27620]

  Mr. Mandelson
  The New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC) are at crucial stages of very promising negotiations with a wide range of companies.

  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Minister without Portfolio if he will make a statement on the work of M&C Saatchi in respect of the millennium experience. [27621]

  Mr. Mandelson
  After full competitive tendering M&C Saatchi were chosen by the New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC) to develop an integrated communications strategy for the Millennium Experience. This will incorporate media purchasing, production, direct marketing, Advertising Agency Service and other elements of integrated communications. That work is underway.

  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Minister without Portfolio what consultations he has held with the appropriate local authorities about the impact of traffic relating to attendance at the dome in Greenwich. [27622]

  Mr. Mandelson
  The New Millennium Experience Company have had regular discussions with the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions, the relevant local authorities and London Transport to ensure that there is minimal traffic impact on Greenwich and its surrounding area.

  The site will be a car free zone. A multi-modal integrated public transport system, including new river boat services and the new Jubilee Line Extension, will provide a variety of means of getting to the Millennium Experience.

  Mr. Wilkinson
  To ask the Minister without Portfolio what percentage of his total personal ministerial travel, accommodation and related subsistence expenditure in respect of his work on the millennium experience has been devoted to visits to EU countries. [27623]

  Mr. Mandelson
  I have visited Futuroscope in Poitiers as part of an official visit to France which cost approximately £970 in total; and Disney World in Florida as part of an official visit to the United States which cost approximately £3,450 in total.

  Mr. Edward Davey
  To ask the Minister without Portfolio how he intends to involve a representative selection of young people in the Millennium Dome project. [28229]

  Mr. Mandelson
  The New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC) is developing proposals to ensure that young people across the country are able to put forward their views and ideas on the Millennium Experience at Greenwich and the associated national programme of events and activities. These proposals envisage Regional Junior Boards in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the nine English regions, each comprising twenty young people between the ages of 9 and 16, whom local education establishments and agencies have been asked to nominate. The Boards will be chaired by NMEC's518
  national programme Education Managers for each region, and will meet twice a term. NMEC's objective is to arrange the first such meeting this summer.

  The proposals also envisage that one member of each Regional Junior Board will sit on the National Junior Board, together with representatives of the major national youth organisations and agencies.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Minister without Portfolio if he will list(a) the United Kingdom publications and (b) the US publications in which contracts for the air- conditioning system of the Millennium Dome were advertised. [28132]

  Mr. Mandelson
  [holding answer 9 February 1998]: The contract for the design, manufacture and supply, testing and commissioning of mechanical and electrical plant for the Millennium Dome (including boilers, chillers, air handling units, standby generators, transformers and packaged substations) was advertised on 7 June 1997 in the Official Journal of the European Communities as required by European law on public procurement.

  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Minister without Portfolio, pursuant to his answer of 19 January 1998,Official Report, column 432, on transport arrangements for the Millennium Experience, what discussions the New Millennium Experience has had with Scottish public transport providers. [27982]

  Mr. Mandelson
  The New Millennium Experience Company has had discussions with the Association of Train Operating Companies (of which ScotRail is a member), and is exploring ticketing options with the operators of large and small coach fleets in respect of scheduled services and private hire from across the UK.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  National Curriculum Tests
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assessment his Department has made of the relative standards achieved at Level 4 in(a) Key Stage 2 and (b) Key Stage 3 National Curriculum English Tests; and what research underlies this assessment. [28789]

  Mr. Byers
  The Qualification and Curriculum Authority (QCA) is responsible for the standards demanded in statutory tests and takes a number of measures to ensure comparability of standards between Key Stages. These include cross-Key Stage pre-tests before the tests are finalised and script scrutiny to compare pupil performance across the Key Stage tests. QCA has published details of the test development process in its leaflet "Key Stages 1–3 National Curriculum Tests: Setting and Maintaining the Standards" and in its annual Standards Reports. I have placed copies of these publications in the Library.

  Local Colleges
  Mrs. Dean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what proposals he has to encourage co-operation between local colleges and high schools. [28744]
  519
  Dr. Howells
  We are keen to encourage co-operation in post-16 education and training. Proposals will be published in the forthcoming consultation document on lifelong learning.

  Engineering and Technology
  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what steps he intends to take to encourage more women to undertake degrees in engineering and technology. [29600]

  Dr. Howells
  The Government acknowledge the need for top class scientists and engineers and the important role that Universities play in helping to bring that about. The Development Unit for Women in Science, Engineering and Technology, which operates within the Office of Science and Technology, was established to encourage the increased participation of women in science, engineering and technology (SET) at all levels. It has produced various materials to encourage girls to consider engineering and technology as career options.

  WISE (Women in Science and Engineering), started in 1984 with support from the former Manpower Services Commission. It has a remit to raise the number of women studying these subjects and, since then, women's representation on these courses in HE has doubled. It continues to receive support from the Department of Trade and Industry.

  It is important that industry itself plays a full role in attracting girls to study engineering and technology subjects and that this will lead to satisfying career opportunities. It was unfortunate, for example, that the Women into Technology Foundation was not sustainable without public support. The Government continue to encourage industry to consider what further steps it might take, and to offer appropriate support.

  New Deal
  Mr. Rowe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when he plans to extend the New Deal to the older unemployed. [29295]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  We will be introducing the New Deal for those aged 25 and over, and unemployed for two years or more, in June. As we announced on 5 January, we have been considering a number of options for extending provision for those aged 25 or more who have been unemployed for 1 year or 18 months, and whether pilots could be introduced later this year.

  Mr. Rowe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what is the per capita funding for those unemployed who(a) are and (b) are not included in the New Deal. [29294]
  520
  Mr. Andrew Smith
  Employment measures are not based on overall per capita cost. They offer a wide range of opportunities based on length of unemployment and individual need. Someone unemployed for over six months, for example, could attend a Jobclub at an average cost of £200 or undertake work based training for adults at an average cost of £2,510, including allowances. Similarly, the New Deal for 18–24 year olds could help one young person to find work during the Gateway at a cost of less than £100 to New Deal funds, and another to improve employability and then find work at a cost of over £5,000 to New Deal funds. The New Deal is in general resourced to make a real difference to the employability of young people and to contribute to reducing structural unemployment.

  Welfare to Work
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the numbers of(a) young unemployed and (b) long-term unemployed expected to participate in welfare to work schemes in 1998–99, broken down by travel-to-work area. [27167]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 27 January 1998,Official Report, column 188.

  By convention, the Government do not publish forecasts of unemployment. In January 1998, 118,000 18–24 year olds were recorded as having claimed Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) for six months or more; each month about 15,000–20,000 18–24 year olds reach six months' claimant unemployment. In January 1998 some 216,000 people aged 25 or over were recorded as having claimed JSA for more than two years; each month between 5,000 and 10,000 people who are 25 or over reach two years' claimant unemployment. It is not possible to break these data down to provide accurate estimates by travel to work areas.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  New Deal
  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate she has made of the number of people in Warrington, North who have declined to participate in the New Deal and who are owner-occupiers. [29601]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  The information requested is not readily available and can be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  There will be a full and independent evaluation of the New Deal for Lone Parents which will examine all aspects of the programme, including participation rates. The evaluation will compare the outcomes for lone parents in the New Deal for Lone Parents areas with those in the control areas where the service is not yet available, and will be published in 1999.

  Development Policy
  Lord Judd
  asked Her Majesty's Government:

  What progress they are making in the European Union towards greater coherence in policies of direct or indirect significance for economic and social development in the less developed countries of the world. [HL551]

  Lord Whitty
  The Government's development White Paper commits us to work to ensure the full range of domestic and international policies affecting developing countries take account of the UK's sustainable development objectives. The European Union's commitment to policy consistency is set out in Articles 130 u and v of the Treaty of Maastricht. The Government are therefore working with European partners for consistency between policies in the areas of development, environment, trade, agriculture and investment amongst others.

  An example of recent progress is implementation of the World Trade Organisation's Least Developed Countries (LDC) Initiative. Under the UK Presidency, agreement has now been reached on how to implement the EU's commitment to extend Lomé equivalent preferential trade terms to the nine non-ACP (Africa, Caribbean, Pacific) LDCs.

  Income Disparities
  Lord Judd
  asked Her Majesty's Government:

  Whether they endorse the calculations in the 1997 UNCTAD (United Nations Conference on Trade and Development) Annual Report that global wealth-poverty polarisation has become greater since 1971 with 80 per cent. of the world's population taking a markedly decreasing share of world income; and what are the implications of such a trend for their international security and international development policies. [HL552]

  Lord Whitty
  Her Majesty's Government share the widespread international concern about the increased income inequality revealed in the UNCTAD report and agree that we should work to ensure that people everywhere can reap the benefits from the rapid changes that are taking place in the world economy.

  Our main development concern is to increase the income and well-being of the people at the lowest end of the income distribution. Her Majesty's Government are committed to working to try to meet the international targets for poverty elimination. We will work to achieve this both through our aid programme, and through the full range of our policies affecting developing countries.

  Poverty Eradication
  Lord Judd
  asked Her Majesty's Government:

  What action they are taking as holders of the Presidency of the European Union to encourage other member states to adopt the same priorities as those established in the recent White Paper Eliminating World Poverty and, in particular, to harmonise and strengthen contributions by all member states both to the United Nations multilateral institutions and to the international financial institutions. [HL577]

  Lord Whitty
  During the UK Presidency, we will work with our European Union partners to try to secure their commitment to the Organisation for Economic Co-op Development's (OECD) 21st Century Strategy and international development targets. We are planning to discuss how to put the strategy into practice in our programmes at a high level seminar which we will hold in March for the development Ministers from member states, appropriate European Commissioners, and representatives from the European Parliament's Development Committee. We will also seek to make sure that poverty eradication is at the heart of the EU's Lome negotiating mandate.

  We will also continue to work closely with all our EU partners across the international financial institutions and the UN's development agencies in order, where possible, to reach common positions on the governance and policies of those institutions.

  Animal Identification by Microchip
  Lord Hooson
  asked Her Majesty's Government:

  Whether, parallel with any scheme they have for micro-chipping cattle and sheep for identification purposes, they will consider a similar scheme for cats and dogs as a necessary precondition for a change in the quarantine laws. [HL488]

  The Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Lord Donoughue)
  On 2 October last year my right honourable friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food announced a scientific assessment and review of quarantine, and alternatives to it, by the Advisory Group on Quarantine. Identification of imported cats and dogs by microchip forms part of some of the options being assessed by the group.

  British Registered Fishing Vessels
  Lord Mackay of Ardbrecknish
  asked Her Majesty's Government:

  When the proposals for ensuring that all registered British fishing vessels maintain a real economic link with the United Kingdom were sent to the European Commission, and when they expect a response; and [HL464]
  WA3
  Whether they will publish the proposals for ensuring that all registered British fishing vessels maintain a real economic link with the United Kingdom which have been sent to the European Commission. [HL465]

  Lord Donoughue
  The proposals for ensuring that all British registered fishing vessels maintain a real economic link with the United Kingdom were sent to the European Commission for consideration at the beginning of January. Discussions with the Commission are continuing. Copies of the proposals have been circulated to the industry, and placed in the Library of the House.

  National Lottery Awards: Internet Publication
  Lord Avebury
  asked Her Majesty's Government:

  Whether, in the interests of public accountability, they will ask the National Lottery to publish details on their web site of the awards made. [HL545]

  Lord McIntosh of Haringey
  Details of National Lottery awards are available on the department's website, www.lottery.culture.gov.uk.

  Year ended

  31 March 1967

  31 March 1977

  31 March 1987

  31 March 1997

  Staff years planned 1998–99

  Staff in Post

  17,576

  29,389

  26,090

  23,071

  23,245

  Staff focused on ports of entry

  Data not available

  Data not available

  8,0921

  5,649

  5,461

  Percentage

  31 per cent.

  24.5 per cent.

  23.5 per cent.

  1 For "Staff focused on ports of entry" we have used the most appropriate definitions of activity from information published at the relevant time. Organisational changes mean that they are not precisely the same between 1987 and the present date.

  Equal Pay
  Earl Russell
  asked Her Majesty's Government:

  Whether they have plans to introduce any measures to expedite progress towards equal pay. [HL497]

  The Minister of State, Department for Education and Employment (Baroness Blackstone)
  The Government's new earnings survey for April 1997 shows that women's average hourly earnings, excluding overtime, were 80.2 per cent. of men's, and, although this difference is still disappointingly large, it has shrunk a little more every year for 10 years. Government policies will enable more women to train for and enter higher status jobs, and will encourage employers to pay full and fair rates. In addition, the introduction of a national minimum wage will help to reduce the gap between men's and women's pay, since women form a large proportion of those workers who will benefit from this measure. The Equal Opportunities Commission is currently undertaking a review of the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 and Equal Pay Act 1970, and

  Ministerial Privileges
  Lord Tebbit
  asked Her Majesty's Government:

  Whether Ministers receive any official consideration denied to sexual partners. [HL503]

  Lord McIntosh of Haringey
  Each case is decided on its own circumstances and in the light of the public interest.

  Lord Tebbit
  asked Her Majesty's Government:

  How many sexual partners of Ministers, other than spouses, are currently housed in accommodation financed by the taxpayer. [HL506]

  Lord McIntosh of Haringey
  I am not accountable for the private lives of Ministers.

  HM Customs and Excise: Staff Numbers
  Lord Wallace of Saltaire
  asked Her Majesty's Government:

  What was the total staff of the UK Customs and Excise at the end of 1997, as compared with 1987, 1977, and 1967 and what will be the number on current plans in 1999 identifying in each case the proportion of staff whose work is focused on ports of entry. [HL444]

  Lord McIntosh of Haringey
  The number of staff in post for the years requested are:

  its draft has highlighted the need for greater understanding of equal pay issues. The Government will consider the review when it is formally presented later this year.

  GCSE: European Studies
  Lord Thomson of Monifieth
  asked Her Majesty's Government:

  Why, in view of their commitment to membership of the European Union, they have deleted European studies from the list of available GCSE subjects. [HL570]

  Baroness Blackstone
  It is for the GCSE Awarding Bodies, not the Government, to determine what GCSEs to offer in subjects that are not part of the statutory National Curriculum. Awarding Bodies' decisions take account of factors such as levels of demand for the qualification, the costs of offering the syllabus and the availability of the expertise necessary to provide for external assessment of candidates' performance.

  Treatment Costs
  Lord Morris of Manchester
  asked Her Majesty's Government:

  What is the current cost to the NHS of prescription of drug treatments for cancer, schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease and depression [HL521]

  The Minister of State, Department of Health (Baroness Jay of Paddington)
  The available information is shown in the table. The information does not include drugs prescribed and dispensed in hospitals, so does not represent the total cost of prescribing these drugs. It is not possible to identify the indication for which medicines are prescribed, so some medicines included in the cost data may have been used to treat other conditions. The information is for the year 1996.

  The net ingredient cost of prescription items dispensed for the treatment of cancer, schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease and depression, 1996

  England

  £ thousands

  Cancer1

  76,473.10

  Schizophrenia2

  28,462.60

  Alzheimer's disease3

  —

  Depression4

  191,242.80

  Notes:

  1. Drugs used for the treatment of cancer are those described in the British National Formulary section 8.1, "Cytotoxic drugs", 8.2.4. "Interferons", 8.2.5 "aldesleukin" and 8.3 "Sex hormones and hormone antagonists in malignant disease". Other drugs will also be used to treat cancer patients. It is not possible to separate these for those used for the treatment of cancer only.

  (2) Drugs used for the treatment of schizophrenia are those indicated for the treatment of schizophrenia in British National Formulary section 4.2, "Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders". Some of these drugs may be used for other conditions.

  (3) Drugs used for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease are those described in the British National Formulary section 4.11, "Drugs for dementia". None of the drugs was dispensed in England in 1996. The net ingredient cost of drugs used in Alzheimer's disease between April 1997 and September 1997 was £346.4 thousand.

  (4) Drugs used for the treatment of depression are those described in the British National Formulary section 4.3, "Antidepressant drugs".

  (5) The date cover all prescriptions dispensed by the community pharmacists and appliance contractors, dispensing doctors, and prescriptions submitted by prescribing doctors for items personally administered.

  (6) The net ingredient cost refers to the cost of the drug before discounts and does not include any dispensing costs or fees.

  (7) The therapeutic classifications are based on British National Formulary, Number 30 (September 1995) except for the classification in note 3, which is based on British National Formulary Number 32 (September 1996).

  Women and Smoking
  Lord Braine of Wheatley
  asked Her Majesty's Government:

  What steps they are taking to encourage women to give up smoking and whether any medicines designed to assist those wishing to give up smoking are available on prescription. [HL526]

  Baroness Jay of Paddington
  In 1997–98, the Government are funding a Health Education WA6
  Authority-run adult smoking education campaign costing £5.5 million. The campaign identifies five key target groups, and two of these groups are adults in the 16–24 age group, particularly women and pregnant women.

  The Government are also currently considering other ways in which to help people give up smoking, including the role of nicotine replacement therapies, as part of their strategy to reduce tobacco consumption.

  Our conclusions will form part of the Tobacco Control White Paper, which will he published later this year.

  Medical Termination of Pregnancy Bill 1967
  Lord Braine of Wheatley
  asked Her Majesty's Government:

  What assistance was provided by the then Government to the proponents of the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Bill, 1966–67; and whether Parliamentary Counsel provided assistance. [HL470]

  Baroness Jay of Paddington
  On Wednesday 18 January 1967, the then Minister of State at the Home Office, made the following statement to Standing Committee F on the Government's position on the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Bill:"The Government's collective view on the Bill is one of neutrality, as it was on Second Reading. We believe as a Government that it is for the Committee to determine what shall be the form of the Bill when it emerges from Committee. We have in mind that the Second Reading was passed by an overwhelming vote in the House and, because of that, the Government have given. and will continue to give, all possible drafting assistance to the promoter of the Bill.
  "The Under-Secretary of State at the Scottish Office, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health and myself are here to help the Committee in every possible way and to advise about the practicability and feasibility of the Amendments proposed. But we are here as individual members of the Committee, and we have our individual rights as members of the Committee, so that when it comes to voting on Amendments we shall exercise that individual right and vote according to our individual views".

  Abortion Policy
  Lord Braine of Wheatley
  asked Her Majesty's Government:

  Whether they provide funds to any organisations which campaign against abortion. [HL502]

  Baroness Jay of Paddington
  The Government do not fund any organisation to campaign for or against abortion. We provide funding to a number of organisations involved in the provision of services, advice and information on family planning, reproductive health and services for pregnant women. In the United Kingdom, these include:

  Family Planning Association

  Brook Advisory Centres

  Catholic Marriage Care

  Scottish Family Planning Association

  WA7

  Natural Family Planning Association

  Society for Information and Counselling on Miscarriage

  Welsh Family Planning Association

  LIFE (Northern Ireland)

  Family Planning Association (Northern Ireland)

  SATFA (Support Around Termination for Fetal Abnormality)

  CHILD (National Infertility Support Network)

  ISSUE (The National Fertility Association)

  In addition, the Department for International Development (DFID) invested £70 million in reproductive and sexual health in 1996. DFID makes grants to a wide range of organisations involved in improving reproductive health throughout the world.

  The views of organisations on abortion related issues are not sought as part of the funding process.

  European Structural Funds: Reform
  Lord Dormand of Easington
  asked Her Majesty's Government:

  What proposals they have made for the reform of the European structural funds and the criteria for their allocation. [HL463]

  The Minister of State, Department of Trade and Industry (Lord Simon of Highbury)
  Following the publication of the Commission's communication Agenda 2000 in July, the Government are discussing the reform of the European Structural and Cohesion Funds with the Commission and other member states, with the aim of securing a package which is fair to all member states—especially to the United Kingdom and its regions—affordable and durable, and simpler and more efficient. In these discussions, we have suggested that GDP per capita should be a factor taken into account in the allocation of the funds.

  Northern Ireland: Analysis of GCSE and A-Level Results
  Baroness Blatch
  asked Her Majesty's Government:

  Whether they will publish data for Northern Ireland showing for comprehensive schools, modern schools, grammar schools, state schools, independent schools and all schools separately, the percentage of all 16-year-old pupils in each of the years 1994 to 1997 passing GCSE examinations with grades A* to C in the following subjects: mathematics, English, English literature, sciences (showing separately percentages for single award science, double award science, physics, chemistry and biology), French, history and geography, showing separately for each type of state school the percentages for local education authority schools, voluntary schools (including together voluntary controlled, voluntary aided, and special agreement schools), grant-maintained schools and, where appropriate, City Technology Colleges (CTCs),
  WA8
  and including for each category of school, the number of schools and the number of 16-year-old pupils; and [HL450]

  Whether they will publish data for Northern Ireland showing for comprehensive schools, modern schools, grammar schools, state schools, independent schools and all schools separately, the percentage of all 16 year-old pupils in each of the years 1994 to 1997 passing GCSE examinations with grades A* to C in the following combinations of subjects: mathematics and English; mathematics, English and one science, mathematics, English, one science, French and either history or geography, showing data for each combination of subjects for boys, girls and all pupils and showing separately for each type of state school the percentages for local education authority schools, voluntary schools (including together voluntary controlled, voluntary aided, and special agreement schools) grant-maintained schools and, where appropriate CTCs; and [HL451]

  Whether they will publish for Northern Ireland for comprehensive schools, grammar schools, modern schools, independent schools, FEFC schools and colleges and for all institutions in each of the years 1994 to 1997 giving the number of pupils in each of the subjects: mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, English literature, history, geography, French and economics; entering for A-level, passing A-level and obtaining grade A at A-level, together with, for each kind of institution. the average A-level points obtained per pupil. [HL455]

  The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Northern Ireland Office (Lord Dubs)
  I refer the noble Lady to the Answer I gave her on 11 February 1998,Official Report, columns 205–206.

  Postal Codes in Telephone Directories
  Viscount Tenby
  asked Her Majesty's Government:

  Whether, in order to facilitate postal deliveries, they will encourage British Telecom to include postal codes in their telephone directory. [HL416]

  The Minister of State, Department of Trade and Industry (Lord Clinton-Davis)
  The regulation of directory enquiries is a matter for Oftel. I am advised by Oftel that there is no legal requirement on BT under its licence to provide printed telephone directories. The only licence obligation that BT has is that where it publishes and makes available directories to its customers generally, it is obliged to make these directories available on written request to any person in the United Kingdom. It is therefore not possible for Oftel to instruct BT to provide post codes in its telephone directories. It is a commercial matter for BT to decide whether or not it includes post codes in its printed directories. I understand that the Post Office has its own telephone helpline for customers who have queries about postal codes. The Government have no plans to encourage BT to include postal codes in its telephone directories.

  Lifetime Homes
  Lord Swinfen
  asked Her Majesty's Government:

  Further to the Written Answer by Baroness Hayman on 21 May (WA 7), whether they have completed their consideration of the responses to the consultation on extending Part M of the building regulations, covering access and facilities for disabled people to dwellings, and when they propose to publish their decision. [HL512]

  The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (Baroness Hayman)
  We have concluded our consideration of the responses to the consultation. I expect that a statement will be made shortly.

  Diabetic Drivers
  Lord Brougham and Vaux
  asked Her Majesty's Government:

  Whether they have any plans to introduce further restrictions on insulin-dependent diabetics who drive cars and motorcycles. [HL563]

  Baroness Hayman
  No.

  Financial Fraud: Jury Trial
  Lord Bruce of Donington
  asked Her Majesty's Government:

  What plans they have to review alternative methods of traditional jury trial in serious fraud cases. [HL633]

  The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Williams of Mostyn)
  The Government are determined that there should be effective measures in place for tackling financial fraud.

  The Government recognise that there are concerns that the present system for handling some major complex fraud trials is not working satisfactorily. Therefore, we have today issued a consultation document which has been placed in the Library. This invites views on the principle of whether the system is likely to operate better and with a greater degree of public confidence if, in a small number of complex fraud trials, a traditional jury were to be replaced by another method of determining the facts. Views are also sought on four possible alternative methods of trial. The Government have not reached a conclusion on whether the ending of jury trial in serious fraud cases is desirable in principle nor formed an opinion on any particular option for change and will not do so until the consultation process is complete. The purpose of the consultation is to provide a full opportunity for the principle of change to be considered in the context of the problems presented by these cases and possible alternative trial methods.

  Comments on the document are invited by 30 April 1998 and we shall consider them all carefully before
  WA10
  reaching any conclusions as to whether any changes should be made.

  Passport Fees
  Lord Hogg of Cumbernauld
  asked Her Majesty's Government:

  What plans they have for passport fees. [HL632]

  Lord Williams of Mostyn
  The Privy Council has approved an Order in Council, the Consular Fees Order 1998, which gives authority for an increase in passport fees on 26 March. The fee for a standard 32-page passport will increase from £18 to £21 and for a 48-page passport from £27 to £31. The fee for amending an existing passport will increase from £5 to £11, to reflect the economic cost. The cost of a separate passport for children will be £11 for a passport valid for five years. An additional charge of £10 will be introduced for those making applications in person in the United Kingdom and for applications made abroad to reflect the greater cost of providing these services. The fee for a collective passport, for organised trips for schools and youth groups, will remain unchanged at £40.

  This is the first general increase in passport fees since November 1992 and for the over 80 per cent. of applicants who apply by post is in line with the level of inflation for the period. In relation to the cost of travel abroad, a fee of £21 for a standard 10-year passport still represents very good value for money.

  Prison Service Resources
  Lord Carmichael of Kelvingrove
  asked Her Majesty's Government:

  What are the resources available to the Prison Service. [HL631]

  Lord Williams of Mostyn
  Following the Audit of Prison Service Resources last summer, my right honourable friend the Home Secretary made available to the Prison Service additional funding of £43 million over two years to increase capacity and regime activity. In the event, the service has done well in containing costs and has not had to call on the extra provision for 1997–98.

  My right honourable friend is now making available £112 million in 1998–99 on top of the existing budget of £1,704 million.

  This will be used to fund continued use of Her Majesty's Prison Weare, to build six more houseblocks, to fund conversion of accommodation to cell usage to hold extra prisoners in new prisons and to carry out repairs on the prison estate. It provides additional staffing and funding for regime activities, to keep prisoners constructively occupied.

  With this money, this Government have provided for 1,540 new places in prisons and have supported the placing of an additional 2,280 prisoners in existing accommodation.

  Family Court Child Welfare Services
  Lord Carmichael of Kelvingrove
  asked Her Majesty's Government:

  What plans they have to improve the family court welfare work of the Probation Service and other related services.

  Lord Williams of Mostyn
  As part of the comprehensive spending review, my right honourable friend the Home Secretary, my right honourable and noble friend the Lord Chancellor, my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Health and my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Wales are considering the range of services currently provided to the courts on child welfare matters within family law by the Probation Service, Guardian ad Litem and Reporting Officer Service and the Official Solicitor's Department. We believe that a new integrated service subsuming the work of each of the above could provide an improved service to the courts, better safeguard the interests of children, reduce wasteful overlaps and so increase efficiency.

  The Home Secretary has therefore agreed with his right honourable friends that further detailed work involving practitioners and other users of the services should be undertaken to form the basis for public consultation.

  The detailed terms of reference for the work are as follows:

  To identify the range of welfare services currently provided by the Probation Service, Guardian ad Litem and Reporting Officer Service and the children's work of the Official Solicitor's Department and other agencies in family proceedings, and to consider the scope for improvements to the effectiveness of their work through the creation of a new unified service.

  To make proposals on the structure of a new service; to provide preliminary analysis of the estimated costs and benefits as a basis for public consultation; and to consider the implications for any new structure of the Government's plans to establish a Welsh Assembly.

  Asylum Seekers: Unaccompanied Minors
  The Earl of Sandwich
  asked Her Majesty's Government:

  How many unaccompanied minors are currently detained in Campsfield House and other centres of detention for asylum seekers, of what ages, and from which countries. [HL514]

  Lord Williams of Mostyn
  It is our policy not to detain unaccompanied minors save only in very exceptional circumstances.

  There are no persons currently detained under Immigration Act powers whom the Immigration Service accept are unaccompanied minors. However, as I stated in my Written Answer of 27 November 1997 (WA 137), cases do inevitably arise where the exact age of an
  WA12
  individual is in dispute. I regret that no comprehensive central record is held of age dispute cases.

  I would like to take this opportunity to improve upon my previous Answer which, on reflection, was not as clear as it might have been. The third paragraph of that answer may have given the impression that the Immigration Service is involved directly in referring age dispute cases to a paediatrician. That is not, in fact, the case. While the Immigration Service liaises closely with the Refugee Council's Panel of Advisers for Unaccompanied Refugee Children, it is the panel which may advise legal representatives to involve a paediatrician. I am sorry if the previous answer caused any confusion.

  Wales: Analysis of A-Level Results
  Baroness Blatch
  asked Her Majesty's Government:

  Whether they will publish for Wales for comprehensive schools, grammar schools, modern schools, independent schools, FEFC schools and colleges and for all institutions in each of the years 1994 to 1997 giving the number of pupils in each of the subjects—mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, English literature, history, geography, French and economics: entering for A-level, passing A-level and obtaining Grade A at A-level, together with, for each kind of institution, the average A-level points obtained per pupil. [HL454]

  Lord Williams of Mostyn
  The information requested on A-level entries and passes is given in the following tables. Readily available information on the average point score is given for those entering two or more A-levels and those entering fewer than 2 A-levels (or AS level equivalent) separately, as is usually published. There is disproportionate cost involved in producing an A-level point score for A-levels alone. There are no "modern" or "grammar" schools in Wales.

  A-level entries and passes for selected subjects, 1994

  Number of pupils:

  entered for A level

  passing A level

  obtaining grade A

  Comprehensive schools (a)

  Mathematics (b)

  2,044

  1,723

  496

  Physics

  1,189

  911

  199

  Chemistry

  1,443

  1,097

  202

  Biology (c)

  1,577

  1,156

  190

  English literature

  2,395

  2,128

  263

  History

  1,694

  1,487

  230

  Geography

  1,814

  1,619

  225

  French

  1,136

  1,025

  169

  Economics

  1,060

  839

  126

  Independent schools

  Mathematics (b)

  269

  255

  125

  Physics

  157

  146

  68

  Chemistry

  227

  208

  90

  Biology (c)

  205

  193

  66

  English literature

  170

  163

  43

  History

  141

  130

  21

  Geography

  150

  139

  28

  French

  136

  128

  40

  Economics

  89

  68

  10

  WA13

  A-level entries and passes for selected subjects, 1994

  Number of pupils:

  entered for A level

  passing A level

  obtaining grade A

  Further Education Colleges

  Mathematics (b)

  787

  567

  150

  Physics

  271

  226

  56

  Chemistry

  472

  332

  55

  Biology (c)

  649

  445

  49

  English literature

  915

  741

  81

  History

  611

  435

  68

  Geography

  379

  333

  45

  French

  304

  284

  54

  Economics

  293

  228

  44

  All schools and colleges (d)

  Mathematics (b)

  3,100

  2,545

  771

  Physics

  1,617

  1,283

  323

  Chemistry

  2,142

  1,637

  347

  Biology (c)

  2,431

  1,794

  305

  English literature

  3,480

  3,032

  387

  History

  2,446

  2,052

  319

  Geography

  2,343

  2,091

  298

  French

  1,576

  1,437

  263

  Economics

  1,442

  1,135

  180

  (a) LEA and grant maintained secondary schools.

  (b) All syllabuses including statistics.

  (c) Includes human biology and social biology.

  (d) Includes special schools and pupil referral units.

  A-level entries and passes for selected subjects, 1995

  Number of pupils:

  entered for A level

  passing A level

  obtaining grade A

  Comprehensive schools (a)

  Mathematics (b)

  2,012

  1,709

  546

  Physics

  1,099

  900

  207

  Chemistry

  1,432

  1,176

  239

  Biology (c)

  1,507

  1,190

  192

  English literature

  2,016

  1,892

  280

  History

  1,586

  1,397

  212

  Geography

  1,563

  1,366

  191

  French

  992

  899

  145

  Economics

  861

  701

  113

  Independent schools

  Mathematics (b)

  269

  241

  96

  Physics

  138

  123

  44

  Chemistry

  190

  176

  47

  Biology (c)

  166

  150

  34

  English literature

  179

  178

  62

  History

  132

  127

  11

  Geography

  148

  136

  29

  French

  121

  117

  29

  Economics

  87

  76

  13

  Further Education Colleges

  Mathematics (b)

  757

  566

  155

  Physics

  295

  230

  61

  Chemistry

  469

  342

  47

  Biology (c)

  707

  495

  53

  English literature

  862

  733

  91

  History

  608

  453

  59

  Geography

  399

  333

  40

  French

  366

  323

  55

  Economics

  245

  169

  30

  All schools and colleges (d)

  Mathematics (b)

  3,038

  2,516

  797

  Physics

  1,532

  1,253

  312

  Chemistry

  2,091

  1,694

  333

  Biology (c)

  2,380

  1,835

  279

  WA14

  A-level entries and passes for selected subjects, 1995

  Number of pupils:

  entered for A level

  passing A level

  obtaining grade A

  English literature

  3,057

  2,803

  433

  History

  2,326

  1,977

  282

  Geography

  2,110

  1,835

  260

  French

  1,479

  1,339

  229

  Economics

  1,193

  946

  156

  (a) LEA and grant maintained secondary schools.

  (b) All syllabuses including statistics.

  (c) Includes human biology and social biology.

  (d) Includes special schools and pupil referral units.

  A-level entries and passes for selected subjects, 1996

  Number of pupils:

  Entered for A level

  passing A level

  Obtaining grade A

  Comprehensive schools (a)

  Mathematics (b)

  1,955

  1,684

  438

  Physics

  1,135

  918

  206

  Chemistry

  1,376

  1,160

  234

  Biology (c)

  1,522

  1,280

  216

  English literature

  2,110

  2,019

  292

  History

  1,610

  1,469

  222

  Geography

  1,605

  1,420

  218

  French

  1,157

  1,065

  236

  Economics

  838

  741

  125

  Independent schools

  Mathematics (b)

  268

  248

  106

  Physics

  152

  141

  41

  Chemistry

  196

  186

  59

  Biology (c)

  180

  163

  41

  English literature

  146

  145

  43

  History

  114

  104

  25

  Geography

  138

  127

  32

  French

  124

  120

  33

  Economics

  84

  75

  14

  Further Education Colleges

  Mathematics (b)

  685

  512

  111

  Physics

  300

  242

  55

  Chemistry

  455

  342

  45

  Biology (c)

  654

  472

  55

  English literature

  702

  637

  65

  History

  594

  475

  52

  Geography

  385

  332

  35

  French

  368

  341

  71

  Economics

  261

  198

  13

  All schools and colleges (d)

  Mathematics (b)

  2,908

  2,444

  655

  Physics

  1,587

  1,301

  302

  Chemistry

  2,027

  1,688

  338

  Biology (c)

  2,356

  1,915

  312

  English literature

  2,958

  2,801

  400

  History

  2,318

  2,048

  299

  Geography

  2,128

  1,879

  285

  French

  1,649

  1,526

  340

  Economics

  1,183

  1,014

  152

  (a) LEA and grant maintained secondary schools.

  (b) All syllabuses including statistics.

  (c) Includes human biology and social biology.

  (d) Includes special schools and pupil referral units.

  WA15

  A-level entries and passes for selected subjects, 1997

  Number of pupils:

  entered for A level

  passing A level

  obtaining grade A

  Comprehensive schools (a)

  Mathematics (b)

  2,016

  1,819

  519

  Physics

  1,154

  1,010

  197

  Chemistry

  1,420

  1,257

  253

  Biology (c)

  1,713

  1,529

  243

  English literature

  2,177

  2,110

  343

  History

  1,614

  1,496

  297

  Geography

  1,690

  1,616

  170

  French

  1,045

  945

  221

  Economics

  757

  685

  118

  Independent schools

  Mathematics (b)

  290

  272

  117

  Physics

  176

  156

  53

  Chemistry

  228

  217

  76

  Biology (c)

  223

  205

  83

  English Literature

  159

  157

  44

  History

  94

  89

  18

  Geography

  139

  133

  19

  French

  117

  112

  36

  Economics

  91

  73

  10

  Average A-level point score per pupil for schools and colleges in Wales

  Pupils entered for fewer than 2 A-levels or AS equivalent (b)

  Pupils entered for 2 or more A AS equivalent (b)

  1994

  1995

  1996

  1997

  1994

  1995

  1996

  1997

  Comprehensive schools (c)

  2.9

  3.2

  2.8

  2.6

  14.4

  14.9

  15.5

  16.0

  Independent schools

  4.2

  4.4

  3.7

  4.7

  20.1

  19.5

  19.2

  19.7

  Further Education colleges

  3.3

  3.3

  3.2

  3.1

  12.1

  12.1

  12.8

  13.9

  All schools and colleges (d)

  3.2

  3.3

  3.1

  3

  14.2

  14.4

  15.0

  15.7

  (a) A level point score is calculated on the following basis:

  A-levels: Grade A=10 points, B=8, C=6,D=4,E=2.

  AS examinations: Grade A=5 points, B=4,C=3,E=1.

  (b) AS levels are counted as half an A-level.

  (c) LEA and grant maintained secondary schools.

  (d) Includes special schools and pupil referral units.

  WA16

  A-level entries and passes for selected subjects, 1997

  Number of pupils:

  entered for A level

  passing A level

  obtaining grade A

  Further Education Colleges

  Mathematics (b)

  694

  586

  174

  Physics

  308

  278

  78

  Chemistry

  465

  402

  82

  Biology (c)

  621

  505

  65

  English literature

  679

  629

  82

  History

  600

  506

  71

  Geography

  336

  317

  18

  French

  311

  287

  66

  Economics

  218

  163

  13

  All schools and colleges (d)

  Mathematics (b)

  3,000

  2,677

  810

  Physics

  1,638

  1,444

  328

  Chemistry

  2,113

  1,876

  411

  Biology (c)

  2,557

  2,239

  391

  English literature

  3,015

  2,896

  469

  History

  2,308

  2,091

  386

  Geography

  2,165

  2,066

  207

  French

  1,473

  1,344

  323

  Economics

  1,066

  921

  141

  (a) LEA and grant mainted secondary schools.

  (b) All syllabuses including statistics.

  (c) Includes human biology and social biology.

  (d) Includes special schools and pupil referral units.