Written Answers of 14 January 1998

WALES

  Welsh Assembly
  Mr. Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many civil servants are currently working on the siting of the Welsh Assembly; and what has been the cost to public funds to date of work on the siting of the assembly. [20084]

  Mr. Ron Davies
  There are currently no civil servants working full time on the siting on the Assembly. Eight civil servants currently devote a proportion of their time to the siting of the Assembly. The cost to date of finding a site for the Assembly is included in the running cost expenditure of my department which is published in the Welsh Office Departmental Report 1997 (Cm 3615).

  Cycle Spaces
  Mr. Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many secure cycle spaces there are in his Department. [22682]

  Mr. Ron Davies
  Sixty eight.

DEFENCE

  Minimum Wage
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans his Department has to seek exemptions for any of its(a) civilian and (b) military employees from the minimum wage. [22639]

  Mr. George Robertson
  I refer the right hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Moray (Mrs. Ewing) on 12 January 1998,Official Report, column 13.

  Ulster Defence Regiment
  Mr. Maginnis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what delays there have been in issuing those qualifying ex-members of the Ulster Defence Regiment with their Accumulated Service Medal; how many qualify for this medal; how many have been issued to date; and what has been the situation in respect of other UDR members who transferred to the Royal Irish Regiment. [22799]

  Mr. Spellar
  The delay in issuing the Accumulated Service Medal (ACSM) to former members of the Ulster Defence Regiment (UDR) has been caused by the large number of applications received from all sections of the Army since the medal's introduction, and the decision to afford priority of assessment and issue to serving members of the Armed Forces. In addition, the absence of detailed records of operational duties for part-time ex-UDR/Royal Irish Regiment members has presented 212
  some difficulties in establishing entitlement. There has, however, been little delay in issuing medals once an individual's entitlement has been confirmed.

  A total of 12,500 successful applications for the ACSM have been processed by the Army Medals Office since the commencement of Issues in January 1995, of which 4,779 ACSM's have been made to former members of the UDR, serving and ex-members of the Royal Irish Regiment. The entitlement to the medal of some 600 former UDR and Royal Irish Regiment members has still to be established, but is being reviewed expeditiously.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Cycle Spaces
  Mr. Brake
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many secure cycle spaces there are in her Department. [22675]

  Mr. Nigel Griffiths
  There are 21 cycle racks with capacity for 158 cycles in the Department's four buildings in the Victoria area. There is room for more racks should demand increase.

  Biotechnical Inventions
  Mr. Alan Clark
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what action the Government intend to take on the EU Directive, Legal Protection of Biotechnological Inventions; and what amendments they propose in respect of its provisions on the patentability of the human body. [22728]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  The Government recently joined other Member States in supporting a Common Position which was reached by the Internal Market Council on 27 November 1997. The Common Position includes a provision which excludes the human body, at the various stages of its formation and development, from patentability. This provision fully reflects the views of the European Parliament, and the Government did not seek to amend the text.

  The Common Position will now be sent to the European Parliament for second reading.

  New Statesman and Society
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what action her Department is taking to ensure accounts for the New Statesman and Society are filed. [22344]

  Mrs. Beckett
  [holding answer 12 January 1998]: The Registrar of Companies has responsibility under the Companies Acts 1985 and 1989 for ensuring that up-to-date information on limited companies is available for public inspection.

  In line with normal procedures, a letter was sent on 16 December to New Statesman Limited at its registered office warning of the consequences of continued default and requesting that overdue accounts be delivered within one month. Should the company not comply, formal warnings of prosecution proceedings will be sent to the directors.

  Company Accounts
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade in what circumstances her Department prosecutes directors of companies in respect of a failure to file accounts on time if the director for the trading period concerned has resigned. [22347]

  Mrs. Beckett
  [holding answer 12 January 1998]: In line with the guidance issued by the Attorney-General in his "Code For Crown Prosecutors", Companies House institutes criminal proceedings against directors who fail to comply with the disclosure requirements of the Companies Acts 1985 and 1989.

  The aim of these proceedings is to secure compliance and, as a general rule, prosecution would not normally take place against a former director who would no longer be able to influence the company's affairs and would, therefore, not be capable of remedying a default.

  It is possible, however, to depart from these general rules where there is an indication that a director has resigned purely to avoid compliance or conviction.

  Departmental Accounts
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade in what circumstances her Department grants an extension for the filing of accounts; and what actions her Department takes to ensure that accounts are filed on time. [22348]

  Mrs. Beckett
  [holding answer 12 January 1998]: Short extensions to the time allowed for the delivery of accounts to the Registrar are granted by Companies House, on a discretionary basis, where the reasons for the delay can be demonstrated to be unforeseen and outside the control of the company and its auditors. Applications for such extensions are considered on their merits.

  As far as compliance is concerned, the Registrar reminds all companies of the requirement to deliver accounts to him, prior to the date when accounts fall due to be delivered. This is followed up by a further series of reminders once the accounts are overdue. Continued failure to deliver accounts may render the directors liable for prosecution. In addition, where accounts are filed late, the company is subject to a civil late filing penalty. Specific guidance is also provided to assist first time directors to become more aware of their statutory obligations to deliver accounts and adhere to their statutory filing responsibilities.

  Nuclear Materials
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade, pursuant to her answer of 10 December 1997,Official Report, column 548, if she will list the international experts consulted since 1988 in the review of measures to protect against terrorist activity directed at nuclear materials in transit; and if she will list the research her Department has evaluated on this subject. [22300]

  Mr. Battle
  [holding answer 12 January 1998]: In accordance with the requirements of the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material, government security experts co-operate, exchange information and consult directly with experts in other governments so as to ensure that nuclear material in international transportation is protected adequately and effectively. All
  214
  relevant available information is reviewed on a case by case basis before movements of sensitive quantities of nuclear material.

  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if the United Kingdom representatives on the informal group on guidelines for the management of plutonium proposed that details of plutonium isotopic quality be included in section 9 on nuclear material accountancy and control in the report on the guidelines recently placed in the Library. [22285]

  Mr. Battle
  [holding answer 12 January 1998]: In many respects the guidelines represents a reaffirmation of existing obligations and commitments. Section 9 concerning nuclear material accountancy and control is a case in point and accords with the provisions in the participating countries' respective safeguards agreements with the IAEA and, in the case of the United Kingdom, France Germany and Belgium, Euratom. The inclusion in the guidelines of details of plutonium isotopic quality would not have been consistent with these agreements which, with one minor exception, do not distinguish between plutonium of different isotopic composition.

  Renewable Energy
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade when she will announce the outcome of her review of Renewable Energy. [22290]

  Mr. Battle
  [holding answer 12 January 1998]: I am expecting an interdepartmental review group to present me with a number of policy options shortly. I will then need to consult with colleagues, and perhaps with industry and other interested parties, before announcing the outcome of the review as soon as possible this year.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  Museums and Galleries
  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what is the current breakdown by(a) age, (b) sex and (c) socio-economic background of visitors to the (i) Victoria and Albert Museum, (ii) British Museum, (iii) National Museum of Science and Industry, (iv) Imperial War Museum, (v) National Gallery, (vi) National Maritime Museum, (vii) Natural History Museum and (viii) Tate Gallery. [19509]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  The best available survey information is in the following tables. Figures relate to periods from 1995 to date.

  (a) Age of visitors

  Age band

  Percentage

  (i) Victoria and Albert Museum

  Up to 24

  21

  25–34

  20

  35–44

  20

  45–54

  21

  55 and over

  17

  (ii) British Museum

  0–16

  15

  17–24

  11

  25–34

  24

  35–44

  25

  215

  (a) Age of visitors

  Age band

  Percentage

  45–54

  12

  55–64

  7

  65 and over

  7

  (iii) National Museum of Science and Industry

  15–34

  36

  35 and over

  64

  (iv) Imperial War Museum

  0–15

  12

  16–24

  16

  25–44

  30

  45–59

  20

  60 and over

  22

  (v) National Gallery

  15–34

  44

  35–54

  35

  55 and over

  21

  (vi) National Maritime Museum

  18–24

  10

  25–34

  18

  35–44

  25

  45–54

  22

  55–64

  13

  65 and over

  12

  (vii) Natural History Museum

  0–4

  8

  5–10

  20

  11–14

  10

  15–18

  4

  19–24

  9

  25–34

  17

  35–54

  26

  55 and over

  6

  (viii) Tate Gallery

  15–24

  26

  25–34

  24

  35–44

  15

  45–54

  17

  55 and over

  19

  (b) Male/female percentages

  Male Percentage

  Female Percentage

  Victoria and Albert Museum

  43

  57

  British Museum

  46.5

  53.5

  National Museum of Science and Industry

  56

  44

  Imperial War Museum

  65

  35

  National Gallery

  49

  51

  National Maritime Museum

  61

  39

  Natural History Museum

  60

  50

  Tate Gallery

  45

  55

  (c) Socio-economic background of visitors

  A or B percentage

  C1 percentage

  C2, D or E percentage

  Victoria and Albert Museum1

  89

  —

  11

  British Museum

  41.2

  50

  8.8

  National Museum of Science and Industry

  52

  34

  14

  Imperial War Museum

  47

  33

  17

  National Gallery2

  49

  31

  9

  216

  (c) Socio-economic background of visitors

  A or B percentage

  C1 percentage

  C2, D or E percentage

  National Maritime Museum

  34

  45

  21

  Natural History Museum

  41

  38

  21

  Tate Gallery1

  91

  —

  8

  Figures from free institutions are more prone to error than from those which charge. Some institutions have no data available on the composition of educational groups and information on schoolchildren is frequently omitted. Figures for the National Museum of Science and Industry and the Imperial War Museum are for the principal site only. Some totals do not sum to 100 per cent. due to rounding.

  1Figures for AB include C1.

  2Not specified: 10 per cent.

  Cycle Spaces
  Mr. Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many secure cycle spaces there are in his Department. [22679]

  Mr. Tom Clarke
  The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has secure storage for 12 bicycles, with scope for a further eight should the need arise.

DUCHY OF LANCASTER

  Admiralty House
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, pursuant to his answer of 22 December 1997,Official Report, columns 394–95, if any of the Admiralty House apartments available for Ministers have previously been allocated on the basis of security requirements. [22689]

  Dr. David Clark
  Yes.

  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will list the Ministers for whom accommodation in Admiralty House has been made available since 1968. [22690]

  Dr. David Clark
  Accommodation in Admiralty House has been made available to various holders of the following Ministerial offices since 1968:

  Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for the
  Environment, Transport and the Regions

  Attorney-General

  Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs

  Secretary of State for Defence

  Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster

  Secretary of State for the Environment

  Secretary of State for the Home Department

  Secretary of State for Northern Ireland

  Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury (Chief Whip)

  Paymaster General

  Minister without Portfolio

  Lord President of the Council

  President of the Board of Trade

  Lord Privy Seal

  Secretary of State for Trade and Industry.

  217
  In addition, Admiralty House was also occupied on a temporary basis by the Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Exchequer during the refurbishments of Numbers 10 and 11 Downing Street in 1992 and 1994 respectively.

TREASURY

  Cash Planning
  Mr. Robert Jackson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the control total for cash planning for the year ahead in each year since 1987; and by what amount the outturn figure has differed from the figure previously announced. [22539]

  Mr. Darling
  The table gives the information requested. It shows the control aggregate for cash planning which was set before the beginning of the year and the difference between that planned figure and the final outturn. Planned figures have been amended for classification changes between the beginning of the year and the publication of outturn, but are otherwise as were published immediately preceding that financial year. Differences from outturn are calculated using data published in the following year.

  Year ahead control aggregates and amount by which outturn differed (£ billion)

  Aggregate

  Planned expenditure1

  Amount by which outturn differed2

  1987–88

  Planning Total

  148.7

  -3.0

  1988–89

  Planning Total

  156.9

  -7.3

  1989–90

  Planning Total

  167.1

  2.1

  1990–91

  New Planning Total

  179.0

  1.0

  1991–92

  New Planning Total

  204.2

  -0.8

  1992–93

  New Planning Total

  226.7

  0.6

  1993–94

  Control Total

  244.4

  -2.5

  1994–95

  Control Total

  250.9

  -2.4

  1995–96

  Control Total

  256.2

  -1.0

  1996–97

  Control Total

  259.5

  0.4

  1 Adjusted for classification changes.

  2 For 1987–88 to 1991–92 outturns are as published in the following year's Autumn Statement or related Statistical Supplement, and for more recent years in Public Expenditure Statistical Analyses. The outturn figure used for 1996–97 is as published in the Pre-Budget Report.

  Self Assessment
  Mr. Sanders
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what representations he has received about the filing deadline for submission of self assessment tax returns; [22499]

  (2) what plans he has to extend the filing deadline for submission of self assessment tax returns; [22498]

  (3) if he will make a statement on the filing deadline for self assessment tax returns; [22540]

  (4) how many self assessment tax returns have been rejected by Inland Revenue staff since self assessment was introduced; [22518]

  (5) what estimates he has made of the number of self assessment tax returns (a) likely to be received before the deadline date and (b) expected not to meet the deadline. [22550]
  218
  Dawn Primarolo
  Self assessment tax returns are due from individuals, partnerships and trusts for the tax year 1996–97. The statutory filing date for these returns is 31 Janaury 1998. There are no plans to extend this deadline. Although representations have been received from a number of tax practitioners seeking an extension to the filing date, others have argued against an extension. The timetable for filing returns is a realistic one, details of which have been known for the last four years.

  During the pilot exercises carried out to test the new system, between 85 per cent. and 90 per cent. of returns were received by the deadline despite there being no national advertising campaign or any penalties charged for late filing. The Inland Revenue expect the vast majority of taxpayers to meet this year's deadline and will continue to give as much assistance and advice as they reasonably can to help taxpayers and their agents do this.

  Of the returns filed by 30 September 1997, about 6 per cent. had to be sent back to taxpayers, mainly because of basic errors—such as missing signatures or pages—which the Inland Revenue were unable to correct. However, this error rate has fallen in respect of returns received more recently. The majority of returns that were sent back to taxpayers have now been corrected and re-submitted to the Inland Revenue.

  Savings
  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the limit recommended by the Government for the amount of savings exposed to risk-inherent equities by poorer savers. [21344]

  Mr. Geoffrey Robinson
  [holding answer 17 December 1997]: There is no such Government recommended limit. Investors should make their own decisions drawing on regulated investment advice if they wish, and using information disclosed by product providers.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Prison Officers
  Mr. Allan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what minimum educational qualifications are required of new recruits for training as prison officers in(a) the Prison Service and (b) each of the contractually managed prisons operated by the private sector; and if he will make a statement. [21572]

  Ms Quin
  Since 2 September 1997, the minimum educational requirement for prison officer entry to the Prison Service is a minimum of five subjects in GCSE, grades A*-C, including English, Mathematics, or their equivalent.

  For each of the four companies running prisons under contracts let or extended prior to 2 September 1997, the requirement is as follows:

  Group 4 (Altcourse, Buckley Hall and Wolds)

  No pre-qualifications.

  Premier Prison Service (Doncaster and Lowdham Grange)

  Pre-qualifications of 5 GCSE passes, including English and Mathematics, at level A-E.

  219

  Securicor (Parc)

  No pre-qualifications.

  UKDS (Blakenhurst)

  No pre-qualifications.

  However, invitations to tender issued by the Prison Service after 2 September 1997 for prison contracts, or extensions of existing contracts (including Blakenhurst) after that date, require the same minimum educational qualifications for prisoner custody officers as have been introduced for prison officers.

  Street Lighting
  Dr. Marek
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what evidence he has evaluated on the role of street lighting in deterring criminal activity. [22815]

  Mr. Michael
  The Home Office Crime Prevention Unit published two papers on street lighting in 1991. The first reported the results of an independent evaluation of a major street lighting programme in the London Borough of Wandsworth, which concluded there was little impact on crime. The second reviewed a number of evaluations of street lighting initiatives and concluded that there was little scope to reduce crime by improving street lighting generally. However, it did report that improved street lighting could help in local "blackspots" where lighting was particularly poor and when it was part of a package of measures. A recent report by Dr. Kate Painter, University of Cambridge, concludes that improved street lighting reduced crime on a high crime estate in Dudley, West Midlands. The Home Office is currently examining this report and will also review existing evidence and published research on the subject.

  Immigration Service
  Mr. Alasdair Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 8 December 1997,Official Report, column 433, if he will list (a) the locations in which staff of the Immigration and Nationality Directorate are based in the United Kingdom other than Croydon and (b) the number of staff based in each such location. [22079]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The information requested is as follows:

  Number

  Aberdeen

  7

  Belfast

  8

  Birmingham

  105

  Bournemouth/Poole

  8

  Bristol

  13

  Cambridge

  1

  Cardiff

  13

  Cheriton

  74

  Dover/Ramsgate

  282

  East Midlands

  20

  Edinburgh

  7

  Felixstowe

  5

  Feltham Green

  75

  Gatwick

  430

  Glasgow

  39

  Gravesend/Rochester

  19

  Harwich

  48

  Heathrow

  1,242

  Hull

  13

  220

  Number

  Humberside

  2

  Leeds/Bradford

  25

  Liverpool

  215

  London (excluding Croydon)

  348

  Luton

  26

  Manchester

  118

  Mildenhall

  3

  Newcastle

  10

  Newhaven

  19

  Norwich

  6

  North Shields

  11

  Oxfordshire

  12

  Portsmouth/Southampton

  47

  Preston

  1

  Plymouth

  12

  Southend

  2

  Stansted

  83

  Stockton on Tees

  9

  Swansea

  2

  Total

  3,360

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Gibraltar
  Ms Rosie Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has been made by the Government of Gibraltar to deal with illicit trafficking. [23453]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  We and the Government of Gibraltar have taken decisive action to stop drugs and tobacco smuggling using Gibraltar-based boats. Effective regulatory mechanisms, including new bodies, have been established.

  The Government of Gibraltar have also introduced tough legislation to UK and EC standards on an all crimes basis to deal with money laundering. This has transformed Gibraltar's international reputation in this context. EC Commissioner Gradin, for example, said in the European Parliament last year that there are no grounds for suspecting Gibraltar of tolerating money laundering.

  Argentina
  Mr. Dawson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many exceptions to the arms embargo on Argentina have been granted since 2 May. [23144]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  We have recently granted two exceptions to the embargo, one in respect of the sale of a single sporting rifle to a private individual in Argentina, another in respect of the sale of eight deactivated weapons to an Argentine collector. These represent exceptions but not changes to the embargo.

  Hong Kong
  Mr. Dawson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the United Kingdom will apply the EU arms embargo against China to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. [230191
  221
  Mr. Fatchett
  Following the transfer of sovereignty over Hong Kong to China on 1 July 1997, we have conducted a detailed review of the applicability to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of the European Union arms embargo against China. In view of the HKSAR's autonomy from mainland China in customs, trade and economic matters and its well-established strategic trade control system, we have concluded that its access to a broad range of strategic commodities from the UK for civil end-use should be preserved. The DTI will therefore issue a new Open General Export Licence and Open General Transhipment Licence to allow the continued export and transhipment of dual-use goods to the HKSAR for civil end-use.

  As for the export of strategic goods for military end-use, we have concluded that, in order to fulfil our obligations under the EU embargo, goods which we would not approve for export to the Chinese armed forces in mainland China should not be permitted for export for military end-use in the HKSAR. Goods for military end-use will therefore be subject to individual licensing requirements.

  These changes will take effect on 23 January.

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  Environment Act 1995
  Mr. Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when his Department's review of the operation of the Environment Act 1995 will be completed. [22752]

  Angela Eagle
  My Department is not carrying out a review of the operation of the Environment Act 1995 as a whole. However, I refer the hon. Member to the replies given by my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Environment on 17 December 1997 to my hon. Friend the Member for Normanton (Mr. O'Brien),Official Report, columns 193–94, and on 22 December 1997 to my hon. Friend the Member for Liverpool, Riverside (Mrs. Ellman), Official Report, column 439. The former announced the objectives and timing of a review of the Producer Responsibility (Packaging Waste) Regulations 1997, which were made under sections 93–95 of the Environment Act 1995. The latter announced the outcome of the Government's review of the proposed statutory regime for contaminated land under Part IIA of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, which was inserted by section 57 of the Environment Act 1995. The Government also announced in July last year that they intended to review by the end of 1998 the National Air Quality Strategy set in place under section 80 of the Environment Act 1995.

  Energy Saving Trust
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the outcome of the meeting held on Monday 22 December to review the decision to reduce the funding of the Energy Saving Trust from £19 million to £14 million next year. [22594]
  222
  Mr. Meacher
  The meeting to which the hon. Member refers was internal to my Department. I shall be making a statement shortly about the Energy Saving Trust's grant support for 1998–99. The previous Government's planned public expenditure total provided for grant support of £13.5 million for the Trust in 1998, compared to £25 million in 1996–97 and £19 million in 1997–98.

  National Cycle Network
  Mr. Charles Clarke
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if all trunk road crossings required by the National Cycle Network will be completed by 2000. [22671]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  I will write to my hon. Friend and will place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Contaminated Land
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his Department's letter (reference EE/PS0/17203/97), what analytical results he has received from the Environment Agency about the use of earthworms on contaminated sites; and if he will make a statement. [22732]

  Angela Eagle
  The Environment Agency has completed the field work part of this study and the process of identifying and quantifying the results has begun. A report on the findings will be published in due course and will be available to the public.

  Air Traffic (Heathrow)
  Mr. MacShane
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the(a) time of arrival, (b) aircraft type and (c) owning company of aeroplanes that landed at Heathrow Airport before 7 am on (i) 25 December 1997 and (ii) 1 January 1998. [22729]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The information from Heathrow Airport Ltd. is as follows:

  Arrivals—25 December 1997

  Time of arrival

  Aircraft type

  Airline

  01.32hrs

  Citation

  Gama Aviation

  04.07 hrs

  A340

  Virgin Atlantic

  04.15 hrs

  B747

  British Airways

  04.18 hrs

  B747

  British Airways

  04.28 hrs

  B777

  British Airways

  05.00 hrs

  B777

  British Airways

  05.03 hrs

  B747

  Cathay Pacific

  05.05 hrs

  B747

  British Airways

  05.15 hrs

  B747

  British Airways

  05.18 hrs

  B747

  British Airways

  05.24 hrs

  B747

  British Airways

  05.28 hrs

  B747

  Qantas

  05.32 hrs

  B747

  Singapore Airlines

  05.51 hrs

  B747

  Saudia

  06.00 hrs

  B777

  British Airways

  06.02 hrs

  A300

  American Airlines

  06.03 hrs

  B747

  British Airways

  06.05 hrs

  A340

  Virgin Atlantic

  06.07 hrs

  B747

  Malaysian Airlines

  06.08 hrs

  B757

  EL AL

  06.10 hrs

  B777

  British Airways

  06.18 hrs

  B747

  Thai Airways

  06.20 hrs

  DC10

  Canadian Airlines

  06.22 hrs

  B747

  British Airways

  223

  Arrivals—25 December 1997

  Time of arrival

  Aircraft type

  Airline

  06.24 hrs

  B747

  Cathay Pacific

  06.25 hrs

  B747

  Air Canada

  06.27 hrs

  B747

  British Airways

  06.28 hrs

  B747

  Air Canada

  06.30 hrs

  B747

  Qantas

  06.32 hrs

  B747

  British Airways

  06.34 hrs

  B777

  United Airlines

  06.36 hrs

  B747

  Virgin Atlantic

  06.38 hrs

  A340

  Gulf Air

  06.39 hrs

  B777

  United Airlines

  06.41 hrs

  B767

  American Airlines

  06.42 hrs

  B777

  British Airways

  06.44 hrs

  B737

  British Airways

  06.46 hrs

  B747

  British Airways

  06.47 hrs

  B767

  United Airlines

  06.50 hrs

  B777

  British Airways

  06.52 hrs

  B747

  Virgin Atlantic

  06.57 hrs

  B747

  South African

  Arrivals—1 January 1998

  Time of arrival

  Aircraft type

  Airline

  04.17 hrs

  A340

  Virgin Atlantic

  04.21 hrs

  B747

  British Airways

  04.27 hrs

  B777

  British Airways

  04.31 hrs

  B777

  British Airways

  04.33 hrs

  B747

  British Airways

  04.44 hrs

  B747

  Cathay Pacific

  04.49 hrs

  B747

  British Airways

  04.52 hrs

  B747

  British Airways

  05.04 hrs

  B747

  British Airways

  05.06 hrs

  B747

  British Airways

  05.10 hrs

  B747

  Singapore Airlines

  05.19 hrs

  B777

  British Airways

  05.29 hrs

  B747

  British Airways

  05.33 hrs

  B747

  British Airways

  05.40 hrs

  B747

  Malaysian Airlines

  05.44 hrs

  B747

  Qantas

  06.02 hrs

  B777

  United Airlines

  06.04 hrs

  MD11

  American Airlines

  06.06 hrs

  B747

  British Airways

  06.08 hrs

  B747

  EL AL

  06.09 hrs

  B747

  Air Canada

  06.10 hrs

  DC 10

  Ghana Airways

  06.12 hrs

  A300

  American Airlines

  06.14 hrs

  B747

  Cathay Pacific

  06.16 hrs

  B767

  Gulf Air

  06.18 hrs

  B747

  British Airways

  06.19 hrs

  B777

  British Airways

  06.21 hrs

  B747

  Virgin Atlantic

  06.22 hrs

  B747

  British Airways

  06.23 hrs

  B777

  United Airlines

  06.25 hrs

  B747

  British Airways

  06.27 hrs

  B747

  British Airways

  06.28 hrs

  B747

  British Airways

  06.30 hrs

  DC10

  Canadian Airlines

  06.32 hrs

  B747

  Virgin Atlantic

  06.33 hrs

  B747

  Thai Airways

  06.35 hrs

  B747

  Qantas

  06.36 hrs

  A340

  Virgin Atlantic

  06.37 hrs

  B777

  British Airways

  06.39 hrs

  B777

  United Airlines

  06.40 hrs

  B747

  South African

  06.42 hrs

  B777

  British Airways

  06.43 hrs

  B747

  Air Canada

  06.44 hrs

  B767

  United Airlines

  06.46 hrs

  B747

  British Airways

  06.47 hrs

  B747

  Air Nambia

  06.49 hrs

  B777

  British Airways

  06.50 hrs

  A310

  Cyprus Airways

  06.52 hrs

  B747

  British Airways

  224

  Arrivals—1 January 1998

  Time of arrival

  Aircraft type

  Airline

  06.53 hrs

  A300

  American Airlines

  06.55 hrs

  B767

  American Airlines

  06.57 hrs

  B777

  United Airlines

  06.59 hrs

  B767

  British Airways

  07.00 hrs

  A340

  Virgin Atlantic

  Of these landings, between midnight and 0600 all of the flights except for the Citation (a small business jet) counted against the movements limit and against the noise quota, in accordance with the night flying restrictions.

  Sewerage
  Dr. Whitehead
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what progress has been made towards the adoption of a European standard for the manufacture and installation of plastic sewerage pipes. [22763]

  Angela Eagle
  Progress toward the adoption of a European standard for different types of plastic sewerage pipes is being made as follows:Proposals for a European standard for PVC-U) Poly-Vinyl Chloride—Unplasticised) piping systems for non pressure underground drainage and sewerage (Part 1. Pipes and Fittings) have passed the formal vote stage in Europe and are awaiting publication as European standard EN 1401–1.
  Proposals for a European Standard for PP (Polypropylene) piping systems for non pressure underground drainage and sewerage (Part 1. Pipes and Fittings) have passed the formal vote stage in Europe and are awaiting publication as European standard EN 1852–1.
  Proposals for a European standard for PE (Polyethylene) piping systems for non pressure underground drainage and sewerage (Part 1. Pipes and Fittings) have recently been through the CEN enquiry process as prEN 12666–1. Comments are now being considered by the appropriate CEN Working Group.
  Proposals for a European standard for plastics piping systems for structured wall non pressure underground drainage and sewerage (Part 1. Pipes and Fittings), PVC-U, PP and PE are about to be submitted for CEN enquiry.

  Dr. Whitehead
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what standards for the unblocking of sewage pipes by high pressure water jet are presently in force. [22762]

  Angela Eagle
  A Code of Practice for removing blockages, which limits the pressure of the cleaning jet when blockages occur in plastic pipes, is currently in force. This can be used as a condition of contract for jetting contractors. I understand a new design of jet has been developed from which it is claimed that thin walled pipes cannot sustain damage.

  Street Lighting
  Dr. Marek
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what action he is taking to ensure that street lights(a) are properly maintained and (b) do not present a safety risk to the public. [22816]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  It is the responsibility of the relevant highway authority to ensure that street lights are properly maintained and safe.
  225
  On the Department's roads, where the Highways Agency is the responsible authority, the inspection and maintenance requirements are set out within the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges. Additional advice was issued by the Highways Agency in 1995 on the routine and detailed inspection of lighting columns and is available for other authorities to use.

  Raptors
  Mr. Etherington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what progress has been made to assess the impact of increasing raptor numbers on game bird and racing pigeon interests; and what future projects his Department plans. [23101]

  Angela Eagle
  In 1995 my Department set up a Raptor Working Group to investigate the effects of the recovery in populations of birds of prey and their impact on game bird management and racing pigeons. The Working Group is chaired jointly by DETR and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC). Membership comprises scientific, conservation, game bird, landowning and racing pigeon interests. This Working Group has made significant progress in analysing the factors causing conflict and recently detailed its planned work for 1998 in a report to a forum of interested parties.

  In 1998 the Group will concentrate on identifying integrated and practical solutions to deal with conflict situations. This will apply particularly to conflicts between the hen harrier and red grouse, where the Group will clarify the detail and legal implications of scaring techniques, supplementary feeding of raptors and possible translocation of harriers. Also the Group will consider how to raise awareness of moorland management issues and to discourage illegal persecution of raptors. The Working Group indicated its support for a national survey of hen harrier populations which is planned to take place in 1998.

  Conclusions on the impact of birds of prey on racing pigeons should become clearer when the Department's sponsored research in this area reports in the late Spring of 1998. The Working Group will also assess the need for further research on the predation of pheasants at release pens.

  Social Housing
  Mr. Ennis
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he will publish the technical report on the feasibility study into a new economic model to help estimate the demand and need for social housing in England. [23455]

  Ms Armstrong
  I have today placed in the Library of the House a technical report on a feasibility study to develop an economic model to help predict likely demand and need for social housing in England. The study was commissioned by the Department of the Environment in November 1995 and has been carried out by the Department of Applied Economics at Cambridge University. The study was encouraged by the work of the Select Committee on Housing Need, which also supported the potential value of economic analysis of housing need.

  Previous estimates of social housing need produced by the Department were based on the extrapolation of past trends and did not take explicit account of economic
  226
  variables. The economic model developed during this study projects the need for social housing in England over the period 1996 to 2006, and takes account of key economic factors such as unemployment, income growth and interest rates. Feeding these variables in to reflect a range of economic scenarios, it projects their likely impact on household formation, house prices, housing supply and housing choice. The model also analyses the cost effectiveness of different forms of support for households who might need help with their housing costs.

  The model developed during the feasibility study has produced a range of projections of need for social housing but, as the report notes, these are not alternative forecasts of need. The projections are based on a range of assumptions. For example, assuming macroeconomic growth is high, unemployment low and social housing construction relatively expensive, the model projects a "low" annual average need for 22,000 lettings. Assuming low macroeconomic growth and unemployment at 9 per cent., the model predicts a "high" annual average need for 72,000 lettings.

  This economic model is a significant step forward in the analysis of likely demand and need for social housing. The Department of Applied Economics have now begun further necessary research to develop and improve this national model, and to explore whether regional variants are feasible.

PRIME MINISTER

  Royal Family (Gifts)
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list those gifts received by(a) the Queen and (b) other members of the Royal Family from heads of state during 1997 which have been given to the nation, indicating their estimated value. [20812]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 15 December 1997]: Official gifts received by The Queen from Heads of State in 1997 were:

  Two shell baskets and wall hanging

  Silver salver

  Bronze sculpture of giraffes

  Wooden carving of a seated man

  Set of silver tray, box and bowls

  Silver model of boat

  Carved wooden statue

  Book of antiquarian maps

  A pair of carpets

  Silver tea-set, marble inlay table and a carved wooden elephant

  Two water colours of orchids.

  It is not the normal practice to estimate the value of such gifts.

  No other member of the Royal Family received gifts for the nation from Heads of State.

  Ministerial Advisers
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list those Ministers who have advisers paid for in whole or in part by(a) commercial and (b) charitable concerns; and if he will make a statement. [22608]
  227
  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 12 January 1998]: Ministers receive advice from a variety of sources including the Civil Service, consultants, consultative committees, advisory task forces and special and unpaid advisers. Details of the names of unpaid advisers and the appointing Minister in each case were given in my answer to the hon. Member for Surrey Heath (Mr. Hawkins) on 13 November 1997, Official Report, columns 615–17. Information on appointments of other external advisers and the funding of individual salaries is not held centrally.

  Disabled People
  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Prime Minister if the request made in November by the consortium of organisations representing people with disabilities for a meeting with Ministers has been granted. [22583]

  The Prime Minister
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Security will be meeting representatives from the Disability Benefits Consortium.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Prime Minister what instructions were given to officials involved in reviewing disability allowances, benefits and income support; when the instructions were issued; who issued them; and if he will place a copy in the Library. [22584]

  The Prime Minister
  Benefits paid to disabled people, their carers and people who have long-term health problems are included in the Department of Social Security's Comprehensive Spending Review. This review was announced on 11 June last year, and its terms of reference were published. A copy was placed in the Library on 24 July.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Prime Minister when he decided to take charge of the policy and review of disability allowances, benefits and income support. [22580]

  The Prime Minister
  Responsibility for the Comprehensive Spending Review of Social Security, which includes benefits paid to disabled people and people with long-term health problems, rests with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Security. Shortly before Christmas I established a separate group to look at the wider issues of welfare reform.

  Cabinet Meetings
  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Prime Minister how long each main Cabinet meeting lasted since 1 May. [22597]

  The Prime Minister
  No record is routinely kept of how long Cabinet meetings last.

  Prisons (Education and Training)
  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will transfer financial provision for education and training in prisons to the Department for Education and Employment. [22585]

  The Prime Minister
  My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary has no immediate plans for such a transfer, but all policy priorities and spending plans are subject to the outcome of the Comprehensive Spending Review. The Prison Service will continue to review how it can most effectively develop its core educational curriculum to meet the needs of all prisoners, particularly juveniles.

  Civil Service
  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the(a) agreed pay and (b) numbers employed by each Department in London of staff aged (i) 16, (ii) 17, (iii) 18 and (iv) 19 years. [22587]

  The Prime Minister
  The information centrally available, which covers about 98 per cent. of the Civil Service, shows that at 1 April 1997 the number and average gross salary of staff of each age in the London Government Office region were as follows:

  Age

  Number

  Average salary (£)

  (i) 16

  3

  9,552

  (ii) 17

  24

  9,790

  (iii) 18

  73

  9,717

  (iv) 19

  168

  9,930

  Departments employing five or more staff in the 16–19 age group were as follows:

  Number aged 16–19

  Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food

  18

  Cabinet Office, including OPS

  7

  HM Customs and Excise

  36

  Ministry of Defence

  17

  Department for Education and Employment

  42

  Home Office, including Prison Service

  34

  Inland Revenue, including Valuation Office

  32

  Lord Chancellor's Department

  17

  Department of Social Security

  43

  Crown Prosecution Service

  7

  Other Departments

  15

  Summer Holiday (Costs)
  Mr. Gale
  To ask the Prime Minister what was the cost to public funds of arrangements made in respect of his civil servants and security staff, for his summer holiday in Tuscany. [22655]

  The Prime Minister
  The arrangements for Civil Servants accompanying me on my holiday in Tuscany were the same as for previous Prime Ministers staying abroad. Separate costs for these staff are not readily available.

  The Metropolitan Police Special Branch provides protection for the Prime Minister throughout the year, whether he is in the UK or abroad, on official business or holiday. The security arrangements for my holiday in Tuscany were the same as for previous Prime Ministers staying abroad. The disaggregated costs of security during this trip are not available.

  Ministerial Statements
  Mr. Lilley
  To ask the Prime Minister if it is his policy to require that Ministers who have misled the House make a statement correcting the record. [22279]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 12 January 1998]I refer the right hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Worthing, West (Mr. Bottomley) on 26 June 1997,Official Report, column 609.

  Fur Farming
  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Prime Minister how many letters he has received in the last three months urging him to ban fur farming in the United Kingdom. [22522]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 12 January 1998]: I have received a number of representations.

  Maze Prison (Escape)
  Mr. Maginnis
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list those(a) Ministers and (b) participants in the current Northern Ireland talks process with whom he has discussed the escape of Liam Averill from HM Prison, Maze. [22792]

  The Prime Minister
  I have discussed with colleagues and others as appropriate.

  Honours (Surcharged Councillors)
  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will make it his policy to recommend that titles be removed in cases where local councillors have been surcharged. [22569]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 12 January 1998]: Holders of honours and awards who are subsequently found to have conducted themselves in a way that would be perceived to bring the honours system into disrepute may be considered for forfeiture of their award. Each case is treated on its merits once all the relevant legal proceedings have been completed. The necessary action differs according to the honour or award. I do not propose to adopt a different system.

  Strategic Communications Unit
  Mr. Corbett
  To ask the Prime Minister when he will establish the Strategic Communications Unit, as recommended by the report of the Working Group on the Government Information Service published in November. [23559]

  The Prime Minister
  I am today launching the new Strategic Communications Unit which will be based in No. 10 and answerable to me (working through the Chief Press Secretary).

  The Mountfield Report, a copy of which was placed in the Library, said that more needed to be done to improve strategic communications so that the key Government messages are better communicated across Government. Departmental initiatives and events need to be presented in such a way as to show their coherence with the main themes of the Government's strategy.

  To achieve this, Departments must be properly informed of Government activity, Ministers must be properly briefed on key Government issues at all times, and initiatives must be properly prepared and co-ordinated.

  The Strategic Communications Unit will work to achieve that. It will be responsible for the implementation and operation of the new electronic information system which will provide a future diary of Government events (Mountfield recommendation 2.3). It will be responsible for managing strategic communications across all
  230
  departments and will produce the Government's Annual Report on their performance and achievement of their objectives, as announced in August 1997.

  The Strategic Communications Unit will comprise six people, two Special Advisers and four civil servants. They are:

  Alun Evans (Head)

  Philip Bassett (Special Adviser)

  David Bradshaw (Special Adviser)

  James Humphreys

  Siobhan Kenny

  Andrew Silverman.

  The aim of the unit is to make sure events are scheduled, launched and followed through to maintain impact and to convey the central story and themes of the Government in all their communications.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Meat Hygiene Service
  Mr. Letwin
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what review he has carried out of the effectiveness of the National Meat Hygiene Service; and if he will make a statement. [21033]

  Mr. Rooker
  Since the Meat Hygiene Service (MHS) was established in April 1995 as an Executive Agency of the Department, its effectiveness has been the subject of constant review. It took over responsibility from over 300 local authorities for the enforcement of hygiene controls and subsequently those for the removal of Specified Risk Material (SRM) in licensed slaughterhouses and cutting plants in Great Britain. As an Agency, it has been set demanding annual targets by Ministers in respect of its financial performance, efficiency and quality and delivery of service. These targets have all been achieved to date. Full details are set out in the MHS Annual Report and Accounts for 1995–96 and 1996–97, copies of which are available in the Library of the House.

  In addition, the performance of the MHS is subject to continuous audit to establish whether its operations, practices and activities comply with the instructions issued to the Service by the Ministry in the MHS Operations Manual. This audit is carried out by Veterinary Meat Hygiene Advisers from the Joint Food Safety and Standards Group in England, and by the State Veterinary Service in Scotland and Wales. The results are published. Details of MHS enforcement activity are included in the monthly Meat Hygiene Enforcement Report and BSE Enforcement Bulletin. Copies of both are available in the Library of the House.

  These all demonstrate the continuing effectiveness of the MHS in driving up hygiene standards and enforcing SRM controls in licensed premises.

  Livestock Industry
  Sir George Young
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the impact of the current crisis facing the livestock industry on its medium-term future. [21375]
  231
  Mr. Rooker
  The beef sector is in long-term structural surplus and this has been exacerbated by consumers' concern over BSE. The majority of UK producers have had negative returns on beef in 1997 and clearly cannot endure these for many years together. There is thus an urgent need for reform of the sector to bring supply more nearly into line with demand and for some restructuring of the sector in the UK and Europe more generally to improve competitiveness. The Government will be pressing for fundamental reform of the Beef Regime in forthcoming negotiations. Although sheep prices have fallen recently, they were firm for much of 1997. We will be seeking to ensure that the sheep sector is taken into consideration in negotiations on reform in related areas.

  Specified Risk Material
  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to harmonise the situation between Northern Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom, relating to the costs incurred by farmers disposing of SRM; and if he will make a statement. [22442]

  Mr. Rooker
  The cost of disposal of Specified Risk Material (SRM), other than that arising under the Over Thirty Months Scheme, which is the responsibility of the Intervention Board Executive Agency, whether in Northern Ireland or the rest of the United Kingdom, is a commercial matter between the abattoir and those who collect this material. Similarly, any recovery of those costs from its farmer suppliers is a commercial matter for abattoirs in the light of their own individual circumstances. I have no plans to intervene.

SCOTLAND

  Police Officers
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the number of police officers in Scotland for each year since 1978–79. [22420]

  Mr. McLeish
  [holding answer 12 January 1998]: The information is set out in the table and has been taken from strength returns supplied by forces since 1978–79.

  Number of police officers

  1978–79

  12,675

  1979–80

  13,294

  1980–81

  13,252

  1981–82

  13,221

  1982–83

  13,206

  1983–84

  13,175

  1984–85

  13,189

  1985–86

  13,317

  1986–87

  13,417

  1987–88

  13,475

  1988–89

  13,619

  1989–90

  13,847

  1990–91

  13,811

  1991–92

  13,984

  1992–93

  14,095

  1993–94

  14,174

  1994–95

  14,323

  1995–96

  14,512

  1996–97

  14,789

  Crime Clear-up Rates
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list for each year since 1978–79 the clear-up rates for crime in Scotland relative to levels of recorded crime. [22397]

  Mr. McLeish
  [holding answer 12 January 1998]: Information on the number of crimes recorded and the clear-up rate in each calendar year since 1978 is provided in the table.

  Year

  Total crimes recorded

  Clear-up rate (per cent.)

  1978

  334,957

  30

  1979

  346,680

  30

  1980

  364,587

  33

  1981

  408,204

  31

  1982

  435,081

  30

  1983

  445,495

  30

  1984

  471,643

  30

  1985

  457,899

  33

  1986

  458,605

  33

  1987

  472,947

  34

  1988

  457,921

  32

  1989

  478,208

  31

  1990

  518,523

  30

  1991

  572,921

  29

  1992

  564,890

  29

  1993

  517,247

  31

  1994

  500,110

  34

  1995

  475,697

  35

  1996

  451,956

  37

  Sheltered Housing
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list for each year since 1978–79 the number of sheltered houses provided by public agencies in Scotland.
  [22398]

  Mr. Macdonald
  [holding answer 12 January 1998]: The available information, as supplied by local authorities, is as follows:

  Sheltered housing stock of public agencies in Scotland 1979 to 1997

  Number

  1979

  5,768

  1980

  6,567

  1981

  7,338

  1982

  8,651

  1983

  9,877

  1984

  10,951

  1985

  12,318

  1986

  14,220

  1987

  14,968

  1988

  16,318

  1989

  17,000

  1990

  18,463

  1991

  19,533

  1992

  19,983

  1993

  19,873

  1994

  20,053

  233

  Sheltered housing stock of public agencies in Scotland 1979 to 1997

  Number

  1995

  19,856

  1996

  19,579

  1997

  20,089

  Information is as at end March each year. The figures refer to the housing stock owned by local authorities or Scottish Homes in 1997, and in previous years also include dwellings owned by the former New Town Development Corporations and the Scottish Special Housing Association.

  Business Rates
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list for each year since 1978–79 the amount of business rates levied in Scotland in(a) cash terms and (b) current prices. [22402]

  Mr. Macdonald
  [holding answer 12 January 1998]: The available data are:

  Net income from business rates

  £ million

  Year

  Cash terms

  Current (1996–97) prices1

  1978–79

  386

  1,187

  1979–80

  458

  1,207

  1980–81

  621

  1,383

  1981–82

  835

  1,696

  1982–83

  929

  1,761

  1983–84

  933

  1,690

  1984–85

  970

  1,673

  1985–86

  1,018

  1,665

  1986–87

  1,104

  1,753

  1987–88

  1,237

  1,865

  1988–892

  1,309

  1,849

  1989–90

  1,191

  1,573

  1990–91

  1,204

  1,472

  Letters, Information and Booklets sent to Schools1 since 2 May 1997

  Date

  Title

  Pages

  Publication

  Purpose

  May

  Letter of Introduction from Secretary of State

  1

  Letter

  Information

  May

  Data Collection on Pupil Absence

  5

  Leaflet and forms

  Data collection

  June

  Careers Education and Guidance in Further Education Colleges

  24

  Circular

  Guidance

  June

  Education Act 1997

  1

  Poster

  Guidance

  June

  Progress on taking forward Dealing Proposals

  3

  Letter

  Information

  July

  School Governors: A Guide to the Law for County and controlled Schools

  159

  Book

  Guidance

  July

  Excellence in Schools

  99

  White Paper

  Consultation

  + summary

  10

  + Education: What it Means to You

  10

  July

  Publication of Information about Secondary Schools Performance Tables in 1997

  9

  Circular

  Information

  July

  General Teaching Council: Teaching High Status, High Standards

  16

  Booklet

  Consultation

  July

  New Deal for Schools 1997–98: Phase 1

  6

  Letter

  Information

  July

  School Teachers Pay and Conditions Document

  31

  Circular

  Guidance

  July

  Teachers Superannuation Scheme: Certificate of Notice of Intention to Re-elect to Contract out of SERPS

  3

  Letter

  Information

  July

  Part 1 GNVQ Arrangements for 1998

  1

  Letter

  Information

  July

  Data Collection Timetable 1997–98

  1

  Letter

  Information

  234

  Net income from business rates

  £ million

  year

  Cash terms

  Current (1996–97) prices1

  1991–92

  1,226

  1,409

  1992–93

  1,214

  1,339

  1993–94

  1,165

  1,249

  1994–95

  1,125

  1,188

  1995–96

  1,258

  1,293

  1996–97

  1,279

  1,279

  1 Calculated using the Adjusted GDP deflator at market prices—Source HM Treasury. Base Year is 1996–97.

  2 Non-domestic (Business) rates were not separately identifiable until the introduction of the Community Charge in 1989–90—prior to this domestic and non-domestic rates were collected together. Data for 1978–79 to 1988–89 have been estimated and are therefore not directly comparable with later years.

  The figures from 1995–96 onwards are subject to revision. The 1996–97 figure is provisional.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Mailshots (Schools)
  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the(a) dates and (b) numbers of pages of letters, information and booklets sent in his name to schools and chairmen of schools since 2 May; if he will place copies in the Library; and if he will estimate the costs of sending the materials to schools by (i) first and (ii) second class post. [22575]

  Mr. Byers
  The table gives the details of the material sent to schools from 2 May to end December. Copies of consultation papers, booklets and circulars are in the Library.

  Information on the estimated costs of sending material to schools by first and second class post respectively is not available in the form requested.
  235

  Letter, Information and Booklets sent to Schools1 since 2 May 1997

  Date

  Title

  Pages

  Publication type

  Purpose

  August

  Initial Teacher Training

  46

  Circular

  Guidance

  August

  Partial Selection and Twice Excluded Pupils Following the Education Act 1997

  3

  Letter

  Information

  August

  September Pupil Count

  2

  Letter and forms

  Data collection

  August

  Arrangements for Annual Maintenance Grant for GM Schools in 1998–99

  16

  Letter

  Consultation

  September

  Teenage Smoking Attitudes Survey 1997

  —

  Letter

  Information

  September

  The SENCO Guide

  54

  Booklet

  Guidance

  September

  School Teachers' Pay from 1 September 1997: A Leaflet for School Governors and Teachers

  5

  Leaflet

  Information

  September

  1997 Secondary School Performance Tables—Forms for Checking Information

  15

  Letter and form

  Data collection

  September

  1997 National Pupil Absence Tables—Forms for Checking Information

  10

  Letter and form

  Data collection

  September

  Investing in the Future: Supporting Students in Higher Education—A Summary

  7

  Leaflet

  Information

  September

  Excellence in Schools

  —

  Video

  Information

  September

  New Constructional Standards for School Buildings

  6

  Letter

  Information

  September

  School Leaving Date for 16 Year Olds

  7

  Circular

  Information

  October

  Excellence for All: Meeting Special Educational Needs

  99

  Green Paper

  Consultation

  October

  Connecting the Learning Society: National Grid for Learning +

  28

  Booklet

  Consultation

  summary

  15

  October

  Implementing the National Literacy Strategy

  8

  Leaflet

  Information

  October

  Annual Schools' Census

  16

  Letter and Forms

  Data Collection

  October

  Qualifying for Success

  30

  Booklet

  Consultation

  October

  Inspection Reports on Further Education Colleges and VIth Form Colleges

  5

  Letter and List

  Information

  October

  Summary Results of the 1997 NC Assessments of:

  Leaflets

  Information

  7 Year Olds in England

  9

  11 Year Olds in England

  11

  14 Year Olds in England

  7

  October

  Local Publication and Distribution of Information About the Achievements of Students in Further Education Sector Colleges

  5

  Letter

  Information

  October

  Local Publication of the 1997 Key Stage 2 National Curriculum Results in Primary School Performance Table

  7

  Circular

  Information

  November

  School Governors: A Guide to the Law for Special Schools (1997)

  141

  Book

  Guidance

  November

  Early Retirement Arrangements for Teachers

  12

  Circular

  Guidance

  November

  From Targets to Action: Guidance to Support Effective Target-Setting in Schools

  31

  Booklet

  Guidance

  November

  New Deal for Schools (NDS) 1998–2001: Phase 2

  4

  Letter

  Information

  November

  1997 National Pupil Absence Tables

  4

  Booklet

  Information

  November

  Outline Capability Procedure for Removing Unsatisfactory Teachers

  3

  Letter

  Information

  November

  Supporting Students in Higher Education from 1998–99

  2

  Letter

  Information

  November

  1997 School and College Performance Tables

  9

  Booklet

  Information

  November

  1997 National Pupil Absence Tables

  9

  Booklet

  Information

  November

  1997 National Curriculum Key Stage 3 Non-Core Teacher Assessment

  6

  Information

  December

  Independent/State School Partnerships

  2

  Letter

  Information

  December

  Changes to Pupil Registration Requirements: The Education (pupil Registration) (Amendment) Regulation 1997 SI No 2624

  2

  Letter and SI

  Guidance

  December

  School Governors: A Guide to the Law for Voluntary Aided and Special Agreement Schools 1997

  140

  Book

  Guidance

  December

  Arrangements for Annual Maintenance Grant for GM Schools in 1998–99

  11

  Letter

  Information

  December

  Proposed Arrangements for Collecting Statistical Information from School (Summary)

  2

  Consultation

  December

  Raising Standards for All: The Governments Legislative Plans

  3

  Leaflet

  Information

  December

  School Security: Dealing With Troublemakers

  71

  Folder

  Guidance

  1(a) Almost all mailings are sent to both heads and chairs of governors separately, unless clearly of interest to only one party and mainly sent by second class post.

  (b) Not all schools will have received all mailings, only those relevant to a school of a given type e.g. all secondary schools, or all voluntary aided schools.
  236

  Student Fees
  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of state for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on his policy concerning universities charging students for(a) laboratory fees, (b) library fees, (c) photocopying fees and (d) IT and internet fees. [22368]

  Dr. Howells
  Under the present funding arrangements, it is for universities to decide what fees to charge students. We have, however, made it clear that top-up fees play no part in our plans for the future funding of higher education. In deciding whether or not to exercise the power to control fees charged by universities under the provisions of the Teaching and Higher Education Bill, my right hon. Friend would consider the circumstances relating to particular types of fee. In particular, he would have regard first to the amount charged and secondly to whether such fees related to an optional service for which students could choose to pay or to essential elements of their courses for which they would be obliged to pay in order to undertake and complete those courses. Small charges for services such as photocopying are entirely a matter for universities.

  Departmental Budget
  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what will be the total level of his Department's budget, in 1995–96 prices, in(a) 1997–98 and (b) 1998–99; if he will estimate what such figures for (i) 1997–98 and (ii) 1998–99 would be on the basis of the estimates of the GDP deflator contained in the November 1996 Budget; and if he will make a statement. [21954]

  Dr. Howells
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply from my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary to the Treasury to my hon. Friend the Member for East Ham (Mr. Timms) on 10 December 1997,Official Report, columns 568–72.

  In 1995–96 prices the figures quoted in that reply for the DfEE are £13.3 billion for 1997–98 and £12.3 billion for 1998–99. On the basis of the November 1996 GDP deflators, the figures in 1995–96 prices would be £13.5 billion for 1997–98 and £12.5 billion for 1998–99. As my right hon. Friend noted, the apparent reduction for the DfEE between 1997–98 and 1998–99 principally consists of transfers to other Departments, notably the return to local government finance, following the abolition of the nursery vouchers scheme, of resources for under 5-year-olds to support local education authorities' early years development plans. As my right hon. Friend also noted, the figures for the DfEE do not include the £1 billion provided for schools in 1998–99 in the Budget. These funds have been added to support local authorities and appear in the table shown in column 569, under "DETR—local government". Nor do the figures include the expenditure supported by the windfall tax on the New Deals for the young and for the long term unemployed, and the New Deal for Schools, all of which is outside the control total shown in the table at column 569.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Peace Process
  Mr. John Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when she last met Irish Government Ministers to discuss the peace process in Northern Ireland. [20857]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  I meet Irish Government Ministers regularly in the talks process and on other occasions—including Monday night. As my hon. Friend may have seen, the Irish Foreign Minister and I also met earlier this week and were able to make an announcement of some significance to the negotiations.

  Mr. Coaker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress is being made towards a political settlement in Northern Ireland. [20862]

  Mr. Dobbin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will make a statement on progress in the peace process talks. [20865]

  Mr. Hunter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will make a statement on the progress of the Stormont talks. [20827]

  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will make a statement on the progress made in the peace process talks in Northern Ireland. [20828]

  Dr. George Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress is being made towards a political settlement in Northern Ireland. [20874]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  I refer the hon. Members to the oral answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Walsall, North (Mr. Winnick) today.

  Schools (Under-achievement)
  Dr. Iddon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what action is being taken to address under-achievement in Northern Ireland schools. [20858]

  Mr. Worthington
  The Raising Schools Standards Initiative is one of a number of measures currently in place. I will be announcing my School Improvement Programme next month, which will set out new measures to address the quality of school leadership, literacy and numeracy, school discipline and targeted support for the weakest schools.

  Employment
  Mr. Beggs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many new jobs have been created in Northern Ireland with(a) IDB, (b) Local Enterprise Development Unit and (c) International Fund for Ireland support since 1 May. [20859]

  Mr. Ingram
  Since 1 May the Industrial Development Board has promoted 4,338 new jobs and the Local Enterprise Development Unit over 6,000. These jobs are expected to be created over a two to three year time period.
  239
  With regard to the International Fund for Ireland, this is administered by an independent Board appointed by the two Governments. I have asked the chairman of the fund, William McCarter, to respond to the hon. Gentleman's request for details of jobs created since 1 May.

  Paramilitary Organisations (Weapons)
  Mr. Ian Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many weapons were handed in by paramilitary organisations in 1997. [20860]

  Mr. Ingram
  While no paramilitary organisation voluntarily decommissioned weapons during 1997 the Government's position remains that we would like to see the decommissioning of some paramilitary arms during negotiations as progress is made in the political talks. This would be a major contribution to confidence building.

  Parades
  Mr. Watts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps are being taken to encourage agreements over disputed parades in Northern Ireland. [20861]

  Mr. Ingram
  As my hon. Friend will know, the Public Processions (Northern Ireland) Bill received its Second Reading in the House on 18 December and will shortly be going into Committee. The Bill is designed to tackle the difficulties that have surrounded the parades issue in recent years by encouraging local agreement, and by giving the Parades Commission the power to make determinations where local accommodation has not proved possible. Under Clause two of the Bill, the Parades Commission will also be able both to mediate directly on disputed parades and to promote mediation on parades.

  Economic Development
  Dr. Naysmith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress is being made towards creating an economic development strategy in Northern Ireland. [20863]

  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress is being made towards creating an economic development strategy in Northern Ireland. [20869]

  Mr. Ingram
  We are already pursuing a clear economic development strategy in Northern Ireland. As in the rest of the United Kingdom, we aim to encourage investment and raise employability. We have a range of measures in place to improve skills, tackle unemployment and boost the international competitiveness of Northern Ireland firms. But what the economy needs most is lasting peace and stability.

  Retail Developments (Planning Decisions)
  Mr Donaldson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the average time taken for planning decisions for major retail developments in Northern Ireland to be made. [20864]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  For major retail applications decided since 1995, the average length of time taken to reach a decision was 485 days.

  National Health Service
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will make a statement on the future of the NHS in Northern Ireland. [20829]

  Mr. Worthington
  My Department recently published "Well in 2000—A Positive Agenda for Health and Well-being", which sets out the Government's vision and strategy for health and social services in the next millennium. A major consultation paper on new arrangements to replace the internal market for health and social services in Northern Ireland will be published shortly. The paper will set out broad policy aims and objectives which parallel those in the White Paper "The New NHS, Modern, Dependable" and will seek views on how the policy should be taken forward in Northern Ireland.

  Nursery Education
  Mr. McNulty
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps are being taken to expand nursery education in Northern Ireland. [20830]

  Mrs. Brinton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps are being taken to expand nursery education in Northern Ireland. [20875]

  Mr. Worthington
  As the first stage of an expansion programme, £1.9 million is being provided in 1998–99 to create 1,700 full-year pre-school education places—an increase of 15 per cent. on existing grant-aided pre-school provision. The additional places will be secured in the statutory, voluntary and private sectors, and will be targeted initially on children from socially disadvantaged circumstances and the oldest four-year-olds. The expansion will be planned at local level by Pre-School Education Advisory Groups, established by the five Education and Library Boards which are responsible for securing the implementation of the initiative. A paper setting out proposals for the expansion programme was issued for consultation purposes on 17 December, and a copy has been placed in the Library.

  Policing
  Ms Moran
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps are being taken to increase confidence in policing in Northern Ireland. [20866]

  Mr. Ingram
  I refer my hon. Friend to the oral answer I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Aberdeen, North (Mr. Savidge) today.

  Inward Investment
  Mr. Illsley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what provision is made by the Industrial Development Board to monitor inward investment projects in Northern Ireland to ensure that the aims of grant aid are met. [20867]

  Mr. Ingram
  The implementation of all inward investment projects is monitored against key business plan targets including sales forecasts, production plan implementation, financial performance and adequacy funding. The main objectives of this monitoring process are to ensure public funds are utilised for proper purposes,
  241
  that companies comply with conditions of financial assistance and that any problems are identified as early as possible so that corrective action can be taken.

  IRA Activity
  Mr. Fabricant
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment she has made of intelligence reports relating to the current military preparedness of the IRA to resume violence. [20868]

  Mr. Ingram
  I refer the hon. Member to the oral answer I gave to the hon. Member for Blaby (Mr. Robathan) today.

  Standing Advisory Commission on Human Rights
  Maria Eagle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what response the Government are making to the Employment Equality Review by the Standing Advisory Commission on Human Rights. [20870]

  Mr. Worthington
  The Standing Advisory Commission on Human Rights has provided a major report on employment equality which includes over 160 recommendations. The Government's consideration of the recommendations is well advanced and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has already indicated certain recommendations on which the Government propose to take action—clarification of the law on direct recruitment of the long-term unemployed and firmer powers against persistent discriminators. The Government will give a response to the full range of SACHR's proposals in a paper to be published in the early part of this year, and those recommendations which are accepted by the Government will be implemented as appropriate.

  Roads
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what sums she intends to spend on major new roads in each of the next three years. [20871]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  Our intention is to spend approximately £9 million, £7 million and £7 million in 1998–99, 1999–2000 and 2000–01 respectively on major new road projects.

  Fishing Industry (Portavogie)
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what proposals she has to develop the fishing industry at Portavogie. [20872]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  The Government are committed to assisting continued investment in the fishing industry at Portavogie. Over the next two years the Northern Ireland Fishing Harbour Authority in its draft Development Plan proposes to spend £835,000 covering such projects as a new automatic ice plant and ice-making machinery and slipway repairs. Further investment in the modernisation of the fishing fleet is anticipated in the order of £215,000 under the EU Vessel Modernisation Scheme.

  Private Finance Initiative
  Mr. Colman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will make a statement on the use of the Private Finance Initiative in Northern Ireland. [20873]
  242
  Mr. Paul Murphy
  The Private Finance Initiative (PFI) is gathering momentum in Northern Ireland. NI Departments and the Northern Ireland Office are committed to maximising Private Finance, and projects with a total capital value in excess of £350 million are currently being considered for PFI solutions.

  Women in Public Life
  Ms Osborne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what efforts she is making to encourage the involvement of women in public life in Northern Ireland. [20876]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  I would like to assure my hon. Friend that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and her Ministers take every appropriate opportunity presented to them to promote and encourage the involvement of women in public life in Northern Ireland. We do so both publicly, including in this House and at Political Forums in Northern Ireland, and privately at suitable occasions during Northern Ireland engagements.

  Electoral Registration Figures
  Mr. Barnes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the latest estimates by the Registrars General of Populations of those aged 17 years and over, plus 63 per cent. of those aged 16 years, for each district council area and parliamentary constituency in Northern Ireland, together with the equivalent electoral registration figures also expressed as a percentage of these population figures and in ascending order. [22294]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  Mid-year estimates of the population of Northern Ireland broken down by age are available for Health Board areas only. Consequently the population counts for district council areas and parliamentary constituencies are taken from the 1991 Census of Population. For district council areas, the most comparable figures for electoral registration relate to September 1991.

  District councils

  District council area (boundaries as at the time of the 1991 Census of Population)

  A Population aged 17 and over plus 63 per cent. of population aged 16 years

  B Electors registered for elections to the UK Parliament

  C B as a percentage of A

  Antrim

  32,679

  30,226

  92.5

  Limavady

  20,608

  19,284

  93.6

  Lisburn

  72,538

  69,478

  95.8

  Omagh

  31,889

  30,982

  97.2

  Down

  41,656

  40,658

  97.6

  Coleraine

  38,000

  37,144

  97.7

  Armagh

  37,019

  36,225

  97.9

  Derry

  64,643

  63,313

  97.9

  Castlereagh

  48,405

  47,517

  98.2

  Moyle

  10,700

  10,511

  98.2

  Newtownabbey

  56,057

  55,162

  98.4

  Belfast

  212,332

  209,165

  98.5

  North Down

  55,272

  54,483

  98.6

  Ballymena

  42,671

  42,095

  98.7

  Larne

  22,536

  22,320

  99.0

  Ballymoney

  17,725

  17,611

  99.4

  Carrickfergus

  24,683

  24,530

  99.4

  Craigavon

  54,855

  54,525

  99.4

  Ards

  49,086

  49,095

  100.0

  Strabane

  25,271

  25,318

  100.2

  Cookstown

  21,581

  21,639

  100.3

  Newry and Mourne

  57,870

  58,208

  100.6

  Banbridge

  24,704

  24,893

  100.8

  243

  District councils

  District council area (boundaries as at the time of the 1991 Census of Population)

  A Population aged 17 and over plus 63 per cent. of population aged 16 years

  B Electors registered for elections to the UK Parliament

  C B as a percentage of A

  Magherafelt

  25,391

  25,612

  100.9

  Fermanagh

  38,636

  39,115

  101.2

  Dungannon

  31,854

  32,357

  101.6

  Northern Ireland

  1,158,660

  1,141,466

  98.5

  Northern Ireland parliamentary constituency boundaries were redrawn in 1996. The table details the population aged 17 and over plus 63 per cent. of the 16–year-old population at the time of the 1991 Census of Population in each of the current parliamentary constituencies, together with the most up-to-date information on their respective electorates. Information on the number of registered voters in each constituency prior to 1996 is not available. Because the two sets of data relate to different time points, it is not appropriate to determine the ratio of the number of registered voters to the population count.

  Post-1996 Parliamentary constituencies, ordered by number of electors

  Parliamentary constituency (post-1996)

  1991 Census population aged 17 and over plus 63 per cent. of population aged 16 years

  West Tyrone

  57,160

  East Antrim

  56,103

  East Londonderry

  58,609

  Mid Ulster

  55,895

  Belfast East

  64,638

  Belfast West

  61,647

  North Down

  61,846

  Belfast South

  69,110

  Belfast North

  68,542

  Fermanagh and South Tyrone

  61,566

  Foyle

  64,643

  South Antrim

  68,570

  Strangford

  64,641

  South Down

  68,368

  Upper Bann

  68,424

  Newry and Armagh

  68,014

  Lagan Valley

  69,787

  North Antrim

  71,097

  Northern Ireland

  1,158,660

  Post-1996 Parliamentary constituencies, ordered by number of electors

  Parliamentary constituency (post-1996)

  1997 Registered electors

  West Tyrone

  59,088

  East Antrim

  59,634

  East Londonderry

  59,690

  Mid Ulster

  59,825

  Belfast East

  62,342

  Belfast West

  62,541

  North Down

  63,796

  Belfast South

  64,083

  Belfast North

  65,229

  Fermanagh and South Tyrone

  65,572

  Foyle

  68,608

  South Antrim

  70,342

  Strangford

  70,791

  South Down

  71,008

  Upper Bann

  71,334

  244

  Post-1996 Parliamentary constituencies, ordered by number of electors

  Parliamentary constituency (post-1996)

  1997 Registered electors

  Newry and Armagh

  71,725

  Lagan Valley

  72,096

  North Antrim

  73,381

  Northern Ireland

  1,191,085

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Heating Cost Payments
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security which groups currently receive cold weather payments; which groups will receive the additional payments towards heating costs; what is the level of these payments for each group; and if she will make a statement. [20623]

  Mr. Denham
  People awarded Income Support or income-based Jobseeker's Allowance who have a pensioner or disability premium or have a child under five are eligible for Cold Weather Payments. A payment of £8.50 is made when the average temperature at a specified weather station has been recorded as, or is forecast to be, zero degrees Celsius or below over 7 consecutive days.

  The Government made a commitment to review the central areas of insecurity for older people and examine ways to deliver more automatic help to the poorest pensioners. Work is underway in both areas, but we are not prepared to allow another winter to go by when pensioners are fearful of turning up their heating because they do not know whether they will get the help they need with their fuel bills. We are also committed to tackling the wider problems associated with vulnerable people, especially the elderly, keeping warm during cold weather. We have already taken action to cut fuel costs and make homes easier to heat. So far we have: reduced VAT on domestic fuel from eight to five per cent.; reduced the gas levy to zero; extended energy efficiency grants and announced a reduction on VAT on energy saving installation schemes; announced the setting up of an Environmental Task Force which is expected to include a programme of energy efficiency improvements in the homes of the elderly; and, released almost £800 million to local authorities over the next two years to help meet pressing housing needs, which is expected to feature improved energy efficiency in many areas.

  The additional help of £400 million over this winter and next, announced by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 25 November 1997, Official Report, columns 773–98, demonstrates the Government's commitment to help the elderly keep warm in their homes. Further details were announced on 5 January.

  People receiving Income Support or income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, during the week commencing 5 January, where their benefit includes one of the pensioner premiums, will receive a Winter Fuel payment of £50. These payments should be made by the end of January.
  245
  People over State pension age (65 for men/60 for women) receiving one of the qualifying benefits during the week commencing 5 January will also receive a payment. The qualifying benefits are as follows: Attendance Allowance: Constant Attendance Allowance; Disability Living Allowance; Graduated Retirement Benefit; Incapacity Benefit; Industrial Death Benefit; Invalid Care Allowance; Retirement Pension; Severe Disablement Allowance; Unemployability Supplement; War Disablement Pension; Widow's Benefit or War Widow's Pension. These people will receive a payment of £20 or £10. Where there is only one eligible person in a household, or the eligible person is of no fixed abode, they will receive £20, otherwise each person will receive £10. It is estimated that over 3 million payments will be issued for £20 and almost 5 million for £10.

  Overall, almost 10 million payments will be made to over 7 million pensioner households.

  Regulations were laid on 8 January and will come into force on 16 January. Payments will be made automatically without the need to claim. They are in addition to any Cold Weather Payments which may also be due to those receiving Income Support or income-based Jobseeker's Allowance if there is a spell of very cold weather.

  A publicity campaign is also being launched involving media advertising, posters and leaflets in conjunction with Help The Aged, Age Concern and the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux so that pensioners are aware of what payments they will be receiving, how and when. This information will enable pensioners to heat their homes in confident in the knowledge that they will get extra help with their heaviest fuel bill.

  Incapacity Benefit
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many individuals received less in benefit under incapacity benefit than they would have done under invalidity benefit in each year since 1995–96. [21575]

  Mr. Denham
  It is not possible to estimate with any accuracy how many individuals received less in benefit under Incapacity Benefit than they would have done under Invalidity Benefit.

  Mr. Cummings
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many recipients of invalidity benefit there are in the Seaham and Peterlee Benefits Agency area. [21589]

  Mr. Denham
  The administration of Incapacity Benefits is a matter for Peter Mathison, the Chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to my hon. Friend.

  Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. John Cummings, dated 13 January 1998:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking how many recipients of Invalidity Benefit (IVB) there are in the Seaham and Peterlee Benefits Agency area.
  The information is not available in the format requested. IVB was replaced by Incapacity Benefit (IB) on 13 April 1995.
  The figures shown in the table below are for IB short term higher and IB long term, that is, cases from the 29th week of incapacity.
  246
  Peterlee Benefit Agency Office: 7,400
  Seaham Benefit Agency Office: 2,760
  Figures are provisional and subject to change.
  The figures quoted are as at 31 May 1997, and are taken from a 5% sample of the IB computer system and exclude a small number of clerically processed cases.
  I hope you find this reply helpful.

  Disability Benefits
  Mr. Denzil Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is her estimate of the total amounts received by persons resident in Wales for the latest available year in respect of(a) disability living allowance, (b) incapacity benefit and (c) industrial injuries disablement benefit; and what these are as a percentage of the total UK amounts in each case. [21615]

  Mr. Denham
  The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is in the table.

  £ million

  Wales1

  Great Britain2

  United Kingdom3

  Disability Living Allowance4

  371

  4,361

  4,649

  as a percentage of Great Britain

  8.5

  —

  —

  as a percentage of United Kingdom

  8.0

  —

  —

  Incapacity Benefit4

  746

  7,767

  8,084

  as a percentage of Great Britain

  9.6

  —

  —

  as a percentage of United Kingdom

  9.2

  —

  —

  Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit5

  58

  670

  —

  as a percentage of Great Britain

  8.7

  —

  —

  1 Figures are estimates based on the ratio of average weekly amounts in payment for Wales and Great Britain.

  2 Figures are estimated out-turn published in the Social Security Departmental Report 1997–98 to 1999–2000.

  3 Figures for Northern Ireland are from Social Security's Annual Report and Accounts 1996–97.

  4 Figures relate to 1996–97.

  5 Figures relate to 1995–96.

  Dr. Starkey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many benefit claims have been reviewed under the remit of the Benefits Integrity Unit since its formation; and how many claims have been(a) reduced, (b) left unaltered and (c) up-rated. [21509]

  Mr. Denham
  One of our key aims is to rebuild integrity in, and public support for, the Social Security system and the way in which public money is spent. We need to focus on those who are properly entitled to benefit. This is why we have set up the Benefit Integrity Project.

  The administration of this programme is a matter for Peter Mathison, Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to my hon. Friend.
  247
  Letter from Peter Mathison to Dr. Phyllis Starkey, dated 13 January 1998:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question regarding the number of benefit claims that have been reviewed under the remit of the Benefits Integrity Unit since its formation, and the number of claims that have been reduced, left unaltered and uprated.
  As at 30 November 1997, the Benefit Integrity Project has looked at 27,511 DLA awards. Of the awards that were looked at again 2339 were reduced, 1152 were disallowed entirely, 23,363 left unaltered and 657 increased. In addition staff working on the Benefit Integrity Project have dealt with 5979 renewal claims of which 1080 have been disallowed, 1541 renewed at a lower rate, 3174 renewed at the same rate and 184 renewed at a higher rate.
  I hope you find this reply helpful.

  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many claims have so far been assessed under the Disability Benefits Integrity Review; and how many claims have been(a) set aside, (b) reduced and (c) increased (i) in total and (ii) by region. [22053]

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

  Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Jim Cousins, dated 13 January 1998:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to respond to your recent Parliamentary Question asking how many claims has so far been assessed under the Disability Benefits Integrity Review; and how many claims have been (a) set aside, (b) reduced and (c) increased (i) in total and (ii) by region.
  As at 30 November 1997, the Benefit Integrity Project (BIP) has looked at 27,511 DLA awards. Of these awards 2339 were reduced and 1152 were disallowed entirely, a total of 3491. 657 awards have been increased. The balance, 23,363 remained unchanged. In addition, staff working on the BIP have dealt with 5979 renewal claims of which 1080 have been disallowed, 1541 renewed at a lower rate, 3174 renewed at the same rate and 184 renewed at a higher rate. Information about the regional distribution of awards is not available.
  I hope you find this reply helpful.

  Mrs. Browning
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many cases have been reviewed to date as part of the Disability Living Allowance Integrity Project by(a) personal interview and (b) written assessment. [21101]

  Mr. Denham
  The administration of the Benefit Integrity Project is a matter for Peter Mathison, Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member with further details.

  Letter from Peter Mathison to Mrs. Angela Browning, dated 13 January 1998:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question concerning how many cases have been reviewed to date as part of Disability Living Allowance Integrity Project by personal interview and written assessment.
  As at 30 November 1997, the number of cases on which action taken by the Benefit Integrity Project had been completed following a personal interview was 5348 and following a postal enquiry was 22,163, a total of 27,511. Of these, the number of awards changed following a visit was 571 and the number changed following a postal
  248
  enquiry was 3577, a total of 4148. In addition staff working on the Benefit Integrity Project have dealt with 5979 renewal claims of which 1080 have been disallowed, 1541 renewed at a lower rate, 3174 renewed at the same rate and 184 renewed at a higher rate.
  I hope you find this reply helpful.

  Industrial Disablement Benefit
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how much was recouped from accident victims' compensation in respect of industrial disablement benefit in each of the last three years. [16396]

  Mr. Denham
  [pursuant to his reply, 26 November 1997, c. 665–66]: I am writing to advise that Peter Mathison, the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency, is writing again to clarify his reply of 26 November 1997.

  Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Andrew Dismore, dated 13 January 1998:
  You recently asked the Secretary of State for Social Security how much was recouped from accident victims' compensation in respect of Industrial Disablement benefit in each of the last three years. I am writing to clarify the information provided in my letter of 26 November 1997.
  I regret that the figure I quoted for 1996/97 was incorrect. The figure should have been £19.1m. This figure is provisional and subject to change.
  I apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused you.

  Benefit Claimants (Spelthorne)
  Mr. Wilshire
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people are claiming(a) disability benefit and (b) lone parent benefit in Spelthorne. [22202]

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

  Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. David Wilshire, dated 13 January 1998:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking how many people are claiming (a) disability benefit and (b) lone parent benefit in Spelthorne.
  Information is not available for all relevant benefits in the format requested.
  The number of people in receipt of Attendance Allowance (AA), Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Incapacity Benefit (IB) and Severe Disablement Benefit (SDA) is set out below—

  AA: 1,300

  DLA: 1,900

  IB: 1,900

  SDA: 600

  The figures are based on a 5% extract of the caseload at the end of August 1997 rounded to the nearest hundred.
  The information for Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB) is not available in the format requested. The nearest breakdown is for the South East. The number in receipt of IIDB for that area is 3,000. This figure is based on a 10 per cent. extract of the caseload at the end of March 1996 rounded to the nearest hundred.
  The information for lone parent benefits could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
  I hope you find this reply helpful.

  Strategic Communications Unit
  Strategic Communications Unit
  Dounreay Shaft
  Dounreay Shaft
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  Waste Management Review
  Birds of Prey, Game Birds and Racing Pigeons
  Birds of Prey, Game Birds and Racing Pigeons
  Social Housing Need
  Social Housing Need