Written Answers of 23 January 1998

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Lewes Prison (Suicide)
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the circumstances surrounding the suicide of a prisoner within Lewes Prison on Tuesday 20 January. [25000]

  Ms Quin
  The inquest into the apparent suicide of a prisoner in Lewes prison on 19 January has been opened and adjourned. It would, therefore, be inappropriate for me to comment at this stage in detail on the circumstances surrounding the death.

  Political Advisers (Support Staff)
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many secretarial and support staff work full-time in support of his political advisers. [25195]

  Mr. Straw
  Three—the same number as supported the previous Administration's special advisers.

  Departmental Publicity
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what has been the cost of media presentations and press conferences which he has given, other than those held at his Department. [25147]

  Mr. Straw
  Media presentations and press briefings on Home Office subjects are, by and large, held at the Home Office. Where I meet the media on, for example, regional visits, there is little or no additional cost added to the visit costs. I have not held any media presentations outside the Department which have attracted expenditure.

  Overseas Visits
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many overseas visits have been made by his Department's political advisers at public expense since 1 May. [25149]

  Mr. Straw
  One—to Brussels to attend the Justice and Home Affairs Council meeting in May 1997.

  Sex Offenders
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to introduce national standards for the supervision of serious sexual offenders; and if he will make a statement. [25051]

  Ms Quin
  I am awaiting the report of a recent thematic inspection by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Probation on the role of the probation service in protecting the public from sex offenders; and will consider what further guidance or standards might be useful in the light of the report's conclusions.

  Paedophiles
  Mr. Mullin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the outcome of recent discussions regarding the release from prison of convicted paedophiles; and if he will make a statement. [24663]

  Ms Quin
  We are still considering, in the light of problems arising in recent cases involving the placement of sexual offenders following release from prison, what further legislation or other changes would help to protect the public.

  Prisons (Drug Tests)
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the prisons that are participating in willing anonymous salivary HIV/Hepatitis B surveillance studies conducted under the auspices of the Public Health Laboratory Service at Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre, London, in collaboration with HM Prison Service's Directorate of Healthcare. [25057]

  Ms Quin
  The following prisons are participating in the unlinked anonymous survey of HIV and hepatitis in the prison population of England and Wales: Dartmoor; Feltham; Ford; Holloway; Leyhill; Littlehey; Manchester; and Wakefield.

  Immigration and Nationality Directorate
  Mr. Edward Davey
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the average queuing time for the Public Inquiry Office at the Immigration and Nationality Directorate in Croydon; what is the average time taken to answer(a) telephone inquiries and (b) inquiries by letter to the Immigration and Nationality Directorate in Croydon; and if he will make a statement. [23915]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  During the last quarter of 1997, the average time for a case to be decided in the Croydon Public Inquiry Office was 5 hours 30 minutes and, for telephone inquiries to the Telephone Inquiry Bureau to be answered, 3 minutes and 24 seconds. A sample of 2,370 letters of inquiry between June and September 1997 showed that in 92 per cent. a full or holding reply had been given within the target of 20 working days.

  Poor People
  Mr. Pond
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will carry out an assessment of the impact of his Department's current policies on the(a) income, (b) employment opportunities and (c) living standards, of the poorest 30 per cent. of the population. [23337]

  Mr. Straw
  Crime and the fear of crime disproportionately affect those who are most disadvantaged in our society. Our policies for tackling crime and its causes are designed therefore to have a particular impact on those estates and neighbourhoods where crime and antisocial behaviour are most prevalent. We are also pursuing initiatives to strengthen the family, promote a vigorous voluntary sector and tackle social exclusion (including by enhancing training and treatment programmes for offenders). The Home Office Research and Statistics Directorate will continue to manage a varied
  697
  programme of research to evaluate the effectiveness of our policies, including their impact in reducing social deprivation.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Poor People
  Mr. Pond
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will carry out an assessment of the impact of his Department's current policies on the(a) income, (b) employment opportunities and (c) living standards, of the poorest 30 per cent. of the population. [23341]

  Mr. Morley
  The Department evaluates policies against a number of criteria for their impact. One of our key priorities is to reform the Common Agriculture Policy of the European Union on more rational lines and reduce its costs as the CAP imposes costs on consumers of food as well as tax payers.

  Agricultural Aid
  Mr. Paice
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on his policy towards(a) capping of aid to individual farms,
  (b) livestock quotas, (c) the future of milk quotas, (d) the linkage of aid to production units and (e) the linkage of aid with environmental measures. [25071]

  Mr. Rooker
  The Government's long-term objective is to secure a Common Agricultural Policy free from production controls, moving away from production-related farm support and with many resources directed to targeted agri-environmental and rural development objectives.

  Flood Defences (Sussex)
  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what extra funding is being made available for flood defences in Sussex; and if he will make a statement. [24850]

  Mr. Morley
  I should like to express both my sympathy for residents in Sussex who suffered distress and damage in the recent storms and my appreciation to the staff of local operating authorities in responding to the immediate effects.

  There are two main sources of funding for the Environment Agency's flood defence programme; this Department provides grant aid towards the cost of capital works and local authorities provide cover for maintenance and the balance of capital expenditure. Discussions are continuing between the Ministry and the Agency to clarify the break down of any additional spending in Sussex between those two sources. Until that issue is resolved, no decisions can be taken on any change in funding allocations.

SCOTLAND

  Devolution
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, pursuant to his statement of 12 January 1998,Official
  698
  Report, column 32, what advantages in Brussels have accrued to (a) Catalonia, (b) Andalucia and (c) Baden-Württemberg which are not currently available to the Scottish Office in Brussels; and if he will list the special arrangements which exist within the (i) European Commission and (ii) Council of Ministers for dealing with matters relating to devolved legislative entities within member states. [23310]

  Mr. Dewar
  [holding answer 16 January 1998]: From the contacts I have had with the Catalonia and Baden-Württemberg offices, I conclude that these offices have contributed to improving the quality of information available to their regional governments and have helped those governments contribute to their domestic debate on European proposals. Although there are frequent informal contacts between devolved governments and the European institutions, there are no special arrangements for dealing with matters relating to devolved legislative bodies within the Commission and the Council.

  Council Leisure Services
  Ms Squire
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the future provision of council leisure services with particular reference to outsourcing. [23832]

  Mr. MacDonald
  It is the responsibility of local authorities to decide how best to provide services for their communities, and in particular to decide whether those services are provided directly by the council, or outsourced and supplied by a private sector contractor or another body. In making such decisions, councils must of course abide by any relevant legislation, including Regulations dealing with any relevant transfer of employees affected, and in particular have to bear in mind their statutory obligation to make arrangements to secure the best value for money in the services they provide.

  Commission on Local Governments and the Scottish Parliament
  Mr. Ernie Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is able to announce the remit and membership of the proposed commission on local government and the Scottish Parliament. [25431]

  Mr. Dewar
  I can today announce the remit and membership of the Commission on Local Government and the Scottish Parliament.

  The Commission will:
  consider how to build the most effective relations between local government and the Scottish Parliament and Scottish Executive so that collectively they can best serve Scotland's people;
  consider how councils can best make themselves responsive and democratically accouintable to the communities they serve; and
  report to the first Minister of the Scottish Parliament as soon as possible after his or her election. In addtion, the Commission may choose, or be asked to submit, an interim report to the Secretary of State for Scotland.

  The Commission's final report should be considered by the Scottish Parliament.
  699
  Mr. Neil McIntosh has agreed to serve as Chairman of the Commission. The other Commissioners are Professor Alan Alexander, Mr. Andrew Cubie, Mr. Graham Leicester, Miss Eileen Mackay, Councillor Margraet Millar, Mr. Matt Smith, and Miss Maureen Watt.

DEFENCE

  Manchester Ringway and Buxton Weather Stations
  Mr. Levitt
  To Ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will list the categories of meteorological data which are currently available from the weather stations at(a) Manchester Ringway and (b) Buxton; [24086]

  (2) if he will give the (a) average daily maximum temperatures, (b) average daily minimum temperatures and (c) number of days of snowfall, month by month, from the Manchester Ringway and Buxton weather stations for the most recent 12 month period available [24085]

  Mr. Spellar
  This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Meteorological Office. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to my hon. Friend.

  Letter from Peter Ewins to Mr. Tom Levitt, dated 23 January 1998:
  I am replying to your Questions to the Secretary of State for Defence about meteorological data available from Manchester Ringway and Buxton weather stations and the temperature readings recorded there for the last twelve months. As Chief Executive of the Meteorological Office, this matter falls within my area of responsibility.
  I enclose a list of the categories of meteorological data observed on a daily basis at the weather stations concerned, together with details of the average temperatures and snowfall levels at the two sites for the year ending 31 December 1997.

  MANCHESTER RINGWAY

  (1) Hourly Weather Data (sent to Met Office HQ each hour)

  Hourly values of the following:

  (a) 10 minute mean wind speed

  (b) 10 minute mean wind direction

  (c) maximum gust speed in the previous hour

  (d) air temperature (dry bulb)

  (e) dew point temperature

  (f) atmospheric pressure

  (g) pressure change over last 3 hours

  (h) present weather (code)

  (i) past weather (code)

  (j) visibility

  (k) cloud base heights(s)

  (l) cloud amount(s)

  (m) cloud type(s)

  Monthly averages of daily maximum air temperatures, daily minimum air temperatures and number of days with snowfall during 1997 at Manchester—Ringway and Buxton Manchester 1997

  Daily max. temp. (degs. C)

  Daily min. temp. (degs. C)

  Snow lying at 0900 (days)

  Sleet/snow falling (days)

  January

  5.7

  0.8

  5

  4

  February

  9.6

  4.2

  0

  0

  March

  12.0

  4.6

  0

  0

  April

  12.9

  5.2

  0

  0

  May

  16.7

  7.2

  0

  2

  700

  (n)hourly mean wind speed

  (o) hourly modal wind direction

  (p) direction of maximum gust

  (q) time of maximum gust

  (r) precipitation total

  (s) sunshine duration

  (t) snow depth

  (2) Climatological data (sent to met Office HQ each day) Observed at 0900

  (a) minimum air temperature 2100–0900

  (b) maximum air temperature 2100–0900

  (c) minimum grass temperature dusk–0900

  (d) minimum concrete temperature dusk–0900

  (e) precipitation 2100–0900

  (f) snow depth

  (g) state of ground

  Observed at 2100

  (a) minimum air temperature 0900–2100

  (b) maximum air temperature 0900–2100

  (c) precipitation 0900–2100

  Daily 9000–2400

  (a) daily sunshine duration

  (b) significant weather (sleet, snow, hail etc.)

  BUXTON

  Climatological Data (daily values sent to Met Office HQ at end of month)

  Observed at 0900

  (a) air temperature (dry bulb, wet bulb)

  (b) minimum air temperature 0900–0900

  (c) maximum air temperature 0900–0900

  (d) minimum grass temperature 0900–0900

  (e) 10 cm soil temperature

  (e) 20 cm soil temperature

  (g) 30 cm soil temperature

  (h) 50 cm soil temperature

  (i) 100 cm soil temperature

  (j) precipitation total 0900–0900

  (k) snow depth

  (l) present weather (code)

  (m) state of ground (code)

  (n) total cloud cover

  (o) wind speed

  (p) wind direction

  (g) visibility (code)

  Daily 0000–2400

  (a) daily sunshine duration

  (b) significant weather (sleet, snow, hail etc.)

  701

  Monthly averages of daily maximum air temperatures, daily minimum air temperatures and number of days with snowfall during 1997 at Manchester—Ringway and Buxton Manchester 1997

  Daily max. temp. (degs. C)

  Daily min. temp. (degs. C)

  Snow lying at 0900 (days)

  Sleet/snow falling (days)

  June

  17.8

  10.2

  0

  0

  July

  21.0

  12.5

  0

  0

  August

  23.5

  14.2

  0

  0

  September

  17.2

  10.7

  0

  0

  October

  13.6

  6.6

  0

  0

  November

  11.1

  6.2

  0

  0

  December

  8.2

  3.7

  0

  3

  Temperature maxima refer to 09–21GMT and minima to 21–09GMT.

  Buxton 1997

  Daily max. temp. (degs. C)

  Daily min. temp. (degs. C)

  Snow lying at 0900 (days)

  Sleet/snow falling (days)

  January

  3.7

  -1.2

  11

  6

  February

  7.3

  2.3

  0

  7

  March

  9.8

  3.6

  0

  1

  April

  10.6

  3.6

  0

  0

  May

  14.7

  5.2

  0

  3

  June

  15.7

  8.8

  0

  1

  July

  19.4

  10.9

  0

  0

  August

  21.5

  12.3

  0

  0

  September

  15.1

  8.9

  0

  0

  October

  11.2

  4.5

  0

  0

  November

  8.7

  5.0

  0

  0

  December

  6.6

  2.5

  0

  5

  Temperature maxima and minima refer to 09–09GMT.

  Army Prosecuting Authority
  Mr. Blunt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 19 January 1998,Official Report, columns 408–09, if he will investigate the origin of the statement from an MoD source contained in the Press Association report of 1 December. [24986]

  Dr. Reid
  The author of the Press Association report in question contacted my Department's Press Office on 30 November, following up a story in that day'sSunday Telegraph. He was informed by my officials that the Army Prosecuting Authority, an independent body, had decided not to prosecute Major Joyce at that time. Responding to a question about the reference in The Sunday Telegraph to a letter from the Lord Chancellor, my Department's Press Office drew on the reply I gave the hon. Member for Mid-Norfolk (Mr. Simpson) of 17 November 1997, Official Report, column 69.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  New Opportunities Fund
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on his plans to include the environment as one of the themes within the New Opportunities Fund. [24466]

  Mr. Banks
  The National Lottery Bill currently before Parliament will establish the New Opportunities Fund to support time-limited initiatives in health, education and the environment. The first three initiatives will provide ICT training for teachers and librarians and content digitisation; out of school hours activities; and healthy living centres. The Bill also provides for future initiatives to be determined by Order, after consultation. Those 702
  future initiatives will include support for the environment, which will also continue to benefit from Lottery funding through the other good causes.

TREASURY

  Ecclesiastical Buildings
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the answer of 19 December 1997,Official Report, column 335 concerning VAT on church and cathedral maintenance, what criteria the Financial Secretary used to arrive at the response given; when the decision was discussed; and who the decision was discussed with. [23203]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The Government believe that using the VAT system to relieve the expenditure of churches is an inefficient way of preserving the heritage. We prefer to target direct support through grants. A relief of the kind envisaged would contravene our agreements with our European partners.

  Private Pensions (ACT)
  Mrs. Lait
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the number of current and future pensioners with private pension plans who will be affected by the changes to advance corporation tax. [23910]

  Mr. Geoffrey Robinson
  No such estimate is available. A large number of factors influence the private pensions people can expect to receive. It is therefore not possible to produce meaningful estimates for the effect of particular factors in isolation. The corporation tax changes
  703
  introduced in the last Budget will be good for the economy as a whole and so should benefit pensioners along with everyone else.

  Public Expenditure
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what consultation he intends to introduce with respect to future Government plans for public expenditure; and if he will make a statement. [24718]

  Mr. Darling
  [holding answer 22 January 1998]: New plans will be announced following the conclusion of the Comprehensive Spending Review which involves 24 departmental reviews and six cross-departmental reviews. The terms of reference of these reviews have been made public to encourage comments from those interested; departments are also consulting interested bodies. The results of the reviews will be announced to Parliament for scrutiny and examination in keeping with the principles of openness to which the Government are committed.

  IT Equipment
  Mr. Barnes
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his Department's policy regarding the recycling of information technology equipment within his Department and relevant agencies and to other Government departments or agencies; and what arrangements have been made in this respect. [23281]

  Mrs. Liddell
  [holding answer 21 Janaury 1998]: The disposal of information technology (IT) equipment within the Treasury is governed by the objective of obtaining the best value for money. Our current procedure is firstly to see if it can be used elsewhere in the Department, and then if internal recycling is not possible to dispose of it to a third party organisation for refurbishment and recycling elsewhere.

  Until the latter part of last year we had a contract for the disposal of surplus IT equipment with RD Computers Ltd., which was awarded following a procurement competition initiated about two years ago. We currently have arrangements with the Disposal Sales Agency of Ministry of Defence and ware constantly seeking for companies who can improve the value for money aspects of this process.

  Child Benefit
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the revenue which would be raised from taxing child benefit, assuming no change to separate taxation of spouses. [24127]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 20 January 1998]: I refer the hon. Member to the reply that my hon. Friend the Paymaster General gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Pendle (Mr. Prentice) on 22 December 1997, Official Report, column 470.

WALES

  Gross Domestic Product
  Mr. Denzil Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what estimate he has made of the average annual 704
  GDP growth over the three years 1998 to 2000 in (a) South West Wales and (b) Wales; and what was the corresponding average in each case for each of the three years 1995 to 1997. [23602]

  Mr. Hain
  The Welsh Office has not made a forecast of annual GDP growth over the three years 1998 to 2000. No GDP data exist for South West Wales. The most recent GDP figures for Wales and for the old counties of Wales, relative to the UK, are given in the following table.

  GDP per head Wales and Welsh Counties as percentages of UK

  1993

  1995

  Clwyd

  89.9

  93.9

  Dyfed and Powys

  76.0

  72.4

  Gwent

  85.8

  88.0

  Gwynedd

  74.2

  76.2

  Mid Glamorgan

  62.2

  67.3

  South Glamorgan

  113.1

  114.2

  West Glamorgan

  81.2

  80.9

  Wales

  82.7

  84.3

  UK

  100

  100

  Source: Office for National Statistics Economic Trends No. 530.

  Hawarden Airport
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what plans he has to encourage the more frequent use of Hawarden Airport; [24162]

  (2) if he will visit Hawarden Airport; and if he will make a statement. [24163]

  Mr. Hain
  The development of Hawarden Airport is a matter for British Aerospace, the owners of the Airport.

  As part of my continuing discussions about the scope for developing north-south transport links, I am due to visit Hawarden on 6 February to meet senior representatives of British Aerospace. I would hope to hear the company's views about making use of Hawarden for scheduled air services, and to see the facilities at the Airport.

  Income Statistics
  Mr. Denzil Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is his estimate of the personal disposable income per head for Wales as a percentage of the United Kingdom average in each of the last three years for which figures are available. [23596]

  Mr. Hain
  The information requested, for the years 1993, 1994 and 1995, is given in the following table.

  Personal disposable income per head, Wales as a percentage of United Kingdom

  Percentage

  1993

  87.0

  1994

  88.2

  19951

  86.3

  Note:

  1Provisional.

  Source:

  Office for National Statistics

  Redundancies (Deeside)
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what action he is taking to ameliorate the impact upon Deeside of the proposed redundancies announced by Kimberley Clark at Deeside Industrial Park. [24160]

  Mr. Hain
  The TEC (CELTEC) and the Employment Service in North Wales are liaising with the company's consultants to see what help can be given to the staff who are to be made redundant. The TEC consider this redundancy to be a significant one and covered by the definition of "significant redundancy". This means that employees can be considered for Training for Work immediately (rather than having to wait six months). The local authority, as well as the Welsh Office and its other agencies, also stand ready to offer every possible assistance.

  Rail Investment
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will meet Shotton and Buckley town councils to discuss investment in the rail infrastructure; and if he will make a statement. [24164]

  Mr. Hain
  My right hon. Friend and I have no plans to meet Shotton and Buckley Town Councils to discuss investment in the rail infrastructure, which is principally a matter for Railtrack. However, I understand that the company confirmed during 1997 target dates for investment at seven local railway stations—Shotton High Level, Hawarden, Buckley, Penyffordd, Hope, Caergwrle and Cefn-y-Bedd. In addition, North Western Trains are taking forward over the next few years a £5 million programme of enhancements, including the provision of real-time information and improved security and lighting, which I understand will include stations in the Shotton and Buckley areas.

  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what consultations he has had with Railtrack and Northwest Railways concerning the establishment of a rail station in the vicinity of Deeside Industrial Park. [24161]

  Mr. Hain
  The provision of railway infrastructure, including track, signalling and stations is principally a matter for Railtrack. However, I was pleased to announce on 10 December 1997 as part of the 1998–99 Transport Grant settlement the award to Flintshire County Council of £480,000 in support of the Deeside Integrated Transport Strategy.

  Part of this award will be used by the County Council to begin to develop plans for a railway station to serve the Deeside Industrial Park. The first stage is expected to comprise mainly preliminary and design studies to identify, for example, the required size and location of a new station and the necessary associated infrastructure. In taking forward this work, I understand that the County Council plans to collaborate closely with local public transport operators, neighbouring local authorities and Railtrack.

  Modern Apprenticeships
  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many modern apprenticeships have been started in 706
  1997–98 in each TEC area to the latest date, and which of the TECs have exhausted their approved starts and budgets for 1997–98. [24358]

  Mr. Hain
  The number of Modern Apprenticeship starts up to 30 November 1997 by TEC area in Wales is shown in the following table. These figures will be subject to updates in future periods. At this date none of the TECs in Wales were indicating that they had exhausted their approved starts and budgets for 1997–98. Welsh Office officials are monitoring the situation closely.

  Modern Apprenticeship Starts to period 8 (30 November 1997)

  TEC

  Starts

  CELTEC

  480

  Gwent

  745

  Mid Glamorgan

  592

  Powys

  109

  South Glamorgan

  244

  West Wales

  900

  Total

  3,070

  Source: TEC Management Information.

  Education Spending
  Mr. Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the average amount spent per pupil of(a) primary and (b) secondary school age in each of the local authorities in Wales. [24168]

  Mr. Hain
  The information requested is given in the following table.

  Local authority net current expenditure per pupil on primary and secondary education1

  £ per pupil

  Authority

  Primary

  Secondary

  Blaenau Gwent

  1,785

  2,819

  Bridgend

  1,740

  2,502

  Caerphilly

  1,774

  2,628

  Cardiff

  1,747

  2,385

  Carmarthenshire

  2,089

  2,530

  Ceredigion

  2,279

  2,842

  Conwy

  1,800

  2,810

  Denbighshire

  1,731

  2,576

  Flintshire

  1,707

  2,621

  Gwynedd

  2,013

  2,915

  Isle of Anglesey

  1,943

  2,729

  Merthyr Tydfil

  1,773

  2,587

  Monmouthshire

  1,849

  2,576

  Neath Port Talbot

  2,141

  2,782

  Newport

  1,723

  2,499

  Pembrokeshire

  2,081

  2,620

  Powys

  2,023

  2,937

  Rhondda Cynon Taff

  1,857

  2,510

  Swansea

  1,965

  2,626

  The Vale of Glamorgan

  1,806

  2,538

  Torfaen

  1,776

  2,439

  Wrexham

  1,582

  2,552

  Wales average

  1,860

  2,602

  1Provisional outturn for 1996–97 divided by provisional full-time equivalent pupil numbers as at January 1997. Includes recharged management and support services, education of under fives in primary schools and payment of independent school fees. Excludes special schools, grant maintained schools and school catering.

  Rail Fares
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has received from rail users concerning the differences between fare levels for journeys within Wales and for journeys from Wales to English or Irish destinations; and if he will make a statement. [24295]

  Mr. Hain
  I have received one representation about this matter. The regulation of rail fares is the responsibility of the Franchising Director. I understand that he has powers to regulate fares where it would be in the interests of passengers to do so.

  The Franchising Director has imposed a cap on the price of key fares and operators are not able to increase such fares overall above the rate of inflation. From January 1999, those fares will be capped at one percentage point below the rate of inflation for each of the next four years.

  Train operators are free to make available discounts which they believe will attract more passengers and fill seats which would otherwise remain empty. Such discounts are a commercial matter for the operators and outside the scope of the Franchising Director's regulation of fares. However, operators are under no obligation to offer discounts between particular destinations, or to price their services in a way which reflects the inclusive deals offered by other operators or agencies.

  Hospital Trusts
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he will announce his proposed reconfiguration of hospital trusts; and if he will make a statement. [25319]

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  I hope to be able to make an announcement by early April this year about the proposed shape of trusts on which public consultation will take place. A final decision can be taken only after detailed consideration of the response to that consultation. I expect this to be in about October or November 1998.

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  Sewage Treatment
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many sewage treatment plants in the United Kingdom include ultra-violet treatment systems; and if he will list their locations. [23716]

  Angela Eagle
  A list from the Environment Agency on locations of the thirty-five sewage treatment works which include ultra-violet treatment in England and Wales is attached in the table. The information relating to Scotland and Northern Ireland is a matter for my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Scotland and for Northern Ireland respectively.
  708

  Waste Water Treatment Works in England and Wales with UV Disinfection as at January 1998

  Agency Region

  Treatment Works

  South West

  Lyme Regis

  Exmouth

  Menagwins (St. Austell)

  St. Columb Major

  Gorran Haven

  Ashford (Barnstaple)

  Porthilly (Rock)

  Trecerus (Padstow)

  Porthleven

  St. Agnes

  Southern

  New Romney (Littlestone)

  Dymchurch

  Camber

  Thames

  None

  Anglian

  Newton Marsh

  Mablethorpe

  Wells-Next-The-Sea

  Heacham

  West Mersea

  Kings Lynn

  North East

  None

  North West

  Newbiggin

  Ashkham-in-Furness

  Silloth

  Midlands

  None

  Welsh

  Newgale

  Aberystwyth

  Llanelli (Bynea)

  Tywyn/Aberdyfi

  Criccieth

  Laugharne

  Amroth

  Tenby

  Dale

  Llangrannog

  Pwllhelli

  Treborth (Bangor)

  Beaumaris

  Northern Uplands Programme
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what funds remain available in the current financial year and until 1999 allocated to the Northern Uplands Programme; and if he will list the programme of expenditure for the current and succeeding financial years. [23661]

  Angela Eagle
  Within the Northern Uplands Objective 5(B) Programme unallocated funds of £40.39 million are still to be committed to projects. This amounts comprises ERDF, ESF and EAGGF. Projects may continue to be submitted for approval up to the end of 1999 with those gaining approval then having a further two years in which to incur expenditure.

  We would assume that of the total programme funding of £86.93 million the expenditure, in terms of grant claimed in respect of projects, would follow the following schedule.
  1998–00: 73 per cent. (£63.46 million)
  2000–02: 27 per cent. (£23.47 million).

  M65-M6 Link (Colne)
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the impact on Colne of the increased traffic resulting from the completion of the M65-M6 link; and if he will make a statement. [23373]

  Ms. Glenda Jackson
  The M65 Blackburn Southern Bypass, Junctions 1 to 6 opened on 15 December 1997 linking the existing M65 at J6 Whitebirk with the National Motorway network at the M61 and M6.

  During the planning stages, the Highways Agency predicted that completion of the road would result in a 10 per cent. increase in traffic on the existing M65 east of Blackburn (Junctions 6 to 7).

  Colne is some 15 miles east of the end of the Blackburn Southern Bypass and we have no reason to believe that the traffic impact on Colne will be any greater than that 10 per cent. estimation. We will be monitoring traffic flows on the new section of M65 as soon as possible during the coming year once traffic patterns have settled down.

  Housing (Northumberland)
  Mr. Ronnie Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, transport and the Regions what is his estimate of the number of local authority tenants not in receipt of housing benefit in Blyth Valley. [24029]

  Ms Armstrong
  Precise figures are not collected by the Department but it is estimated that about one third (around 3,000) of the local authority tenancies in Blyth Valley were not in receipt of housing benefit in May 1997, the latest date for which data are available.

  Road Safety
  Mr. Reed
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what new measures he plans to improve road safety in the vicinity of schools. [23829]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Much of what the Government need to do to improve road safety in the vicinity of schools involves advising local authorities about the measures that are known to be effective.

  DETR guidance to local authorities on their 1998–99 TPP submissions stressed the priority we attach to bids that focused on safer routes to school projects. Despite severe financial pressures, we have supported packages which seek to improve the road safety of children going to and from school in Hampshire, Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire and Surrey. Local authorities can also implement safety engineering schemes in the vicinity of schools using the local safety scheme element of their TPP allocation. Self enforcing 20 mph zones, employing traffic calming measures, may be installed to slow traffic in the vicinity of a school. It is for the local highway authority to decide if and where such zones would be suitable.

  Helping children develop the skills needed to cope with traffic is a high priority for local authorities. Publicity plays a role and we are launching a new "Hedgehog" child safety campaign later this month promoting the 'Stop. Look, Listen, Live' message.
  710
  We are looking at the number, type and effectiveness of measures set up in England and Wales to try to improve the safety of children going to and from school. We will issue guidance to local authorities on this next year.

  As part of the work on the road safety strategy we will consider what further measures could be introduced to improve the safety of children on our roads.

  Overseas Visits
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many times his wife has accompanied him on overseas visits; and what was the cost of her travel and other expenses. [25158]

  Mr. Prescott
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave the hon. Member for Spelthorne (Mr. Wilshire) on 15 January 1998,Official Report, column 265.

  Political Advisers (Support Staff)
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many secretarial and support staff work full-time in support of his political advisers. [25194]

  Angela Eagle
  The special advisers to my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions are supported by one administrative officer and one personal secretary.

  SSAs
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the changes in SSA methodology introduced for 1998–99, showing the effect of each change on(a) SSAs for each class of authority and (b) SSA for each local authority in England in (i) percentage and (ii) cash terms. [24521]

  Ms Armstrong
  Tables showing the effects of the proposed methodology changes have been placed in the House of Commons Library.

  Council Tax Benefit
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list for each local authority the total amount of council tax benefit paid to residents and the figure in each case expressed as a percentage of the total council tax collected in each local authority. [24522]

  Ms Armstrong
  I have today placed in the Library of the House a table showing the amounts which each billing authority estimated as the amount of Council Tax benefit granted to Council Tax payers in respect of 1996–97 Council Taxes, and the figure in each case expressed as a percentage of the sum of the estimated 1996–97 Council Tax receipts in 1996–97 and the estimated amount of Council Tax benefit granted to Council Tax payers in 1996–97.

  Workplace Safety
  Sir Sydney Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions for what reasons the Safety Assessment Federation and CEOC have not been invited to participate in the International
  711
  Conference on the Importance of Good Design and Manufacture of Machinery in Improving Safety in the Workplace to be held by his Department in April. [25029]

  Angela Eagle
  Registration forms for the 'Safety by Design' Conference, should be available in early February. Copies will be sent to the Safety Assessment Federation and CEOC. I hope that they will apply for registration and participate in the Conference, which will be in Manchester on 29–30 April.

  The Conference is aimed at an international audience and industry: Speakers reflect that audience. The role of conformity assessment and the involvement of Notified Bodies in securing high levels of safety on machinery will be addressed by the Swedish Board for Accreditation and Conformity Assessment and an official from the European Commission who has specific responsibility for this area of work.

  I hope that the hon. Member will join me in wishing this important conference, which is being run as part of the United Kingdom's Presidency of the European Council of Ministers, every success.

  Planning Inspectorate
  Mr. Geraint Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects to publish the Planning Inspectorate's Annual Report and Accounts for 1996–97. [25604]

  Mr. Caborn
  The Planning Inspectorate's Annual report and Accounts has been published. Copies are available in the Library of the House.

  The Inspectorate have just completed the first year of a demanding three year programme to restore appeal handling times to optimum levels. They have succeeded in meeting the majority of their business targets in 1996–97 and even on those that were missed substantial progress has been made: handling times have improved; new inspectors have been appointed; and measures taken to reduce the time to arrange inquiries and hearings.

  The Agency has also been able to maintain the programme of development plan inquiries and has once again met its targets for handling this work. This will help ensure that full coverage of up to date development plans is achieved as soon as possible, providing greater certainty for all involved in the planning process.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Greece
  Mr. Letwin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's policy in relation to the conditions of mentally and physically handicapped children in institutions in Greece. [24530]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  We have discussed the treatment of mentally and physically handicapped children with the Greek authorities. The Greek Health and Welfare Minister announced on 20 January that a bill was currently being drafted to reform the welfare system in Greece. The Greek Under-Secretary for Welfare has said 712
  that the national welfare system (PIPKA) is to be merged with the children's foundation (MITERA), so that services can be better organised.

  Israel
  Dr. Starkey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 12 January 1998,Official Report, column 22, when he expects Israel to provide copies of the internal legislation relevant to the implementation of the origin and mutual assistance protocols annexed to the EC/Israel Interim Agreement. [24555]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  In accordance with the agreement at the 28 November EC/Israel Co-operation Committee, Israel has now provided the European Commission with copies of this internal legislation. These are being examined by EC officials.

  Dr. Starkey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if Israel's current internal legislation on the application of rules of origin to exported goods(a) incorporates the same definition of the borders of Israel as that accepted by the EC and (b) distinguishes between goods produced within the internationally recognised borders of Israel and those produced in Israeli settlements outside these borders; and how the current legislation differs from that in effect from 1 January 1996 in relation to control mechanisms envisaged in the EC/Israel agreement. [24556]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  The EC/Israel Interim Agreement came into force on 1 January 1996. Israel has since revised its internal legislation to ensure that the conditions for benefiting from preferential rates of duty in the EC are respected. Copies of this legislation are now being examined by EC officials. This internal legislation gives no definition of the borders of Israel nor makes any reference to Israeli settlements. Certain goods produced in the West Bank and Gaza are eligible for preferential access to EU markets under the EC/PLO Interim Association Agreement. No information is available on the internal legislation in effect before 1 January 1996.

  Dr. Starkey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when Israel will repay to the EC the import duty lost by mislabelling of Brazilian orange juice as Israeli. [24557]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  Under EC law, it is the importer or his representative, not the exporting country, who is liable for any customs debt which arises where goods imported at a preferential rate are found not to meet the appropriate rules of origin. Any financial assistance provided by the exporting country to the EC importer is therefore a commercial matter between the two parties.

  US-UK Mutual Defence Agreement
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on which occasions since 1968 the US Goverrment have notified Her Majesty's Government of changes in their policy towards the importing of plutonium from the UK under the UK-US Mutual Defence Agreement 1958; and what form such notifications took. [23807]
  713
  Mr. Spellar
  I have been asked to reply.

  The United States Government have not notified the United Kingdom of any policy changes regarding the importation of plutonium during this period.

  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what consultations the United States Government had with Her Majesty's Government prior to the release on 22 December of a US Department of Energy fact sheet on the quantity of plutonium acquired by the United States from the United Kingdom under the US-UK 1958 Mutual Defence Agreement on Atomic Energy matters. [23796]

  Mr. Spellar
  I have been asked to reply.

  There was full consultation between the Ministry of Defence and the United States Department of Energy prior to the release of the fact sheet, during which we gave our agreement to the text.

  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what variations have been made to Article 2 of the Amendment of 27 September 1968 to the agreement for co-operation on the uses of atomic energy for mutual defence purposes, of 3 July 1958. [23793]

  Mr. Spellar
  I have been asked to reply.

  Article 2 of the 1968 amendment refers to Article III bis of the 1958 UK-US Mutual Defence Agreement. Variations made to the wording of Article III bis since 1968 have been to extend the time limits for transfers of special nuclear materials together with two textual amendments. An amendment, Cmnd 9434, which entered into force on 16 November 1984 added a new paragraph C referring to the transfer from the United States of enriched uranium for military purposes. The most recent amendment to Article III bis is Cm 2785 which entered into force on 23 December 1994. This amendment (a) extends the time limit to December 31, 2004 and (b) advises of a textual change to one phrase in paragraph C.

  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what quantities of plutonium with a plutonium-240 content in the range two to 10 per cent. the United Kingdom has exported to the United States under the provisions of the 1958 US-UK Mutual Defence Agreement on atomic energy matters. [24049]

  Mr. Spellar
  I have been asked to reply.

  Between 1960 and 1979 the United Kingdom exported 0.1 metric tonnes of plutonium with a pu 240 content between 2 per cent. and 10 per cent. to the United States under the provisions of the 1958 Mutual Defence Agreement. I am withholding further information concerning other transfers under Category 1 of the exemptions to the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information concerning defence, security and international relations.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  TSN Resources
  Mr. Trimble
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress has been made to date in 714
  the consultations with interested parties, with particular reference to future TSN values and methods of allocations and funding for grounds. [21229]

  Mr. Worthington
  Under changes announced to LMS formulae for 1998–99 the overall TSN allocation to the voluntary grammar school sector will be reduced to reflect the fact that they do not have significant problems of educational disadvantage. Further consultations with educational interests on the allocation of TSN resources will begin later this year. Those consultations will focus on more effective targeting of TSN money at the most needy schools.

  Funding for voluntary grammar schools' grounds and pitches will be retained in 1998–99, at a reduced rate, pending further consideration of the issue. A further round of consultations with schools on this and other proposals for further changed in the formula finding arrangements will also be held later this year.

  Graffiti
  Mr. Robert McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will give the RUC the power to obliterate or remove graffiti and markings of a sectarian nature; and if she will make a statement. [23689]

  Mr. Ingram
  Article 18 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) (NI) Order 1985 provides District Councils with the power to remove or obliterate graffiti which is considered detrimental to the district; the exercise of such powers is a matter for district councils.

  The Roads (NI) Order 1993 provides power for the Department of the Environment (NI) to remove graffiti from the public road: the Roads Service of the Department uses these powers where it considers it appropriate to do so.

  There are no plans to transfer responsibility for this work to the RUC.

  Document Leaks
  Mr. Robert McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in what respects her Department applied different procedures in respect of(a) the leak of the Drumcree memorandum differently, (b) the leak of personnel files from the Department of Agriculture Private Office; what factors underlay differences in procedure; and if she will make a statement. [23693]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  The letter I sent to the hon. and learned Member on 14 August 1997 explained the background to these cases. When it became clear that the investigation into the leak of personnel files from the Department of Agriculture involved only members of the Northern Ireland Civil Service, each individual was informed of their right of silence under paragraph 1081 of the NICS Pay and Conditions of Service Code. Given the particular seriousness of the leak of the Drumcree memorandum which might have put at risk the lives of a number of civil servants, as well as threatening to undermine the Government's handling of the marching issue, all individuals questioned were informed of their right of silence but no undertaking about not drawing adverse inferences was given. In the event of the Drumcree inquiry no member of staff who was questioned chose to exercise their right of silence.

  Giro Fraud
  Mr. Robert McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) how many awards were made in 1997 to Post Office staff for assistance in relation to DHSS giro fraud; and what was the total expenditure on such awards; [23690]

  (2) if she will require originals of replaced giros to be held back by the Post Office on encashment for inspection by her Department for evidential purposes. [23691]

  Mr. Worthington
  Responsibility for the subject has been delegated to the Social Security Agency under its Chief Executive, Mr. Chris Thompson. I have asked him to arrange for a response to be given.

  Letter from Chris Thompson to Mr. Robert McCartney, dated 21 January 1998:
  I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Questions on the number and value of awards made under the Post Office award scheme in 1997 and on the possibility of the Post Office retaining the originals of replaced giros.
  The number of awards made in 1997 to Post Office staff for assistance in relation to DHSS giro fraud was 83 and the total expenditure on such awards was £830.
  As to retaining the originals of replaced giros, I should explain that the Social Security Agency is covered by an arrangement between the Benefits Agency in Great Britain and Girobank Plc whereby Girobank provides for the encashment of girocheques through Northern Ireland Post Offices.
  Under the arrangements, encashed girocheques are accounted for weekly by Post Office and retained for 1 week. They have then returned to the Agency's Finance Branch of reconciliation and accounting purposes. All reconciled giros are retained in date and Post Office order for a period of 12 months from their encashment and are available for follow-up investigation and evidential purposes.
  If a benefit office has doubts about the authenticity of a request for a replacement giro, practical precautions are taken, which may include contacting the relevant Post Office to determine if the original giro was cashed or otherwise, to try to prevent later encashment. Where the Post Office indicates that an original has been cashed and is still held, benefit offices may, on occasions, consider it appropriate to retrieve the giro directly.
  More normally however, reconciliation and accounting action will proceed in the knowledge that follow up action on both originals and replacements is taken in every instance by the Agency's Fraud Branch. I would, therefore, not consider it of advantage to ask the Post Office to hold back originals of replaced giros.
  I hope this explains the position for you but I would be happy to provide any further information you require.

  Legislation (Staff Costs)
  Mr. Robert McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many staff are employed in each Northern Ireland Office/Civil Service Department on preparing legislation; and what are the total and average staff costs in each Department. [23694]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  Information in the form requested is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Stolen Army Weapons
  Mr. Maginnis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to the answer of 10 December 1997,Official Report, columns 554–58, concerning weapons stolen from the Army during the past 10 years,
  716
  how many of the recovered weapons were known to be in the possession of (a) Loyalists, (b) Republicans and
  (c) others. [22801]

  Dr. Reid
  I have been asked to reply.

  The information requested is set out below for all British Army weapons lost, stolen or otherwise unaccounted for in Northern Ireland in each of the past ten years.

  Number of weapons recovered from:

  Year

  Total recovered

  Loyalists

  Republicans

  1Others

  1988

  4

  —

  3

  1

  1989

  7

  4

  1

  2

  1990

  3

  1

  —

  2

  1991

  4

  —

  2

  2

  1992

  3

  1

  22

  —

  1993

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1994

  3

  —

  1

  2

  1995

  2

  —

  —

  2

  1996

  2

  —

  —

  2

  1997

  1

  —

  —

  1

  1Others—Non-terrorist/criminal/not known.

  2 I regret that the answer I gave the hon. Member on 10 December incorrectly placed one weapon in the "Not Known" category which should have been shown under Republican.

PRIME MINISTER

  Royal Family (Gifts)
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Prime Minister what is his policy in respect of gifts received by the sovereign or members of her family on behalf of the nation in respect of their retention, their public availability and the availability of information in respect of all gifts so received. [24301]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 20 January 1998]: Details of official gifts to the Sovereign or other Members of the Royal Family are generally made public through press releases at the time they are received. All official gifts are recorded and retained in public museums, the Royal Library or royal palaces, and are displayed to the public or used on public occasions where possible. Requests from members of the public for information about gifts to The Queen and other Members of the Royal Family are answered by members of the Royal Household.

  No. 10 Downing Street
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Prime Minister (1) what access and toilet facilities No. 10 Downing Street provides for people who are wheelchair users; [23776]

  (2) what plans he has to make adaptions to No. 10 Downing Street to improve access facilities for wheelchair users. [23777]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 20 January 1998]: No. 10 Downing Street has a number of facilities for the disabled. Portable ramps are available to give access to the house; a passenger lift which can accommodate wheelchairs and which gives access to all floors; a stair climber to enable wheelchairs to be taken

  717
  up the main stairs; and a wheelchair lift to facilitate access to the State Rooms. A disabled toilet has also been installed.

  Whilst no further work is planned, provision for the disabled is kept under review.

  Vitamin B6
  Mr. Paice
  To ask the Prime Minister if he was consulted about the proposed new restrictions on the retail sale of vitamin B6 prior to the announcement; and what representation he was received and what discussions he has had with the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on this subject. [24307]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 20 January 1998]: I have received a large number of representations on the subject of the proposed controls on dietary supplements containing vitamin B6.

  The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food will be consulting on the draft regulations to introduce new controls.

  Millennium Compliance
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the division of responsibility within Government in respect of the year 2000 problem. [24733]

  The Prime Minister
  The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster is co-ordinating action across the civil service and its agencies. A Ministerial Group (MISC 4), chaired by the President of the Board of Trade, is co-ordinating work to ensure that the national infrastructure is not damaged by the failure of electronic systems related to the 2000 date change. Secretaries of State are responsible for action within their own Departments.

  Official Entertainment
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Prime Minister how many receptions he has held at Chequers since he took office; how many people have attended; and what was the cost of these events. [25141]

  The Prime Minister
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Newport, West (Mr. Flynn) on 30 October 1997,Official Report, column 858.

HEALTH

  Premature Mortality Rates
  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action he intends to take to reduce premature mortality rates in deprived areas; and if he will make a statement. [24828]

  Ms Jowell
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Gravesham (Mr. Pond) on 20 January 1998,Official Report, column 499.

  Dental Caries and Angina
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what evidence his Department has assessed over the last 10 years which indicates a relationship between incidences of(a) dental caries and (b) angina with diet; and what new steps he plans to take to tackle these diseases. [24463]

  Ms Jowell
  The evidence linking diet with dental caries which the Committee on Medical Aspects of Food and Nutrition Policy (COMA) considered is cited in its reports Dietary Sugars and Human Disease published in 1989, and Dietary Reference Values for Food Energy and Nutrients for the United Kingdom published in 1991. Evidence also came from the National Diet and Nutrition Survey: children aged 1½ to 4½ years Volume 2 Report of the dental survey published in 1995. Copies of these reports are available in the Library. Angina is a symptom of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and the evidence reviewed by COMA linking diet with CVD is cited in its report Nutritional Aspects of Cardiovascular Disease published in 1994.

  We will be setting out our new strategy to reduce the burden of CVD shortly in our Green Paper Our Healthier Nation. As part of our strategy for reducing dental caries the Health Education Authority (HEA) has been commissioned to provide an update on oral health for health visitors and school nurses which will cover dietary concerns and we have commissioned a further similar resource from the HEA for the carers of pre-school children.

  District Nurses
  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action he is taking to increase the provision of district nurses in areas with the greatest health care needs. [24827]

  Mr. Milburn
  The Government are employing a twin strategy to match supply and demand by investing in more training and strategies to improve the recruitment, retention and return to practice of trained staff.

  In 1997–98, a total of £766 million is being spent on non-medical education and training which incudes: provision for an extra 1,300 new nurse training places, and an allocation of £10.4 million to support recruitment and retention initiatives such as return to practice programmes.

  In 1998–99, a further £50 million will be invested in health professional training—including a further £30 million for new nursing and PAMs training commissions. The extra money will also support improved facilities for expanding training opportunities in primary care.

  Community nurses, working within Primary Care Groups, will play a key role in delivering the aims of the Government's new NHS White Paper.

  Drug Users Database
  Mr. Fitzpatrick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to extend the regional database of drug users into a reconstituted national database; and if he will make a statement. [23924]

  Ms Jowell
  The Regional Drug Misuse Databases hold anonymised information about people presenting to services for problem drug users for the first time or for the first time for six months. Data from each of the databases are collected and analysed centrally by the Department of Health and published as the Statistical Bulletin "Drug Misuse Statistics", which presents data both at national and regional levels. Copies of the most recent bulletin for the six month period ending 31 March 1996 have been placed in the Library.

  The Department is currently at an early stage of work with health authorities, database managers and other interests on the strategic development of the Regional Drug Misuse Databases.

  Hypertension
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what evidence his Department has assessed on the relationship between the incidence of hypertension and the consumption of salt in the diet. [24462]

  Ms Jowell
  The evidence assessed by the Committee on Medical Aspects of Food and Nutrition Policy is cited in their 1994 report Nutritional Aspects of Cardiovascular Disease. Copies of the report are available in the Library.

  Cannabis
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions he has had with pharmaceutical companies in respect of the British medical Association's report on the therapeutic uses of cannabis; and if he will make a statement. [24836]

  Mr. Boateng
  We have had no official discussions with pharmaceutical companies in respect of the British Medical Association's report on the therapeutic uses of cannabis. However, the Home Office and the Medicines Control Agency have always indicated that they are prepared to look at well founded research proposals in this area.

  Private Residential and Nursing Homes
  Dr. Gibson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to subject the accounts of private residential and nursing homes to a public auditing procedure. [24821]

  Mr. Boateng
  We have no plans to do so.

  Number1 and percentage of pupils with statements of special educational needs in maintained primary and secondary schools by Local Education Authority Area in England, January 1997

  Primary schools

  Secondary schools

  Number of pupils with statements

  Percentage of pupils with statements

  Number of pupils with statements

  Percentage of pupils with statements

  City of London

  2

  1.0

  n/a

  n/a

  Camden

  226

  2.0

  382

  3.5

  Greenwich

  374

  1.7

  348

  2.6

  Hackney

  216

  1.2

  201

  2.7

  Hammersmith and Fulham

  202

  2.1

  146

  2.4

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Libel Actions
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many libel actions have been decided by(a) a judge and (b) a jury in each of the last 10 years. [24000]

  Mr. Hoon
  The information is not held centrally, and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what conditions have to be satisfied for the courts to allow a libel action to proceed without a jury. [24036]

  Mr. Hoon
  It is a matter of judicial discretion as set out in the Rules of the Supreme Court Order 33 rule 5.

  Magistrates Courts
  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list, by country, those localities where magistrates courts have been closed in each of the last five years and those localities where magistrates courts have been proposed or agreed for closure in 1998. [23958]

  Mr. Hoon
  The information requested is not collected centrally and could be collected only at a disproportionate cost.

  Magistrates courts are provided by the local paying authority for the use of the magistrates courts committee (MCC). Closure decisions are for the MCC to determine, although the paying authority may appeal to the Lord Chancellor against a proposed closure.

  The administration of the magistrates courts is based on units known as MCCs, not counties. Whilst MCCs have tended to be based on the old county boundaries, the effect of local government reorganisation and the amalgamation of MCCs means this is now changing.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Special Educational Needs
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list for each education authority the number and percentage of(a) primary and
  (b) secondary pupils statemented as having special needs.
  [23654]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The information requested is shown in the following table.
  721

  Number1 and percentage of pupils with statements of special educational needs in maintained primary and secondary schools by Local Education Authority Area in England, January 1997

  Primary schools

  Secondary schools

  Number of pupils with statements

  Percentage of pupils with statements

  Number of pupils with statements

  Percentage of pupils with statements

  Islington

  382

  2.4

  268

  3.5

  Kensington and Chelsea

  77

  1.2

  73

  2.2

  Lambeth

  237

  1.2

  131

  2.0

  Lewisham

  254

  1.2

  303

  2.8

  Southwark

  398

  1.7

  231

  2.5

  Tower Hamlets

  405

  1.8

  407

  3.1

  Wandsworth

  194

  1.1

  239

  2.6

  Westminster

  137

  1.4

  164

  2.1

  Barking and Dagenham

  316

  1.8

  232

  2.3

  Barnet

  279

  1.1

  360

  1.8

  Bexley

  241

  1.1

  277

  1.8

  Brent

  265

  1.2

  255

  1.9

  Bromley

  735

  3.0

  420

  2.3

  Croydon

  208

  0.7

  200

  1.3

  Ealing

  221

  0.8

  167

  1.2

  Enfield

  204

  0.8

  264

  1.4

  Haringey

  257

  1.2

  193

  1.9

  Harrow

  386

  1.9

  291

  3.5

  Havering

  409

  1.9

  431

  2.9

  Hillingdon

  285

  1.3

  426

  2.8

  Hounslow

  240

  1.2

  316

  2.1

  Kingston upon Thames

  164

  1.4

  155

  1.9

  Merton

  245

  1.5

  213

  2.8

  Newham

  469

  1.6

  578

  3.7

  Redbridge

  128

  0.6

  197

  1.2

  Richmond upon Thames

  145

  1.2

  208

  2.7

  Sutton

  246

  1.7

  196

  4.6

  Waltham Forest

  227

  1.1

  240

  2.0

  Birmingham

  964

  0.9

  791

  1.2

  Coventry

  193

  0.6

  196

  1.0

  Dudley

  165

  0.5

  111

  0.6

  Sandwell

  242

  0.7

  159

  0.8

  Solihull

  195

  0.9

  256

  1.8

  Walsall

  377

  1.3

  409

  2.0

  Wolverhampton

  257

  1.0

  315

  2.0

  Knowsley

  146

  0.7

  289

  3.0

  Liverpool

  504

  1.0

  547

  1.7

  St. Helens

  461

  2.6

  432

  3.6

  Sefton

  373

  1.3

  503

  2.6

  Wirral

  358

  1.1

  479

  2.1

  Bolton

  413

  1.4

  473

  2.7

  Bury

  247

  1.4

  424

  3.8

  Manchester

  254

  0.5

  398

  1.8

  Oldham

  106

  0.4

  101

  0.6

  Rochdale

  132

  0.6

  196

  1.5

  Salford

  219

  0.9

  210

  1.7

  Stockport

  286

  1.1

  417

  2.7

  Tameside

  323

  1.4

  305

  2.1

  Trafford

  178

  0.8

  203

  1.5

  Wigan

  457

  1.5

  721

  3.6

  Barnsley

  428

  1.9

  473

  3.7

  Doncaster

  939

  3.0

  772

  3.7

  Rotherham

  438

  1.7

  310

  1.6

  Sheffield

  736

  1.6

  709

  2.6

  Bradford

  410

  1.0

  1,021

  2.2

  Calderdale

  311

  1.5

  267

  1.9

  Kirklees

  902

  2.3

  874

  3.4

  Leeds

  1,418

  2.0

  1,322

  3.0

  Wakefield

  514

  1.6

  420

  2.1

  Gateshead

  173

  0.9

  146

  1.2

  Newcastle upon Tyne

  221

  1.0

  198

  1.1

  North Tyneside

  199

  1.2

  286

  2.0

  South Tyneside

  163

  1.0

  143

  1.5

  Sunderland

  428

  1.4

  392

  2.0

  Isles of Scilly

  1

  0.6

  3

  2.8

  Bath and North East Somerset

  248

  1.9

  254

  2.2

  City of Bristol

  853

  2.5

  611

  3.7

  North Somerset

  275

  1.9

  250

  2.1

  South Gloucestershire

  364

  1.6

  387

  2.5

  Hartlepool

  108

  1.0

  55

  0.9

  722 723

  Number1 and percentage of pupils with statements of special educational needs in maintained primary and secondary schools by Local Education Authority Area in England, January 1997

  Primary schools

  Secondary schools

  Number of pupils with statements

  Percentage of pupils with statements

  Number of pupils with statements

  Percentage of pupils with statements

  Middlesborough

  107

  0.6

  223

  2.6

  Redcar and Cleveland

  115

  0.7

  171

  1.7

  Stockton on Tees

  296

  1.4

  188

  1.5

  City of Kingston upon Hull

  351

  1.2

  356

  2.4

  East Riding of Yorkshire

  263

  1.0

  357

  1.7

  North East Lincolnshire

  214

  1.2

  232

  2.1

  North Lincolnshire

  185

  1.2

  181

  1.7

  North Yorkshire

  652

  1.4

  702

  1.9

  York

  219

  1.5

  180

  1.9

  Bedfordshire

  561

  1.3

  1,048

  2.3

  Berkshire

  1,105

  1.7

  915

  1.8

  Buckinghamshire

  1,157

  1.7

  876

  2.3

  Cambridge

  1,107

  1.8

  929

  2.2

  Cheshire

  1,740

  1.9

  1,869

  2.8

  Cornwall

  1,268

  3.0

  1,497

  5.0

  Cumbria

  1,246

  2.8

  1,210

  3.7

  Derbyshire

  1,626

  1.8

  2,047

  3.5

  Devon

  1,519

  1.8

  1,685

  2.7

  Dorset

  526

  1.1

  703

  1.6

  Durham

  1,134

  2.0

  1,090

  2.9

  East Sussex

  764

  1.4

  740

  2.0

  Essex

  .1,361

  1.0

  1,373

  1.4

  Gloucestershire

  627

  1.4

  743

  2.1

  Hampshire

  1,358

  1.0

  1,813

  2.1

  Hereford and Worcester

  704

  1.3

  982

  2.1

  Hertfordshire

  1,286

  1.4

  1,523

  2.1

  Isle of Wight

  105

  1.4

  211

  1.9

  Kent

  1,979

  1.4

  2,529

  2.4

  Lancashire

  2,562

  1.9

  3,106

  3.6

  Leicestershire

  1,478

  1.8

  1,734

  2.8

  Lincolnshire

  956

  1.8

  1,233

  3.1

  Norfolk

  1,560

  2.3

  1,469

  3.5

  Northamptonshire

  899

  1.6

  775

  1.7

  Northumberland

  282

  1.3

  599

  2.0

  Nottinghamshire

  381

  0.4

  286

  0.4

  Oxfordshire

  535

  1.2

  785

  2.1

  Shropshire

  885

  2.3

  1,150

  4.4

  Somerset

  527

  1.4

  773

  2.7

  Staffordshire

  1,085

  1.1

  1,522

  2.1

  Suffolk

  750

  1.6

  1,697

  3.4

  Surrey

  1,321

  1.7

  1,071

  2.1

  Warwickshire

  468

  1.1

  543

  1.8

  West Sussex

  735

  1.3

  927

  2.3

  Wiltshire

  799

  1.5

  697

  1.9

  England

  63,551

  1.4

  70,080

  2.3

  1 Includes full and part-time pupils.

  n/a: not applicable.

  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many children are currently being taught in mainstream(a) primary and (b) secondary schools; and how many children in each category have statements of special education needs. [22870]

  Mr. Byers
  The latest available information is shown in the following table.

  Number of pupils1 with statements of special educational needs being taught in maintained2 primary and secondary schools in England, January 1997

  Pupils with statements

  All pupils

  Primary schools

  63,551

  4,429,043

  Secondary schools

  70,080

  3,041,584

  1Includes full and part-time pupils.

  2includes grant maintained schools.

  724
  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many children are currently being taught in(a) grant-maintained and (b) grammar schools; and how many in each category have statements of special education needs. [22869]

  Mr. Byers
  The latest available information is shown in the following table.

  Number of pupils1 with statements of special educational needs being taught in grant maintained2 and grammar schools in England, January 1997

  Pupils with statements

  All pupils

  Grant maintained schools

  14,147

  739,104

  Grammar schools

  172

  128,712

  1Includes full and part-time pupils.

  2Includes grant maintained special schools.

  GCSE Results
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what were the percentage declines in the average annual percentage point rates of increase in each of the percentages of all 15 year old pupils, excluding only those in special schools, achieving

  Percentage of 15-year-old pupils in schools (excluding special schools) in England (a) Achieving at least 5 GCSE grades A*-C1

  Percentage achieving 5+A*-C

  Percentage point increase (i)

  Percentage achieving 5+A*-C

  Percentage point increase (ii)

  Difference (ii)-(i)

  1992

  39.0

  —

  1988

  29.9

  —

  1993

  42.0

  3.0

  1989

  32.8

  2.9

  1994

  44.2

  2.2

  1990

  34.5

  1.7

  1995

  44.5

  0.3

  1991

  36.8

  2.3

  1996

  45.6

  1.1

  1992

  39.0

  2.2

  1997

  46.3

  0.7

  Average increase 1992 to 1997

  1.5

  Average increase 1988 to 1992

  2.3

  0.8

  1 The 1997 figures include the relevant GNVQ equivalents.

  (b) Achieving at least 5 GCSEs1

  Percentage achieving 5+GCSE

  Percentage point increase (i)

  Percentage achieving 5+GCSE

  Percentage point increase (ii)

  Difference (ii)-(i)

  1992

  83.8

  —

  1988

  74.7

  —

  1993

  85.9

  2.1

  1989

  79.3

  4.6

  1994

  87.2

  1.3

  1990

  80.3

  1.0

  1995

  87.6

  0.4

  1991

  83.0

  2.7

  1996

  88.1

  0.5

  1992

  83.8

  0.8

  1997

  88.6

  0.5

  Average increase 1992 to 1997

  1.0

  Average increase 1988 to 1992

  2.3

  1.3

  1 The 1997 figures include the relevant GNVQ equivalents.

  (c) Achieving at least 1 GCSE1

  Percentage achieving 1+GCSE

  Percentage point increase (i)

  Percentage achieving 1+GCSE

  Percentage point increase (ii)

  Difference (ii)-(i)

  1992

  93.1

  —

  1988

  89.9

  —

  1993

  94.5

  1.4

  1989

  92.5

  2.6

  1994

  93.7

  -0.8

  1990

  92.7

  0.2

  1995

  93.6

  -0.1

  1991

  93.2

  0.5

  1996

  93.9

  0.3

  1992

  93.1

  -0.1

  1997

  94.1

  0.2

  Average increase 1992 to 1997

  0.2

  Average increase 1988 to 1992

  0.8

  0.6

  1 The 1997 figures include the relevant GNVQ equivalents.

  Schools (Private Finance Initaitive)
  Mr. Dorrell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list those new capital schemes for school developments which have been approved under the PFI since 2 May 1997. [23106]

  Mr. Byers
  Since 2 May 1997, the Department has approved the PFI scheme to provide replacement buildings and facilities management for the Colfox School in Dorset. The contract (worth £15 million in capital investment) was signed in November 1997. In addition, the PPP scheme to build and operate a new primary school in the Victoria Dock area of Kingston-upon-Hull (with a capital value of £2 million) has received conditional approval from the Department.
  726
  at least (a) 5 GCSEs at grades A*-C, (b) 5 GCSEs and (c) 1 GCSE in the quinquennial period 1992 to 1997, compared with the corresponding average annual rates of increase in the quadrennial period 1988 to 1992. [23653]

  Dr. Howells
  The information requested in respect of GCSEs is shown in the following tables.

  Furthermore, many local authorities are actively developing PPP schemes to provide a range of asset-based services, including energy management, IT systems and catering facilities—over 20 of which are receiving support from the Department. More than 25 local authorities have expressed an interest in becoming one of 5 large-scale pilot PPP projects under the New Deal for Schools. PPP schemes to provide a range of asset-based services for grant maintained and voluntary aided schools are also receiving support from the Department.

  Further and Higher Education
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what will be his Department's
  727
  budget in cash and constant 1996–97 prices for (i) further and (ii) higher education and in England (a) in 1996–97, (b) 1997–98 and (c) planned for 1998–99; and what sums these figures represent for each WTE Student in each of those years. [22976]

  £

  1996–97

  1997–98

  1998–99

  FE

  Cash

  3,154 million

  3,138 million

  3,114 million

  Constant 1996–97 prices

  3,154 million

  3,056 million

  2,952 million

  Cash figure per full time equivalent student (to the nearest £10)

  2,860

  2,820

  2,780

  Constant 1996–97 figure per full time equivalent student (to the nearest £10)

  2,860

  2,750

  2,640

  HE

  Cash

  6,410 million

  6,601 million

  6,799 million

  Constant 1996–97 prices

  6,410 million

  6,427 million

  6,440 million

  Cash figure per full time equivalent student (to the nearest £10)

  6,370

  6,470

  6,650

  Constant 1996–97 figure per full time equivalent student (to the nearest £10)

  6,370

  6,300

  6,300

  Equal Opportunities
  Ms Perham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how much Government money was spent on the Equal Opportunities Commission in(a) 1995–96 and (b) 1996–97; and what estimate he has made of the annual gross cost of enforcing the Sex Discrimination Acts in (i) 1995–96 and (ii) 1996–97. [23472]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  The Department for Education and Employment made the following grant-in-aid payments to the Equal Opportunities Commission:(a) £6.429 million in 1995–96 and (b) £5.821 million in 1996–97. There is no estimate of the annual gross cost of enforcing the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 in these years.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Jobseeker's Allowance
  Mr. Watts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when the regulations to extend the number of waiting days in Jobseeker's Allowance from three to seven with effect from April 1999 will be laid. [25724]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  As I announced on 2 July, we are proceeding with the previous Government's decision that the number of waiting days before Jobseeker's Allowance becomes payable will be increased from three days to seven days from April 1999.

  The Jobseeker's Allowance (Amendment) Regulations 1998 (S.I. 1998/71) which extend the number of waiting days in Jobseeker's Allowance from April 1999, together with the Social Security Advisory Committee's Report (Command Paper Number 3829), have been laid in the House.

  As the Committee is aware, we have taken steps to ensure that no one will have to wait longer than under the current system before benefit becomes payable. We have also agreed to follow the Committee's recommendation to monitor carefully how the administrative easement works in practice.

  For those participating in the New Deal for young unemployed people, the Government have introduced a change to the linking rules so that jobseekers will not have
  728
  Dr. Howells
  The total level of the Department's budget in cash and constant 1996–97 prices for (i) further education and (ii) higher education, and the Government funding per full-time equivalent student are shown in the following table:

  to serve a further set of waiting days if they claim Jobseeker's Allowance at the end of their time on the New Deal. Our priority is getting people back to work. Our Welfare to Work measures will do this.

  Disability Living Allowance
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Chorley (Mr. Hoyle) of 22 December 1997,Official Report, column 458, when she expects (a) the range of options for those with long-term health problems or disability to move into work to be (i) fully tested and (ii) the comprehensive spending review of such benefits to be complete; and if her departmental spending plans for 1998–99 and succeeding years require her to make savings in such benefits before the range of options financed by the windfall tax have been fully tested. [22998]

  Mr. Denham
  The Government believe that work is the best form of welfare for people of working age, and have set aside £195 million to fund a programme improving opportunities for people with disabilities or long-term illness who want to work. This money has been set aside over the lifetime of the current Parliament, during which the programme will be developed, implemented and evaluated. One key element will involve funding a number of innovative schemes to test ways of helping people to move into or stay in work, and a tendering exercise was launched on 9 December. The first schemes will start later this year, and will run for 12 months initially. Plans for introducing personal advisers will also be announced later this year.

  My right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary announced the Comprehensive Spending Review, expected to take about a year to complete, on 11 June last year. This Department's spending plans for 1998–99 and subsequent years make no assumptions about possible changes in expenditure on benefits arising from either the Comprehensive Spending Review or the welfare to work programme.

  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when she expects to make a decision on the
  729
  review of the eligibility of Mrs. E. Otter of 9 Crowder Meadow, South Brent, for disability living allowance; and if she will make a statement as to the delay. [24717]

  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. Benefits should go to those who are properly entitled to benefit. This is why we have continued with the Benefits Integrity Project.

  The administration of this programme is a matter for Peter Mathison, Chief Rxecutive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member with further details.

  Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Anthony Steen, dated 22 January 1998:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking when a decision will be made to Mrs. E. Otter's claim for Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and the reasons for the delay.
  The Benefit Integrity Project (BIP) was set up in response to the recent Benefit Review of DLA. Over the next two years, specially trained staff will make enquiries by postal questionnaire or home visit in over 400,000 cases to establish whether DLA is being paid correctly. Mrs. Otter was contacted through the enquiry work of BIP.
  Mrs E. Otter's DLA was reviewed on 31 October 1997. The Adjudication Officer (AO) decided that there had been a relevant change in her circumstances which meant that Mrs Otter was no longer entitled to either the higher rate of mobility or middle rate of care from 28 August 1997. Mrs Otter requested a review of this decision on 7 November 1997. In the light of additional information submitted by Mrs Otter, the AO requested a report from an Examining Medical Practitioner, which was completed and returned to the Disability Benefits Directorate on 13 January, 1998. On 15 January, an AO reviewed the decision made on 31 October and Mrs Otter was sent a notification of this decision on 20 January 1997.
  The Disability Benefits Directorate aims to complete 60% of review decisions within 55 working days, and 80% within 75 working days. These targets have been set to take account of the fact that reviews can take time to complete, because the review process involves the gathering of further information. It is expected that Mrs Otter's case will meet this target and be completed within 55 working days.
  I hope you find this reply helpful.

  Administration Costs
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the cost, as a percentage of the money disbursed, in administering(a) income support, (b) incapacity benefit, (c) disability living allowance, (d) attendance allowances, (e) social fund loans, (f) Social Fund grants, (g) child benefit, (h) state retirement pension, (i) SERPS and (j) maternity benefit. [22997]

  Mr. Denham
  Administration costs of the main benefits expressed as a percentage of benefit expenditure are shown in the Social Security Departmental Report. The 1997 Report is available in the Library of the House and shows the following figures for financial year 1995–96:

  Per cent.

  Income Support

  9

  Incapacity Benefit

  5.1

  Disability Living Allowance

  4

  Attendance Allowance

  4.4

  Social Fund1

  36.7

  730

  Per cent.

  Child Benefit

  2.2

  Retirement Pension2

  1.1

  Maternity Allowance

  15.1

  1The Social Fund figure covers both loans and grants.

  2SERFS is covered by Retirement Pension.

  Figures for financial year 1996–97 are being finalised and will be included in the 1998 Departmental Report scheduled for publication following the Spring Budget Statement.

  Appeals
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what has been the success rate at social security tribunals of appellants against withdrawal of benefits through failure to pass the all work test(a) before December 1996 and (b) since January 1997. [23148]

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

  The proportion of all Tribunal decisions given in the appellants' favour relating to the all work test

  Per cent.

  Decisions in appellants' favour

  Before December 1996 (i.e. of the appeals heard and decided between September 1995 and December 1996)

  45.0

  Since January 1997 (i.e. of the appeals heard and decided up to end of September 1997)

  42.4

  The table includes cases where entitlement to National Insurance Credits is at issue but where no benefit is in payment.

  SERPS
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how much would be saved in each of the next 10 financial years by ending the accrual of rights to state earnings-related pensions in respect of years of employment after 1998–99. [23111]

  Mr. Denham
  The information is provided in the table.

  Estimated reduction in expenditure on SERPS if the scheme was closed to future accruals from April 1999

  Millions

  Year

  Reduction in expenditure

  1999–2000

  0

  2000–01

  negligible

  2001–02

  £10

  2002–03

  £30

  2003–04

  £70

  2004–05

  £120

  2005–06

  £180

  2006–07

  £250

  2007–08

  £340

  2008–09

  £440

  1. All figures are rounded to the nearest £10 million and are in constant 1997–98 prices.

  2. Due to the way SERPS is calculated, the pension of people reaching State pension age in 1999–2000 is not affected by the ending of SERPS accruals in that year.

  3. Changes to National Insurance revenue have not been included.

  Disabled Drivers Association
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what was the outcome of consultations with Disabled Drivers Association on the disablement living allowance. [23515]

  Mr. Denham
  Following the meeting between the Disabled Drivers Association (DDA) and my noble Friend the Under-Secretary on the 26 November 1997, information was supplied to the DDA on the number of disabled people who had their mobility component of Disabled Living Allowance suspended as a result of admission to hospital and the emerging findings on the Benefit Integrity Project.

  Pensioner Incomes
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will estimate the numbers and percentages of pensioners in each region of the United Kingdom who are(a) dependent on means-tested benefits, (b) in each quartile of national income distribution, (c) in each quartile of national pensioner income distribution, (d) taxpayers and (e) dependent on pension income other than the state basic retirement or supplementary pension of more than £2,500. [23667]

  Mr. Denham
  The information is not available in the form requested. Such information as is available is set out in tables available in the House of Commons Library.

  Maternity Pay
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many women received statutory maternity pay in excess of(a) £1,000, (b) £2,000, (c) £5,000 and (d) £18,000 per week over the latest 12 months for which figures are available. [23283]

  Mr. Denham
  The information is not available in the form requested and can be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Lone Parents
  Mrs. Ballard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will publish the number of lone parents in each parliamentary constituency. [23523]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  The information is not available in the form requested. Estimates of the number of one parent families are available by local authority area from the 1991 Census. This information can be obtained from the 1991 Census County Reports, Part 2, Table 89—which are available in the House of Commons Library.

  Income Support
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the percentage uptake in respect of those 732
  entitled to receive income support among pensioners in terms of (a) numbers of people and (b) expenditure. [24879]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  In 1995–96, the estimated take-up of Income Support by pensioners was between 60 per cent. and 66 per cent. by numbers of people and between 72 per cent. and 78 per cent. by expenditure.

  We are determined to get help to those pensioners not claiming their Income Support, and have commissioned research to help find out why they do not claim. From April, we will be running a number of pilot exercises to find out how best to encourage them to claim.

  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the percentage uptake in respect of those entitled to receive income support in terms of(a) numbers of people and (b) expenditure. [24878]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  In 1995–96, take-up of Income Support was estimated to be between 76 per cent. and 82 per cent. by numbers of people, and between 88 per cent. and 92 per cent. by expenditure.

  Occupational Pension Schemes
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many occupational pension schemes which were previously contracted-out on the contracted-out salary-related scheme basis have elected to be contracted-out as contracted-out money purchase schemes since 2 July 1997. [24880]

  Mr. Denham
  During the period 2 July 1997 to 21 January 1998. the Contributions Agency received 285 elections from contracted-out salary-related schemes switching, under the provisions of regulation 76A of the 1996 Contracting-Out regulations (SI 1172), to contracting-out on a money purchase basis. Of these, 173 have been processed.

  Child Poverty
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what definition of poverty is being used by her Department in its Welfare Reform Focus Files publication in relation to the estimate of the number of children living in poverty. [25030]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  There are various measures which point to this figure of nearly 4 million children. There are 4.2 million children in households whose income (after housing costs) is below half the average income (3.3.million before housing costs). There are 3.8 million children in households whose income (after housing costs) is in the bottom quintile of the income distribution (3.6 million before housing costs). These are indicators of the scale of the problem to be addressed in reforming welfare.